cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sex Differences in Chondrocyte Maturation in the Mandibular Condyle from a Decreased Occlusal Loading Model

Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMDs) predominantly afflict women of childbearing age. Defects in mechanical loading-induced temporomandibular joint (TMJ) remodeling are believed to be a major etiological factor in the development of TMD. The goal of this study was to determine if there are sex differences in CD-1 and C57BL/6 mice exposed to a decreased occlusal loading TMJ remodeling model. Male and female CD-1 and C57BL/6 mice, 21 days old, were each divided into two groups. They were fed either a normal pellet diet (normal loading) or a soft diet and had their incisors trimmed out of occlusion (decreased occlusal loading) for 4 weeks. The mandibular condylar cartilage was evaluated by histology, and the subchondral bone was evaluated by micro-CT analysis. Gene expression from both was evaluated by real-time PCR analysis. In both strains and sexes of mice, decreased occlusal loading caused similar effects in the subchondral bone, decreases in bone volume and total volume compared with their normal loading controls. However, in both strains, decreased occlusal loading caused a significant decrease in the expression of collagen type II (Col2) and Sox9 only in female mice, but not in male mice, compared with their normal loading controls. Decreased occlusal loading causes decreased bone volume in both sexes and a decrease in early chondrocyte maturation exclusively in female mice.
There are at least three models of East Asian development

The World Bank study of the High Performing Asian Economies has gotten many of the basic lessons right. Central to this performance was the emphasis on the export of manufactures, the maintenance of macroeconomic stability, and a low level of inequality that, among other things, led to an emphasis on primary and secondary rather than tertiary education. But the study oversimplifies the lessons in important respects by trying to force three quite distinct models of development into a single format. The experience of laissez-faire Hong Kong, and to a lesser degree Singapore, is quite different from that of the interventionist states of Korea, Taiwan, and Japan, and these in turn vary significantly from the resource-rich countries of Southeast Asia.
3D line image analysis—a heuristic parallel approach with learning and recognition

Abstract A heuristic parallel approach for (3d) line image analysis is introduced by using the concept of coordinated graph, layered graph representation, and parallel matching techniques and it significantly reduces the time required for dealing with three-dimensional line image analysis problems. Their fundamental properties and the concept of finite representations are investigated, and an interactive and iterative recognition algorithm with learning and recognition as a part of each other is presented. Several interested examples including curved and disconnected line images are illustrated. In addition to its importance in theoretical studies, this approach can also be applied to 3d object recognition, image processing, and computer vision in industrial, military, and medical fields.
Mating systems in the sea anemone genus Epiactis

Four morphologically similar species in the sea anemone genus Epiactis exhibit overlapping distributions on the Pacific coast of North America; E. prolifera, E. lisbethae, E. ritteri and E. fernaldi. All brood their offspring up to the juvenile stage, but each has a different combination of internal versus external brooding and hermaphroditism versus gonochory (separate sexes). Specimens were collected from sites ranging from British Columbia to southern California between December 1988 and July 1992. Mating systems were inferred from genetic comparisons of mothers and offspring histological analyses of sex expression and observations on brooding and spawning behavior. Allozyme and multilocus DNA fingerprint analyses of the gynodioecious hermaphrodite E. prolifera showed that offspring were all identical to their mothers, a result consistent with either asexual reproduction, self-fertilization or extreme biparental inbreeding. In the gonochore E. lisbethae, mothers and offspring were also electrophoretically identical, but variation in DNA fingerprints indicated cross-fertilization. Similar DNA fingerprint differences between mother and offspring in the gonochore E. ritteri implied that cross-fertilization also occurs in this species. No mother-offspring comparisons were performed on E. fernaldi, as this species was not observed brooding offspring during this study. Although incomplete, the results of this study increase our knowledge of the very unusual combination of reproductive modes in the genus Epiactis, and argue for further investigations of the evolution and genetic consequences of mating systems in these species.
Outcomes Assessment of Computer-Assisted Behavioral Objectives for Accounting Graduates

Abstract This article presents behavioral objectives, based on those identified by the Accounting Education Change Commission (AECC) and the American Accounting Association (AAA), for accounting graduates. These objectives may be taught with or augmented by the use of computers in an undergraduate accounting curriculum. An outcomes assessment plan for these behavioral objectives is presented, that is based on a mission statement regarding student computer competencies. A series of assessment tasks to support each objective is included, as well as the type of software required. A discussion of design considerations for assessment tasks completes the article.
Cloning of the gene coding for a shared human melanoma antigen recognized by autologous T cells infiltrating into tumor.

Abstract By cDNA expression cloning we have isolated a gene encoding a shared human melanoma antigen recognized by HLA-A2 restricted autologous and allogenic tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) from patients with metastatic melanoma. By using both transient and stable expression systems, transfection of this gene into non-antigen-expressing HLA-A2+ cell lines resulted in recognition by the antigen-specific TILs. The sequence of this cDNA revealed a previously undescribed putative transmembrane protein whose expression was restricted to melanoma and melanocyte cell lines and human retina but no other fresh or cultured normal tissues tested or other tumor histologies. Thus, we have identified a gene encoding a melanocyte lineage-specific protein (MART-1; melanoma antigen recognized by T cells 1) that is a widely shared melanoma antigen recognized by the T lymphocytes of patients with established malignancy. Identification of this gene opens possibilities for the development of immunotherapies for patients with melanoma.
Factors influencing the large-scale distribution of Hg° In the Mexico City area and over the North Pacific

Gas-phase elemental mercury (Hg°) was measured aboard the NASA DC-8 aircraft during the Intercontinental Chemical Transport Experiment Phase B (INTEX-B) campaign in spring 2006. Flights were conducted around Mexico City and on two subsequent deployments over the North Pacific based out of Honolulu, Hawaii and Anchorage, Alaska. Data obtained from 0.15–12 km altitude showed that Hg° exhibited a relatively constant vertical profile centered around 100 ppqv. Highly concentrated pollution plumes emanating from the Mexico City urban agglomeration revealed that mixing ratios of Hg° as large as 500 ppqv were related to combustion tracers such as CO, but not SO 2 which is presumably released locally from coal burning, refineries, and volcanoes. Our analysis of Mexico City plumes indicated that widespread multi-source urban/industrial emissions may have a more important influence on Hg° than specific point sources. Over the Pacific, correlations with CO, CO 2 , CH 4 , and C 2 Cl 4 were diffuse overall, but recognizable on flights out of Anchorage and Honolulu. In distinct plumes originating from the Asian continent the Hg°- CO relationship yielded an average value of ~0.56 ppqv/ppbv, in good agreement with previous findings. A prominent feature of the INTEX-B dataset was frequent total depletion of Hg° in the upper troposphere when stratospherically influenced air was encountered. Ozone data obtained with the differential absorption lidar (DIAL) showed that the stratospheric impact on the tropospheric column was a common and pervasive feature on all flights out of Honolulu and Anchorage. We propose that this is likely a major factor driving large-scale seasonality in Hg° mixing ratios, especially at mid-latitudes, and an important process that should be incorporated into global chemical transport models.
The influence of introduced trout on the benthic communities of paired headwater streams in the Sierra Nevada of California

Summary 1. Non-native trout have been stocked in streams and lakes worldwide largely without knowledge of the consequences for native ecosystems. Although trout have been introduced widely throughout the Sierra Nevada of California, U.S.A., fishless streams and their communities of native invertebrates persist in some high elevation areas, providing an opportunity to study the effects of trout introductions on natural fishless stream communities. 2. We compared algal biomass and cover, organic matter levels and invertebrate assemblages in 21 natural fishless headwater streams with 21 paired nearby streams containing stocked trout in Yosemite National Park. 3. Although environmental conditions and particulate organic matter levels did not differ between the fishless and trout streams, algal biomass (as chlorophyll a concentration) and macroalgal cover were, on average, approximately two times and five times higher, respectively, in streams containing trout. 4. There were no differences in the overall densities of invertebrates in fishless versus paired trout streams; however, invertebrate richness (after rarefaction), evenness, and Simpson and Shannon diversities were 10–20% higher in fishless than in trout streams. 5. The densities of invertebrates belonging to the scraper-algivore and predator functional feeding guilds were higher, and those for the collector-gatherer guild lower, in fishless than trout streams, but there was considerable variation in the effects of trout on specific taxa within functional feeding groups. 6. We found that the densities of 10 of 50 common native invertebrate taxa (found in more than half of the stream pairs) were reduced in trout compared to fishless streams. A similar number of rarer taxa also were absent or less abundant in the presence of trout. Many of the taxa that declined with trout were conspicuous forms (by size and behaviour) whose native habitats are primarily high elevation montane streams above the original range of trout. 7. Only a few taxa increased in the presence of trout, possibly benefiting from reductions in their competitors and predators by trout predation. 8. These field studies provide catchment-scale evidence showing the selective influence of introduced trout on stream invertebrate and algal communities. Removal of trout from targeted headwater streams may promote the recovery of native taxa, community structure and trophic organisation.
Results of the National Data Buoy Center (NDBC) Commissioning Process on the Tropical Atmosphere Ocean (TAO) technology refreshed system

The Tropical Atmosphere Ocean/Triangle Trans-Ocean Buoy Network (TAO/TRITON) moored buoy array is a central component of the El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) Observing System to support research and forecasting of El Nino and La Nina. During the transition of the TAO array from Research to Operations, it was decided to refresh the TAO system by replacing the obsolescent components to ensure ongoing continuity of the TAO array. The major refreshed components include the data logger, subsurface conductivity/temperature (CT) sensors, and the compass for measurement of wind direction. Meanwhile, to increase the transmission frequency and transmitted data volume, NDBC determined that the Iridium communication system was ideal for the refreshed TAO system so that high temporal resolution data could be transmitted to NDBC each hour in near real-time. Accordingly, the shore-side data system for data ingest, processing, quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC), and display were modified and enhanced. To ensure the continuity and supportability of long-term ocean climate data, the TAO operations and refresh efforts follow the ten Climate Principles. NDBC designed, fabricated, integrated, and deployed several refreshed TAO buoy system to ensure sustained and smooth operations of the TAO array. To make sure that the refreshed TAO system can provide equal or better data quality from the refreshed TAO buoy system, various lab and field tests were conducted so far: (1) A lab test was conducted at NDBC by comparing the existing TAO and the refreshed TAO systems; (2) Two refreshed TAO buoys were deployed in the Gulf of Mexico for field testing; and (3) eleven refreshed TAO buoys were deployed in the Pacific Ocean next to existing TAO buoys for inter-comparison testing in the field. In addition to the Climate Principles and following all of the above parallel testing, NDBC also followed its internal process for “Commissioning New Buoys”. This paper highlights the testing that was completed in support of the Climate Principles as well as the additional support planning, support preparations, and testing required for the NDBC “Commissioning Process”. The additional Commissioning Process addresses supportability and performance aspects of the refreshed TAO system. The goal is to ensure successful and sustainable network operations.
Centrosome size is controlled by centriolar SAS-4

The centrosome consists of a pair of centrioles and a surrounding matrix of pericentriolar material that anchors microtubule nucleation sites and consequently determines the number and organization of microtubules in interphase and mitotic cells. Recent studies utilizing a functional genomics approach in the nematode worm Caenorhabditis elegans and sophisticated light and electron microscopy techniques provide new insight into how centrioles act as centrosomal organizers and use a centriolar structural element to dictate centrosome size by defining their capacity to recruit pericentriolar material.
Environmental Resistance to Place-Based Collaboration in the U.S. West

This article examines environmental activists' views of place-based collaboration and how they have related to it in the management of U.S. national forests. We first present a brief historical overview of the issues that led to the emergence of place-based collaboration in the U.S. West. We then discuss the main themes in the environmentalist critique of place-based collaboration. Next we present case studies of three prominent examples of place-based collaboration in the West--the Quincy Library Group in California and the Applegate Partnership and Lake County Community Sustainability Initiative in Oregon--to explore the relationship of environmentalists to place-based collaboration. We conclude with a discussion of the possibilities for environmentalists in place-based collaboration.
Effect of rectangular airbridge tunnel on microwave CPW probe design

Modal analysis is employed to derive the bi-spectral boundary Green's function which is used to calculate the characteristics of coplanar waveguide (CPW) structures with asymmetric rectangular housing. The calculated results are in good agreement with the experimental results as well as those obtained from conformal mapping for a housed millimeter CPW probe structure.
Regional differences in drug use rates among American Indian youth.

Abstract Background Research over the past several decades has shown that, compared to other American ethnic and racial groups, American Indian (AI) youth use alcohol and other drugs at significantly higher rates than their non-AI peers. However, to date, much of the research on AI adolescent substance use has been limited in the types of data used. Methods We used a national sample of AI youth living on or near reservations to estimate how lifetime and 30-day use of four substances (alcohol, marijuana, inhalants, and methamphetamine) differ by gender, grade in school, and region of the country. Results Female use was equal to or greater than use by otherwise similar males for all substances assessed. Substance use also increased as grade increased except in the case of inhalants, where use peaked in the 8th grade and then decreased. Regional differences proved to be one of the most salient findings in that individuals in the Northern Plains and Upper Great Lakes were more likely to have used substances at much higher rates than those living in the Southwest and Oklahoma, except in the case of methamphetamine, where individuals in the Southwest were most likely to have used. Conclusions It is clear that substance use continues to be a problem for AI youth although the severity of use differs by region of the country, grade, and gender. Future research is needed to better understand the reasons behind these differences. Such research will aid in the development of targeted, regionally tailored prevention.
Size, age and firm growth in an infant industry: The computer hardware industry in India

Abstract In contrast to the existing studies on the relationship of firm growth with size and age of the firm, which typically focus on relatively mature industries in developed economies, this study analyses firm growth patterns for an infant industry in a developing economy. It is found that (a) age positively impacts growth, which is the opposite of the result in previous studies; (b) as in previous studies, current size negatively impacts growth but the magnitude is much higher; and (c) lagged size negatively impacts growth suggesting that fixed factors become a hindrance to growth in rapidly growing infant industries.
Comparative in vitro evaluation of two provisional restorative materials

Abstract Statement of problem. Provisional crowns traditionally have been associated with problems such as poor occlusion, contour, fit, and finish. Fabrication procedures should be uncomplicated and predictable within a realistic time frame. Purpose. The purpose of this study was to compare the quality of provisional restorations fabricated by dental students from 2 different materials (bis-acryl composite resin and PMMA) and identify the advantages and disadvantages associated with each material. Material and methods. This study evaluated the occlusion, contour, marginal adaptation, and finish of 222 provisional crowns fabricated by 2 groups (A and B) of dental students. One bis-acryl composite resin material (Integrity) and 2 PMMA resins (CB85:129-32.)
Ethnography and Experiments: Cultural Models and Expertise Effects Elicited with Experimental Research Techniques:

This article reports the results of two independent studies dealing with saliency effects within the domain of folkbiological knowledge. In study 1, the authors present data from a free-listing tas...
Photosensitivity and line-edge roughness of novel polymer-bound PAG photoresists

Substantially improved photoresist material designs, which can provide higher photosensitivity and precise critical dimension and edge roughness control, will be required to enable the application of next generation lithography technology to the production of future sub-65 nm node IC device generations. The development and characterization of novel material platforms that solve the aforementioned basic problems with chemically amplified resists (CARs) is essential and is already one of the major subjects of modern lithography research. In that regard, we have pursued development of a variety of 193 nm and EUV CARs that contain photoacid generator (PAG) units covalently bonded directly to the resin polymer backbone. However, the detailed structure-property relationships that result from this direct attachment of the PAG functional group to the polymer have previously not yet been rigorously characterized. In this work, the lithographic properties of a polymer-bound PAG CAR (GBLMA-co-EAMA-co-F4-MBS.TPS) and its blended-PAG analog resist (GBLMA-co-EAMA blend F4-IBBS.TPS) were studied and compared. The direct incorporation of PAG functionality into the resist polymer, where the resulting photoacid remains bound to the polymer, showed improved photosensitivity, resolution, and lower LER as compared with the analogous blended-PAG resist. The improved resolution and LER were expected due to the restricted photoacid diffusion and uniform PAG distribution provided by direct incorporation of the PAG into the polymer backbone to make a single-component resist material. The ability to load higher levels of PAG into the resist provided by this PAG incorporation into the polymer, as compared to the low PAG concentrations attainable by traditional blending approaches, overcomes the sensitivity loss that should result from reduction in photoacid diffusivity and concomitant smaller acid-catalytic chain lengths. In fact, the polymer-bound PAG resist achieves a faster photospeed than the blended-PAG analog material under DUV radiation in the case of the materials reported here while still providing all of the aforementioned improvements such as the improved line edge roughness.
A Multiple-Objective Programming Technique for Structuring Tax-Exempt Serial Revenue Debt Issues

A multiple-objective decision model to structure tax-exempt serial revenue bonds is presented in this paper. Based on goals dealing with true interest cost, marketability, debt coverage, production, and level debt, we define a goal programming model to generate a maturity schedule and coupon rate assignment for a municipal bond issue. The model is designed to be a flexible interactive decision making tool to aid in the development of a minimal-risk, cost-effective issue.
Ethers from ethanol—5. Equilibria and kinetics of the coupled reaction network of liquid-phase 3-methyl-3-ethoxy-pentane synthesis

Abstract The thermodynamic equilibria and kinetics of the reaction network involved in the liquid-phase synthesis of 3-methyl-3-ethoxy--pentane (THEE3), one of the three isomers of t -hexyl ethyl ether (THEE) formed from the etherification reactions of C 6 tertiary olefins with ethanol, are described here. This ether is potentially of interest as an oxygenate for blending with gasoline for octane enhancement and air quality improvement. The coupled reaction network of THEE3 synthesis involves three simultaneous etherification and three isomerization reactions, all of which are reversible. Equilibrium and kinetics experiments were conducted over the temperature range of practical interest, i.e. 298 to 353 K, over Amberlyst 15 resin catalyst. Expressions for the thermodynamic equilibrium constants, K i = K xi K yi , were developed based on the experimental equilibrium composition used to calculate K xi and the corresponding activity coefficients estimated by the UNIFAC method to compute K yi . Reaction rate expressions in terms of species activities were developed based on the data obtained in a differential packed-bed reactor, and were subsequently tested for reliability in the prediction of integral packed-bed reactor performance. The rate expressions are based on the LHHW formalism involving a dual-site surface etherification reaction and a single-site surface isomerization reaction as the rate-limiting steps, along with the assumption of adsorbed ethanol as the most abundant surface species.
Too Many Preachers? Black Participation in the Ministry in Northern U.S. Cities during the Great Migration

Past studies have claimed that during the Great Migration the church participation of southern black migrants in northern cities was weakened by the circumstances of urban life. The present study, building on theories of subculture formation and the ethnic niche, challenges this claim by examining the participation of blacks in a religious occupation: the ministry. An analysis of Census data suggests that, in those northern cities with relatively large black populations, a "critical mass" of blacks created by in-migration helped to support the entry of blacks into the ministry. The findings are consistent with the assertion that the Great Migration stimulated the church participation of blacks in these cities. They are also in agreement with the argument that the size and distinctive cultural traditions of an ethnic minority group may, together, sustain some of the group's members in a special occupational niche.
Evaluation of filtering penalty caused by WSS in digital coherent detection system

We investigated the filtering penalties caused by optical filters with a center frequency shift for 128-Gb/s PDM-QPSK by simulations and experiments. We define an approach for evaluating filtering penalties based on digital coherent detection.
Ionization of very-high-n Rydberg atoms by half-cycle pulses in the short-pulse regime.

The ionization of potassium Rydberg atoms with {ital n}{approximately}388 and {ital n}{approximately}520 by pulsed electric fields whose durations, which range from {approximately}2 to {approximately}110 ns, span the transition from the short-pulse to the long-pulse regime is investigated experimentally and the data compared with the results of classical trajectory Monte Carlo calculations. We observe excellent agreement between theory and experiment providing a benchmark test for the validity of the classical limit of ionization. Very-high-{ital n} atoms provide an excellent tool with which to probe the response of atoms to pulsed electric fields in the short-pulse regime. {copyright} {ital 1996 The American Physical Society.}
Observation of extreme field-induced mass deviations in double quantum wells.

Large deviations are measured in the cyclotron effective mass {ital m}{sub {ital c}} near the recently observed partial energy gap arising in strongly coupled GaAs double quantum wells (QW`s) subject to in-plane magnetic fields {ital B}{sub {parallel}}. The energy gap results from an anticrossing of the two QW dispersion curves, shifted in {bold k} space relative to one another by {ital B}{sub {parallel}}. The severely distorted dispersion near the gap yields an {ital m}{sub {ital c}} repressed by more than a factor of 3 near the upper gap edge, and enhanced by {similar_to}50% near the lower gap edge. The data show excellent agreement with recent theoretical calculations.
CHESS Facility Update and Upgrade Planning

The year 2013 was an exciting and transformational year for the Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source (CHESS). While continuing successful scientific and technical initiatives, we added new personnel, reconfigured beamlines, expanded a successful and fun educational program, and have been planning a number of significant upgrades.
STEP Iron, a Chemistry of Iron Formation without CO2 Emission: Molten Carbonate Solubility and Electrochemistry of Iron Ore Impurities

The unexpected solubility of iron oxides in lithium carbonate electrolytes, coupled with facile charge transfer and a sharp decrease in iron electrolysis potentials with increasing temperature, provides a new route for iron production. Iron is formed without an extensive release of CO2 in a process compatible with the predominant naturally occurring iron oxide ore, hematite, Fe2O3. In this study, we demonstrate that iron is an effective cathode media and that nickel and iridium are effective anodes in the electrolytic formation of iron in molten carbonates, and each can sustain current densities of 1 A cm–2. Silicate and aluminate impurities found in common iron ores are soluble in molten lithium carbonate and do not adversely affect the iron formation by electrolysis. The solubility of lithium oxide in molten carbonate is found to be unexpectedly high (∼50 mol %), and the presence of high concentrations of lithium oxide decreases the potential required for the electrolytic formation of iron or carbon. Ir...
Three-Body Forces in Nuclear Matter

The pionic three-body potential in nuclear matter is shown to be comparable with the two-body potential.
Identification of an osteogenic protein-1 responsive element in the aggrecan promoter.

Abstract Previous studies have demonstrated that osteogenic protein-1 (OP-1), a member of the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) subfamily of the TGF-β superfamily, stimulates aggrecan synthesis. To investigate transcriptional regulation of the aggrecan gene by OP-1, we constructed a clone containing a 1 kb region of the 5′-upstream sequence of the mouse aggrecan gene fused to the promoter-less luciferase reporter gene in pGL2-Basic vector. A series of promoter deletion constructs were also generated. Studies of the promoter activity of these DNA constructs in transient-transfected cells revealed that deletion of a 33 bp region rendered the promoter unresponsive to OP-1, BMP-6, and CDMP-1 without affecting BMP-2 and TGF-β1 responsiveness. Thus, the expression of the mouse aggrecan gene in response to BMPs appears to be the result of a unique combination of different cis -acting elements.
A Remote Sensor Method for Determining Average Tool-Chip Interface Temperatures in Metal Cutting

This paper shows the development of a mathematical model for determining the average interface temperatures when using a remote sensor. The accuracy of the remote sensor technique was greatly improved by introducing an insulator between the tool and tool-holder. The presence of the insulator provided boundary conditions which enabled a numerical solution to the set of equations representing heat flow and temperature distribution. The model was compared experimentally with a tool-chip thermocouple, and agreement of the order of ± 6 percent was observed. The model can be used not only to determine the average tool-chip interface temperature, but the temperature distribution of the overall tool. The developed model proved to be somewhat insensitive to physical constants and the surrounding environment. Its use as a practical, accurate method for determining cutting temperatures is possible without the need for calibrating tool-chip thermocouples, complicated experimental setups, tedious iterative calculations, over-generalized assumptions, and unavailable physical constants for tools and work materials.
Modeling seabird bycatch in the U.S. Atlantic pelagic longline fishery: Fixed year effect versus random year effect

Abstract Year is usually modeled as a fixed effect in catch rate analyses because the annual variation is of interest. However, question rises when annual estimates are sensitive to whether modeling year as a random or a fixed effect. With the observer data from the National Marine Fisheries Service Pelagic Observer Program during 1997–2010, we conducted a simulation study using the delta model due to high percentage of zero observations in the observer data. The delta model consisted of two sub-models, one for modeling positive catch data, i.e., the longline sets with at least one seabird caught (positive catch sub-model) and the other for estimating the probability of catching seabirds (probability sub-model). We constructed five scenarios where data contained no year effect, fixed year effect, and random year effect with three increasing randomness, and evaluated the performance of three candidate models in terms of mean absolute error and mean bias. The three candidate models included the delta model where both sub-models had data select year based on its significance, the delta model where both sub-models fixed year in the model regardless of its significance, and the delta model where both sub-models modeled year as a random effect. Results showed that the model with random-year-effect performed the best in all scenarios for analyzing the positive catch data, followed by the one having data select year and the one with year fixed regardless of its significance. For estimating the probability of catching seabirds, performance of the three candidate models were competing in all scenarios except for one scenario where the probability sub-model having data select year performed the best. Combining the two sub-models, the random-year-effect delta model showed superiority over the other two candidate models for estimating seabird bycatch in the longline fishery. We suggest conducting such a simulation study in seabird bycatch assessment, especially in cases where yearly estimates from the random-year-effect and the fixed-year-effect models show great discrepancy.
Effect of Lactobacillus Inoculation and Antibiotic Feeding of Chickens on Availability of Dietary Biotin

Abstract Oral inoculation with Lactobacillus acidophilus and dietary supplementation with antibiotics were compared in broiler chicks fed various levels of biotin to determine their effect on the biotin status of the chicks. Lactobacillus acidophilus inoculation of broiler chickens fed a diet marginally deficient in biotin (56 μg/kg) caused a significant decrease (P
Effect of Improved Physical and Social Environment on Self-Help and Problem Behaviors of Institutionalized Retarded Males

Two studies are reported on the effects of improvement in the physical and social environment upon the problem behaviors (aggressive, hyperactive, and inappropriate behaviors) and self-help behavio...
Use of the polymerase chain reaction for diagnosis of ocular toxoplasmosis.

Abstract Objective To report a cohort of patients in whom polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed on vitreous samples and to place in perspective the current role of PCR in the diagnosis of ocular toxoplasmosis. Design Noncomparative case series. Participants Fifteen patients in whom toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis was considered in the differential diagnosis and in whom the clinical presentation was not diagnostic and/or response to treatment was inadequate. Intervention Examination of vitreous fluid by PCR and of serum for the presence of Toxoplasma-specific antibodies. Main outcome measures Presence of Toxoplasma gondii DNA, serologic test results, clinical findings, treatment, and outcome. Results In 7 of 15 patients, vitreous fluid examination results by PCR were positive for the presence of T. gondii DNA. Five of these seven patients had serologic test results consistent with Toxoplasma infection acquired in the distant past; the other two patients had serologic test results consistent with retinochoroiditis in the setting of acute toxoplasmosis. The PCR results influenced the management of these patients in six of the seven positive cases. In the eight patients in whom vitreous examination results were negative by PCR, either Toxoplasma serology was negative (6), the retinal lesions were caused by cytomegalovirus (1), or, on further consideration, the eye signs were not consistent with those of toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis (1). Conclusion In patients in whom toxoplasmosis is considered in the differential diagnosis but in whom the presentation is atypical, PCR was frequently a useful diagnostic aid.
Fully Automated Three-Dimensional Detection of Polyps in Fecal-Tagging CT Colonography

Rationale and Objectives The presence of opacified materials presents several technical challenges for automated detection of polyps in fecal-tagging computed tomography colonography ( ft CTC), such as pseudo-enhancement and the distortion of the density, size, and shape of the observed lesions. We developed a fully automated computer-aided detection (CAD) scheme that addresses these issues in automated detection of polyps in ft CTC. Materials and Methods Pseudo-enhancement was minimized by use of an adaptive density correction (ADC) method. The presence of tagging was minimized by use of an adaptive density mapping (ADM) method. We also developed a new method for automated extraction of the colonic wall within air-filled and tagged regions. The ADC and ADM parameters were optimized by use of an anthropomorphic phantom. The CAD scheme was evaluated with 32+32 cases from two types of clinical ft CTC databases. The cases in database I had full cathartic cleansing and 40 polyps ≥6 mm, and the cases in database II had reduced cathartic cleansing and 44 polyps ≥6 mm. The by-polyp detection performance of the CAD scheme was evaluated by use of a leave-one-patient-out method with five features, and the results were compared with those of a conventional CAD scheme by use of free-response receiver operating characteristic curves. Results The CAD scheme detected 95% and 86% of the polyps ≥6 mm with 3.6 and 4.2 false positives per scan on average in databases I and II, respectively. For polyps ≥10 mm, the detection sensitivity was 94% in database I (with one missed hyperplastic polyp) and 100% in database II at the same false-positive rate. The detection sensitivity of the new CAD scheme was approximately 20% higher than that of the conventional CAD scheme. Conclusions The results show that the CAD scheme developed in this study resolves the technical challenges introduced by fecal tagging, is applicable to a variety of colon preparation regimens, and provides a performance superior to that of conventional CAD schemes.
Mathematical framework for form inspection

The inspection of the form of nonlinear surfaces is often complicated by the unavailability of analytical models. We develop in this paper a methodology for inspecting the form of any type of smooth surface for which we simply collected a sample of contact points. After discussing an optimization approach for solving re-alignment problems, we introduce a regression method derived from least-square support vector regression that finds the deformation shape of such surfaces with respect to their nominal form. This method that can handle very large sets of data points reformulates the support vector regression approach using a different methodology than the “largest margin” paradigm traditionally used in the support vector machine community. From this, we are able to derive extremely simple quadratic programming problems that allow for general symbolic solutions to nonlinear regression problems. Results allow us to identify processing tendencies such that a selective sampling procedure may be applied for inspecting other similar surfaces.
Insulin sensitivity of splanchnic and peripheral adipose tissue in vivo in morbidly obese man.

Abstract Epidemiologic studies demonstrate an association between increased waist to hip ratio ([WHR] android obesity, central obesity) and diabetes mellitus in man. To study the relative insulin sensitivity of splanchnic versus peripheral adipose tissue, portal vein catheterization via the collapsed umbilical vein was performed in 14 morbidly obese subjects at the time of surgery. Catheters were also placed in a peripheral artery and antecubital vein such that simultaneous arterio-venous (A-V) differences (glycerol, free fatty acids [FFA], and lactate) could be determined. After two baseline samples obtained 3 minutes apart, 25 g intravenous (IV) glucose (14 subjects) was administered over a 2-minute period, with samples being obtained every 5 minutes for 30 additional minutes. Arterial plasma glycerol levels decreased from 173.9 ± 17.4 μmol/L at baseline to 89.1 ± 7.6 μmol/L at 30 minutes ( P P
IMPROVED FACILITIES FOR EXPERIMENTAL CULTURE OF LOBSTERS

Experimental culture facilities for juvenile lobsters have been improved, resulting in more uniform water quality, and greater precision of experimental results. Water-powered rotating arms distribute freshly treated water throughout the system, and a mechanism for rapid flushing aids in maintaining water quality and removing solid waste. These systems which can be used for other benthic invertebrates now provide culture conditions close to optimum for highly controlled nutrition experiments.
The Role of Customer Service in Trade Promotion Decisions

Trade promotions have become an important instrument in accomplishing supply chain objectives. The extensive use of trade promotions does not appear likely to fade in the immediate future. Results of a recent survey of independent grocery retailers are presented. The research examines the importance of customer service in influencing which vendor's trade promotions are accepted. Customer service was found to be highly important in promotion selection decisions.
Modelling of profile effects for inductive helicon plasma sources

Summary form only given, as follows. A computer code for modelling existing and new helicon sources has been developed and results are presented. The Nagoya type-III, helical and Stix coil antennas have been modelled to study and examine plasma density and temperature profile effects on power absorption of a small fraction (n/sub fe//n/sub e//spl ap/5%) of ionizing fast electrons (T/sub e-fast//spl sim/40 eV) and bulk (T/sub e-slow//spl sim/3 eV) electron distributions in an argon gas. The competing effects of collisional and Landau damping heating mechanisms have been investigated, as well as the scaling of the plasma source radius on RF power deposition. The "ANTENA" computer code to study ion cyclotron waves, was modified and used to study and model helicon sources. A collisional model that includes radial density and temperature profiles was added to the code to study the effect of collisions on the heating mechanisms. Detailed studies of the effects of plasma density and temperature radial profiles on radiofrequency wave absorption are considered. The influence of m=0, +1 and higher order modes on the heating profile for different helicon sources is presented. Preliminary studies of the plasma transport between the source and the wafer region are also presented.
Glial loss in the prefrontal cortex is sufficient to induce depressive-like behaviors

Background Postmortem studies have repeatedly found decreased density and number of glia in cortical regions, including the prefrontal and cingulate areas, from depressed patients. However, it is unclear whether this glial loss plays a direct role in the expression of depressive symptoms. Methods To address this question, we characterized the effects of pharmacologic glial ablation in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of adult rats on behavioral tests known to be affected by stress or antidepressant treatments: sucrose preference test (SPT), novelty suppressed feeding test (NSFT), forced swim test (FST), and two-way active avoidance test (AAT). We established the dose and time course for the actions of an astrocyte specific toxin, L-alpha-aminoadipic acid (L-AAA), and compared the behavioral effects of this gliotoxin with the effects of an excitotoxic (ibotenate) lesion and to the effects of chronic stress. Results The results demonstrate that L-AAA infusions induced anhedonia in SPT, anxiety in NSFT, and helplessness in FST and AAT. These effects of L-AAA were similar to chronic unpredictable stress (CUS)-induced depressive-like behaviors in these tests. However, ibotenate-induced neurotoxic lesion of the PFC had no effect in these behavioral tests. Conclusions The results demonstrate that glial ablation in the PFC is sufficient to induce depressive-like behaviors similar to chronic stress and support the hypothesis that loss of glia contributes to the core symptoms of depression.
Ionic and Molecular Transport in Hydrophobized Montmorillonite Films: An Electrochemical Survey

Clay-modified electrodes are used to investigate the swelling properties of quaternary ammonium cation-modified Wyoming montmorillonite. Disruption of the structure of the clay was observed at modification rates exceeding 37% of the available exchange sites. Signals for the transport of an anionic pore sampler were attenuated in the presence of the QAC-modified clays. The electrochemistry of nitrobenzene proved the presence of hydrophobic locations within the clay film. Nitrobenzene transport was attenuated by the presence of the clay film but to a lesser extent than the anion, suggesting sorption of the aromatic to the modified clay.
Studies on reef corals. I. Skeleton formation by newly settled planula larva of Pocillopora damicornis

Initiation of coral-skeleton formation was studied in the reef-coral Pocillopora damicornis Lamarck. Observations were made on sequential skeletal growth stages of newly settled planula larvae during the first 22 days following settling onto glass microscope slides. Techniques used include phase light microscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and powder X-ray and selected area electron micro-diffraction. Formation of the skeleton is initiated immediately on settling of the larva. The primary calcareous elements are of two types — flattened spherulitic platelets, and smaller rod-like granules. Rudimentary primary septa are clearly defined within 6 h after settling. Fusion of the primary calcareous elements results in the formation of the larval basal disc within 48 to 72 h. With transmission electron microscopy, this basal disc is found to differ from subsequent adult calcification in (1) considerably lesser degree of mineralization, (2) smaller crystal size, (3) more random orientation of the crystals, and (4) the presence of trace amounts of calcite in addition to aragonite. The basal disc with its septal rudiments constitutes a true larval skeleton, differing in morphology, micro-architecture, and crystal type from the fibrous growth characterizing the adult skeleton.
Accumulation of unusual sterile transcripts of TCRβ in mouse hybridoma, murine tumour and non-human primate marmoset tumour

Accumulation of immunoglobulin Ig RNA (from several loci viz., CH, Cα, Jk-Ck and Sμ during Igμ isotype switching) in B cells and T cell receptor (TCR) RNAs (α, β andγ) in T cells of unusual sizes emanating from germline and rearranged genes were reported to accumulate in human and mouse (and murine too). The precise mechanism and function of these sterile RNA species are yet to be delineated. Similar accumulation of RNA species of unusual sizes were identified with DNA-RNA hybridization and isolation of cDNA employing with DNA and antibody probes in mouse hybridoma, murine tumour, non-human primate marmoset tumour and human leukemic cells.
A Comparison of Consensus and Voting in Public Decision Making

As much as consensus decision making may be in vogue, as much as it may feel like an appropriate and progressive form of civil discourse, it is not without its problems and it may not always be the best avenue to pursue. Policymaking about community problems requires all the creativity we can bring to the task. One of the areas where we might best apply our creativity is in the continual search for improved models of civil discourse and decision making. Consensus-based approaches hold great promise for addressing thorny issues like dispersed public housing, but we need to remember that such methods are relatively new to most of us, and that we are still feeling our way with them. These cautionary comments, however, should not be embraced by public officials as excuses for keeping citizens out of public policy setting. Governments work best ultimately where there is broad consensus for their policies.
Comparative Evaluation of Base-Isolated and Fixed-Base Buildings Using a Comprehensive Response Index

Although current code guidelines specify different seismic performance objectives for fixed-base and isolated buildings, the future of performance-based design will allow user-selected performance objectives, motivating the need for a consistent performance comparison of the two systems. Based on response history analysis to a suite of motions, constant ductility spectra are generated for fixed-base and isolated buildings. Both superstructure force (base shear) and deformation demands in base-isolated buildings are lower than in fixed-base buildings responding with identical deformation ductility. To compare the relative performance of many systems or to predict the best system to achieve a given performance objective, a response index is developed and used for rapid prototyping of response as a function of system characteristics. When evaluated for a life safety performance objective, the superstructure design base shear of an isolated building is competitive with that of a fixed-base building with identical ductility, and the isolated building generally has improved response. Isolated buildings can meet a moderate ductility immediate-occupancy objective at low design strengths, whereas comparable ductility fixed-base buildings fail to meet the objective.