cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Redefining the metropolitan area

The wide variations between cities in area, density of population, and suburban relationships make it difficult to set up a definition applicable everywhere.
Cloud-based robot grasping with the google object recognition engine

Rapidly expanding internet resources and wireless networking have potential to liberate robots and automation systems from limited onboard computation, memory, and software. “Cloud Robotics” describes an approach that recognizes the wide availability of networking and incorporates open-source elements to greatly extend earlier concepts of “Online Robots” and “Networked Robots”. In this paper we consider how cloud-based data and computation can facilitate 3D robot grasping. We present a system architecture, implemented prototype, and initial experimental data for a cloud-based robot grasping system that incorporates a Willow Garage PR2 robot with onboard color and depth cameras, Google's proprietary object recognition engine, the Point Cloud Library (PCL) for pose estimation, Columbia University's GraspIt! toolkit and OpenRAVE for 3D grasping and our prior approach to sampling-based grasp analysis to address uncertainty in pose. We report data from experiments in recognition (a recall rate of 80% for the objects in our test set), pose estimation (failure rate under 14%), and grasping (failure rate under 23%) and initial results on recall and false positives in larger data sets using confidence measures.
SELECTING THE BEST HOME RANGE MODEL: AN INFORMATION‐THEORETIC APPROACH

Choosing an appropriate home range model is important for describing space use by animals and understanding the ecological processes affecting animal movement. Traditional approaches for choosing among home range models have not resulted in general, consistent, and unambiguous criteria that can be applied to individual data sets. We present a new application of information-theoretic model selection that overcomes many of the limitations of traditional approaches, as follows. (1) It alleviates the need to know the true home range to assess home range models, thus allowing performance to be evaluated with data on individual animals. (2) The best model can be chosen from a set of candidate models with the proper balance between fit and complexity. (3) If candidate home range models are based on underlying ecological processes, researchers can use the selected model not only to describe the home range, but also to infer the importance of various ecological processes affecting animal movements within the home range.
Family-Oriented Patient Care through the Residency Training Cycle

Because family oriented patient care improves patient outcome and reduces family burden, clinical family skills of communication assessment alliance and support are part of core competencies required of all residents. Teaching residents to “think family” as part of core competencies and to reach out to families requires change in the teaching environment. This article advocates teaching residents family skills throughout the training years as an integrated part of routine patient care rather than in isolated family clinics or a course in “family therapy.” It reviews family skills required of residents in all treatment settings and family skills that are specific to inpatient, emergency room, outpatient, and consultation-liaison services. Families can be seen in multiple treatment settings throughout resident training using recent research to support appropriate interventions for patients and caregivers. The process of establishing change in the training environment requires a commitment on the part of the training faculty to include families, but is possible within the current training framework.
Constraints on the number of maximal independent sets in graphs

A maximal independent set of a graph G is an independent set that is not contained properly in any other independent set of G. Let i(G) denote the number of maximal independent sets of G. Here, we prove two conjectures, suggested by P. Erdos, that the maximum number of maximal independent sets among all graphs of order n in a family Φ is o(3n/3) if Φ is either a family of connected graphs such that the largest value of maximum degrees among all graphs of order n in Φ is o(n) or a family of graphs such that the approaches infinity as n → ∞. © 1994 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Investigations of MgF2 Optical Thin Films Prepared from Autoclaved Sol

MgF2 thin films with ultra low refractive indices were obtained by sol–gel method using sols prepared from magnesium acetate and hydrofluoric acid. The sols were autoclaved in a Teflon cell at 100–180°C for 24 h and then coated on SiO2 glass or CaF2 crystal substrates by spin coating. Subsequently, the samples were heat treated at 150°C for 1 h. The optical properties of the thin films, such as refractive index and transmittance, were investigated in the UV region, especially in the deep UV (DUV, below 250 nm) region. Though the coatings consist of single layers, both samples exhibited high transmittance. In addition, they exhibit such antireflection effect over a very wide range of wavelength. Such a good antireflection effect was produced only by low refractive indices. It has also been confirmed that, even in the range of vacuum UV (VUV, 200–150 nm), CaF2 samples with antireflection coatings could keep such a good antireflection effect.
Who likes math where? Gender differences in eighth-graders’ attitudes around the world

Some of the most male-dominated science, technology, engineering and mathematics occupations and degree programmes are found in the world’s most affluent societies. This article assesses whether gender gaps in attitudes follow similarly surprising patterns. Multivariate analysis of eighth-graders’ affinity for mathematics and aspirations for mathematically related jobs in 53 countries shows that the attitudinal gender gap is indeed larger in affluent ‘postmaterialist’ societies. Moreover, both girls and boys view mathematics more negatively in these societies. The authors suggest that cultural ideals of individual self-expression, highly prevalent under conditions of broad-based existential security, operate to reduce girls’ and boys’ interest in pursuits thought to be economically practical but personally non-expressive. Girls may be particularly susceptible to this negative effect, because taken-for-granted cultural beliefs about core female personality traits (and girls’ gendered understandings of thei...
Nasal physiological reactivity of subjects with nonallergic rhinitis to cold air provocation: a pilot comparison of subgroups.

Background Noninfectious nonallergic rhinitis (NINAR) is characterized by self-reported hyperreactivity to nonspecific physical or chemical stimuli. The relationship between these two classes of triggers is not well established, however. We compared NINAR subjects with predominantly physical or chemical triggers versus normal controls with respect to subjective (symptomatic) and objective (obstructive) responses to cold, dry air challenge. Methods We studied 14 NINAR subjects and 10 normal controls. Exposures consisted of 15 minutes of cold dry air (0 degrees C/5% RH) or warm moist air (25 degrees C/50% RH) on two separate days a week apart. Subjects rated symptoms using visual analog scales and had their nasal airway resistance measured at baseline, immediately after, and at 15-minute intervals for 1 hour postexposure. Results The majority of NINAR subjects reported physical triggers as more troublesome than chemical. Immediately postprovocation, the mean net proportional change in nasal airway resistance from baseline was +0.18 in NINAR (physical), +0.05 in NINAR (chemical), and -0.01 in control subjects (NS). However, a pooled linear regression by number of physical triggers (0-5) revealed a 7.5% increase in cold air-induced nasal airway resistance per trigger reported (p or=1 to >or=2 also distinguished NINAR subjects from controls in a bivariate analysis. Conclusion Either considering self-reported physical triggers as a continuous scale (0-5) or requiring more physical triggers (>or=2 rather than >or=1) to define NINAR successfully predicts objective nasal reactivity to cold air provocation.
An observation on the toxicity of hexavalent chromium to Daphnia magna

Abstract Juvenile (12 ± 12 h old) and adult Daphnia magna were exposed to hexavalent chromium concentrations between 10 and 1000 μg l . The LC50-96 h was 50 μg 1 for both juveniles and adults. No reproduction occurred at the LC50 concentration when exposure was initiated on the first day of life. Both life span and reproduction were significantly reduced at the lowest concentration tested. These results suggest the need for further work on toxicity of chromium in aquatic ecosystems.
Phyletic size change and brain/body allometry: A consideration based on the African pongids and other primates

A problematic aspect of brain/body allometry is the frequency of interspecific series which exhibit allometry coefficients of approximately 0.33. This coefficient is significantly lower than the 0.66 value which is usually taken to be the interspecific norm. A number of explanations have been forwarded to account for this finding. These include (1) intraspecificallometry explanations, (2) nonallometric explanations, and (3) Jerison’s “extraneurons” hypothesis, among others. The African apes, which exhibit a lowered interspecific allometry coefficient, are used here to consider previous explanations. These are found to be inadequate in a number of ways, and an alternative explanation is proposed. This explanation is based on patterns of brain and body size change during ontogeny and phytogeny. It is argued that the interspecific allometry coefficient in African apes parallels the intraspecific one because similar ontogenetic modifications of body growth separate large and small forms along each curve. In both cases, body size differences are produced primarily by growth in later postnatal periods, during which little brain growth occurs. Data on body growth, neonatal scaling, and various lifehistory traits support this explanation. This work extends previous warnings that sizecorrected estimates of relative brain size may not correspond very closely to our understanding of the behavioral capacities of certain species in lineages characterized by rapid change in body size.
THE INFLUENCE OF STUDY ABROAD ON THE MODERNIZATION OF JAPAN AND CHINA FROM THE MID 1800S TO THE EARLY 1900S

This study will clarify views of ideological or theoretical frameworks in the literature of the influence of study abroad on the modernization of Japan and China in order to present further possible ways to research in this field.
Specific TLC tissue residue determination of sulfadiazine following fluorescamine derivatization

A spectrodensitometric method for the direct determination of sulfadiazine at the tissue residue level (0.1 ppm) is based upon the measurement of the fluorescence of a sulfadiazine-fluorescamine derivative formed directly on a TLC plate by dipping it into a fluorescamine solution. The linear dynamic range for the assay is about 150 from 200 to 0.2 ng, the lower limit of sensitivity. Recoveries from various spiked tissues including milk, eggs, liver, kidneys, muscle, skin, and fat varied with the tissue type but were reproducible. The assay technique has also been used for the assay of sulfamethoxazole and has been explored for use in specifically assaying sulfonamide mixtures.
Computerized Interpretation of the Luria-Nebraska Neuropsychological Battery: A Pilot Study:

Programs for the computer analysis and interpretation of neuropsychological test data have been developed in recent years. In this paper, a new computer program, with initial validation data, is presented. Diagnostic hit rate for brain damage was 80% (52 of 65). For the extent of brain damage the hit rate was 60% (12 of 20). When laterality was considered, the hit rate was 71% (10 of 14). These results are comparable with computer programs for data from the Halstead-Reitan Neuropsychology Test Battery.
Graphene-based tunable metamaterial terahertz filters

We propose and describe a micro-machined tunable metamaterial terahertz filter based on graphene. The device structure consists of periodic metallic rings with several gaps where tunable graphene stripes are located. We demonstrate that the filter resonance frequency can be adjusted easily by varying the conductivity of graphene and implement this by changing the number of stacked graphene layers. Moreover, the proposed design is scalable, in the sense that the resonance frequency tuning can be controlled by scaling the inner and outer radius of the metal rings. Using numerical simulations and terahertz time-domain spectroscopy measurements of the fabricated samples, we show that the resonance frequency of the structure can be altered by 40% (i.e., from ∼0.2 THz to ∼0.12 THz) by simply tuning the conductivity of graphene. Importantly, the active area of the device is ≪0.1% of the total unit cell area, which can boost the device speed upon electrostatic actuation.
Commentary on Wanda Orlikowski's ‘Material knowing: the scaffolding of human knowledgeability’

First, I have to declare a bias. I love Wanda Orlikowski's work. It's insightful, reflexive, thought-provoking, draws on literature that spans boundaries that we academics often create for our own ...
Young cancer survivors achieve unassisted pregnancies at a rate similar to healthy controls despite impaired measures of ovarian reserve

of Dundee Drug Discovery Unit library collections. Changes in fluorescence were measured using the FlexStation 3. RESULTS: Progesterone elicited a reproducible concentration dependent increase in [Ca]i with a calculated pEC50 of 6.9. A z’ value of >0.5 was routinely calculated for the assay using a maximally active concentration of progesterone (10mM). CONCLUSION: Following initial screening of a focussed ion channel compound library, a number of novel compounds were identified, with similar activity to progesterone, and now the subject of further evaluation. This may hold therapeutic options for male fertility. Supported by: This study was funded by Tenovus Scotland.
Calculation of infrared band intensities of methylene chloride in vapour and liquid phases

Abstract Infrared band intensities of three isotopic species of methylene chloride have been measured in the vapour phase and in dilute solution, and the results obtained for each phase have been interpreted on the basis of the valence-optical theory. The eleven intensity parameters determining the band intensities of these species have been obtained using the method of least squares from the observed intensities, and those parameters estimated for each phase have been compared in relation to the observed spectral changes.
Modified signed-digit trinary addition using synthetic wavelet filter

The modified signed-digit (MSD) number system has been a topic of interest as it allows for parallel carry-free addition of two numbers for digital optical computing. In this paper, harmonic wavelet joint transform (HWJT)-based correlation technique is introduced for optical implementation of MSD trinary adder implementation. The realization of the carry-propagation-free addition of MSD trinary numerals is demonstrated using synthetic HWJT correlator model. It is also shown that the proposed synthetic wavelet filter-based correlator shows high performance in logic processing. Simulation results are presented to validate the performance of the proposed technique.
Enhanced frequency and magnitude of episodic luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone discharge as a hypothalamic mechanism for increased luteinizing hormone secretion.

Abstract LH is secreted by the pituitary in a series of pulses which reflect the episodic release of LRH by the hypothalamus in response to neurally mediated processes. This study examined whether gonadal steroids might exert their negative feedback effects on LH secretion by modulating either the frequency or magnitude of LRH pulses. In the absence of sufficiently sensitive plasma LRH assays, we utilized an indirect method to assess LRH secretion by analyzing the frequency and amplitude of plasma LH pulses and simultaneously measuring the acute pituitary sensitivity to exogenous LRH. Ten normal men received clomiphene citrate to interrupt the LH-estradiol negative feedback loop and thereby stimulate LH secretion. This treatment resulted in an increase (P < 0.05) in the frequency of LH pulses observed on day 8 of the study (4.3 ± 0.26 pulses/6 h) compared to basal (3.2 ± 0.25). The amplitude of spontaneous LH pulses also rose during clomiphene from basal levels of 28 ± 3.2 to a maximum of 58 ± 5.3 ng/ml. ...
Is There a Doctor in the House?: The Impact of Users on Medical Device Innovation

In this study we explore the innovation impact that users have as executives, directors, and inventors in new firms. While users frequently advice firms as members of advisory boards or as external...
CLARK-TROW ORIENTATION, USE OF STUDENT SERVICES, AND POTENTIAL TRANSFER BY MORNING AND EVENING COLLEGE STUDENTS

68 students from four first-semester classes in English showed students' orientations on the Clark-Trow typology were related to attendance and transfer. Factors influencing behavior were identified.
Names for Companion Stars

I HAVE been expecting to see some comment in NATURE upon Sir Oliver Lodge's suggestion under the above title in the issue of March 13, 1926, but none seems to have appeared. It is not my purpose to dwell upon the propriety of naming so insignificant and dense an object as the companion to Sirius for one whose contributions to science have been so large and brilliant. It is the suggestion regarding the companion to Algol that needs comment. Vogel's contributions to the art of measuring radial velocities put him in the first rank, but they do not include the discovery of the first spectroscopic binary. As this is an error that has often been repeated it may be well to set down the facts.
Improving the detection of degradants and impurities in pharmaceutical drug products by applying mass spectral and chromatographic searching.

Abstract Liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) and NMR are commonly used to identify metabolites, impurities and degradation products in the pharmaceutical industry. To more efficiently deal with the large volumes of data these techniques generate, software programs have been developed by various vendors to assist in the identification of these compounds through the use of spectral and chromatographic search algorithms. The feasibility of using such programs for detecting drug degradants and impurities is assessed. A number of compounds encompassing a wide range of both chemical and pharmaceutical properties were tested using LC/UV/MS and the spectral/chromatographic search algorithm MetaboLynx™ (Micromass UK Ltd.) to determine the feasibility of detecting analytes at low concentrations. In addition, drug product and stressed drug substance samples containing quinapril hydrochloride, the active ingredient in Accupril® tablets, were determined by liquid chromatography with atmospheric pressure ionization–time-of-flight (API LC–TOF) and an API LC–quadrupole (Q) mass spectrometer, and the resulting data was processed using MetaboLynx. The ability of this program to detect and list a variety of analytes known to be present in the samples was evaluated. The combination of LC/UV, LC/MS and spectral/chromatographic searching is a valuable tool for the detection of impurities at low levels.
Laboratory evaluation of commercial trichogrammatid products for potential use against Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae).

Abstract In laboratory experiments we compared the mortality of Plutella xylostella L. eggs induced by six products of trichogrammatid egg parasitoids. Five of the species were commercially available, and the sixth is under development. Each of the six products represented a single species of trichogrammatid ( Trichogrammatoidea bactrae Nagaraja, Trichogramma pretiosum Riley, T. ostriniae Pan & Chen, T. platneri Nagarkatti, T. minutum Riley, or T. brassicae Bezd.), concomitantly with any characteristics inherent with the commercialized culturing of the species (e.g., sex ratio and host upon which they were reared). Host mortality was assessed as the sum of percent parasitism and other direct induced mortality (e.g., host feeding). Three products ( T. bactrae, T. pretiosum, and T. minutum ) caused the highest mortalities (95 to 98%) of P. xylostella eggs, indicating that the focus of further greenhouse and field studies should be on these products. Inconsistent responses between shipments were observed within most of the products, indicating potential problems with quality control. Two products, T. bactrae and T. pretiosum, demonstrated the highest rates of mortality caused by parasitism of P. xylostella eggs (69 to 72%). Mortality caused by factors other than parasitism was high in two of the products. Two products, T. minutum and T. platneri, demonstrated the highest levels of nonparasitic mortalities (60 to 63%, or nearly two-thirds of the total mortality by each of these products). Important considerations for evaluating host mortality are discussed.
Analysis of RNA and protein synthesis in temperature-sensitive mutants of Tetrahymena pyriformis.

Temperature-sensitive mutants of Tetrahymena pyriformis which had previously been selected for their inability to grow at 38°C but which grew normally (or near normally) at 30°C were characterized with respect to their patterns of RNA and protein accumulation at both the permissive and nonpermissive temperatures. Out of 116 such mutants, the majority (72) acted like wild type for these accumulations during a 3 h labelling period although some of them stopped dividing during this time. The remainder exhibited a variety of altered phenotypes for the rate, extent, and timing of RNA and/or protein accumulation. Those mutants which exhibited selective inhibition of RNA accumulation, and were thus potential ribosomal RNA (rRNA) mutants, were further characterized by examining patterns of protein and RNA synthesis in cells starved at the permissive temperature, but re-fed at the permissive and non-permissive temperatures. At least five different types of mutants as defined by patterns of protein and RNA synthesis in refed cells were identified. Direct analysis of the RNA synthesized in cells from 2 of these types of mutants showed that in 5 out of 6 cases rRNA synthesis and/or processing was inhibited within 30 min after shifting to the non-permissive temperature. The other mutant examined was found to show a delayed inhibition of rRNA synthesis.
Update: Toward image-guided robotic surgery: determining the intrinsic accuracy of the daVinci-S robot

Early in 2006, Intuitive Surgical (Sunnyvale, CA, USA) released their next generation robotic surgery system, the daVinci-S. While the S is an update on the daVinci surgical system it has significantly different structures. This led to the belief that there might be differences in the accuracy and precision of the daVinci-S as compared to the daVinci “classic”. In a previous study, we measured the accuracy of the daVinci “classic” to be 1.02 mm throughout its work volume (Kwartowitz et al. in Int J Comput Assist Radiol Surg 1:159–165, 2006) In this study we evaluated the accuracy of the daVinci-S using the same protocol as was used for the daVinci “classic”. The localization error is found to be 1.05 mm, which is essentially the same as the measured error for the daVinci “classic”. It is concluded that the daVinci-S is an appropriate localizer for a robotic image guided surgery (RIGS) system.
Clinician attitudes, social norms and intentions to use a computer-assisted intervention.

Abstract The National Drug Abuse Treatment Clinical Trials Network (CTN) works to bridge the gap between research and practice and tested a Web-delivered psychosocial intervention (the Therapeutic Education System, TES) in 10 community treatment centers. Computer-assisted therapies, such as Web-delivered interventions, may improve the consistency and efficiency of treatment for alcohol and drug use disorders. Prior to the start of the study, we surveyed counselors ( N =96) in participating treatment centers and assessed counselor attitudes, perceived social norms and intentions to use a Web-delivered intervention. Analysis of the intention to adopt a Web-delivered intervention assessed the influence of attitudes and perceived social norms. Perceived social norms were a significant contributor to clinician intention to adopt Web-based interventions while attitude was not. To promote successful implementation, it may be helpful to create social norms supportive of computer-assisted therapies.
High-Spatial-Resolution OH Rotational Temperature Measurements in an Atmospheric-Pressure Flame Using an Indium-Based Resonance Ionization Detector

The use of a resonance ionization photon detector (RID) is described for the measurement of flame temperatures with a spatial resolution of less than 100 μm. The detector, based on the two-step excitation of indium atoms, with subsequent collisional ionization, was used to record rotational excitation scans of OH in an atmospheric-pressure acetylene/ air flame. The OH excitation spectra were recorded by scanning an "excitation" laser in the A2Σ+ ← X2IIi (1, 0) vibronic band in the wavelength range, 281-288 nm, while simultaneously illuminating the same flame region with the "detection" laser, tuned to the 6p2P3/2 → 10d2·D5/2 excited-state transition of In at 786.44 nm. The excitation and detection laser beams were made orthogonal in the flame, defining the resolution to be limited by the waist of the excitation beam (100 μm), whose diameter was always smaller than the detection laser beam. A temperature profile of the flame is recorded with the use of both the RID approach and a more conventional laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) approach for comparison. A more structured temperature profile is recorded with the RID owing to its high spatial resolution, whereas the LIF method, which is inherently a line-of-sight method, produces a rather featureless temperature distribution across the flame. Anomalously high flame temperatures were recorded at the flame edge with the RID. The cause of these high flame temperatures has not been determined.
Ethics in Research in Mathematics Education

Most scientific domains have guidelines concerning ethics in research. These guidelines are designed to enable researchers to conduct good research while avoiding potential harm to research participants. This paper examines the bases for ethical codes in research and discusses how these codes are operationalized in research conducted in the field of mathematics education.
The diagnosis and differential diagnosis of dementia

The initial approach to the patient with memory complaints should consist of a focused history, mental status examination, and functional assessment. Patients with MCI should be monitored every 6 to 12 months for conversion to dementia. Delirium, depression, amnestic disorders, and aphasias should be considered in the differential diagnosis of memory impairment. Once a diagnosis of dementia is made, patients should have a brain CT or MRI scan and laboratory tests to assist with determining the cause. It is crucial that dementia be recognized and evaluated at the earliest stage so as to begin appropriate therapy and allow the patient to have a role in management decisions. In the future, therapies for MCI may prevent conversion to dementia. The need for early recognition makes the development of diagnostic tools, such as quantitative or functional neuroimaging, and genetic or clinical biologic markers essential.
Galerkin Approximations to Flows within Slabs, Spheres, and Cylinders

This Letter introduces infinite-order accurate and efficiently implementable Galerkin (spectral) approximations to time-dependent incompressible flows within slabs, spheres, and cylinders with either rigid no-slip or free-slip boundaries. The unusual choice of Chebyshev polynomials as Galerkin expansion functions is crucial for the efficiency of the method.
Full implementation of the genetic code by tryptophanyl-tRNA synthetase requires intermodular coupling.

Tryptophanyl-tRNA Synthetase (TrpRS) Urzyme (fragments A and C), a 130-residue construct containing only secondary structures positioning the HIGH and KMSKS active site signatures and the specificity helix, accelerates tRNATrp aminoacylation with ∼10-fold specificity toward tryptophan, relative to structurally related tyrosine. We proposed that including the 76-residue connecting peptide 1 insertion (Fragment B) might enhance tryptophan affinity and hence amino acid specificity, because that subdomain constrains the orientation of the specificity helix. We test that hypothesis by characterizing two new constructs: the catalytic domain (fragments A–C) and the Urzyme supplemented with the anticodon-binding domain (fragments A, C, and D). The three constructs, together with the full-length enzyme (fragments A–D), comprise a factorial experiment from which we deduce individual and combined contributions of the two modules to the steady-state kinetics parameters for tryptophan-dependent 32PPi exchange, specificity for tryptophan versus tyrosine, and aminoacylation of tRNATrp. Factorial design directly measures the energetic coupling between the two more recent modules in the contemporary enzyme and demonstrates its functionality. Combining the TrpRS Urzyme individually in cis with each module affords an analysis of long term evolution of amino acid specificity and tRNA aminoacylation, both essential for expanding the genetic code. Either module significantly enhances tryptophan activation but unexpectedly eliminates amino acid specificity for tryptophan, relative to tyrosine, and significantly reduces tRNA aminoacylation. Exclusive dependence of both enhanced functionalities of full-length TrpRS on interdomain coupling energies between the two new modules argues that independent recruitment of connecting peptide 1 and the anticodon-binding domain during evolutionary development of Urzymes would have entailed significant losses of fitness.
The effects of interstitial cell-stimulating hormone, its subunits, and recombinants on isolated rat Leydig cells.

The stimulation of cyclic AMP accumulation and testosterone synthesis in isolated rat Leydig cells by ovine and bovine ICSH, their subunits prepared by a new, mild procedure (dissociation of subunits at pH 3 and salt fractionation) and the recombined hormones have been studied. Whereas the isolated subunits exhibit less than 0.2% of the potency of the native hormones, recombination of the subunits results in full restoration of the biological activity. In contrast to this, recombination of the subunits prepared by a countercurrent distribution method resulted in only partial regeneration of the biological activity. The ovine hormone was found to be twice as active as the bovine ICSH. Both heterologous hybrids of the subunits of the ovine and bovine hormones were significantly more active than the bovine hormone. The utility of the isolated rat Leydig cell system as a rapid, sensitive bioassay for ICSH is also discussed.
Determining safe limits for untransfused, outpatient liposuction: personal experience and review of the literature.

Abstract. Limiting liposuction volumes to avoid transfusion is sound surgical practice. Although the plastic surgery literature reports frequent use of transfusions in liposuction surgery, dermatologists almost never use blood replacement after liposuction. Techniques which favor less bleeding include sufficient use of fresh epinephrine, cryoanesthesia, use of smaller cannulas, fluid preloading, proper preoperative evaluation, serial liposuction, intramuscular steroids, and rapid application of pressure garments. A review of the literature and personal experience are detailed.
Binding energy of shallow donors in a quantum well in the presence of a tilted magnetic field

We present the results of variational calculations of the binding energy of a neutral donor in a quantum well (QW) in the presence of a magnetic field tilted relative to the QW plane. Assuming that the donor is located in the center of the QW, we perform calculations for parameters of a rectangular CdTe quantum well with CdMgTe barriers. We present the dependence of the binding energy of a neutral donor on the tilt angle and on the magnitude of the applied magnetic field. As a key result, we show that measurement of the binding energy of a donor at two angles of the magnetic field with respect to the quantum well plane can be used to unambiguously determine the conduction band offset of the materials building up heterostructure.
Selection for turf‐type bermudagrass genotypes with reduced iron chlorosis

Abstract Eighty‐one turf‐type bermudagrass varieties were screened and ranked as to Fe‐efficiency by visual color scores when the plants were grown in the greenhouse in a soil known to be Fe‐deficient. Clipping weights were also measured. FB‐49, Tifway and NMB10 were the best three varieties based on color score. Nine genotypes representing a range from low to high Fe‐efficiency from the original 81, were then further evaluated for differences in Fe‐efficiency at two pH levels and three added Fe levels. The nine genotypes responded similarly to pH change and applied iron on the basis of color score. The data indicate genotypes can be selected for Fe‐efficiency.
Advances in quantitative UV–visible spectroscopy for clinical and pre-clinical application in cancer

Methods of optical spectroscopy that provide quantitative, physically or physiologically meaningful measures of tissue properties are an attractive tool for the study, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of various cancers. Recent development of methodologies to convert measured reflectance and fluorescence spectra from tissue to cancer-relevant parameters such as vascular volume, oxygenation, extracellular matrix extent, metabolic redox states, and cellular proliferation have significantly advanced the field of tissue optical spectroscopy. The number of publications reporting quantitative tissue spectroscopy results in the UV-visible wavelength range has increased sharply in the past three years, and includes new and emerging studies that correlate optically measured parameters with independent measures such as immunohistochemistry, which should aid in increased clinical acceptance of these technologies.
Dehydrated Precooked Pinto Bean Quality as Affected by Cultivar and Coating Biopolymers

The relationship of cultivars and coating treatment to quality of precooked dehydrated pinto beans was investigated. The pinto cultivars, studied were Fiesta, Othello, and Topaz, and 12 types of biopolymers, including modified starches, dextrins, maltodextrins, and alginate, were used as coating agents. Beans were blanched, soaked, steam cooked, coated by dipping in biopolymer solutions at 70°C and dried in a convection oven. Eight biopolymers effectively reduced splitting of beans without detrimental effects on rehydration, firmness, or color. Cultivar had a strong effect on wholeness of bean products and Fiesta was best for dehydration. Residual trypsin inhibitor activity of precooked pinto beans was ∼5%.
Transient Response Characteristics of an A-C Servomotor Excited Nonsinusoidally and Through Nonlinear Source Impedances

This paper demonstrates that it is now possible to get good correlation between predicted and measured performance of a-c servomotors during transients in nonlinear systems. The use of a large-scale digital computer as an analog device eliminates difficulties previously associated with analog computer inaccuracies. Calculated and measured curves are presented to show the behavior of the servomotor under a variety of operating conditions involving nonsinusoidal excitation through nonlinear discontinuous source impedances.
Properties of the linear Heisenberg chain with nearest and next-nearest neighbor interactions☆

Abstract The spectrum and properties of finite chain linear spin- 1 2 Heisenberg models with nearest and next-nearest neighbor interactions have been computed. Closed cyclic chains of up to 12 sites and open linear chains of up to 10 sites have been investigated for a range of ratios of nearest and next-nearest neighbor interactions. Internal energies, specific heats, entropies and susceptibilities all are extrapolated to give accurate infinite chain estimates of these properties.
FNDC3A is required for adhesion between spermatids and Sertoli cells

Symplastic spermatids (sys) male mice are sterile due to a recessive mutation that causes defective adhesion between spermatids and Sertoli cells within the seminiferous epithelium. We show that the mutation in sys mice involves a deletion of 1.24 Mb of chromosome 14. Comparative genomic analysis suggests that this region contains only one gene, Fndc3a. A genetic complementation analysis using mice with a specific mutation within Fndc3a verifies that mutation of Fndc3a is the cause of male sterility in sys mice. Fndc3a is a member of a three-gene family in mice. Fndc3a, which is expressed in several tissues including testis, encodes a novel protein composed of a proline-rich amino-terminus, nine fibronectin type-III domains, and a hydrophobic carboxy-terminus. The proline-rich region of each family member contains conserved amino acids that include a PPGY consensus binding site for type I WW domain containing proteins. The hydrophobic carboxy-terminus is similar to that found in ‘tail-anchored’ proteins, integral membrane proteins that are localized to the cytosolic face of the endoplasmic reticulum. Immunohistochemical staining indicated that FNDC3A localizes to the acrosome of spermatids, as well as to Leydig cells in the mouse testis. Acrosomal localization of FNDC3A is observed in spermatids between step 2 and step 10 inclusive. In step 12 spermatids, FNDC3A is largely absent from the acrosomal region with immunostaining being localized to vesicular structures located within the cytoplasm of elongate spermatids. Models are presented for the function of FNDC3A in mediating spermatid–Sertoli adhesion during mouse spermatogenesis.
A 278 bp Region Just Upstream of the Human CYP19 (Aromatase) Gene Mediates Ovary-Specific Expression in Transgenic Mice

ABSTRACT In humans, the CYP19 gene, which encodes aromatase P450, is expressed in a number of tissues including gonads, adipose, bone, and placenta. The 5′-untranslated regions (UTR) of CYP19 mRNA transcripts in these tissues are encoded by different tissue-specific first exons, which are alternatively spliced onto a common site just upstream of the start site of translation in exon II. In ovary, the 5′-UTR of CYP19 transcripts is encoded by exon IIa, which lies just upstream of exon II. To map genomic sequences required for ovary-specific CYP19 expression, fusion genes containing 2700, 278 and 43 bp of exon IIa 5′-flanking DNA linked to the human growth hormone (hGH) gene, as reporter, were introduced into mice. CYP19(IIa)−2700:hGH and CYP19(IIa)−278:hGH transgenes were expressed at high levels in ovaries of transgenic mice, whereas, ovarian expression of CYP19(IIa)−43:hGH was undetectable. In the majority of mice carrying the CYP19(IIa)−2700:hGH and CYP19(IIa)−278:hGH fusion genes, transgene expression ...
Agricultural terms of trade and distributional perversities in a neo-Ricardian model☆

Abstract The comparative-static effects of a change in terms of trade for the agricultural sector are examined in a two-sector, neo-Ricardian model. When wages are held constant and intensive rents are earned by owners of the non-produced land resource, it is possible for a favorable shift in agriculture's terms of trade to lead to a fall in the rate of profit on circulating capital or a decline in the rental rate on land. The conditions causing these perverse profit and rental rate responses are shown to depend on the type of high-yielding technology available. The relevance of the analysis to policy making and investment in the agriculture sector is discussed.
Effects of synthetic ANF (rANF(3-28)) on sympathetic neurotransmission in the isolated perfused rat kidney

Abstract The effects of synthetic atrial natriuretic factor (rANF(3-28) on sympathetic neurotransmission in the isolated perfused rat kidney was examined. ANF (10 −10 –10 −7 M) had no significant effect on stimulus-induced (1 Hz, 2 min) overflow of endogenous norepinephrine (NE) from the rat kidney. ANF also failed to affect stimulus-induced overflow which was markedly enhanced as a result of prejunctional beta-adrenoceptor activation with isoproterenol (10 −6 M). However, over the same concentration range ANF markedly attenuated the vasoconstrictor response to nerve stimulation. In addition, ANF significantly reduced the renal vasoconstrictor responses to intra-arterial injections of NE and angiotensin II. These results suggest that, while ANF potently inhibits renal sympathetic neurotransmission by inhibition of vascular responsiveness to vasoconstrictor stimuli, ANF does not appear to have a prejunctional effect to alter NE release from renal sympathetic nerves.
Separation of kinetics and mass‐transfer in a batch alkoxylation reaction

The quantitative aspects of the role of interfacial mass-transfer and reaction kinetics in ethoxylation of lauryl alcohol were examined in a batch recirculation reactor. The liquid droplets falling through a gas column were obtained by utilizing a recirculation loop and a set of spray nozzles. The CO2/NaOH reaction was employed to characterize the interfacial area. The alkoxylation reaction was studied at temperatures between 124°C and 171°C, at catalyst levels between 0.09 and 0.50 weight percent and at ethylene oxide partial pressures between 68 kPa and 204 kPa. A model was developed which permits the prediction of reactor performance at various operating conditions. The mass-transfer during free fall dominates the interfacial mass-transfer and the contributions during the drop formation and coalescence stages are small. The rate of ethylene oxide (EO) addition to lauryl alcohol was constant during the batch run, indicating similar activity for the unreacted lauryl alcohol and the lauryl alcohol ethoxylated to varying extents. The rate of ethoxylation is first-order in both catalyst and ethylene oxide concentrations. The liquid-phase reaction kinetics and interfacial mass-transfer occur in series, with kinetics dominating the overall ethoxylation rate. As expected, an increasing role of mass transfer is observed at higher temperatures, and/or higher catalyst concentrations where the kinetic rate becomes significantly high. The intrinsic activation energy for the ethoxylation of lauryl alcohol is 55.2 kJ/mole.
Breastfeeding and short sleep duration in mothers and 6-11-month-old infants.

Abstract This study examined breastfeeding and sleep in 77 dyads of mothers and infants 6–11 months old. Data revealed no significant difference in sleep patterns between breastfed and non-breastfed infants. Controlling for variables including breastfeeding status, only infant nighttime sleep duration was significant in predicting maternal short sleep duration.
Case files of the medical toxicology fellowship at Drexel University. Rhabdomyolysis and compartment syndrome following acute diphenhydramine overdose.

This case report was presented in poster form at the EAPCCT conference in 2009 in Stockholm, Sweden.
Ecology of a population of subsidized predators: Common ravens in the central Mojave Desert, California

Human subsidies have resulted in the rapid growth of populations of common ravens (Corvus corax) in the Mojave Desert. This is a management concern because ravens prey on threatened desert tortoises (Gopherus agassizii). We conducted weekly counts for 29 months at 10 sites on the US Army's National Training Center, Fort Irwin, California to evaluate factors affecting the distribution of ravens. Raven abundance varied seasonally, diurnally, and with human abundance. It was greatest near resource subsidies, specifically the landfill and sewage ponds. Although other studies have documented heavy use of landfills by ravens, the use of sewage ponds had not been previously reported in the published literature. We suggest that raven management should focus on reducing access to anthropogenic resources.
Effects of a partially home-based exercise program for women with gestational diabetes

Objective To examine the effectiveness of a partially homebased, moderate-intensity aerobic exercise program for women with gestational diabetes. Methods This was a randomized experimental design. Thirty-three women with gestational diabetes were randomly assigned to the exercise or the no-exercise group. Subjects underwent hemoglobin A1C assay and submaximal cycle ergometer fitness tests at baseline and at study conclusion. Subjects kept diaries of home fasting and 2-hour postprandial blood glucose determinations. Exercise subjects were asked to exercise for 30 minutes three to four times weekly at 70% of estimated maximal heart rate for the weeks of study participation. Two exercise sessions weekly were supervised by the investigator, and two were unsupervised at home. Control-group subjects were asked to maintain their current activity level. Results Daily fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels, hemoglobin A1C, incidence of exogenous insulin therapy, and incidence of newborn hypoglycemia were not different between the groups. There was a training effect in the exercise group (P =.005) but not in the control group (P =.25). A significant decline in daily grams of carbohydrate consumed was observed in the control group (P =.03), but not in the exercise group (P =.97). No complications were found in the subjects who exercised. Conclusions A partially home-based exercise program did not reduce blood glucose levels, but did result in a modest increase in cardiorespiratory fitness. The intervention appeared safe.
Integrated execution: a programming model for accelerators

The Cell Broadband Engine® (Cell/B.E.) processor was designed to provide a mix of central cores for control code and accelerators optimized for data processing. A heterogeneous design allows different processor elements to be optimized for specific functions and makes each processor element more area and power efficient. Cell/B.E. processor-based systems are the most powerful and the most power-efficient systems in the world, as represented by the Top500™ and Green500 lists. This paper offers a new view of the architectural design choices that were made in consideration of software usability and application development for the Cell/B.E. processor. Specifically, we explore the concept of integrated executables that allow a single application to execute across multiple heterogeneous processor elements. Hardware and software architectures were co-optimized to allow an application executing on multiple heterogeneous cores to efficiently communicate and share data, which is key to exploiting chip multiprocessors with ever-increasing numbers of cores.
Multivariable control system synthesis based on the unknown-but-bounded disturbance model

Hard constraint bounding results are summarized along with additional new results. The authors derive bounds for the outputs and the states of systems disturbed either by uncertain inputs or modeling errors, using either boxes or ellipsoids as the constraint sets. The bounding results are summarized, based on either the concept of matrix measures or F.C. Schweppe's (1973) ellipsoidal bounds. The theoretical results are applied to a simplified model of a physically meaningful system, namely, a steam-boiler model, with encouraging results. For the class of nonlinear systems represented by the boiler model, it is concluded that even if a box-bound-based control system provides more conservative results, as compared to alternate bounding approaches, it is more attractive and desirable because of certain practical implementation issues, such as the limitation on realizable actuator bandwidth. >