cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Characterization of thermal plasma CVD diamond coatings and the intermediate SiC phase

Diamond films have been successfully deposited by DC thermal plasma jet CVD at a rate of 40 {mu}m/h under atmospheric and subatmospheric pressures. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) has been used for the characterization of the diamond films and the intermediate phase. The orientation and the distribution of {beta}--SiC at the interface between the diamond and silicon substrate have been observed using selected-area electron diffraction with the associated dark-field images. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy are used for the characterization of the produced diamond films. Potential applications of selected-area channeling patterns are discussed for investigating the correlations between the growth direction and the crystalline perfection.
A prospective evaluation of femoral artery monitoring in pediatric patients.

151 malades pediatriques de chirurgie cardiaque. 165 catheterismes femoraux ont ete etudies
Secretion of a putative cytotoxin in multiple antibiotic resistant Salmonella enterica serotype Typhimurium phagetype DT104.

Salmonella enterica serotype Typhimurium phagetype DT104 (DT104) is a multiple antibiotic-resistant pathogen. DT104 infections have been reported in a multitude of hosts including humans, companion animals, livestock and wildlife. Recently, several isolates of DT104 were recovered from veal calves exhibiting abomasitis, a finding that is inconsistent with classic salmonellosis. One of these isolates was used in murine ligated loop experiments where it was observed that multiresistant DT104 can elaborate a putative cytotoxin. Thus it appears that DT104 has the ability to evade pharmacologic interventions, via antibiotic resistance, and elaborate a toxin that can damage cells.
Sensitivity of cold-stressed Campylobacter jejuni to solid and liquid selective environments☆

Abstract Either freezing (−20°C) or refrigeration (4°C) for 2 days inflicted sublethal injury among survivors of Campylobacter jejuni strains. The injured cells developed sensitivity to a mixture of antibiotics and probably to high incubation temperature (42°C). However, the degree of sensitivity when the injured survivors were exposed to these selective environments was greater in a liquid medium (≥99%) than in a solid medium (≤45%). Blood in the solid medium probably afforded some protection to injured survivors against the selective environments.
Differential binding of apolipoprotein E isoforms to tau and other cytoskeletal proteins

The apolipoprotein E4 (apoE4) gene dose is a major risk factor for late-onset and sporadic Alzheimer's disease with 50% of homozygous patients developing the disease by age 70. Previous studies have shown localization of apoE to the cytoplasm of certain neurons within the brain. In addition, apoE3, but not apoE4, forms SDS-stable complexes with the microtubule-associated proteins tau and MAP-2. To extend these studies and quantitate the association of apoE with other proteins, the association of apoE3 and apoE4 with several cytoskeletal proteins was examined using both gel shift and overlay assays. In the gel shift assay, apoE3 formed SDS-stable complexes with the longest isoform of human recombinant tau (T4L), the shortest isoform of human recombinant tau (T3), and the 160-kDa neurofilament protein (NFM). ApoE4 did not bind T3, T4L, or NFM in this assay. The association of apoE3 and apoE4 with T4L, actin, or tubulin was further examined in an overlay assay with known amounts of the cytoskeletal proteins slot-blotted onto nitrocellulose and incubated in 0.15 microM (5 microg/ml) apoE3 or apoE4. In this assay, apoE3 and apoE4 bound T4L and tubulin equally well. In contrast, apoE3 bound actin with a significantly greater affinity than did apoE4. These results indicate that apoE isoforms interact with cytoskeletal proteins with at least two different binding affinities. The more avid interaction results in the formation of complexes which are SDS stable and occurs almost exclusively with apoE3, while the other interactions between apoE and cytoskeletal proteins are specific for apoE3.
A systematic review of barriers in access to renal transplantation among African Americans in the United States.

: Background: African-American patients with end-stage renal disease are less likely than white patients to undergo renal transplantation. The development of strategies to address this disparity requires an evidence-based understanding of the barriers that impede access to renal transplantation among African Americans in the United States. Methods: In September 2005, we searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL for articles that identified the barriers that impeded African Americans’ access to renal transplantation. Two reviewers independently extracted relevant data from the included studies. Barriers were broadly divided under two categories: (i) patient-related barriers; and (ii) healthcare-related barriers. Results: We obtained 76 potentially relevant articles of which 11 studies were included in the final review. Several patient-related barriers – personal and cultural beliefs about transplantation, lower socioeconomic status and levels of education, and healthcare-related barriers – physician perception about survival of African Americans post-transplantation, inadequate transplant work-up despite being referred, and HLA-mismatching were identified at different stages of the transplantation process. Personal and cultural beliefs of African-American patients were consistently identified as patient-related barriers among several studies. Physicians’ perception about post-transplantation survival of African Americans was the most commonly identified healthcare-related barrier. Conclusions: A wide spectrum of patient-related barriers including their personal and cultural beliefs about transplantation and several healthcare-related barriers at different stages of the transplant process impedes access to renal transplantation among African Americans in the United States. A multisectoral approach focusing on these barriers needs to be evaluated to reduce disparities in renal transplantation in the United States.
Contouring of hydrographic data

Abstract We designed a model to contour hydrographic data to determine a region of depth greater than or equal to 5.0 ft. Because of the sparse and random nature of the given data, we superimposed an optimally sized grid system on the region and assigned the known data at their corresponding grid points. Then we used the principle of minimum curvature to derive finite difference equations that calculated the remaining grid points. We iterated these equations until a convergence criterion of .01 over the whole grid was reached; this gave us a grid of values to contour. To insure convergence of the grid before round-off error swamped the routine, we put the grid through an initializing routine. This initializing routine was designed to “spread” the data by assigning the adjacent neighbors of a known grid value to that value. Although this initialization may seem unwarranted, we felt justified in using this procedure due to the sparseness of the data given. Our results also bore out this assumption. With the exception of one corner of our grid (we were unable to find the “bug” causing this), the values we obtained were very reasonable. Our results were these: we were able to obtain convergence of the grid to within 0.01 error with approximately 70 iterations. After graphing the region, we found that the ship should not go within the rectangular region (110, −5), (110, 120), (250, 120), (250, −5), where the coordinates are in yards. Under the conditions given the ship should be able to go everywhere else within (75, 200) × (−50, 150) without fear of shipwreck.
A UNIFIED THERMODYNAMIC CONSTITUTIVE MODEL FOR SMA AND FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS OF ACTIVE METAL MATRIX COMPOSITES

SUMMARY A unified thermodynamic constitutive model for Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) materials, based on the thermodynamic framework proposed by Boyd and Lagoudas,1is presented in this paper. The specific selections for the form of Gibbs free energy associated with the martensitic volume fraction are identified for several earlier constitutive models for SMA. The thermal energy released or absorbed during the forward or reverse transformation predicted by the different models is compared with the experimental data from calorimetric measurements. The unified constitutive model is then implemented in a finite element analysis scheme using a return mapping integration technique for the incremental formulation of the model. Finally, the constitutive model is utilized to analyse the thermomechanical response of an active metal matrix composite with embedded SMA fibres. Both tetragonal and hexagonal periodic arrangements of SMA fibres are considered in the calculation and the results are compared.
Effect of dietary components on hprt mutant frequencies in human T-lymphocytes

The 6-thioguanine resistance (TGr) assay in human T-lymphocytes, which detects mutations at the hprt locus, identifies exposures to environmental mutagens. However, the ability of this assay to detect small increases in mutation rates is limited by the broad range of mutant frequencies (Mf) in healthy individuals. While subject age, lymphocyte cloning efficiency, and cigarette smoking history have been shown to influence the Mf, these factors account for only a portion of the variability in the Mf in human populations. To investigate the influence of dietary differences on hprt Mf, 70 women with breast masses were asked to complete a nutritional questionnaire and submit a peripheral blood sample for a TGr assay. Multivariate analyses, adjusted for age, cloning efficiency and total caloric intake, showed significant positive correlations between vitamin A and iron and InMf (p = 0.03), and a negative correlation between total fat and InMf (p = 0.004). Positive correlations between dietary fiber and copper and InMf, and a negative correlation between alcohol and InMf were of borderline significance (0.05 < or = p < or = 0.07). These results suggest that nutritional components may modulate the hprt Mf. Dietary differences may account for a part of the variability observed in hprt Mf in human populations.
Comparative analysis of extrinsic and intrinsic cohesive models of dynamic fracture

A comparative analysis of intrinsic and extrinsic cohesive models has been performed for the case of spontaneous and steady-state dynamic crack propagation. Spontaneous crack propagation was simulated using a spectral form of the elastodynamic boundary integral equation, while steady-state solutions were obtained by numerically integrating the governing Cauchy singular integral equation. Spontaneous crack propagation results showed that intrinsic models are less numerically stable than the extrinsic ones. Under steady-state propagation conditions, some intrinsic cohesive models lead to unrealistic results as the crack opening velocity becomes negative at the cohesive zone tip. By imposing a positive crack opening acceleration at the cohesive zone tip, the envelope of the required minimum initial strength has been calculated.
Stimulation of the basal and central amygdala in the mustached bat triggers echolocation and agonistic vocalizations within multimodal output.

The neural substrate for the perception of vocalization is relatively well described, but we know much less about how the timing and specificity of vocalizations is tightly coupled with audiovocal communication behavior. In many vocal species, well-timed vocalizations accompany fear, vigilance and aggression. These emotive responses likely originate within the amygdala and other limbic structures, but the organization of motor outputs for triggering species-appropriate behaviors remains unclear. We performed electrical microstimulation at 461 highly restricted loci within the basal and central amygdala in awake mustached bats. At a subset of these sites, high frequency stimulation with weak constant current pulses presented at near-threshold levels triggered vocalization of either echolocation pulses or social calls. At the vast majority of locations, microstimulation produced a constellation of changes in autonomic and somatomotor outputs. These changes included widespread co-activation of significant tachycardia and hyperventilation and/or rhythmic ear pinna movements. In a few locations, responses were constrained to vocalization and/or pinna movements despite increases in the intensity of stimulation. The probability of eliciting echolocation pulses versus social calls decreased in a medial-posterior to anterolateral direction within the centrobasal amygdala. Microinjections of kainic acid at stimulation sites confirmed the contribution of cellular activity rather than fibers-of-passage in the control of multimodal outputs. The results suggest that multimodal clusters of neurons may simultaneously modulate the activity of multiple central pattern generators present within the brainstem.
Functional Central Limit Theorem approximations and the distribution of the Dickey–Fuller test with strongly heteroskedastic data

Abstract We simulate the small-sample distribution of the Dickey–Fuller (DF) test with data generated from various GARCH(1,1) processes where the parameters α and β are close to the boundary of integration. As the length of the sample increases, the small-sample distributions of the DF test converge slowly to the asymptotic one, and the convergence is even slower as α + β approaches unity. This suggests that, with strongly heteroskedastic data, we must use caution when relying on asymptotic tools that use the Functional Central Limit Theorem (FCLT). Indeed, with close-to-integrated GARCH(1,1) data, the asymptotic DF critical values lead to grossly oversized tests.
Estimation-reconstruction approach for image reconstruction in halfscan computed tomography

The fan-beam filtered backprojection (FFBP) algorithm has been widely used for image reconstruction in fan-beam computed tomography (CT). We have also developed fullscan-hybrid algorithms for image reconstruction in fan-beam CT. Numerical evaluation indicates that such fullscan-hybrid algorithms possess computational and noise properties superior to those of the FFBP algorithm. However, because these fullscan-hybrid algorithms involve the calculation of the Fourier series expansion of the fan-beam data, they require fullscan data acquired over an angular range of 2(pi) . Therefore, these fullscan-hybrid algorithms cannot be applied directly to a halfscan fan-beam data that are acquired only over an angular range of (pi) plus the fan angle. In this work, we present new reconstruction algorithms -- the halfscan-hybrid algorithms -- for image reconstruction in halfscan CT. These halfscan-hybrid algorithms have properties that are similar to those of the full-scan hybrid algorithms and that are superior to those of the widely used halfscan-FFBP algorithm. Such properties of the halfscan-hybrid algorithms may have significant implications to the accuracy and precision of lesion detection and parameter estimation in noisy CT images without increasing the radiation dose to the patient.
Validation, Replication, and Sensitivity Testing of Heckman-Type Selection Models to Adjust Estimates of HIV Prevalence

A recent study using Heckman-type selection models to adjust for non-response in the Zambia 2007 Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) found a large correction in HIV prevalence for males. We aim to validate this finding, replicate the adjustment approach in other DHSs, apply the adjustment approach in an external empirical context, and assess the robustness of the technique to different adjustment approaches. We used 6 DHSs, and an HIV prevalence study from rural South Africa to validate and replicate the adjustment approach. We also developed an alternative, systematic model of selection processes and applied it to all surveys. We decomposed corrections from both approaches into rate change and age-structure change components. We are able to reproduce the adjustment approach for the 2007 Zambia DHS and derive results comparable with the original findings. We are able to replicate applying the approach in several other DHSs. The approach also yields reasonable adjustments for a survey in rural South Africa. The technique is relatively robust to how the adjustment approach is specified. The Heckman selection model is a useful tool for assessing the possibility and extent of selection bias in HIV prevalence estimates from sample surveys.
Estimation of posterior distributions with population Monte Carlo sampling and graphical modeling

An important step in applying graphical models to signal processing is the implementation of belief propagation. Belief propagation represents an efficient way of solving inference problems based on passing local messages. When we deal with continuous hidden variables, belief propagation requires solving integrals which usually do not have analytical solutions. In this paper we show how this can be accomplished on factor graphs using population Monte Carlo (PMC) sampling. We propose a scheme that enforces the same set of particles to be used by the different factors, which allows for easy fusion of messages while forming the belief of each variable. We present the proposed scheme with an application to target localization with signal strength measurements.
Infection of accessory dendritic cells by human immunodeficiency virus type 1.

Many details of the pathogenesis of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 remain to be elucidated. Details of how the virus gains entry via the mucosal surface upon sexual contact or during breast feeding remain obscure. The means by which the infection travels throughout the body as well as the nature of the major reservoirs of virus infection remains, for the most part, unknown. Recent studies raise the possibility that cells of the Langerhans/dendritic lineage play a central role in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) infection and pathogenesis. It has been known for several years that veiled dendritic cells in the circulation as well as skin Langerhans are infected in people with prolonged HIV-1 infections. More recently it has been found that a large burden of viral DNA sequences is found, not only in the circulating T-cell population, but also in a population that is defined as a non-T, non-B, nonrnonocyte/macrophage population rich in T-helper dendritic cells. Detailed analysis of infection of primary blood-derived T-helper dendritic cells by HIV-1 shows that such cells are the most susceptible cells in the blood to infection by this virus. The cells also produce much more virus per cell than do purified populations of other blood mononuclear cells. Moreover, primary blood- derived T-helper dendritic cells are not killed by infection by HIV-1. These cells are susceptible to lymphotropic, monocyte tropic, and primary isolates of HIV-1. The sensitivity of primary blood-derived T-helper dendritic cells to infection by HIV-1 has been shown to be attributable to rapid uptake of virus particles as well as rapid synthesis of viral DNA. Subsequent steps of virus replication also occur more rapidly and more efficiently in populations of primary blood- derived T-helper dendritic cells than they do in purified preparations of blood-derived T cells and monocyte/macrophages. Studies with primates using the simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) show that dendritic cells at the surface of sexual mucosa are rapidly infected upon exposure to high concentrations of the virus. SIV is also produced in abundance in Langerhans cells located at the surface of the sexual mucosa in animals infected for prolonged periods of time.
Development and validation of the Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care (PACIC)

Rationale: There is a need for a brief, validated patient self-report instrument to assess the extent to which patients with chronic illness receive care that aligns with the Chronic Care Model—measuring care that is patient-centered, proactive, planned and includes collaborative goal setting; problem-solving and follow-up support. Sample: A total of 283 adults reporting one or more chronic illness from a large integrated health care delivery system were studied. Methods: Participants completed the 20-item Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care (PACIC) as well as measures of demographic factors, a patient activation scale, and subscales from a primary care assessment instrument so that we could evaluate measurement performance, construct, and concurrent validity of the PACIC. Results: The PACIC consists of 5 scales and an overall summary score, each having good internal consistency for brief scales. As predicted, the PACIC was only slightly correlated with age and gender, and unrelated to education. Contrary to prediction, it was only slightly correlated (r 0.13) with number of chronic conditions. The PACIC demonstrated moderate test-retest reliability (r 0.58 during the course of 3 months) and was correlated moderately, as predicted (r 0.32– 0.60, median 0.50, P 0.001) to measures of primary care and patient activation. Discussion: The PACIC appears to be a practical instrument that is reliable and has face, construct, and concurrent validity. The resulting questionnaire is in the public domain, and recommendations for its use in research and quality improvement are outlined.
Effects of subchronic lithium treatment on levels of BDNF, Bcl-2 and phospho-CREB in the rat hippocampus.

Abstract: Although it has been proposed that exposure to lithium up-regulates brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), B-cell leukaemia/lymphoma 2 protein (Bcl-2) and cyclic AMP-response element-binding protein (CREB), and these molecules are involved in the neuroplastic actions and clinical efficacy of the drug, the several lines of evidence suggest that the lithium-induced up-regulation of these molecules has not been consistently confirmed. Few studies have examined the effects of lithium exposure on the regulation of these molecules in the dentate gyrus (DG) and area CA1 in the hippocampus. We examined the effects of subchronic lithium treatment on the levels of BDNF, Bcl-2 and phosphorylated CREB in the DG and area CA1. We administered LiCl intraperitoneally (1 mEq/kg per day) to adult rats for 14 days, killed animals in 24 hr after the last administration of the drug, and determined the tissue levels of BDNF, Bcl-2 and pCREB in the DG and area CA1. Subchronic lithium treatment for 14 days did not significantly alter the levels of BDNF, Bcl-2 or phosphorylated CREB in the DG and area CA1 in the hippocampus. This study indicates that the lithium-induced up-regulation of these molecules may be various depending on the duration of lithium exposure and particular brain regions exposed to the drug.
Rapid Thermal Annealing of As in Si

The results of a detailed investigation of the diffusion of ion implanted As in Si during Rapid Thermal Annealing (RTA) are reported. A series of experiments has been performed on samples implanted with As in a wide range of concentrations. The use of an improved thermocouple bonding technique enables precise measurement and control of the temperature versus time cycle for each individual sample. The RTA apparatus is designed to perform high vacuum annealing, eliminating the complications associated with point defect generating mechanisms at the surface, which are known to influence the diffusion of impurities in Si. Sample analysis includes depth profiling by SIMS and RBS, and electrical characterization employing VanderPauw and Spreading Resistance measurements. The resulting profiles have been analyzed via a numerical solution of the diffusion equation subject to the appropriate boundary conditions. With an effective As diffusivity of the form $${D^0} + {D^ -}\left({{\textstyle{n \over {{n_i}}}}} \right) + D = {\left({{\textstyle{n \over {{n_i}}}}} \right)^2}$$ we find good simulation of all measured profiles with the standard values of D0 and D- from SUPREMIII and a one parameter fit to D= Recent results on the redistribution of low dose As implants in heavily phosphorus doped Si illustrate the strong Fermi level dependence. The model has also been successfully used to simulate RTA data in the literature where careful temperature measurements have been made.
Ultrastructure Studies of Selected Benthic Foraminifera: ABSTRACT

Electron microscopy of benthic calcareous Foraminifera reveals the presence of a calcite layer on both external and internal test surfaces. This layer is analogous to the calcite crust which has been reported on external surfaces of planktonic Foraminifera. The crust was observed on two granular-walled species, Nonionella scapha and Nonionella miocenica, and on two radial-walled species, Cancris indicus and Bolivina spissa. On these four species, the crust is a very thin layer which occurs only on specimens from the greater depth ranges. Where no crust is present, test surfaces of granular- and radial-walled species have different appearances at high magnifications. However, crusts may cause surfaces on both groups to appear similar. On the radial-walled species Bolivina rgentea, crust is noticeable on specimens from shallow water and becomes progressively thicker, reaching a maximum thickness of more than 4 µ at the lower end of the depth range. Specimens of B. argentea from a low oxygen environment have thinner crusts than specimens from a normal environment of the same depth. The crust is not a postmortem feature because it is found on specimens which have absorbed a rose bengal stain. The crust is generally thicker on early than on late chambers, indicating its probable secondary origin. End_of_Article - Last_Page 467------------
Sliding behavior of aluminum

Abstract The behavior of aluminum pins (high purity aluminum, aluminum alloy 1100 and Al-1 at.%Mg) sliding in vacuum against rotating disks of M2 tool steel was investigated for a range of sliding speeds. Wear of these ductile materials occurs mainly by extrusion at the exit side of the wear scar. Friction at steady state is similar for all three materials. For high purity aluminum at low sliding speeds, the spacing of lamellae which appear on the surface is the same as the spacing between microbands revealed by transmission electron microscopy. This and other observations of deformation substructure can be accommodated by Rosenfield's theory of shear instability in sliding wear. Recrystallization is also observed, but it does not seem to have a large effect on the friction and wear behavior for the conditions used in these tests.
Highly-parallel metabolomics approaches using LC-MS2 for pharmaceutical and environmental analysis

Abstract The ‘omics’ approaches – genomics, proteomics and metabolomics – are based on high-throughput, high-information-content analysis. Using these approaches, as opposed to targeting one or a few analytes, a holistic understanding of the composition of a sample can be obtained. These approaches have revolutionized sample-analysis and data-processing protocols. In metabolomic studies, hundreds of small molecules are simultaneously analyzed using analytical platforms (e.g., gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) or liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS2)). This philosophy of holistic analysis and the application of high-throughput, high-information-content analysis offer several advantages. In this article, we compare the conventional analytical approach of one (or a few) analyte(s) per sample to the LC-MS2-based metabolomics-type approach in the context of pharmaceutical and environmental analysis.
Hyperkalemia Complicating Cardiopulmonary Bypass: Analysis of Risk Factors

Abstract This study was undertaken to assess the hyperkalemic effect of several factors, including cardioplegia containing 25 mEq K + per liter. We measured potassium balance at termination of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in each of 20 patients with hyperkalemia (minimum K + , 6.0 mEq/L) and 20 patients with normal potassium levels (K + up to 5.5 mEq/L) by subtracting urinary excretion of potassium from the sum of contributions from cardioplegia, hemolysis, and transfusion. The effects of potassium balance, diabetes, blood glucose, catecholamines, and propranolol on the degree of potassium change during CPB were assessed by multiple linear regression. We found no effect of potassium load on potassium change in either the hyperkalemic or normal group. This suggested that derangement of potassium homeostasis was more important than exogenous potassium loading as a hyperkalemic stimulus. Use of catecholamines reduced the potassium change in the hyperkalemic group ( p A striking finding was the frequency of diabetics in the hyperkalemic group (12 of 20 patients) compared with the control group (2 of 20) ( p p It is concluded that dangerous hyperkalemia is related to derangements of potassium homeostasis rather than excessive potassium loads, and that the use of cardioplegic solutions containing 25 mEq/L of potassium is safe. Known diabetics or patients noted preoperatively to have abnormal elevations of serum glucose deserve special attention during CPB, as many hyperkalemic patients require pacing or prolongation of bypass to manage the resulting electromechanical disturbance.
Enhancing LVRT capability of FSIG wind turbine using current source UPQC based on resistive SFCL

This paper presents a current-source converter based unified power quality conditioner (UPQC) is used for a fixed-speed induction generator (FSIG) wind turbines in order to enhance the low voltage ride through (LVRT) capability. When voltage sag occurs due to grid side fault, the series compensator of the UPQC injects required voltage to prevent disconnecting of FSIG wind turbine. On the other hand, faults produced by wind turbine generator systems will impact not only the wind farms but also the interconnected system including the grid if proper protection is not ensured. Therefore, the resistive SFCL incorporated in series with the dc-link inductance of UPQC is proposed to limit excessive current in the event of the generator side fault. Detailed simulation studies implemented in PSCAD/EMTDC confirm that both of resistive SFCL and large dc-link inductance are effective in decreasing the fault current thereby reducing the voltage dip at the generator terminal.
Salinity Effects on Seedling Growth and Yield Components of Rice

Flood irrigation practices that are commonly used in California during the early stages of rice (Oryza sativa L.) establishment may contribute to salinity damage and eventually decrease yield. Knowledge of salinity effects on rice seedling growth and yield components would improve management practices in fields and increase our understanding of salt tolerance mechanisms in rice. Salinity sensitivity of rice was studied to determine salinity effects on seedlings and yield components. Plants of rice cultivar M-202 were grown in a greenhouse in sand and irrigated with nutrient solutions of control and treatments amended with NaCl and CaCl 2 (2:1 molar concentration) at 1.9, 3.4, 4.5, 6.1, 7.9, and 11.5 dS m -1 electrical conductivity. Shoot dry weights of seedlings were measured at five harvests in the first month after seeding. Seedling growth was significantly reduced by salinity at the lowest salinity treatment, 1.9 dS m -1 . At 1.9 and 3.4 dS m -1 , significant reduction of seedling growth occurred at longer cumulative thermal time than at higher salt levels. Seedling survival was significantly reduced when salinity was 3.40 dS m -1 and higher. Highly significant linear responses of grain weight per plant, grain weight per panicle, spikelet number per panicle, and tiller number per plant to salinity were observed. There was a common lowest salt level for fertility and pollen germination beyond which they were significantly reduced by salinity. Harvest index was significantly decreased when salinity was at 3.40 dS m -1 and higher. Tiller number per plant and spikelet number per panicle contributed the most variation in grain weight per plant under salinity. Reductions in seedling survival, tiller number per plant, and spikelet number per panicle were the major causes of yield loss in M-202 under salinity. The compensation between spikelets and other yield components was confounded with salinity effects, but was believed to be minor relative to the reduction of spikelets due to salinity and, therefore, not sufficient to offset yield loss even at moderate salt levels.
Potential for intraguild predation and competition among predatory Coccinellidae and Chrysopidae.

In a laboratory study two coccinellid species, Coleomegilla maculata (DeGeer) and Harmonia axyridis Pallas, completed preimaginal development on lacewing eggs, Chrysoperla carnea Stephens or pea aphids, Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris) in similar times. Preimaginal survival on C. carnea eggs was similar to survival on A. pisum for all stages of C. maculata and H. axyridis. Coccinellid adults that developed on C. carnea eggs were smaller than adults reared on A. pisum. Coccinella septempunctata L. did not complete preimaginal development on C. carnea eggs. Chrysoperla carnea preimaginal developmental time was approximately 20 days when fed either C. maculata eggs or A. pisum. Chrysoperla carnea fed C. maculata eggs developed into smaller adults, compared to adults reared as larvae on A. pisum, Ostrinia nubilalis (Hubner) eggs, or A. pisum alternated daily with O. nubilalis eggs. C. carnea did not complete preimaginal development on H. axyridis eggs. Cannibalism occurred more frequently between C. carnea third instars than between C. maculata fourth instars. When a C. carnea third instar was paired with a C. maculata fourth instar, more C. maculata were preyed upon by C. carnea, regardless of the herbivorous prey density. In the field these two predator species may negatively affect each other and reduce their suppression of pest densities.
Electronic structure and optical constants of Ni by electron inelastic scattering

We have measured the electron energy-loss spectrum of polycrystalline Ni over the energy range 0 to 150 eV and have analyzed it to deduce the dielectric constant (real and imaginary parts) and various other optical properties. The latter are in reasonable agreement with direct measurements of the same quantities over narrower energy ranges. Peaks in the deduced optical conductivity, which is found to be very similar to that of Cu, can be understood with reference to calculated electron energy bands, though some discrepancies remain.
The effect of cold deformation on the kinetics of the β″ precipitates in an Al-Mg-Si alloy

Kinetics of β″ precipitation in an Al-0.55 pct Mg-1.1 wt pct Si (AA6022) in both deformed and undeformed conditions were investigated by means of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis on predeformed samples was also performed to study the effect of deformation on β″ precipitates. It was found that the introduction of dislocations changes the precipitate type from β″ to β′ and Q′. Also the measured activation energy for precipitate formation in the case of predeformed and undeformed samples was compared. The results show that dislocations facilitate precipitation by decreasing the activation energy.
Heritability of binge-eating and broadly defined bulimia nervosa

Abstract Background: Using diagnostic information obtained at two different times, we incorporated error of measurement into structural equation twin models to evaluate the contribution of additive genetic, common environmental, and individual-specific environmental factors to the liability to binge-eating and broadly defined bulimia nervosa (BN). We also evaluated the validity of the equal environment assumption (EEA) with reference to these two phenotypes. Methods: We interviewed 1897 female twins (including both members of 854 twin pairs) from a population-based register about their lifetime history of binge-eating and of broadly defined BN twice, approximately 5 years apart. Results: The reliabilities of a lifetime history of binge-eating (κ = .34) and of broadly defined BN (κ = .28) were low. Based on single interviews, the heritability of binge-eating was estimated to be 50% and broad BN 60%, with the remaining variance attributable to individual-specific environment. Common environmental influences had no effect on liability to either trait. By combining information from two interview waves and thereby incorporating error of measurement into a structural equation model, the estimated heritability of the latent vulnerability to binge-eating (82%) and broadly defined BN (83%) increased substantially. Although there were no violations of the EEA detected for binge-eating, cosocialization influenced twin concordance for broadly defined BN. Conclusions: Lifetime histories of binge-eating and broadly defined BN appear to be highly heritable conditions of low reliability.
Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy: Esophagogastric Anastomosis Using the Transoral Orvil for the End-to-Side Ivor-Lewis Technique.

ObjectiveMinimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) can be performed a variety of ways using different techniques for the anastomosis. End-to-end anastomosis (EEA) transoral circular staplers have trad...
1978 world fats and oils situation

As expected, world oil and meal production and demand this year have been above trend, but the U.S. share of world markets has been greater than projected because of smaller than anticipated oilseed crops in Brazil, the Soviet Union, India, and Senegal. World 1978 fats and oils supplies should be around 53 million metric tons with export markets absorbing about 17 million metric tons. The U.S. 1978 soybean crop may equal or excel the 1977 crop; Canada’s oilseed crops are expected to be up, and Brazil’s 1979 soybean crop is expected to rebound from the 1978 level.
Serum ferritin in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.

To further define a role for iron deficiency in attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, serum ferritin was included in a battery of laboratory tests obtained in children attending a clinic for attention deficit disorders. In a total of 68 consecutive patients (ages 5-16 years; 54 male, 14 female), the range of serum ferritin levels was a low of 7.7 ng/mL and a high of 150 ng/mL. The mean (±S.D.) serum ferritin level in patients with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (39.9 ± 40.6 ng/mL) was not different from that of control subjects. Seventy-four percent of patients had serum ferritin levels below 50 ng/mL; 44% were below 30 ng/mL; and 18% below 20 ng/mL. None had evidence of iron deficiency anemia. A comparison of the clinical characteristics of the 12 patients with the lowest serum ferritin levels ( 60 ng/mL) disclosed no significant difference in severity or frequency of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and comorbid symptoms or response to medications. In this patient cohort, a causative role for low serum ferritin in attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder has not been confirmed.
Psychological reactance in health education and promotion

This paper discusses the phenomenon of resistance and psychological reactance in medical and health education/promotion settings. The theoretical background of resistance and reactance and the differences between the two is first described. The core meaning structures behind it as well as personality and developmental characteristics associated with it is then described. The research on reactance and Type A behaviour in health and medical situations is then discussed. Finally, strategies for reducing reactance in medical and health promotion settings is presented.
More than smile sheets: Rasch analysis of training reactions in a medical center

Reaction questionnaires administered at the conclusion of a training program are a common method of evaluation. Because such questionnaires are often constructed and analyzed in an ad hoc manner, their usefulness is often difficult to gauge. However, if properly constructed and analyzed, such instruments can help to make clear the strengths and weaknesses of programs. This article presents a framework for questionnaire development and analysis to ensure that such questionnaires are psychometrically sound and useful for decision making. The data used for this research were from over 5,000 questionnaires completed by individuals at the conclusion of educational programs. The Rasch model was used to evaluate the data. Results suggest that the posttraining questionnaire is a valid and reliable indicator of program quality. In addition, the Rasch analysis provided empirically based methods for diagnosing needed improvements to assessment instruments.
Chirally deuterated benzyl chlorides from benzyl alcohols via hexachloroacetone/polymer-supported triphenylphosphine: synthesis of protected (2S, 3S)-[3-2H, 15N]-tyrosine

Chirally deuterated benzyl chlorides were prepared using novel, general hexachloroacetone/polymer-supported triphenylphosphine treatment of chirally deuterated benzyl alcohols. Doubly labeled protected tyrosine was obtained in 62% yield with 86% de at the α-carbon and 82% de at the β-carbon. Key in the synthesis was the alkylation of (15)N-labeled (-)-8-phenylmenthylhippurate with R-(-)-4-triisopropylsilyloxybenzyl-α-d chloride.
Transmission of Emergency Messages in Wireless Patient Monitoring: Routing and Performance Evaluation

Patient monitoring is becoming a requirement for offering a better healthcare to an increasing number of patients in nursing homes and hospitals. During the monitoring, vital signs of patients could fluctuate significantly and/or match certain undesirable patterns and therefore "alerts" or emergency messages must be delivered to healthcare professionals. There has been some work in using infrastructure-oriented wireless networks for transmission of emergency messages, however, the network coverage and reliability of message delivery have not been satisfactory. To overcome these, we propose that ad hoc networks can be formed among patients devices for improved transmission of emergency messages. We also propose several design enhancements to improve the quality and coverage of patient monitoring. The performance results for the proposed ad hoc network based architecture show that reliable message delivery and low monitoring delays can be achieved by using multicast or broadcast-based routing schemes.
Shaping modes in multicore photonic crystal fibers

We explore the possibility of devising custom-shaped modes for multicore photonic crystal fibers by manipulating their geometrical structures. We present a recipe for constructing custom-shaped modes based on perturbation theory of coupled modes and the finite element method.
Invited Commentary---Marketing Structural Models: “Keep It Real”

In their article, “Structural Modeling in Marketing: Review and Assessment,” Chintagunta, Erdem, Rossi, and Wedel (2006) provide a comprehensive survey of the contributions to the empirical marketing literature made by researchers using structural econometric modeling. More importantly, their review poses the question of whether structural methods should become more prominent in marketing research. Addressing that question requires a careful consideration of the potential gains of employing structure in this context, as well as the compromises necessary for implementation. Instead of specifically referencing many of the interesting papers cited by the authors, I will focus my comment on evaluating the value of structural approaches in marketing in more general terms.
REDUCTION OF OTHERWISE REMARKABLY STABLE VIRUS-SPECIFIC CYTOTOXIC T LYMPHOCYTE MEMORY BY HETEROLOGOUS VIRAL INFECTIONS

Experimental analyses of the acute cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) response to viruses have focused on studying these infections in immunologically naive hosts. In the natural environment, however, viral CTL responses occur in hosts that are already immune to other infectious agents. To address which factors contribute to the maintenance and waning of immunological memory, the following study examined the frequencies of virus-specific CTL precursor cells (pCTL) not only using the usual experimental paradigm where mice undergo acute infections with a single virus, and in mice immune to a single virus, but also in immune mice after challenge with various heterologous viruses. As determined by limiting dilution assays, the pCTL frequency (p/f) per CD8+ T cell specific for lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV), Pichinde virus (PV), or vaccinia virus (VV) increased during the acute infections, peaking at days 7-8 with frequencies as high as 1/27-1/74. Acute viral infections such as these elicit major expansions in the CD8+ T cell number, which has been reported to undergo apoptosis and decline after most of the viral antigen has been cleared. Although the decline in the total number of virus-specific pCTL after their peak in the acute infection was substantial, for all three viruses the virus-specific p/f per CD8+ T cell decreased only two- to fourfold and remained at these high levels with little fluctuation for well over a year. The ratios of the three immunodominant peptide-specific to total LCMV-specific clones remained unchanged between days 7 and 8 of acute infection and long-term memory, suggesting that the apoptotic events did not discriminate on the basis of T cell receptor specificity, but instead nonspecifically eliminated a large proportion of the activated T cells. However, when one to five heterologous viruses (LCMV, PV, VV, murine cytomegalovirus, and vesicular stomatitis virus) were sequentially introduced into this otherwise stable memory pool, the stability of the memory pool was disrupted. With each successive infection, after the immune system had returned to homeostasis, the memory p/f specific to viruses from earlier infections declined. Reductions in memory p/f were observed in all tested immunological compartments (spleen, peripheral blood, lymph nodes, and peritoneal cavity), and on average in the spleen revealed a 3 +/- 0.4-fold decrease in p/f after one additional viral infection and an 8.4 +/- 3-fold decrease after two additional viral infections. Thus, subsequent challenges with heterologous antigens, which themselves induce memory CTL, may contribute to the waning of CTL memory pool to earlier viruses as the immune system accommodates ever-increasing numbers of new memory cells within a limited lymphoid population. This demonstrates that virus infections do not occur in immunological isolation, and that CD8+ T cell responses are continually being modulated by other infectious agents.