cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cortical cytoskeleton of the Xenopus oocyte, egg, and early embryo.

Publisher Summary The cortex of eggs and embryos is a highly specialized region of the cell that undergoes rapid changes in structure and function, in response to biochemical signals, throughout oogenesis and development. Progesterone triggers resumption of meiosis, which results in alignment of the cortical granules beneath the plasma membrane, formation of the endoplasmic reticulum, and conversion of the unfertilizable oocyte into the fertilizable egg. Biochemical signals at fertilization trigger further modifications of the cortex. The cortical cytoskeleton is an extremely dynamic structure that undergoes repeated reorganizations as the function of the egg changes. The importance of these cytoskeletal changes during meiotic maturation, fertilization, and early development is clear since disrupting these rearrangements results in abnormal growth and development. A cell as large as the Xenopus egg requires specialized regions with distinct functions. Delivery of unique components to these regions via the cytoskeleton can resolve the developmental challenges faced by such a large egg. As the tools of molecular biology and confocal microscopy provide increasing amounts of new information about the repositioning of these unique components, the role of the cytoskeleton in early development will become better understood.
Self-control through emerging adulthood: instability, multidimensionality, and criminological significance

This study assesses self-control theory's stability postulate. We advance research on self-control stability in three ways. First, we extend the study of stability beyond high school, estimating GBTMs of self-control from ages 10 to 25. Second, drawing on advances in developmental psychology and social neuroscience, especially the dual systems model of risk taking, we investigate whether two distinct personality traits--impulsivity and sensation seeking--often conflated in measures of self-control, exhibit divergent developmental patterns. Finding that they do, we estimate multitrajectory models to identify latent classes of co-occurring developmental patterns. We supplement GBTM stability analyses with hierarchical linear models and reliable variance estimates. Lastly, using fixed effects models, we explore whether the observed within-individual changes are associated with changes in crime net of overall age trends. These ideas are tested using five waves of data from the Family and Community Health Study. RESULTS suggest that self-control is unstable, that distinct patterns of development exist for impulsivity and sensation seeking, and that these changes are uniquely consequential for crime. We conclude by comparing our findings with extant research and discussing the implications for self-control theory. Language: en
Followership in Leadership Studies: A Case of Leader–Follower Trade Approach

The current article acknowledges the absence of followership from the leadership literature for many years. Major theories of leadership are reviewed to assert that (1) modern leadership studies have been developed strictly from the leader's perspective with little or no attention on followership, (2) leadership studies have primarily been based on the static understanding of leadership (leaders always remain leaders),1 and (3) there seems to be a need for a new paradigm for leader–follower relationships, which may result in organic relationships between leaders and followers through exchange of leadership and followership functions and roles. Thus, it is argued that the mutuality of relationships and influence between the follower and the leader exists. To address the need for a new paradigm for leadership, the leader–follower trade (LFT) approach is introduced, which may result in the nonstatic and organic approach to leadership–followership as two valuable human behavioral functions. In this case, leadership and followership functions and roles may be traded or exchanged by the positional leaders and followers in different situations or organizational settings toward mutual respect, empowerment, and effectiveness.
"Waiting" as experienced by women hospitalized during the antepartum period.

PURPOSE To better understand the lived experience of "waiting" among women who are hospitalized during the antepartum period. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS Phenomenology based on Parse's theory of human becoming. Audiotapes were made of dialogues between the participants and the researcher. Participants were asked to respond to this question: "Tell me what your experience of 'waiting' is like." The sample consisted of 14 hospitalized women. RESULTS Unpredictable as well as paradoxical realities of waiting evolved that differed person to person, yet each participant's dialogue reflected waiting as an enduring vigil of burdening toil while engaging-disengaging with close others in cherishing the can-be. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Listening to what antepartum women really feel about waiting can give direction to nursing care. Women wanted to know that nurses supported their efforts to carry their babies to full term. This study helps us to see that although most of western society does not value waiting, perhaps there is unseen value in waiting. The women in this study realized the agony of waiting, but understood its importance for the health of their babies. Research such as this which encourages active listening and reflecting on women's stories can help to improve nursing practice and healthcare for women.
Stalin and the Politics of Kinship: Practices of Collective Punishment, 1920s–1940s

At a Kremlin reception on 7 November 1937, Stalin declared that enemies should be eliminated as kinship groups: “And we will eliminate every such enemy [of the state and peoples of the USSR]… . we will eliminate his entire lineage (rod), his family! … Here's to the final extermination of all enemies, both themselves and their clan (rod).”1 In the Soviet Union, political enemies were rounded up in groups of kin, family ties marked people as disloyal, and “counterrevolutionary” charges against one person threatened also his or her relatives. The Soviet security police or OGPU-NKVD issued detailed instructions regarding the punishment that should be assigned to the spouses, children, siblings, parents, and even ex-wives of state enemies. Campaigns against anti-Soviet elements rounded up kinship groups, whether these counterrevolutionaries were identified as so-called kulaks, enemies of the people, or traitors to the motherland. To be sure, the collective punishment of kin did not accompany every act of Stalinist repression. The regime's draconian criminal legislation also constituted a form of terror, yet persons sentenced under such laws as those punishing theft of socialist property were dealt with individually; their relatives were not targeted. Only the “politicals,” that is, people accused of disloyalty, treason, or other counterrevolutionary activities experienced terror as family units. It was the collective punishment of kin that made political repression under Stalin truly a mass phenomenon.
Role of Sialidase in the Initial Phase of Infection with Influenza Virus

THERE have been numerous investigations of the role of sialidase (neuraminidase), but definitive evidence of its functional significance is lacking: a result of technical problems and inadequate experimental designs1. It has been proposed that the enzyme is involved: (a) in the initial phase of the infectious process; (b) during intracellular multiplication; and (c) in the release of virion from host cells. Thus a specific sialidase inhibitor could conceivably be used to investigate directly the function of the enzyme in the infectious cycle of virus multiplication1. At present, appropriate inhibitors are not available2, but it seemed possible to evaluate (a) by an experimental approach which involved specific anti-sialidase antiserum, and by determination of its effect on the infectivity of A2/Japan 305/57 influenza virus in chick embryonated eggs.
Ŵ∞ algebra is anomaly-free at c=−2

Abstract We show that in the BRST analysis of the Ŵ ∞ algebra the BRST charge is nilpotent at the central charge c =−2.
Flooding and Temperature Effects on Soybean Germination

During the germination phase of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] growth, uniform soybean emergence may be reduced when fields are periodically saturated with water from heavy rains and poor drainage. A laboratory study was conducted to determine the effects of timing and duration of flooding, germination temperature, and mechanical damage on the germination of soybean. There were little differences in germination percentage among the flooding duration treatments when flooding began 1 d after the start of imbibition. When seed were flooded 2 or 3 d after the start of imbibition, however, a significant drop in germination percentage occurred in seed flooded for 48 h. Flooding seed 3 d, compared with 1 d, after the start of imbibition was more detrimental, regardless of temperature. Seed injury was observed after only 1 h of flooding. Increasing the duration of flooding from 1 to 48 h at 15 degrees C did not increase injury; however, at 25 degrees C, more seed injury was observed as the duration of flooding increased up to 48 h. Overall, seed were more susceptible to flooding stress at 15 degrees C than at 25 degrees C. These results suggest that soybean seed are susceptible to flooding of 1 to 48 h during the early germination process and the response is influenced by germination stage.
Diverse neurotoxicants converge on gene expression for neuropeptides and their receptors in an in vitro model of neurodifferentiation: effects of chlorpyrifos, diazinon, dieldrin and divalent nickel in PC12 cells.

Unrelated developmental neurotoxicants can produce similar neurobehavioral outcomes. We examined whether disparate agents affect neuromodulators that control numerous neurotransmitters and circuits, employing PC12 cells to explore the targeting of neuroactive peptides by organophosphates (chlorpyrifos, diazinon), an organochlorine (dieldrin) and a metal (Ni2+); we utilized microarrays to profile gene expression for the peptides and their receptors. Chlorpyrifos evoked robust upregulation of cholecystokinin, corticotropin releasing hormone, galanin, neuropeptide Y, neurotensin, preproenkephalin and tachykinin 1; this involved a critical period at the commencement of neurodifferentiation, since the effects were much less notable in undifferentiated PC12 cells. Diazinon targeted a similar but smaller repertoire of neuropeptide genes and the magnitude of the effects was also generally less. Surprisingly, dieldrin shared many of the same neuropeptide targets as the organophosphates and concordance analysis showed significant overlap among all three pesticides. However, dieldrin had more notable effects on neuropeptide receptors, and overlap between diazinon and dieldrin for the receptors led to a stronger resemblance of these two agents than of chlorpyrifos and dieldrin. Ni2+ was unique, evoking upregulation of only one of the peptides affected by the other agents, while causing downregulation of several others. Nevertheless, there was still significant concordance between Ni2+ and either diazinon or dieldrin, reflecting similarities toward the receptors. Our results show that neuropeptides are likely to be a prominent target for the developmental neurotoxicity of organophosphates and other neurotoxicants, and further, that the convergence of disparate agents on the same genes and pathways may contribute to similar neurobehavioral outcomes.
Purification, partial characterization, and localization of Sak57, an acidic intermediate filament keratin present in rat spermatocytes, spermatids, and sperm

We have purified a 57 kDa protein (designated Sak57, for spermatogenic cell/sperm-associated keratin) from sodium dodecyl sulfate-β-mercaptoethanol(SDS-βME)-dissociated outer dense fibers isolated from rat sperm tails. Internal protein sequence analysis of Sak57 yielded two 15-mer and 10-mer fragments with 70–100% homology to human, rat, and mouse keratins and corresponding to the 1A and 2A regions of the α-helical rod domain of keratins. A multiple antigenic peptide (MAP) was constructed using the 10-mer amino acid sequence KAQYEDIAQK (corresponding to the 2A region) and used as antigen for the production of polyclonal antibodies in rabbit. Anti-MAP sera were used for further analysis of the biochemical characteristics of Sak57 in testis and sperm tails using chromatofocusing, immunobloting, and [32P]orthophosphate-labeling. We have found that rat testis displays two immunoreactive proteins: a soluble 83 kDa protein with pl range 5.9–6.3, regarded as a precursor, and both detergent-insoluble and soluble 57 kDa protein with pl range 5.0–5.9, corresponding to the mature form Sak57. The testicular soluble form was phosphorylated. Rat sperm tail samples displayed only the Sak57 detergent-insoluble form and its pl was more acidic (4.7–4.8). Whole-mount electron microscopy of negatively stained preparations of sperm-derived Sak57 resuspended in SDS-βME revealed a rod-shaped pattern. A decrease in the concentration of SDS-βME resulted in the side-by-side aggregation of rod-shaped Sak57 forming thick bundles. Indirect immunofluorescence was used to determine the localization of Sak57 in isolated outer dense fibers, epididymal sperm, spermatids, and pachytene spermatocytes. Confocal laser scanning microscopy was used to analyze the three-dimensional arrangement of Sak57 in pachytene spermatocytes. Isolated outer dense fiber and sperm tails displayed an immunoreactive product in the form of linear clusters. In elongating spermatids (steps 10–11), Sak57 immunoreactivity was predominant in the head region whereas pachytene spermatocytes displayed a cortical cytoplasmic distribution. Results of this study demonstrate that Sak57 has the characteristics of a keratin intermediate filament and is present during meiotic and postmeiotic stages of spermatogenesis. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Cortical nephrocalcinosis in an infant caused by primary hyperoxaluria type 1

An 8-month-old boy was referred for an upper gastrointestinal study for vomiting. Scout abdominal radiograph shows bilateral cortical nephrocalcinosis (Fig. 1, arrows). US shows hyperechoic cortical rim with acoustic shadowing confirming cortical nephrocalcinosis (Fig. 2, arrows). Laboratory and genetic testing confirmed primary hyperoxaluria type 1 (PH-1). PH-1 is a rare autosomal-recessive disorder resulting from deficiency of the hepatic peroxisomal enzyme alanineglyoxylate aminotransferase, which causes excessive oxalate formation and calcium oxalate deposition in various organs. Kidneys show cortical or medullary nephrocalcinosis and recurrent urolithiasis causing progressive renal failure [1]. Skeletal manifestations of PH-1 sometimes result from oxalate deposition but more commonly result from chronic renal failure, leading to secondary hyperparathyroidism and renal osteodystrophy [2]. Findings include metaphyseal sclerotic lines and bands, lucent bands, cystic changes, permeative lucencies and vertebral diffuse or endplate osteosclerosis (rugger jersey appearance). Flat pelvic bones, carpal and tarsal bones, and patella might show a radiolucent rim.
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: Still No Pill

In this issue, Meijer and colleagues' trial of doxycycline in patients with smaller AAAs found that the drug significantly increased AAA enlargement. The editorialist discusses the trial's findings...
Social balance on networks: The dynamics of friendship and enmity

How do social networks evolve when both friendly and unfriendly relations exist? Here we propose a simple dynamics for social networks in which the sense of a relationship can change so as to eliminate imbalanced triads — relationship triangles that contains 1 or 3 unfriendly links. In this dynamics, a friendly link changes to unfriendly or vice versa in an imbalanced triad to make the triad balanced. Such networks undergo a dynamic phase transition from a steady state to “utopia” ‐ all friendly links ‐ as the amount of network friendliness, defined as the fraction of friendly links , is changed. Basic features of the long-time dynamics and the phase transition are discussed. c 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
A proposal for aligning CEO compensation with performance

Abstract Stock options have become a popular means to link CEO compensation with performance. However, because stock prices are systematically driven by market movements, CEO compensation resulting from stock options may be more dependent on market conditions rather than the firm's performance. This article offers a proposal for the use of stock options that would provide compensation based on the abnormal performance of the firm, rather than stock market conditions. Since the value of these modified options would be more sensitive to the relative performance of firms, they would more effectively link CEO compensation with performance.
Airborne Emission Spectrometer: a testbed for the EOS TES

High resolution infrared spectroscopy is a versatile tool that provides measurements of a wide variety of atmospheric constituents. This paper describes the atmospheric emission spectrometer, an infrared Fourier transform spectrometer designed for remote sensing from an aircraft platform.
Serum levels of GM‐CSF are elevated in patients with thrombocytopenia

Serum levels of GM-CSF, IL-3 and IL-6 were measured in patients with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), non-immune thrombocytopenia (NIT), autoimmune haemolytic anaemia (AIHA) and neutropenia. 8/10 children with ITP had elevated serum levels of GM-CSF (mean 18.4 pg/ml) while thrombocytopenic, but only two had detectable levels (mean 4.5 pg/ml) after normalization of the platelet count. In patients with NIT a significant inverse correlation between platelet count and serum levels of GM-CSF was observed. IL-3 and IL-6 levels were not significantly elevated in thrombocytopenic patients and only two of the nine patients with either AIHA or neutropenia had detectable levels of GM-CSF. Thus, GM-CSF may play a role in the response of severe thrombocytopenia.
Tramp-iron remover for forage harvester

NAILS, WIRE, AND OTHER TRAMP IRON in hay are likely to puncture the stomach of a cow if ingested. Pneumatic conveyors are often the only devices handling hay and conveying speeds of 8,000 feet per minute are common. A metal detector offers no obstruction to flow. Combined with a mechanical rejecting device it offers a means of tramp-iron removal at even the highest pneumatic conveyor speeds. A suitable combination has been described by J. B. Dobie, et al, in an article “Electronic Detection and Removal of Tramp Iron from Chopped Hay,” which appeared in Agricultural Engineering, June, 1953, and by J. B. Dobie and F. C. Jacob in another article “Removing Tramp Iron from Chopped Hay,” which appeared in Electronics, June 1954. This combination is for use with fixed installations such as barns or feedmills. The same method can be adapted to a field forage harvester to make a self-contained unit. However, the blower pipe is shorter, the hay delivery rate is more variable, the hay has variable moisture, the vibration environment is more severe, and the problem of disposal is more awkward for the field harvester as compared to a stationary machine. Appropriate design can accommodate these factors.
Intermediate cooling from pulse tube and regenerator in a 4 K pulse tube cryocooler

Abstract This paper introduces intermediate cooling by thermally attaching heat exchangers on the second stage pulse tube and regenerator in a commercial 4 K pulse tube cryocooler. Due to the large enthalpy flow in the 2nd stage pulse tube and regenerator, both intermediate heat exchangers on the pulse tube and regenerator can provide cooling capacities in the temperature range of 5–15 K without or with minor effect on the performance of the 4 K stage. Extracting cooling capacity from the pulse tube or regenerator reduces the 1st stage cooling performance in the present study. The joint intermediate heat exchanger on the pulse tube and regenerator has demonstrated promising results for applications.
Response of the flagellar rotary motor to abrupt changes in extracellular pH.

Abstract Cells of a motile Streptococcus were starved, tethered to a quartz coverslip, energized with a potassium diffusion potential, and exposed to sudden decrements in external pH generated by flash photolysis of 2-hydroxyphenyl-1-(2-nitro)phenyl phosphate. The rotation rate of the cells increased following the flash but only after a brief time lag. Lags of the order of 0.1 second were observed in a dilute buffer (0.05 m m ), confirming results obtained earlier. These lags were longer when the buffer was prepared in D2O. However, lags as short as 0.01 second were found in more concentrated buffers (1 and 3 m m ). In this case, there was no deuterium solvent isotope effect. These differences arise from the extra time required for diffusion of protons from a dilute medium into the cell wall, which has a large buffering capacity. The short lags observed in concentrated media could be inherent to the flagellar motor, but the possibility that they are due to buffered diffusion through the cell wall or to elastic filtering by the tether has not been ruled out.
Early third-trimester ultrasound screening in gestational diabetes to determine the risk of macrosomia and labor dystocia at term

The purpose of this study was to determine whether an early third-trimester fetal abdominal circumference measurement can be used in patients with gestational diabetes to predict the presence or absence of macrosomia and labor dystocia at term. The predictive accuracy of a 30- to 33-week abdominal circumference measurement was tested; using the ninetieth percentile as the discriminant point. The study consisted of 201 patients with gestational diabetes who maintained weekly fasting glucose levels the ninetieth percentile at 30 to 33 weeks had a significantly increased incidence of cesarean section for failure to progress, shoulder dystocia, and birth trauma, whereas patients with abdominal circumference measurements ≤the ninetieth percentile were at no greater risk than the general population. These results suggest that patients with non-insulin-dependent gestational diabetes with fetal abdominal circumference measurements ≤the ninetieth percentile at 30 to 33 weeks are not at increased risk for macrosomia, cesarean section, or birth trauma at term, as long as their weekly glucose testing remains within normal limits. Efforts to decrease the incidence of macrosomia and its attendant risks should focus on those gestational diabetic patients whose fetal abdominal circumference >the ninetieth percentile at 30 to 33 weeks.
Comparison of analysis approaches for phase III clinical trials in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Introduction: In this study we explore several methods for incorporating survival information in the analysis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Functional Rating Scale (ALSFRS) scores. Methods: ALSFRS scores and patient survival times were simulated based on estimates from a recent clinical trial. Six analysis approaches were applied to the data. Each approach was based on ALSFRS scores, the survival time, or a combination of the 2. The power of each approach to detect potential treatment effects was estimated. Results: When the treatment acted solely on the change in ALSFRS, the shared parameter model provided the most power, although all of the models based on random effects were similar. As the effect on survival increased, rank-based analysis showed potential gains in power. Survival analysis was superior under a small effect on ALSFRS and a larger effect on mortality. Conclusions: The shared parameter model and rank-based approach can offer improvements in power over traditional approaches. Muscle Nerve 46: 501–511, 2012
Urocortin is not a significant regulator of intermittent electrofootshock-induced adrenocorticotropin secretion in the intact male rat.

Urocortin (Ucn) is a newly identified mammalian member of the CRF family of peptides. Ucn activates CRF receptors (both CRF-R1 and CRF-R2) with greater potency than CRF itself, suggesting that Ucn may play an endogenous role in eliciting (at least some) CRF receptor-mediated events. Because the most characterized physiological function of CRF receptors is the activation of pituitary ACTH secretion, we have compared the effects and potential endogenous roles of CRF and Ucn in regulating plasma ACTH concentrations in intact male rats. Synthetic rat Ucn injected iv (0.09–9.0 nmol/kg) elicited ACTH secretion in a dose-dependent manner, causing greater ACTH secretion than CRF at each dose tested. The increases in plasma ACTH concentrations produced by CRF or Ucn were virtually abolished by pretreatment with the CRF receptor antagonist, astressin (3 mg/kg), and were partially attenuated (by 27–37%) by an anti-arginine vasopressin serum. These data indicate that both Ucn and CRF elicit ACTH secretion via CRF rec...
Strategy and “Spin”: Opposing Movement Frames in an Anti-Gay Voter Initiative

Abstract Social movements typically do not operate in isolation. Rather, movements engage with an opposing movement over social and / or political change. In this paper, I ask to what extent must opposing movements be intertwined and reactive over the framing of issues? While scholarly attention has tended to focus on frames as movement outcomes I treat frames as “in motion,” constantly subject to interpretation in a context of competing messages. I argue that movements must attend to the claims of an opposing movement when voter resonance is at stake. I use the case of the Christian Right and the gay, lesbian, and bisexual movement in conflict over an antigay ballot initiative in Cincinnati, Ohio, to explore framing in a competitive context. Using qualitative data, I contend that movement actors must consider and react to an opposing movement over frame strategies because policy success may depend on how messages are articulated and how they are received.
Segmental wall-motion abnormalities of the left ventricle predict arrhythmic events in patients with nonischemic cardiomyopathy

Background Nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (NICM) is associated with diffuse global hypokinesia on echocardiography. However, NICM also may be associated with segmental wall-motion abnormalities (SWMAs) even in the presence of global hypokinesia, probably secondary to patchy myocardial scars. Objective Because myocardial scars serve as substrate for reentry, the purpose of this study was to determine whether SWMA is a predictor of ventricular arrhythmic events in NICM. Methods Echocardiographic parameters and appropriate implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) therapy for arrhythmic events (shock or antitachycardia pacing) were studied in NICM patients with an ICD. Two-dimensional echocardiography of the left ventricle was recorded in a 16-segment model. SWMA was defined by the presence of akinesia or moderate to severe hypokinesia in at least two segments. Patients were divided into one of two groups according to the presence (SWMA group) or the absence (non-SMWA group) of SWMA. Results SWMA was present in 47.5% of 101 patients (mean age 58.0 ± 15.6 years, 85% male, primary prophylaxis indication 46%, mean ejection fraction 26% ± 9%, mean follow-up 29 ± 18.4 months) studied. No significant difference in mean age, ejection fraction, and QRS duration was seen between SWMA and non-SWMA groups. The SWMA group had a significantly higher incidence of arrhythmic events than did the non-SWMA group (65% vs15%, P P = .001). SWMA ( P P = .016), and secondary prevention indication for ICD placement ( P = .005) were significant independent predictors of an arrhythmic event. SWMA did not predict mortality. Conclusion SWMA is an independent predictor of arrhythmic events in patients with NICM.
Office microlaparoscopy under local anesthesia for chronic pelvic pain

Abstract Study Objective. To investigate the utility, tolerance, and costs associated with a program of office laparoscopy under local anesthesia using fiberoptic microlaparoscopes ( Design. Prospective, nonselected cohort study. Setting. Office-based free-standing faculty practice at a tertiary care referral center. Patients. All women with a history of CPP from February to June 1995 who required diagnostic laparoscopy were compared with a cohort of patients undergoing in office diagnostic laparoscopy for the evaluation of infertility during the same period. Interventions. All patients underwent diagnostic office microlaparoscopy under local anesthesia (OLULA) with supplemental intravenous sedation, as well as conscious pain mapping. Measurements and Main Results. A specific questionnaire was developed to follow all aspects of patient acceptance and tolerance of the procedures, and all patients were queried preoperatively, and 30 minutes and 1 week postoperatively. Pain was evaluated with a modification of the McGill pain inventory. A subset of questions evaluated the length of time until usual activities were resumed, anxiety level, and general acceptance of the procedure including set-up, operative time, and recovery time until discharge. Overall, there was a high degree of patient acceptance and satisfaction with OLULA; however, women with CPP experienced greater intraoperative and postoperative pain than those with infertility. Some patients with CPP had a generalized visceral hypersensitivity to pain; all areas of the pelvis and bowel were sensitive, and pain was not completely blocked with local anesthesia. Average procedure length was similar for the two groups. Patients with CPP required greater postoperative analgesia and took longer to return to work. Conscious pain mapping identified a focal source of pain in three patients and generalized visceral hypersensitivity in a majority of patients with CPP. Neither of these were found in patients with infertility. Compared with traditional laparoscopy there was almost an 80% reduction in costs. Conclusion. Office laparoscopy under local anesthesia is safe and effective for the evaluation of patients with CPP and is less expensive than traditional laparoscopy. Although the procedure is better tolerated by women undergoing infertility evaluation, it was well tolerated by both groups. Conscious pain mapping helps identify potential areas of pelvic pain and helps further characterize patients with CPP.
Sociobiology and Incest Avoidance: A Critical Look at a Critical Review

Eprint summary: This short article points out a number of problems with treatment of data & theory in an earlier article by Gregory C. Leavitt in which he mis-cites mainly old papers on inbreeding in nonhumans to support his contention that the human incest taboo does not have a biological component/substrate.
Incident Command System as a Response Model Within Emergency Operation Centers during Hurricane Rita

This study examines the degree to which the use of the Incident Command System (ICS) influenced the performance of Texas emergency operations centers (EOCs) during Hurricane Rita. Staff in evacuation, transition, and host county EOCs completed a questionnaire that assessed demographic variables, EOC physical environment, ICS experience, ICS implementation, and team climate. The results indicated that the duties each ICS section performed varied substantially from one EOC to another. Moreover, ICS experience and ICS implementation lacked statistically significant correlations with team climate, even though EOCs' physical environments did. Finally, staff from emergency relevant agencies (e.g., public works and social services) seemed to have more problems with ICS than did staff from emergency mission agencies (e.g., fire and police departments). Thus, there needs to be further study of ICS application in emergencies other than structural and wildland fires, as well as the development of new ICS training materials for emergency relevant agencies to supplement the current ICS training materials for emergency mission agencies.
Reactive oxygen species trigger ischemic and pharmacological postconditioning: in vivo and in vitro characterization.

Abstract Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by ischemic and pharmacological preconditioning are known to act as triggers of cardiac protection; however, the involvement of ROS in ischemic and pharmacological postconditioning (PostC) in vivo and in vitro is unknown. We tested the hypothesis that ROS are involved in PostC in the mouse heart in vivo and in the isolated adult cardiac myocyte (ACM). Mice were subjected to 30 min coronary artery occlusion followed by 2 h of reperfusion with or without ischemic or pharmacologic PostC (three cycles of 20 s reperfusion/ischemia; 1.4% isoflurane; 10 mg/kg SNC-121). Additional groups were treated with 2-mercaptopropionyl glycine (MPG), a ROS scavenger, 10 min before or after the PostC stimuli. Ischemia-, isoflurane-, and SNC-121- induced PostC reduced infarct size (24.1 ± 3.2, 15.7 ± 2.6, 24.9 ± 2.6%, p in vitro were abolished by prior treatment with MPG. These data indicate that ROS signaling is an essential trigger of ischemic and pharmacological PostC and this is occurring at the level of the cardiac myocyte.
MEMS applications in space exploration

Space exploration in the coming century will emphasize cost effectiveness and highly focused mission objectives, which will result in frequent multiple missions that broaden the scope of space science and to validate new technologies on a timely basis. Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) is one of the key enabling technology to create cost-effective, ultra-miniaturized, robust, and functionally focused spacecraft for both robotic and human exploration programs. Examples of MEMS devices at various stages of development include microgyroscope, microseismometer, microhygrometer, quadrupole mass spectrometer, and micropropulsion engine. These devices, when proven successful, will serve as models for developing components and systems for new-millennium spacecraft.
Effects of nerve growth factor on electrical membrane properties of cultured dorsal root ganglia neurons from normal and trisomy 21 human fetuses.

Abstract Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome) results in abnormalities of electrical membrane properties of cultured human fetal dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons; namely, faster rates of depolarization and repolarization of the action potential, and a shortened spike duration. A possible role of nerve growth factor (NGF) in the expression of abnormal electrical membrane properties fetal human DRG neurons from trisomy 21 subjects was examined. DRG neurons obtained from normal and trisomy 21 abortuses of 16–20 weeks gestation were cultured in the presence or absence of 40 nM 7S NGF. After 1 week in culture, action potentials were recorded using the whole cell patch-clamp technique, in current clamp mode. At the testing membrane potential, normal (diploid) neurons grown without NGF showed reduced maximal rates of depolarization (−41.3%) and of repolarization (−31.4%), a decreased spike amplitude (−14.2%) and a prolonged action potential (+49.2%), when compared to normal cells cultured with NGF. Trisomy 21 neurons showed similar changes, but had a greater relative decrease in the rates of action potential depolarization and repolarization. These changes were evident at different membrane potentials. Normal and trisomic DRG neurons cultured without NGF showed differences in action potential parameters similar to those previously described using NGF-supplemented culture medium. These data indicate that NGF can regulate electrical membrane properties in cultured human fetal DRG neurons, but apparently is not responsible for the abnormalities observed in trisomy 21 neurons.
Post-occlusion hyperemia ASL differentiates peripheral artery disease from controls

Background Pulsed arterial spin labeling (PASL) is a non-contrast MRI technique that can be used to quantify calf muscle perfusion with stress. We hypothesized that peak postocclusion hyperemia measured with PASL would discriminate peripheral artery disease (PAD) patients from healthy subjects (NL). Methods
Accuracy of Nimodipine Gel Extraction

Introduction Until recently, use of nimodipine in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage patients unable to swallow required extraction of gel from inside the commercially available capsule. Despite the Black-Box warning against inadvertent intravenous administration, bedside extraction of the gel from the capsule continues to be a common practice in some institutions. The accuracy of bedside extraction has not been formally evaluated. Methods Twenty-eight nurses from the neurology and neurosurgical ICUs at a single center attempted to extract nimodipine gel from 2 capsules, each using the method currently approved by the US FDA. The primary outcome was mean weight of extracted gel per capsule, which was compared to both gel weight from batch compounded pharmacy syringes and a pre-calculated appropriate weight for 30 mg nimodipine gel. Results Simulated bedside extraction provided lower yield than pharmacy-compounded syringes (22.6 ± 4.6 mg vs 30.4 ± 0.59 mg, p = 0.001). Bedside extraction provided inconsistent and low yield (75.4 ± 15.32 % of possible dose extracted, p = 0.0001 for comparison of means between bedside extraction syringes and predicted gel weight). Pharmacy-compounded syringes provided consistent high yield (101.3 ± 2.0 % of possible dose extracted, p = 0.14 for comparison of means between pharmacy syringes and predicted gel weight). Conclusion Combined with reports of significant patient harm and death with inadvertent intravenous administration, this study suggests that there is no role for bedside extraction of nimodipine in clinical practice.
Using PowerPoint to Create High-Resolution Images for Journal Publications

OBJECTIVE. In this article, I describe the essential steps for using PowerPoint to create high-resolution images for radiology journal publications.CONCLUSION. PowerPoint 2003 can be used as an alternative to create high-resolution images for journal publications without the need for other image-processing software.
Nickel catalysts for hydrogen evolution from CsH2PO4

Abstract Unsupported nickel was evaluated as an electrocatalyst material in an electrochemical hydrogen pump using the superprotonic solid acid CsH 2 PO 4 as a proton exchange membrane. In humidified hydrogen at 250 °C, Ni-based electrodes display a stable proton reduction current of 207 mA cm −2 at a −0.2 V cell potential. Electrodes utilizing carbon-supported Pt catalysts evolved hydrogen at 558 mA cm −2 under identical conditions. Hydrogen evolution and oxidation are reversible on Pt, but hydrogen oxidation activity is virtually absent on Ni.
The Audiometric Utility of Brain Stem Responses to Low-Frequency Sounds

The human scalp-recorded vertex-positive brain stem response to a click or high-frequency tone pip is an excellent audiometric indicator. Its latency of 6-9 ms is practically independent of the polarity of the stimulus but is inversely related to intensity. With a 4,800- or 2,400-Hz tone pip (filtered click) its threshold of detectability is usually at or below 10 dB SL. With a 500-Hz tone pip, with rise and fall of 2-3 ms, the response at 30 dBSL is low in amplitude, rounded in wave form, and has a latency of about 10 ms. When the polarity of the stimulus is reversed, the latency shifts by 1 ms. At and above 40 dB, this late response is obsured by a larger and earlier response. High-pass (1,500 Hz) masking noise does not affect the low-level response but the earlier high-level response is reduced in amplitude and delayed by about 1 ms. The large early response seems to be initiated by stimulation of the basal turn of the cochlea by the low-frequency transient. The frequency-following response (FFR) to a 500-Hz tone burst with a 2-ms rise time has a threshold at about 40 dB SL. Its relatively short latency is appropriate to the basal turn. A later low-amplitude apically generated response can sometimes be detected, either at a lower stimulus level or in the presence of high-pass masking noise. The usual FFR often has complex wave forms and some individuals show only an onset response, even at 70 dB SL. It is almost impossible to edentify with certainty the first individual waves of FFR as they relate to the individual waves of the tone burst and as they change amplitude with intensity. The audiometric usefulness of the high-threshold responses to 500 Hz that are initiated in the basal turn is doubtful. The low-threshold responses initiated in the apical turn are so difficult to identify with certainty that they are not likely to be of clinical value unless high-pass masking noise can be used to clarify them.
An underwater robotic testbed for multi-vehicle control

The PVC-ROV underwater robot testbed is a low-cost, three vehicle system designed to support research into multi-robot control techniques. Each vehicle is composed of a PVC frame with bilge-pump motors, a central microcontroller, and hobby-class sensing and power components. In addition, each vehicle is tethered to a surface buoy by a 15 meter tether and wirelessly exchanges data with an off-board, Matlab-based control program; an acoustic tracking system simultaneously tracks the position of each vehicle. Use of the testbed has begun with demonstration of two-vehicle cluster space control, a specific control technique developed by researchers in Santa Clara University's Robotic Systems Laboratory. This paper reviews the design of the PVC-ROV testbed and presents initial results in using the testbed to demonstrate the cluster control technique in an underwater environment.
Weaning in the female hamster: effect of pup age and days postpartum.

It has been previously demonstrated that female golden hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) housed with 4- to 6-, 6- to 10-, or 10- to 14-day-old foster pups did not maintain normal growth in those pups past 24 days postpartum (Rowell, Zool. Soc. London, 135, 165–282, 1960). The purpose of this study was to examine more closely the behavior associated with the maintenance of maternal behavior and behavioral weaning in the golden hamster. Litters of 3-day-old pups were fostered to experimental females which had been lactating for 12 days. Control females raised their own litters. The amount of time spent nursing was recorded each morning and evening. Females raising foster pups continued to nurse for 14 days longer than did controls. However, foster pups gained weight much more slowly than did control pups. It appears that the female hamster behaviorally weans her litter according to the pup characteristics rather than according to the time elapsed since parturition. In addition, the results suggest that lactation and milk production may cease before nursing behavior ends and behavioral weaning occurs.
An exploratory study of ethical values in nonprofit fundraising: survey of fundraising executives.

Summary An initial study used the Ethical Position Quotient in an extension of this measure from for-profit organizations to nonprofit organizations. Responses from professional fundraising executives for nonprofit organizations were generally more idealistic than relativistic regarding ethical decision-making. Additionally, in a comparison of the executives' answers to those of M.B.A. students, the students were significantly more relativistic and less idealistic than the nonprofit executives. On Forsyth's Taxonomy of Ethical Perspectives, approximately 20% of the students were absolutists versus 66% of the fundraising executives. Conversely, 70% of the M.B.A. students were situationists compared to only a third of the executives. This disparity in responses between these groups provides a rich and interesting platform for research.
Characterization of Neonatal Personnel Time Inputs and Prediction From Clinical Variables — A Time and Motion Study

OBJECTIVE: To characterize and predict personnel time inputs to neonatal intensive care using infant characteristics from chart review. STUDY DESIGN: For 12 hours each day, observers timed all direct care, charting, discussions, and procedures for 154 infants. Time inputs were correlated with 40 infant characteristics and resource markers, as well as the Score for Neonatal Acute Physiology (SNAP) for that day of care. RESULTS: Nurses accounted for 76%, respiratory therapists 8%, fellows 5%, nurse practitioners 7% and attendings 5% of total time invested in patient care. Nurses and respiratory therapists spent proportionately more time in direct patient care. In regression models, a limited number of variables explained 36% of the variance in time input per patient for respiratory therapists (p<0.0001), 42% for nurses (p<0.0001), and 23% for physicians and nurse practitioners (p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Total labor inputs can be accurately predicted through the use of a limited number of clinical characteristics. This technique should be routinely employed to improve the accuracy of economic evaluations. Nursing accounts for the majority of time invested in neonatal care. Improved efficiency in neonatology is thus most likely to be generated by interventions that reduce direct nursing time.
Postpartum endometritis caused by herpes simplex virus.

Background : Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is rarely the causative agent of endometritis and is usually found in association with pelvic inflammatory disease. Only one case of postpartum HSV endometritis has been reported. Cases : We describe two cases of herpes simplex postpartum endometritis. Neither patient had genital HSV lesions noted at the time of delivery. The first case developed after a preterm cesarean delivery in an 18-year-old primipara. She had persistent puerperal fever despite broad-spectrum antimicrobial treatment. The second case was a 16-year-old primipara whose vaginal delivery was complicated by severe postpartum endometritis. Vulvar and endometrial cultures were positive for HSV alone in both patients. Both infants died from disseminated HSV infection. Conclusion : Herpes simplex virus can cause clinical postpartum endometritis.
Embryo transfer in fertile and infertile cows

Abstract Pregnancy rates were compared between fertile and infertile donors in an embryo transfer program. Non-surgical embryo transfer techniques were utilized for examination of uterine contents and collection of ova. Recovered embryos were transferred surgically into suitable recipients. Three groups of donors were included in this investigation: a) fertile; b) infertile, due to known causes (diagnosed); c) infertile, due to unknown causes (undiagnosed). There were 11.3, 6.6 and 8.0 corpora lutea; 6.8, 1.2 and 1.0 fertilized ova; 3.6, 0.8 and 0.4 pregnancies per superovulation for the fertile, diagnosed and undiagnosed groups, respectively. In 23 months, unsuperovulated, fertile, diagnosed and undiagnosed donors yielded 17, 15 and 9 fertilized ova which resulted in 15, 13, and 3 pregnancies, respectively. Donors treated for uterine infections, adhesions or cystic ovaries prior to superovulation responded with 10.1, 7.6 and 4.1 corpora lutea; 1.9, 4.0 and 0.3 fertilized ova; 1.1, 3.3 and 0.2 pregnancies per superovulation, respectively. Relatively few viable embryos were recovered from donors with chronic cystic ovaries or from infertile cows of unknown etiology. Infertile donors, when compared to fertile donors, were unproductive when used for embryo transfer.
Coarse-graining atomistic dynamics of brittle fracture by finite element method

In this work we present the finite element (FE) implementation of an atomistic formulation of balance equations and its application to coarse-grained (CG) simulation of dynamic fracture. First, we simulate a notched specimen that contains about 1.8 million atoms by the CG-FE method, and we compare the CG-FE results with that by all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. We find that CG-FE simulations with about 5% degrees of freedom of the MD simulation can capture the essential dynamic features, not in exact correspondence, but qualitatively and quantitatively similar to that obtained by MD simulations. We then proceed to simulate a series of micron-sized specimens by the CF-FE method. We find that it is the interaction of the forward propagating crack with the stress waves being reflected back by the boundaries of the specimen that triggers the dynamic instability and hence the branching of cracks in micron-sized specimens. The potential application of the method and future work for improvements are discussed.