cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Considerations for an Evidence-Based Definition of Premature Ejaculation in the DSM-V

Introduction. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Ed., text revision (DSM-IV-TR) criteria for premature ejaculation (PE) have been criticized on multiple grounds including that the criteria lack precision, that the requirement of marked distress is inappropriate, and that the specification of etiological subtypes should be deleted. Since these criteria were originally adopted, there has been a tremendous gain in knowledge concerning PE. Aim. The goal of this manuscript is to review evidence relevant to diagnostic criteria for PE published since 1990. Method. Medline searches from 1990 forward were conducted using the terms PE, rapid ejaculation, ejaculatory disorder, and intravaginal ejaculatory latency. Early drafts of proposed alterations in diagnostic criteria were submitted to advisors. Main Outcome Measure. Expert opinion was based on review of evidence-based medical literature. Results. The literature search indicated possible alterations in diagnostic criteria for PE. Conclusions. It is recommended that the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual committee adopt criteria similar to those adopted by the International Society of Sexual Medicine. It is proposed that lifelong PE in heterosexual men be defined as ejaculation occurring within approximately 1 minute of vaginal penetration on 75% of occasions for at least 6 months. Field trials will be necessary to determine if these criteria can be applied to acquired PE and whether analogous criteria can be applied to ejaculatory latencies in other sexual activities. Serious consideration should be given to changing the name from PE to rapid ejaculation. The subtypes indicating etiology should be eliminated. Segraves RT. Considerations for an evidence-based definition of premature ejaculation in the DSM-V. J Sex Med 2010;7:672‐689.
Treatment of Hypereosinophilic Syndromes—The First 100 Years

Treatment of the hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) has advanced rapidly and prevention of end organ damage previously associated with the disorders is now possible in most patients who have had a timely diagnosis. Tried and true medications such as prednisone, hydroxyurea, and interferon-alpha (IFN-aα) continue to play a valuable role in treating HES and their cost is modest. Newer medications included pegylated forms of IFN-aα and IFN-α2b, first- and second-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors (imatinib mesylate, nilotinib), and monoclonal antibodies to interleukin (IL)-5 and CD52. The combination of better understanding of HES and better medications now provide the clinician with an improved ability to control unregulated proliferation of eosinophils.
Production and focusing of intense relativistic electron beams and their application to controlled fusion

A review is given of electron beam generator research for controlled fusion. Experiments were carried out that indicate that a single super-pinched beam can deposit its energy uniformly over the surface of a hemispherical target, and a 10$sup 13$ Watt accelerator is being designed that will utilize two beams to irradiate a spherical target. Some experimental results are described. (MOW)
Depressive symptoms among women with vulvar dysesthesia.

Abstract OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine whether vulvar dysesthesia is associated with elevated depressive symptoms. STUDY DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional case-control study of women who underwent treatment of vulvar dysesthesia (n=32) or who were seen for a routine gynecologic examination (n=32). Subjects completed measures of depressive symptoms and pain and a sexual and medical history. Multivariate and univariate analyses were conducted. RESULTS: Analyses that were adjusted for age, education, and medical conditions indicated that vulvar dysesthesia was associated positively with depressive symptoms ( P =.002). However, this was attributable to the somatic ( P =.002) rather than cognitive-affective symptoms ( P =.16) of depression, partially related to the endorsement of sexual disinterest, and mediated by pain reports. CONCLUSION: Vulvar dysesthesia is associated with elevated depressive symptom severity, although not to the extent that indicates probable depressive disorder. In this condition, depressive symptoms are likely to be a measurement artifact, rather than a depressive process. Certain depressive symptoms (eg, sexual disinterest) directly inflate depression estimates in this patient group.
Analysis of ICESat Data Using Kalman Filter and Kriging to Study Height Changes in East Antarctica

We analyze ICESat derived heights collected between Feb. 03-Nov. 04 using a kriging/Kalman filtering approach to investigate height changes in East Antarctica. The model's parameters are height change to an a priori static digital height model, seasonal signal expressed as an amplitude Beta and phase Theta, and height-change rate dh/dt for each (100 km)(exp 2) block. From the Kalman filter results, dh/dt has a mean of -0.06 m/yr in the flat interior of East Antarctica. Spatially correlated pointing errors in the current data releases give uncertainties in the range 0.06 m/yr, making height change detection unreliable at this time. Our test shows that when using all available data with pointing knowledge equivalent to that of Laser 2a, height change detection with an accuracy level 0.02 m/yr can be achieved over flat terrains in East Antarctica.
Liposome immunomigration field assay device for Alachlor determination

Abstract The feasibility of a simple, single-use immunomigration system has been demonstrated, using Alachlor as a model environmental contaminant. In the device, capillary action causes Alachlor and Alachlor-tagged, dye-containing liposomes to migrate through an anti-Alachlor antibody zone, on a plastic-backed nitrocellulose strip, where competitive binding occurs. Unbound liposomes continue migration to a liposome capture zone, where they are quantified either visually or by densitometry. The amount of liposome-entrapped dye that is measured in this zone is directly proportional to the Alachlor concentration in the sample.
Characterization and suppression of self-phase modulation in a commercial modelocked and Q-switched Nd:YLF oscillator

Abstract Spectral broadening up to 20 GHz has been measured in the pulsed output of a commercial actively-modelocked and Q-switched Nd:YLF oscillator operating at a modelocked pulse duration of 150 ps. The source of the broadening is self-phase modulation occurring in the acousto-optic modulators, as confirmed by modeling which has reproduced the observed spectra. With the CW lamp-pumped oscillator redesigned for a large mode volume in the modulators, the self-phase modulation is suppressed and near-transform-limited bandwidths at pulse durations of 85 ps are measured.
On the instability of shock waves attached to wedges and cones

A numerical study is made of the stability of weak and strong shocks attached to wedges and cones. The stability is shown to depend on the boundary conditions imposed, in good agreement with the experimental observations and the principle of minimum entropy. The behavior of the solutions is explained by quasi-static considerations.
Molecularly imprinted polymers for detection of explosives: computational study on molecular interactions of 2,6-dinitrotoluene and methacrylic acid complex

Molecularly imprinted polymers can be used for molecular recognition and design of detection devices. During molecular imprinting, a monomer, such as methacrylic acid, is used to encapsulate a template like an explosive. Selective lock–key system build through specific intermolecular interactions is formed. The 2,6-dinitrotoluene has been chosen for this study as an example of highly energetic material whose detection is in demand. This study presents density functional theory and MP2 calculations on structural and vibrational properties of dinitrotoluene–methacrylic acid complex as well as description of the nature of interactions within this complex. Additionally, theoretical and experimental IR spectra along with vibrational assignments are reported.
The relationship of essential tremor to other movement disorders: Report on 678 patients

We examined 678 essential tremor patients in specialty, university, and private practice clinics. The mean age of patients was 65.2 years with a similar number of men and women. Six percent of patients were left-handed. A positive family history of tremor was reported in more than 60% of patients. Alcohol ingestion was reported to decrease tremor in 74% of patients who were cognizant of the effect of alcohol on tremor. Mean age at tremor onset was 45.3 years. An earlier onset of tremor was observed in those patients having a positive family history of tremor. Tremor affected the hands in 90% of patients, head in 50%, voice in 30%, and legs and chin in 15%. Functional disability was common and impairment at work occurred in 18% Propranolol and primidone were the most frequently used drugs and were effective in 40% of patients. Six and one-tenth percent of essential tremor patients had concomitant Parkinson's disease, 6.9% had a coexisting dystonia, and 1.8% had myoclonus. It is concluded that the frequency of Parkinson's disease in essential tremor is more than would be reported in the general population and that other movement disorders are infrequently observed in essential tremor.
Effect of preanesthetic medication on carbon dioxide tension in children with congenital heart disease

Abstract Hypercarbia during the postoperative period following repair of congenital heart defects in children has been associated with acute pulmonary hypertension. Because decreases in respiratory rate (RR) and digital pulse oximetry (SPO 2 ) have been observed after preanesthetic medication of similar children, it is possible that hypercarbia and pulmonary hypertension may be unappreciated risks in premedicated children during the preoperative period. As the first step in addressing this question, changes in transcutaneous and end-tidal PCO 2 (PtcCO 2 and PetCO 2 ) were examined after preanesthetic medication of children prior to cardiac surgery. Forty-four children were randomly assigned to receive either intramuscular morphine, 0.2 mg/kg, and scopolamine, 0.01 mg/kg, or oral midazolam, 0.75 mg/kg, 1 hour before anesthetic induction. PtcCO 2 , PetCO 2 , SPO 2 , RR, and sedation score were monitored. Significant sedation occurred after both premedication regimens. Following morphine/scopolamine, PtcCO 2 increased from 36 ± 4 (mean ± SD) to 43 ± 6 mmHg ( P 2 increased from 35 ± 3 to 40 ± 5 mmHg ( P 2 decreased from 93 ± 2 to 91 ± 4% ( P P 2 increased from 35 ± 4 to 40 ± 6 mmHg ( P 2 increased from 34 ± 5 to 39 ± 3 mmHg ( P 2 decreased from 93 ± 6 to 90 ± 7% ( ) , and RR decreased from 33 ± 13 to 30 ± 13 breaths/minute ( P 2 (>45 mmHg) occurred in nine patients, including five with pulmonary hypertension. Clinically significant decreases in SPO 2 ( 5 absolute % in cyanotic patients) occurred in eight patients, including six with pulmonary hypertension. Although the data were obtained by noninvasive techniques, they suggest that hypercarbia following premedication may pose a risk to children with congenital heart disease and pulmonary hypertension.
The cystic fibrosis gene: medical and social implications for heterozygote detection.

The primary goal of mass screening programs for cystic fibrosis carriers should be to allow people to make more informed reproductive decisions. However, previous experience with genetic screening programs, including those for phenylketonuria and sickle cell disease, have revealed complex problems including error, confusion, and stigmatization. These problems could be greater with cystic fibrosis, since more than 8 million Americans may be carriers and entrepreneurial interests can be expected to promote screening in what could become a billion-dollar industry. The present frequency of the detectable mutation (ΔF 508 ), 75%, will complicate the counseling process. The sensitivity of the test to detect at-risk couples would be 56%. The cost of screening could be as much as $2.2 million for each cystic fibrosis birth avoided. Regardless of improvements in the detection rate, implementation of population screening should be delayed until pilot studies that demonstrate its safety and effectiveness are completed. While studies are in progress, preconception testing should be offered to adult relatives of cystic fibrosis patients as part of a comprehensive program following institutional review board approval for "compassionate use." The purpose of such review should be to ensure that strict standards of informed consent, education, quality control of the testing procedure, and counseling are followed. Primary care physicians who are unable to offer screening as part of such a comprehensive program should refer high-risk patients who would like to consider being tested to established centers. ( JAMA . 1990;263:2777-2783)
When oceans attack: assessing the impact of hurricanes on localized taxable sales

We examine the impact of hurricanes in Florida on county-level taxable sales revenues. Conditional on the strength of the hurricane, within 6 months after a hurricane strikes a county, revenues decline as much as 17 %, whereas revenues in neighboring counties increase by upward of 17 % over that same time frame. This decline in revenue is found to be dependent on the commercial makeup of a hurricane-stricken county. Particular focus is given to tourism-related subsectors within the local economy. Finally, we show that along the pathways of hurricanes, initially hit counties face a more severe burden, ranging as high as a 33 % immediate decline in taxable revenues in 1 month for coastal counties. As the hurricane weakens, the direct impact is lessened; however, there is evidence of spillover damage in neighboring areas.
Interchange Critical Movement Analysis for Planning and Preliminary Design Applications

A procedure that can be used to compare a variety of common interchange types or make decisions about their design is described. The technique is based on the critical movement analysis approach traditionally used for signalized intersection analysis. This approach defines the rules for quantifying the sum of critical flow ratios for various interchange types. The concept of interchange delay is defined, and an equation for quantifying it is described. Simulation data are used to calibrate a series of models that relate the sum of critical flow ratio to interchange delay. A procedure that describes how these models can be used to obtain a quick estimate of the delay associated with a particular interchange type, given specific volume levels, lane assignments, and ramp separation distances, is documented.
Influence of vacuum space on formation of potential sheath in plasmas

Abstract Properties of potential sheaths developed in plasmas are investigated in terms of the plasma Debye length and the dimension of vacuum space. Biased plasma potential and the potential profile depend very sensitively on the geometrical configuration of plasma and vacuum space. The potential sheath is never developed near electrodes in high-density plasmas where the Debye length is much less than the dimension of the vacuum space. In this case, most of the potential drops occur in the vacuum space and almost no electric field exists inside the plasma. Parametric investigation of the potential sheath in terms of the vacuum-space and plasma dimensions is carried out.
Control of Rhagoletis indifferens using thiamethoxam and spinosad baits under external fly pressure and its relation to rapidity of kill and residual bait activity

Abstract Control of western cherry fruit fly (Rhagoletis indifferens Curran) using thiamethoxam in sucrose bait (sucrose only) and spinosad bait (GF-120, spinosad in a mix of sugar, protein, ammonium acetate, and other ingredients) in cherry orchards with external fly pressure and the residual activity of these baits were studied in Washington state and Utah, U.S.A., in 2010 and 2011. Thiamethoxam baits applied weekly controlled larval infestations better than spinosad bait applied weekly in one of four trials and did not differ from spinosad bait applied weekly in the remaining trials. Thiamethoxam baits applied every two weeks controlled larval infestations better than spinosad bait applied every two weeks in two of three trials, and did not differ statistically from spinosad bait applied weekly. Thiamethoxam bait that was aged on sweet cherry leaves in the field for 0, 7, 14, and 21 days killed flies more rapidly than spinosad bait that was aged for the same periods and reduced oviposition more than spinosad bait in the laboratory. Thiamethoxam bait retained activity up to 21 days of aging whereas spinosad bait lost activity after 14 or 21 days of aging. Results suggest that when there is external fly pressure, the potentiality of thiamethoxam bait to kill mature R. indifferens more rapidly than spinosad bait may not always translate to better fly control. However, when sprays are applied every two weeks, the longer residual activity of thiamethoxam than spinosad bait does appear to translate to better fly control. This study presents thiamethoxam with sucrose as a new option for an effective bait spray against R. indifferens.
Pulmonary gas exchange during intermittent ventilation in the American alligator.

The present study characterized pulmonary gas exchange in the American alligator, Alligator mississipiensis during ventilation and apnea at a body temperature (Tb) of 25°C. Pulmonary gas exchange parameters were measured on a breath-by-breath basis utilizing a computer-assisted data acquisition system. In addition, paired blood samples were analyzed from left and right atrium during ventilation and voluntary apneas (1, 2, 5 and 10 min). Measurements of lung PO2 and PCO2 indicated that as apnea progressed, CO2 flux into the lung decreased rapidly while O2 was continuously removed at a constant and steady rate. The reduction in VCO2 resulted in a decrease in R (<0.4). Blood gas measurements indicated that the pulmonary arterial-pulmonary venous PCO2 difference, (Ppa-Ppv)CO2 was 4.9 ± 0.9 mmHg during ventilation, decreased and became negative within 2 min of apnea, reaching −3.9 ± 0.6 mmHg after 10 min. It is postulated that during apnea the Haldane effect accounts for both thegas behavior across the lung and insures a continued CO2 flux into the lung during apnea.
Synchrotron radiation sources - present capabilities and future directions.

Many of the more than 40 operational light sources around the world have achieved performance levels that exceed initial design goals. These accomplishments are reviewed, along with concepts and proposals for sources with performance levels exceeding those of present sources. These include storage rings with lower electron-beam emittance than present third-generation rings and free-electron lasers (FELs). It now appears that the highest performance sources will be based on linacs rather than storage rings. This is because emittance originates differently and scales differently with electron energy for rings and linacs, so that the lowest electron-beam emittance can be achieved in high-energy linacs equipped with high-brightness electron sources. Such electron beams can be used to provide X-ray beams with very high brightness and coherence in sub-picosecond pulses in a single pass through a small-gap short-period undulator by spontaneous emission, and with even higher beam brightness and coherence by stimulated coherent emission in an FEL. Designs for such FEL sources, and associated research and development, are underway at several laboratories.Work supported by the US Department of Energy, Office of Basic Energy Sciences, contract DE-AC03-76SF00515.
Considering the Issue of Sexploitation of Young Women in Dance K-12 Perspectives in Dance Education

Abstract Young dancers, girls most particularly, are subject to subtle and not-so-subtle messages of exploitation based on sex. What are the implications for dance educators who are trying hard to advocate for dance and who are trying to encourage appropriate pedagogical practices? Due to the hegemonic pervasiveness of “objectifying” dancers for entertainment as encouraged by the media, costume catalogs, and other sources, educators need to pause and consider their assumptions and practices. The issue of “sexploitation” is more critical for women in dance due to pervasive cultural beliefs and to the fact that more women are involved in dance than men. This article considers the issue of sexploitation of young women dancers, examines the role of educators, parents, the media, and the public in the dance education of children, and examines the notion of appropriate practices in dance education and performance. It is intended to challenge increasingly blase attitudes about what is developmentally appropriate...
How Does Trichinella spiralis Make Itself at Home

Abstract The nurse cell–parasite complex of Trichinella spiralis is unlike anything else in Nature. It is derived from a normal portion of striated skeletal muscle cell and develops in a matter of 15 to 20 days after the larva invades that cell type. What are the molecular mechanisms at work that result in this unique relationship? Here, Dickson Despommier presents a hypothesis to account for its formation, in which secreted tyvelosylated proteins of the larva play a central role. These proteins are always present in the intracellular niche of the larva from Day 7 after infection and may be responsible for redirecting host genomic expression, leading to nurse cell formation.
Endpoint bounds for a generalized Radon transform

We prove that convolution with affine arclength measure on the curve parametrized by h(t) := (t, t2, . . . , tn) is a bounded operator from Lp(Rn) to Lq(Rn) for the full conjectured range of exponents, improving on a result due to M. Christ. We also obtain nearly sharp Lorentz space bounds.
Effects of renin inhibition in systemic hypertension

Abstract The effect of the direct renin inhibitor enalkiren (Abbott Laboratories) was examined in 8 healthy patients with essential hypertension. With an unrestricted sodium diet, plasma renin concentration was inhibited within 10 minutes by intravenous enalkiren and remained essentially undetectable for ≥ 6 hours (11.9 ± 4 to 1.0 ± 0.6 ng angiotensin 1/ml/hour, p 0.05). Urinary excretion of the stable metabolite of prostacyclin (6-keto-prostaglandin F 1α ) decreased slightly, but not significantly (42 ± 10 to 33 ± 11 ng/g creatinine, p = 0.13). The addition of a diuretic decreased baseline blood pressure and increased baseline plasma renin and aldosterone values. Blood pressure responses to enalkiren were slightly (though not significantly) greater than those observed before diuretic administration. We conclude that enalkiren is effective in decreasing blood pressure and in inhibiting the renin system, without significantly altering urinary prostacyclin excretion, in patients with essential hypertension. These results suggest that the renin system contributes to the maintenance of elevated blood pressure in some patients with essential hypertension.
Effects of Dietary Protein and Fish Density on Performance and Production Economics of Golden Shiners in Pools

AbstractWe conducted an outdoor feeding trial with Golden Shiners Notemigonus crysoleucas using diets with 22% or 28% protein from different sources. The 28% protein diet with soybean (SOY) meal was the control, and the three other diets contained 22% protein mainly from SOY, corn gluten feed (CGF), or corn distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS). The 22% protein SOY diet was also offered as a meal or pellet in separate treatments. Each of the five diets was fed to fish at two densities: 250,000 fish/ha (low density) or 750,000 fish/ha (high density). Fish with an initial weight of 0.25 ± 0.003 g (mean ± SE) were stocked into four 4.1-m3 pools per treatment and fed daily to apparent satiation for 9 weeks. Diet effects were assessed by measuring growth, survival, feed conversion, condition index, and body composition. An enterprise budget analysis was conducted to determine the economic effects of different treatments. Fish weight gain was higher at the low density regardless of diet. Weight gain was ...
Polymer optical waveguide-based computer backplanes and interconnect

In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in the design and development of optical waveguides for computer backplanes and intra-card communications. The transition from high speed copper interconnects to optical links is driven by those applications which can most benefit from a greatly increased bandwidth-distance product; this includes rack mounted blade servers, data communication switches and routers, high end enterprise servers, and supercomputers. Typically the candidate applications require hundreds of optical links, each operating at 10 Gigabit per second or higher, for aggregate bandwidths on the order of multi-terabits per second across distances of one to ten meters across a backplane. In this paper, we review some recent developments in polymer-based optical interconnect for these applications. In particular, we report experimental results for arrays of multi-mode acrylate polymer waveguides, fabricated either on the surface of a printed circuit board or embedded within a multi-layer board. Transmission speeds up to 12.5 Gigabit per second have been demonstrated on a single link, with optical attenuation as low as 0.04 dB/cm. Packaging considerations for vertical cavity laser and photodiode arrays will be discussed, including tolerances for passive alignment between waveguides and active components. Finally, we review several recently issued patents for optical backplane connector concepts and their potential applications within the next 3 years.
The soldier as historian: F.R. Wingate and the Sudanese Mahdia

(1988). The soldier as historian: F.R. Wingate and the Sudanese Mahdia. The Journal of Imperial and Commonwealth History: Vol. 17, No. 1, pp. 99-106.
Phosphorylation of the Cytoplasmic Tail of Syndecan-4 Regulates Activation of Protein Kinase Cα

Abstract Syndecans are transmembrane proteoglycans capable of carrying both heparan and chondroitin sulfate chains. The cytoplasmic tail of syndecan-4 was recently reported to undergoin vivo phosphorylation on Ser183 in the membrane-proximal part of the tail (Horowitz, A., and Simons, M. (1998)J. Biol. Chem. 273, 10914–10918). However, the functional consequences of this event remain unknown. The cytoplasmic tail of syndecan-4 is known to undergo multimerization and to activate protein kinase Cα (PKCα), with both events depending on the presence of the commonly occurring phospholipid phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2). In the present investigation we found that phosphorylation of Ser183 produced a 10-fold reduction in the ability of syndecan-4 to activate PKCα, without affecting its ability to bind the PKC. Because Ser183 is adjacent to positively charged lysine groups that resemble PIP2-binding regions in several other proteins, phosphorylation of this serine may affect the binding affinity of the syndecan-4 cytoplasmic tail to PIP2. We found that the Ser183-phosphorylated cytoplasmic tail of syndecan-4 has indeed a significantly lower affinity to PIP2 compared with the nonphosphorylated tail. Furthermore, Ser183phosphorylation abolished PIP2-dependent oligomerization of syndecan-4 cytoplasmic tails. We conclude that Ser183 phosphorylation regulates syndecan-4-dependent activation of PKCα by reducing the affinity to PIP2 and inhibiting the oligomerization of syndecan-4 cytoplasmic tails. These results further support the role of syndecan-4 in signal transduction in endothelial cells.
A chiasma-hormonal hypothesis relating Down's syndrome and maternal age.

THE incidence of the human congenital abnormality known as Down's syndrome (or mongolism) has been observed to increase with maternal age1. The trend of sharply increased incidence beyond the age of 30 has been well documented2, and various hypotheses have been formulated to explain it. These include cumulative ovum or uterine dysfunction (radiation3, chemicals4, disease5), acute effects of radiation and chemicals, hormonal effects6, the ‘production line’ hypothesis7,8 and changes in sexual behaviour9. We describe here our hypothesis that there is an interaction between the hormonally governed rate of meiosis and the timing of chiasma terminalisation. We propose that changing hormone levels during the menstrual cycle not only trigger resumption of meiosis in the ovum10, but also control the rate of meiosis through the availability of a limiting substance11. As hormone levels and the length of the cycle change with advancing age of the mother, meiosis slows down, and chiasma frequencies decline7,12. Meiotic chromosome bivalents are held together by their chiasmata against strong mutual repulsion during late dictyotene and diakinesis13, making smaller bivalents with fewer chiasmata, such as 21, the most vulnerable to premature separation during terminalisation14,15; premature separation can lead to trisomy 21, by far the most frequent cytological manifestation of Down's syndrome16.
Enhancement of murine IgE antibody detection by IgG removal.

Abstract Rationale: Although animal models for the study of allergic reactions are desirable, the use of mice has been hindered by the lack of sufficiently sensitive in vitro immunoglobulin epsilon (IgE) antibody assays. The aim of this study was to enhance IgE antibody measurements by immunoglobulin gamma (IgG) depletion. Methods: Seven- to eight-week-old female mice of four strains (C3H/HeJ, CBA/J, C57Bl/6J, and Balb/c) were immunized (20 mice/group) with shrimp or peanut extracts using Al(OH)3 as adjuvant. Following immunization, animals were sacrificed by exsanguination and the sera of each group pooled. Initial measurements of IgE antibody levels by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were relatively low; IgG and IgE reactivity patterns by immunoblot were similar. Thus, sera from shrimp or peanut immunized mice were depleted of IgG (absorbed 3–6 times with immobilized protein G) and then tested for IgE antibody to shrimp or peanut allergen. Results: A 3- to 5-fold increase in IgE antibody reactivity as measured by ELISA was demonstrated when >80–90% of the IgG was removed. This increase in detection of allergen-specific IgE occurred in sera from all mouse strains and to all allergens tested. In addition, reactivity of IgE antibodies to peanut or shrimp allergens by immunoblot increased visually approximately 4- to 10-fold. Conclusions: These studies indicate that allergen-specific IgG antibodies, which may be in more than 100-fold excess to IgE antibodies, interferes with detection of allergen-specific IgE, probably by competitive binding to allergenic epitopes. Substantial depletion of IgG antibodies (>80%) result in a significant increase in the sensitivity of the antibody measurements.
The Impact of Physical Navigation on Spatial Organization for Sensemaking

Spatial organization has been proposed as a compelling approach to externalizing the sensemaking process. However, there are two ways in which space can be provided to the user: by creating a physical workspace that the user can interact with directly, such as can be provided by a large, high-resolution display, or through the use of a virtual workspace that the user navigates using virtual navigation techniques such as zoom and pan. In this study we explicitly examined the use of spatial sensemaking techniques within these two environments. The results demonstrate that these two approaches to providing sensemaking space are not equivalent, and that the greater embodiment afforded by the physical workspace changes how the space is perceived and used, leading to increased externalization of the sensemaking process.
Determination of total and particulate dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) concentrations in four scleractinian coral species: A comparison of methods

Coral dinoflagellate symbionts (zooxanthellae) are known to produce the multifaceted sulfur compound dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) but its role in coral symbioses remains obscure. As methods for quantifying DMSP from isolated symbionts or intact symbioses are not standardized, the aim of this study was to improve DMSP measurements in these fields. We focused on issues pertaining to the separation of host and symbiont, multiple DMSP extraction techniques and several normalization indices in four reef building coral species. Measurements of total DMSP (coral and zooxanthellae; DMSPt) and particulate DMSP (zooxanthellae; DMSPp) levels were made in Montastraea cavernosa, Madracis mirabilis, Montastraea franksi and Porites asteroides together with common DMSP indices including, chlorophyll-a, zooxanthellae number/size, total protein, coral surface area and polyp number. Several potential preparation methods for quantifying DMSPt and/or DMSPp were investigated; coral fragments placed directly in MeOH and airbrushed coral homogenates placed in either methanol (MeOH) or sodium hydroxide (NaOH). DMSP values varied among the corals and according to the type of normalization indice used, which was limited by the chosen preparation method. DMSPt was most efficiently recovered from coral homogenates extracted in MeOH. Additionally, for two of the four coral species, DMSPp was highest in homogenates extracted in MeOH. All corals had higher DMSPt than DMSPp concentrations (typically 2–3×) when analyzed using the same preparation method, suggesting that DMSP may be translocated from symbiont to host thus highlighting the need for both DMSPp and DMSPt measures to fully understand the physiological significance of this DMSP partitioning in corals. These results suggest that DMSPt and DMSPp in previously frozen, field-collected corals is best quantified by placing the airbrushed coral tissue homogenate in MeOH and subsequently measuring DMS via headspace analysis after the addition of strong base and sufficient equilibration time.
Glycine mineralization in situ closely correlates with soil carbon availability across six North American forest ecosystems

Free amino acids (FAA) constitute a significant fraction of dissolved organic nitrogen (N) in forest soils and play an important role in the N cycle of these ecosystems. However, comparatively little attention has been given to their role as labile carbon (C) substrates that might influence the metabolic status of resident microbial populations. We hypothesized that the residence time of simple C substrates, such as FAA, are mechanistically linked to the turnover of endogenous soil C pools. We tested this hypothesis across a latitudinal gradient of forested ecosystems that differ sharply with regard to climate, overstory taxon, and edaphic properties. Using a combined laboratory and field approach, we compared the turnover of isotopically labeled glycine in situ to the turnover of mineralizable soil C (Cmin) at each site. The turnover of glycine was rapid (residence times <2 h) regardless of soil type. However, across all ecosystems glycine turnover rates were strongly correlated with indices of soil organic matter quality. For example, C:N ratios for the upper soil horizons explained ~80% of the variability observed in glycine turnover, and there was a strong positive correlation between in situ glycine-C turnover and Cmin measured in the laboratory. The turnover of glycine in situ was better explained by changes in soil C availability than cross-ecosystem variation in soil temperature or concentrations of dissolved inorganic N and FAA-N. This suggests the consumption of these low-molecular-weight substrates by soil microorganisms may be governed as much by the overall decomposability of soil C as by N limitation to microbial growth.
Supporting effective common ground construction in Asynchronous Collaborative Visual Analytics

Asynchronous Collaborative Visual Analytics (ACVA) leverages group sensemaking by releasing the constraints on when, where, and who works collaboratively. A significant task to be addressed before ACVA can reach its full potential is effective common ground construction, namely the process in which users evaluate insights from individual work to develop a shared understanding of insights and collectively pool them. This is challenging due to the lack of instant communication and scale of collaboration in ACVA. We propose a novel visual analytics approach that automatically gathers, organizes, and summarizes insights to form common ground with reduced human effort. The rich set of visualization and interaction techniques provided in our approach allows users to effectively and flexibly control the common ground construction and review, explore, and compare insights in detail. A working proto-type of the approach has been implemented. We have conducted a case study and a user study to demonstrate its effectiveness.
Location-centric storage for safety warning based on roadway sensor networks

We propose a novel vision for roadway safety warning based on sensor networks, aiming at providing user-friendly zero-delay safety warnings to motorists. Our idea leverages the advanced sensing, networking and storage technologies. Roadway sensors detect events and store event records at multiple designated locations along the against traffic direction, such that the passing-by drivers can be alerted to potential dangers or traffic delays through the wireless communication between roadway sensors and the vehicle. We design a location-centric storage (LCS) protocol, which manages the propagation and storage of event records based on the time needed to clear the road. In LCS, the density of the sensors storing an event record decreases logarithmically with respect to the distance to the event location. Thus, the closer to the event position, the more number of warnings a driver may obtain. LCS is further tailored for the case of ''highway'' sensor networks when all sensors are deployed along a straight line mimicking a highway, and the more complex case when two roads intersect at some place. We conduct both theoretic analysis and simulation study to verify the performance of LCS when applied to roadway sensor networks for safety warning. The results indicate that LCS is fair to all sensors. We conclude that roadway safety warning based on sensor networks is a promising idea for realizing ITS's ''Zero Fatality, Zero Delay'' roadway safety philosophy.
Knots in Simulations of Magnetized Relativistic Jets

Bright features ("knots") in extragalactic jets are commonly associated with reacceleration of charged particles in regions with shocks or strong compression. This letter presents a stagnation point-nozzle-Mach disk (SNM) morphology observed in time-dependent simulations of magnetized relativistic jets. The nozzles are remnants of an oscillation in the Mach disk at the "hot spot." The results are compared with the jets of QSO 0800+608 and 3C 273. In particular, we suggest that these nozzles may explain the correlated optical and radio emission in 3C 273.
Coupled Anharmonic Oscillators. II. Unequal-Mass Case

We develop a general formalism for calculating the large-order behavior of perturbation theory for quantized systems of unequal-mass coupled anharmonic oscillators. Our technique is based on a generalization of the semiclassical approximation which was used to study equal-mass oscillators in the first paper of this series. The unequal-mass problem is much more difficult because the path which minimizes the classical action is not a straight line. Assuming that this tunneling path is known, we derive a general expression for the physical-optics approximation to the wave function of a tunneling particle. This derivation rests on the construction of a WKB approximation in curved space. We thus completely reduce the general quantum problem to the much simpler classical one of determining the path. Then we present a perturbation scheme for finding the classical path for systems of oscillators whose masses only differ by a small amount. Finally, we illustrate our techniques by solving a two-mode unequal-mass oscillator and comparing these results with a computer calculation. Our theoretical predictions and numerical calculations agree.
Interactive measurement of three-dimensional cardiac morphology

Techniques have been developed for extracting three-dimensional (3-D) measurements directly and interactively from 3-D representations of cine CT (computer tomography) images. In order for 3-D measurements to be obtained, the anatomical surface is interrogated directly through the use of a 3-D graphical 'probe' (line). The probe is interactively positioned and stretched between any visible surface points to allow direct capture of 3-D (linear) distance. Distance measurements are updated in real time as the probe dynamically 'penetrates' any intervening anatomy while providing valuable depth cuing for visual feedback and probe placement. Curvilinear distance is obtained by stretching the probe over multiple surface points. The probe is implemented by a general z-buffer and is therefore applicable to a variety of 3-D imaging techniques. >
KGraph: a system for visualizing and evaluating complex genetic associations

Summary: The KGraph is a data visualization system that has been developed to display the complex relationships between the univariate and bivariate associations among an outcome of interest, a set of covariates, and a set of genetic factors, such as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). It allows for easy viewing and interpretation of genetic associations, correlations among covariates and SNPs, and information about the replication and cross-validation of the associations. The KGraph allows the user to more easily investigate multicollinearity and confounding through visualization of the multidimensional correlation structure underlying genetic associations. It emphasizes gene--environment and gene--gene interaction, both important components of any genetic system that are often overlooked in association frameworks. Availability: http://www.epidkardia.sph.umich.edu/software/kgrapher Contact: reagank@umich.edu Supplementary information: A description of system requirements and a full user manual are available at http://www.epidkardia.sph.umich.edu/software/kgrapher
Lipopolysaccharide Heterogeneity in Escherichia coli J5 Variants: Analysis by Flow Cytometry

A lipopolysaccharide O-side chain-producing phenotypic variant was isolated from a uridine 5'-diphosphogalactose 4-epimeraseless Escherichia coli J5 rough mutant strain by fluorescence-activated cell sorting with a monoclonal antibody (MAb) specific for the O-side chain of E. coli O111:B4 smooth parent lipopolysaccharide. The variant (J5-2) was recognized by both core- and O-side chain-specific MAbs, while the "original" rough mutant (J5-1) and smooth parent strains stained only with core- and O-side chain-specific MAb, respectively. J5-2 produced complete and incomplete (Rc chemotype) core and O polysaccharide in the presence of galactose. Three other E. coli J5 variants were either phenotypically similar to J5-1 (J5-UK) or distinct from J5-1 and J5-2 (J5-A, -B). The latter phenotype had a lower-molecular-weight core, compared with J5-1 and J5-2, and distinct MAb specificities. Various J5 phenotypes also differed in galactokinase levels, the ability to use galactose, and susceptibility to core-specific MAb binding on solid media. The J5-2 strain showed reciprocal changes in O-side chain and core expression during log-phase growth. E. coli J5 thus undergoes spontaneous alterations in lipopolysaccharide phenotype.
Applying Internet Geographic Information System for Water Quality Monitoring

This article explains the fundamental concepts of Internet geographic information system (GIS) technology and illustrates its capabilities using the example of water quality monitoring in San Diego Bay Watershed, California. Internet GIS technology has democratized public access to geographic data and information services, and software applications such as Google Earth provide millions of users with instantaneous access to digital geographic data and tools that, until recently, were only available to GIS specialists. In addition to making geographic data accessible to a large number of potential users, Internet GIS is also a technological vehicle for encouraging public participation in local decision-making processes. Key developments of Internet GIS technology are highlighted. The links between Internet GIS and public participation are summarized and an application called Common Ground is described. Common Ground delivers data and information about water quality in the San Diego Bay Watershed to the public. The design, architecture, and capabilities of this Internet GIS application are discussed, and the lessons learned and the outlooks for future Internet GIS developments are evaluated.
Mycobacterial Hsp65-IgG-expressing tolerogenic B cells confer protection against adjuvant-induced arthritis in Lewis rats.

Objective Tolerization of T cells directed against a target autoantigen is a desired goal of experimental approaches for the treatment of autoimmune diseases, and novel and improved methods of tolerance induction are continuously being sought. Because most traditional methods of tolerance induction using soluble antigen are effective in the prevention of autoimmunity but fail to control established disease, this study was carried out to explore an innovative tolerogenic approach for the treatment of ongoing disease, using the rat adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) model of human rheumatoid arthritis. Methods Lewis (RT.1l) rats were injected subcutaneously with heat-killed Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Ra to induce AIA. Before or after AIA induction, Lewis rats were treated intraperitoneally (IP) with tolerogenic B cells expressing a fusion construct of mycobacterial 65-kd heat-shock protein (Hsp65) and IgG heavy-chain. For comparison, control rats were treated IP with ovalbumin (OVA)–IgG–expressing B cells or soluble mycobacterial Hsp65, and the effects on AIA were observed. We also tested the immune response to mycobacterial Hsp65 in B cell–tolerized rats. Results Administration of tolerogenic mycobacterial Hsp65–expressing B cells as well as soluble mycobacterial Hsp65, but not OVA-expressing B cells, resulted in a significant decrease in the severity of subsequent AIA. However, in rats with established disease, only the B cell regimen of mycobacterial Hsp65, but not the soluble antigen, suppressed ongoing AIA. Conclusion Mycobacterial Hsp65-IgG–expressing B cells can successfully attenuate the progression of AIA. This study introduces a promising approach for the treatment of arthritis that should be further explored.
Violence perpetrated by women who use methamphetamine

Methamphetamine (meth) is widely recognized as being associated with violence and aggression. This association is found among women and men, with rates of meth-related violence among women possibly being equal to or even exceeding rates among men. This study examined female-perpetrated violence from the phenomenological point of view of 30 women (aged 18–45 years; mean age of 28.5 years) in residential treatment for meth dependence. Of the 30 participants, 80% (n = 24) reported experiencing violence in their lifetimes: 67% (n = 20) had violence perpetrated against them, and 57% (n = 17) had perpetrated violence. Most participants described perpetrating violence when they were ‘coming down’ off of meth (i.e. withdrawing). Five women (29%) attributed their violent behaviors to meth and said they would not have been violent had they not been using meth. In contrast, 10 women (59%) described pre-existing ‘anger issues’ that were ‘enhanced’ by meth. This article describes the timing of meth-related violence, bi-directional violence, men’s responses to female-perpetrated violence, aggression in the context of sexual activities, and violence perpetrated against non-partners. A biopsychosocial theoretical framework is useful to interpret the complex explanations that women provide for their perpetration of violence under the influence of chronic meth use.