cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Novel Inhibitor of 5-Lipoxygenase (5-LOX) Prevents Oxidative Stress-Induced Cell Death of Retinal Pigment Epithelium (RPE) Cells.

Purpose 5-Lipoxygenase (5-LOX) oxygenates arachidonic acid to form 5-hydroperoxyeicosatetraenoic acid, which is further converted into biologically detrimental leukotrienes, such as leukotriene B4 (LTB4). The RPE and retina express the PNPLA2 gene for pigment epithelium-derived factor receptor (PEDF-R), a lipase involved in cell survival. The purpose here was to investigate the role of PEDF-R on the 5-LOX pathway in oxidative stress of RPE. Methods Lipoxygenase activity assays were performed with soybean and potato lipoxygenase. Binding was evaluated by peptide-affinity chromatography and pull-down assays with PEDF-R-derived synthetic peptides or recombinant protein. Oxidative stress was induced in human ARPE-19 and primary pig RPE cells with indicated concentrations of H2O2/TNF-α. Reverse transcription-PCR of ALOX5 and PNPLA2 genes was performed. Cell viability and death rates were determined using respective biomarkers. Leukotriene B4 levels were measured by ELISA. Results Among five peptides spanning between positions Leu159 and Met325 of human PEDF-R polypeptide, only two overlapping peptides, E5b and P1, bound and inhibited lipoxygenase activity. Human recombinant 5-LOX bound specifically to peptide P1 and to His6/Xpress-tagged PEDF-R via ionic interactions. The two inhibitor peptides E5b and P1 promoted cell viability and decreased cell death of RPE cells undergoing oxidative stress. Oxidative stress decreased the levels of PNPLA2 transcripts with no effect on ALOX5 expression. Exogenous additions of P1 peptide or overexpression of the PNPLA2 gene decreased both LTB4 levels and death of RPE cells undergoing oxidative stress. Conclusions A novel peptide region of PEDF-R inhibits 5-LOX, which intersects with RPE cell death pathways induced by oxidative stress.
High light extraction efficiency LEDs with asymmetric obtuse angle micro-structured roofs

This study reports a high light extraction efficiency (LEE) light emitting diode (LED) by harnessing asymmetric obtuse angle micro-structured roofs. In comparison to conventional symmetric micro-structured roofs, the LEE has been improved from 62% to 73%. This represents an 11% improvement in LEE, which is significant for LED. It is speculated that this improvement is largely due to the increased surface area and better randomization on the direction of transmitted/reflected light, which enhances the escaping probability after multiple reflections.
Validity and reliability of the Functional Dexterity Test in children

Abstract Study Design Clinical measurement study. Introduction The Functional Dexterity Test (FDT) has not been validated in children. Purpose of the Study To determine reliability and validity of the FDT in a pediatric population. Methods Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICCs) were used to calculate interrater and test-retest reliability in typically developing children. Pearson correlation coefficients were used to compare FDT speed with the Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test (JHFT) and with 2 activities of daily living tasks to establish validity in children with congenital hand differences. Results The FDT demonstrated excellent interrater (ICC, 0.99) and test-retest (ICC, 0.90) reliability. Pearson correlation coefficients exceeded 0.67 for JHFT subsets of fine dexterity and were all less than 0.66 for JHFT subsets of gross grasp. Correlations with the activities of daily living tasks were good to excellent. FDT speeds in TD children exceeded those of children with congenital hand differences ( P Discussion Children with congenital hand differences are often treated early in life, making it important to reliably assess hand function of these young children to distinguish developmental change from changes due to interventions. The FDT can reliably measure functional progress over time, help clinicians monitor the efficacy of treatment, and provide families realistic feedback on their child’s progress. Conclusion The FDT is a valid and reliable instrument for the measurement of fine motor dexterity in children.
Sexual semantics: The meanings of sex, virginity, and abstinence for university students

Abstract Previous literature has explored the behaviors individuals assign to definitions such as “having sex,” “maintaining virginity,” and “being abstinent.” Known as “sexual definitions,” research in this area has shown considerable variability among university students for these terms; however, few extant studies have examined these three definitions together. A large sample of university students completed a cross-sectional survey to assess how they defined 14 sexual behaviors. Descriptive statistics were used to examine overall patterns in participants' responses. In order to examine gender differences, chi-square analyses were performed on each specific behavior, while Mann–Whitney U analyses were performed on each of the three definitions as a whole. While most participants believed penile-vaginal and penile-anal intercourse constitute having sex, do not maintain virginity, and are not abstinent activities, there was still considerable disagreement about the status of other behaviors. Furthermore, there were apparent discrepancies in how participants defined the term “abstinence” when compared to the terms “having sex” and “virginity.” Men were more likely than women to consider behaviors as being abstinent activities. These results suggest that clarity is essential for sex educators, clinicians, and health professionals when informing others on the potential risks of sexual behaviors.
Losing My Religion: Exploring the Relationship Between a Decline in Faith and a Positive Affect

Research indicates the people who have experienced a decline in their faith tend to have a diminished positive affect. However, it is not clear how the effects of decline in faith arise. The purpose of the current study is to examine the effects of four potentially important mediators: religious practices, compassion, providing support to others, and meaning in life. These mediators were woven into a conceptual model that tests the following hypotheses: (1) people who experience a decline in their faith will be less likely to engage in basic religious practices (i.e., attendance at worship services, reading the Bible, and praying); (2) when religious practices are discontinued people will be less likely to adopt core religious virtues that promote sociality (i.e., compassion); (3) losing the impetus for forming close social relationships makes it less likely that people will help individuals who are in need; (4) people who do not help others will find that it is more difficult developing a strong sense of meaning in life; and (5) people who are unable to find a sense of meaning in life will have a diminished positive affect. Findings from a recent nationwide survey (n = 2798) provide support for each of these hypotheses.
Macroethics instruction in co-curricular settings: The development and results of a national survey

Ethical awareness and decision-making are important skills for graduating engineers transitioning into professional practice and for engineering education accreditation. Ethics instruction can target microethics which focuses on individual projects and topics such as safety, and macroethics which covers larger ethical topics in the field of engineering such as sustainability. While much research has addressed microethical concerns, fewer studies have addressed macroethicial issues.
The Influence of Contacts on the Behavior of Near and Sub-Micron InP Devices

We discuss the status of the preliminary results of: 1) numerical calculations of submicron (≦ 0.5 μm) two-terminal InP N+ -N-N+ transferred electron devices; 2) experiments on near micron InP (≧ 1.0 μm) devices. Our calculations used both Monte Carlo techniques and a static velocity-field parameter model. Contact and interface effects were emphasized. Besides obtaining known, well-documented results such as the effect of Debye tail diffusion, we also found that the anode contact region can become important in short device structures. Experimentally, we have observed both conventional and unconventional behavior, such as the existence of anomalous modes of amplification.
Company restructuring across borders: with or without European Works Councils?

This policy brief takes as its starting point the fact that as soon as a company engages in European-level transnational restructuring, transnational information and consultation is needed to enable the social partners to consider the cross-border dynamic of the planned measures. This policy brief addresses the following questions: How widespread is transnational restructuring in Europe? What is the role of EWCs in restructuring processes? How extensive is the transnational information and consultation coverage in companies involved in transnational restructuring? The authors present several policy recommendations including the need to make EWCs obligatory in companies of a certain size and provide them with better material, legal resources and access to expert advice.
Evaluating Prescribed Fire Effectiveness Using Permanent Monitoring Plot Data: A Case Study

Since Euro-American settlement, ponderosa pine forests throughout the western United States have shifted from high fire frequency and open canopy savanna forests to infrequent fire and dense, closed canopy forests. Managers at Zion National Park, USA, reintroduced fire to counteract these changes and decrease the potential for high-severity fires. We analyzed existing permanent monitoring plot data collected between 1995 and 2010 to assess achievement of management objectives related to prescribed fire in ponderosa pine forests. Following first entry fire, ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa C. Lawson var. scopulorum Engelm.) and Gambel oak (Quercus gambelii Nutt.) overstory and midstory densities declined between 10% and 45% and effectively shifted the Gambel oak diameter distribution toward larger trees. Second entry fires had a greater effect, reducing ponderosa pine and Gambel oak overstory and midstory densities between 24% and 92%. Diameter distributions of both species shifted toward fewer, larger trees following second entry fires. Total fuel load was reduced by <20% in first entry fires and by half in second entry fires. Several objectives identified by the National Park Service (e.g., overstory ponderosa pine reduction) were not achieved with either fire entry; however, power analysis indicated that sample sizes were not adequate to fully detect long term changes following first entry fires. First entry, low intensity prescribed fire alone may not meet management objectives in southwestern ponderosa pine forests. We recommend using multiple fire entries or increased fire intensity if mechanical treatments are not also being utilized concurrently. Long term fire effects data is critical to adaptive management in national parks; however, the utility of this data could be improved through increased sample sizes, consistent data archiving, and regional scale analyses.
The field of Industrial and Organizational Psychology: An early example of translational research

The purpose of this article was to introduce the discipline of Industrial and Organizational (I/O) Psychology and discuss its connection with translational research. I/O Psychology is dedicated to improving the lives of people at work, and maintaining the communication between science and practice has been key to the success of that endeavor. A discussion on some of the more heavily researched I/O topics is presented, along with a discussion on the application of I/O in the form of organizational interventions. It is hoped that this article will contribute to the current discussion on translational research among the biomedical and biobehavioral fields and also be used as a resource for those seeking to improve the functioning of their organizations.
P200 High-resolution HLA typing of deceased donors enables accurate identification of allle_specific DSA

HLA typing of donors for solid organ transplantation is performed with the primary goal of avoiding hyperacute antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) caused by recipient antibodies against donor antigens. Given the need for rapid testing of deceased donors, SSP or SSO methods are used to enable timely HLA typing at the serologic split antigen level. However, these methods do not provide unambiguous allele-level genotyping. This ambiguity can be problematic in patients with allele-specific anti-HLA antibodies. We report a case of suspected AMR following deceased donor kidney transplantation as an example of high-resolution HLA genotyping enabling identification of donor-specific antibodies (DSA). The patient was transplanted in 2010 with a flow cytometric crossmatch negative deceased donor kidney. History was remarkable for biopsy-proven C4d positive acute AMR in 2012 successfully treated by IVIG and rituximab. In late 2016, the patient developed increased proteinuria. Biopsy demonstrated changes consistent with both active and chronic AMR, but without presence of C4d. Solid-phase anti-HLA antibody testing did not demonstrate identifiable DSA, though there was evidence of allele-specific antibodies (Table 1). To investigate whether these represented DSA, donor DNA was re-typed for HLA-A, -B, -C, -DRB1, -DRB3/4/5, -DQA1, -DQB1, -DPA1,and -DPB1 by next-generation DNA sequencing (NGS). High-resolution HLA typing identified DSA against DQA1∗05:05 and DRB3∗03:01. Reactivity against DR52 or DQA05 would not have been called based upon average group reactivity. Identification of DSA supported diagnosis of AMR and enabled tracking of DSA as an objective measure of the efficacy of therapy. The increasing frequency of allele-specific DSA has led us to implement routine re-testing of solid organ donors for high-resolution HLA typing to promote accurate and efficient evaluation of potential allele-specific DSA. Download : Download high-res image (123KB) Download : Download full-size image
Kainate receptors and synaptic plasticity.

Bortolotto et al.1 report that the kainate subtype of glutamate receptor is essential for the plasticity of certain types of synaptic transmission in the brain, which is of interest as these receptors were previously not thought to initiate plastic processes. In particular, a new antagonist (LY382884) was shown to act selectively against the GluR5 type of kainate receptor: in the presence of LY382884, which reduces kainate-receptor-mediated postsynaptic responses by ∼40%, long-term potentiation (LTP) at hippocampal mossy-fibre synapses could no longer be induced1. Here we argue that the available evidence does not support a major role for kainate receptors in the induction of mossy-fibre LTP.
In rough waters, sea bass should stick together

![Graphic][1] Schooling behaviour in fishes reduces the energetic costs of swimming for the school's members by essentially allowing each fish to ‘draft’ off of others in the group. This phenomenon has been thoroughly studied in laboratory settings under conditions of laminar flow –
The Theoretical and Technical Development of Field-Ion Microscopy

A field-ion microscope is the most powerful microscopic device known today. It is the only instrument that can show directly the atomic structure of a specimen and the atomic lattice defects. But, for reasons that might lie in the difficulty of operation of the first instruments, perhaps the unorthodoxy of the principles involved, and a justified lack of commercial interest, it took a long time to be developed. When in the spring days of quantum mechanics Gamow1 (1928) explained the radioactive alpha decay as a tunneling effect, field-electron emission from metals was soon recognized by Fowler and Nordheim2 as another example of barrier penetration and simultaneously Oppenheimer3 suggested that the effect of field ionization of free atoms could occur when an electron would tunnel out in the presence of an electric field. While the first two effects commanded considerable interest, field ionization from the ground state of an atom was experimentally inaccessible because of the magnitude of the fields required. Handling large fields became a possibility with the introduction of the field-emission microscope in 1936.4 With the discovery of field desorption5 from a positive-point electrode the field range beyond 100 MV/cm, in which all effects of interest to us are taking place, was entered for the first time. The realization that the resolution limit of the field-electron microscope6 is determined by the tangential velocity of the emitted electrons and, to a lesser extent, by their de Broglie wavelength, which cannot be controlled under the prevailing conditions, led in 1951 to successful imaging of the emitter surface with positive ions rather than electrons.7 Atomic resolution was thus achieved for the first time.
A Preliminary Conceptual Model for Exploring Global Agile Teams

The combination of agile methods and global software development via virtual teams represents an emerging approach to addressing the challenges typically associated with software development projects. The prevailing viewpoint has been that agile methods are not applicable in global settings. However, some current research is challenging this assertion. Therefore, we pose the following research question: How can agile teams be successfully configured in globally distributed environments? Drawing upon configurational theory, work group design research, virtualness concepts, and the software agility literature, the purpose of this paper is to construct a preliminary conceptual model for exploring three proposed dimensions necessary for successful configuration of global agile teams: structure, agility, and virtualness. This paper contributes to the information systems field by providing a starting point towards theory building in the area of globally distributed agile teams and by suggesting three dimensions for measuring and characterizing global agile team configuration.
Big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus) successfully navigate through clutter after exposure to intense band-limited sound.

Echolocating big brown bats fly, orient, forage, and roost in cluttered acoustic environments in which aggregate sound pressure levels can be as intense as 100 to 140 dB SPL, levels that would impair auditory perception in other terrestrial mammals. We showed previously that bats exposed to intense wide-band sound (116 dB SPL) can navigate successfully through dense acoustic clutter. Here, we extend these results by quantifying performance of bats navigating through a cluttered scene after exposure to intense band-limited sounds (bandwidths 5–25 kHz, 123 dB SPL). Behavioral performance was not significantly affected by prior sound exposure, with the exception of one bat after exposure to one sound. Even in this outlying case, performance recovered rapidly, by 10 min post-exposure. Temporal patterning of biosonar emissions during successful flights showed that bats maintained their individual strategies for navigating through the cluttered scene before and after exposures. In unsuccessful flights, interpulse intervals were skewed towards shorter values, suggesting a shift in strategy for solving the task rather than a hearing impairment. Results confirm previous findings that big brown bats are not as susceptible to noise-induced perceptual impairments as are other terrestrial mammals exposed to sounds of similar intensity and bandwidth.
Statisticism in Psychology as a Socio-ethical Problem

The heretofore unshakable belief among contemporary mainstream psychologists in statistical methods of inquiry defines what I christened several years ago ‘statisticism.’ After briefly reiterating the epistemic problem created by that –ism, i.e., the blindness it creates in its advocates to the logically unbridgeable gap between aggregate-level research findings and individual-level knowledge objectives, I note that because psychology is not only a basic science but also an applied discipline that underwrites interventions in the lives of individuals, there is a socio-ethical facet to the problem as well. This facet is then discussed within the context of two examples. One is drawn from the province of the evidence-based practice movement in psychology, and the other from the province of psychological testing in the service of preemployment screening. The latter portion of the chapter is focused on broader considerations of a socio-ethical nature. There, the discussion elaborates the way in which statisticism mandates a view of persons as things, and the potentially untoward consequences of this view for the individuals in whose lives statistically guided interventions are implemented.
Adjoint-Based High-Fidelity Structural Optimization of Wind-Turbine Blade for Load Stress Minimization

A high-fidelity multidisciplinary modeling and optimization capability is employed for optimization of structural properties of the 13 m Scaled Wind Farm Technology Facility wind-turbine blade of S...
Fast Computation of Inductances Accounting for Saturation and Slotting Effect by Air Gap Characterization in Salient Pole Machines

This paper proposes a fast-computational method to calculate inductances on a salient pole machine. By analyzing the air gap properties, such us maximum and minimum air gap values, saturation and slotting effects are included in the calculations. A sample function is computed numerically to create a periodic function that is appropriately scaled to form the air gap function; thus the inductances are obtained. The scaling factors consider maximum and minimum air gaps that are calculated by solving a simplified magnetic equivalent circuit. The slotting effect is included by using a conformal mapping solution. In this paper, a proof of concept design is analyzed showing that inductances in the q-and d-axis can be obtained accounting for saturation and the slotting effect without using finite element analysis.
Eating Disorder Screening in Transgender Youth

Abstract Purpose Body dissatisfaction in transgender youth (TY) may increase the risk for eating disorders. This is the first study using the Eating Disorders Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q) to assess for eating disorder psychopathology in TY. Methods Youth aged 13–22 years (n = 106) presenting to a gender clinic from January 2018 to January 2019 completed the EDE-Q and answered questions on weight manipulation for gender-affirming purposes. Results Respondents identified as transmasculine (61%), transfeminine (28%), or nonbinary (11%). Mean age was 16.5 years (standard deviation = 2.0), mean weight was 119.9% median body mass index (standard deviation = 32.9), and 32% were on hormonal therapy. Of the participants, 15% had elevated EDE-Q scores. Most (63%) disclosed weight manipulation for gender-affirming purposes, with 11% of assigned females doing so for menstrual suppression. These behaviors had poor concordance with elevated EDE-Q scores (κ = .137 and .148). Conclusions Disordered eating behaviors are relatively common among TY. Further studies are needed to validate the EDE-Q in TY and establish meaningful cutoff score values.
Tales from the Black Carpet: A Narrative Inquiry into Mulitcultural Programming

This study explores student perceptions of multicultural programming through arts-based narrative inquiry. Using Bakhtinian novelness as a frame for restorying the lived experiences of the students responsible for organizing a Black Carpet Fashion Showcase at a Catholic liberal arts university, the event’s unintended consequences are situated in a heteroglossic space where the participants’ unmerged voices (polyphony) at a specific time (chronotope) are held in the same esteem (carnival). Rather than offering a unified solution for best practice in multicultural programming, the purpose of this study is to promote dialogic conversations about how students can participate in the construction of inclusive campus communities.
Water rinse and flowing steam to kill Campylobacter on broiler transport coop flooring

Abstract Broilers can carry Campylobacter in their intestine during live haul transport to the slaughter plant; feces from positive birds will contaminate the floor surface of transport containers. Such contamination can be transferred to previously negative broilers when transported in unwashed cages. We tested the use of a water rinse and 15 s steam heat to lessen the numbers of coliforms, Escherichia coli and Campylobacter within broiler intestinal contents spread on 5 × 5 cm squares of broiler transport cage flooring. Floor squares were covered with 1 g of fresh broiler intestinal contents and subjected to either no treatment, 15 s water rinse, 15 s steam heat or a combination of water rinse followed by steam treatment. All squares were sampled by a sponge wipe method; sponges were used to prepare serial dilutions, which were plated for numbers of coliforms, E. coli and Campylobacter. Four replications were conducted with four samples of each treatment (n = 16). Spray washing alone was ineffective to lessen the numbers of bacteria detected on floor squares. Steam treatment resulted in a significant (P
Agile SoC Development with Open ESP : Invited Paper

ESP is an open-source research platform for heterogeneous SoC design. The platform combines a modular tile-based architecture with a variety of application-oriented flows for the design and optimization of accelerators. The ESP architecture is highly scalable and strikes a balance between regularity and specialization. The companion methodology raises the level of abstraction to system-level design and enables an automated flow from software and hardware development to full-system prototyping on FPGA. For application developers, ESP offers domain-specific automated solutions to synthesize new accelerators for their software and to map complex workloads onto the SoC architecture. For hardware engineers, ESP offers automated solutions to integrate their accelerator designs into the complete SoC. Conceived as a heterogeneous integration platform and tested through years of teaching at Columbia University, ESP supports the open-source hardware community by providing a flexible platform for agile SoC development.
Terrorism in China and the Emerging Needs for Counter- Terrorism Medicine Following a Decade of Deaths and Injuries.

Background: China is ranked 42nd on the Global Terrorism Index (2019), a scoring system of terrorist activities. While China has a relatively low terrorism risk, events globally have wide-ranging repercussions for future attacks, putting first responders and emergency health workers at risk. This study aims to provide the epidemiological context for the past decade detailing the unique injury types responders are likely to encounter and to develop training programs utilizing these data. Methods: The Global Terrorism Database (GTD) was searched for all attacks in China between the years 2008-2018. Attacks met inclusion criteria if they fulfilled the terrorism-related criteria as set by the GTD’s Codebook. Ambiguous events, as defined by the GTD’s Codebook, were excluded. English language grey literature was searched to ensure no events meeting these criteria were missed. A focused search of online English language newspaper articles was also performed for any terrorist events between 2008-2018. Results: One-hundred and eight terrorist events occurred in the study time period. Of the 108 incidents, forty-seven (43.5%) involved Explosives/Bombs/Dynamite (E/B/D) only, with an average fatality count of 2.9 and injury count of 7.5 per event. Twenty-seven (25.0%) used bladed or blunt weapons in melees with an average fatality count of 9.7 and an injury count of 8.8 per event. Five (4.6%) involved incendiary weapons with an average fatality count of 2.4 and an injury count of 7.2 per event. Two used only chemical weapons (1.8%) with no recorded deaths and an injury count of 27.0 per event. Two events had unknown weapon types (1.8%) with one recorded death and no injury count. One event used a firearm (0.9%) and led to one death and no injuries. One event used a vehicle (0.9%), which also led to one death and no recorded injuries. Twenty-three attacks used a mix of weapons (21.2%) with an average fatality count of 17.1 and an injury count of 12.0 per event. Conclusions: One-hundred and eight terrorist attacks were recorded between 2008-2018 on Chinese soil using well-understood modalities. This resulted in a total of 809 recorded fatalities with 956 non-fatal injuries. The most commonly chosen methodology was E/B/D, followed by melees and the use of bladed weapons. Three events individually recorded a combined casualty toll of over 100 people.
Successful aging: an obscure but obvious construct

Abstract Philosophers and scientists have long-struggled to define and assess what it means to age successfully and to identify strategies by which people can achieve that goal. The quest to understand successful aging, however, has been a journey filled with contention and confusion. This chapter begins by examining the words that have been used to capture the spirit of prospering over time. Then, the biblical and philosophical underpinnings of successful aging are examined. Next, the clash that began over 70 years ago between scholars who believed that successful aging was based on the subjective perceptions of older people and those convinced that successful aging was based on objective biomedical statuses is described. Subsequently, the chapter shows how the collision of the objective and subjective definitions of successful aging at the turn of the 21st century raised old as well as new questions, including how to define and predict successful aging. After that, the chapter shows how a new paradigm for thinking about successful aging developed and why successful aging is important to public health. Finally, directions for future research are identified.
Castor (Ricinus communis L.) tolerance and weed control with preemergence herbicides

Abstract U.S. castor production is limited in part due to only one labeled herbicide (trifluralin) for effective weed control. Field studies were conducted in south Texas and in the Texas High Plains in 2008, 2009, 2012, and 2013 to evaluate castor tolerance and weed efficacy following the application of preemergence (PRE) herbicides. During years of little or poor rainfall, no castor injury was noted following the application of PRE herbicides. However, when rainfall occurred soon after application of PRE herbicides, linuron doses of 1.12 kg/ha or greater resulted in stunting of castor plants and reduced stands when compared with the non-treated control. Acetochlor, clomazone, pendimethalin, and trifluralin consistently caused the least injury to castor plants. However, castor bean yield in many instances was not affected by herbicide injury. Diuron at doses of 1.12 kg/ha or greater and the combination of diuron plus linuron at 0.56 kg/ha or greater effectively controlled (> 80%) smellmelon ( Cucumis melo L. var. Dudaim Naud.) and Palmer amaranth ( Amaranthus palmeri S. Wats), but provided inconsistent control (0–99%) of Texas millet [ Urochloa texana (Buckl.) R.Webster]. Results of these studies indicated that castor tolerance to PRE applications of acetochlor, clomazone, and pendimethalin was excellent, thus providing the greatest opportunity for future use in castor production.
Individual interest and its implications for understanding intrinsic motivation

Publisher Summary Study of intrinsic motivation refers to elicited attention for content in the sense of enjoyment, curiosity, and so forth, but no assumption can be made about the level of content knowledge. Individual interest, on the other hand, refers to an ongoing and deepening relation of a person to particular subject content that does, in fact, have qualities of full engagement and task orientation. Individual interest and intrinsic motivation do appear to describe similar outcomes. These include the enjoyment of focused and continued engagement in a task for the sake of the task itself, the pursuit of challenge, and the desire for mastery. For individual interest, these outcomes are linked to particular person–subject content relations. For intrinsic motivation, these outcomes apply more generally to human behavior, in the moment (situational interest) and over time (individual interest). As such, individual interest might be considered to provide a developmental context for thinking about intrinsic motivation. It focuses on the relations between each person and particular subject content over time and the impact of these on behavior. Individual interest provides a particular kind of wide-angle lens for thinking about intrinsic motivation because it addresses problem solving, information processing, and control with respect to particular engagement over time. Furthermore, both internal and external factors contribute to its development. Well-developed individual interest cannot develop without the continued challenges that stem from modeling, opportunities to apprentice, and interaction with others.
A resonance explanation of mode coupling in SWARM data

The 1995 SWARM experiment off the coast of New Jersey acquired detailed range-dependent sound speed profile data along the acoustic path. In parabolic equation model simulations in this environment for a 1000 Hz source at 50 m depth, energy transfer to a patch above the thermocline was discovered; the transfer was special to that frequency. To identify the mechanism that caused this phenomenon, Fourier analysis of spatial (range) variation of sound speeds was performed. The results were analyzed using Zhou, Zhang, and Rogers' well-known formula [J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 90, 2042-2054 (1991)]. The analysis has shown that internal wave structure over the 17 to 22 km range is responsible for energy transfer from lower to higher modes. Mode 17 is the lowest mode that has its amplitude peak above the thermocline, and it peaks at the location of the patch. Energy transfers to modes 6, 7, and 17 have been identified with the use of the formula.
Fifteen years on in higher education

The number of students in higher education has increased steadily since the early 1960s. In recent years, the proportion of school‐leavers qualified for and wanting to go on to higher education has remained fairly constant. But, even so, total student numbers have continued to go up because the number of 18‐year‐olds has been increasing year by year, reflecting the rising birthrate in the late 1950s and early 1960s. But this situation will not last much longer. The birthrate has fallen persistently every year since 1964; already this has produced a big decline in primary school rolls, and now it is beginning to affect secondary schools. From 1982 it will produce a decline in the number of 18‐year‐olds, which will become much steeper from 1989. How might the higher education system develop in the face of this prospect?
Activating mutations of TOR (target of rapamycin)

Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a key regulator of eukaryotic cell growth. In particular, mTORC1, one of the two complexes that contain mTOR, is involved in the regulation of protein synthesis, proliferation, cell cycle and autophagy. Hyperactivation of the mTOR signaling pathway is observed in human cancer. A variety of approaches including deletion analysis, yeast genetic screens and mining of human cancer genome databases were taken that resulted in the identification of activating mutations of TOR. These studies suggest that the FAT, FRB and kinase domains are the three regions of TOR where activating mutations can be identified. Within the kinase domain, the mutations are clustered in three hot spots that are all located in the kinase active site that was deduced by the alignment with PI3K. One of the hot spots corresponds to the region where PI3K oncogenic mutations have been identified. These results are beginning to provide important insights into the mechanism of activation of mTOR.
Kinetics of Growth and Amylase Production of Saccharomycopsis fibuligera on Potato Processing Wastewater.

The kinetics of growth and amylase production of Saccharomycopsis fibuligera were studied in a chemostat on a synthetic potato processing blancher water. Dilution rates (D) from 0.101 to 0.480 h−1 were examined. A mathematical model based on the Monod equation was developed. The yield of cell mass from carbohydrates was constant and equal to 0.84. The maximum specific growth rate and the Monod constant were determined to be 0.596 h−1 and 0.226 mg/ml, respectively. An equation for the steady-state starch concentrations was empirically derived. The steady-state noncarbohydrate carbon levels rose linearly with D. Reducing sugars were the growth-limiting substrate, and their steady-state levels conformed to Monod kinetics. The yield of amylase from the cell mass (Yz) declined as D rose and was described by the equation Yz = (−8.005D + 4.076). The model predicted that the maximum production of cell mass should occur at D = 0.35 h−1 and the maximum production of amylase should occur at D = 0.22 h−1. The mathematical model presented agreed with the experimental results in its prediction of the steady-state level of reducing sugar, starch, cell mass, and amylase concentrations as well as the productivity of amylase.
P-element-induced male recombination and gene conversion in Drosophila.

A P -element insertion flanked by 13 restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) marker sites was used to examine male recombination and gene conversion at an autosomal site. The great majority of crossovers on chromosome arm 2 R occurred within the 4-kb region containing the P element and RFLP sites. Of the 128 recombinants analyzed, approximately two-thirds carried duplications or deletions flanking the P element. These rearrangements are described in more detail in the accompanying report. In a parallel experiment, we examined 91 gene conversion tracts resulting from excision of the same autosomal P element. We found the average tract length was 1463 bp, which is essentially the same as found previously at the white locus. The distribution of conversion tract endpoints was indistinguishable from the distribution of crossover points among the nonrearranged male recombinants. Most recombination events can be explained by the “hybrid element insertion” model, but, for those lacking a duplication or deletion, a second step involving double-strand gap repair must be postulated to explain the distribution of crossover points.
Single-incision laparoscopic pyloromyotomy: initial experience

Laparoscopic pyloromyotomy has become the standard treatment for hypertrophic pyloric stenosis. Single-incision laparoscopic surgery is an emerging operative approach that utilizes the umbilical scar to hide the surgical incision. To describe our initial experience with single-incision laparoscopic pyloromyotomy in 15 infants. Laparoscopic pyloromyotomy was performed through a single skin incision in the umbilicus, using a 4-mm 30° endoscope and a 5-mm trocar. The 3-mm working instruments were inserted directly into the abdomen via separate lateral fascial stab incisions. All patients were prospectively evaluated. The procedure was performed in 15 infants (13 male) with mean age of 45 ± 16 days and mean weight of 4.04 ± 0.5 kg. All procedures were completed laparoscopically, and one case was converted to a conventional triangulated laparoscopic work configuration after a mucosal perforation was noted. The perforation was repaired laparoscopically. On average, operating time was 29.8 ± 13.6 min, and postoperative length of stay was 1.5 ± 0.8 days. All patients were discharged home on full feeds. Follow-up was scheduled 2–3 weeks after discharge, and no postoperative complications were noted in any of the patients. Single-incision laparoscopic pyloromyotomy is a safe and feasible procedure with good postoperative results and excellent cosmesis. The main challenge is the spatial orientation of the instruments and endoscope in a small working space. This can be overcome by a more longitudinally oriented working axis than used in the conventional angulated laparoscopic configuration.
Quantized conductance through a potential barrier

Abstract The conductance through a smooth potential barrier in a narrow quantum wire is shown to be quantized. The study of this simple model demonstrates that there are two essential elements for such conductance quantizations in the ballistic regime: a quantized energy spectrum and a nearly-classical transmission or reflection through the potential barrier. In some sense the quantized conductance steps can be viewed as a spetrometer of the quantum wire.
Relationship of hand length to catching performance by children in kindergarten to grade 2.

This study examined the relationship between hand length and catching performance by 257 children (142 boys, 115 girls) in Grades K–2. Children's catching performance was determined by the number o...
Polyamine administration reduces ornithine decarboxylase activity without affecting its mRNA content

Abstract Ornithine decarboxylase, the first enzyme in the polyamine biosynthetic pathway, is induced by androgens in the mouse kidney. Enzyme activity, as well as enzyme protein levels are increased 100–400 fold. Utilizing a specific cDNA probe to ODC, mRNA levels in these cells were found to increase 7–25 fold as measured by densitometric scanning. Treatment of the mice for 5 hours with 2 mmol/kg doses of putrescine or 1,3-diaminopropane after androgen stimulation reduced enzyme activity to control levels, while mRNA levels remained elevated 18–30 fold above control. In a different system, serum starved SV-3T3 cells showed low ODC activity and amounts of ODC mRNA. Serum stimulation increased the 2.2 kilobase mRNA levels 6 fold and enzyme activity 13 fold in a coordinate fashion within 5 hours. While the rise in activity was blocked by the simultaneous addition of serum and 1 mM putrescine, ODC mRNA levels appeared unchanged. The addition of 50 μM spermidine or 100 μM spermine also had no effect on ODC mRNA levels, while at the same time reducing enzyme activity amounts. These results suggest that the mechanism by which polyamines regulate ODC activity in the mouse is primarily translational.
On the computation of the demagnetization tensor for particles of arbitrary shape

Abstract A new method is presented to compute the demagnetization tensor of particles of arbitrary shape. By means of a Fourier space approach it is possible to compute analytically the Fourier representation of the demagnetization tensor for a broad class of magnetic nanoparticles. Then, specifying the direction of the uniform magnetization, the demagnetizing field and the magnetostatic energy associated with the particle can be evaluated.
The Improvement of Program Behavior

The practical objective of program behavior studies is to enhance program and system performance. On the one hand, the knowledge resulting from these studies may be useful in designing new programs and new virtual memory systems that are capable of levels of performance higher than those currently achievable. On the other hand, such knowledge may often be employed to increase the performance of existing programs and systems.
OXYBUTYNIN CHLORIDE INHIBITS PROLIFERATION AND SUPPRESSES GENE EXPRESSION IN BLADDER SMOOTH MUSCLE CELLS

AbstractPurpose: We test the hypothesis that oxybutynin chloride inhibits bladder smooth muscle cell proliferation.Materials and Methods: Cultured rat bladder smooth muscle cells were grown in Medium 199* supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum in the presence of 0, 1, 10 and 100 micro M. oxybutynin. Cell proliferation was assessed by counting cell numbers 48 and 96 hours after plating. To investigate the role of oxybutynin in bladder smooth muscle cell proliferation after mechanical stretch, cells were grown on silicone elastomer bottomed culture plates and subjected to cyclical stretch-relaxation for 48 hours in the presence of 10 micro M. oxybutynin. Deoxyribonucleic acid synthesis was assessed by tritiated thymidine incorporation assay. To examine the effect of oxybutynin on stretch activated gene expression, bladder smooth muscle cells were subjected to stretch-relaxation for 2 hours with and without 10 micro M. oxybutynin, and relative c-jun messenger (m) ribonucleic acid (RNA) levels were assessed...
Implementing a distributed combat simulation on the Time Warp operating system

Utilizing the Time Warp Operating System, the CTLS project at JPL has produced a distributed combat simulation called STB-87 and measured its performance on the JPL Mark III Hypercube. By applying the spiral model of software development, the CTLS project will produce a series of software test beds, to culminate in the completion of a working prototype theater level simulation three to five years hence. STB-87, the first software test bed, is a ground-based combat simulation decomposed into objects which communicate via time-stamped messages. The use of incremental object-based design, coding, and testing has been helpful when developing a parallel simulation. The performance measurements show that, with the appropriate choice of object granularity, STB-87 is able to achieve a speedup factor of 12 running on a 32-node Mark III Hypercube.
Adsorption of surfactant on polystyrene‐styrene interfaces

The adsorption of sodium dodecyl sulfate on polystyrene-styrene interfaces has been studied. Polystyrene interfaces of 20 and 60% were considered. Initial surfactant concentrations used in the study were 0.0004, 0.0008, and 0.004 mole/l. Two temperature levels, 25 and 75°C., were studied. Results showed no effect of initial surfactant concentration for a 20% interface at 25°C. However, the data for the 60% interface at 25°C. showed an effect of initial surfactant concentration. The apparent anomaly in the results regarding effect of initial surfactant concentration was explained in terms of the behavior of polystyrene-styrene as a mixed absorbent and the work of Harkins and co-workers, which showed that surfactant adsorption was a function of initial surfactant concentration over certain concentration ranges. Rate of surfactant adsorption appeared to be a function of surfactant adsorption raised to a power. The order of the adsorption appeared to be first-order for the 20% interface and second-order for the 60% interface.
Twilight of the Mission Frontier, Shifting Interethnic Alliances and Social Organization in Sonora, 1768–1855

In 1589, after decades of fruitless wars with Chichimec warriors who terrorized Spaniards intent on exploiting the mineral wealth of the northern frontier, the Viceroy of New Spain dispatched Jesui...
Intermittent dosing of biologics for psoriasis.

This month's Journal of Dermatological Treatment presents “Clinical response in psoriasis patients discontinued from and then reinitiated on etanercept therapy” by Gordon and colleagues. This is a ...