cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
CLUSTERING AS DETERMINED BY EXPOSURE TIME AND SPATIAL ARRANGEMENT OF OBJECTS

Summary.-The two srudies extended the principles of clustering to nonverbal stimuli. College Ss were asked to learn and recall random objects under varied conditions of exposure time and spatial organization. Increments in exposure time produced increments in total recall and clustering. Also the spatial organization of stimuli facilitated total recall and the organizational process in memory. The greatest amount of recall and clustering occurred with objects from the left as opposed to the right side of the visual display and increased spatial organization of relatively random display produced increased amounts of clustering in free recall. These data for 72 students were interpreted in terms of the associationistic (Jenkins, 1952) and the mediational (Bousfield, 1953) views of clustering. An organizational process in human memory is commonly reflected in freerecall protocols by the occurrence of clusters of related items. In the tradition of the first studies demonstrating clustering (Bousfield & Sedgewick, 1944; Bousfield, 1953) most of the subsequent studies have used verbal stimuli and freerecall measures to evaluate the organizational process in memory. These studies have evolved objective procedures of quantifying free-recall data and they have produced differing theoretical positions in expose of clustering. An associationistic view of clustering (Jenkins & Russell, 1952) suggests thac verbal items with mutual free-association strength tend to cluster in recall. In contrast a mediational view (Bousfield, 1953) suggests that verbal items which belong to a related set or category evoke a superordinate which mediates clustering in recall. It is probably true that both the associational and the mediational processes are involved in most situations of free recall (Cofer, 1965) and ic seems that both theoretical positions would predict similar outcomes with some independent variations. Both the associationistic and the mediational view predict increments in the amount of clustering with repeated stimulus presentation and most published data support this prediction (Shuell, 1969). If it may be assumed thac with longer stimulus exposure more subjective practice takes place, then both theoretical views would predict increments in clustering with longer intervals of stimulus exposure. In part the present studies attempt to verify this relationship. Both theoretical views predict increasing amounts of clustering with increasing item grouping. In terms of the associationistic view, items which are grouped are likely to gain mutual associational strength because of their proximity, and hence they will be recalled in clusters. In terms of the mediational
Beliefs, knowledge, and values held by inner-city youth about gardening, nutrition, and cooking

Changes in the US food system and an interest in changing dietary habits among youth have impelled numerous schools and communities to develop programs such as community gardens. Youth community gardens have the potential to positively influence dietary behaviors and enhance environmental awareness and appreciation. However, actual data supporting youth gardening and its influence are limited. The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of community gardens on youth dietary behaviors, values and beliefs, and cooking and gardening behaviors. Focus groups were conducted with inner-city youth living in Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota and compared those involved in a youth garden program with those uninvolved in order to investigate whether the gardening program influenced their habits, beliefs, and values. Findings indicate that youth garden program participants were more willing to eat nutritious food and try ethnic and unfamiliar food than those not in the program. Additionally, it was apparent that garden participants had a stronger appreciation for other individuals and cultures and were more likely to cook and garden on their own than youth not involved in a garden program. The findings suggest that garden programs positively impact youth garden habits, food choice, social skills, nutrition knowledge, and cooking skills.
Determination of process parameters through a mechanistic force model of milling operations

Abstract Mechanistic process parameters for the end milling operation are determined for 11L17 free machining steel, 2024 aluminum and 62-35-3 free machining brass by analyzing the measured cutting force data and using a mechanistic force model. It has been found that pressure and friction acting on the cutter-chip interface decrease with the increase of feed rate, while the cutting speed has a negligible effect on some of the material-dependent parameters. Process parameters are summarized into empirical equations as functions of feed rate and tool rotation angle for each workpiece material. The use of sampled force data in the computation of the process parameters reduces the amount of testing greatly compared to those methods that utilize only average force data.
Hyperthermia induced by open-field stress is blocked by salicylate

Psychological stress results in a rise in body temperature. Here we report that in rats, hyperthermia induced by open-field stress can be blocked by administration of the antipyretic drug sodium salicylate. These data suggest that this rise in body temperature is a true fever, perhaps mediated by prostaglandins.
A CMOS High Speed Multi-Modulus Divider With Retiming for Jitter Suppression

A new asynchronous high speed multi-modulus divider (MMD) architecture is presented in this letter. This new architecture significantly reduces the delay of the critical path, which not only pushes to ultra-high speed operation, but also allows retiming techniques to suppress jitter accumulation from the divider chain simultaneously. A prototype in a 65 nm CMOS technology has demonstrated an improved speed over three times compared with a conventional MMD and a reduced phase noise about 8.4 dB due to a retiming scheme. To the authors' best knowledge, this MMD has demonstrated to date the highest operating frequency static MMD with retiming function in CMOS. Due to its static implementation, this MMD can operate from 19 GHz down to close to dc with programmable division ratios from 16 to 31. This MMD consumes 39.8 mW power and occupies 0.011 mm2 chip area.
Dietetics students’ low knowledge, attitudes, and work preferences toward older adults indicate need for improved education about aging

Abstract Objective This study examined students' knowledge and attitudes about aging and their interest in working with the older adult population in the United States. Design A 97-item questionnaire included demographic items, a ranking section on work preferences by age groups, and two validated scales: the Palmore Facts on Aging Quiz, and the Oberleder Attitude Scale. Subjects Those surveyed were enrolled in the 10 largest universities in the 5 states with the largest population of older adults: California, Florida, New York, Texas, and Pennsylvania. Of 555 questionnaires that program directors requested for their class(es), 299 completed questionnaires were returned. This 54% return rate was affected by program directors requesting more questionnaires than needed. Of the 299 dietetics/nutrition students who completed the survey, 65% were in the 18 to 22 year age range, 91% were women, 81% were non-Hispanic white, and 81% were seniors in college. Statistical analyses Pearson's correlation was applied to test for relationships between knowledge and attitudes; t tests for differences in knowledge, attitudes, and work preferences by age, gender, and experience with older adults; and Tukey's multiple comparison test for differences in knowledge, attitudes, and work preferences by state. Results Students had low knowledge about aging (Palmore, mean percent correct ± standard deviation=40.1% ±13.0%) and neutral attitudes toward older adults (Oberleder, mean score=69.1±8.2). When asked which of 10 age groups they preferred to work with, respondents ranked the 3 oldest age groups (65 to 74, 75 to 84, 85 and older) lowest on average (6.0, 7.3, 8.6, respectively). Applications/conclusions More didactic instruction about aging and more positive experiences with older adults through fieldwork may be needed to prepare future practitioners to provide nutrition services to this increasing population segment. J Am Diet Assoc. 2002;102:197–202 .
The Dorsal–Ventral Axis of the Neural Retina Is Divided into Multiple Domains of Restricted Gene Expression Which Exhibit Features of Lineage Compartments

The neural retina is a complex sensory structure designed to receive, integrate, and transmit visual information. An important aspect of retinal development is the establishment of pattern along the dorsal-ventral (D-V) and anterior-posterior (A-P) axes. The recent identification and functional characterization of a dorsal-specific and a ventral-specific transcription factor suggested that the D-V axis is divided into two domains. This study characterizes the expression patterns of these and other D-V markers, and establishes that the retina is subdivided into at least four domains of gene expression along this axis. The composition and spatial relation of these expression domains alters our model of D-V patterning, suggesting more complexity in the way that the retina is patterned than was previously recognized. As domains of gene expression within developing tissues sometimes comprise compartments whose borders are not crossed by clonally related cells, we performed a retroviral lineage study. A strong preference for cells to remain in their original domain of gene expression was observed, suggesting that these borders comprise developmental compartments.
Psychological and Personality Disturbance Among Patients with Testicular Cancer

Previous research suggested that severe psychopathology may be more prevalent among patients with testicular cancer than among comparison groups. To test this finding, the authors asked 59 men with cancer of the testis to complete an objective, standardized measure of personality and psychopathology-the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory (MCMI). The results of the study did not support the hypothesis that psychopathology is more prevalent among patients with testicular cancer. Of the 59 men, 29 showed no nonpsychotic symptoms, 19 showed mild-to-moderate nonpsychotic symptoms, and ll showed moderate-to-severe nonpsychotic symptoms. The most prevalent symptoms were anxiety and somatic concern, followed by depression, substance abuse, and hypomania. The type of symptoms reported seemed to be associated with a subject's basic personality structure, as assessed by the MCMI.
Lipid Metabolic Dose Response to Dietary Alpha-Linolenic Acid in Monk Parrot (Myiopsitta monachus)

Monk parrots (Myiopsitta monachus) are susceptible to atherosclerosis, a progressive disease characterized by the formation of plaques in the arteries accompanied by underlying chronic inflammation. The family of n-3 fatty acids, especially eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5n-3, EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n-3, DHA), have consistently been shown to reduce atherosclerotic risk factors in humans and other mammals. Some avian species have been observed to convert α-linolenic acid (18:3n-3, ALA) to EPA and DHA (Htin et al. in Arch Geflugelk 71:258–266, 2007; Petzinger et al. in J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr, 2013). Therefore, the metabolic effects of including flaxseed oil, as a source of ALA, in the diet at three different levels (low, medium, and high) on the lipid metabolism of Monk parrots was evaluated through measuring plasma total cholesterol (TC), free cholesterol (FC), triacylglycerols (TAG), and phospholipid fatty acids. Feed intake, body weight, and body condition score were also assessed. Thus the dose and possible saturation response of increasing dietary ALA at constant linoleic acid (18:2n-6, LNA) concentration on lipid metabolism in Monk parrots (M. monachus) was evaluated. Calculated esterified cholesterol in addition to plasma TC, FC, and TAG were unaltered by increasing dietary ALA. The high ALA group had elevated levels of plasma phospholipid ALA, EPA, and docosapentaenoic acid (DPAn-3, 22:5n-3). The medium and high ALA groups had suppressed plasma phospholipid 20:2n-6 and adrenic acid (22:4n-6, ADA) compared to the low ALA group. When the present data were combined with data from a previous study (Petzinger et al. in J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr, 2013) a dose response to dietary ALA was observed when LNA was constant. Plasma phospholipid ALA, EPA, DPAn-3, DHA, and total n-3 were positively correlated while 20:2n-6, di-homo-gamma-linoleic acid (20:3n-6Δ7), arachidonic acid (20:4n-6), ADA, and total n-6 were inversely correlated with dietary en% ALA.
Using cervical auscultation in the clinical dysphagia examination in long-term care.

The ability of the clinical dysphagia examination to identify patients who aspirate and to determine specialized diet management has been suspect. In long-term care, however, the clinical examination can be the only assessment procedure available to clinicians. Cervical auscultation with stethoscope was incorporated into the clinical examination for dysphagia in an attempt to enhance the clinical examination's ability to detect aspiration and to determine specialized diet management in long-term care. Comparison of the clinical examination's results with results from videofluoroscopy revealed significant agreement in both areas. Results support the use of cervical ausculatation as a highly sensitive and specific method of dysphagia assessment in long-term care.
In situ measurements of post-fire debris flows in southern California: Comparisons of the timing and magnitude of 24 debris-flow events with rainfall and soil moisture conditions

[1] Debris flows often occur in burned steeplands of southern California, sometimes causing property damage and loss of life. In an effort to better understand the hydrologic controls on post-fire debris-flow initiation, timing and magnitude, we measured the flow stage, rainfall, channel bed pore fluid pressure and hillslope soil-moisture accompanying 24 debris flows recorded in five different watersheds burned in the 2009 Station and Jesusita Fires (San Gabriel and Santa Ynez Mountains). The measurements show substantial differences in debris-flow dynamics between sites and between sequential events at the same site. Despite these differences, the timing and magnitude of all events were consistently associated with local peaks in short duration (< = 30 min) rainfall intensity. Overall, debris-flow stage was best cross-correlated with time series of 5-min rainfall intensity, and lagged the rainfall by an average of just 5 min. An index of debris-flow volume was also best correlated with short-duration rainfall intensity, but found to be poorly correlated with storm cumulative rainfall and hillslope soil water content. Post-event observations of erosion and slope stability modeling suggest that the debris flows initiated primarily by processes related to surface water runoff, rather than shallow landslides. By identifying the storm characteristics most closely associated with post-fire debris flows, these measurements provide valuable guidance for warning operations and important constraints for developing and testing models of post-fire debris flows.
Identifying Nodes and Anti-Nodes of Complex Structures with Virtual Elements

Abstract This paper develops an experimentally efficient procedure that allows the determination of the location of the nodes and antinodes of a complicated structure. The approach is based on attaching a virtual element, either a virtual lumped mass or a virtual grounded spring, to the system of interest and analyzing the free vibration of the assembled system as a function of the location or co-ordinate of the virtual element. When the frequency curves of the assembled system are plotted against the constraint location of the virtual element, the nodes and antinodes of the structure of interest can be extracted by examining the minima or maxima of the curves. For the virtual lumped mass, the nodes and antinodes correspond to the maxima and minima of the frequency curves, respectively, while for the virtual spring, they correspond instead to the minima and maxima of the frequency curves.
A longitudinal assessment of autologous neutralizing antibodies in children perinatally infected with human immunodeficiency virus type 1

The evolution of autologous neutralizing antibodies to sequential human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) isolates was studied in a population of 16 children who were perinatally infected with human immunodeficiency virus type 1. The cohort included seven children with rapid disease progression (RP) and nine who had nonrapid disease progression (NRP). Four of the NRP after 6 months of age harbored viruses that could be neutralized by antibodies found in autologous contemporaneous plasma (titers up to 1:640) while the majority of longitudinally collected viruses from five NRP were resistant to neutralization with contemporaneous plasma. Because of their shorter survival, only five of the RP had studies after 6 months of age; three of the five had neutralizing antibodies to contemporaneous virus isolates and the highest titers were 1:20. The highest titers in RP (up to 1:160) occurred in specimens obtained prior to 6 months of age but these were most likely of maternal origin. Most isolates that were not neutralized by contemporaneous plasma could be neutralized using noncontemporaneous plasma obtained months to years after the virus isolates. These autologous noncontemporaneous neutralizing antibodies persisted for years, had titers that were higher to viruses isolated at younger ages, and were generally more potent in children with NRP than RP. Demonstration of neutralizing antibodies to viruses previously resistant to neutralization by contemporaneous plasma suggests a continuous evolution of virus variants in vivo that are able to escape the effect of neutralizing antibodies.
Torsion of a hernia sac invaginating into the tunica vaginalis and resembling testicular torsion

A 12-year-old boy was operated upon for torsion of a hernia sac invaginating into the tunica vaginalis. His clinical presentation resembled that of testicular torsion.
On the approximation of eigenvalues associated with functional differential equations

Abstract In this paper an approximation method based upon spline functions is developed for the eigenvalue problem associated with functional differential equations. Convergence results are established and the rate of convergence is investigated. Numerical results for cubic and quintic spline based methods are given. The paper concludes with a brief discussion of other possible approximation methods.
Current technologies for the endoscopic assessment of duodenal villous pattern in celiac disease

Currently, standard endoscopy is not considered enough reliable for the evaluation of celiac disease, neither to drive biopsy sampling. The diagnostic reliability of the endoscopic assessment of celiac disease has been increased by the recent advancement of software and hardware technologies. Several endoscopic technologies have been investigated so far for the diagnostic evaluation of celiac disease, including: water-immersion techniques, dye-based and dye-less chromoendoscopy techniques (Narrow band imaging; Fujinon Intelligeng Chromo Endoscopy; I-scan); optical coherence tomography; confocal laser endomicroscopy; high-resolution magnification endoscopy; videocapsule endoscopy; enteroscopy.Such a technologic improvement brought us to higher diagnostic possibilities in the evaluation and management of CD. A wider application of advanced diagnostic endoscopic techniques is therefore warranted to decrease the number of misdiagnoses and related healthcare costs of celiac disease.
Nucleus independent chemical shift evaluation of the aromaticity of pentafulvene and its exocyclic Si, Ge, and Sn derivatives

Abstract Nucleus independent chemical shift (NICS) values, the negative isotropic shielding calculated at the ring centers, were used to evaluate the aromatic character of a series of substituted pentafulvene analogs. NICSs were calculated for pentafulvene 3a , its exocyclic Si, Ge, and Sn analogs 3b – d , and their 7,8-difluoro derivatives 4a – d . Calculations on cyclopentadiene, 1 , and the aromatic cyclopentadienyl anion, 2 , were also carried out for comparison. Geometries were optimized using the B3-LYP method while NICS values were calculated at both the HF and B3-LYP levels using the gauge invariant atomic orbital (GIAO) approach. All calculations used a triple split basis set with two sets of polarization functions (tsV+2P). Calculated NICS values suggest 3a – d and 4a exhibit little or no aromaticity. However, the 7,8-difluorosilyl- and 7,8-difluorogermyl derivatives ( 4b and 4c ) appear to exhibit a degree of aromaticity, which might be due to π-donation from fluorine to silicon (germanium) permitting some net π-donation from Si and Ge to the cyclopentadiene ring. The SnF 2 derivative 4d , in contrast, does not appear to exhibit aromaticity.
Conversion of μ-alkylidynediiron complexes to nitriles

Abstract The reaction of the diiron μ-propylidyne complex [(C 5 H 5 )(CO)Fe] 2 (μ-CO)(μ-CCH 2 CH 3 ) + PF 6 − ( 3 ) with Me 3 SiN 3 in CD 2 Cl 2 under a CO atmosphere produced 64% (NMR) propanenitrile, 33% [(C 5 H 5 )(CO)Fe] 2 (μ-CO) 2 ( 2 ) and 16% [(C 5 H 5 )(CO)Fe] 2 (μ-CO)(μ-CCHCH 3 ( 4 ). Treatment of [(C 5 H 5 )(CO)Fe] 2 (μ-CO)-(μ-C-n-C 4 H 9 ) + PF 6 − ( 6 ) under similar conditions produced pentanenitrile in 51% (NMR) yield, 2 in 20% yield and [(C 5 H 5 )(CO)Fe] 2 (μ-CO)(μ-CCHCH 2 CH 2 CH 3 ) ( 7 ) in 22% yield. Similarly, [(C 5 H 5 )(CO)Fe] 2 (μ-CO)(μ-CC 6 H 4 - p -CH 3 ) + BF 4 − ( 5 ) reacted with Me 3 SiN 3 under a CO atmosphere to produce p -CH 3 C 6 H 4 CN in 64% isolated yield and 2 in 71% isolated yield.
Human cell line RPMI M7021 established from a liposarcoma.

A liposarcoma cell line (RPMI M7021) has been established. A description, based on light and electron microscopy and karyotypic analysis, is presented.
Association of class II DNA restriction fragments with responsiveness to Ambrosia artemisiifolia (short ragweed)-pollen allergen Amb a V in ragweed-allergic patients.

Abstract Human IgE and IgG antibody responsiveness to the short ragweed-pollen allergen Amb a V (formerly known as Ra5) has been found to be strongly associated with HLA-D specificities Dw2 and DR2 in ragweed-allergic white individuals. To study the molecular basis of these associations, restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) mapping was performed on a group of 45 white ragweed-allergic patients with full-length HLA-DRβ, DQβ, and DQα cDNA probes. The data on 41 of these subjects were used for the purposes of statistical analysis. With the DRβ probe, we found that the presence of three polymorphic restriction fragments correlated with responsiveness to Amb a V and with the DR2 specificity, namely, a 6.5 kb Eco RI fragment, a 9.4 kb Hind III fragment, and a 2.2 kb Hind III fragment. The presence of four fragments detected with the DQβ probe correlated with responsiveness to Amb a V and with Dw2 specificity: a 2.3 kb Eco RI fragment, a 13.0 kb Pst I fragment, a 2.9 kb Taq I fragment, and a 5.2 kb Eco RV fragment. The DRβ Eco RI 6.5 kb and the DQβ Eco RI 2.3 kb fragments were studied in detail; the concordant presence of these fragments was even more strongly associated with responsiveness to Amb a V. Fifteen of 17 responders had both fragments, whereas only one of 24 nonresponders had both fragments ( p = 5 × 10 −7 ). This is the first time that such an association has been found between a person's immune response to a well-defined antigen and a set of HLA class II DNA restriction fragments.
Etretinate Improves Localized Porokeratosis of Mibelli

: ABSTRACT: A 60-year-old woman with plaque-type psoriasis of 30 years duration was treated with etretinate. The lesion resolved while the patient was on the drug and continued to resolve after she had discontinued therapy. The continuation of resolution after the patient had discontinued the drug is probably due to its long half-life.
PEER TEACHING IN LIFELONG LEARNING INSTITUTES

Forty-eight peer teachers in five different Lifelong Learning Institutes in Maine were interviewed via focus groups. Five methods are used in peer teaching practice: lecture, group discussion, hands-on experiences, various hybrids of these three, and a course coordination approach. Voluntary participation, tolerance of teacher limitations, and interest in developing a sense of community differentiate peer teaching from earlier faculty experiences. Peer teachers encounter a number of special challenges that include dealing with a range of educational backgrounds, subject-matter expertise among selected students, limitations in program structure, the physical changes that accompany aging, and ambivalence concerning Lifelong Learning Institutes' mission.
Isolation of a cDNA encoding the chicken homologue of the human calcium-modulating cyclophilin ligand ☆

In order to identify important regions of the human CAML (calcium-modulating cyclophilin ligand) protein, a cDNA encoding the chicken homologue was isolated using low-stringency hybridization screening of a T-lymphocyte cDNA library. The deduced amino acid sequences of chicken and human CAML show areas of extensive conservation, suggesting an evolutionarily important role in signaling.
Interactions and Reactions of Ferritin with DNA

Ferritin, normally considered a cytoplasmic iron-storage protein, is also found in the nuclei of some cells. There is no current agreement about its function(s) in this environment. Proposals include DNA protection, provision of iron to nuclear enzymes, and regulation of transcription initiation, but evidence for these functions is scanty. We have shown previously that H-ferritin subunits can be cross-linked to chromosomal DNA in vivo (Thompson, K. J., Fried, M. G., Ye, Z., Boyer, P., and Connor, J. R. (2002) J. Cell Sci. 115, 2165–2177). Here we describe systematic analyses of DNA binding and the covalent stability of DNA in the presence of ferritins from several different sources. Our data show that the H-subunit of human ferritin binds DNA, whereas neither the L-subunit nor the ferroxidase-deficient 222-mutant of the H-subunit has detectable binding activity. DNA binding is without significant preference for base composition, sequence, or the nature of DNA ends. H- and L-ferritins and ferritins of mixed subunit composition stimulate the conversion of superhelical plasmid DNA to the relaxed form. The sensitivity of this conversion to glycerol suggests that DNA is nicked by a free radical mechanism. The rate of nicking correlates with the iron content of the ferritin and is strongly inhibited by chelators. Ferritin-dependent nicking is characterized by a kinetic lag that is not seen in control reactions containing free iron species. These results suggest that the release of iron from ferritin is an important part of the nicking mechanism. The potential role of ferritin as a protector of the genome is discussed in the context of these results.
Biosynthesis of 1-Deoxy-1-imino-d-erythrose 4-Phosphate: A Defining Metabolite in the Aminoshikimate Pathway

With respect to the source of the nitrogen atom incorporated into the aminoshikimate pathway, d-erythrose 4-phosphate has been proposed to undergo a transamination reaction resulting in formation of 1-deoxy-1-imino-d-erythrose 4-phosphate. Condensation of this metabolite with phosphoenolpyruvate catalyzed by aminoDAHP synthase would then hypothetically form the 4-amino-3,4-dideoxy-d-arabino-heptulosonic acid 7-phosphate (aminoDAHP), which is the first committed intermediate of the aminoshikimate pathway. However, in vitro formation of aminoDAHP has not been observed. In this account, the possibility is examined that 3-amino-3-deoxy-d-fructose 6-phosphate is the source of the nitrogen atom of the aminoshikimate pathway. Transketolase-catalyzed ketol transfer from 3-amino-3-deoxy-d-fructose 6-phosphate to d-ribose 5-phosphate would hypothetically release 1-deoxy-1-imino-d-erythrose 4-phosphate. Along these lines, a chemoenzymatic synthesis of 3-amino-3-deoxy-d-fructose 6-phosphate was elaborated. Incubation...
Effects of Catecholamine-Depleting Agents and Receptor Blockers on Basal and Angiotensin II- or Norepinephrine-Stimulated Luteinizing Hormone Release in Female Rats*

Depletion of hypothalamic norepinephrine (NE) and epinephrine by administration of diethyldithiocarbamate abolished the stimulatory effects of intraventricular (IVT) angiotensin II (AII) on LH release in ovariectomized rats pretreated with estradiol and progesterone. The increase in blood LH produced by IVT NE or iv LHRH was unaffected in these drug-treated animals. Selective depletion of hypothalamic epinephrine by the administration of LY134046 (8,9-dichloro-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-2-benzazepine hydrochloride) potentiated the effect of AII on LH secretion. Blockade of alpha 1-, alpha 2-, or beta-adrenergic receptors resulted in a transient increase in basal LH levels. The stimulation of LH secretion induced by IVT AII or NE was unaffected by alpha 1-receptor blockade with prazosin, but was abolished by alpha 2-receptor blockade with yohimbine. beta-Receptor blockade with propranolol potentiated both NE- and AII-induced LH release. AII receptor blockade with IVT saralasin prevented the LH rise due to AII without modifying that due to NE. Taken together, these data suggest that IVT AII stimulates LH release in ovariectomized rats treated with estradiol and progesterone by releasing endogenous NE, which, in turn, acts on facilitatory alpha 2-receptors to affect LH secretion, presumably by increasing the secretion of LHRH. Exogenous NE also acts at this receptor. beta-Receptors provide inhibitory tone to this facilitatory system, and blockade of this receptor subtype results in potentiated LH responses to both AII and NE.
Factors Affecting 1‐Octen‐3‐ol in Mushrooms at Harvest and During Postharvest Storage

Harvesting experiments revealed that immature whole mushrooms with closed veils had higher 1-octen-3-0l levels than more mature whole mushrooms with open veils. The l-octen-3-01 content of the gills was higher in immature mushrooms with closed veils, gradually decreased with maturity as the veil opened, and finally increased after the gills were well exposed. Postharvest experiments demonstrated that storage temperature influenced the activity of lipoxygenase-hydroperoxide lyase, but no differences in 1-octen-3-01 content were observed. Enzyme activity as well as 1-octen-3-01 content decreased during storage. Addition of calcium chloride to irrigation water, employed to improve quality and shelf life of fresh mushrooms, increased the amount of l-octen-3-01 immediately after harvest.
Structured audio, Kolmogorov complexity, and generalized audio coding

Structured-audio techniques are a development in audio coding that develop new connections between the existing practices of audio synthesis and audio compression. A theoretical basis for this coding model is presented, grounded in information theory and Kolmogorov complexity theory. It is demonstrated that algorithmic structured audio can provide higher compression ratios than other techniques for many audio signals and proved rigorously that it can provide compression at least as good as every other technique (up to a constant term) for every audio signal. The MPEG-4 structured audio standard is the first practical application of algorithmic coding theory. It points the direction toward a new paradigm of generalized audio coding, in which structured-audio coding subsumes all other audio-coding techniques. Generalized audio coding offers new marketplace models that enable advances in compression technology to be rapidly leveraged toward the solution of problems in audio coding.
HELMET LAWS AND MOTORCYCLE RIDER DEATH RATES

We investigated motorcycle rider death rates between states with full motorcycle helmet laws and those without. This was done using both unadjusted bivariate analyses and multivariate random-effects generalized least squares regression models of rider death rates. Multivariate models were adjusted for the competing influences of several explanatory variables, including the existence of a motorcycle helmet law. From 1994 to 1996, states with helmet laws experienced a median death rate of 6.20 riders per 10000 registered motorcycles and states without helmet laws experienced a median death rate of 5.07 riders per 10000 registered motorcycles (P = 0.008). After controlling for other factors that affect motorcycle rider fatalities (most notably population density and temperature), death rates in states with full helmet laws were shown to be lower on average than deaths rates in states without full helmet laws (P = 0.740). Our study weakens the claim that rider death rates are significantly lower in states without full motorcycle helmet laws.
Positive inotropic effect of ceramide in adult ventricular myocytes: mechanisms dissociated from its reduction in Ca2+ influx

Ceramide, a sphingolipid metabolite produced by activation of sphingomyelinase, has been previously shown to reduce L-type Ca2+ channel current (ICa,L) in adult rat ventricular myocytes; however, i...
Ultrafast modelocked semiconductor laser - techniques and applications in networking, instrumentation and signal processing

This presentation will report our recent results for ultrashort pulse generation, low timing jitter pulses for sampling and metrology, optical frequency combs for coherent communications, and the use of ultrafast semiconductor diode lasers for potential applications in nonthermal ablation and machining.
Staphylococcus aureus Protein A Promotes Immune Suppression

ABSTRACT Staphylococcus aureus is a prominent cause of human infections worldwide and is notorious for its ability to acquire resistance to antibiotics. Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), in particular, is endemic in hospitals and is the most frequent cause of community-associated bacterial infections in the United States. Inasmuch as treatment options for severe MRSA infections are limited, there is need for a vaccine that protects against such infections. However, recent efforts to generate a staphylococcal vaccine have met with little success in human clinical trials. These failures are somewhat puzzling, since the vaccine antigens tested promote opsonophagocytosis in vitro and confer protection in animal infection models. One possibility is that the pathogen inhibits (and/or fails to elicit) the development of protective immunity in humans. Indeed, S. aureus produces numerous molecules that can potentially promote immune evasion, including protein A (SpA), an immunoglobulin (Ig)-binding protein present on the bacterial surface and freely secreted into the extracellular environment. SpA binds the Fc region of antibody and the Fab regions of the B-cell receptor, processes that are known to block opsonophagocytosis and cause B-cell death in vitro . In a recent study, Falugi et al. [F. Falugi, H. K. Kim, D. M. Missiakas, and O. Schneewind, mBio 4(5):e00575-13, 2013] showed that vaccination with spa mutant S. aureus strains lacking antibody Fc- and/or Fab-binding capacity protects against subsequent challenge with the USA300 epidemic strain. The findings provide strong support for the idea that SpA promotes S. aureus immune evasion in vivo and form the foundation for a new approach in our efforts to develop a vaccine that prevents severe S. aureus infections.
Considering barometric pressure in groundwater flow investigations

[1] Water level elevation measurements in wells are commonly used as a basis to delineate groundwater flow patterns (i.e., flow direction and hydraulic gradient). Barometric pressure fluctuations, however, can have a discernible impact on well water levels. These barometric effects may lead to erroneous indications of hydraulic head within the aquifer. Total hydraulic head within the aquifer, not well water level elevation, is the hydrologic parameter for determining groundwater flow direction and hydraulic gradient conditions. For low-gradient, unconfined aquifer sites exhibiting variable vadose zone characteristics (e.g., thickness, pneumatic diffusivity), barometric pressure fluctuations can cause temporal changes in lateral flow direction and flow velocity. Discrete water level measurements used to determine the average or long-term groundwater flow conditions, therefore, may provide nonrepresentative results. Calculation of the barometric response characteristics for individual wells provides the basis to account for the temporal effects of barometric pressure fluctuations from monitor well measurements, so that average, long-term groundwater flow pattern behavior can be determined.
Differential effects of the Ski-interacting protein (SKIP) on differentiation induced by transforming growth factor-β1 and bone morphogenetic protein-2 in C2C12 cells

The transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) and bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP) are key regulatory factors that affect many critical cellular events in growth and development. Recently, we have shown that the Ski-interacting protein (SKIP) can augment TGF-beta signals. Here, we extended these studies by examining the biologic consequences of SKIP overexpression on TGF-beta1 and BMP-2 signals in C2C12 cells. C2C12 myoblasts differentiate into myotubes when the media is depleted of mitogenic factors, and TGF-beta1 inhibits this myotube formation. BMP-2 not only inhibits the myotube formation, but also induces C2C12 cells to differentiate into osteoblasts. Here, we show that SKIP-overexpressing C2C12 cells treated with TGF-beta1 or BMP-2 displayed no differences in comparison to vector control cells in their ability to form myotubes or in the expression of the myogenic markers myosin heavy chain-1 and myogenin. Unexpectedly, SKIP-overexpressing C2C12 cells treated with BMP-2 displayed suppressed expression of the induced osteoblast markers alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, and the transcription factor Runx2. Lastly, SKIP could repress transcription induced by BMP-2 in luciferase reporter assays done in C2C12 cells. These data show that SKIP has specific inhibitory effects on BMP-2-induced differentiation and implicate SKIP to be a novel regulator of the differentiation programming induced by TGF-beta signals.
On error correction with feedback under list decoding

This work provides some preliminary results on the problem of error correction in the presence of noiseless feedback, where list-of-L decoding is allowed. The methods introduced by Berlekamp for the list-of-1 setting are generalized, and some basic finite-block constraints are described. These constraints are then combined to derive an upper bound on the asymptotically achievable rates for a large family of strategies, as a function of the maximal error fraction p and the list size L.
Perception-Action Dissociations of a Walkable Müller-Lyer Configuration

These studies examined the role of spatial encoding in inducing perception-action dissociations in visual illusions. Participants were shown a large-scale Muller-Lyer configuration with hoops as its tails. In Experiment 1, participants either made verbal estimates of the extent of the Muller-Lyer shaft (verbal task) or walked the extent without vision, in an offset path (blind-walking task). For both tasks, participants stood a small distance away from the configuration, to elicit object-relative encoding of the shaft with respect to its hoops. A similar illusion bias was found in the verbal and motoric tasks. In Experiment 2, participants stood at one endpoint of the shaft in order to elicit egocentric encoding of extent. Verbal judgments continued to exhibit the illusion bias, whereas blind-walking judgments did not. These findings underscore the importance of egocentric encoding in motor tasks for producing perception-action dissociations.
A career story approach to management, business, and financial occupations

Business, management, and financial occupations are found in organizations in which individuals direct activities and perform tasks related to business and finance. The career cluster includes 144 occupational titles across 57% of the 23 major Standard Occupational Classification groups, with almost half of the occupations considered “bright outlook” and 21% in the “green economy.” However, individuals seeking employment in these areas are not immune from the economic downturn in the United States and abroad. The storied approach (Brott, 2001) is presented in a case study that embraces the client's subjective goal in taking control and finding a place in today's workforce.
Fine Particulate N–Nitroso and Nitrite Organic Compounds in the Atmosphere

Abstract Photochemistry between gas phase organic compounds, oxides of nitrogen, and ozone is expected to result in the formation of nitrogen-containing compounds of potential toxicological importance. Classes of compounds which may form include nitro-, N-nitroso-, nitrate-, and nitrite-substituted organic compounds. Many of these compounds are labile, semivolatile organic compounds in equilibrium between the gas and particulate phases in the atmosphere. The phase distribution of these potentially toxic semivolatile organic compounds can be determined using diffusion denuder sampling technology. The total concentration of N-nitroso compounds in a collected sample is determined using N-nitroso-specific denitrosation reactions followed by detection of the produced nitric oxide with a chemiluminescence detector. Denitrosation chemistry can also be used to determine nitrite compounds. Differentiation between total N-nitroso- and nitrite-containing compounds is accomplished using sulfamic acid as a nitrite-spe...
Japanese Capital Formation: The Role of the Public Sector *

Assessing the role of government in economic development in situations where public and private sectors coexist is extremely difficult. The nature of modern government is so complex and its activities are so broad, that a clear statement of “influence” or “impact” on a national economy becomes almost impossible. Interpretations of Japanese economic history illustrate these problems vividly. Few scholars have dealt with the issue explicitly, and those that have seem unable to reach clear conclusions.
A process-oriented perspective on differential business value creation by information technology: An empirical investigation

The relationship between information technology investments and firm value as an area of inquiry has sustained interest among IS researchers over the past decade. More recently, some have challenged the notion differential value among firms through Information Technology (IT) as it evolves into a ubiquitous utility-like set of technologies. This study examines the relationship between IT and business value from a process-oriented perspective, and also helps to identify the underlying links between IT and its differential business value to firms. By drawing upon economic and organizational theories, this paper develops a process framework to assess the intermediate organizational process capabilities and overall performance of firms that effectively deploy and use IT. Using data from over 80 firms, the study finds empirical support for the differential business value created by IT along a number of process oriented dimensions. These findings are discussed as these results set an optimistic tone for IT as a major causal driver of differentiation.
Interstitial Cystitis in Children

AbstractPurpose: Interstitial cystitis has been rarely reported in children. We present our experience with 16 children in whom clinical symptomatology and cystoscopic findings were consistent with the diagnosis of interstitial cystitis.Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the charts of 20 children referred for chronic sensory urgency, frequency and bladder pain who underwent cystoscopy and hydro-distension. Four patients were excluded from study because of infection identified at cystoscopy or lack of cystoscopic changes with hydro-distension.Results: Patient age at onset of first symptoms ranged from 2 to 11 years (median 4.5) and age at diagnosis ranged from 3 to 16 years (mean 8.2). Of the 16 children 14 (88 percent) presented with symptoms of urinary frequency and sensory urgency, and in 13 (81 percent) lower abdominal pain was relieved by voiding. None of the children had motor urgency. Urodynamic evaluation in 8 cases revealed early bladder sensation with no evidence of involuntary bl...
Physical activity, sedentary behavior, and childhood obesity: A review of cross-sectional studies

This systematic review examined the associations of physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior to childhood overweight and obesity in cross-sectional studies from the last 10 years. Cross-sectional approaches are cost-effective methods for identifying relationships that can then be followed by longitudinal studies to establish temporality and create targeted interventions. The 17 selected studies contained a variety of measures of PA and sedentary behavior. PA was related negatively to child weight status in some studies; however, it was not associated in others. In general, sedentary behaviors were positively associated with weight status. However, gender differences appeared in some studies for each variable. Limitations of cross-sectional approaches were discussed, as was the need for more accurate measures of PA, sedentary behavior, and body composition.
Biomedical Aspects of Microwave Exposure

Although the exact nature of the biological effects of microwaves is not completely understood, evidence indicates that organisms exposed to microwaves at specific frequencies and power densities can experience thermal stress. Power density, duration of exposure, environmental temperature, and drugs that affect temperature regulation influence the response. Reported effects of microwave exposure on the eye, hematopoiesis, thyroid function, gonads, and central nervous and cardiovascular systems are reviewed and analyzed to indicate relevance or lack of relevance to RF and microwave exposure; to decipher the known and substantiated effects from those that are purely speculative and to provide a realistic perspective on the possible effects of exposure to this form of energy. Enactment of PL 90-602 “Radiation Control for Health and Safety Act of 1968” has evoked renewed interest in safety “Standards” for microwave exposure. The standard recommended in 1953 and subsequently adopted has been maintained with sl...
Psychological Factors Influencing Chronic Pain and the Impact of Litigation

Understanding chronic pain requires an understanding of psychological factors related to the pain experience. This paradigm is the standard foundation for pain medicine as well as physical medicine and rehabilitation diagnosis and treatment. Pain patients with spine disease frequently present with a multifaceted array of physical and psychological aspects including depression, anxiety, traumatic stress, cognitive dysfunction, a potential for substance abuse, and regressed social functioning. An evolving standard of care mandates that prior to invasive pain therapies for spinal pain psychological suitability be determined. Spine pain disorders in the context of ongoing litigation present complex clinical situations which cannot be managed by medical treatments alone. The litigation will add stress and disruption to the medical diagnosis and treatment. The biopsychosocial model with inclusion of clinical psychologists as members of the treatment team is essential. This review will consider the important factors essential for a best practice approach to management of the spine pain patient with coexisting litigation.