cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cultivating deep care: integrating landscape ecological research into the cultural dimension of ecosystem services

Landscape ecological research about the cultural dimension of ecosystem services remains less developed as compared to other aspects of ecosystem services about landscapes. In this article, the cultural dimension of ecosystem services is defined as the psychological, cultural, and social relationships that influence people’s connections to biodiversity and landscapes as well as to what benefits they consider useful and relevant. Yet to meet the challenge of understanding sustainability in different landscapes, such as urban ones, research about ecosystem services in landscape ecology will need to shift its emphasis towards the scale of people’s experience of landscapes. As a means to improve this situation, cultivating deep care is proposed as a key concept to better integrate the cultural dimension of ecosystem services into landscape ecological research about urban landscapes. Cultivating deep care is defined as the adaptive process for deepening people’s affinity of urban nature including enhancing people’s appreciation, awareness, and actions for biodiversity, landscapes, and their own well-being that will ultimately benefit ecosystem services. The heart of this article is a conceptual framework that begins to outline the scope and boundaries of cultivating deep care as a key concept and connects it to its intellectual context that includes research such as landscape sustainability, landscape perception, resilience science, and ecosystem services. An important assumption is that cultivating deep care is a “work in progress,” which will grow and evolve over time as new knowledge is contributed to it. In the conceptual framework, several principles explore and flesh important ideas and relationships about cultivating deep care as a key concept. Each principle is organized around three parts: (1) a brief description; (2) relevance to landscape ecological research; and (3) recommended research topics. Using these principles, I suggest potential avenues to advance landscape ecological research about biodiversity, ecosystem services, and human well-being.
Introduction: "This Heart's Geography's Map": The Photographs of Walt Whitman

Introduction to a special double issue, "Whitman Photographs," containing 131 photos of Whitman; followed by "Notes on Photographs," pp. 43-62; "Notes on Major Whitman Photographers," pp. 63-71; and "Bibliographic Note," pp. 71-72.
Bilateral sequential lung transplant for ectodermal dysplasia

A case of bilateral sequential lung transplantation for anhidrotic ectodermal dysplasia is presented. The patient was a 16-year-old male with end-stage lung disease secondary to chronic severe respiratory infection. Although a relatively rare disease, the common association of fatal pulmonary compromise in those affected with this disorder warrants consideration of lung transplantation as a viable therapeutic option.
Prediction of failure modes in unidirectional short-fibre composites

In short-fibre reinforced composites, penny-shaped cracks often initiate from fibre-ends and propagate into the matrix until they are arrested by the neighbouring fibres. A theoretical study on the prediction of failure modes after the arrest, that is, either the penetration of the crack into the fibres or the debonding of the matrix-fibre interface, is performed. The analytical method used in this study is the extension of the two-dimensional model of Kendall to the three-dimensional crack problem. Strain energy release rates for the initiation of the cracks of the penetration and debonding types are calculated. Also computed are the total potential energy required for a complete penetration of the crack through the fibre diameter and a complete debonding of the matrix-fibre interface. Based on these computations, the failure modes of the crack arrested by the neighbouring fibres are discussed.
Feeding value of dried shredded sugarbeets as a partial replacement for steam-flaked corn in finishing diets for feedlot cattle.

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the comparative feeding value of dried shredded sugarbeets (DSSB; 0, 20, and 40% of diet DM) as a replacement for steam-flaked corn (SFC) in finishing diets for feedlot cattle. In Exp. 1, 60 calf-fed Holstein steers (476 ± 6.3 kg) were used in a 97-d finishing trial. Substitution of SFC with DSSB did not affect ADG or DMI (P > 0.20). Increasing DSSB decreased gain efficiency (ADG:DMI; linear effect, P = 0.04) and dietary NE (linear effect, P = 0.03). Given that SFC has a NE(m) value of 2.38 Mcal/kg, the replacement NE(m) and NE(g) values for DSSB were 1.94 and 1.29 Mcal/kg, respectively. There were no treatment effects (P > 0.20) on carcass characteristics. In Exp. 2, 6 cannulated Holstein steers (205 kg) were used in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design to evaluate treatment effects on digestion. Ruminal digestion of starch, NDF, and feed N were not affected (P > 0.10) by DSSB, although ruminal OM digestion tended to increase (linear effect, P 0.14) on postruminal digestion of OM, NDF, starch, or feed N or total tract digestion of OM, starch, and N. Substitution of DSSB increased (linear effect, P = 0.05) total tract NDF digestion and decreased (linear effect, P = 0.05) dietary DE (Mcal/kg). Given that SFC has a DE value of 4.19 Mcal/kg, the replacement DE value of DSSB was 3.68 Mcal/kg. There were no treatment effects (P > 0.12) on ruminal pH or total VFA; however, DSSB decreased propionate (linear effect, P = 0.05) and increased acetate (linear effect, P = 0.07), butyrate (linear effect, P = 0.05), valerate (linear effect, P = 0.04), and estimated methane production (linear effect, P = 0.05). We concluded that DSSB may replace SFC in finishing diets at levels of up to 40% without detrimental effects on ADG and carcass characteristics. The NE value of DSSB is 82% that of SFC (DM basis). Partial replacement of SFC with DSSB alters ruminal VFA patterns, increasing estimated methane energy loss and slightly decreasing the efficiency of DE utilization.
MO-D-332-07: Update On the Development of a New Dual Detector (Micro-Angiographic Fluoroscope/Flat Panel) C-Arm Mounted System for Endovascular Image Guided Interventions (EIGI)

Purpose: To develop a dual detector C‐arm unit, capable of high‐resolution microangiography and fluoroscopy, and Region‐of‐Interest Cone‐Beam CT (ROI‐CBCT). Method and Materials: The Microangiographic Fluoroscope (MAF) (1024×1024×12bits, 35μm pixels, 4 cm field‐of‐view, FOV) was attached with a specially designed holder to a standard C‐arm Flat‐Panel (FP) system. The MAF consists of a 300 μm CsI input phosphor coupled to a dual stage GEN2 micro‐channel plate light image intensifier (LII), followed by a minifying fiber‐optic taper coupled to a 30 fps CCDcamera. The LII has a large variable gain allowing usage for very low (fluoroscopic) exposures while maintaining very good image quality. The holder allows facile placing of the new detector into the FP FOV when use is required or parking when not. The source‐to‐image distance and the orientation of this detector are selected using the same controls as for the standard C‐arm unit. A special switch attached onto the holder allows automatic collimation of the x‐ray beam to the active area of the MAF. The new system was tested in multiple experiments involving phantoms and animals for reliability and capability to perform EIGI procedures and also for dual detector ROI‐CBCT. Results: The new system is being used routinely for EIGI fluoroscopic guidance and microangiography in our research lab. The design allows a variable SID between 69 and 104 cm. During rotational angiography and dual detector ROI‐CBCT, 194 projections are acquired, one every degree. Interventional devices such as endovascular stents placed in the animals and phantoms were reconstructed with great accuracy, and virtually without artifacts. Conclusion: Implementation of such a high‐resolution imager on a clinical system could bring substantial benefits for the treatment of cerebrovascular disease and also potentially increase the motivation to develop improved and more effective endovascular devices. (Funding: NIH Grants R01 EB002873, NS43924).
Sex pheromone of the face fly, Musca autumnalis De Geer (Diptera: Muscidae)

Components of a sex pheromone that cause male face flies to strike at females were found to be the straight-chain monoalkenes (Z)-14-nonacosene, (Z)-13-nonacosene, and (Z)-13-heptacosene. Although these compounds were found in the extracts of both sexes, extracts from sexually mature males contained a much higher proportion of nonacosane and heptacosane, which attenuated the activity of the active monoalkenes. The monoalkenes were readily synthesized by a Wittig reaction modified by the use of hexamethylphosphoric triamide as a cosolvent with tetrahydrofuran to produce a product containing 94–96% (Z) isomer.
Spatial Distribution of Surface Fluxes Estimated from Remotely Sensed Variables

Abstract This study relates surface fluxes to remotely sensed variables over well-defined variations of surface wetness and vegetation. The surface fluxes are estimated from repeated Twin Otter aircraft flights at 33 m above the surface after correcting for advection and local storage between the aircraft level and the surface. An extensive analysis of flux errors due to finite sample size over heterogeneous terrain is performed. The resulting surface energy budget seems to balance only if mesoscale fluxes are included. The spatial variation of the surface fluxes and atmospheric temperature and moisture are well predicted for these specific surface conditions by a model based on the normalized difference of vegetation index and brightness temperatures of channels 4 and 5 from the NOAA-11 Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer.
The fundamental importance of baseline comparisons in a clinical trial.

THE FUNDAMENTAL IMPORTANCE OF BASELINE COMPARISONS IN A CLINICAL TRIAL To the Editor: We read with interest the study by Hecht-Dolnik and associates in the September 2009 issue of the Journal, ‘‘Hetastarch Increases the Risk of Bleeding Complications in Patients After OffPump Coronary Bypass Surgery: A Randomized Clinical Trial.’’ In this article, they conclude that the intraoperative administration of 1 L of hetastarch was associated with an increase in postoperative chest tube drainage and transfusion of blood products, which resulted in early termination of the study. Although we acknowledge the importance of the clinical question the authors have addressed, we have major concerns regarding the equality of the intervention and the control groups at baseline and the method in which this is reported. Although the authors claim that there were no statistically significant differences in baseline characteristics between groups, Table 1 indicates the baseline international normalized ratio (INR) in the hetastarch group was 1.47 (2.12) whereas in the albumin group baseline INR was 1.07 (0.10), values presented as mean (standard deviation). Although the mean value between these 2 groups may not be statistically different, it is misleading to claim baseline equivalence between the groups. The upper limit of INR is typically quoted at 1.3, indicating the mean INR in the hetastarch group is abnormal and in the albumin group mean INR is normal. Furthermore, the large standard deviation in baseline INR in the hetastarch group can only be explained by the presence of one or more outliers with markedly abnormal baseline value. In contrast, the standard deviation for INR of the
Effects of Inconsiderate Text on Eleventh Graders' Vocabulary Learning.

This study examined differences in secondary students’ vocabulary learning from original and revised contextual information. Materials included two passages from a U.S. history text, each embedding 10 target words. One version left the original passages intact; a second version was revised for each target word according to four considerate definitional features: proximity, clarity of connection, explicitness, and completeness. Over a two‐day period, high and average ability eleventh graders read an original version of one passage and a revised version of the second passage. Following the readings, for each word the students were asked to indicate their extent of knowledge, to provide a topic‐related meaning, and to explain the word's importance in understanding the larger topic. Results showed that the revised passages generated significantly higher scores for both ability groups on the definition and importance measures but not on the indication of knowledge measure. These findings suggest a discrepancy ...
Activities of tricarboxylic acid cycle enzymes in an aflatoxigenic strain of Aspergillus parasiticus after a peptone to glucose carbon source shift

A sequential technique involving the transfer of mycelia from a peptone-based, aflatoxinnonsupporting medium to a glucose-based, aflatoxin-supporting medium was used to study possible relationships between tricarboxylic acid cycle activity and aflatoxin biosynthesis in Aspergillus parasiticus . Analysis indicated that the specific activities of various TCA cycle enzymes are influenced by duration of post-transfer incubation and an apparent carbon catabolite repression. The results support the hypothesis that aflatoxin biosynthesis occurs during a period of depressed TCA activity, which is dependent on the catabolism of a suitable carbohydrate.
Hamiltonian analysis of the effective action for hard thermal loops in QCD.

The effective action for hard thermal loops in quantum chromodynamics (QCD) is related to a gauged Wess-Zumino-Novikov-Witten theory. Some of the technical issues of this approach are clarified and the Hamiltonian formulation is presented. The two-point correlator for the induced current in QCD is obtained; some simplifications of the dynamics of the longitudinal modes are also pointed out.
Species differences in the metabolism of trichloroethylene to the carcinogenic metabolites trichloroacetate and dichloroacetate

Abstract Differing rates and extent of trichloroethylene (TCE) metabolism have been implicated as being responsible for varying sensitivities of mice and rats to the hepatocarcinogenic effects of TCE. Recent data indicate that the induction of hepatic tumors in mice may be attributed to the metabolites trichloroacetate (TCA) and/or dichloroacetate (DCA). The present study was directed at determining whether mice and rats varied in (1) the peak blood concentrations, (2) the area under the blood concentration over time curves (AUC) for TCE and metabolites in blood, and (3) the net excretion of TCE to these metabolites in urine in the dose range used in the cancer bioassays of TCE, and to contrast the kinetic parameters observed for TCE-derived TCA and DCA with those obtained following direct administration of TCA and DCA. Blood and urine samples were collected over 72 hr from rats and mice after a single oral dose of TCE of 1.5 to 23 mmol/kg. The AUC values from the blood concentration with time profiles of TCE, TCA, and trichloroethanol (TCOH) were similar for Sprague-Dawley rats and B6C3F1 mice. Likewise, the percentages of initial TCE dose recovered as the urinary metabolites TCA and TCOH were comparable. Nevertheless, the peak blood concentrations of TCE, TCA, and TCOH observed in mice were much greater than those in rats, while the residence time of TCE and metabolites was prolonged in rats relative to that of mice. DCA was detected in the blood of mice but not in rats. The blood concentrations of DCA observed in mice given a carcinogenic dose of TCE (15 mmol/kg) were of the same magnitude as those observed with carcinogenic doses of DCA. In conclusion, the net metabolism of TCE to TCA and TCOH was similar in rats and mice. The initial rates of metabolism of TCE to TCA, however, were much higher in mice, especially as the TCE dose was increased, leading to greater concentrations of TCA in blood. The fact that the blood concentrations of TCA and DCA in mice approximated those produced by carcinogenic doses of the chlorinated acetates makes it highly likely that both compounds play a role in the induction of hepatic tumors in mice by TCE.
Regulation of osteoclastogenesis and RANK expression by TGF-beta1.

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) has been shown to both inhibit and to stimulate bone resorption and osteoclastogenesis. This may be due, in part, to differential effects on bone marrow stromal cells that support osteoclastogenesis vs. direct effects on osteoclastic precursor cells. In the present study, we used the murine monocytic cell line, RAW 264.7, to define direct effects of TGF-beta on pre-osteoclastic cells. In the presence of macrophage-colony stimulating factor (M-CSF) (20 ng/ml) and receptor activator of NF-kappaB ligand (RANK-L) (50 ng/ml), TGF-beta1 (0.01-5 ng/ml) dose-dependently stimulated (by up to 120-fold) osteoclast formation (assessed by the presence of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) positive multinucleated cells and expression of calcitonin and vitronectin receptors). In addition, TGF-beta1 also increased steady state RANK mRNA levels in a time- (by up to 3.5-fold at 48 h) and dose-dependent manner (by up to 2.2-fold at 10 ng/ml). TGF-beta1 induction of RANK mRNA levels was present both in undifferentiated RAW cells as well as in cells that had been induced to differentiate into osteoclasts by a 7-day treatment with M-CSF and RANK-L. Using a fluorescence-labeled RANK-L probe, we also demonstrated by flow cytometry that TGF-beta1 resulted in a significant increase in the percentage of RANK+ RAW cells (P < 0.05), as well as an increase in the fluorescence intensity per cell (P < 0.05), the latter consistent with an increase in RANK protein expression per cell. These data thus indicate that TGF-beta directly stimulates osteoclastic differentiation, and this is accompanied by increased RANK mRNA and protein expression.
Temperature and Relative Humidity Effects on Eggs and First-Stage Larvae of the Black Vine Weevil, Otiorhynchus sulcatus

The effects of temperature and relative humidity on egg hatching, survival of first-stage larvae, and entrance into the soil by Otiorhynchus sulcatus (F.) were studied. Soil-surface temperatures under and outside strawberry foliage and the relative humidity under strawberry foliage were measured in the field. Newly-laid white eggs were more susceptible to extremes of temperature and relative humidity than they were after 3–4 days when they had become pigmented. Constant temperatures above 26.7° or below 15.6°C greatly reduced hatching. One or three exposures of three or six hours at 26.7° or 32.2°C interspersed with 15.6°C had less effect. Constant relative humidity of less than 65 percent reduced hatching to almost nil. A six- or 12-hour exposure to 33 percent RH during incubation at 85 percent RH had no effect. As many as 5-exposures to 33 percent RH interspersed with 85 percent RH had little effect. Survival of first-stage larvae was greatly reduced at relative humidity of less than 85 percent. The larvae would not enter layer of air-dried soil over moist soil, if the dry soil was over 15 millimeters deep, unless sufficient time was allowed for establishment of moisture gradient. Soil-surface temperatures and relative humidities under strawberry foliage would seldom harm eggs, especially those pigmented. Dryness of the soil surface could be serious detriment to newly hatched larvae.
Effect of Trichoderma colonization on auxin-mediated regulation of root elongation

The biocontrol fungus Trichoderma harzianum 1295-22 increases root growth in addition to roles in suppressing disease. Its agricultural use could be expanded if the mechanism of growth enhancement were known. Among the proposed mechanisms of growth enhancement is that the fungus counteracts auxin inhibition of root-cell elongation. We tested whether there was evidence for a secreted auxin inhibitor, for enhanced auxin degradation, or for altered auxin sensitivity. Our results provide no support for any of these mechanisms. Trichoderma secretions inhibited growth, whereas an auxin inhibitor would increase growth. Auxin inhibited growth to the same extent in colonized and uncolonized roots, indicating no change in auxin sensitivity. Endogenous auxin levels maintained growth closer to the maximum in uncolonized roots, indicating stronger auxin limitation of growth in colonized roots. These tests indicated that Trichodermacolonized roots had a faster maximum growth rate, but an unchanged response to auxin.
Cholesterol levels in mood disorders: high or low?

Objectives To assess cholesterol levels in patients with mood disorders. Methods All consecutively admitted patients meeting inclusion criteria (n = 50) who were hospitalized in an affective disorders unit received assessments of cholesterol levels. Correlations were made with diagnosis using DSM-IV criteria, current mood states, and other clinical and demographic features of illness. Exclusion criteria included current alcohol abuse, medical illnesses that could influence cholesterol levels, eating disorders, and age greater than 70 years. Results Cholesterol levels did not differ based on diagnostic status of unipolar depression or bipolar disorder. In the total sample, cholesterol levels were lower in patients with current manic (170.2 +/- 38.9, p = 0.05) and depressive (182.0 +/- 42.0) than in mixed (226.4 +/- 43.3) episodes (p = 0.05). In subgroups of patients with bipolar disorder, manic episodes (169.9 +/- 38.8, n = 9) were associated with lower cholesterol levels than depressive (201.0 +/- 49.4) or mixed (226.4 +/- 44.4) episodes (p = 0.02 for comparison of manic and mixed episodes). Body mass index (BMI), age, alcohol use, and gender did not account for these findings. Conclusions Cholesterol levels were lower in manic and depressive than in mixed episodes. No differences were found between diagnoses of unipolar or bipolar mood disorders. Cholesterol may be a state rather than a trait function, and may be influenced by the acute mood state.
Fracture in Bulk Amorphous Alloys

The fracture behavior of a Zr-based bulk amorphous alloy, Zr-10 AI-5 Ti-17.9 Cu-14.6 Ni, was examined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and x-ray diffraction for any evidence of crystallization preceding crack propagation. No evidence for crystallization was found in shear bands in compression specimens or at the fracture surface in tensile specimens. In- situ TEM deformation experiments were performed to more closely examine actual crack tip regions. During the in-situ deformation experiment controlled crack growth occurred to the point where the specimen was approximately 20 {micro}m thick at which point uncontrolled crack growth occurred. No evidence of any crystallization was found at the crack tips or the crack flanks. Subsequent scanning microscope examination showed that the uncontrolled crack growth region exhibited ridges and veins that appeared to have resulted from melting. Performing the deformations, both bulk and in-situ TEM, at liquid nitrogen temperatures (LN{sub 2}) resulted in an increase in the amount of controlled crack growth. The surface roughness of the bulk regions fractured at LN{sub 2} temperatures corresponded with the roughness of the crack propagation observed during the in-situ TEM experiment, suggesting that the smooth-appearing room temperature fracture sur-faces may also be a result of localized melting.
The chief of medicine.

15.The Letters of C. S. Lewis, quoted in Dabney Adams Hart, Through the Open Door: A New Look at C. S. Lewis (UniversityUniversity of Alabama Press, 1984), p. 130. 16.Dax Cowart, Please Let Me Die (Galveston: University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, 1974). 17.Robert B. White, "A Demand to Die," Hastings Center Report 5, no. 3 (1975): 9. 18.H. Tristram Englehardt, Jr., "A Demand to Die," Hastings CenterReport5, no. 3 (1975): 10. 19.Dax's Case (New York: Concern for Dying, 1985). 20.Lonnie D. Kliever, "Dax andJob: The Refusal of Redemptive Suffering," in Dax's Case: Essays in Medical Ethics and Human Meaning, ed. Lonnie D. Kliever (Dallas: Southern Methodist UniversityPress, 1989). 21.Jessamyn West, The Woman Said Yes: Encounters with Life and Death (New York: Harcourt, Brace,Jovanovich, 1976). Hastings Center Report, July-August 1991
Sodium dietary restriction, knowledge, beliefs, and decision‐making behavior of older females

Purpose: The purposes of this qualitative/descriptive study were to (a) explore experiences and decision-making behaviors associated with adoption of a sodium-restricted diet (SRD) among older women with hypertension or heart failure and (b) identify healthcare system and contextual factors that facilitate or impede adherence to SRD. Data sources: Participants were 33 single older women, aged 65–98 years, residing in three congregate living facilities in the high-risk “coronary valley” area of the United States. A semistructured interview format was employed with three focus groups. The audio-taped transcribed data were content analyzed for themes by the researchers with the assistance of ATLAS.Ti computer software. Conclusions: Predominant themes were lack of SRD education by healthcare providers, a desire for more information about sodium, including the use of alternative herbal seasonings, and large-print informational materials. Eating alone with no motivation to cook and share meals was a contextual barrier to healthy nutrition. Implications for practice: To prevent costly hospitalizations and rehospitalization from nonadherence to SRD, clinicians need to provide more structured SRD education supplemented with printed brochures. Exploring the client’s nutritional social setting may improve SRD adherence.
Genetic dissection of nodal function in patterning the mouse embryo

Loss-of-function analysis has shown that the transforming growth factor-like signaling molecule nodal is essential for mouse mesoderm development. However, definitive proof of nodal function in other developmental processes in the mouse embryo has been lacking because the null mutation blocks gastrulation. We describe the generation and analysis of a hypomorphic nodal allele. Mouse embryos heterozygous for the hypomorphic allele and a null allele undergo gastrulation but then display abnormalities that fall into three distinct mutant phenotypic classes, which may result from expression levels falling below critical thresholds in one or more domains of nodal expression. Our analysis of each of these classes provides conclusive evidence for nodal-mediated regulation of several developmental processes in the mouse embryo, beyond its role in mesoderm formation. We find that nodal signaling is required for correct positioning of the anteroposterior axis, normal anterior and midline patterning, and the left-right asymmetric development of the heart, vasculature, lungs and stomach.
Compaction of thick composites: Simulation and experiment

A realistic process simulation model for heat transfer and compaction along the bleeder-composite assembly was developed. Two case studies were presented with this model in which one took advantage of variable resin properties while the other used constant values. The predicted results were then experimentally validated with 228-ply and 380-ply AS4/3501-6 graphite/epoxy laminates cured under one-dimensional resin flow condition. The model-experiment correlation was quite good for the 228-ply laminate although results with variable resin properties predicted better through-the-thickness temperature distribution than with constant resin properties. The model also predicted faster compaction rate because the compressibility model appeared to predict higher fiber volume fraction for given effective stress. As for the 380-ply laminate, notable deviations were observed for both the temperature and compaction predictions. The discrepancies appeared to have manifested from inaccurate resin property and compressibility models.
Pulsatile LH Release During the Ovulatory LH Surge on Proestrus in the Rat

The present experiments were carried out to determine if LH release during the ovulatory LH surge in the rat was pulsatile. Unanesthetized rats with 4-day estrous cycles were bled through jugular vein cannulae at a rate of 10 p1 whole blood/2-3 mm from 1400 to 1930 h on proestrus during the ovulatory LH surge. Ovulation occurred in all rats that had surges of LH release. These surges consisted of ascending, plateau, and descending periods. LH release was pulsatile during the plateau portion as indicated by a significant increase in the percent coefficient of variation for individual bleeding periods when compared with assay variation, and during the ascending and descending phases as evidenced by pronounced nadir-to-peak changes in blood LH levels which were greater than the minimum significant change detected by radioimmunoassay. Blood LII levels increased during the ascending phase and then plateaued because of high amplitude LH pulses (538 nglml in the ascending phase and 572 ng/ml in the plateau phase), which occurred with LH interpulse intervals of 16 and 23 mm, respectively. Blood LH levels declined during the descending phase since the pulse amplitude (386 ng/ml) significantly decreased, and in comparison with the ascending phase the LII interpulse interval lengthened significantly to 29 min. These studies indicate that pulsatile LH release occurs during the ovulatory LII surge on proestrus in the rat, and that the rise, plateau, and fall in blood LH levels can be accounted for by changes in the LH pulse amplitude and frequency during different phases of the surge.
Simulation model for analysis of synchronous digital hierarchy network payload jitter

Since pointer processing in SONET/SDH networks is a complex non-linear process, computer simulation is required to accurately characterize the network jitter induced in the underlying PDH payloads. While previous behavioral network models provide accurate results for normal synchronous operation, they do not model the periodic pointer sequences which occur during holdover mode. This paper's methodology uses a more detailed event-driven simulator which models an SDH network at a bit-by-bit level. These bit-by-bit simulation results are used in conjunction with an ITU specified jitter measurement filter to generate accurate jitter waveforms for SDH holdover mode operation. This methodology allows detailed analysis of the jitter caused by both payload mapping definitions and network pointer processor implementations. Hence, this methodology may be used to evaluate network jitter reduction algorithms. >
The effects of reasoning, use of models, sex type, and their interactions on posttest achievement in chemical bonding after constant instruction

The purpose of the authors in this study was to determine the effects of reasoning, use of models during testing, and sex type on posttest achievement in chemical bonding under controlled instruction. Eighty-four high school students taking chemistry were randomly assigned within their classes to models and no models groups for the posttest. Reasoning capabilities were assessed by the Piagetian Logical Operations Test (PLOT) (Staver & Gabel, JRST, Vol. 16, No. 6, 1979), prior to instruction. All students then received the same instruction on chemical bonding which included teacher demonstrations of concepts with three-dimensional molecular models, interspersed teacher questions during the introduction and development of concepts, student manipulation of three-dimensional molecular models during laboratory experiments, and text reading assignments on concepts prior to their instruction in class. The posttest on molecular geometry and shape contained three sections requiring memory and application (Bloom, Taxonomy of educational objective, handbook I: Cognitive domain. New York: David McKay, 1956). Data were analyzed by regression (Nie et al., Statistical package for the social sciences, 2nd ed. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1975). Results indicate that reasoning accounted for a significant portion (p 0.05) portion of the variance on total scores or any section of posttest. The three-way interaction of reasoning, model usage, and sex type accounted for a significant portion (p < 0.05) of the variance in total scores, and in the memory and application sections of the posttest. Discussion focused on the results, conclusions, and implications for science teaching.
Measurement of Racial Stereotype Subtyping

This study examined characteristics associated with the global racial category "Blacks" and with several subtypes of the racial category: "streetwise, `"ghetto," "welfare," "athlete, "and "businessman. " Subjects were provided with one label and were asked to generate chtaracteristics commonly associated with it. Subjects' responses were submitted to discriminant function analysis, which provides information concerning the relation of characteristics listed by subjects to dimensions that explain the variance in subjects' responses and provides measures of the degree of overlap among the subtypes. The analysis revealed three dimensions: a negative/positive dimension, an athletic dimension, and a unique characteristic dimension. There were many classification errors for the "streetwise," "welfare," and "ghetto" subtypes but few classification errors for the "businessman " and "athlete " subtypes. The global stereotype, with its partial overlap with many of the subtypes, produced a moderate number of classif...
Significance and outcome of left heart hypoplasia in fetal congenital diaphragmatic hernia.

Objective In patients with a left-sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), the left ventricle (LV) is often compressed and smaller than normal. The objective of this study was to investigate whether small left heart dimensions prenatally normalize after birth in patients with CDH, or whether prenatal indices of left heart size and flow predict postnatal outcome. Methods Clinical and echocardiographic data were reviewed for patients diagnosed with left-sided CDH prenatally. Cardiac dimensions and flows were compared with normative data. Among liveborn patients, pre- and postnatal Z-scores of left heart structures were compared, and associations between prenatal indices and outcome were assessed. Results Of 125 patients diagnosed prenatally with CDH, 111 had a left-sided defect. Of these, 85 were liveborn, including 20 with congenital heart disease. Gestational age-adjusted dimensions of fetal left heart structures, including aortic valve diameter, mitral valve (MV) diameter, LV long-axis, LV short-axis and LV volume, were all smaller than normal (P < 0.001). On average, the LV contributed 33 ± 8% of combined ventricular output, lower than the normal 40–50%. Z-scores of left heart structures increased from the prenatal echocardiogram to the postnatal study, with average changes ranging from 0.56 ± 1.68 (aortic valve) to 1.39 ± 1.85 (LV volume). Among liveborn patients, there was no association between prenatal left heart Z-scores and postnatal survival. Conclusions Hypoplasia of and reduced flow through the left heart are common among fetuses with CDH. After birth and CDH repair, left heart dimensions generally normalize, with adequate size to support a biventricular circulation, even when there is very low flow through the left heart in mid- and late-gestation. Copyright © 2010 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Coronal leakage following three obturation techniques.

Aim To compare coronal bacterial and India ink leakage in three different obturation techniques with the smear layer having been removed. Methodology Seventy extracted single-rooted teeth were instrumented to an apical preparation size 7 Profile Series 29 (Tulsa Dental Products, Tulsa, OK, USA). The smear layer was removed and 20 teeth were randomly obturated with lateral compaction, 20 teeth with vertical compaction, and 20 teeth with Thermafil (Tulsa Dental Products, Tulsa OK, USA). Ten teeth were used for positive (five teeth) and negative (five teeth) controls. Teeth were stored for 90 days in 100% humidity, then subjected coronally to Proteus vulgaris for 21 days to assess bacterial leakage. Following bacterial challenge, India ink was placed coronally for a further 21 days, then scored according to depth of dye leakage. Results Vertical compaction leaked significantly less than lateral compaction during bacterial challenge. However, when dye was used there were no significant differences. Conclusions Bacterial leakage and dye leakage demonstrated considerable variability. The use of a dye following bacterial testing may highlight the failure of experimental devices and vertical root fractures, thus avoiding false positive results found with bacterial testing alone.
Multi-function bi-directional battery charger for plug-in hybrid electric vehicle application

A new multi-function bi-directional battery charger for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) is proposed based on the power circuitry configuration of an American house. This bi-directional charger can achieve three functions including battery charging, vehicle to grid (V2G) and vehicle to home (V2H), all of which are the major research areas of PHEV's integration with the power grid. The integration infrastructure and practical design issues are analyzed. The multiple control loop designs are presented for the three operation modes. Simulation and experimental results verify the functions and performance of the proposed charger. With the capability of achieving multiple functions, the bi-directional charger will contribute and enhance grid related research of PHEVs.
Mapping intimate mixtures using an adaptive kernel-based technique

In previous work, kernel methods were introduced as a way to generalize the linear mixing model for hyperspectral data. This work led to a new adaptive kernel unmixing method that both identified and unmixed linearly and intimately mixed pixels. However, the results from this previous research was limited to lab-based data where the endmembers were known a-priori and atmospheric effects were absent. This paper documents the results of the adaptive kernel-based unmixing techniques on real-world hyperspectral data collected over Smith Island, Virginia, USA. The results show that the adaptive kernel unmixing method can readily identify where nonlinear mixtures exist in the image even when perfect knowledge of the endmembers and the reflectance cannot be known.
Health-related quality of life in young adults with symptoms of constipation continuing from childhood into adulthood

Children with functional constipation report impaired Health-related Quality of Life (HRQoL) in relation to physical complaints and long duration of symptoms. In about one third of children with constipation, symptoms continue into adulthood. Knowledge on HRQoL in adults with constipation persisting from childhood is lacking. To assess HRQoL in adults with constipation from early childhood in comparison to that of their peers. Furthermore to gain insight into the specific social consequences related to continuing symptoms of constipation and/or fecal incontinence at adult age. One HRQoL questionnaire and one self-developed questionnaire focusing on specific consequences of symptoms of constipation continuing into adulthood were administrated to 182 adults with a history of childhood constipation. Successful clinical outcome was defined as a defecation frequency three or more times per week with less than two episodes of fecal incontinence per month, irrespective of laxative use. HRQoL of both adults with unsuccessful and successful clinical outcome were compared to a control group of 361 peers from the general Dutch population. No differences in HRQoL were found between the whole study population and healthy peers, nor between adults with successful clinical outcome (n = 139) and the control group. Adults with an unsuccessful clinical outcome (n = 43) reported significantly lower HRQoL compared to the control group with respect to scores on bodily pain (mean ± SD 77.4 ± 19.6 versus 85.7 ± 19.5, p = 0.01) and general health (67.6 ± 18.8 versus 74.0 ± 18.1, p = 0.04). Adults with an unsuccessful clinical outcome reported difficulties with social contact and intimacy (20% and 12.5%, respectively), related to their current symptoms. Current therapy in these adults was more often self-administered treatment (e.g. diet modifications) (60.4%) than laxatives (20.9%). Overall, young adults with constipation in childhood report a good quality of life, as HRQoL of adults with successful clinical outcome was comparable to that of their peers. However, when childhood constipation continues into adulthood, it influences HRQoL negatively with social consequences in 20% of these adults.
Nanoparticles with surface antibody against CD98 and carrying CD98 small interfering RNA reduce colitis in mice

Background & Aims Nanoparticles have been explored as carriers of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) and might be developed to treat patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Overexpression of CD98 on the surface of colonic epithelial cells and macrophages promotes the development and progression of IBD. We developed an orally delivered hydrogel that releases nanoparticles with single-chain CD98 antibodies on their surface (scCD98 functionalized) and loaded with CD98 siRNA (siCD98). We tested the ability of the nanoparticles to reduce levels of CD98 in the colons of mice with colitis. Methods scCD98-functionalized siCD98-loaded nanoparticles were fabricated using a complex coacervation technique. We investigated the cellular uptake and lysosome escape profiles of the nanoparticles in Colon-26 cells and RAW 264.7 macrophages using fluorescence microscopy. Colitis was induced by transfer of CD4+CD45RBhigh T cells to Rag−/− mice or administration of dextran sodium sulfate to C57BL/6 mice. Mice were then given hydrogel (chitosan and alginate) containing scCD98-functionalized nanoparticles loaded with siCD98 or scrambled siRNA (control) via gavage. Results The scCD98-functionalized nanoparticles were approximately 200 nm in size and had high affinity for CD98-overexpressing cells. The scCD98-functionalized siCD98-loaded nanoparticles significantly reduced levels of CD98 in Colon-26 cells and RAW 264.7 macrophages, along with production of inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin-6, and interleukin-12). In mice with colitis, administration of the scCD98-functionalized siCD98-loaded nanoparticles reduced colon expression of CD98. Importantly, the severity of colitis was also reduced compared with controls (based on loss of body weight, myeloperoxidase activity, inflammatory cytokine production, and histological analysis). Approximately 24.1% of colonic macrophages (CD11b+CD11c−F4/80+) in the mice had taken up fluorescently labeled siRNA-loaded nanoparticles within 12 hours of administration. Conclusions Nanoparticles containing surface CD98 antibody and loaded with siCD98 reduce expression of this protein by colonic epithelial cells and macrophages, and oral administration decreases the severity of colitis in mice. This nanoparticle in hydrogel (chitosan/alginate) formulation might be developed to treat patients with IBD.
Optimal diffusion weighting for in vivo cardiac diffusion tensor imaging.

Purpose To investigate the influence of the diffusion weighting on in vivo cardiac diffusion tensor imaging (cDTI) and obtain optimal parameters. Methods Ten subjects were scanned using stimulated echo acquisition mode echo planar imaging with six b-values, from 50 to 950 s·mm−2, plus b = 15 s·mm−2 reference. The relationship between b-value and both signal loss and signal-to-noise ratio measures was investigated. Mean diffusivity, fractional anisotropy, and helical angle maps were calculated using all possible b-value pairs to investigate the effects of diffusion weighting on the main and reference data. Results Signal decay at low b-values was dominated by processes with high apparent diffusion coefficients, most likely microvascular perfusion. This effect could be avoided by diffusion weighting of the reference images. Parameter maps were improved with increased b-value until the diffusion-weighted signal approached the noise floor. For the protocol used in this study, b = 750 s·mm−2 combined with 150 s·mm−2 diffusion weighting of the reference images proved optimal. Conclusion Mean diffusivity, fractional anisotropy, and helical angle from cDTI are influenced by the b-value of the main and reference data. Using optimal values improves parameter maps and avoids microvascular perfusion effects. This optimized protocol should provide greater sensitivity to pathological changes in parameter maps. Magn Reson Med 74:420–430, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
1996 Korean Renal Registry Report

SUMMARY: This report was based on data from the ESRD (End-Stage Renal Disease) Registry Committee of the Korean Society of Nephrology and accounts for 60% of all patients on renal replacement therapy (RRT) in Korea. The data are from 31 December 1996. There were 208 centres providing dialysis (4.76 centres per million population [p.m.p.]) and 36 renal transplant centres. There were 18 161 (391.1 p.m.p.) patients on RRT of which 53% were on haemodialysis (HD), 16.4% on peritoneal dialysis (PD) and 30.6% with functioning renal transplants (TX). There was a 14% increase in the number of patients over the previous year (HD 12.3%, PD 8.5%, TX 20.4%). The incidence of treated ESRD was 5058 (108.9 p.m.p.). The mean age of existing patients was 48.3 years (HD, 48.4; PD, 50.2; KT, 37.5) and sex ratio was M:F 57:43 (HD, 55:45; PD, 54:46; KT, 67:33). The primary renal diseases were glomerulonephritis (21.6%), diabetic nephropathy (30.8%), hypertension (18.3%) and others (34.2%). Sixty-five per cent of patients on HD and 35% on PD were treated with erythropoietin. Eleven per cent of patients on RRT (HD 11.4%, PD 8%) were serologically positive for hepatitis B infection and another 10% (HD 10.3%, PD 3.3%) were positive for hepatitis C infection. The rate of peritonitis was 0.78 episodes per patient year. There were 941 renal transplants in 1996 and the annual transplantation rate was 20.3 p.m.p. Eighty-eight per cent of transplants were from live donors (65.5% living-related and 34.5% living-unrelated) and the other 12% were from cadaveric donors. The causes of death were cardiac (31.6%), vascular (24.5%), infection (19.4%), liver disease (3.1%), social (8.2%), miscellaneous (6.1%) and uncertain (7.1%). The annual mortality rate of RRT patients was 8.9% according to the report from Korean National Statistical Office.
Air quality warnings and outdoor activities: Evidence from Southern California using a regression discontinuity design

Background A study was undertaken to assess the impact of air quality warnings associated with ground-level ozone on outdoor activities in Southern California. Methods Data on aggregate daily attendance at two major outdoor facilities were collected and merged with observed and forecasted air quality and meteorology at the daily level. A quasi-experimental regression discontinuity design was used to estimate the impact of warnings. Results Attendance declined significantly when stage 1 air quality warnings (‘smog alerts’) were issued. Consistent with expectations, responses were greater for populations more likely to be considered susceptible and more likely to be local residents. Conclusions Air quality warnings are an important policy tool for protecting the public9s health from high levels of ambient air pollution.