cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Psychometric Validation of a Sexual Quality of Life Questionnaire for Use in Men with Premature Ejaculation or Erectile Dysfunction

ABSTRACT Introduction An instrument that can systematically capture the impact of sexual dysfunction on quality of life (QoL) in men is needed. Aims To psychometrically validate a sexual QoL instrument for men (SQOL-M) with premature ejaculation (PE) or erectile dysfunction (ED). Methods The main assessment populations were men participating in clinical trials of treatments for PE or ED. Men with PE had a confirmed intravaginal ejaculatory latency time of ≤2 minutes in ≥70% of attempts. Men with ED had a score of >21 on the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF). Confirmatory psychometric testing was conducted in further groups of men with PE. Main Outcome Measures The internal consistency, convergent and discriminant validity, test–retest reliability, and known-groups validity of the instrument were assessed. Results An 11-item version of the SQOL-M was produced following factor analyses on men with either PE or ED. Psychometric testing showed no overlap between items and good item-total correlations. Factor analysis confirmed a one-factor solution. Excellent internal consistency was demonstrated, with a Cronbach's alpha of ≥0.82 in all groups. In men reporting no change in their symptoms, the SQOL-M showed excellent test–retest reliability: the intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.77 for men with PE, and 0.79 for men with ED. Convergent validity was also good. In men with PE, the SQOL-M correlated with the satisfaction and distress domains of the Index of Premature Ejaculation. In men with ED, the SQOL-M correlated with the overall satisfaction domain of the IIEF. The measure also demonstrated excellent discriminant validity between men with PE or ED and men with no sexual dysfunction ( P Conclusions The SQOL-M instrument is a useful tool for evaluating sexual QoL in men with PE and ED. Abraham L, Symonds T, and Morris MF. Psychometric validation of a Sexual Quality of Life Questionnaire for use in men with premature ejaculation or erectile dysfunction
Molecular Evolution of Cytochrome c Oxidase Subunit IV: Evidence for Positive Selection in Simian Primates

Cytochrome c oxidase (COX) is a multi- subunit enzyme complex that catalyzes the final step of electron transfer through the respiratory chain on the mitochondrial inner membrane. Up to 13 subunits en- coded by both the mitochondrial (subunits I, II, and III) and nuclear genomes occur in eukaryotic organisms ranging from yeast to human. Previously, we observed a high number of amino acid replacements in the human COX IV subunit compared to mouse, rat, and cow or- thologues. Here we examined COX IV evolution in the two groups of anthropoid primates, the catarrhines (hominoids, cercopithecoids) and platyrrhines (ceboids), as well as one prosimian primate (lorisiform), by se- quencing PCR-amplified portions of functional COX4 genes from genomic DNAs. Phylogenetic analysis of the COX4 sequence data revealed that accelerated nonsyn- onymous substitution rates were evident in the early evo- lution of both catarrhines and, to a lesser extent, platyr- rhines. These accelerated rates were followed later by decelerated rates, suggesting that positive selection for adaptive amino acid replacement became purifying se- lection, preserving replacements that had occurred. The evidence for positive selection was especially pro- nounced along the catarrhine lineage to hominoids in which the nonsynonymous rate was first faster than the synonymous rate, then later much slower. The rates of three types of ''neutral DNA'' nucleotide substitutions (synonymous substitutions, pseudogene nucleotide sub- stitutions, and intron nucleotide substitutions) are similar and are consistent with previous observations of a slower rate of such substitutions in the nuclear genomes of hominoids than in the nuclear genomes of other primate and mammalian lineages.
Productivity Analysis and System Coherence

Productivity analyses have been undertaken by such a variety of specialists and in such differing contexts that few can cope with the broadly dispersed literature. It is not surprising, therefore, that the same problems are rediscovered time and again, that faulty concepts remain in use and that empirical findings are often misinterpreted. Such shortcomings will continue to hamper the development of this field until past advances are more effectively consolidated and the current frontiers more clearly delineated. In this paper, therefore, certain past findings will be used as points of departure for considering the problems and means of effecting further gains.
Relationship Stability Through Lenses of Complexity

Research on relationship stability usually considers the effect of couple outcomes and individual differences on relationship stability in isolation from each other. These separate bodies of research often lead to inconsistent results. In order to better understand relationship stability and explain inconsistencies in the literature, it is important to investigate more complex models that integrate couple outcomes and behaviors with individual differences. Motivated by these considerations, we examined the complex interplay between personal characteristics, couple interactions, and relationship stability. In particular, we investigated the relationships among investment model, big five personality traits, attachment dimensions, relationship factors, and relationship stability. Participants of this study included 162 individuals (Female N = 117) who are currently in a relationship from a large Midwestern university campus. Analyses were conducted using Structural Equation Modeling. Examination of the struc...
Calibrating Access-tube Time Domain Reflectometry Soil Water Measurements in Deep Heterogeneous Soils

Hydrologic characterization of the vadose zone requires accurate measurements of soil water in a variety of soil textures. Time domain reflectometry (TDR) instruments are commonly used to obtain soil moisture. Although there are advantages to using TDR, certain types of instruments pose challenges, including proper installation and calibration, which must be overcome. The principal objective of this study was to develop a new method for obtaining and calibrating access-tube TDR measurements in deep heterogeneous soils. Using two regression techniques, physical and chemical property-based calibrations were developed to predict soil water and explain large differences between TDR and gravimetric soil water values. Differences between TDR soil water and gravimetric soil water were almost entirely controlled by physical and chemical soil properties; indicating that our access-tube TDR probe likely produced an accurate measurement of 'free' but not bound water content. The bound fraction is controlled by physical and chemical properties and is a nearly static parameter at the depths and time scales considered in this study. Changes in TDR measurements after the initial calibration represent changes in the 'free' water content. Our calibration equations used easily obtained parameters to predict accurate soil water values in a wide range of soil textures. Approximately 95% of the soil water values predicted using our calibration equations had residuals of less than ± 10% soil water. We also developed a cost-effective method for installing access tubes which minimized problems related to air gaps and soil structure disturbances in deep soil profiles.
20q gain associates with immortalization : 20q13.2 amplification correlates with genome instability in human papillomavirus 16 E7 transformed human uroepithelial cells

Breast, bladder, colon, and ovarian carcinomas show frequent low level 20q gain and less frequently high level 20q13.2 amplification, but the significance of these 20q amplifications in transformation has not been defined. Using karyotypic and comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) analyses, chromosome losses and gains were analysed in six newly immortalized human uroepithelial cell (HUC) lines transformed by Human Papillomavirus 16 (HPV16) E7. Results showed clonal chromosomes with 20q11->qter gain in all six lines. CGH revealed a peak of 20q13.2 amplification in two cell lines. FISH with whole chromosome 20 paint showed expanded chromosome regions (ECRs) and double minute chromosomes (DMs) that contained chromosome 20 material in cell lines with 20q13.2 amplification. FISH with probes from the center of the 20q13.2 human breast cancer amplicon showed as many as 24 signals in cells with 20q13.2 amplification. The acquisition of genome instability in these E7-HUCs did not correlate with TP53 mutation, as all E7-HUCs contained only wildtype TP53. These results suggest that low level 20q gain is associated with overcoming cellular senescence in E7 transformed cells (P-value=2 x 10(-7)), but does not confer genome instability, while high level 20q13.2 amplification is associated with chromosome instability. Loss of 10p (P-value = 3 x 10(-5)) was also important in immortalization of E7-transformed HUCs. Thus, these results have profound implications for interpreting the significance of high versus low level 20q gains in human cancers.
Measurement of surface potential and surface charge densities of sarcoplasmic reticulum membranes.

The binding of the anionic fluorescent probe 1-anilino-8-naphthalene-sulfonate (ANS−) was used to estimate the surface potential of fragmented sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) derived from rabbit skeletal muscle. The method is based on the observation that ANS− is an obligatory anion whose equilibrium constant for binding membranes is proportional to the electrostatic function of membrane surface potential, exp(eΨ0/kT, where Ψ0 is the membrane surface potential,e is the electronic charge, andkT has its usual meaning. The potential measured is characteristic of the ANS− bindings of phosphatidylcholine head groups and is about one-third as large as the average surface potential predicted by the Gouy-Chapman theory. At physiological ionic strength the surface potentials, measured by ANS−, referred to as the aqueous phase bathing the surface, were in the range −10 to −15 mV. This was observed for the outside and inside surfaces of the Ca2+-ATPase-rich fraction of theSR and for both surfaces of theSR fraction rich in acidic Ca2+ binding proteins. The inside and outside surfaces were differentiated on the basis of ANS− binding kinetics observed in stopped-flow rapid mixing experiments. A mechanism by which changes in Ca2+ concentration could give rise to an electrostatic potential across the membrane and possibly result in changes in Ca2+ permeability.
MODEL-BASED METHODS FOR STEGANOGRAPHY AND STEGANALYSIS

This paper presents methods for performing steganography and steganalysis using a statistical model of the cover medium. The methodology is general, and can be applied to virtually any type of media. It provides answers for some fundamental questions that have not been fully addressed by previous steganographic methods, such as how large a message can be hidden without risking detection by certain statistical methods, and how to achieve this maximum capacity. Current steganographic methods have been shown to be insecure against simple statistical attacks. Using the model-based methodology, an example steganography method is proposed for JPEG images that achieves a higher embedding efficiency and message capacity than previous methods while remaining secure against first order statistical attacks. A method is also described for defending against "blockiness" steganalysis attacks. Finally, a model-based steganalysis method is presented for estimating the length of messages hidden with Jsteg in JPEG images.
Cognitive spatial degrees of freedom estimation via compressive sensing

While regulations exist (or will exist) to guarantee that whitespace devices do not interfere with primary devices, how these devices will coexist with each other itself is typically left unspecified. In this paper we take a first step towards tackling the coexistence problem. Our approach is to build a wideband low power device which uses the entire available whitespace spectrum for transmission; and due to its low power nature causes minimal interference to other whitespace devices. To achieve reasonable speeds in spite of the low power transmission, we use spatial beamforming to steer away from harmful interference and achieve high throughput. In this paper we present a key building block towards this vision, an accurate and efficient detector to estimate what spatial degrees of freedom are occupied by other whitespace devices. We leverage the empirical observation that multipath channels are typically sparse, i.e., they usually have only a few paths where most of the signal energy is concentrated. We exploit this observation to build a compressive sensing based spatial DoF detector, and demonstrate via simulation that it significantly outperforms traditional approaches
EPICS and VxWorks for real-time motion control of the Altair adaptive optics instrument for Gemini

The Instrument Group in the National Research Council of Canada's Herzberg Institute of Astrophysics develops instrumentation for large Astronomical telescopes including Altair (Gemini's ALTitude conjugate Adaptive optics for the InfraRed). This paper discusses how we responded to a need for adaptive intelligence and complex choreography and sequencing of mechanisms in the design of Altair's motion control systems. Our primary goal has been to maximize code reusability without sacrificing performance or flexibility.© (2002) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Studies on Human α-Lactalbumin: Radioimmunoassay Measurements in Normal Human Breast and Breast Cancer

A sensitive and specific radioimmunoassay for human alpha-lactalbumin, a milk protein, has been developed in order to examine the effect of prolactin on the human breast in normal and diseased states. Samples of milk from nursing mothers and from men and women with galactorrhea were found to contain milligram concentrations of this protein. In serum, 8 of 25 normal men and 18 of 44 normal women had detectable concentrations of alpha-lactalbumin. Significantly higher levels of alpha-lactalbumin were found in 17 of 19 women during pregnancy who were not actively lactating. All nursing mothers were found to have distinctly elevated serum alpha-lactalbumin concentrations. In a group of 17 female patients with phenothiazine induced prolactin elevations (mean 29.4 ng/ml), the mean serum alpha-lactalbumin of 17.3 ng/ml was significantly higher than in normal female volunteers. Patients with gynecomastia were not noted to have elevated alpha-lactalbumin. In vitro, homogenates of normal breast and carcinoma tissue from the same individuals revealed that in 9 of 17 patients alpha-lactalbumin was present in higher concentrations in normal than in cancerous tissue. Overall, alpha-lactalbumin was found in 48.5% of homogenates and 41% of organ cultures of normal breast tissue from cancer patients. In contrast, it was present in only 19% of homogenates and 21% of cultures of carcinoma tissue, indicating that the cancer tissue may lose its ability to produce alpha-lactalbumin. Differences in biologic behavior were found in some tumors. In 2 cases homogenates of breast cancer tissue had much higher concentrations of alpha-lactalbumin than the normal tissue, and in 3 of 33 tumors studied in organ culture prolactin increased alpha-lactalbumin output.
Ultrastructural changes associated with loss of transparency in the primary spectacle and cornea of spawning sea lamprey

Abstract Structural changes associated with loss of transparency in the nonswelling primary spectacle and cornea of the sea lamprey during spawning were studied by electronmicroscopy. Epithelial cells of the spectacle were separated by enlarged extracellular spaces, while the stroma of both the spectacle and cornea was found to be invaded by leukocytes. Collagen break-down and the presence of electron-dense amorphous and filamentous material were observed in the superficial stroma.
“I have it just like you do”: voices of HIV-negative partners in serodifferent relationships receiving primary care at a public clinic in San Francisco

HIV transmission among serodifferent couples has a significant impact on incidence of HIV worldwide. Antiretroviral interventions (i.e., preexposure prophylaxis, post-exposure prophylaxis, and treatment as prevention) are important aspects of comprehensive prevention and care for serodifferent couples. In this study, HIV-negative members of serodifferent couples were interviewed using open-ended questions to explore their health-care needs, perceptions of clinic-based prevention services, and experience of having an HIV-infected partner. Analysis of interviews with 10 HIV-negative partners revealed the following themes: (1) health needs during joint medical visits; (2) sexual risk reduction strategies; (3) relationship dynamics; and (4) strategies for coping. This study elucidated relationship, health and health care factors that might affect development and implementation of clinic-based prevention interventions for HIV serodifferent couples. The findings point to possible relationship-centered recommend...
Cointegration analysis using M estimators

Abstract Tests for cointegration are developed using multivariate M estimators. The tests are based on analyzing the singular values of the parameter estimates standardized by the covariance matrix and do not require a reduced rank estimator.
Using Monte Carlo simulation for accurate critical dimension metrology of super small isolated poly-lines

With the reduction of critical dimensions (CD) of physical gate lines, standard methods for evaluating bottom CD from the scanning electron microscope (SEM) signal become inaccurate. The two peaks, originating from the line edges, merge into a single peak, and the correct position of the topographical top and bottom points is not clear. A general Monte Carlo simulation program, developed to model SEM signals, was used to analyze the signals emerging from ultra small silicon lines. By correlating the simulated signals with the features, we deduced the location of the top and bottom points. This analysis was done for lines with various CDs, sidewall angles, and corner rounding, as well as for different spot sizes. This work shows the feasibility of using SEM for measuring ultranarrow features and supply data for algorithm development.
Investigating learning styles in the online educational environment

As the majority of traditional educational institutions move toward some version of online instruction and institutions devoted totally to online instruction emerge, it is imperative that the mechanisms of this instruction support the needs of current and future cadres of online learners. The rational for investigating learning styles in this context is presented focusing on the characteristics of the online learner population and the tendency of this population to be more "at risk" and less traditional then learners in a typical university setting. The theoretical foundations for anticipating benefits from utilizing learning styles in the online context are articulated. The potential for utilizing information technology to facilitate utilization of learning styles in this environment is explored. Finally, a research model for exploring the effectiveness and level of learner satisfaction with using learning styles in this context is presented.
Harmony and beauty in medical research

We too often report the results of biomedical research as if there were no people involved in producing those results. However, without physicians and PhD's there would be no medical research. Moreover, reference to the history of medicine and science reveals that very often the men and women who have created the most important medical breakthroughs and perceived the most significant facts of medicine have also been unusually talented in other disciplines as well: music, the arts, poetry and literature. I do not believe that this correlation of talents is an accident. Rather, I argue that the kind of medicine and science that a person accomplishes is a reflection of the personality and skills that the person brings to his or her work. Thus, those doctors who have been most sensitive to their culture, and most inventive in their everyday lives, have also been the most insightful and original in their work. Music, the arts, poetry, and literature actually contribute in essential ways to the training of eminent doctors, and influence the way in which they perceive medicine. I therefore argue that it is not enough that we do our utmost to push back the veils of ignorance in our clinics and laboratories: we must also begin to push back the veils of ignorance that surrounds the questions of who does the best biomedical research and why. We must recognize the intricate ways in which the who, the how, and the what of research are inextricably entwined.
Synthetic jets with piezoelectric diaphragms

Piezoelectric diaphragms are used as synthetic jets because of their size, rapid time response, and relatively low power consumption. Among the piezoelectric diaphragms used are unimorphs and Bimorphs. In this study, a bimorph diaphragm, a thin Unimorph pre-stressed device and a Radial Field Diaphragm (RFD) are compared. A bimorph consists of two bonded PZT discs, a thin Unimorph pre-stressed device consists of copper, PZT, and stainless steel and a Radial Field Diaphragm consist of a layer of PZT with inter-digitized electrodes encapsulated in Kapton film. The effects of driving waveform on jet velocity are studied for each of these actuators. The actuators are driven at varying frequencies and the differential pressure in the cavity is monitored.
A knowledge-based framework for automated space-use analysis

Abstract Space-use can only be effectively determined when space, user, and activity perspectives are taken into account simultaneously. We develop a knowledge-based framework for automated space-use analysis to enable analyzers to predict and update space utilization simultaneously considering these three perspectives with computational assistance. The framework includes the formalization of the concepts for space-use analysis such as users, user activities, spaces, equipment, and space utilization, the ontological relationships among the concepts, and the automated space-use analysis process. We demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed framework through a trial run on select areas in an academic building at Stanford University. Our results show that the proposed framework can support iterative refinement of the architectural design and its usage by predicting the utilization and visualizing the results automatically. This automation in space-use analysis contributes a consistent, clear, and efficient means of analyzing space-use in support of architects' and clients' decision-making about the design.
Electro-optical Detection of Charged Particles

The electric field of charged particles can induce transient changes in the polarization of light that produce sub-picosecond modulation of a laser beam. This is a consequence of the electro-optical effect in which the presence of the electric field in an electro-optical medium produces a change in the index of refraction of the medium resulting in a phase retardation between polarization components parallel and perpendicular to the electric field. We have observed the electro-optical effect due to 10 picosecond electron beam bunches with rise times that were limited by the bandwidth of our data acquisition system. This technology is being applied to particle beam diagnostics and has the potential to produce charged particle detectors combining excellent spatial resolution with unprecedented temporal precision.
Abnormal development of embryonic and extraembryonic cell lineages in parthenogenetic mouse embryos

Parthenogetically activated, diploid mouse oocytes can develop to midgestation stages in utero. However, even these advanced parthenogenones appear to die because of much reduced trophoblast and yolk sac development. Previous studies have compared the general features of parthenogenetic and androgenetic development and determined the fate of uniparental cells in chimeras with normal embryos. These studies led to the concept of genomic imprinting as the cause for developmental failure when either the maternal or the paternal genome is duplicated, with the corresponding deficiency of the other. Genomic imprinting appears to arise during gametogenesis and to act through dosage effects in a set of imprinted genes, whose expression depends on their parental origin. In this study we undertook a more detailed morphological analysis of parthenogenetic development in the mouse and established a classification system to quantify the developmental extent of parthenogenones. We found that the failure of parthenogenones occurred at different times during early postimplantation development, generating a spectrum of concepti which had developed to different extents, with only a small fraction of the embryos reaching advanced somite stages. In all parthenogenones differentiation and proliferation of the trophectoderm and primitive endoderm lineages (both extraembryonic) was abnormal, and in all, even the best-developed parthenogenones, we observed similar deficiencies in the embryonic lineages, especially the mesoderm. Common to all abnormally developed lineages was that the proportion of undifferentiated precursor cells was much reduced, while their differentiated descendants were relatively abundant. We propose, therefore, that the failure of parthenogenones to develop to term is due to abnormal regulation of differentiation and proliferation in both embryonic and extraembryonic lineages. In this hypothesis, the apparent tissue specific defects observed in parthenogenones arise as a consequence of the functional importance of certain tissues (like the trophoblast) early in development. The spectrum of parthenogenones thus appears to reflect critical events in early development, whose regulation are affected by genomic imprinting.
An instructional system as change agent

What seems most attractive to the instructors who use the program materials is adapting them to their own instructional setting, rather than wholesaleadoption. Allowing adaptation engenders change in successive approximations. This approach is particularly appropriate in a time of scarce resources, as it leads to gradual, concerted progress toward measurable goals.
Effects of putative cognition enhancers on the NMDA receptor by [3H]MK801 binding.

Abstract Piracetam, aniracetam, and d -cycloserine were tested for their ability to reduce inhibition of [ 3 H]MK801 (dizocilpine) binding by 100 μM kynurenate. Piracetam (100 μM-1 mM) failed to reduce inhibition by kynurenate but stimulated [ 3 H]MK801 binding in the absence of kynurenate. In contrast, d -cycloserine (30 μM-1 mM) and aniracetam markedly reduced this inhibition by kynurenate. Thus, cognition enhancers might function via at least some subtypes of NMDA receptors.
Translocation Effects on the Behavior of Black-Tailed Prairie Dogs (Cynomys Ludovicianus)

ABSTRACTWe examined the effects of translocation on Black-tailed prairie dog (Cynomys ludovicianus) anti-predator behavior by recording response distances and response times to a human intruder in three colonies containing native, translocated, and combined native and translocated prairie dogs. The translocated prairie dogs barked alarms and concealed themselves at significantly greater intruder distances than mixed or native colonies. However, individuals in different colonies did not differ in the time taken to return to a burrow, to conceal themselves after a human approached the colony, or in the time elapsed after concealment until an animal reappeared. Translocated prairie dogs exhibited nearly twice the distance sensitivity to intrusion as native prairie dogs. Increased sensitivity to disturbance complicates management considerations of translocated populations that are subject to human traffic. This increase in sensitivity may necessitate translocation to isolated or undisturbed sites, protecting ...
Racial differences in subcutaneous and visceral fat distribution in postmenopausal black and white women

Most studies examining racial disparities in abdominal fat distribution have focused on premenopausal women. The purpose of this report was to determine if racial differences exist in the abdominal fat distribution in postmenopausal white and black women. Fifty-four women (33 white and 21 black) were scanned by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to determine abdominal fat distribution, were measured by hydrostatic weighing for percent body fat, and had their fasting blood lipids, glucose, and insulin levels measured. These women were matched for age (mean age, 53.5 +/- 0.9 years) and percent body fat (black: 39.6% +/- 2.3%, white: 37.3% +/- 1.2%). When adjusted for total body fat mass and hormone replacement therapy (HRT), total abdominal fat (white: 10,352.1 +/- 535.2, black: 11,220.4 +/- 670.1 cm(3)) was not statistically different between groups, but the visceral fat content was significantly higher in the white women (white: 2,943.5 +/- 220.4, black: 2,332.6 +/- 176.1 cm(3)). The percent visceral fat was also higher in these women (white: 30.5% +/- 1.3%, black: 22.1% +/- 1.6%, P <.01). Subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) was significantly higher in the black women (white: 7,408.6 +/- 450.2, black: 8,887 +/- 563.1 cm(3), P <.05). No significant differences were found in the insulin concentrations or the blood lipid profile of these women. Regardless of race, visceral fat was a significant predictor of log triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), cholesterol/LDL-C, insulin levels, and insulin resistance. Race was only found to contribute to 8% of the variability of LDL-C. HRT use had no effect on abdominal fat distribution or the blood lipid profile in this cohort of women. In conclusion, disparities in abdominal fat distribution between black and white women continue to exist in the early postmenopausal years, and the regression results indicate that the absolute amount of visceral fat, and not the relative amounts of visceral fat, is the best predictor of the blood lipid profile and insulin sensitivity. HRT use did not result in differences in abdominal fat distribution in these women. Factors, such as genetics and lifestyle, must play a larger role in explaining the increased health risk in black women.
Hearing Problems in Childhood

Primary care physicians responsible for the management of infants and young children should be seriously concerned about hearing during the early years of life. These are optimal (critical) periods for language learning and for full development of the central auditory system. Deprivation of hearing during this time, even as a result of a mild hearing loss, may result in language delay or learning disorders.1,2 The primary care physician is in the ideal position to identify hearing loss, remediate it, recommend appropriate intervention, and promote preventive measures.
Time-resolved laser fluorosensors: a laboratory study of their potential in the remote characterization of oil

The fluorescence decay profiles have been determined for a number of light, crude, and heavy oils under ideal laboratory conditions to assess their utility in the remote characterization and identification of oil spills using remote laser fluorosensors. The fluorescence decay of light and crude oils can best be described by double exponential kinetics with the former having longer decay constants. The heavy oils are described by only a single exponential decay function with a lifetime less than 1 nsec.
Evapotranspiration along an elevation gradient in California's Sierra Nevada

We combined observations from four eddy covariance towers with remote sensing to better understand the altitudinal patterns of climate, plant phenology, Gross Ecosystem CO2Uptake, and Evapotranspiration (ET) around the Upper Kings River basin in the southern Sierra Nevada Mountains. Precipitation (P) increased with elevation to ∼500 m, and more gradually at higher elevations, while vegetation graded from savanna at 405 m to evergreen oak and pine forest to mid-montane forest to subalpine forest at 2700 m. CO2uptake and transpiration at 405 m peaked in spring (March to May) and declined in summer; gas exchange at 1160 and 2015 m continued year-round; gas exchange at 2700 m peaked in summer and ceased in winter. A phenological threshold occurred between 2015 and 2700 m, associated with the development of winter dormancy. Annual ET and Gross Primary Production were greatest at 1160 and 2015 m and reduced at 405 m coincident with less P, and at 2700 m coincident with colder temperatures. The large decline in ET above 2015 m raises the possibility that an upslope redistribution of vegetation with climate change could cause a large increase in upper elevation ET. We extrapolated ET to the entire basin using remote sensing. The 2003–11 P for the entire Upper Kings River basin was 984 mm y−1 and the ET was 429 mm y−1, yielding a P-ET of 554 mm y−1, which agrees well with the observed Kings River flow of 563 mm y−1. ET averaged across the entire basin was nearly constant from year to year.
Katherine the Queen: The Remarkable Life of Katherine Parr, the Last Wife of Henry VIII – By Linda Porter

Katherine Parr, the subject of this biography, was born in 1512 and died in 1548 after childbirth at Sudeley Castle, Gloucestershire. She married four times: in 1529 to Edward Borough; in 1534 to J...
Targeted ultrasound contrast agent for molecular imaging of inflammation in high-shear flow.

Targeted ultrasound contrast materials (gas-filled microbubbles carrying ligands to endothelial selectins or integrins) have been investigated as potential molecular imaging agents. Such microbubbles normally exhibit good targeting capability at the slower flow conditions. However, in the conditions of vigorous flow, binding may be limited. Here, we describe a microbubble capable of efficient binding to targets both in slow and fast flow (exceeding 4 dyne/cm 2 wall shear stress) using a clustered polymeric form of the fast-binding selectin ligand sialyl Lewis X. Microbubbles were prepared from decafluorobutane gas and stabilized with a monolayer of phosphatidylcholine, PEG stearate and biotin-PEG-lipid. Biotinylated PSLe x (sialyl Lewis X polyacrylamide) or biotinylated anti-P-selectin antibody (RB40.34) was attached to microbubbles via a streptavidin bridge. In a parallel plate flow chamber targeted adhesion model, PSLe x bubbles demonstrated specific adhesion, retention and slow rolling on P-selectin-coated plates. Efficiency of firm targeted adhesion to a P-selectin surface (140 molecules/mm 2 ) was comparable for antibody-carrying bubbles and PSLe x -targeted bubbles at 0.68 dyne/cm 2 shear stress. At fast flow (4.45 dyne/cm 2 ), PSLe x -targeted bubbles maintained their ability to bind, while antibody-mediated targeting dropped more than 20-fold. At lower surface density of P-selectin (7 molecules/mm 2 ), targeting via PSLe x was more efficient than via antibody under all the flow conditions tested. Negative control casein-coated plates did not retain bubbles in the range of flow conditions studied. To confirm echogenicity, targeted PSLe x -bubbles were visualized on P-selectin-coated polystyrene plates by ultrasound imaging with a clinical scanner operated in pulse inversion mode; control plates lacking targeted bubbles did not show significant acoustic backscatter. In vivo, in a murine model of inflammation in the femoral vein setting, targeting efficacy of intravenously administered PSLe x -microbubbles was comparable with targeting mediated by anti-P-selectin antibody, and significantly exceeded the accumulation of non-targeted control bubbles. In the inflamed femoral artery setting, PSLe x -mediated microbubble targeting was superior to antibody- mediated targeting. Copyright # 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Granzyme B ELISPOT assay: an alternative to the 51Cr-release assay for monitoring cell-mediated cytotoxicity.

The interferon-γ (IFN-γ) ELISPOT assay is one of the most useful techniques for immunological monitoring of cancer vaccine trials and has gained increased application as a measure of specific T cell activation. However, it does not assess cell-mediated cytotoxicity directly as IFN-γ secretion is not limited to only cytolytic cells. Granzyme B (GrB) is a key mediator of target cell death via the granule-mediated pathway. Therefore, the release of GrB by cytolytic lymphocytes upon effector-target interaction may be a more specific indicator of CTL and NK cytotoxic ability than IFN-γ secretion. We assessed whether the GrB ELISPOT assay is a viable alternative to the 51Cr-release and IFN-γ ELISPOT assays for measuring antigen-specific CTL cytotoxicity. Direct comparisons between the three assays were made using human CTL cell lines (αEN-EBV and αJY) and an in vitro stimulated anti-Flu matrix peptide (FMP)-specific CTL. When the GrB ELISPOT was directly compared to the IFN-γ ELISPOT and 51Cr-release assays, excellent cross-correlation between all three assays was shown. However, measurable IFN-γ secretion in the ELISPOT assay was observed only after 1 hour of incubation and cytotoxicity assessed via the 51Cr-release assay after 4 hours, whereas GrB secretion was detectable within 10 min of effector-target contact with significant secretion observed after 1 h. Titration studies demonstrated a strong correlation between the number of effector cells and GrB spots per well. Irrelevant targets or antigens did not induce significant GrB secretion. Additionally, GrB secretion was abrogated when CTL cultures were depleted of CD8+ cells. Our findings demonstrate that the GrB ELISPOT assay is a superior alternative to the 51Cr-release assay since it is significantly more sensitive and provides an estimation of cytotoxic effector cell frequency. Additionally, unlike the IFN-γ ELISPOT assay, the GrB ELISPOT directly measures the release of a cytotolytic protein. Detection of low frequency tumor-specific CTL and their specific effector functions can provide valuable insight with regards to immunological responses.
Income, self-selection, and return and onward interprovincial migration in Canada.

Estimated returns to migration based on comparison of individual migrants may be biased owing to self-selection in the migration process. Using data derived from the 1986 Canadian census, I will study the effects of expected wage differentials in determining the return or onward migration decision of nonnative adults aged 20 to 64 years. Evidence was found that return migrations were in the ‘right’ direction, as they are observed to respond to provincial economic variables (that is, average employment growth and income levels) in a rational manner. After accounting for self-selectivity, I found that results indicate that return migrants (individuals migrating back to their province of birth) are negatively selected, and experience lower income levels, following the return migration, than onward migrants would have, had they chosen the return migration option. This drop in expected wages decreases the propensity associated with making a return migration. Despite this drop in income, the large proportion se...
Physicochemical and physiological properties of 5α-cyprinol sulfate, the toxic bile salt of cyprinid fish

Cyprinol sulfate was isolated from bile of the Asiatic carp, Cyprinus carpio . 5 � -Cyprinol sulfate was surface active and formed micelles; its critical micellization concentra- tion (CMC) in 0.15 M Nausing the maximum bubble pres- sure device was 1.5 mM; by dye solubilization, its CMC was � 4 mM. At concentrations � 1 mM, 5 � -cyprinol sulfate solubilized monooleylglycerol efficiently (2.1 molecules per mol micellar bile salt). When infused intravenously into the anesthetized rat, 5 � -cyprinol sulfate was hemolytic, cholestatic, and toxic. In the isolated rat liver, it underwent little biotransformation and was poorly transported (T max � 0.5 � mol/min/kg) as compared with taurocholate. 5 � -Cyprinol, its bile alcohol moi- ety, was oxidized to its corresponding C 27 bile acid and to allo- cholic acid (the latter was then conjugated with taurine); these metabolites were efficiently transported. 5 � -Cyprinol sulfate inhibited taurocholate uptake in COS-7 cells transfected with rat asbt , the apical bile salt transporter of the ileal enterocyte. 5 � -Cyprinol had limited aqueous solubility (0.3 mM) and was poorly absorbed from the perfused rat jejunum or ileum. Sam- pling of carp intestinal content indicated that 5 � -cyprinol sul- fate was present at micellar concentrations, and that it did not undergo hydrolysis during intestinal transit. These studies indicate that 5 � -cyprinol sulfate is an excellent digestive deter- gent and suggest that a micellar phase is present during diges- tion in cyprinid fish. —Goto, T., F. Holzinger, L. R. Hagey, C. Cerre, H-T. Ton-Nu, C. D. Schteingart, J. H. Steinbach, B. L. Shneider, and A. F. Hofmann. Physicochemical and physiologi- cal properties of 5 � -cyprinol sulfate, the toxic bile salt of cyp- rinid fish. J. Lipid Res. 2003. 44: 1643-1651.
Shape Memory Alloys for Classroom Demonstrations, Laboratories, and Student Projects

Shape memory alloys (SMAs) are unique materials that effectively capture the attention of students due to their dramatic phase transformations that result from temperature or stress. The fascinating properties and intriguing applications of SMAs can entice students to learn about the materials field, as well as relatively complicated materials concepts. SMAs have been incorporated into a range of courses under a variety of topics, such as crystal structures, phase transformations, kinetics, constitutive relations, and smart materials. The concepts can be presented at different levels of knowledge, appropriate to the learning objectives for the particular audience. Several educational activities using NiTi shape memory alloys have been developed, such as web-based videos, shape setting of new designs, classroom demonstration of actuation, visualization of stress-induced transformations, and heat treatments to change transformation temperatures.
Resolution of retribution.

You accidentally heard a description of a study accepted for presentation at a prestigious national meeting and realize its methodology is fatally flawed. Several residents were sponsored and supposedly supervised by Dr Vader, long your nemesis. He unsuccessfully opposed your receiving tenure and publicly is critical of your work at every juncture. Dr Vader set up this faulty study in the area of your expertise and purposefully excluded your participation. Dr Vader does not know that you are aware of the study's details. At last, it seems, the chickens have come home to roost. What should you do?
The Theory of FM Demodulation with Frequency-Compressive Feedback

The application of frequency-compressive feedback around an amplitude-insensitive FM demodulator promises important reductions of distortion and noise sensitivity in the demodulation of wide-band FM signals. In this paper, the basic theory of FM demodulation with frequency-compressive feedback (FCF) is presented after a brief discussion of the concept of noise threshold and of the usefulness of threshold reduction techniques in relaxing important requirements in the design of reliable communication systems. It is shown that the simultaneous presence of distortion and open-loop phase shift sets an upper bound on the amount of feedback that may be applied before inducing a rapid deterioration of system performance. This upper bound may fall well below the upper bound imposed by Nyquist's stability criterion. Thus, although the system may be stable in the usual sense, it may be incapable of tracking an applied FM signal either because of insufficient compressive action or because of open-loop phase shift that causes the distortion to rise with increased feedback. It is also shown that the system may be modeled (only approximately) by a linear feedback circuit provided that both the applied compressive action is sufficient to reduce the deviation ratio to a value much less than unity, and the SNR at the input of the feedback circuit exceeds or equals the threshold of linear output-input S/N relationship for a conventional FM demodulator. The linear dependence of the output SNR upon the input SNR is shown to be a necessary, but not sufficient, condition for the validity of the linear model. It is shown in this paper that the threshold of linear variation of the output SNR with the input SNR for an amplitude-insensitive FM demodulator with frequency-compressive feedback (FCF), driven directly from the linear stages of the receiver, is equivalent to that of a conventional FM demodulator that is driven from a noise bandwidth equal to one-third of the closed-loop noise bandwidth, or to the loop band-pass filter noise bandwidth, whichever is larger. When the closed-loop noise bandwidth is larger than three times the band-pass filter noise bandwidth, the band-pass filter bandwidth can be widened until it equals one third of the closed-loop noise bandwidth without changing the closed-loop noise bandwidth, provided a permissible compensating change is introduced in the loop low-pass filter. If this is done, the system will be able to accept a signal of wider deviation ratio and hence give better high S/N performance with the same threshold. In this sense, the FCF loop may be said to be optimized relative to the input signal if with the amount of feedback that is necessary to compress the frequency of the signal by the maximum permissible amount, the closed-loop noise bandwidth is equal to three times the noise bandwidth of the loop band-pass filter. The introduction of an amplitude limiter in front of the FCF loop is shown to raise the threshold of linear output vs input SNR back to the corresponding threshold of a conventional FM demodulator.
HPV vaccine: Not immune to controversy

The introduction of Gardasil (Merck & Co Whitehouse Station NJ USA) as a vaccine to the human papillomavirus (HPV) has received much media attention worldwide since its approval by the US Food and Drug Administration in 2006. From the United States to the United Kingdom New Zealand and Malaysia news headlines have highlighted various issues and controversies surrounding the HPV vaccine. "Ouch! Cervical cancer shots painful" released by the Associated Press in January 2008 outlines the most recent complaint about the vaccine; the shot seems to cause more pain than other vaccines. In the United Kingdom more controversial discussion appeared in The Times in "Is it time for a cancer jab?" where two opposing answers to the question: "My daughter is 12 and not yet sexually active. Should I arrange for her to have the cervical cancer jab?" posed by a British parent were presented. On the supporting side the parent is encouraged to obtain the vaccine for protection; while on the opposing side testing of the vaccine mainly on adult women nonprotection against other sexually transmitted diseases and side effects-including some serious ones such as blood clots-were presented as reasons for not obtaining the vaccine. From New Zealand the article "HPV vaccine-why are we waiting?" criticizes the government for not funding or prioritizing the HPV vaccine despite the prime minister calling it an "international breakthrough." The article highlights public misconceptions about fears that vaccination might promote sexual promiscuity and erode family values. In Malaysia similar issues were raised in the article "To vaccinate or not?" following concerns that "giving the vaccination to young girls is like giving these girls permission to have sex." (excerpt)
Sulfur as a Novel Nanopatterning Material: An Ultrathin Resist and a Chemically Addressable Template for Nanocrystal Self‐Assembly

Nanoscale tip-induced polymerization of a sulfur thin film affords a simple negative tone resist that can be used as mask for substrate etching in fluorinated solutions or as a chemical template for the directed self-assembly of gold nanocrystals.