cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Surface defects and corrosion in electrostatically deposited powder films

The corrosion resistance of electrostatic powder coatings depends upon obtaining a smooth, nonporous film deposited uniformly over the surface of the entire substrate. The film must be free of voids, pinholes, and other surface defects. Two common defects on powder coated film arise from: (1) Faraday Cage effect causing uneven film thickness of recessed surface and (2) back corona that results in pinholes and craters. The effects of surface defects on corrosion were studied using an industrial grade thermosetting powder electrostatically sprayed onto grounded aluminum alloy substrates using a corona gun. The film thickness was varied from 25 to 75 /spl mu/m to represent the effect of Faraday Cage problem in recessed areas. Similarly the effects of back corona were studied by subjecting the powder layer to corona ion bombardment. For both the cases, additional surface defects in the form of scratch and pinholes were introduced on the cured film and tested for corrosion resistance. Corrosion testing of the coated substrates was performed by immersion in neutral salt solution as per standard method recommended in ASTM G 44-99. The corrosion resistance was estimated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and Tafel plots. Corrosion resistance decreased from 700 kohms/cm/sup 2/ to 350 kohms/cm/sup 2/ when film thickness decreased from 75 /spl mu/m to 25 /spl mu/m, but with induced back corona, the resistance for the same film thickness changed from 300 kohms/cm/sup 2/ to 200 kohms/cm/sup 2/.
The FU Orionis Variables: Accretion and Mass Loss

This article reviews recent observations of the FU Orionis variables. We summarize the evidence that these systems are pre-main sequence stars accreting material at high rates from a circumstellar disk, and describe estimates for mass loss rates derived from Hα and Na I D line profiles.
A Tunneled Subcricoid Approach for Anterior Cervical Spine Reoperation: Technical and Safety Results

Objective Anterior cervical spine decompression and fusion are common neurosurgical operations. Reoperation of the anterior cervical spine is associated with increased morbidity. The authors describe a novel subcricoid approach to protect the recurrent laryngeal nerve in a cuff of tissue while facilitating surgical access to the anterior cervical spine. Methods Single institution, consecutive case review of 48 patients undergoing reoperation in the anterior cervical region including the level of C5 and below. Univariable and multivariable regression analysis was used to determine predictors of postoperative morbidity. Results No intraoperative complications were reported. Estimated blood loss for the approach was 13.6 ± 3.1 mL. Nine of 48 patients developed immediate postoperative complications, including vocal cord paresis (10.4%), moderate-to-severe dysphagia (10.4%), and neck edema requiring intubation (2.1%). No postoperative hematomas or death occurred. All complications occurred with 4 or more levels of exposure (1–3 disc levels, 0%, vs. ≥4 disc levels, 31%). Extension of the exposure to the upper thoracic spine was associated with odds for postoperative complications (adjusted odds ratio, 6.50; 95% confidence interval, 1.14–37.03) and prolonged hospital stay (adjusted increase 4.23 days, P Conclusion The tunneled subcricoid approach is a relatively safe corridor to reapproach the anterior cervical spine at the level of C5 and below. However, caution must be exercised when using this approach to expose 4 or more disc levels and with extension of the exposure to the upper thoracic spine. Future comparative studies are needed to establish patient selection criteria in determining the use of this technique compared with classic approaches.
Defender (mis)coordination in security games

We study security games with multiple defenders. To achieve maximum security, defenders must perfectly synchronize their randomized allocations of resources. However, in real-life scenarios (such as protection of the port of Boston) this is not the case. Our goal is to quantify the loss incurred by miscoordination between defenders, both theoretically and empirically. We introduce two notions that capture this loss under different assumptions: the price of miscoordination, and the price of sequential commitment. Generally speaking, our theoretical bounds indicate that the loss may be extremely high in the worst case, while our simulations establish a smaller yet significant loss in practice.
Historical measures of social context in life course studies: retrospective linkage of addresses to decennial censuses.

There is evidence of a contribution of early life socioeconomic exposures to the risk of chronic diseases in adulthood. However, extant studies investigating the impact of the neighborhood social environment on health tend to characterize only the current social environment. This in part may be due to complexities involved in obtaining and geocoding historical addresses. The Life Course Socioeconomic Status, Social Context, and Cardiovascular Disease Study collected information on childhood (1930–1950) and early adulthood (1960–1980) place of residence from 12,681 black and white middle-aged and older men and women from four U.S. communities to link participants with census-based socioeconomic indicators over the life course. Most (99%) participants were linked to 1930–50 county level socioeconomic census data (the smallest level of aggregation universally available during this time period) corresponding to childhood place of residence. Linkage did not vary by race, gender, birth cohort, or level of educational attainment. A commercial geocoding vendor processed participants' self-reported street addresses for ages 30, 40, and 50. For 1970 and 1980 censuses, spatial coordinates were overlaid onto shape files containing census tract boundaries; for 1960 no shape files existed and comparability files were used. Several methods were tested for accuracy and to increase linkage. Successful linkage to historical census tracts varied by census (66% for 1960, 76% for 1970, 85% for 1980). This compares to linkage rates of 94% for current addresses provided by participants over the course of the ARIC examinations. There are complexities and limitations in characterizing the past social context. However, our results suggest that it is feasible to characterize the earlier social environment with known levels of measurement error and that such an approach should be considered in future studies.
Quality of care and resource use among mechanically ventilated patients before and after an intervention to assist nurse-nonvocal patient communication

Abstract Objectives Implement and test unit-wide patient-nurse assisted communication strategies (SPEACS). Background SPEACS improved nurse-patient communication outcomes; effects on patient care quality and resource use are unknown. Methods Prospective, randomized stepped-wedge pragmatic trial of 1440 adults ventilated ≥2 days and awake for at least one shift in 6 ICUs at 2 teaching hospitals 2009–2011 with blinded retrospective medical record abstraction. Main results 323/383 (84%) nurses completed training; their communication knowledge ( p p p = .44), heavy sedation ( p = .73), pain score documentation ( p = .97), presence of ICU-acquired pressure ulcers ( p = .78), coma-free days ( p = .76), ventilator-free days ( p = .83), ICU length of stay ( p = .77), hospital length of stay ( p = .22), and median costs ( p = .07) did not change. Conclusions SPEACS improved ICU nurses' knowledge, satisfaction and comfort in communicating with nonvocal MV patients but did not impact patient care quality or resource use.
Psychosocial stress suppresses tumor progression in a murine model of spontaneous, metastatic breast cancer

Late-stage breast cancer remains an intractable problem, with ∼ 40,000 deaths annually in the United States. Pre-clinical evidence suggests psychosocial stress accelerates cancer progression. Notably, these studies feature injectable tumor models, often in immunocompromised animals exposed to prolonged stress. We have employed a model of spontaneous, metastatic breast cancer, MMTV-PyMT mice, to more closely mimic clinical disease progression. Mice were exposed to a combined stressor featuring chronic social isolation and acute restraint, which activated the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA)-axis and sympathetic nervous system (SNS). Stressed mice were socially isolated during premalignancy. Two weeks later, isolated mice were exposed to 3 days of 2-hour restraint. We hypothesized this stressor would exacerbate tumor progression. Instead, 2 weeks post-restraint, stressed mice had smaller tumors, reduced splenic/lung CD11b+Gr-1+ myeloid-derived suppressor cells, and reduced pro-tumor MMP-2 and TGF-beta1/2 in plasma exosomes. By 3 weeks post-restraint, HPA-axis and SNS activation were still apparent in stressed mice, but no alterations in tumor size, immune populations, exosomal proteins, or lung metastases were detected. Stress-induced reduction in tumor growth suggests an inhibitory neurohormonal pathway linking stress and cancer progression. Psychosocial stress exposure had no long-term impact on progression, despite evidence for an altered neurohormonal environment, suggesting receptor desensitization/resistance may compensate for elevated neurohormones. A deeper understanding of biobehavioral pathways in cancer progression is needed before targeting stress neuroendocrine signaling therapeutically. Funded in part by NCI Contract No. HHSN261200800001E .
American Christian Engagement With Mental Health and Mental Illness

Although religious belief and practice are relevant to mental health outcomes, many clinicians lack knowledge of particular religious traditions required to make informed judgments about referral to and collaboration with faith-based organizations and clinicians. This Open Forum examines five diverse American Christian approaches to mental health and mental illness—pastoral care and counseling, biblical counseling, integrationism, Christian psychology, and the work of the Institute for the Psychological Sciences—that are relevant for contemporary mental health service delivery. Each of these movements is briefly described and placed in historical, conceptual, and organizational context. Knowledge of the diverse and varied terrain of American Christian engagement with mental health care can inform clinicians’ interactions with faith-based providers, clarify opportunities for responsible collaboration, and provide important insight into religious subcultures with faith-based concerns about contemporary psyc...
Mycorrhizal inoculation effect on nodulation and N accumulation in Cajanus cajan at soil P concentrations sufficient or inadequate for mycorrhiza-free growth

The interaction of Cajanus cajan with Rhizobium and vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (VAMF) was investigated in a greenhouse experiment. C. cajan was planted in soil that had been inoculated with Glomus aggregatum or treated with benlate to suppress VAMF activity. Initial soil solution P concentrations of 0.06, 0.2, 0.4, and 0.8 mg l-1 were established to test the interaction at external P levels that ranged from inadequate to nonlimiting for the host plant. At 0.06 and 0.2 mg P l-1, mycorrhizal inoculation significantly increased plant P concentrations as well as nodule numbers and shoot dry weight. Mycorrhizal inoculation also significantly increased nodule dry weight at a soil P concentration of 0.4 mg l-1 but did not significantly influence any of the other variables. The mycorrhizal inoculation effect observed at this soil solution P concentration could not be explained by any of the measures of plant P status. At 0.8 mg P l-1, none of the measured variables were affected significantly by mycorrhizal inoculation. The results indicate that the enhanced nodulation associated with mycorrhizal inoculation at soil P concentrations lower than 0.4 mg l-1 was explainable by mycorrhizal-mediated P uptake. The small but significant increase in nodule mass due to VAMF inoculation at 0.4 mg P l-1 suggests that factors not related to plant P nutrition may be involved. On the other hand, the lack of a VAMF inoculation effect at 0.8 mg P l-1 despite VAMF colonization at a level comparable to that observed at the former P concentration appear to discount this hypothesis. This observation is also supported by the lack of response of plant N status and nodule number to VAMF inoculation at this soil P concentration.
Cross-cultural differences in the practices of hotel managers: A study of Dutch and Belgian hotel managers

Abstract In the service sector there has been debate and research on whether it is the culture of the organization or that of the location that shapes hotel management practice — particularly given the internationalization of certain, mostly US-style practices. Here Myriam Jansen-Verbeke and Liesbet Steel of Rotterdam's Erasmus University report on a survey of hotel managers in Belgium and The Netherlands. Differences are slight, but whether this is because of a shared cultural background or a homogenizing organizational culture is not clear. Comparisons with a larger study of managers in 13 countries worldwide are made.
Implantation metastasis of carcinoma after percutaneous fine-needle aspiration biopsy.

Implantation of malignant cells along the needle tract is an extremely rare but potential complication following percutaneous needle aspiration biopsy of malignant lesions. Percutaneous fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) has recently received more attention for cytologic diagnosis of bronchogenic carcinoma because of its high diagnostic yield, simplicity, and low morbidity. On the other hand, dissemination of cancer cells by needle aspiration biopsy can change a potentially resectable localized lung cancer to an unresectable one. We report two cases: one patient underwent FNAB of a metastatic left adrenal mass that seeded a paraspinal muscle implantation of malignant cells that subsequently developed a tumor mass, and the second patient had tumor cell implantation in the chest wall after FNAB of a pleural-based adenocarcinoma of the lung. The theoretical and practical importance of tumor cell spread along the needle tract is discussed. Because of its rare incidence, however, this complication should not affect the use of needle aspiration biopsy in bronchogenic carcinoma, although care should be undertaken during the procedure. (Chest 1992; 102:313–15)
Calcium metabolism in pregnancy and the perinatal period: A review

Calcium homeostasis is a complex process involving calcium, other involved ions, and three calcitropic hormones, parathyroid hormone, calcitonin, and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3. The principal maternal adjustment during pregnancy is an increasing parathyroid hormone secretion which maintains the serum calcium concentration in the face of a falling albumin level, an expanding extracellular fluid volume, an increasing renal excretion, and placental calcium transfer. The placenta transports calcium ions actively, making the fetus hypercalcemic relative to its mother, which in turn stimulates calcitonin release and perhaps suppresses parathyroid hormone secretion by the fetus. A unique extrarenal system for 1 alpha-hydroxylation of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 exists in the placenta and/or decidua, providing a source of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 for the fetus. With the abrupt cessation of the placental source of calcium at birth, the neonate's serum calcium level falls for 24 to 48 hours, then stabilizes and rises slightly. Hyperparathyroidism during pregnancy causes complications in both mother and infant and should usually be treated surgically as soon as diagnosed. Maternal hypoparathyroidism can be treated satisfactorily with high doses of supplemental calcium and vitamin D. Osteopenia accompanying long-term heparin administration may respond to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (calcitriol) therapy. Diabetes in pregnancy is associated with disturbed neonatal calcium homeostasis, perhaps due to chronic hypomagnesemia. A possible etiologic role of calcium deficiency in pregnancy-related hypertension has been suggested. Dietary deficiency of calcium and/or vitamin D during gestation may lead to several adverse effects in the newborn infant.
Water Use and Yield of Canola under Dryland Conditions in the Central Great Plains

Reduced tillage systems, compared with conventional tillage methods, have increased precipitation storage efficiencies and increased the amount of available water for crop production in the central Great Plains. Increased available water affords producers the opportunity to diversify and intensify their production systems from the traditional wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)-fallow system. This study was conducted to determine canola (Brassica napus L.) production potential under the limited and variable precipitation patterns found in dryland agricultural systems in northeastern Colorado. Water stress timing effects on canola yield components were determined under a rainout shelter in 1993 and 1994, with water withheld during either the vegetative, reproductive, or grain-filling growth stage. All treatments received the same total water application, equal to the long-term average growing season precipitation. Rooting depth was determined from water extraction patterns monitored with a neutron probe. A water use-yield function was determined for canola grown under a line-source gradient irrigation system. A non-water-stressed baseline was determined for future water stress research using an infrared thermometer in canola. Timing of water stress did not significantly affect yield. Canola can extract water from soil depths of 65 in., but 92 to 95% of total seasonal water use comes from growing season precipitation and water extracted from soil depths above 47 in. An examination of the growing season precipitation records indicates that canola yields could range from 284 to 2358 lb/acre (averaging 1020 lb/acre), assuming 4 in. of stored soil water use in addition to precipitation. Dryland canola production may not be economically viable for northeastern Colorado at current market prices and yields.
Evaluating energy conservation outreach programs: A case study in Minnesota☆

Abstract The Minnesota Energy Agency and the Department of Administration sponsored workshops for boiler operators in 1979. The workshops, attended by engineers from state-owned facilities and from private buisnesses, dealt with improvements to fuel/air ratios for large gas and oil-fired boilers. The process and costs of developing and running these workshops are documented. Two different surveys of workshop attendees were conducted, one directly after the workshops and the second two months later. The first survey asked attendees about their reactions to the course (instructor, manual, and visuals) and their intentions to make the fuel/air ratio changes that were discussed during the workshops. The responses were remarkably positive, with 82% of the attendees rating the probability of making these changes as either excellent or good. The followup telephone survey sought to determine how many attendees had actually made these changes in the two months following the workshops. Again, the results were quite positive: 79% of the respondents said that they had made the adjustments to some or all of their boilers. Altogether 60% of the boilers operated by these respondents had been adjusted. If these responses accurately reflect the changes made because of the workshops, then the State of Minnesota saved $88,000 in fuel bills during 1979. This is three times the cost of running the two March workshops (including the value of the attendees' time). This suggests that this workshop—and by implication, others like it—are an effective use of State resources.
Percutaneous Epicardial Mapping and Ablation of a Posteroseptal Accessory Pathway

A 20-year-old man with no past medical history experienced a syncopal episode. He was found to be pulseless, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation was initiated. When emergency medical service arrived, rhythm strip showed an irregular wide-complex tachycardia consistent with preexcited atrial fibrillation with cycle length as short as 180 ms (333 beats per minute) (Figure 1A). He was defibrillated successfully into sinus rhythm. A 12-lead ECG showed sinus rhythm with PR interval of 110 ms, delta waves and pseudo-infarct pattern in the inferior leads consistent with a posteroseptal accessory pathway (Figure 1B). He was referred to us for an electrophysiology study. Figure 1. A, Rhythm strip of patient during the cardiac arrest, showing irregular wide-complex tachycardia very suggestive of preexcited atrial fibrillation. B, 12-lead ECG after resuscitation. The short PR interval, delta wave and pseudo-infarct pattern in the inferior leads are consistent with the presence of a manifest accessory pathway (Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome). During the procedure, extensive mapping in the right atrium, the coronary sinus (CS) and its branches, and the left atrium (via transseptal approach) was performed. A CS angiogram showed the presence of a diverticulum. The area of earliest ventricular …
Intimate Partner Violence in the U.S. General Population Progress and Future Directions

This article reviews survey research on intimate partner violence (IPV) in the U.S. general population. Results from survey research conducted over the past quarter century are briefly summarized. Three additional national studies related to injuries, crime victimization, and homicide among intimate partners in the United States are also considered. The article emphasizes the progress that has been made in general population survey research related to IPV. It concludes with a discussion of the current controversies and future directions for survey research of IPV in the U.S. general population.
Modeling the HSK toolholder-spindle interface

The HSK toolholder-spindle connection was developed to overcome shortcomings of the 7/24 steep-taper interface, especially at higher speeds. However, the HSK system was standardized quickly, without detailed evaluation based on operational experience. Several issues concerning the reliability, maintainability, and safety of the interface have been raised within the international engineering community. This study was undertaken to analytically investigate factors which influence the performance and limitations of the HSK toolholder system. Finite Element Models were created to analyze the effects of varying toolholder and spindle taper geometry, axial spindle taper length, drawbar/ clamping load, spindle speed, applied bending load, and applied torsional load on HSK toolholders. Outputs considered include taper-to-taper contact pressures, taper-to-taper clearances, minimum drawbar forces, interface stiffnesses, and stresses in the toolholder. Static deflections at the end of the holder predicted by the models agreed well with measured values. The results showed that the interface stiffness and load-carrying capability are significantly affected by taper mismatch and dimensional variations, and that stresses in the toolholder near the drive slots can be quite high, leading to potential fatigue issues for smaller toolholders subjected to frequent clamping-unclamping cycles (e.g., in high volume applications). The results can be used to specify minimum toolholder material properties for critical applications, as well as drawbar design and spindle/ toolholder gaging guidelines to increase system reliability and maintainability.
Heart Failure and Its Management With β-Blockade: Potential Applications of Once-Daily Therapy

Heart failure (HF) due to left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction is a progressive disease beginning with a primary injury that activates compensatory cardiovascular mechanisms including varying degrees of neurohormonal activation. Within the neurohormonal cascade, activation of the sympathetic nervous system is in part responsible for ongoing myocardial injury, progressive LV remodeling, and functional deterioration eventually leading to symptomatic HF. Large randomized clinical trials of certain β-blockers added to standard therapies have shown unequivocal benefits in patients with chronic systolic HF resulting in reduced remodeling, fewer total and cardiovascular deaths, and less risk of hospitalization for worsening HF. Evidence-based clinical guidelines recommend β-blockers as part of the regimen for patients with systolic HF as well as LV dysfunction following myocardial infarction. Based on published clinical trial results, bisoprolol, carvedilol, and sustained-release metoprolol succinate are recommended for systolic HF. Carvedilol, propranolol, and timolol are recommended for post-myocardial infarction LV dysfunction. Unfortunately, these evidence-based therapies are often underused in actual practice. Various strategies to increase β-blocker use in HF have been attempted, including in-hospital initiation of β-blocker therapy. Simplifying dosing regimens may also improve adherence to prescribed medications. Use of controlled-release carvedilol may encourage better adherence in patients with LV dysfunction and help overcome at least one barrier to optimal evidence-based care.
Problems and opportunities of retailing in the US ''Inner City''

Abstract In recent years, a number of large-scale retailers have established stores in the Inner City areas of the major cities in the United States. This paper relies upon a number of theories put forth by scholars in geography, sociology, and urban planning to understand the experience of Pathmark Stores, Inc. as it attempted to place a full-service supermarket in New York City’s Harlem. The study considers why establishment of large-scale stores in Inner City areas may represent important opportunities for profit, but discusses why they may also disrupt long-standing economic and societal relationships of neighborhoods and be a source of conflict among competing local factions.
DNA-cell-binding (DCB) assay for suspected carcinogens and mut agens

Abstract This report describes a novel technique for screening potential carcinogens and mutagens. The DNA-cell-binding (DCB) assay is based on earlier observations which indicated that DNA and other nucleic acids exposed to active carcinogens strongly react with other macromolecules, producing nucleic acid—nucleic acid and nucleic acid—protein adducts. The latter group of adducts included complexes with proteins present in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell membranes. Increased attachment of DNA to the intact bacterial and animal cells was seen in the presence of active carcinogens or carcinogens activated by extracts from mouse and rat livers. We have conducted a survey of almost 280 chemicals including 130 with known carcinogenic potential (i.e., either known carcinogens or known non-carcinogens). The DCB test and animal assays agreed in about 96% of cases. Thus, as a predictor of potential carcinogenicity, this assay compares favorably with other rapid methods currently in use. In this respect, the DCB assay is also superior to other techniques which measure the formation of macromolecular. complexes, such as velocity centrifugation through sucrose gradients, gel electrophoresis, filtration through nitrocellulose filters, chromatography on methyl-esterified albumin, equilibrium density gradient ceritrifugation, etc. In the few cases for which the data were available, combining the results of DCB assays with the results of experiments in which the induction of DNA—protein adducts in living human cells in tissue culture has been measured by cold phenol extraction, the predictability was increased to 100%. We suggest that DCB assay should be used either alone or in combination with other rapid methods of carcinogen detection for screening industrial, environmental and other chemicals and chemical mixtures for their carcinogenic potential. Ways of further improving and simplifying the DCB test are considered.
Social transmission of behavioural traditions in a coral reef fish

Abstract Traditional behaviours involve the non-genetic transmission of social information across age classes or generations. French grunts (Haemulon flavolineatum) exhibit social traditions of daytime schooling sites and twilight migration routes. Individuals transplanted to new schooling sites and allowed to follow residents at the new sites used the new migration routes and returned to the new sites in the absence of resident fish. Control fish with no opportunity to learn showed no such directionality or return. This is the first demonstration of apparent pre-cultural behaviour in free-living fish. Our observations suggest additional classes of behaviour and taxonomic groups in which pre-cultural activities are likely to have evolved.
Concentration and Dye Length Dependence of Organic Dye Laser Spectra

Experimental data comparing peak emission wavelength with organic dye laser cell length are presented. These data and knowledge of the variation of peak emission wavelength with organic dye concentration make reasonable the hypothesis that the observed effects are caused by self-absorption. A simple theory is developed on this hypothesis and the results of numerical calculations compared with the experimental data. Good agreement is obtained, but some departures from agreement suggest improvement may be expected from a time-dependent theory.
FORMATION OF BINUCLEATED CARDIAC MYOCYTES IN RAT HEART : II. CYTOSKELETAL ORGANISATION

Abstract Formation of Binucleated Cardiac Myocytes in Rat Heart: II. Cytoskeletal Organisation.Journal of Molecular and Cellular Cardiology(1997)29, 1553–1565. Neonatal cardiac myocytes continue to undergo nuclear division, but lose their ability to complete cell division between 3 and 4 days of age. To examine cytoskeletal organisation of cardiac myocytes during mitosis, freshly isolated cardiac myocytes from 2-, 4-, 6- and 8-day-old rats were fixed and labeled with anti-tubulin, vinculin, desmin and sarcomeric α-actinin antibodies. The central, nuclear region of cardiac myocytes is expanded to form a balloon-like structure when they entered prophase. The organisation of microtubules, vinculin and desmin in mitotic myocytes from 4-, 6- and 8-day-old rats was identical to that in dividing myocytes from 2-day-old animals. Microtubules emanating from the nuclear membrane mainly ran along the longitudinal axis of cardiac myocytes in interphase. Microtubules were disassembled and reorganised into the mitotic spindle during mitosis. Desmin was disassembled, either diffusely distributed in the cytoplasm or formed spotty cytoplasmic aggregates during mitosis. Vinculin was disassembled in prometaphase, diffusely distributed in the cytoplasm and associated with cell membranes. During telophase it concentrated in the equator of mitotic spindles. Sarcomeric α-actinin became dispersed in the cytoplasm of mitotic myocytes from 2-day-old rats in prometaphase. It remained diffusely distributed in the cytoplasm and associated with cell membranes until the completion of cytokinesis. However, sarcomeric α-actinin was only partially disassembled in 4-, 6- and 8-day-old myocytes. Striations of α-actinin with full sarcomere length were observed in the cytoplasm as well as in the region of furrow formation. Thus, incomplete disassembly and presence of myofibrils in the equator region where cleavage furrows form may physically impede the furrowing of sarcolemma driven by the contractile ring, resulting in the formation of binucleated cardiac myocytes.
Greater energy intake from a buffet meal in lean, young women is associated with the 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP) non-taster phenotype

Abstract Taste blindness to 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP) is a common phenotype that has been associated with increased adiposity in women, and might be linked to increased selection of dietary fats. Since exposure to a variety of high-fat/energy-dense foods is known to promote excess energy intake, we investigated if PROP non-taster women would consume more fat and/or energy in a buffet setting than super-taster women. Subjects were non-diet restrained, lean, young women; 14 were non-tasters and 18 were super-tasters. Subjects ate lunch in the laboratory on four separate days. On one day they consumed an ad libitum, fixed-item lunch (control). On the other three days they consumed different buffet lunches (pizza/tacos/sub sandwiches with salad bar and choice of beverage and dessert). Energy intake from the control lunch did not differ between groups. When intake was averaged across the buffet lunches, non-taster women consumed 357 + 64 kcal more energy than during the control lunch (88% more), whereas super-taster women consumed 198 + 71 kcal more energy than during the control lunch (38% more). Neither fat intake nor selection of high-fat foods differed between groups. These data suggest that non-taster women consume more energy from a buffet meal than super-taster women, but not more fat. Increased responsiveness to a variety of energy-dense foods could be one mechanism contributing to increased energy intake and greater adiposity in non-taster women.
Influence of Calcified Cartilage Zone Permeability in Mechanical Behavior of Articular Cartilage: A Finite Element Study

Articular cartilage (AC) disease and especially osteoarthrithis (OA) are debilitating conditions that are associated with huge social and economic burdens. To understand the factors involved in initiation and progression of OA, the mechanical state of the cartilage tissue must be first understood [1]. Biphasic and triphasic models developed by Mow and coworkers relate AC structure with its mechanical behavior and provided researchers with valuable models for AC biomechanics [2, 3]. Although much is known about AC and its mechanical properties, the zone of calcified cartilage (ZCC) has been sparsely studied. ZCC is very thin and highly interdigitated with subchondral bone (SB) which makes it very difficult to isolate for independent study [4]. It is well known that SB plays an important role in both initiation and/or progression of OA [5], thus ZCC may also be an important player in the pathology of the disease [6]. A few studies have investigated mechanical properties of ZCC, but conflicting results have been published on ZCC permeability. Although ZCC has been mainly assumed to be impermeable [7], recently Hwang et al. [8] suggested that ZCC may have even higher permeability than cartilage itself. We studied the effect of ZCC permeability on mechanical behavior of AC using a finite element (FE) model.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Scanning transmission electron microscopy studies of the microstructure and chemistry of the YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7−δ /BaF 2 interface

Abstract A scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) is used to examine the structural and chemical quality of the interface between thin films of YBa2Cu3O7−δ (YBCO) and BaF2. The STEM images indicate that it is possible to grow a uniform thin film of BaF2 that is relatively free of gross defects via a thermal evaporation method on top of a YBCO thin film. The diffraction contrast results also suggest that a three-dimensional or “island” growth mechanism is involved in BaF2 films grown by this method. An oxygen map across the YBCO/BaF2 interface produced using core loss energy filtered imaging is used to address a concern regarding oxygen diffusion from YBCO into BaF2. It was found that a good quality BaF2 film can play a significant role in reducing outdiffusion of oxygen from YBCO. Quantitative evaluation of the specimen oxygenation suggests that beam spreading effects may be important. The effect of an ultra-high vacuum (UHV) STEM environment on the specimen oxygenation is also considered.
Cocaine and SKF-82958 potentiate brain stimulation reward in Swiss-Webster mice

Abstract Rationale. The dopamine D1-like receptor agonist SKF-82958 reportedly blocks reinstatement of cocaine-seeking behavior in rats and non-human primates. It is not known if SKF-82958 reduces drug-seeking behaviors in animals exposed previously to cocaine by causing reward-like effects or withdrawal-like aversive effects. Objectives. Intracranial self-stimulation (ICSS) studies were conducted to determine if SKF-82958 has reward-like or withdrawal-like effects in mice exposed previously to cocaine, or under the influence of cocaine at the time of testing. Methods. Swiss-Webster mice with lateral hypothalamic stimulating electrodes were trained to self-administer rewarding brain stimulation. The mice were tested in a "curve-shift" variant of the ICSS procedure after intraperitoneal administration of cocaine alone (2.5–20 mg/kg), SKF-82958 alone (0.03–0.3 mg/kg), or a mixture of both drugs (SKF 0.03 mg/kg+2.5 or 5.0 mg/kg cocaine). Each treatment was given twice. Results. Cocaine and SKF-82958 each caused dose-dependent decreases in brain stimulation reward thresholds that were largest immediately after administration. A dose of SKF-82958 with no reward-related effects of its own potentiated the reward-related effects of low doses of cocaine. Repeated administration did not cause progressive changes in the ability of any treatment to decrease thresholds. Conclusions. Cocaine and SKF-82958 each potentiate the rewarding effects of lateral hypothalamic brain stimulation in Swiss-Webster mice, implying that these drugs have rewarding effects of their own. The reward-facilitating effects of low doses of cocaine and SKF-82958 are additive (or synergistic). These data suggest that SKF-82958 may decrease cocaine-seeking behavior by mechanisms related to reward rather than aversion.
Dana's Minerals and How to Study Them, Fourth Edition

Anyone who spends time in a geology lab, natural science museum, or rock and mineral shop can see that nature provides us with an incredible variety of minerals. Countless introductory geology students get “turned on” to the science of geology by studying minerals. Despite the development of modern instruments that enable rapid and detailed mineral, chemical, and atomic structural analysis, the study of minerals by hand sample remains one of the most popular and economical pursuits of many professional geologists, students, and amateur mineral enthusiasts. Because individuals with varying backgrounds in physical science collect and study minerals, a considerable need exists for a reference text that can be effectively used by both professionals and amateurs. Edward Salisbury Dana published the first such text, Minerals and How to Study Them, over a century ago. The third and last edition of this book was published in 1948. In the 50 years since, considerable changes have occurred in the understanding of mineral chemistry, crystallography, and microscopy. As a result, Dana's third edition is somewhat out of date, and its presentation of material is somewhat antiquated for modern-day readers.
Expression of lactate dehydrogenase phenotypes in intraspecific and interspecific matings of two species of Xenopus.

Abstract Starch gel electrophoresis has been used to examine lactate dehydrogenase phenotypes in two species of Xenopus and their hybrids obtained from reciprocal crosses. The patterns are complex, consisting of as many as 18 bands in some material. Differences between laevis and mulleri isozymes allow an evaluation of the contribution of both parents to the phenotypes of their hybrid offspring, and the determination of approximate times of paternal allele expression. The phenotype of early embryos resembles that of the maternal parent until hatching, when evidence of paternal influence is first apparent. Regardless of the early appearance of paternal enzyme, reciprocal hybrids bear a stronger resemblance to the maternal parent until well after tadpole growth begins. Once this maternal effect disappears, both laevis and mulleri appear to contribute to the LDH phenotype without predominance of the isozymes of either species. Evidence for the possible formation of “hybrid” enzymes consisting of subunits of both species in one active enzyme molecule is presented. Expression of LDH phenotype is variable in the unfertilized eggs of fertile hybrid females.
IL-1 receptor 2 (IL-1R2) and its role in immune regulation.

The cytokine IL-1 is critical to the pathogenesis of a variety of human conditions and diseases. Unlike most other cytokines, IL-1 is counterbalanced by two endogenous inhibitors. The functional significance of IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA) is well documented due to the clinical utilization of the recombinant human IL-1RA analog, anakinra. In contrast, much less is known about the type 2 IL-1 receptor (IL-1R2), which acts as a decoy receptor for IL-1. While IL-1R2 is structurally similar to the type 1 IL-1 receptor (IL-1R1) responsible for IL-1 signal transduction, its truncated cytoplasmic domain and lack of Toll-IL-1 receptor (TIR) region renders IL-1R2 incapable of transmembrane signaling. IL-1R2 competes with IL-1R1 for ligands and for the IL-1R1 co-receptor, IL-1 receptor accessory protein (IL-1RAP). Additionally, IL-1R2 exists in both a membrane bound and soluble form (sIL-1R2) that has biological properties similar to both a decoy receptor and a binding protein. Thus far, IL-1R2 has been implicated in arthritis, endometriosis, organ transplantation, sepsis/sickness behavior, diabetes, atherosclerosis, autoimmune inner ear disease (AIED), Alzheimer’s disease and ulcerative colitis. In this review, we will detail the functional properties of IL-1R2 and examine its role in human disease.
Comparing formal and informal mentors: Does type make a difference?

The article discusses a study in which researchers Belle Rose Ragins and John L. Cotton compared formal and informal mentoring programs. They surveyed proteges across three occupations and examined both the mentoring behaviors performed by their mentors and the outcomes they experienced as a result of having been mentored. They found that informal mentoring relationships were much more beneficial to proteges than formal mentoring programs. They also examined the impact of formal and informal mentoring relationships on promotion and compensation outcomes for the proteges and examined gender-based differences associated with mentoring programs. Ragins and Cotton also identify several other possible reasons for the greater benefits of informal mentoring over formal mentoring.
The MedWatch Program

(1998). The MedWatch Program: Safety-Related Drug Labeling Changes Approved by FDA. Journal of Toxicology: Clinical Toxicology: Vol. 36, No. 6, pp. 645-648.
Developmental Times and Life Table Statistics of Aulacorthum solani (Hemiptera: Aphididae) at Six Constant Temperatures, with Recommendations on the Application of Temperature-Dependent Development Models

ABSTRACT Aulacorthum solani (Kaltenbach) (known as foxglove aphid or glasshouse potato aphid) is a pest of increasing economic importance in several agricultural crops worldwide, including greenhouse vegetables and ornamentals. Developmental rates and age-specific life tables for a North American population of A. solani on pansy (Viola × wittrockiana) (Gams.) were determined at six constant temperatures, and comparisons were made to previous studies of A. solani from differing geographic regions and host crops. On pansy, A. solani developed fastest at 25°C, passing through the four nymphal instars in an average of 6.9 d. The highest intrinsic rates of population increase (0.410 and 0.445) and shortest population doubling times (1.69 and 1.56 d) were recorded at 20 and 25°C, respectively. Average total fecundity remained high from 10 to 20°C (74–68 nymphs/adult); a significant decrease to 39 nymphs/adult occurred at 25°C. For calculating developmental thresholds, we present here a method of adjusting the l...
Microeconomic Ideas, Policy Epistemologies, and the Politics of Spectrum Licensing, 1922–1997

In 1993, Congress authorized the FCC to use competitive bid auctions for the licensing of electromagnetic spectrum. To many members of the communications policy community, this policy change was decades overdue. Why did it take Congress so long to authorize spectrum auctions? Economist Thomas Hazlett has argued that policy gridlock resulting from an enduring political bargain between Congress and the broadcast industry prevented spectrum auctions from being seriously considered for decades. In this article, however, it is argued that the decision to authorize spectrum auctions is best understood when viewed through the literature on policy learning and epistemic communities. An explanation based in this body of literature posits that policy change becomes possible when a new worldview or “policy epistemology” frames the terms of debate in a manner that causes political actors to consider new alternatives.
Nanodynamics of Vapor-Phase Organophosphates on Silicon and OTS for MEMS Lubrication Purposes

We have performed a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) study of the nanotribological properties of organophosphate (tricresylphosphate and t-butyl phenylphosphate) layers adsorbed from the vapor phase onto silicon (amorphous silicon and MEMS-like polysilicon), and octadecyltrichlorosilane (OTS) treated silicon and gold surfaces. The latter systems have been studied in order to explore whether organophosphates and OTS in combination might prove synergistic from a tribological point of view [1]. There is a strong possibility that this combination will also exhibit synergistic tribological behaviors when tested on actual MEMS devices. Therefore, it is important to perform QCM measurement on silicon that is as close to that of MEMS devices. In order to perform this study, we have developed a deposition method involving a Si-Ge layer that enables the growth of polycrystalline silicon on top of Cu QCM electrodes. The structural and morphological properties of these samples have been characterized with Raman spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy (AFM), confirming that they are similar in nature to the silicon in actual MEMS devices.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
A fourier transform IR study of the gelation of amylose and amylopectin

Fourier transform ir spectroscopy has been used to study the gelation and retrogradation of amylose and amylopectin. Results indicate that two processes occur: a fast change complete within 0.5 h shown by both samples and a much slower change that continues up to 400 h seen only for amylopectin. These processes are related to changes in molecular conformation, and are explained in terms of existing models for gelation and retrogradation in amylose and amylopectin.
Overcoming hybridization barriers in potato

The cultivated potato is a major crop worldwide. It is a high input crop with complex quality requirements at harvest and during storage. Potato breeders are fortunate to have access to a very diverse and accessible germplasm resource. Wild Solanum relatives provide genetic diversity as well as genes for valuable production and quality traits. In most cases, crossing success can be predicted based on endosperm balance number (EBN), or effective ploidy, of the parents. Crossing barriers between most wild species and the cultivated potato are the consequence of differences in EBN and can be easily overcome using ploidy manipulations and bridge crosses. The most common ploidy manipulations include haploid extraction to reduce EBN and 2n gamete production to increase EBN. Additional methods to produce fertile interspecific hybrids include mentor pollination, embryo rescue, hormone treatments, reciprocal crosses, selection of cross-compatible genotypes and somatic fusion. Knowledge of crossing barriers and mechanisms to overcome them allows potato breeders access to the rich gene pool in the genus Solanum.