cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Guanosine Diphosphate-l-Fucose Glycopeptide Fucosyltransferase Activity in Corynebacterium insidiosum

The biosynthesis of a phytotoxic glycopeptide of Corynebacterium insidiosum involves guanosine diphosphate-l-fucosyltransferase activity. This enzyme activity is most consistently associated with the cellular membranes fraction. The optimal pH for the transfer reaction is 7.5. The partially hydrolyzed toxin serves as an acceptor (primer) of l-fucose.
Commissural Interneurons in Rhythm Generation and Intersegmental Coupling in the Lamprey Spinal Cord

Commissural interneurons in rhythm generation and intersegmental coupling in the lamprey spinal cord. To test the necessity of spinal commissural interneurons in the generation of the swim rhythm in lamprey, longitudinal midline cuts of the isolated spinal cord preparation were made. Fictive swimming was then induced by bath perfusion with an excitatory amino acid while recording ventral root activity. When the spinal cord preparation was cut completely along the midline into two lateral hemicords, the rhythmic activity of fictive swimming was lost, usually replaced with continuous ventral root spiking. The loss of the fictive swim rhythm was not due to nonspecific damage produced by the cut because rhythmic activity was present in split regions of spinal cord when the split region was still attached to intact cord. The quality of this persistent rhythmic activity, quantified with an autocorrelation method, declined with the distance of the split spinal segment from the remaining intact spinal cord. The deterioration of the rhythm was characterized by a lengthening of burst durations and a shortening of the interburst silent phases. This pattern of deterioration suggests a loss of rhythmic inhibitory inputs. The same pattern of rhythm deterioration was seen in preparations with the rostral end of the spinal cord cut compared with those with the caudal end cut. The results of this study indicate that commissural interneurons are necessary for the generation of the swimming rhythm in the lamprey spinal cord, and the characteristic loss of the silent interburst phases of the swimming rhythm is consistent with a loss of inhibitory commissural interneurons. The results also suggest that both descending and ascending commissural interneurons are important in the generation of the swimming rhythm. The swim rhythm that persists in the split cord while still attached to an intact portion of spinal cord is thus imposed by interneurons projecting from the intact region of cord into the split region. These projections are functionally short because rhythmic activity was lost within approximately five spinal segments from the intact region of spinal cord.
Caveolin-1 Regulates NF-κB Activation and Lung Inflammatory Response to Sepsis Induced by Lipopolysaccharide

Caveolin-1, the principal structural and signaling protein of caveolae, is implicated in NO-mediated cell signaling events, but its precise role in inflammation is not well understood. Using caveolin-1-knockout (Cav-1(-/-)) mice, we addressed the role of caveolin-1 in the lung inflammatory response to sepsis induced by i.p. injection of LPS. LPS-challenged wild-type (WT) lungs exhibited significant increases in neutrophil sequestration (approximately 16-fold), lung microvascular permeability K(f,c) (approximately 5.7-fold), and edema formation (approximately 1.6-fold). Compared with WT, Cav-1(-/-) lungs showed marked attenuation of LPS-induced neutrophil sequestration (approximately 11-fold increase) and inhibition of microvascular barrier breakdown and edema formation. Prevention of lung injury in Cav-1(-/-) mice was associated with decreased mortality in response to LPS challenge. To address the basis of the reduced inflammation and injury in Cav-1(-/-) lungs, we examined the role of NO because its plasma concentration is known to be increased in Cav-1(-/-) mice. Cav-1(-/-) mouse lungs demonstrated a significant increase in endothelial NO synthase (eNOS)-derived NO production relative to WT, which is consistent with the role of caveolin-1 as a negative regulator of eNOS activity. Cav-1(-/-) lungs concurrently showed suppression of NF-kappaB activity and decreased transcription of inducible NO synthase and ICAM-1. Coadministration of LPS with the NO synthase inhibitor nitro-L-arginine in Cav-1(-/-) mice prevented the suppression of NF-kappaB activity and restored lung polymorphonuclear leukocyte sequestration in response to LPS challenge. Thus, caveolin-1, through its ability to regulate eNOS-derived NO production, is a crucial determinant of NF-kappaB activation and the lung inflammatory response to LPS.
Much Ado About Leptoquarks: A Comprehensive Analysis

We examine the phenomenological implications of a $\ensuremath{\sim}200\mathrm{GeV}$ leptoquark in light of the recent excess of events at DESY HERA. Given the relative predictions of events rates in ${e}^{+}p$ versus ${e}^{\ensuremath{-}}p,$ we demonstrate that classes of leptoquarks may be excluded, including those contained in ${\mathrm{E}}_{6}$ grand unified theory (GUT) models. It is shown that future studies with polarized beams at HERA could reveal the chirality of the leptoquark fermionic coupling and that given sufficient luminosity in each ${e}_{L,R}^{\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}}$ channel the leptoquark quantum numbers could be determined. The implications of 200--220 GeV leptoquarks at the Fermilab Tevatron are examined. While present Tevatron data most likely exclude vector leptoquarks and leptogluons in this mass region, it does allow for scalar leptoquarks. We find that while leptoquarks have little influence on Drell-Yan production, further studies at the Main Injector may be possible in the single production channel provided the Yukawa couplings are sufficiently large. We investigate precision electroweak measurements as well as the process ${e}^{+}{e}^{\ensuremath{-}}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}q\overline{q}$ at CERN LEP II and find they provide no further restrictions on these leptoquark models. We then ascertain that cross section and polarization asymmetry measurements at the Next Linear Collider (NLC) provide the only direct mechanism to determine the leptoquark's electroweak quantum numbers. The single production of leptoquarks in $\ensuremath{\gamma}e$ collisions by both the back-scattered laser and Weisacker-Williams techniques at the NLC is also discussed. Finally, we demonstrate that we can obtain successful coupling constant unification in models with leptoquarks, both with or without supersymmetry. The supersymmetric case requires the GUT group to be larger than SU(5) such as flipped ${\mathrm{SU}(5)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}\mathrm{U}(1)}_{X}.$
Effects of nitrogen implantation on the tribology and microstructure of cobalt-based systems

Abstract High fluence nitrogen implantation improved the cavitation erosion resistance of a cobalt-based superalloy (Stoody 3), primarily because of implantation effects in the cobalt-based matrix phase. As shown by X-ray diffraction examinations of eroded alloy surfaces, the metastable face-centered cubic (f.c.c.) matrix phase is stabilized by implantation. Prolonged matrix phase ductility and decreased carbide-matrix debonding were the results of the reduced incidence of stress-induced f.c.c. to hexagonal close packed (h.c.p.) transformations in the implanted surfaces during cavitation. The cavitation erosion resistance of a 6wt.%Co-WC cemented carbide also improved with implantation, again because of increased durability of the matrix phase.
Injectable intratumoral depot of thermally responsive polypeptide-radionuclide conjugates delays tumor progression in a mouse model

This study evaluated a biodegradable drug delivery system for local cancer radiotherapy consisting of a thermally sensitive elastin-like polypeptide (ELP) conjugated to a therapeutic radionuclide. Two ELPs (49 kDa) were synthesized using genetic engineering to test the hypothesis that injectable biopolymeric depots can retain radionuclides locally and reduce the growth of tumors. A thermally sensitive polypeptide, ELP(1), was designed to spontaneously undergo a soluble-insoluble phase transition (forming viscous microparticles) between room temperature and body temperature upon intratumoral injection, while ELP(2) was designed to remain soluble upon injection and to serve as a negative control for the effect of aggregate assembly. After intratumoral administration of radionuclide conjugates of ELPs into implanted tumor xenografts in nude mice, their retention within the tumor, spatio-temporal distribution, and therapeutic effect were quantified. The residence time of the radionuclide-ELP(1) in the tumor was significantly longer than the thermally insensitive ELP(2) conjugate. In addition, the thermal transition of ELP(1) significantly protected the conjugated radionuclide from dehalogenation, whereas the conjugated radionuclide on ELP(2) was quickly eliminated from the tumor and cleaved from the biopolymer. These attributes of the thermally sensitive ELP(1) depot improved the antitumor efficacy of iodine-131 compared to the soluble ELP(2) control. This novel injectable and biodegradable depot has the potential to control advanced-stage cancers by reducing the bulk of inoperable tumors, enabling surgical removal of de-bulked tumors, and preserving healthy tissues.
Is directly measured low-density lipoprotein clinically equivalent to calculated low-density lipoprotein?

Background Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) can either be calculated or measured directly. Clinical guidelines recommend the use of calculated LDL-C (C-LDL-C) to guide therapy because the evidence base for cholesterol management is derived almost exclusively from trials that use C-LDL-C, with direct measurement of LDL-C (D-LDL-C) being reserved for those patients who are nonfasting or with significant hypertriglyceridemia. Objective Our aim was to determine the clinical equivalence of directly measured-LDL-C, using a Siemens Advia Chemistry System, and fasting C-LDL-C. Methods Eighty-one subjects recruited for two cholesterol treatment studies had at least one C-LDL-C and D-LDL-C performed simultaneously; 64 had a repeat lipid assessment after 4 to 6 weeks of therapy, resulting in 145 pairs of C-LDL-C and D-LDL-C. Results There was significant correlation between D-LDL-C and C-LDL-C (r 2 = 0.86). Correlation was significantly better in those with lower total cholesterol, triglycerides, and high-density lipoprotein. In 60% of subjects, the difference between D-LDL-C and C-LDL-C was more than 5 mg/dL and greater than 6%. Clinical concordance between D-LDL-C and C-LDL-C was present in 40% of patients, whereas clinical discordance was noted in 25%. One-third had greater than a 15 mg/dL difference between D-LDL-C and C-LDL-C, whereas 25% had a greater than 20 mg/dL difference. In 47% of subjects, the difference between D-LDL-C and C-LDL-C at baseline and follow-up changed by a minimum of 10% or 10 mg/dL. Conclusions Our findings suggest that D-LDL-C is not clinically equivalent to C-LDL-C. This puts into question the current recommendation of using D-LDL-C in situations in which C-LDL-C would be inaccurate.
The propagation of stress waves into a laminated half space using a second order microstructure theory

Abstract A second order microstructure theory for the dynamic behaviour of elastic laminates is applied to the problem of a laminated half space, with interfaces normal to the boundary, subjected to harmonically time varying displacement and stress distributions at the boundary. The finite number of modes of the microstructure theory is found to be sufficient to model a uniform normal displacement boundary condition but not a uniform normal stress boundary condition. The solutions yield the constituent displacement and stress distributions both near the boundary and in the far field and permit an assessment of the usefulness of the microstructure theory for such boundary value problems.
Regioregular and Regioirregular Poly(p-phenylene)s via Ni(0)-Catalyzed Homocoupling of Arylene Bismesylates

Head-to-head regioregular poly(p-phenylene)s (PPPs) were synthesized via Ni(0)-catalyzed polymerization of 2,2‘-disubstituted 4,4‘-bis[(methylsulfonyl)oxy]biphenyls (9). The corresponding regioirregular PPPs were prepared by the Ni(0)-catalyzed homopolymerization of 2-substituted 1,4-bis[(methylsulfonyl)oxy]benzenes (6) and by copolymerization of 6 with 9. The precursors of 6 and 9, i.e., 2-substituted 1,4-dihydroxybenzene (5) and 2,2‘-disubstituted 4,4‘-dihydroxybiphenyl (8), were synthesized by a synthetic method elaborated previously in our laboratory [J. Org. Chem. 1995, 60, 1066]. Head-to-head regioregular PPPs are crystalline and insoluble (except when the substituent is 4-tert-butylbenzoyl) while the corresponding regioirregular polymers are noncrystalline and soluble. The highest molecular weight regioirregular PPP was obtained by copolymerization of a 1:1 ratio of 6 with the corresponding 9. The influence of the size and the electronic properties of the substituent on the reactivity of monomers 6...
Why a neuromaturational model of memory fails: exuberant learning in early infancy.

The characteristics of memory in infants and adults seem vastly different. The neuromaturational model attributes these differences to an ontogenetic change in the basic memory process, namely, to the hierarchical maturation of two distinct memory systems. The early-maturing (implicit) system is functional during the first third of infancy and supports the gradual learning of perceptual and motor skills; the late-maturing (explicit) system supports representations of contextually specific events, relationships, and associations. An alternative model holds that the basic memory process does not change, but what infants and adults select to encode for learning does. This ontogenetic change in selective attention has been mistaken for an ontogenetic shift in the basic memory process. Over the last 25 years, evidence from transfer studies with developing rats and human infants has revealed that the first third of infancy is actually a period of exuberant learning that ends, not coincidentally, at the same age that the late-maturing memory system presumably emerges. This article reviews data from recent studies of sensory preconditioning, potentiation, associative chains, and transitive inference with human infants that support this conclusion—data for which the neuromaturational model cannot account. Fast mapping is a general learning mechanism that accounts for this evidence.
The effect of a human plasma thymic factor on human peripheral blood mononuclear cell subpopulations

Abstract Human plasma thymic factor in vitro (human “facteur thymique serique,” or FTS) (at concentrations between 0.25 and 0.25 × 10 5 pg/ml) significantly increased “avid” E-rosette formation by human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). It also increased the percentage of OKT8 + cells but did not affect the percentages of OKT3 + , OKT4 + , OKT11 + , OKIa1 + , or OKM + cells. In the low-density immature PBMC, FTS increased both total and avid E-rosette formation, while increasing the percentages of OKT3 + and OKT8 + cells and decreasing the percentage of OKT4 + cells. Theophylline decreased E-rosette formation and the percentages of OKT3 + and OKT4 + among PBMC, and increased the percentages of OKT3 + and OKT4 + among the low-density cells. Human FTS may be capable of inducing maturation of immature PBMC into E-rosetteforming OKT3 + 8 + cells, while increasing the percentage of mature cells which may be doubly labeled OKT4 + 8 + . The function of such doubly labeled cells remains to be determined. Human FTS may act by increasing intracellular cAMP in immature cells, but probably has a different mode of action in mature cells.
Intervening Responses Between Questions and Answers in Attitude Surveys

The study reported here was designed to investigate the responses which intervene between asking an attitude question and receiving the respondent's answer. The authors tested the effects of methodological and instrumental variables as well as the effect of asking respondents to report their reasons for holding the attitude reported. At the time this article was written, James Carper was a graduate student in the Department of Psychology at Yale University and Leonard Doob was Professor of Psychology at the same university. Mr. Carper is now a research associate at the University of Illinois.
Multimodal endoscopic evaluation of indeterminate biliary strictures

Indeterminate biliary strictures, those whose etiology remains unclear after initial workup, require further endoscopic evaluation. The biliary endoscopist may utilize both endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) in the evaluation of indeterminate strictures, maximizing the relative strengths of both procedures. Techniques to optimize ERCP yield, including brush cytology, forceps biopsies, needle aspiration and direct cholangioscopy, are described in this article. Ultrasound evaluation, intraductal as well as EUS with fine needle aspiration, may also be used in concert with ERCP and these techniques are also described. The goal of endoscopic evaluation is the identification of malignant lesions at a resectable stage.
Water quality mapping from Landsat digital data

Abstract Landsat multispectral scanner (MSS) data, and U-2 colour and colour infrared photographs were combined with in situ data for the assessment of water quality parameters within the San Francisco Bay-Delta. The water quality parameters of interest included turbidity and suspended solids. The U-2 photography and water quality samples were obtained simultaneously and coincidently with Landsat overpass. Regression models were developed between each of the water quality parameter measurements and Landsat digital data for 29 pre-selected sample sites. These regression models were then extended to the entire study area for mapping the water quality parameters of interest. The results included a series of colour-coded maps, each pertaining to one of the water quality parameters, and the statistical summaries. Areas of relatively high biological activity were clearly discernible on digitally enhanced Landsat MSS data.
Descartes and the Scientific Revolution: Some Kuhnian Reflections

Important to Kuhn's account of scientific change is the observation that when paradigms are in competition with one another, there is a curious breakdown of rational argument and communication between adherents of competing programs. He attributed this to the fact that competing paradigms are incommensurable. The incommensurability thesis centrally involves the claim that there is a deep conceptual gap between competing paradigms in science. In this paper I argue that in one important case of competing paradigms, the Aristotelian explanation of the properties of bodies in terms of matter and form as opposed to the Cartesian mechanist paradigm, where the properties of bodies are explained on the model of machines, there was no such conceptual gap: the notion of a machine was as fully intelligible on the Aristotelian paradigm as it was on the Cartesian. But this does not mean that the debate between the two sides was conducted on purely rational terms. Rational argument breaks down not because of Kuhnian in...
Pluripotent hemopoietic stem cells give rise to osteoclasts in vitro: effects of rGM-CSF

Abstract Studies involving bone marrow transplantation of osteopetrotic rodents have provided evidence for the lineage of the ostcoclast. Recent investigations have demonstrated that pluripotent hemopoietic stem cells (PHSC) isolated from the bone marrow of normal animals cure the skeletal sclerosis and result in the formation of normal osteoclasts when transplanted into ia osteopetrotic rats. A criticism of these findings is that the microenvironment of the osteopetrotic bone and the bone marrow compartment may be unique in its ability to induce the differentiation of these stem cells into osteoclasts. To test this hypothesis, PHSC were co-cultured with fetal metatarsal bones from normal animals. PHSC were isolated from normal bone marrow using FITC-labelled monoclonal antibodies directed against rat Thy 1.1 and fluorescence-activated cell sorting. The PHSC or whole mononuclear bone marrow were co-cultured with 20-day fetal rat metatarsal rudiments. In some cultures, recombinant mouse granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (rGM-CSF) (250 U per culture) was added in addition to the PHSC. After 7 days the fetal bones were prepared for light and electron microscopy and the number of osteoclasts generated in vitro was determined. The PHSC isolate generated as many osteoclasts as the whole mononuclear bone marrow. The addition of rGM-CSF did not enhance the generation of osteoclasts in either control bones or in bones cultured with PHSC. These results are equivalent to those reported in the osteopetrotic transplant system.
The Age of the Hatton Tuff of the Ouachita Mountains, Southeastern Oklahoma

The Hatton Tuff and the Chickasaw Creek Tuff occur near the bottom and top, respectively, of the Stanley Shale in the Ouachita Mountains. Seven whole-rock samples of the Hatton Tuff and four whole-rock samples of the Chickasaw Creek Tuff were analyzed for their Rb and Sr isotopic content. Analysis of the Hatton Tuff samples yielded an isochron age of 310 ± 15 m.y. (Rb87 = 1.39 × 10−11yr−1). Analysis of the Chickasaw Creek Tuff samples did not yield an isochron. The age of the Hatton Tuff, when compared to the currently accepted geologic time scales, indicates that the lower Stanley Shale is Pennsylvanian in age.
The central noradrenergic system in the rat: Metabolic mapping with α-adrenergic blocking agents

Summary Rates of cerebral glucose utilization were measured by means of the autoradiographic 2-deoxy- d -[14C]glucose technique in 73 normal, awake rats treated with different doses of the α-adrenergic blockers, phenoxybenzamine, phentolamine and yohimbine. Three types of responses were elicited by the administration of these drugs. The predominant effect observed after administration of all α-blockers was a widespread depression of glucose utilization, particularly within the neocortex. The effect was most pronounced with phenoxybenzamine. In a few structures (locus coeruleus, interstitial nucleus of the stria terminalis, medial forebrain bundle, periventricular nucleus and some medullary and hypothalamic nuclei associated with the regulation of blood pressure24) marked increases in glucose utilization were observed. Administration of phentolamine resulted in increased glucose utilization in all the central components of the auditory system (cochlear n., superior olivary n., n. lateral lemniscus, inferior colliculus, medial geniculate body and auditory cortex). Phenoxybenzamine and yohimbine tended to decrease glucose utilization in the auditory system. Alternating columns with higher and lower rates of local glucose consumption were observed in most of the neocortical areas and in the cerebellar vermis. The significance of these columns is not clear.
The Sampling of Freshly Drawn Milk for Cow-Testing Association Work

In cow-testing association work time is an important factor. The number of cows which the operator is called upon to test on any one farm frequently taxes his capacity to the limit. To conserve his time and permit him to perform the ma~mum number of tests, it is important for him to eliminate all unnecessary Steps and do only those that are necessary for obtaining accurate results. The vast amount of work that has been done on the Babcock test itself leaves little to be desired in that direction. To obtain accurate results with the Babcock test, however, a representative sample must be used. No matter how nearly perfect the test, if the sample was not truly representative, it is worse than useless. Proper sampling, then, is in some respects the most important part of milk testing. The operator can judge by the appearance of the fat cohJmn whether or not he has made a good test. He has no visible way of knowing whether or not his sample is representative. At the request of Mr. Helmer Rabild of the Dairy Division, an investigation was undertaken to study some of the factors involved in the taking of milk samples under cow-testing association conditions. The investigation which is herewith reported covers the following points: (1) Error in measured sample taken directly from freshly drawn milk; (2) the use of the milk thief wi~h the shot-gun can; (3) errors introduced in taking equal samples of night and morning milk, instead of aliquot or proportionate samples to make up the composite; and (4) variations in the fat percentage due to the number of pourings or mixings.
Predicting differential response to EMG biofeedback and relaxation training: The role of cognitive structure

Analyzed treatment outcome data for 102 headache patients who had been assigned randomly to receive either EMG biofeedback (N = 70) or relaxation training (N = 32). It was hypothesized that a measure of cognitive structure would differentially predict success at the two training tasks and that patients high in cognitive structure would derive more benefit from the more structured relaxation task and less benefit from the biofeedback task. This hypothesis was confirmed (p less than .01). The analysis also demonstrated that relaxation training was significantly more effective than biofeedback (p less than .05) and that mixed headache patients improved significantly less (p less than .05) than either migraine or muscle-contraction headache patients.
Partition function of a particle subject to Gaussian noise

We study the averaged partition function for a quantum particle subjected to Gaussian noise using the path integral representation. The noise is characterized by a covariance function with a strength and a range. It falls off rapidly with distance but the analytic form at short distances and the dimensionality are important. The remaining parameter is the thermal length of the particle. For a finite range we study the behavior of the partition function over the entire domain of strengths and thermal lengths. The techniques used are successively more accurate upper and lower bounds that include contributions from configurations involving traps. Particular attention is paid to a self-consistent field analysis lower bound and to a nonlocal quadratic action bound. We also study the white noise limit, i.e., vanishing range with finite values of the other parameters. In one dimension the white noise limit leads to convergent results. In three or higher dimensions the divergent terms can be isolated and computed. In two dimensions the degree of divergences changes at a finite value of the product of the strength and thermal length squared.
Reduced mate preference for dominant over subordinate males in old female Syrian hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus).

Abstract Why some females choose to mate with a ‘preferred’ male, whereas others choose to mate with an ‘inferior’ male is not always clear. Generally, the choosiness of females is thought to decline with advanced age, but relatively few studies have investigated this concept, and reports of this phenomenon in mammals are lacking. To address this deficiency, young and old female golden hamsters were evaluated for their preference for dominant vs. subordinate males. Females observed male dyads as a dominance relationship was established. Dominant and subordinate males were then placed within enclosures at the opposite ends of a Y-maze, and the first approach, scent marking, and time spent near each male were evaluated in young and old females during pro-oestrus—a time when females solicit visits by prospective mates by leaving vaginal and flank scent marks. Whereas the proportion of time spent near the dominant male was significantly greater than random for both young and old females, the proportions of vaginal and flank scent marks left for the dominant male were significantly greater than random for young females, but not for old females. Overall, these results are consistent with a decline in the preference for dominant males by old female hamsters.
A simple method for pulse-echo thermal wave imaging of arbitrary-shaped subsurface scatterers in heterogeneous materials

Abstract We present a simple, general and computationally fast numerical method for pulse-echo thermal wave imaging of arbitrary-shaped subsurface scatterers in heterogeneous materials. In this method, the thermal wave theory is employed to determine the initial temperature distribution inside the materials shortly after pulse-heat is applied. Then a technique, Effective Parameters for Interfacial Cells (EPIC), developed in connection with heat conduction [1–3], electrostatics [4–5] and incompressible fluid flow [6], is extended to allow calculation of transient surface temperature distribution. The method is simpler and computationally faster than other numerical methods. We present representative results which could be used for non-destructive testing of subsurface defects.
Endoscopic Management of Upper Tract Transitional Cell Carcinoma

Abstract Introduction Upper tract urothelial carcinoma is rare and the gold standard for treatment remains radical nephroureterectomy with excision of the bladder cuff. To avoid the loss of kidney function and other morbidities associated with radical nephroureterectomy, a conservative endoscopic approach can be used in select cases, including low grade tumors. Advances in endoscopic technique and technology have facilitated this approach. Methods We review the role of endoscopy in the diagnosis of upper tract urothelial carcinoma, indications for its endoscopic management, surgical technique and complications, as well as the currently available outcomes in the literature. Results Upper tract urothelial carcinoma can be approached either ureteroscopically in a retrograde fashion or antegrade with a percutaneous technique. Several options for tissue resection and ablation exist. Appropriate patient selection is critical to success with endoscopic management and patients who undergo renal sparing therapy must be committed to a lifetime of followup with radiographs and endoscopy. Conclusions An endoscopic approach to upper tract urothelial carcinoma provides a nephron sparing, low morbidity option in select cases. Currently, there is moderate evidence to support the safety and efficacy of endoscopic management but definitive conclusions cannot be made until long-term outcome data are available and prospective trials are completed.
High DC and microwave characteristics of subhalf-micrometre gate ion-implanted GaAs MESFETs using trilayer deep UV lithography

Subhalf-micrometre gate length ion-implanted GaAs MESFETs have been fabricated on 3 inch diameter substrates using trilayer deep UV lithography. Implanted MESFETs with 0.3 mu m gate lengths exhibit a maximum extrinsic transconductance of 205 mS/mm at a drain current of 600 mA/mm. From S-parameter measurements, a current gain cutoff frequency f/sub t/ of 56 GHz and a maximum available gain cutoff frequency f/sub max/ greater than 90 GHz are achieved. The gate-to-drain diode characteristics of the devices show a sharp breakdown voltage of 13-15 V. The high drain current-drain voltage and microwave characteristics indicate that ion-implanted technology with trilayer deep UV lithography has potential for the manufacture of power devices and amplifiers for Q-band communication applications. This is the first reported result using trilayer deep UV lithography to demonstrate both f/sub t/ over 56 GHz and 13-15 V gate-to-drain breakdown on 0.3 mu m gate-length ion-implanted GaAs MESFETs. >
Global Warming and Soil Microclimate: Results from a Meadow-Warming Experiment

We used overhead infrared radiators to add a constant increment of -15 W/m2, over 2 yr, to the downward heat flux on five 30-M2 montane meadow plots in Gunnison County, Colorado, USA. Heating advanced snowmelt by -1 wk, increased summer soil temperatures by up to 3?C, and reduced summer soil moisture levels by up to 25% compared to control plots. Soil microclimate response to heating varied with season, time of day, weather conditions, and location along the microclimate and vegetation gradient within each plot, with the largest temperature increase observed in daytime and in the drier, more sparsely vegetated zone of each plot. Day-to-day variation in the daily-averaged temperature response to heating in the drier zone was negatively correlated with that in the wetter zone. Our experimental manipulation provides a novel and effective method for investigating feedback processes linking climate, soil, and vegetation.
Crop water stress index for seed alfalfa: influences of within-season changes in plant morphology

Abstract A field study was conducted to determine the utility of the crop water stress index ( cwsi ) for assessing plant water status of seed alfalfa ( Medicago sativa L.). Six irrigation treatments consisting of combinations of three rates of irrigation and two irrigation frequencies were used in assessing the influence of vegetative, flowering, and pod-filling periods on non-stressed canopy-air temperature differences versus vapour pressure deficit baselines and calculated cwsi values. Three distinct non-stressed baselines were determined and found to be related to the following crop morphological stages: (1) fully vegetative (few or no flowers); (2) flowering (few drying pods); and (3) pod development and maturation. Crop water stress index values across all treatments were highly and linearly correlated with stem water potentials. A less distinct curvilinear relationship existed between cwsi and leaf conductance. Use of the vegetative period non-stressed baseline to calculate cwsi values during flowering and pod-filling resulted in cwsi values 0.1 to 0.2 higher than those determined using growth-stage-dependent baselines. For irrigation scheduling, use of two baselines is suggested, one for the vegetative period and another baseline determined using pooled data from the flowering and pod-filling periods.
Adenosine A2A analogue improves neurologic outcome after spinal cord trauma in the rabbit.

Background: ATL-146e, an adenosine A 2A agonist, reduces paralysis after spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion. We hypothesized that systemic ATL-146e could improve neurologic outcome after blunt spinal cord trauma. Methods: Twenty rabbits survived a thoracic spinal cord impact of 30 g-cm. One group received 0.06 μg/kg/min ATL-146e for the first 3 hours after impact (A2A group), whereas a second group received saline carrier (T/C group). Neurologic outcome was measured using the Tarlov scale (0-5). Histologic sections from the A2A and TIC groups were compared for neuronal viability. Results: There was significant improvement in Tarlov scores of A2A animals compared with T/C animals at 12 hours (p = 0.007), with a trend toward improvement at 36 (p = 0.08) and 48 (p = 0.09) hours after injury. There was decreased neuronal attrition in A2A animals (p = 0.06). Conclusion: Systemic ATL-146e given after spinal cord trauma results in improved neurologic outcome. Adenosine A 2A agonists may hold promise as a rapidly acting alternative to steroids in the early treatment of the spinal cord injured patient.
Edge Effects in the Energy Dissipation of Jointed Structures

Many models of reduced complexity have been theorized to predict energy dissipation due to micro-slip in mechanical joints, including Iwan models. This class of reduced-order models is is based on a spring element combined with a frictional slider, known as a Jenkin’s element. Critical for their use, Jenkin’s elements have been shown to satisfy Masing’s hypothesis, which builds a full hysteresis loop from only a monotonic backbone curve. This paper will show that an edge effect, derived from the height of the joint geometry being analyzed, precludes realistic joint geometries from following the Masing hypothesis. A brief derivation of Iwan models and their association to Masing’s hypothesis is presented. A closed-form, 1-D continuum model is presented to establish a baseline for joint behavior without explicit height effect. To show the edge effect that joint height introduce, a finite element model was analyzed. It is shown that as the joint member height increases, the more prevalent the edge effect is, and the more quickly energy dissipation falls away from the power-law relationship predicted by 1-D models.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Planning for change: an alternative to treatment planning with sexual offenders.

Abstract This article describes how a change plan can be helpful in defining intervention goals and objectives. The change-plan concept derives from lifestyle theory and deviates from the traditional treatment plan in its delineation of roles, point of focus, and attention to process. A case example is used to illustrate how the change plan can be implemented with sexually offending clients. Several potential limitations of the change-plan concept are also discussed .
A randomized comparison of labetalol and nitroprusside for induced hypotension.

Abstract In a randomized study, labetalol-induced hypotension and nitroprusside-induced hypotension were compared in 20 patients (10 in each group) scheduled for major orthopedic procedures. Each patient was subjected to an identical anesthetic protocol and similar drug-induced reductions in mean arterial blood pressure (BP) (50 to 55 mmHg). Nitroprusside infusion was associated with a significant ( p 2 decreased in both groups. It was concluded that labetalol offers advantages over nitroprusside.
The Amulet user interface development environment

The Amulet research project is developing a new user interface development environment [2] which incorporates a number of design and implementation innovations including new models for objects, constraints, animation, output, input, commands, and undo. Amulet has an open architecture, so that user interface researchers can replace and extend components. Amulet, which stands for Automatic Manufacture of Usable and Learnable Editors and Toolkits, is implemented in C++, and runs on X/11, Windows NT, Windows 95, and the Macintosh.
Intense space-charge beam physics relevant to relativistic klystron amplifiers

In this paper, we examine intense space-charge beam physics that is relevant to beam bunching and extraction in a mildly relativistic klystron amplifier, and give numerical examples for a 5 kA, 500 keV electron beam in a 1.3 GHz structure. Much of the peculiar beam physics in these types of devices results from the partitioning of beam energy into kinetic and potential parts. Both tenuous-nonrelativistic and intense-relativistic beams produce effects different in nature from those produced by intense, mildly relativistic beams because the potential energy requirements are either negligible or fixed. In particular, we demonstrate anomalous beam bunching aided by the nonlinear potential requirements and we discuss maximum power extraction as a function of beam bunching. We show that although the space-charge effects can produce quite high harmonic current content, the maximum power extraction from the beam into RF typically occurs at relatively modest bunching. >
Probability set functions

A probability set function is interpretable as a probability distribution on binary sequences of fixed length. Cumulants of probability set functions enjoy particularly simple properties which make them more manageable than cumulants of general random variables. We derive some identities satisfied by cumulants of probability set functions which we believe to be new. Probability set functions may be expanded in terms of their cumulants. We derive an expansion which allows the construction of examples of probability set functions whose cumulants are arbitrary, restricted only by their absolute values. It is known that this phenomenon cannot occur for continuous probability distributions. Some particular examples of probability set functions are considered, and their cumulants are computed, leading to a conjecture on the upper bound of the values of cumulants. Moments of probability set functions determined by arithmetical conditions are computed in a final example.
On verifying stateful dataflow processing services in large-scale cloud systems

Cloud computing needs to provide integrity assurance in order to support security sensitive application services such as critical dataflow processing. In this paper, we present a novel RObust Service Integrity Attestation (ROSIA) framework that can efficiently verify the integrity of stateful dataflow processing services and pinpoint malicious service providers within a large-scale cloud system. ROSIA achieves robustness by supporting stateful dataflow services such as windowed stream operators, and performing integrated consistency check to detect colluding attacks. We have implemented ROSIA on top of the IBM System S dataflow processing system and tested it on the NCSU virtual computing lab. Our experimental results show that our scheme is feasible and efficient for large-scale cloud systems.
Hair dye use and the risk of developing systemic lupus erythematosus: A cohort study

Objective. To investigate the role of hair dye use in the etiology of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods. Participants included 106,391 women enrolled in the Nurses' Health Study, a prospective cohort study. The subjects were ages 30–55 years in 1976, and were free from SLE and any other connective tissue disease at the time of enrollment. In 1976, 1978, 1980, and 1982, subjects were classified as never-users or ever-users of permanent hair dye, based on self-report. Incidence rates of SLE meeting American College of Rheumatology classification criteria were ascertained and confirmed by chart review. Results. Compared with never-users of permanent hair dye, the age-adjusted relative risks (RR) for the development of SLE among ever-users (n = 85 cases) was 0.96 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.63–1.47). Duration of hair dye use was not related to risk of SLE. Women with 15 or more years of use had no increased risk (RR = 0.92, 95% CI 0.46–1.83). There was no relationship between frequency of use or time since first use and risk of SLE. The results were similar when less stringent criteria for SLE were used. Conclusion. We found no evidence that permanent hair dye use, age at first use, frequency of use, or duration of use is associated with the development of SLE.
Nonlinear Trajectory‐Following and Control Techniques in the Terminal Area Using the MLS Navigation Sensor

Guidance and control techniques have been developed to permit accurate nonlinear path-following in the terminal area using an MLS & DME data-base. The elements of the system including trajectory generation, mean-wind estimation, feedforward and perturbation control are described and the performance of the integrated system delineated. The investigation was made with the aid of a sophisticated digital simulation, including modelling of the sensor and environmental noise. A conventional jet transport was the subject aircraft. A conclusion of the investigation was that the integrated guidance and control system was adequate to the task of path tracking with errors within the resolution of ATC radar. A corollary is that a degraded MLS, relative to that required for the landing task, operating at low scan rates provides navigational data, of sufficient accuracy to perform the curved approach task.
MODELING BIOENERGY, LAND USE, AND GHG EMISSIONS WITH FASOMGHG: MODEL OVERVIEW AND ANALYSIS OF STORAGE COST IMPLICATIONS

Biofuels production has increased rapidly in recent years due to higher petroleum prices as well as heightened concerns regarding climate change and energy security. However, because commercially viable biofuels are currently produced primarily from agricultural feedstocks, higher production volumes increase pressure on land resources. Thus, large-scale biofuels production has important implications for the forest and agriculture sectors, land use, trade, and net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Competition for land is expected to continue growing in the future as mandated biofuels volumes increase along with rising demand for food, feed, and fiber, both domestically and internationally. In response to heightened concern regarding impacts such as indirect land-use change and higher food prices, the U.S. policy is focusing on second-generation (cellulosic) feedstocks to contribute the majority of the mandated increase in biofuels volume through 2022. However, there has been little work exploring the logistics of supplying these feedstocks or examining feedstock mix and net GHG effects of combining renewable fuels mandates with climate policy. In this paper, we apply the recently updated Forest and Agricultural Sector Optimization Model with GHGs (FASOMGHG) to explore the implications of alternative assumptions regarding feedstock storage costs and carbon price for renewable energy production mix, land use, and net GHG emissions. The model is used to quantify the magnitude and regional distribution of changes in the optimal mix of bioenergy feedstocks when accounting for storage costs. In addition, we find that combining the biofuels volume mandate with a carbon price policy has additional implications for feedstock mix and provides a substantially larger net reduction in GHG than a renewable fuels mandate alone.
Dimethyl fumarate regulates histone deacetylase expression in astrocytes

Abstract We previously showed that dimethyl fumarate (DMF) reduces inflammatory activation in astrocytes, involving activation of transcription factor Nrf2. However, the pathways causing Nrf2 activation were not examined. We now show that DMF modifies expression of histone deacetylases (HDACs) in primary rat astrocytes. After 4 h incubation, levels of HDAC1, 2, and 4 mRNAs were increased by DMF; however, after 24 h, levels returned to or were below control values. At that time, HDAC protein levels and overall activity were also reduced by DMF. Stimulation of astrocytes with pro-inflammatory cytokines significantly increased HDAC mRNA levels after 24 h, although protein levels were not increased at that time point. In the presence of cytokines, DMF reduced HDAC mRNAs, proteins, and activity. Proteomic analysis of DMF-treated astrocytes identified 8 proteins in which lysine acetylation was increased by DMF, including histones H2a.1 and H3.3. A role for HDACs in mediating DMF actions is suggested by findings that the selective HDAC inhibitor SAHA increased nuclear Nrf2:DNA binding activity, reduced inflammatory activation of astrocytes which was reversed by a selective inhibitor of the Nrf2 target gene heme-oxygenase 1. These data show that DMF regulates astrocyte HDAC expression, which could contribute to Nrf2 activation, suppression of inflammatory responses and cause long-lasting changes in gene expression.
A procedure for the preferential radioiodination of small amounts of protein in the presence of excess lipids

Abstract The chloramine-T, iodine monochloride, and lactoperoxidase radioiodination procedures were evaluated for their ability to label proteins in the presence of large amounts of reactive lipid. Mouse serum very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) (10% protein, 90% lipid) and detergent-disrupted Friend murine leukemia virus (FLV) (60% protein, 33% lipid) were used as model systems. Based on the distribution of label between protein and lipid, as well as the total amount of label incorporated by each procedure, only a modification of the iodine monochloride procedure preferentially labeled proteins to a high specific activity in both VLDL and FLV. The technique, which is described in detail, is technically simple, rapid, and causes no detectable degradation of proteins.