cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Crossed vasoepididymostomy: A step-by-step guide.

Abstract Objective To document a step-by-step guide of crossed transeptal vasoepididymostomy with prioritization of crossover vas deferens measurement. Design Video presentation. Setting University of Miami Lennar Surgical Center. Patient(s) The patient undergoing this procedure signed a written, informed consent for video and audio recording. Results No intraoperative complications were seen during the surgery, and the patient was discharged 6 h after the procedure. Through the steps detailed in the video and manuscript, a proper tubule into vas deferens invagination was formed. Conclusions Anatomical indications for crossed vasoepididymostomy exists in 6% of azoospermic males and procedural prevalence is increasing. With a standardized step-by-step procedural approach that prioritizes crossover vas deferens measurement, crossed vasoepididymostomy can be considered in couples desiring natural conception, with previous complications of ART or failed ART.
On Visualization of OWL Ontologies

Ontology visualization tools serve the expanding needs of knowledge engineering communities. A number of visualization frameworks for the standard ontology language OWL have already been developed. Considering information visualization in general, we propose the criteria of simplicity and completeness with which to gauge ontology visualization models. After analyzing existing OWL visualization frameworks we propose a simple visualization model for OWL-DL that is optimized according to our criteria. This visualization model is based around the underlying DL semantics of OWL ontologies; it circumvents the perplexities of RDF syntax. It has been implemented in GrOWL- graphical browser and editor for OWL ontologies. We discuss the usage of GrOWL in Ecosystem Services Database.
Chapter 10 Genetic background for multiple messengers

Publisher Summary This chapter presents the advances made in molecular biological efforts on transmitters that coexist, and it also considers some of the opportunities and puzzles that lie ahead. Two series of developments over the past half decade that have made their impressive effects on the emerging list of transmitters are recognized. Both derive from the recognition of common chemical principles but use different ways to exploit the general feature. Mutt and colleagues looked at the frequent occurrence of C-terminally amidated peptides that functioned as messengers. By identifying other important molecules with this common structure, they found new peptide members of the glucagon–VIP family and the pancreatic polypeptide family. The second new approach is based on the central dogma of molecular biology—all peptides are synthesized under the direction of a specific messenger RNA (mRNA) encoded by the gene for that peptide. With the emergence of recombinant DNA technologies, restriction endonucleases, and nucleotide sequencing, a new opportunity for molecular discovery became available. Nakanishi et al . were the first to determine the precise sequence of the pro-hormone for opiocortin and discover that it contains an unanticipated third biologically relevant peptide, deduced solely from the mRNA sequence on the basis of its structural analogy to alpha and beta melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH).
Obsolescence in Intellectual Property Regimes

In this article, we present a case study about the potential for new technology paradigms to drive intellectual property regimes towards obsolescence. The subject of the study, plant variety protection, is a little-understood intellectual property regime that mixes copyright and patent concepts. Using historical, legal, and technical sources, we analyze how a major conceptual shift in the plant sciences - a shift towards understanding plants as sets of molecular data - threatens to undermine the intellectual framework around which plant variety protection was structured. We analyze past and current attempts to conform plant variety protection to the new technological regime, and explain why those attempts are yielding mixed results. We then propose an alternative design for a plant variety protection regime based on unfair competition principles, and recommend that the unfair competition model be used as a vehicle for debate over the future course of plant variety protection. Our study has implications for other debates about the interaction between intellectual property rules and technological advance, in areas like copyright, patent, and some specific sui generis intellectual property regimes.
Isothermal Titration Calorimetry: Experimental Design, Data Analysis, and Probing Macromolecule/Ligand Binding and Kinetic Interactions

Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) is now routinely used to directly characterize the thermodynamics of biopolymer binding interactions and the kinetics of enzyme-catalyzed reactions. This is the result of improvements in ITC instrumentation and data analysis software. Modern ITC instruments make it possible to measure heat effects as small as 0.1 microcal (0.4 microJ), allowing the determination of binding constants, K's, as large as 10(8) - 10(9)M(-1). Modern ITC instruments make it possible to measure heat rates as small as 0.1 microcal/sec, allowing for the precise determination of reaction rates in the range of 10(-12) mol/sec. Values for K(m) and k(cat), in the ranges of 10(-2) - 10(3) microM and 0.05 - 500 sec(-1), respectively, can be determined by ITC. This chapter reviews the planning of an optimal ITC experiment for either a binding or kinetic study, guides the reader through simulated sample experiments, and reviews analysis of the data and the interpretation of the results.
Ecosystem Services and the Public Trust Doctrine: Working Change from within

What to do with the public trust doctrine? Environmental law scholars have been asking that question for going on 40 years, ever since Professor Joseph Sax surmised in his famous law journal article on the topic that of all the concepts known to American law, only the public trust doctrine seems to have the breadth and substantive content which might make it useful as a tool of general application for citizens seeking to develop a comprehensive legal approach to resource management problems. In this Article we briefly survey reasons why his vision has yet to be fulfilled, and we propose a way the public trust doctrine can be used to achieve a good measure of Sax's vision by working from within the doctrine, not by changing it.Unlike the outpouring of academic proposals to liberate, expand, and modify the public trust doctrine to fulfill Sax's goals, for purposes of this Article we accept that the doctrine remains bound to its utilitarian origins. Rather than propose expanding the doctrine outside of its traditional boundaries, therefore, we use its core utilitarian purposes as the medium for protecting ecological resources. We employ the concepts of natural capital and ecosystem services to develop the ecological scope of the public trust doctrine from within. Our argument is straightforward: traditional public trust resources often contain natural capital supplying economically valuable ecosystem services to the public; the public's enjoyment of those values is appropriately treated as a use of the trust lands within the meaning of the public trust doctrine; therefore, the restrictions applicable under the public trust doctrine attach to the natural capital found on trust lands. Thus, rather than reshape the public trust doctrine to fit ecological goals, we propose reshaping the way ecological goals are framed to fit the public trust doctrine. This approach both advances Sax's vision and mitigates the concerns other scholars have expressed about stretching the public trust doctrine beyond its traditional scope.
Exposing New Components of the X-Ray Background with Multi-Wavelength Sky Surveys

The evolving class of objects responsible for the majority of the cosmic X-ray background (XRB) remains at large nearly three and a half decades after the discovery of the XRB. Surveys of sources selected on the basis of their X-ray properties alone provide an unbiased picture of the X-ray sky, but to date they have not been ideal for the discovery of rare types of X-ray sources at faint fluxes: large-area X-ray surveys have been restricted to bright sources, while deep X-ray surveys have been limited to very small patches of sky. X-ray selection coupled with another selection criterion, e.g., a radio or infrared detection, complements “pure” X-ray surveys by (1) permitting the exploration of large areas of sky to faint flux limits for types of extragalactic X-ray sources not well represented in other surveys, and (2) assisting the location of the optical counterparts of these X-ray sources. Using this approach, I have searched for new components of the XRB among the faintest X-ray sources detected by the Einstein Observatory.
Comparative study of several nonlinear stochastic estimators

In this paper we investigate the relative performance and design procedures of several nonlinear stochastic estimators. The filters that we are comparing are: Lyapunov-based, covariance assignment, extended Kalman filter, and state-dependent Riccati equation estimator. First we provide an overview of these estimators and then we will compare their performance using first- and second-order nonlinear stochastic systems. The discussion will include convergence property, difficulty level of the design, computational time, and overall performance, based on absolute error and mean square error of the estimation.
Precision and reproducibility of T2 quantifications in myocardial T2 mapping: impact of the number of echoes and reconstruction model.

Background Quantitative myocardial T2 is a promising technique to assess myocardial inflammation and edema (1). Recent implementations have utilized T2-prepared (T2prep) SSFP sequences to acquire a multiple T2 weighted images at different echo times, and generate T2 maps based on a 2-parameter (2P-fit) model of T2 decay (2,3). Recently, a 3-parameter fitting (3P-fit) model was found superior to the conventional 2P-fit model, as it compensates for T1 relaxation effect, and results in more accurate T2 measurements (4). In this work, we sought to characterize the 3P-fit approach in terms of precision and reproducibility and to evaluate the influence of the number of employed T2prep echo times on these two metrics.
Anaerobic culture on growth efficient bi-layered culture plate in a modified candle jar using a rapid and slow combustion system

Success for maximum isolation of anaerobes depends on maintaining critically low oxygen levels throughout and growth in a reduced medium with exclusion of inhibitory substances. Hence a dual system was used equipped with candle combustion for instant exhaustion of major part of oxygen from a sealed jar, along with acidified steel wool for residual oxygen purging. For inhibitory substances removal, test anaerobes were grown on anaerobic medium layered on buffer charcoal agar bed. After 48 hours incubation average colony sizes were compared with that of growths in conventional Gas-Pak system. Better growths were noted in the innovative system.
Keeping “the wheel in motion”: Trans-Atlantic Credit Terms, Slave Prices, and the Geography of Slavery in the British Americas, 1755–1807

This article uses a new dataset of 330 slaving voyages to examine terms of credit issued for British American slave sales between 1755 and 1807. It shows that credit terms consistently varied between American colonies, and that slave ship captains considered these differences when electing where to land enslaved Africans. Our dataset also shows that credit terms were highly erratic, especially in the last quarter of the century, contributing to both surges and collapses in the slave trade to individual colonies, and in the trade as a whole. Four such instances are examined in detail to show that instability in credit terms played an important and hitherto unacknowledged role in the volume and direction of Britain’s transAtlantic slave trade in the second one-half of the eighteenth century
Measures of success: Prediction of successful labor induction

Ideally, all pregnant women would enter labor spontaneously at the safest time to yield the best health outcomes for both themselves and their newborns. Unfortunately, this does not always happen and leaves obstetric providers weighing the maternal and fetal risks of continued expectant management versus labor induction. Several elements have been reported to affect the success rate of an induction, including the Bishop score, maternal parity, body mass index (BMI), age, medical comorbidities, fetal gestational age, and estimated weight, as well as the hospital site and provider practice. Recent data suggest that the decision to induce or continue expectant management in anticipation of labor is an important variable in determining whether a woman has a safe and successful delivery.
Radiocarbon signatures and size–age–composition relationships of major organic matter pools within a unique California upwelling system

Abstract Coastal upwelling zones are among the most productive regions in the world and play a major role in the global carbon cycle. Radiocarbon (as Δ 14 C) is a powerful tool for tracing the source and fate of suspended particulate and dissolved organic matter (POM, DOM), and has the potential to reconcile key carbon budgets within upwelling systems. However, the extent to which upwelling processes influence the Δ 14 C signature of surface DIC, or that of POM or DOM remains almost completely unknown. Here we present a time series of stable carbon (δ 13 C) and Δ 14 C isotopic data of major water column carbon pools, including dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), large (0.7–500 μm) and small (0.1–100 μm) POM, and high molecular weight (HMW; ∼1 nm–0.1 μm) DOM from an upwelling center along the Big Sur coast. We show that DIC Δ 14 C values (ranging between +29‰ and −14‰) are strongly correlated to coastal upwelling processes, and that this 14 C-signal readily propagates into both the POM and HMW DOM pool. However, the presence of negative POM and HMW DOM Δ 14 C values (ranging between +46‰ and −56‰, +6‰ and −123‰ and −1‰ and −150‰, respectively) suggests contributions of “pre-aged” OM, complicating the direct use of “bulk” Δ 14 C for tracing upwelling-derived carbon production/export. Using a triple-isotope mixing model (δ 13 C, δ 15 N, Δ 14 C) we estimate that 50–90% and 45–51% of large and small POM is newly-produced OM, while between 6–22% and 12–44% of large and small POM are derived from “pre-aged” re-suspended sediments. Finally, we observe quantitative relationships between OM size, composition (C:N ratio) and Δ 14 C within this upwelling system, possibly representing a new tool for modeling ocean C and N biogeochemical cycles.
Quantification and psychological indicators of emotions: the content analysis of speech and other objective measures of psychological states.

Reliable and valid measurement of affects, emotions, and moods has posed a problem for psychiatric and psychophysiological research as the demand has grown for more sensitive, precise, and objectiv...
Astrocyte subtypes in the rat olfactory bulb: Morphological heterogeneity and differential laminar distribution

Despite increased recognition of the importance and heterogeneity of astrocyte functions throughout the central nervous system (CNS) relatively little attention has been paid to morphological diversity among astrocytes. Recent studies have indicated that subsets of astrocytes are involved in glial-axonal interactions critical to both development and reinnervation of the rat olfactory bulb. Here, we have characterized the morphologies and distribution of astrocytes within anatomically and functionally distinct layers of the adult main olfactory bulb (MOB). Using a known immunohistochemical marker for astrocytes, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and the classic gold sublimate method, we identified six astrocyte subtypes based on their morphology and distribution: (1) unipolar, (2) irregular, (3) wedge-shape, (4) circular, (5) semicircular, and (6) elongate. Unipolar, irregular and wedge-shape astrocytes have not been previously described in the CNS. The unipolar and irregular types are located exclusively in the olfactory nerve layer. Wedge-shape astrocytes are unique to, and are the major subtype in, the glomerular layer. These three morphologically unique astrocyte subtypes may correspond to olfactory nerve layer (ONL) and glomerular layer (GL) astrocytes, which express molecules that regulate axonal growth or synaptogenesis during development and/or regeneration of the olfactory nerve. In the glomerular layer, astrocytes are highly organized with respect to the glomeruli. Individual astrocytes are loyal to a single glomerulus. In the external plexiform layer, astrocytes are spaced relatively uniformly. In the granule cell layer, astrocytes appear to compartmentalize granule cell aggregates, recently shown to be coupled by tight junctions. The distribution and patterns of astrocyte processes and the density of GFAP immunoreactivity are distinctive for each of the layers of the olfactory bulb. The spacing of astrocytes and the organization of their processes may be important to compartmentalization of neuronal functions. High levels of GFAP immunoreactivity correlated with layers of high neuronal plasticity. The morphological diversity and differential distribution of astrocytes in the olfactory bulb reported here support growing evidence for functional diversity of astrocytes and important interactions among specific astrocyte and neuron subtypes. It is reasonable to hypothesize, therefore, that as for neurons, morphologically distinctive astrocyte subtypes may correspond to functionally specific classes.
Human Cerebellar Responses to Brush and Heat Stimuli in Healthy and Neuropathic Pain Subjects

Though human pain imaging studies almost always demonstrate activation in the cerebellum, the role of the cerebellum in pain function is not well understood. Here we present results from two studies on the effects of noxious thermal heat and brush applied to the right side of the face in a group of healthy subjects (Group I) and a group of patients with neuropathic pain (Group II) who are more sensitive to both thermal and mechanical stimuli. Statistically significant activations and volumes of activations were defined in the cerebellum. Activated cerebellar structures were identified by colocalization of fMRI activation with the ‘MRI Atlas of the Human Cerebellum’. Functional data (obtained using a 3T magnet) were defined in terms of maximum voxels and volume of activation in the cerebellum. Volume maps were then mapped onto two millimeter serial slices taken through the cerebellum in order to identify activation within regions defined by the activation volume. The data indicate that different regions of the cerebellum are involved in acute and chronic pain processing. Heat produces greater contralateral activation compared with brush, while brush resulted in more ipsilateral/bilateral cerebellar activation. Further, innocuous brush stimuli in healthy subjects produced decreased cerebellar activation in lobules concerned with somatosensory processing. The data also suggest a dichotomy of innocuous stimuli/sensorimotor cerebellum activation versus noxious experience/cognitive/limbic cerebellum activation. These results lead us to propose that the cerebellum may modulate the emotional and cognitive experience that distinguishes the perception of pain from the appreciation of innocuous sensory stimulation.
Determination of Steroid Estrogens in Wastewater by Immunoaffinity Extraction Coupled with HPLC−Electrospray-MS

A new method, based on immunoaffinity extraction coupled with liquid chromatography/electrospray mass spectrometry (LC/ESI-MS) is described for the determination of the steroid estrogens β-estradiol (E2), estrone (E1), and α-ethynylestradiol (E2) in wastewater. The use of highly selective immunosorbents in sample preparation prior to analysis allows the removal of interfering sample matrix compounds present in the wastewater extracts that would otherwise cause severe ionization suppression of the estrogens during the electrospray process. In addition, immunoextraction removes much of the isobaric noise from the selected ion monitoring chromatograms, increasing the signal-to-noise ratios for analytes, and contributing to the low detection limits (0.18 and 0.07 ng/L for E2 and E1, respectively) achieved by the current method. The method was applied to analysis of estrogens in two wastewater effluents. Recoveries of E2 and E1 were excellent (>90%), while the nonimmunogen (but structurally related) analyte EE...
Infinite volume limits of the canonical free Bose gas states on the Weyl algebra

It was shown by Araki and Woods that the infinite free Bose gas can be described by states on the Weyl algebra; they conjectured a certain family of states parameterized by temperature and density to be the infinite volume limit of the Gibbs canonical states. We show here that this conjecture is correct. We show that the volume dependent canonical states are equicontinuous in the density by a detailed calculation and a combinatorial result that gives cancellations. This allows us to develop a method of Kac that connects the canonical states explicitly with the grand canonical states which are more easily controlled in the infinite volume limit.
The potential utility of stable isotopes for food web analysis in Douglas-fir and red alder riparian forests of western Oregon.

Abstract We conducted a study that evaluated the likelihood of capturing food web relationships with stable isotopes using two dominant producers, red alder and Douglas-fir, in the Oregon Coast Range. Foliage from 10 riparian forests dominated by either red alder or Douglas-fir was analyzed for δ15N and δ13C to determine the isotopic variability within a forest stand and across stands. We then conducted a sensitivity analysis using the IsoError model (Phillips and Gregg 2001) to determine whether δ15N and δ13C could successfully discriminate between red alder and Douglas-fir in a food web study. We found greater δ15N variation within and across sites for Douglas-fir (within stand: ≤2.58‰, average across stands: 1.72‰) compared to red alder (within stand: 0.59‰, average across stands: 0.27‰). δ13C variation was similar for both species within and among forest stands. On average, δ15N and δ13C of red alder and Douglas-fir differed by <2.0‰ in our forests. The sensitivity analysis found δ15N had limited use ...
Chemical and immunological properties of lipophorins from seven insect orders

The major insect hemolymph lipoprotein, lipophorin, was isolated from adults of eight insect species representing seven insect orders. Sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis was used to compare their respective apoprotein components. In all species examined lipophorin was composed of at least two apoproteins, apolipophorin I (Mr ∼ 250,000) and apolipophorin II (Mr ∼ 78,000), and two species had a third apoprotein, apolipophorin III (Mr ∼ 17,000). The density of each isolated lipophorin was determined from the refractive index of KBr following density gradient centrifugation. Immunoblotting with anti-larval Manduca sexta apolipophorin I and II of the apoproteins separated by SDS-PACE indicated cross reactivity between anti-M sexta apoLp-ll and apoLp-ll in all species tested. Anti-M sexta apoLp-l exhibited no cross reactivity for any species tested. Fluorescent lectin staining of the apoproteins separated on SDS-PAGE gels revealed the presence of covalently bound carbohydrate residues.
Diabetes mellitus for 25 years or more. Analysis of cardiovascular findings in seven patients studied at necropsy

Observations are described in seven patients (four women and three men) aged 38 to 76 years who had had diabetes mellitus for 25 years or more. Five had been treated with insulin, and two had been treated with diet and oral hypoglycemic agents only. Four patients had had bilateral leg amputations, one angina pectoris, and two left-sided congestive heart failure. Two died suddenly, two died of acute myocardial infarction, two died of infection, and one died from trauma. Transmural left ventricular scars were present in five patients and transmural necrosis in three patients. All seven patients had two or more major epicardial coronary arteries narrowed more than 75 percent in cross-sectional area by atherosclerotic plaque. Of 353 segments, each 5 mm, from the four major epicardial coronary arteries from the seven patients (mean 50 per patient), 53 (15 percent) were narrowed up to 25 percent in cross-sectional area, 116 (33 percent) were narrowed 26 to 50 percent, 110 (31 percent) were narrowed 51 to 75 percent, 66 (19 percent) were narrowed 76 to 95 percent, and eight (2 percent) were narrowed 96 to 100 percent. What allowed such long survival in these seven patients is unclear. It is clear that all had severe coronary arterial narrowing by atherosclerosis.
Stiffness degradation of SiC/Ti tubes subjected to biaxial loading

Abstract This paper presents the results of a combined experimental and theoretical investigation of the stiffness degradation of unidirectional [0] and angle-ply [±45] s SiC/Ti tubes subjected to axial, torsional and combined axial/torsional loadings. The test program consisted of a series of axial and torsion tests, to sequentially higher load levels, on tubes fabricated using SCS 6 silicon carbide fibers and Ti-15-3 titanium matrix. At each load level, both the axial and torsional stiffnesses were measured. This procedure provided the opportunity to study the axial and torsional response at different levels of interfacial damage, matrix plasticity and combined load states. The experimentally measured axial and shear moduli, and initial yield stresses were compared with micromechanics predictions generated with different degrees of imperfect fiber/matrix bonding. No evidence of moduli degradation in the [0 4 ] tubes was present under tensile loading, whereas under shear loading, shear modulus degradation was observed only after occurrence of damage accompanied by pronounced plastic flow. Substantial degradation of both axial and shear moduli was observed in the [±45] s tubes under axial loading. The results suggest that the degradation of the interfacial bond in the [±45] s tubes accelerated yielding of the matrix which, in turn, contributed to further degradation in the case of the shear modulus. The results of this investigation point to the importance of damage-induced stiffness degradation and damage-accelerated yielding in SiC/Ti laminated tubes.
The perfect child (from an elderly parent's point of view)

Abstract Elderly parents were interviewed to assess their overall satisfaction with their children, with particular characteristics of each child, and with features of the parent-child relationship. Results indicated that from an elderly parent's perspective, the most nearly perfect child is a second-born of either sex who is married, who has surpassed the parent in educational achievement and occupational status, and who maintains relatively frequent contact with the parent. Spouses and grandchildren were less important contributors to satisfaction than were children.
Better Stories and Better Constructs: The Case for Rigor and Comparative Logic

In this article the author replies to comments made over an approach to building theory using case studies as previously presented by the author. She notes that the benefits of her method are that the researcher is granted the opportunity to view a variety of cases allowing one to draw conclusions from a wider base of knowledge. This allows the researcher to view patterns on a larger scale as well as the opportunity to eliminate chance associations. The author goes on to address the concerns raised in the critique of her work suggesting that the classic case studies referred to were not single case examinations and that the trade-off between good stories and good constructs has to be made when working in the journal format instead of publishing an entire book.
Vascular relaxation to omega-3 fatty acids: Comparison to sodium nitroprusside, nitroglycerin, papaverine, and D600

The vasorelaxant activity of the omega-3 fatty acids—docosahexaenoic (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic (EPA) acids—in comparison with other known vasodilators—sodium nitroprusside, nitroglycerin, papaverine, and D600—were studied in the isolated rat aorta. The relaxant responses of these vasodilators and fatty acids at concentratios of 1–100 μM were assessed in aortic rings contracted with norepinephrine (NE 10-6 M) or with KCl (30 mM). Cyclic nucleotide enhancers (sodium nitroprusside, nitroglycerin, papaverine) were more effective in producing relaxation, regardless of the contractile mechanism, i.e., alpha-adrenoceptor stimulation or depolarization. In contrast, the omega-3 fatty acids produced augmented relaxation in NE-contracted vessels. Relaxations produced by DHA (15±2% to 45±10%) were similar to D600 (16±2% to 60±7%) in NE-contracted rings, but not in KCl contracted rings. The responses to D600 and DHA in KCl-contracted vessels were 79±2% to 104±3% and 5±1% to 21±3%, respectively. In another set of experiments, the effects of omega-3 fatty acids in the presence of albumin were examined; no significant differences in the induced relaxant responses were noted. These results suggest that the mechanisms of vascular relaxation, such as cyclic nucleotide elevation and calcium antagonism of potential-operated channels, are different from those induced by the omega-3 fatty acids.
Competitive Activation of a Methyl C−H Bond of Dimethylformamide at an Iridium Center

During the synthesis of [AsPh_4][Ir(CO)_2I_3Me] by refluxing IrCl_3·3H_2O in DMF (DMF = dimethylformamide) in the presence of aqueous HCl, followed by sequential treatment with [AsPh_4]Cl, NaI, and methyl iodide and finally recrystallization from methylene chloride/pentane, three crystalline byproducts were obtained: [AsPh4]_2[Ir(CO)I_5], [AsPh_4]_2[trans-Ir(CO)I_4Cl], and [AsPh_4][Ir(CO)(κ^2O,C-CH_2NMeCHO)Cl_2I]. The last of these, whose structure (along with the others) was determined by X-ray diffraction, results from activation of a methyl C−H bond of dimethylformamide, rather than the normally much more reactive aldehydic C−H bond.
Spin-echo SS-PARSE: a PARSE MRI method to estimate frequency, R2 and R2′ in a single shot

Spin echo signals allow separate measurements of irreversible and reversible relaxation rates in MRI. A spin echo version of Single-shot Parameter Assessment by Retrieval from Signal Encoding (SE-SS-PARSE) method has been developed to quantitatively and accurately map transverse magnetization magnitude, frequency, irreversible and reversible relaxation rates in a single shot. These image parameters can be applied to fMRI research as well as a number of neuroimaging applications. Following a description of the signal model, this paper demonstrates the performance of SE-SS-PARSE in simulations with different noise levels and in phantom experiments. By solving an inverse problem, the estimated irreversible and reversible relaxation rates in SE-SS-PARSE are highly correlated with the reference relaxation rates from a standard technique (correlation coefficients r1=0.9636 for reversible relaxation rate, r2= 0.9788 for irreversible relaxation rate). The rapid SE-SS-PARSE technique has the potential to monitor transient changes in R2 and R2’ while minimizing motion artifacts, and also is free of geometric and ghosting errors. It is expected that this fast scan technique will find applications in both scientific research and clinical diagnosis.
Images in clinical medicine. Brown tumor in end-stage renal disease.

Figure 1. A 62-year-old man with end-stage renal disease from hypertensive nephrosclerosis that had been treated by hemodialysis for 14 years presented to the emergency room with a productive cough and fever, from which he recovered. A chest film showed right hilar prominence and pleural-based masses (arrows in Panel A), with destructive changes in the adjacent ribs on the left. The cardiac silhouette, pulmonary vasculature, and position of a LeVeen shunt placed for recurrent dialysis-associated ascites were unchanged from a previous chest film. Computed tomography of the chest showed mild mediastinal adenopathy and multiple expansile lytic lesions of the ribs . . .
The Evolution–Intelligent Design Debate: A Meaningful Context for Teaching the Nature of Science in Information Literacy. Part 2: Social Boundaries and Cognitive Models

Although absent from the ACRL Information Literacy Standards for Science and Technology, the ability to distinguish between what is and is not science is an essential component of information literacy. Addressing this question requires the librarian to introduce concepts such as the nature of science, its realm, rules, and limits, as well as the nature of pseudoscience and non-science before fulfilling the other goals of instruction. We introduce some criteria for science from its sociological and cognitive aspects, using the evolution versus intelligent design debate as a case study and propose a supplement to the above-mentioned standards.
The nature of hydrogen bonding in the NN–HF, OC–HF, and HCN–HF complexes

The nature of hydrogen bonding in the complexes NN–HF and OC–HF, as revealed from detailed ab initio electronic structure calculations, is unlike the bonding in the isoelectronic HCN–HF complex. The strong dipole–dipole attraction in HCN–HF is absent in the other two complexes. Competing effects that are possible in all hydrogen bonds are unmasked in NN–HF and OC–HF. Calculations have been performed with a number of large basis sets, extensive treatment of electron correlation, energetic partitioning, and evaluation of molecular properties. The potential energy surfaces that were generated demonstrate the linearity of the equilibrium structures, and show roughly comparable flexibility for bending, thus refining somewhat the experimentally inferred picture. In NN–HF and OC–HF, less than one‐half of the hydrogen bond strength of each is due to just the interaction of the unrelaxed charge distributions of the monomers; while polarization of monomer electron distributions accounts for most of the remaining attraction. There is consequently a substantial electric dipole moment enhancement. The total correlation effect is responsible for about one‐third of the well depth in NN–HF and OC–HF. Charge transfer is unimportant in all three complexes.
Dimerization in the pyridone/hydroxypyridine tautomeric systems: relative stabilities of the dimers in the 2-pyridone/2-hydroxypyridine and in the 4-pyridone/4-hydroxypyridine systems

Abstract Three dimers created from the 2-pyridone/2-hydroxypyridine tautomers and four dimers created by the 4-pyridone/4-hydroxypyridine tautomers were described using ab initio self-consistent-field (SCF) calculation and the energies were corrected for the electron correlation contribution by using the second-order Moller-Plesset (MP2) perturbation treatment. Three and four energy minima were revealed on the dimeric potential hypersurfaces of 2-pyridone/2-hydroxypyridine and 4-pyridone/4-hydroxypyridine, respectively. The relative stabilities of the three- and four-membered systems were evaluated in terms of partition functions constructed from the calculated dimeric parameters. The MP2 energies suggest that, under the conditions of interdimeric equilibrium, there is a coexistence of the oxo-oxo and hydroxy-hydroxy dimers of the 2-pyridone/ 2-hydroxypyridine system. For the 4-pyridone/4-hydroxypyridine tautomeric system MP2 calculations predict a predominance of the hydroxy-hydroxy dimer.
Macroinvertebrates of a California seasonal wetland and responses to experimental habitat manipulation

Responses of macroinvertebrate populations to temporal change and to management of plant cover and water depth were examined in 12 experimental ponds designed to mimic seasonally flooded (early autumn to early spring) wetlands in Suisun Marsh, California. Ponds were flooded in September 1988. Initially, rat-tailed maggots (Eristalis tenax), brine fly larvae (Ephydra millbrae), and mosquito larvae (Culex tarsalis) were numerically dominant components of the fauna in the ponds, but these populations did not persist beyond December. Water boatmen (Trichocorixa verticalis), midge larvae (Cricotopus sylvestris andChironomus stigmaterus), and hydrophilid beetle larvae (Berosus ingeminatus) were numerically dominant components of the fauna in both autumn and winter, but water boatmen and midge densities declined by March. Amphipods (Eogammarus confervicolus) and three-spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) were introduced during initial floodings in September, and they subsequently increased to become numerically dominant components of the pond fauna by February and March 1989. Higher numbers of adult water boatmen and hydrophilid beetles colonized habitats that had 50% of the plant cover removed by mowing than habitats that had not been mowed (100% plant cover). Since mowing also reduced numbers of mosquito larvae, this approach may benefit waterfowl management and reduce public health concerns.
Patient Satisfaction with Telerehabilitation Assessments for Wheeled Mobility and Seating

Wheeled mobility and seating assessments for individuals with mobility impairments living in rural or distant locations are problematic due to the lack of expertise and available resources. The objective of this study was to measure satisfaction based on one's evaluation and prescription as well as comfort level when being evaluated by telerehabilitation (TR). Patient satisfaction data from real-time interactive TR clinical consultations between an expert practitioner located at least 125 miles away and four remote wheelchair clinics set up by the research team were collected and evaluated. The results revealed that there was a statistically significant difference between participants' pre- and postevaluation scores, t(39) = -13.92, p < .05, as well as pre- and postprescription scores, t(39) = -13.15, p < .05. In addition, all mean scores were significantly higher than the scale midpoint of3.5 on a TR survey. The study's findings are consistent with those of previous telemedicine satisfaction studies. Overall, the results indicate a high level of patient satisfaction using TR.
The CJK Terminal: RLG and Transtech's Achievement

The capablilities and benefits of the Chinese/Japanese/Korean terminal, developed by the Research Libraries Group, are detailed. The terminal also provides for parallel display of languages which use the Roman alphabet and Arabic numerals. Examples are included.
INHIBITION IN VIVO OF THE ENZYMATIC INACTIVATION OF BRADYKININ AND KALLIDIN.

Abstract Nine inhibitors of the metabolism of bradykinin effective in vivo in the guinea pig were described. Some were also tested and found active against kallidin and 6-glycine bradykinin in vivo or against hippuryl- l -lysine and bradykinin in vitro. The compounds potentiated the hypotensive effect of the kinins, presumably by inhibiting the enzymatic inactivation in blood. Results of these experiments are in good agreement with the conclusions of in vitro studies.
PLASMA LH IN CYCLIC FEMALE RATS.

SummaryPlasma LH was measured by the one-hour OAA depletion assay in cyclic, ovariectomized and hypophysectomized rats. Plasma collected between 2:30 and 3:50 PM of proestrus contained as much circulating LH as is seen following ovariectomy; not as much LH was in plasma at the same time on the afternoon of estrus. The 5-day cyclic rats had significantly more LH in plasma at both proestrus and estrus than was found in 4-day cyclic rats. Pentobarbital administered at 2 PM (at a dose level which blocks ovulation in the proestrous 4-day rat) reduced plasma OAA depleting activity to the minimal amount found in hypophysectomized rats.
Ɛ-net approach to sensor k-coverage

Wireless sensors rely on battery power, and in many applications it is difficult or prohibitive to replace them. Hence, in order to prolongate the system's lifetime, some sensors can be kept inactive while others perform all the tasks. In this paper, we study the k-coverage problem of activating the minimum number of sensors to ensure that every point in the area is covered by at least k sensors. This ensures higher fault tolerance, robustness, and improves many operations, among which position detection and intrusion detection. The k-coverage problem is trivially NP-complete, and hence we can only provide approximation algorithms. In this paper, we present an algorithm based on an extension of the classical e-net technique. This method gives an O(log M)- approximation, where M is the number of sensors in an optimal solution. We do not make any particular assumption on the shape of the areas covered by each sensor, besides that they must be closed, connected, and without holes.
Fabrication of carbon-nanotube-based sensor array and interference study

An array of 32 sensor elements with single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) as the sensing medium has been fabricated. The microfabrication approach used allows reduction of the chip size and increases the number of sensor elements in a chip and is amenable for large wafer scale-up. The sensor array chip is designed as an electronic nose for use with the aid of a pattern recognition algorithm. The sensor chips were tested for NO2 sensing and interfering effects from humidity and a background of chlorine. The results indicate that NO2 can be detected at low concentration levels of 0.5 ppm in the presence of chlorine at 30 times higher concentrations. The sensor response is affected by humidity, which implies that the training data set for NO2 detection needs to be generated for multiple humidity levels for interpolation purposes during field use.
Architecture trends of MPEG decoders for set-top box

Since its introduction as a consumer product in 1994, the digital set-top box has experienced rapid growth and is predicted to grow at an even stronger rate through the end of this decade. In just the past three years, the architecture of the MPEG decoders have experienced several changes. Initially the audio and video decoder were separate chips, but recently they have been integrated onto a single chip along with the transport, encryption, and user interface functions of the set-top box. In addition to a higher level of integration, the system memory requirements have been reduced and more features for the end user have been added. In the future, the remainder of the digital functions in the set-top box will be integrated onto a single chip. To be successful in providing a cost effect solution, a mixture of hardware and software modules will be needed to provide the appropriate amount of flexibility and the smallest implementation. The hardware/software partitioning will change with each technology node until a fully programmable implementation becomes the most cost effective solution.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Second-Generation Decline: Scenarios for the Economic and Ethnic Futures of the Post-1965 American Immigrants

‘Second-Generation Decline’ questions the current American faith in the myth of nearly automatic immigrant success. In discussing economic scenarios, positive and negative, for the future of the children of the post-1965 immigrants, it proposes the possibility that a significant number of the children of poor immigrants, especially dark-skinned ones, might not obtain jobs in the mainstream economy. Neither will they be willing — or even able — to take low-wage-long-hour ‘immigrant’ jobs like their parents. As a result they, and young males among them particularly, may join blacks and Hispanics among those already excluded, apparently permanently, from the mainstream economy. The paper also deals with the relations between ethnicity and economic conditions in the US, and with the continued relevance of the assimilation and acculturation processes described by ‘straight-line theory’. This issue, as well as most others discussed in the paper, may also be salient for European countries experiencing immigration, especially those countries with troubled economies.
Sulfuric acid-induced airway hyperresponsiveness

Abstract Rabbits were exposed to submicrometer sulfuric acid (H 2 SO 4 ) mist at 250 μg/m 3 for 1 hr/day, 5 days/week for 4, 8, or 12 months in order to examine the effects on bronchial responsiveness, which was assessed at the end of each exposure series by administration (iv) of doubling doses of acetylcholine and measurement of pulmonary resistance ( R L ). Dynamic compliance ( C dyn ) and respiratory rate ( f ) were also measured following agonist challenge. Animals exposed for 4 months showed increased sensitivity to acetylcholine (dose required to produce a 150% increase in R L ), and there was an increase in reactivity (slope of dose vs change in R L ) by 8 months, with a leveling off of the response after this time. No changes in C dyn or f were noted at any time. Thus, repeated exposures to H 2 SO 4 resulted in the production of hyperresponsive airways in previously healthy animals. This has implications for the role of nonspecific irritants in the pathogenesis of airway disease.
Factors Influencing Parental Satisfaction With Neonatal Intensive Care Among the Families of Moderately Premature Infants

OBJECTIVE. The goal was to examine the factors influencing parental satisfaction with neonatal intensive care for moderately premature infants in 10 hospitals in Massachusetts and California. METHODS. A total of 677 infants without major anomalies or chromosomal disorders who were born between 30 and 34 weeks of gestation in the participating hospitals and discharged alive were included. Parental satisfaction with neonatal intensive care was ascertained 3 months after discharge by using a previously developed scale of 12 Likert items (scored 1–5), addressing such issues as perceptions regarding the staff providing emotional support, information, or education. The questionnaire, which was administered by telephone, also included parental ratings of child health and reports of subsequent health care use, sociodemographic characteristics, and history of infertility treatment. Data on the prenatal, perinatal, and neonatal course were abstracted from the medical charts, and the factors associated with parental satisfaction were analyzed. RESULTS. Parental satisfaction with neonatal intensive care varied significantly across the 10 hospitals. The major predictors of satisfaction were sociodemographic characteristics, history of infertility treatment, and especially parental ratings of child health 3 months after discharge, rather than aspects of the perinatal or neonatal course. Controlling for these factors, differences across hospitals were not statistically significant. However, the variance explained by all of the measured factors, including child health rating, was modest (19%). CONCLUSIONS. Although we included variables across the full spectrum of neonatal intensive care, we found that the major predictor of parental satisfaction with neonatal intensive care was child health at the time of the interview, followed by sociodemographic factors and previous infertility treatment. However, the variance explained was limited, which suggests that research is needed on the factors influencing satisfaction.
Statistical control of VLSI fabrication processes. A framework

A general framework for statistical control of VLSI (very large-scale integration) fabrication processes is given along with the architectural description of a software system that can be used for monitoring, diagnosis, and quality/quantity control of computer-aided integrated circuit manufacture. The task of process control is formulated as one of profit maximization, and the associated objective function and the constraints are developed for a number of manufacturing scenarios. The IC fabrication process is modeled as a stochastic system and the necessary conditions for efficient statistical control of VLSI fabrication processes are described. >