cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effective surgical residents strongly influence medical students to pursue surgical careers.

Background There is a paucity of data about the influence of surgical residents on the career choices of medical students. We hypothesized that medical students exposed to effective surgical residents would be more likely to pursue careers in surgery. Study design From 1998 to 2003, 108 surgical residents were evaluated by medical students rotating on the third-year clerkship. Residents were scored on a 4-point scale (1=outstanding to 4=poor). The career choices of all medical students were also tabulated. Results We examined 2,632 evaluations on 108 residents. Medical students who eventually pursued surgical residency training were exposed to surgical residents who were more effective clinical teachers, role models, and overall residents. In addition, medical students exposed to the highest-rated residents were more likely to pursue surgical residency training compared with students exposed to the least effective residents (12% versus 4.9%, p=0.022). Conclusions These data suggest that surgical residents who are effective educators and mentors influence medical students to pursue surgical careers. Efforts to provide more leadership and teaching workshops to surgical residents may not only create better future surgeon educators, but may also increase the number of students pursuing surgical training.
Crisis and recovery in office markets

From 1987 to 1993, U.S. office markets were in a depression similar in length and magnitude to that of the 1930s. Vacancy rates doubled, development nearly halted, and prices and rents fell precipitously. A disaster of this magnitude requires multiple causes. Poor tax policies in Washington were important causes, as was a pervasive tendency of developers and others to overforecast the growth of office employment. However, the difference between this and earlier postwar office recessions appears to be explained mostly by the effects of the microchip revolution, which entered a new phase starting in the mid-1980s. The paper concludes with relatively optimistic notes on the likely demand growth that will result from the new and improved services that the microchip revolution will permit.
Holomorphic Coordinates for Supermoduli Space

Two-dimensional supergravity provides complex coordinates for supermoduli space compatible with its natural complex structure. Such coordinates are useful for investigating questions of holomorphic factorization of superdeterminants. They also demonstrate explicitly that the complex structure on supermoduli space is indeed integrable.
Application of supported liquid membranes for removal of nitrate, technetium (VII) and chromium (VI) from groundwater

Abstract The separation of nitrate, pertechnetate and chromate ions from synthetic Hanford site groundwater was studied by liquid-liquid extraction and by supported liquid membranes, SLMs. Three different commercially available long-chain aliphatic amines, Primene JM-T (primary), Amberlite LA-2 (secondary) and trilaurylamine (TLA, tertiary), were investigated as membrane carriers, n-Dodecane was used as diluent and polypropylene membranes were used as the support. Sodium hydroxide was used as the stripping agent. The basic strength of the three amines in dodecane was studied by biphasic potentiometric titrations using a glass electrode. Flat-sheet membrane experiments, where the removal of nitric acid from the feed solution was followed by using either a glass electrode or a nitrate electrode, showed that the secondary and primary amines are more effective than the tertiary one. A detailed study of the permeation of nitric acid through SLMs as function of the concentration of the three amines in the liquid membrane was performed. Information was obtained on the diffusion coefficients of nitric acid in the aqueous phase and of the nitrate-alkylammonium salt in the membrane phase. A similar investigation was performed with HTcO 4 . In this case the secondary and tertiary amines proved to be better carriers. The secondary amine also performed better than the other two as a carrier for H 2 CrO 4 . The primary amine showed the unique feature of removing U (VI) as an anionic sulfato-complex, together with nitrate, pertechnetate and chromate ions, from the synthetic groundwater.
Developmental Regulation of Early Serotonergic Neuronal Differentiation: The Role of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Membrane Depolarization

The RN46A cell line was derived from Embryonic Day 13 rat medullary raphe cells by infection with a retrovirus encoding the temperature-sensitive mutant of SV40 large T antigen. This cell line is neuronally restricted and constitutively differentiates following a shift to nonpermissive temperature. Undifferentiated RN46A cells express low levels of tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH), low-affinity neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR), and trkB immunoreactivities, but no detectable levels of serotonin (5HT) immunoreactivity. TrkB, p75NTR, and TPH, but not 5HT, expressions increase with differentiation and treatment with brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). 5HT synthesis in RN46A cells requires initial treatment with BDNF, followed by growth under partial membrane depolarizing conditions. Embryonic raphe cultures treated similarly with BDNF and partial depolarizing conditions also demonstrate increased 5HT synthesis. The sodium-dependent transporter for 5HT reuptake is present in undifferentiated RN46A cells, and the apparent Km and Bmax are unchanged by differentiation or BDNF treatment and membrane depolarization. The high-affinity 5HT1A receptor is present in both undifferentiated and differentiated RN46A cells, and while the Kd is unaffected by differentiation or BDNF/membrane depolarization, the Bmax increases 20-fold after differentiation and 3.5-fold further with BDNF under depolarizing conditions. The expression of the synaptic vesicular monoamine transporter, as determined by the binding of [125I]iodovinyltetrabenazine, also increases in RN46A cells with differentiation. However, 5HT release is constitutive and is independent of acute membrane depolarization. Collectively these data indicate that distinct aspects of serotonin metabolism are differentially regulated during development and suggest that 5HT may function as a developmental signal in an autocrine loop during early serotonergic differentiation.
Heterogeneity of High-molecular-weight Human Salivary Mucins:

The existence of high-molecular-weight glycoproteins in saliva and salivary secretions has been recognized for nearly 30 years. These proteins, called mucins, are essential for oral health and perform many diverse functions in the oral cavity. Mucins have been intensively studied, and much has been learned about their biochemical properties and their interactions with oral micro-organisms and other salivary proteins. In the past several years, the major high-molecular-weight mucin in salivary secretions has been identified as MUC5B, one of a family of 11 human mucin gene products expressed in tissue-specific patterns in the gastrointestinal, respiratory, and reproductive tracts. MUC5B is one of four gel-forming mucins which exist as multimeric proteins with molecular weights greater than 20-40 million daltons. The heavily glycosylated mucin multimers form viscous layers which protect underlying epithelial surfaces from microbial, mechanical, and chemical assault. Another class of mucin molecules, the membrane-bound mucins, is structurally and functionally distinct from the gel-forming mucins. These proteins do not form multimers and can exist as both secreted and membrane-bound forms, with the latter anchored to epithelial cell membranes through a short membrane-spanning domain. In the present work, we show that two of the membrane-bound mucins, MUC1 and MUC4, are expressed in all major human salivary glands as well as in buccal epithelial cells. While the functions of these mucins in the oral environment are not understood, it is possible that they form a structural framework on the cell surface which not only is cytoprotective, but also may serve as a scaffold upon which MUC5B, and possibly other salivary proteins, assemble.
Two-step upconversion luminescence in Yb:Tb:YSGG crystal

Multiline upconversion luminescence ranging from 375 to 635 nm was studied in Yb:Tb:YSGG crystal, a possible candidate for a tunable upconversion laser material. This luminescence was attributed to the transitions starting from the 5D3 and 5D4 excited levels of Tb. Two sequential steps in the upconversion were determined: at the first step Yb–Tb cooperative upconversion and cooperative absorption populate level 5D4, and at the second step interaction of excited Yb and Tb (in the 5D4 state) ions populates level 5D3. At 500-mW Ti:sapphire pumping, the excited-state concentration of Tb ions exceeded 2% of Yb excited-state concentration.
Tissue reaction to prosthetic obturator materials.

Two materials are currently used for construction of obturators to restore function when major maxillary defects are present: poly(methyl methacrylate) and poly(dimethyl siloxane). The advantages and disadvantages of the materials are examined and the physiologic response of the involved tissues is studied. Palatectomies were performed on primates and poly-(methyl methacrylate) and poly(dimethyl siloxane) obturators were placed contacting antral and nasal mucosa. Serial biopsies and clinical evaluations revealed comparable histologic responses to both materials. Poly(dimethyl siloxane) exhibited a more favorable clinical tissue response than poly(methyl methacrylate).
Pulmonary gas exchange in Andean natives at high altitude.

Abstract A-a DO2 at 3 levels of oxygenation and the a-A DCO2 and Vd Vt ratios during ambient air breathing were measured in 11 Andean natives at 3700 m. Six were permanent residents of this altitude, 5 had recently come from permanent residence at 4500 m. Breathing ambient air: the A-a DO2 was equal to values at sea level when PIO2 was lowered to that of 3700 m; the a-A DCO2 and Vd Vt ratio was increased indicating increased distribution of high Va/Q; there was no evidence of increased venous admixture. At high inspired PO2 (445 mm Hg) there was no evidence of increased true venous shunt. However, when PIO2 was increased to 160 mm Hg the A-a DO2 was significantly larger than at sea level. These findings differ from those previously reported. The relatively low A-a DO2 under ambient conditions, in the face of increased Vd Vt (high a/) results from the absence of significant venous admixture and the effect of PIO2 on A-a DO2 in the presence of Va/Q abnormality. The significance of these findings in terms of acclimatization is discussed.
Robust non-rigid registration and characterization of uncertainty

The uncertainty in registration of medical images may contain important information in cases where clinical decisions are based on registered data. Posing the registration problem in a Bayesian framework allows characterization of the posterior distribution of the deformation parameters which represents the uncertainty of the registration. Uncertainty estimation approaches are complicated by the need to specify the values of hyper-parameters (HPs) of the underlying registration model, e.g. the regularization weight (tissue stiffness) and image noise variance, which have a significant effect on the shape of the posterior distribution. However, it is difficult to assign these HPs physical meaningful values and they are often specified on an ad-hoc basis. In a Bayesian framework, the marginalization of HPs under a suitable prior distribution is a principled alternative to manually tuning the HP values. This paper presents a fast method for marginalizing the HPs of an elastic registration model using local Laplace approximations. We show the feasibility and the advantage of this method in terms of robustness and convergence speed compared to alternative approaches on a clinical image data-set.
Psychiatric Residency Directors’ Perceptions of Firearm Access by the Mentally Ill in the United States

Firearms injuries place a unique burden on America in terms of lives lost (31,000/year), disability (70,000 nonfatal injuries/year), and economic costs ($174 billion in 2010). The purpose of this study was to examine psychiatric residency directors’ perceptions of firearm access issues of the mentally ill. In late Fall 2012 and early Spring of 2013, a three-wave mailing was used to survey the membership of the American Association of Directors of Psychiatric Residency Training (N = 129). Due to the homogenous small sample size descriptive statistics were calculated to describe the responses. A total of 72 (56 %) directors responded. Almost 1 in 4 (23.6 %) thought that access to firearms by the seriously mentally ill should not be prohibited. The majority (91.7 %) supported closing the background check loophole. The majority (54.2 %) also believed that singling out the mentally ill as a group of “banned purchasers” adds to the stigma of the mentally ill (54.2 %) but a plurality (44.4 %) did not believe reporting the mentally ill to authorities would result in the mentally ill avoiding treatment. The current method of reducing access by the mentally ill to firearms is perceived by psychiatric residency directors as ineffective and burdensome to the mentally ill.
Collusive Bidding in Hostile Takeovers

Bidders in hostile takeovers have colluded in five separate instances. It is found that these collusive agreements did not affect the target's price significantly. A model is developed to explain this observation. A welfare analysis indicates that a positive probability of cartel formation can be socially beneficial and may or may not be beneficial to the target's shareholders, depending on the process generating takeover attempts. This sheds light on the existing policy debate concerning regulations of collusive agreements. An analysis of the existing case law is provided, which indicates that such collusive arrangements are legal at present.
Thermodynamic properties of calcium zirconate (CaZrO3)

Abstract Characterized synthetic CaZrO3 was used by the Bureau of Mines to determine the standard enthalpy of formation (ΔHf0298 = −424.58±0.47 kcal mol−1; −1776.43±1.97 kJ moP−1) and the standard enthalpy of formation from the oxides (ΔH0298 (from oxides) = −9.75±0.11 kcal mol−1; −40.78±0.46 kJ mol−1) at 298.15 K. These data compare with the reaction calorimetric values determined by L'vova) (ΔHf0298 = −422.3 kcal mol−1; −1766.90 kJ mol−1) listed in NBSTN 270-6 by Parker. This compound, CaZrO3, easily prepared and characterized, is potentially useful for a calorimetric standard. The reaction scheme for hydrofluoric acid solution calorimetry does not require a reaction step adding a liquid to the solvent.
Self-reflections on group dynamics

ABSTRACT This article provides a first-person account of a training program in group dynamics. It is deliberately written in the first-person to capture the highly personal nature of group dynamic analysis. Proceeding through an intensive account of six days of T-groups, module facilitation, and facilitator feedback sessions, the author examines painful emotions and complicated reasoning that arose in encountering several relational and intrapsychic conflicts. In particular, feelings such as needing approval and leaping to respond to various “triggers” are emphasized and several alternatives are suggested. Applications are implied for teachers, psychotherapists, and facilitators of groups of many kinds.
Haemonectin, a bone marrow adhesion protein specific for cells of granulocyte lineage.

There is substantial evidence that the haematopoietic microenvironment is crucial to the growth and differentiation of haematopoietic cells. This microenvironment is composed of stromal cells, soluble factors and extracellular matrix (ECM). We have shown that a complex extract of bone marrow ECM can stimulate the growth and differentiation of haematopoietic cells in vitro1. Furthermore, the use of inhibitors2 or stimulators3 of ECM synthesis in long-term marrow culture affects cell proliferation. On a molecular level, however, the interactions between ECM and haematopoietic cells are not well understood. We have investigated the adhesion between specific bone marrow ECM components and haematopoietic cells, and found a protein, 'haemonectin', of relative molecular mass 60,000 in bone marrow ECM which is a lineage- and organ-specific attachment molecule for cells of granulocyte lineage. This specificity distinguishes haemonectin from previously described adhesion proteins which have a wider tissue distribution and cell type specificity.
Stage-specific regulation of actin genes in Drosophila wing cells

Extreme and rapid changes in the synthesis of messenger RNAs and proteins accompany differentiation in wing tissues of Drosophila. Of the six actin genes, at least three are expressed in wing cells, some during the most extreme changes in cell shape. However, different messages of the set appear, decay, and reappear on a regulated temporal program. These results show that actin expression is stage-specific in a single cell type.
Correlation and prediction of electron-capture response from molecular parameters

Abstract The kinetic model of the electron-capture detector (ECD) relates the response to the fundamental properties of the capturing species. In the case of molecules which undergo reversible reactions, the important properties are the electron affinity, the rate constant for thermal electron attachment and the rate constant for ionic recombination. The direct calculation of the response has not been carried out because of the limited number of experimental values. In this paper, the available molecular electron affinities are correlated with the reversible half wave reduction potentials in aprotic solvents for these compounds in order to provide additional electron affinities to calculate ECD response factors. Examples of this procedure are given for data on aromatic hydrocarbons, aldehydes and ketones determined in this laboratory; and data on substituted benzophenones, aromatic hydrocarbons and heterocyclic compounds taken from the literature. Both the magnitude and the temperature dependence are predicted. The success with these compounds suggests that the effect of substituents on half wave reduction potentials can be extended to the prediction of electron affinities and in some cases, the ECD response from the structure of these molecules.
Lattice and perturbative QCD analysis of exclusive processes

We use the results of a Monte Carlo simulation of quantum chromodynamics in the quenched approximation to compute the first two moments of the \ensuremath{\pi} and \ensuremath{\rho} distribution amplitude. Our results turn out to be surprisingly large, and we discuss some of the phenomenological implications of this turn of events. In addition to the distribution amplitude itself, we predict the pion form factor and the cross section for \ensuremath{\gamma}\ensuremath{\gamma}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{0}$${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{0}$, and we compare the former with experiment. We also contrast lattice-gauge-theory predictions with those of QCD sum rules.
Description of the Immature Stages of Three Nearctic Species of the Genus Berosus Leach (Coleoptera: Hydrophilidae)

Egg cases, larvae, and pupae of Berosus corrini Wooldridge 1964, Berosus hoplites Sharp 1887, and Berosus pugnax LeConte 1863, are described and illustrated with line drawings. Bionomic and behavioral observations of larvae and adults are included. Keys to different instars of B. hoplites and B. pugnax larvae are provided.
Regional differences in content of small basic peptide toxins in the venoms of Crotalus adamanteus and Crotalus horridus.

Abstract 1. 1. Reverse-phase HPLC and organic solvents were used to isolate small basic peptide (SBP) toxins from the venoms of Crotalus adamanteus, C. durissus terrificus, C. horridus, C. scutulatus scutulatus, C, viridis concolor, C. viridis helleri and C. viridis viridis . 2. 2. Acid-DEP analyses indicated a high degree of toxin purity which was obtained with a single HPLC run. 3. 3. The combined results of HPLC, immunodiffusion and electrophoresis analyses of venoms from different geographical regions indicate that the SBP toxin content in the venoms of Crotalus adamanteus , Crotalus horridus, Crotalus scutulatus and Crotalus viridis may vary regionally.
Triarylstibine complexes of Rhodium(I)

Abstract The complexes that can be isolated from the reaction of R3Sb (R = Ph, o- or p-CH3C6H4) with [RhCl(CO)2]2, [RhCl(cod)]2 and Rh(acac)(CO)2 are RhClCO(R3Sb)n (n = 2 and/or 3, depending upon solvent and the size of R), RhCl(cod)(R3Sb)2 and Rh(acac)CO(R3Sb)2 respectively. Five coordination is favored in the solid state. However, there is considerable dissociation of R3Sb in solution. RhClCO(R3Sb)n (n = 2 or 3), RhCl(cod)(R3Sb)2 and RhCl(R3Sb)3 react immediately with CO to yield cis-RhCl(CO)2R3Sb.
Incoherent and coherent backscattering of light beyond diffusion for subsurface reflectance spectroscopy

Backscattered snake light, which has experienced exactly two large angle scattering, is taken into account together with the diffuse light to model light backscattering. This simple modification is shown to significantly improve the agreement in the radial profile of the intensity of the backscattering light between the model and Monte Carlo simulations. The applications of the analytical model in incoherent and coherent backscattering of light for subsurface reflectance spectroscopy are presented. A simple model for depolarization of backscattering light is also discussed.
Thermostabilization of enzymes by the chaperonin GroEL

The influence of GroEL on the heat-inactivation of nine enzymes was analyzed. Five dehydrogenases and four other unrelated enzymes were heat-inactivated in the absence and presence of GroEL, at three different temperatures. GroEL protected most enzymes against inactivation and prevented their aggregation. Further, the formation of a highly stable complex was observed when rhodanese was thermoinactivated in the presence of GroEL.
Determining the scope of the lanthanide mediated, sequential hydroamination/C–C cyclization reaction: formation of tricyclic and tetracyclic aromatic nitrogen heterocycles

Abstract The scope of the lanthanide mediated, sequential hydroamination/C–C cyclization reaction was determined for the formation of tricyclic and tetracyclic aromatic nitrogen heterocycles. An array of ring sizes was explored to determine the diastereoselectivity. The electronic characteristics of the aromatic ring was also varied to determine how it affected the cascade reaction. It was found that the benzo[a]quinolizine and the pyrido[2,1,a]isoindolizine ring systems formed with the highest diastereoselectivity (>20:1), regardless of the electronic characteristics of the aromatic ring. Additionally, a tetracyclic indole nitrogen heterocycle was formed with a 2.3:1 diastereomeric ratio. A novel procedure for substrate preparation is also presented.
Remarkably favorable hydration of carbonyl substituents in dicationic bis(arene) ruthenium complexes.

The addition of water and methanol to the carbonyl substituents in the dicationic bis(arene)ruthenium complexes [(p-cymene)Ru(C6H5CHO)][OTf]2 (1) and [(p-cymene)Ru(C6H5C(O)CH3)][OTf]2 (2) is remarkably favorablethe equilibrium constants for these reactions are 1 million times greater than those for uncomplexed benzaldehyde and acetophenone. The addition of methanol to the carbonyl group in the o-anisaldehyde complex, [(p-cymene)Ru(C6H4{OCH3}CHO)][OTf]2 (6), occurs with a high degree of kinetic selectivity (94% de).
The effect of simulated altitude exposure on the lethality of sympathomimetic amines.

Abstract The lethal effects of a series of sympathomimetic amines were assessed in mice undergoing the stress of acute altitude exposure. Increased mortality was observed with agents that act on the central nervous system (d-amphetamine, methamphetamine, mephentermine, and ephedrine), while no difference was noted with agents that act peripherally (hydroxyamphetamine and metaraminol). The lethality of d-amphetamine at altitude was also assessed after catecholamine depletion and adrenergic blockade. The protection afforded by catecholamine depletion, particularly with tetrabenazine, suggests central involvement of endogenous catecholamines in the response of mice to acute altitude exposure.
Eliminating US hospital medical errors.

Purpose – Healthcare costs in the USA have continued to rise steadily since the 1980s. Medical errors are one of the major causes of deaths and injuries of thousands of patients every year, contributing to soaring healthcare costs. The purpose of this study is to examine what has been done to deal with the medical‐error problem in the last two decades and present a closed‐loop mistake‐proof operation system for surgery processes that would likely eliminate preventable medical errors.Design/methodology/approach – The design method used is a combination of creating a service blueprint, implementing the six sigma DMAIC cycle, developing cause‐and‐effect diagrams as well as devising poka‐yokes in order to develop a robust surgery operation process for a typical US hospital.Findings – In the improve phase of the six sigma DMAIC cycle, a number of poka‐yoke techniques are introduced to prevent typical medical errors (identified through cause‐and‐effect diagrams) that may occur in surgery operation processes in ...
Effects of Planform Geometry and Pivot Axis Location on the Aerodynamics of Pitching Low Aspect Ratio Wings

We consider aerodynamic forces and flow development for several wing planforms with the same aspect ratio (AR = 4) and mean chord, undergoing a constant-rate pitch change between 0 and 45o. The wing planforms studied are rectangular, trapezoidal and triangular, which correspond to taper ratios 1, 0.5 and 0, respectively. Three pivot axes are considered: leading edge, mid chord and trailing edge. The reduced pitch rate based on chord and free stream speed is K = 0.39 and the Reynolds number is Re = 8.9k. We consider also the case K = ∞ with the same rotation rate as the other cases and zero free stream velocity. Noncirculatory effects are found for leading edge and trailing edge pivot axes, and absent for mid-chord pivot for all wing planforms. The lift and drag coefficients during the constant pitch rate part of the motion increase as the taper ratio decreases due to rotation rate effects, which is contrary to steady flow behavior in which lift and drag coefficients are only functions of aspect ratio, independent of wing planform geometry. Lifting-line theory including rotation rate effects gives reasonable estimation of lift. Flow visualization show primarily 2D flow during the pitch-up motion. The three-dimensional swirl flow in the wake due to tip vortices is observed after the end of the pitch motion. It develops faster for lower tapper ratio wings.
Perceptions of Parental Support by HIV Positive Asian and Pacific Islander American Gay Sons

SUMMARY This quantitative/qualitative exploratory study, examined HIV positive gay, Asian/Pacific Islander sons' perceptions of their parents' levels of support. Self-administered questionnaires were disseminated predominantly in San Francisco, to obtain a sample of 33 men identified via a snowball sampling strategy, and supplemented by ten in-depth interviews with subjects and service providers. Results suggest that sons were more likely to make disclosures about their homosexuality and HIV serostatus to their mothers, and perceived them to be more supportive than their fathers. With rare exception, parents found ways to be supportive, and time was identified as the most important facilitator of positive transformation.
Free amino-acids in the yolk during the development of the chick.

THE progressive appearance of free amino-acids in the yolk during the development of the chick have been examined by paper chromatography, and we have observed that the density of the spots, from comparable aliquots, of yolks from fertilized hen's eggs increased from the fourth to the tenth day and decreased after this to the twelfth. To test these observations by an additional approach, similar samples were chromatographed on ‘Dowex’1 and the results are reported here.
Relative response of several varieties of potatoes to progressively changing temperatures and photoperiods controlled to simulate “northern” and “southern” conditions

For the purpose of determining adaptability and nature of response of varieties when grown in widely differing latitudes, two strains of Triumph potatoes and five other varieties were grown in the greenhouse under day length and temperature conditions simulating those that occur in the gulf coast (“southern”) and those occurring in northwestern Nebraska (“northern”). Potatoes were harvested at intervals to determine the morphological development throughout the life period. With all potato varieties tested under “northern conditions” in contrast with “southern conditions” maximum vegetative growth was greater and continued later into the season, stolon growth was much more extensive, tubers developed later and in greater numbers with greater total weight, but ratios of weight of tubers to that of the tops were lower. The early varieties were able to develop larger vines and more tuber weight early in the season under northern conditions while days were still hot and long than could the late varieties which responded better to the cool short days late in the season. The “northern” type of environment permits the manifestation of more varietal differences than does the “southern” type. When judging tuberization efficiency by ratios of green weights of tubers to tops, the early varieties appeared more efficient than the late ones under both conditions. Stolon growth and numbers of tubers set were increased to a very much greater extent under northern than under southern conditions with the Triumph than with any other variety.
Absolute Composition Depth Profile of a NiCu Alloy in a Surface Segregation Study

Using the time-of-flight atom-probe field-ion microscope, we have obtained an absolute composition depth profile of a Ni-Cu(5%) alloy, with single-atomic-layer resolution. The first-layer Cu composition is found to be (54.1\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}4.7)% on the (111) plane at 550\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}C. The Cu concentration of the near-surface layers is slightly lower as compared to the bulk. The composition returns to bulk value in about 5 atomic layers. Comparison of our result with those from other macroscopic techniques and existing theoretical models is also presented.
Structure and dynamics of the alpha-lactalbumin molten globule: fluorescence studies using proteins containing a single tryptophan residue.

The fluorescence properties of three variants of α-lactalbumin (α-LA) containing a single tryptophan residue were investigated under native, molten globule, and unfolded conditions. These proteins have levels of secondary structure and stability similar to those of the wild type. The fluorescence signal in the native state is dominated by that of W104, with the signal of W60 and W118 significantly quenched by the disulfide bonds in their vicinity. In the molten globule state, the magnitude of the fluorescence signal of W60 and W118 increases, due to the loss of rigid, specific side chain packing. In contrast, the magnitude of the signal of W104 decreases in the molten globule state, perhaps due to the protonation of H107 or quenching by D102 or K108. The solvent accessibilities of individual tryptophan residues were investigated by their fluorescence emission maximum and by acrylamide quenching studies. In the native state, the order of solvent accessibility is as follows: W118 > W60 > W104. This order c...
Determinants of Children's Sex Stereotyping Parental Sex-Role Traits and Television Viewing

This article explores how sex stereotyping among young children is linked to their parents' sex-role traits and to their television viewing patterns. Forty children were interviewed to obtain two measures of sex stereotyping and two measures of their television viewing habits. Parents completed the Bem Sex Role Inventory to assess their sex-role traits. The data indicate that parental sex roles and the tendency to watch educational television programs are significantly related to children's sex typing of toys and occupations. Total amount of television viewing did not correlate with stereotyping. Both parents seem to play an important role in their children's acquisition of sex-role stereotypes. However, there was evidence of a stronger maternal influence over toy stereotypes and a stronger paternal influence over occupation stereotypes. Results also indicated that daughters may be more influenced by parents'sex roles than are sons.
Resistivity of vacancy-impurity pairs

Abstract The contribution to electrical resistivity of impurity atoms adjacent to vacancies in metals is calculated. The calculation is based on the Born approximation, which allows separation of the effects of the individual imperfections from interference effects. Lattice relaxation is neglected. The resistivity due to Ag or Zn impurities adjacent to a vacancy in Au is related to the resistivity of the separate imperfections as πAg+vac = πAg+πvac−0·11 (πAg × πvac) 1 2 ; πzn+vac = πzn+πvac+ 0·10 (πzn × πvac) 1 2 . Effects of anisotropy of the scattering are found to be almost completely removed if the vacancy-impurity pairs are randomly oriented along the several 〈110〉 directions.
Evaluation of Merocyanine 540-Sensitized Photoirradiation as a Method for Purging Malarially Infected Red Cells from Blood

The photosensitizing dye merocyanine 540 (MC 540) was evaluated as a means for purging malarially infected red cells from murine blood using the rodent malarial pathogens, Plasmodium yoelii and Plasmodium berghei, as models of human malaria. Malarially infected red cells bound more MC 540 and were more sensitive to MC 540-sensitized photoirradiation than were noninfected erythroid cells. Extracorporeal exposure of infected red cells to the dye and white light prevented the transmission of the disease in a transfusion model. P. berghei-infected red cells were more resistant to the antimalarial activity of MC 540 than were P. yoelii-infected cells, presumably because P. berghei preferentially infects reticulocytes whereas P. yoelii infects mature red cells. The possibility of using photoirradiation sensitized by MC 540 or related dyes to purge malarially infected donor blood is discussed.
Use of staurosporine, an actin-modifying agent, to enhance fibrochondrocyte matrix gene expression and synthesis

Modulation of the actin cytoskeleton in chondrocytes has been used to prevent or reverse dedifferentiation and to enhance protein synthesis. We have hypothesized that an actin-modifying agent, staurosporine, could be used with fibrochondrocytes to increase the gene expression and synthesis of critical fibrocartilage proteins. A range of concentrations (0.1–100 nM) was applied to fibrochondrocytes in monolayer and evaluated after 24 h and after 4 days. High-dose staurosporine treatment (10–100 nM) increased cartilage oligomeric matrix protein 60– to 500-fold and aggrecan gene expression two-fold. This effective range of staurosporine was then applied to scaffoldless tissue-engineered fibrochondrocyte constructs for 4 weeks. Whereas glycosaminoglycan synthesis was not affected, collagen content doubled, from 27.6 ± 8.8 μg in the untreated constructs to 55.2 ± 12.2 μg per construct with 100 nM treatment. When analyzed for specific collagens, the 10-nM group showed a significant increase in collagen type I content, whereas collagen type II was unaffected. A concomitant dose-dependent reduction was noted in construct contraction, reflecting the actin-disrupting action of staurosporine. Thus, staurosporine increases the gene expression for important matrix proteins and can be used to enhance matrix production and reduce contraction in tissue-engineered fibrocartilage constructs.
Roles of empirical modeling within CISM

Abstract Within the CISM project empirical models serve as baselines against which to monitor the increase in predictive skill of physics-based numerical codes as they advance. Empirical models also establish a suite of forecast models from which to evolve toward greater forecast accuracy by incorporating numerical codes as they advance enough to increase forecast skill. Establishing a suite of forecast models allows the CISM project to contribute results of use to operational space weather forecasting earlier than might otherwise be possible. Developing a suite of empirical models allows CISM to address issues of data ingestion early in the project under relatively simple conditions. Out of the data-ingestion effort has come a technique of probabilistic forecasts, which allows one to ingest information on IMF B z from solar data instead of from measurements taken only at the Lagrangian L1 point. To implement the evolution from empirical to numerical forecast models, CISM has adopted a coupled two-line system of model development, a science-model line interacting with a forecast-model line.
Characterization of a prototype pixel array detector (PAD) for use in microsecond framing time-resolved X-ray diffraction studies

A 4 by 4 pixel array device has been designed and built as a prototype for a high-speed two-dimensional X-ray imaging detector. This detector is a two-tier device with an X-ray sensitive photo-diode array bump-bonded to a 1.2 micrometer CMOS analog integrated circuit. Each 150 micrometer square pixel of the detective layer is matched to a corresponding section of the electronics. Each pixel of the electronics is capable of integrating the signal from the diode for the desired framing time, storing the result in one of eight storage capacitors and sequentially outputting the stored value to an on chip buffering op amp. Tests of the electronics have demonstrated a full-well (per pixel, per frame) of over 10.500 12 keV X-rays with an electronics noise level corresponding to less than 2.8 12 keV X-rays. Speed tests indicate the ability to integrate to the full-well within 2 microseconds (an average pixel count-rate of 5.2 GHz). We present detailed characterizations of the performance of this initial device, including an analysis of noise, stability, linearity and point spread. In addition, we will discuss plans for large scale integration towards the goal of a 1024 by 1024 pixel detector.
Party Loyalty and Legislative Success: Are Loyal Majority Party Members More Successful in the U.S. House of Representatives?

Majority Party leaders are hypothesized, through their control of the legislative schedule in the House of Representatives, to use legislative success as a selective incentive to encourage majority...
Porous NiTi shape memory alloys produced by SHS: microstructure and biocompatibility in comparison with Ti2Ni and TiNi3.

Shape memory alloys based on NiTi have found their main applications in manufacturing of new biomedical devices mainly in surgery tools, stents and orthopedics. Porous NiTi can exhibit an engineering elastic modulus comparable to that of cortical bone (12–17 GPa). This condition, combined with proper pore size, allows good osteointegration. Open cells porous NiTi was produced by self propagating high temperature synthesis (SHS), starting from Ni and Ti mixed powders. The main NiTi phase is formed during SHS together with other Ni–Ti compounds. The biocompatibility of such material was investigated by single culture experiment and ionic release on small specimen. In particular, NiTi and porous NiTi were evaluated together with elemental Ti and Ni reference metals and the two intermetallic TiNi3, Ti2Ni phases. This approach permitted to clearly identify the influence of secondary phases in porous NiTi materials and relation with Ni-ion release. The results indicated, apart the well-known high toxicity of Ni, also toxicity of TiNi3, whilst phases with higher Ti content showed high biocompatibility. A slightly reduced biocompatibility of porous NiTi was ascribed to combined effect of TiNi3 presence and topography that requires higher effort for the cells to adapt to the surface.
Axillary Staging by Percutaneous Biopsy: Sensitivity of Fine-Needle Aspiration Versus Core Needle Biopsy

Background We sought to determine whether percutaneous core needle biopsy (CNB) of suspicious axillary lymph nodes in patients with breast cancer offers improved diagnostic accuracy compared with fine-needle aspiration (FNA).
Detection of pneumoencephaly secondary to mechanical ventilation in neonates

Two newborn infants with respiratory distress syndrome developed massive systemic air embolisms and pneumoencephaly. These complications occurred during positive-pressure ventilation therapy. Intracranial gas was probably due to the rupture of cerebral vessels secondary to systemic gas embolism. The diagnostic features of plain radiographs, computed tomography, and ultrasonography in the evaluation of this unusual entity are described. The importance of early CT scans of the head is emphasized.
Data Acquisition System for the Sandia Particle Beam Fusion Accelerator II

This paper describes the Data Acquisition System (DAS) for the Particle Beam Fusion Accelerator II (PBFA II) at Sandia National Laboratories. This DAS incorporated several advanced features over those developed for previous pulsed power facilities at Sandia. Some major improvements are the use of LeCroy 6880 waveform recorders, multiplexing up to 4 signals on each 6880, dual, 32-bit, virtual memory computers, a pulsed reference source automatic waveform recorder calibration system, and LeCroy 4208 time-interval digitizers.
The effect of method of administration on ovarian responses of seasonally anestrous ewes administered gonadotrophin releasing hormone

Abstract Mature ewes were treated during the anestrous season with saline (I) or GnRH either intramuscularly in saline (II), subcutaneously in carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) (III) or subcutaneously in gelatin capsules (IV). Fifty μg of GnRH or 1 ml of saline were administered to 22 ewes in experiment 1. In experiments 2 and 3, forty-seven and 10 ewes received 250 μg GnRH or 1 ml of saline. Ewes were bled for progesterone determination prior to treatment and up to 12 or 13 days after treatment. In experiment 3, ovaries were observed via mid-ventral laparotomy 4 days after treatment and ovarian structures recorded. Ewes were classified into one of four progesterone response categories: cyclic, transient, prolonged or no response. The only treatment that changed the progesterone response from the saline-treated controls was GnRH in gelatin capsules. More ewes in this group were classified with a prolonged progesterone response (40%) than in the saline control group (0%). GnRH (in gelatin capsules)-treated ewes in the prolonged progesterone response category had higher concentrations of plasma progesterone than GnRH (in saline or CMC)-treated ewes with a prolonged progesterone response. For the GnRH (in gelatin capsule)-treated ewes, the prolonged progesterone response was similar to progesterone in ewes during the estrous cycle and all ewes in the prolonged progesterone category had corpora lutea (experiment 3). In summary, implanting the GnRH in gelatin capsules subcutaneously in seasonally anestrous ewes increased the ovulation response and enhanced corpus luteum function over ewes administered GnRH in saline intramuscularly.
Isolation and characterization of csbB, a gene controlled by Bacillus subtilis general stress transcription factor σB

Abstract In the bacterium Bacillus subtilis (Bs), the alternative transcription factor σ B is activated by environmental stresses to control the expression of a large set of unlinked genes. However, the range of physiological functions mediated by these σ B -controlled genes is presently unknown. We report here that the newly identified gene csbB is under the dual control of a σ B -dependent and a σ B -independent promoter. The predicted product of csbB is a 329 residue protein containing two potential membrane-spanning segments in its C-terminal region, leading us to speculate that one class of σ B -controlled genes acts to modify the cell envelope as part of the general stress response.
Growth regulator and low-volume irrigation effects on grapefruit quality and fruit-drop

Abstract ‘Marsh’ ( Citrus paradisi Macf.) grapefruit trees on rough lemon ( C. jambhiri Lush.) rootstock received irrigated and unirrigated treatments. Half of each irrigation treatment received a GA 3 + 2,4-D spray at color break. Pre-harvest sprays of GA 3 and 2,4-D extended the grapefruit harvest season by increasing fruit removal and rind puncture force, delaying development of mature color and decreasing late-season and post-freeze fruit-drop. Although soil moisture content in the top 0.9 m of unirrigated blocks was reduced by approximately 40%, xylem pressure potentials of these trees and performance of GA 3 + 2,4-D were unaffected. Soil moisture content was not an accurate indicator of tree water status for large grapefruit trees.
Novel variants in human and monkey CETP

Variation in CETP has been shown to play an important role in HDL-C levels and cardiovascular disease. To better characterize this variation, the promoter and exonic DNA for CETP was resequenced in 189 individuals with extreme HDL-C or age. Two novel amino acid variants were found in humans (V-12D and Y361C) and an additional variant (R137W) not previously studied in vitro were expressed. D-12 was not secreted and had no detectable activity in cells. C361 and W137 retained near normal amounts of cholesteryl ester transfer activity when purified but were less well secreted than wild type. Torcetrapib, a CETP inhibitor in clinical development with atorvastatin, was found to have a uniform effect on inhibition of wild type CETP versus W137 or C361. In addition, the level of variation in other species was assessed by resequencing DNA from nine cynomolgus monkeys. Numerous intronic and silent SNPs were found as well as two variable amino acids. The amino acid altering SNPs were genotyped in 29 monkeys and not found to be significantly associated with HDL-C levels. Three SNPs found in monkeys were identical to three found in humans with these SNPs all occurring at CpG sites.
Youth in Transition: Life Skills Among Perinatally HIV-Infected and HIV-Exposed Adolescents

Objective To examine mastery of life skills necessary for independent adulthood among perinatally HIV-in- fected (PHIVþ) and perinatally HIV-exposed but uninfected (PHIV� ) youth. Methods Participants were recruited from four medical centers in New York City as part of a longitudinal study. Data for this article came from interviews of 150 PHIVþ and 95 PHIVyouth (age 13-24 years) and their caregivers. Life skills mastery was assessed using the Ansell-Casey Life Skills Assessment (ACLSA). Results PHIVþ youth had lower daily living skill mastery than PHIVyouth according to both youth and caregivers, and lower self-care mastery according to caregiver report. No HIV-status group differences were found in social relationships scores, but PHIVyouth had higher scores than an ACLSA benchmark sample. Conclusions PHIVþ youth may need supportive services in daily living and self-care needs to transition into adulthood. Normal- to-high functioning in social relationships may be important for learning to live independently.
Oogenesis in Xenopus laevis (Daudin)

This study was designed to explore the relationship of estrogen, human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), and food availability to endocytosis in developing oocytes. When estrogen alone is administered to an animal, large amounts of vitellogenin are synthesized by the liver and secreted into the circulatory system, where it accumulates. Under these conditions there is no evidence of endocytosis at the surface of the oocytes. Other studies have shown that following HCG injection into estrogen-treated animals, vitellogenin is removed from the circulation and the oocyte surface is highly contoured and displays endocytotic activity. Food deprivation has much the same effect on oocyte endocytosis as does estrogen. When animals are given HCG and subsequently starved for 20 days, developing oocytes show little endocytotic activity. We conclude that HCG acts to promote or stimulate endocytosis in developing oocytes while estrogen and/or starvation inhibits this process.