cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Serum Antidiuretic Substances and Urinary Corticosteroid in The Human

ALARGE body of evidence indicates that the adrenal cortical steroids are of primary importance in regulating the rate of renal excretion of water and conservation of salt and that they are necessary to achieve diuresis following intake of large amounts of water (reviewed by Gaunt, Birnie and Eversole (1)). Posterior pituitary extract has converse actions; that is, it causes water retention and salt excretion (reviewed by Irving (2)). Silvette and Britton (3) first suggested that these hormones which have opposite effects may reciprocate in regulating water and salt excretion. This report describes a study of this relationship in the human. Recently, Birnie and associates (4) have demonstrated an antidiuretic substance (ADS) in the serum of rats. We have found that antidiuretic activity in human serum can be detected by the same technique. Birnie and his co-workers (5) have data which suggest that the material found in rat serum is probably formed in the neurohypophysis. The origin of the material found in...
The Universe is Expanding: Reflections on the Social (and Cosmic) Significance of Documents in a Digital Age

Le monde est en pleine expansion, et particulierement dans le domaine de la documentation. Outre les documents papiers, les ecrits, les images, les periodiques ou toute autre forme ancienne, les documents sont desormais numeriques. Ils ont un nouveau role social a jouer, une nouvelles puissance qui depasse les frontieres du concret, un nouveau support technologique.
Hardiness and the relationship between stressors and outcomes

Abstract Using a sample of 468 participants, from two organizations, this study examined direct and moderating relationships between hardiness (a composite of challenge, control, and commitment), life and work stressors, and a variety of health-related outcomes. The results indicated that hardiness did not moderate the relationship between stressors and outcomes as reported by others (e.g. Kobasa 1982a). However, hardiness did have significant direct effects on emotional and psychological factors thought to be related to personal well-being and work performance. Hardy individuals reported higher levels of job satisfaction and fewer tensions at work dun did the less hardy. In general, hardy individuals experienced a higher quality of life and a more positive affect while being more energized and less negative about life. Hardy individuals also reported fewer somatic complaints and tended to be less depressed and anxious than individuals low in hardiness. In addition, hardiness was negatively related to all...
Action spectra for photogrowth and phototropism in protonemata of the moss Physcomitrium turbinatum.

Protonemata of Physcomitrium were grown in a sucrose-mineral nutrient, liquid medium. Even in this medium containing organic nutrient, the growth rate of lateral branch, chloronemal filaments showed a light dependence which was linear with log intensity. Intensities necessary to give a constant growth rate (45 μ/1.75 hrs.) were determined at selected wavelengths. The resulting action spectrum paralleled the in-vivo absorption spectrum of a single filament in the red region, showing a major peak at 680 nm. Growth rate and absorption approached zero in the far-red (730 nm). However, significant growth activity occurred at 365-400 nm where absorption was low, and negligible growth was found at 440-500 nm where absorption was high.The action spectrum for the positive, directional photo-orientation of growth was determined by the null-point method in which the effectiveness of each selected wavelength was compared to a 665-nm standard in simultaneous, bilateral irradiation. In contrast to growth, the major peak of phototropic activity was found at 730 nm with significant activity extending to 800 nm. A minor peak was at 680 nm. There was some activity in near ultraviolet but not at longer blue wavelengths.It is concluded that the blue-absorbing system responsible for phototropism in virtually all other groups of plants is inactive or absent in Physcomitrium. Instead growth and orientation seem to be dependent upon an interaction between the photosynthetic and phytochrome systems. Further, the data suggest that the physiological activity of phytochrome in photo-orientation of growth does not derive from a certain amount of Pfr or Pfr/Pr ratio but rather it derives from the simultaneous excitation and consequent cycling of Pr and Pfr.
Warm extrusion of TRIP steels: Process control and tensile properties

Abstract TRIP steel rods were warm extruded to reductions of area of 40%, 60% and 80%. Temperature increases on the order of 150 °C were compensated for by adjusting the billet pre-heat temperature to maintain a final extrusion temperature of 450 °C. The 40% and 60% reductions were each performed in on extrusion pass, while the 80% reduction required a two-step sequence (60% followed by 50%). Extrusion constants were determined as 340 MN m −2 (50 klbf in −2 ) for hot extrusion. 1030 MN m −2 (150 klbf in −2 ) for single-pass warm extrusion and 2070 MN m −2 (300 klbf in −2 ) for the second (50%) warm reduction. Tensile tests indicated that a high austenite stability resulting from too low an average working temperature during warm extrusion caused a loss of tensile ductility owing to insufficient working hardening. The austenite stability could be decreased, however, by tempering at 590 °C to remove some carbon from solid solution, giving tensile properties equivalent or superior to those obtained by warm rolling. Difficulties in composition and/or temperature control during the processing of TRIP steels can thus be compensated for by a simple final heat treatment.
Some elementary number theory concepts performed on the hand calculator

The calculator is among the most significant technological advances of our time. Many schools are already making use of calculators in a variety of ways in the classroom. It is the position of many that calculators can be effectively and creatively used as instructional aids in stimulating students' thinking. This article offers examples of elementary number theory concepts that can be performed on inexpensive calculators.
Reading Doris Humphrey

Doris Humphrey: The Collected Works, Vol. 1. Notated by Odette Blum, Ann Hutchinson, and Els Grelinger, with an introduction by Selma Jeanne Cohen. 302 pp. New York: Dance Notation Bureau Press, 1978. $50.00.
Layered video transmission over space-time-coded systems

A layered space-time coding (STC) system is proposed to transmit video signal over wireless channels. An input video sequence is compressed and data-partitioned into layers with different priorities. Then, unequal error protection is incorporated with the space-time block coding to provide different levels of protection to the different layers. At the receiver, a minimum mean square error (MMSE) detector with interference cancellation (IC) is combined with the space-time decoder to reconstruct the signal effectively. We derive the analytic performance for error probability, and conduct the simulation for the transmission of the H.263 video bitstream. It is shown that the unequal error protection enhances the PSNR performance up to 10 dB in moderate signal to noise ratio environment.
Soil electromagnetic parameters as functions of frequency, soil density, and soil moisture

Measurements are made to determine the conductivity and dielectric constants of a gray clay loam and a reddish-brown clay loam. The measurements are made as a function of soil density (from 1.2 g/cm3to 1.8 g/cm3), soil moisture (from 0 percent to 20 percent of the dry soil weight), and excitation frequency (from 30 MHz to 4 GHz), using standard transmission line techniques. A correction term is presented to allow the effective open-circuit and short-circuit connections to be placed at any convenient location with respect to the soil-air interface.
The Lactococcus lactis FabF fatty acid synthetic enzyme can functionally replace both the FabB and FabF proteins of Escherichia coli and the FabH protein of Lactococcus lactis

The genome of Lactococcus lactis encodes a single long chain 3-ketoacyl-acyl carrier protein synthase. This is in contrast to its close relative, Enterococcus faecalis, and to Escherichia coli, both of which have two such enzymes. In E. faecalis and E. coli, one of the two long chain synthases (FabO and FabB, respectively) has a role in unsaturated fatty acid synthesis that cannot be satisfied by FabF, the other long chain synthase. Since L. lactis has only a single long chain 3-ketoacyl-acyl carrier protein synthase (annotated as FabF), it seemed likely that this enzyme must function both in unsaturated fatty acid synthesis and in elongation of short chain acyl carrier protein substrates to the C18 fatty acids found in the cellular phospholipids. We report that this is the case. Expression of L. lactis FabF can functionally replace both FabB and FabF in E. coli, although it does not restore thermal regulation of phospholipid fatty acid composition to E. coli fabF mutant strains. The lack of thermal regulation was predictable because wild-type L. lactis was found not to show any significant change in fatty acid composition with growth temperature. We also report that overproduction of L. lactis FabF allows growth of an L. lactis mutant strain that lacks the FabH short chain 3-ketoacyl-acyl carrier protein synthase. The strain tested was a derivative (called the fabH bypass strain) of the original fabH deletion strain that had acquired the ability to grow when supplemented with octanoate. Upon introduction of a FabF overexpression plasmid into this strain, growth proceeded normally in the absence of fatty acid supplementation. Moreover, this strain had a normal rate of fatty acid synthesis and a normal fatty acid composition. Both the fabH bypass strain that overproduced FabF and the wild type strain incorporated much less exogenous octanoate into long chain phospholipid fatty acids than did the fabH bypass strain. Incorporation of octanoate and decanoate labeled with deuterium showed that these acids were incorporated intact as the distal methyl and methylene groups of the long chain fatty acids.
Connoisseur's Choice Witherite: Fallowfield, Northumberland, England

(2007). Connoisseur's Choice Witherite: Fallowfield, Northumberland, England. Rocks & Minerals: Vol. 82, No. 3, pp. 222-225.
Short-Term Changes in Running Mechanics and Foot Strike Pattern After Introduction to Minimalistic Footwear

Background Minimalistic footwear has garnered widespread interest in the running community, based largely on the premise that the footwear may reduce certain running-related injury risk factors through adaptations in running mechanics and foot strike pattern. Objective To examine short-term adaptations in running mechanics among runners who typically run in conventional cushioned heel running shoes as they transition to minimalistic footwear. Design A 2-week, prospective, observational study. Setting A movement science laboratory. Participants Nineteen female runners with a rear foot strike (RFS) pattern who usually train in conventional running shoes. Methods The participants trained for 20 minutes, 3 times per week for 2 weeks by using minimalistic footwear. Three-dimensional lower extremity running mechanics were analyzed before and after this 2-week period. Main Outcome Measurements Hip, knee, and ankle joint kinematics at initial contact; step length; stance time; peak ankle joint moment and joint work; impact peak; vertical ground reaction force loading rate; and foot strike pattern preference were evaluated before and after the intervention. Results The knee flexion angle at initial contact increased 3.8° ( P P = .25). Those runners who chose an RFS pattern in minimalistic shoes experienced a vertical loading rate that was 3 times greater than those who chose to run with a non-RFS pattern. Conclusion Few systematic changes in running mechanics were observed among participants after 2 weeks of training in minimalistic footwear. The majority of the participants continued to use an RFS pattern after training in minimalistic footwear, and these participants experienced higher vertical loading rates. Continued exposure to these greater loading rates may have detrimental effects over time.
Amino sugar metabolism in erythrocytes.

Abstract The ability of rabbit erythrocytes to synthesize glucosamine and convert it to UDP-N-acetylglucosamine (UDP-GlcNAc) has been measured in mature erythrocytes, in reticulocytes, and in the immature bone marrow erythroid cells. The cells were incubated with either [14C]fructose which can be converted via fructose 6-phosphate (Fru-6-P) to glucosamine 6-phosphate (GlcN-6-P) by the enzyme l -glutamine- d -fructose-6-phosphate amidotransferase (EC 2.6.1.16) and then to UDP-GlcNAc, or with [14C]glucosamine which enters the pathway as GlcN-6-P, thus bypassing the first enzymatic reaction, which in other tissues is the rate-limiting step in UDP-GlcNAc biosynthesis. Mature erythrocytes were unable to incorporate label from either precursor into UDP-GlcNAc and the [14C]glucosamine accumulated as GlcN-6-P, indicating that at least the first two steps in the pathway were inoperative. Reticulocytes incorporated label from both precursors into UDP-GlcNAc, but more efficiently from [14C]fructose. Marrow erythroid cells incorporated label into UDP-GlcNAc from [14C]glucosamine two-fold better than reticulocytes on a per cell basis (4.2. as against 1.9 mμmoles/2 h per 2.2·108 cells) and from [14C]fructose about twenty-fold better (0.21 as against 0.01 mμmole/2 h per 2.2·108 cells). These results indicate that l -glutamate- d -fructose-6-phosphate amidotransferase, the initial and rate-limiting enzymes of the amino sugar biosynthetic pathway, is active in marrow erythroid cells but declines in activity by about twenty-fold at the reticulocyte stage and is absent from mature erythrocytes. The activity of the second enzyme of the pathway declines at a later stage.
Direct identification of reactive routes and measurement of rate constants in the reactions of oxygen atoms with methanethiol, ethanethiol, and methylsulfide

The room temperature reactions between oxygen atoms and methanethiol, ethanethiol, and methylsulfide have been studied in crossed jets to directly detect and identify the free-radical and stable products they produce. Knowledge of the products was used to assign reactive routes. The overall rate constants for all three O-atom reactions were also measured at 300 ± 2°K using a fast-flow reactor. They are 1.9 (CH3SH), 2.8 (C2H5SH), and 63 (CH3SCH3) × 10−12cm3/mol · sec. The identity of the detected products and the trend in rate constants in these reactions support an electrophilic addition mechanism followed by decomposition of the excited adduct by S-R bond cleavage (R = H, CH3, or C2H5).
Reaction of vaginal tissue of rabbits to inserted sponges made of various materials

Sponges of the same size made of collagen (CS), polyurethane (PU), polyvinylalcohol (PVA) and acetylcellulose (AC) were inserted for 10 days in the vaginas of 22 rabbits. Light and scanning electron microscopy of the vaginal wall and its mucosal lining showed signs of cytotoxicity only with PU and AC while CS and PVA picture did not differ from sham controls. In order to explain the reasons for the toxic effects, all sponges were extracted into aqueous or organic solvent media and analyzed by gas liquid chromatography. Only several minute peaks in organic solvents were found. Extracts of all sponges tested for cytotoxicity in fibroblast cultures showed significant inhibition of H3-thymidine uptake. Nevertheless, extract of collagen sponge was significantly less cytotoxic than the extracts of all other sponges.
InP diode-pumped Cr:ZnS and Cr:ZnSe highly efficient, widely tunable, mid-IR lasers

We present compact, highly-efficient, widely-tunable CW lasers based on Cr2+:ZnS and Cr2+:ZnSe gain media longitudinally pumped by a single-emitter, 1.5 W, 1685 nm InP semiconductor laser. The Cr2+:ZnSe laser demonstrates 35% slope, and 24% real optical efficiency, respectively, up to 400 mW of output power, and is tunable from 2200 to 2700 nm. The Cr2+:ZnS laser shows 44% slope, and 31% real optical efficiency, respectively, up to 500 mW of output power, and is tunable over 2100-2700 nm. The single-emitter diode pumping of chromium-doped chalcogenides allows for fabrication of middle-infrared tunable laser sources where low- or mid-range output powers are sufficient, while low footprint and miniature packaging are strictly required. In our presentation we will discuss the laser design issues specific to diode pumping, demonstrate the performance of the Cr:ZnS and Cr:ZnSe laser systems with different transmissions of the output couplers, describe several approaches for convenient wavelength tuning, and perform a comparison of diode pumping efficiency to that of fiber-laser pumping.
Cancer Treatment Adherence among Low-Income Women with Breast or Gynecologic Cancer: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Patient Navigation

Despite declines in overall cancer-related mortality,1 disparity in cancer survival among racial/ethnic minorities remains significant.2-6 It is, in part, attributable to structural constraints and contextual factors that restrict access to health care.2,7 Low-income and minority women are less likely to receive adjuvant treatment for breast and gynecologic cancer,8-14 and more likely to terminate their treatment prematurely and to have higher mortality rates.15-18 However, in contrast to research on interventions to improve screening and abnormal follow-up,19-24 few studies have tested interventions to improve adjuvant treatment adherence among lower socio-economic populations.25-29 Previous studies have found low-income minorities experienced poorer radiation treatment adherence for cervical cancer when compared with national rates (16% vs. 63%), a high rate of treatment interruptions (64%) and discontinuation of treatment for non-medical reasons (20%);30 noncompliance with hematologic oral self-administered medication more than 70% of the time (measured by drug serum levels); and missed appointments more than 30% of the time.31,32 An intervention trial on low-income patients with hematologic malignancies found that control patients were noncompliant 73.1% and fully compliant 21% of the time. After controlling for all other variables, disease severity, compliance with allopurinol, and an educational intervention were associated with significantly better adherence and survival rates.33 Predominantly indigent, minority patients with early breast cancer were less compliant with a standard breast-conservation and radiation therapy program than that reported in clinical trials.34 Suggesting a positive effect on adherence from access to treatment insurance, a SEER-Medicare database of 24,510 patients documented high rates of completion (87%) of 25 or more radiation therapy sessions (although with greater non-completion rates among Black women with mastectomy),35 while analysis of 3,193 Medicare patients with colon cancer found that 78.2% completed the prescribed course of chemotherapy.36 Our controlled randomized trial compared patient adherence to adjuvant cancer treatment and post-treatment follow-up among 487 low-income predominantly Latino women with breast or gynecologic cancer, randomized to a structured patient navigation (TPN) or to modestly enhanced usual care (EUC). To better understand the hypothesized role of socio-economic and culturally mediated attitudes and socio-emotional support in adherence, we conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews with 29 women from both study groups.
FIVE CRYPTIC SPECIES OF PORPHYRA FROM THE NORTHWEST ATLANTIC

As one part of a multi-institutional project on the biology of Porphyra, we collected extensive population samples of native Porphyra species from Long Island Sound to Nova Scotia. Samples were initially identified to species based on morphological features using taxonomic keys in Bird & McLaughlin (1992). Collections were analyzed using starch gel electrophoresis to look for intra-specific variation useful in assessing population genetics. Isozyme variation in samples that had been originally identified as Porphyra leucosticta was far greater than expected. Samples from some collections differed by as much as 7 out of 7 loci. Other investigators have used starch gel electrophoresis to reveal cryptic differences in Porphyra that led to the descriptions of new species. In light of our isozyme results, we began a thorough examination of what had been identified as P. leucosticta in the northwestern Atlantic. The study included new collections as well as herbarium specimens. We examined morphology, habitat, seasonality, reproductive patterns, cell size & shape. We also extracted DNA and sequenced 1484bp of the rbcL gene. Based on this evidence, we feel we can circumscribe at least five distinct taxa of Porphyra not previously described from the northwestern Atlantic. Whether these represent new species, or previously described taxa from other geographic regions, we are not yet certain. We present here in detail, descriptions of each species along with summarized results of isozyme and DNA analyses.
Measurements of the orthobaric liquid densities of methane, ethane, propane, isobutane, and normal butane

Abstract The orthobaric liquid densities of the major components of natural gas have been determined with a magnetic suspension densimeter. This paper reports results for methane (105 to 160 K), ethane (100 to 270 K), propane (100 to 288 K), isobutane (115 to 300 K), and normal butane (135 to 300 K). The imprecision of the measured densities is approximately 0.015 per cent; the estimated overall uncertainty is 0.1 per cent at low temperatures and decreases to 0.06 per cent at 300 K. A simple expression has been used to represent the densities as a function of temperature. Comprehensive comparisons with the experimental results of other investigators are presented.
Efficacious and Practical Treatment for Nocturnal Enuresis in a Heterogeneous Population † 685

Efficacious and Practical Treatment for Nocturnal Enuresis in a Heterogeneous Population † 685
77 BLOOD-BRAIN BARRIER PERMEABILITY (BBBR) IN “HEALTHY” INFECTED AND STRESSED NEONATES

The BBBP was studied in 76 full term neonates tapped for workup for meningitis and divided in 4 groups according to pertinent clinical and laboratory findings. A.38 “healthy” neonates without sepsis or meningitis and subsequent uneventfull clinical course B.10 with bacterial meningitis C.15 with asseptic meningitis and D.13 stressed neonates without meningitis but with severe diseases (septicemia, perinatal asphyxia etc). BBBP was assessed by CSF/serum albumin ratio(X103)and the results(mean±SD)are summarized: BBBP in group B was higher than in group A(p<0.001)and C(p<0.001) Group D had a higher BBBP than groups A(p<0.001)and C(p<0.001). These results indicate that a)neonates with asseptic meningitis have a BBBP similar to that of “healthy” ones. b) stressed and neonates with bacterial meningitis have a high BBBP. The above suggest that a)BBBP can differentiate asseptic from bacterial meningitis and b) the high BBBP in stressed neonates should be considered in jaundiced and in neonates receiving drugs.
Spacetime dimensional analysis and self-similar solutions of linear elastodynamics and cohesive dynamic fracture

We present a dimensional analysis and self-similar solutions for linear elastodynamics with extensions to dynamic fracture models based on cohesive traction–separation relations. We formulate the problem using differential forms in spacetime and show that the scaling rules expressed in terms of forms are simpler and more uniform than those obtained for tensor representations of the solution. In the extension to cohesive elastodynamic fracture, we identify and study the influence of certain intrinsic cohesive scales on dynamic fracture behavior and describe a fundamental set of nondimensional groups that uniquely identifies families of self-similar solutions. We present numerical studies of the influence of selected nondimensional parameters on dynamic fracture response to verify the dimensional analysis, including the identification of the fundamental set for cohesive fracture mechanics. We show that distinct values of a widely-used nondimensional quantity can produce self-similar solutions. Therefore, this quantity is not fundamental, and it cannot parameterize dynamic, cohesive-fracture response.
Negative Thinking as a Coping Strategy Mediator of Pain and Internalizing Symptoms in Adolescents with Sickle Cell Disease

The objective of this study was to examine the role of coping strategies, specifically negative thinking, in mediating the association of pain with symptoms of anxiety and depression in adolescents with sickle cell disease. Fifty-two 12-18-year-old adolescents with sickle cell disease completed a daily pain diary and paper-and-pencil measures of pain, pain coping, depression and anxiety. Symptoms of depression and anxiety were within the non-clinical range. Preliminary analyses indicated that lower family income was associated with higher reports of pain and negative thinking. Mediation regression analyses supported negative thinking as mediating the association of: (1) pain intensity with depression, and (2) pain interference with daily activities with anxiety. Findings highlight negative thinking as a factor compromising adolescents' adaptation to sickle cell pain; however, further investigation is required to determine the mediating influence of pain coping. Associations for lower income emphasize the multiple risk factors experienced by many of these adolescents.
DEACTIVATION AND ENERGY ANALYSIS OF CHAR CATALYSTS IN BIOMASS GASIFICATION SYSTEMS

One of the major barriers to gasification is the need for elimination of tars that are generated in thermochemical conversion processes. While metal catalysts can be used for tar decomposition, and cheaper alternative is char. Deactivation of char catalysts has been studied and these deactivation rates have been applied to a model for a gasification system. The calculations and experimental data presented here show that if the char from a gasifier is recycled to a tar reformer then some char deactivation will take place, but the activity will not fall below 40% of its initial activity. The energy penalty for diverting char, a potential heat source, to a catalytic reactor has been accounted for. This was done by comparing the heating value of char to the heating value of syngas generated from reforming tar using the char as a catalyst. At high gasification temperatures, when tar production in the gasifier was low, the char had a higher heating value than the syngas that was produced from tar reforming. At low temperatures, the heating value of the syngas exceeded that of the char combustion, which implies an overall energy benefit.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Long internal waves in shear flows: topographic resonance and wave-induced global instability

Issues pertaining to a mechanism whereby long internal waves in shallow seas may give rise to enhanced rates of resuspension of sedimentary material are addressed. The proposed mechanism is intimately related to the creation of conditions in the bottom boundary layer which are favorable for flow separation and spontaneous onset of global instability. It is shown that long waves generated by topographic resonance and propagating upstream against the oncoming current, especially a sheared current, have a strong tendency to release a coherent, pulsating dynamics in their footprint. The passage-through-resonance problem for a sheared, stratified flow is considered, conditions for topographic resonance in the flow model are defined, and preliminary results for the unsteady dynamics in the boundary layer under the footprint of a long wave packet are presented.
Neonatal Hirschsprung disease, dysautonomia, and central hypoventilation.

Abstract Background: A reported association between congenital central hypoventilation, long-segment intestinal aganglionosis (Hirschsprung disease), and autonomic dysfunction, with a high recurrence risk and mortality rate, is associated with abnormal neural crest development (neurocristopathy). Case: A fetus had increasing polyhydramnios, no stomach bubble, and repeatedly nonreactive fetal heart rate tracings despite normal activity. There were no other fetal anomalies on ultrasound. Postnatally all of the above clinical features were diagnosed, prompting diagnosis of neurocristopathy syndrome. She died at 2 weeks of age. Conclusion: Antenatal polyhydramnios, nonreactive nonstress tests, and absent stomach bubble in an active fetus indicated neurocristopathy.
Long-Term Ecological Assessment of Farming Systems (LEAFS): Comparing Human, Animal, and Small Machine Power for Fresh-Market Horticulture

In order to assess the potential for human and animal power and related fertility management systems to reduce the demand for energy fossil fuels in agricultural production, we report findings from the first 2 years of the Long-Term Ecological Assessment of Farming Systems (LEAFS) at Green Mountain College in Poultney, VT, USA. LEAFS compares three small-scale, diverse vegetable production systems, one powered by human labor, one by draft animal power, and one by small engine power. Data was collected on all inputs including land usage, labor, and direct and indirect energy consumption. Yield of crops was measured and converted into energetic and economic output. This data was used to calculate efficiency statistics including energy and financial returns on land, labor, and energy invested. The draft animal and machine power systems were comparable in the financial returns to labor while the human system yielded approximately 25% less in this regard. The human and draft animal systems had equal energy ret...
Dilemmas of "informed consent" in children.

Abstract If parents have the "right" to give "informed consent" regarding surgery on their minor children, does this mean that they also have the "right" to deny consent when such denial means deat...
Oligosaccharide dehydrogenase-modified graphite electrodes for the amperometric determination of sugars in a flow injection system.

Enzyme electrodes for the determination of sugars based on solid graphite electrodes modified with oligosaccharide dehydrogenase “wired” with an osmium-based one-electron (no proton) acceptor redox hydrogel were studied as sensors in a flow injection system. The enzyme and a poly(1-vinylimidazole) (PVI) where every tenth mer is complexed with osmium (4,4‘-dimethylbpy)2Cl, (denoted PVI10dmeOs) were cross-linked with poly(ethylene glycol) (diglycidyl) ether. The electrodes were active for l-arabinose, d-xylose, d-galactose, d-fructose, d-glucose, d-mannose, cellobiose, lactose, maltose, and maltooligosaccharides up to a degree of polymerization of 7. The highest relative response found was for glucose (100%) followed by maltose (40.6%) and lactose (40.6%). Fructose and isomaltotriose gave the lowest responses (<1%). Calibration curves for glucose were strictly linear in the range between 30 and 500 μM with sensitivity and apparent Michaelis−Menten constant (Kmapp) of 23.0 ± 1.4 μA mM-1cm-2 and 4.26 ± 0.95 m...
Variation between three strains of rat: Inhibition of neurotoxic esterase and acetylcholinesterase by tri‐o‐cresyl phosphate

The present study is concerned with the involvement of strain differences in rodent sensitivity to organophosphorous compound‐induced delayed neurotoxicity (OPIDN). The inhibitory effect of three doses of tri‐o‐cresyl phosphate (TOCP) on neurotoxic esterase (NTE) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in brain was compared in three strains of rat: Long‐Evans (LE) animals, which have been reported to be sensitive to the neurotoxic effects of TOCP, and Sprague‐Dawley (SD) or Fischer 344 (F344) strains, with which negative results have been obtained. Differences in basal levels were found for NTE (LE > F344) > SD, with a range of 4.87–7.47 nmol phenylvalerate hydrolyzed/mg protein), but not AChE. Strain differences in inhibition by TOCP were found with both assays, with Sprague‐Dawley animals being much less sensitive to esterase inhibition than either Long‐Evans or Fischer 344 rats. The ED50 values for NTE inhibition were estimated to be 458, 209, and 288 mg/kg for SD, F344, and LE rats, respectively. The ED50 val...
Cell-type specific responses in prostaglandin secretion by glandular and stromal cells from pig endometrium treated with catecholestrogens, methoxyestrogens and progesterone

The pig conceptus and endometrium possess the ability to convert estrogens into catecholestrogens and catecholestrogens into methoxyestrogens. Experiments were carried out to evaluate the effect of catecholestrogens, methoxyestrogens and progesterone on the secretion of prostaglandin (PG) E and F2α by porcine endometrial glandular and stromal cells in vitro. Both 2-hydroxyestradiol (2-OH-E2, 0–20μM) and 4-hydroxyestradiol (4-OH-E2, 0–20 μM) increased (P<.05) PGE and PGF2α secretion by stromal cells in a dose response manner. Two-hydroxyestradiol tended (P<.1) to decrease PGF2α production by glandular cells. Two-methoxyestradiol (20 μM) suppressed (P<.05) PGF2α secretion by glandular and stromal cells. Four-methoxyestradiol (20 μM) stimulated (P<.05) PGE production and PGE:PGF2α ratio. Progesterone (.1 μM) suppressed (P<.05) PG secretion in both cell types. We conclude that catecholestrogens, methoxyestrogens, and progesterone may participate in the establishment of pregnancy by modulating PG production in the endometrium.
On the mechanism of low-temperature water gas shift reaction on copper.

Periodic, self-consistent density functional theory (DFT-GGA) calculations are used to investigate the water gas shift reaction (WGSR) mechanism on Cu(111). The thermochemistry and activation energy barriers for all the elementary steps of the commonly accepted redox mechanism, involving complete water activation to atomic oxygen, are presented. Through our calculations, we identify carboxyl, a new reactive intermediate, which plays a central role in WGSR on Cu(111). The thermochemistry and activation energy barriers of the elementary steps of a new reaction path, involving carboxyl, are studied. A detailed DFT-based microkinetic model of experimental reaction rates, accounting for both the previous and the new WGSR mechanism show that, under relevant experimental conditions, (1) the carboxyl-mediated route is the dominant path, and (2) the initial hydrogen abstraction from water is the rate-limiting step. Formate is a stable “spectator” species, formed predominantly through CO2 hydrogenation. In addition...
A component part for a performance course

The maturation of Computer System Performance Courses is briefly described giving excerpts from the two major ACM curriculum documents and providing a list of possible texts for such a course. It is then proposed that a course in performance evaluation contain a component on the role of performance work in the product life cycle. A prototype model for this is described in detail. The description includes the need for such work, who accomplishes it, what sort of interactions are necessary and appropriate, and what steps comprise integrating performance work into a product life cycle.
Content-based retrieval in gene expression databases

Research in the field of content-based retrieval has primarily focused on image, video an audio information. In this paper, we demonstrate content-based retrieval in a new data domain called gene expression data derive from gene chip images. In particular, we consider the problem of retrieving functionally similar genes from a database based on the pattern of variation of the expression of genes over time. Specifically, we model the time-varying gene expression patterns as curves, an analyze similarity between gene profiles by the relative amounts of twists an turns produce in a higher-imensional curve forme from the projection of the individual gene profiles. Scale-space analysis is use to detect the sharp twists an turns an their relative strength with respect to the component curves is estimated to form a shape similarity measure between gene profiles. The higher-dimensional curves also form prototypical escriptions of the individual gene profiles, serving as a way to index the database using clustering. Functionally similar genes are then identified using scale-space distance metric on the cluster prototypes.
The Agricultural Depression

Wholesale prices not a measure of farm conditions, 184. — Index numbers of prices paid to farmers, 186. — Course of prices paid to farmers during the agricultural panic, 190. — Prices in different regions, 191. — Variation in effects on farmers of different ages, 192.— Purchasing power of farm products, 197. — Effect of a declining price level on agricultural prosperity, 198. — Other index numbers concerning the agricultural depression, 204.—Wages of farm and city labor, 207.—How declining prices are met in agriculture and industry, 209. — Relation of cheap food to the building boom, 211. — How long will agricultural depression continue? 213.
Clinical Update: Psychosocial Responses in Breast Cancer Survivors

Objectives To present an update of the evidence on psychosocial responses and factors that contribute to psychosocial functioning and quality of life (QOL) in breast cancer survivors. Data Sources Research articles/abstracts and literature reviews. Conclusion In the nearly 5 years since the original article, research has confirmed that the majority of breast cancer survivors demonstrate a pattern of recovery after treatment. Age, information, social support, degree of symptom distress, and unmet psychological needs remain key factors influencing psychosocial functioning and QOL outcomes. More knowledge has been disseminated about the experience of the transition to survivorship, women's perceived identity, and the potential benefits of survivorship plans to patient outcomes. Implications for Nursing Practice Assessment of psychological and social well-being in the transition to survivorship is essential. Interventions should be targeted to meet informational needs, manage uncertainty, control symptoms, address cultural differences, and enhance social and emotional support.
A 10-35-GHz six-channel microstrip multiplexer for wide-band communication systems

A six-channel multiplexer composed of parallel-coupled microstrip bandpass filters is developed. The passbands of the filters, i.e., channel frequencies, are 10, 12, 19, 21, 32, and 35 GHz. The operating frequency range of the multiplexer is so wide that a new method of harmonic suppression is devised for the filters designed at 10 and 12 GHz. The method is simple and does not require any change to the conventional parallel-coupled microstrip bandpass filter. A design procedure for the microstrip multiplexer is then introduced with a rule to set up initial conditions for better optimization. The designed multiplexer does not need any tuning elements, and the measurement results show insertion losses between 2.0-3.2 dB for all six channels. The multiplexer developed in this paper has been used in the wide-band transceiver system.
Low defect planar SOI islands adjacent to selective epitaxial growth (SEG)

Abstract The defect density of planar silicon on insulator (SOI) islands fabricated by epitaxial lateral overgrowth (ELO) are given. While the effects of the annealing on the defect density were mixed, low defect density SOI can be grown by this method where 96% of the islands were defect free. With better process procedures the defect density can be lower than the reported 1×10 3 /cm 2 .
The association between medial malleolar fracture geometry, injury mechanism, and syndesmotic disruption.

Abstract Background Precise correlations between medial malleolar fracture geometry and fracture mechanism have not been thoroughly described. This study sought to determine the prevalence of different medial malleolar fracture types and to elucidate the association between fracture geometry and fracture mechanism. Methods The records of 112 medial malleolar ankle fractures were reviewed. For each fracture, the direction of the fracture line in the medial malleolus (transverse, oblique, vertical, or comminuted), the Lauge-Hansen classification, and the presence or absence of syndesmotic injury was recorded. Bivariate correlation analysis was performed to determine if correlations existed. Results Transverse fractures were the most prevalent type of medial malleolar fracture [ n =64 (57%)], and they correlated with supination-external rotation injuries. These were followed by oblique fractures [29 (26)], which correlated with pronation-external rotation injuries [29 (26)], and vertical fractures [7 (6)], which correlated with supination-adduction injuries [9 (8)]. Comminuted fractures [12 (11)] and pronation-abduction injuries [22 (20)] did not correlate with any other categories. Syndesmotic injuries were correlated with transverse fractures, bimalleolar fractures, and pronation-external rotation injuries. Conclusion Medial malleolar fractures can be divided into four fracture types: transverse fractures, which correlated with supination-external rotation injuries; oblique fractures, which correlated with pronation-external rotation injuries; vertical fractures, which correlated with supination-adduction injuries; and comminuted fractures, which did not correlate with a particular type of injury. Syndesmotic injury was positively correlated with transverse fractures of the medial malleolus, bimalleolar fractures, and pronation-external rotation injuries. These findings suggest that medial malleolar fracture geometry can provide valuable information for the clinician when classifying and managing ankle fractures.
Potential High-Throughput Assay for Screening Inhibitors of West Nile Virus Replication

Prevention and treatment of infection by West Nile virus (WNV) and other flaviviruses are public health priorities. We describe a reporting cell line that can be used for high-throughput screening of inhibitors against all targets involved in WNV replication. Dual reporter genes, encoding Renilla luciferase (Rluc) and neomycin phosphotransferase (Neo), were engineered into a WNV subgenomic replicon, resulting in Rluc/NeoRep. Geneticin selection of BHK-21 cells transfected with Rluc/NeoRep yielded a stable cell line that contains persistently replicating replicons. Incubation of the reporting cells with known WNV inhibitors decreased Rluc activity, as well as the replicon RNA level. The efficacies of the inhibitors, as measured by the depression of Rluc activity in the reporting cells, are comparable to those derived from authentic viral infection assays. Therefore, the WNV reporting cell line can be used as a high-throughput assay for anti-WNV drug discovery. A similar approach should be applicable to development of genetics-based antiviral assays for other flaviviruses.
A Mathematical Description of Pressures in Alveolar Pores of Kohn

Small interalveolar holes within the lung are called pores of Kohn. Some researchers have correlated enlarged pore size with diseases, e.g. emphysema, that are characterized by tissue destruction. Mathematical models of the pressures generated in closed, fluid-filled and open, fluid-lined pores demonstrate that pressures capable of rupturing lung tissue can be developed in a pore due to the surface tension and shape of the air-liquid interface. Pore enlargement accompanied by tissue destruction is presented as a possible mechanism for the disease process observed during aging and the development of emphysema in the lung.
Clinical review: Blood purification for sepsis

Sepsis is the primary cause of death in the intensive care unit. Extracorporeal blood purification therapies have been proposed for patients with sepsis in order to improve outcomes since these therapies can alter the host inflammatory response by non-selective removal of inflammatory mediators or bacterial products or both. Recent technological progress has increased the number of techniques available for blood purification and their performance. In this overview, we report on the latest advances in blood purification for sepsis and how they relate to current concepts of disease, and we review the current evidence for high-volume hemofiltration, cascade hemofiltration, hemoadsorption, coupled plasma filtration adsorption, high-adsorption hemofiltration, and high-cutoff hemofiltration/hemodialysis. Promising results have been reported with all of these blood purification therapies, showing that they are well tolerated, effective in clearing inflammatory mediators or bacterial toxins (or both) from the plasma, and efficacious for improvement of various physiologic outcomes (for example, hemodynamics and oxygenation). However, numerous questions, including the timing, duration, and frequency of these therapies in the clinical setting, remain unanswered. Large multicenter trials evaluating the ability of these therapies to improve clinical outcomes (that is, mortality or organ failure), rather than surrogate markers such as plasma mediator clearance or transient improvement in physiologic variables, are required to define the precise role of blood purification in the management of sepsis.
A scalable associative processor with applications in database and image processing

Summary form only given. This paper describes the implementation and use of a dedicated associative SIMD coprocessor ideally suited for many applications such as database processing, image processing, genome matching, or molecular similarity analysis. The concept of associative SIMD processing is introduced, and differentiated from other associative and SIMD techniques. Then our ASC (associative computing) processor is briefly described, along with its implementation of associative SIMD processing. Finally, we demonstrate the use of our ASC processor on relational database processing and on the image processing operation of edge detection.
Line digraph iterations and connectivity analysis of de Bruijn and Kautz graphs

A graph has spread (m, k, l) if for any m+1 distinct nodes x, y/sub 1/, . . ., y/sub m/ and m positive integers r/sub 1/, . . ., r/sub m/, such that Sigma /sub i/r/sub i/=k, there exist k node-disjoint paths of length at most 1 from x to the y/sub i/, where r/sub i/ of them end at y/sub i/. This concept contains, and is related to many important concepts used in communications and graph theory. The authors prove an optimal general theorem about the spreads of digraphs generated by line digraph iterations. Useful graphs, like the de Bruijn and Kautz digraphs, can be thus generated. The theorem is applied to the de Bruijn and Kautz digraphs to derive optimal bounds on their spreads, which implies previous results and resolves open questions on their connectivity, diameter, k-diameter, vulnerability, and some other measures related to length-bound disjoint paths. >
A zeroth order mixing treatment of interstitial solid solutions

Abstract A comparison of zeroth and first order mixing statistics of interstitial solid solutions is presented. Conditions of applicability and limitations of the two models are discussed in relation to the solubility of carbon in austenite and of hydrogen in metals. The high temperature limit of the first order model is noted.