cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Rapid Method of Calculating log ( ft ) Values for β -Transitions

This paper contains several graphs and nomographs which make it possible to obtain, very quickly, $log(\mathrm{ft})$ values for most $\ensuremath{\beta}$-decays. The use of these figures is discussed.
A systematic review of mammography educational interventions for low-income women

Abstract Objective. We conducted a systematic review to examine the effectiveness of educational interventions in increasing mammography screening among low-income women. Data Sources. Bibliographic databases, including MEDLINE, The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and the ISI Web of Science, were searched for relevant articles. Study Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria. Randomized, community-based trials targeting low-income women and published between January 1980 and March 2003 were included. Data Extraction. The search yielded 242 studies; 24 met all inclusion criteria. Data Synthesis. Three studies used mammography vans, three used low-cost vouchers or provided free mammograms, three used home visits, one used community education alone, one provided referrals, five incorporated multiple intervention strategies, two used phone calls, one used videos and print material, and five used primarily print material. Results. Of nine studies that reduced...
Sesquiterpene lactones: Constituents of an F1 hybrid Encelia farinosa X Encelia californica

Abstract The principal component of Encelia californica Nutt., encecalin, is not present in Encelia farinosa Gray, and the principal components of the latter, encelin and farinosin, are absent from the former. An F1 hybrid of the two species contains encecalin and farinosin and, in addition, a new lactone, structurally related to farinosin, which is absent from the parental species.
Synthesis and characterization of styrene/isoprene/ethylene oxide block copolymers

Poly(ethylene oxide/isoprene/styrene/isoprene/ethylene oxide) block copolymers were synthesized using potassium–napthalene catalyst in tetrahydrofuran. The dynamic and thermal properties and water absorption of these tri-block copolymers were determined and related to their bulk morphology.
Relationships between maternal and adolescent weight-related behaviors and concerns: the role of perception

Abstract Objective The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between maternal and adolescent weight-related behaviors and concerns in a population-based sample. Methods Participants were 810 adolescents (n=429 girls and n=381 boys) and their mothers/guardians. Adolescents were part of the Project EAT (Eating Among Teens) study, which was a comprehensive study of eating patterns and weight concerns among adolescents in Minnesota. Outcome variables included child's body dissatisfaction, weight concerns, dieting, and use of healthy and unhealthy weight control behaviors. Results Adolescents reported lower rates of maternal dieting than mothers. Maternal self-report of dieting was not significantly associated with children's weight-related concerns. Children's perceptions of their mothers' behaviors were significantly related to their level of weight concerns and use of weight control behaviors. Conclusion Adolescents' perceptions of maternal behavior affect their weight-related concerns and behaviors. This suggests that mothers who choose to diet should model healthy choices in the areas of nutrition and physical activity.
More Evidence on the Performance of Merger Simulations

Government antitrust agencies must predict the price effects of proposed mergers and chal? lenge those predicted to reduce consumer wel? fare. Merger simulation, a model of oligopoly combined with demand estimates, is routinely used to simulate the effects of potential merg? ers (Gregory J. Werden and Luke M. Froeb 2006 provide a survey). Merger simulation addresses the key question regulators must answer: would a potential merger reduce consumer welfare? However, it requires strong assumptions on the nature of competition both before and after the merger occurs, the shape of demand and mar? ginal cost functions, as well as the statistical assumptions necessary to consistently estimate demand. Given these strong assumptions and the substantial resources devoted to antitrust review, it is important to evaluate the accuracy of simulation methodology. This paper adds to a small literature that evaluates merger simu? lation by comparing predicted price effects to retrospective estimates of the price effects of a
Delirium, depression, and other psychosocial and neurobehavioral issues in cardiovascular disease.

Understanding relevant psychosocial (neural, behavioral, psychiatric) issues is essential to optimal care of individuals who have cardiovascular disorders. Delirium, a condition of diffuse cerebral dysfunction caused by underlying systemic or central nervous system pathology, and often requiring measures of acute neurobehavioral management with nonpharmacological and pharmacological means, in addition to treatment of the underlying medical disorder, often occurs in association with severe cardiovascular disease. Depression is a psychiatric disorder known to be associated with cardiovascular disease. Substantial improvement in understanding the nature of this association has occurred in the past 10 to 20 years, including very preliminary data suggesting that pharmacological treatment with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants might improve postmyocardial infarction cardiac prognosis. Numerous other factors—anxiety, stress, social support, anger, and other personality factors-also are implicated in the relationship of psychosocial issues to cardiovascular disease.
A multivariate exponentially weighted moving average control chart

A multivariate extension of the exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA) control chart is presented, and guidelines given for designing this easy-to-implement multivariate procedure. A comparison shows that the average run length (ARL) performance of this chart is similar to that of multivariate cumulative sum (CUSUM) control charts in detecting a shift in the mean vector of a multivariate normal distribution. As with the Hotelling's χ2 and multivariate CUSUM charts, the ARL performance of the multivariate EWMA chart depends on the underlying mean vector and covariance matrix only through the value of the noncentrality parameter. Worst-case scenarios show that Hotelling's χ2 charts should always be used in conjunction with multivariate CUSUM and EWMA charts to avoid potential inertia problems. Examples are given to illustrate the use of the proposed procedure.
The Role of Transnational Feminism in Psychology Complementary Visions

>> Denmark and Segovich’s (2012), Hyde’s (2012), and Marecek’s (2012) reflections on our article (Else-Quest & Grabe, 2012) further bolster the need for feminist psychology to investigate gender disparities in power. We offer a rejoinder that draws together the commonalities in our various perspectives by putting the study of structural power in a larger context. Echoing our call that ‘‘the political is personal,’’ Denmark and Segovich suggest that it is critical to ‘‘reduce upward’’ and consider the importance of country and culture in the psychology of women. Collaborative relationships with the United Nations can be effective in this process. Like Hyde, we share a concern that analyses using macro-level gender equity indicators in psychology be planned and interpreted carefully; indeed, this concern motivated our writing. Moreover, we maintain that the investigation of macro-level inequities (i.e., broad structural factors) as critical to the understanding of women’s psychological functioning is just one of many approaches that feminist researchers might employ. However, as with any approach, the research question should determine the method used. The question, in the example we put forth, is about identifying how structural patterns of domination and subjugation can impact women’s well-being. This approach should not substitute for a culturally sensitive investigation or means by which a researcher might generate knowledge about any given culture. We are well advised by Marecek that if our aims as researchers are to generate a richer understanding of gender subjectivities and gender relations, we should design approaches that are culturally appropriate and conducted in partnership with the women for whom the work most readily applies. Nevertheless, because of the inherent risks involved in using Western scholarship to influence women’s lives on a global scale, we offer three primary considerations that may help guard against the potential for Western psychology to further legitimize structures of domination. The first consideration involves an analysis of the tensions between universal and culturally relativistic human rights, as a parallel to understanding the role of ‘‘universal’’ (i.e., Western) theories and scholarship. Many feminists argue, for example, that universal norms surrounding women’s human rights, rather than culturally specific norms, can provide the theoretical
Intraventricular conduction delay: a prognostic marker in chronic heart failure

Chronic heart failure (CHF) is associated with high mortality, and there are several established clinical and laboratory parameters that predict mortality in CHF. The purpose of this study was (a) to identify the best ECG parameter that predicts mortality, (b) to evaluate the prognostic marker of ECG against well-established indicators of prognosis. Relevant data from 241 CHF patients were analysed retrospectively. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing and radionuclide ventriculogram were also performed where possible. The mean follow-up period was 31 months. On univariate analysis by the Cox proportional Hazard method, intraventricular conduction delay (IVCD) [P<0.0001, hazard ratio 1.017 (1.011-1.024)] and QTc [P<0.0001, hazard ratio 1.012 (1.006-1.017)] were identified as predictors of mortality. On bivariate analysis, IVCD and MVO2 were better predictors when combined together. A model based on multivariate analysis showed that IVCD, MVO2 and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) were the best predictors of mortality. The addition of plasma sodium, age and NYHA class had no added benefit on the predictive power of the model. Further analysis of IVCD and QTc showed that, for different cut-off values, IVCD is better than QTc, and that there is a graded increase in mortality with increasing value of IVCD. We have found that IVCD is an important ECG predictor of prognosis in patients with CHF.
Changes in aneurysm volume after endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Abstract Objective: The purpose of this study was to define changes in aneurysm volume after endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm. Methods: A total of 154 consecutive patients who underwent endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm with the Medtronic AneuRx stent graft at Stanford University Hospital were evaluated. During a mean follow-up period of 15.8 ± 11.3 months, serial computerized measurements of aneurysm volume and orthogonal maximal diameter were performed on helical computed tomographic scan data sets and maximal transverse diameter was measured manually from transverse computed tomographic images. Aortoiliac length (renal to hypogastric artery origin) was measured along the median luminal centerline and along the straight line. Results: Aneurysm volume increased immediately after endovascular repair (from 180.2 ± 69.9 mL to 187.9 ± 71.6 mL; P
Biomedical Visual Computing: Case Studies and Challenges

Advances in computational geometric modeling, imaging, and simulation let researchers build and test models of increasing complexity, generating unprecedented amounts of data. As recent research in biomedical applications illustrates, visualization will be critical in making this vast amount of data usable; it's also fundamental to understanding models of complex phenomena.
Report of the Committee on Physics of Soil-Moisture, 1937-38 (Effect of organic matter on the infiltration of water into soils)

The Committee has endeavored to review the present state of knowledge in this country relative to the effect of organic matter in the infiltration of water into soil. Rather than attempt to review the literature in the field, it was thought best to elicit replies from members of the Committee, and from a selected list of those the Committee thought may be interested in the subject. In an effort to get information and, at the same time, break down the problem, the following questions were asked: (1) Effect of incorporated organic matter on the rate of entry of water into soils (2) Effect on rate of entry of water into soil due to the presence of organic matter on the soil-surface (3) Effect of organic matter on the physical condition of the soil below it, in so far as it influences rate of entry of water into soils (4) Effect of surface-litter on filtering of silty water and thereby influencing the rate of entry of water into soil (5) Effect of the presence of organic matter in retarding runoff (6) Effect of organic matter on the water-holding capacity of soils (7) Change with time of the rate of entry of water into soil for measurements made while the rate was steady or unsteady
Fasting serum sulfate levels before and after development of osteoarthritis in participants of the veterans administration normative aging longitudinal study do not differ from levels in participants in whom osteoarthritis did not develop

Objective To determine whether the development of osteoarthritis (OA) in men over a 33-year period is related to lower sulfate levels in stored serum collected during that time interval. Methods Stored serum samples from participants in the Veterans Administration Normative Aging Study were assayed for sulfate by ion-exchange chromatography. Samples had been obtained every 3–5 years during part or all of a 33-year portion of the study. Sulfate levels were determined in serum from all participants who underwent knee replacement surgery and had evidence of radiographic hand OA, from some of the participants who had evidence of radiographic hand OA but had not undergone knee replacement surgery, from all participants who underwent knee replacement surgery but had no evidence of radiographic hand OA, and from age-matched participants who had no evidence of OA by history, physical examination, or hand radiography. Results Serum sulfate levels in participants, with or without radiographic hand OA and/or knee replacements, who were ages 34–72 years at the first examination, ranged from 0.21 mM to 0.51 mM over the course of a maximum of 33 years. Both the overall mean and median sulfate levels rose from 0.32 mM at age 40–50 years to 0.38 mM at age 70–80 years, and the overall mean and median for all ages was 0.36 mM. There were no significant differences in sulfate levels between subjects in any of the 4 groups. Conclusion There was no evidence of a relationship between these serum sulfate levels and the development of OA. However, all samples were collected after overnight fasting, and no participant was younger than age 34 years at the initiation of the study. It remains to be determined whether differences in the time of ingestion of daily dietary protein providing sulfate are related to the development of OA, or whether sulfate levels measured at an earlier age could be a factor.
STUDIES IN EDEMA : I. COMPARATIVE INVESTIGATION INTO THE ACTION OF CALCIUM CHLORIDE AND SODIUM CHLORIDE ON THE PRODUCTION OF URINE, INTESTINAL FLUID AND ASCITES.

1. The secretion of urine and the elimination of fluid through the intestinal canal which are caused by the intravenous injection of solution of 0.85 per cent. sodium chloride are decreased by the addition of calcium chloride to the sodium chloride solution. The secretion of urine is more markedly inhibited than is the elimination of fluid through the intestines. 2. In contradistinction to the decreased elimination of fluid through the kidneys and intestines, addition of calcium chloride to the sodium chloride solution increases markedly the transudation of fluid into the peritoneal cavity. To a certain degree the urine and ascites may be said to increase in an inverse proportion. 3. Although calcium chloride inhibits both absorption from and secretion into the intestines it seems to decrease the secretion more markedly than the absorption. 4. The action of calcium chloride in increasing the ascitic fluid is a double one: first, by diminishing the amount of urine secreted: secondly, by increasing the ascites independently of its action on the kidneys. The latter may be a direct action on the endothelial cells of the peritoneal cavity: this, however, must be determined by further investigations. 5. Addition of calcium chloride to the infused fluids increases the tendency to the occurrence of edema of the lungs. 6. Infusion of large quantities of fluid into animals dilutes the blood, but this dilution seems to be carried only to a certain degree— about 30 per cent.—and to be independent of the chemical character of the solution and of the function of the kidneys. 7. The presence or absence of the kidneys has a marked influence on the intestinal and ascitic fluids. When the averages of ascitic and intestinal fluids per 1,000 c.c. of retained fluid in non-nephrectomized animals and these fluids per 1,000 c.c. of infused fluid in nephrectomized animals are compared, more fluid is found in the case of the nephrectomized animals. This fact can only be explained in part by the shorter time necessary for the same amount of fluid to be retained in the case of the nephrectomized animals. Nephrectomy causes an increase of the ascites and the intestinal fluids through a mechanism which will have to be investigated by means of further experiments.
A Highly Compact Chaotic Cavity for Optical Trace Gas Sensing Applications

We present a novel chaotic cavity for in-situ trace gas sensing. The multi-pass cavity achieves ~15-m optical path length in a cavity of only 68 mL volume with little beam overlap on the mirror.
Characteristics of couples with poor outcome in dialysis home training.

Abstract Certain emotional reaction patterns of the couple , (rather than just that of the patient, as stated by Shea) [18] to the need for chronic dialysis may represent the greatest obstacle for successful rehabilitation. A selection procedure which considers the response of a spouse as part of a functional unit will enhance the chances of success, at least in the initial training. From this study several observations seem important. First, older couples generally handle the stress and demands of home training less well. Secondly, couples who respond to stress similarly (the identifiers) have more difficulty; in particular, this holds when the patient has a strong tendency toward excessive denial, dependency or regression. Conversely some hostility or anger on the part of the spouse may enhance rather than detract patient adaption to dialysis training and actually improve the chances of successful rehabilitation. Both of these factors may be of help in the successful selection of couples and prediction of a successful course of training for home dialysis.
On the representation of integers by p-adic diagonal forms

Abstract Let p be an odd prime, let d be a positive integer such that ( d , p −1)=1, let r denote the p -adic valuation of d and let m =1+3+3 2 +…+3 r . It is shown that for every p -adic integer n the equation Σ i =1 m X i d = n has a nontrivial p -adic solution. It is also shown that for all p -adic units a 1 , a 2 , a 3 , a 4 and all p -adic integers n the equation Σ i =1 4 a i X i p = n has a nontrivial p -adic solution. A corollary to each of these results is that every p -adic integer is a sum of four p th powers of p -adic integers.
Minor papilla cannulation and dorsal ductography in pancreas divisum

Until recently, pancreas divisum represented a major technical barrier to a complete evaluation of pancreatic ductal anatomy. Technical refinements have now made it possible to achieve minor papilla cannulation and dorsal ductography in more than 90% of attempts. In 120 consecutive dorsal ductograms, structural pathology was demonstrated in 36 subjects (30%): chronic pancreatitis in 23, pancreatic stones in 10, pseudocyst(s) in 4, ductal "cut-off" in 7, pancreatic cancer in 3, and partial agenesis in 1 (some patients had more than one finding). For patients in whom alcohol abuse was excluded, ductal pathology was present in 25%. Abnormal ventral ductograms were present in only 8% of cases, demonstrating that dorsal ductography has an appreciable additional diagnostic yield. When the clinical situation indicates the need for pancreatography, minor papilla cannulation should be performed if major papilla cannulation fails or reveals only the ventral pancreatogram of pancreas divisum.
Comparative Yield Efficiencies of Methyl Bromide Substitute Fumigants and Mulching Systems for Pepper Production in the Southeast

Methyl Bromide (MB) is one of the most effective and widely used commercial chemicals in agriculture and non-agricultural sectors respectively. The decision to phaseout MB by 2005 set the stage for scientists to come up with a non-less-toxic replacement alternative or combinations thereof. This study focused on comparing yield efficiencies of different MB substitute fumigants and mulching systems for pepper production in the Southeast. Results of this study depicted that pepper production is potentially maximized under the tel-pic-vap treatment which is the only fumigation method that yielded significant differences relative to at least one other alternative approach.
Effect of Poultry Excreta and Ground Ear Corn on Growth, Intake, and Digestion of Corn Stover Silage Diets by Yearling Dairy Heifers

Abstract Four complete diets, 1) 67.5% corn stover: 20.2% ground ear corn: 12.3% fresh poultry excreta (dry matter), 2) 52.7% corn stover:38% ear corn:9.3% poultry excreta, 3) 90% whole corn plant: 10% poultry excreta, and 4) 95.2% whole corn plant:4.8% soybean meal, were stored for 45 days above ground in sealed .02-cm plastic bag silos 2.4m wide×16.8m long. Resulting silages were fed to meet National Research Council recommendations of dry matter intake for .70-kg average daily gain to four groups of seven yearling Holstein heifers for 180 days. Heifers were housed in an open free-stall shed and fed individually via electronic feedgates. Four additional heifers were fed the same diets simultaneously in a 4×4 Latin square digestion trial. Dry matter intakes and average daily gains by the growth trial heifers fed diets in order were 6.3, .40; 5.8, .51; 7.3, .45; and 7.4, .56kg. Dry matter, energy, and crude protein digestibilities for diets in order were 60.4, 61.5, and 45.7; 65.7, 66.3, and 50.8; 68.8, 68.0, and 53.9; and 66.7, 69.2, and 53.7%. While intakes of corn stover diets were lower than whole corn plant diets, average daily gains and digestibility were not different.
Some problems associated with the control of distributed structures

Control of structures can be carried out conveniently by modal control, whereby the structure is controlled by controlling its modes. Modal control requires the estimation of the modal states for feedback, which can present a problem. One approach that does not require modal state estimation is direct feedback control, which implies collocated sensors and actuators. This paper examines some problems encountered in direct feedback control of distributed structures in conjunction with pole placement. A perturbation technique permits the computation of control gains for multi-input systems. The paper demonstrates that the difficulties experienced in using direct feedback in conjunction with pole placement are endemic to the approach.
Electron-ion collisions at medium energies. I. L 2 basis and resonance averaging

Treatment of the continuum spectrum of a scattering system by a discrete set of pseudostates generated by the diagonalization of the Hamiltonian in square-integrable basis functions results in spurious resonances. An energy-averaging procedure is formulated using the Stieltjes mean values for the spectral density. The connection between this L/sup 2/ basis approach to scattering problems and the stabilization method is discussed, and an improved form of the latter is derived.
Capabilities of a DT tokamak fusion neutron source for driving a spent nuclear fuel transmutation reactor

The capabilities of a DT fusion neutron source for driving a spent nuclear fuel transmutation reactor are characterized by identifying limits on transmutation rates that would be imposed by tokamak physics and engineering limitations on fusion neutron source performance. The need for spent nuclear fuel transmutation and the need for a neutron source to drive subcritical fission transmutation reactors are reviewed. The likely parameter ranges for tokamak neutron sources that could produce an interesting transmutation rate of 100s to 1000s of kg/FPY (where FPY stands for full power year) are identified (Pfus ≈ 10-100 MW, βN ≈ 2-3, Qp ≈ 2-5, R ≈ 3-5 m, I ≈ 6-10 MA). The electrical and thermal power characteristics of transmutation reactors driven by fusion and accelerator spallation neutron sources are compared. The status of fusion development vis-a-vis a neutron source is reviewed.
Collision-induced diffusion and vacancy migration in alkanethiol monolayers on Au(1 1 1)

Scanning tunneling microscopy is used to characterize the collision-induced migration of molecules within well-ordered octanethiol and nonanethiol self-assembled monolayers. A seeded molecular beam is used to create xenon atoms with a kinetic energy of 1.3 eV, and collisions with these atoms cause measurable changes in alkanethiol monolayer surface structure. Migration rates are calculated and compared for molecules in close-packed domains, at domain-boundary defects, and along the perimeter of vacancy-island defects. The number of nearest-neighbor molecules (within the 5 A lattice distance) is strongly predictive of molecular stability with respect to xenon bombardment, and the overall dependence of stability on nearest neighbors is well fit by a simple exponential curve. The incident direction of the molecular beam is not observed to influence the direction of molecular motion; however, in some cases, migration correlates strongly to surface lattice directions. Finally, there is no evidence that substrate restructuring or gold-atom diffusion accompanies alkanethiol migration under these non-equilibrium conditions.
Spirastrellolide E: Synthesis of an advanced C(1)-C(24) southern hemisphere

The synthesis of a C(1)–C(24) advanced southern hemisphere fragment towards the total synthesis of spirastrellolide E has been achieved. Highlights of the route include a highly convergent Type I Anion Relay Chemistry (ARC) tactic for fragment assembly, in conjunction with a directed, regioselective gold-catalyzed alkyne functionalization to generate the central unsaturated [6,6]-spiroketal.
Pharmacodynamic Considerations for Moderate and Deep Sedation

Moderate and deep sedation can be provided using various classes of drugs, each having unique mechanisms of action. While drugs within a given classification share similar mechanisms and effects, certain classes demonstrate superior efficacy but added concern regarding safety. This continuing education article will highlight essential principles of pharmacodynamics and apply these to drugs commonly used to produce moderate and deep sedation.
The economics of having children

When populations grow rapidly, per capita incomes rise less rapidly, because investment and technology cannot keep pace. Reduced fertility would reduce the ratio of dependent children to work age adults, increasing possible savings. Maximizing future incomes per capita means having completed families smaller than parents usually desire. In the United States if parents typically had 2.1 surviving children altogether, the net reproduction rate would fall to unity and a zero population growth might be achieved in a.d. 2060 at 345 millions. The political-social-economic problem is that each couple wants more children for itself than all couples collectively want other couples to have. The State may need to encourage fewer births per family through taxes and subsidies.
Obliquity factors for 60 Co and 4, 10, and 18 MV x rays for concrete, steel, and lead and angles of incidence between 0 and 70 degrees.

The attenuation of {sup 60}Co gamma rays and photons of 4, 10, and 18 MV x-ray beams by concrete, steel, and lead has been studied using the Monte Carlo technique for angles of incidence 0{degrees}, 30{degrees}, 45{degrees}, 60{degrees}, and 70{degrees}. Transmission factors have been determined down to < 2 x 10{sup {minus}5} in all cases. The results show that deviation from the obliquity factor increases with angle but is not significant for angles {le} 45{degrees}. AT 70{degrees} angle of incidence and a transmission factor of 10{sup {minus}5}, the obliquity factor varies between 1.2 and 1.9 for concrete, between 1.4 and 1.7 for steel, and between 1.4 and 1.5 for lead for the range of energies investigated. This amounts to an additional 86 and 50 cm of concrete, 25 and 23 cm of steel, and 8 and 14 cm of lead for {sup 60}Co and 18 MV x rays, respectively. The results for {sup 60}Co is concrete and lead are in good agreement with previously published experimental work. Fits to the data using mathematical models allow reconstruction of all data curves to better than 1% on average and 7% in the worst single case. 9 refs., 14 figs., 6 tabs.
Measurement of cyclic 3',5'-adenosine monophosphate synthesis in growing Escherichia coli.

The net synthesis of cAMP by an adenine auxotroph of Escherichia coli was measured by assaying the incorporation of tritium from [3H]-adenine into cyclic [3H] AMP during exponential growth. Synthesis of cAMP ceased abruptly when glucose was added to cells growing in glycerol and then recovered to an intermediate rate of synthesis after 0.5–1.0 generation. Cyclic AMP appeared to be synthesized from a precursor pool that turned over more rapidly than total cellular ATP. The rates of cAMP synthesis measured by this technique are compatible with the cellular levels of cAMP previously measured in this strain(3).
Ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme 3 delays human lens epithelial cells in metaphase.

PURPOSE. Ubc3/Cdc34 is a ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme (Ubc) with well established functions in the Gj-to-S-phase transition. Expecting to find similar effects in human lens epithelial cells (HLECs), the authors explored roles for this ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme in regulation of the HLEC cycle. METHODS. Catalytically incompetent Ubc3 (C88S, L97S), wild-type (wt)Ubc3, and mutant (mt)Ubc2 (C93A) were expressed in HLECs, by using an adenoviral vector, and cell cycle progression was assessed. RESULTS. Expression of mt- and wtUbc3, but not empty virus or mtUbc2, delayed the cell cycle in metaphase, rather than the expected G 1 phase. Expression of both Ubc3s also stabilized M-phase regulators, cyclin A, cyclin B, and securin. Thus, it appeared that the Ubc3 enzymes were playing roles different from canonical proteolytic functions in targeting G 1 /s regulators for degradation. We also directly investigated the effect of inhibiting the proteasome on the cell cycle of HLECs. When the proteasome inhibitor was added to S-phase cells, the M-phase regulators were stabilized, and the cells were arrested in the G 2 /M phase. In contrast, if the proteasome inhibitor was added before the cells entered the S phase, stabilization of the G 1 kinase inhibitors p21 WAF and p27 KIP was observed and the cells were arrested in the G 1 phase. CONCLUSIONS. The ubiquitin-proteasome pathway is involved in regulation of transitions between all phases of the HLEC cycle. However, in contrast with previously described roles for Ubc3 in governing G 1 /S transitions, expression of Ubc3 delays the HLEC cycle in metaphase. The data suggest novel roles for Ubc3 that do not involve the transfer of ubiquitin in the M phase in the HLEC cell cycle.
The influence of perceptual organizing responses on recall

This study was designed to explicate the results of a previous study conducted by Tresselt & Mayzner (1960) on incidental learning. Their Ss were administered one of three tasks which were designed to elicit different perceptual organizing responses on a list of 100 words. The performance of Ss on a test of free recall of the words were clearly influenced by the tasks. These results were interpreted to be in support of the hypothesis that learning is a function of the type of organizing response made. However, the results were possibly confounded by the total time the words were studied, since Ss in each task worked at their own rate. This experiment followed the method used by Tresselt and Mayzner with a control for total time of study. An analysis of these results confirmed the interpretation of Tresselt and Mayzner. The implications were discussed.
Contributions of Professor Samuel J. Williamson to biomagnetism research

Abstract Samuel J. Williamson, University Professor of Physics, New York University, left us at the early age of 65 on April 25, 2005 due to complications from Alzheimer's disease. He was one of the principal pioneers of biomagnetism research, working with his close colleague and partner Lloyd Kaufman, Professor of Psychology at NYU. Sam developed one of the first biomagnetometers together with Douglas Brenner. Sam along with his colleagues successfully made first recordings of magnetoencephalography (MEG) signals from the visual, somatosensory and motor cortices and later identified a tonotopic mapping in the auditory cortex. He also helped develop multi-channel and whole-head MEG systems and a new type of biomagnetometer called cryoSQUID. Sam popularized the current dipole analysis approach to interpret MEG signals and pioneered the concept of magnetic source imaging (MSI), which combines anatomical Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and MEG. He also made contributions to the area of liver and lung susceptometry. Sam was perhaps the most effective ambassador in our field of biomagnetism research, helping to strengthen cooperation among researchers within our field and also serving to promote this new research area to the rest of scientific community.
Adrenal insufficiency and response to corticosteroids in hypotensive critically ill children with cancer

Abstract Background Assessment and treatment of adrenal axis function in critically ill pediatric patients with oncologic disorders have not been well elucidated. Critically ill children with oncologic disorders may be at increased risk for adrenal insufficiency (AI). Objective The aim of the present study was to evaluate the incidence of AI in a cohort of hypotensive patients with oncologic disorders and the correlation of AI with hemodynamic response to corticosteroids. Design/Methods This is a retrospective review of pediatric oncology patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome and vasopressor-dependent shock receiving protocol-based adrenocorticotropin testing and steroid supplementation. Vasopressor dose requirements were evaluated before and after the initiation of corticosteroids. Absolute AI (AAI) was defined as baseline cortisol less than 18 μg/dL. Relative AI (RAI) was defined as δ-cortisol less than 9 μg/dL. Results Twenty patients received adrenocorticotropin testing; primary diagnoses were 13 hematologic malignancies and 7 solid tumors. The median age was 132 months (range, 4-224 months). The median fluid resuscitation was 80 mL/kg (range, 60-120 mL/kg), with 10 (50%) of 20 patients requiring mechanical ventilation for a median of 12 days. Overall, 10 (50%) of 20 patients met the definition for RAI, 15 (75%) of 20 met the definition for AAI, and 18 (90%) of 20 had either AAI or RAI. All patients received steroids: 18 (90%) of 20 on dopamine and 17 (85%) of 20 on norepinephrine. After the introduction of steroids, dosage of norepinephrine and dopamine was significantly reduced in 4 hours (P = .0001). Conclusions Both RAI and AAI were common in this cohort of critically ill pediatric patients with oncologic disorders. Introduction of steroids was associated with a significant reduction in vasopressors dose.
Does Robotic Technology Mitigate the Challenges of Large Prostate Size

Objectives For radical prostatectomy, the advantages of robotic surgery may facilitate precise dissection and improve functional outcomes. However, patients with larger prostates may still pose increased challenges because of impaired visualization and mobility in the pelvis. For this reason, we undertook a study to better understand the relationships between large prostate size and robotic prostatectomy outcomes with respect to intraoperative and pathologic factors. Methods Patients undergoing robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy from 2003 to 2008 at our institution were included in this retrospective study. Prostate size was categorized into 3 groups ( 100 g). We compared surgical and quality of life (Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite [EPIC] scores) outcomes among groups using generalized linear models and chi-square testing. Results Patients with the largest prostates had longer operative times (>100 vs P 100 vs P = .01). Conversely, these patients had fewer positive surgical margins and lower Gleason sums (both P 100 vs P 100 vs P P = .92, P = .88, respectively). Recovery of continence was relatively sluggish compared with that in patients with the smallest prostates (>100 vs P = .03). Conclusions Not surprisingly, larger prostate size was associated with increased operative times and blood loss, although of questionable clinical significance. While these patients appeared to benefit regarding irritative symptoms, recovery of continence was delayed. Longer follow-up is needed to further assess recovery.
CALCULATION OF ELECTROSTATIC EFFECTS AT THE AMINO TERMINUS OF AN ALPHA HELIX

It is generally believed that the electrostatic field arising from the dipolar charge distribution in alpha helices is important for protein structure and function. We report a calculation of the electrostatic potential and field at the amino terminus of an alpha helix in water, obtained from a finite difference solution to the Poisson-Boltzmann equation. This method takes into account the detailed helix shape and charge distribution, as well as solvent, and generalized ionic strength effects. The calculated potential and field are found to be in good agreement with the experimentally observed helix-induced Stark effect and pKa shifts of a probe at the N-terminus of a stable, monomeric alpha-helical peptide (Lockhart and Kim, 1992, 1993). Ionic screening effects are reproduced at low salt concentrations. Deviations at higher salt concentrations may result from specific ion effects (specific ion-solute and/or ion-solvent interactions). The FDPB method was used to analyze the contributions from each residue, charged side chains, and solvent to the helix potential and field. Backbone contributions come primarily from the first one to two helical turns. Charged side chains contribute to helix-induced pKa shifts for certain probe-peptide combinations, even at relatively large distances from the probe (> 14 A).
Exploring Mothers’ and Fathers’ Relationships with Sons Versus Daughters: Links to Adolescent Adjustment in Mexican Immigrant Families

Drawing on ecological and gender socialization perspectives, this study examined mothers’ and fathers’ relationships with young adolescents, exploring differences between mothers and fathers, for sons versus daughters, and as a function of parents’ division of paid labor. Mexican immigrant families (N = 162) participated in home interviews and seven nightly phone calls. Findings revealed that mothers reported higher levels of acceptance toward adolescents and greater knowledge of adolescents’ daily activities than did fathers, and mothers spent more time with daughters than with sons. Linkages between parent-adolescent relationship qualities and youth adjustment were moderated by adolescent gender and parents’ division of paid labor. Findings revealed, for example, stronger associations between parent–adolescent relationship qualities and youth adjustment for girls than for boys.
Glutamate cysteine ligase catalysis: dependence on ATP and modifier subunit for regulation of tissue glutathione levels.

Glutamate cysteine ligase (GCL), which synthesizes γ-glutamyl-cysteine (γ-GC), is the rate-limiting enzyme in GSH biosynthesis. γ-GC may be produced by the catalytic subunit GCLC or by the holoenzyme (GCLholo), which comprises GCLC and the modifier subunit GCLM. The Gclm(–/–) knock-out mouse shows tissue levels of GSH that are between 9 and 40% of the Gclm(+/+) wild-type mouse. In the present study, we used recombinant GCLC and GCLM and Gclm(–/–) mice to examine the role of GCLM on γ-GC synthesis by GCLholo. GCLM decreased the Km for ATP by ∼6-fold and, similar to other species, decreased the Km for glutamate and increased the Ki for feedback inhibition by GSH. Furthermore, GCLM increased by 4.4-fold the Kcat for γ-GC synthesis; this difference in catalytic efficiency of GCLholo versus GCLC allowed us to derive a mathematical relationship for γ-GC production and to determine the relative levels of GCLholo and GCLC; in homogenates of brain, liver, and lung, the ratio of GCLC to GCLholo was 7.0, 2.0, and 3.5, respectively. In kidney, however, the relationship between GCLC and GCLholo was complicated. Kidney contains GCLholo, free GCLC, and free GCLM, and free GCLC in kidney cannot interact with GCLM. Taken together, we conclude that, in most tissues, GCLM is limiting, suggesting that an increase in GCLM alone would increase γ-GC synthesis. On the other hand, our results from kidney suggest that γ-GC synthesis may be controlled post-translationally.
Reduced levels of the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) protein are associated with ceramide-induced apoptosis of colon cancer cells

Mutations of the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) and p53 genes are commonly found in colorectal cancers. We therefore analyzed the relative roles of APC and p53 in the induction of apoptosis of colon cancer cells by comparing the effects of the natural chemopreventive agent, C2-ceramide, on different human colon cancer cell lines with and without wild-type p53 and APC genes. We studied the effect of C2-ceramide and C2-dihydroceramide on proliferation and/or apoptosis of colon cancer cell lines in vitro and determined the role of p53 and APC proteins in these processes. The protein and mRNA levels in colon cancer cell lines with and without treatments were determined by Western and Northern blot analysis, respectively. The cell cycle and apoptosis profiles were determined by FACS analysis and PARP-1 cleavage. Our findings indicate that C2-ceramide can induce apoptosis independently of the p53/p21(Waf-1/Cip-1) pathway. In addition, the C2-ceramide induction of apoptosis showed a correlation with a reduction in the levels of the APC protein and mRNA. Moreover, the C2-ceramide-induced apoptosis was blocked by pre-treatment with ZnCl2, which stabilizes APC protein levels. These results suggest that C2-ceramide treatment reduces the levels of APC protein and that the reduction in the levels of this protein plays a key role in the ability of C2-ceramide to induce apoptosis of colon cancer cells.
The information rich employee and information for decision making: Review and comments

Abstract This paper deals with the broad concept of management of organizational information. More specifically, it examines the notion of information richness—that phenomenon by which certain individuals are better able to acquire, process and utilize information than are other individuals in the organization. Based on an analysis of relevant research findings some tentative hypotheses relating management and organizational information richness are suggested. In conclusion, a number of managerial implications of the notion of organizational information richness are discussed.
Laparoscopically Assisted Testicular Autotransplantation for Management of the Intra-Abdominal Undescended Testis

AbstractPurpose: The intra-abdominal testis continues to present a considerable urological challenge and the approach to its management continues to evolve. We report our initial experience with laparoscopically assisted testicular autotransplantation.Materials and Methods: An intra-abdominal testicle was identified laparoscopically in 5 patients who subsequently underwent testicular autotransplantation.Results: The success rate was 100 percent and median operative time was 5 hours. All patients were discharged home the day after surgery with no complications and a good result.Conclusions: Because of success with this technique, this procedure offers significant advantages (decreased hospital stay and lower morbidity) than an open or 2-stage Fowler-Stephens approach.
Archaeology, biology and conservation on islands in the Gulf of California

Urgent threats to the Gulf of California ecosystem from modern human activity obscure the fact that humans have interacted with native plants and animals for millennia. Archaeological and historical evidence suggests that indigenous peoples occupied both sides of the Gulf some 13 000 calendar years ago and that they eventually inhabited six major islands and visited most smaller ones. Biologists have increasingly realized that these peoples probably played a role in shaping island biotic communities extant today. How much of a role is unknown, but the best places to find evidence may be archaeological sites, which often contain remains of plants and animals directly used by prehistoric peoples. The opportunity to investigate the interaction between early humans and island biota may be lost because modern island visitors endanger sites. Many people, whether boaters, ecotourists, government officials, scientists or artefact collectors, enjoy picking up artefacts. Small surface sites, with exposed remains, can be completely denuded in minutes. Visitors to small islands can obliterate entire archaeological records, thereby creating the illusion of pristine islands. This problem is bound to worsen as Mexico implements Escalera Nautica, a chain of marinas specifically intended to multiply manyfold the boating population. The Mexican government's management plan for Gulf islands, published in 2000, recognizes only a general need to manage cultural resources. Specific mechanisms for protecting sites should be developed. These should educate visitors about the importance of the archaeological record and the destructiveness of collecting. They should also provide adequate enforcement of Mexico's existing antiquities laws. Conserving the archaeological resources may be the best way of preserving biological data essential to island biogeographers and ecologists.
Facilitation by estrogen of sexual reflexes in female cats.

Abstract Nine adult, ovariectomized, female cats administered an exogenous estrogen displayed sexual responses, including the spinal reflexes of lateral tail deviation and treading of the back legs with sexually active male cats. Some of the animals displayed the same reflexes to perineal stimulation by the experimenter. A spinal transection was performed and 60 days later, when neurological spinal shock had subsided and strength of somatic reflexes had stabilized for several weeks, animals were tested for sexual reflexes before and after estrogen administration. Two spinal animals displayed partial sexual reflexes before the estrogen administration. Following estrogen administration facilitation of tail deviation and treading occurred in these two as well as five of the other 7 animals. These and other observations suggest that the display of these sexual reflexes in intact female cats can not only be influenced by supraspinal mechanisms presumably reflecting visual, olfactory, and auditory stimulation, but are activated as well by the action of estrogen at the spinal level.