cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hernia survey of the Section on Surgery of the American Academy of Pediatrics

The members of the Section on Surgery of the American Academy of Pediatrics were surveyed to determine the practice of North American pediatric surgeons in infants with inguinal hernia (IH). Case-scenario multiple-choice-design questionnaires regarding hernias and hydroceles were sent to all members of the Surgical Section, and responses were received from 292 (50%). In healthy full-term infant boys with asymptomatic reducible IH, 82% of responders perform repair electively, no matter what the age or weight. In full-term girls with a reducible ovary, 59% perform surgery at the next available time; if the ovary is nonreducible but asymptomatic, 44% operate emergently or urgently and 42% at the next elective slot. In former preemies, the pattern of repair is as follows. (1) For those recently discharged after 2 months in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) with reducible IH, 65% perform the repair when convenient. (2) A general anesthetic is used in 70%; 15% use spinal anesthesia, and 11% use caudal block with sedation. (3) If the repair is done in the hospital outpatient (same-day) unit, 36% wait until 50 weeks postconception (PC) and 33% wait until 60 weeks PC. (4) if the baby's weight is at least 1,000 g. 71% perform the repair before discharge. The pain control choice after childhood IH repair is Tylenol for 30%, local infiltration biquivacaine for 30%, caudal block for 22%, regional block for 11%, and Tylenol/codeine combined for 7%. In 6-week-old full-term infants with communicating hydroceles without definite "hernia," two thirds treat as an IH with elective repair as soon as possible. With respect to contralateral exploration in infants with unilateral IH, 65% perform it in males if they are < or = 2 years of age and 84% use it in females of up to 4 years of age. This approach is not influenced by presenting side, presence of hydrocele, or history of prematurity. Laparoscopic evaluation of the contralateral IH is performed by only 6% of responders, 40% of whom use the open ipsilateral sac for laparoscope introduction.
Splice-on connectors: Design, application and development trend

This paper describes the latest field-installable connectors, such as the mechanical splice-on connectors and fusion splice-on connectors, as well as, the recent trends and developments of splice-on connectors.
The chemotaxis defect of Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome leukocytes.

Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome (SDS) is a rare autosomal recessive, multisystem disorder presenting in childhood with intermittent neutropenia and pancreatic insufficiency. It is characterized by recurrent infections independent of neutropenia, suggesting a functional neutrophil defect. While mutations at a single gene locus (SBDS) appear to be responsible for SDS in a majority of patients, the function of that gene and a specific defect in SDS neutrophil behavior have not been elucidated. Therefore, employing 2D and 3D computer-assisted motion analysis systems, we have analyzed the basic motile behavior and chemotactic responsiveness of individual polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) of 14 clinically diagnosed SDS patients. It is demonstrated that the basic motile behavior of SDS PMNs is normal in the absence of chemoattractant, that SDS PMNs respond normally to increasing and decreasing temporal gradients of the chemoattractant fMLP, and that SDS PMNs exhibit a normal chemokinetic response to a spatial gradient of fMLP. fMLP receptors were also distributed uniformly through the plasma membrane of SDS PMNs as in control PMNs. SDS PMNs, however, were incapable of orienting in and chemotaxing up a spatial gradient of fMLP. This unique defect in orientation was manifested by the PMNs of every SDS patient tested. The PMNs of an SDS patient who had received an allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplant, as well as PMNs from a cystic fibrosis patient, oriented normally. These results suggest that the defect in SDS PMNs is in a specific pathway emanating from the fMLP receptor that is involved exclusively in regulating orientation in response to a spatial gradient of fMLP. This pathway must function in parallel with additional pathways, intact in SDS patients, that emanate from the fMLP receptor and regulate responses to temporal rather than spatial changes in receptor occupancy. Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 57:158–174, 2004. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Decision framing: moderating effects of individual differences and cognitive processing

Two studies examined the effect of an individual difference variable, need for cognition (NC), and processing of the options on the occurrence of risky choice framing effects. In Study 1 (N=206), frame interacted with NC and math skill such that no framing effect was observed among those high in both NC and math skill. No effect was found for the processing manipulation of requesting a reason for one's choices. Study 2 (N=257) enhanced the processing of the problems by asking participants to write out the options as they would describe them to a friend. Results showed that frame interacted with NC and depth of processing such that no framing effect was observed among those high in NC who were in the deep processing condition. These findings suggest that NC and depth of processing need to be considered in concert in order to understand their moderating effects on framing. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evolving Surgical Treatment Approaches for Fecal Incontinence in Women

Fecal incontinence (FI) is a physically and psychosocially debilitating condition which negatively impacts quality of life. Surgeries continue to be considered, especially for patients who have been refractory to conservative management approaches. In the past decade, research and development in diagnostic testing has facilitated an increased understanding of this multifactorial disorder and has yielded the development of more treatment options for our patients. This article will review the evidence-based approach for the traditional surgical procedures as well as more recently developed procedural options for the surgical management of FI.
Primary Cesarean Delivery in the United States

OBJECTIVES: To characterize the indications for primary cesarean delivery in a large national cohort and to identify opportunities to lower the U.S. primary cesarean delivery rate. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of the 38,484 primary cesarean deliveries among the 228,562 deliveries at sites participating in the Consortium on Safe Labor from 2002 to 2008. RESULTS: The primary cesarean delivery rate was 30.8% for primiparous women and 11.5% for multiparous women. The most common indications for primary cesarean delivery were failure to progress (35.4%), nonreassuring fetal heart rate tracing (27.3%), and fetal malpresentation (18.5%), although frequencies for each indication varied by parity. Among women with failure to progress, 42.6% of primiparous women and 33.5% of multiparous women never progressed beyond 5 cm of dilation before delivery. Among women who reached the second stage of labor, 17.3% underwent cesarean delivery for arrest of descent before 2 hours and only 1.1% were given a trial of operative vaginal delivery. Of all primary cesarean deliveries, 45.6% were performed on primiparous women at term with a singleton fetus in cephalic presentation. CONCLUSION: Using 6 cm as the cut-off for active labor, allowing adequate time for the second stage of labor, and encouraging operative vaginal delivery, when appropriate, may be important strategies to reduce the primary cesarean delivery rate. These actions may be particularly important in the primiparous woman at term with a singleton fetus in cephalic presentation.
128. Selective contributions of neuronal and astroglial interleukin-1 receptor 1 to behavioral immune responses

Immune challenges alter central nervous system (CNS)-mediated processes; however, the mechanisms by which the CNS regulates behavior and physiology during immune responses are not fully understood. We hypothesize that neuronal-glial interactions, mediated by cytokines, contribute to altered behavior during immune challenges. To this end, we engineered two transgenic mouse lines that express interleukin-1 receptor 1 (IL1R1) only in the CNS and selectively on neurons or astrocytes. These mice express murine IL1R1 cDNA under transcriptional control of the neuron-specific enolase (NSE) or the human glial fibrillary acidic protein (gfa2) promoters. The transgenes were bred onto a genetic background lacking endogenous IL1R1 expression centrally and peripherally. Animals with selective neuronal IL1R1 expression are referred to as NSE-IL1R1, and strains expressing IL1R1 on astrocytes are called gfa2-IL1R1. Transgenic mice instrumented with cranial electroencephalographic electrodes and a thermistor were injected intracerebroventricularly with 50 ng IL-1 beta or intraperitoneally with lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 0.40 mg/kg). Preliminary data from ongoing studies suggest that IL-1 beta induces rapid eye movement sleep (REMS) suppression in NSE-IL1R1 mice that is of greater magnitude than REMS responses of gfa2-IL1R1 mice. Similarly, early results indicate systemic challenge with LPS induces fever and suppresses REMS to a greater extent in NSE-IL1R1 mice than in gfa2-IL1R1 mice. These encouraging results suggest a potential role for neurons as primary effectors of cytokine activity in mediating behavioral responses to immune challenge.
Strategies for highly-integrated long-range silicon transceivers for sensor data communication

The evolving application space for sensor data communication demands wireless transceivers characterized by long-range, small form-factor devices. This paper explores strategies towards the goal of single-hop, long-distance wireless communication for sensor applications using monolithic CMOS transceivers. A regulator-less PA system for sensor communication is highlighted in the context of long-range communication.
Indomethacin improves oxygen-induced retinopathy in the mouse.

Retinopathy of prematurity is a disease commonly affecting extremely premature babies. Indomethacin is widely used in the perinatal period. The goal of the present study was to test the hypothesis that indomethacin will improve retinopathy in a mouse model when administered during the period of injury (hyperoxia exposure) to the developing retinal vasculature. C57BL6 mice pups were exposed to 75% oxygen from postnatal d 7 through 12. Indomethacin was administered along with the oxygen exposure as a single subcutaneous dose of 0.5 mg/kg/d for 5 d. Animals were killed on postnatal d 17 through 20. The severity of retinopathy was assessed by a retinopathy scoring system of fluorescein-conjugated dextran-perfused retinal flat mounts and by quantitation of extraretinal nuclei by use of periodic acid-Schiff-stained retinal sections. Animals that received indomethacin during hyperoxia exposure had a significantly lower median (25th, 75th quartile) retinopathy score 5 (4.5, 6) compared with animals that received oxygen [8 (7.5, 10)]. Animals given indomethacin during hyperoxia exposure had a significantly lower extraretinal nuclei count per section (13.3 ± 4.6) (mean ± SD) compared with animals that were oxygen exposed (41.9 ± 14.7). Indomethacin did not affect the normal development of the retinal vasculature or the growth of the animals. The data show that indomethacin improves oxygen-induced retinopathy when administered concurrently with the injury phase without affecting the normal retinal development or growth of the animals.
Effects of different whiskers on the reinforcement of dental resin composites

Abstract Objective. Whiskers were recently used to reinforce dental composites to extend their use to large stress-bearing restorations. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different types of whiskers on composite properties. Methods. Silicon nitride and silicon carbide whiskers were each mixed with silica particles at whisker/silica mass ratios of 0:1, 1:5, 1:2, 1:1, 2:1, 5:1, and 1:0, and thermally treated. The composite was heat-cured at 140 °C. Strength and fracture toughness were measured in flexure, while elastic modulus and hardness were measured with nano-indentation. Results. Both whisker type and whisker/silica ratio had significant effects on composite properties (two-way ANOVA; p Significance. Whisker type and whisker/silica ratio are key microstructural parameters that determine the composite properties. Reinforcement with silica-fused whiskers results in novel dental composites that possess substantially higher strength and fracture toughness, and lower brittleness than the non-whisker control composites.
Raman spectroscopy and the characterization of buried semiconductor layers

The ability of Raman scattering to characterize a subnanometer buried layer of Ge in Si (100) with respect to composition, strain, homogeneity, structure, and thickness is described. The inability of Raman scattering to provide quantitative information on the thickness of a buried thin layer is discussed.
Preparation of Protein-Resistant Surfaces on Poly(vinylidene fluoride) Membranes via Surface Segregation

Self-organizing blends of an amphiphilic comb polymer having a poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) backbone and poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) side chains in poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) have been examined as a means to create foul-resistant, self-healing surfaces on polymer membranes. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis of phase inversion membranes prepared from these blends indicates substantial surface segregation of the amphiphilic component, which occurs both during the coagulation step of the phase inversion process and in subsequent annealing of the membranes in water. With annealing, a near-surface coverage of nearly 45 vol % comb polymer is produced on a membrane with a bulk comb concentration of only 3 vol %. Surface enrichment of the hydrophilic comb polymer is shown to impart significant resistance to the adsorption of bovine serum albumin (BSA). XPS analysis of membranes treated with concentrated acid shows that hydrophilic surface layers removed by acid exposure may be regenerated b...
Sequencing and analysis of the Escherichia coli serogroup O117, O126, and O146 O-antigen gene clusters and development of PCR assays targeting serogroup O117-, O126-, and O146-specific DNA sequences

The O-antigen gene clusters of Escherichia coli serogroups O117, O126, and O146 were sequenced, and 11, 10, and 11 open reading frames (ORFs) were identified, respectively. Genes required for O-antigen sugar biosynthesis, sugar transfer, and sugar processing were identified. Multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays were developed targeting the wzx and wzy genes present in the O-antigen gene cluster of these serogroups. The assays were highly serogroup specific when tested against strains belonging to serogroups that were isolated from food, humans, animals, and environmental sources, as well as against representative strains belonging to ca. 165 different E. coli O serogroups and a number of non-E. coli bacteria. Thus, the results demonstrate that the wzx and wzy gene sequences were specific to E. coli O117, O126, and O146 and can be used as diagnostic markers for rapid identification and detection of these serogroups.
XGef is a CPEB-interacting protein involved in Xenopus oocyte maturation

XGef was isolated in a screen for proteins interacting with CPEB, a regulator of mRNA translation in early Xenopus development. XGef is a Rho-family guanine nucleotide exchange factor and activates Cdc42 in mammalian cells. Endogenous XGef (58 kDa) interacts with recombinant CPEB, and recombinant XGef interacts with endogenous CPEB in Xenopus oocytes. Injection of XGef antibodies into stage VI Xenopus oocytes blocks progesterone-induced oocyte maturation and prevents the polyadenylation and translation of c-mos mRNA; injection of XGef rescues these events. Overexpression of XGef in oocytes accelerates progesterone-induced oocyte maturation and the polyadenylation and translation of c-mos mRNA. Overexpression of a nucleotide exchange deficient version of XGef, which retains the ability to interact with CPEB, no longer accelerates oocyte maturation or Mos synthesis, suggesting that XGef exchange factor activity is required for the influence of overexpressed XGef on oocyte maturation. XGef overexpression continues to accelerate c-mos polyadenylation in the absence of Mos protein, but does not stimulate MAPK phosphorylation, MPF activation, or oocyte maturation, indicating that XGef may function through the Mos pathway to influence oocyte maturation. These results suggest that XGef may be an early acting component of the progesterone-induced oocyte maturation pathway.
Riboflavin in Nutrition, Food Processing, and Analysis - A Review

Riboflavin is an essential micronutrient in the human diet. Because riboflavin is water soluble and not stored in appreciable amounts in the body, sources of riboflavin must be constantly consumed. In the United States many cereal grains are being fortified with riboflavin. In this review we briefly discuss the chemistry of riboflavin, the role of riboflavin in nutrition and health, effects of food processing and storage and means of measuring riboflavin in food and animal feeds.
Polyhedral Shapes of CeO2 Nanoparticles

Ceria nanoparticles are a widely used nanomaterial for applications in catalysts, fuel cell, and microelectronics. An important factor that influences the performance of CeO2 is the particle shape. In this paper, a systematic study has been carried out to determine the shapes of CeO2 nanoparticles. For particles in the size range of 3−10 nm, the particle shape is dominated by truncated octahedral that is defined by the {100} and {111} facets. The fastest growth of the nanoparticles along 〈100〉 results in the disappearance of the {100} facets; thus, the large size CeO2 particles are dominated by the octahedral shape with flat surfaces. The nanoparticles agglomerate by minimizing the interface energy with the formation of a lattice matched “coherent interface”. The faceted shape also results in the textured distribution of nanoparticles deposited onto a substrate surface, with a preferred orientation of [110]. These structural characteristics are likely to affect their performance in technological applications.
NET formation induced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa cystic fibrosis isolates measured as release of myeloperoxidase-DNA and neutrophil elastase-DNA complexes.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) airway disease is characterized by Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection and recruitment of neutrophil granulocytes. Neutrophil granule components (myeloperoxidase (MPO), human neutrophil elastase (HNE)), extracellular DNA and P. aeruginosa can all be found in the CF respiratory tract and have all been associated with worsening CF lung function. Pseudomonas-induced formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) offers a likely mechanism for release of MPO, HNE and DNA from neutrophils. NETs are composed of a DNA backbone decorated with granule proteins like MPO and HNE. Here we sought to examine whether CF clinical isolates of Pseudomonas are capable of inducing NET release from human neutrophil granulocytes. We used two methods to quantify NETs. We modified a previously employed ELISA that detects MPO-DNA complexes and established a new HNE-DNA ELISA. We show that these methods reliably quantify MPO-DNA and HNE-DNA complexes, measures of NET formation. We have found that CF isolates of P. aeruginosa stimulate robust respiratory burst and NET release in human neutrophils. By comparing paired "early" and "late" bacterial isolates obtained from the same CF patient we have found that early isolates induced significantly more NET release than late isolates. Our data support that Pseudomonas-induced NET release represents an important mechanism for release of neutrophil-derived CF inflammatory mediators, and confirm that decreased induction of NET formation is required for long-term adaptation of P. aeruginosa to CF airways.
Learning how to use the Internet and Web resources

It seems that whenever you pick up a newspaper or turn on the evening news there is something new about the Internet and the World-Wide Web (WWW or Web). When you attend a technical conference, speakers encourage you to look at their home pages for more information. Sales representatives provide you with a URL for more detailed technical specifications on their products. For some, the idea of surfing the net, FTPing files, and chatting on a newsgroup is second nature. To others it's a foreign language. However, this is a foreign language in which all power engineers should be proficient, because it is the language of the future. The author reviews some history, defines some terms, and discusses how to use the Internet. The author then describes the World Wide Web, hypermedia documentation, and Web resources for the power engineer. All of the information for this article was obtained using the Internet and the Web. How this information was obtained is illustrated to serve as an example for the reader.
Backhaul-constrained multi-cell cooperation using compressive sensing and spectral clustering

Multi-cell cooperative processing with limited backhaul traffic is considered for cellular uplinks. To parsimoniously select a set of cooperating base stations, a sparse multi-cell receive-filter is obtained through convex optimization using compressive sensing techniques. Clustered cooperation is also considered, where sparsity is promoted on inter-cluster feedback. A joint equalizer design and dynamic partitioning problem is formulated and solved using an iterative spectral clustering approach. Numerical tests verify the efficacy of proposed methods.
Adenosquamous carcinoma of the endometrium. An entity with an inherent poor prognosis

Mixed adenosquamous carcinoma of the endometrium have been reported in recent years to have a steady increase in incidence, extreme aggressiveness, poor responses to radiation therapy, and a low five-year survival (less than 20%). In the present report, 87 mixed carcinoma (MC) are compared with 260 pure adenocarcinomas (AC) and 29 adenoacanthomas (AA). There were no basic differences in incidence, clinical history, responses to radiation therapy, and prognosis for any of these three entities. Adenocarcinomas of the endometrium with and without squamous elements should be regarded and approached as any pure AC. There is an overall tendency for endometrial carcinomas to be at an early stage at diagnosis and the five-year survival regardless of pathologic type, stage, grade, myometrial invasion, and therapy is 80%.
Painless injections in pediatric practice.

T HE pain of injections, however skillfully given, is a constant difficulty of pediatric practice, and a major obstacle to a pediatrician's establishment of good relations with his patients. Several attempts have been made to solve this problem. The "Hypospray," depending on rapid high pressure injection, is painless, but the depth of injection cannot be regulated and injectables must be specially packaged for use in the apparatus. Mueller 1 recent]y reported his success with a cartridge containing Freon gas to cool the skin of the injection site to the point of temporary anesthesia. This is suitable for any transcutaneous injection, but requires special equipment. I have found satisfactory a method using the same principle of skin cooling, but requiring no other equipment than a refrigerator. A 1:1,000 aqueous solution of Zephiran, with coloring material added for psychological effect, is poured into ordinary ice trays and frozen. (The antiseptic properties of the solution are unchanged by
Determinants of anti-hepatitis A antibody seroprevalence in 2- to 19-year-olds in the USA using NHANES 2007–2008

The aim of the study was to describe the epidemiology and determinants of anti-hepatitis A seroprevalence in 2- to 19-year-olds in the USA for 2007–2008. This study was conducted in a sample of 2621 individuals aged 2–19 years in the USA using data from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007–2008. The overall seroprevalence of anti- hepatitis A virus (HAV) in this population was 39% (95% confidence interval 32·6–45·3). HAV seroprevalence was higher in Mexican Americans than other ethnic groups, in younger persons, and in those who reported previous vaccination compared to those who did not. We concluded that anti-hepatitis A seroprevalence rates are increasing in younger individuals in the USA, indicating a shift of seroprevalence over time due to vaccination status. Findings are consistent with a persistent influx of infection through international travel and migration and highlight the need to discern hepatitis A infection from vaccination status when assessing the effectiveness of vaccination using seroprevalence data.
Antibody therapy (IVIG): evaluation of the use of genomics and proteomics for the study of immunomodulation therapeutics

Background and Objectives Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is used for an increasingly diverse number of therapeutic applications as an immunomodulation drug. Although it has demonstrated therapeutic effectiveness, the mechanism of action of IVIG in these disorders is poorly understood; this lack of understanding complicates rational clinical application and reimbursement for ‘off-label’ use. Materials and Methods Selected literature on the clinical use of IVIG as an immunomodulation drug is reviewed. We present a brief description of DNA microarray and protein microarray technology and the application of such technologies to the study of immune system cells. The several studies on the application of DNA microarray technology to study gene expression in response to IVIG are presented. Results There is increasing data on the use of DNA microarray and protein microarray technology to study gene expression in immune system cells including T cells, B cells, macrophages, and leucocytes. There is less information on the effect of IVIG on gene expression in immune system cells. However, there is sufficient information available to suggest that this is a practical approach with the caveat that such work will require careful experimental design and clear definition of the normal population. Conclusions DNA and protein microarray assays can be used to (i) provide rational indications for the clinical use of IVIG, (ii) provide for specific analysis of raw material and end product IVIG in screening for content related to immunomodulation, and (iii) accelerate the development of next generation products which would be more focused and/or targeted therapeutics.
The Effect of C-Terminal Deletion on the Folding and Self-association of Recombinant Non-phosphorylated Human ß-Casein

Recombinant human s-casein (CN) mutants were prepared having 11, 22 and 31 amino acids (aa) deleted from the C-terminus. The temperature-dependent self-association of these and the wild-type recombinant was studied by turbidity (OD400) while possible folding differences were examined by intrinsic and extrinsic fluorescence intensity and fluorescence resonance energy transfer. There were major self-association and some conformational differences. Hydrophobicity profile and hydrophobic cluster analysis for bovine and human s-CN suggested that the ability of the 31 aa deletion mutant in human s-CN to self-associate when a comparable bovine deletion peptide would not may be due to the presence of additional hydrophobic regions in the middle, indicating that the human protein may contain more than a single hydrophobic binding locus and suggesting that the process for the formation and structure of the micelles of human milk may be quite different from that for bovine milk. A new model may be needed.
Fatigue Damage in Laminated Composites

The present work investigates the damage development under fatigue and static loading in graphite/epoxy laminates. The tensile strength, modulus and tension- tension fatigue data for [0/0/90]3s laminate were generated at three stress levels (70%, 80% and 90% of ultimate strength). The residual strength and modulus of the specimens were determined at 70% and 90% of the ultimate strength. The characteristic lives of cycles to failure (Nf) as a function of applied stress were determined using Weibull analy sis. The specimens were subjected to cyclic loading a determined percentage of the charac teristic life at a given stress level, and the progressive damage determined as a function of applied number of cycles was analyzed using ultrasonic non-destructive technique.
Update on ocular graft versus host disease.

Purpose of reviewTo summarize recent findings regarding the clinical spectrum, pathophysiology, and treatment of ocular graft versus host disease.Recent findingsOcular graft versus host disease is a common sequela of allogeneic hematopoietic transplantation affecting up to 80% of chronic graft versu
Analyses of Bioreactor Performance by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy

There are many commercially and scientifically relevant products that must be produced in mammalian cell systems. Growth and maintenance systems (bioreactors) for mammalian cells are not well characterized, however, since these cells are more fastidious and sensitive than are microorganisms. Optimization of mammalian cell bioreactors can be facilitated by nondestructive monitoring of cellular physiology and metabolism in situ. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is ideal for this application. NMR can monitor a variety of parameters of intra and extracellular metabolites that contain nuclei with net magnetic moments. Such analyses can be used to determine energization, levels of 31P and 1Hcontaining metabolites, selected enzyme kinetics, compartmentalized ion activities, metabolic fates of 3H, 2H, 13C, 15N or 19Flabeled tracers, O2 tension, compartmentalized redox potential, membrane potential, cell number and cell volume. These can all be monitored with reasonable time resolution with minimum perturbation of the sample.
Expression and purification of the N-terminal regulatory domain of Protein Kinase C for biophysical studies.

Abstract We report the protocol for heterologous expression and purification of the N-terminal regulatory region of two Protein Kinase C (PKC) 1 isozymes, one conventional and one novel. Previous studies of these domains relied almost exclusively on the fusion constructs with high-molecular-weight solubility fusion partners such as GST and MBP. We developed experimental procedures that enabled us to overcome challenges associated with the amphiphilic character of the regulatory domain and generate sufficient quantities of fusion partner-free proteins for biophysical work. The key features of the protocol are the identity of the cleavable fusion partner, expression conditions, growth medium additives, introduction of mutation/solubility tags, and incorporation of osmolytes. The protein yields are sufficient for cost-effective production of isotopically enriched proteins for NMR work and biophysical studies in general. Our work opens up an avenue for the structural studies of these challenging proteins with high amphiphilic character.
Management of penetrating wounds of the neck

Summary One hundred sixteen penetrating wounds of the neck were seen at the Martland Hospital-New Jersey Medical School. Sixty-two per cent of the patients had one or more major structural injuries. Forty-three per cent of the patients without major organ damage had clinical findings to indicate immediate surgery. The mortality was 3.5 per cent. Gunshot wounds are potentially more lethal and merit particular care and aggressive therapy. From the experience in this series, we are convinced that immediate exploration of all penetrating neck wounds is the safest means of management.
Sand-ridge migration in St. Andrew Bay, Florida

Abstract This report presents the results of an investigation into the nature of a series of remarkably uniform sediment ridges found on the bottom of St. Andrew Bay, Florida. Scientific divers from the U. S. Navy Mine Defense Laboratory measured the ridges, obtained bottom samples, monitored their movement for a period of over 2 years, and installed a current meter on the bottom in order to record the flow responsible for their movement. It was found that the ridges were oriented normal to the current flow and were composed of a fine-grained quartz sand. They exhibited heights of 30–60 cm, wavelengths of 13–20 m, and were migrating into an area of the bay previously characterized as mud. During the 849-day period of the investigation, one of the ridges advanced a total of 11.44 m. The migration rate was found to vary periodically in response to tides, being greater than average during periods when the moon and sun were near maximum declination, and smaller than usual when they were near the celestial equator. Also detected was a gradual increase in ridge-migration speed apparently related to a decrease in ridge height and a long-term increase in current speed.
An easily prepared scintillator for viewing accelerator beam spots

Abstract The preparation of thin MgO scintillators and some of their applications for beam viewing are described.
Role of competitive interactions in the postnatal development of X and Y retinogeniculate axons

The cat's retinogeniculate pathway is largely composed of X and Y axons, which represent two distinct neuronal streams organized in parallel. Our earlier data, summarized in the previous paper, suggest that the postnatal development of retinogeniculate axon arbors is characterized by competitive interactions between the X and Y axons. Thus, during development, X arbors in lamina A or A1 are initially broad or exuberant before the Y arbors begin to develop adultlike arbors; the X arbors then shrink to their adult form as the Y arbors grow and establish their mature complement of connections; monocular lid suture prevents the rapid growth of Y arbors, which in turn prevents the pruning of X arbors; and monocular enucleation at birth allows X arbors from the remaining eye to retain their exuberance although completely confined to their appropriate lamina A or A1, whereas the Y arbors develop aberrant extensions into adjacent, previously denervated laminae. We now provide additional evidence for the role of competition between retinogeniculate X and Y axons during development. The addition of visual deprivation by lid suture of the remaining eye to monocular enucleation at birth causes no apparent change in the morphology of X arbors in laminae A and A1. In contrast, the Y arbors of such cats continue to form extensive translaminar sprouts in the previously denervated laminae despite severely reduced terminations in the lamina A or A1 normally innervated by the remaining eye. We interpret these new data, in conjunction with our earlier data, as follows. If retinogeniculate X and Y arbors complete for synaptic space during postnatal development, terminations of Y axons can be affected by lid suture only in geniculate laminae where terminations of X axons are also present. Thus, Y axon arbors are severely reduced in deprived lamina A or A1 following lid suture whether or not the other eye is removed. Where X arbors are not present, such as in lamina C or the laminae inappropriate for the remaining eye after removal of the other, the lid suture has no obvious effect on development of the Y arbors.
GLOBAL BLACK SELF-FASHIONINGS: HIP HOP AS DIASPORIC SPACE

This essay examines how the “black” racial significance of hip hop culture is received, interpreted, and redeployed within the Afro-Atlantic world. Beyond questions of cultural consumption and reproduction, it is argued that hip hop's expanding global reach has facilitated the contemporary making and moving of black diasporic subjects themselves. Here, African descendant youth in an array of locales use the performative contours of hip hop to mobilize notions of black-self in ways that are at one time both contestive and transcendent of nationally bound racial framings. Hip hop in this way can be seen as enabling a current global (re)mapping of black political imaginaries via social dynamics of diaspora. In pursuing this argument, this essay looks toward hip hop movements in Brazil, Cuba, and South Africa as compelling, yet varying examples of how transnationally attuned identities of blackness are marshaled in the fashioning of diasporic subjects through hip hop.
Reciprocal abstraction for computer architecture co-simulation

Co-Simulation of computer architecture elements at different levels of abstraction and fidelity is becoming an increasing necessity for efficient experimentation and research. We propose reciprocal abstraction for computer architecture cosimulation, which allows the integration of simulation methods that utilize different levels of abstraction and fidelity of simulation. Further, reciprocal abstraction avoids the need to conduct detailed evaluations of individual computer architecture components entirely in a vacuum, which can lead to significant inaccuracies from ignoring the system context. Moreover, it allows an exploration of the impact on the full system resulting from design choices in the detailed component model. We demonstrate the potential inaccuracies of isolated component simulation. Using reciprocal abstraction, we integrate a parallel cycle-level networkon- chip (NoC) component into a detailed but more coarse-grain full system simulator.We show that co-simulation using reciprocal abstraction of the cycle-level network model reduces packet latency error compared to the more abstract network model by 69% on average. Additionally, as simulating a detailed network at the cycle-level can greatly increase simulation time over an abstract model, we implemented detailed network simulator using a GPU coprocessor. The CPU+GPU can reduce simulation time for the reciprocal abstraction co-simulation by 16% for a 256-core target machine and 65% for a 512-core target machine.
Mortality of Adult American Shad Passing Through a 17-Megawatt Kaplan Turbine at a Low-Head Hydroelectric Dam

Abstract In May 1982, we investigated the mortality of pre-spawning American shad (Alosa sapidissima) over a 5-hour period after passage through the 17-megawatt Kaplan turbine at Holyoke Dam, Connecticut River, Massachusetts. Radio telemetry was used to determine the survival of 36 test fish during 7 experiments by comparing their movement patterns with those of 21 sacrificed fish that were also passed through the turbine. Sixty-nine control fish fitted with dummy tags were released and held in an instream net for direct observation of mortality due to handling, tagging, and introduction procedures. The mean turbine mortality NT was 21.5% (95% confidence limits of 3.3-36.2%). Similar preliminary experiments with post-spawned American shad indicated that mortalities during their normal outmigration should be higher than the mortality estimate for prespawned fish.
Chemical dynamics probed by ultrafast x-ray absorption spectroscopy

Ultrafast laser pump-XAFS probe spectra of various organometallic complexes in solution have been measured using a laser-driven plasma x-ray source. A new x-ray source driven by a 15-W, 5-kHz laser system has been developed.
Relationship between serum müllerian-inhibiting substance and other reproductive hormones in untreated women with polycystic ovary syndrome and normal women

Abstract Objective: To examine the relationship of serum mullerian-inhibiting substance (MIS), E 2 , free-T, LH, and FSH in untreated women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and in women with normal menstrual cycles. Design: A prospective study. Setting: University Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Surgery. Patient(s): Twenty-seven women with PCOS and 20 women with normal menstrual cycles. Intervention(s): Serum was collected from women with PCOS and from normal women during the early follicular phase of the menstrual cycle, stored frozen until assayed. Main Outcome Measure(s): Serum levels of MIS, E 2 , free-T, TSH, LH, and FSH were measured. Result(s): Serum mullerian-inhibiting substance levels in PCOS patients were significantly higher compared with normal women (± SE; 5.3 ± 0.7 and 1.4 ± 0.2 ng/mL, respectively). An inverse correlation (r = −0.5965) was found between serum levels of MIS and E 2 in PCOS women, but not in normal women. Women with PCOS had higher serum LH levels than those of normal women (15.2 ± 1.2 and 5.0 ± 0.7 mIU/mL). Conclusion: In this study, women with PCOS have significantly higher serum MIS levels than normal women. The inverse relationship between mullerian-inhibiting substance and E 2 levels suggests that MIS may modulate ovarian E 2 synthesis and have a role in the disordered folliculogenesis characteristic of PCOS.
SMN participates in the positioning of motor neurons in the ventral neural tube

Motor neurons extend their axons ventrally to innervate specific muscles in the hindlimb. We are examining the role of SMN, the gene that is responsible for spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), using a loss-of-function approach. First, we assessed whether SMN levels were reduced using SMN shRNAs in vitro in HEK293T cells; SMN levels were indeed decreased by SMN shRNAs but not by missense shRNAs. In vivo, at early stages when SMN levels are reduced, motor axons are growth-impaired and exhibit likely fasciculation defects. Surprisingly, when SMN levels are reduced in vivo, Islet-1-positive motor neurons appear to migrate aberrantly out of the neural tube, along the spinal nerve at later stages; this was never observed in control electroporations. We have examined the patterning of cells in the neural tube and find that it was mispatterned. Interestingly, boundary cap (BC) cells were in place, as shown by various markers (cadherin7, lingo-1 antibodies). Semaphorin6A was normally expressed by BC cells; when SMN was reduced in motor neurons, Semaphorin6A altered its expression to motor neurons. To determine if Semaphorin6A was responsible for the escape of neurons from the neural tube, Semaphorin6A was expressed by motor neurons using in ovo electroporation. Islet-1 antibody staining revealed that Semaphorin6A could account for early stages of escape of motor neurons in SMN-reduced embryos, but not at later stages. Experiments are underway to determine exactly why motor neurons leave the neural tube when SMN levels are decreased.
Building upon the Conceptual Model for Soil Mercury Flux: Evidence of a Link Between Moisture Evaporation and Hg Evasion

Parameters known to influence mercury (Hg) release from soils include substrate and air Hg concentration, light, atmospheric oxidants, temperature, and soil moisture. However, for low Hg-containing soils, the influence of these parameters has been shown to vary across space and time. Here, we expand upon previous work by investigating whether soil–water evaporative loss, which integrates the influence of multiple parameters, could be applied for predicting Hg flux from soil with low Hg concentrations when bare and planted. To investigate our hypothesis, Hg flux was measured from three soil types (<100 ng Hg g−1). When these soils were saturated, flux was suppressed. Soil moisture evaporative stage was used to partition the parameters most important for controlling Hg flux as the soils dried. Classification and regression tree (CART) analyses showed that soil moisture was the most important parameter predicting Hg flux. Results also showed an important predictor for Hg flux was whether actual evaporation (E a) was equal to potential evaporation (E p) or E a < E p. Depending on evaporative stage, the parameters with the next highest correlation to Hg flux were light, temperature, and soil moisture evaporation rate. The presence of vegetation also influenced flux with lower Hg flux when the plants were transpiring. Results indicate for those developing models that estimate Hg flux from low Hg-containing soils, soil moisture and evaporative stage are useful tools for predicting flux.
EVALUATIONS OF HYPERSINGULAR INTEGRALS USING GAUSSIAN QUADRATURE

A Gaussian quadrature formula for hypersingular integrals with second-order singularities is developed based on previous Gaussian quadrature formulae for Cauchy principal value integrals. The formula uses classical orthonormal polynomials, and the formula is then specialized to the case of Legendre and Chebyshev polynomials. Numerical experiments are carried out using the current formula and a previous formula developed by Kutt. It is found that the two methods generally give similar results, and in some cases the current method works better. It has also been shown that the current method allows the choice of an appropriate weight which can increase the convergence rate and the accuracy of the results. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Computer models of cognitive processes

From the small sample of achievements that I have had time to mention, we can only conclude that automation is here to stay. Nor is there any doubt that more powerful automata will be built. A great many of the “higher” human abilities will be given to machines. The great rush to automation is sure to stimulate psychologists to learn more about the human symbolic processes being mimicked by the machines. And the computers, which are the ultimate cause of the feverish scramble toward automation, are providing both the framework for describing complex models of behavior and also the means for testing these models. With both the means and the motivation at hand, psychologists are sure to make rapid progress in understanding complex human behavior.
Supplemental Dietary Fat from Extruded Soybeans and Calcium Soaps of Fatty Acids for Lactating Dairy Cows

Holstein cows (n = 33) were assigned to one of three diets containing soybean meal, supplemental fat from extruded soybeans, or supplemental fat from Ca soaps of fatty acids. Total mixed diets containing (DM basis) 25% corn silage, 25% alfalfa hay, and 50% of the respective concentrate mixtures were fed wk 4 through 15 postpartum. Milk production (29.2, 32.4, and 31.8 kg/d) was higher for cows fed supplemental fat diets. Milk protein percentages (2.99, 2.93, and 2.81) were higher for cows fed the soybean meal diet and were higher with extruded soybeans than with Ca soaps of fatty acids. Milk fat percentages (3.20, 2.69, and 3.47) were higher for cows fed Ca soaps of fatty acids than for cows fed extruded soybeans. Milk fat from cows fed supplemental fat was more unsaturated than from those fed soybean meal and was most unsaturated from cows fed extruded soybeans. Dry matter intakes (17.8, 18.4, and 16.6 kg/d) were not significantly different among diets. Extruded soybeans and Ca soaps of fatty acids were equally effective in increasing milk production, but milk fat content was reduced, and the proportion of unsaturated fatty acids in milk fat was increased, with extruded soybeans.
Combined Heat and Mass Transfer by Natural Convection With Opposing Buoyancies

A numerical study is presented for combined heat and mass transfer by natural convection from a vertical surface with opposing buoyancy effects. A comparison with similarity solutions shows that boundary layer analysis is suitable only when the two buoyant forces aid each other. For opposing flows the boundary layer analysis does not predict the transport rates accurately.
Parenting Across Racial and Class Lines: Assortative Mating Patterns of New Parents Who Are Married, Cohabiting, Dating or No Longer Romantically Involved

We examine the assortative mating patterns of new parents who are married, cohabiting, romantically involved and no longer romantically involved. Using data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing study, we find that relationship status at the time of a birth depends mainly on father's race rather than on whether mother and father's race/ethnicity differ. Crossing race/ethnic lines does not appear to have much effect on relationship transitions following a birth. Rather, parents are less likely to marry after a birth if one parent is black, and the relationships of Hispanic couples are particularly stable. Crossing educational lines has little effect on relationship status at birth, but same-education couples had a slightly lower risk of divorce following the birth.