cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Fertility of Frozen Boar Sperm When used for Artificial Insemination

One of the limits to practical use of frozen boar sperm involves the lowered fertility when used for artificial insemination. Years of studies have shown that 5-6 billion sperm (approximately 3 billion viable) used in single or multiple inseminations results in pregnancy rates most often between 60 and 70% and with litter sizes between nine and 10 pigs. Yet today, it is not uncommon for studies to report pregnancy rates from 70 to 85% and litter sizes with 11-12 pigs. While global statements about the incidence and reasons for higher fertility are not conclusive, incremental fertility improvements appear independently associated with use of a minimum number of viable sperm (1-2 billion), insemination timing that increases the probability that sperm will be present close to ovulation for groups of females, selection for boar sperm survival following cryopreservation, and modification of the freeze and thaw conditions using additives to protect sperm from oxidative damage. Studies show that techniques such as intrauterine and deep uterine insemination can provide an opportunity to reduce sperm numbers and that control of time of ovulation in groups of females can reduce the need for multiple inseminations and improve the chance for AI close to ovulation. However, optimal and consistent fertility with cryopreserved boar sperm may require a multifaceted approach that includes boar selection and screening, strategic use of additives during the freezing and thawing process, post-thaw evaluation of sperm and adjustments in sperm numbers for AI, assessment of female fertility and ovulation induction for single insemination. These sequenced procedures should be developed and incorporated into a quality control system for improved fertility when using minimal numbers of cryopreserved boar sperm.
Antioxidant activity of dietary canthaxanthin.

Abstract It has been suggested that canthaxanthin (CX), s‐carotene, and other carotenoids may inhibit carcinogenesis via antioxidant activity. CX has been shown to inhibit lipid peroxidation in liposomes; this experiment was designed to assess the antioxidant activity of CX in biological membranes. Chicks were fed semipurifled diets supplemented with placebo beadlets or CX beadlets (5 g beadlets/kg diet; 0.5 g CX/kg diet) for five weeks. Diets were deficient in vitamin E and selenium to maximize the power of detecting an antioxidant effect of CX and to induce exudative diathesis, which is a vitamin E and selenium deficiency disease of chicks. Dietary CX had no effect on the onset, incidence, or severity of exudative diathesis. Liver homogenates from CX‐fed chicks exhibited significantly (p = 0.02) decreased formation of thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances over time in ferrous ion‐induced peroxidations. Because dietary CX increased hepatic α‐tocopherol content, subsequent peroxidations were conducted i...
CAVERNOSAL EXPANDABILITY IS AN ERECTILE TISSUE MECHANICAL PROPERTY WHICH PREDICTS TRABECULAR HISTOLOGY IN AN ANIMAL MODEL OF VASCULOGENIC ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION

AbstractPurpose: Reliable, clinically available, non-invasive measurements able to predict trabecular histology without the need for erectile tissue biopsy would improve impotence management, since the percentage of trabecular smooth muscle content has been shown to be associated with corporal veno-occlusive dysfunction. The purpose was to identify whether the erectile tissue mechanical property, cavernosal expandability, correlated with the percentage of trabecular smooth muscle content in an animal model of hypercholesterolemia and ischemic-induced corporal fibrosis.Materials and Methods: New Zealand White rabbits (6 to 7 months old, 3 to 3.5 kg.), were divided into control (n = 7), hypercholesterolemic (n = 5, 0.5% cholesterol diet) and atherosclerotic groups (n = 8, 0.5% cholesterol diet with balloon de-endothelialization). At 16 weeks, the corpora cavernosa were removed en bloc and submerged in physiologic salt solution, and volume-pressure data were plotted at 20 mm. Hg pressure intervals under trab...
Relative Use of Univariate and Multivariate Analysis of Variance in Developmental Psychology

Articles from Volume 16 of Developmental Psychology were reviewed with respect to the number of studies that employed multiple dependent measures within the analysis of variance framework. These re...
Swept contrast visual evoked potentials and their plasticity following monocular deprivation in mice

The swept contrast visual evoked potential technique is a quasi-psychophysical method that can help bridge the gap between cell biology and visual performance in studies of ocular dominance plasticity. In mice we found that four days of monocular deprivation diminished the amplitude of evoked potentials from the deprived eye relative to the non-deprived eye. This ocular dominance plasticity was nearly as great in adult mice as in juveniles. The monocular deprivation effect was mediated, at least in part, by enhancement of responses evoked from the non-deprived eye, rather than by depression of responses from the deprived eye.
Resolving the sexual intimacy paradox: A developmental model for the treatment of sexual desire disorders

Although relationship factors are an important component in the evaluation and treatment of hypoactive sexual desire (HSD) disorders, a sexual intimacy paradox often occurs wherein many couples increase the intimacy in their relationship while their sexual desire continues to decline. To resolve the apparent paradox and to further our understanding of the relationship between intimacy and eroticism, we offer a developmental model of sexual intimacy as a guide to treating the interpersonal aspects of HSD and other sexual dysfunctions. This model expands Erikson's developmental phase of intimacy into five elements: conflagration, merger, fusion, differentiation, and integration. The model is described and case examples are presented as illustrations of the therapeutic issues and resolutions within each element.
Variety seeking in restaurant choice and its drivers

Abstract The purpose of this study was to identify variety drivers in restaurant settings and to examine their influence on diners’ variety seeking intentions. More specifically, this study considered perceived quality, customer satisfaction, overall boredom, and boredom with restaurant attributes as variety drivers and examined how they affect customers’ variety seeking intentions. Further, this study investigated the moderating role of personality characteristics and overall loyalty level toward a restaurant in the relationship between variety drivers and variety seeking intentions. The results showed that atmospheric quality, overall boredom, and boredom with atmospheric attributes significantly influence variety seeking intentions. Personality characteristics reflecting optimal stimulation level also played a moderating role in the relationship between overall boredom and variety seeking intentions. Theoretical and managerial implications are provided in the conclusion.
KL Transform and Neural-Net Based Framework for Failure Modes Classification in Electronics Subjected to Mechanical-Shock

Electronic systems under extreme shock and vibration environments including shock and vibration may sustain several failure modes simultaneously. Previous experience of the authors indicates that the dominant failure modes experienced by packages in a drop and shock frame work are in the solder interconnects including cracks at the package and the board interface, pad cratering, copper trace fatigue, and bulk-failure in the solder joint. In this paper, a method has been presented for failure mode classification using a combination of Karhunen Loeve transform with parity-based stepwise supervised training of a perceptrons. Early classification of multiple failure modes in the pre-failure space using supervised neural networks in conjunction with Karhunen Loeve transform is new. Feature space has been formed by joint time frequency analysis. Since the cumulative damage may be accrued under repetitive loading with exposure to multiple shock events, the area array assemblies have been exposed to shock and feature vectors constructed to track damage initiation and progression. Error Back propagation learning algorithm has been used for stepwise parity of each particular failure mode. The classified failure modes and failure regions belonging to each particular failure modes in the feature space are also validated by simulation of the designed neural network used for parity of feature space. Statistical similarity and validation of different classified dominant failure modes is performed by multivariate analysis of variance and Hoteling’s T-square. The results of different classified dominant failure modes are also correlated with the experimental cross sections of the failed test assemblies. The methodology adopted in this paper can perform real-time fault monitoring with identification of specific dominant failure mode and is scalable to system level reliability.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Women and Welfare: the Politics of Coping With New Social Risks in Chile and Uruguay

Women make up a disproportionate share of the world's poor, and Latin America is no exception to this trend. Nevertheless, very few studies of social policy in the region have investigated why the gendered character of welfare provision varies across countries. This article addresses that question through a comparative historical analysis of Chile and Uruguay and concludes that variation in the gendered nature of each state's social policy regime resulted from a two-step process. In the first stage, female labor force participation, the mobilizing capacity of women, and policy legacies differentiated the two countries, placing Chile on a less equitable trajectory than Uruguay. These differences were then magnified during each state's experience under authoritarian rule. Las mujeres constituyen en cantidad desproporcionada la mayor parte de las personas pobres en el mundo y America Latina no es la excepcion a este desafio. A pesar de esto, muy pocos estudios de politica social en la region han investigado por que la provision de ayuda basada en el genero varia entre los distintos paises. Este articulo analiza esta pregunta a traves de una mirada historica, comparando Chile y Uruguay y concluye que la variacion en la politica social de genero de los dos Estados es el resultado de un proceso de dos etapas. Inicialmente, la diferencia de genero entre Chile y Uruguay esta radicada en factores historicos que incluyen la participacion de la fuerza laboral femenina, la capacidad de movilizacion de las mujeres, las caracteristicas del sistema de partidos politicos, y la retroalimentacion de politicas. Estas diferencias se ampliaron entre ambos paises cuando se encontraron cada uno bajo regimenes autoritarios. Mientras el regimen militar de Pinochet decreto reformas economicas regresivas desde el punto de vista de genero e institucionalizo el poder de la derecha y de la iglesia, el regimen uruguayo fue mas neutral desde el punto de vista de genero en la aplicacion de sus politicas.
Human α-synuclein-harboring familial Parkinson's disease-linked Ala-53 → Thr mutation causes neurodegenerative disease with α-synuclein aggregation in transgenic mice

Mutations in alpha-synuclein (alpha-Syn) cause Parkinson's disease (PD) in a small number of pedigrees with familial PD. Moreover, alpha-Syn accumulates as a major component of Lewy bodies and Lewy neurites, intraneuronal inclusions that are neuropathological hallmarks of PD. To better understand the pathogenic relationship between alterations in the biology of alpha-Syn and PD-associated neurodegeneration, we generated multiple lines of transgenic mice expressing high levels of either wild-type or familial PD-linked Ala-30 --> Pro (A30P) or Ala-53 --> Thr (A53T) human alpha-Syns. The mice expressing the A53T human alpha-Syn, but not wild-type or the A30P variants, develop adult-onset neurodegenerative disease with a progressive motoric dysfunction leading to death. Pathologically, affected mice exhibit neuronal abnormalities (in perikarya and neurites) including pathological accumulations of alpha-Syn and ubiquitin. Consistent with abnormal neuronal accumulation of alpha-Syn, brain regions with pathology exhibit increases in detergent-insoluble alpha-Syn and alpha-Syn aggregates. Our results demonstrate that the A53T mutant alpha-Syn causes significantly greater in vivo neurotoxicity as compared with other alpha-Syn variants. Further, alpha-Syn-dependent neurodegeneration is associated with abnormal accumulation of detergent-insoluble alpha-Syn.
Magnetic superconductivity and a linear response theory for non-Abelian gauge fields

We investigate properties of magnetic superconductivity as a mechanism for quark confinement. There are two kinds of magnetic permeability, m/sup ele/ and m/sup mag/, in non-Abelian gauge theory. Necessary conditions for electric and magnetic superconductivity are given by m/sup ele/approx.0 and m/sup mag/approx.0, respectively. Employing a linear response theory, we find that m/sup mag/ is related to a two-point correlation function of field strengths and that the condition m/sup mag/approx.0 can be satisfied in non-Abelian gauge theory.
Newly synthesized canalicular ABC transporters are directly targeted from the Golgi to the hepatocyte apical domain in rat liver.

Abstract Newly synthesized canalicular ectoenzymes and a cell adhesion molecule (cCAM105) have been shown to traffic from the Golgi to the basolateral plasma membrane, from where they transcytose to the apical bile canalicular domain. It has been proposed that all canalicular proteins are targeted via this indirect route in hepatocytes. We studied the membrane targeting of rat canalicular proteins by in vivo [35S]methionine metabolic labeling followed by preparation of highly purified Golgi membranes and canalicular (CMVs) and sinusoidal/basolateral (SMVs) membrane vesicles and subsequent immunoprecipitation. In particular, we compared membrane targeting of newly synthesized canalicular ABC (ATP-binding cassette) transporters MDR1, MDR2, and SPGP (sister ofP-glycoprotein) with that of cCAM105. Significant differences were observed in metabolic pulse-chase labeling experiments with regard to membrane targeting of these apical proteins. After a chase time of 15 min, cCAM105 appeared exclusively in SMVs, peaked at 1 h, and progressively declined thereafter. In CMVs, cCAM105 was first detected after 1 h and subsequently increased for 3 h. This findings confirm the transcytotic targeting of cCAM105 reported in earlier studies. In contrast, at no time point investigated were MDR1, MDR2, and SPGP detected in SMVs. In CMVs, MDR1 and MDR2 appeared after 30 min, whereas SPGP appeared after 2 h of labeling. In Golgi membranes, each of the ABC transporters peaked at 30 min and was virtually absent thereafter. These data suggest rapid, direct targeting of newly synthesized MDR1 and MDR2 from the Golgi to the bile canaliculus and transient sequestering of SPGP in an intracellular pool en route from the Golgi to the apical plasma membrane. This study provides biochemical evidence for direct targeting of newly synthesized apical ABC transporters from the Golgi to the bile canaliculus in vivo.
Supporting Domain Analysis through Mining and Recommending Features from Online Product Listings

Domain analysis is a labor-intensive task in which related software systems are analyzed to discover their common and variable parts. Many software projects include extensive domain analysis activities, intended to jumpstart the requirements process through identifying potential features. In this paper, we present a recommender system that is designed to reduce the human effort of performing domain analysis. Our approach relies on data mining techniques to discover common features across products as well as relationships among those features. We use a novel incremental diffusive algorithm to extract features from online product descriptions, and then employ association rule mining and the (k)-nearest neighbor machine learning method to make feature recommendations during the domain analysis process. Our feature mining and feature recommendation algorithms are quantitatively evaluated and the results are presented. Also, the performance of the recommender system is illustrated and evaluated within the context of a case study for an enterprise-level collaborative software suite. The results clearly highlight the benefits and limitations of our approach, as well as the necessary preconditions for its success.
Bacterial Community Profiling of Milk Samples as a Means to Understand Culture-Negative Bovine Clinical Mastitis

Inflammation and infection of bovine mammary glands, commonly known as mastitis, imposes significant losses each year in the dairy industry worldwide. While several different bacterial species have been identified as causative agents of mastitis, many clinical mastitis cases remain culture negative, even after enrichment for bacterial growth. To understand the basis for this increasingly common phenomenon, the composition of bacterial communities from milk samples was analyzed using culture independent pyrosequencing of amplicons of 16S ribosomal RNA genes (16S rDNA). Comparisons were made of the microbial community composition of culture negative milk samples from mastitic quarters with that of non-mastitic quarters from the same animals. Genomic DNA from culture-negative clinical and healthy quarter sample pairs was isolated, and amplicon libraries were prepared using indexed primers specific to the V1–V2 region of bacterial 16S rRNA genes and sequenced using the Roche 454 GS FLX with titanium chemistry. Evaluation of the taxonomic composition of these samples revealed significant differences in the microbiota in milk from mastitic and healthy quarters. Statistical analysis identified seven bacterial genera that may be mainly responsible for the observed microbial community differences between mastitic and healthy quarters. Collectively, these results provide evidence that cases of culture negative mastitis can be associated with bacterial species that may be present below culture detection thresholds used here. The application of culture-independent bacterial community profiling represents a powerful approach to understand long-standing questions in animal health and disease.
Variability and covariability in magnetic resonance functional neuroimaging

Geometric statistical reasoning is useful for addressing variability and covariability in quantitative analyses of functional neuroimaging experiments. General image smoothness, i.e., intrinsic temporal and spatial autocorrelation, must be accommodated adequately in order to obtain reliable statistical inferences and meaningful practical conclusions. Several exploratory displays and models for such images in the temporal, spatial and spectral domains are summarized. These tools are applicable in functional magnetic resonance imaging, positron emission tomography and other modalities that produce spatial time series. Construction of an objective binary mask that excludes irrevelant voxels from the search volume increases statistical power. Further improvements in sensitivity and consistency are possible when intrasubject replications are available. A recent experiment that uses functional magnetic resonance imaging to detect focal activations significantly cross-correlated with a designed mental arithmetic task demonstrates the utility of these techniques.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Power prediction for Intel XScale/spl reg/ processors using performance monitoring unit events

This paper demonstrates a first-order, linear power estimation model that uses performance counters to estimate run-time CPU and memory power consumption of the Intel PXA255 processor. Our model uses a set of power weights that map hardware performance counter values to processor and memory power consumption. Power weights are derived offline once per processor voltage and frequency configuration using parameter estimation techniques. They can be applied in a dynamic voltage/frequency scaling environment by setting six descriptive parameters. We have tested our model using a wide selection of benchmarks including SPEC2000, Java CDC and Java CLDC programming environments. The accuracy is quite good; average estimated power consumption is within 4% of the measured average CPU power consumption. We believe such power estimation schemes can serve as a foundation for intelligent, power-aware embedded systems that dynamically adapt to the device's power consumption.
Step Count Validation of a Tri-Axial Accelerometer During Walking and Jogging

Gait analysis is an important tool in assessing the health and activity levels of patients and regular physical activity has been associated with health improvements in a number of populations. Step counting is one of the most commonly used measures of physical activity [1] and many studies have investigated the use of wearable sensors for step counts [2–4]. Their small size and light weight mean that they may be used in a free living environment and are suitable for home deployment. One of the main issues associated with step counts as a measure of physical activity is that a very high level of accuracy in step detection is needed.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Parallel induction of sister chromatid exchanges and infectious virus from SV40-transformed cells by alkylating agents.

Parallel induction of sister chromatid exchanges and infectious virus from SV40-transformed cells by alkylating agents
Elite Volatility and Change in North Korean Politics: 1997–2010

This paper analyzes the change in the composition of the North Korean elite from 1997–2010. It examines 256 public appearances by Kim Jong Il that were reported as an ‘inspection,’ ‘field guidance’ or ‘on-the-spot guidance’ visits. In particular, the paper examines 30 mentioned individuals who accompanied Kim Jong Il at least five times from 1997 to 2010 on these inspection tours. It finds that there was a great deal of volatility and change from 1999–2004 followed by a period of stability. Further, there was a shift away from a conservative perspective to a more moderate and pragmatic perspective surrounding the ‘Dear Leader.’ This has continued under the current leader, Kim Jong Un. The implications of this shift are discussed.
Studies on the mechanism of prazosin induced sympatho-inhibition.

Intravenous administration of the α1-adrenoceptor antagonist, prazosin (3–300 μg/kg), produced a depression of sympathetic-cholinergic electrodermal responses evoked by electrical stimulation of the posterior hypothalamus in pentobarbital anesthetized cats. Pretreatment with the α2-adrenoceptor antagonists yohimbine (0.5 mg/kg) or idazoxan (0.1 mg/kg) significantly blocked the depressant effects of prazosin but had no effect on hypothalamic evoked electrodermal responses when given alone. Electrodermal responses were readily elicited in animals depleted of CNS monoamines. Monoamine depletion, however, totally abolished prazosin's depression of centrally evoked electrodermal responses. Prazosin also depressed the amplitude of electrodermal responses evoked by electrical stimulation of the cervical spinal cord in spinalized cats. In contrast to hypothalamic stimulation, yohimbine when given alone potentiated spinally evoked electrodermal responses which suggests that both excitatory and inhibitory mechanisms were being activated. Taken together these results suggest that prazosin produces its CNS sympatholytic effect by enhancing inhibition mediated by α2-adrenoceptor mechanisms and not directly by blockade of excitatory α1-adrenergic receptors in the central nervous system. A spinal cord site of action for prazosin is also implicated.
Cryptic plasmids in glutamic acid producing bacteria

(1984). Cryptic Plasmids in Glutamic Acid-producing Bacteria. Agricultural and Biological Chemistry: Vol. 48, No. 11, pp. 2901-2903.
Privacy on the Web: facts, challenges, and solutions

Despite important regulatory and technical efforts aimed at tackling aspects of the problem, privacy violation incidents on the Web continue to hit the headlines. The authors outline the salient issues and proposed solutions, focusing on generic Web user's Web privacy.
Turbulence measurement and characterization for quantum ghost imaging

Atmospheric turbulence creates index of refraction variations that affect the paths of light propagation and provide a media for the quantum interference phenomena of quantum ghost imaging. The usual techniques for characterization of conventional optical turbulence are not generally sufficient for characterization of the effects of turbulence on quantum ghost imaging. In this paper we explore improved measurement and characterization of turbulence for improved analysis of quantum ghost imaging experiments including Turbulence-Free Ghost Imaging experiments.1-3
Jealousy and Self-Esteem:

Recent studies have been inconsistent in establishing a significant relationship between jealousy and low self-esteem. The present study provides more evidence about the nature of that relationship by testing differences between correlation coefficients computed separately for 102 women and 90 men. Analysis indicated a significant inverse relationship for the women, the men, and for the pooled sample.
A survey of academic emergency medicine department chairs on hiring new attending physicians.

Abstract Background For graduating emergency medicine (EM) residents, little information exists as to what attributes department chairs are seeking in hiring new attendings. Study Objectives: To determine which qualities academic EM department chairs are looking for when hiring a new physician directly out of residency or fellowship. Methods An anonymous 15-item Web-based survey was sent to the department chairs of all accredited civilian EM residency programs in March of 2011. The questions assessed the desirability of different candidate attributes and the difficulty in recruiting EM-trained physicians. Respondents were also asked to give the current number of available job openings. Results Fifty-five percent of eligible department chairs responded. On a 5-point scale, the most important parts of a candidate's application were the interview (4.8 ± 0.4), another employee's recommendation (4.7 ± 0.5), and the program director's recommendation (4.5 ± 0.7). The single most important attribute possessed by a candidate was identified as “Ability to work in a team,” with 58% of respondents listing it as their top choice. Advanced training in ultrasound was listed as the most sought-after fellowship by 55% of the chairs. Overall, department chairs did not have a difficult time in recruiting EM-trained physicians, with 56% of respondents stating that they had no current job openings. Conclusion How a physician relates to others was consistently rated as the most important part of the candidate's application. However, finding a job in academic EM is difficult, with graduates having limited job prospects.
John H. Baker, The Law's Two Bodies: Some Evidential Problems in English Legal History , New York: Oxford University Press, 2001. Pp. xix + 197. $39.95 (ISBN 0–19–924518–5).

I. Case-Law and Statute-Law II. Legal Fictions III. Common Usage and Common Learning Appendices: Some Illustrative Texts A. Common Practice and Communis Error B. Fictions in Writs and Pleadings C. Fictions in Trial: Benefit of Clergy for Laymen D. Linguistic Fictions E. Improper Fictions F. Common Learning G. Opinions of Counsel Index
Function of neurotrophic factors in the adult and aging brain and their possible use in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

Abstract This review summarizes the current knowledge of characterized neurotrophic factors, including nerve growth factor (NGF) which serves as paradigmatic example when studying novel molecules. Special consideration is given to the function of neurotrophic factors in the adult and aging brain. Strategics are discussed for the eventual development of pharmacological applications of these molecules in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
Emerging functions of matricellular proteins.

Cells in multicellular organisms employ a variety of mechanisms to coordinate their individual functions with the needs to the whole. Over the past two decades, the extracellular matrix has become recognized as more than just a structural framework to arrange cells in the proper three-dimensional context to form tissues and organs. Many of the cell surface receptors for specific matrix components are signaling receptors, and their ligation alters signal transduction pathways that control cell shape, survival, movement, and gene expression [1]. Rigidity or elasticity of the matrix provides additional information that controls cell behavior through a process known as mechanotransduction [2]. Matrix proteins also contain binding sites for diffusible growth factors, and specific matrix components can be essential cofactors for presentation of growth factors to their signaling receptors [3]. Such binding sites in the matrix also provide a repository for storing growth factors in the matrix, which can limt their diffusion and allow gradients to be established that provide guidance cues for tissue morphogenesis and regeneration. Together, these signals from the extracellular matrix create a context that tells cells which differentiation programs to execute, identifies neighboring cells to each other, and creates permeability barriers that define what solutes and macromolecules can pass between cells.
Multipolar interactions in rare-earth metals and alloys

Abstract The Hamiltonian of the indirect quadrupole-quadrupole interaction of rare-earth ions in metals and alloys is constructed self-consistently, taking into account the exchange interactions and correlations in a system of conduction electrons (CE) and the antishielding effects. The manifestations of the indirect multipolar interactions of paramagnetic ions in the parameters of ESR on localized moments in metals and alloys are studied.
Syphilis as a sole indicator of sexual abuse: two cases with no intervention.

THE DIAGNOSIS OF SEXUAL ABUSE is being made with increasing frequency. This is due mostly to increased disclosure, combined with the recognition that children do not usually lie about such matters. However, in the absence of a history, there may be other indicators of sexual abuse such as certain traumatic physical findings, or the presence of a disease known to be almost always sexually transmitted. In these cases, it is often more difficult to offer adequate protection to the victims. The Center for Child Protection (CCP) of the Children’s Hospital and Health Center in San Diego has seen two cases of secondary syphilis since 1979, during which time over 6,000 children have been evaluated for sexual abuse. In both of these cases, the medical practitioners and social agencies developed significant differences of opinion. The workers from the social agencies felt that, in the absence of a history, the medical evidence was insufficient and closed the cases. The medical team involved in these cases felt that secondary syphilis is a certain indicator of sexual abuse and were uncomfortable with this outcome. These cases are presented in the hope of stimulating discussion about the problem encountered when social agencies and courts are charged with decisions based only on medical evidence.
Computing short generator sequences

Abstract The diameter of a group is the length of the longest product of generators required to reach a group element. We show that the diameter of a permutation group of degree n generated by cycles of bounded degree is O ( n 2 ). This bound is the best possible. Additionally, such short products can be found in polynomial time. The techniques presented here may be applied to many permutation-group puzzles such as Alexander's Star, the Hungarian Rings, Rubik's Cube, and some of their generalizations.
Change in keratometry after myopic laser in situ keratomileusis and photorefractive keratectomy

Purpose To compare the change in keratometry (K), spherical equivalent (SE), and visual acuity after myopic laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) and photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). Setting Academic tertiary care center. Design Retrospective review. Methods The postoperative K, SE, and uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuities were measured 6 months, 9 months, 1 year, 2 years, 3 years, 4 to 5 years, 6 to 7 years, and 8+ years postoperatively. A difference (Δ) for each variable was calculated from its 6-month postoperative baseline. The rates of change were grouped based on the magnitude of myopic correction (0.00 to 2.99 diopters [D]; 3.00 to 5.99 D; 6.00 to 8.99 D), type of surgery (LASIK versus PRK), and age ( 45 years). Results Statistically significant differences were found in the rates of change between low and moderate corrections to high corrections for ΔK avg ( P = .0472 and P = .0091, respectively) and ΔSE (both P avg between all 3 ages groups ( P = .0330, P = .0051, and P P = .0158 and P = .0015, respectively). There was no significant difference in the rate of change in ΔK avg and ΔSE between LASIK and PRK ( P = .3599 and P = .9403, respectively). Conclusion There was keratometric and refractive regression for myopic LASIK, with the rate of regression depending on treatment magnitude and age. Financial Disclosure No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.
Mumps meningoencephalitis in children

Summary 1. The epidemiology, clinical course,and serologic findings in 30 cases of mumps meningoencephalitis occurring in children under 14 years of age are presented. 2. Thirteen patients did not haveparotitis at any time during the course of their meningoencephalitis. Of the remaining patients, 12 had parotitis prior to, 2 had parotitis concomitant with, and 3 had parotitis following the onset of symptoms of central nervous system involvement. 3. Fifty-five per cent of the cases of meningoencephalitis without parotitis occurred in the summer season. Forty-seven per cent of the cases of meningoencephalitis with parotitis occurred in the spring season. 4. A presumptive diagnosis ofmumps infection was made in 32 per cent of the cases of mumps meningoencephalitis without parotitis on the basis of the presence of a higher mumps antisoluble antibody titer than the mumps antivirus antibody titer in the initial serum drawn within the first 5 days of illness. 5. Confirmation of the etiological diagnosis was possible in all of the 13 cases of mumps meningoencephalitis without parotitis and in 10 of the 11 serologically studied cases with parotitis by demonstrating a significant rise in the complement fixation antibody titer against mumps soluble or mumps virus antigen in a second serum drawn at least 5 days days after the first serum was obtained. 6. No complications were observedduring the course of illness in any of the 30 cases. A convulsive disorder occurred in one patient 2 years after recovery from meningoencephalitis.
Medical operating documents: dynamic checklists improve crisis attention

The attentional aspects of crisis computing - supporting highly trained teams as they respond to real-life emergencies - have been underexplored in the user interface community. My research investigates the development of interactive software systems that support crisis teams, with an eye towards intelligently managing attention. In this paper, I briefly describe MDOCS, a Medical operating DOCuments System built for time-critical interaction. MDOCS is a multi-user, multi-surface software system that implements dynamic checklists and interactive cognitive aids written to support medical crisis teams. I present the results of a study that evaluates the deployment of MDOCS in a realistic, mannequin-based medical simulator used by anesthesiologists. I propose controlled laboratory experiments that evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of our design principles and attentional interaction techniques.
Recovery of starter nitrogen-15 fertilizer with supplementarily applied ammonium nitrate on irrigated potato

Nitrogen contamination in ground water of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) producing areas has indicated a need for improved management of N and water, particularly on sandy soil. Therefore, a field experiment was conducted with the objective of following the recovery and partitioning of starter15NH4 and15NO3 into potato plant tops and tubers in conjunction with additional supplementarily applied NH4NO4. Potato plants treated with starter15NH4 or15NO3 tended to increase the percent recovery of starter15N in tubers sampled from one growth time to the next to reach nearly 40% recovery toward the end of the season. Whole plants reached peak recovery of around 50% of the starter15N near mid-season. From then on, there was a trend for loss of starter15N by senescence, defoliation or translocation to the roots. The percent recovery of starter15N was significantly higher at final tuber harvest (not whole plants) for the treatment with starter15NH4 at 112 kg ha−1 combined with 112 kg ha−1 of supplemental N as compared to the treatment with 112 kg ha−1 of starter15NH4 plus 224 kg ha−1 of supplemental N. This difference may have been a result of isotope dilution. Early in June the accumulation of starter15NO3 in whole plants was about five times as high as that from starter15NH4. Later there was no difference in percent recovery of these two forms of N. The temporary delay in starter15NH4 uptake was probably related to slow nitrification early in the season instead of preferential uptake of starter15NO3.
THE IMPACT OF PATIENT EDUCATION ON CHRONICALLY ILL CHILDREN

An investigation of the impact of patient education on chronically ill children to ascertain if a child's comprehension of illness is accelerated in relation to Piaget's stages of development has not been attempted previously. We have evaluated various aspects of a child's comprehension of illness from established (≥ 6 visits) patients attending the M.S.U. Pediatric Endocrinology, Oncology, and Nephrology clinics. Children without chronic disease attending a general pediatric clinic served as controls. Age groups of 5-9 and 10-14 years were studied. A single questionnaire-interview was administered to each child separately by one interviewer. Seventeen questions were asked in 3 different categories: general medically related (9); specific disease (4); and non-medical or neutral (4). Responses were recorded and later scored by both the interviewer and an independent evaluator using an established coding scale. Ninety-one children were interviewed. Children within both age groups scored higher on neutral questions than either the medically related or specific disease questions. Within each age group, chronically ill children did not differ from controls on mean scores of medically related questions. Comparing the two age groups, significantly higher mean scores on medically related questions were identified from the older children in each clinic except for Oncology clinic. Patient education does not appear to accelerate a chronically ill child's comprehension of illness.
The halothane gene, energy metabolism, adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase, and glycolysis in postmortem pig longissimus dorsi muscle

The presence of the halothane gene results in PSE meat. However, the exact mechanisms linking the halothane gene and the incidence of PSE meat remain unclear. We hypothesize that the presence of the halothane gene accelerates energy consumption in postmortem muscle, which activates adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), leading to enhanced glycolysis and PSE meat. To test our hypothesis, energy status, AMPK activity, and glycolysis in the postmortem LM of the halothane gene carrier and halothane-negative pigs were compared. The results showed that the presence of the halothane gene accelerated energy depletion in postmortem muscle immediately after exsanguination, leading to rapid and early depletion of ATP, as shown by an increase in the (adenosine monophosphate + inosine monophosphate):ATP ratio in postmortem LM. In addition, an early AMPK activation was observed in LM from halothane carriers. The fructose-2,6-diphosphate concentration in postmortem LM was well correlated with AMPK activation. To be a potent stimulator of phosphofructose kinase, the increase in fructose-2,6-diphosphate is expected to activate phosphofructose kinase, a key enzyme controlling glycolysis, leading to enhanced glycolysis and early accumulation of lactic acid. In summary, this study showed that the presence of the halothane gene induced early energy depletion, which could be a primary reason causing AMPK activation, leading to accelerated glycolysis and an increased incidence of PSE meat. However, AMPK might also be activated by other mechanisms besides energy depletion, which warrants further studies.
Responses to Barry Stroud, John McDowell, and Tyler Burge

Barry's remarks are sympathetic, and very much in tune with my own present thinking about ostensive learning and its importance. He warns against exaggerations and confusions of which I have been guilty, as does John, and I accept most of their admonitions. There remains an issue on which I think I sense a difference with Barry, and I will try to bring it to the surface. Barry finds it difficult to phrase the point that language is social in a way that makes that point sound even minimally controversial. Tn general,' he says, 'when people speak and listen to each other...it is not as if their efforts are to be seen as attempts to ascertain or grasp some self-standing meanings possessed by objects or expressions somehow completely independent of human activity and the world in which it takes place.' Barry says that on my own account I learned this 'undeniable' fact from Quine's Word and Object (although there were other possible sources of this insight, he adds). This was not quite what I was trying to express in the remark Barry has in mind. Here is what I wrote:
Some hematologic values of bison from five areas of the United States.

Seventeen hematologic values of the American Bison (Bison bison) from five areas of the United States were determined using standard techniques. The means of the principal blood measurements for all bison were 10.08 ± 1.43 million erythrocytes/mm3, 8.03 ±1.41 thousand leukocytes/mm8, 16.92 ± 1.43 gm % hemoglobin and 47.11 ± 4.06% hematocrit. There was a significant variation (P < 0.05) among age groups of males for erythrocytes, neutrophils, lymphocytes and monocytes. However, no significant variation between female age groups or sexes was found for any of the blood cell values determined.
The Leu5 gramicidin a analog: Molecular mechanics calculations and analysis of single channel steps related to multiplicity of conducting states

Single-channel studies have shown that there exist a multiplicity of conducting states in Gramicidin A (GA). In an earlier work presented at this symposium, it was proposed that such a multiplicity may be expected from different long-lived side-chain distributions available for the channel molecule. In order to test this hypothesis, Leu5–Gramicidin A was synthesized and the effect of replacing the L · Ala5 residue by L · Leu5 was analyzed. First, molecular mechanics calculations on Leu5–Gramicidin A are presented. Then the single-channel conductance sweeps obtained for Leu5-GA are automatically analyzed in the computer using specifically developed algorithms. The results show a dramatic decrease in the multiplicity of states due to the Leu5 substitution. This experimental result is discussed in the light of structural concepts emerging from molecular mechanics calculations.
The Monte Carlo Method in Nuclear Medicine: Current Uses and Future Potential

If one could predict the exact path that a photon, electron, or α-particle might follow and the energies these particles retain as they traverse different tissue regions of the body, one could calculate many useful quantities by averaging over a very large number of particle histories, defined as
A novel alanine-insensitive D-serine transporter in rat brain synaptosomal membranes.

Abstract d -Serine is an endogenous modulator of brain N -methyl- d -aspartate receptors. This study investigates serine transport in brain synaptosomal fractions. Saturable, temperature-dependent uptake of both d - and l -[ 3 H]serine was observed. Alanine was only partially effective in blocking transport, arguing against involvement of system ASC. Inhibitors of the systems A, L and GLY were also ineffective. Saturation studies suggested a submillimolar K m for both d - and l -serine. These data suggest the presence of a novel serine transport system in rodent synaptosomes.
Diagnosis of gestational diabetes by use of a glucose polymer.

Summary The oral glucose tolerance test is the recommended method for the assessment of carbohydrate metabolism in pregnancy. However, available glucose drinks are often associated with varying degrees of gastrointestinal symptoms that might preclude meaningful studies. Polycose (Ross Labs, Columbus, Ohio) is a glucose saccharide polymer mixture containing 3% glucose, 7% maltose, 5% maltotriose, and 85% polysaccharide of 4 to 15 glucose units, with an osmotic load one fifth that of glucose. We assessed the efficacy of this glucose polymer in the performance of a 3-hour carbohydrate tolerance test with glucose and glucose polymer used 3 to 5 days apart in each patient tested. After 2 days of 300 gm carbohydrate-enriched diets, 48 patients underwent 3-hour carbohydrate tolerance tests at a mean gestational age of 30 ± 3 weeks. Statistical analysis revealed a moderate level of agreement (ϰ = 0.45, p
Acoustic shockwave-based bearing estimation

The paper presents a smartphone-based shooter localization system. As muzzle blasts are difficult to detect at longer distances and consequently present higher false detection rates, the system relies on shockwaves only. Each sensor uses four microphones to detect the Angle of Arrival and the length of the shockwave. This information, along with the sensor's own GPS coordinates, are shared among nearby smartphones. Assuming a known weapon type, it then proceeds to estimate the two possible projectile trajectory candidates for each sensor that are consistent with the observations in the horizontal plane of the sensors. A simple clustering algorithm identifies the correct projectile trajectory relying on as few as two sensors. The trajectory is then used to estimate the bearing to the shooter relative to each sensor. The paper presents the overall system architecture, the design of the sensor node that interfaces with the smartphone, the trajectory and bearing estimation algorithms, and the evaluation of the system based on a field experiment.
Thujopsene- and cis-Muurolane-related sesquiterpenoids from Cupressus bakeri

Abstract Several thujopsene-related sesquiterpenoids from the foliage of Cupressus bakeri were isolated and identified: the known thujopsadiene, thujopsan-2α-ol and mayurone; and two compounds, mayurone epoxide and thujopsenol epoxide, which have been reported only as products of oxidation reactions of thujopsene. Two new cis -muurolane-related terpenoids were also isolated and identified as (+)-2-ethylmenthone and (+)-indipone[(1 R , 6 R , 9 S )-6-(1-oxo-2-methylpropyl)-4,9-dimethylbicyclo[4.0.3]non-4-ene]. The latter, with a novel carbon skeleton, is probably derived from the co-occurring (−)-epizonarene.
Rednecks, Eggheads and Blackfellas: A Study of Racial Power and Intimacy in Australia

Rednecks, Eggheads and Blackfellas:. Study of Racial Power and Intimacy in Australia. Gillian Cowlishaw. Ann Arbor: University of Michigan Press, 1999. ix. 352 pp., maps, figures, notes, bibliography, index.