cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Alterations in the fine structure of cardiac muscle mitochondria induced by hyperthyroidism.

Chronic hyperthyroidism was induced in radiothyroidectomized adult albino rats by feeding a diet of 0.3–0.4% desiccated thyroid for four to ten weeks. The left ventricle from control and hyperthyroid animals was examined with the electron microscope after perfusion fixation with 3% phosphate buffered glutaraldehyde and postfixation in 1% osmium tetroxide. No differences were discerned in the appearance of the Golgi zone, glycogen, lipid, lysosomes, sarcoplasmic reticulum, or the sarcomere ultrastructure of the ventricle from hyperthyroid animals compared with untreated animals. Changes were noted in the mitochondria. These included marked hypertrophy without increase in numbers and localized areas of vacuolization and disorientation of the cristae. Apparently these changes are reversible since the ventricular mitochondria of previously hyperthyroid animals allowed to return to a euthyroid state were indistinguishable from those seen in the control group.
Comparison of Patient Satisfaction and Practitioner Satisfaction with Wound Appearance after Traumatic Wound Repair

Introduction: Existing cosmetic scales for wounds are based only on practitioners' evaluations. They have not been validated using the patient's assessment. Objective: To validate a previously developed wound cosmesis scale by determining the relationship between patient and practitioner assessments of cosmetic outcome following traumatic wound repair. Methods: A convenience sample of patients with lacerations repaired in an ED were evaluated at the time of suture removal. Practitioners assigned 0 or 1 point each for the presence or absence of a step-off of borders; contour irregularities; margin separation; edge inversion; excessive distortion; and overall appearance. A total cosmetic score was calculated by adding the categories above. As previously defined, a score of 6 was considered optimal; < s6 was considered “suboptimal.” Patients, blinded to the physician score, assessed their degrees of satisfaction with the cosmetic outcome of the wounds using a 100-mm visual analog scale (VAS). Because VAS scores were not normally distributed, practitioner scores were compared with patient satisfaction scores using a Mann-Whitney U test. Results: 125 patients were enrolled, of whom 64% were male; the median age was 19.5 years (interquartile range = 8–33 years). Wounds were located predominantly on the face, scalp, or neck (47%) and upper extremity (35%), and had a median length of 2 cm. The 86 lacerations given optimal practitioner scores had a median patient satisfaction score of 97 mm; the 39 “suboptimal” lacerations had a median patient satisfaction score of 87 mm (p = 0.0006). Conclusion: Lacerations that practitioners ponsidered to have optimal cosmetic appearances at the time of suture removal received higher patient satisfaction scores than did lacerations considered to be suboptimal. This provides a measure of validity to this 6-item categorical cosmetic scale.
Bank Stock Return Sensitivities to the Long-Term and Short-Term Interest Rates: A Multivariate GARCH Approach

This study employs a multivariate GARCH model to investigate the relative sensitivities of the first and the second moment of bank stock return distribution to the short-term and long-term interest rates and their respective volatilities. Three portfolios are formed representing the money center banks, large banks, and small banks, respectively. Estimation and testing of hypothesis are carried out for each of the three portfolios separately. The sample includes daily data over the 1988-2000 period. Several hypotheses of: i) insensitivity of bank stock return to the changes in the short-term and long-term interest rates, ii) insensitivity of bank stock returns to the changes in the volatilities of short-term and long-term interest rates, and iii) insensitivity of bank stock return volatility to the changes in the short-term and long-term interest rate volatilities. The findings indicate that short-term and long-term interest rates and their volatilities do exert significant and differential impacts on the return generation process of the three bank portfolios. The magnitudes and the direction of the effect are model-specific namely that they depend on whether the short-term or the long-term interest rate level is included in the mean return equation. These findings have implications on bank hedging strategies against the interest rate risk, regulatory decisions concerning risk-based capital requirement, and investor's choice of a portfolio mix.
The application of event-time regression techniques to the study of dairy cow interval-to-conception

Abstract This paper explains the use of event-time techniques, also known as survival analysis, to assess a relationship involving dairy cows: the effect of early lactation milk yield on the interval from calving to subsequent conception. Possible confounding factors, such as disease history, parity, calving season, and herd production level, were controlled by their inclusion in the model equations. Both Cox proportional hazards regression models and Weibull regression models were employed, with similar results, indicating that a Weibull distribution may be a good approximation of the distribution of conception times in dairy cattle.
The L-arabinose-resistance test with Salmonella typhimurium strain SV3 selects forward mutations at several ara genes.

Abstract A new assay has been described for mutagenicity testing using an l -arabinose-sensitive strain of Salmonella typhimurium . The test strain SV3 and several l -arabinose-resistant mutants selected therefrom are characterized in the present study by 3 different criteria: inhibition of growth by l -arabinose, accumulation of keto-sugars, and activities of the enzymes involved in l -arabinose catabolism. Strain SV3 ( ara-531 ) shows high levels of inducible l -arabinose isomerase (EC 5.3.1.4) and l -ribulokinase (EC 2.7.1.16) activities, but is deficient in l -ribulose-5-phosphate 4-epimerase (EC 5.1.3.4), the enzyme encoded in Escherichia coli by gene D in the araBAD operon. Addition of l -arabinose to SV3 growing in glycerol or casamino acids stops growth. d -Glucose only partially reverses this inhibition. Reversion of the ara-531 mutation restores different levels of epimerase activity and resistance to l -arabinose. However, the great majority of the l -arabinose-resistant mutants do not utilize l -arabinose. The physiological and enzymatic properties of these l -arabinose non-utilizing mutants suggest that l -arabinose resistance is due to forward mutations in at least 3 other genes, araA, araB and araC , blocking steps prior to l -ribulose 5-phosphate accumulation.
The association of abnormal α-fetoprotein and adverse pregnancy outcome: Does increased fetal surveillance affect pregnancy outcome?

Abstract Objective: Our purpose was to investigate whether adverse outcomes associated with elevated maternal serum α-fetoprotein levels may be prevented by intensive antenatal monitoring. Study Design: Records of patients with elevated maternal serum α-fetoprotein values of ≥2.0 multiples of the median between 1995 and 1999 were reviewed. Pregnancy histories were analyzed to determine whether intensive antenatal monitoring (twice-weekly nonstress tests and determinations of the amniotic fluid index) would have detected the adverse outcomes when routine obstetric care would have missed them. Women with elevations explained by multiple gestations, structural abnormalities, or a fetal death were excluded. Results: The study enrolled 136 patients. Twenty-three patients were excluded because of multiple gestations, structural or chromosomal abnormalities, or fetal death or for lack of available follow-up. Seventy-eight patients had no perinatal complications, but 12 of these patients underwent heightened surveillance. One of these patients was subjected to an induction of labor. Thirty-five pregnancies had complications (21 with preterm labor, 7 with pregnancy-induced hypertension, 6 with growth restriction or oligohydramnios, 1 with abruptio placentae, and 1 with vasa previa). Of these 35 pregnancies, 22 were followed up with routine obstetric care and 13 with heightened surveillance. Heightened surveillance did not achieve earlier or improved detection in this group. These results suggest that routine pregnancy management is an adequate strategy for providing care to pregnant patients with unexplained elevated maternal serum α-fetoprotein levels. Adverse outcomes were detected with routine pregnancy management or were undetectable even with intensive management. Conclusion: Increased risks of pregnancy-induced hypertension, preterm delivery, intrauterine growth restriction, intrauterine fetal death, oligohydramnios, and abruptio placentae are associated with elevated maternal serum α-fetoprotein levels. However, in our study, routine pregnancy management was an acceptable method of detecting these adverse outcomes when they were detectable. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 2001;184:1549-55.)
Automated EEG-sleep analyses and neonatal neurointensive care

Clinical applications of neonatal EEG-sleep studies can improve neurointensive care for preterm and fullterm infants. Behavioral and physiologic assessments of neonatal sleep by nursing and physician personnel can result in more developmentally appropriate state regulation for infants, particularly for those who require medical care for many weeks to months in the intensive care unit. Secondly, prediction of altered expressions of EEG-sleep patterns for those children at higher risk for neurological sequelae can anticipate the need for aggressive interventional strategies. The application of digital analyses of specific cerebral and noncerebral physiologic measures for long-term monitoring periods can utilize efficient and novel strategies of automated EEG and sleep state identification which can also assist in daily medical care and prediction of neurodevelopmental outcome.
A Cost-Based Availability Allocation Algorithm

This paper develops a cost-based procedure for allocating the availability parameters (repair times and failure rates) to the various components that make up a system. The allocation is handled as a cost minimization problem, subject to the constraint of meeting a system availability requirement. The problem is solved using Lagrange multipliers and an example is stated and solved. This technique is applicable in the early stages of system design to determine the detailed component availability specifications (repair times and failure rates) that will allow a system requirement to be met. Furthermore, the technique is useful in the latter stages of system design when initial specifications have fallen short of the required goal, and modifications and improvements are required. The technique points out the problem components and defines the amount of improvement necessary.
Use of global positioning system collars to monitor spatial-temporal movements of co-grazing goats and sheep and their common guardian dog

Goats and sheep often graze together and guardian dogs are commonly used for protection from predators. The objective of this experiment was to characterise how goats, sheep and guardian dogs interact spatially when grazing the same pasture by use of global positioning system (GPS) collars as an unobtrusive means of behaviour monitoring. In 2002 and 2003, three meat goats and two sheep in a group of 12 of each species were randomly chosen and, along with a guard dog, fitted with GPS collars. Minimum distance travelled between consecutive 30-min fixes and distance between any two animals at the same fix time were calculated using spherical geometry. In 2002, the dog travelled the least between fixes during the day but more at night than either goats or sheep. However, in 2003, there was not a significant species difference in distance travelled in 24 h or during the day or night. All species travelled significantly more during day than night but none were stationary at night. Distance amongst goats and bet...
Discussion point Stem cells of the central nervous system

While criteria for self-renewal and multipotentiality can be met with varying degrees of confidence on the basis of recent in vitro and in vivo experiments, a consensus definition of stem cells remains illusive. It has been demonstrated that adult CNS cells can divide and be induced to differentiate both in vivo and in vitro. These observations have important basic and applied implications; however, the true identities of these cells and factors, as well as the mechanisms that control their fate, are unknown.
Effective cluster interactions using the generalized perturbation method in the atomic-sphere approximation.

We describe the generalized perturbation method in the atomic-sphere approximation (ASA) for calculating the effective cluster interactions. Based on our development of Korringa-Kohn-Rostoker coherent-potential approximation in the ASA [Singh [ital et] [ital al]., Phys. Rev. B 44, 8578 (1991)], the present approach is the next step towards developing a first-principles method that can be easily applied to describe substitutionally disordered alloys based on simple lattice structures as well as complex lattice structures with low symmetry. To test the accuracy of the ASA results, we have calculated the effective pair interactions (EPI) up to fourth-nearest neighbors for the substitutionally disordered Pd[sub 0.5]V[sub 0.5] and Pd[sub 0.75]Rh[sub 0.25] alloys. Our calculated EPI's are in good agreement with the respective muffin-tin results.
The influence of hunger on meal to pellet intervals in barred owls

Abstract 1. 1. Barred owls fed at a sub-maintenance (SM) level had significantly (P 2. 2. During SM feeding, MPI/g per kg gradually increased. 3. 3. The proportion of a meal occurring in a pellet was less in “hungry” owls whether losing weight (SM) or gaining (AM) as compared to owls maintaining their normal body weight (M). 4. 4. SM fed owls appear to be able to increase digestion time as well as thoroughness of digestion.
Situating Learning in Technology: The Case of Computer-Mediated Reading Supports

The present study investigated a theoretical connection between computer technology and reading comprehension. Current models of reading emphasize the interactive nature of reading and constructive...
Comparative Effectiveness of Risk Markers for Cardiovascular Risk Assessment in Intermediate-Risk Individuals: Coronary Artery Calcium vs “The Rest”?

The last decade has seen the emergence of a multitude of novel risk markers for coronary heart disease (CHD), ranging from genetic markers to serum biomarkers and imaging studies. Comparison between different risk markers has been historically difficult because of the paucity of high quality prospective studies evaluating these candidate risk markers side by side in the same population. In the last 2 years, several population based cohorts like MESA, Rotterdam, EISNER, and the Heinz Nixdorf Recall study have provided new data enabling assessment of comparative effectiveness for several of these risk markers. In this review, we evaluate evidence from these 4 large cohort studies regarding the relative improvement in the net reclassification index (NRI) among intermediate-risk patients. We conclude that CAC is the strongest marker for clinical risk prediction and is the most likely to positively influence downstream clinical outcomes.
Microbial factors in disease emergence illustrated by streptococcal toxic shock syndrome

Factors contributing to the emergence of infectious diseases will be reviewed briefly to provide a background for a discussion of the sharp decline in the occurrence of group A streptococcal disease that began early in this century before the use of antibiotics, and the emergence of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (STSS) in the last decade. The strains of group A streptococci that cause STSS have been dubbed ‘the flesh-eating bacteria’ by the media, and are the focus of this paper. Be aware that none of the factors contributing to disease emergence operates in isolation; there is endless overlap and interplay. ‘Microbial traffic’ introduces microbes to new domains where they find people and animals unprotected by prior experience. They hitchhike along with all of us in travel and commerce, accompanying the one million air passengers that fly each day. How many alien microbes did they bring with them right into the conference hall when they arrived in Kyoto with participants of this symposium? But people are not the only expediters of international movement of microbes. Pathogens can be flown in on fresh foods rushed to our dinner tables. Influenza viruses migrate with aquatic birds that carry viral genes to new venues to combine through genetic reassortment with resident flu viruses. As in the past, new flu viruses can emerge from this union that possess unusual virulence to spread around the world. Thus, microbial traffic facilitates the emergence of infectious diseases from microbes that already exist and microbes that emerge from genetic changes and evolutionary selection [1–3]. Disease vectors travel also to new environments. Ocean transport ships provide passage for rodent stowaways and insects that breed in recycled vehicle tyres, carrying them to new domains where they find new ecological niches. Insect vectors especially are on the loose again, …
A Multichannel Edge-Weighted Centroidal Voronoi Tessellation algorithm for 3D super-alloy image segmentation

In material science and engineering, the grain structure inside a super-alloy sample determines its mechanical and physical properties. In this paper, we develop a new Multichannel Edge-Weighted Centroidal Voronoi Tessellation (MCEWCVT) algorithm to automatically segment all the 3D grains from microscopic images of a super-alloy sample. Built upon the classical k-means/CVT algorithm, the proposed algorithm considers both the voxel-intensity similarity within each cluster and the compactness of each cluster. In addition, the same slice of a super-alloy sample can produce multiple images with different grain appearances using different settings of the microscope. We call this multichannel imaging and in this paper, we further adapt the proposed segmentation algorithm to handle such multichannel images to achieve higher grain-segmentation accuracy. We test the proposed MCEWCVT algorithm on a 4-channel Ni-based 3D super-alloy image consisting of 170 slices. The segmentation performance is evaluated against the manually annotated ground-truth segmentation and quantitatively compared with other six image segmentation/edge-detection methods. The experimental results demonstrate the higher accuracy of the proposed algorithm than the comparison methods.
Mesoderm induction by heterodimeric AP-1 (c-Jun and c-Fos) and its involvement in mesoderm formation through the embryonic fibroblast growth factor/Xbra autocatalytic loop during the early development of Xenopus embryos.

We have previously demonstrated the involvement of AP-1/Jun in fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling by loss-of-function assay (Dong, Z., Xu, R.-H., Kim, J., Zhan, S.-N., Ma, W.-Y., Colburn, N. H., and Kung, H. (1996) J. Biol. Chem.271, 9942–9946). Further investigations by gain-of-function are reported in this study. AP-1 transactivation activity was increased by the treatment of animal cap explants with FGF. Ectopic overexpression of two components of AP-1 (c-jun and c-fostogether, but not alone) produced posteriorized embryos and induced mesoderm formation in animal cap explants, indicating that both AP-1 heterodimers are required for mesoderm induction. Since Ras/AP-1 functions downstream of FGF signaling, we then tested the involvement of Ras/AP-1 in mesoderm maintenance mediated by embryonic FGF/Xbra using dominant-negative mutants. Mesoderm maintenance mediated by embryonic FGF/Xbra was blocked by dominant-negative mutants of Ras/AP-1, and AP-1 enhanced the expression of Xbra. Further studies demonstrated the inhibition of Ras/AP-1-mediated mesoderm formation by dominant-negative mutants of the FGF receptor and Xbra. These results indicate that Ras/AP-1 and FGF/Xbra signals are involved in the mesoderm maintenance machinery and mesoderm formation through the synergistic action of the diversified signal pathways derived from the FGF/Xbra autocatalytic loop.
Racial/ethnic disparities in the diagnosis of otitis media in infancy.

Abstract Objective: Otitis media (OM) is an extremely common pediatric diagnosis. Several risk factors have been associated with OM, but the relationship between OM and race/ethnicity remains controversial. We sought to define the relationship between OM diagnosis and race/ethnicity in infants. Methods: By multivariable logistic regression, we evaluated the association between OM diagnosis and race/ethnicity in 11,349 non-low-birthweight infants who were participants in a prospective cohort study of infant care practices. Results: As in previous studies, breastfeeding was associated with a decreased risk of OM diagnosis while other factors were independently associated with a substantially increased risk of OM diagnosis: out-of-home daycare, multiple children living in the home, and mother’s multiparity. Daycare was associated with a “dose effect” in that the risk of OM diagnosis increased with an increasing number of children in the daycare. While the crude analysis suggested little relation of OM diagnosis and race/ethnicity, the association was confounded by several covariates including maternal marital status, number of children living in the home, breastfeeding status, and maternal age. After adjustment for relevant confounders, Black (OR 0.74; 95% CI 0.61–0.89) and Asian infants (OR 0.77; 95% CI 0.57–1.0]) were less likely to be diagnosed with OM than White infants. Conclusions: This large prospective study confirms previous risk factors for OM and demonstrates a strong “dose effect” of the size of daycare centers on OM. The study also demonstrates that the association between race/ethnicity and OM diagnosis is confounded by social factors. After adjusting for such factors, Black and Asian infants are less likely to be diagnosed with OM than White infants. The reason for this racial disparity remains unknown.
A highly active nanocomposite silica-carbon supported palladium catalyst for decarboxylation of free fatty acids for green diesel production: Correlation of activity and catalyst properties

Abstract A class of Pd catalyst supported on a silica-activated carbon nanocomposite for free fatty acid (FFA) decarboxylation was developed, and displayed excellent activity and operation stability selectively for the green diesel hydrocarbons formation in the absence of H 2 under mild reaction conditions. Six catalysts containing 5 wt% Pd were prepared by systematically varying the silica content in the support. In addition to the effect of particle size, the impact of catalyst preparation method on the activity and selectivity was elucidated. A 5 wt% Pd/Si-C-4 catalyst maintained stable activity for 16 days under reaction conditions of 1.5 MPa and 300 °C. Although a continuous supply of H 2 was not necessary, H 2 treatment was essential to restore the catalytic activity and the desired product selectivity. Characterization of the catalyst revealed that the highly active Pd/Si-C-4 catalyst has easily accessible and well-distributed metallic Pd nanoparticles inside the hybrid mesopores.
Longitudinal and radial differences in the subsurface cisternal system in the gerbil cochlea

Abstract Many features of cochlear anatomy vary systematically radially and longitudinally within the organ of Corti. There is limited evidence that along the longitudinal axis of the cochlea the thickness of the subsurface cisternal system in the outer hair cells (OHCs) changes. Similarly a radial gradient may exist. The thickness of the subsurface cisternal system in OHCs was measured in gerbils to determine if there are differences between the three rows of OHCs and in OHCs in different locations along the length of the organ of Corti. The results suggest that there is a longitudinal as well as a radial gradient of subsurface cisternal system thickness. These gradients are the inverse to those for efferent innervation of OHCs. It is possible that these differences may contribute to the increased susceptibility to trauma and ototoxic compounds characteristics of the innermost and basalmost OHCs.
Treating hypercholesterolemia and hypertension based on lifetime global risk.

m l c n the December 1, 2006, issue of the American Journal of ardiology, the Editor-in-Chief, William C. Roberts, MD, ade a strong case for early initiation of therapy with statin rugs. He stated that because life insurance policies were ften purchased by individuals in their 20s, statin drugs with r without ezetimibe could be started at the same time.1 I ully agree with him and emphasize that prevention should ot be limited to decreasing low-density lipoprotein (LDL) holesterol, but also to lifestyle change and the treatment of ystemic hypertension and other risk factors.2 Current uidelines such as the National Cholesterol Education Proram Adult Treatment Panel III and the Seventh Report of he Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, valuation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure focus on aspect of global risk, whereas the coexistence of hyperension and hyperlipidemia is common and accounted for ost cardiovascular events.3–7 The dual purpose of this ommentary is to propose the development of a single set of imple guidelines that could cover most patients needing harmacotherapy for primary prevention and remove age rom the algorithms used to decide when pharmacologic reatment is indicated. Health care providers may consult dditional monographs (such as the current “silo” guideines) when more details are needed in individual cases.8,9
Inaction levels for the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta (Hym., Formicidae): a predator of the boll weevil Anthonomus grandis (Col.: Curculionidae)

Abstract The density of red imported fire ants, Solenopsis invicta Buren (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), necessary to limit boll weevil abundance, Anthonomus grandis Boheman (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), below the action level was determined. An inaction level of 0.4 fire ants per shake bucket sample (i.e., four ants per 10 plant terminals) will provide boll weevil control approximately 90% of the time. A dynamic inaction level is also provided. Total mortality of boll weevil developmental stages including eggs through teneral adults averaged 97.9%. Of 100 boll weevil eggs deposited in cotton squares (flower buds), an average of two adults survive of which about half are female. Thus, the net replacement rate per generation ( R o is 1.0 which, in this case, indicates a stable boll weevil population.
Gas separation with porous anisotropic polymer films

The utility of anisotropic ultrafiltration membranes in gas separation has been examined. These membranes consist of a thin (0.2-2μ) barrier layer supported upon a more porous supporting substructure. Gases permeate these membranes by a Knudsen diffusion mechanism. Permeabilities from 0.1 to 0.4 cm sec−1 cm Hg−1 were obtained. These values are 104 to 105 higher than most conventional gas separation membranes. These membranes may be useful in several gas separation processes.
An overall radioassay for the first three reactions of de novo pyrimidine biosynthesis

Abstract A sensitive radioassay is described for the overall biosynthetic activity of the multienzymatic protein which catalyzes the first three reactions of de novo pyrimidine biosynthesis in mammals. The ability of the multienzymatic protein to synthesize dihydroorotate can be assayed using [ 14 C]HCO 3 − , l -[14C]aspartate, or [ 14 C ] carbamyl phosphate as substrate. The synthesis of the final product, l -dihydroorotate, may be coupled to synthesis of orotidine 5′-monophosphate to overcome the unfavorable equilibrium existing between l -dihydroorotate and its precursor, N-carbamyl- l -aspartate, in the physiological pH range (Christopherson, R. I., and Jones, M. E., 1979, J. Biol. Chem.254, 12506–12512). l -Aspartate and all pyrimidine intermediates from carbamyl phosphate to orotidine 5′-monophosphate can be clearly separated by ion-exchange chromatography in a single dimension on polyethyleneimine-cellulose chromatograms and carbamyl phosphate and its degradation product cyanate may be quantitated directly along with the other intermediates.
How xylitol-containing products affect cariogenic bacteria.

ABSTRACT Background The authors examined the effect of xylitol, a naturally occurring sweetener, on levels of Streptococcus mutans and S. sobrinus. They also investigated xylitol's mechanism of action. Methods The authors compared cariogenic bacteria levels before and after exposure to xylitol products in children and adults. In the first study, 187 children received xylitol-containing snacks in school for four weeks. In the second study, two adults received xylitol candy for four weeks. Unstimulated saliva samples were taken from all subjects. Gingival samples also were taken from the adults. The authors plated the samples on selective microbiological media. Individual isolates were plated on media with varying concentrations of xylitol, and were identified using specific DNA probes. Genetic relatedness was determined via pulse-field gel electrophoresis. Results The children's salivary S. mutans levels remained stable before and after xylitol exposure. Further analysis of the S. mutans isolates was conducted for seven children. Bacteria from five of these children grew with 10 percent or less xylitol at baseline, while the bacteria from all seven children grew with 15 percent xylitol after exposure to the xylitol-containing snacks, suggesting that the S. mutans increased in tolerance to xylitol during exposure. Six children had isolates with the same genotype at both time points. S. mutans and S. sobrinus levels were reduced in one of the adults as a result of xylitol exposure, and the bacterial isolates became more xylitol tolerant. In the second adult, S. mutans and S. sobrinus levels increased, while the subject maintained the same proportion of susceptible and tolerant strains as that at baseline. Conclusions Overall, consumption of xylitol-containing snacks and candy did not reduce S. mutans levels. However, bacteria from five children and one adult became more xylitol tolerant. Clinical Implications These results provide a basis on which xylitol-containing products can be recommended and xylitol's mechanism of action can be explained to patients.
Characteristics of landslides in western Colorado, USA

Mass movement can be activated by earthquakes, rapid snowmelt, or intense rainstorms in conjunction with gravity. Whereas mass movement plays a major role in the evolution of a hillslope by modifying slope morphology and transporting material from the slope to the valley, it is also a potential natural hazard. Determining the relationships of frequency and magnitude of landslides are fundamental to understanding the role of landslides in the study of landscape evolution, hazard assessment, and determination of the rate of hillslope denudation. We mapped 735 shallow and active landslides in the Paonia to McClure Pass area of western Colorado from aerial photographs and field surveys. The study area covers ∼815 km2. The frequency–magnitude relationships of the landslides illustrate the flux of debris by mass movement in the area. The comparison of the probability density of the landslides with the double Pareto curve, defined by power scaling for negative slope (α), power scaling for positive slope (β), and location of rollover (t), shows that α = 1.1, β = 1.9, and t = 1,600 m2 for areas of landslides and α = 1.15, β = 1.8, and t = 1,900 m3 for volumes of landslides. The total area of landslides is 4.8 × 106 m2 and the total volume of the landslides is 1.4 × 107 m3. The areas (A) and the volumes (V) of landslides are related by V = 0.0254 × A 1.45. The frequency–magnitude analysis shows that landslides with areas ranging in size from 1,600 to 20,000 m2 are the most hazardous landslides in the study area. These landslides are the most frequent and also do a significant amount of geomorphic work. We also developed a conceptual model of hillslope development to upland plateau driven by river incision, shallow landsliding, and deep-seated large landsliding. The gentle slope to flat upland plateau that dominated the Quaternary landscape of the study area was modified to the present steep and rugged topography by the combined action of fluvial incision and glacial processes in response to rock uplift, very-frequent shallow landsliding, and less-frequent deep-seated landsliding.
Per-beam, planar IMRT QA passing rates do not predict clinically relevant patient dose errors

Purpose: The purpose of this work is to determine the statistical correlation between per-beam, planar IMRT QA passing rates and several clinically relevant, anatomy-based dose errors for per-patient IMRT QA. The intent is to assess the predictive power of a common conventional IMRT QA performance metric, the Gamma passing rate per beam. Methods: Ninety-six unique data sets were created by inducing four types of dose errors in 24 clinical head and neck IMRT plans, each planned with 6 MV Varian 120-leaf MLClinear accelerators using a commercial treatment planning system and step-and-shoot delivery. The error-free beams/plans were used as “simulated measurements” (for generating the IMRT QA dose planes and the anatomydose metrics) to compare to the corresponding data calculated by the error-induced plans. The degree of the induced errors was tuned to mimic IMRT QA passing rates that are commonly achieved using conventional methods. Results: Analysis of clinical metrics (parotid mean doses, spinal cord max and D 1 cc , CTV D 95 , and larynx mean) vs IMRT QA Gamma analysis (3%/3 mm, 2/2, 1/1) showed that in all cases, there were only weak to moderate correlations (range of Pearson’s r -values: −0.295 to 0.653). Moreover, the moderate correlations actually had positive Pearson’s r -values (i.e., clinically relevant metric differences increased with increasing IMRT QA passing rate), indicating that some of the largest anatomy-based dose differences occurred in the cases of high IMRT QA passing rates, which may be called “false negatives.” The results also show numerous instances of false positives or cases where low IMRT QA passing rates do not imply large errors in anatomydose metrics. In none of the cases was there correlation consistent with high predictive power of planar IMRT passing rates, i.e., in none of the cases did high IMRT QA Gamma passing rates predict low errors in anatomydose metrics or vice versa. Conclusions: There is a lack of correlation between conventional IMRT QA performance metrics (Gamma passing rates) and dose errors in anatomic regions-of-interest. The most common acceptance criteria and published actions levels therefore have insufficient, or at least unproven, predictive power for per-patient IMRT QA.
Gender Effects on the Major Selection Process—A Five-Year Study: Implications for Marketing Business Programs of Small Private Colleges to Women

ABSTRACT The level of interest among women in choosing business as a program of study has contributed substantially to both the nationwide growth of business majors from 1970 to 1987 and the decline that followed. Should undergraduate business programs therefore adopt a gender-based marketing strategy in order to more effectively attract and retain students who demonstrate an interest in the study of business? This five-year study of undergraduates at a small western private college revealed similarities and differences between males and females in their expectations of a business program. These gender comparisons point to product development and promotional strategies business programs of small private colleges can employ for meeting female students' educational expectations.
Career strategies and salary progression: A study of their relationships in a municipal bureaucracy

Abstract Utilization of career strategies by 414 employees of a large municipality is investigated using the Career Strategies Inventory. The results of the study indicate greater use of career strategies by managers (versus nonmanagers) and nonplateaued (versus plateaued) employees. Additionally, the following career strategies were related to the rate of salary progression: (1) other enhancement, (2) creating opportunities, (3) extended involvement, and (4) opinion conformity. For managers only, networking and self-nomination were also associated with salary progression. There were few differences between the reported use of the career strategies by males-and females. However, males were more likely to use the strategy of “extended work involvement” and females were more likely to report use of “seeking guidance.”
The Morphology of YBa2Cu3O7−x Thin Films Grown on Ceramic Substrates

The microstructure of thin films of the high Tc superconductor YBa2Cu3O7−x deposited on SrTiO3 and Y-stabilized cubic-zirconia (YSZ) single-crystal substrates has been characterized by transmission electron microscopy. Films on both substrates were polycrystalline. On {001 }-oriented SrTiO3, the grains are oriented with normal to the substrate surface. On the same orientation of YSZ, two microstructures are observed: one in which grains have their c-axes normal to the substrate surface, the other in which grains have the a- (or b-) axis normal to the substrate surface. Both of these microstructures contain special grain boundaries. Annealing of ion-milled TEM specimens is presented as a means of removing ion-beam damage.
A registry of ankylosing spondylitis registries and prospects for global interfacing

Purpose of reviewTo review the optimal criteria and conditions for establishing a clinical registry, as well as detailing their application in a number of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) Registries already in existence.Recent findingsRecent genetic studies and studies
The self-synchronous theory of a dual-motor driven vibration mechanism without shimmy

The paper focuses on the self-synchronous motion and stabilizing conditions of a vibration mechanism driven by dual-motor, which can eliminate the shimmy. The differential equations of motion of the vibration mechanism are derived by applying Lagrange’s equation and the dimensionless coupled equations of the exciters with a modified average small parameter method are obtained. The condition of existence for zero solution of the dimensionless coupled equation is used to derive the condition for the self-synchronous motion of the vibration mechanism. The stability condition of self-synchronous motion is obtained according to the Routh–Hurwitz criterion. Afterward, the numerical simulations are carried out to verify the results of the theoretical analysis. The results are concluded that increasing the mass ratio of the two exciters and decreasing the frequency ratio along the vertical direction, the angle of the resonant excitation and the mass ratio of the inner rigid body against the vibration system are all able to enhance the ability of self-synchronization of the vibration mechanism. The simulation results are finally validated by experiments.
CHILDREN'S COMPETENCE AND THE ECOLOGY OF COMMUNITIES: A FUNCTIONAL APPROACH TO THE EVALUATION OF PARTICIPATION

Initiatives to involve children and adolescents in assessing, planning and managing their local environments are increasing around the world. How these initiatives are to be evaluated, however, has only begun to be discussed. A particular theoretical challenge to be faced is formulating an approach that has broad cross-cultural applicability while also remaining sensitive to the considerable sociocultural differences that exist. The development of competence, that is, the capacity to exercise control over valued spheres of life, is identified as a quality that characterizes psychological well-being universally, even as its specific expression is formed variously in different contexts. Drawing on concepts from ecological psychology, we consider qualities of environments that are likely to support the development of competence and discuss how these concepts can inform efforts to evaluate children's participation in communities.
Simulation of Fracture Nucleation in Cross-Linked Polymer Networks

A novel atomistic simulation method is developed whereby polymer systems can undergo strain-rate-controlled deformation while bond scission is enabled. The aim is to provide insight into the nanoscale origins of fracture. Various highly cross-linked epoxy systems including various resin chain lengths and levels of nonreactive dilution were examined. Consistent with the results of physical experiments, cured resin strength increased and ductility decreased with increasing cross-link density. An analysis of dihedral angle activity shows the locations in the molecular network that are most absorptive of mechanical energy. Bond scission occurred principally at cross-link sites as well as between phenyl rings in the bisphenol moiety. Scissions typically occurred well after yield and were accompanied by steady increases in void size and dihedral angle motion between bisphenol moieties and at cross-link sites. The methods developed here could be more broadly applied to explore and compare the atomistic nature of deformation for various polymers such that mechanical and fracture properties could be tuned in a rational way. This method and its results could become part of a solution system that spans multiple length and time scales and that could more completely represent such mechanical events as fracture.
Belief in the Paranormal Declines: 1977—1987:

Questionnaire data pertaining to belief in the supernatural collected in 1987 (N = 918) were compared to similar data collected in 1977 (N = 696), using the same questionnaire. Analysis showed over...
Managers' mental categorizations of competitors

The existence of mental categorizations and mental models has been documented in the literature. However, categorizations and models have not been explored in the context of competitor definitions from a manager's point of view. This article explores the potential for managers to define their competitive environment in relation to their experiences, rather than define the competitive environment through arbitrary industry or product distinctions. Several propositions are put forth in an attempt to encourage further research. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Imaging the ionosphere with the global positioning system

Observing the Global Positioning System with a satellite in low earth orbit in an occulting geometry provides a powerful means of imaging the ionosphere. Tomographic imaging of the ionosphere from space and ground is examined using singular value decomposition analysis. The resolution and covariance matrices are examined, and simulations are performed that indicate that space data are significantly more effective than ground data in resolving both horizontal and vertical structures, such as the E layer, can be probed with occultation data.©1994 John Wiley & Sons Inc
Concentration and determination of organic acids in complex aqueous samples

Abstract The conventional “acid fraction” on aqueous samples obtained by solvent extraction fails to isolate many types of organic acids and acid anions. A new anion-exchange concentration method, coupled with subsequent formation of the methyl esters of acids and gas chromatographic (GC) analysis, is used to determine the acids in several actual water samples. Chromatograms are given and results discussed for analysis of river water samples, water from a large anaerobic digestor facility and shale oil water. In some cases, acidic solutes have been identified by GC—mass spectrometry after concentration by the anion-exchange method. Neutral organic compounds can be successfully determined in the water after removal of the acidic components by anion exchange.
Noncollapsing Space-Filling Designs for Bounded Nonrectangular Regions

Many researchers use computer simulators as experimental tools, especially when physical experiments are infeasible. When computer codes are computationally intensive, nonparametric predictors can be fitted to training data for detailed exploration of the input–output relationship. The accuracy of such flexible predictors is enhanced by taking training inputs to be “space-filling.” If there are inputs that have little or no effect on the response, it is desirable that the design be “noncollapsing” in the sense of having space-filling lower dimensional projections. This article describes an algorithm for constructing noncollapsing space-filling designs for bounded input regions that are of possibly high dimension. Online supplementary materials provide the code for the algorithm, examples of its use, and show its performance in multiple settings.
Graphene RF transistors with buried bottom gate

To improve process induced mobility degradation of graphene, radio frequency (RF) transistors with buried bottom gates have been fabricated and characterized. In this process, graphene is transferred to the top of finished gates and source/drains as almost the very last step of the entire fabrication process. A unit graphene transistor shows the on-current of 130 μA/μm the Ion/Ioff ratio of 5.31, and the maximum transconductance of 6.85μS/μm at VD= 0.1 V. The graphene RF transistor with a channel length of 600 nm shows a maximum oscillation frequency (fmax) of 13 GHz and a cut-off frequency (fT) of 2 GHz after de-embedding. The higher fmax than fT is due to less source-drain resistance (RDS) made by a fully-covered channel region by the buried gate. Because of the higher fmax the proposed device structure can be a promising candidate for graphene RF transistors and RF amplifiers.
A cognitive model for understanding graphical perception

This article describes a computer program, UCIE (Understanding Cognitive Information Engineering) that simulates graphical perception. UCIE predicts response time to answer a question posed to a graphic display from assumptions about the sequence of eye fixations, short-term memory capacity and duration limits, and the degree of difficulty to acquire information in each glance. An empirical study compared actual performance to UCIE predictions over a range of display types and question types. The results yielded some support for the cognitive model. A zero-parameter model explains 37% of the variance in average reaction times (N = 1,128). However, the zero-parameter model only explains about 10% of the individual variation in reaction times across 28 subjects (N = 15,200). Although this is an important start to understand how we interpret visual displays for meaning, additional research is needed to explain individual differences in performance.
The dimensional analysis of multidimensional stimuli by children

It was proposed that the accessibility of the dimensional structure of multidimensional stimuli can be assessed by observing the response latencies of children asked to name the dimensional values of multidimensional stimuli. One implication of this proposition is that response times (RTs) to partitioned stimuli, for which the dimensional values are spatially separated, should be faster than RTs to unitary stimuli. Another implication is that the difference between the RTs to unitary and partitioned stimuli should decrease with chronological age. Kindergarten, first-grade, and second-grade children were asked to name the dimensional values of partitioned and unitary multidimensional stimuli, and their RTs were recorded. It was found that the RTs to the partitioned stimuli were significantly faster than those to the unitary stimuli and that the difference in RTs was smaller for the second-grade children than for the younger children. It was concluded that the RT technique provides a valid index of the accessibility of the dimensional information.