cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Research Note: The Effect of Feeding Lovastatin and Colestipol on Production and Cholesterol Content of Eggs

Abstract The purpose of the present study was to determine whether feeding lovastatin or colestipol, or both, to laying hens would decrease the concentration of cholesterol in eggs. Forty-eight White Leghorn hens (69 wk of age) were allocated randomly to one of four groups. For 5 wk, the birds were fed: 1) a control diet; 2) diets supplemented with 35 mg of lovastatin per kg of feed; 3) 11.7 g of colestipol per kg of feed; or 4) both 35 mg of lovastatin and 11.7 g of colestipol per kg of feed. Drug feeding did not affect egg production or the concentration of cholesterol in the yolk, muscle, or liver. Lovastatin residue was found in liver samples from hens receiving lovastatin, but no lovastatin residue was found in the muscle, egg-white, or egg-yolk samples from hens on any treatment. These findings suggest that lovastatin or colestipol, or both, fed at relatively low amounts do not decrease the concentration of cholesterol in egg yolk and do not depress egg production.
The impact of desegregation on black teachers in the metropolis, 1970-2000.

Abstract One-third of public school students are racial and/or ethnic minorities. Yet only 14 per cent of teachers represent these groups. Frequently lost in broader debates concerning this disparity is the paradoxical contribution of the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education decision. Schools were mandated under Brown to desegregate the student body. But the law did not necessarily protect the jobs of black teachers and administrators. Using a unique database of court orders, we examine the impact of mandated desegregation on black teachers. Findings indicate regional differences. Mandated desegregation created conditions that resulted in decreases in the black teaching force in the South. The opposite occurred in the non-south, with mandated desegregation positively associated with increases (although small) in the black teaching force. Our findings suggest that the legacy of mandated desegregation may have created broader institutional conditions in which black and other minority teachers remain underrepres...
Pediatric Robotic-Assisted Surgery: Too Early an Assessment?

Be not the first by whom the new are tried, Nor yet the last to lay the old aside . Alexander Pope New technologies have defined the pace of medical progress in recent years and continue to challenge our ability to assess their safety, efficacy, and value, particularly for children.1 Robotically assisted surgery has rapidly taken hold in several areas of adult surgical practice and is beginning to emerge in pediatric surgery. In their report, vanHaasteren et al2 attempt to assess the current utility and role of pediatric robotic surgery. The authors' conclusions are that this technology seems to be safe and effective but that there is no substantive evidence that this technology is superior to open or conventional laparoscopic surgery. The authors also indicate that the current robotic system is not cost-effective in most applications. Should we abandon this technology for pediatric surgical applications? I suspect that would be premature and likely to prevent some children from receiving the benefits of what may prove to be a positive new paradigm in surgery. One important element to consider in evaluating both this report and robotic surgical technology is in the title: “early assessment.” It can be difficult to know when in the development of a new medical technology it is appropriate to assess this technology. Similar to children, new technologies do not spring forth in mature form but, rather, … Address correspondence to Craig A. Peters, MD, FACS, FAAP, University of Virginia Children's Hospital, Division of Pediatric Urology, Charlottesville, VA 22908. E-mail: cap9b{at}virginia.edu
The Relation of the Structure of Progestational Steroids to Nucleolar Differentiation in Human Endometrium

A unique nucleolar structure variously termed a nucleolar basket, a nucleolar canalicular system or a nucleolar channel system may be observed with the electron microscope in human endometrial epithelial cells during the post-ovulatory period of the cycle. This organelle develops later than the giant mitochondria and the accumulation of glycogen. Progesterone, estradiol, testosterone and progestational steroids with different chemical groupings have been screened for their ability to induce nucleolar basket formation by the use of organ culture of proliferative human endometrium. Progesterone, chlormadinone, medroxypregesterone acetate and 19-norprogesterone and 19-norchlormadinone were found to induce nucleolar differentiation. Giant mitochondria and glycogen accumulation were also observed. Es-tradiol and testosterone induced none of these changes. The group of “19-nortestosterone pro-gestational steroids,” norethindrone, norethynodrel, dimethisterone, norgestrel and ethynodiol diacetate failed to induc...
Unencumbered gestural interaction

Unencumbered hand gesture interfaces encompass both 3D interaction and 2D pointing. A model developed to study 3D interaction requires determining gestural strokes and hand motion dynamics and recognizing hand poses. Extended variable valued logic and a rule based induction algorithm contribute to inductive learning of hand gesture poses, yielding a recognition rate of 94 percent. FingerMouse, a freehand pointing system, detects pointing hand poses and tracks moving fingertips in close to real time.
TIME-VARYING RECONSTRUCTION OF THE IONOSPHERE. 2. DATA SOURCE ANALYSIS

A time-varying computed ionospheric tomography (TVCIT) algorithm for reconstructing moving images of the ionosphere is proposed. Since the TVCIT algorithm provides more information in the reconstructions than is provided in reconstructions using conventional static computed ionospheric tomography, the TVCIT algorithm requires information from additional data sources for accurate reconstruction. There are several data sources that may be available for TVCIT reconstruction, including ionosonde data and total electron content data from additional satellites. This article evaluates the efficacy of various combinations of data sources for TVCIT reconstruction. In addition, a quantitative measure is used to compare the amount of information derived from several different combinations of data sources and to evaluate the effect of varying the number of ground stations. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Imaging Syst Technol 9: 491–499, 1998
CXCL12 Chemokine Expression and Secretion Regulates Colorectal Carcinoma Cell Anoikis through Bim-Mediated Intrinsic Apoptosis

Background Resistance to anoikis, apoptosis triggered by a loss of cellular adhesion to the underlying extracellular matrix, is a hallmark of metastatic cancer. Previously we have shown re-establishment of CXCL12 expression in colorectal carcinoma cells inhibits metastasis by enhancing anoikis sensitivity. The objective of these studies was to define the signaling mechanisms regulating CXCL12-mediated anoikis. Methodology/Principal Findings Adhesion, examined by crystal violet staining, immunofluorescence microscopy, and immunoblot analysis indicated decreased focal adhesion signaling corresponding with loss of adhesion in cells constitutively simulated by CXCL12. Loss of adhesion was inhibited by pertussis toxin treatment, indicating CXCL12 regulating anoikis through Gαi-protein coupled receptors. Non-adherent HCT116 and HT29 colorectal carcinoma cells expressing CXCL12 exhibited enhanced anoikis sensitivity by propidium iodide staining, caspase activity assays, and immunoblot compared to GFP control cells. CXCL12 producing carcinomas cultured on poly-HEMA displayed heightened Bim and loss of Mcl-1 and Bcl-2 preceding cytochrome c release, and caspase-9 activation. RNAi knockdown of Bim reversed anoikis sensitivity of CXCL12-expressing cells and fostered increased soft-agar foci formation and hepatic tumors in an orthotopic mouse model of metastasis. Conclusions/Significance These data indicate CXCL12 provides a barrier to metastasis by increasing anoikis via activation of a Bim-mediated intrinsic apoptotic pathway. These results underscore the importance of retaining CXCL12 expression to sensitize colorectal carcinomas to anoikis and minimize tumor progression.
Zonotopes as bounding volumes

Zonotopes are centrally symmetric polytopes with a very special structure: they are Minkowski sums of line segments. In this paper we propose to use zonotopes as bounding volumes for geometry in collision detection and other applications where the spatial relationship between two pieces of geometry is important. We show how to construct optimal, or approximately optimal zonotopes enclosing given set of points or other geometry. We also show how zonotopes can be used for efficient collision testing, based on their representation via their defining line segments --- without ever building their explicit description as polytopes. This implicit representation adds flexibility, power, and economy to the use of zonotopes as bounding volumes.
Surface And Interior Crack-Tip Field Measurement By An Embedded Random Speckle Method

An embedded random speckle technique is used to measure the displacement in the near-crack-tip fields in four-point-bending beams made of transparent materials. Stress intensity factors or strains in the different planes are generated from the displacement measurements. The results are compared with the existing theoretical and numerical solutions.
Performance of MBE/DBE/WBE Construction Firms in Transportation Projects

The goal of this research is to conduct a comparative investigation of the performance of minority/disadvantaged/women business enterprise (MBE/DBE/WBE) versus non-MBE/DBE/WBE companies in transportation projects. A performance assessment model was developed in a survey format following review of contemporary performance measurement tools. The survey was administered to prequalified MBE/DBE/WBE and non-MBE/DBE/WBE companies in transportation projects nationwide. The names and addresses of these companies were obtained from U.S. DOT websites. Comparisons between the two groups were made using the Mann-Whitney test. When the test was administered to the entire group regardless of firm size and age, non-MBE/DBE/WBE companies outperformed MBE/DBE/WBE companies. However, MBE/DBE/WBE companies were smaller and had been in business for fewer years than non-MBE/DBE/WBE companies. When MBE/DBE/WBE and non-MBE/DBE/WBE companies of similar size and age were compared, the study revealed that there are no significant differences in performance.
Dissecting the role of initial collision geometry for jet quenching observables in relativistic heavy ion collisions

The observation of large azimuthal anisotropy or ${v}_{2}$ for hadrons above ${p}_{T}g5$ GeV/$c$ in $\mathrm{Au}+\mathrm{Au}$ collisions at $\sqrt{{s}_{\mathit{nn}}}=200$ GeV has been a longstanding challenge for jet quenching models based on perturbative QCD (pQCD). Using a simple jet absorption model, we seek to clarify the situation by exploring in detail how the calculated ${v}_{2}$ varies with choices of the collision geometry, as well as choices of the path-length dependence and thermalization time ${\ensuremath{\tau}}_{0}$ in the energy-loss formula. Besides the change of eccentricity owing to distortion from gluon saturation or event-by-event fluctuation, we find that the ${v}_{2}$ is also sensitive to the centrality dependence of multiplicity and the relative size between the matter profile and the jet profile. We find that the ${v}_{2}$ calculated for the naive quadratic path-length dependence of energy loss, even including eccentricity fluctuation and the gluon saturation, is not enough to describe the experimental data at high ${p}_{T}$ ($~$$6$ GeV/$c$) in $\mathrm{Au}+\mathrm{Au}$ collisions. However, it can match the full centrality dependence of ${v}_{2}$ data if higher-power path-length dependence of energy loss is allowed. We also find that the calculated ${v}_{2}$ is sensitive to the assumption of the early time dynamics but generally increases with ${\ensuremath{\tau}}_{0}$, opposite to what one expects for elliptic flow. This study attests to the importance of confining the initial geometry, possibly by combining jet quenching ${v}_{2}$ with elliptic flow and other jet quenching observables, for proper interpretation of the experimental data.
New correlation method for measuring texture noise in x-ray screens

A new method to measure the texture (structure) noise produced by x-ray screens has been developed. Different films are exposed with the same screen and are scanned in registration. The numerical correlation of the two sets of pixel data then contains only the texture noise component. This is a powerful technique allowing texture noise to be measured quantitatively in the presence of the quantum noise and film grain noise background. Our results support the generally accepted belief that texture noise is small compared with quantum and film grain noise. There are advantages to visualizing texture noise behavior in Cartesian space (as correlation functions) as well as in frequency space (as noise power spectra). Some examples of structure noise correlations and the corresponding spectra are presented.
A stereospecific total synthesis of aklavinone

Abstract A stereospecific synthesis of aklavinone (2) in 16 steps from 5-methoxy- 1-tetralone with an overall yield of 6.5% is described. Regiospecific control in forming the BCD-ring chromophore was accomplished by coupling of a preformed bicyclic AB-ring aldehyde (29) with a nucleophilic D-ring carboxamide (3), with stepwise bond formation as illustrated in equation 2. The coupled product was subsequently transformed into (±)-aklavinone. An enantioselective synthesis of aklavinone was achieved in 53%. e.e. using the procedure of Sharpless for the asymmetric epoxidation of allylic alcohol 2413
Canine X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency.

Our laboratory has identified and characterized an X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency (XSCID) in dogs that is due to mutations in the common gamma (γc) subunit of the interleukin-2 (IL2), IL4, IL7, IL9, and IL 15 receptors. Canine XSCID, unlike genetically engineered γc-deficient mice, has a clinical and immunologic phenotype virtually identical to human XSCID. It appears that speciesspecific differences exist in the role of the γc and its associated cytokines in mice compared to their role in humans and dogs, suggesting γc-deficient dogs may be a more relevant model for studing the role of the γc in humans. We are utilizing this model for a variety of studies to address: 1. Fundamental questions concerning the role of the γc in cytokine regulation and lymphocyte development. 2. The pathogenesis of XSCID. 3. Strategies for improving bone marrow transplantation outcome. 4. Development and evaluation of strateies for gene therapy. 5. Human hematopoietic stem cell development.
Alterations in Fluid, Electrolyte and Energy Balance in Rats with Median Eminence Lesions

Metabolic balance studies were made on rats with permanent diabetes insipidus produced by placing electrolytic lesions in the median eminence of the tuber cinereum. Daily water, food, Na and K intakes, urine volume and osmolality, and Na and K excretion were measured for periods up to 6 months. Following lesion, the rats showed the characteristic signs of diabetes insipidus, i.e., polyuria and polydipsia. Among the additional observations made in this study, 3 were most striking. 1) Food intake increased significantly above the control value. This increased food consumption was due in part to the marked increase in water exchange. 2) Although these rats continuously excreted hypotonic urine, when challenged by water deprivation, they were able to concentrate their urine to nearly control levels. 3) These animals altered water intake and urine volume, but not urine osmolality, when deprived of food or fed sucrose. This is in contrast to control rats, which showed marked reductions in urine osmolality and n...
Two-dimensional correlation analysis

Abstract This tutorial reviews the recent computational advances in two-dimensional (2D) correlation spectroscopy, presents the theory, and provides examples applying 2D correlation analysis. Two-dimensional correlation analysis is a method for visualizing the relationships among the variables in multivariate data and their temporal behavior by applying the complex cross-correlation function. This function measures correlations that occur at the same rate or frequency with respect to the data acquisition time. The complex cross-correlation function yields real and imaginary components that contain information about the phase behavior of the variables. The real component provides information about mutually dependent in-phase variations. Variations that occur out-of-phase (with time lags or leads) are given by the imaginary component. Two-dimensional correlation analysis is a general analysis method that can be used for the treatment of data from a variety of applications including image, distribution, environmental, and kinetic analysis.
The Use of the SMAS to Close Mohs Defects Invading the Parotid Gland

background Plastic surgery literature reports the use of the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) in reconstruction after parotidectomies to prevent the complications of Frey's Syndrome and fistula formation. However, there is scant information in the dermatologic literature regarding the use of the SMAS when closing Mohs defects overlying the parotid gland. objective Our purpose is to introduce to the dermatologic surgery literature the need for plication of the SMAS prior to closure of the overlying tissues when repairing surgical defects which invade the integrity of the parotid gland. methods We describe a patient with a large basal cell carcinoma located in the right preauricular region. Using text and photographs, we detail our closure of this large defect which invaded the parotid gland. results Closure of the SMAS over the parotid gland before suturing the overlying tissues provided our patient with an excellent functional and cosmetic result, without the formation of a fistula, sialocele, or Frey's Syndrome. conclusion We propose that the essential first step in the ideal closure of surgical wounds which penetrate the parotid gland involves the isolation and plication of the SMAS. This will create a barrier to the accumulation of parotid secretions which, in turn, may lead to the development of a sialocele and fistula formation. Such a barrier will also prevent the formation of Frey's Syndrome. Furthermore, plication of the SMAS serves to improve cosmesis by contributing soft tissue bulk to the wound and avoiding a concave deformity.
Effect of myogenic stem cells on contractile properties of the repaired and unrepaired transected external anal sphincter in an animal model.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the effect of myogenic stem cells on contractile function of the external anal sphincter after transection with or without repair in an animal model. METHODS: One hundred twenty virginal female rats were randomly assinged to repair (n=60) or no repair (n= 60 ) after anal sphincter transection. Animals were further divided into two groups: 40-microliter injection at the transection site with either phosphate-buffered solution (control) or myogenic stem cells (3.2×10 6 cells). Animals were killed at 7, 21, or 90 days, and the anal sphincter complex dissected and analyzed for contractile function. RESULTS: Contractile function of the external anal sphincter was severely impaired 7 days after sphincter transection with or without repair. Twitch tension, maximal tetanic contraction, and maximal contractile force in response to electrical field stimulation improved significantly with time after sphincter repair. Injection of myogenic stem cells in the anal sphincter at the time of repair resulted in superior contractile function at both 7 days and 90 days compared with controls. Interestingly, contractile function of the nonrepaired external anal sphincter did not improve with time with or without myogenic stem cells. Indicators of denervation (fatigue and twitch or tetany ratios) did not change among groups. CONCLUSION: In this animal model, injection of myogenic stem cells at the time of external anal sphincter repair resulted in enhanced contractile function at 90 days compared with repair alone. Without repair, function of the external anal sphincter was not improved by stem cell therapy at any time point. These results suggest that addition of myogenic stem cells improves both acute and long-term function of the external anal sphincter after mechanical injury.
Thin Slice Ratings of Client Characteristics in Intake Assessments: Predicting Symptom Change and Dropout in Cognitive Therapy for Depression

Thin slice ratings of personality have been shown to predict a number of outcomes, but have yet to be examined in the context of psychotherapy. In a sample of 66 clients participating in cognitive therapy for depression, we examined the predictive utility of thin slice rated pre-treatment client traits. On the basis of short video clip excerpts (i.e., thin slices) of intake assessments, trained observers rated clients on personality characteristics and specific personality disorder (PD) traits. Clients' therapy interest and neuroticism predicted lower odds of dropout. Ratings of extraversion predicted greater symptom change across treatment; ratings of clients' Avoidant and Schizoid PD traits predicted less marked symptom improvement. Ratings of agreeableness and likeability also predicted greater symptom change, but these relations were only significant in one of two analytic approaches used. Evidence for the predictive validity of thin slice ratings was generally stronger than that observed for self-reported PD traits and PD status. Moreover, these self-report and diagnostic assessments failed to account for the thin slice-outcome relations identified. Findings support the clinical utility of quick, thin slice impressions of clients, as these ratings could be used to identify clients with a high risk of dropout or poor treatment outcome.
A quantitative study of the peripheral nerve supply in the tadpole tail

The anuran tadpole tail is capable of regenerating in the absence of the spinal cord. This is in contrast to urodeles and lizards that require the spinal cord for normal tail regeneration. Quantitation of peripheral nerves in the Rana clamitans tadpole tail reveals an average of 6.9 nerve fibers per unit area of soft tissue. This value falls short of the threshold nerve requirement established for regeneration of the Triturus limb. However, when nerve fiber size is taken into consideration, we find that the axoplasm area per unit area of soft tissue exceeds the threshold requirement for limb regeneration in Triturus. When judged against this standard, regeneration of the tadpole tail in the absence of the spinal cord can be explained on the basis of a sufficient neurotrophic contribution made by the peripheral nerves alone.
The Simscape Language and Powertrain Applications

ABSTRACT Simscape is a physical modeling language developed by Mathworks Inc. The language uses equation statements instead of assignment statements to describe physical systems. The paper focuses on the Simscape language itself instead of using components in the Simscape libraries. The language will be introduced from a perspective different from the Mathworks’ Physical Network point of view. Our perspective focuses on two types of variables at the connectors. In additional, internal variables are not separated into through and across variables. The alternative perspective is more general and easier to understand. The paper also illustrates how to develop components in a powertrain library following the proposed new perspective. INTRODUCTION Physical object-oriented modeling approach greatly facilitates model development for complex multi-domain physical systems. In this approach, models for different components are developed independently and placed into libraries. A user can select components from the libraries and connect them together just like building a physical system. Connections between component models represent actual physical connections. The model layout mimics the physical system. Therefore, the model is much easier to understand, use, and maintain. The Simscape product family from Mathworks Inc. adds the physical modeling capability to Simulink. The basic package includes a foundation library and the Simscape modeling language. The foundation library contains basic components for mechanical, electrical and hydraulic systems, etc. There are also other specialized add-on libraries. The Simscape language [1] is a modeling language used to develop custom components. The Simscape language, like most physical modeling languages [2], uses equation statements instead of assignment statements. In equation statements, input and output variables are not explicitly specified, i.e., they are non-causal. The two sides of an equation statement are equal in a mathematical sense. The equations can be either differential or algebraic. A solver sorts and solves all equations through symbolic formula manipulation. This paper will focuses on the Simscape modeling language itself instead of on developing simulation models from existing libraries. The Simscape language will be introduced from a perspective different from the Mathworks’ Physical Network point of view. The physical Network approach centers on energy flows, which is not considered in our perspective. Our perspective only focuses on two types of variables at the connectors. Internal variables are not separated into through and across variables. We think this perspective is more general and easier to understand. The paper will first discuss the basics of the Simscape language from the new perspective. We will next introduce the powertrain library that was developed with the new perspective to validate the new perspective. The paper includes component models for two-flange rotational inertia, planetary gear set, and clutch. A complete transmission model and simulation results are also included.
The Year in Epidemiology, Health Services Research, and Outcomes Research

Epidemiology, health services research, and outcomes research have commanded a growing presence in the medical literature and have had an increasing impact on practice and policy. Summarizing the important contributions in this literature requires a review of a broad spectrum of sources and
Expectations of Parents' Behaviors Preceding Initiation of Contact Comfort with Children: An Extension:

Responses to incomplete paragraphs indicated college students (192 males, 192 females) expected parents' exhibition of certain “positive” and “neutral” interpersonal behaviors, e.g., smiling, looki...
Coexistent xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis and renal cell carcinoma

A patient who presented with coexistent xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis and renal cell carcinoma is reported. Nine previously reported cases are reviewed and the possible significance of this association is discussed.
Monitoring the spatiotemporal dynamics of proteins at replication forks and in assembled chromatin using isolation of proteins on nascent DNA

Understanding the processes of DNA replication, chromatin assembly and maturation, and the replication stress response requires the ability to monitor protein dynamics at active and damaged replication forks. Detecting protein accumulation at replication forks or damaged sites has primarily relied on immunofluorescence imaging, which is limited in resolution and antibody sensitivity. Here we describe a procedure to isolate proteins on nascent DNA (iPOND) that permits a high-resolution spatiotemporal analysis of proteins at replication forks or on chromatin following DNA replication in cultured cells. iPOND relies on labeling of nascent DNA with the nucleoside analog 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU). Biotin conjugation to EdU-labeled DNA using click chemistry facilitates a single-step streptavidin purification of proteins bound to the nascent DNA. iPOND permits an interrogation of any cellular process linked to DNA synthesis using a 3- to 4-d protocol.
Natural variation in fruit abscission-related traits in apple (Malus)

Abscission or retention of ripening fruit is a major component of seed dispersal strategies and also has important implications for horticultural production. Abscission-related traits have generally not been targeted in breeding efforts, and their genetic bases remain mostly unknown. We evaluated 144 Malus accessions representing wild species, domestic cultivars, and hybrids for abscission-related traits. We found that seasonal timing of fruit abscission in wild species and hybrids showed a broad distribution similar to that seen for domestic cultivars, and that internal ethylene concentration at the time of abscission varied by over three orders of magnitude. Wild species, domestic cultivars, and hybrids all included representatives that showed abscission of fruit prior to substantial production of ethylene, as well as accessions that retained fruit for a significant period of time following ethylene production. For all accessions that retained fruit, fruit removal resulted in abscission of the pedicel, and exogenous ethylene promoted abscission, suggesting that the abscission zone was functional. Our results suggest important roles for mechanisms independent of fruit ethylene production in abscission.
Unidentified Molecular Bands in the Plasma Tail of Comet Hyakutake (C/1996 B2)

Unidentified molecular emission bands first observed in optical spectra of the plasma tail of comet Halley (1P/1982 U1) have been discovered in pure ion tail spectra (Δλ~4700-6300 A, λ/Δλ~1000-4400) of comet Hyakutake (C/1996 B2) and three other recent comets (Nakamura-Nishimura-Machholz P/1994 N1, Austin C/1989 X1, and Brorsen-Metcalf 32P/1989 N1), but not in comet Hale-Bopp (C/1995 O1). The strengths of the bands near 4940, 5310, and 6000 A are correlated among the comets observed, indicative that the unidentified bands arise from a single molecular species. The bands have an asymmetric spatial distribution that extends in the antisolar direction, resembling molecular ions observed in comet plasma tails. Thus, the source of the unidentified bands is probably a single species of molecular ions. Of known laboratory molecular ion spectra, none can be attributed to the unidentified cometary emission bands. The absence of the unidentified ions in the tail of Hale-Bopp may be explained by a parent species of the unidentified ions that mimics the coma dynamics and photochemistry of H2O more closely than CO. This is inferred from the large tail CO+/H2O+ ratio observed in Hale-Bopp, which arises from the comet's large production rate that extends the ionopause and coma collision zone. Our observations provide evidence that the source region for the ions in plasma tails of comets lies external to the magnetic field-free ionopause.
Boeck’s Sarcoid

A summary of the literature on Boeck's Sarcoid is presented. No definite conclusions can be drawn regarding the etiology or bacteriology. The pathology closely resembles that of tuberculosis. Clinically this disease is manifested by involvement of almost any part of the body. The usual involvement is in the glands, lungs, skin and bones. This disease is not incompatible with longevity. A case of Boeck's Sarcoid is presented in which there is probably kidney involvement. This patient is alive and able to carry on moderate work two years after diagnosis, and three years following the original symptoms.
Reducing disparities downstream: prospects and challenges.

Addressing upstream or fundamental causes (such as poverty, limited education, and compromised healthcare access) is essential to reduce healthcare disparities. But such approaches are not sufficient, and downstream interventions, addressing the consequences of those fundamental causes within the context of any existing health system, are also necessary. We present a definition of healthcare disparities and two key principles (that healthcare is a social good and disparities in outcomes are a quality problem) that together provide a framework for addressing disparities downstream. Adapting the chronic care model, we examine a hierarchy of three domains for interventions (health system, provider–patient interactions, and clinical decision making) to reduce disparities downstream and discuss challenges to implementing the necessary changes.
Spin-down of rapidly rotating, convective stars.

A model is constructed for the spin-down of rapidly rotating, convective stars. It is assumed that rotation and convection cause a star to rotate differentially, that differential rotation and convection generate a magnetic dynamo, that a magnetic dynamo gives rise to mass loss and a magnetically controlled stellar wind, and that such a wind results in angular momentum loss and hence stellar spin-down. Using the model, it is shown that a protostar accreting from a circumstellar disc reaches an equilibrium rotation period significantly below break-up
Creep/recovery behavior of open‐cell foams

Static measurements have been used to predict the dynamic response of ldquo;unboundedrdquo; open-cell noninked (dry) and inked foam materials. Creep, ec(t), and recovery, er(t), were determined in compression from static and dynamic modes. Force measurements, f(t), and strain decay, e(t), were used to determine the change in creep, δec(t). The change in creep represents the plastic strain, ep1(t=th), and is uniquely defined by the recovery function, er(t=th), where th is the hold time. Creep and recovery results of various classes of foam materials and nonfoam materials were found to fit a master curve of the form Fr(t) =exp[–k′r(th)t] = [er(t) - e00( th)]/[e0 (t = 0) - e00(th)] at a reduced time of k′r(th) t [k′r(th)] C0/(th)a (where Co depends on the material's “dry” or “wet” state), a is a function of the type of material, and em is the permanent set]. These empirical results are applicable to printing ink transfer and print quality. Other important factors of concern are diffusion processes within the polymer matrix and the nature of the polymer (e. g., chemical constitution, porosity, molecular weight, and solubility). © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Laser alloyed Al-W coatings on aluminum for enhanced corrosion resistance

Abstract A tungsten precursor deposit was spray coated on aluminum 1100 substrate and was subsequently surface alloyed using a continuous wave diode-pumped ytterbium laser at varying laser energy densities. For the laser energy input of 21–32 J/mm2 the melt depth ranged between 135 and 150 μm. Scanning electron microscopy observations indicated the formation of uniform and continuously dense laser alloyed coatings with sound interface between the modified surface and substrate along with an equi-axed grain structure with second phase precipitates in the intergranular region. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed that laser processing has resulted in the formation of Al4W, as the major phase with retention of W in Al within the alloyed region. The corrosion resistance of laser alloyed coatings was evaluated in near natural chloride solution using ac and dc electrochemical techniques. After laser processing potential–time measurements has indicated the relatively stable and high potential values over the longer exposure times. Cyclic polarization results showed the reduction in the corrosion current density by a factor of 8, compared to untreated Al 1100. Besides, the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy confirmed the increase in the total resistance (47–70 kΩ cm2) with the increase in the laser energy density.
Inflammasome-Microbiota Interplay in Host Physiologies

Host defense responses against microbes are most often thought of in terms of effectors of microbial destruction. However, recent evidence demonstrates that the more complex interactions between the microbiota and innate immune mechanisms, such as the inflammasome-mediated response, cannot be readily explained within just the traditional paradigms of microbial killing mechanisms. In this review, the concepts of both resistance and tolerance are applied to inflammasome-microbiota interactions, and the various physiological consequences of this interplay, including roles in inflammation, tissue repair, tumorigenesis, and metabolism, are discussed.
Calculation of multicomponent mass tranfer at high tranfer rates

Abstract Several different methods of accelerating the rate of convergence of an exact solution of the Maxwell—Stefan equations (which describe multicomponent mass transfer) for a steady-state film model are evaluated. It is found that the best initial estimate of the fluxes is provided by an explicit approximate solution due to Taylor and Smith and a new and highly effective algorithm based on this method is outlined. The other methods tested, in order of decreasing efficiency, are: 1. (i) initial setting of the rate factor matrix to zero and average successive estimations of the molar fluxes; 2. (ii) initial computation of the fluxes from an explicit approximate solution due to Krishna; 3. (iii) estimation of the matrix of rate factors from an approximate formula given by Krishna.
Electrical and chemical stimulation of frontotemporal portion of limbic system in the waking animal.

This paper represents the first of a series of studies on the behavioral responses of the unanesthetized animal to electrical and chemical stimulation of the limbic system. The results reported here pertain to the frontotemporal portion of this system (olfactory tubercle and associated striatum, pyriform cortex, amygdaloid complex, and rostral hippocampus). Experiments were carried out on 16 cats and 4 squirrel monkeys. From widespread and interspersed points in the frontotemporal region one obtains “eating” automatisms; vocal and postural components of such states as attack, defense, and escape; and stances and movements associated with pause, alerting, and searching. Signs of autonomic activity, independent of or related to the foregoing behavior, also resulted from stimulation of widespread points and included lacrimation, salivation, pupillary effects, piloerection, cardiorespiratory changes, and, more rarely, urinat and defecation. On occasion stimulation involving cortical structures appeared to have the effect of organizing stereotyped responses ordinarily elicited from this region, into complex dynamic behavioral patterns. Of particular interest was the organized and directed angry defense or attack that sometimes followed stimulations involving the pyriform cortex or the hippocampus near the amygdala. The experiments employing direct chemical stimulation with cholinergic drugs indicate that the affective responses obtained by the electrical method were not the result of stimulating pain fibers running in the dura, blood vessels or cranial nerves in the neighborhood of the electrodes. The kind of responses, as well as the interspersion of the points from which they can be obtained in the frontotemporal region, suggest that this part of the brain is concerned with the organization of the oral activities of the animal as they pertain to feeding and to the vocalization, attack and defense involved in obtaining food.
Polypeptide interactions at ice and biomineral interfaces are defined by secondary structure-dependent chain orientations

The stereospecific interaction of polypeptides with biominerals and ice represents a unique phenomenon in nature. Here, using the theoretical geometric lattice matching algorithm, CHASM (abbreviation for chain alignment on the surface of materials), we explore the geometric complementarity of specific Cα polypeptide secondary structures (α-helix, β-sheet, γ-turn) with the [001] planes of the biominerals, aragonite and calcite, and the [001], [100], and [201] faces of hexagonal ice. We find that certain secondary structure−surface pairings exhibit a defined set of orientational minima that agree closely with published results. Moreover, no two secondary structures feature the exact same set of global and local orientational minima for a given surface. This suggests that the molecular complementarity of each secondary structure with a given surface is highly specific and cannot be mimicked by another secondary structure. These results suggest that the site and orientation of polypeptide adsorption onto biom...
Effect of fasting on T3 and T4 concentrations in chicken serum

Abstract Chicken serum T 3 concentration was reduced after a 4.5-hr fast, and T 4 concentration was increased after a 16-hr fast at 21.1° or a 22-hr fast at 32.2°. Meal feeding subsequent to a fast resulted in a T 3 concentration no different from the T 3 concentration of control chickens 2.5 hr after the meal. Chickens kept in environmental chambers at constant environmental temperatures with continuous lighting and with continuous access to feed and water had no diurnal pattern for T 3 or T 4 concentration in serum.
The Inverse Fallacy and Interpreting P Values

P values can be difficult to interpret correctly. Although researchers know that “P < .05” commonly indicates “statistical significance,” journal editors are increasingly requesting that authors report exact P values in their manuscripts, which makes the interpretation of a P value even more important. Yet studies have suggested that many researchersdand even statisticians and textbooksdoften misinterpret the P value as providing direct evidence about the plausibility of the observed effect [1]. This article explains the fallacy behind the most common misinterpretation of the P value and discusses approaches that attempt to translate P values into more clearly interpretable measures.
Parallel solution of state-estimation on an IBM ring network

Abstract Parallelization of state-estimation using the Singular Values Decomposition (SVD) on an Alternating Sequential-Parallel System (ASP) is discussed. In particular, section 1 shows that an ASP can be implemented on an existing, ring-connected Local Area Network (so it costs very little). Section 2 reviews the domain splitting method and discusses its theoretical basis. Section 3 shows how to parallize the SVD algorithm and Section 4 shows experimental results. The main points are that a ring can be used to solve the state-estimation problem and that experiments proved the method fast and accurate.
SOLVING THE QUANDARY BETWEEN QUESTIONNAIRE LENGTH AND RESPONSE RATE IN EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH

A controversial issue exists in questionnaire survey techniques as to the relationship between questionnaire length and rate of returns. Questionnaire return rates were, therefore, examined under the following six controlled methodological conditions: (1) a large random sample, 1,650; (2) no follow-up procedures; (3) same type of mailout procedures and instructions for each questionnaire length; (4) no incentives or high interest factors; (5) same type of questionnaire for each of the three questionnaire lengths; (6) questionnaires of appropriate lengths (1, 3, and 5 pages); and (7) a daily tally of returns kept for each type of questionnaire. There was a difference in the rate of return among the three types of questionnaires when other influences on rate of return were held to a minimum. The variant results between the study and previous studies referred to in the review of literature can be explained by the fact that the controlled conditions were maintained for this study and not for previous studies.
Determination of elemental and precipitated selenium production by a facultative anaerobe grown under sequential anaerobic/aerobic conditions

Abstract Experiments were carried out to determine the mass balance of selenium biologically processed by a Se-resistant bacterium, Pseudomonas fluorescens K27. The bioprocessing of this toxicant, added to growing liquid cultures, resulted in reduction and in some part biomethylation that yielded Se species distributed between the solid, liquid, and gas phases. Initial anaerobic experiments with different amended selenium concentrations were carried out and the Se mass balance was determined using inductively coupled plasma spectrometry (ICP). Finally, bioreactor experiments were carried out under sequential anaerobic/aerobic culture growth conditions to determine the effects of these conditions on the production of elemental (solid) Se. As a percentage of amended selenium, selenite was more effectively reduced to metallic Se by P. fluorescens than selenate under the conditions studied. When low amounts of selenite were present in the solution, reducing efficiency as a percentage of added Se was higher as measured by the production of Se 0 . Sequential anaerobic/aerobic growth conditions did not have a significant effect in increasing the production of elemental selenium as carried out under these conditions: Yields of Se 0 for anaerobic, sequential anaerobic/aerobic and microaerobic conditions were all approximately 36% of added Se in 1 mM selenite-amended cultures.
Automated probabilistic modeling for relational data

Probabilistic graphical model representations of relational data provide a number of desired features, such as inference of missing values, detection of errors, visualization of data, and probabilistic answers to relational queries. However, adoption has been slow due to the high level of expertise expected both in probability and in the domain from the user. Instead of requiring a domain expert to specify the probabilistic dependencies of the data, we present an approach that uses the relational DB schema to automatically construct a Bayesian graphical model for a database. This resulting model contains customized distributions for the attributes, latent variables that cluster the records, and factors that reflect and represent the foreign key links, whilst allowing efficient inference. Experiments demonstrate the accuracy of the model and scalability of inference on synthetic and real-world data.
Sputtering of atoms and excimers upon self-trapping of excitons in solid krypton.

Molecular-dynamics simulations are performed to calculate the energy of krypton atoms and excimers sputtered by cavity ejection'' upon trapping of excitons at the surface of the solid. Calculated shifts in the atomic lines of the photoabsorption spectrum are compared with experimentally observed values to test the accuracy of the interaction potentials. In contrast to previous work on argon, only the excimer formed in the singlet state was ejected with a kinetic energy of 0.11 eV. Since none of the long-lived (10{sup {minus}6} sec) triplet-state excited atoms or excimers are ejected, there should be no cavity-ejection'' contribution to the luminescence plume like that observed in argon.
Classroom Interactions: Constructing a Room with a View

An analysis of teacher-student interactions leads to critical reflections of the assumptions underlying the pedagogical choices this professor makes in undergraduate classes. Using concepts of perception of credibility and politics of recognition, the teacher gains insight into the equity of her practices.
Sociology and History: A Review Essay

(1983). Sociology and History: A Review Essay. Historical Methods: A Journal of Quantitative and Interdisciplinary History: Vol. 16, No. 3, pp. 121-123.
Oxygen activation during the interaction between MPTP metabolites and synthetic neuromelanin - an ESR-spin trapping, optical, and oxidase electrode study

Oxidase electrode measurements as well as optical and electron spin resonance spectroscopic data have shown that synthetic neuromelanin oxidizes the neurotoxin metabolite 1-methyl-4-phenyl-2,3-dihydropyridinium in a dose-dependent manner forming 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium and hydrogen peroxide. Hydroxyl radicals are formed in this reaction which is promoted by iron chelates. In contrast, neither 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine nor 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium reacts with synthetic neuromelanin in a similar fashion. The mechanism of selective toxicity of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine in pigmented neuronal cells is discussed in the light of these findings.