cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Diagnosis of Isolated Cleft Mitral Valve Using Three-Dimensional Echocardiography.

Background The prevalence of isolated cleft mitral valve (MV; no concomitant congenital heart disease or degenerative MV disease) with significant mitral regurgitation (MR) diagnosed using two-dimensional echocardiography (2DE) has been reported to be very low. Three-dimensional echocardiography (3DE) has enabled a more comprehensive visualization of the MV and detailed understanding of the mechanisms of MR and can potentially reveal isolated cleft MV that is not recognized with 2DE. The aim of this study was to determine, using 3DE, the prevalence, location, and associated MV annular and left ventricular characteristics of isolated cleft MV, in the absence of associated congenital heart disease, in patients with significant MR. Methods A total of 1,092 patients with unexplained moderate or greater MR on two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography who were referred for three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography between 2005 and 2017 (n = 626) were retrospectively studied. Left ventricular dimensions and function were determined, and quantitative MR assessment and three-dimensional analysis of the MV annulus was performed. Results Twenty-one patients (prevalence 3.3%) were diagnosed with isolated cleft MV using three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography but not 2DE. The majority of these patients (n = 16) were noted to have anterior cleft MVs, with most located in the mid-A1 (n = 10) or mid-A3 (n = 5) scallops. Posterior clefts were less common (n = 5) and occurred at the site of the natural scallop indentations (three between P1 and P2 and two between P2 and P3). Among patients with either anterior or posterior MV cleft, there were no differences in left ventricular ejection fraction or three-dimensional MV geometry (annular distance, height, circumference, and area). There was a trend toward worse MR severity in patients with anterior cleft MV. Conclusions In patients with otherwise unexplained significant MR referred for transesophageal echocardiography, 3DE uncovered a considerably higher prevalence of isolated cleft MV than previously reported by 2DE, with the majority located in the anterior MV. Although the annular geometry was similar between patients with anterior and posterior cleft MVs, a trend toward more severe MR in anterior clefts may reflect underlying abnormalities in the embryologic development of the anterior MV leaflet. Evaluation of MV pathology is improved by 3DE, which should be used routinely in the setting significant MR.
Psychological Intervention with Sex-Trafficked Persons: Assessment and Survivor Therapy Empowerment Program (STEP)

Psychological interventions with sex-trafficked persons take its theory and techniques from prior work done with trauma and feminist survivors. The theories underlying trauma-informed and trauma-specific treatment including requiring attention to internal and external safety, client choice, collaboration with client and psychotherapist, building trust, and empowerment of the client are foundations discussed in this chapter. Similarly, understanding sex-role expectations, socioeconomic conditions, interrupted schooling, and the chaos at home and for some in the foster care system that trafficking victims are often exposed to prior to being trafficked also needs to be addressed. Sex-trafficked children rarely come to psychotherapy voluntarily, so care needs to be taken when conducting interviews and designing treatment programs. Following guidelines for other trauma and feminist recovery is a good start, but there are significant issues that are specific to sex-trafficked victims to help them become survivors.
Adjuvant interferon for anal condyloma: A prospective, randomized trial

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine whether interferon combined with surgical excision and fulguration could reduce the unacceptably high rate of recurrence of anal condyloma seen after surgical extirpation. METHODS: Forty-three patients with anal condyloma were prospectively randomized into two groups. Group I (n=25) patients underwent surgical excision and fulguration immediately followed by an injection of 500,000 IU (0.1 ml) of interferon alfa-n3 into each quadrant of the anal canal. Group II (n=18) patients underwent surgical excision and fulguration but then received four injections (0.1 ml) of saline into each quadrant of the anal canal. RESULTS: After a mean follow-up of 3.8 months, 10 of 43 (23 percent) patients developed recurrent anal condyloma. Only 3 of 25 (12 percent) interferon-treated patients had recurrences vs. 7 recurrences in 18 (39 percent) saline-treated patients (P=0.046). Interferon was particularly effective in reducing recurrences in patients whose condylomata were present for more than six months (P=0.04) and those condylomata that contained human papillomavirus DNA subtype 6/11 (P=0.05). CONCLUSION: Adjuvant interferon treatment can reduce the high recurrence rate of anal condyloma seen after surgical extirpation.
Development and Implementation of a Simulation-Based Educational Workshop on Gynecological Brachytherapy: Pilot Study at a National Meeting.

Abstract Purpose Despite the importance of brachytherapy in the curative treatment of locally advanced cervical cancer, reviews of practice patterns in the United States have identified a decline in brachytherapy use in clinically appropriate patient populations. A survey of radiation oncologists identified lack of time and lack of guidance as barriers. To address these barriers, the purpose of this study was to develop a simulation-based educational (SBE) gynecologic brachytherapy workshop. Methods and materials The SBE gynecologic brachytherapy workshop was developed with expertise from 2 institutions, combining procedural simulation with a practical discussion of brachytherapy applicator insertion techniques. The primary outcome was feasibility of workshop deployment, defined as completion of all workshop components in the time allotted. Preworkshop and postworkshop surveys were also administered to assess efficacy, a secondary outcome. Results The workshop took place at a national radiation oncology meeting, and all workshop components were completed in the 2 hours allotted. SBE stations focused on (1) fiducial placement, (2-3) applicator selection, (4) suturing, and (5) pelvic examination and applicator placement. Fourteen participants completed surveys. Respondents included residents and attending physicians. More than 50% of respondents were from academic practices and practiced gynecologic brachytherapy weekly or more. Curricular objectives for this workshop were for ≥20% trainees to report increased confidence in practice and ≥20% of trainees to report increased familiarity with applicators. After participation in the workshop, confidence in applicator choice improved in 9 of 13 participants (69%), confidence in complication management improved in 8 of 13 participants (62%), and familiarity with applicators improved in 7 of 13 participants (54%). These differences were statistically significant at α = .05. Conclusions This study demonstrated feasibility in using simulation for gynecologic brachytherapy education at a national meeting. Although most respondents were experienced in brachytherapy, more than half reported increased confidence and familiarity with aspects of the procedure after the workshop. Future work should address interstitial needle placement and improved time management of workshop stations.
Measuring the impacts of connected vehicles on travel time reliability in a work zone environment: an agent-based approach

AbstractThe continuous advancement of connected vehicle (CV) technologies and its increasing market penetration (MP) will change the nature of traffic flow fundamentals by upending the traditional ...
A sample database used in a palm OS programming course

We present a database whose data is taken from the Nutrition Facts labels required on food and drink containers. We also present a program which acts on such a database, which we call NuFax. This program illustrates a large number of Palm OS concepts, such as scrolling lists and tables, scroll bars and scroll buttons, application preferences, categories, beaming, and the global find. The C code for this program is available electronically from the author.
Documenting increased participation of a student with autism in the standards for mathematical practice

The Common Core State Standards articulate expectations for student participation in mathematical reasoning, sense making, and discussion. Yet little to no research explores the participation of students with autism in these practices. Drawing on neurodiversity and situated sociocultural theory, this article offers a case study of the mathematics engagement of Oscar, a fifth-grade student with autism, over the duration of 1 school year. Using field notes, videotapes of classroom interactions, student work, and teacher and student interviews, we examined the influence of the classroom activity system on this student’s participation in mathematical reasoning and discourse before and after a classroom intervention targeted to improve student engagement by making participation norms more explicit. Prior to the classroom intervention, Oscar did not participate verbally in small-group or whole-group mathematical discussion. After the classroom intervention, along with additional scaffolds such as increased peer accountability and collaborative strategy shares, Oscar increased his verbal and nonverbal participation in both small- and whole-group discussion. Through our year-long study, Oscar shifted from a student who did not speak in math class to one who explained his mathematical thinking in multiple contexts. We call for additional qualitative research in mathematics that seeks to understand the unique participation of students with autism, seeking understanding of how to better include these students in the Standards for Mathematical Practice. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved)
Meta-Signer: Metagenomic Signature Identifier based on Rank Aggregation of Features

Background: The advance of metagenomic studies provides the opportunity to identify microbial taxa that are associated with human diseases. Multiple methods exist for the association analysis. However, the results could be inconsistent, presenting challenges in interpreting the host-microbiome interactions. To address this issue, we introduce Meta-Signer, a novel Metagenomic Signature Identifier tool based on a rank aggregation of features identified from multiple machine learning models including Random Forest, Support Vector Machines, LASSO, Multi-Layer Perceptron Neural Networks, and our recently developed Convolutional Neural Network framework (PopPhy-CNN). Meta-Signer generates ranked taxa lists by training individual machine learning models over multiple training partitions and aggregates them into a single ranked list by an optimization procedure to represent the most informative and robust microbial features. Meta-Signer can rank taxa using two input forms of the data: the relative abundances of the original taxa and taxa from the populated taxonomic trees generated from the original taxa. The latter form allows the evaluation of the association of microbial features at different taxonomic levels to the disease, which is attributed to our novel model of PopPhy-CNN. Results: We evaluate Mega-Signer on five different human gut-microbiome datasets. We demonstrate that the features derived from Meta-Signer were more informative compared to those obtained from other available feature ranking methods. The highly ranked features are strongly supported by published literature. Conclusion: Meta-Signer is capable of deriving a robust set of microbial features at multiple taxonomic levels for the prediction of host phenotype. Meta-Signer is user-friendly and customizable, allowing users to explore their datasets quickly and efficiently.
Rate constant for the reaction Cl + HO2NO2 yielding products

The rates for the reaction of Cl atoms iwth HO2NO2 were calculated from data obtained by the use of the discharge flow/resonance fluorescence (DF/RF) and the discharge flow/mass spectrometric (DF/MS) techniques. The total rate constant, k1, for the overall reaction: 1a (Cl + HO2NO2 yielding HCl + NO2 +O2), 1b (yielding HO2 + ClNO2), and the two possible additional channels was found to be less than 1.0 x 10 to the -13th cu cm/s at 296 K. The value of (k1a + k1b) was found to be 3.4 + or - 1.4) x 10 to the -14th cu cm/s. Thus, the reaction of Cl with peroxynitric acid is too slow, by a factor of 100, to contribute significantly to the hydrogen abstraction by Cl in the stratosphere.
Improving spatial surrogates for area source emissions inventories in California

Abstract Ten spatial surrogates describing the detailed locations of air pollution emissions in regional air quality assessments for California were updated/created for the base year 2010 and future years from 2015 to 2040: (i) total population, (ii) total housing, (iii) single-family housing, (iv) total employment, (v) service & commercial employment, (vi) industrial employment, (vii) agricultural employment, (viii) industrial-related surrogate, (ix) off-road construction, and (x) on-road construction surrogates. The first seven surrogates were updated using the latest version of census-based datasets at finer resolution. New industrial-related, off/on-road construction surrogates were developed using realistic datasets to more accurately describe the location of construction projects and industrial facilities. Adoption of the new spatial surrogates caused changes to the spatial distribution of air pollution emissions in air quality calculations. The changes to the off-road construction surrogate resulted in the largest shift in PM emissions distribution for year 2015, followed by changes to the on-road construction surrogate. Industrial-related, service & commercial employment, and off-road construction surrogates all contributed to changes in NOx emissions. The changes to SED-derived surrogates were subtle and did not significantly influence emissions. Air quality simulations were carried out over the entire year 2016 to examine the impact of the new surrogate methodologies on simulated concentration fields. Changes to predicted pollutant concentrations followed the same pattern as changes in emissions, which indicates that proximity to sources is a dominant factor to determine the impact of spatial surrogates on model performance. The updated spatial surrogates generally improved predicted PM mass and EC concentrations in the Sacramento area (~10% for PM, ~3% for EC), the Bay Area (~3% for PM, ~1.5% for EC), and the region surrounding Los Angeles (~5% for PM, ~4% for EC). The updated spatial surrogates also improved predicted NOx concentrations in the core region of Los Angeles (~6%). These improvements demonstrate that development and adoption of new methodologies for emissions spatial surrogates can improve the accuracy of regional chemical transport models for criteria air pollutants.
COVID-19 management in light of the circadian clock.

Circadian clocks control the function of our immune system, virus replication and the severity of infections. Our daily rhythms also regulate the pharmacokinetics and efficacy of several therapeutics. Consequently, better understanding of the effects of circadian biology on SARS-CoV-2 infection would improve the clinical management of COVID-19. Circadian clocks control our immune system, infections and pharmacokinetics. Ray and Reddy argue that better understanding the effects of circadian biology on SARS-CoV-2 infection would improve COVID-19 management.
Waste in the Medicare Program: a National Cross-Sectional Analysis of 2017 Low-Value Service Use and Spending

Author(s): Reid, Rachel O; Mafi, John N; Baseman, Lesley H; Fendrick, A Mark; Damberg, Cheryl L
Een multimethode-, multi-informant onderzoek naar validatie en invalidatie door moeders van een adolescente dochter met zelfbeschadiging

Doel: Deze studie beoogt het opvoedgedrag van moeders van adolescente dochters met herhaaldelijke zelfbeschadiging te kwalificeren, en om de veronderstelde relaties tussen opvoedgedrag en psychopathologie bij adolescenten te toetsen. Methode: deelnemers waren moeders en hun veertien tot achttien jaar oude dochters (N = 51 dyades), onder wie 24 adolescenten (47%) met een geschiedenis van zelfbeschadiging en 27 (53%) adolescenten zonder geschiedenis van zelfbeschadiging. De dyades vulden vragenlijsten in over de door hen ervaren validatie en invalidatie door de moeder, en zij hebben meegedaan aan face-to-face interacties die zijn beoordeeld op het opvoedgedrag. Resultaten: De twee groepen verschillen niet significant op validatie en invalidatie (dat geldt voor alle informanten en methoden). Voor de gehele steekproef geldt: het opvoedgedrag en de percepties die adolescenten van het opvoedgedrag van de moeder hebben, voorspellen de mate van psychopathologie bij de adolescenten. Vooral de perceptie van een ernstige invalidatie bij de moeder en percepties van een lage validatie zijn gerelateerd aan zelf gerapporteerde borderline pathologie en externaliserende problemen, alsmede aan door de moeder gerapporteerde internaliserende en externaliserende problemen bij de adolescent. Conclusies: We hebben in deze studie geen steun gevonden voor de veronderstelde tekortkomingen in de opvoeding van moeders van adolescenten met zelfbeschadiging. De percepties die adolescenten hebben van de hoge invalidatie en lage validatie in de opvoeding door de moeder zijn wel gerelateerd aan een hoge mate van psychopathologie bij adolescenten.
Electron Beam-Plasma Interaction in an Electron-Positron Plasma System with Kappa-Distributed Electrons

Interaction of a beam of electrons with the background electrons commonly occurs in high-energy astrophysical plasmas such as active galactic nuclei, supernovas, and pulsar environments, where positrons are also present. Previously, we have studied the properties of electrostatic solitary waves in two plasma models containing kappa-distributed electrons: one with electron beam, 1 and another one with positrons. 2 In the present study, we determine the existence domains of positron-acoustic solitary waves in a three-fluid plasma model consisting of a positrons fluid, a cold electron fluid, an electron beam fluid, and background electrons modeled by a kappa-distribution function. The Sagdeev pseudopotential approach was employed to investigate the occurrence of positron-acoustic solitons. We have explored how the properties of positron-acoustic solitons are influenced by the electron beam and kappa-distributed electrons. These results broaden our understanding of the formation of positron-acoustic solitary waves in high-energy astrophysics supported by kappa-distributed and beam electrons.
Geostationary Spectrograph (GeoSpec) for Earth and Atmospheric Science Applications

GeoSpec will support several possible future mission concepts in the Atmospheric Sciences and in Land and Ocean Sciences by measurement of both chemically linked atmospheric trace gas concentrations and profiles of important molecules such as OS, N02, CH20 and SO2 and at the same time coastal and ocean pollution events, tidal effects, and the origin and evolution of aerosol plumes. The instrument design concept we will describe is a dual spectrograph covering the WMS wavelength region of 310- 481 nm and the VIS/NIR wavelength region of 500-900 nm. A third channel in the short- wave infrared (SWIR) region between 2.2 p and 2.4 pn for total column measurements of CO, CH4, and N20 will also be described. The goal is to design a system capable of making moderate spatial resolution (750 meters at nadir) hyperspectral measurements (0.2 to 1.2 nm resolution) from a geostationary orbit. This would enable studies of time- varying pollution and coastal change processes with a temporal resolution of 5 minutes on a regional scale to 1 hour on a continental scale. Technological advances in the design and fabrication of convex holographic gratings and large format, high dynamic range PIN/CMOS detectors at the focal plane will be exploited. By simply changing the focal length of the front-end telescope GeoSpec can accommodate different orbital altitudes, including low Earth orbit, the Sun-side Lagrangian point L1, and/or different spatial resolutions.
Endogenous versus Reactive

This entry examines the evolution of the classification of depression from the endogenous-reactive model, which proposed that the causal sources were either internal (brain based/biological) or external (a reaction to a stressful life event) to the integrative model that is widely accepted today. The original concept's historical roots are briefly summarized, followed by a discussion of several lines of genetically informed research that have shed light on the etiologic sources of psychiatric conditions such as depression and posttraumatic stress disorder. More specifically, gene-environment correlation (rGE) research has aided in the shift away from the once commonly held belief that depression was dichotomously categorized into endogenous (biological) or reactive (environmental) forms. Keywords: genetics; depression; post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Convergence to Equitable Play in the Repeated Ultimatum Game with Advance Production

Claims for distributive justice are common in political and economic disputes, and individual perceptions of what is a fair allocation are heterogeneous!
Conformational Studies on a Glycosylated Bovine Pancreatic Ribonuclease

Abstract Various spectral properties (circular dichroism, optical rotatory dispersion, and ultraviolet denaturation difference spectroscopy) of a glycosylated bovine pancreatic ribonuclease (RNase B') have been measured. This glycoprotein contains an average of 1 mole of glucosamine and 2 to 3 moles of mannose per mole of protein. The amino acid composition of RNase B' is identical with that of ribonuclease A (RNase A), and the amino acid sequence of the two proteins is believed to be identical. The CD spectrum of RNase B' was resolved into Gaussian bands, and assignments were made to optically active side chain chromophores and peptide groups. The rotational strength of each transition was determined and found to be essentially the same as the corresponding value for RNase A. The ORD spectrum of RNase B' was also virtually identical with that of RNase A. The denaturation difference spectrum indicated about three buried tyrosyl groups in RNase B', in agreement with the structure and spectrum of RNase A. These spectral results, which reflect different portions of the protein, strongly suggest that the secondary and tertiary structure of the glycoprotein is identical with that of the nonglycosylated protein, RNase A. Consequently, the carbohydrate moiety has no effect on the conformation of the protein. Kinetic studies of unfolding and refolding also indicated no appreciable effect of the oligosaccharide on the rate constants. Evidence is presented which shows that RNase B' unfolds and refolds in guanidine hydrochloride at neutral pH via the two-state mechanism, as does RNase A. Thus, the equilibrium spectral parameters, measured at various denaturant concentrations, could be converted to the free energy for the reaction, native protein → unfolded protein, which does not involve an appreciable concentration of stable intermediates. From these data, the free energy of unfolding in the absence of denaturant, ΔG0, was obtained by means of various extrapolation methods. The average value found for ΔG0 was 15.3 Cal per mole, which is only several hundred calories per mole greater than that of RNase A, i.e. the carbohydrate moiety has only a small stabilizing effect on the protein. The acid-induced unfolding of RNase B, like that of RNase A, was quite complicated and difficult to interpret quantitatively. The data do, however, suggest that several masked carboxyl groups are responsible for the acid transition. Herein, we have emphasized how spectral data, in particular near ultraviolet CD spectroscopy, can be quantitatively analyzed to permit very detailed comparisons on the conformation and stability of similar proteins.
Biomechanical regulation of leptin expression in vascular smooth muscle both in vivo and in vitro: a novel vascular-proteomic and physiological approach (866.9)

Hypertension is considered one of the major risk factors in developing cardiovascular diseases. Hemodynamic abnormality in hypertension is associated with structural and functional alterations whic...
Mutagenesis of dimeric plasmids by the transposon gamma delta (Tn1000).

The Escherichia coli F factor mediates conjugal transfer of a plasmid such as pBR322 primarily by replicative transposition of transposon {gamma}{delta} (Tn1000) from F to that plasmid to form a cointegrate intermediate. Although resolution of this cointegrate always yields a plasmid containing a single {gamma}{delta} insertion, the occasional recovery of transposon-free plasmids after connuugal transfer has led to alternative hypotheses for F mobilization. The authors show here that {gamma}{delta}-free plasmids are found after F-mediated conjugal transfer only when the donor plasmid is a dimer and the recipient is Rec{sup +}.
The neural cell cycle in the looptail (Lp ) mutant mouse

The cell cycle of mesencephalic ventricular cells was studied by means of tritiated thymidine radioautography during normal and abnormal development in the looptail (Lp ) mutant mouse. The total generation time, DNA-synthetic (S), premitotic (G2), mitotic (M), and postmitotic (G1) periods were compared in looptail homozygotes (Lp/Lp ) which exhibit neural dysraphism and in their normal littermates (+ / +) at 10 and 11 days ’ gestation. Both normal and abnormal embryos showed a chronological lengthening of the generation time between the 10th and 11th day. However, the generation time in the 10-day abnormal brains was 4·5 h longer than that in normal littermates, and the difference was the result of an increase mainly in the M and G1 periods. At 11 days of gestation the generation time in the abnormal brains increased by 50 h over that of the normal brains. Since the cell cycle was actually prolonged in the defective brains, the increased numbers of mitotic figures which characterize the looptail homozygote brain during early development appear to reflect the lengthening of the mitotic period rather than increased proliferation.
Factors Influencing the Activities of the Cotton Bollworm Moth (Heliothis Obsoleta Fab.)

Continued observations on the activities of the cotton bollworm moth show that the growth of the cotton as indicated by the plant height and fruiting are factors that influence the moth and egg population. The migratory habits, time of flight, and proportion of sexes are also discussed.
Emerging treatments for ovarian cancer.

The survival at 5 years, of patients with ovarian cancer, has steadily improved since 1960, when surgery and alkylating agents were the only initial modalities employed to cope with the usual late presentation of the disease. In the 1980s, cisplatin and then carboplatin became established as the most active drugs, alone or in combination with other drugs. In the last decade, the antimicrotubulin drug paclitaxel, and the topoisomerase I inhibitor topotecan were noted to be active after failure of platinum drugs. These drugs, as well as others with known activity in the second-line setting, such as the pegylated liposomal doxorubicin, gemcitabine and oral etoposide, all play a role in the treatment of these patients and likely prolong survival without eradicating the disease. The plight of these patients has stimulated new areas of drug development. Here, the evolution of the current therapeutic strategy, the scientific rationale for cytotoxic and non-cytotoxic agents and their status at present are reviewe...
Maintenance of heterocyst patterning in a filamentous cyanobacterium

In the absence of sufficient combined nitrogen, some filamentous cyanobacteria differentiate nitrogen-fixing heterocysts at approximately every 10th cell position. As cells between heterocysts grow and divide, this initial pattern is maintained by the differentiation of a single cell approximately midway between existing heterocysts. This paper introduces a mathematical model for the maintenance of the periodic pattern of heterocysts differentiated by Anabaena sp. strain PCC 7120 based on the current experimental knowledge of the system. The model equations describe a non-diffusing activator (HetR) and two inhibitors (PatS and HetN) that undergo diffusion in a growing one-dimensional domain. The inhibitors in this model have distinct diffusion rates and temporal expression patterns. These unique aspects of the model reflect recent experimental findings regarding the molecular interactions that regulate patterning in Anabaena. Output from the model is in good agreement with both the temporal and spatial ch...
Exhaust oxygen sensor dynamic study

We used transfer function approach to investigate the dynamics of oxygen sensors in engine exhaust environment, operated in both Lambda and wide range sensing modes. We measured the sensor transfer functions of the sensor responses and compared with the model. All the dynamic mechanisms involved were identified. The dynamic contributions are from the louver-shield, the protection coating-layer, the sensing electrode of the sensor; the exhaust gas pipe, the engine wall-wetting effect, the sample-and-hold effect of the discrete individual cylinder event, and the engine controller module. The engine wall-wetting effect shaped the measured sensor transfer function. The exhaust pipe caused most of the signal delay but no distortion to the signal strength. Within the exhaust sensor, the coating layer and the electrode determined the intrinsic sensor response time.
Transcriptional Activation of Drosophila Homeotic Genes From Distant Regulatory Elements

In Drosophila the genes responsible for specifying segment identity (the homeotic genes) are transcribed in complex patterns during development. Mutations that mimic loss of homeotic gene activity identify cis-acting DNA sequences and trans-acting proteins required for transcriptional activation. Some of the trans-acting proteins may facilitate interactions between cis-regulatory elements and the promoter by bringing together distant chromosomal elements.
Reproductive Stages Limiting Productivity of the Endangered Attwater’s Prairie Chicken

An important concern of conservation biologists is determining what conditions most limit the number of individuals in endangered populations. Because time is a constraint, narrowing the search for such factors is beneficial. Toward this end we used broad spatial and temporal data, to test the hypothesis that reproductive success (as measured by juvenile-to-adult ratios) of the endangered Attwater’s Prairie Chicken (Tympanuchus cupido attwateri) was not equal to that of the nonendangered Greater Prairie Chicken (T. c. pinnatus). We then tested the hypotheses that mean clutch size, egg hatchability, nesting success, and number of chicks per brood prior to brood breakup for Attwater’s Prairie Chicken were not equal to those of the Greater Prairie Chicken. We found that the mean ratio of juveniles to adults among Attwater’s Prairie Chicken was less than that of the Greater Prairie Chicken (p < 0.011), as would be predicted if reproductive success controls proportional changes in prairie-grouse numbers among years. Mean nesting success (32.2%) and number of chicks per brood prior to brood breakup (4.2) of Attwater’s Prairie Chicken were both less than those of the Greater Prairie Chicken (49.5 %, p = 0.0425, and 6.0 p = 0.0001, respectively). We suggest that researchers focus on determining what proportion of Attwater’s Prairie Chicken broods survive and why Attwater’s Prairie Chicken nesting and brood-rearing success are so poor relative to those of the Greater Prairie Chicken. Una consideracion importante para biologos de conservacion es determinar cuales condiciones son mas limitantes para individuos de poblaciones en peligro de extincion. Porque el tiempo es constringente, enfocando la busqueda a tales factores seria beneficiosos. Hacia este fin probamos la hipothesis que el exito reproductivo (medido por la tasa de juveniles a adultos) de la especie en peligro de extincion, Tympanuchus cupido attwateri, no era igual que el de la especie no en peligro de extincion, T. c. pinnatus usando inforamcion con amplia extension geographic y temporal. Ademas probamons las siguientes hipothesis, que el numero promedio de huevos por nidada, salida del huevo, exito de anidacion, y el numero de polluelos por nidada antes de la dispersion de pollos, no eran igual al de T. c. pinnatus. Encontramos que la tasa promedio de juveniles a adultos de T. c. attwateri era menor que el de T. c. pinnatus (p = 0.011), que seria lo que se predeciria si el exito reproductivo es lo que controla los cambios proporcionales occurridos anualmente en el numero de gallinaceas de pradera. Para T. c. attwateri el promedio de nidos exitosos (32.2%) y el numero de polluelos por nidada, previo a la dispersion de los pollos (4.2), era menor que para T. c. pinnatus (49.5%, p = 0.0425, y 6.0, p = 0.0001, respectivamente). Sugerimos que investigadores se enfoquen en determinar que proporcion de las nidadas de T. c. attwateri sobreviven y porque el exito reproductivo y crianza de pollos de T. c. attwateri as tan bajo relativo al de T. c. pinnatus.
Ventral versus dorsal decompression for cervical spondylotic myelopathy: surgeons' assessment of eligibility for randomization in a proposed randomized controlled trial: results of a survey of the Cervical Spine Research Society.

STUDY DESIGN Surgeons attending a Cervical Spine Research Society (CSRS) meeting were surveyed about the surgical approach to cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM). OBJECTIVE To elicit spine surgeons' opinions on the suitability of a panel of test cases for randomization in a proposed randomized controlled trial (RCT) of ventral versus dorsal decompression for CSM. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA The optimal surgical decompression strategy for CSM has not been defined. Specific eligibility criteria should be defined before a RCT is initiated. METHODS Twenty actual cases with images were prepared. Surgeons supplied demographic information, preferred surgical approach, and eligibility for randomization for 10 cases. RESULTS A total of 91 of 239 (38%) surgeons completed the survey. Of 900 case-strategy responses, 51% recommended ventral surgery, 38% dorsal surgery, and 11% a combined approach. Both overall C2-C7 kyphosis >5 degrees and a segmental kyphotic deformity were inversely correlated with eligibility for randomization (P < 0.001 for both). Using these 2 criteria plus age over 85 years, ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament, and congenital canal stenosis as additional exclusion criteria, 12 of 20 survey cases were considered potentially eligible for randomization. Orthopedic and neurologic surgeons were similar in determining a case's eligibility for randomization. CONCLUSIONS These results measure surgeons' opinions on the suitability of cases for randomization and help to define entry and exclusion criteria for a RCT comparing ventral to dorsal strategies. Over 50% of CSM cases from a general spinal practice might be eligible for randomization.
Chromosomes of the caryophyllidean tapeworm Glaridacris laruei.

Abstract The chromosomes of the monozoic tapeworm Glaridacris laruei, from 4 locations in New York State, were studied in leucobasic fuchsin stained squashes of testes and vitelline cells. The diploid chromosome number is 16. Metaphase figures from vitelline cells consist of 3 pairs of metacentrics (“V's”), 4 pairs of acrocentrics (“rods”), and 1 pair of submetacentrics (“J's”). The complement is characterized by a pair of metacentrics 9 μm long, representing 11.5% of the total chromosome length. The shortest are acrocentrics, 2–4 μm long. Meiosis was observed only in spermatogenesis, which proceeds as usual with normal sperm formed after 2 meiotic divisions. Colchicine pretreatment did not facilitate analysis of chromosomes. The scarcity of cell division in 2 populations of G. laruei suggests a possible mitotic rhythm or temperature effect on cell division. Similarities were observed between the the complements of G. laruei and Hunterella nodulosa (2n = 14). A theoretical idiogram, constructed from that of G. laruei, closely resembles H. nodulosa, indicating that there may be a close cytological relationship between these phenotypically different caryophyllids. An idiogram and photographs of chromosomes supplement the paper.
SEX DIFFERENCES IN OXIDATIVE STRESS AND THE IMPACT ON BLOOD PRESSURE CONTROL AND CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE

1. In the present review, we addressed studies in humans and rats to determine the role that oxidative stress may play in mediating cardiovascular outcomes. 2. Biochemical evaluation of oxidative stress in both humans and spontaneously hypertensive rats gives equivocal results as to the relative levels in males versus females. Clinical trials with anti-oxidants in humans have not shown consistent results in protecting against detrimental cardiovascular outcomes. In spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), blockade studies using tempol or apocynin reduce renal oxidative stress and blood pressure in male SHR, but not in female rats. In addition, increasing oxidative stress with molsidomine increases blood pressure in male, but not female, SHR. Treatment with vitamins E and C reduces blood pressure in young male, but not aged, animals. Furthermore tempol is unable to reduce blood pressure in young male SHR in the absence of a functional nitric oxide system. 3. Neither human nor animal studies are consistent in terms of whether oxidative stress levels are higher in males or females. Furthermore, anti-oxidant therapy in humans often does not ameliorate, or even attenuate, the negative cardiovascular consequences of increased oxidative stress. Our studies in SHR shed light on why these outcomes occur.
Room-temperature elastic constants of Sc and ScD0.18.

The complete set of elastic constants for Sc and ${\mathrm{ScD}}_{0.18}$ has been measured at room temperature. The results show that the addition of hydrogen to this rare-earth metal has a qualitatively different effect than the addition of hydrogen to transition metals such as palladium, vanadium, niobium, and tantalum. In the case of Sc all five elastic constants increase with the addition of hydrogen. The bulk modulus for ${\mathrm{ScD}}_{0.18}$ is 9.5% higher than that for Sc. The Debye temperature computed from the room-temperature elastic constants is 355 K for Sc and 371 K for ${\mathrm{ScD}}_{0.18}$.
Reactive diffusion in a prototype system : nickel-aluminum. II : The ordered Cu3Au rule and the sequence of phase formation, nucleation

Abstract In most metallic compounds (and also in others) it is anticipated that the majority atoms will diffuse faster than the minority atoms. This effects has been named the ordered Cu 3 Au rule after the well known compound. Some extensions are possible. Because the majority atoms are mostly bound to like atoms, they should display bonding and diffusion properties similar to those displayed in the elemental state. Thus nickel atoms in AlNi 3 should, and do, diffuse at about the same rate as in pure nickel. Furthermore, when comparing two compounds such as AlNi 3 and Al 3 Ni, one would anticipate that aluminum atoms would diffuse much more readily in Al 3 Ni than nickel atoms in AlNi 3 . Without entering into the largely fruitless debate about the identity of the first phase formed, these considerations lead to the expectation that Al 3 Ni should form and grow before AlNi 3 . This is indeed what is generally observed. A reversal of the usual order is probably due to impurity effects. In the nickel-aluminum system the absence of some phases, here Al 3 Ni 5 , may safely be attributed to a high nucleation barrier.
Failure of fluorocarbon treatment to affect sensitivity of scrapie agent to ultraviolet light.

Abstract Treatment of a suspension of brain, from scrapie affected mice, with fluorocarbon reduced the titre of the agent by about 60 per cent. A second exposure further reduced the titre by a total of 90 per cent. Dry weight and protein content of suspensions were reduced by similar amounts following fluorocarbon treatment so that no overall purification of agent was obtained. However, fluorocarbon had a more marked effect on dry weight and protein content of a fraction sedimented at 100 000 to 130 000 g . No difference was observed in the sensitivity of scrapie activity to inactivation by u.v. light at a wavelength of 254 nm following exposure of a suspension of scrapie agent to one or two treatments with fluorocarbon.
The effects of sexual permissiveness, target gender, subject gender, and attitude toward women on social perception: In search of the double standard

The sexual double standard, if held by perceivers, should result in more negative evaluations of sexually permissive females than males. Previous research on the double standard has generally ignored this normative issue, and has instead relied on self-report methods to measure personal sexual behavior and the stated limits of acceptable behavior for others. Male and female subjects, either liberal or traditional in their sex role attitudes, were exposed to a male or female target of one of four levels of sexual permissiveness. On most scales, representing a wide range of social judgments, there was no evidence of a sexual double standard. Limited evidence emerged in that male, but not female, subjects may have exhibited a double standard in their ratings of how sexual the target was. In addition, liberal males and traditional females rated female targets who had casual sex as less agreeable than comparable male targets. Despite the general absence of a double-standard effect, sexual permissiveness affected ratings such that more permissive targets were judged as less moral, less conventional, more assertive, more sexual, marginally more likable and less conforming. The findings are discussed in terms of the double standard, the effects of sexual permissiveness on social perception, and gender differences in perceiving sexuality.
THREE FACES OF EXPLANATION: RETHINKING THE THEORY PROJECT*

Abstract Knowledgeable observers disagree about the state of theory development in sociology. Some critics claim that sociology has not produced general theory and is incapable of doing so. Others take strong exception to this view but admit that theory development in sociology lags behind other sciences. Furthermore, even the defenders cannot agree on how much theory is in the sociological storehouse. More important, individual sociologists claim to have produced more theory than any objective observer is likely to find. This article tries to understand debates about the state of theory development in sociology. It advances a simple thesis: What passes for sociological “theory” consists mainly of discourse that is neither theoretical nor explanatory, and explanations that are not theoretical. The article identifies two commonly used forms of sociological explanation, compares them with theoretical explanations, and suggests how sociologists can exploit the connections among the three forms to enhance the...
Metal Oxide Catalysts for the Evolution of O2 from H2O

This paper describes an iron-nickel oxide catalyst that can eliminate oxygen overvoltage in the electrolysis of alkaline water. Oxygen overvoltage is the largest source of energy loss in water electrolysis. A method for cathodic electrodeposition of first-row transition metal oxides for use as catalysts is described, and the effects of the electrodeposition variables on catalytic performance and catalyst composition were explored. The NiFe oxide catalyst achieved a nearly ideal anodic electron-transfer coefficient, αa = 0.0082 (14.8 mV/decade) in a 1 M KOH solution. The metal oxide catalysts reported here could produce hydrogen and oxygen from water at approximately the thermodynamic potential for small currents. Both transmission electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy experiments indicated that the NiFe oxide was composed of small crystals (∼1 nm) connected with an amorphous phase and contained a highly disordered arrangement of all nonmetallic nickel and iron oxidation states. Changes ...
Morphological differences of symbiotic fungi Smittium culisetae (Harpellales: Legeriomycetaceae) in different Dipteran hosts.

Abstract Harpellales (Legeriomycetaceae, Zygomycota) or ‘trichomycetes’ are fungi that inhabit the digestive tracts of arthropods such as insects, millipedes, and crustaceans. In the current study we examined changes in 5 morphological characters of Smittium culisetae (Harpellales: Legeriomycetaceae) between the two dipteran (mosquito, black fly) hosts reared under 3 different temperatures (17, 22, 30 °C). Both host and temperature had a pervasive effect on the linear dimension of trichospores, their generative cells and hyphae width. At 30 °C the mean size of all 5 morphological characters were consistently larger in fungus taken from the mosquito host than from the black fly host. At 17 °C and 22 °C, however, there were no consistent patterns. The effect of host was so pronounced that it could be accurately determined which host S. culisetae colonised based on differences in linear morphology. Such changes in fungal morphology between hosts have important ramifications for the morphologically based taxonomy of this group.
Pourable Artificial Diet for Rearing Anoplophora glabripennis (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) and Methods to Optimize Larval Survival and Synchronize Development

Anoplophora glabripennis (Motschulsky) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), is a recently introduced non-native invasive species in the United States that has the potential to destroy several tree species in urban and forest habitats. The ability to rear A. glabripennis in quarantine is critical to rapid progress on techniques for the exclusion, detection, and eradication of this pest. Survival and development were compared for larvae from two populations (Chicago, IL, and Queens, NY) on six diets containing varying levels of Fe (69–237 mg/liter) and for three populations (Illinois and New York plus Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China) under four larval chill treatments (6, 9, 12, or 16 wk of development before chill). Larval survival and percentage pupation significantly decreased and developmental time slightly increased with increasing Fe levels in the diet. Larval survival and percentage of pupation were highest, adults weighed the most, and developmental time was shortest when larvae were reared on a pourable modification of the Enaphalodes rufulus (Haldeman) (ER) diet. Individuals from the China and Illinois populations were heavier than those from New York. On average, larvae from the Illinois population were ready to pupate sooner than those from New York or China. Some larvae that had not reached their critical weight for pupation before the chill period required a second chill period before initiating pupation. Overall survival increased as the developmental time period before chill increased. Further evaluation of the effects of temperature on development is needed to better understand the triggers for pupation and to predict the timing of various stages.
The Impact of Recombinant DNA on Inborn Errors of Metabolism

The Impact of Recombinant DNA on Inborn Errors of Metabolism Stephen Cederbaum; Genetics in Medicine