cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Chihuahuan Desert Brangus Breeding Program: Feed Efficiency, Metabolic Hormones, and Puberty in Heifers Sired by Bulls with Differing Expected Progeny Differences for Growth and Scrotal Circumference12

Abstract Our objectives were to evaluate growth, feed intake characteristics, metabolic hormones, and puberty in heifers from a Chihuahuan Desert Brangus breeding program. Heifers were of similar age and progeny of sires (n > 7 heifers per sire) with expected progeny difference [EPD (accuracy)] for yearling BW (kg) and scrotal circumference (cm) of 27.6 (0.54) and 0.1 (0.42) for a large growth-moderate scrotal circumference sire (LG-MSC), 16.4 (0.59) and 0.9 (0.47) for a moderate growth-large scrotal circumference sire (MG-LSC), and 17.8 (0.54) and 0.4 (0.37) for a sire with balanced EPD values (balanced). Heifers were trained to a Calan gate system (American Calan, Inc., Northwood, NH) for feed intake evaluation and were fed a diet of 11.6% CP and 79.4% TDN from 12.5 to 15.5 mo of age. Heifers from the balanced and LG-MSC sires had greater (P
Propafenone for malignant ventricular arrhythmia: an analysis of the literature.

Abstract The Food and Drug Administration recently granted approval for the marketing of propafenone (trade name Rythmol), a new class I antiarrhythmic drug, for the treatment of patients with life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias. Although propafenone has been tested in long-term clinical trials in the United States since 1981, many potential prescribing physicians are not familiar with the drug, especially for its labeled use. In addition, no individual published experience has incorporated enough patients to draw firm conclusions regarding the efficacy of the drug for its approved indication. The purpose of this article is to report the results of our review of the literature regarding the usefulness of propafenone in the treatment of these most serious ventricular arrhythmias.
Evaluation and Management of Central Venous Access Complications

Venous access is 1 of the most common interventional procedures in the USA. Using image guidance in the last 2 decades, obtaining venous access has become increasingly routine, and the complications commonly associated with the procedure have significantly decreased. However, interventional radiologists still encounter both early and late complications routinely associated with both central and peripherally inserted access devices. This article discusses the most common and some unusual complications seen with the placement of these devices. We also briefly discuss the management of these complications.
Derivate des D-Glucosamins, IV1). Die Anomeren des 1.3.4.6-Tetrabenzoyl-N-carbobenzoxy-D-glucosamins

1.3.4.6-Tetrabenzoyl-α-D-glucosamin-hydrobromid (I) lieferte mit Carbobenzoxychlorid 1.3.4.6-Tetrabenzoyl-N-carbobenzoxy-α-D-glucosamin (II). Die Umsetzung von 1-α-Brom-3.4.6-tribenzoyl-D-glucosamin-hydrobromid (III) mit Benzoylchlorid bzw. mit Carbobenzoxychlorid ergab die N-Benzoyl- (VII) bzw. N-Carbobenzoxy-Verbindung (IV). Letztere reagierte mit Methanol bzw. mit Athanol zu den β-Glucosaminiden IX a bzw. IXb. Mit Silberbenzoat erhielt man aus VII reines β-Pentabenzoyl-D-glucosamin (VIII), aus IV 1.3.4.6-Tetrabenzoyl-N-carbobenzoxy-β-D-glucosamin (V). Die Hydrierung von V ergab 1.3.4.6-Tetrabenzoyl-β-D-glucosamin-hydrobromid (VI), das zu VIII benzoyliert werden konnte. Das Gemisch der anomeren Tetrabenzoyl-N-carbobenzoxy-D-glucosamine wurde getrennt.
An approach to the experimental study of persistent-current devices

Abstract As part of an investigation of superconducting circuitry, with particular reference to the persistatron, there is being conducted an experimental study of the effects of composition and geometry on the property of superconductivity in thin-film strips. Also under way are an experimental study and a preliminary analysis of the static and transient characteristics of the persistatron. Certain techniques employed in these studies are discussed. Among these are: the evaporation of vanadium and tantalum by electron bombardment, and of lead by the boat method; methods of masking, with reference to both metal and printed masks; and a method of testing persistent-current devices directly in a helium storage flask. The description of a flexible programmed-pulsing device is also given. Results obtained to date in these studies are presented.
Advanced robotics in civil engineering and construction

The goal of research in developing construction robot is to build robots which are more flexible, adjustable, and able to cope with constantly changing construction environments. Research and development in construction robots is intended to extend present capabilities of conventional equipment to an integrated and fully automated system. An ancillary benefit of this type of research is an understanding of the key problems that need to be solved in construction engineering. As with any technology, new solutions bring new problems. One of the most serious problems currently facing automation in the construction industry is the integration of information. This integration must occur in a cost effective and productive manner without loss of current construction functionality. These robots represent the integration of many different ideas and technologies into a working system. The challenge of building construction robots is a challenge of integrating not only robot components, but also of integrating construction experiences, ideas, and technology. >
Lowering the power consumption of Ni-Ti shape memory alloy

Shape memory alloy (SMA) wires are capable of providing contractile strain mimicking the functionality of muscle fibers. They are promising for the development of biomimetic robots due to their high power density and desired form factor. However, they suffer from significantly high power consumption. The focus of this paper was to address this drawback associated with SMAs. Two different parameters were investigated in this study: i) lowering of the martensite to austentite phase transition temperatures and ii) the reduction of the thermal hysteresis. For an equiatomic Ni-Ti alloy, replacing nickel with 10 at% copper reduces the thermal hysteresis by 50% or more. For Ni- Ti alloys with nickel content greater than 50 at%, transition temperature decreases linearly at a rate of 100 °C/Ni at%. Given these two power reducing factors, an alloy with composition of Ni 40+x Ti 50-x Cu 10 was synthesized with x = 0, ±1, ±2, ±3, ±4, ±5. Metal powders were melted in an argon atmosphere using an RF induction furnace to produce ingots. All the synthesized samples were characterized by differential scanning calorimetric (DSC) analysis to reveal martensite to austenite and austenite to martensite transition temperatures during heating and cooling cycles respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was conducted to identify the density and microstructure of the fractured samples. The alloy composition and synthesis method presented in this preliminary work shows the possibility of achieving low power consuming, high performance SMAs.
Yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae selectable markers in pUC18 polylinkers.

A set of plasmids was constructed that contain the yeast selectable markers HIS3, LEU2, TRP1 or URA3 embedded in the multiple cloning site of pUC18.
Economics of feeding corn silage versus corn grain to beef steers as affected by interest rates, liquidity preference and opportunity cost of capital☆

Abstract This study uses a linear programming (LP) model to incorporate interest rates, liquidity preference and opportunity cost of capital into a decision making process for a beef producer. It is concluded that interest rates significantly affect the returns to labour and management, but, even when liquidity preferences and opportunity cost of capital are considered, extremely high interest rates would be required before it would be more economical to feed a high corn grain ration versus a high corn silage ration.
The georgia tech unmanned aerial research vehicle: GTMax

This paper describes the design, development, and operation of a research Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) system that has been developed at the Georgia Institute of Technology, called the GTMax. This description will include the processes put in place to enable the system to be used for UAV-technology research, including effective flight testing. Research UAVs are characterized by the need for continual checkout of experimental software and hardware. Also, flight-testing can be further leveraged by complementing research results with flight-test validated simulation results for the same experimental UAV platform. The chosen helicopter-based UAV platform (a Yamaha R-Max) is well instrumented, including: differential GPS, inertial measurement unit, sonar altimeter, radar altimeter, and a 3-axis magnetometer. One or two flight processors can be utilized.
Doing Research In Power Electronics [My View]

Do you do research in power electronics? Are you a professor or graduate student in a university or an engineer in an industrial research laboratory? Power electronics research is not different from any other area of engineering or scientific research. For doing research, we discipline and dedicate our mind to make inventions or generate new knowledge that helps to solve our problems and contribute to the advancement of our civilization in a broad perspective. The sincerity, purity, and tranquility of our mind, possibly blended with some spirituality, help us concentrate our mind for doing research. Research accomplishment gives supreme satisfaction of mind. Note that doing research and learning always go together. Learning is essentially a lifelong process. Albert Einstein said that we cease to learn only when we die.
Modeling three-dimensional propagation in a continental shelf environment

An acoustic propagation model is applied to predict measurements of three-dimensional (3-D) effects recorded off the southeast coast of Florida. The measured signal is produced by a low frequency source that is towed north parallel to the shelf from a fixed receiving array. The acoustic data show the direct path arrival at the bearing of the tow ship and a second refracted path arrival as much as 30° inshore of the direct arrival. Notably, the refracted arrival has a received level more than 25 dB greater than that of the direct arrival. A geoacoustic model of the environment is created to explain the data. It is shown that the topography of the seafloor plays the largest role in controlling horizontal refraction effects, whereas the range-dependent sediment properties have the most influence on the received level. The modeling approach is based on a 3-D adiabatic mode technique in which the horizontal refraction equation is solved using a parabolic equation in Cartesian coordinates. A modal decomposition of the field provides insight into the variability in the arrival angle and received level of the measured signal.
Analysis of Paris meeting redefining the “Self” of the immune system

Some ideas because of their intuitive appeal never die by neglect and survive because they are not amenable to experimental disproof. They can only be evaluated by weighing them against competing ideas and by invoking a credibility factor when used to explain observation. Most scientists would recommend ignoring such ideas, yet there is much to be learned by engaging their proponents in debate. The immune system viewed as an idiotype network, and its tweaking by the new school of “contextualists” is an example of such an idea. As chance would have it, the supporters of this idea gathered in a meeting, thereby permitting a cumulative analysis of this conceptualization. The goal of this essay is to compare the views of each of the speakers in light of a competing theory with the hope that a better understanding of immune responsiveness will emerge.
Formal grammars and the regeneration capability of biological systems

A biological experiment to measure regeneration capability often involves cutting out a part or parts of an organism, and comparing the subsequent development of the damaged organism with that of a normal specimen of the same kind. Outside the laboratory, the natural environment of some organisms during development and adulthood can inflict a sequence of accidents from which, providing the accidents are not unusually severe, the organism is able to recover, at least partially. A definition is proposed to place such damage and regeneration in the framework of an existing formal model for biological growth and development. Some results linking the stable adult configurations of such models with the languages of the Chomsky hierarchy are reviewed. Then it is shown that, while the stable adult configurations which can be achieved by models without cellular interactions in the absence of damage correspond exactly to the context-free languages, the analogous sets of configurations obtained when damage is inflicted are regular languages. It is also shown that, in spite of the simplicity of the models without cellular interactions, there is no algorithm which will decide for any such model whether or not it is capable of complete regeneration. Finally, it is shown that cell death and replacement plays an important role in regeneration.
Intergenerational Transmission of Reproductive Behavior during the Demographic Transition

New evidence from the Utah Population Database (UPDP) reveals that at the onset of the fertility transition, reproductive behavior was transmitted across generations - between women and their mothers, as well as between women and their husbands' family of origin. Age at marriage, age at last birth, and the number of children ever born are positively correlated in the data, most strongly among first-born daughters and among cohorts born later in the fertility transition. Intergenerational ties, including the presence of mothers and mothers-in-law, influenced the hazard of progressing to a next birth. The findings suggest that the practice of parity-dependent marital fertility control and inter-birth spacing behavior derived, in part, from the previous generation and that the potential for mothers and mothers-in-law to help in the rearing of children encouraged higher marital fertility.
α-Agglutinin expression in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Abstract A polyclonal antiserum raised against purified α-agglutinin was made specific for α-agglutinin after adsorption with a cells. The adsorbed antiserum identified α-agglutinin peptides on Western blots and bound to cell surface α-agglutinin, inhibiting the binding of α cells to a cells. Using the antibody, we have determined that 1) the surface distribution of α-agglutinin on α cells is polar, 2) about 5 × 104 molecules/cell are constitutively expressed on strain X2180-1B (α) cells, and 3) treatment of α cells with the sex pheromone a-factor causes an increase in cell surface α-agglutinin, consistent with the a-factor induced increase in cell agglutinability.
A bit too precise? Verification of quantized digital filters

Fixed-point digital filters are simple yet ubiquitous components of a wide variety of digital processing and control systems. Common errors in fixed-point filters include arithmetic round-off (truncation) errors, overflows and the presence of limit cycles. These errors can potentially compromise the correctness of the system as a whole. Traditionally, digital filters have been verified using a combination of design techniques from control theory and extensive testing. In this paper, we examine the use of formal verification techniques as part of the design flow for fixed-point digital filters. We study two classes of verification techniques involving bit-precise analysis and real-valued error approximations, respectively. We empirically evaluate several variants of these two fundamental approaches for verifying fixed-point implementations of digital filters. We design our comparison to reveal the best possible approach towards verifying real-world designs of infinite impulse response (IIR) digital filters. Our study compares the strengths and weaknesses of different verification techniques for digital filters and suggests efficient approaches using modern satisfiability-modulo-theories solvers (SMT) and hardware model checkers. This manuscript extends our previous work evaluating bounded verification, where a limited number of iterations of the system are explored, with unbounded verification, where an unlimited number of iterations of the system are considered. Doing so allows us to evaluate techniques that can prove the correctness of fixed-point digital filter implementations.
Identification of essential components of the S. cerevisiae kinetochore

We have designed and utilized two in vivo assays of kinetochore integrity in S. cerevisiae. One assay detects relaxation of a transcription block formed at centromeres; the other detects an increase in the mitotic stability of a dicentric test chromosome. ctf13-30 and ctf14-42 were identified as putative kinetochore mutants by both assays. CTF14 is identical to NDC10/CBF2, a recently identified essential gene that encodes a 110 kd kinetochore component. CTF13 is an essential gene that encodes a predicted 478 amino acid protein with no homology to known proteins. ctf13 mutants missegregate chromosomes at permissive temperature and transiently arrest at nonpermissive temperature as large-budded cells with a G2 DNA content and a short spindle. Antibodies recognizing epitope-tagged CTF13 protein decrease the electrophoretic mobility of a CEN DNA-protein complex formed in vitro. Together, the genetic and biochemical data indicate that CTF13 is an essential kinetochore protein.
An Options-Based Model Of Career Mobility in Professional Service Firms

Contemporary career mobility models do not fully explain up-or-out promotional systems in professional service firms (PSFs). We propose a PSF career mobility model, which represents hiring decisions as investments in options on future human capital acquisitions and promotions as exercise of those options. Promotional outcomes depend mainly on the development of employee's human capital and business conditions at the time of partnership consideration. The model explains seemingly paradoxical firm behavior, such as dismissal of nonpromoted but productive employees.
Propagation of the apoptotic signal by mitochondrial waves.

Generation of mitochondrial signals is believed to be important in the commitment to apoptosis, but the mechanisms coordinating the output of individual mitochondria remain elusive. We show that in cardiac myotubes exposed to apoptotic agents, Ca2+ spikes initiate depolarization of mitochondria in discrete subcellular regions, and these mitochondria initiate slow waves of depolarization and Ca2+ release propagating through the cell. Traveling mitochondrial waves are prevented by Bcl-xL, involve permeability transition pore (PTP) opening, and yield cytochrome c release, caspase activation and nuclear apoptosis. Mito chondrial Ca2+ uptake is critical for wave propagation, and mitochondria at the origin of waves take up Ca2+ particularly effectively, providing a mechanism that may underlie selection of the initiation sites. Thus, apoptotic agents transform the mitochondria into an excitable state by sensitizing PTP to Ca2+. Expansion of the local excitation by mitochondrial waves propagating through the whole cell can be especially important in activation of the apoptotic machinery in large cells.
Buyer investment, export variety, and intrafirm trade

Abstract This paper studies a model of buyer investment and its effect on the variety and vertical structure of international trade. A distinction is made between two types of buyer investment: “Flexible” and “specific”, which differ in the ability of a buyer to match with a seller. The interaction of buyer investment with the entry and pricing incentives of suppliers are analyzed. It is shown that (i) there can be multiple equilibria in the variety of products traded, and (ii) less product variety is associated with more intrafirm trade. The possibility of multiple equilibria is consistent with the observation that some similar economies, such as Taiwan and South Korea, differ substantially in their export varieties to the U.S. A cross-country empirical analysis confirms the negative correlation between export variety and intrafirm trade.
Present but not accounted for: exploring the sexual risk practices and intervention needs of nonheterosexually identified women in a prevention program for women with HIV/AIDS.

ABSTRACT Nonheterosexually identified (NHI) women may be present, but not accounted for, in HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention interventions. This study used quantitative and qualitative methods to examine the sexual risk behaviors and intervention needs of NHI women in Protect and Respect, a safer sex intervention for HIV-positive women. Study participants (n = 32) were predominantly Black, low income, and between 28 and 51 years old. Although NHI participants were more likely than heterosexual participants (p< .05) to report obtaining their income from sex work, hustling, or selling drugs; and having a higher median number of male sex partners, qualitative analyses revealed that the intervention often neglected NHI women's experiences and unique safer sex needs. Heterosexist HIV and STI prevention programs may hinder NHI women's ability to protect themselves and their partners from reinfection and infection respectively. We discuss the implications of our research for future HIV/AID...
Survival and recovery of physiologic functions after early maternal separation in rats.

Abstract Fourteen-day-old rats separated from their mothers have greatly increased survival rates, if provided with a local heat source. Body weight, temperature, cardiac and respiratory rates declined for 3 days in all separated animals, and eye opening was delayed most in those separated at room temperature. In survivors, a second phase followed in which all measures rebounded to levels characteristic of normally mothered infants. Cardiac rate, having fallen 40 percent in the first days after separation, rose to levels higher than normally mothered infants at 21 and 30 days of age. Recovery was not clearly initiated by any single system studied, although non-survivors showed greater weight and temperature loss and evidence of gross motor deficit during the separation response phase.
Synthesis of the Tetracyclic Core of the Neomangicols Using a Late-Stage Indene Alkylation

A general approach to the tetracyclic core of the neomangicol natural products via a late-stage indene alkylation reaction is presented. This strategy sets the stage for access to the neomangicol family and, in addition, provides a potential biogenetically inspired entry to the mangicol natural products.
Graduate Journal: A painful transition

Reflecting on my entry from last month (see Nature 433, 338; 2005), I am struck with intense pain and a feeling of naivety. When I wrote that, my future was geographically constrained because my wife was my highest priority, my outlook for 2005 was one of hope, commitment, love and anticipation.
American College of Surgeons Oncology Group (ACOSOG) Z0011: impact on surgeon practice patterns.

Introduction The ACOSOG Z0011 trial has been described as practice-changing. The goal of this study was to determine the impact of the trial on surgeon practice patterns at our institution.
Examining Gender Differences in Field Sales Organizations

Abstract The rapid increase of women in the sales world has brought about debates on the role of gender in contemporary sales organizations. The key question is whether gender differences, in and of themselves, create different attitudinal and behavioral relationships. A small but expanding stream of research and the expanded participation of women in many lines of business question whether the traditional position of differences based on gender is valid today. A conceptual basis is developed in support of no differences based on gender and hypotheses are developed to test this premise across several constructs that have been found important in sales management research. This research examines a Fortune 500 international service organization with a sales force that is gender balanced. The results indicate few significant differences between genders. A gender classification scheme is proposed based on a gender balance in the sales force and customer base. Results are discussed and compared to previous studies.
Breaking the Cycle of Oppression: Lessons for Nurse Practitioners?

The oppressed group behavior model suggests that persons who are in groups that are subordinate to more powerful groups in their society learn certain behavior patterns that, although necessary for their survival, lead to a cycle of further oppression. Nurses have been considered an oppressed group. This article explores the implications of oppressed group behavior for nurse practitioners. Strategies for changing the cycle of oppression are described that can empower nurse practitioners and lead them to greater unity and control over their own practices.
Ability of 47Ca kinetic analysis to discriminate metabolic states affecting bone formation in dogs

Abstract This study was designed to investigate rates of bone remodeling by simultaneous determinations of two parameters that are somewhat independent reflections of the remodeling process. One of the parameters, the F ratio, is defined as the ratio of the length of internal surface at which bone formation is active (assessed by microradiography and confirmed by tetracycline labeling) to the total length of internal surface in bone sections from biopsy sites. The second is an empiric parameter, A (as defined by Bauer), and calculations are based on measurements of radioactivity in plasma at various times after intravenous injection of 47 Ca and on the amount of radiocalcium excreted during the same period. One or the other of these parameters has been studied previously by this group and by other investigators, but we can find no reported attempt to perform these two specific measurements simultaneously in the same group of adult animals. Three groups of dogs differing in their hormonal balance and, hence, in their overall rates of bone remodeling were studied. The results showed that among the three groups there was comparatively little overlap in the ranges of A values, of local F ratios measured in the rib (F rib), or of local F ratios measured in the femur (F femur). It was also noted that, within any one of the group, A values, F rib ratios, and F femur ratios were not correlated. It was further shown that knowledge of both A and F values can provide better discrimination among these three groups than could be achieved with either parameter alone.
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus: colonization and infection in a long-term care facility.

Abstract ▪Objective:To assess methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonization, transmission, and infection over a 1-year period in a long-term care facility with endemic MRSA. ▪Desi...
The interaction of helium and displacement damage in inertial confinement fusion reactors

Abstract Helium is thermodynamically insoluble in metals and tends to form cavities if the conditions are appropriate for its migration. The processes of helium migration and interaction with point defects are strongly influenced by the level and the mode of displacement damage production. In this paper, we present an application of the rate theory for helium cavity formation in Inertial Confinement Fusion Reactors (ICFR's). A new computer code “EXPRESS” has been developed for the solution of the time-dependent rate equations describing the evolution of the space-averaged damage state of an ICFR first wall. An optimal algorithm was developed for the long-term solution of the rate equations (10 5 pulses) with modest computational requirements. It is shown that the timefluctuations in point defect and helium concentrations due to ICF-type pulsing lead to an overall reduction in the swelling of ICF materials.
Theoretical Model Studies of Drug Absorption and Transport in the GI Tract III

The diffusional transport of drugs across a membrane under the influence of hydrostatic (or osmotic) flow is described. The physical model consists of a bulk aqueous phase with a diffusion layer followed by a heterogeneous (lipid/aqueous) compartment and a perfect sink. The steady-state rate of change of the total drug concentration in the bulk aqueous phase is in the general form of a first-order equation useful for the evaluation of experiments. Computations are made for different cases in simulation of the in situ absorption of drugs in animals when the tonicity of the drug solution is varied. Several limiting models are mathematically deduced from the more general approach.
Evaluation of a sequential extraction method for determining actinide fractionation in soils and sediments

Abstract A sequential chemical extraction method for the determination of the geochemical fractionation of Am, Pu, and U was evaluated rigorously on a single marine sediment standard ( IAEA -135). Partitioning of actinides was operationally defined for five reagent fractions and stable element analyses (Al, Ca, Fe, Mn, Ti, etc.) were performed to assist in establishing the phase specificity of the extractions. The method produces, in general, results that agree to within a one standard deviation interval for replicate measurements for each fraction. Actinide readsorption, examined by a double-spiking technique, was found to be significant in some cases. Ethylenediamine-tetraacetic acid (EDTA) was examined as a hold-back reagent to lessen the effect of readsorption but seriously compromised the phase selectivity of the extractants. In addition, the use of NaOCl for the destruction of organic matter was found to dissolve carbonates out of sequence and is not recommended for carbonate-bearing materials.
High fertilization rate obtained after intracytoplasmic sperm injection with 100% nonmotile spermatozoa selected by using a simple modified hypo-osmotic swelling test

Abstract Objective: To report a high fertilization rate after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) in patients with 100% nonmotile spermatozoa selected by a simple modified hypo-osmotic swelling test. Design: Clinical study. Setting: Hospital-based IVF center. Patient(s); Three couples with infertility due to asthenospermia. Intervention(s): The hypo-osmotic swelling test with 150-mOsm NaC1 solution was used to select viable spermatozoa before ICSI. Three patients provided semen samples and one of these three also had a testicular biopsy. Main Outcome Measure(s): Selection of viable spermatozoa using the hypo-osmotic swelling test with 150-mOsm NaC1 solution for ICSI. Result(s): No motile spermatozoa were found in three ejaculated semen samples and one testicular biopsy. Fifty-seven metaphase-II oocytes were injected with hypo-osmotic swelling test-positive ejaculated or testicular spermatozoa. Fifty-five (96.5%) of these oocytes were intact after injection. Forty-two (76.4%) of 55 oocytes showed two pronuclei, and 40 of the 42 fertilized oocytes cleaved. One patient had all embryos cryopreserved because of the risk of hyperstimulation; two other patients had embryos transferred. One ongoing pregnancy resulted. Conclusion: This hypo-osmotic swelling test with 150-mOsm NaC1 solution is a simple and efficient method for selection of viable spermatozoa. A high fertilization rate can be obtained using ICSI with viable spermatozoa selected by using this hypo-osmotic swelling test.
Stored Blood Components Contain Agents That Prime the Neutrophil NADPH Oxidase through the Platelet‐Activating‐Factor Receptor

Neutrophils (PMNs) initiate production of toxic oxygen metabolites through stimulation of an NADPH oxidase resulting in the reduction of oxygen to superoxide anion (O2-). The activity of this enzyme system may be primed by a variety of compounds. This laboratory investigated the possibility that stored blood components may contain agents which prime the PMN oxidase. At the time of outdate, packed red blood cells, whole blood, and platelet concentrates contained a priming agent which enhanced the PMN NADPH oxidase activity in response to a soluble stimulus, formyl-Met-Leu-Phe, by 2.1- to 2.8-fold. The priming activity was almost completely inhibited by WEB 2170, a specific platelet activating factor antagonist. Fresh plasma or fresh-frozen plasma did not exhibit priming activity. These data suggest that platelet-activating factor-like compounds are generated during the storage of cellular blood components. The presence of these agents in stored blood may suggest a role for specific compounds which prime PMNs and possibly mediate other effects which result in severe complications of transfusion therapy.
Observations on the Measurement of Vibrational Circular Dichroism with Rapid-Scan and Step-Scan FT-IR Techniques

Extensive tests to determine an optimal method for using a Bio-Rad FTS-60A spectrometer for measurement of vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) in both step-scan and rapid-scan modes are reported. In the latter case, results of "fast-scan" and "slow-scan" experiments are also presented for comparison. In step-scan mode, phase modulation (PM) during the polarization-modulation measurements is found to be detrimental to the signal-to-noise ratio (S/N), but is very useful for the normal IR measurements at slow step speeds. VCD S/N is improved by doing sequential spectral collection of the polarization-modulated spectrum without PM and the instrument response spectra with phase modulation. Systematic comparative studies are used to identify optimal parameter sets for doing the step-scan VCD measurements. These conditions use more rapid data collection with faster steps than previously suggested, which permits a more realistic evaluation of S/N and reproducibility of the spectra through comparison of spectra collected in blocks. Example VCD spectra are presented for small molecules in nonaqueous solution measured in short times and for proteins in aqueous solution measured over longer times scales. Near-IR FT-VCD measured in step-scan mode at both moderate resolution and high S/N are presented. At this stage, fast-scan, slow-scan, and step-scan techniques are shown to be virtually equivalent in the mid-IR, but the reduction in frequency dependence of the phase correction and the new capability for VCD measurement in the near-IR favor continued development of step-scan techniques.
Optimal Power Scheduling for Data Fusion in Inhomogeneous Wireless Sensor Networks

We consider the problem of optimal power scheduling for the decentralized detection of a deterministic signal in an inhomogeneous wireless sensor network. The observation noise at local sensors is assumed to be independently and identically distributed (i.i.d.) and at the local sensors each node performs analog-relay amplifier processing for its observation independently. The communication between the local sensors and the fusion center is assumed to be through an inhomogeneous channel. The optimal power scheduling scheme suggests that the sensors with poor observation quality and channels should be inactive in order to save total power expenditure of the system. For the remaining active sensors the optimal transmit power is determined jointly by the individual channel gains, total number of active sensors, local observation signal to noise ratio (SNR) and the required probability of error at the fusion center. We show that the optimal scheme can provide significant system power savings compared to the uniform power allocation scheme when the number of sensors in the system is large.
State Policies Regarding Nursing Delegation and Medication Administration in Child Care Settings: A Case Study

Medication administration is an essential component of quality child care, and nurses play a central role in assuring high-quality training of child care providers. Through key informant interviews and review of public documents, this case study explored the development of state statutes and regulations for medication administration training of child care providers in the state of Connecticut, nursing liability issues related to the definition of this activity, and the role of the Connecticut State Board of Examiners for Nursing. This article also examines the interpretation of the nursing role within this context as delegation versus professional activity and the impact of such designation on nursing practice, child care providers’ access to medication administration training by nurses, and children’s health status in child care settings. As a result of this case study, the Connecticut State Board of Examiners for Nursing revised its policies, demonstrating an exemplar linkage among research, practice, a...
Enhancing the anterograde movement of HRP to label sparse neuronal projections

By combining techniques designed to increase the amount of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) available for transport and to improve the sensitivity of the reaction for detecting HRP, we have produced an anterograde HRP technique suitable for labeling sparse efferent projections. The efficacy of this light, microscopic technique was demonstrated by lebeling the hippocampal commissural and crossed temporo-ammonic projections to the dentate gyrus of the rat.
Aircraft measurements on microburst development from hydrometeor evaporation

The thermodynamic, microphysical, and kinematic structures of microburst-producing showers are studied based on JAWS measurements. A simple model of an evaporatively driven downdraft is used to assess the role of precipitation evaporation in microburst formation. The results suggest that subcloud evaporation is the predominant microburst-forcing mechanism in the cases studied. The occurrence of strong downdrafts corresponded to three conditions: (1) a deep, dry adiabatic layer below cloud base, (2) a large concentration of small precipitation particles near cloud base, and (3) low relative humidity values in the descending parcel.
Bioassay of mouse pituitary gonadotropin by induced ovulation in pregnant mice; evaluation and biologic application.

SummaryThe ovulatory responses of pregnant mice were evaluated with human chorionic gonadotropin. From these observations the end point response for this material was calculated to be 0.60 I.U. Assays of mouse pituitaries demonstrated a 4-fold decrease in gonadotropin content between parturition and the first postpartum ovulation. This decrease is interpreted as indicating that amounts of pituitary gonadotropin capable of inducing ovulation are released within 3 hours after parturition.
Ssh! We are adding a process... [agile practices]

Google is very successful in maintaining its startup culture which is very open and engineering-centric. Project teams don't have a project manager, but organize themselves and communicate directly with all stakeholders. Most feature decisions are made by the engineering teams themselves. As well as this works for products like search, gmail... it creates issues for the AdWords frontend (AWFE) application. AWFE is much more product management and release date driven then other Google applications. This presentation discusses how we carefully introduced agile practices to coordinate the AWFE development teams and made the process more efficient and predictable.
Possible experiments on the behaviour of the weak hyperon decay interactions under P, C, and T

Abstract Various experimental possibilities for detecting the transformation properties of the weak hyperon decay interactions under P, C, and T are discussed.
Synthesis of seismicity studies for western Alaska

Abstract An examination of the Alaskan earthquake catalogs revealed that from 1928 through 1965, twelve earthquakes of magnitudes ( M ) in the range 5.6 to 7.3 were located in and around Seward Peninsula region of western Alaska. Moreover, a number of earthquakes of M M > 5.5) and some are located in areas traversed by mapped faults. The nature of the seismicity as identified with the local network data is primarily crustal over the entire study area. Investigation of focal mechanisms of isolated strong earthquakes or clusters of small earthquakes show normal faulting as the dominant mode of strain energy release in the western part of Alaska. Moreover, in areas lying, approximately, south and north of Kotzebue Sound, the principal components of horizontal stresses tend to orient in the NW-SE and WNW-ESE directions, respectively.
Syntheses of some new methylcyclopentadienylmolybdenum complexes: Characterizations, crystal structures and comparisons with related complexes

Abstract As part of a long-term study of the substitution reactions of piano-stool type cyclopentadienylmetal carbonyl complexes, several new methylcyclopentadienylmolybdenum compounds have been prepared and characterized by methods including IR spectroscopy, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry and X-ray crystallography. The complexes reported here include [{Cp′Mo(CO) 3 } 2 I]BPh 4 , cis -Cp′Mo(CO) 2 (PPh 3 )I and [Cp′Mo(CO) 3 (CH 3 CN)]BF 4 (Cp′ = η 5 -C 5 H 4 CH 3 ). In addition to their syntheses, comparisons are made between their IR spectroscopic and X-ray crystal structure data and those of similar complexes.
Stress Reactivity, Social Anxiety, and Alcohol Consumption in People With Alcoholism: A Laboratory Study

Objective: Social anxiety may maintain alcohol dependence through increased reactivity to stressful events, a propensity to drink to cope with stressful events, or both. The current study is a secondary analysis of an existing data set that examined differences between individuals with alcohol dependence and concurrent high and low social anxiety in objective and subjective stress reactivity to a laboratory stressor (Trier Social Stress Test [TSST]), as well as consumption of alcohol following the stressor. Methods: Forty participants with alcohol dependence (20 women) were randomly assigned to the TSST condition as part of the parent study. Post hoc analysis of social anxiety measures yielded high (n = 19) and low (n = 21) social anxiety groups. Participants completed the TSST, followed by a small dose of their favorite alcoholic beverage (target blood alcohol concentration 0.03 g/dL) to prime subsequent laboratory drinking. Participants received a sham beer taste test of 2 glasses (710 mL total) of beer...
ANTIMICROBIAL THERAPY OF SKIN AND SOFT TISSUE INFECTION IN CHILDREN

Skin and soft tissue infection and cutaneous abscesses are common in children. They may be polymicrobial in nature, especially when located proximal to mucous membranes. A general knowledge of the common causative bacterial organisms in these infections enables the physician to empirically institute antimicrobial therapy before culture results are available. This review assesses the number and types of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria that occur in skin and soft tissue infections in children. Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes were recovered from infections occurring at all body sites, but predominated in infections of the leg, neck, and hand. Group D streptococci, Enterobacteriaceae, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Bacteroides fragilis, and Prevotella species were isolated mostly from infections of the external genitalia and perirectal areas; pigmented Prevotella and Porphyromonas and Haemophilus influenzae can be isolated from infections of the head and neck. Management of skin and soft tissue infections in children should include surgical and medical therapy.
Genetic determination of the β galactosidase developmental program in mouse liver

Abstract The developmental program for β-galactosidase in C57BL/6J and related strains of mice differs from that seen in most other mouse strains. Mice of the C57BL/6 group show a rise in liver enzyme activity during development that is not seen in mice of other strains. The developmental pattern of β-galactosidase activity in heart and brain of C57BL/6 mice is similar to that in other strains. Physical, kinetic, and immunological tests indicate that the developmental increase in C57BL/6 enzyme activity is an increase in the number of molecules of the same species of enzyme protein that is present in other strains. In genetic crosses, the presence of the developmental rise in liver enzyme activity segregates as if determined by a single genetic factor showing additive expression in heterozygotes. This factor is closely linked to the β-galactosidase structural gene on chromosome 9. The existence of a genetic variant with these properties is evidence that programmatic information capable of regulating the temporal expression of a structural gene can be encoded in DNA.
The Home Environment of Higher and Lower Achieving Puerto Rican Children

This investigation examines differences in the home environments of a group of higher and lower achieving Puerto Rican fifth and sixth graders (N=57) in a southeastern urban Pennsylvania school district. The process home environment variables were obtained by interviewing the mothers, in their homes, with the aid of the Marjoribanks Family Environment Schedule. Aspects of the home environment investigated were parents' aspirations for their child, parents' aspirations for themselves, concern for the use of language, parental reinforcement of aspirations, knowledge of the child's educational progress, family involvement in educational activities, press for independence, and value orientations.
The slow wave solution to the FitzHugh-Nagumo equations

This paper gives a new existence proof for a travelling wave solution to the FitzHugh-Nagumo equations, ut = uxx +f(u)−w, w t = ∊ (u−γw). The proof uses a contraction mapping argument, and also shows that the solution (u, c, w) to the travelling wave equations, where c is the wave speed, converges as ∊ → 0+ to the solution to the equations having ∊=0, c=0, and w=0.
Bioinformatic Identification of Tandem Repeat Antigens of the Leishmania donovani Complex

With large amounts of parasite gene sequence available, additional bioinformatic tools to screen these sequences for identifying genes encoding antigens are needed. Proteins containing tandem repeat (TR) domains are often B-cell antigens, and antibody responses toward TR domains of the proteins are dominant in human infected with certain parasites. We hypothesized that antigens of serological significance could be identified with a search for TR domains. Here we show the result of bioinformatic screening of the gene sequence database of the parasitic protozoan Leishmania infantum. Of 8,191 genes scanned, 64 genes contained TR domains. Of the 64 genes, 22 encoded previously characterized antigens; the remaining 42 genes were previously uncharacterized. By using sera from Sudanese visceral leishmaniasis patients, we confirmed that the TR domains of LinJ11.0070, LinJ25.1100, LinJ27.0400, and LinJ29.0110, which were from the 42 uncharacterized proteins, are also antigenic. The results suggest the validity of this approach for identifying leishmanial antigens of serological significance.
"It hurts red:" a preliminary study of children's perception of pain.

Children's perception of pain was investigated in an exploratory study. Some synaesthetic aspects were examined such as the color of pain, texture, shape, pattern and continuous vs intermittent qua...
Myeloproliferative syndromes and the associated risk of coronary artery disease

Abstract Introduction: Of the major myeloproliferative syndromes (MPS) [polycythemia vera (PV), essential thrombocythemia (ET), chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and myelofibrosis (MF)], PV and ET are reported to be associated with increased thrombotic complications. However, the relationship between these myeloproliferative syndromes and coronary artery disease (CAD) is unclear. Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review to evaluate the prevalence of CAD in patients with diagnosed with MPS between 1991 and 2001. Results: One hundred and eighty-one patients (100 males, 81 females) with a mean age of 72.5 years were included. Twenty-nine patients, 19 males and 10 females (16%, 95% CI: 12.0–24.0) had CAD. These included 6/53 (11.3%, 95% CI: 1.5–20.2) patients with CML, 1/26 (3.8%, 95% CI: −4.4 to 12.8) patients with PV, 5/30 (16.7%, 95% CI: 2.5–30.8) patients with ET, 3/7 (42.9%, 95% CI: 12.3–87.7) patients with MF and 14/65 (21.5%, 95% CI: 13.1–37.8) patients with co-existent MPS. Comparing the risk of CAD with CML as a baseline, MF had an OR of 8.2 (p