cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Antiserum Inhibition of the Œstrous Cycle in Normal Rats

EVIDENCE for the neutralization of pituitary gonadotrophic hormone activity in mammals by immunological procedures has been reviewed in several articles. The specificity of the hormone neutralizing (antihormone) effect of the antiserum has been suggested by many of the investigations reviewed, but there has been some question as to the specificity of this effect, because of the possible role of impurities or trace antigenic contaminants in the hormone preparations used1–4. A recent report5 describes the successful inactivation of a purified pituitary follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH); the marked follicular stimulation obtained by the injection of sheep FSH into immature hypophysectomized female rats could be completely inhibited with rabbit antiserum to the homologous FSH. This inhibitory effect was found to be dependent on the dosage of antiserum used. Other recent studies have reported the neutralization of endogenously secreted pituitary interstitial-cell stimulating hormone (ICSH) in the normal immature6–8 and mature8 male rat and in the immature female rat9, with the use of antiserum prepared against purified sheep ICSH.
On quantum superpositions in dispersive optical bistability

Abstract Dispersively bistable optical systems have two possible output states for certain ranges of their input parameters. We investigate this classical bistability in the context of quantised atoms and field. We find, in the small damping limit, that the classical bistable states appear as mixtures rather than as quantum superposition states.
Testing dependence using copulas: the case of dual employment

Copulas are functions that parameterize the dependence between univariate marginal distribution functions to form a joint distribution function. Copulas provide a consistent procedure for testing dependence and guiding the choice of empirical model. In this study we use copulas to measure the dependence in labour supply by married farm couples. Using individual data our research provides an easy method that researchers can use to address the issues of dependence. The method outlined here reduces computational time and provides a more efficient method of testing dependence early in the investigative process. Unlike previous studies findings from this study show with robustness that labour supply decision of married farm couples is best modelled jointly.
Covalent Immobilization of β-Galactosidase onto a Gold-Coated Magnetoelastic Transducer via a Self-Assembled Monolayer: Toward a Magnetoelastic Biosensor

The enzyme beta-galactosidase has been covalently immobilized onto a gold-coated magnetoelastic film via a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) of omega-carboxylic acid alkylthiol. Use of magnetoelastic transduction allows for the wireless monitoring of enzymatic activity through the associated change in the frequency and amplitude of magnetic fields. The formations of SAMs of 3-mercaptopropanoic acid and thioctic acid were monitored by magnetoelastic transduction. After coupling of beta-galactosidase to the SAMs, the enzyme activity was monitored by using a substrate that forms an insoluble product upon action of the enzyme. Specifically, an indolyl galactopyranoside substrate was employed in conjunction with an azo dye as the precipitating system. The immobilized enzyme was evaluated and found to have an apparent Michaelis-Menten constant (KM) of 1.2 mM for the indolyl galactopyranoside. Calibration plots for both substrates and inhibitors were generated to establish the versatility of this sensing system. Kinetic parameters for nonprecipitating substrates were determined in conjunction with a precipitating enzymatic substrate by way of a competitive inhibition study using beta-galactosidase attached to magnetoelastic strips. The methods developed within this work allow for the fabrication of wireless enzyme sensing systems, which can also be used as another means of screening for enzyme inhibitors.
How much heating is associated with magnetic resonance imaging in patients with pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators

Methods Methods: We tested the effect of MRI on local tissue heating over PM/ICD pulse generators (PGs) in a consecutive series of 34 non-thoracic scans in 30 patients (pts) enrolled in an ongoing registry study. MRI was performed with a General Electric 1.5 tesla model Signa HDXT scanner. Temperatures were taken immediately preand post-study with an infrared thermometer beamed at the center of the PG pocket and symmetrically on the opposite side of the anterior chest. Ambient temperature was set at 66°F. Pacing modes during MRI were 0D0 for intrinsic rates > 40 and D00 for rates < 40. Diffusion scan sequences were excluded in PM dependent pts. Devices were St. Jude (n = 11), Boston Scientific (n = 12) or Medtronic (n = 11). The primary endpoint was change in device-side versus control-side skin temperature.
Ukrainian inpatient dementia care: A case study of two neuropsychiatric hospitals

The country of Ukraine, due to the recent political changes, has been forced to provide social services in the absence of large government subsidies which served as a social safety net prior to 1991. In particular, the need for long-term care services, specifically inpatient dementia care, will continue to challenge an already over burdened system due to the projected increase in older adults who will need assistance. A case-study survey into aspects of dementia care within two neurological-psychiatric regional hospitals in eastern Ukraine was conducted in May 2005, using a standardized evaluation form designed for dementia-specific units. The results found that the limitations imposed by the lack of financial resources can be partially offset through creativity, cooperation and sound care practices at the individual level. Some practices, such as the expanded role of the nursing aide, flexible staff schedules, and a cultural influence that encourages a familial bond among staff toward their patients, off...
Comprehensive Guidance for the Evaluation of Human-Systems Interfaces in Complex Systems:

Advanced human-system interface (HSI) technologies are being developed in the commercial nuclear power industry. These HSIs may have significant implications for plant safety in that they will affect the ways in which the operator interacts with and supervises an increasingly complex system. The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) reviews the HSI aspects of nuclear plants to ensure that operator performance and reliability are supported. The NRC is developing guidance to support its review of these advanced designs. The guidance consists of an evaluation methodology and an extensive set of human factors guidelines which are used in one aspect of the evaluation. The paper describes the guidance development of the evaluation methodology and the guidelines. While originally developed for nuclear plant evaluation, the methodology is applicable to other types of complex human-machine systems as well.
Uniqueness of the Vacuum Energy Density and van Hove Phenomenon in the Infinite-Volume Limit for Two-Dimensional Self-Coupled Bose Fields

For a class of model quantum field theories in two-dimensional space-time describing a neutral scalar boson field interacting in a region of length $l$, the vacuum energy density converges as $l\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\infty}$. In the same limit the vacuum state approaches zero in the weak sense, as proposed by van Hove.
Influence of Connecticut temperatures on the relative pathogenicity of Maine and Connecticut verticillium isolates

The differential influence of temperature on growth of microsclerotial (M) and dark mycelial (D) types ofVerticillium albo-atrum Reinke and Berth is evidently responsible for the predominance of the M type in Connecticut. The D type, typical of Maine and other northern regions, is repressed in growth by temperatures of 83 F. No disease resulted from inoculation with a typical D isolate in the Connecticut field, whereas plants inoculated with an M isolate, typical of Connecticut, were sufficiently diseased to cause a significant reduction in yield. The temperatures in July and August, particularly the average maximum temperatures of 80 F to 85 F, apparently prevent the D type from causing disease in Connecticut.
Accuracy improvement of phase shift interferometry

An approach to improve the accuracy of phase-shift interferometry is presented. In this paper, an algorithm for estimating phase shift step errors is demonstrated. The algorithm is based on the fact that the sinusoidal intensity data from the same pixels of two interferograms with different phase shifts form an elliptic Lissajous curve. The elliptic Lissajous curve can be fitted by the least squares method from which the phase shift steps can be accurately estimated. The estimated phase shift step errors are then compensated to measure 3D topography of specimen. In addition, the approach provides a simple technique of measuring 3D topography without sophisticated actuation mechanism. Simulations and experiments also demonstrate that the intensity noise in interferograms provides very small effect on the accuracy of the algorithm.
Atoms as nonlinear mixers for detection of quantum correlations at ultrahigh frequencies

Measurements of quantum correlations are reported for a frequency difference of 25 THz between the signal and idler output fields generated by a subthreshold nondegenerate optical parametric oscillator. By simultaneously exciting a two-photon transition in atomic Cs by a combination of signal, idler, and "references oscillator" fields, we record modulation of the excited-state population due to quantum interference between two alternative excitation pathways. The observed phase-sensitive modulation is proportional to the correlation function〈EsEi〉for the quantized signal and idler fields.
Endoscopic Transnasal Transsphenoidal Pituitary Surgery—Comparison with the Traditional Sublabial Transseptal Approach

The technique of endoscopic transnasal, nontransseptal, transsphenoidal pituitary surgery is gaining increasing popularity. Many pituitary surgical teams consider it the procedure of choice. It provides a rapid and safe approach to the sella turcica. Within the sella turcica, the endoscopes give the surgeon the ability to inspect around the corner and to remove residual tumor. The procedure avoids the complications related to the sublabial transeptal approach. Hospital stay is shorter.
Multiple-decaying-source method for the determination of the dead time of a delayed-neutron counting system

Abstract An extension of the single-decaying-source technique was applied to measure the dead time of a delayed-neutron counting system. The three longest half-lives associated with the delayed neutrons emitted in 235U fission were used in this analysis. A dead time of 6.3 μs was calculated, based on a detector system which obeyed an extendable model for dead-time behavior.
Invited commentary: Surgery and chemotherapy for peritoneal carcinomatosis--more about selection and biology than treatment?

THE TREATMENT OF DISSEMINATED intra-abdominal malignancy with a surgical procedure accompanied by intraperitoneal chemotherapy has at least a 25-year history. There have been a number of vigorous proponents of this technique. Even in the management of ovarian cancer, for which effective drugs exist, randomized trials have been equivocal for overall survival and have shown only some benefit for progression-free survival. For other solid tumors, the approach has not been universally supported, and many have suggested that as in most malignant systems, it is biology rather than the technological approach to tumor eradication that determines outcome. Dr Elias and colleagues are enthusiastic proponents of the approach and provide evidence to support its application to differentiated endocrine carcinoma. The authors examined 111 patients undergoing surgery for progressive, well-differentiated endocrine carcinoma, 37 of whom had peritoneal carcinomatosis, all but 1 with synchronous liver metastases. Seventeen, or 15% of the total, were able to undergo cytoreductive surgery followed by intraperitoneal chemotherapy, and 11 of those patients had a concurrent hepatic resection. Ten of the 17 (59%) had residual disease at completion of the operation; 6 of those 10 had > 50% of the liver involved after cytoreduction! Median followup was 6.9 years, and the authors reported no postoperative mortality and a 5-year survival rate of
THE ROLE OF GENETIC DRIFT IN THE DIFFERENTIATION OF ICELANDIC AND NORWEGIAN CATTLE.

Gene frequency differences between populations can arise from (1) random genetic drift, the accumulation of sampling variance over several generations, (2) selective forces acting differentially on the populations, (3) differential migration from a population with different gene frequencies, and/or (4) distinct mutation histories, resulting in the chance occurrence of a particular allele in one population, but not in others in the absence of migration equalizing such effect. If differential gene flow from outside has not occurred and no unique mutations are present, the problem of deciding between drift and selection as the cause of observed differences still remains difficult. The effects of selective forces can be predicted only if the selection coefficients are known, an exceedingly rare circumstance, but the expected magnitude of difference due to random genetic drift can be predicted on the basis of demographic data which are relatively easy to obtain. However, little is known about the historical demography of most species, man being the major exception. Another species for which both genetic and demographic data are available is domestic cattle. The genetic data on cattle comes mostly from blood typing. Cattle blood typing has a long history (Stormont, 1962), and is routinely done in many countries as the best method of parentage control. The specific demographic (“bosographic”) data we have analyzed come from Iceland and Norway. Comparable genetic data are also available on these breeds, providing a uniquely suitable material for comparing the expected genetic change due to drift with observed gene frequency differences: (1) they have been separated from each other, and probably all other breeds as well, for about 1000 years, a sizable length of time; (2) they are very likely to share a common origin in Norway; (3) there are some historical demographic data available on both Icelandic and Norwegian breeds, and (4) there are good genetic data available on the present day populations. With this material we shall study whether random genetic drift alone can account for the observed differences among Norse cattle breeds.
Control of infections in nonacute care pediatric settings

Abstract During the past decade, pediatric health care has been delivered increasingly in nonacute care facilities, outpatient settings, and patients' homes. Despite this redistribution, little is known about infection control risks related to these settings. Much of the existing medical literature centers on outbreak reporting. Few standardized definitions or methodologies exist to benchmark infection rates. For the most part, existing guidelines for infection control are developed for adult facilities and may not be applicable to pediatric settings, especially since the two populations have different underlying comorbidities. Systematic investigation is needed to provide data on which development of infection control guidelines specific to various pediatric nonacute care settings can be based. Copyright © 2001 by W.B. Saunders Company
Replication of avian sarcoma viruses in chicken macrophages

Abstract Avian sarcoma viruses of subgroups B and C were able to replicate in chicken embryonic macrophages (derived from yolk sac) and in adult macrophages (obtained from peripheral blood), while avian sarcoma viruses of subgroups A and D were not. Infectious center assays indicated that the proportion of macrophages infected by viruses representative of subgroups B and C which registered as infectious centers was significantly lower than that of fibroblasts infected by the same viruses. Moreover, the comparative growth of avian sarcoma virus B77 (subgroup C) in fibroblasts and in yolk sac cells showed that macrophages have a reduced ability to replicate this virus. In addition, viruses of subgroups B and C and mainly helper-independent viruses of these two subgroups induced morphological alterations (formation of giant cells) and biochemical changes (increased rate of sugar transport), indicating that the infection of chicken macrophages by avian sarcoma viruses of subgroups B and C led to the malignant transformation of these cells.
Strong self-reducibility precludes strong immunity

Do self-reducible sets inherently lack immunity from deterministic polynomial time? Though this is unlikely to be true in general, in this paper we prove that sufficiently strong self-reducibility precludes sufficiently strong immunity from deterministic polynomial time. In particular, we prove that NT isnot P balanced immune. However, we prove that NT, a class whose sets have very strong self-reducibility properties, is P bi-immune relative to a generic oracle. Thus, the previous result cannot be relativizably extended to bi-immunity. We also prove that NP and ⊕P are both P balanced immune relative to a random oracle; the former provides the strongest known relativized separation of NP from P.
Recombinant oncotoxin AR209 (anti-P185erbB-2) diminishes human prostate carcinoma xenografts.

AbstractPurpose: Prostate cancer is the most common malignancy of males in the United States. Although the overall survival rate for early stage prostate cancer is good, if cancer recurs following curative therapies there is no adequate salvage therapy. Systemic chemotherapy has never been associated with any meaningful improvement in overall survival or overall objective benefit. There is a need to develop novel therapies for prostate cancer.Materials and Methods: Two prostatic cancer cell lines, DU-145 and PC-3, were grown as subcutaneous xenografts in athymic nude mice. The recombinant oncotoxin AR209, formerly OLX-209 [e23(Fv)PE38KDEL]), has the specificity of an anti-p185erbB-2 antibody contained within a single-chain antibody domain (e23Fv) coupled to a portion of the Pseudomonas exotoxin A (PE38KDEL). Using Western blot analysis, the cell lines were shown to express p185erbB-2. The mice received either 3 i.v. injections, one every 2 days, of the recombinant oncotoxin AR209 or PBS, or were implanted...
A therapeutic model of organizational communication consultation: Application of interpretive field methods

Abstract Communication consultants can help increase organizational effectiveness by therapeutically applying communication research, especially interpretive research, to organizational development. A six‐step cyclic model of therapeutic organizational communication consultation is described and an organizational development study is presented to illustrate how the therapeutic model of organizational communication consultation has been applied.
Parametric Features of Habituation of Swim Cycle Number in the Marine MolluscTritonia diomedea

Abstract When repeatedly elicited, the oscillatory escape swim of the marine mollusc Tritonia diomedea undergoes habituation of the number of cycles per swim. Because the neural circuit for this behavior is reasonably well understood, a cellular analysis of habituation in Tritonia is feasible. Since such a study must ultimately relate cellular correlates to behavioral modifications, we have sought to increase our understanding of the parametric features of cycle number habituation in Tritonia. Habituation was compared when using different intertrial intervals, repeated training sessions, and different stimulus locations. Stimulus site generalization of habituation was demonstrated, suggesting that at least one site of plasticity underlying habituation is located postsynaptic to the sensory neurons for the response. Dishabituation from an above-zero baseline response level was not obtained. An isolated brain preparation was tested as a potential simplified system for cellular studies of habituation mechanisms. Repeated stimulation of a nerve containing sensory afferent processes resulted in a progressive reduction of swim motor program cycle number, with a rate similar to that seen in the behavior. Together, these findings: (1) establish a set of parametric features of cycle number habituation to be explained by physiological studies; (2) suggest that at least one circuit modification underlying the habituation is located among the circuit interneurons; and (3) indicate that the isolated brain preparation may serve as a useful neural analogue for studies of the cellular mechanisms of cycle number habituation in Tritonia.
Adaptive Decoder For An Adaptive Learning Controller

This paper discusses the implementation of an Adaptive Decoder (AD) in the Adaptive Learning Controller (ALC) algorithms developed by Barto, based on the neuron modeling work of Klopf. It is shown that using an Adaptive Decoder that shifts from coarse to fine space partition at a chosen instant improves ALC performance significantly, by decreasing the required learning time and reducing the operating bounds of the control variables.
Tumor necrosis factor alpha inhibits in vitro bovine embryo development through a prostaglandin mediated mechanism

Mastitis or other infectious diseases have been related to reduced fertility in cattle. Inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) are released in response to infection and may have negative effects on embryo development. In the current study the effect of exposure to TNFα on the development of in vitro fertilized bovine embryos was examined. Indomethacin, a prostaglandin synthesis inhibitor, was used to determine if blockade of prostaglandin synthesis would alter the effects of TNFα. Ovaries were obtained from a local abattoir and immature COC were isolated from 2-10 mm follicles, in vitro matured and fertilized. After fertilization, groups of presumptive zygotes were randomly placed into either control development medium, medium containing 25 ng/mL TNFα or medium containing 25 ng/mL TNFα plus 1 μg/mL indomethacin. The proportion of blastocysts formed was assessed at day 7 of culture. Fewer embryos exposed to TNFα alone reached the blastocyst stage (17.5 ± 2.4%, P < 0.01) compared with controls (30.5 ± 2.4%) or embryos developed in TNFα plus indomethacin (25.8 ± 2.8%). There was no difference between control embryos and embryos developed in TNFα plus indomethacin. These results indicate that TNFα is inhibitory to the in vitro development of bovine embryos and that this inhibition may be mediated by prostaglandins because it can be blocked by indomethacin.
Interrogating the treadmill of production: Everything you wanted to know about the treadmill but were afraid to ask

This article is structured to answer a number of questions that have been raised over the years about the origin, structure, and application of the treadmill of production theory. The following questions are addressed: What was the theoretical structure of the treadmill of production? Why does the theory focus on production rather than consumption? Was the treadmill a dialectical or a linear change theory? How has the treadmill theory changed under the growing globalization of production since 1980? Has the treadmill been evaluated empirically? What forces have limited the diffusion of the treadmill in environmental sociology? Is the treadmill more/still useful today for ecological analyses? For social analyses?
Secretion of Insulinotropic Proteins by Commensal Bacteria: Rewiring the Gut To Treat Diabetes

Here, we show that commensal bacteria can stimulate intestinal epithelial cells to secrete insulin in response to glucose. Commensal strains were engineered to secrete the insulinotropic proteins GLP-1 and PDX-1. Epithelia stimulated by engineered strains and glucose secreted up to 1 ng ml(-1) of insulin with no significant background secretion.
Data acquisition approach for real-time equipment monitoring and control

With current high standards for product quality, reliability and performance, semiconductor manufacturers are constantly looking for ways and means to monitor and control the processes in real-time. The real-time control increases the equipment utilization and positively impacts the yields. The data collection is key to implementation of above strategy. This paper presents a comprehensive data collection methodology for the Real-time data acquisition system. This methodology addresses the physical and logical aspects of data collection system. The business needs and technical/process limitations of various approaches to deal with logical aspects have been discussed. The methodology is illustrated using examples from actual tools (parameters, algorithms to control the parameters, and business impact). The methodology presented in this paper has been deployed to over 200 processing tools from various vendors at Texas Instruments (TI).
Cell degeneration and recovery of the fetal mammalian brain after a chemical insult.

In this experiment 12-day pregnant mice were treated with 5-fluorodeoxyuridine, an inhibitor of DNA-synthesis, to examine the influence of the drug on the central nervous system of the embryos. More specifically the sites of cell degeneration, the type of cells affected, and the elimination of cellular debris were investigated. Approximately two hours after treatment with FUdR, mitotic activity in the neocortex ceased and the first degenerating cells became visible in the outer zone of the neuroepithelial layer, e.g., the DNA-synthetic zone. During the following 8 to 11 hours degenerating cells increased in number and were seen throughout the neuroepithelial layer, suggesting either that other than DNA-synthesizing cells were affected or that degenerating cells moved from the outer zone towards the inner zone. Since all dying cells were labeled when tritiated thymidine was given shortly before FUdR treatment, it is concluded that DNA synthesizing cells have moved to the lumen despite blockage of DNA synthesis and degeneration of the nucleus. At 24 hours after treatment all degenerating cells were found in the outer region of the neuroepithelial zone, indicating that they had moved from the inner zone (near the lumen) to the outer region. Hence, the degenerating cells did not remain in the DNA-synthetic zone, but apparently moved or were pushed from the outer to the inner zone, and vice versa. When a search was made for cells cleaning up the debris, relatively few macrophages were seen. In addition only a few normal neuroepithelial cells could be identified as containing phagocytosed material. Many degenerating cells apparently were not phagocytosed but underwent lysis, leaving temporarily large holes in the tissue. It is thus suggested that in the embryo the large amount of cellular debris is eliminated mainly by autolysis, partially by macrophages, and also to some extent by neighboring neuroepithelial cells. Despite the presence of many degenerating cells, a number of mitotic cells were seen 11 hours after treatment, indicating that the drug had ceased to act. During the following 24 hours the neuroepithelial zone is reconstituted, but few if any neuroblasts are formed. Hence, despite the extensive repair which follows the action of a chemical compound, a permanent shortage of neurons results.
Driver state monitor from DELPHI

We present an automotive-grade, real-time, vision-based driver state monitor. Upon detecting and tracking the driver's facial features, the system analyzes eye-closures and head pose to infer his/her fatigue or distraction. This information is used to warn the driver and to modulate the actions of other safety systems. The purpose of this monitor is to increase road safety by preventing drivers from falling asleep or from being overly distracted, and to improve the effectiveness of other safety systems.
Relationship between mechanical erosion and atmospheric CO2 consumption in the New Zealand Southern Alps

To examine the influence of mountain uplift on the long-term carbon cycle, we used geochemical, hydrologic, and suspended-load data for 12 streams draining the New Zealand Southern Alps to quantify rates of erosion, weathering, and atmospheric CO 2 consumption. Rapid uplift in the western Southern Alps elevates mechanical erosion rates by a factor of ∼13 relative to those on the tectonically stable eastern side [125 × 10 8 vs. 9.4 × 10 8 g/(km 2 ·yr), respectively]. Similarly, the average chemical weathering rate is ∼5 times higher on the western compared to eastern side of the mountain range [9.8 × 10 7 vs. 2.0 × 10 7 g/(km 2 ·yr), respectively]. However, because the proportion of stream-water Ca 2+ and Mg 2+ from carbonate weathering increases as the rate of mechanical erosion increases, the long-term atmospheric CO 2 consumption rate on the western side is ∼2 times higher than that on the eastern side [14 × 10 4 vs. 6.9 × 10 4 mol/(km 2 ·yr), respectively] and only ∼1.5 times higher than the global mean value [∼9 × 10 4 mol/(km 2 ·yr)]. Data for major world rivers (including Himalayan rivers) provide a consistent interpretation regarding the relationship between mechanical erosion intensity and the ratio of silicate to carbonate weathering. Thus, we conclude that mountain building increases atmospheric CO 2 consumption rates by only a factor of ∼2, which is much lower than previous estimates.
Steroid hormones for contraception in men

BACKGROUND: Male hormonal contraception has been an elusive goal. Administration of sex steroids to men can shut off sperm production through effects on the pituitary and hypothalamus. However this approach also decreases production of testosterone so add-back therapy is needed. OBJECTIVES: To summarize all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of male hormonal contraception. SEARCH METHODS: In January and February 2012 we searched the computerized databases CENTRAL MEDLINE POPLINE and LILACS. We also searched for recent trials in ClinicalTrials.gov and ICTRP. Previous searches included EMBASE. We wrote to authors of identified trials to seek additional unpublished or published trials. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included all RCTs that compared a steroid hormone with another contraceptive. We excluded non-steroidal male contraceptives such as gossypol. We included both placebo and active-regimen control groups. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: The primary outcome measure was the absence of spermatozoa on semen examination often called azoospermia. Data were insufficient to examine pregnancy rates and side effects. MAIN RESULTS: We found 33 trials that met our inclusion criteria. The proportion of men who reportedly achieved azoospermia or had no detectable sperm varied widely. A few important differences emerged. 1) Levonorgestrel implants (160 mug daily) combined with injectable testosterone enanthate (TE) were more effective than levonorgestrel 125 microg daily combined with testosterone patches. 2) Levonorgestrel 500 mug daily improved the effectiveness of TE 100 mg injected weekly. 3) Levonorgestrel 250 mug daily improved the effectiveness of testosterone undecanoate (TU) 1000 mg injection plus TU 500 mg injected at 6 and 12 weeks. 4) Desogestrel 150 mug was less effective than desogestrel 300 mug (with testosterone pellets). 5) TU 500 mg was less likely to produce azoospermia than TU 1000 mg (with levonorgestrel implants). 6) Norethisterone enanthate 200 mg with TU 1000 mg led to more azoospermia when given every 8 weeks versus 12 weeks. 7) Four implants of 7-alpha-methyl-19-nortestosterone (MENT) were more effective than two MENT implants. We did not conduct any meta-analysis due to intervention differences.Several trials showed promising efficacy in percentages with azoospermia. Three examined desogestrel and testosterone preparations or etonogestrel and testosterone and two examined levonorgestrel and testosterone. AUTHORS CONCLUSIONS: No male hormonal contraceptive is ready for clinical use. Most trials were small exploratory studies. Their power to detect important differences was limited and their results imprecise. In addition assessment of azoospermia can vary by sensitivity of the method used. Future trials need more attention to the methodological requirements for RCTs. More trials with adequate power would also be helpful.
Weight suppression predicts maintenance and onset of bulimic syndromes at 10-year follow-up.

Conflicting results have emerged regarding the prognostic significance of weight suppression for maintenance of bulimic symptoms. This study examined whether the magnitude of weight suppression would predict bulimic syndrome maintenance and onset in college-based samples of men (n=369) and women (n=968) at 10-year follow-up. Data come from a longitudinal study of body weight and disordered eating with high retention (80%). Among those with a bulimic syndrome at baseline, greater weight suppression significantly predicted maintenance of the syndrome, and, among those without a bulimic syndrome at baseline, greater weight suppression predicted onset of a bulimic syndrome at 10-year follow-up in multivariate models that included baseline body mass index, diet frequency, and weight perception. Future research should address mechanisms that could account for the effects of weight suppression over a long duration of follow-up.
The modification of breathing behavior. Pavlovian and operant control in emotion and cognition.

The purpose of this article is to bring attention to breathing as a behavior that can be modified by means of Pavlovian and operant principles of control. With this aim in mind, this paper (a) reviews a selection of early and recent conditioning studies (Pavlovian and operant paradigms) in respiratory psychophysiology, (b) discusses the bidirectional relationship between breathing and emotion/cognition, and (c) discusses theoretical and applied implications that point to new directions for research in the laboratory and clinic. Emphasis is placed on dyspnea/suffocation fear and the acquisition of anticipatory dyspnea/suffocation fear in panic, anxiety, and stress disorders and their concomitant cognitive deficits. Discussions throughout the article focus on research relevant to theory and application, especially applications in programs of remedial breathing (breathing retraining) designed for the treatment of psychophysiological disorders (e.g., panic, anxiety, and stress) and the accompanying cognitive deficits that result from cerebral hypoxia induced by conditioned hyperventilation.
Sensor arrays in the micro-environment of the brain

Technology for recording action potentials from the nervous system has changed in recent years from single or at most two or three neurons to tens of neurons recorded from geometrically precise arrays of recording sites. To fully exploit these research opportunities, signal delivery and processing are key factors. We desire not only to sort the array input into neural channels but to locate neurons with respect to the array so they can be later identified in histology and serve to further decode the activity of each neuron. The distribution of a neuron's signal across the sensor array is predictive of the cell location at least in projection onto the array but also in the dimension above the array. To achieve 3-dimensional locating power, careful estimation of signal strength at each site must be achieved taking into account the distance and the field distortion for all anticipated source positions. Achieving this independent of source strength appears to be feasible.
Analysis of Coupled Bimolecular Reaction Kinetics and Diffusion byTwo-Color Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy: Enhanced Resolution of Kinetics by Resonance Energy Transfer

In two-color fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (TCFCS), the fluorescence intensities of two fluorescently-labeled species are cross-correlated over time and can be used to identify static and dynamic interactions. Generally, fluorophore labels are chosen that do not undergo Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET). Here, a general TCFCS theory is presented that accounts for the possibility of FRET between reactants in the reversible bimolecular reaction, [reaction: see text] where k(f) and k(b) are forward and reverse rate constants, respectively (dissociation constant K(d) = k(b)/k(f)). Using this theory, we systematically investigated the influence on the correlation function of FRET, reaction rates, reactant concentrations, diffusion, and component visibility. For reactants of comparable size and an energy-transfer efficiency of approximately 90%, experimentally measurable cross-correlation functions should be sensitive to reaction kinetics for K(d) > 10(-8) M and k(f) >or= approximately 10(7) M(-1)s(-1). Measured auto-correlation functions corresponding to donor and acceptor labels are generally less sensitive to reaction kinetics, although for the acceptor, this sensitivity increases as the visibility of the donor increases relative to the acceptor. In the absence of FRET or a significant hydrodynamic difference between reactant species, there is little effect of reaction kinetics on the shape of auto- and cross-correlation functions. Our results suggest that a subset of biologically relevant association-dissociation kinetics can be measured by TCFCS and that FRET can be advantageous in enhancing these effects.
Nitric oxide synthesis influences the renal vascular response to heme oxygenase inhibition

We studied the effects of the heme oxygenase (HO) inhibitor stannous mesoporphyrin (SnMP; 40 μmol/kg iv) on renal hemodynamics in anesthetized rats with and without 48-h pretreatment withN G-nitro-...
The COMBINE SAFTEE: a structured instrument for collecting adverse events adapted for clinical studies in the alcoholism field

Objective: In the many clinical studies conducted in the alcoholism field with psychotropic drugs--and throughout the drug development field in medicine, where evaluation of adverse events can be incomplete, arbitrary or misleading--few standardized methods have been developed for assessing adverse events, whereas defining standardized methods for evaluating clinical efficacy is typical. For the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism COMBINE Study, testing the safety and efficacy of naltrexone and acamprosate, both alone and in combination, in the treatment of alcohol dependence, we adapted a standardized instrument--the Systematic Assessment for Treatment Emergent Events (SAFTEE)--for assessing adverse events in these Phase 2- to Phase 3-type studies. Methods: We standardized use of the SAFTEE with training, supervision and clear guidelines for its implementation, including development of a nomenclature for the typical adverse events associated with these medications and a format for examinin...
Design and conduct issues in surgical clinical trials

The design and conduct of surgical clinical trials present unique challenges to the investigator that are not encountered in drug studies. Using the Veterans Affairs Cooperative Studies Program Hernia Trial as a case study, this article explores the potential problems and solutions.
Cytonuclear Interactions in the Evolution of Animal Mitochondrial tRNA Metabolism.

The evolution of mitochondrial information processing pathways, including replication, transcription and translation, is characterized by the gradual replacement of mitochondrial-encoded proteins with nuclear-encoded counterparts of diverse evolutionary origins. Although the ancestral enzymes involved in mitochondrial transcription and replication have been replaced early in eukaryotic evolution, mitochondrial translation is still carried out by an apparatus largely inherited from the α-proteobacterial ancestor. However, variation in the complement of mitochondrial-encoded molecules involved in translation, including transfer RNAs (tRNAs), provides evidence for the ongoing evolution of mitochondrial protein synthesis. Here, we investigate the evolution of the mitochondrial translational machinery using recent genomic and transcriptomic data from animals that have experienced the loss of mt-tRNAs, including phyla Cnidaria and Ctenophora, as well as some representatives of all four classes of Porifera. We focus on four sets of mitochondrial enzymes that directly interact with tRNAs: Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases, glutamyl-tRNA amidotransferase, tRNAIle lysidine synthetase, and RNase P. Our results support the observation that the fate of nuclear-encoded mitochondrial proteins is influenced by the evolution of molecules encoded in mitochondrial DNA, but in a more complex manner than appreciated previously. The data also suggest that relaxed selection on mitochondrial translation rather than coevolution between mitochondrial and nuclear subunits is responsible for elevated rates of evolution in mitochondrial translational proteins.
Integrin-mediated protein kinase A activation at the leading edge of migrating cells.

cAMP-dependent protein kinase A (PKA) is important in processes requiring localized cell protrusion, such as cell migration and axonal path finding. Here, we used a membrane-targeted PKA biosensor ...
Effects of Fiber Structural Modification on the Dyeing Behavior and Mechanical Properties of Polyamide Yarns

Pretreating nylon 6 and nylon 66 yams in interactive chemical systems or in saturated steam enhances dye transport within the fiber and increases the capacity of the fiber for dye. Chemical treatments with aqueous and nonaqueous solutions of phenol are more effective in promoting rapid dye transport than steam treatments. The increased rate of dye diffusion in the treated yams can be attributed to greater polymer segmental mobility as reflected by decreased dyeing transition temperatures and orientation changes in the amorphous (noncrystalline) domains. Mechanical properties of the treated yams have also been correlated with orientation in the amorphous domains. In contrast to the disorder produced in the amorphous domains, the treatments improve chain packing in the crystalline domains.
Mapping of the Feline Calicivirus Proteinase Responsible for Autocatalytic Processing of the Nonstructural Polyprotein and Identification of a Stable Proteinase-Polymerase Precursor Protein

Expression of the region of the feline calicivirus (FCV) ORF1 encoded by nucleotides 3233 to 4054 in an in vitro rabbit reticulocyte system resulted in synthesis of an active proteinase that specifically processes the viral nonstructural polyprotein. Site-directed mutagenesis of the cysteine (Cys 1193 ) residue in the putative active site of the proteinase abolished autocatalytic cleavage as well as cleavage of the viral capsid precursor, suggesting that this “3C-like” proteinase plays an important role in proteolytic processing during viral replication. Expression of the region encoding the C-terminal portion of the FCV ORF1 (amino acids 942 to 1761) in bacteria allowed direct N-terminal sequence analysis of the virus-specific polypeptides produced in this system. The results of these analyses indicate that the proteinase cleaves at amino acid residues E 960 -A 961 , E 1071 -S 1072 , E 1345 -T 1346 , and E 1419 -G 1420 ; however, the cleavage efficiency is varied. The E 1071 -S 1072 cleavage site defined the N terminus of a 692-amino-acid protein that contains sequences with similarity to the picornavirus 3C proteinase and 3D polymerase domains. Immunoprecipitation of radiolabeled proteins from FCV-infected feline kidney cells with serum raised against the FCV ORF1 C-terminal region showed that this “3CD-like” proteinase-polymerase precursor protein is apparently stable and accumulates in cells during infection.
Synthesis and Antioxidant Properties of an Unnatural Plasmalogen Analogue Bearing a trans O-Vinyl Ether Linkage

To assess the antioxidant behavior of trans-1, we first synthesized trans-allyl ether 4 by opening an (S)-glycidol derivative with an (E)-alk-2-en-ol, and then produced the unnatural E-enol ether 1 by a stereoselective iridium(I)-catalyzed olefin isomerization. Natural cis-1 was preferentially degraded by HOCl and was more protective than trans-1 against lipid peroxidation induced by a free-radical initiator, demonstrating that the geometry of the 1′-alkenyloxy bond participates in the antioxidant defensive role of 1.
Toward a Definition of Propaganda

(1943). Toward a Definition of Propaganda. The Journal of Social Psychology: Vol. 18, No. 1, pp. 71-87.
PRECISE ALIGNMENT OF SITES REQUIRED FOR MU ENHANCER ACTIVATION IN B CELLS

The lymphocyte-specific immunoglobulin mu heavy-chain gene intronic enhancer is regulated by multiple nuclear factors. The previously defined minimal enhancer containing the muA, muE3, and muB sites is transactivated by a combination of the ETS-domain proteins PU.1 and Ets-1 in nonlymphoid cells. The core GGAAs of the muA and muB sites are separated by 30 nucleotides, suggesting that ETS proteins bind to these sites from these same side of the DNA helix. We tested the necessity for appropriate spatial alignment of these elements by using mutated enhancers with altered spacings. A 4- or 10-bp insertion between muE3 and muB inactivated the mu enhancer in S194 plasma cells but did not affect in vitro binding of Ets-1, PU.1, or the muE3-binding protein TFE3, alone or in pairwise combinations. Circular permutation and phasing analyses demonstrated that PU.1 binding but not TFE3 or Ets-1 bends mu enhancer DNA toward the major groove. We propose that the requirement for precise spacing of the muA and muB elements is due in part to a directed DNA bend induced by PU.1.
Effects of a keeper on thin film magnetic bits

When Permalloy films are used for computer storage, a magnetic keeper can improve performance by reducing the following undesirable conditions: stray fields from adjacent lines and from adjacent bits; the effect of current spreading in the ground plane; and trapped flux in the ground plane which opposes switching in the absence of a low reluctance path outside the bit. Theoretical analysis and experimental verification of these important keeper functions are presented in this paper. Through the use of high-frequency pulse techniques, effects of both metallic and non-metallic keepers, at distances from the ground plane ranging from 5 to 30 mils, have been determined. By defining efficiency as the percentage reduction in the average of four worst-case effects, the efficiency factor of a metallic keeper is shown to be 56 and that of a non-metallic keeper, 73. It is suggested that better efficiency is due more to lower electrical conductivity than to any intrinsic magnetic properties.
Heaven on earth: The reshaping and renaming of cemeteries in the Islamic Republic of Iran

This article reports on the physical changes within a number of cemeteries in Iran since the Islamic Republic replaced the Pahlavi monarchy in 1979. It notes changes relating to funerary traditions, such as the placement of imagery and other material culture connected to the martyrs of the eight-year Iran–Iraq war, the etching images of the faces of the departed on gravestones and the renaming of many cemeteries after members of the house of the Prophet Mohammad. Urban cemeteries around Iran were visited during several research trips (2006, 2009, 2011), and a number of official websites of the Islamic Republic of Iran were consulted for data related to the use of new technology and government plans for the expansion or closing down of some cemeteries. The official Iranian government graveyard websites were also accessed. This study illustrates how the reshaping and the renaming of specific landscapes in a sacred place, in this case cemeteries, creates an earthly image of heaven for the Iranian Shi'i population.
SR protein kinases promote splicing of nonconsensus introns.

Chemical genetics, proteomics and biochemistry are used to probe the functions of SR protein kinases. An identified target of Dsk1 is spliceosomal protein Bpb1 (SF1), whose phosphorylation increased its binding to introns with nonconsensus splice sites.