cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Epidemiology and heterogeneity of asthma

Learning Objectives The primary objective of this review is to discuss the prevalence, risk factors, and natural history of asthma and its relationship to chronic airflow obstruction. Data Sources A review of PubMed (National Library of Medicine) articles on these topics for the years 1995 through 2000 was performed. In addition, references identified some other review articles, and discussions with experts in the field were included. The review represents a synthesis of these sources and the expert opinion of the author. Study Selection The expert opinion of the author was used to select the relevant data for the review. Results Asthma is a disease that begins in early childhood with more than 90% of cases diagnosed by the age of 6 years. Recall bias for early life events, coupled with growth and lung function, leads to a high prevalence of the intermediate phenotypes of allergy and airways responsiveness in early adult life. Interaction of these intermediate phenotypes with environmental exposures results in recurrent disease which often appears to be incidental to the practitioner, but is actually a recapitulation of early childhood events. Conclusions With the development of half a million new cases each year, asthma could be characterized as an epidemic. Increased airways responsiveness and an asthma diagnosis in later adult life are associated with an accelerated decline in lung function and the development of chronic obstructive lung disease.
The Development of the Commutativity Principle and Economical Addition Strategies

What is the relationship between the principle of commutativity and the development of addition strategies that disregard addend order? It has been proposed that the assumption (Conjecture 1) or discovery (Conjecture 2) of commutativity is a necessary condition for the invention of such advanced addition strategies. A third hypothesis suggests that children may invent labor-saving addition strategies without necessarily appreciating the commutativity principle. This study tested the three conjectures by evaluating 36 kindergartners on two types of commutativity tasks. Both tasks involved predicting whether commuted and noncommuted pairs of problems would produce the same or different answers. Commutativity was not naturally assumed by children (as proposed by Conjecture 1), but appeared to be discovered. However, contrary to Conjecture 2 and consistent with Conjecture 3, an understanding of commutativity was not evident in all those who invented labor-saving addition strategies. This study also confirmed ...
Collateral function is impaired in aged F344 × BN rats with aortic pathology

Introduction: This study was performed to determine if hindlimb collateral function is impaired in a rat model which develops age-related vascular pathology similar to that observed in humans. Methods: Rats aged 6 (n = 6) and 24 (n = 6) months were studied. Under pentobarbital anesthesia, iliac artery blood flow was measured before and during occlusion of the femoral artery. The thoracic aorta, abdominal aorta, iliac arteries, and femoral arteries were harvested after perfusion fixation with paraformaldehyde and subsequently plastic embedded, sectioned, and stained. Results: Prior to occlusion, iliac flows were 3.0 ± 0.01 mL/min and 3.5 ± 0.02 mL/min respectively in 6 and 24 month old rats. After occlusion in the young rats, flow dropped initially by 0.8 ± 0.01 mL/min and then recovered by 0.7 ± 0.02 mL/min, essentially reaching pre-occlusion values. In 24 month old animals, flow decreased initially by 0.9 ± 0.01 mL/min but only recovered 0.4 ± 0.01 mL/min (p < 0.05). Intimal thickening was apparent only in the thoracic aorta of 24 month old animals. Conclusions: The increase in iliac artery blood flow after femoral artery occlusion reflects dilation of collateral vessels. The reduced compensation in older animals suggests that flow-dependent collateral dilation is reduced. This is consistent with studies which have demonstrated a progressive increase in endothelial dysfunction with aging. These observations together with the aortic pathology are consistent with the hypothesis that vascular aging not only promotes large vessel pathology, but also suppresses the capacity for compensation such as collateral dilation.
Determinants of state aid and voluntary support of higher education

Abstract This paper uses a disaggregated approach to examine the determinants of state aid and voluntary contributions to institutions of higher education. The results for state aid suggest that institutional quality, statewide demand for higher education, legislative concern for equity and institution effort, and success in intercollegiate athletics are important determinants. The results for voluntary support differ among various categories of support, with institutional quality and size, public relations efforts, and success in intercollegiate athletics having differential explanatory power.
Editorial: a letter from the editor

This PDF file contains the editorial “Editorial: A Letter from the Editor” for JBO Vol. 1 Issue 01
Synthetic gene for the hepatitis C virus nucleocapsid protein

A synthetic gene encoding the hepatitis C virus (HCV) nucleocapsid protein was constructed and expressed in E. coli. To synthesize this gene, we developed a new method that results in the enzymatic synthesis of long polydeoxyribonucleotides from oligodeoxyribonucleotides. The method, designated as the 'Exchangeable Template Reaction' (ETR), uses oligonucleotides as templates for DNA polymerase. A special mechanism was designed to exchange the templates during the polymerase reaction. The mechanism relies on the formation of a single-stranded 3'-protrusion at the 'growing point' of the elongating DNA such that it can be subsequently annealed, in a sequence-specific manner, with the next synthetic oligonucleotide. When annealed to the 3'-protrusion, the added oligonucleotide becomes a template for DNA polymerase, and the protruding 3'-end of the double-stranded DNA is used as the primer. The HCV nucleocapsid gene was assembled with DNA ligase from three fragments synthesized by ETR. The data verify that this method is efficient. The main advantage of ETR is the ability to combine more than two oligonucleotides in one tube together with polymerase and an enzymatic activity that produces a 3'-protrusion (e.g., BstXI) rather than the sequential addition of each component. The data demonstrate that as many as five oligonucleotides can be used simultaneously, resulting in a synthesized DNA fragment of designed sequence. The synthetic gene expressed in E. coli produced a 27 kDa protein that specifically interacted with antibodies from sera obtained from HCV-infected individuals.
Dissociation of spatial attention and saccade preparation

The goal of this experiment was to determine whether the allocation of attention necessarily requires saccade preparation. To dissociate the focus of attention from the endpoint of a saccade, macaque monkeys were trained to perform visual search for a uniquely colored rectangle and shift gaze either toward or opposite this color singleton according to its orientation. A vertical singleton cued a prosaccade, a horizontal singleton, an antisaccade. Saccade preparation was probed by measuring the direction of saccades evoked by intracortical microstimulation of the frontal eye fields at variable times after presentation of the search array. Eye movements evoked on prosaccade trials deviated progressively toward the singleton that was also the endpoint of the correct eye movement. However, eye movements evoked on antisaccade trials never deviated toward the singleton but only progressively toward the location opposite the singleton. This occurred even though previous work showed that on antisaccade trials most neurons in frontal eye fields initially select the singleton while attention is allocated to distinguish its shape. Thus, sensorimotor structures can covertly orient attention without preparing a saccade.
Approximate Analyses of the Refractive Attenuation of Laser Beam Intensities by Turbulent Absorbing Media

Consideration is given to certain physical phenomena that can attenuate the intensity of a laser beam by refractively spreading or scattering the beam as it propagates. The total attenuation caused by these effects can be well above the usual geometric spreading and absorption losses. Two specific phenomena are analyzed: the nonlinear thermal blooming of the beam (thermal lens effect) and the spreading caused by random variations of the index of refraction of the medium in which the beam is propagating (turbulence effects). The intent of the investigation is to obtain reasonably simple analytic expressions that can be used to estimate or set bounds on the extent of the attenuation. Such expressions are obtained for both the transient and the steady-state effects of thermal blooming when the medium is moving relative to the laser beam, and various estimates are also obtained for the turbulence-induced attenuation of the peak intensity of a beam. For comparison, estimates are also given of the effective attenution of the beam when it is viewed by a fixed observer, if there are random variations in its direction of propagation.
Biological Control of Water Hyacinth Under Conditions of Maintenance Management: Can Herbicides and Insects Be Integrated?

We hypothesized that repeated herbicidal (maintenance) control of water hyacinth infestations in Florida suppressed biological control agent populations, especially the weevils Neochetina eichhorniae and N. bru- chi. We therefore sampled water hyacinth and weevil popu- lations at 54 sites distributed statewide. Half were under maintenance control, half were not treated with herbicides. General site conditions were assessed, demographic data were collected on weevil and plant populations, the repro- ductive condition of the weevils was determined, and plant nutrient and proximate composition of water hyacinth leaves were analyzed. Water hyacinth infestations under mainte- nance control were minimal when compared to unmanaged sites. Likewise, on a population basis, all weevil cohorts were much lower due to the paucity of plants. Plants at un- managed sites, where weevil intensities were much higher, suffered high levels of stress and showed low growth poten- tial. Lower percentages of the female weevils were repro- ductive at unmanaged sites when compared to managed sites, so densities of reproductives and immatures were similar at both site types. Reproductive status of the weevils improved with increased plant quality. Plant quality, in turn, declined as stresses arising from weevil feeding increased. Plant quality was positively correlated with plant growth po- tential and flower production. Thus, maintenance control im- proved plant nutritive quality thereby inducing reproductive vigor of the weevils, but ensuring plant regrowth and the need for future control. This suggests that biological and herbicidal controls should be integrated, using herbicides to maintain water hyacinth infestations below management thresholds but in a manner that conserves biological control agent populations. This approach would lead to improved plant nutritional quality that would, in turn, stimulate repro- duction in biological control agent populations.
Catecholamine response to exercise in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

The objective of this study was to examine differences in catecholamine (CA) response to exercise between children who had received a diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and age- and gender-matched controls. On the basis of the notion of a CA dysfunction in ADHD, we reasoned that the normal robust increase in circulating CA seen in response to exercise would be blunted in children with ADHD. To test this, we recruited 10 treatment-naive children with newly diagnosed ADHD and 8 age-matched controls (all male) and measured CA response to an exercise test in which the work was scaled to each subject's physical capability. After exercise, epinephrine and norepinephrine increased in both control and ADHD subjects (p = 0.006 and p = 0.002, respectively), but the responses were substantially blunted in the ADHD group (p = 0.018) even though the work performed did not differ from controls. Circulating dopamine increased significantly in the control subjects (p < 0.016), but no increase was noted in the subjects with ADHD. Finally, a significant attenuation in the lactate response to exercise was found in ADHD (between groups, p < 0.005). Our data suggest that CA excretion after exercise challenges in children with ADHD is deficient. This deficiency can be detected using a minimally invasive, nonpharmacologic challenge.
Behavioral health needs and problem recognition by older adults receiving home-based aging services.

Objective Older adults' recognition of a behavioral health need is one of the strongest predictors of their use of behavioral health services. Thus, study aims were to examine behavioral health problems in a sample of older adults receiving home-based aging services, their recognition of behavioral health problems, and covariates of problem recognition. Methods The study design was cross-sectional. Older adults (n = 141) receiving home-based aging services completed interviews that included: Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV; Brief Symptom Inventory-18; attitudinal scales of stigma, expectations regarding aging, and thought suppression; behavioral health treatment experience; and questions about recognition of behavioral health problems. Results Thirty (21.9%) participants received an Axis I diagnosis (depressive, anxiety, or substance); another 17 (12.1%) were diagnosed with an adjustment disorder. Participants were more likely to recognize having a problem if they had an Axis I diagnosis, more distress on the BSI-18, family member or friend with a behavioral health problem, and greater thought suppression. In logistic regression, participants who identified a family member or friend with a behavioral health problem were more likely to identify having a behavioral health problem themselves. Conclusions Findings suggest that older adults receiving home-based aging services who recognize behavioral health problems are more likely to have a psychiatric diagnosis or be experiencing significant distress, and they are more familiar with behavioral health problems in others. This familiarity may facilitate treatment planning; thus, older adults with behavioral health problems who do not report familiarity of problems in others likely require additional education. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Predetermination of Sound Pressure Levels of Magnetic Noise of Polyphase Induction Motors [includes discussion]

This paper gives a general procedure for calculating in decibels the slot frequency sound pressure level produced by a polyphase induction motor operating at any arbitrary speed and load. To do this, it is necessary, first, to calculate the frequencies, pole numbers, and magnitudes of the important air-gap magnetic fields; second, to calculate from these the frequencies and magnitudes of those air-gap force waves with relatively few nodes that are most likely to produce noise; third, to calculate the stiffness and resonant frequencies of the core and frame structure for vibrations of low numbers of nodes; fourth, from all these, to calculate the radial deflections of the stator core and frame that are due to the significant slot frequency force waves; and, fifth, to calculate the decibel level of sound pressure at any point in space that is caused by the calculated deflection of the frame. After outlining the procedure required for these five steps in some detail, the paper gives the numerical results of calculations and the corresponding test sound levels for a particular 4-pole, 30-horsepower polyphase induction motor of open-frame construction. Calculations and tests were made for six operating conditions with different loads, voltages, and line frequencies. The calculated values for the six conditions were 86, 88, 91, 75, 62, and 82 decibels respectively, and the corresponding test values were 88, 90, 94, 74, 64, and 85, showing excellent agreement.
Usefulness of Live Three-Dimensional Transthoracic Echocardiography in Aortic Valve Stenosis Evaluation

Aortic valve stenosis (AS) severity can be estimated by various modalities. Due to some of the limitations of the currently available methods, the usefulness of live three-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography (3D TTE) in the assessment of AS was explored. Live 3D TTE was able to visualize the aortic valve orifice in all 11 patients studied. Live 3D TTE correctly estimated the severity of AS in all 10 patients in whom AS severity could be evaluated at surgery. These included eight patients with severe AS and two with moderate AS. Two of these 10 patients with AS had associated hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and underwent myectomy at the time of aortic valve replacement. Aortic valve orifice area measurements by live 3D TTE correlated well with intraoperative three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiographic reconstruction measurements (r=0.85) but not as well with two-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography measurements (r=0.64). Live 3D TTE measurements of the aortic valve orifice area also did not correlate well with two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography measurements (r=0.46) but the number of patients studied with two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography was smaller (only seven) and four of these did not undergo two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography at the authors' institution. Altogether, four patients with severe AS by live 3D TTE, and subsequently confirmed at surgery, were misdiagnosed as having moderate AS by two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography. Because it is completely noninvasive and views the aortic valve in three dimensions, 3D TTE could be a useful complement to the existing modalities in the evaluation of AS severity.
The pain behavior check list (PBCL): factor structure and psychometric properties

The construct of “pain behaviors” as observable and measurable manifestations of pain occupies a central role in Fordyce's operant model of pain. The present study was designed to evaluate the multidimensional nature of the construct and to explore the psychometric properties of a newly developed self-report instrument called the Pain Behavior Check List (PBCL). Subjects were 126 chronic pain patients who completed an initial version of the PBCL and other standardized questionnaires as part of their evaluation by the West Haven VAMC. Factor analysis identified four factors labeled Distorted Ambulation, Affective Distress, Facial/Audible Expressions, and Seeking Help. Substantial reliability and stability estimates for the total PBCL and the subscales support the potential clinical and theoretical utility of the instrument.
Use of 99m Tc-MDP SPECT for assessment of mandibular growth: development of normal values

Planar scintigraphy using 99mTc-labeled methylene diphosphonate (99mTc-MDP) has been established as a method for evaluating mandibular growth and asymmetry. However, 99mTc-MDP single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) provides improved image contrast and quantitative capability potentially allowing the clinician to make a more accurate assessment of the stage of activity of normal and asymmetric mandibular growth. The purpose of this study was to utilize 99mTc-MDP SPECT in normal subjects to develop a standardized approach to imaging the mandible that could subsequently be used to evaluate patients with potential for mandibular growth abnormalities. Thirty-two patients (22 females, 10 males, 8–25 years of age, mean of 14 years) having 99mTc-MDP bone scans (7.4 MBq/kg, maximum of 518 MBq) for indications not involving the head were asked to have an additional SPECT that included the mandibular condyles. Internal (clivus) and external (source of known activity included within the field of view) standards were both investigated. Two- and three-dimensional (2-D and 3-D) regions of interest (ROI) were drawn over each condyle and the clivus in a single slice containing the maximum pixel value within the structure. A 3-D ROI was also drawn about the external standard. Maximum and average pixel values within the 2-D and 3-D ROIs were recorded. Correlation analysis indicated that essentially the same information was obtained whether the maximum or average pixel value within a 2-D or 3-D ROI was used. The right to left ratio provided a parameter that can be used to assess the magnitude of mandibular metabolic asymmetry. Use of an external standard provides the potential for quantifying condylar uptake for assessment of the activity of mandibular growth. Normal ranges for different age groups were determined for condylar uptake using both internal and external standards. 99mTc-MDP SPECT provides a quantitative method for assessing mandibular condylar uptake as a reflection of the activity of mandibular growth. The maximum pixel value of a 2-D ROI using external standardization and the right to left ratio of the condylar uptake provide the potential for quantitative evaluation of patients with mandibular asymmetry. These parameters will be further evaluated in an upcoming clinical investigation.
Defense budgetary processes in the third world: Does regime type make a difference?

(1988). Defense budgetary processes in the third world: Does regime type make a difference? Arms Control: Vol. 9, No. 2, pp. 186-200.
A proteomics approach to understanding protein ubiquitination

There is a growing need for techniques that can identify and characterize protein modifications on a large or global scale. We report here a proteomics approach to enrich, recover, and identify ubiquitin conjugates from Saccharomyces cerevisiae lysate. Ubiquitin conjugates from a strain expressing 6xHis-tagged ubiquitin were isolated, proteolyzed with trypsin and analyzed by multidimensional liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC/LC-MS/MS) for amino acid sequence determination. We identified 1,075 proteins from the sample. In addition, we detected 110 precise ubiquitination sites present in 72 ubiquitin-protein conjugates. Finally, ubiquitin itself was found to be modified at seven lysine residues providing evidence for unexpected diversity in polyubiquitin chain topology in vivo. The methodology described here provides a general tool for the large-scale analysis and characterization of protein ubiquitination.
The First Sexual Experience Among Adolescent Girls With and Without Disabilities

First sexual intercourse is an important experience in the young adult life course. While previous research has examined racial, gender, and socioeconomic differences in the characteristics of first sexual intercourse, less is known about differences by disability status. Using a racially diverse (27% Black, 20% Hispanic, and 53% non-Hispanic white) sample of 2,729 adolescent girls aged 12–24 at first sexual intercourse from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997, this article examines the association between disability and type of first sexual relationship, degree of discussion about birth control, and pregnancy wantedness. Regression analyses indicate that girls with mild or learning or emotional disabilities experience first sexual intercourse in different types of relationships than girls without disabilities. Adolescents with learning or emotional conditions have greater levels of discussion about birth control with their first sexual partners than those without disabilities. In addition, among those who do not use birth control at first sexual intercourse, girls with multiple or seriously limiting conditions are more likely to want a pregnancy—versus not want a pregnancy—at first sexual intercourse. Findings indicate that disability status is important to consider when examining adolescent sexuality; however, not all youth with disabilities have equal experiences.
Slippage Effects of the Conservation Reserve Program: Reply

Given that the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) costs taxpayers $2 billion per year and remains the largest conservation program in U.S. history, Roberts and Bucholtz are to be commended for revisiting the slippage issue. However, their central point that regional variation in CRP acreage is endogenous is inconsistent with CRP implementation rules and data. Thus, it is not surprising that the null hypothesis of exogeneity cannot be rejected by statistical tests.
Recreational Fishing as Tourism

Abstract In addition to being an outdoor recreation activity for residents in each state, fishing can also be considered a form of tourism when anglers cross state lines to go fishing. Efforts are underway in each state to promote tourism, including recreational fishing, in the name of economic development. These efforts are usually independent from fishery management. Data from the “1996 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation” were analyzed to indicate the extent that various states attract anglers to their states as well as supply anglers to others. The top five destination states in terms of days of fishing by nonresidents were Minnesota, Florida, Wisconsin, North Carolina, and New York. The top five states in numbers of resident fishing days exported to other states were Illinois, Texas, Pennsylvania, California, and Virginia. A stakeholder perspective including managers and resident anglers is presented to illustrate the diversity of thought on the fishing as tourism ...
Development of a multi-modal, flexible tactile sensing skin using polymer micromachining

Inspired by the superior functionality of biological skin, we report a first multi-modal, flexible, and robust tactile sensing skin based on polymer substrates. The demonstrated device successfully incorporates multiple sensor modalities into a compact "node" for evaluating contact forces and film curvature, as well as the relative hardness, thermal conductivity, and temperature of the contacted object. Sensing is accomplished via thin film metal gold heaters, nickel RTDs (Resistance Temperature Device), and NiCr (nichrome) strain gauges. Built on a micromachined polyimide (DuPont Kapton HN200) film, the sensors provide qualitative measurements of contact object properties. Experimental characterization of the sensors' performance presented.
Regulation of vascular smooth muscle cell expression and function of matrix metalloproteinases is mediated by estrogen and progesterone exposure

Objective Postmenopausal women receiving hormone replacement therapy (HRT) have been reported to have more adverse outcomes after vascular reconstructions, including increased intimal hyperplasia development and bypass graft failure. HRT may be affecting the pathway contributing to intimal hyperplasia. An important component of this pathway involves matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), implicated in vascular remodeling due to their ability to degrade components of the extracellular matrix. We hypothesize that estrogen (Est) and progesterone (Prog) upregulate the MMP pathway in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) thereby increasing MMP activity and function. Methods and Results VSMCs were incubated with Est (5 ng/mL), Prog (50 ng/mL), Est + Prog combination (Est/Prog), and/or doxycycline (40 μg/mL; Doxy). Using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis we have previously shown membrane type 1-MMP (MT1-MMP) messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) levels are significantly increased by Est. Here, Western blot analyses indicated MT1-MMP and MMP-2 protein levels, not tissue inhibitor of MMP-2 (TIMP-2), were increased in response to Est and Est/Prog ( P P P P P P Conclusion Estrogen and progesterone affects the MMP pathway by increasing MMP-2 enzymatic activity, possibly via the upregulation of MT1-MMP expression without a corresponding increase in TIMP expression. This increased collagenase activity increases VSMC motility and their ability to migrate through a collagen type IV lattice. Est/Prog upregulation of MT1-MMP may contribute to the adverse effect of HRT on vascular interventions.
Geometric Properties of Contacts Involving a Deformable Object

Deformable object modeling has been widely used in computer graphics rendering and haptic rendering. We observe that many deformable objects in our daily lives are not totally arbitrary and preserve some geometric properties under deformation related to physical properties. In this paper we derive from physical properties some geometric properties of contacts between a rigid object and an elastic object that govern the shape change of the elastic object under deformation. Both local and global deformation are considered. These properties could be useful for more physically accurate and faster simulation and collision detection involving such deformable objects in many applications.
EXPERIMENTAL SYPHILIS IN THE RABBIT : III. LOCAL DISSEMINATION, LOCAL RECURRENCE, AND INVOLVEMENT OF REGIONAL LYMPHATICS.

From a study of the phenomena of the primary infection on the one hand, and the phenomena of local spread, or dissemination, on the other, it is seen that a multiplicity of lesions develops in the testicle and scrotum of the rabbit which have much the same characteristics irrespective of their origin. Some of these lesions are clearly recognizable as primary lesions or parts of a primary reaction to infection, while others are just as clearly the results of dissemination of the virus from a primary focus of infection or correspond with lesions which are commonly spoken of as secondary lesions. The effort to draw a sharp line of distinction between these two groups of lesions or between a primary and a secondary stage of infection in the rabbit, however, would be largely an arbitrary procedure. The fact is that the tissues of the scrotum and testicle of the rabbit constitute favorable surroundings for the localization and development of pallidum infections. Under ordinary circumstances, a large part of the reaction to infection which expresses itself in the formation of lesions recognizable by ordinary methods of examination takes place in these tissues. These lesions present certain broad and general characteristics without regard to whether they are primary or secondary in origin; the reaction is merely a reaction to a syphilitic infection which in either case may assume the most diverse character. Further, it would appear that in rabbits infected with such strains of Treponema pallidum as we have used, the virus is never confined to the area occupied by the so called primary lesion, or chancre, but always spreads and always gives rise to a regional adenopathy. There may be no lesions to indicate the progress of this dissemination, but an examination of the inguinal nodes shows that dissemination occurs very soon after inoculation, and a pallidum reaction may be detected in these glands even before infection can be recognized in the scrotum. Subsequently lesions develop in all parts of the scrotum and testicle, sometimes involving the entire testicle or scrotum, and at others, forming focalized lesions with an especial predilection for certain locations such as the epididymis, the mediastinum testis, the tunics, and the dorsal folds of the scrotum. In some instances, more or less continuous lesions form along the course of the perivascular lymphatics, suggesting that this is one path taken in the dissemination of the organism. It is probable, however, that lesions of a gross character develop more as a result of accumulation of spirochetes than of mere invasion of the lymphatics since they are not a constant accompaniment of the local infection, while invasion of the lymphatics and extension of the infection to the regional lymph nodes occur in all cases.
Differences that do matter: A dialectic analysis of individual characteristics and personality dimensions contributing to computer anxiety

Computer anxiety, as defined and operationalized in the human-computer studies literature, has been synonymous with negative thoughts and attitudes about the use of computers. This approach, together with correlational analyses that have formed the mainstay of research on computer anxiety, invokes two important points. First, it can be argued that computer anxiety, by definition, implies an attitude that is indicative of an extremity of thoughts and dispositions. Second, if one were to reject the strictly clinical definition of computer anxiety and adopt the more traditional measurements as well as the attendant statistical analyses based on the full sample, there is the clear possibility of dilution of statistically significant relations by observations in the middle range. This paper adopts Weil and Rosen's [Weil, M. M., & Rosen, L. D. (1995). The psychological impact of technology from a global perspective: a study of technological sophistication and computer anxiety in university students from twenty-three countries. Computers in Human Behavior, 11(1), 95-133] definition of computer anxiety in terms of anxiety about interactions with computers and negative global attitudes, and ''negative cognitions'' or ''self-critical internal dialogs''. Using data from a study of 242 graduate and undergraduate students at a small private university in Western New York, the sample is segmented into high and low computer anxiety groups. These groups are then tested for significant differences in individual characteristics, including the Big Five personality dimensions, computer experience, math and verbal skills, and cognitive orientation. It is found that three of the personality dimensions (Neuroticism, Openness, and Agreeableness), one aspect of cognitive orientation (Flexibility), and verbal skills show statistically significant differences between the two groups. The evidence with respect to math skills and computer experience is mixed. Interpretation of results is presented. Limitations, delimitations, and potential directions for future research are discussed.
Importance of Essential Fatty Acids and Their Derivatives in Poultry

More than thirty-five years have passed since essential fatty acid requirements were demonstrated for poultry. Subsequent studies were conducted to establish a recommended level of linoleic acid for growing poultry. Although a requirement of 1% linoleic acid is suggested, a critical evaluation of the nutritional and metabolic significance of essential fatty acids is lacking. Perhaps alpha-linolenic acid is also essential, but direct evidence is not yet available. Recent literature indicates that several individual fatty acids, including the polyunsaturates derived from essential fatty acids, are biologically active. Furthermore, the numerous eicosanoids biosynthesized from specific polyunsaturates act as either cellular autocrine or paracrine signaling agents. Formation of eicosanoids is ubiquitous in tissues and organs, and these compounds influence nearly all systems in mammalian species. However, although such compounds have been studied extensively in mammalian systems, the formation of polyunsaturates, the biosynthesis of eicosanoids and the biological effects of these compounds have not been intensely studied in domestic poultry.
An unsupervised learning algorithm for the sequential classification of patterns using static nets

A flexible training algorithm which would enable static nets to perform sequential classification of input patterns is proposed. This algorithm allows the net to iteratively formulate a suitable target output sequence for each input sequence without any supervision. The algorithm is tested on a neural net specially designed to classify time-sensitive input patterns. Test results (for speaker independent word recognition) using a spatiotemporal network suggest that the method works well with feedforward nets trained using backpropagation. >
Re: counterpoint: rationing on the fly: the opportunity cost of clinical guidelines.

Adoption of new guidelines must be balanced by the reduction of other care during visits since such care delivery is a zero sum game bounded by time. The resulting deletion of care is done ad hoc in the midst of busy visits. This results in a problem—rationing— the solution for which is not
Production of volatile sulfur compounds in Cheddar cheese slurries

Abstract The influence of Lactococcus lactis ssp. cremoris S2, Brevibacterium linens BL2 and pure B. Linens BL2 l -methionine γ-lyase (MGL) enzyme on the production of volatile sulfur compounds (VSC) in aseptic cheese slurries was investigated. Cheese curd was prepared with L. lactis ssp. cremoris S2 and by direct acidification with l -glucono δ-lactone. B. linens BL2 and MGL were added to the slurries made by each method. Significant differences (P
The Meteoritical Bulletin, No. 80, 1996 July

— The Meteoritical Bulletin No. 80 lists data for 178 meteorites. Noteworthy are 3 HED meteorites (ALH 88102, Hammadah al Hamra (HaH) 059, and Monticello); 3 ureilites (HaH 064, HaH 126, and Dar al Gani (DaG) 084); 4 irons (Baygorria (IAB), Ste. Croix (IIIAB), Sargiin Gobi (IAB), and Tarahumara (IIE)); an unusual metal-rich meteorite (Vermillion); 8 carbonaceous chondrites (HaH 043 (C03), HaH 073 (C4), DaG 055 (C3) and 5 C03 chondrites (probably paired) from DaG); an R chondrite (DaG 013); and 6 unequilibrated ordinary chondrites (ALH 88105 (L3), Camel Donga 016 (L3), HaH 093 (LL3.9), HaH 096 (LL(L)3), Richfield (LL3.7), and Sarir Quattusah (LL(L)3)). Three recent falls of ordinary chondrites (Coleman (LL5), St. Robert (H5), and Tsukuba (H5-6)) are described.
Prevalence, etiology, and consequences of anemia and clinical and economic benefits of anemia correction in patients with chronic kidney disease: an overview.

Purpose. The prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and anemia in the United States, classification scheme for CKD, definition of anemia, etiology and consequences of anemia in patients with CKD, and the clinical and economic benefits of correcting anemia are described. Summary. Approximately 20 million people in the United States population have CKD, and 2–4 million of these may also have anemia, which often goes undetected and untreated. Patients with CKD are now classified into five stages based on the degree of kidney function impairment. Here, anemia is caused by insufficient erythropoietin production, and may occur as early as stage 3 CKD. Potential consequences of anemia include cognitive impairment, angina, and the cardiorenal anemia syndrome, a triad of worsening anemia, worsening CKD, and worsening congestive heart failure. Treatment of anemia in predialysis patients with stage 2–4 CKD may slow renal disease progression and improve energy, work capacity, health-related quality of life, and cardiac function. Optimizing the hemoglobin or hematocrit value before initiating dialysis may reduce mortality. Anemia contributes to significant healthcare costs associated with CKD. Substitution of the subcutaneous route of administration for the intravenous route of administration for epoetin alfa can reduce drug acquisition and healthcare costs, the two largest components of healthcare costs in CKD patients. Efforts to slow the progression of CKD could also have a substantial impact on hospitalizations and costs. Conclusion. Correcting anemia has the potential to improve clinical and economic outcomes in patients with CKD.
The clinical significance of systolic hypertension

Large-scale epidemiologic studies and clinical trials have contributed to an increased recognition of the importance of systolic hypertension. Data from landmark epidemiologic studies such as the Multiple Risk Factor Intervention Trial screenee follow-up and the Framingham Heart Study have demonstrated that elevated systolic blood pressure dramatically increases the risk of cardiovascular events. Of particular concern is the extremely high risk associated with isolated systolic hypertension (ISH), which is much more common in the elderly than in young adults. Clinical trials have identified significant risk reductions after treatment with diuretics or the dihydropyridine calcium antagonist nitrendipine in older individuals with ISH. Beta blockers have not been associated with such benefits. The recently released sixth report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC VI) recommends drug therapy for all patients with stage 1 (140 to 159 mm Hg) or stage 2-3 (> or = 160 mm Hg) systolic hypertension, whether it occurs in isolation or in conjunction with diastolic hypertension. The sixth JNC report identified diuretics as the initial therapy of choice, with a long-acting dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker as an alternative if diuretics are ineffective or not well tolerated. More research is needed to evaluate other classes of drugs in this setting. Regardless of the choice of therapy, patients should be encouraged to adopt lifestyle modifications such as weight loss, exercise, sodium restriction, and reduced alcohol consumption.
Age of pairing affects reproduction in prairie voles

The effect of the age at pairing on reproduction of weanling prairie voles was studied. The proportion of pairs producing a litter within 60 days was influenced significantly by the age at pairing. More voles paired at 31 days of age produced litters than those paired at 21 days of age. Assuming a gestation interval of 21 days, the earliest mating occurred around 33 days of age in both groups. On average, successful matings did not occur until voles were housed together for 2 to 3 weeks. No other measured variables were affected by age of pairing.
Metabolic engineering for improved fermentation of pentoses by yeasts

The fermentation of xylose is essential for the bioconversion of lignocellulose to fuels and chemicals, but wild-type strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae do not metabolize xylose, so researchers have engineered xylose metabolism in this yeast. Glucose transporters mediate xylose uptake, but no transporter specific for xylose has yet been identified. Over-expressing genes for aldose (xylose) reductase, xylitol dehydrogenase and moderate levels of xylulokinase enable xylose assimilation and fermentation, but a balanced supply of NAD(P) and NAD(P)H must be maintained to avoid xylitol production. Reducing production of NADPH by blocking the oxidative pentose phosphate cycle can reduce xylitol formation, but this occurs at the expense of xylose assimilation. Respiration is critical for growth on xylose by both native xylose-fermenting yeasts and recombinant S, cerevisiae. Anaerobic growth by recombinant mutants has been reported. Reducing the respiration capacity of xylose-metabolizing yeasts increases ethanol production. Recently, two routes for arabinose metabolism have been engineered in S. cerevisiae and adapted strains of Pichia stipitis have been shown to ferment hydrolysates with ethanol yields of 0.45 g g−1 sugar consumed, so commercialization seems feasible for some applications.
The genera Spongiococcum and Neospongiococcum (Chlorophyceae, Chlorococcales): III. New species, biochemical characteristics and a summary key*,†

Abstract Part I of this series emended tbe genus Spongiococcum, erected the genus Neospongiococcum, and described the multinucleate species of the new genus (Deason, 1971). Part II described the species of Neospongiococcum with walls labile in oxalic acid, oxalo-acetic acid, or NaOH (Deason & Cox, 1971). In part III, additional multinucleate species and the remaining uninucleate species have been described. Three new combinations also have been made. Biochemical characteristics of the strains have been listed, and a summary key to the species has been provided.
Interactions Between the Augmentatively Released Predaceous Mite Galendromus occidentalis (Acari: Phytoseiidae) and Naturally Occurring Generalist Predators

Predatory mite releases can be an effective means of managing spider mites in many perennial cropping systems, yet little research has been performed in annual cropping systems. Herein we evaluate the compatibility of predaceous mite releases with the conservation of resident natural enemies in an annual agroecosystem. We quantify the impact of naturally occurring generalist predators, Geocoris spp. and Orius tristicolor White, and the omnivore Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande), on the establishment of the western predatory mite Galendromus occidentalis (Nesbitt) and how these predator-predator interactions influence spider mite control. Field experiments showed that in the absence of generalist predators, released predatory mites can establish populations on cotton, increase in abundance through reproductive recruitment, and suppress spider mite populations. Hemipteran predators had a negative impact on predatory mite populations but generally improved spider mite suppression. The presence of F. occidentalis had no impact on predatory mite performance.
Effect of Exercise Training on Aortic Tone in Chronic Renal Insufficiency

BACKGROUND Chronic renal insufficiency (CRI) is associated with a high incidence of hypertension (HTN), endothelial dysfunction, atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. Sedentary life style increases, whereas regular exercise reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. This study was designed to test the effect of regular exercise on vasodilatory and vasoconstrictive responses of the thoracic aorta in rats with renal mass reduction. METHODS One week after 5/6 nephrectomy (CRI) or sham operation (control), rats were housed in either regular cages or cages equipped with running wheels for 4 weeks. Thereafter, thoracic aorta was harvested and contractile response to potassium and phenylephrine (PhE), and relaxation response to acetylcholine (ACh) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) were determined. RESULTS Compared with the control animals, sedentary CRI animals exhibited significant azotemia, proteinuria, HTN, oxidative stress, and increased sensitivity to potassium and PhE, and reduced sensitivity to ACh and SNP. Exercise training for 4 weeks reduced oxidative stress, reversed CRI-induced heightened sensitivity of the aorta to PhE and potassium, and restored its sensitivity to ACh (but not SNP) without affecting arterial pressure or renal function. CONCLUSIONS CRI results in heightened sensitivity to potassium- and alpha-1 adrenergic-mediated contractility and depressed sensitivity to endothelium-dependent relaxation in the aorta. Regular exercise improves these abnormalities without affecting arterial pressure or renal function. These observations suggest that exercise training can improve vascular function in animals, and perhaps humans, with chronic kidney disease.
Latino community-based participatory research studies: a model for conducting bilingual translations.

Many behavioral health materials have not been translated into Spanish. Of those that are available in Spanish, some of them have not been translated correctly, many are only appropriate for a subgroup of Latinos, and/or multiple versions of the same materials exist. This article describes an innovative model of conducting bilingual English–Spanish translations as part of community-based participatory research studies and provides recommendations based on this model. In this article, the traditional process of conducting bilingual translations is reviewed, and an innovative model for conducting translations in collaboration with community partners is described. Finally, recommendations for conducting future health research studies with community partners are provided. Researchers, health care providers, educators, and community partners will benefit from learning about this innovative model that helps produce materials that are more culturally appropriate than those that are produced with the most commonly used method of conducting translations.