cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Self-Calibrating Halo-Based Galaxy Group Finder: Algorithm and Tests

We describe an extension of the halo-based galaxy group-finding algorithm. We add freedom to the algorithm in order to more accurately determine which galaxies are central and which are satellites, and to provide unbiased estimates of halo masses. We focus on determination of the galaxy-halo relations for star-forming and quiescent galaxies. The added freedom in the group-finding algorithm is self-calibrated using observations of color-dependent galaxy clustering, as well as measurements of the total satellite luminosity in deep imaging data around stacked samples of spectroscopic central galaxies, L_sat. We test this approach on a series of mocks that vary the galaxy-halo connection, including one mock constructed from UniverseMachine results. Our self-calibrated algorithm shows marked improvement over previous methods in estimating the color-dependent satellite fraction of galaxies. It reduces the error in log M_halo for central galaxies by over a factor of two, to <~0.2 dex. Through the L_sat data, it can quantify differences in the luminosity-to-halo mass relations for star-forming and quiescent galaxies, even for groups with only one spectroscopic member. Whereas previous algorithms cannot constrain the scatter in L_gal at fixed M_halo, the self-calibration technique can provide a robust lower limit to this scatter.
The Permissibility of Acting Officials: May the President Work around Senate Confirmation?

Recent presidential reliance on acting agency officials, including an acting Attorney General, acting Secretaries of Defense, and an acting Secretary of Homeland Security, as well as numerous below-Cabinet officials, has drawn significant criticism from scholars, the media, and members of Congress. They worry that the President may be pursuing illegitimate goals and seeking to bypass the critical Senate role under the Appointments Clause. But Congress has authorized—and Presidents have called upon—such individuals from the early years of the Republic to the present. Meanwhile, neither formalist approaches to the constitutional issue, which seem to permit no flexibility, nor current Supreme Court doctrine, which contributes few bounds on acting officials, satisfactorily answer how much latitude a president should have to work around Senate confirmation. After summarizing different methods Presidents have used to rely on unconfirmed officials to perform the work of Senate-confirmed offices, this Article advocates a functional approach to the constitutional question. A functional approach to acting officials possesses the twin virtues of pragmatism and constraint. Presidents have legitimate needs to rely briefly on unconfirmed individuals, but functional considerations, including the need to ensure the integrity, competence, and democratic responsiveness of senior agency officials, weigh against long-term reliance on such individuals. The Article concludes that because the Federal Vacancies Reform Act of 1998 authorizes overly lengthy service, the Act, together with other practices, is constitutionally problematic. The Article concludes with reform recommendations.
Factors Associated with Delayed Paracentesis in Patients with Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis

In patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP), studies show that delayed paracentesis (DP) is associated with worse outcomes and mortality. We aimed to assess the rate of DP in the community setting and associated factors with early versus delayed paracentesis. Patients hospitalized with SBP were retrospectively studied between 12/2013 and 12/2018. DP was defined as paracentesis performed > 12 h from initial encounter. Data collected included: patient factors (i.e., age, race, symptoms, history of SBP, MELD) and physician factors (i.e., admission service, shift times, providers ordering and performing paracentesis). Logistic regression analysis was performed to assess for factors associated with DP. DP occurred 82% of the time (n = 97). The most significant factors in predicting timing of paracentesis were ordering physician [emergency department (ED) physician was associated with early paracentesis (57% vs 8%, p < 0.001) and specialty of physician performing paracentesis (interventional radiology was associated with DP (88% vs 48%, p < 0.001)]. Younger patients were more likely to receive early paracentesis. In regression analysis, the factor most associated with early paracentesis was when the order was made by the ED provider (OR 0.07, 95% CI 0.02–0.22). No differences were observed in patients with prior history of SBP, abdominal pain, encephalopathy, or creatinine level. Studies have suggested that DP is associated with increased mortality in patients with SBP. Despite this, DP is common in the community setting and is influenced by ordering physician and specialty of physician performing paracentesis. Future efforts should assess interventions to improve this important quality indicator.
Fully Automated cGMP Preparation of 68Ga-PSMA-11 at Curie Level Using Cyclotron-Produced 68Ga

635 Objectives: 68Ga-PSMA-11 is currently one of the most widely used PET agent for imaging both recurrent prostate cancer and relevant metastases. However, the production and distribution of 68Ga-PSMA-11 are limited to a few daily doses by commercially available 68Ge/68Ga generators that nominally deliver a modest activity up to 1850 MBq (50 mCi) when new but decreases over time. In response to the need for a more economically viable alternative, we present a simple and fully automated method for producing 68Ga-PSMA-11 using cyclotron-produced 68Ga. Methods: The entirety of the 68Ga-PSMA-11 production process was performed using a commercially available module under cGMP controlled environment. The 68Ga was initially produced via irradiation of a 68Zn solid target (enrichment ≥ 99%, 80-100 mg) by a medical cyclotron for 1.0-1.5 h, with protons at 14.5 MeV energy and beam currents of 30 μA. The irradiated target was dissolved and processed by an automation module fitted with a unique single-column purification system that was developed in-house. Purified 68Ga with activity of 25.9-55.5 GBq (0.7-1.5 Ci) was eluted from the column by low concentration HCl and transferred directly to a reactor pre-loaded with PSMA-11 precursor, sodium acetate buffer, and L-ascorbic acid. Radiolabeling was conducted at 95oC for 10 min and product was eventually passed through a 0.22µm filter prior collection. All quality control tests were performed in accordance to the USP guidelines. Results: The fully-automated process from target dissolution to 68Ga-PSMA-11 final formulation takes less than 45 minutes and typically yields 18.5-37.0 GBq (0.5-1.0 Ci) at the end of synthesis (EOS). The HPLC analysis of the combined diastereomers of 68Ga-PSMA-11 product has consistently reported a radiochemical purity of greater than 99%, and the specific activity was up to 740 GBq (20 Ci)/μmol. Additionally, the final product was determined to be sterile, colorless, and remained radiochemically pure (≥ 99%) after 4 h of radiosynthesis at room temperature. Conclusions: We have developed a reliable and fully automated method for the routine production of 68Ga-PSMA-11 at curie level quantity. Whereas the in vitro cell uptake and in vivo small animal PET imaging studies are currently underway to further demonstrate the biological sameness, our data indicate the potential for large scale production of 68Ga-PSMA-11 that in turn can meet the increasing demand and facilitate regional distribution.
Collision of expanding plasma clouds: Mixing, flow morphology, and instabilities

The collision of two expanding plasma flows is investigated with an emphasis on the mixing flow. The study adheres to laboratory experiments where two Ohmically exploding parallel wires launch hot plasma coronas toward each other. The interpenetration and mixing of the coronas is followed by the collision and mixing of the slowly moving phases of the melted wires. In a recent publication [M. A. Malkov and V. I. Sotnikov, Phys. Plasmas 25(10), 102108 (2018)], a stationary flow that emerges from interpenetrating coronas and plasma microinstabilities in the mixing region had been studied analytically. In this present work, using two-dimensional numerical simulations, we investigate the time evolution of the flow, compare its patterns resulting from collisions of the rarefied coronas and dense wire material, and examine the macroscopic stability of the flow. The stability of the mixing layer with respect to the so-called thin-shell instability is specifically addressed.
Duration, recency, and type of hormonal contraceptive use and antimüllerian hormone levels.

Objective To assess whether the duration, recency, or type of hormonal contraceptive used is associated with antimullerian hormone (AMH) levels, given that the existing literature regarding the association between hormonal contraceptive use and AMH levels is inconsistent. Design Cross-sectional study. Setting Baseline data from the Study of the Environment, Lifestyle and Fibroids Study, a 5-year longitudinal study of African American women. Patient(s) The patients were 1,643 African American women aged 23–35 years at the time of blood drawing (2010–2012). Intervention(s) None. Main Outcome Measure(s) Serum AMH level was measured by an ultrasensitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Linear regression models were used to estimate percent differences in mean AMH levels and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) according to use of hormonal contraceptives, with adjustment for potential confounders. Result(s) In multivariable-adjusted analyses, current users of hormonal contraceptives had 25.2% lower mean AMH levels than non-users of hormonal contraceptives (95% CI: −35.3%, −13.6%). There was little difference in AMH levels between former users and non-users of hormonal contraceptives (−4.4%; 95% CI: −16.3%, 9.0%). AMH levels were not appreciably associated with cumulative duration of use among former users or time since last use among non-current users. Current users of combined oral contraceptives (–24.0%; 95% CI: −36.6%, −8.9%), vaginal ring (−64.8%; 95% CI: −75.4%, −49.6%), and depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (−26.7%; 95% CI: −41.0%, −8.9%) had lower mean AMH levels than non-users. Conclusion(s) The present data suggest that AMH levels are significantly lower among current users of most forms of hormonal contraceptives, but that the suppressive effect of hormonal contraceptives on AMH levels is reversible.
Stability, cytotoxicity and cell uptake of water-soluble dendron–conjugated gold nanoparticles with 3, 12 and 17 nm cores

This article describes the synthesis of water-soluble dendron–conjugated gold nanoparticles (Den–AuNPs) with various average core sizes and the evaluation of stability, cytotoxicity, cell permeability and uptake of these materials. The characterization of Den–AuNPs using various techniques including transmission electron microscopy (TEM), matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS), 1H NMR, FT-IR, and UV-vis spectroscopy confirms the dendron conjugation to the glutathione-capped gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). The stability of AuNPs and Den–AuNPs in solutions of different pH and salt concentration is determined by monitoring the changes in surface plasmon bands of gold using UV-vis spectroscopy. The stability of Den–AuNPs at different pH remained about the same compared to that of AuNPs. In comparison, the Den–AuNPs are found to be more stable than the precursor AuNPs maintaining their solubility in the aqueous solution with the salt concentration of up to 100 mM. The improved stability of Den–AuNPs suggests that the post-functionalization of thiol-capped gold nanoparticle surfaces with dendrons can further improve the physiological stability and biocompatibility of gold nanoparticle-based materials. Cytotoxicity studies of AuNPs and Den–AuNPs with and without fluorophores are also performed by examining cell viability for 3T3 fibroblasts using a MTT cell proliferation assay. The conjugation of dendrons to the AuNPs with a fluorophore is able to decrease the cytotoxicity brought about by the fluorophore. The successful uptake of Den–AuNPs in mouse fibroblast 3T3 cells shows the physiological viability of the hybrid materials.
Conductor: a framework for distributed adaptation

Most network applications provide poor service when the network's capabilities are below a minimum level assumed by the developer. As a wider array of network technologies become available, users will be increasingly frustrated with a lack of flexibility in such applications. The services provided by an application should be tunable to a level appropriate for the capabilities and associated costs of the underlying network. Other researchers have shown that proxy agents can tailor the communication pattern of an application to the characteristics of a network. Dynamic deployment of multiple adapting agents at various points in a network can extend these benefits. Conductor demonstrates an approach toward selecting an appropriate set of adaptive agents and a plan for their deployment. Conductor further allows arbitrary adaptations to be performed along the data path without reducing the reliability of the overall system.
An electronic method for determining time-locked changes in neuronal firing rate

Abstract A method is described for determining stimulus-locked changes in single unit firing rate using an integration circuit with an electronic averager.
Children's emotion regulation: Self-report and physiological response to peer provocation.

The authors examined the notion that children's emotion regulation (ER) is a uniform skill by (a) investigating the concordance between self-report of ER and physiological measures and by (b) examining ER in a specific context (e.g., peer provocation) and context-free manner (e.g., during a semi-structured interview of ER abilities). Seventy-two children in middle childhood (average age = 9 years) participated. Time-locked measures of heart rate reactivity and recovery were obtained in response to provoking comments, and vagal regulation was measured throughout the provocation session. Children who reported greater dysregulation showed increased heart rate reactivity to provocative comments (i.e., steeper heart rate slope) but no difference in heart rate recovery. The context-free but not the context-specific self-report measure was associated with a failure to suppress vagal tone. Implications for ER measurement and children's peer relations are discussed.
FACTORS AFFECTING PALATABILITY AND COOKING PROPERTIES OF GROUND BEEF PATTIES–FROZEN LEAN, PATTY SIZE, AND SURFACE TREATMENT

The objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of frozen lean addition, patty size, and surface perforation on the palatability and cooking properties of ground beef patties. Eighteen ground beef formulations were prepared at a commercial plant from various raw material sources. Frozen lean from domestic, Mexican, and Australian sources were added at the 40% level. Control formulations were comprised of 40% unfrozen U.S. Cutter cow lean and 60% unfrozen U.S. Choice trimmings. Immediately after the patties were formed, the surface was treated in one of three ways: (1) “knife-like” perforations; (2) “waffle-like” perforations, and (3) no perforations. Patties were evaluated for differences in sensory, cooking, and physical properties. Use of frozen lean had no important effects on ground beef palatability or cooking properties. There was no advantage to subjecting the surface of the patty to a knife or waffle treatment.
Microfabrication of screen-printed nanoliter vials with embedded surface-modified electrodes

A self-contained ion-selective sensing system within a nanoliter-volume vial has been developed by integrating screen printing, laser ablation, and molecular imprinting techniques. Screen printing and laser ablation are used in tandem to fabricate nanoliter-volume vials with carbon and Ag/AgCl ring electrodes embedded in the sidewalls. Using multisweep cyclic voltammetry, the surface of the carbon electrode can be modified with a polypyrrole film. By polymerizing pyrrole in the presence of nitrate, pores complementary to the nitrate anion in size, shape, and charge distribution are formed in the resulting film. Electrochemical cells modified with this nitrate-imprinted polypyrrole film show a near-Nernstian response to nitrate, and excellent reproducibility. The integration of molecular recognition and electrochemical response in the nanoliter vials is demonstrated by the detection of as little as 0.36 ng nitrate in nanoliter-volume samples. The integration of tailored molecular recognition within nanoliter vials via established fabrication and imprinting protocols should result in a number of nanosensor devices with applications in BioMEMS and micro total analysis systems.
New species of cryptochloa and piresia (Poaceae: Bambusoideae)

Two new species are added toCryptochloa,C. unispiculata from Peru andC. capillata from Brazil, the latter transferred from the genusOlyra. The genusPiresia is also augmented by two new species,P. macrophylla from Peru andP. leptophylla from Bahia, Brazil. These species represent, respectively, the westernmost and easternmost limits of distribution of the genus.
VERs, Quid Pro Quo DFI and VIEs: Political-Economy-Theoretic Analyses

The paper addresses three different phenomena: VERs, their causes and consequences; Quid Pro Quo direct foreign investment; and VIEs. Quid Pro Quo direct foreign investment relates to investment that is undertaken in one period to influence the probability of protection being imposed in the next period. VIEs are “voluntary import expansions” which define quantity outcomes in the domestic markets of the country on which they are imposed, as when U.S. requires that a certain share of the Japanese market in an industry must be supplied by U.S. exports by a certain date. [410]
The relation of age, race, and gender to the subsite location of colorectal carcinoma†

BACKGROUND Characteristics that determine the anatomic site within the colorectum where carcinoma is most likely to occur would be useful in choosing optimal modalities for cancer screening and in the study of etiology. The aim of this study was to identify any association of gender, race, or age with colorectal carcinoma in the proximal or distal colorectum. METHODS A descriptive, population-based epidemiologic study was conducted on colorectal carcinoma (CRC) cases identified through the Illinois Tumor Registry. Among CRC patients diagnosed between 1986 and 1991, age at diagnosis (40-90 years), gender, white or African American race, and subsite of CRC location were identified. Incidence rates were determined with demographic data from the 1990 Illinois census. Logistic regression was used to identify significant subsite specific risk factors for CRC. RESULTS During the study period, 38,931 cases of CRC occurred in Illinois among whites and African Americans between the ages of 40 and 90 years. Age, race, and gender were independently significantly associated with both proximal and distal CRC risk (P < 0.0001). The greatest risk for white males was for distal CRC, followed by the risk for African American males of developing CRC in the distal colorectum. African Americans were more likely than whites to develop proximal CRC (odds ratio [OR] = 1.19), whereas whites were more likely to have distal CRC than African Americans (OR = 1.26). Regarding the development of CRC anywhere in the colorectum, male incidence rates adjusted for age and race were greater than rates for females (OR = 1.32 for proximal and 1.68 for distal). CONCLUSIONS The division of the colorectum anatomically in these analyses at the junction of the descending and sigmoid colon, and including the rectum above the anal canal with "distal" CRC, demonstrated a predominance of African Americans among those at risk for proximal colon carcinoma and a predominance of white males among those at risk for distal CRC; these predominances were clearer than in previous reports. These findings may have a role in the selection of optimal CRC screening strategies for each gender or racial group. Cancer 1997; 80:193-7. © 1997 American Cancer Society.
High dose oral amiodarone loading: electrophysiologic effects and clinical tolerance.

Abstract Although amiodarone is an effective drug for the treatment of life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias, no standard oral loading dose protocol has been defined, and patients often undergo prolonged hospitalization for amiodarone loading. High dose (>1,800 mg/day) oral loading has usually been reserved for unstable patients with incessant ventricular tachyarrhythmias. The current study was designed to 1) examine the clinical and electrophyslologic effects of a high dose oral antiodarone loading regimen in more stable patients; and 2) ascertain its safety and tolerance, possibly allowing shortened amiodarone loading periods and potentially decreased length of hospital stay. The study group included 16 patients with a history of recurrent ventricular arrhythmias and decreased left ventricular function, who were refractory to prior antiarrhythmic drag therapy. The oral loading protocol was 50 mg/kg per day of amiodarone for 3 days, then 30 mg/kg per day for 2 days, followed by maintenance therapy of 300 to 400 mg twice daily. Electrophysiologic testing was performed at baseline, on days 1 and 5 and during week 6. Amiodarone and desethylamiodarone levels were measured and symptoms monitored. Clinically, the high dose loading protocol was well tolerated in 15 of the 16 patients. Arrhythmias were rendered noninducible by day 1 in three patients and remained noninducible throughout the study period in two of the three. The remaining patients continued to have inducible ventricular tachycardia. Ventricular tachycardia cycle length and right ventricular effective refractory period both progressively increased significantly over baseline, starting on day 1. The 15 patients who remained in the study had no significant side effects during the loading period. Eleven patients have teen followed up for >2 years without any clinical recurrence of their presenting arrhythmia. High dose oral amiodarone loading is clinically well tolerated in patients with life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias who have depressed ventricular function. This regimen may allow decreased loading periods, thereby permitting shorter hospital stays in this patient population.
Duality for minmax programs

Abstract A duality theory is derived for minimizing the maximum of a finite set of convex functions subject to a convex constraint set generated by both linear and nonlinear inequalities. The development uses the theory of generalised geometric programming. Further, a particular class of minmax program which has some practical significance is considered and a particularly simple dual program is obtained.
The isothermal kinetics of hydrogen adsorption onto iron films observed with the chemisorption-induced resistance change

Abstract A study has been made of the isothermal kinetics for hydrogen chemisorption onto evaporated thin iron films. The measurements were made over a temperature range from about 293 to 460 K and for hydrogen pressures up to about 10 −2 N m 2 (8 × 10 −5 Torr ) . The chemisorption kinetics were measured using the chemisorption-induced resistance change to monitor the coverage of the chemisorbed hydrogen as it responded to changes in the gas phase pressure. Data from the measurements (adsorption kinetics, desorption kinetics, pressure-jump relaxation kinetics, and equilibrium isotherms) were analyzed in terms of a simple chemical reaction kinetic model which assumes that dissociative chemisorption occurs via an adsorbed molecular state. The absolute rate constants of the model obtained in this analysis were found to be independent of coverage for estimated coverages less than 0.8 monolayers. Based on the model, the desorption process in this temperature range is rate limited by desorption from the adsorbed molecular state to the gas phase.
Political Science and Political Philosophy: An Uneasy Relation

From its very beginnings political science has been a complex discipline torn in conflicting directions. Consider Aristotle's Politics, the first book that looks like a contemporary political science monograph. In the book, Aristotle presented two opposing strands of argument that he managed with tolerable success to hold together. On the one hand, Aristotle treated the study of politics as a branch of practical knowledge, its aim being action (praxis), not theory. Political action is always contextual or circumstantial, the action of particular agents faced with a particular set of circumstances. Therefore, the student of politics needs to be concerned above all with learning the art of political judgment, with how to think and deliberate well
Expected time bounds for selection

A new selection algorithm is presented which is shown to be very efficient on the average, both theoretically and practically. The number of comparisons used to select the ith smallest of n numbers is n + min(i,n-i) + o(n). A lower bound within 9 percent of the above formula is also derived.
Imaging Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma in the Head and Neck

Hodgkin (HL) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) involving the head and neck have many overlapping imaging features. Definitive diagnosis depends on histology, but imaging trends may help distinguish lymphoma from other common pathologic entities in the head and neck. CT is useful for staging and assessing bony involvement, whereas MR imaging is performed for soft tissue detail in extranodal disease, especially when there is transpatial disease or intracranial or intraspinal extension. Positron emission tomography has become an important part of staging and surveillance imaging and is particularly useful to distinguish posttreatment fibrosis and residual tumor.
Resonance-enhanced multiphoton ionization of van der Waals molecules: Studies of spectroscopic shifts of phenyl acetylene clustered with molecules and atoms

Abstract Van der Waals molecules comprised of phenyl acetylene (PA) clustered with rare-gas atoms, R (R = Ne, Ar, Kr, Xe) and other molecules, M (M = N 2 , O 2 , N 2 O, CO 2 ), H 2 O, CCl 4 , and NH 3 ) were formed via adiabatic expansion from a pulsed nozzle, subjected to resonance-erhanced MPI, and analyzed in a time-of-flight mass spectrometer. Studies of the perturbed L b ( 1 B 2 ) states reveal spectral shifts with respect to the aromatic molecule monomer. In the case of the rare-gas atoms the shift in frequency, which is red, linearly increases with the polarizability of the atom. Red-shifts were also seen for all other molecules except CO 2 and H 2 O, where an appreciable blue-shift was observed in the case of the latter.
Rapid frequency-domain analog fault simulation under parameter tolerances

Fault-driven analog and mixed-signal testing calls for rapid fault simulationtechniques. A problem that has not been addressed effectivelyby existing research is that circuit parameters have tolerance ranges.In this paper, we propose representing parameters under variations asintervals, and present an efficient algorithm - based on interval analysisand Householder's formula - to compute the worst-case responsebounds of good and faulty linear(ized) circuits under parameter variations.Our approach takes CPU time comparable to one nominal circuitsimulation, and always produces correct and conservative results. Thealgorithm has been implemented into SPICE3F5. Experimental resultsshow an acceptable accuracy.
The neural control of feeding in elasmobranchs: A review and working model

A working model of the neural control of feeding in elasmobranchs is presented and summarized in graphic form. The model is based on a review of studies in sharks and batoids augmented by suggestions and comparisons from research in mammals and teleosts. The focal point of the model is a proposed Hypothalamic Feeding Area (HFA) that encompasses the medial periventricular zone in the inferior lobe and a small area immediately dorsal to it. Electrical stimulation in the HFA has evoked feeding in nurse sharks and neuropeptides and neurotransmitters known to influence feeding in mammals and teleosts have been localized immunocytochemically in the region in several elasmobranchs. The HFA of elasmobranchs appears to be analogous to and possibly homologous with ‘hypothalamic feeding centers” in bony fishes and tetrapods. Such “centers” are thought to integrate external and internal stimuli and control feeding in relation to available energy stores. The HFA’s strong olfactory connections in elasmobranchs are consistent with smell-induced feeding activities. In elasmobranchs, the HFA has reciprocal connections with the central pallium of the telencephalon, a region that processes visual, acoustic, mechanoreceptive and electroreceptive lateral line and possibly somatosensory information. These pathways may provide multisensory control in feeding. HFA connections with the cerebellum, brainstem and spinal cord most likely mediate hypothalamic co-ordination of the sensorimotor components of elasmobranch feeding. The review and model help to identify areas for suggested research.
(+)‐6‐Benzyl‐17‐oxosparteine

The title compound, C22H30N2O, was prepared from (−)-17-oxosparteine. The lactam N atom is essentially planar, lying 0.0150 (12) A out of the plane of its three bonded C atoms, and the C=O distance is 1.2315 (13) A. The conformation of the sparteine ring system is nearly identical to that of 17-oxosparteine.
Rapid detection of viable salmonellae in produce by coupling propidium monoazide with loop-mediated isothermal amplification.

Recent outbreaks linked to Salmonella-contaminated produce heightened the need to develop simple, rapid, and accurate detection methods, particularly those capable of determining cell viability. In this study, we examined a novel strategy for the rapid detection and quantification of viable salmonellae in produce by coupling a simple propidium monoazide sample treatment with loop-mediated isothermal amplification (PMA-LAMP). We first designed and optimized a LAMP assay targeting Salmonella. Second, the performance of PMA-LAMP for detecting and quantifying viable salmonellae was determined. Finally, the assay was evaluated in experimentally contaminated produce items (cantaloupe, spinach, and tomato). Under the optimized condition, PMA-LAMP consistently gave negative results for heat-killed Salmonella cells with concentrations up to 108 CFU/ml (or CFU/g in produce). The detection limits of PMA-LAMP were 3.4 to 34 viable Salmonella cells in pure culture and 6.1 × 103 to 6.1 × 104 CFU/g in spiked produce samples. In comparison, PMA-PCR was up to 100-fold less sensitive. The correlation between LAMP time threshold (TT) values and viable Salmonella cell numbers was high (R2 = 0.949 to 0.993), with a quantification range (102 to 105 CFU/reaction in pure culture and 104 to 107 CFU/g in produce) comparable to that of PMA in combination with quantitative real-time PCR (PMA-qPCR). The complete PMA-LAMP assay took about 3 h to complete when testing produce samples. In conclusion, this rapid, accurate, and simple method to detect and quantify viable Salmonella cells in produce may present a useful tool for the produce industry to better control potential microbial hazards in produce.
Do grables enable the extraction of quantitative information better than pure graphs or tables

Abstract Previous research is equivocal regarding the most effective methods of presenting quantitative information displays. The differences in results may be due to numerous reasons including the display and inquiry type. This study examines several methods of displaying quantitative information (e.g., line graphs, line grables, bar charts, bar grables, tables, pie charts and pie grables) that were factorially crossed with different kinds of data extraction inquiries (i.e., questions about exact numerical quantities, comparisons, and trends). Grables are displays that combines features of graphs and tables including specific numerical information with each graphically presented category. Results showed that tables, bar grables and line grables produced the fewest errors, and line graphs and bar charts produced the fastest responses across question types. Error rates combining the accuracy and time (i.e., errors/s) were lowest for the three grables and table. Results are discussed with respect to prior theoretical work and the potential benefits of hybrid forms of quantitative displays for multiple kinds of data extraction inquiries. Relevance to industry Choosing the best method of displaying information is important for effective decision making. This study evaluates seven types of graphical displays to answer three types of inquiries. Results indicate that in general, the most efficient data extraction (fewest errors per unit time) were produced using grable or table displays across question types. The appropriate display fosters better communication of information.
Extensions of iterative congruences on free iterative algebras

This paper investigates special congruences on RΣ (the Σ-algebra of partial regular trees) which extend congruences on RΣ (the Σ-algebra of total regular trees). It is proved that if a congruence on RΣ induces an iterative factor algebra, then so does its extension on RΣ. This result is used to show that if an iterative algebra admits a faithful regular extension, then that extension, then that extension is again iterative.
When electoral and party institutions interact to produce caudillo politics: The case of Honduras

Abstract This article examines how electoral and party institutions can interact to perpetuate caudillo politics within a democratic regime. Caudillo politics describes a political system in which patron-client relationships dominate, and patronage is the currency of politics. Examination of the Honduran case shows that, because of the incentive structure created by the interaction of fused elections and factionalized parties, the system does not perform either policy or representation functions. This type of system is neither an ‘efficient secret’ or an ‘inefficient secret’, but rather just plain inefficient. As such, its impact on popular faith in democracy is negative, as people come to view politics and the government as a source of patronage resources and not as a forum for discussing and addressing the country's problems.
Fermi momentum of metals in a magnetic field

Based on an orthodox perturbation approach which is valid for high density, the Fermi momentum of a degenerate electron gas is evaluated in the presence of a magnetic field and at a low but finite temperature as a function of ${r}_{s}$, the electron density parameter. It is found that the magnetic field reduces the Fermi momentum in the amount which is determined by the density. For very high density which corresponds to very small ${r}_{s}$, the depression effect increases with ${r}_{s}$. For large ${r}_{s}$ of order 4, a more complex dependence is observed. The temperature-dependent terms of the Fermi momentum include logarithmic terms, although no divergence appears.
Voltammetric Studies of Counterion Transport in Solutions of Chondroitin Sulfate

The transport of hydrogen counterions was studied in solutions of a linear polyelectrolyte, chondroitin sulfate, CS, by voltammetric measurements at a platinum disk microelectrode. The use of microelectrodes enables voltammetry of the counterion in solutions with little or no supporting electrolyte over a wide range of polyelectrolyte concentrations. The voltammetric interactions of counterions with polyions diminish transport-limited current for reduction of electroactive counterions, as shown by comparing results for a polymeric strong acid, poly(styrenesulfonic acid), and simple strong acids. The experimental results agree reasonably well with Manning's theory, which describes the effect of ionic interactions on the transport of simple ions in the presence of polyelectrolytes. The data agree equally well with a much simpler semiempirical theory. The experimentally determined limiting value (no supporting electrolyte) of the transport ratio, D/Do, is 0.53, where D and Do are the diffusion coefficients o...
The role of radiation therapy in uterine-confined endometrial carcinoma

The treatment of endometrial cancer begins with surgery, including total abdominal hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, peritoneal lavage, and a consideration for lymph node evaluation. Selection of adjuvant therapy is based on an approximation of the risk of recurrence with features such as stage, tumor histology, lymphovascular space invasion, and patient age. The role of adjuvant radiation therapy in patients with intermediate risk of recurrence is a matter of ongoing controversy. Several randomized trials indicate that adjuvant radiation therapy improves loco-regional control. However, the ideal form of radiation therapy in these patients continues to be under debate.
The influence of family communication on the college‐aged child: Openness, attitudes and actions about sex and alcohol

This study examined how openness in family communication patterns relates to attitudes and behaviors of college‐aged children using a sample of 133 students and their parents. Parents and children reported similar perceptions of the openness of their family's communication and attitudes about sexuality and alcohol use. While attitudes did not predict behavior, the more families discussed these topics, the greater the likelihood that students acted safely regarding sex and alcohol.
Propulsion systems using in situ propellants for a Mars ascent vehicle

The indigenous propellants of oxygen and carbon monoxide were studied for use in a Mars Ascent Vehicle (MAV). Both the oxygen and carbon monoxide were evaluated as turbine working fluids for a full expander engine cycle used in the MAV. Two oxygen working fluid engines and four carbon monoxide engines were investigated. The maximum hot-gas-side wall temperature was limited to either 445 K (800R) or 556 K (1000 R) over a range of working fluid mass flows. An engine thrust of 44.5 kN (1,000 lb(sub f)) was assumed. The engine characteristics of coolant inlet pressure, total engine length, specific impulse, pump efficiencies, and turbine power required were optimized. Of the six engines evaluated, the study showed that either type of working fluid was feasible for a MAV engine. Using carbon monoxide as the working fluid resulted in the best engine characteristics.
A potential influence of rhizobium activity on the availability of nitrogen to legume herbivores

Evidence is presented which supports the hypothesis that allantoin, a ureide that is a major storage form of nitrogen (N) in legumes whose N is derived from N-fixation, is not utilizable by at least some insect herbivores. We suggest that the nutritive quality of soybean foliage for Mexican bean beetles is influenced by soil nitrogen level through its impact on rhizobial activity which indirectly alters the proportion of ureide-nitrogen to amino acid-nitrogen without affecting total Kjeldahl-nitrogen. This may provide a basic mechanism for protecting the nitrogen stores of legumes from herbivory while avoiding the metabolic burden of secondary compound production.
A STUDY OF HLA‐A, B, DR and Bf5 BEARING HAPLOTYPES DERIVED FROM 304 FAMILIES RESIDENT IN THE NORTH WEST OF ENGLAND

SUMMARY We report here haplotype frequencies for class I (HLA-A, B), class III (HLA-DR) and class III (Bf) gene products of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) of man. As in other studies (Bertrams & Baur, 1979; Grange et al., 1981), we have chosen to document all families typed for HLA antigens and Bf phenotypes irrespective of ascertainment. We obtained 1,094 haplotypes from 304 families resident in the North West of England, of which 34·1% had been fully typed for HLA-A,B,DR and Bf polymorphisms. We have been able to find both positive and negative linkage disequilibria for two and three locus haplotypes and have listed the most commonly occuring four locus haplotypes. Our data confirms the position of the complement group between HLA-B and HLA-DR, and we have looked for evidence of segregation distortion of MHC haplotypes.
Immunization with lentivirus-like particles elicits a potent SIV-specific recall cytotoxic T-lymphocyte response in rhesus monkeys

An effective acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) vaccine should be capable of eliciting human immunodeficiency virus (HlV)-specific cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) responses. We have explored the use of lentivirus-like particles produced in mammalian cells infected with a recombinant vaccinia virus to immunize for the induction of CTL in the simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)/rhesus monkey model for AIDS. SIV-like particles in a threonyl-MDP-based adjuvant did not elicit a high frequency of SIV gag-specific effector cells in naive rhesus monkeys. However, immunization with these particles elicited a potent recall CTL response in monkeys previously vaccinated with a recombinant vaccinia-SIV virus. These observations suggest that poxvirus-produced virus-like particles may represent a safe immunogen for use in periodic boosting to maintain viable cell-mediated immunity to the AIDS virus.
Learning relational probability trees

Classification trees are widely used in the machine learning and data mining communities for modeling propositional data. Recent work has extended this basic paradigm to probability estimation trees. Traditional tree learning algorithms assume that instances in the training data are homogenous and independently distributed. Relational probability trees (RPTs) extend standard probability estimation trees to a relational setting in which data instances are heterogeneous and interdependent. Our algorithm for learning the structure and parameters of an RPT searches over a space of relational features that use aggregation functions (e.g. AVERAGE, MODE, COUNT) to dynamically propositionalize relational data and create binary splits within the RPT. Previous work has identified a number of statistical biases due to characteristics of relational data such as autocorrelation and degree disparity. The RPT algorithm uses a novel form of randomization test to adjust for these biases. On a variety of relational learning tasks, RPTs built using randomization tests are significantly smaller than other models and achieve equivalent, or better, performance.
Racial Context Effects and the Political Participation of Asian Americans

In 1948, V. O. Key demonstrated how racial context influences political attitudes and behavior in the South. In more recent studies, racial linked fate and racial discrimination have been identified as powerful predictors of minority political behavior. What remains unexplored in the literature is whether race-based predictors such as these vary as a direct function of racial context and, as a result, increases or decreases political participation. Past research has focused on the singular effects of racial linked fate or discrimination but has yet to examine its potential interactive effects with racial context. To assess these potentially interactive effects, this article focuses on Asian Americans living within two distinct racial contexts: Hawaii and the mainland states of California, New York, and Illinois. Although there is no effect on Asian American voting behavior, results indicate significant interactive effects of race-based predictors and racial context on Asian American nonvoting participation.
Steps Toward a Fat-Free Future

Abstract The most fundamental step in discussions about reducing fat in our diets is to emphasize a patient priority. With such a philosophy, we can take actions that best serve patients, while reducing the rising costs of care and making that care more affordable. A patient priority places the focus of efforts on empowering people and giving them the best value for their health dollars. It provides consumers with choices and information about those choices. J Am Diet Assoc. 199 7; 9 7(suppl):S52-S53 .
An outbreak of rotavirus gastroenteritis on a pediatric unit.

Rotaviruses were first observed by Bishop et al.’ in 1973 by electron microscopic examination of duodenal biopsy tissues from acutely ill infants and young children with diarrhea. Since that time, studies in many countries throughout the world have documented rotaviruses as a major cause of gastroenteritis in infants and young childrenFP4 The incubation period of rotavirus is approximately 1 to 3 days.5 Recently an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) has become commercially available, making the detection of rotavirus antigen more practical in the hospital diagnostic laboratory.*’ 6 On Oct. 15, 198 1, this test was instituted on a routine basis at our hospital. Shortly thereafter, an increased incidence of community-wide rotavirus infection occurred.7 This led to an increase in the number of children admitted to our hospital with rotavirus diarrhea. During the epidemic a nosocomial outbreak of the disease was also documented.
Ultrafast laser pulses generated from the chromium-doped cunyite laser

Abstract Femtosecond pulses were generated from a Cr4+: Cunyite laser using a combination of a broadband semiconductor saturable absorber mirror (SESAM), chirped mirrors, and passive mode locking. The astigmatically compensated asymmetric X-cavity with a 4.5-mm-long Cr4+:Ca2GeO4 sample was operated with a 2.5% output coupler. Dispersion compensation was achieved using chirped mirrors. During self-starting mode-locked operation, pulses as short as 365 fs were generated at a pulse repetition rate of 100 MHz with output power of 70 mW and a spectral bandwidth of 5.2 nm at the center wavelength of 1432 nm.
Characteristics and outcomes of rhabdomyosarcoma patients with isolated lung metastases from IRS-IV

Abstract Purpose To better understand outcomes in children with rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) and lung-only metastatic disease, the authors reviewed the experience from Intergroup Rhabdomyosarcoma Studies IV Pilot and IV. Methods Patients with lung-only (n = 46) vs other sites of metastatic disease (n = 234) were reviewed using patient charts and the database of Children's Oncology Group (COG). Results Sixteen percent of patients with RMS and metastatic disease had isolated lung metastases. Thirty-one (67%) had more than 5 metastatic lung lesions. These were bilateral in 34 (74%). Only 6 patients were biopsied at diagnosis. Sixteen children (35%) did not receive any lung radiotherapy. Patients that received lung radiotherapy had fewer lung recurrences ( P = .04), although this has no significant impact on overall survival (OAS, 47% radiotherapy vs 31% no radiotherapy). Compared with patients with other sites of metastatic disease, patients with lung-only metastases have a greater proportion of favorable histology (67% vs 39%, P = .0017), negative nodal involvement (67% vs 32%, P = .0013), and parameningeal primaries (39% vs 12%) and a smaller proportion of extremity primaries (20% vs 33%, P = .0005 for site of primary tumor). Overall survival at 4 years for lung-only metastases was not significantly different from other single-site metastasis (42% vs 34%). Survival was not improved for unilateral disease or fewer than 5 metastatic lesions. Factors associated with diminished OAS include unfavorable histology ( P = .0001) and age >10 years ( P = .015). Conclusions Children with RMS and lung-only metastases usually present with extensive bilateral disease that is frequently not biopsied nor given protocol-recommended radiotherapy (XRT). However, outcome is comparable, although slightly better, than patients with other single-site metastasis.