cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Revisiting Masterpiece Cakeshop -- Free Speech and the First Amendment: Can Political Correctness Be Compelled?

This Article questions whether religious objectors, who refuse to provide their services in facilitating a same-sex marriage, are discriminating on the basis of sexual orientation or refusing to adopt a politically correct, albeit legal, view of marriage. If the latter, then, compelling political correctness can have a boomerang effect, creating more LGBTQ discrimination. Given this administration’s strong support for religious freedom and two new conservative justices on the Supreme Court, a legislative religious exemption in public accommodation laws may be safer for LGBTQ rights than risking a Supreme Court ruling constitutionally enshrining a religious right to discriminate. After the Introduction section, Part II of this Article will summarize the central meaning of the First Amendment discussed in a previous article. Part III will describe the history and meaning of the political correctness movement. Part IV will discuss microaggression, a concept born out of the political correctness movement. In exploring the question of compelling political correctness, Part V will discuss the likely difficulties in litigating microaggression-related claims. The New York City Human Rights Law (“NYCHRL”), an existing example of compelled political correctness, will be discussed in Part VI. The NYCHRL includes proper gender usage under the umbrella of public accommodation gender discrimination. Part VII revisits the Masterpiece Cakeshop conflict between anti-discrimination protection for same-sex marriage rights and religious beliefs, suggesting a legislative compromise. In conclusion, Part VIII will make the case for compromise.
A Comprehensive Multi-Omic Approach Reveals a Relatively Simple Venom in a Diet Generalist, the Northern Short-Tailed Shrew, Blarina brevicauda.

Animals that use venom to feed on a wide diversity of prey may evolve a complex mixture of toxins to target a variety of physiological processes and prey-defense mechanisms. Blarina brevicauda, the northern short-tailed shrew, is one of few venomous mammals, and is also known to eat evolutionarily divergent prey. Despite their complex diet, earlier proteomic and transcriptomic studies of this shrew's venom have only identified two venom proteins. Here, we investigated with comprehensive molecular approaches whether B. brevicauda venom is more complex than previously understood. We generated de novo assemblies of a B. brevicauda genome and submaxillary-gland transcriptome, as well as sequenced the salivary proteome. Our findings show that B. brevicauda's venom composition is simple relative to their broad diet and is likely limited to seven proteins from six gene families. Additionally, we explored expression levels and rate of evolution of these venom genes and the origins of key duplications that led to toxin neofunctionalization. We also found three proteins that may be involved in endogenous self-defense. The possible synergism of the toxins suggests that vertebrate prey may be the main target of the venom. Further functional assays for all venom proteins on both vertebrate and invertebrate prey would provide further insight into the ecological relevance of venom in this species.
Design and evaluation of a high power density 5 MW, 6000 RPM fully- superconducting generator

In order to reduce carbon emissions, there is considerable interest in both superconducting generators and motors to enable all-electric aircraft for transportation. This paper summarizes the results of an initial design study for a 5 MW, 6000 rpm fully-superconducting generator. Using the FEMM magnetics code and the Lua scripting language, electromagnetic optimization was performed to determine the best cases. This study also considered ac loss capability of Bi-2212 superconductors, which can operate in the 30 to 40 K temperature range, along with the associated cryogenic refrigeration requirements. Initial results show that, while machines with active weight densities of ~40 kW/kg are possible, the weight of the associated cryocoolers would be prohibitive; however, the use of liquid hydrogen makes these machines realizable. Future cryocooler development is required to get their specific weights down to ~3 kg/kW of input power.
Apoaequorin differentially modulates fear memory in adult and aged rats.

Introduction Cognitive deficits during aging are pervasive across species and learning paradigms. One of the major mechanisms thought to play a role in age-related memory decline is dysregulated calcium (Ca2+ ) homeostasis. Aging is associated with impaired function of several calcium-regulatory mechanisms, including calcium-binding proteins that normally support intracellular Ca2+ regulation. This age-related calcium-binding protein dysfunction and changes in expression lead to disrupted maintenance of intracellular Ca2+ , thus contributing to memory decline. Other work has found that age-related cognitive deficits can be mitigated by either blocking Ca2+ entry into the cytosol or preventing its release from intracellular Ca2+ stores. However, the effect of calcium-binding protein administration on cognitive function during aging is not well-understood. Our laboratory has previously shown that the calcium-binding protein apoaequorin (AQ) is neuroprotective during oxygen-glucose deprivation, a model of in vitro ischemia characterized by calcium-induced excitotoxicity. The current experiments assessed the effect of direct dorsal hippocampal AQ infusion on trace and context fear memory in adult and aged rats. Methods Adult (3-6 months) and aged (22-26 months) male F344 rats were randomly assigned to different experimental infusion groups before undergoing trace fear conditioning and testing. In experiment 1, rats received bilateral dorsal hippocampal infusions of either vehicle or AQ (4% w/v) 24 hr before trace fear conditioning. In experiment 2, rats received bilateral dorsal hippocampal infusions of either vehicle or 4% AQ 1 hr before trace fear conditioning and 1 hr before testing. Results Aged rats displayed impaired trace and context fear memory. While a single AQ infusion 24 hr before trace fear conditioning was insufficient to rescue age-related trace fear memory deficits, AQ infusion 1 hr before both conditioning and testing abolished age-related context fear memory deficits. Conclusions These results suggest that intrahippocampal infusion of AQ may reverse aging-related deficits in hippocampus-dependent context fear memory.
Associations Between Trauma, Sleep, and Cognitive Impairment Among Latino and Asian Older Adults

Background/objectives Trauma survivors with chronic post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have been found to have cognitive impairment. But little is known about these outcomes among Latino and Asians who comprise more than 80% of the U.S. immigrant population. They also experience disparities in PTSD and dementia care albeit increased exposure to trauma. This study aimed to (1) examine the association between trauma exposures and PTSD with cognitive impairment in a sample of Latino and Asian older adults; and (2) assess whether sleep quality attenuated the PTSD-cognitive impairment association. Design Cross-sectional secondary analysis of baseline data from the Positive Minds-Strong Bodies randomized controlled trial on disability prevention. Setting Community-based organizations serving minority or immigrant older adults in Massachusetts, New York, Florida, or Puerto Rico. Participants Hispanic/Latino and Asian/Pacific Islander adults aged 60 or older eligible per randomized controlled trial screening for elevated mood symptoms and minor-to-moderate physical dysfunction (n = 134 and n = 86, respectively). Measurements Neuropsychiatric measures were cognitive impairment (Mini Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)), PTSD (Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual-5), trauma exposure (Brief Trauma Questionnaire), depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9), generalized anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale-7), and daytime sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale). Results Mean age was 72.8 years and 77.5 years for the Latino and Asian groups, respectively. The Asian group was 100% immigrant, whereas 70.2% (n = 92) of the Latino group was foreign-born. In unadjusted models, higher Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual-5 scores were associated with decreased odds of normal cognitive functioning (MoCA ≥25) in the Asian group (odds ratio (95% confidence interval) = .93 (.87, .99)), but not the Latino group (odds ratio (95% confidence interval) = .99 (.95, 1.05)). This association remained significant after adjusting for covariates. Daytime sleepiness did not moderate the association between PTSD and cognitive functioning in the Asian group. Conclusion Higher PTSD symptoms were associated with cognitive impairment in Asian, but not Latino, older adults. Clinicians serving older Asians should integrate trauma and cognitive screening to ensure this growing, underserved population receives appropriate evidence-based treatments.
What Motivates Some Ghanaian Private Media To Expose Political Corruption

The private media are often seen as a part of the corrupt network, particularly in developing countries considered corrupt. Using Giddens’s theory of structuration and data from in-depth semi-struc...
Determinants of Rejected Mail Ballots in Georgia’s 2018 General Election

Because of the COVID-19 threat to in-person voting in the November 2020 election, state and local election officials have pivoted to mail-in voting as a potential solution. This method of voting—wh...
Designing a multimodal imaging workflow for large area fluorescence with nonlinear optical microscopy for oral neoplasia detection: preclinical model and clinical sample study

The recognized need to develop better clinical approaches for detection of epithelial cancers and potentially malignant lesions than currently used has motivated work in development of noninvasive fluorescence imaging devices. While individual large area imaging and microscopic techniques are promising, recent trends have explored combinations that could merge strengths. The study will discuss a workflow to combine strengths of label-free nonlinear optical microscopy (NLOM) which has shown promise for optical biopsy but is limited in scannable area with widefield autofluorescence microscopy providing large surface area assessment, in studies conducted in both a hamster model for oral neoplasia and inflammation and in surgical oral cancer specimens.
Unlimited associative learning and consciousness: further support and some caveats about a link to stress

Birch, Ginsburg, and Jablonka, in an article in this issue of Biology and Philosophy, provided a much-needed condensation of their well-reasoned theory of Unlimited Associative Learning (UAL). This theory compellingly identifies the conscious animals (vertebrates, arthropods, and cephalopod molluscs) and the time when the evolutionary transition to consciousness was completed (Cambrian Period). The authors convincingly explained their use of UAL as a “transition marker,” identified two more features by which UAL can be recognized, showed how UAL’s learning features relate to consciousness, and how investigating consciousness is analogous to investigating life. My constructive criticisms are that I wish they had taken a stand on which organisms and entities are not conscious, and I feel they made too many predictions by which to test the UAL theory. That is, some of the proposed tests are unnecessary because parts of UAL are already supported by enough evidence, and other proposed tests are so ambitious as to be nearly impossible to complete. Finally, UAL has a major, detailed, sub-hypothesis that says such learning led to stress and to the evolution of mechanisms to cope with this stress; but this idea is speculative and requires the most basic testing to judge whether it could be valid.
“Smart Is the New Cool”: Project MC 2 and the Marketing of STEM Lifestyles to Tween Girl

In this chapter, I argue that Project Mc2 is a brand that promotes a STEM lifestyle for tween girls. This is distinct from encouraging girls to pursue STEM careers. A STEM lifestyle generates opportunities for creative self-expression and self-branding via an investment in STEM-inspired aesthetics and activities. It proports to give tween girls tools and strategies for navigating gendered social expectations without ever rejecting or challenging gender norms as well as opportunities to establish peer networks along with their uniqueness within them. In taking PMc2’s branding strategies seriously I have sought to identify how it promotes particular forms of participation for tween girls in STEM as a lifestyle that offers them pathways to attaining social capital.
Novel therapies emerging in oncology to target the TGF-β pathway

The TGF-β signaling pathway governs key cellular processes under physiologic conditions and is deregulated in many pathologies, including cancer. TGF-β is a multifunctional cytokine that acts in a cell- and context-dependent manner as a tumor promoter or tumor suppressor. As a tumor promoter, the TGF-β pathway enhances cell proliferation, migratory invasion, metastatic spread within the tumor microenvironment and suppresses immunosurveillance. Collectively, the pleiotropic nature of TGF-β signaling contributes to drug resistance, tumor escape and undermines clinical response to therapy. Based upon a wealth of preclinical studies, the TGF-β pathway has been pharmacologically targeted using small molecule inhibitors, TGF-β-directed chimeric monoclonal antibodies, ligand traps, antisense oligonucleotides and vaccines that have been now evaluated in clinical trials. Here, we have assessed the safety and efficacy of TGF-β pathway antagonists from multiple drug classes that have been evaluated in completed and ongoing trials. We highlight Vactosertib, a highly potent small molecule TGF-β type 1 receptor kinase inhibitor that is well-tolerated with an acceptable safety profile that has shown efficacy against multiple types of cancer. The TGF-β ligand traps Bintrafusp alfa (a bifunctional conjugate that binds TGF-β and PD-L1), AVID200 (a computationally designed trap of TGF-β receptor ectodomains fused to an Fc domain) and Luspatercept (a recombinant fusion that links the activin receptor IIb to IgG) offer new ways to fight difficult-to-treat cancers. While TGF-β pathway antagonists are rapidly emerging as highly promising, safe and effective anticancer agents, significant challenges remain. Minimizing the unintentional inhibition of tumor-suppressing activity and inflammatory effects with the desired restraint on tumor-promoting activities has impeded the clinical development of TGF-β pathway antagonists. A better understanding of the mechanistic details of the TGF-β pathway should lead to more effective TGF-β antagonists and uncover biomarkers that better stratify patient selection, improve patient responses and further the clinical development of TGF-β antagonists.
Growth trajectories of cognitive and motor control in adolescence: How much is development and how much is practice?

OBJECTIVE Executive control continues to develop throughout adolescence and is vulnerable to alcohol use. Although longitudinal assessment is ideal for tracking executive function development and onset of alcohol use, prior testing experience must be distinguished from developmental trajectories. METHOD We used the Stroop Match-to-Sample task to examine the improvement of processing speed and specific cognitive and motor control over 4 years in 445 adolescents. The twice-minus-once-tested method was used and expanded to four test sessions to delineate prior experience (i.e., learning) from development. A General Additive Model evaluated the predictive value of age and sex on executive function development and potential influences of alcohol use on development. RESULTS Results revealed strong learning between the first two assessments. Adolescents significantly improved their speed processing over 4 years. Compared with boys, girls enhanced ability to control cognitive interference and motor reactions. Finally, the influence of alcohol use initiation was tested over 4 years for development in 110 no/low, 110 moderate/heavy age- and sex-matched drinkers; alcohol effects were not detected in the matched groups. CONCLUSIONS Estimation of learning effects is crucial for examining developmental changes longitudinally. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).
A description of self-similar Blow-up for dimensions n ⩾ 3

Abstract A precise description of the asymptotic behavior near the blowup singularity for solutions of ut − Δu = f(u) which blowups in finite time T is given.
Talking Heads, Italo Calvino, and the Surface of Things: An Essay in Pieces

EARLY IN Stop Making Sense, Jonathan Demme's 1984 film of a Talking Heads concert, the camera films three musicians as they dance slowly for ward and backward during a song. Intent on their instruments, shivering with their heads down, they move back and forth in front of the camera at different rates of speed, crossing and recrossing arhythmically, on separate planes of motion, like pistons in a slow motion engine. The camera lingers for a moment or two over this image from its position slightly behind and to the side of the musicians, playing with the motion on the stage, seeing what the audience cannot see. Watching this for the first time, three years ago, I thought: these are the bodies of words; I am watching the way words move.
Stamps as iconography: Celebrating the independence of new European and Central Asian states

Stamps are products or `windows' of the state that illustrate how it wishes to be seen by its own citizens and those beyond its boundaries. The topics of the first issues reveal what messages the state considers most important. The first issues from nineteen new East European and Central Asian states illustrate the importance of maps, flags, coats of arms and prominent religious and political symbols; overt propaganda and ideology were lacking.
Transport of Bose-Einstein condensates using optical tweezers

Summary form only given. Conventional condensate production techniques severely limit optical and mechanical access for experiments due to the many laser beams and magnetic coils needed to create BECs. We demonstrate here an application of optical tweezers that transfers Bose condensates over distances of at least 44 cm (limited by the vacuum chamber) with a precision of a few micrometers. This separates the region of condensate production from that used for scientific studies. The science chamber has excellent optical and mechanical access, and the vacuum requirements in this region may well be less stringent than those necessary for production of BEC. This technique is ideally suited to deliver condensates close to surfaces, e.g. to microscopic waveguides and into electromagnetic cavities.
Pattern Selection: Determined by Symmetry and Modifiable by Distant Effects

We consider Saffman–Taylor channel flow without surface tension on a high-pressure driven interface, but modify the usual infinite-fluid in infinite-channel configuration. Here we include the treatment of efflux by considering a finite connected body of fluid in an arbitrarily long channel, with its second free interface the efflux of this configuration. We show that there is a uniquely determined translating solution for the driven interface, which is exactly the 1/2 width S–T solution, following from correct symmetry for a finite channel flow. We establish that there exist no perturbations about this solution corresponding to a finger propagating with any other width: Selection is locally unique and isolated. The stability of this solution is anomalous, in that all freely impressible perturbations are stabilities, while unstable modes request power proportional to their strength from the external agencies that drive the flow, and so, in principle, are experimentally controllable. This is very different from the behavior of the usual infinite fluid. We conjecture that surface tension on the efflux interface modifies channel-width λ according to 1−2λ=σ/v (i.e., (2π)2 B of the literature) with v the velocity of the high-pressure tip, but σ the surface tension of the efflux. That is, λ is decreased below 1/2 by the effect of smoothing the distant efflux. The perturbation theory created here to deal with transport between two free boundaries is novel and dependent upon a symmetry implied by the equations of motion.
Hydroxylation of 4-methylphenylalanine by rat liver phenylalanine hydroxylase.

Abstract Rat liver phenylalanine hydroxylase that has been activated with lysolecithin catalyzes the hydroxylation of 4-methylphenylalanine in the presence of a pterin cofactor. Two products, 4-hydroxymethylphenylalanine and 3-methyltyrosine, can be detected. The total amount of amino acids hydroxylated is equal to the amount of tetrahydropterin oxidized. Isotopic labeling studies with 18O2 and H2(18)O show that the hydroxyl groups of both products are derived from molecular oxygen and not from water. Results obtained with 2H-labeled substrates support the conclusion that these products are formed via different mechanistic pathways. Our previous investigations on substrate analogs, as well as the present results, indicate that a highly reactive oxygen-containing intermediate, such as an enzyme-bound iron-oxo compound, must be the hydroxylating species. Our present results could stimulate further discussion of the possibility that the reaction mechanism for the "NIH-shift" of the methyl group may not involve the spontaneous opening of an epoxide intermediate.
A solution of the mask overlay problem in microelectromechanical CAD (MEMCAD)

The authors present a computationally efficient algorithm for the processing of data from multiple multi-featured masks to produce a planar map of the device topography in a format compatible with mechanical CAD systems. >
Poetry Generation and Analysis

Publisher Summary This chapter is a survey of current work in poetry generation and analysis. The chapter attempts to show the spectrum of activities and to convey a sense of why such work is undertaken. Poetry generation—the act of programming a computer to produce strings of output in imitation of human poetry—is less often done than poetry analysis, which is programming a computer to search for strings or patterns within human poetry; perhaps this is because most of us would rather read and talk about poems a human writes than about those written by a computer. To predict where literary data processing is going seems unnecessary and perhaps rash. There are a number of courses, at least touching on literary data processing in universities throughout the country, and computer research sections are established within the framework of many literary conferences. English program to write poetry—not computer-generated, but poetry written by the students in response to conversations they carried out with the program. In none of the work reported above has there been the least suggestion that computational analysis should replace a human, either in writing or in reading the poem, and that is as it should be. The examples of poetry generation and analysis given here demonstrate that the computer can serve both as a medium for an artist and as a useful colleague, who does the repetitious shuffling and counting within poetry needed by investigators who want to know better what and how a poet means. Literary data processing is obviously growing, and developing more computational techniques, which will help the scholar and reader in the quest to understand, to hear, what the poet has to say.
Optimized model for university/industry interactions: development of design coupled manufacturing tools for infrared imagers

A process is described for university/industry interactions which facilitates the pursuit of academically free university research on the one hand and the development of proprietary commercial products on the other. The teaming approach described coupled with computer aided technology transfer media leads to significant return on investment for all the parties.
Development of a P1 phagemid system for the delivery of DNA into Gram-negative bacteria

The inability to transform many clinically important Gram-negative bacteria has hampered genetic studies addressing the mechanism of bacterial pathogenesis. This report describes the development and construction of a delivery system utilizing the broad-host-range transducing bacteriophage P1. The phagemids used in this system contain a P1 pac initiation site to package the vector, a P1 lytic replicon to generate concatemeric DNA, a broad-host-range origin of replication and an antibiotic-resistance determinant to select bacterial clones containing the recircularized phagemid. Phagemid DNA was successfully introduced by infection and stably maintained in members of the families Enterobacteriaceae (Escherichia coli, Shigella flexneri, Shigella dysenteriae, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Citrobacter freundii) and Pseudomonadaceae (Pseudomonas aeruginosa). In addition to laboratory strains, these virions were used successfully to deliver phagemids to a number of strains isolated from patients. This ability to deliver genetic information to wild-type strains raises the potential for use in antimicrobial therapies and DNA vaccine development.
Animal Models for Evaluation of Influenza Vaccines

Influenza viruses are emerging and re-emerging viruses that cause worldwide epidemics and pandemics. Despite substantial knowledge of the mechanisms of infection and immunity, only modest progress has been made in human influenza vaccine development. The rational basis for influenza vaccine development originates in animal models that have helped us to understand influenza species barriers, virus–host interactions, factors that affect transmission, disease pathogenesis, and disease intervention strategies. As influenza evolution can surmount species barriers and disease intervention strategies that include vaccines, our need for appropriate animal models and potentially new host species will evolve to meet these adaptive challenges. This chapter discusses animal models for evaluating vaccines and discusses the challenges and strengths of these models.
Self-Reported Autism Symptoms in Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Scores on the autism spectrum quotient (AQ) were examined in 65 adults with ASD. Maternal reports of symptoms were collected simultaneously using the autism diagnostic interview-revised (ADI-R) and the Vineland Screener. A slightly revised AQ administration procedure was used to accommodate adults with below average IQ. AQ scores were lower than in the original validation study, with only 11 adults (17%) scoring above the proposed diagnostic cut-off and 24 (27%) exceeding the screening cut-off. Adults with higher IQs endorsed more symptoms than those with below average intelligence, but even when analyses were restricted to the 39 adults with at least average IQ, only 44% met the screening cut-off. AQ scores were not significantly correlated with ADI-R or Vineland scores.
Stamping of continuous fiber thermoplastic composites

Despite demonstrated success in low volume aerospace and defense applications, structural composites remain at the periphery of high volume industries such as construction, automotive, and consumer goods because of long cycle times. Stamping provides a means of making composite sheet products at rates ten to a hundred times faster than any existing continuous fiber processes. However, to make composites stamping a viable process, one must understand how the combination of fabric architecture, tool design, and process conditions interact to produce a part free of wrinkling and tearing. In this paper, the effect of temperature, stamping rate, and boundary constraints on the material deformation is presented. The focus of this study is a co-mingled glass/polypropylene fabric, in the form of a layer of unidirectional yarns held together by stitches. The results show that temperature variations have the greatest effect on deformation. In addition, a finite element model of parallel strips with linear constraints was shown to successfully simulate the sliding deformation or draw-in of the stitched unidirectional material.
Intrapulmonary Steal Complicating Repair of Tetralogy of Fallot

A patient with total occlusion of the distal right pulmonary artery secondary to the performance of a Waterston shunt is reported. A nearly fatal intrapulmonary steal occurred at the time of corrective operation when an attempt was made to revascularize both pulmonary arteries.
Catholicism and the Economics of Fertility

The economic approach to fertility is an application of the economic theory of consumer behaviour. It is assumed that utility-maximizing decisions regarding children are affected by explicit and implicit prices and income. One of the criticisms of this approach is that social norms tend to be given short shrift. In this paper, we examine the effect of Catholicism on fertility in the United States. Several new findings are presented. Most importantly, it is shown that many studies on Catholicism are flawed because of sample selection bias, which arises because ex-Catholics prefer smaller families than non-Catholics. We also show that religious activity has no effect on fertility if it is treated as an endogenous variable. Further, it is shown that the fertility transition in the United States is partly related to the changing effect of Catholic norms.
COPEPODS OF THE FAMILIES LERNAEOPODIDAE AND NAOBRANCHIIDAE PARASITIC ON FISHES FROM SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA INSHORE WATERS

ABSTRACT Three morphological forms of the female of Neobrachiella robusta from three species of Sebastes are described along with the first description of the male. Three new species of parasitic copepods are described and illustrated. They are: Clavella embiotocae, new species, from the gill filaments of Embiotoca jacksoni, Rhacochilus vacca, and Phanerodon furcatus; Naobranchia microsoma. new species, from the gill filaments of Genyonemus lineatus, Citharichthys stigmaeus, C. sordidus, and C. xanthostigma; and Naobranchia scorpaenae,new species, from the gill filaments of Scorpaena guttata. All copepods collected parasitized fishes caught in benthic trawls at the Orange County sewer outfall, California, between October 1975 and August 1976.
Status and trends in coastal habitats of the South China Sea

Abstract The South China Sea is an area of globally significant biological diversity. The Transboundary Diagnostic Analysis prepared for this marine basin identified the issue of coastal habitat degradation and loss as a key priority issue for action. The UNEP/GEF project entitled “ Reversing Environmental Degradation Trends in the South China Sea and Gulf of Thailand ” (SCS project) focused on these concerns through implementing a series of activities under the component on habitat degradation and loss. Important outputs of this project component were national reports on coastal habitats. This paper reviews and analyses available information from these reports and recent studies to present a review of the status and trends in coastal habitats of the South China Sea. This includes a technical summary of the best available information relating to the: distribution and extent of the dominant coastal habitats of mangroves, coral reefs, and seagrass; richness of habitat building species and hotspots of biodiversity; ranking of threats and the related rates of coastal habitat degradation and loss; and the state of coastal habitat management regimes. The use of this information in developing National Action Plans for habitats and the Strategic Action Programme for the South China Sea is reviewed. It is concluded that the science-based planning fostered by the SCS project was essential in reaching multi-lateral agreement on the regional targets and priority actions for coastal habitat management in this transboundary water body.
Uromucoid (Tamm-Horsfall glycoprotein) forms different polymeric arrangements on a filter surface under different physicochemical conditions

Summary Normal human urine cannot be forced through a 0.2 pm filter. To investigate the reason for this phenomenon, uromucoid (Tamm-Horsfall protein) was purified from human urine and its capacity to block a 0.2 pm Millipore filter was measured under different conditions. In the presence of cations (H+, Na+, Ca’“) uromucoid blocked the filter. The blocking varied with cation concentration. Scanning electron microscopy of the filter surface revealed different arrangements of polymerized uromucoid coating the filter surface depending on ionic conditions. In the presence of 100 mmol/l NaCl or 1 mmol/l CaCI, uromucoid polymers were present in a fibrous arrangement. In the presence of both NaCl and CaCI, a dence mat of uromucoid polymers was present together with clumps of aggregated polymer. In the absence of ions uromucoid formed a homogeneous coat on the filter surface (as demonstrated by scanning electron microscopy, Western blotting and ‘251-uromucoid binding studies) btit did not block the filter. Similar fibrous and highly aggregated arrangements of uromucoid polymer were seen in hyaline casts from urine. These data are consistent with the concept that the uromucoid glycoprotein can exist in several different polymeric forms under different ionic conditions.
Age-related and carcinogen-induced alterations of the extracellular growth factor requirements for cell proliferation in vitro.

Cells from thigh muscles of fetal rats proliferate readily in vitro in medium containing homologous adult rat “plasma.” As the donor animals mature, these cells become unable to make DNA and proliferate in “plasma” medium, but retain an ability to proliferate in medium containinig fetal bovine serum (FBS). This age-related loss of the ability to proliferate in “plasma”-medium is due to an increasing need by the cells for an exogenous prereplicative promoter which is found in FBS and a crude preparation of bovine luteinizing hormone. Adult cells (and possibly fetal cells) also require a “cycle-completion” factor which is found in FBS and adult rat “plasma.” The requirements for such external proliferative promoters is completely eliminated by neoplastic transformation in vivo, and neoplastic adult cells isolated from a nickel sulfide-induced mixed rhabdomyo-fibro-sarcoma can make DNA and proliferate in vitro in the complete absence of exogenous growth factors.
The influence of kinship and socialization on aggressive behaviour in rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta)

Abstract Among the 100 rhesus monkeys living in a social group studied over a period of 17 months, group members showed disproportionately more aggression to kin than non-kin. Mothers were particularly likely to show aggression towards offspring. The more extreme forms of response involving contact aggression were most often directed towards kin, particularly younger kin. Aggression received from kin declined as animals matured; the decline was more rapid for males than females. By adolescence, males no longer received disproportionately more aggression from kin and, as adults, natal males received significantly less aggression from kin. The forms of agonistic expression directed toward kin did not include mobbing a defeated victim or joining the aggression of another group member against kin. Females of all ages directed their agonistic behaviour disproportionately more often toward kin, whereas the relative frequency of male agonistic involvement with kin deceased with age. These data support the hypothesis that aggression is used as one of the mechanisms in socialization and that matrilines are particularly active in the socialization of immature rhesus monkeys.
The structure, objectives, and findings of a study of scientific information exchange in psychology

The general objective of this study was to develop a description of the scientific information exchange environment in psychology by determining the responsibilities of the persons and institutions associated with the origination, transmission, storage, and use of scientific information; the characteristics of the processes involved in the fulfillment of each of these functions and of the storage properties they afford; and, finally, the utilization of scientific information. To accomplish this objective sixteen specific studies were designed of which nine are available as technical reports. Findings trace the dissemination of information from initiation of research through archival publication (stressing that type of communication occurring at conventions); discuss access to and use of archival media; and determine the characteristics of the user's behavior in his search for and use of needed information. Subsequent work will emphasize the user's behavior and will develop and test communication innovations which seem practical and desirable.
Spoken command of large mobile robots in outdoor environments

We describe a speech system for commanding robots in human-occupied outdoor military supply depots. To operate in such environments, the robots must be as easy to interact with as are humans, i.e. they must reliably understand ordinary spoken instructions, such as orders to move supplies, as well as commands and warnings, spoken or shouted from distances of tens of meters. These design goals preclude close-talking microphones and “push-to-talk” buttons that are typically used to isolate commands from the sounds of vehicles, machinery and non-relevant speech. We used multiple microphones to provide omnidirectional coverage. A novel voice activity detector was developed to detect speech and select the appropriate microphone to listen to. Finally, we developed a recognizer model that could successfully recognize commands when heard amidst other speech within a noisy environment. When evaluated on speech data in the field, this system performed significantly better than a more computationally intensive baseline system, reducing the effective false alarm rate by a factor of 40, while maintaining the same level of precision.
California archaeological record consistent with Younger Dryas disruptive event

Buchanan et al. (1) assert that the radiocarbon record from the United States and Canada does not support the extraterrestrial impact hypothesis, but their claims do not hold true for the California archaeological record. Fluted projectile points marking Paleoindian occupations have been reported from no fewer than 51 locations in California (2), and no fewer than 38 sites have produced radiocarbon evidence for occupation between 10,500 and 9,000 calibrated yrs BP (3). Only two sites have produced fluted points and early Holocene occupational residues together in stratified context. At the same time, none of the sites that have produced radiocarbon evidence for occupation between 10,500 and 9,000 calibrated yrs BP have yielded fluted points. There are no archaeological sites in California that have reliable radiocarbon dates between 12,900 and 12,200 calibrated yrs BP and precious few that date between 12,000 and 10,500 calibrated yrs BP. The earliest archaeological record from California is therefore marked by a strong cultural unconformity between the late Pleistocene and the early Holocene that is consistent with a significant disruptive event of the type described by Firestone et al. (4) and Kennett et al. (5). A more careful evaluation of the full cultural and archaeological record from the regions discussed by Buchanan et al. (1) would likely show similar patterns.
Renal effects of atrial natriuretic peptide infusion in young and adult rats.

ABSTRACT: The immature kidney appears to be less responsive to atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) than the mature kidney. It has been proposed that this difference accounts for the limited ability of the young animal to excrete a sodium load. To delineate the effects of age on the renal response to exogenous ANP, Sprague-Dawley rats were anesthetized for study at 31–32 days of age, 35–41 days of age, and adulthood. Synthetic rat ANP was infused intravenously for 20 min at increasing doses ranging from 0.1 to 0.8 μg/kg/min, and mean arterial pressure, glomerular filtration rate, plasma ANP concentration, urine flow rate, and urine sodium excretion were measured at each dose. Since cyclic GMP acts as a second messenger for ANP action, urinary cyclic GMP excretion also was measured. Increasing doses of ANP caused a similar decrease in MAP at all ages studied, and increased glomerular filtration rate in adult but not young rats. Increasing the dose of ANP from 0.1 to 0.4 μg/kg/min caused a greater rise in urine flow and urinary cyclic GMP excretion in adult than young rats, and urine sodium excretion increased more in adults at all doses (p < 0.05). However, the rise in plasma ANP concentration also was greater in adults than in young rats (p < 0.05), indicative of greater systemic clearance of ANP in young animals. Increasing levels of plasma ANP concentration were correlated with a greater rise in urine flow in adult than young (31–32 day old) rats (p < 0.05), but there was no differential effect on urinary cyclic GMP excretion. We conclude that although the diuretic effect of ANP increases with age, the guanylate cyclase response to ANP does not change after 30 days of age in the rat. Decreasing clearance of ANP as rats age may be due to decreased enzymatic degradation of the peptide or reduced removal as a result of altered receptor binding.
Comparative efficacy of fenoprofen calcium and zomepirac sodium in postsurgical dental pain.

Abstract The relative analgesic efficacy of zomepirac sodium 100 mg and fenoprofen calcium 200 mg was evaluated in patients with pain due to surgical removal of dental impactions. This is the first study to make a direct comparison of their effectiveness. This study is especially important since zomepirac sodium was recently removed from the market as an analgesic for acute pain. Zomepirac sodium was extremely popular among clinicians and was considered the most effective of the peripherally acting analgesics. Patients were requested to take a single dose of study medication when they had moderate to severe pain. The study medications were identical in appearance and randomly allocated under double-blind conditions. The medication was evaluated over the next 4 hours according to subjective analgesic measurement scales. The primary measures of efficacy included total pain relief (TOTPAR), sum pain intensity difference (SPID), overall evaluation, and time to remedication. Of the 136 patients entered, 117 were included in the efficacy analysis. Both active agents demonstrated marked superiority to placebo (P
Clinical use of epidural xylazine in the horse

Summary Xylazine was administered into the epidural space of nine horses to facilitate various perineal manipulations (ie rectovaginal laceration repair, replacement of prolapsed rectum and urethral extension). The resulting caudal analgesia was sufficient for all procedures. The duration of analgesia from a single injection of epidural xylazine (0.17 to 0.22 mg/kg bodyweight) was at least 3.5 h. No horses were ataxic during or after the treatment. This trial demonstrates that xylazine given into the epidural space of horses provides prolonged regional analgesia which is sufficient for clinical use.
Treating Difficult Cases in a Psychoeducational Family Support Group for Serious Mental Illness

Research findings on family psychoeducation as evidence-based treatment for serious mental illnesses and benefits for families of peer-led family education groups are presented. Because major psychiatric disorders frequently are long term with episodic crises, caregivers have ongoing needs for support to enhance time-limited interventions. This article describes a continuous psychoeducational family support group that gives prolonged assistance and also helps problem families who reject family therapy. Three case examples are given of such families and the contributions of the group in effecting change. It is suggested that mental health systems incorporate psychoeducational support groups for family caregivers in standard practice.
Ultrasound Evaluation of Normal Penile (Corporeal) Length in Children

Previous studies have established normal penile length for patient age and stage of sexual development. To our knowledge penile length has only been determined to date by measuring the stretched distance from the symphysis to the glans tip. Pilot studies at our institution showed that ultrasound corpora cavernosa length determinations were possible using a 7.5 MHz. linear transducer probe. To determine whether ultrasound is a more accurate modality in assessing penile length, male subjects 0 to 24 months old with normal penile anatomy and palpably descended testicles were enrolled in a prospective analysis. Longitudinal ultrasound images of the flaccid penis were obtained from the dorsal surface. The whole corporeal bodies were easily imaged and measured. In a blinded fashion a separate investigator performed a conventional stretched penile length determination. A total of 27 male subjects 1 week to 22 months old was evaluated and 2 were excluded. Corpora cavernosa measurements using ultrasound revealed a mean length of 32.3 +/- 4.7 mm. (range 22.4 to 44.9). Stretched penile lengths of the same subjects revealed a mean length of 46.8 +/- 8.2 mm. (range 31 to 63). Circumcision status (p = 0.036) and age (p < 0.001) significantly correlated with stretched length determinations. Ultrasound measurements did not significantly vary with patient circumcision status or age. Penile length and race were not correlated when using stretched or ultrasound measurements. Ultrasound determination of corporeal body length is possible in young subjects. From infancy to age 22 months ultrasound measurements are not significantly affected by age or the presence of foreskin. Our experience suggests that corporeal body evaluation by ultrasound may offer a more accurate assessment of functional penile length.
Replication of Potato spindle tuber viroid in cultured cells of tobacco and Nicotiana benthamiana: the role of specific nucleotides in determining replication levels for host adaptation.

We have developed an electroporation protocol to inoculate cultured cells of tobacco and Nicotiana benthamiana with in vitro transcripts of Potato spindle tuber viroid (PSTVd) to characterize viroid structural features that determine replication efficiency at the cellular level. Both (+)- and (-)-strands of PSTVd were detected by Northern blots as early as 6 h postinoculation (h.p.i.). Accumulation of the (+)-circular PSTVd increased very rapidly starting at 24 h.p.i. and continued beyond 6 days postinoculation. Viroid accumulation in individual cells was visualized by in situ hybridization, which showed that 60-70% of the cells were infected. Previous work showed that C259 --> U substitution converted tomato isolate PSTVd(KF440-2) into a strain that is infectious on tobacco (M. Wassenegger, R. L. Spieker, S. Thalmeir, F.-U. Gast, L. Riedel, and H. L. Sanger, 1996. Virology 226, 191-197). Similarly, C259 --> U or U257 --> A substitution in the Intermediate strain (PSTVd(Int)) conferred infectivity in tobacco (Y. Zhu, Y. Qi, Y. Xun, R. Owens, and B. Ding, 2002. Plant Physiol. 130, 138-146). Our replication assays in tobacco-cultured cells demonstrated that U257 --> A and C259 --> U substitutions each enhanced PSTVd replication by 5- to 10-fold. Replacement of U257 with C, but not with G, also led to enhanced replication in tobacco cells. Replacement of C259 with nucleotide A or G did not enhance replication. Elevated accumulation of the (-)- and (+)-strands of these mutants was in part due to enhanced transcription. Interestingly, all of the nucleotide changes did not alter PSTVd replication levels in N. benthamiana cells. These results provide insights about PSTVd structures that modulate replication efficiency in adapting to a specific host.
Laser-induced stimulation of chymotrypsin activity

Abstract Experimental evidence supporting Frolich's conjecture of a metastable state in enzymes is provided.