cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The intrauterine contraceptive device: An often-forgotten and maligned method of contraception☆☆☆

Although 90% of women at risk for unintended pregnancy in the United States use contraception, <1% of these women use the intrauterine contraceptive device. The mechanism of action of intrauterine contraceptive devices has been controversial, but several studies suggest that interference with sperm migration or function and with fertilization may be the most likely mechanisms. More important, there is lack of compelling evidence that the intrauterine contraceptive device acts as an abortifacient. The risk for pelvic inflammatory disease among users now appears to be extremely low, primarily as a result of better selection of candidates. A levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine contraceptive device may offer some new therapeutic approaches for the treatment of certain gynecologic disorders. Although women who are not at risk for pelvic inflammatory disease or sexually transmitted diseases are appropriate candidates for the intrauterine contraceptive device, it appears that use can be expanded to selected nulliparous women and women with certain medical conditions. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 1999;181:1-5.)
Highly stereoselective synthesis of C-vinyl pyranosides via a Pd0-mediated cycloetherification of 1-acetoxy-2,3-dideoxy-oct-2-enitols.

Abstract Oct-2-enitols undergo a Pd 0 -mediated cyclization to produce C -vinyl α-gluco- and α-galactopyranosides, and C -vinyl β-mannopyranoside in good yield and with high stereoselectivity. While substrate control demonstrates a clear stereochemical preference during cyclization, the α- and β-epimeric ratios are enhanced by double diastereoselection using the ( S , S ) or ( R , R )-DACH ligands.
A Generalized Model of Viscoelastic Interlayer or Coating Taking into Account its Transverse Shear Deformation

A generalized model of viscoelastic anisotropic interlayer or coating operating in compression and in transverse shear is constructed and examined. We solve the problem of action of a time-dependent normal distributed load on the isotopic viscoelastic layer on the rigid substrate and study the case of concentrated forces acting at the origin of coordinates.
Photolysis studies of α-diazoamides the effect of carboxamide substituents on selectivity ratios

Abstract Photolysis of several α-diazoamide compounds in mixed solvent systems has resulted in unusually large OH:CH insertion selectivity ratios of 10 3 –10 4 :1.
Variation for 2n pollen production and male fertility in wild Solanum germplasm resistant to Phytophthora infestans (Mont.) de Bary (US-8)

Wild potato species possess genetic variability for valuable traits including resistance toPhytophthora infestans, the causal agent for potato late blight disease. Breeding schemes using 2n gametes are a powerful tool for introgressing these traits. Forty-five plant introductions (PIs) across 12Solanum species representing various Endosperm Balance Numbers (EBN) and having resistance toP. infestans (US-8, isolate ND 95-2) were screened for 2n pollen production and male fertility. Species evaluated were 2x(lEBN)S. bulbocastanum, S. cardiophyllum, S. pinnatisectum, andS. trifidum; 2x(2EBN)S. berthaultii, S. megistacrolobum, S. microdontum, andS. verrucosum; 4x(2EBN)S. fendleri andS. stoloniferum; 6x(4EBN)S. guerreroense; and 2x(unknown EBN)S. polyadenium. Acetocarmine staining and cytological analyses were used to determine 2n pollen production and pollen stainability from genotypes grown across three locations. Based on frequency, genotypes were assigned to 2n pollen production categories (0≤1%, Low=1%–10%, Medium=11%–60%, and High≥60%) and pollen stainability categories (0≤1%, 1=196–5%, 2=6%–10%, 3=11%–20%, 4=21%–50%, and 5≥50%). Eleven of the 12 species and 37 of the 45 PIs examined contained genotypes producing ≥1% 2n pollen with ranges of 0%–63.6% and 0%–81.8%, respectively. Dependence was found between location and pollen stainability, EBN and pollen stainability, but not for location and frequency of genotypes with 2n pollen. Stability for 2n pollen production was observed across environments. Among the 1EBN germplasm, dependence was found between 2n pollen and pollen stainability. Resistance toP. infestans was found to be independent of 2n pollen production; therefore, identifying genotypes combining 2n pollen production, fertility, and resistance toP. infestans was possible.
Hydrogen ion uptake upon tobacco mosaic virus protein polymerization.

Abstract To determine the stage at which H+ ions are bound during the entropy-driven polymerization of tobacco mosaic virus protein, acid-base titrations were carried out at a concentration of 5 mg/ml in 0.1 m -KCl from pH 8 to pH 5.2 and back to pH 8 at 4, 10, 15 and 20 °C. The titration was always completely reversible when the addition of acid or base was so slow that the experiment required seven hours in each direction. When the titration was started at pH 7 and performed down and up twice as rapidly, a hysteresis loop, indistinguishable from one previously published, was obtained at 20 °C. Ultracentrifugation experiments were carried out at selected pH values at the four temperatures. H+ ion uptake, as determined from the reversible titration curves, is correlated with the disappearance of the 4 S component and is independent of whether the polymerized species is in a 20 S or higher state of aggregation. At pH 7, approximately 1 mole of H+ ion is bound per mole of monomer. At pH values between 6.56 and 6.05, 1.5 moles of H+ ion are bound per mole of monomer upon polymerization. At pH 6.05, 0.5 mole of H+ ion is bound before any polymerization takes place. Tobacco mosaic virus protein at 20 °C in an unbuffered 0.1 m -KCl solution at pH 7.18 at a concentration of 41 mg/ml, largely in the 20 S state, was depolymerized entirely to the 4 S state by dilution with 0.1 m -KCl adjusted to the same pH. Under these conditions, there was no pH change, indicating that no H + ions are released. These seemingly contradictory findings can be explained by assuming that the 4 S component polymerizes to form either double discs without binding H+ ions, or, alternatively, two-turn helices accompanied by the binding of H+ ions. Both double discs and two-turn helices sediment at approximately 20 S. Whether polymerization in the neighborhood of pH 7 leads to helices or discs depends upon the availability of H+ ions.
The Recent Downturn in Utilization of CT: The Start of a New Trend?

Purpose The aim of this study was to examine recent CT utilization trends to ascertain if growth is still occurring. Methods The nationwide Medicare Part B databases for 2000 through 2010 were used. All Current Procedural Terminology ® , fourth ed, codes for diagnostic CT (including CT angiography) were selected. Place-of-service codes were used to determine whether the studies were performed in inpatients, emergency department (ED) patients, hospital outpatient departments, or private offices. Utilization rates per 1,000 Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries were calculated. Results The total Medicare CT utilization rate increased each year from 325 per 1,000 in 2000 to 637 per 1,000 in 2009, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.8%. But in 2010, the rate dropped for the first time, to 626 per 1,000 (−1.7%). For inpatient CT, the 2000 to 2009 CAGR was +5.5%, followed by a drop of 4.5% in 2010. For hospital outpatient department CT, the 2000 to 2009 CAGR was +5.1%, followed by a drop of 3.6% in 2010. For private office CT, the 2000 to 2009 CAGR was +11.3%, followed by a 7.8% drop in 2010. Emergency departments were the only location that saw continued growth, with a 2000 to 2009 CT CAGR of +15.2%, followed by another 8.4% increase in 2010. Conclusions After years of rapid growth, CT use in the Medicare population declined by 1.7% in 2010. The proportional decline was even greater among inpatients, hospital outpatient departments, and offices. The only place of service for which growth continued was emergency departments. Without the effect of emergency departments, the decline in 2010 would have been 4.7%. This downturn should help alleviate previous concerns about overly rapid CT growth.
Particle erosion mechanisms and mass redistribution in Saturn's rings

A variety of physical processes can erode the surfaces of planetary ring particles. According to current estimates, the most efficient of these over the bulk of Saturn's rings is hypervelocity impact by 100 microns to one centimeter radius meteoroids. The atoms, molecules, and fragments ejected from ring particles by erosion arc across the rings along elliptical orbits to produce a tenuous halo of solid ejecta and an extensive gaseous atmosphere. Continuous exchange of ejecta between different ring regions can lead to net radial transport of mass and angular momentum. The equations governing this ballistic transport process are presented and discussed. Both numerical and analytic studies of idealized ring systems illustrate that ballistic transport can cause significant mass redistribution in the rings, especially near regions of high density contrast, such as the inner edges of the A and B rings. Ejecta exchanges can also alter local particle sizes and compositions and may produce pulverized regoliths at least several centimeters deep. The meteoroid erosion rate is so high that significant global torques and mass loss are possible on times shorter than a solar system life time.
Two Patched Protein Subtypes and a Conserved Domain of Group I Proteins That Regulates Turnover

Patched (Ptc) is a 12-cross membrane protein that binds the secreted Hedgehog protein. Its regulation of the Hedgehog signaling pathway is critical to normal development and to a number of human diseases. This report analyzes features of sequence similarity and divergence in the Ptc protein family and identifies two subtypes distinguished by novel conserved domains. We used these results to propose a rational basis for classification. We show that one of the conserved sequence regions in the C-terminal domain of Ptch1 is responsible, at least in part, for rapid turnover. This sequence is absent in the stable Ptch2 protein.
Introduction to minitrack: computational issues in bioinformatics

With a strong foundation in Computational Biology and Computational Chemistry, Bioinformatics is fast emerging as one of the most exciting scientific disciplines in the twenty-first century. A true multidisciplinary field of study, Bioinformatics deals with the development and use of mathematical and computational methods to assist in modeling and solving problems in biosciences. Employing algorithmic approaches are expected to be essential to the development and advancement of many fields in biosciences. This, in part, is due to the recent explosion of biological data, which requires an associated increase in the scale and sophistication of the automated systems and tools that enable researchers to take advantage of its availability. Additionally, there are a large number of research projects and applications that demands automated computational support. The need for Bioinformatics reflects the radical changes that the biological sciences have undergone recently. As more important biological elements are studied and their roles in complex biological systems are discovered, it is apparent that integrating computational research and experimental work will be crucial in exploring and understanding these discoveries. Although the Bioinformatics Minitrack focuses on the computational issues in Bioinformatics, its main goal is to provide a venue for researchers from all related fields to present new integrated approaches to address real Bioinformatics problems. This is apparent in all five papers that comprise the minitrack. Each paper presents a new concept, tool or technique that is motivated by an important problem related to Bioinformatics. The first two papers in the minitrack deal with issues related to whole genomes. In the first paper, “Comparative Genome Anotation for Mapping, Prediction and discovery of Genes,” by Kappen and Salbaum, the analysis of specific chromosomes in two genomes, the human genome and the muse genome, leads to fully assemble a large contiguous sequence that contains fourteen genes. While the paper leaning toward the bioscience aspect of Bioinformatics, the second paper employs computational techniques to deal with alignment problems at the genome level. In the paper, titled, “A Prototype for Multiple Whole Genome Alignment,” by
Combustion diagnostics by photo-deflection spectroscopy*

Preliminary investigations of photo-deflection spectroscopy (PDS) indicate a very good potential of these techniques for combustion diagnostics. PDS consists of two separate but interrelated techniques, photothermal deflection spectroscopy (PTDS) and photoacoustic deflection spectroscopy (PADS). Both of these techniques can measure both minority species concentrations and local temperatures. In addition, PTDS can also be used for a measurement of flow velocities. These techniques are suitable for in situ measurements, are nonperturbing, and have high sensitivity. Moreover, they are capable of giving a high degree of spatial and temporal resolution. Also, these techniques are simple and do not require expensive instrumentation. In this paper, by application to OH molecules in a natural-gas-air flame, we demonstrate the potential of these techniques for local temperature and minority species concentration measurements.
Somatic embryogenesis in Arachis hypogaea L." genotype comparison

Somatic embryogenesis and embryogenic callus formation occurred from immature cotyledon and embryo axis explants of seven peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) genotypes including one valencia, three Spanish and three Virginia botanical types. The initiation medium consisted of Murashige and Skoog's salts and vitamins with 3% sucrose and 0.5 mg/l picloram. There were significant differences among genotypes for somatic embryo formation, subculture capacity and plant regeneration using a single media sequence. Somatic embryo formation from cotyledons showed better correlation with plant regeneration than somatic embryo formation from the embryo axis. Maturity of the embryo explant, as estimated by cotyledon length, did not show a significant effect on response, but there was a trend toward reduced somatic embryo formation from older cotyledons. Relatively few plants were regenerated from the valencia genotype. All peanut genotypes tested thus far are competent for somatic embryogenesis and in vitro response could probably be improved by media manipulation.
The Defeat of Germany in 1918 and the European Balance of Power

Fifty years ago Germany and her allies were crushed in war. The armistice and peace that followed defeat were held to be ruinous for her by many both inside and outside Germany. One might have expected Germany's removal as a major power in the European balance. Perhaps the time has come to take another look, and to examine how factors that operated to remove from the scene Germany's Austro-Hungarian ally had the opposite effect of maintaining and even strengthening Germany's position.
The effectiveness of classroom-based instructional assessments for progress monitoring purposes in Texas Reading First schools

The purpose of this article was twofold. First, the assessment materials from four core reading programs were informally reviewed for their adherence to Texas Reading First progress monitoring guidelines for kindergarten and the beginning of Grade 1. Conclusions support existing concerns regarding the variability in the quality and quantity of assessment materials within and across programs as well as concerns about whether the materials lend themselves to progress monitoring purposes at 2-week intervals for students who are struggling readers. Second, recommendations are made for the development of progress monitoring tools that are concise, easy for teachers to use, and that provide clear guidelines regarding the use of progress monitoring data to drive instruction. Accordingly the recent development of a progress monitoring tool that parallels the Texas Primary Reading Inventory (TPRI), which is an assessment tool used in approximately 95% of Texas Reading First schools was discussed.
New fumarolic activity on Mt. Baker: observations during April through July, 1975

Abstract On 10 March, 1975, large amounts of steam were first sighted coming from the Sherman Crater of Mt. Baker, long the site of mild fumarole activity. To document and evaluate the new activity, we conducted a series of aerial and ground-based observations and experiments including the collection of samples within the crater, installation of 35-mm automatic sequence cameras at Park and Anderson Buttes, and overflights with a mapping camera and infrared scanner. Significant changes characterizing the new activity are: development of a new, energetic fumarole in an area of earlier mild activity; growth of crevasses within and concentric to the crater walls; collapse of a central 70 m diameter plug of ice to form a warm lake; and ejection of tephra rich in analcite and sulfides from the new fumarole. Although the tephra contains minor amounts of unaltered glass, it does not differ in this or other respects from material collected from the west crater wall, where fumaroles have long been active. This suggests that the glass is older tephra derived from the fumarole vent walls. Weather and lighting conditions were such that the Park Butte sequence camera provided acceptable images of the crater area on 27% of the frames for the period 1825 Pacific Daylight Time June 5 to 1825 PDT August 2. Of these, 8% show a significant plume (>300 m above the vent). Large plumes occur during favorable weather conditions of low wind and high relative humidity, and all appear white. While there are abundant manifestations of increased heat emission from Sherman Crater, there is as yet no sign of a fundamental change in the style of activity, or that the rise of fresh magma is the cause.
Ferrofluids prepared by spark erosion

Abstract Spark erosion was used to prepare ferrofluids from metallic alloy particles. The particles are mostly
Cellular localization of tumor necrosis factor mRNA in neurological tissue from HIV-infected patients by combined reverse transcriptase/polymerase chain reaction in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry.

HIV-induced neurological disease is postulated to be caused by indirect mechanisms. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)α is increased in the brains in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated dementia and in the spinal cord in vacuolar myelopathy and may play a pathogenetic role in these diseases. Microglia, astrocytes and infiltrating macrophages can be induced to produce TNFα and each has been identified as a source of TNFα in neurological disease. Reverse transcriptase synthesis of cDNA and polymerase chain reaction amplification of the cDNA was combined with immunocytochemistry to identify the cellular source of TNFα in HIV-induced neurological disease. Cells positive for TNFα mRNA were more abundant in white matter than gray matter of the brain from demented individuals. TNFα mRNA-positive cells in brains and spinal cords were almost exclusively macrophage-lineage cells. Only rare TNFα mRNA-positive cells were astrocytes. We conclude that macrophage-lineage cells are the primary source of elevated central nervous system TNFα mRNA in providing further evidence that macrophage activation is an important element in the pathogenesis of HIV-associated neurological disease.
Modeling carbon dioxide, pH, and un-ionized ammonia relationships in serial reuse systems

Abstract In serial reuse systems, excretion of metabolic carbon dioxide has a significant impact on ambient pH, carbon dioxide, and un-ionized ammonia concentrations. This impact depends strongly on alkalinity, water flow rate, feeding rate, and loss of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere. A reduction in pH from metabolic carbon dioxide can significantly reduce the un-ionized ammonia concentration and increase the carbon dioxide concentrations compared to those parameters computed from influent pH. The ability to accurately predict pH in serial reuse systems is critical to their design and effective operation. A trial and error solution to the alkalinity–pH system was used to estimate important water quality parameters in serial reuse systems. Transfer of oxygen and carbon dioxide across the air–water interface, at overflow weirs, and impacts of substrate-attached algae and suspended bacteria were modeled. Gas transfer at the weirs was much greater than transfer across the air–water boundary. This simulation model can rapidly estimate influent and effluent concentrations of dissolved oxygen, carbon dioxide, and un-ionized ammonia as a function of water temperature, elevation, water flow, and weir type. The accuracy of the estimates strongly depends on assumed pollutional loading rates and gas transfer at the weirs. The current simulation model is based on mean daily loading rates; the impacts of daily variation loading rates are discussed. Copies of the source code and executable program are available free of charge.
Respiration of some urodele and anuran amphibia. I. In water, role of the skin and gills.

Abstract 1. 1. In air the “resting” rate of O2 consumption of Siren lacertina, Bufo marinus, Rana pipiens and Xenopus laevis were similar, 27 μl cm−2 hr−1 (at 22°C). 2. 2. In Necturus (which apparently does not utilize its lungs in air) it was 14 μl cm−2 hr−1 but when in water the O2 uptake of this species was similar to the others (in air). 3. 3. Pulmonary respiration was abolished in all these species by injecting gallamine and respiration was maintained through the skin. This approached normal “resting” levels in all species except for Siren. 4. 4. The rate of cutaneous O2 accumulation was 10–16 μl cm−2 hr−1 in Siren, Necturus and Xenopus (all aquatic species) and 25 μl cm−2 hr−1 in Bufo and Rana (terrestrial). 5. 5. While cutaneous 02 uptake may support a “resting level” of metabolism it is inadequate for the large increases in respiration which occur during activity. 6. 6. The physiological importance and limitations of cutaneous O2 accumulation are discussed in relation to an amphibious life and the evolutionary transition from an aquatic to terrestrial environment.
The helper dependence of satellite bacteriophage P4: which gene functions of bacteriophage P2 are needed by P4?

Abstract For its lytic growth cycle, bacteriophage P4 depends on its helper, the genome of bacteriophage P2, to provide all 18 known late gene functions that are essential for P2 itself. P4 does not depend on the two known P2 genes, A and B, with early functions essential for P2. P4 also does not require the function of any of the nonessential P2 genes tested. In most of the experiments P4 had to transactivate its helper, usually a P2 prophage, to obtain expression of the late gene functions of the helper. Genetic evidence indicates that replication of helper (i.e., P2) DNA is not required for this transactivation to occur. However, transactivation by P4 may extend to P2 genes A and B. This is suggested by the observation that defects in P2 genes A or B cause a delay in the lysis of P4 infected cells lysogenic for P2. It is known that, in the absence of P4, the expression of late P2 gene functions depends on the expression of genes A and B, needed for P2 DNA replication. Thus, it is concluded that the mechanism P4 employs to transactivate P2 genes is different from the mechanism by which P2 itself activates its genes with late functions. This conclusion is further supported by the finding that P4, but not P2, can transactivate genes of a related, heteroimmune prophage.
Sustainable Consumption Research as Democratic Expertise

Academic proponents of sustainable consumption have marshaled considerable evidence over the past decade to support calls for more efficacious lifeways among residents of the world’s developed countries. Policymakers continue, however, to resist these recommendations because sustainable consumption runs counter to dominant tenets of neo-liberal economics and conventional political objectives. Unless investigators in the field can identify a cadre of clients that is interested in forming tacit partnerships, the concept of sustainable consumption is likely to remain little more than a prospective pursuit. This article suggests that there are some nascent indications that these kinds of alliances are developing. For sustainable consumption to take root in the policy sphere, it will be necessary to more actively foster these relationships and to cast this form of knowledge as a form of democratic counterexpertise that challenges elite economic and political institutions that regularly appropriate and deploy consumer science to advance their own interests.
Newly Diagnosed Atrial Fibrillation

A 77-year-old woman with a history of hypertension treated with metoprolol presents for her annual examination. She reports no new symptoms. The examination is remarkable only for an irregular heart rate. Electrocardiographic testing reveals atrial fibrillation at an average rate of 75 beats per minute. She has no history of arrhythmia, coronary disease, valvular disease, diabetes, alcohol abuse, or transient ischemic attack or stroke. What should her physician advise?
Fluticasone furoate nasal spray reduces the nasal-ocular reflex: a mechanism for the efficacy of topical steroids in controlling allergic eye symptoms.

Background Eye symptoms frequently occur in patients with allergic rhinitis and are among the most bothersome symptoms. Intranasal steroids have been shown to reduce ocular symptoms associated with allergic nasal symptoms, even though they do not reach the eye. Objective To elucidate a mechanism to explain these observations. Methods We performed a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover experiment in 20 subjects with seasonal allergic rhinitis. Nasal antigen challenge was performed consecutively for 3 days after 1 week of treatment with either placebo or fluticasone furoate nasal spray (FFNS). Subjects recorded their nasal and ocular symptoms, and nasal secretions were quantified. Nasal scrapings to quantify eosinophils were obtained before each antigen challenge. Results Nasal challenge with antigen led to sneezing, a nasonasal, and a nasal-ocular reflex. Priming in the number of sneezes, contralateral nasal secretion weights, and total eye symptoms were observed. Treatment with FFNS reduced sneezing, the nasonasal and nasal-ocular reflexes, and the amount of eosinophils in nasal secretions. Conclusions We confirmed that a nasal-ocular reflex follows nasal challenge with allergen and that it can contribute to the ocular symptoms associated with allergic rhinitis. FFNS reduced eosinophil infiltration, priming, and ocular symptoms. Furthermore, our results support a mechanism by which control of eye symptoms can be achieved during nasal administration of an intranasal steroid in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis.
The Clinical and Policy Implications of New Measures of Premature Infant Growth

With the rates of premature delivery still exceeding 11% and increased survival rates, there has been growing attention to the processes of care during a child’s stay in the NICU that optimize their short- and long-term outcomes. As pointed out in the recent article by Olsen et al,1 the appropriate growth of a prematurely born infant may have a significant impact on his or her developmental and growth outcomes after discharge from the NICU. In fact, appropriate growth encompasses many aspects of the care of the premature infant besides the monitoring of growth parameters and providing appropriate fortified nutrition.2 For example, infants with more severe pulmonology complications of preterm birth are more likely to have growth failure,3–5 which may follow them after discharge from the NICU.6 Thus, assessing … Address correspondence to Scott A. Lorch, MD, MSCE, 3535 Market St, Suite 1029, Philadelphia, PA 19104. E-mail: lorch{at}email.chop.edu
Poultry Manure Supply of Potentially Available Nitrogen with Soil Incubation

Poultry production is an important and growing livestock industry in Iowa and use of poultry manure as a crop N resource is increasing. Aerobic incubation studies were used to examine potentially available nitrogen (PAN) from poultry manure using two contrasting Iowa agricultural soils, a Clarion loam (fine-loamy, mixed, superactive, mesic Typic Hapludolls) and Canisteo clay loam (fine-loamy, mixed, superactive, calcareous, mesic Typic Endoaquolls). Two consecutive incubation experiments were conducted, each using the same soils and treatments. Incubation 1 used an approximate rate of 86 mg total N kg -1 incubated for 112 d, and Incubation 2 used an approximate rate of 200 mg total N kg -1 incubated for 84 d. Incubation 2 included more frequent initial sampling. Nitrogen sources included urea, uric acid, and two sources of poultry manure, chicken (Gallus domesticus) and turkey (Melleagris gallopavo) obtained from local production facilities. Soil samples were collected at multiple times during incubation and inorganic NH 4 + -N and NO 3 - -N concentrations measured. The accumulation of NO 3 - -N was used to estimate PAN. The poultry manure sources provided high levels of PAN, 66% of total manure N for chicken and 55% for turkey. These values were lower than those found for urea and uric acid. The majority of the NO 3 - -N accumulation occurred within 7 d of incubation, with no increase after 14 d. This indicates that considerable NO 3 - -N used to estimate PAN originated from the combined NH 4 + -N and uric acid-N components of the poultry manures. However, water soluble nitrogen (WSN) represented approximately 66 and 58% of total N for the chicken and turkey manure, respectively, which are higher than the NH 4 + -N plus uric acid-N fractions. These WSN levels are close to the estimated PAN values for each manure source. This indicates that poultry manure analysis for WSN could improve the estimation of crop available-N compared to NH 4 + -N or a fraction of total N.
Effects of curvilinear anisotropy on radially symmetric stresses in anisotropic linearly elastic solids

It has been known for some time that certain radial anisotropies in some linear elasticity problems can give rise to stress singularities which are absent in the corresponding isotropic problems. Recently related issues were examined by other authors in the context of plane strain axisymmetric deformations of a hollow circular cylindrically anisotropic linearly elastic cylinder under uniform external pressure, an anisotropic analog of the classic isotropic Lame problem. In the isotropic case, as the external radius increases, the stresses rapidly approach those for a traction-free cavity in an infinite medium under remotely applied uniform compression. However, it has been shown that this does not occur when the cylinder is even slightly anisotropic. In this paper, we provide further elaboration on these issues. For the externally pressurized hollow cylinder (or disk), it is shown that for radially orthotropic materials, the maximum hoop stress occurs always on the inner boundary (as in the isotropic case) but that the stress concentration factor is infinite. For circumferentially orthotropic materials, if the tube is sufficiently thin, the maximum hoop stress always occurs on the inner boundary whereas for sufficiently thick tubes, the maximum hoop stress occurs at the outer boundary. For the case of an internally pressurized tube, the anisotropic problem does not give rise to such radical differences in stress behavior from the isotropic problem. Such differences do, however, arise in the problem of an anisotropic disk, in plane stress, rotating at a constant angular velocity about its center, as well as in the three-dimensional problem governing radially symmetric deformations of anisotropic externally pressurized hollow spheres. The anisotropies of concern here do arise in technological applications such as the processing of fiber composites as well as the casting of metals.
Analysis of interacting dual lifting ejector systems

An analytical treatment is presented for a flowfield generated by a pair of interacting, two-dimensional parallel jets, representative of the two exhaust streams issuing from the thrust augmentor nozzles of dual lifting jet VTOL aircraft propulsion systems. Predictions of the analysis for the ratio of primary to secondary velocity are in close agreement with experimentally observed values, if the spreading rate parameter is allowed to assume a value greater than that which applies to a free jet. Theoretical results are combined with existing experimental data for unventilated jets, in order to arrive at an estimate of the thrust augmentation produced by a jet pair with an arbitrary degree of ventilation.
A graphical description of scattering

The relationship between Fourier transforms of the refractive index of objects and the Fourier transform of the scattered ultrasonic waves are reviewed. Both the Born and Rytov approximations in the first order are used to linearize the Helmholtz wave equation. Both forward and backward scatter geometries are illustrated. The relationship between these coherent wave considerations and the clinically used echo and transmission modalities is discussed.
Co-purification of Microsomal Epoxide Hydrolase with the Warfarin-Sensitive Vitamin K1 Oxide Reductase of the Vitamin K Cycle

Vitamin K1 oxide reductase activity has been partially purified from rat liver microsomes. A three-step procedure produced a preparation in which warfarin-sensitive vitamin K1 oxide reductase activity was 118-fold enriched over the activity in intact rat liver microsomes. A major component of the multi-protein mixture was identified as a 50 kDa protein that strongly cross-reacts with antiserum prepared against homogeneous rat liver microsomal epoxide hydrolase. The reductase preparation also had a high level or epoxide hydrolase activity against two xenobiotic epoxide substrates. The K(m) values for hydrolysis by the reductase preparation were similar to those for homogeneous microsomal epoxide hydrolase itself, and the specific hydrolase activities of the reductase preparation were 25-35% of the specific activities measured for the homogeneous hydrolase preparation. Antibodies prepared against homogeneous microsomal epoxide hydrolase inhibited up to 80% of reductase activity of the reductase preparation. Homogeneous microsomal epoxide hydrolase had no vitamin K1 oxide reductase activity. This evidence suggests that microsomal epoxide hydrolase, or a protein that is very similar to it, is a major functional component of a multi-protein complex that is responsible for vitamin K1 oxide reduction in rat liver microsomes.
Chemical Rescue of Klebsiella aerogenes Urease Variants Lacking the Carbamylated-Lysine Nickel Ligand†,‡

Klebsiella aerogenes urease possesses a dinuclear metallocenter in which two nickel atoms are bridged by carbamylated Lys217. To assess whether carbamate-specific chemistry is required for urease activity, site-directed mutagenesis and chemical rescue strategies were combined in efforts to place a carboxylate group at the location of this metal ligand. Urease variants with Lys217 replaced by Glu, Cys, and Ala (K217E, K217C/C319A, and K217A proteins) were purified, shown to be activated by incubation with small organic acids plus Ni(II), and structurally characterized. K217C/C319A urease possessed a second change in which Cys319 was replaced by Ala in order to facilitate efforts to chemically modify Cys217; however, this covalent modification approach did not produce active urease. Chemical rescue of the K217E, K217C/C319A, and K217A variants required 2, 2, and 10 h, respectively, to reach maximal activity levels. The highest activity generated [224 micromol of urea degraded.min-1.(mg of protein)-1, for K217C/C319A urease incubated with 500 mM formic acid and 10 mM Ni at pH 6.5] corresponded to 56% of that measured for in vitro activation of the wild-type apoprotein. While the K217E apoprotein showed minimal structural perturbations, the K217C/C319A apoprotein showed a disordering of some active site residues, and the K217A apoprotein revealed a repositioning of His219 to allow the formation of a hydrogen bond with Thr169, thus replacing the hydrogen bond between the amino group of Lys217 and Thr169 in the native enzyme. Importantly, these structures allow rationalization of the relative rates and yields of chemical rescue experiments. The crystal structures of chemically rescued K217A and K217C/C319A ureases revealed a return of the active site residues to their wild-type positions. In both cases, noncovalently bound formate was structurally equivalent to the Lys-carbamate as the bridging metallocenter ligand. We conclude that carbamate-specific chemistry is not required for urease catalysis.
A Randomized Controlled Trial Evaluating the Effect of Two Task Chair Designs on Shoulder and Neck Pain among Sewing Operators

This 4 month randomized controlled trail evaluated the effect of chair design on neck/shoulder pain among sewing machine operators. 277 sewing machine operators with neck/shoulder pain were assigned to receive (1) miscellaneous items (control group), (2) a chair with a flat seat pan plus miscellaneous items, or (3) a chair with a curved seat pan plus miscellaneous items. Participants who received the flat seat chair experienced a decline in pain of 0.14 (95% CI: 0.07 to 0.22) points per month compared to those in the control group, while those who received the curved seat experienced a decline of 0.34 (95% CI: 0.28 to 0.41) points per month compared to those in the control group. These findings demonstrate that an adjustable height task chair with a curved seat pan can reduce neck and shoulder pain severity among sewing machine operators.
Immunologic hierarchy, class II MHC promiscuity, and epitope spreading of a melanoma helper peptide vaccine

Immunization with a combination melanoma helper peptide (6MHP) vaccine has been shown to induce CD4+ T cell responses, which are associated with patient survival. In the present study, we define the relative immunogenicity and HLA allele promiscuity of individual helper peptides and identify helper peptide-mediated augmentation of specific CD8+ T cell responses. Thirty-seven participants with stage IIIB-IV melanoma were vaccinated with 6MHP in incomplete Freund’s adjuvant. The 6MHP vaccine is comprised of 6 peptides representing melanocytic differentiation proteins gp100, tyrosinase, Melan-A/MART-1, and cancer testis antigens from the MAGE family. CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses were assessed in peripheral blood and in sentinel immunized nodes (SIN) by thymidine uptake after exposure to helper peptides and by direct interferon-γ ELIspot assay against 14 MHC class I-restricted peptides. Vaccine-induced CD4+ T cell responses to individual epitopes were detected in the SIN of 63 % (22/35) and in the peripheral blood of 38 % (14/37) of participants for an overall response rate of 65 % (24/37). The most frequently immunogenic peptides were MAGE-A3281–295 (49 %) and tyrosinase386–406 (32 %). Responses were not limited to HLA restrictions originally described. Vaccine-associated CD8+ T cell responses against class I-restricted peptides were observed in 45 % (5/11) of evaluable participants. The 6MHP vaccine induces both CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses against melanoma antigens. CD4+ T cell responses were detected beyond reported HLA-DR restrictions. Induction of CD8+ T cell responses suggests epitope spreading and systemic activity mediated at the tumor site.
Simulated impact of NOx on SOA formation from oxidation of toluene and m-xylene

Despite the crucial role of aromatic-derived secondary organic aerosol (SOA) in deteriorating air quality, its formation mechanism is not well understood, and the dependence of aromatic SOA formation on nitrogen oxides (NOx) is not captured fully by most SOA formation models. In this study, NOx-dependent mechanisms of toluene and m-xylene SOA formation are updated using the gas-phase Caltech Atmospheric Chemistry Mechanism (CACM) coupled to a gas/aerosol partitioning model. The updated models were optimized by comparison to eighteen chamber experiments performed under both high- and low-NOx conditions at the University of California – Riverside. Correction factors for vapor pressures imply uncharacterized association chemistry, likely in the aerosol phase. Difficulty of the presented model lies in predicting O3 production well, with overprediction (typically 20–40%), particularly under low NOx conditions (up to one fold). Mean normalized biases for other species (NO2 and SOA) and conditions are smaller (up to ±50%). The newly developed model can predict strong decreases of m-xylene SOA yield with increasing NOx. Simulated SOA speciation implies the importance of ring-opening products in governing SOA formation (up to ∼40–60% for both aromatics). Speciation distributions under varied NOx levels imply that competition between hydroperoxide radical and NO for reaction with a bicyclic peroxide radical as the most commonly accepted mechanism may not be the only factor influencing SOA formation. The reaction of aromatic peroxy radicals with NO competing with self-cyclization (a new mechanism updated in this study) might also affect NOx-dependence of SOA formation. Different simulated importance of a phenolic route in governing SOA formation between toluene and m-xylene suggests that the number of methyl groups on the aromatic ring is important in SOA formation chemistry.
Perceived Threat and Perceived Neglect: Couples' Underlying Concerns During Conflict

The Couples Underlying Concern Inventory assesses 2 fundamental types of distress that couples experience during interpersonal conflict. Perceived threat involves a perception that one's partner is blaming and controlling the self. Perceived neglect involves a perception that one's partner is failing to make desired contributions or investments. Scales measuring these 2 underlying concerns were developed in Study 1, where a sample of 1,224 married people rated a pool of 57 words describing oneself and perceptions of a partner during a specific episode of conflict. Factor analysis identified 2 dimensions, and 2 brief 8-item scales were created. In Study 2, a sample of 2,315 married people completed the resulting 16-item inventory along with 10 self-report scales measuring types of emotion, cognition, and behavior during conflict. A 2-dimensional factor structure was confirmed, and measurement invariance was demonstrated across 4 racial/ethnic groups. Both perceived threat and perceived neglect correlated with relationship satisfaction and conflict communication. More importantly, each concern was associated with a different, and theoretically expected, set of variables regarding self emotion, emotion perceived in a partner, and cognition during conflict.
Performance and Return-to-Sport after Tommy John Surgery in Major League Baseball Pitchers:

Objectives:Ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction (UCLR) is a common procedure performed in Major League Baseball (MLB) pitchers with symptomatic UCL deficiencies. The purpose of this study was t...
Heterogeneity of the sialoglycoproteins of the normal human erythrocyte membrane.

Abstract The sialoglycoproteins of the human erythrocyte membrane can be separated into at least eight periodic acid Schiff-positive components using sodium dodecyl sulfate gel electrophoresis in the discontinuous buffer system of Laemmli. All eight components can also be labeled by mild periodate oxidation followed by reduction with NaB 3 H 4 . Periodic acid Schiff 2 can be resolved into at least three distinct components. Two sialoglycoproteins, with apparent molecular weights of 35,000 and 27,000 do not appear to be labeled by lactoperoxidase-catalyzed iodination at the external membrane surface.
Genetic approaches to memory storage

The ability to remember is perhaps the most significant and distinctive feature of our mental life. We are who we are largely because of what we have learned and what we remember. In turn, impairments in learning and memory can lead to disorders that range from the moderately inconvenient benign senescent forgetfulness associated with normal aging to the devastating memory losses associated with Alzheimer disease. Of the various, higher-cognitive abilities that human beings possess, such as reasoning and language, memory is the only one that can be studied effectively in simple experimental organisms that are accessible to genetic manipulation, such as snails, flies and mice. In these organisms, the effectiveness of genetic approaches in the study of memory has improved significantly in the past five years. Below we review these advances.
Evidence-Based Medicine in Equine Critical Care

One of the fundamental skills required for practicing evidence-based medicine is the development of a well-built clinical question, which specifies the patient group or problem, intervention, and outcome of interest. For this purpose, various "levels of evidence" have been developed in the human literature, which rank the validity of evidence. Our established conclusions and advice are thus supported by specific "grades of recommendations," which are intended to give an indication of the "strength" of a clinical recommendation. This article was compiled with these principles in mind.
Erratum on "Hadamard spaces with isolated flats"

The purpose of this erratum is to correct the proof of Theorem A.0.1 in the appendix to our article ``Hadamard spaces with isolated flats'' math.GR/0411232, which was jointly authored by Mohamad Hindawi, Hruska and Kleiner. In that appendix, many of the results of math.GR/0411232 about CAT(0) spaces with isolated flats are extended to a more general setting in which the isolated subspaces are not necessarily flats. However, one step of that extension does not follow from the argument we used the isolated flats setting. We provide a new proof that fills this gap. In addition, we give a more detailed account of several other parts of Theorem A.0.1, which were sketched in math.GR/0411232.
Development of an Instrument to Measure Resident Satisfaction With Assisted Living

This article describes the development of the Resident Satisfaction Index (RSI) to measure the quality of assisted living from the residents' perspective. In total, 156 residents in 13 assisted living facilities participated in the study. Exploratory factor analysis confirmed five hypothesized RSI subscales representing resident perceptions of health care, housekeeping services, physical environment, relationships with staff, and social life/activities. Cronbach's alpha for the RSI subscales ranged from .77 to .86, and for the entire index, it was .92. The correlation of the RSI with the Affect Balance Scale (ABS) was .53, providing further support for its construct validity. The instrument could be used by policy makers and professionals interested in improving the quality of life for the frail elderly in assisted living.