cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A novel approach for the surgical management of Peyronie’s disease using an acellular, human dermis tissue graft: preliminary results

To present for the first time, the use of an acellular, dermis tissue graft from serologically screened human donors (Epiflex®, Deutshes Institut fur Zell- und Gewebeersatz) for covering cavernosal defects after plaque incision. Five patients with a mean age of 57.4 ± 2.1 years and an International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) score >20, diagnosed with Peyronie’s disease (PD) with disease duration and a stable penile deformity of at least 12 and 6 months, respectively, underwent reconstructive surgery. The curvature was dorsal in two, dorsal and left in two and dorsal and right in one patient. The patients were scheduled for follow-up at 1, 3 and 6 months. Placement of the Epiflex® graft (size 20 × 40 mm) was performed after appropriate spatulation and fixation with 4–0 Monocryl sutures in all patients. Two of the patients also underwent a small plication of the convex side in order to achieve 100% straightening during artificial erection. All patients had an uneventful course and resumed successful sexual activity 1 month later. No penile deformity, infection, antigenicity or de novo erectile dysfunction was observed during the follow-up period. This is the first study on the use of an acellular, human dermis tissue graft for the surgical management of PD. Despite our small number of patients, we now routinely use this type of graft, due to its superior biomechanical properties, excellent results and maximum safety. Larger patient series with longer follow-up periods are needed to verify our results.
A user-centered drowsy-driver detection and warning system

This work is a culmination of years of research to develop an effective in-vehicle countermeasure to drowsy driving. Previous work resulted in an independently validated measure of drowsiness that was then incorporated into a drowsy-driver prototype monitor. The goal of this project was to develop an associated drowsy-driver interface that enabled effective, user-centered interactions with the underlying system.A multidisciplinary team designed a new drowsy-driver interface and introduced smart user interactions through a careful participatory design process that included both design experts and commercial motor vehicle drivers. It is hoped that this effort and subsequent field trials will result in a reliable, smart system that convinces drivers that they are driving in an unsafe condition and to make a wise choiceostop and rest.
Theory, practice, and empirical development contributions: Advances in Business Marketing and Purchasing

Abstract The six volumes of Advances in Business Marketing and Purchasing have provided the field of business marketing with a rich legacy of research theory and findings. This article provides a summary review of the two major themes found in the series related to research, contribution to theoretical development, and contribution to practice. A total of 22 articles are discussed, and their contributions in the light of both previous and newer research are described.
Fast 2-D camera control, data acquisition, and database techniques for edge studies on NSTX

Abstract Fast 2-D cameras examine a variety of important aspects of the plasma edge and in-vessel components on the National Spherical Torus Experiment (NSTX). Four Phantom and two Miro visible-light cameras manufactured by Vision Research are used on NSTX for edge studies. Each camera can take several gigabytes (GBs) of data during each plasma pulse. Timely access to this amount of data can itself be a challenge, but analysing all these data using manual frame-by-frame examination is not practical. This paper describes image analysis, database techniques, and visualization methods used to organize the fast camera data and to facilitate physics insights from it. An example is presented of analysing and characterizing the size, movement and dynamics of coherent plasma structures (typically referred to as “blobs”) near the plasma edge. Software tools that generate statistics of blob speed, shape, amplitude, size, and orientation are described. The characteristics of emitted blobs affect plasma confinement and heat loads on plasma facing components, and are thus of particular interest to future machines like ITER.
Examining the mathematical knowledge for teaching involved in pre-service teachers' reflections

Abstract This study examines the mathematical knowledge for teaching involved in 24 pre-service teachers' reflections on teaching the meaning of fractions to a small group of students in an elementary mathematics field experience. Excerpts from journals are used to describe the aspects of mathematical knowledge for teaching pre-service teachers include and emphasize in the content of their reflections. The article illuminates how mathematical knowledge for teaching assists pre-service teachers in analytically reflecting on multiple aspects of teaching and learning, thus making reflection more productive. Implications for teacher education are discussed.
Precise excision of intervening sequences from precursor tRNAs by a membrane-associated yeast endonuclease.

Abstract Splicing of transfer RNA precursors containing intervening sequences proceeds in two distinct stages: endonucleolytic cleavage, followed by ligation. We have physically separated endonuclease and ligase activities from extracts of yeast cells, and we report properties of the partially purified endonuclease preparation. The endonuclease behaves as an integral membrane protein: it is purified from a membrane fraction from which it can be solubilized with nonionic detergents, and the activity of the endonuclease in the membrane fraction is stimulated by nonionic detergents. The endonuclease cleaves precursor tRNAs at two sites to excise the intervening sequence precisely. Both the extent and the accuracy of cleavage are enhanced by the presence of spermidine; the degree of stimulation varies with the pre-tRNA substrate. The cleavage products possess 5′-hydroxyl and 2′,3′-cyclic phosphodiester termini. The cyclic phosphodiester termini can be opened to 2′-phosphates by a cyclic phosphodiesterase activity in the preparation.
Drosophila ninaB and ninaD act outside of retina to produce rhodopsin chromophore.

The Drosophila ninaB gene encodes a β,β-carotene-15,15′-oxygenase responsible for the centric cleavage of β-carotene that produces the retinal chromophore of rhodopsin. The ninaD gene encodes a membrane receptor required for efficient use of β-carotene. Despite their importance to the synthesis of visual pigment, we show that these genes are not active in the retina. Mosaic analysis shows that ninaB and ninaD are not required in the retina, and exclusive retinal expression of either gene, or both genes simultaneously, does not support rhodopsin biogenesis. In contrast, neuron-specific expression of ninaB and ninaD allows for rhodopsin biogenesis. Additional directed expression studies failed to identify other tissues supporting ninaB activity in rhodopsin biogenesis. These results show that nonretinal sites of NinaB β,β-carotene-15,15′-oxygenase activity, likely neurons of the central nervous system, are essential for production of the visual chromophore. Retinal or another C20 retinoid, not members of the β-carotene family of C40 carotenoids, are supplied to photoreceptors for rhodopsin biogenesis.
Evaluating vancomycin use at a pediatric hospital: new approaches and insights.

Objectives:To characterize vancomycin use at a pediatric tertiary-care hospital, to discriminate between initial (≤ 72 hours) and prolonged (> 72 hours) inappropriate use, and to define patient characteristics associated with inappropriate use.Design:Vancomycin courses were retrospectively reviewed using an algorithm modeled on HICPAC guidelines. Data were collected regarding patient demographics, comorbidities, other medication use, and nosocomial infections. The association between each variable and the outcome of inappropriate use was determined by longitudinal regression analysis. A multi-variable model was constructed to assess risk factors for inappropriate initial and prolonged vancomycin use.Setting:A pediatric tertiary-care medical center.Patients:Children older than 1 year who received intravenous vancomycin from November 2000 to June 2001.Results:Three hundred twenty-seven vancomycin courses administered to 260 patients were evaluated for appropriateness. Of initial courses, 114 (35%) were considered inappropriate. Of 143 prolonged courses, 103 (72%) were considered inappropriate. Multivariable risk factor analysis identified the following variables as significantly associated with inappropriate initial use: admission to the surgery service, having a malignancy, receipt of a stem cell transplant, and having received a prior inappropriate course of vancomycin. No variables were identified as significant risk factors for inappropriate prolonged use.Conclusions:Substantial inappropriate use of vancomycin was identified. Prolonged inappropriate use was a particular problem. This risk factor analysis suggests that interventions targeting patients admitted to certain services or receiving multiple courses of vancomycin could reduce inappropriate use.
MR imaging characteristics of soft tissue vascular anomalies in children

Accurate classification of soft tissue vascular anomalies is critical since treatment options and morbidity differ significantly for the various groups of vascular anomalies (VA). A classification system introduced by Mulliken and Glowacki in 1982 explained the biology of VA, thus resulting in improved management and communication between different disciplines taking care of children with soft tissue vascular anomalies. This classification has been updated by the International Society for the Study of Vascular Anomalies in 1996 and forms the basis for the current nomenclature. Although the majority of vascular anomalies can be accurately classified by their clinical history and a physical exam, imaging is necessary to determine the full anatomical extent of the anomaly, to follow up treatment response, to confirm diagnosis, and to provide correct classification in challenging cases when necessary. This article will review the key magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of most common soft tissue vascular anomalies in children. MRI and dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography are crucial for the evaluation of vascular anomalies in children because of lack of radiation, high soft tissue resolution, and the capability of dynamic contrast-enhanced images to reflect the hemodynamics of the anomalies.
Combined interpretation of radar, hydraulic, and tracer data from a fractured-rock aquifer near Mirror Lake, New Hampshire, USA

An integrated interpretation of field experimental cross-hole radar, tracer, and hydraulic data demonstrates the value of combining time-lapse geophysical monitoring with conventional hydrologic measurements for improved characterization of a fractured-rock aquifer. Time-lapse difference-attenuation radar tomography was conducted during saline tracer experiments at the US Geological Survey Fractured Rock Hydrology Research Site near Mirror Lake, Grafton County, New Hampshire, USA. The presence of electrically conductive saline tracer effectively illuminates permeable fractures or pathways for geophysical imaging. The geophysical results guide the construction of three-dimensional numerical models of ground-water flow and solute transport. In an effort to explore alternative explanations for the tracer and tomographic data, a suite of conceptual models involving heterogeneous hydraulic conductivity fields and rate-limited mass transfer are considered. Calibration data include tracer concentrations, the arrival time of peak concentration at the outlet, and steady-state hydraulic head. Results from the coupled inversion procedure suggest that much of the tracer mass migrated outside the three tomographic image planes, and that solute is likely transported by two pathways through the system. This work provides basic and site-specific insights into the control of permeability heterogeneity on ground-water flow and solute transport in fractured rock.
Transgenic fish and public policy: anticipating environmental impacts of transgenic fish.

Abstract Transfer of novel genes into fishes introduces a number of contentious issues into public policy debate among fisheries scientists and regulatory authorities. In the context of the technical status of development of transgenic strains of fishes, we discuss anticipated ecological impacts of releasing such fishes into natural environments. The major determinant of ecological impacts of transgenic fishes will be the phenotypic effect of the inserted genes. Three conceptual classes of phenotypic changes are anticipated, including changes in physiological rates, behavior, or tolerance of physical factors. The complex interactions among organisms and abiotic resources in aquatic communities suggest that it will be very difficult to predict ecosystem impacts of transgenic fishes. Based on current understanding of community-level impacts of stocking non-transgenic piscivorous fish, the release of certain transgenic fishes, particularly those exhibiting substantially altered performance, could destabilize...
The Hierarchy of Peruvian Laws: Context for Law and Development

Peru, like most other "developing nations" of Latin America, is a country preoccupied with its own social, economic, and political development. Since the end of World War II, developmental issues have been the primary concern of both de jure and de facto governments in Peru. Much of the effort at development has been aimed at changing existing laws and legal institutions, or at promulgating new laws where none existed before. Thousands of legal dispositions are enacted each year with the specific purpose of fostering development. These dispositions include such basic sources of law as constitutional amendments and legislative and quasi-legislative acts. However, the bulk of developmental norms is not formed by these more conventional, more durable sources of law. Instead, under both constitutional and military regimes, major developmental effects are achieved through the mass of administrative acts which represent the daily policymaking process of the Peruvian government. The articulation and application of developmental policy probably occurs at this lower, more transitory level. To illustrate with a specific example, in 1968 a commission charged with drafting a new Water Code for Peru wrestled for a time with the problem of creating a comprehensive, yet durable set of norms and then found the task unadvisable, soliciting a change in its mandate, from the drafting of a code to the drafting of a "general law." The requested shift in the nature of the commission's task was officially sanctioned by a Supreme Decree whose preamble explained, Public law, due to its social and economic content, is dynamic and changing, not in keeping with the characteristics of a code, which is static, exclusive, and excluding . . Today, legislation in those fields touching Public Law is tending toward General Laws, which possess all the advantages of a code without its in-
Edible nuts of the pacific northwest

Only four kinds of native nut—hazelnut, chinquapin and two acorns—and introduced American walnut, Persian walnut and European filbert constitute the sources of edible nuts in this region.
Property Tax Rate Changes and Rates of Development

Abstract Theoretically, unanticipated and anticipated property tax rate increases should reduce and increase, respectively, residential development rates. A discrete-time event history analysis of 224 originally undeveloped parcels presents a first empirical test. Property tax rate changes one year in the future are anticipated; increases strongly increase the probability of development in the current year. Rate increases in the current year reduce the probability of development in the current year but with somewhat less certainty, probably because they are only partially unanticipated. Accordingly, pre-announced property tax increases might accelerate the underlying rate of development as effectively as would tax concessions.
ASYMMETRICAL PROCESSING OF DICHOTIC INPUTS IN UNDERGRADUATES ACROSS SEX, HANDEDNESS, EAR-SIDE, AND EXPERIMENTAL INSTRUCTIONS '

Summary.-Past studies have shown that some female as well as left-handed students do not demonstrate a right-eat advantage (REA) for verbal materials, suggesting that linguistic functions may not be handled in one hemisphere exclusively. To examine these laterality effects more closely, 96 undergraduates were equally divided by sex and hand dominance. Moreover, experimental instructions as to which ear to focus on were provided in a dichotic listening procedure, with left-ear attendance alternating with right-ear across four counterbalanced blocks of 60 trials each. Analysis ind~cated a major interaction of sex x ear x instructions, with men showing a right-ear advancagc when attending to that respective side, highlighting the importance of experlmencal demands on dichotic performance. The right-eat advantage in righthanded persons was uninfluenced by these instructions, suggesting more pronounced asymmetries in this group. In dichotic listening tasks, a right-ear advantage (REA) has often been found for verbal materials while, conversely, a left-ear advantage (LEA) has been reported for musical stimuli as well as other nonlinguistic sounds (Curry, 1967; Kimura, 1964). These effects suggest that the cerebral hernispheres are organized asymmetrically, with the left hemisphere more specialized for language and the right more critically involved with visuospatial components (Bradshaw & Nettleton, 1983). However, more current research indicates that not all subjects have the same type of hemispheric organization. Levy (1972, 1976) theorizes that in particular groups, both hemispheres develop a "verbal blueprint" allowing language to be bilaterally represented. The argument then follows that no ear advantage will be evidenced in these subjects when processing materials of a verbal nature since both hemispheres are equally adept at handling the input. In the examination of Levy's hypothesis, attention has been directed toward two groups, women and left-handers, among whom some supposedly possess this bilateral organization for language. Certain dichotic studies have demonstrated some very strong earadvantage differences between the sexes. For instance, Lake and Bryden's (1976) findings showed a pronounced REA for consonant-vowel combinations but only in adult males, suggesting greater lateralization of verbal functions with this respective group. Similar listening designs have replicated these results (Knox & Kimura, 1970; McGlone, 1980; McGlone & 'Address correspondence to J. F. Iaccino, Ihnois Benedictine CoUege, 5700 CoUege Road, Lisle, IL 60532-0900.
Comparative Genomics of Centrality and Essentiality in Three Eukaryotic Protein-Interaction Networks

Most proteins do not evolve in isolation, but as components of complex genetic networks. Therefore, a protein's position in a network may indicate how central it is to cellular function and, hence, how constrained it is evolutionarily. To look for an effect of position on evolutionary rate, we examined the protein-protein interaction networks in three eukaryotes: yeast, worm, and fly. We find that the three networks have remarkably similar structure, such that the number of interactors per protein and the centrality of proteins in the networks have similar distributions. Proteins that have a more central position in all three networks, regardless of the number of direct interactors, evolve more slowly and are more likely to be essential for survival. Our results are thus consistent with a classic proposal of Fisher's that pleiotropy constrains evolution.
Recent Advances in ZnO Materials and Devices

Wurtzitic ZnO is a wide-bandgap (3.437 eV at 2 K) semiconductor which has many applications, such as piezoelectric transducers, varistors, phosphors, and transparent conducting films. Most of these applications require only polycrystalline material; however, recent successes in producing large-area single crystals have opened up the possibility of producing blue and UV light emitters, and high-temperature, high-power transistors. The main advantages of ZnO as a light emitter are its large exciton binding energy (60 meV), and the existence of well-developed bulk and epitaxial growth processes; for electronic applications, its attractiveness lies in having high breakdown strength and high saturation velocity. Optical UV lasing, at both low and high temperatures, has already been demonstrated, although efficient electrical lasing must await the further development of good, p-type material. ZnO is also much more resistant to radiation damage than are other common semiconductor materials, such as Si, GaAs, CdS, and even GaN; thus, it should be useful for space applications.
The Optics Project on the Web: WebTOP

The Optics Project on the Web (WebTOP) is a Web-based 3D interactive computer graphics system that simulates wave and optical phenomena. Its purpose is to help teachers teach and students learn about waves and optics. The current version includes sixteen modules: Waves, Lenses, The Eye, Reflection and Refraction/Vectorial, Reflection and Refraction/Waves Two Media, Reflection and Refraction/Waves Three Media, Polarization, Michelson Interferometer, Fabry-Perot Etalon, Fraunhofer N-Slit, Transmission Grating, Rayleigh Resolution, Fresnel Single Slit, Fresnel Circular Aperture, Scattering, and Lasers. The figure below shows the Reflection and Refraction/Waves Three Media module simulating frustrated total internal reflection.
Genomic structure and promoter sequence of the insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus autoantigen, IA-2 (PTPRN).

IA-2 is a transmembrane protein tyrosine phosphatase, expressed in neuroendocrine cells, and a major autoantigen in insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. In the present study we elucidated the structure of the IA-2 gene (HGMW-approved symbol PTPRN) and its promoter sequence. A 40-kb genomic clone covering the whole IA-2 coding sequence and 4 kb proximal 5'-upstream sequence was isolated and mapped. The IA-2 gene encompasses approximately 20 kb with 23 exons ranging from 34 bp to more than 650 bp. The extracellular domain is encoded by exons 1-12, the transmembrane region by exon 13, and the intracellular domain by exons 14-23. The transcriptional start site(s) of the IA-2 gene was mapped by 5' rapid amplification of cDNA ends to 97 bp upstream of the translational start site. A 3-kb 5'-upstream region was sequenced, revealing a GC-rich region and TATA-less sequence containing several potential transcription-regulating sites (i.e., Sp1, CREB, GATA-1, and MZF). Functional promoter activity was confirmed by transient transfection of U87MG cells with deletion mutants linked to a luciferase reporter gene.
Blunt Crack Caustics

The optical method of caustics for a blunt crack (or keyhole crack) is analyzed. The stress field near the keyhole crack is expressed by the Williams-Irwin series expansion including higher order singular terms than the usual r-1/2 singular term. The coefficients of the higher order singular terms are determined by the boundary collocation method for K1 field dominance at far field. The numerical and experimental caustics show good agreement in shape and size. This analysis concludes that the effect of bluntness is significant only within the distance four times the notch root radius from the notch root. If the initial curve of a caustic lies within the distance, the stress intensity factor is highly overestimated by the caustic formula of a sharp crack.
Psychology's Bridgman vs Bridgman's Bridgman An Essay in Reconstruction

Since its inception as science, psychology has generated a rhetoric of `rigor' concerning the ideal characteristics of its inquirers. An early emphasis on experimental exactitude expanded, by the 1930s, to a conception that saw the first-year graduate student also as a mature theoretical physicist, logician and (when required) carpenter. By the 1960s, the student was expected also to be an expert in `computer science', and an adept in esoteric speciations of probability mathematics. Consistently missing from these autistic job specifications have been such trivial matters as the ability to read, to report reliably on what has been read, and to write. As for the more sophisticated hermeneutic and analytic skills of scholarship, these have apparently been seen as positive threats to scientific purity. This article illustrates the consequences of the divorce between psychology and even minimal requirements of the western scholarly tradition. The doctrine of `operational definition' (or `operationism') has be...
Infrared communications for small spacecraft: from a wireless bus to cluster concepts

Nanosatellites operating singly or in clusters are anticipated for future space science missions. To implement this new communications paradigm, we are approaching cluster communications by first developing an infrared (IR) intra-craft wireless bus capability, following initially the MIL-STD-1553B protocol. Benefits of an IR wireless bus are low mass, size, power, and cost, simplicity of implementation, ease of use, minimum EMI, and efficient and reliable data transfer. Our goals are to maximize the reliable link margin in order to afford greater flexibility in receiver placement, which will ease technology insertion. We have developed a concept demonstration using a high-speed visible-band silicon PIN photodiode and a high-efficiency visible LED operating at a data rate up to 4 Mb/sec. In designing an internal IR wireless bus, we have characterized various candidate materials, emitters, and geometries, assuming a single reflection. Thus, we have measured the bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF) for five different materials characteristic of typical spacecraft structures, which range from nearly Lambertian to highly specular. We have fit our data to empirical BRDF functions and modeled the detected irradiance anywhere in the plane of incidence for a divergent (LED) emitter. We have also determined the angular limits on the link geometry to remain within the required bit error rate by determining the received signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for minimum values of irradiance received at the detector.
The epidemiology of diagnosed pulmonary embolism and deep venous thrombosis in the elderly

Background: There are no studies that define the basic epidemiology of pulmonary embolism (PE) and deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in the elderly. This project was undertaken to provide that information. Methods: We obtained all Medicare claims during the period 1986 through 1989 from a random 5% sample of US Medicare enrollees. By selecting codes used for diagnoses and treatment, we identified 7174 cases of PE and 8923 cases of DVT. These cohorts were analyzed to provide incidence by age, race, sex, and geographic location; frequency of invasive treatment; frequency of PE after treatment for DVT; frequency of recurrence of PE; and survival after diagnosis. Results: Annual incidence rates per 1000 at age 65 to 69 years for PE and DVT were 1.3 and 1.8, respectively. Both rates increased steadily with age to 2.8 and 3.1 by age 85 to 89 years. For PE, women had lower rates than men (adjusted relative risk, 0.86; 95% confidence interval, 0.82 to 0.90), and blacks had higher rates than whites (adjusted relative risk, 1.25; 95% confidence interval, 1.15 to 1.36). For DVT, the associations with gender and race were weaker and in the opposite direction. Pulmonary embolectomy was done in 0.2% of cases of PE; interruption of the vena cava was done in 4.4% of cases of PE and in 2% of cases of DVT. Thrombectomy was done in 0.3% of all cases. Pulmonary embolism occurred in 1.7% of patients with DVT within 1 year of hospital discharge for initial treatment. The 1-year recurrence rate for PE was 8.0%. In-hospital mortality associated with PE and DVT was 21% and 3%, respectively. One-year mortality was 39% and 21%. respectively. Conclusions: Pulmonary embolism and DVT are common problems in the elderly. Both increase with age, but the effects of race and sex are small. Current treatment patterns appear to be effective in preventing both PE after DVT and recurrence of PE. Both are associated with substantial 1-year mortality, suggesting the need to understand the role of associated conditions as well as the indications for prophylaxis and the methods of treatment. (Arch Intern Med. 1994;154:861-866)
Planar Geometry for Trapping and Separating Ions and Charged Particles

A planar quadrupole ion trap is proposed. We have demonstrated an extremely large operating range by trapping ions and particles with mass-to-charge ratio ranging from 102 to 109 at frequencies from 2.8 × 106 to 60 Hz at an operating pressure of 1.1 × 10-4 to 760 Torr, respectively, using a trap radius of r1 = 1 mm. We have also performed mass spectrometry with a resolution of 1.2 amu with mass-to-charge range from 50 to 150. Our geometry is simple enough to be integrated into existing integrated circuits and microelectromechanical system devices, opening up the possibility of many novel hybrid applications and experiments.
The Rutgers Arm II rehabilitation system

The Rutgers Arm II trains primarily shoulder motor control, arm dynamic response, endurance and cognitive anticipatory strategies in virtual environments. It improves on our earlier Rutgers Arm by replacing magnetic tracking with a visual tracking and by the use of a training table that tilts. Pilot trials with a single subject showed clear dependency on table tilt angle. Further trials are ongoing.
The associations between serum sex hormones, erectile function, and sex drive: the Olmsted County study of urinary symptoms and health status among men

ABSTRACT Introduction Testosterone replacement therapy has been used in the treatment of sexual dysfunction; however, its use remains controversial, and the effectiveness and long-term health implications are unknown. Aim To evaluate the association between sex hormone serum levels, erectile function, and sexual drive in a population-based sample of men. Methods A stratified random sample of men residing in Olmsted County, Minnesota, completed a questionnaire containing questions from the Brief Male Sexual Function Inventory (BMSFI), and participated in a clinical exam, which included serum hormone measurements. Main Outcome Measures Levels of sexual drive (libido) and erectile function as assessed by the BMSFI and serum testosterone, bioavailable testosterone, and estradiol measurements. Results Out of 414 men, 294 had a regular sexual partner and androgen measurements at the 14th year of follow-up. Total testosterone and erectile function were significantly correlated even after adjustment for age ( r = 0.12, P = 0.04). Conversely, total testosterone was not significantly correlated with sex drive ( r = 0.08, P = 0.17). Bioavailable testosterone was significantly correlated with both erectile function and sex drive ( r = 0.16, P = 0.01 and r = 0.20, P = 0.001, respectively). However, these associations disappeared after age adjustment ( r = 0.04 and r = 0.09). Conclusions These cross-sectional results suggest the relationship between sex hormones and sexual function is complex, and that the age-related decline in sexual function may be due to age-related declines in levels of bioavailable testosterone rather than total testosterone levels. Gades NM, Jacobson DJ, McGree ME, St. Sauver JL, Lieber MM, Nehra A, Girman CJ, Klee GG, and Jacobsen SJ. The associations between serum sex hormones, erectile function, and sex drive: The Olmsted County study of urinary symptoms and health status among men. J Sex Med 2008;5:2209–2220.
Fatalities in Trenching Operations—Analysis Using Models of Accident Causation

More than 65 construction workers are killed each year due to trench related accidents. Accident prevention begins with having a clear understanding of the causes of these accidents. This paper discusses the analysis of 296 fatality reports related to trenching operations from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the 1997–2001 time frame. In this paper, two models will be considered to analyze the fatality reports and to find the major relationships between the “how” and the “why” of trenching fatalities. The first model considers the causes related to physical processes, and the second model evaluates causes that can be linked to human behavior. The understanding of the major links between these two models and other factors will help to develop more effective strategies to prevent trenching fatalities.
Laser magnetic resonance rotational spectroscopy of the hydrogen halide molecular ions: H79Br+ and H81Br+

Abstract Pure rotational spectra of the X2Π vibronic ground states of H35Cl+ and H37Cl+ molecular ions have been measured by far-infrared laser magnetic resonance (LMR). The spectrometer, which contains an intracavity transverse dc discharge, is described in some detail. The theoretical formalism used to analyze the LMR spectra of HF+, HCl+, and HBr+ is presented. The constants B, q, h, b, eQq0, eQq2, g1, and gR were determined from a least-squares regression analysis of the J = 7 2 ← 5 2 and J = 9 2 ← 7 2 transitions in H35Cl+ and H37Cl+. Values obtained for the molecular parameters support a model of HCl+ with the electron density strongly localized on chlorine and with hydrogen exhibiting a substantial positive charge.
ChrR, a soluble quinone reductase of Pseudomonas putida that defends against H2O2.

Most bacteria contain soluble quinone-reducing flavoenzymes. However, no biological benefit for this activity has previously been demonstrated. ChrR of Pseudomonas putida is one such enzyme that has also been characterized as a chromate reductase; yet we propose that it is the quinone-reducing activity of ChrR that has the greatest biological significance. ChrR reduces quinones by simultaneous two-electron transfer, avoiding formation of highly reactive semiquinone intermediates and producing quinols that promote tolerance of H2O2. Expression of chrR was induced by H2O2, and levels of chrR expression in overexpressing, wild type, and knock-out mutant strains correlated with the H2O2 tolerance and scavenging ability of each strain. The chrR expression level also correlated with intracellular H2O2 levels as measured by protein carbonylation assays and fluorescence-activated cell scanning analysis with the H2O2-responsive dye H2DCFDA. Thus, enhancing the activity of ChrR in a chromate-remediating bacterial strain may not only increase the rate of chromate transformation, it may also augment the capacity of these cells to withstand the unavoidable production of H2O2 that accompanies chromate reduction.
Analysis of the variability in the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of bumetanide in critically ill infants

Objectives Account for the interindividual variability in the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of bumetanide after intravenous administration of single doses to critically ill infants. Methods This prospective open-label study was carried out in the pediatric intensive care unit of a university-based children's hospital. Fifty-three volume-overloaded critically ill infants (age range, 4 days to 6 months) were divided into two groups: those with heart disease (31 infants) and those with lung disease (22 infants). Each patient received a single intravenous bolus dose of bumetanide. Doses, selected in sequential order, ranged from 0.005 to 0.100 mg/kg. Age was used as a continuous variable to determine its effects on the variability in the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of bumetanide. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses were used to assess the effects of age, disease, and other drugs on the variability in the effects of bumetanide. Results Total clearance, renal clearance, and nonrenal clearance of bumetanide all increased with age (p < 0.05), but the ratio of renal clearance to total clearance remained constant at about 0.4. Half-life and mean residence time decreased markedly in the first month of life (p < 0.05). Bumetanide excretion rate normalized for dose also increased with increasing age. Patients with lung disease exhibited a significantly greater clearance and shorter half-life (p < 0.05) than those with heart disease, whereas volume of distribution was similar in both groups. The primary determinant of bumetanide excretion rate was the administered dose (73%). Dose-response curves for urine flow rate and electrolyte excretion were similar between disease groups. The time course of the effect of bumetanide excretion rate on pharmacodynamics responses was similar between disease groups, as was the duration of the diuretic effect. Conclusions The pharmacokinetics of bumetanide were influenced significantly by age and disease. Differences in pharmacokinetics between patients with lung and heart disease were primarily due to differences in total clearance. The administered dose of bumetanide and age were positive determinants of bumetanide excretion rate and pharmacodynamic responses. Pharmacodynamic responses as a function of bumetanide excretion rate were not significantly different between disease groups. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (1996) 60, 414–423; doi:
Stratigraphic evidence for late-holocene aeolian sand mobilization and soil formation in south-central Kansas, U.S.A.

Abstract Stratigraphic evidence and radiocarbon dating of sediments from the Great Bend Sand Prairie in Kansas indicates that significant deposits of aeolian sand have accumulated in the region during the late Holocene. Radiocarbon ages obtained from total humates in buried soils suggest that five periods of late-Holocene stability and soil formation are preserved in dune fields at approximately 2300, 1400, 1000, 700, 500 and 300 years B.P. Reactivation of aeolian sand in the past 1000 years has resulted in a variety of well defined, parabolic dunes. In general, events in the region correspond with established chronologies elsewhere on the Great Plains and in particular correlate well with dune fields in north-eastern Colorado. Overall, results indicate that the threshold of landscape stability on the Great Bend Sand Prairie can easily be crossed in the current climatic regime.
Treatment of the bunionette deformity

Abstract A bunionette may be due to a deformity of the fifth metatarsal head, metatarsal diaphysis, or divergence of the fourth and fifth metatarsals. Treatment options are dictated by the symptoms, physical findings, and location of the abnormality. Conservative measures are successful in the majority of patients, however, surgical intervention may be necessary to relieve symptoms. This article describes the different surgical treatment options and the rationale applied to obtain the best outcome.
Design optimization of coaxial antennas for hepatic microwave ablation using genetic algorithms

We present a method for optimizing antenna designs for hepatic microwave ablation using computer models and mathematical optimization algorithms. We illustrate the usefulness of this technique by optimizing several choke antenna designs using a multi-objective genetic algorithm. The optimization procedure yields antennas that produce spherical ablation zones up to 4.6 cm in diameter.
Mammalian tRNA sulfurtransferase: properties of the enzyme in rat liver

Transfer RNA sulfurtransferase activity was detected in 105,000 x g supernatant preparations from rat liver and several other rat tissues. Sulfur is transferred from [35S] cysteine to tRNA in a reaction which also requires ATP, Mg2+, and supernatant protein. While [35S] beta-mercaptopyruvate appeared to be a substrate for this enzyme, the reaction product was sensitive to deacylation and the reaction was inhibited by [32S] cysteine. Of the various nucleic acids tested, only tRNAs were effective sulfur acceptors, with rat liver tRNA being the poorest substrate. The [35S] reaction product was sensitive to ribonuclease, cochromatographed with tRNA on methylated-albumin kieselguhr columns, and was converted to nucleotide material after alkaline hydrolysis. DEAE-cellulose chromatography of the neutralized [35S] nucleotide digest revealed a single thionucleotide peak. These studies demonstrate that tRNA sulfurtransferase is present in various rat tissues, and that the requirements of the liver enzyme are similar to those of bacterial enzymes.
The Role of non-bank financial intermediaries in propagating Korea's financial crisis

The Korean crisis has been analyzed for the causal role banks played through the "credit view". Non-bank lenders have grown more important than banks in providing loans, but their role in creating financial instability has been ignored. This paper fills this gap, and demonstrates that non-banks were an important source of dislocation. Moreover, these results offer a counter-argument to proposals for "narrow banking". Narrow banking would separate deposit taking and lending into two enterprises, hopefully reducing vulnerability to panics. The poor performance of non-bank lenders even relative to banks in the Korean episode casts doubt on this model.
Muscle Pumping in the Dependent Leg

Since the exercising dependent leg displaces blood toward the heart, against a potential gradient, it must perform useful circulatory work. We studied the peripheral circulation in healthy, sedentary males by measuring calf circumference (using mercury-in-Silastic strain gages), muscle pump ejection velocity (using a transcutaneous Doppler flowmeter), intrathoracic and intra-abdominal pressures (through catheters in the esophagus and rectum) and power of the leg muscle pump (product of blood flow and the upstream-downstream venous pressure difference). Measurements of pressure, flow velocity, and volume changes in the dependent venous beds of healthy young men demonstrated that during running in place, (1) the abdominal contraction necessary to fix the pelvis raised inferior caval pressure and impeded venous outflow from the legs, but that, (2) the leg muscles themselves were capable of effectively pumping blood past this functional obstruction. By doing so, these peripheral pumps contributed more than 30...
CENP-C, an autoantigen in scleroderma, is a component of the human inner kinetochore plate

We have isolated and characterized a set of overlapping cDNA clones that encode the human centromere autoantigen centromere protein C (CENP-C). The identity of these clones has been established using several criteria. First, they were shown to encode a polypeptide that migrates at the expected position for CENP-C on SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Second, we have demonstrated that this polypeptide shares at least two epitopes with human CENP-C. Polyclonal antibodies were raised to fusion proteins encoded by nonoverlapping regions of the cDNA clones. These antibodies were shown to recognize a protein at a position appropriate for CENP-C on immunoblots of human chromosomal proteins. In addition, we used indirect immunofluorescence to demonstrate that these antibodies recognize centromeres of HeLa chromosomes in the expected pattern for CENP-C. Localization of CENP-C by immunoelectron microscopy reveals that this protein is a component of the inner kinetochore plate.
The Landscape Ecology of Pastoral Herding: Spatial Analysis of Land Use and Livestock Production in East Africa

Understanding landscape-scale patterns of herding is critical in identifying and assessing the impacts of pastoral grazing. Here, a general model of herding is developed based on the Sukuma agropastoral system in the Rukwa Valley, Tanzania. Using this conceptual framework, the factors affecting the maximum distances herds travel from home and the distribution of grazing around pastoral settlements are examined. The distribution of dry season water structured the landscape-scale distribution of grazing throughout the year, not just during the dry season. Water availability strongly affected the distances herds ranged from home in the dry season and the distribution of grazing around pastoral settlements throughout the year. Associations between cattle productivity and herding practices were also examined. The effects of traveling further from home, keeping cattle in large herds, and using/living in areas of high settlement densities were examined on the following measures of productivity: intake rates, foraging behavior, milk yields, and body conditions. Cattle from larger herds were observed to walk more while actively foraging and engage in more walking bouts (taking ten steps without taking a bite). The increased walking of large herds may explain why they range farther from home and highlight the importance and ubiquity of herd splitting among pastoralists. However, herd size effects were not apparent in intake rates or milk yields. Milk yields were negatively affected by traveling farther from home. These data demonstrate substantial variability within herding populations and show interesting similarities with herding systems in substantially more arid areas.
Flowslides in muds on extremely low angle tidal flats, northeastern South America

Observations during field experiments on tidal flats in northeastern South America revealed that subaqueous mass-movement processes occur in soft, fluid muds on slopes of only 0.03° to 0.08°. Systems of linear failure chutes bounded by well-formed shear zones become visible during low tide and carry muds seaward at average rates of 1 to 10 cm/min. In situ measurements of pressure within the mud suggest that excess pore-water pressures which develop as tide waters recede may initiate this offshore movement of mud, described herein as “flowsliding.” Flowslide movement is significant as a transport mechanism for returning tidal flat muds to the wave-dominated environment from which they were derived.
Multi-Field Information Extraction and Cross-Document Fusion

In this paper, we examine the task of extracting a set of biographic facts about target individuals from a collection of Web pages. We automatically annotate training text with positive and negative examples of fact extractions and train Rote, Naive Bayes, and Conditional Random Field extraction models for fact extraction from individual Web pages. We then propose and evaluate methods for fusing the extracted information across documents to return a consensus answer. A novel cross-field bootstrapping method leverages data interdependencies to yield improved performance.
Perpendicular fluid flow measurement with a spatial array of ultrasonic transducers

The challenge of remotely measuring fluid flow through a plane of interest for a wide range of velocities is addressed using an array of ultrasonic transducers. Unlike traditional transit-time ultrasonic flow measurements, the proposed method uses the angle-of-arrival of a reflected ultrasonic wave to measure flow perpendicular to the path of propagation. The use of angle-of-arrival information avoids the inherent requirement of transit-time techniques to have a non-negligible directional component of the propagation path in the flow direction. A successful proof-of-concept was developed to experimentally validate the proposed technique.
Water Deficit Duration and Severity Analysis Based on Runoff Derived from Noah Land Surface Model

AbstractThe identification and prediction of drought events depend on the integrity of the dataset employed. Streamflow is a good indicator of surface water availability and has dominated the literature on frequency analysis of hydrological droughts and water management. However, gauged measurements are impaired by climate and land use changes, especially in large, modified watersheds. Hence, their use in drought prediction is limited because they may violate the assumption of stationarity unless a naturalized observation series is obtained. In this paper, a land surface model is used to generate runoff in the Rio Grande/Rio Bravo del Norte basin. Land use land cover is kept constant so that changes are a result of climatological variations. The river threads across several climatic zones; therefore the basin is divided into different regions for analysis. Using statistical theory of runs, water deficit duration and severity and drought interarrival time are extracted from 3-month Standardized Runoff Inde...