cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of prolactin on freshwater survival and on plasma osmotic pressure of hypophysectomized Tilapia mossambica.

Abstract The effects of ovine prolactin on survival and on plasma osmotic pressure of hypophysectomized Tilapia mossambica in fresh water were studied. Prolactin prolongs freshwater survival of hypophysectomized fish, 5 μg/day being more effective then 100 μg/day. Intact T. mossambica have the same plasma osmotic pressure (expressed as osmolality) whether maintained in fresh water or in teleost Ringer's solution. When fish preadapted to Ringer's for 14 days are transferred to fresh water, plasma osmotic pressure falls. Intact fish regain normal plasma osmotic pressure within 24 hours, whereas the plasma osmotic pressure of hypophysectomized fish continues to decrease. Daily or single injections of prolactin in hypophysectomized fish maintained in fresh water failed to elevate the plasma osmotic pressure to normal levels. Prolactin partially prevented the drop in plasma osmolality following the transfer of hypophysectomized fish to fresh water, although little or no evidence of a relationship between the dose of prolactin and this response was obtained.
Cash management economies in the production of food

This study suggests that the behavior of demand of cash by business firms can better be understood by empirical testing theory on data derived from individual units rather than making unrealistic assumptions to justify testing of aggregated data. Using data for firms in the food industry, this study shows that the rate of interest is a significant variable in explaining the demand for cash. Furthermore, the statistical results indicate that the economies of scale in the management of cash depends upon the type of goods produced by the corporations under study. Accordingly, one cannot make any generalization regarding the question of the economies of scale in the management of cash.
SHELF‐LIFE STUDIES OF VITAMIN C DURING FOOD STORAGE: PREDICTION OF L‐ASCORBIC ACID RETENTION IN DEHYDRATED TOMATO JUICE

The purpose of this study was to develop a method for predicting the extent of deterioration in dehydrated foods. The specific deterioration process studied was the loss of vitamin C in dehydrated tomato juice, as affected by environmental changes of temperature, water activity, and oxygen. Degradation of ascorbic acid (AA) was found to follow first-order reaction kinetics. The effects of temperature on the reaction rate could be described by the Arrhenius equation. Water activity had a strong effect on the reaction rate constant and on the activation energy. The effects of oxygen in this system were negligible. The rates of dehydroascorbic acid deterioration were similar to those of AA. Mathematical modeling of the retention of AA as a function of time, temperature and water activity was developed using theoretical, empirical and statistical considerations. This model was combined with equations describing the transport of water to the food, utilizing experimentally obtained mass transport parameters for the packages, and sorption characteristics of the food. By solving these equations numerically with the aid of a computer, AA retention was simulated for various conditions. Retention was also experimentally determined by storage tests. There was reasonable agreement between experimentally observed losses of AA and those predicted by the computer simulation program.
Accounting for Uncertainty in Heteroscedasticity in Nonlinear Regression

Toxicologists and pharmacologists often describe toxicity of a chemical using parameters of a nonlinear regression model. Thus estimation of parameters of a nonlinear regression model is an important problem. The estimates of the parameters and their uncertainty estimates depend upon the underlying error variance structure in the model. Typically, a priori the researcher would know if the error variances are homoscedastic (i.e., constant across dose) or if they are heteroscedastic (i.e., the variance is a function of dose). Motivated by this concern, in this article we introduce an estimation procedure based on preliminary test which selects an appropriate estimation procedure accounting for the underlying error variance structure. Since outliers and influential observations are common in toxicological data, the proposed methodology uses M-estimators. The asymptotic properties of the preliminary test estimator are investigated; in particular its asymptotic covariance matrix is derived. The performance of the proposed estimator is compared with several standard estimators using simulation studies. The proposed methodology is also illustrated using a data set obtained from the National Toxicology Program.
Characteristics of Genomic Test Consumers Who Spontaneously Share Results With Their Health Care Provider

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of direct-to-consumer (DTC) genomic test consumers who spontaneously shared their test results with their health care provider. Utilizing data from the Scripps Genomic Health Initiative, we compared demographic, behavioral, and attitudinal characteristics of DTC genomic test consumers who shared their results with their physician or health care provider versus those who did not share. We also compared genomic risk estimates between the two groups. Of 2,024 individuals assessed at approximately 6 months post testing, 540 individuals (26.5%) reported sharing their results with their physician or health care provider. Those who shared were older (p < .001), had a higher income (p = .01), were more likely to be married (p = .005), and were more likely to identify with a religion (p = .004). As assessed prior to undergoing testing, sharers also reported higher levels of exercise (p = .003), lower fat intake (p = .02), fewer overall concerns about te...
Excess PTH in CRF induces pulmonary calcification, pulmonary hypertension and right ventricular hypertrophy

Excess PTH in CRF induces pulmonary calcification, pulmonary hypertension and right ventricular hypertrophy. Calcification of the lungs occurs in chronic renal failure (CRF) and may adversely affect both pulmonary and right ventricular function. The present study examined the role of excess parathyroid hormone (PTH) in the genesis of pulmonary calcifications in dogs with experimental CRF and evaluated calcium content of lungs, diffusing lung capacity (DCO), mean pulmonary artery pressure (MPAP), right ventricular pressure (RVP), and right ventricular hypertrophy (RVH) in six normal, six with CRF, and six thyroparathyroidectomized (CRF-PTX) dogs. CRF-PTX animals were maintained normocalcemic and euthyroid. The degree and duration of CRF were not different between the two groups with CRF. The mean value of the serum PTH in CRF dogs was 166 ± 42 µlEq/ml, but was undetectable in CRF-PTX animals. Thallium scan provided evidence consistent with RVH in CRF dogs but not in CRF-PTX animals. Calcium content of lungs was markedly elevated in CRF dogs (7656 ± 1657 mg/kg dry wt) but modestly increased in CRF-PTX (1057 ± 117 mg/kg dry wt) as compared to normal (673 ± 34 mg/kg dry wt). RVP and MPAP were significantly (P
Effect of Topsoil Treated with J2581 on Reproduction in the Oriental Fruit Fly (Diptera: Tephritidae)

Prepupae of the oriental fruit fly, Dacus dorsalis , Hendel, were exposed to topsoil treated with a benzyl-l,3-benzodioxole derivative (BBD), J2581 (5-ethoxy-6-[4-methoxyphenyl] methyl-l,3-benzodioxole). At a concentration range of 0.83-13.20 mg J2581 per g of soil, pupation, adult emergence, and egg production were not affected, but egg hatch was significantly reduced. J2581 activity in soil was retained for ≥30 d at concentrations >4 mg/g soil. When soil was subjected to temperatures of 25, 35, and 45°C for 1 h, activity was reduced. The activity was still significantly higher than in soil treated with acetone alone. Crossing experiments between treated and control males and females revealed that males were primarily affected by J2581. Spermatozoa in the testes of treated males lacked motility. Spermatozoa were also absent in a significant number of spermathecae from females mated to treated males. Rec-assays for potential mutagenicity of 10 BBDs were all negative.
Air dissipation in saline breast implants.

Residual air within saline breast implants can cause patient discomfort due to the mechanical and auditory effects of sloshing. Small amounts of air have no clinical significance, but if larger quantities are present and audible, the patient is reassured that the implant shell is gas-permeable and that the air will dissipate/diffuse. This study examined the time necessary for air dissipation in saline breast implants.Twelve McGhan style #68 saline breast implants were divided into two groups: group A, which included six implants with a size of 240 cc, and group B, which included six implants with a size of 270 cc. The implants were filled with room-temperature, intravenous, normal saline to their designated volumes, plus 30 cc of overfill. All air was evacuated, and each implant was inoculated with 5 cc of air. The implants were then submerged in a single tank of normal saline at 37 degrees C, at a depth of 20.4 cm to replicate capillary pressure. Intragroup analysis showed the air bubble was absent in group A at an average of 35.3 days (variance = 4.13) and in group B at an average of 38.0 days (variance = 0). If audible intraluminal air is present in the clinical setting, the patient can be reassured that the problem will resolve in approximately 30 days or less.
Interconnect--the new alternative.

Administration of tocopherol p-chlorophenoxyacetate and magnesium thiazolidine carboxylate to mice and rabbits, each at a level of 0.07 percent by weight in the dry food, resulted in decreased plasma levels of cholesterol. Investigation into the effects of the above anti-oxidants on mouse liver revealed that the low cholesterol values found in blood were not accompanied by lipid accumulation in hepatocytes. In fact, the data suggest that the livers may contain lower amounts of cholesterol and triglycerides in the antioxidant-treated than in the control animals.
Ruptured hemorrhagic cyst in an undescended ovary

The authors report on a patient with an uncommon congenital anomaly of bilateral undescended ovaries and tubes. She presented with an acute abdomen at 13 years of age. A computed tomography scan showed a cystic mass suspicious for congenital intestinal duplication. At the time of laparoscopy, she was found to have a bicornuate uterus and bilateral undescended ovaries with a ruptured right hemorrhagic ovarian cyst. This case shows that although a ruptured ovarian cyst can occur in such malpositioned organs, it can pose difficult diagnostic challenges. Suppression of the ovaries with the combined oral contraceptive pill may help to prevent further ovarian cyst development.
A TCR Binds to Antagonist Ligands with Lower Affinities and Faster Dissociation Rates Than to Agonists

T lymphocyte activation is mediated by the interaction of specific TCR with antigenic peptides bound to MHC molecules. Single amino acid substitutions are often capable of changing the effect of a peptide from stimulatory to antagonistic. Using surface plasmon resonance, we have analyzed the interaction between a complex consisting of variants of the MCC peptide bound to a mouse class II MHC (Ek) and a specific TCR. Using both an improved direct binding method as well as a novel inhibition assay, we show that the affinities of three different antagonist peptide-Ek complexes are approximately 10-50 times lower than that of the wildtype MCC-Ek complex for the TCR, largely due to an increased off-rate. These results suggest that the biological effects of peptide antagonists and partial agonists may be largely based on kinetic parameters.
Congenital absence of the pericardium and its mimics

Congenital absence of the pericardium is a rare entity, with less than 400 cases reported in the literature. Pericardial absence is typically left sided, which results in herniation of the great vessels or portions of the heart. Patients may be asymptomatic, typical for complete defects, or can present with various degrees of chest pain in the setting of partial absence and strangulation. The finding may be isolated or associated with complex heart disease. We present a number of cases of pericardial absence that show isolated right- and left-sided defects, as well as entities in the differential diagnosis. Early recognition may decrease morbidity and mortality, resulting from delay in proper treatment.
Heat Transfer in Trailing-Edge Channels with Slot Ejection Under High Rotation Numbers

The regionally averaged heat transfer coefficients were measured in a wedge-shaped channel (D h = 2.22 cm, A c = 7.62 cm 2 ) to model an internal cooling passage near the trailing edge of a gas turbine blade. This test section was configured so that the inlet coolant exhausts through the slots to simulate the trailing-edge ejection. Therefore, the local mass flow rate decreases along the streamwise direction due to the coolant discharging through the slots. The effects of slot ejection enhance heat transfer near the narrow side while decreasing heat transfer on the wide side of the channel at the stationary condition. The inlet Reynolds number of the coolant varies from 10,000 to 40,000, and the rotational speeds vary from 0 to 500 rpm. The inlet rotation number varies from 0 to 1.0. The local rotation number and buoyancy parameter vary by the different rotational speeds and local Reynolds number in each region. Detailed spanwise and streamwise heat transfer distributions are strongly affected by the slot ejection at both the stationary and rotating conditions. This study shows that the rotation number and buoyancy parameter are useful parameters to correlate the effect of rotation on heat transfer in the current study.
Mycoparasitism of Phakopsora pachyrhizi, the soybean rust pathogen, by Simplicillium lanosoniveum

Abstract Rust of soybean, caused by Phakopsora pachyrhizi, was first reported in the southeastern US in 2004 where it quickly became established. Yield losses ranged from 35% to more than 80%. The mycophilic fungus Simplicillium lanosoniveum was previously shown to colonize rust pustules on soybean leaves and prevent germination of urediniospores. The number of pustules on soybean leaves also was significantly reduced when S. lanosoniveum colonized leaves. This study examined the antagonistic interactions between P. pachyrhizi and S. lanosoniveum using confocal, transmission (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in order to determine if S. lanosoniveum was mycoparasitic. Co-inoculated detached soybean leaves were examined using TEM and SEM to examine changes in urediniospores colonized by S. lanosoniveum. An isolate of S. lanosoniveum, previously shown to be an antagonist of P. pachyrhizi, was transformed with the green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene and used to document the infection process using confocal microscopy. S. lanosoniveum colonized pustules and coiled around urediniospores before infection. The mycoparasite penetrated urediniospores through germ pores within 24 h after inoculation, at which time organelles showed signs of degradation. By 2 days after inoculation, there was extensive colonization of urediniospores by hyphae of S. lanosoniveum. Hyphae of the mycoparasite erupted from the colonized urediniospores at 7 days after inoculation, and there was extensive sporulation on the surface of urediniospores. Over 90% of urediniospores were colonized within 5 days after inoculation with the mycoparasite. We showed in previous studies that S. lanosoniveum is an antagonist of P. pachyrhizi as well as an effective biocontrol agent, but we were unable to document its mode of action. We now present microscopic evidence that S. lanosoniveum is a mycoparasite.
Human gamma delta T cells recognize alkylamines derived from microbes, edible plants, and tea: implications for innate immunity.

Summary tidesby ab TCRs.Hereweshowthatapreviouslyunrec-ognized class of naturally occurring antigens, the Approximately 4% of peripheral blood T cells in hu- alkylamines, stimulatethe V g2Vd2 bearing gd T cells and mans express a T cell receptor with markedly re- are secreted by bacteria, found in certain foods, and stricted germline gene segment usage (V g 2V d 2). Re- present in human body fluids. Thus, a large pool of markably, these T cells expand 2- to 10-fold (8%–60% memory T cells reactive to alkylamine antigens exists of all circulating T cells) during many microbial infec- in humans. Here we show their specificity for a range of tions. We show here that these T cells recognize a ubiquitous alkylamine antigens encountered in nature.family of naturally occurring primary alkylamines in aTCR-dependent manner. These antigenic alkylamines Results and Discussionare secreted to millimolar concentrations in bacterialsupernatants and are found in certain edible plants. gd T Cells Respond to Secreted BacterialGiven the large numbers of memory V
Use of a free-expansion jet in ultra-high-resolution inverse raman spectroscopy

Abstract Rotationally resolved, ultra-high-resolution inverse Raman spectra of CH 4 have been obtained in a free-expansion jet. Using relatively mild evpansion conditions a pure methane jet has been cooled to a rotational temperature of 13 K. The limiting rotational state populations observed, however, are not Boltzmann because of nuclear spin effects.
The impact of culture on the cognitive structure of illness

This paper presents a theoretical framework for understanding the impact of culture on the processes of symptom recognition, labeling, and help-seeking and consequently on large-scale epidemiological studies involving different ethnic groups. We begin with the assumption that the subjective experience of illness is culture- bound and that the cognitive and linguistic categories of illness characteristic of any culture constrain the interpretative and behavioral options available to individuals in response to symptoms. We hypothesize the existence of learned cognitive structures, through which bodily experiences are filtered, that influence the interpretation of deviations from culturally-defined physical and mental health norms. Certain contradictory findings concerning the self-reported health of Mexican Americans are discussed in order to illustrate the impact of culture on perceived health status.
Software quality assessment and standards

The development of software product-quality assessment methods is reviewed. Much of the software quality standards work has been performed under the aegis of international organizations such as the IEEE Computer Society and the International Standard Organization/International Electrotechnical Committee Joint Technical Committee No.1 Subcommittee on Software Engineering (ISO JTC1 SC7). An alternative approach that defines a set of requirements for members of a class of software product and certifies those that meet the requirements is described. >
Creative Counseling Techniques Applied to the Business World: The Use of Theory and Creativity in Consultation

ABSTRACT This article presents an overview of the use of impact therapy, a multisensory, creative approach to counseling, in a consultation project the authors conducted with the managers of a local car dealership. The purpose of the consultation was to help the managers with the stress and anxiety associated with working in the car sales industry. Principles of impact therapy, including counseling theory and creative techniques, as well as principles of executive coaching, were used throughout the consultation project.
Studies of aqueous humour dynamics in man VI. Effect of age upon parameters of intraocular pressure in normal human eyes

Abstract Parameters of aqueous dynamics have been evaluated for both eyes of each member of a group of young normal volunteers and of a group of old normal volunteers. In the old volunteers, the observed lower total facility is comprised of a lower true facility of outflow and a lower pseudofacility. The reduced outflow facility is partly counterbalanced by a lower aqueous flow. Also, in the older eyes, ocular rigidity is higher. Mean episcleral venous pressure is the same for the two groups. The major effect of age seen in this study is alteration of the function of the outflow pathways of the eye, with simultaneous, partially counter-balancing, decrease of aqueous production associated with decreased pseudofacility.
GaN deep-level capture barriers

One of the unique properties of GaN is the polarizability. Also, demonstration of luminescent properties in devices such as light emitting diodes and lasers has been surprising, considering the defect density. The large polarization and inactive defects may be related, as demonstrated here by the measurement of several barriers to electron capture. N-type samples grown by both MOCVD and RMBE showed two adjacent DLTS peaks at 125 - 150 K with energies of 0.190 eV and 0.253 eV and one larger peak at 300 K. The 300 K peak was resolved to two traps, one with emission energy of 0.548 eV in both samples, and one with emission energy of 0.613 eV in the GaN grown by MOCVD. Analysis of the change in amplitude of the emission transients under non-saturating filling pulse conditions gives insight to the capture behavior. The two traps at 300 K have coupled trapping and emission characteristics. Both the rate window plots and the fit of the capacitance transient amplitude showed several traps with barriers to capture of electrons at 0.1 eV, 0.04 eV, 0.14 eV, and 0.38 eV. The capture barriers may be related to the shift in core electrons on ions surrounding the defect.
An interacting multipattern data association (IMPDA) tracking algorithm

Abstract This paper presents a novel approach for tracking multiple targets using multiple patterns extracted from measurement sequences. The introduction of patterns leads to a new paradigm of developing high-performance algorithms. A powerful data association algorithm-interacting multipattern data association (IMPDA) is developed. A Markov chain controls the switching behavior of multipatterns, which allows an interacting operation of multipatterns. The IMPDA algorithm also has ‘built-in’ multiple models which can track both maneuvering and nonmaneuvering targets equally well.
F-type statistics and the analysis of binomial data with overdispersion.

The analysis of binomial data that exhibit overdispersion in a randomized complete block design is investigated. More specifically, the asymptotic distribution of the test statistic for the treatment effects in the presence of overdispersion and random effects is considered. A Monte Carlo simulation attempts to quantify the error in the approximation by the F-distribution to the distribution of the test statistic given by many popular statistics packages including SAS. The influence of different parameter values (i.e., number of treatments, number of observations per cell, degree of overdispersion, etc.) on the goodness of the approximations is evaluated. General recommendations are given for practical analysis of binomial data.
Psychology and the Legal System: An Interview with Edie Greene:

William Douglas Woody completed his doctoral work at Colorado State University and is now Assistant Professor of Psychology at the University of Northern Colorado. He teaches and conducts research ...
Understanding differently: Re‐reading Locke's essay concerning human understanding

(1992). Understanding differently: Re‐reading Locke's essay concerning human understanding. Rhetoric Society Quarterly: Vol. 22, Feminist Rereadings in the History of Rhetoric, pp. 75-90.
Beyond the Search for Competition in Social Service Contracting: Procurement, Consolidation, and Accountability

The authors argue it is time to move beyond thinking of competition in social service contracting simply in terms of whether competitive tendering procedures are used. Although the procurement process is important, other factors should be examined as well. In particular, they look at how market consolidation and accountability are related to competitive procurement. Findings indicate that demand side—driven consolidation (i.e., governments purposely choosing to go with fewer and larger contracts in which lead agencies manage vendor networks) has both competitive and noncompetitive aspects that are in need of further study and that the competition—accountability link is more complex than generally assumed. Although, as expected, there is evidence that competition, in and of itself, leads to some contractor turnover, it does not appear that competitive vendors are held to higher standards than their noncompetitive counterparts regarding performance (as measured by adherence to contract terms).
Paraneoplastic hypoglycemia in a patient with a malignant solitary fibrous tumor

Hypoglycemia is a common medical emergency. It is the most frequent complication induced by anti-diabetic treatment. However, it can be observed in other conditions unrelated to diabetes such as insulinoma, autoimmune disorders, and neoplasia. Herein, we report the case of a rare cause of severe and recurrent hypoglycemia in a 77-year-old woman with a malignant solitary fibrous tumor (MSFT). A 77-year-old woman was admitted to the emergency department for loss of consciousness induced by severe hypoglycemia. Her standard laboratory findings were unremarkable. HbA1c, albumin, renal, liver, thyroid, and adrenal function tests were normal. Cerebral CT scan was also normal. At the time of confirmed hypoglycemia, the serum level of insulin and C-peptide was low. On the basis of the past medical history and the absence of other comment etiologies, a paraneoplastic cause was suspected. Thus, the diagnosis of a non-islet cell tumor-induced hypoglycemia (NICTH) was established by the presence of incompletely processed precursors of IGF2 (big IGF2) in plasma electrophoresis. However, the IGF1 level was low. Therapy with corticosteroids improved hypoglycemia and clinical symptoms. NICTH is a rare cause of hypoglycemia. It should be considered in patients with mesenchymal or malignant epithelial tumors suffering from recurrent episodes of hypoglycemia. The diagnosis will be established in the case of low serum insulin concentrations and elevated levels of big IGF2. Treatment with corticosteroids, GH, or both can improve hypoglycemic symptoms and restore plasma glucose to normal levels. Learning points NICTH is a very rare condition that should be considered in patients known to have mesenchymal or malignant epithelial tumors and suffering from recurrent episodes of hypoglycemia. The diagnosis of an NICTH is established on the basis of the hypoinsulinemic hypoglycemia, the MSFT history, and the presence of paraneoplastic secretion of IGF1 or an immature form of IGF2. Treatment with corticosteroids, GH, or both can improve hypoglycemic symptoms and restore plasma glucose to normal levels in NICTH.
Localized routing for wireless ad hoc networks

We show that given a set of randomly distributed wireless nodes with density n, when the transmission range r/sub n/ of wireless nodes satisfies /spl pi/r/sup 2//sub n/ /spl ges/ 3[(log n+c(n))/n], the localized Delaunay triangulation (LDel) [Xiang-Yang Li, G. Calinescu, and Peng-Jun Wan, 2002] is the same as the Delaunay triangulation with high probability, where c(n) /spl rarr/ /spl infin/ as n goes infinity. Our experiments show that the delivery rates of existing localized Delaunay triangulation is used instead of several previously proposed topologies, and the localized routing protocol based on Delaunay triangulation works well in practice.
Modified P-Type Si Photocathodes for Photochemical Hydrogen Generation: Surface Texturing, Molecular Derivatizing Reagents, and Noble Metal Catalysts for Multi-Electron Processes

Modification of single-crystal (100), p-type Si photocathode material to improve photoelectrochemical H2 generation from H2O is reported. The (100) surface has been first modified by chemical etching to reveal pyramids (1–5 μM in height) having (111) sides to give a “textured” surface having lower specular reflection losses than polished (100) or (111) single-crystal Si. Second, the textured surface has been derivatized with {N,Ni-bis-[3-trimethoxysilyl)propyl]-4,4′-bipyridinium}dibromide, I, to yield large coverages (0.5–5 × 10−8 mol/cm2) of redox centers [PQ2+/+]surf in a polysiloxane network. The surface redox polymer is a fast electron acceptor and can be reduced photoelectrochemically, [PQ2+]surf [PQ+]surf, by ≥ Eg = 1.1 eV light at ∼0.0 to - 0.1 V vs. SCE in aqueous electrolyte solution, or ∼ 500 mV more positive than on a reversible electrode such as Pt. Third, the surface polymer is then further modified by depositing Pd(O) or Pt(O) onto the outermost surface to catalyze the reaction 2[PQ+]surf + 2H+ 2[PQ2+]surf + H2. Energy conversion efficiency from the modified photocathodes for 632.8 nm (∼ 10 mW/cm2) light-driven H2 evolution is ∼ 5% at pH = 4, representing significant improvement compared to polished, (100) or (111) p-type Si-based photoelectrochemical devices where the surface of the p-type Si is not modified.
A nonlinear parabolic equation with varying domain

Abstract : This document considers a boundary value problem where the basic problem is to understand how new equilibrium solutions may appear (for a given nonlinear function f) as the domain omega is changed, these new solutions being bifurcations from known equilibrium solutions. For a given cubic function f, an intuitive discussion of this phenomenon was given by HALE, indicating how stable non-constant equilibria appear as secondary rather than primary bifurcations. Additional keywords: continuity, perturbations, reprints.
Differential time-resolved detection of absorbance changes in composite structures

Several schemes for using time-resolved spectroscopy to determine changes in optical absorbance of a composite media are discussed. Mathematical division of measured transit-time probabilities yields a difference signal whose logarithmic decay is observable over an extended time range. This signal can be used to obtain reliable estimates of the absolute value of a change in the optical absorption of a sample. In homogeneous media, a ratio of absorbances can be determined from the ratio of the mean values of the transit-time distributions. A three optode detection system may improve the accuracy of detected absorption changes when composite media are examined.© (1991) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Statistical analysis of asbestos fibre counts

We present methods for estimating asbestos fibre concentrations based on the negative binomial distribution for fibre counts. This distribution is preferred to the usual Poisson due to the extra variability encountered in the data. We extend the method to include estimation of the parameters of a log-normal population of concentrations, and deal with the problem of zero counts. We illustrate the methods on a set of 921 fibre counts from 177 school buildings.
Long- and short-looking infants' recognition of symmetrical and asymmetrical forms

Adults process symmetrical visual forms more rapidly than asymmetrical visual forms, presumably because symmetrical forms are amenable to a global visual encoding strategy. Individual differences in look duration during infancy have been hypothesized to covary with different modes of visual intake and encoding, with longer look durations reflecting encoding based on prolonged inspection of local visual properties, and briefer look durations reflecting encoding based on more of a global, or global-to-local processing sequence. This hypothesis predicts that short-looking infants would process symmetrical stimuli faster than asymmetrical stimuli, but that long-looking infants would not. Three experiments are described here in which this prediction is tested. Results were in general accord with the prediction, and provide further support for the hypothesis that individual differences in look duration may reflect different modes of visual encoding or inspection.
A Thermodynamic Analysis of Energy Flow in Optical Fiber Communication Systems

A thermodynamic analysis of energy flow in different elements of an optical fiber communication system is presented. The analysis depends on a previously introduced entropy approach that postulated the flow of electric charges as a flow of electromagnetic waves. Such a postulate is introduced here to find a plausible explanation of the electro-optic Kerr effect. Following the same approach, the transmitter and receivers of the optical communication-systems are explained according to measurement results as converters of electric waves into light waves or converters of light waves into electric waves. Similarly, pumping of optical energy or electrical energy into the elements of a communication system is found equivalent to pumping of entropy. Such results are introduced to derive energy equations that model the flow of energy and different processes in an optical communication-system. The introduced approach that depends on the postulated definition of electric current is compared to a classical approach in an analysis of energy flow into 80 MHz fiber laser.
Gender-based outcomes differences in unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common cancer worldwide. HCC is notably more prevalent in males worldwide, with reported male:female ratios ranging from 2:1 to 8:1. The reasons for sex differences in the incidence of HCC are unclear. Furthermore, differences in rates of disease progression and longevity are not well studied and few series have compared the clinicopathologic characteristics of patients and their impact on survival with specific reference to gender in a large sample set. The present study is a large single-institution study of 1138 HCC cases referred to a single individual carried out over a period of 17 years. The primary endpoint measure was over-all survival measured in months, which was defined as the time between the date of diagnosis and date of death. Differences in median survival for each subgroup analysis in survival rates were compared by log rank test. There are differences in both the distribution of evidence of disease progression at the time of diagnosis and the time for survival following diagnosis in patients with HCC between the two genders. Females had a longer survival than males in subsets matched for residual liver function and tumor extension, suggesting that the natural history of HCC is different between men and women. The present study provides evidence that female gender provides a distinct survival advantage over males in unresectable HCC presenting with similar tumor characteristics, liver function, and coexisting liver disease.
The measurement of Denial and rationalization in male alcholics

Two hundred male alcoholics were given 94 true-false items constructed to characterize alcoholic defensiveness, and a factor analysis revealed two strong factors. The first factor (Denial) was correlated with items that asserted an ability to control one's drinking, denied being an alcoholic or needing treatment, or minimized the consequences of alcohol abuse. Items that loaded the other factor (Rationalization) gave reasons, justifications, and excuses for drinking. Two derived scales were examined in a replication sample of 66 male alcoholics, and alpha coefficients (.84 and .85) from the first sample did not show undue shrinkage in the second (.86 and .77).
Inpatient radiation exposure in patients with spinal trauma

Context/objective Radiation exposure from medical imaging is an important patient safety consideration; however, patient exposure guidelines and information on cumulative inpatient exposure are lacking. Design/setting Trauma patients undergo numerous imaging studies, and spinal imaging confers a high effective dose; therefore, we examined cumulative effective radiation dose in patients hospitalized with spinal trauma. We hypothesized that people with spinal cord injury (SCI) would have higher exposures than those with spine fractures due to injury severity. Particpants/interventions Retrospective data were compiled for all patients with spine injuries admitted to a level I trauma center over a 2-year period. Outcome measures Injury severity score (ISS) and cumulative radiation exposure were then determined for these patients, including 406 patients with spinal fractures and 59 patients with SCI. Results Cumulative effective dose was 45 millisieverts (mSv) in SCI patients, compared to 38 mSv in spinal frac...
Arthropod Vectors and Vector-Borne Bacterial Pathogens in Yosemite National Park

Ticks, fleas, and vector-borne pathogens were surveyed in diverse small mammals in Yosemite National Park, California, from 2005 to 2007. A total of 450 unique captures of small mammals was collected during a 3-yr period and yielded 16 species of fleas and 10 species of ticks, including known vectors of Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Borrelia burgdorferi and plague. Serology was performed for A. phagocytophilum, spotted fever group Rickettsia spp., B. burgdorferi, and Yersinia pestis. A. phagocytophilum exposure was identified in 12.1% of all wild small mammals tested, with seropositive animals in 10 species, notably Belding's ground squirrels (Spermophilus beldingi), jumping mice (Zapus princeps), and voles (Microtus sp.). Spotted fever group Rickettsia spp. exposure was detected in 13.9% of all small mammals tested, with seropositive animals in eight species. Additionally, 37.0% of rodents in five species tested were seropositive for B. burgdorferi. No individuals were seropositive for Y. pestis. No animals were polymerase chain reaction positive for any pathogen tested. These results provide baseline data for future research and prediction of emerging vector-borne disease in Yosemite National Park, as well as adding to the known ranges and host species for tick and fleas in California.
Direct interaction between fos and jun nuclear oncoproteins: role of the 'leucine zipper' domain.

Gene expression is modulated by the specific interactions of nuclear proteins with unique regulatory sequences in the genome. Proteins involved in transcriptional regulation seem to be either transcription factors or transcription modulators and their interactions are crucial in determining whether the expression of a specific gene is activated or repressed. Recently1, the product of the proto-oncogene jun has been identified as the transcription factor AP-1, whereas nuclear oncoproteins fos and myc have been implicated in transcriptional transregulation of several promoters2–6. Furthermore, the products of the fos and jun proto-oncogenes are associated in some transcription complexes3,5,7. Although the nature of the association is unclear, the two proteins co-immunoprecipitate with fos antibodies in nuclear extracts8–10. Here, we report studies that demonstrate that the fos protein directly modulates jun function by means of a heterodimer of fos and jun proteins. The fos 'leucine zipper'11 domain is necessary for the DNA binding of the heterodimer; a distinct domain, localized in the C-terminal region of the fos protein, is responsible for transcriptional regulation.
Fever in the Toddler-Aged Child: Old Concerns Replaced With New Ones

The widespread use of highly effective and safe vaccines against Haemophilus influenzae type b and Streptococcus pneumoniae has impacted the epidemiology of serious bacterial illness in the febrile child. Because of the resultant decline in the incidence of invasive pneumococcal disease, one needs to reconsider the evaluation and management of the febrile child. In particular, for well-appearing febrile children who are vaccinated, routine screening for occult bacterial infections with or without empiric treatment can no longer recommended. At the same time, early evidence suggests that infections due to nonvaccine serotypes are increasing along with selected invasive diseases such as complicated pneumonia. Therefore, although likely to evolve, the optimal management strategy for the well-appearing, immunized, febrile child may be screening for urinary tract infections and observation with adequate follow-up. Continued surveillance of disease due to nonvaccine serotypes is essential.
Oxygen plasma and isobutylene plasma treatments of carbon fibers: Determination of surface functionality and effects on composite properties

High strength, PAN-based carbon fibers were treated with oxygen plasmas and isobutylene plasmas. The effects of exposure time, plasma power and gas pressure on the quantity of acidic functional groups introduced onto the fiber surfaces were examined. NaOH uptake measurements provided a quantitative determination of the surface acidic functions. Plasma treatments were able to generate a three-to-five-fold increase in the number of acidic functional groups per 100 A2. Methylene blue (MB) adsorption measurements, when used with NaOH uptake values, provided an estimate of the surface density of the acidic functions (functions/100 A2) that was independent of direct surface area measurements. This method was compared to the direct use of NaOH uptake values with nitrogen BET measurements of the surface area to give the number of acidic functions per 100 A2. These methods were compared for both oxygen plasma-oxidized and nitric acid-oxidized carbon fibers. The largest quantity of acid functions (16 μeq/g fiber) was obtained after 4 minutes in an oxygen plasma at 50 W. MB adsorption decreased while NaOH uptake increased as exposure time to oxygen plasma increased implying some decrease in surface area occurred. Surface area measurements (BET), however, showed no change in surface area over a 10 minute exposure to a 200 W oxygen plasma (all surface areas were in the range of 0.62 to 0.75 m2 g−1). These results are discussed in terms of possible effects of surface roughness, dye configuration or multiple dye layers. The rate of depositing polyisobutylene polymer residues on a flat glass surface was greater than that achieved on carbon fiber surfaces where shadowing effects could have existed within a tow. Oxygen plasma treatment improved the interfacial shear strength (determined by single filament fragmentation tests using an epoxy resin). The interlaminar shear strength (three-point bending) of carbon fiber/epoxy composites (Vf = 0.57) increased 28–29% using oxygen plasma-treated fibers while the Izod impact strength was unchanged. Plasma-polyisobutylene coated fibers (~ 650 A thick coating) exhibited a 37% increase in Izod impact strength when incorporated into epoxy matrix composites but the interlaminar shear strength decreased by 21% versus composites prepared with as-received fibers.
The role of disease severity in influencing body mass index in people with haemophilia: a single‐institutional cross‐sectional study

Summary The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of haemophilia disease severity and potential intermediaries on body mass index (BMI) in patients with haemophilia. A secondary analysis of a cross-sectional study of 88 adults with haemophilia was undertaken. On bivariate analysis, persons with severe haemophilia had 9.8% lower BMI (95% CI −17.1, −3.0) than persons with non-severe haemophilia. The effect of haemophilia severity on BMI varied significantly by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) status. Among HIV-positive subjects, haemophilia severity was not associated with BMI (+5.0%, 95% CI −22.4, 41.9). Among HIV-negative subjects, severe haemophilia was associated with 15.1% lower BMI (95% CI, −23.6, −5.7). Older (>41 years) HIV-negative subjects with severe haemophilia had a BMI that was 24.8% lower (95% CI −39.1, −7.0) than those with non-severe haemophilia. No statistically significant association was detected between BMI and severe vs. non-severe haemophilia for younger HIV-negative subjects. Although joint disease, as measured by the World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH) joint score, did not influence the association between haemophilia disease severity and BMI, adjustment for the atrophy component of the WFH score reduced the association between haemophilia severity and BMI by 39.1–69.9%. This suggested that muscle atrophy mediated at least part of the relationship between haemophilia severity and BMI. Haemophilia disease severity is associated with BMI and appears to be mediated by muscle atrophy of surrounding joints. This association appears to be modified by HIV status and possibly age.
Modelling and measurement of crack closure and crack growth following overloads and underloads

Ignoring crack growth retardation following overloads can result in overly conservative life predictions in structures subjected to variable amplitude fatigue loading. Crack closure is believed to contribute to the crack growth retardation, although the specific closure mechanism is dabatable. The delay period and corresponding crack growth rate transients following overload and overload/underload cycles were systematically measured as a function of load ratio and overload magnitude. These responses are correlated in terms of the local 'driving force' for crack growth, i.e. the effective stress intensity factor range. Experimental results are compared with the predictions of a Dugdale-type (1960) crack closure model, and improvements in the model are suggested.
Effects of cervical dilation and intrauterine infusions on the timing of oviductal transport of equine embryos

Abstract Equine embryos spend 5 to 6 d in the oviduct before entering the uterus as expanded blastocysts, and cannot be consistently collected nonsurgically until Day 7. Technologies such as cryopreservation and embryo splitting, which are most successful with embryos at the morula or early blastocyst stage, have not been used in mares because equine morulae and early blastocysts are located in the oviduct and cannot be recovered nonsurgically. These experiments test the hypothesis that transport of equine embryos through the oviduct can be hastened by cervical dilation or by acute, sterile endometritis induced by intrauterine oyster glycogen treatment. Cervical dilation with or without intrauterine infusion of 0.5 ml PBS on Day 4 did not appear to hasten the transport of embryos into the uterus since Day 5 uterine embryo recovery rates were not higher (P > 0.1) for mares with cervical dilation or cervical dilation plus PBS infusion vs mares receiving no treatments (0 of 5 and 0 of 5 vs 0 of 10, respectively). Intrauterine infusions of 40 ml of 1% oyster glycogen or 40 ml of PBS on Day 3 did not appear to hasten the transport of embryos into the uterus since Day 5 uterine embryo recovery rates were not higher (P > 0.1) for oyster glycogen- or PBS-treated vs untreated mares (2 of 12 and 3 of 11 vs 0 of 10, respectively). Cervical and uterine treatments on Day 3 or Day 4 and uterine lavages on Day 5 decreased (P
Wind‐induced, cross‐frontal exchange on Georges Bank: A mechanism for early summer on‐bank biological particle transport

Author Posting. © American Geophysical Union, 2003. This article is posted here by permission of American Geophysical Union for personal use, not for redistribution. The definitive version was published in Journal of Geophysical Research 108, C11 (2003): 8011, doi:10.1029/2002JC001358.