cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nesting ecology and the cultural importance of stingless bees to speakers of Yoloxóchitl Mixtec, an endangered language in Guerrero, Mexico

Stingless bees (Apidae: Meliponini) are major pollinators of many wild and cultivated plants, and both indigenous and non-indigenous populations use their products for diverse purposes including food, crafts, and medicine. However, many aspects of both stingless bee nesting ecology and traditional knowledge of these culturally significant bees by diverse human populations remain unknown or poorly documented. We report on the nest architecture, nesting substrate, host plants, and local abundance of stingless bees occurring in Yoloxochitl, one of several indigenous villages that speak Yoloxochitl Mixtec, an endangered language on the Pacific Coast of the state of Guerrero. We also document local Indigenous nomenclature, classification, and use of these bees as well as traditional management practices and knowledge of their behavior. Lastly, we offer a preliminary quantitative analysis of the relative cultural importance of each bee species and explore the relationship of traditional ecological knowledge to these species.
The Use of Bariatric Surgery in Patients with Left Ventricular Assist Devices to Expedite Heart Transplant Candidacy.

Introduction Obesity is a common comorbidity which can complicate management of advance heart failure (AHF) and preclude heart transplant. The use of bariatric surgery has been studied as a weight-loss therapy in AHF patients. The left ventricular assist device (LVAD) has been used as either destination therapy or bridge to candidacy in these obese AHF patients. Methods We reviewed bariatric surgery in LVAD patients who were implanted as bridge to candidacy as a means to expedite candidacy for cardiac transplant. A retrospective chart review was performed on LVAD patients to identify those who underwent bariatric surgery. Clinical data were collected at baseline prior to bariatric surgery and 3 months post-surgery. Data collected included age, etiology of cardiomyopathy, body mass index (BMI), bariatric procedure performed, complications, time to transplant candidacy and ultimate clinical outcome. Three patients (2 female), with a mean age of 51 (range 50-53) were reviewed. All 3 patients had a diagnosis of non-ischemic cardiomyopathy. The average baseline BMI was 39 kg/m2 (range 37- 42). Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy was performed on all three patients. Results One patient had significant postoperative bleeding requiring multiple transfusions and reversal of anticoagulation. Anticoagulation was interrupted multiple times during the hospitalization due to bleeding and labile INR levels. A rise in LDH was noted during the hospitalization. One-month post discharge from bariatric surgery the patient was admitted for suspected pump thrombosis with power spikes. She was discharged home after intravenous anticoagulation with baseline LDH and power levels without any neurologic or hemodynamic sequelae. The 3-month average BMI and total weight loss percentage was 34 kg/m2 (range 30 - 38) and 12.5% (range 3.3-20.2%), respectively. All three patients were listed for transplantation with an average time to transplant candidacy of 116 days (range 105-123) following bariatric surgery. Two of the 3 patients received a heart transplant at an average of 145 days (range 130-161) from bariatric surgery. The other patient developed an intracranial hemorrhage 476 days following bariatric surgery and ultimately deemed not a transplant candidate. Conclusion Our retrospective cohort analysis confirms the efficacy of bariatric surgery as a weight loss therapy in obese LVAD patients as a method to shorten time to transplant candidacy. Postoperative bleeding must be managed carefully in consideration of the risk of prolonged cessation of anticoagulation.
Comprehensive investigation of the role of Nb on the oxidation kinetics of Zr-Nb alloys

Abstract Waterside corrosion of zirconium alloys is currently the life-limiting degradation mechanism of fuel elements in pressurized-water reactor (PWR) systems. Today, PWRs use Zr-Nb fuel cladding designed to limit oxidation and hydrogen pickup. However, oxidation kinetics of Zr-Nb alloys can vary substantially depending on the Nb content and distribution, even in alloys of the same composition but different heat treatments. To elucidate the role of Nb on Zr-Nb oxidation kinetics and improve the fundamental understanding of Zr-Nb corrosion, nano-beam X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy (XANES), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and application of the Coupled-Current Charge-Compensation (C4) Model have been performed in concert.
Simple Clavicle Fractures, a Primary Care Musculoskeletal Injury

Background: The clavicle is the most commonly fractured bone and accounts for 10-15% of pediatric fractures. Simple clavicle fractures include middle third minimally displaced, greenstick and angulated fractures. Children with simple fractures are treated with conservative measures such as a sling but are are often referred to orthopedic surgeons by their primary care physician for fracture care. Objective: The objective of this study was to demonstrate that simple clavicle fractures have excellent outcomes when …
Quantum Information Theory and Quantum Information Processing Fundamentals

In this chapter, we provide the basic concepts of quantum information processing, quantum information theory, and quantum error correction. The following topics from quantum information processing will be covered: state vectors, operators, density operators, measurements, dynamics of a quantum system, superposition principle, quantum parallelism, no-cloning theorem, and entanglement. The following concepts from quantum information theory will be provided: Holevo information, accessible information, Holevo bound, Shannon Entropy and von Neumann Entropy, Schumacher’s noiseless quantum coding theorem, and Holevo–Schumacher–Westmoreland theorem. The basic concepts of quantum error correction are introduced as well.
A Simulated Environment for Long-Term Interactions

Long-term interaction with social robots represents a subarea of Human–Robot Interaction (HRI) that studies how patterns of interaction between users and social robots evolve over time. The interest in this subject results from the need of modern society to develop social robots that can engage and support users for long periods of time. A large portion of the population should benefit from this kind of research as for example, people with physical or intellectual disability. This paper presents an evolution of the architecture called Cognitive Model Development Environment (CMDE) to meet the requirements of applications involving long-term interaction. The proposed evolution includes three features. The first one develops the concept of Memory in OntPercept ontology to represent memory information records. The idea is to explore the versatility offered by relationship representation in ontologies. The second feature introduces Forgetting abstraction that allows the control of memory volume using reasoning tools also inherent to ontologies. Third, evolve the Robot House Simulator (RHS) by including new human avatars to represent different ages and behaviors.
Fault Location Using the Natural Frequency of Oscillation of Current Discharge in MTdc Networks

This paper discusses a novel fault location approach using single ended measurement. The natural dissipation of the circuit parameters are considered for fault location. A relationship between the damped natural frequency of oscillation of the transmission line current and fault location is established in this paper. The hybrid dc circuit breaker (dcCB) interrupts the fault current and the line current attenuates under the absence of any driving voltage source. The line capacitance discharges into the fault at a specific frequency of oscillation and rate of attenuation. Utilizing this information, the fault location in a multi-terminal direct current (MTdc) network can be predicted. A three terminal radial model of a MTdc is used for performance evaluation of the proposed method using Power System Computer Aided Design (PSCAD)/Electromagnetic Transients including dc (EMTdc).
Physicians' Use of Evidence-Based Strategies to Increase Adult Vaccination Uptake.

Introduction This study assesses the following among primary care physicians: (1) the use of evidence-based strategies to improve adult vaccination rates, (2) the number of strategies employed simultaneously, and (3) characteristics associated with assessing adult vaccinations at each visit. Methods An internet and mail survey was administered between December 2015 and January 2016 on primary care physicians designed to be representative of the American College of Physicians and American Academy of Family Physicians memberships. Data analysis was conducted in 2019. Results The response rate was 66% (617 of 935); 94% reported using electronic health records. Standing orders (84%) and electronic provider reminders at a visit (61%) were the most common strategies reported for influenza vaccine. Electronic provider reminders at a visit (53%) and recording a vaccination in an immunization registry (32%) were the most common strategies reported for all noninfluenza vaccines. Most physicians reported using 2 or more strategies, although this was more common for influenza (74%) than for noninfluenza (62%) vaccines. In multivariable analysis, physicians who reported assessing adult vaccinations at every patient visit were more likely to work in practices where decisions about purchasing and handling vaccines were made at a larger system level (RR=1.20, 95% CI=1.04,1.40), and they reported using electronic provider reminders (RR=1.38, 95% CI=1.15, 1.69) and standing orders (RR=1.45, 95% CI=1.21, 1.75) for all noninfluenza adult vaccines. Conclusions Several strategies are being used to increase adult vaccination, particularly for the influenza vaccine. Investment in implementing standing orders and electronic clinical decision support for all routine adult vaccinations could help facilitate assessment of adult vaccinations at each visit and potentially improve adult vaccination rates.
Noninvasive Ventilation in Neurocritical Care

NIV is a valuable tool in the management of pulmonary comorbidities in patients requiring neurointensive care. This paper reviews the literature on the use of noninvasive ventilation (NIV) in neurocritical care. Established and innovative uses of NIV in a number of neurologic and neurosurgical conditions are described.
Autoimmune and Inflammatory Mechanisms in Cervical Dystonia

Abstract There are many causes for cervical dystonia (CD), although most cases are idiopathic and a cause cannot be identified. The observation that 10-15% of cases have an affected family member has pointed to genetic causes, but known genes account for only a small fraction of all cases. The current manuscript describes a series of studies focusing on potential autoimmune or inflammatory mechanisms in CD. First, a case-control survey for 32 autoimmune diseases in 271 subjects with CD confirmed prior anecdotal observations that CD is associated with thyroid disease, which often results from autoimmune mechanisms. Second, unbiased proteomic methods involving a total of 20 subjects with CD, with or without associated thyroid disease, pointed towards a series of overlapping mechanisms relating to the immune system. Third, a multiplex immunoassay focusing on 37 markers associated with neuroinflammation applied to a total of 20 subjects with CD with or without thyroid disease and 20 controls pointed to abnormalities in several specific measures of the immune system. Finally, a broad screening test for neuronal antibodies in a total of 58 subjects with CD did not disclose any specific antibodies. Altogether, the association of CD with thyroid disease and blood-based immune measures point to abnormalities in cell-mediated immunity that may play a pathogenic role for a subgroup of subjects with CD.
Monitoring of Crystal Defects in Natural Diamond

Abstract This paper is concerned with crystal defects in natural diamond crystals collected from Liaoning Province using transmission X-ray topographic method. The results show that there do exist some defects in the diamonds such as dislocation, substructure, inclusion etc. This study has shed much light on the mechanism governing the formation of natural diamonds.
The Left Atrial Appendage Ostium: Hotspots for Localized Re-Entry

Abstract Objectives The goal of this study was to characterize the location and electrophysiological properties of left atrial appendage (LAA) atrial tachycardia (AT). Background The LAA has been reported to be a source of AT and atrial fibrillation (AF) triggers. Methods This study retrospectively reviewed ATs mapped to the LAA. Activation and entrainment mapping were used to determine the mechanism and localize each AT circuit/origin. Results From 2014 to 2018, a total of 45 patients (mean age 65 ± 10 years; 69% male) had 51 LAA ATs: 43 (84%) after AF ablation and 8 de novo (no prior AF). Overall, 50 (98%) were due to localized re-entry/micro–re-entry, whereas only 1 was a focal triggered AT. All 50 micro–re-entrant LAA ATs were mapped to the anterior base (70%) or LAA ridge (30%), and all were successfully treated with focal ablation; no case required LAA isolation. After successful ablation of the initial AT at the LAA base, 23 (62%) of 37 patients with AF also had inducible macro–re-entrant peri-mitral flutter, but none had AF triggers from inside the LAA. Conclusions LAA ATs are almost always micro–re-entrant in mechanism and originate from either the anterior base or LAA ridge. AT originating from inside the LAA body is very rare. The anterior and ridge aspects of the LAA–left atrium junction seem to be arrhythmogenic hotspots prone to localized re-entry. These ATs are treatable with focal ablation without LAA isolation but are frequently associated with macro–re-entrant peri-mitral flutter.
Men’s judgments of a sexual assailant in an eroticized rape

Research has shown a relationship between men’s use of violent pornography and their commission of sexual assault. Violent pornography is generally seen as an eroticized depiction of rape. It not only includes a woman being forced by a man to engage in explicitly described sex acts, but promotes a set of beliefs known as rape myth attitudes.
Physical Therapy as Primary Treatment for Neurogenic TOS

Neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome (NTOS) is a multifaceted and difficult diagnosis to manage appropriately, as symptoms often overlap with other differential diagnoses of the upper extremities. Neurogenic is the most common subtype of TOS, accounting for 80–90% of cases, and physical therapy is often recommended as the first stage of treatment. Such a program depends heavily on the history, evaluation, and ongoing assessment of the patient to identify the postural faults and dysfunctions existing within the kinetic chain. Once understood, the proper treatment plans can be initiated. Active rehabilitation treatment goals include postural alignment, scapular stabilization, and proper shoulder positioning, all of which play an important role in alleviation of symptoms and, ideally, return to functional activities. Adjunct therapies are utilized to ensure reduction in symptoms for progression of the active exercise program. If physical therapy is used to potentially avoid surgery, compliance for a minimum of 2–3 months is felt necessary to truly improve outcomes for these patients.
The Populist Backlash to Gender Equality in International Fora: Analyzing Resistance and Response at the United Nations

This symposium article examines the growing populist backlash to gender equality as a part of populist leaders’ broader backlash to the global legal order. While both the populist backlash to the international legal order and the backlash to gender equality are framed as efforts to “reclaim sovereignty” and reject cosmopolitan and liberal values, the battle over gender equality taking place in international legal fora is marked by populist engagement and transnational alliances rather than retreat. In this light, this article untangles one of the “puzzles” of nationalism, showing how a movement focused on domestic grievances has become a transnational movement, with deepening cross-border alliances that mobilize around traditional views of the family and utilize illiberal and authoritarian approaches to their goals. It concludes by calling for deeper examination of the implications of the populist backlash to gender equality, as well as response and resistance, for the global legal order.
The rise in climate change-induced federal fishery disasters in the United States

Commercial, recreational, and indigenous fisheries are critical to coastal economies and communities in the United States. For over three decades, the federal government has formally recognized the impact of fishery disasters via federal declarations. Despite these impacts, national syntheses of the dynamics, impacts, and causes of fishery disasters are lacking. We developed a nationwide Federal Fishery Disaster database using National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) fishery disaster declarations and fishery revenue data. From 1989-2020, there were 71 federally approved fishery disasters (eleven are pending), which spanned every federal fisheries management region and coastal state in the country. To date, we estimate fishery disasters resulted in $2B (2019 USD) in Congressional allocations, and an additional, conservative estimate of $3.2B (2019 USD) in direct revenue loss. Despite this scale of impact, the disaster assistance process is largely ad hoc and lacks sufficient detail to properly assess allocation fairness and benefit. Nonetheless, fishery disasters increased in frequency over time, and the causes of disasters included a broad range of anthropogenic and environmental factors, with a recent shift to disasters now almost exclusively caused by extreme environmental events (e.g., marine heatwaves, hurricanes, and harmful algal blooms). Nationwide, 84.5% of fishery disasters were either partially or entirely attributed to extreme environmental events. As climate change drives higher rates of such extreme events, and as natural disaster assistance requests reach an all-time high, the federal system for fisheries disaster declaration and mitigation must evolve in order to effectively protect both fisheries sustainability and societal benefit.
Controlling Liquid Crystal Orientations for Programmable Anisotropic Transformations in Cellular Microstructures

Geometric reconfigurations in cellular structures have recently been exploited to realize adaptive materials with applications in mechanics, optics, and electronics. However, the achievable symmetry breakings and corresponding types of deformation and related functionalities have remained rather limited, mostly due to the fact that the macroscopic geometry of the structures is generally co-aligned with the molecular anisotropy of the constituent material. To address this limitation, cellular microstructures are fabricated out of liquid crystalline elastomers (LCEs) with an arbitrary, user-defined liquid crystal (LC) mesogen orientation encrypted by a weak magnetic field. This platform enables anisotropy to be programmed independently at the molecular and structural levels and the realization of unprecedented director-determined symmetry breakings in cellular materials, which are demonstrated by both finite element analyses and experiments. It is illustrated that the resulting mechanical reconfigurations can be harnessed to program microcellular materials with switchable and direction-dependent frictional properties and further exploit "area-specific" deformation patterns to locally modulate transmitted light and precisely guide object movement. As such, the work provides a clear route to decouple anisotropy at the materials level from the directionality of the macroscopic cellular structure, which may lead to a new generation of smart and adaptive materials and devices.
Optical metrology of characterizing wetting states

The unique properties of superhydrophobic surfaces have already been widely introduced into many applications and play a more and more important role in our daily life. However, different wetting states will lead to different properties and performances so that distinguishing the wetting states is essential. Until now, as it lacks an accurate and nondestructive technology to test the wetting states in real time, this prevents the study of superhydrophobic phenomena and their applications. Although this has already caught the attention of the scientific community, there is still no successful solution presented yet. Here, we develop a nondestructive in situ optical technology based on characterizing the transmission spectrum of the superhydrophobic surfaces, which is capable of distinguishing the different wetting states such as the Cassie–Baxter state, the mixed wetting state, and the Wenzel state. By using the finite-difference time-domain method, field distribution and transmission spectrum of the superhydrophobic surfaces can be simulated. The experimental data fit well with simulation data. All the results prove the feasibility of the new optical technology to characterize wetting states.
Stabilization of Periodic Flap-Lag Dynamics in Rotorcraft

An approach developed to stabilize periodic orbits in chaotic attractors is generalized and applied to non-chaotic flap-lag instability in helicopter rotor blades. Periodic flapping and lead-lag oscillations occur in rotor blades during forward flight; the governing equations are nonlinear with periodic coefficients. Oscillations become unstable as the advance ratio of the helicopter increases. Stabilization may be achieved by control of the mean pitch angle of the blade once per period according to a discrete control law. The control law is applied to the Poincare map which governs samples of the system obtained once per period. The controller stabilizes but does not attempt to change underlying periodic orbits. This approach is particularly well-suited to systems with periodic coefficients (such as rotorcraft) since the discrete version of the system is time-invariant.
Cathode Voltage Loss in Aluminum Smelting Cells

Components of cathode voltage loss and cathode temperatures in aluminum smelting cells were measured using electrically insulated internal probes and thermocouples. In normal operations, the voltage drop between aluminum and lining was insignificant. Lining voltage loss decreased from 0.35 ±.05 v initially to 0.09 ±.02 v with age as the lining graphitized. The collector bar voltage loss ranged from 0.08 to 0.13 v and changed only slightly with cell age. Collector bar to lining contact voltage was as low as 0.06 v shortly after startup but deteriorated with time to 0.35 +.05 v, becoming the major factor in cathode voltage loss. It is postulated that this deterioration is caused by precipitation of very alkaline bath and β-Al2O3 at the collector bar interface.
Informational cascades and social conventions

This entry reviews how the theory of informational cascades (in which an individual's action is independent of his private information signal) explains the conformity, idiosyncrasy, and fragility of social behavior. It considers the effects on social outcomes of fashion leaders and of the public release of information. The entry further discusses the implications of informational cascades in various contexts, including fads, finance, medical practice, peer influence, politics, scientific theory, stigma, and zoology.
HIV Disease and the Heart: A Review

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection is a pandemic with a huge global burden. The mortality due to HIV has been steadily decreasing with better access to highly active antiretroviral therapy and better quality of care. An increase in the life expectancy of HIV infected patients has resulted in the appearance of a different spectrum of diseases due to chronic HIV infection. Though cardiovascular disease due to HIV infection is associated with significant mortality risk, these conditions still remain grossly under diagnosed. This review article discusses the cardiovascular effects of HIV infection and the cardiovascular problems faced due to superimposed opportunistic infections and drug toxicity.
Progress in LTE and Non-LTE Radiative Transport Properties

Atomic processes in ionized gases are reviewed along with recent calculations. Opacity calculations in progress at Los Alamos are described. Several of the open issues in the calculations relevant to opacities are discussed and preliminary results of the new advances are illustrated.
Molecular and cellular responses to oxidative stress and changes in oxidation-reduction imbalance in the intestine

Recently, it has become increasingly apparent that oxidants, in addition to being agents of cytotoxicity, can play an important role in mediating specific cell responses and expression of genes involved in degenerative pathophysiologic states, such as inflammation and cancer. In particular, nuclear transcription factor kappaB (NF-kappaB), a multisubunit transcription factor, has been implicated in the transcriptional up-regulation of inflammatory genes in response to oxidants or changes in cellular oxidation-reduction status. This paper provides an overview of the cellular responses to oxidative stress and oxidation-reduction imbalance and the role of NF-kappaB in these responses and summarizes the current strategies used to study NF-kappaB activation and nuclear translocation, particularly in relation to dietary oxidant-mediated pathophysiology of the intestine.
Brush border myosin-I microinjected into cultured cells is targeted to actin-containing surface structures

The isolated intestinal microvillus cytoskeleton (core) consists of four major proteins: actin, villin, fimbrin and brush border myosin-I. These proteins can assemble in vitro into structures resembling native microvillus cores. Of these components, villin and brush border myosin-I show tissue-specific expression, so they may be involved in the morphogenesis of intestinal microvilli. When introduced into cultured cells that normally lack the protein, villin induces a reorganization of the actin filaments to generate large surface microvilli. Here we examine the consequences of microinjecting brush border myosin-I either alone or together with villin into cultured fibroblasts. Injection of brush border myosin-I has no discernible effect on the overall morphology of the cells, but does become localized to either normal or villin-induced microvilli and other surface structures containing an actin cytoskeleton. Since some endogenous myosin-Is have been found associated with cytoplasmic vesicles, these results show that brush border myosin-I has a domain that specifically targets it to the plasma membrane in both intestinal and cultured cell systems. Ultrastructural examination of microvilli on control cultured cells revealed that they contain a far more highly ordered bundle of microfilaments than had been previously appreciated. The actin filaments in microvilli of villin-injected cells appeared to be more tightly cross-linked when examined by thin-section electron microscopy. In intestinal microvilli, the core bundle is separated from the plasma membrane by about 30 nm due to the presence of brush border myosin-I.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Rapid purification of inositol monophosphate phosphatase from beef brain

A procedure is described for preparation of homogeneous inositol monophosphate phosphatase (EC 3.1.3.25) from beef brain in less than 2 days with an overall recovery of 15–25%. This enzyme, an essential part of the inositol phospholipid cycle in brain, is a proposed site of action of lithium ions in manic-depressive disorders. The major purification steps are: a) removal of most interfering protein by heat denaturation at 75°C for 1 h b) separation by anion exchange at a pH (6.0) near the enzyme's pI (4.9), and c) adsorption of most remaining impurities on a Procion Red affinity column.
Ambiguous cognitive contours

CONTOURS perceived in the absence of physical gradients of stimulation have been called cognitive contours1, subjective contours2,3, contours without gradients4, anomalous contours5 and quasi-perceptive margins6. The phenomenon is produced by placing inducing elements in special arrangements on a surface of uniform luminosity, as in Fig. 1. A whiter-than-white triangle can be seen overlying three black disks and a white background. The apparent brightness difference and the perceived contours extending between the disks are illusory. Gregory1 discusses two paradigms, the cognitive and the physiological, which have been used to explain these contours. We introduce here two configurations which support the cognitive paradigm.
GATA1 as a new target to detect minimal residual disease in both transient leukemia and megakaryoblastic leukemia of Down syndrome

Acquired mutations in exon 2 of the GATA1 gene are detected in most Down syndrome (DS) patients with transient leukemia (TL) and acute megakaryoblastic leukemia (AMKL). We sought to determine if GATA1 mutations can be utilized as markers for minimal residual disease (MRD). GATA1 mutations were screened by SSCP analysis and sequenced. Using GATA1 mutation-specific primers, follow-up bone marrow samples from four patients were assayed by quantitative PCR. We show that molecular monitoring of GATA1 mutations is possible in Down syndrome patients with TL and AMKL, and GATA1 could be a stable marker for MRD monitoring.
Hydrated density of chondroitin sulfate preparations

La densite du sulfate de chondroitine-proteine en solution aqueuse a ete determinee par la methode du «falling drop» utilisant des colonnes de xylene : bromobenzene. Un comportement Newtonien fut observe a des concentrations de 25 mg/ml. A des concentrations plus elevees (au niveau physiologique), les polysaccharides se comportent comme des liquides visco-elastiques, probablement a cause de l'enchevetrement des differentes chaines polymeres.
Guttman Scaling of Moral Comprehension Stages

This study examined whether Rest's (1979) objective test of moral comprehension could yield comprehension stage data that form a Guttrnan scale. If so, the test's construct validity and its usefulness for certain research purposes would be enhanced (Rest, 1973). Subjects were 197 adults in junior college, college, or graduate school. Each completed Rest's (1979) Defining Issues Test and an 11-item version of Rest's multiple-choice test of moral comprehension, which assesses comprehension of Kohlberg's Stages 4, 5A, and 5B. For each compreheuion item the subject chooses one of four multiple-choice alternatives. A subject was scored as comprehending Stage 4 if he answered at least three out of four Stage 4 items correctly, Stage 5A if he answered three out of four Stage 5A items correctly, and 5B if he answered both Stage 5B items correctly. These criteria were chosen because the probabilirg of reaching or exceeding each criterion by randomly guessing 1s low and quite uniform across the three stages: 5% for Stage 4 and Stage 5A, and 6 % for Stage 5B.3 Using Henry's ( 1952) method for assigning scale scores to non-scale-types (see Nie, et al., 1975), the coefficient of reproducibility was .95 and the coefficient of scalability was .84. Thus, the comprehension stage data do form a Guttman scale.'
Synthesis of Spherical Polymer and Titania Photonic Crystallites

The fabrication of small structured spherical particles that are essentially small photonic crystals is described. The particles are 1−50 μm in diameter and are porous with nearly close-packed mono...
Effects of carrageenan on thermal stability of proteins from chicken thigh and breast muscles

Abstract Thermal stability of ground chicken meat and myofibrillar proteins mixed with κ-, ι-, and λ-carrageenan (CGN) at different NaCl concentrations was investigated with differential scanning calorimetry. Three transitions, characteristic of myosin head (63.3, 62.2°C), sarcoplasmic proteins/myosin tail (67.7, 68.6°C), and actin (78.3, 81.4°C), were observed for nontreated thigh and breast muscles, respectively. The influence of CGNs on the thermal transitions was dependent on salt concentrations. κ-CGN with 2.5% NaCl decreased (P
Magnetic susceptibility, specific heat, and the spin-glass transition in Hg 1 − x Mn x Te

A systematic study of the low-dc-field magnetic susceptibility and the specific heat has been carried out on mixed ${\mathrm{Hg}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{Mn}}_{x}\mathrm{Te}$ crystals, in the composition range $0l~xl~0.35$. The alloy with $x=0.35$ showed spin-glass behavior below $T=10.9$ K. At this Mn concentration the sample is a very poor conductor at low temperatures, so that the Ruderman-Kittel-Kasuya-Yosida (RKKY) mechanism cannot be responsible for the spin-glass transition. Also, since the Mn ions interact only antiferromagnetically, the observed spin-glass phase does not result from competition between ferro- and antiferromagnetic interaction. It must therefore be ascribed to the frustration of the antiferromagnetic interactions inherent in an fcc sublattice over which the Mn ions are distributed. For $xl~0.25$, the ${\mathrm{Hg}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{Mn}}_{x}\mathrm{Te}$ samples remain paramagnetic down to 1 K. Experimental results for the specific heat and the susceptibility for $xl0.1$ are discussed in terms of a cluster model which leads to an estimated value of the antiferromagnetic exchange constant $\frac{J}{k}\ensuremath{\approx}\ensuremath{-}0.7\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.3$ K. When a random distribution of Mn ions over the fcc sublattice is assumed, calculated values for the specific heat and the susceptibility differ substantially from the experimental results for the low Mn concentration. This therefore indicates that in real crystals the distribution of Mn ions is very different from random. To obtain agreement between calculated and experimental results, the number of single ions has to be reduced to less than 30% of the number corresponding to a purely random distribution, leading to the conclusion that the magnetic ions prefer to cluster rather than to remain isolated in ${\mathrm{Hg}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{Mn}}_{x}\mathrm{Te}$. For HgTe, the Debye temperature ${\ensuremath{\Theta}}_{D}$ is 141 K at $T=0$ K, and goes through an anomalously low minimum value of ${\ensuremath{\Theta}}_{D}=77$ K at 7 K. A very small linear term in the low-temperature specific heat of HgTe gives an estimate of the electric charge carrier density in the ${10}^{18}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}3}$ range.
Inverse cascades in incompressible fluid and magnetofluid turbulence

Absolute equilibrium statistical theory and numerical simulations are reviewed in the context of inverse cascades in two- and three-dimensional incompressible fluid and magnetofluid turbulence. Turbulent fluctuations of physically interesting quantities undergo inverse cascade to larger spatial scales, leading to self-organization under certain circumstances. In particular, most systems with more than one quadratic ideal invariant, or, having some kind of imposed anisotropy, exhibit inverse cascades. Anisotropic fluid turbulence in the presence of a uniform rotation and magnetofluid turbulence in the presence of a uniform magnetic field are considered. Both fluid and magnetofluid two-dimensional systems are presented as a special case of anisotropic turbulence constrained by the geometry. The presence of an external uniform magnetic field in such a geometry is also considered.
Controlled geometry fabrication of polydimethylsiloxane nanofibers for biomimetics

The ability to have control of fabricated structures on the nanometer size scale is essential in interfacing inorganic technologies with biological systems in many scientific areas including biomimetics and cell topology studies. Here, we developed a simple and efficient method to produce polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) nanofibers with controlled aspect ratios that could be used in biological studies. As PDMS is a well studied polymer system, this structure would enable a variety of diverse applications. A template synthesis technique was used to create the fibers by molding a polymer solution into an alumina membrane. The pressure and the template surface chemical characteristics were controlled to enable the easy creation of geometric configurations with up to a 30-fold range of aspects ratios through the use of the same porous alumina template. These fibers can be also used in producing biomimetic synthetic column structures that are found in biological systems such as spider hairs and gecko feet. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2007
Models of particle layers in the midplane of the solar nebula

In the absence of global turbulence, solid particles in the solar nebula tend to settle into a thin layer in the central plane. Shear between this layer and pressure-supported gas produces localized turbulence in the midplane; the thickness of the particle layer is determined by balance between settling and turbulent diffusion. A numerical model is described, which allows computation of the vertical structure of a layer of particles of arbitrary size, with self-consistent distributions of particle density, turbulent velocity, and radial fluxes of particles and gas. Effects of varying particle size and the abundances of solids and gas are evaluated. If the surface density of solids is increased by an order of magnitude over nominal solar abundance, the peak density within a layer of small particles can approach the critical value needed for gravitational instability. However, depletion of the nebular gas is much less effective for raising the density of such a layer to the critical value, due to decreased coupling of particles to the gas as the density of the gas decreases. The variation of radial particle flux with surface density of the particle layer is not consistent with secular instability of the layer driven by gas drag.
Wireless organizing in Detroit: Churches as networked sites in under–resourced urban areas

Access to the Internet is a vital resource in low supply in low–income urban communities in the U.S., and the community development and relationship–building potentials of increased Internet connectivity align strategically with the historical and present–day outreach and social service missions of urban churches. Based on the geographic, demographic and environmental patterns of both Internet adoption rates and the high concentration of churches as built–environment features in older American cities, we propose a model of church–based Internet sharing. Using four case studies drawn from our work in Detroit’s urban core, we illustrate potential benefits and drawbacks of church–anchored neighborhood wireless networks. It is clear that churches offer advantages for neighborhood–scale communications infrastructure build–out; yet the impact of these efforts on churches and their communities is diffuse and hard to measure. Current evidence points toward the lack of defined physical impact of digital networks on surrounding neighborhoods, though this may change as current and future efforts progress. The intangible social impact of church–based Internet sharing is much more discernible in the short–term.
A Dynamic Approach to Estimating and Testing Separability in U.S. Demand for Imported and Domestic Meats

The paper develops dynamic model of demand for domestic and imported meats and compares the performance of the dynamic model called the general AIDS error correction model (GAECM) with the static linear approximate almost ideal demand system (LA/AIDS) model. A test for separability is developed based on the long-run solution to the dynamic model. The results indicate rejection of the static model in favor of the dynamic model. Homogeneity and symmetry are shown to hold for the dynamic model but are strongly rejected for the static model. Finally, separability between domestic and imported meats is rejected for all models at the 5% level of significance. However, the results of the dynamic model based on the corrected likelihood test with a low p-value (p= 0.038) indicate that rejection of separability is borderline. Le present article porte sur l'elaboration d'un modele dynamique de la demande de viandes produites au pays et de viandes importees, et compare la performance du modele dynamique appele modele general de correction d'erreur AIDS avec le modele statique LA/AIDS. Un test de separabilite est elabore d'apres la solution a long terme du modele dynamique. Les resultats indiquent le rejet du modele statique en faveur du modele dynamique. L'homogeneite et la symetrie sont valables pour le modele dynamique, mais sont fortement rejetees dans le cas du modele statique. Finalement, la separabilite entre les viandes produites au pays et les viandes importees est rejetee pour tous les modeles a un seuil de signification de 5 p. 100. Cependant, les resultats du modele dynamique, fondes sur la correction du test du rapport des vraisemblances avec une faible valeur p (p = 0,038), indiquent que le rejet de la separabilite se situe a la limite.
Acute changes in Cerebrospinal Fluid 5-HIAA following Oral Paroxetine Challenge in Healthy Humans

A number of studies have reported decreased human lumbar cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentrations of the major serotonin metabolite, 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), following chronic administration of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). This decrease has been thought to be a consequence of elevated extracellular serotonin and to be mediated through terminal autoreceptor feedback inhibition of serotonin turnover. We wished to study the previously unexamined acute effects of SSRI administration on human CSF 5-HIAA. A serial lumbar puncture (LP) procedure was used to collect CSF samples before and after a single oral 40 mg dose of the SSRI paroxetine (PAR) or matching placebo in eight healthy adult humans in a randomized, double-blind fashion. CSF 5-HIAA concentrations did not change following placebo, but showed a statistically significant 27% mean increase 3 h following PAR. Our findings stand in contrast to the decreases reported for CSF 5-HIAA after chronic SSRI treatment in humans and the decreases seen in brain extracellular 5-HIAA after acute or chronic administration of SSRIs to animals.
Anhydrous proton conductivities of squaric acid derivatives.

In this communication, we introduce squaric acid derivatives as anhydrous proton conductors. We report the synthesis, characterization and proton conductivities of four squaric acid derivatives. The anhydrous proton conductivity of one of the derivatives was 2.3 × 10−3 S cm−1 at 110 °C, comparable to the conductivity of molten 1H-1,2,3-triazole or 1H-imidazole.
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiodilatation: A preliminary report

Figure 3. Sequential films of Fogarty balloon passing through a strictured common bile duct: (a) proximal to stricture, (b) entering stricture, (c) deformed by stricture, and (d) distal to stricture. common duct stones endoscopically has been reported.a The positioning of an indwelling catheter at the time of endoscopy has been described.'°Recently, Burhenne3 presented nonsurgical dilation of a common bile duct stricture through aT-tube To our knowledge, an attempt to dilate a common bile duct stricture endoscopically has not been reported. To share our initial experience is the purpose of this communication. CASE REPORT A 65-year-old woman with obstructive jaundice had a choledochoduodenostomy 23 years earlier. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography demonstrated a tight stricture of the common bile duct (Figure 1). Using a 5 French Fogarty catheter outrigged to a front-viewing Olympus GIF-D panendoscope (Figure 2), the common bile duct was cannulated, and the inflated balloon was pulled through the stricture several times. At fluoroscopy, the Fogarty balloon was observed to deform as it passed through the stricture (Figure 3). Its compressibility did not allow it to achieve maximum dilatation. The patient experienced no discomfort or complication. At the time, a satisfactory balloon catheter was not available. The stricture was treated surgically 2 weeks later. DISCUSSION Strictures in the biliary ducts are not uncommon and may be associated with calculi, previous surgery, cholangitis, or pancreatitis. Sphincteroplasty or choledochoduodenostomy are often performed to correct the obstruction. Analysis of the surgical literature reveals that these procedures are often performed on elderly, poor risk patients who have had multiple previous biliary or pancreatic operations.',7,1l,15 Postoperative complications are Timothy G. Lee, MD* Ronald Katon, MD Patrick C. Freeny, MD Sidney C. Henderson, MD Marcia K. Bilbao, MD University of Oregon Health Sciences Center Departments of Radiology and Internal Medicine (Division of Gastroenterology) Portland, Oregon
Evidence for Selection at Multiple Allozyme Loci Across a Mussel Hybrid Zone

The frequency and strength with which selection shapes patterns of genetic variation is unknown. Whereas all loci should be roughly equally affected by demography and population history, selected loci may exhibit increased or decreased genetic differentiation relative to neutral loci (Cavalli-Sforza 1966). Thus, one way to test for selection on a specific category of loci is to compare geographic differentiation of this particular category relative to a category presumed to be neutrally evolving (McDonald 1994; McDonald, Verrelli, and Geyer 1996). A number of recent studies have followed this approach, in particular comparing patterns of genetic differentiation at allozyme to nonallozyme loci. Where discordances between allozymes and other nuclear markers have been reported, less genetic partitioning has been observed for allozymes, consistent with balancing selection reducing differences among geographical populations (e.g., Karl and Avise 1992; Pogson, Mesa, and Boutilier 1995; Latta and Mitton 1997). Here, we report the reverse situation; geographic partitioning is greater at allozymes relative to nonallozyme loci across a mussel hybrid zone. Northern Hemisphere populations of the mussels Mytilus trossulus and Mytilus edulis are distinguished by nearly fixed allozyme allele frequency differences and some morphometric differences (McDonald, Seed, and Koehn 1991). Mytilus edulis is found throughout the northern Atlantic, whereas M. trossulus is found in three disjunct regions: the Pacific, Atlantic North America, and the Baltic Sea. A northern European hybrid zone between the Atlantic M. edulis and the Baltic Sea M. trossulus has been well described, based on allozyme surveys. A relatively sharp transition in mussel allozyme allele frequencies (over 100 km) occurs at the mouth of the Baltic with edulis-like alleles predominating in the Atlantic populations and trossulus-like alleles predominating in the Baltic. This pattern is particularly distinct for Aap, Est-D, Gpi, Lap, Mpi, and Pgm (Theison 1978; Bulnheim and Gosling 1988; Varvio, Koehn, and Vainola 1988; Vainola and Hvilsom 1991), and these loci, with the exception of Lap, are diagnostic between M. edulis and M. trossulus throughout the Northern Hemisphere (Varvio, Koehn, and Vainola 1988; McDonald, Seed, and Koehn 1991). Rapid clinal transitions in allele frequencies, in combination with significant linkage disequilibria (particularly involving Gpi, Lap, and Pgm), have supported the idea that this hybrid zone represents
Synthesis and optical resolution of the neurotoxin 2-amino-3-([15N]-methylamino)propanoic acid (BMAA)

The synthesis of 2-amino-3-([15N]-methylamino)propanoic acid (synonyms, BMAA, β-N-methylamino-alanine) from α-acetamidoacrylic acid and [15N]-methylamine is described. Enantioselective hydrolysis of the acetamide group, mediated by the enzyme Acylase 1 (EC 3.5.1.14), yielded (R)-BMAA and the (S)-α-acetamido derivative. Acid hydrolysis of the latter compound yielded (S)-BMAA.