cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ecological and economic effects of forest landscape structure and rotation length: simulation studies using ECOLECON

ECOLECON is a spatially-explicit, object-oriented computer simulation model that simulates animal population dynamics and economic yield from timber harvests based on forest landscape structure and timber management schemes. The model has been parameterized to simulate the population dynamics and extinction probability of Bachman's Sparrow (Aimophila aestivalis), a species of management concern in southeastern pine forests. Simulations with ECOLECON have shown that forest landscape structure and management options such as rotation lengths influence both population sizes of the sparrows and economic returns from timber harvests. Sparrow population size and economic income were often maximized by different management strategies. For example, land expectation value reached a maximum when a rotation length was 20 years; however, whenever harvest rotation length was shorter than 80 years, sparrow population size had a negative linear relationship with rotation lengths. As the amount of mature pine habitat increased, sparrow population size increased, but annual net income decreased. Fragmentation of landscapes with only a small amount of mature habitat caused lower population sizes, but fragmentation of landscapes with a large amount of mature habitat resulted in a larger population size. Differences in placement of the mature habitat within the landscapes resulted in large differences in population size. Larger stand sizes produced higher economic revenues, but the effect of stand size on population size was confounded by the amount of mature habitat. Simulation models such as ECOLECON provide a potentially powerful tool for balancing wildlife population needs and economic revenues through designing and managing forested landscapes.
Effects of testosterone and gonadotropins on spermatogenesis in Rana pipiens schreber

The normal seasonal cycle of spermatogenesis in the testis of Rana pipiens was studied, and the effects of several experimental manipulations on spermatogenetic activity were analyzed. Maintenance of control frogs at 26°C, the temperature to which our experimental animals were exposed, was found to enhance spermatogenesis in all cases. Even the most inactive winter frogs showed spermatogenetic progress up to the primary spermatocyte stage under these conditions. Hypophysectomy inhibited spermatogenesis in all cases. Treatment of hypophysectomized frogs with gonadotropins (FSH plus LH) partially restored spermatogenetic activity. Testosterone treatment inhibited spermatogenesis at the secondary spermatogonial level. Spermatogenetic inhibition by testosterone occurred in intact animals during all seasons of the year, and also in hypophysectomized frogs treated with gonadotropins. Treatment of hypophysectomized frogs with testosterone resulted in greater suppression of spermatogenesis than that observed after hypophysectomy alone. It is therefore suggested that, in Rana pipiens, this spermatogenetic inhibition occurs primarily by a direct action of exogenous testosterone on the seminiferous epithelium.
The Current State of United States Spine Surgery Training: A Survey of Residency and Spine Fellowship Program Directors.

Abstract Study Design Program director survey. Objectives To collect data on spine surgical experience during orthopedic and neurological surgery residency and assess the opinions of program directors (PDs) from orthopedic and neurological surgery residencies and spine surgery fellowships regarding current spine surgical training in the United States. Summary of Background Data Current training for spine surgeons in the United States consists of a residency in either orthopedic or neurological surgery followed by an optional spine surgery fellowship. Program director survey data may assist in efforts to improve contemporary spine training. Methods An anonymous questionnaire was distributed to all PDs of orthopedic and neurological surgery residencies and spine fellowships in the United States (N = 382). A 5-point Likert scale was used to assess attitudinal questions. A 2-tailed independent-samples t test was used to compare responses to each question independently. Results A total of 147 PDs completed the survey. Orthopedic PDs most commonly indicated that their residents participate in 76 to 150 spine cases during residency, whereas neurological surgery PDs most often reported more than 450 spine cases during residency (p Conclusions This study examined the opinions of orthopedic and neurological surgery residency and spine fellowship PDs regarding current spine surgery training in the United States. A large majority of PDs thought that both orthopedic and neurological surgical trainees should complete a fellowship if they plan to perform spinal deformity surgery. These results provide a background for further efforts to optimize contemporary spine surgical training.
Yields of low-mass products in the fission of 232Th by 14·8 MeV neutrons

Abstract The products from the 14·8 MeV neutron induced fission of 232 Th for the five mass chains. A = 66, 67, 72, 73, 77, were radiochemically determined. The absolute activities were determined from decay curves and cumulative fission yields were measured relative to 99 Mo. These data were used to investigate two of the unusual pairs of independent-fractional yields in the mass region A = 72–78. These fission yields were also compared to corresponding mirror points, assuming 4·5 secondary neutrons emitted per fission of 232 Th.
Non-Oncologic Total Femoral Arthroplasty: Retrospective Review

Total femoral arthroplasty (TFA) is an option to amputation in the setting of excessive bones loss during revision total hip and knee arthroplasty. Twenty non-oncologic TFAs with a minimum of 2years follow-up were retrospectively reviewed. The average clinical follow-up was 73±49months. The incidence of new infection was 25% (5/20), while the overall infection rate was 35% (7/20). The incidence of primary hip instability was 10% (2/20), while the overall instability rate was 25% (5/20). Six patients (30%) required revision. The average pre-operative HHS was 30.2±13.1. The average post-operative HHS was 65.3±16.9. TFA is a viable alternative to amputation in non-oncologic patients with massive femoral bone deficiency. However, TFA performed poorly in the setting of infection and instability.
Studies with Cross-Linking Reagents on the Oligomeric Form of the Paramyxovirus Fusion Protein

Abstract The oligomeric form of the paramyxovirus simian virus 5 (SV5) fusion (F) glycoprotein has been examined by using chemical cross-linking and sucrose density gradient fractionation. In addition, chemical cross-linking was used to examine the kinetics of assembly of the F oligomer. Analysis by SDS-PAGE on 3.5% gels of the cross-linked F molecules indicated three major species with calculated molecular weights of Mr ∼ 65, Mr ∼ 130, and Mr ∼ 195 kDa, suggesting F monomers, dimers, and trimers, respectively. The cross-linked F species of Mr ∼ 195 kDa migrated on gels faster than influenza virus hemagglutinin trimers and between the dimeric and tetrameric forms of paramyxovirus hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN). Furthermore, the F protein oligomer was found to sediment slower than the HN tetramer on sucrose gradient centrifugation. SDS-PAGE analysis of the cross-linked F protein of Newcastle disease virus and human parainfluenza virus 3 showed a pattern very similar to that found for SV5. The data are consistent with those expected for the paramyxovirus F protein being a homotrimer.
An evaluation of the effectiveness of a baby walker safety standard to prevent stair-fall injuries.

Abstract Problem During the early 1990s the number of baby walker injuries treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments averaged almost 25,000 annually; about 80% resulted from falls down stairs. After initiating a regulatory proceeding in 1994, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission staff worked with industry to develop requirements to address the stair-fall hazard. This study evaluates the effectiveness of the stair-fall requirements, which became effective in 1997 as part of a revised voluntary standard. Method Annual baby walker emergency department injury rates were constructed for the 1981–2002 study period. A multivariate negative binomial regression model was used to estimate the effectiveness of the stair-fall requirements in reducing the injury rate. Results The stair-fall requirements reduced the emergency department injury rate by an estimated 63% (95% CI, 52% to 71%). Impact on industry Given the substantial reduction in walker injuries, and the high level of industry conformance with the stair-fall requirements, the Commission terminated its regulatory proceeding in May, 2002. The success of the baby walker project highlights the ability of government and industry to work together cooperatively to develop effective safety improvements for consumer products.
FAITH AND DIPLOMACY

Abstract Religion is a powerful force, but its impact depends on what it inspires people to do. The challenge for policymakers is to harness the unifying potential of faith, while containing its capacity to divide. To their disadvantage, diplomats have long excluded religion from their expertise. Effective foreign policy requires understanding why people do what they do, and seeing religion as a significant motivating factor. While people are willing to kill for their faith, religion can also teach forgiveness and reconciliation. American leaders should receive training in religion in order to make the most of religion's positive potential.
Idle Mexican American Youth and the Proportionate Size of the Mexican American Population

Prior research suggests that as the size of a minority grows, disadvantages accrue for its members. This research explores this issuefocusing specifically on Mexican American teenagers. The relationship between the educational and employment status of Mexican American youths and the proportionate size of the Mexican American population in the metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) in which they reside is examined using 1990 census data. Findings indicate that a large percentage of Mexican American teens can be identified as idle youths (19%), dropping out of school with limited or no employment. Findings also show-after controlling for intervening variables such as household socioeconomic status, acculturation, and central city residence-that proportionately large Mexican American populations are associated with a reduced risk of idle status. Additional research is calledfor to explore the mechanisms by which these teens benefit.
InP MIS structures with diamondlike amorphous carbon films deposited by ion-beam sputtering and from plasma☆

Abstract The interfacial electronic properties of diamondlike carbon on both n -InP and p -InP have been studied. These measurements include conductance and capacitance versus frequency or bias voltage for metal-insulator-semiconductor structures. Carbon was deposited by both ion-beam sputtering, and from an rf plasma. We find that interface electronic state densities range from 10 11 to 10 13 states/eV cm 2 , depending on sample and preparation procedures. Normalized conductance versus frequency data show an unusual behavior, namely, two loss peaks having greatly differing voltage dependencies. We speculate on the physical origins of the two peaks.
Evaluating Factors Affecting the Permeability of Emulsions Used To Stabilize Radioactive Contamination from a Radiological Dispersal Device

Present strategies for alleviating radioactive contamination from a radiological dispersal device (RDD) or dirty bomb involve either demolishing and removing radioactive surfaces or abandoning portions of the area near the release point. In both cases, it is imperative to eliminate or reduce migration of the radioisotopes until the cleanup is complete or until the radiation has decayed back to acceptable levels. This research investigated an alternative strategy of using emulsions to stabilize radioactive particulate contamination. Emergency response personnel would coat surfaces with emulsions consisting of asphalt or tall oil pitch to prevent migration of contamination. The site can then be evaluated and cleaned up as needed. In order for this approach to be effective, the treatment must eliminate migration of the radioactive agents in the terror device. Water application is an environmental condition that could promote migration into the external environment. This research investigated the potential for water, and correspondingly contaminant, migration through two emulsions consisting of Topein, a resinous byproduct during paper manufacture. Topein C is an asphaltic-based emulsion and Topein S is a tall oil pitch, nonionic emulsion. Experiments included water adsorption/ mobilization studies, filtration tests, and image analysis of photomicrographs from an environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM) and a stereomicroscope. Both emulsions were effective at reducing water migration. Conductivity estimates were on the order of 10(-80) cm s(-1) for Topein C and 10(-7) cm s(-1) for Topein S. Water mobility depended on emulsion flocculation and coalescence time. Photomicrographs indicate that Topein S consisted of greater and more interconnected porosity. Dilute foams of isolated spherical gas cells formed when emulsions were applied to basic surfaces. Gas cells rose to the surface and ruptured, leaving void spaces that penetrated throughout the emulsion. These experiments indicate that emulsions may be a viable means for containing RDD residuals; however, improvements are needed for optimal performance.
The Stroop Color-Word Test: Indicator of Dementia Severity

The Stroop color-word test was used to examine patterns of cognitive decline in Alzheimer-type dementia (ATD) and non-Alzheimer dementia. Slowing on color naming and word reading was observed, and was greater in moderate than in mild dementia subjects. However, error scores were unrelated to dementia type and severity. The Stroop interference effect, measured with reaction time, was high in individuals with mild ATD and mild non-Alzheimer dementia. In contrast, the more severely impaired ATD subjects showed less Stroop interference effect than mildly impaired subjects when the reaction time was adjusted for color naming performance. These findings are attributed to variation in speed-accuracy tradeoff for the patient groups due to differences in information processing deficits, linguistic impairment, and attitudes to errors. This study demonstrates the importance of partialling out underlying deficits for the understanding of complex cognitive processes in dementia.
A Millennium of Human Activity at Makauwahi Cave, Māhāūulepū, Kauaūi

A cave system in the eolianite deposits of the Māhā′ulepū/Pā′ā area of Kaua′i, Hawai′i, contains a rich fossil record of prehuman Holocene conditions and also preserves a thousand-year record of human activity. Details concerning pre-Contact Polynesian life have been extracted from subaqueous middens and artifacts, including perishable materials such as wood, gourd, and cordage. Oral traditions concerning the cave and vicinity generally show good agreement with the archaeological and paleoecological record and provide rich stories said to derive from as early as the fourteenth century A.D. Fossil evidence highlights biotic and landscape changes before, during, and after initial Polynesian and subsequent European settlement. The approximate temporal coincidence of evidence for human arrival and last occurrence of some now-extinct species is too great to ignore the possibility that humans played a role in some extinctions of native taxa before European colonization. Old maps, an 1824 sketch, records of the Land Court Awards, and old photographs confirm stratigraphic inferences and oral accounts concerning demographic and ecological conditions of the early historical period. Feral livestock proliferated in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, with loss of vegetative cover to overgrazing, decline of most of the native flora, and subsequent dune reactivation. Sedimentation rates reach their peak later in the twentieth century after the establishment of agricultural and mining operations nearby.
Perspective on the q-bio Summer School and Conference: 2007 – 2014 and beyond

The q-bio Conference and the associated q-bio Summer School were started in 2007 by a prescient group of researchers based at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) and the University of New Mexico (J. Edwards, J. Faeder, W. Hlavacek, Y. Jiang, I. Nemenman and M. Wall) who envisioned a systems biology community focused on modeling, simulations and targeted experiments to advance the fundamental understanding of biological regulation. Sponsorship for the initial 2007 conference and school came from the Center for Nonlinear Studies at LANL, with additional support from the LANL Institute for Advanced Studies, the New Mexico Consortium, the Molecular Sciences Institute, the Center for the Spatiotemporal Modeling of Cell Signaling, and the University of New Mexico Cancer Center. q-bio is now a well-established international systems biology event in July/August of each year and is currently registering participants for its 8th meeting and summer school (http://q-bio.org/wiki/The_Eighth_q-bio_Conference or http://q-bio.org/wiki/The_Eighth_q-bio_Summer_School).
New Wine in Old Bottle: Late-life Psychosis

Psychosis is common in late life and exacts enormous costs to society, affected individuals, and their caregivers. A multitude of etiologies for late-life psychosis exist, the two most prototypical being schizophrenia and psychosis of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). As such, this review will focus on the non-affective, neuropsychiatric causes of chronic psychosis in the elderly, specifically schizophrenia, delusional disorder, and the psychosis of AD and other dementias. As evidenced in this review, the current research regarding the onset and course of late-life schizophrenia reflects a more favorable prognosis than that painted by the Kraepelinian notion of schizoprenia as “dementia praecox.” Antipsychotics are useful in controlling the symptoms of late-life schizophrenia, but their use among older adults warrants increased vigilance because of older adults’ increased proclivity to side effects. Psychosocial interventions can be effective, usually in conjunction with medication. Meanwhile, psychosis of AD occurs in nearly half of people with AD and is associated with increased hospitalizations, institutionalization, caregiver distress, and mortality. Despite the profound consequences of psychotic symptoms associated with dementias, the extant literature does not afford clinicians clear, consistent guidance on how to provide optimal treatment to specific patients. Second generation antipsychotics are usually the choice treatment for psychosis, but the black box warning regarding their associated 1–2% increased absolute risk in stroke and overall mortality in patients with dementia complicates their use. Using second generation antipsychotics in low doses for brief periods and discontinuing them when possible is the best clinical practice for dementia-related psychosis. Psychosocial interventions for the treatment of psychosis with AD appear promising in empirical research, but more rigorous study is needed.
Characterization of transmission lines at IR

We demonstrate the first long wave infrared (LWIR) transmission line design and characterization. Two of the widely used transmission-lines: coplanar striplines (CPS) and microstrip (MS) lines are characterized at IR frequency (28.3THz), in terms of transmission line parameters: characteristic impedance (Z o ), attenuation constant (α) and effective index of refraction (n eff ), through modeling, fabrication and measurement. These transmission-line parameters cannot be directly measured, what can be measured is the antenna response. So we compute, measure and compare the response of the dipole antenna connected to these transmission lines as a function of transmission-line length. The response depends on the transformation of antenna impedance along the transmission-line length according to the transmission-line parameters (Z o , α and n eff ) of the line. Comparison of measured and computed response validates extracted transmission-line parameters. This paper demonstrates excellent agreement between measured and computed response for both types of transmission-lines under study.
Risk factors for the onset of depression in middle age and later life

Using prospectively gathered data to study first-time occurrence of major depression rather than its persistence, this inquiry tested whether the risk of major depression might be elevated among middle-aged and older adults who were not currently working for pay and among those with less than 12 years of schooling. Diagnostic interviews were administered 1 year apart to identify incident cases of major depression among 7,737 continuing participants of the Epidemiologic Catchment Area Program aged 40 years and older. After all subjects were sorted into risk sets by age and residence census tract, and after persons with a prior history of major depression were excluded, in 162 risk sets, there were 180 incident cases as well as 960 subjects at risk for future occurrence of major depression. The estimated risk for persons not currently working for pay was not reliably greater than the level of risk for those currently working for pay [estimated relative risk (RR) = 1.48; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.85-2.56]. Compared with adults who had 12 or more years of schooling, those who had less schooling were at increased risk (RR = 2.22; 95% CI, 1.42-3.46). Compared to men with more than 12 years of schooling, women with less schooling were at especially increased risk for major depression over the course of the 1-year follow-up interval (RR = 3.26; 95% CI, 1.78-5.95).
The enhancement of avian NK cell cytotoxicity by thymulin is not mediated by the regulation of IFN-γ production

Abstract Preincubation with either thymulin or IFN-γ can enhance NK activity. In addition, overnight in vitro pre-treatment with thymulin and IFN-γ increases NK activity further than either treatment alone. It has been hypothesized that thymulin increases the responsiveness of immune cells to IFN-γ by either increasing the expression of IFN-γR or by increasing the production and/or secretion of IFN-γ. The effects of thymulin on IFN-γ production and secretion were examined in this study. While an overnight incubation with the polyclonal activator Con A increased the number of cells positive for intracellular IFN-γ, a similar incubation with thymulin produced no change in the percentages of cells labeling positive for intracellular IFN-γ when compared to the media control cells. In addition, IFN-γ was not secreted by splenocytes following an overnight incubation with thymulin, but increased secretion was induced by Con A stimulation. Taken together, these results suggest that thymulin does not increase IFN-γ production or induce IFN-γ secretion by avian splenocytes.
Variational formulation of a simplified strain gradient elasticity theory and its application to a pressurized thick-walled cylinder problem

Abstract A detailed variational formulation is provided for a simplified strain gradient elasticity theory by using the principle of minimum total potential energy. This leads to the simultaneous determination of the equilibrium equations and the complete boundary conditions of the theory for the first time. To supplement the stress-based formulation, the coordinate-invariant displacement form of the simplified strain gradient elasticity theory is also derived anew. In view of the lack of a consistent and complete formulation, derivation details are included for the tutorial purpose. It is shown that both the stress and displacement forms of the simplified strain gradient elasticity theory obtained reduce to their counterparts in classical elasticity when the strain gradient effect (a measure of the underlying material microstructure) is not considered. As a direct application of the newly obtained displacement form of the theory, the problem of a pressurized thick-walled cylinder is analytically solved. The solution contains a material length scale parameter and can account for microstructural effects, which is qualitatively different from Lame’s solution in classical elasticity. In the absence of the strain gradient effect, this strain gradient elasticity solution reduces to Lame’s solution. The numerical results reveal that microstructural effects can be large and Lame’s solution may not be accurate for materials exhibiting significant microstructure dependence.
Bending response of externally reinforced, inflated, braided fabric arches and beams

Abstract Important characteristics for temporary structures include ease of deployment, simple erection, and minimal shipping volume and weight. The use of inflatable fabric members (i.e. airbeams) directly satisfies these needs due to their light weight, small packed volume and simple inflation. The focus of this study is the bending response of inflatable, braided beams and arches with external reinforcing straps, which are currently used as main load-carrying members in rapidly deployable military tents. Of primary interest was experimentally determining the constitutive properties of the constituent materials, and quantifying the load-deformation response of beams and arches with full-scale laboratory tests. The straps were tested in pure tension to obtain an accurate tensile modulus. The braided material was tested in torsion to obtain shear modulus as a function of inflation pressure. A beam finite-element model that accounts for braid angle and strap stiffness was developed to model the bending response of the inflatable, braided, strapped beams and arches. Quasi-static load-deformation tests of arches and beams were performed to provide data for model validation. The FE model effectively predicted the load-deformation response of the members to and beyond the point of fabric wrinkling.
Gas transport through integral-asymmetric membranes: A comparison to isotropic film transport properties

Pressure-normalized gas fluxes for defect-free integral-asymmetric membranes prepared according to a dry/wet phase inversion process were measured as a function of temperature and pressure and compared to measurements on thick isotropic films. Asymmetric membranes were prepared from polysulfone, polycarbonate, and poly(ester carbonate). The activation energies of permeation for O[sub 2] and N[sub 2] in the range of 25-55C were higher for the asymmetric polysulfone membranes than for a thick isotropic films. O[sub 2]/N[sub 2] selectivities of the asymmetric membranes are higher than those for isotropic films. The asymmetric membranes did not show the typical dual-mode behavior for the CO[sub 2] flux as a function of pressure as determined for thick films. Differences in the free volume and its distribution in the ultrathin skin layer of the asymmetric membranes compared to isotropic films may be responsible for these results.
Elastic-plastic creep response of structures under composite time history of loading

Abstract High temperature nuclear reactor components are subject to a complex history of thermal and mechanical loading cycles. To evaluate the adequacy of such components, detailed information on the accumulated inelastic strains and strain cycling is required. This paper presents the theory, describes efficient numerical techniques accounting for plasticity, creep and overall equilibrium, describes the overall structure of the resulting computer program, and demonstrates the capability of the analysis method on a real three-dimensional structure. Starting with the principle of virtual work, exact equilibrium equations are derived for a stepwise Lagrangian formulation. The resulting equilibrium equations are then specialized to the incremental Piola-Kirchhoff stress computation and to small incremental strain formulation. Classical plasticity theory is used to develop a novel method based on the concept of ‘plastic stress’ for consideration of inelastic behavior. It is shown that the material's stress-strain curves can be followed to any desired degree of accuracy both for isotropic and kinematic hardening. It is further shown that for kinematic hardening it is necessary to base the incremental change on the state corresponding to the mean of the initial and the final states to satisfy the yield condition at the final state. The equation of state and strain hardening is used to describe the creep behavior. A novel numerical technique to describe a complex load history is developed by using time as a parameter, history breakpoint determination by scanning of various load vectors, and by linear interpolation between any two breakpoints in the load history. Efficient criteria for load incrementation in the form of a fraction of the total ‘plastic stress’ for any sequence of two load history break points are developed and made an internal function of the program. This saves the user significant hardship when faced with guessing the load increment for an unknown state of the solution at any of the load history breakpoints. The ‘plastic stress’ load vector concept is utilized with interation and extrapolation to converge to the equilibrium states with simultaneous satisfaction of the stress-strain relations for each of the iterated states. The essential features of the computer program DYPLAS-FSH, based on the theory and techniques described above, and a postprocessor program POR-FSH, based on RDT F9-5T for ratcheting and fatigue evaluation, are identified and discussed. In summary, the new results of this work are the efficient handling of an arbitrary load history, introduction of the ‘plastic stress’ concept for inelastic computation, novel implementation of classical plasticity with recognition of incrementation conditions for the kinematic hardening, use of the load incrementation algorithm based on the ‘plastic stress’ concept, and development of a computer code capable of solving practical three-dimensional problems.
854 STIMULATED NEPHROGENOUS CYCLIC AMP AS A PARATHYROID (PT) FUNCTION TEST IN THALASSEMIA MAJOR

As the detection of subclinical hypoparathyroidism in transfused thalassemic patients is hampered by assay insensitivity at low PTH levels, we used a provocation test as a dynamic measure of PT reserve. PTH response was assessed by using urinary cyclic AMP (cAMP) as a function of response. cAMP excretion correlates well with PTH activity, particularly when combined with plasma cAMP to calculate nephrogenous cAMP excretion. Eight patients aged 9-26 with thalassemia major and iron overload (ferritin 2-6 μg/ml vs normal <0.15),all with normal baseline serum calcium and phosphorus, and 4 young adult controls received 50 mg/kg disodium EDTA IV over 3 hours. Ionized calcium fell by 0.64 ± .33 mg% (controls 0.87 ± .33). Urinary cAMP rose by 1-5.2 nmol/100 ml glomerular filtrate (GF); control 1.2-5.1. In 4 patients nephrogenous cAMP rose 1.3-2.8 fold (controls 2.0-10.2 fold). The oldest patient showed the lowest rise in urinary cAMP (1.0 nmol/100 ml GF) and in nephrogenous cAMP (1.3 fold rise). We conclude that the response of the nephrogenous component of urinary cAMP to PT provocation with EDTA is a reliable, generally applicable test of PT reserve. The finding of well preserved PT function in at least 7 of our 8 patients is consistent with the clinical observation that overt hypoparathyroidism is a late and uncommon complication of thalassemia major. (Supported by Grant RR-125, GCRC Branch, NIH.)
A note on a consequence of the expansion of the red army on the eve of world war II

(1989). A note on a consequence of the expansion of the red army on the eve of world war II. Soviet Studies: Vol. 41, No. 1, pp. 135-140.
Studies on the attachment and release of 5 s ribosomal RNA from the large ribosomal subunit.

Abstract The 80 s ribosomes of Blastocladiella emersonii or the 50 s ribosomal subunits of Escherichia coli RNase − 10 exchange their 5 s ribosomal RNA with externally added 5 s rRNA at 0.1 m m -Mg 2+ but at 10m m exchange is greatly inhibited. Very high external concentrations of 5 s rRNA are required to demonstrate exchange. When Mg 2+ is partially removed from the large ribosomal subunit of E. coli with EDTA, 5 s rRNA is released when the particle is unfolded to a 33 to 36 s particle. The 33 to 36 s particles are capable of binding 5 s rRNA at 0.1 m m -Mg 2+ but the addition of protein extracted from 50 s particles, stimulates the binding of 5 s at low ratios of 5 s per particle. Particles from which 5 s has been partially or completely removed are inactive in in vitro polyphenylalanine synthesis directed by polyuridylic acid. Reassociation with 5 s did not restore activity. Unfolded particles without 5 s can be converted to a more compact 47 s particle by heating to 50 °C for 10 minutes in 10 m m -Mg 2+ buffer.
Racial Disparity in the Associations of Microalbuminuria and Macroalbuminuria with Odds of Hypertension: Results from the NHANES Study in the United States

Background. Limited information is available on whether the associations of microalbuminuria and macroalbuminuria with the odds of hypertension differ among non-Hispanic Whites, non-Hispanic Blacks, and Hispanics. Methods. Cross-sectional data of 24,949 participants aged ≥18 years were collected from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999–2008. Odds ratios of hypertension for microalbuminuria and macroalbuminuria were estimated by conducting weighted multiple logistic regression models. Results. After adjustment for extensive confounding factors, microalbuminuria is 1.45 (95% confidence interval (CI) [1.17, 1.80]), 2.07 (95% CI [1.52, 2.83]) and 2.81 (95% CI [2.06, 3.84]) times more likely to be associated with hypertension, and macroalbuminuria is 4.08 (95% CI [1.98, 8.38]), 8.62 (95% CI [3.84, 19.35]), and 4.43 (95% CI [2.13, 9.21]) times in non-Hispanic Whites, non-Hispanic Blacks, and Hispanics, respectively. The odds of hypertension for microalbuminuria (versus normalbuminuria) were 52% higher in non-Hispanic Blacks and 98% higher in Hispanics than in non-Hispanic Whites; the odds of hypertension for macroalbuminuria (versus normalbuminuria) did not differ among racial groups. Conclusion. Racial differences in the relation between microalbuminuria and hypertension are prevalent among non-Hispanic Whites, non-Hispanic Blacks, and Hispanics. More screening efforts should be encouraged in normotensive non-Hispanic Blacks and Hispanics with microalbuminuria.
The comparative value of calcium cyanamid and ammonium sulphate on the yield of Irish potatoes on Bladen Fine Sand

1. Calcium cyanamid produced no injurious effects on potatoes when mixed with the soil two, four and six weeks before planting, even when applied at the rate of 492 pounds per acre. An application of 900 lbs. per acre produced no injury under greenhouse conditions. 2. Calcium cyanamid produced better yields of potatoes (20 bushels per acre) than did equal amounts of ammonia from ammonium sulphate. Moreover mixtures of calcium cyanamid and ammonium phosphate gave better yields than did mixtures of calcium cyanamid, sulphate of ammonia and superphosphate. 3. Dolomite and gypsum used in conjunction with ammonium phosphate mixtures increased the yield of potatoes with virgin soil under greenhouse conditions, but had little or no effect on the yield in fields which had previously been fertilized. 4. An increase in calcium cyanamid increased the yield of potatoes, also the pH value and replaceable calcium in the soil, while an increase in ammonium sulphate decreased the yields, pH values and replaceable calcium.
Effects of sinusoidal crack-face perturbations on scattering of elastic waves

The scattering of a plane longitudinal wave from a two-dimensional crack, with a sinusoidal surface perturbation whose amplitude and wavelength are much smaller than the length of the crack, is investigated. The amplitude of the cylindrical body waves in the far field are calculated from a Kirchhoff approximation that utilizes the solution to the reflection from the sinusoidal surface profile of a semiinfinite solid. The results are compared to those for a flat crack, and conditions for significant differences of the amplitude as a function of the angle of observation are discussed. Characteristic changes in the scattered field produced by profiles with different amplitudes and periods are explained.
The chinchilla microdialysis model for the study of antibiotic distribution to middle ear fluid

In cases of slow or limited penetration of an antibiotic to the site of infection such as in acute otitis media (the middle ear), plasma levels of the agent may not reflect the concentrations that are relevant in determining clinical outcome. There is a need for a model that allows prediction of the time-course of unbound, pharmacologically active drug levels in middle ear fluid (MEF). This article introduces microdialysis as a sampling tool to measure unbound antibiotic concentrations in the MEF of the chinchilla, and briefly summarizes the results of studies of MEF penetration of a cephalosporin, a macrolide, and a ketolide antibiotic using this technique. The general concurrence of preliminary results of the chinchilla studies with clinical findings suggests that the chinchilla microdialysis model may be useful in predicting efficacy in patients.
A new method for producing composite panels with textured finish using open molding process: Part I - Technology development

A new method has been developed to produce composite panels with textured finish using low-cost polyester molds that have a non-textured surface. This method uses a removable textured coating (RTC) to impart texture on the surface of the molded parts. This RTC is de-molded along with the composite panel and is removed from the part at a later stage to reveal the textured surface. It has been shown that, depending on the method of application and the type of equipment, various effects can be generated. However, as long as the manufacturing conditions are maintained constant the resultant textured finish is reliably reproducible. It has been observed that the optimum thickness for the RTC film is 0.15 ± 0.03 mm. Furthermore, the experiments showed that at relative humidities <50%, temperatures between 35 and 40°C, and air flow rate of 6-10 m/s, a reasonable drying time of 12-15 min can be achieved. It has been concluded that, because of its high viscosity, an air-assist airless spray system is the most suit...
Patient Safety and Surgical Intervention for Urinary Incontinence and Pelvic Organ Prolapse

While surgical options for stress urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse continue to become less-invasive, complications can still occur. Measures to standardize the preoperative diagnosis and treatment options are currently being developed. Likewise, the American Urological Association has developed best practice statements regarding the administration of perioperative antibiotics and prevention of deep vein thrombosis in patients undergoing pelvic surgery. Furthermore, other perioperative steps, such as the type of bowel preparation and proper patient positioning, play a significant role in perioperative morbidity. A discussion of available evidence regarding these perioperative issues is presented in this paper.
Innentitelbild: A Phosphine‐Mediated Conversion of Azides into Diazo Compounds (Angew. Chem. 13/2009)

Im Jahr 1919 berichteten H. Staudinger und J. Meyer uber die reduktive Fragmentierung eines Azids zu einem Amin. Auf S. 2395 ff. stellen nun E. L. Myers und R. T. Raines ein erganzendes Verfahren vor: die Spaltung der anderen N-N-Bindung eines Azids unter Bildung einer Diazoverbindung. Weil in beiden Umsetzungen ein Phosphor(III)-Reagens zur Anwendung kommt, wurde als Hintergrund das Bild The Alchymist, in Search of the Philosopher's Stone, Discovers Phosphorus aus dem Jahr 1771 gewahlt, in dem Joseph Wright die Entdeckung des Phosphors durch Hennig Brandt im Jahr 1669 darstellt. (Gestaltung: H. Adam Steinberg)
Multistable dynamics mediated by tubuloglomerular feedback in a model of coupled nephrons.

To help elucidate the causes of irregular tubular flow oscillations found in the nephrons of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), we have conducted a bifurcation analysis of a mathematical model of two nephrons that are coupled through their tubuloglomerular feedback (TGF) systems. This analysis was motivated by a previous modeling study which predicts that NaCl backleak from a nephron’s thick ascending limb permits multiple stable oscillatory states that are mediated by TGF (Layton et al. in Am. J. Physiol. Renal Physiol. 291:F79–F97, 2006); that prediction served as the basis for a comprehensive, multifaceted hypothesis for the emergence of irregular flow oscillations in SHR. However, in that study, we used a characteristic equation obtained via linearization from a single-nephron model, in conjunction with numerical solutions of the full, nonlinear model equations for two and three coupled nephrons. In the present study, we have derived a characteristic equation for a model of any finite number of mutually coupled nephrons having NaCl backleak. Analysis of that characteristic equation for the case of two coupled nephrons has revealed a number of parameter regions having the potential for differing stable dynamic states. Numerical solutions of the full equations for two model nephrons exhibit a variety of behaviors in these regions. Some behaviors exhibit a degree of complexity that is consistent with our hypothesis for the emergence of irregular oscillations in SHR.
Photodismutation Of Fe(III)µ-Oxo Tetraphenylporphyrin

The generation of strong oxidizing and reducing equivalents during tne photoexcitation process is very important to solar energy conversion, phototherapy of cancer, and several oasic processes in biochemical reactions. While most photochemical reactions involving porpnyrins involve the long-lived singlet and triplet states, it has been shown that photochemical reactions can pe catalyzed by iron (III) porphyrins which have a very short excited-state lifetime. It is known that in the presence of small amounts of pyridine photocatalytic oxidation of olefins is promoted at wavelengths shorter than 500 nm. We nave investigated the oxygen-bridged dimeric iron (III) tetraphenylporpnyrin (TPP) pnotoexcitation on the picosecond time scale. The excited states were generated with 530 or 355 nm, 25 psec pulses, aria probed uy time-delayed continuum from the same pulse. We have observed an initial state characterized uy oleacning of the original Soret at 405 and Q at 572 nm during the passage of the excitation pulse. A new Soret at 42u appears and continues to grow in intensity while shifting to 418 nm during tne first 10U psec. Tne Q banu bleaching at 572 does not change during this time. After 100 psec the spectrum decays to the initial state in 200-400 psec. The kinetics and spectra were independent of excitation wavelength. There was no difference between pyridine and benzene as solvents. No irreversiole changes were ooserved. Tne final spectra (100 psec) are compatible with the disproportionation of the starting dimer into tne Fe (II) and Fe (IV) = 0 TPP monomers, generation of a porphyrin-centered radical species, or the simple pnotodissociation into an ion-pair. The absorbance increases over the 600 - 700 nm range indicates that mucn of tne initial photoproduct is a porphrincentered radical.
Tour personality the interdependence of environmental orientation and interpersonal behavior

Abstract In 1971 we accompanied a group of American teenagers on their first trip to Europe, collecting from them more than 300 maps of London, Rome and Paris sketched according to the protocols established in Environmental A, an experimental mapping ‘language’. At the same time we administered a variety of other protocols, including Schutz's FIRO-B; and collected extensive ethnographic data, recording—most significantly—the locations of the seats taken on tour buses occupied by group members on their five-week's journey across the continent. Heretofore, with the exception of a brief exposition of the fact that ‘certain personality variables appear to predict map performance’ (Beck & Wood, 1976a: 212–213) and a highly circumscribed account of three tour personalities (Wood, 1973: 35–39 and 614–630) , we have described no more than the results of individual ( Wood & Beck, 1989 ), group ( Wood, 1973 ; Beck & Wood, 1976a; Wood & Beck, 1976 ) and individual-group comparative analyses ( Beck & Wood, 1976b ) of the sketch maps construed as indices of cognitive and affective dimensions of person-environment interactions. But because Environmental A produces sketch maps susceptible of deep analysis (see especially Wood & Beck, 1989 ), it permits the comparisons we make in this paper between the sketch maps as behavior and both bus seating practices and the scores from Schutz's FIRO-B. (We also relate bus seating practices and the FIRO scores directly.) These enable us to transcend earlier typologies—such as the route- and survey-mappers of Appleyard, 1969 , Appleyard, 1970 , Appleyard, 1976 , Lee (1973) , Rand (1969) and others-to end up with highly credible personality types whose mapping behavior can be understood in terms of their psychological character and not the other way around. At the same time, we are able to contribute to the cognitive analysis of naturally occurring molar acts as called for by, among others, Little, 1983 , Little, 1987 .
Assimilating endocrine anatomy through simulation: a pre-emptive strike!

Abstract Background We sought to determine if endocrine anatomy could be learned with the aid of a hands-on, low-cost, low-fidelity surgical simulation curriculum and pre-emptive 60-second YouTube video clip. Methods A 3-hour endocrine surgery simulation session was held on back-to-back Fridays. A video clip was made available to the 2nd group of learners. A comprehensive 40-point test was administered before (pre-test) and after (post-test) the sessions. Results General surgery interns (n = 26) participated. The video was viewed 19 times by 80% (12 of 15) of interns with access. Viewers outperformed nonviewers on subsequent post-testing (mean [SD], 29.7 [1.3] vs 24.4 [1.6]; P = .015). Mean scores on the anatomy section of the post-test were higher among viewers than nonviewers (mean [SD] 14.2 [.9] vs 10.3 [1.0]; P = .012). Conclusions Low-cost simulation models can be used to teach endocrine anatomy. Pre-emptive viewing of a 60-second video may have been a key factor resulting in higher post-test scores compared with controls, suggesting that the video intervention improved the educational effectiveness of the session.