cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Factors predicting severe childhood obesity in kindergarteners.

BACKGROUND: Severe obesity has increased 4300% in US children since 1976, and is associated with multiple cardiovascular risk factors and high adult obesity rates. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to identify predictors of severe obesity in kindergarteners. METHODS: Multivariable logistic regression and recursive partitioning analysis (RPA) were used to identify prenatal/pregnancy, infant, and early childhood predictors of severe kindergarten obesity (body mass index (BMI) X99th percentile) in the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study Birth Cohort, a nationally representative longitudinal study that followed children from birth through kindergarten. RESULTS: For the 6800 children, the severe kindergarten obesity prevalence was 5.7%, with higher adjusted odds for crossing the 85th percentile of BMI at 2 years old (odds ratio (OR), 8.0; 95% confidence interval (CI), 4.1–15.7), preschool age (OR, 7.9; 95% CI, 4.9–12.8) and 9 months old (OR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.2–2.6); maternal severe obesity (OR, 3.4; 95% CI, 1.9–5.8) and gestational diabetes (OR, 2.9; 95% CI, 1.5–5.5); drinking tea or coffee between meals/before bedtime at 2 years old (OR, 3.3; 95% CI, 1.3–8.5); Latino (OR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.4–3.7) and multiracial (OR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.1–4.8) race/ethnicity; and drinking sugary beverages at kindergarten age at least weekly (OR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.4–3.7). Ever-attending center-based daycare (OR, 0.3; 95% CI, 0.1–0.9), eating fruit at least weekly at kindergarten age (OR, 0.3; 95% CI, 0.1–0.7), and maternal history of a prior newborn birth weight X4000 g (OR, 0.1; 95% CI, 0.02–0.6) were associated with reduced odds of severe obesity. RPA identified low severe obesity prevalence (1.9%) for non-85th BMI-percentile preschool crossers and high severe obesity (56–80%) for predictor clusters which included crossing the 85th BMI percentile at earlier ages, low parental education, specific maternal age cutoffs, preschooler bedtime rules, and outside walking/play frequency for 9-month-olds. CONCLUSIONS: Certain parental, prenatal/pregnancy, infant, and early childhood factors, both alone and in combination, are potent predictors of severe obesity in kindergarteners.
Persistence of Pl transducing DNA in recipient cells

Abstract Studies have been pursued to determine the fate of Pl transducing DNA after it is injected into the recipient cells. Cesium chloride density gradient analysis reveals that the major part of the transducing DNA persist in the recipient cells as double stranded DNA for at least 40 minutes of incubation without degradation.
The relationship between glucagon and prostaglandin F in stimulating canine hepatic bile flow.

Both glucagon and prostaglandin F2α have been shown to stimulate a chloride-rich choleresis in dogs. This study was performed to ascertain the interrelationship between glucagon and prostaglandin F2α in stimulating bile flow. The experiments were performed using dogs with chronic biliary and gastric fistulas. Initially, the effects of prostaglandin F2α on serum glucagon levels were evaluated. Glucagon administration increased bile volume andchloride secretion as did prostaglandin F2α. Serum glucagon levels during prostaglandin F2α administration were increased significantly over baseline values. During prostaglandin F2α administration, the increase in serum glucagon concentration correlated well with the increase in hepatic bile flow. Administration of somatostatin, a hormone known to inhibit glucagon release, prevented the choleresis produced by prostaglandin F2α while simultaneously eliminating the hyperglucagonemia. Subsequently, the effects of glucagon on bile prostaglandin F secretion and the effect of prostaglandin synthetase inhibition on glucagon choleresis were evaluated. Bile prostaglandin F secretion increased from control values of 101 ± 27 pg per min (mean ± S.D.) during bile salt infusion alone to 1,498 ± 1,086 pg per min during the administration of 1 μg kg−1 hr−1 glucagon. The prostaglandin synthetase inhibitor, indomethacin, significantly decreased the choleresis, the increased bile chloride secretion and the increased bile prostaglandin F secretion produced by glucagon. The results of this study indicate that prostaglandin F2α−stimulated bile flow is primarily the result of glucagon release and suggest that prostaglandin F2α may be involved in glucagon secretion. The inhibition of glucagon choleresis by indomethacin is compatible with the hypothesis that prostaglandin F2α partially mediates the response of the hormone associated with increased chloride secretion. Prostaglandin F2α may be involved in glucagon choleresis both during release of the hormone and at the site of its action.
Regeneration and supernumerary limb formation under sparsely innervated conditions

Normally, urodele limb regeneration is nerve-dependent. Reduction in nerve-dependency has been reported for regenerating, transplanted newt limbs (Singer and Mutterperl, '63). Aneurogenic limbs can regenerate without nerves (Yntema, '59). Induction of supernumerary limbs may be obtained from aneurogenic limbs of larval Ambystoma after transplantation orthotopically to innervated larvae and with normal nerve ingrowth to the limb transplant prevented by repeated section of brachial nerves. Of the 13 (of 43) grafts with supernumeraries, nerve counts showed 11 with 0–5; 1 with 5–10; and 1 with 20+ fibers. Orthotopically grafted aneurogenic limbs allowed to become innervated showed 14 supernumeraries in 49 grafts. This supernumerary limb induction is thus not nerve-dependent. Normally, innervated larval Ambystoma limbs grafted orthotopically and heteroplastically regenerated in 17 of 37 cases after repeated section of brachial nerves. Of the 17 regenerates nerve counts showed 4 with 0–5; 5 with 5–10; 7 with 10–19; and 1 with 20+ fibers. Larval limbs heteroplastically transplanted may require very few or no nerves for regeneration.
Holographic thin-beam reconstruction technique for the study of 3-D refractive-index field

Abstract A thin-beam holographic reconstruction technique to study the 3-D refractive index field of a phase object is described. The advantages and drawbacks of this method are discussed.
Analysis of T-cell subsets in rejection of Kb mutant skin allografts differing at class I MHC.

The T-cell subpopulations which initiate and mediate tissue allograft rejection remain controversial1–5. In the present study we attempted to identify the phenotype and function of the T-cell subset(s) primarily responsible for the rejection of skin allografts differing at a single class I locus in the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). We found that the rejection rates by B6 mice (H–2b) of four different class I mutant (Kbm) skin allografts form a distinct hierarchy. This hierarchy correlates strikingly and uniquely with the relative precursor frequencies of Lyt2+ interleukin-2-secreting T-helper cells reactive against the various Kbm mutants. To investigate the role of Lyt2+ T cells in the rejection of class I-disparate skin allografts directly, H–2b nude mice were engrafted with Kbm skin allografts and then reconstituted with L3T4+ or Lyt2+ T-cell subpopulations from syngeneic H–2b mice. Lyt2+ T cells were observed to be both necessary and sufficient for the rejection of class I-disparate Kbm skin allografts, whereas L3T4+ T cells were neither necessary nor sufficient. These results identify the Lyt2+ interleukin-2-secreting T-cell subset as the critical cell type determining the rejection rate of class I-disparate Kbm skin allografts.
Eliciting Preferences to Assign Positions and Compensation

Abstract We describe strategy-proof rules for economies where an agent is assigned a position (e.g., a job) plus some of a divisible good. For the 2-agent–2-position case we derive a robust characterization. For the multi-agent–position case, many “arbitrary” such rules exist, so we consider additional requirements. By also requiring coalitional strategy-proofness or nonbossiness , the range of a solution is restricted to the point that such rules are not more complex than those for the Shapley–Scarf housing model (no divisible good). Third, we show that essentially only constant solutions are immune to manipulations involving “bribes.” Finally, we demonstrate a conflict between efficiency and strategy-proofness . The results extend to models (without externalities) in which agents share positions. Journal of Economic Literature Classification Numbers: C72, D70.
Particle flow and sintering processes in extrusion

The flow mechanism of particulate polymers during processing is reviewed. The extrusion of starch-g-poly(methyl acrylate) polymers is a good example of this type of processing, since graft copolymers retain their granular appearance and do not melt, even at high temperature, due to the rigid starch matrix. The formation of a continuous plastic by extrusion is accomplished by the sintering of heat-deformed granules in the high-pressure zone of the extruder die. Photomicrographs confirm this mode of formation. Plots of flow rate through the extruder die versus pressure in the die are presented. Tensile strengths and percent elongation of extruded specimens are not greatly affected by variations in flow rate. The equilibrium moisture content (about 5 percent) of starch-g-poly(methyl acrylate) plasticizes the starch component and thus reduces the operating pressure in the die. Tensile strengths, however, are unaffected by the presence of equilibrium moisture. Final traces of residual acid (resulting from initiator solution) are difficult to remove from starch-g-poly(methyl acrylate), and prolonged heating of the graft copolymer in the presence of this acid results in polymer degradation.
Herpes Simplex Epithelial and Stromal Keratitis: An Epidemiologic Update

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is associated with a variety of ocular diseases, including epithelial and stromal keratitis. HSV can cause stromal opacification and is believed to be the leading cause of infectious blindness in the developed world. An improved understanding of the global burden of HSV keratitis, including the incidence of severe vision loss, could have a significant effect on prevention and treatment and place it in perspective among causes of corneal ulceration. We found that the global incidence of HSV keratitis is roughly 1.5 million, including 40,000 new cases of severe monocular visual impairment or blindness each year. We also discuss relevant epidemiologic issues regarding HSV epithelial and stromal disease.
Use of linear semen quality score for classification and decision making in evaluation of individual ejaculates of Holstein bulls.

Abstract Four hundred seven ejaculates from 15 Holstein bulls collected from December 1984 to June 1985 were evaluated postthaw for viability characteristics (percent progressive motility at 0h and after 3h at 37°C incubation, percent intact acrosomal membrane after 3h at 37°C incubation) and abnormal morphological characteristics [percent head (primary), midpiece, and tail (secondary) abnormalities]. Weighting coefficients for combining viability and abnormality characteristics were generated from between-bull and within-bull variance and covariance matrices. Two hundred ninety-eight additional ejaculates collected from July 1985 to February 1986 were added. Linear quality scores for 705 ejaculates (24 bulls) were the sum of the product of each quality characteristic and weighting coefficients. Univariate analysis yielded significant bull effects for viability and abnormality characteristics and linear quality score. Significant correlations existed between all seminal quality characteristics except primary and secondary abnormalities. A t test with preassigned critical value was used to evaluate each ejaculate to determine rejection from the population. Percent of ejaculates rejected was lower when linear quality score was used than when five independent tests were used. Use of linear quality score to critique semen based on each ejaculate's innate quality could compensate for the loss of bull fertility estimates from declining number of technician-based AI programs.
Improved Kramers–Kronig Dispersion Analysis of Infrared Reflectance Data for Lithium Fluoride*

Previous Kramers–Kronig dispersion analyses of the LiF infrared reflectance band gave physically impossible results; significant portions of the phase angle and absorption-index spectra are distorted and/or are negative. The published reflectance data have been carefully evaluated; this indicated errors in the construction of the reflectance curve in the low-reflectance region. A new method has been developed for the construction of the difficult low-reflectance curve. This method employs the mean-value integral theorem and the concept of central frequency. Selfconsistency is achieved by forcing the Kramers–Kronig output-phase-angle values to agree with phase-angle values calculated from reliable optical-index values measured outside of the difficult low-reflectance region. The final Kramers–Kronig analysis yields for the first time a phase-angle spectrum which is physically plausible and absorption-index values which are in excellent agreement with experimental measurements.
Shape and stability changes in human erythrocyte membranes induced by metal cations

Asymmetric human erythrocyte ghost membranes behave as bilayer couples and exhibit a radius of curvature preference depending on the state of expansion or contraction of each side of the bilayer. The inside-out preference in the absence of added metal cations is gradually reduced as the K+ concentration is raised to 200 mM until a slight right-side-out preference may be exhibited. Divalent cations (denoted M2+; Ca2+, Mg2+ and Mn2+) induce inside-out curvature at very low concentrations, right-side-out curvature at intermediate concentrations, and inside-out curvature again at high ones. This “triphasic” response is attributed to changes in the packing of acidic phospholipid (PL−) pairs in the A-face as a function of M2+ : PL− binding stoichiometry: 0 : 1 (PL− electrostatic repulsion and A-face expansion), 1 : 2 (PL2M crossbridging and contraction), and 1 : 1 (PLM+ repulsion and expansion). Generally increasing parent vesicle size is associated with higher cation concentrations. This is distinguished from the internal and external membrane blebbing preferred at different concentrations in accord with sidedness preference. Parent vesicle size was interpreted to be most closely associated with cation stabilisation (resistance to fragmentation) of the membrane, while sidedness and size (radius of curvature) of blebs were most closely correlated with packing of lipid molecules in the bilayer.
Service Marketing Productivity and Firm Profit: Evidence From U.S. Domestic Airline Companies

The service-profit chain has been used as a powerful tool for evaluating the relationship between service effort and profit. However, this framework cannot account for customer satisfaction, which may be the ultimate goal of firms. This article attempts to investigate the relationship between service marketing productivity and profit by using data envelopment analysis and regression to determine the mediating role of customer satisfaction in the service-profit chain. The data from 17 U.S. domestic airlines from 2001 to 2005 indicate a significant association between service marketing productivity and profit and the mediating effect of customer satisfaction.
Forced convection. IV: Asymptotic forms for laminar and turbulent transfer rates

Mass transfer rates in laminar and turbulent nonseparated boundary layers are asymptotically expanded for small values of the diffusivity AB, with a uniform state on the mass transfer surface. Results for heat transfer follow by analogy. The thermal or binary Nusselt number at small net mass transfer rates is given asymptotically by a generalized penetration expression for short times, or for boundary layers that duplicate the surface tangential motion. For flows past rigid interfaces, the long-time average of 〈Nu〉 is given asymptotically by a generalized Chilton-Colburn relation in regions of nonrecirculating motion. The measurable functions aij and bij depend only on the system shape and laminar or turbulent velocity field. Formal expressions for a00 are given, and an expression for b00 in steady flows. These results agree well with data on mass transfer operations in tubes, packed beds, and fluid-fluid contactors.
Metastable Nature of Zirconia Femoral Heads From a 20-Year Perspective Of Clinical and Simulator Wear Studies

Clinical reports for zirconia–polyethylene total-hip replacements have been contradictory, and only a handful of retrieval studies have been performed. We review zirconia’s mechanical properties, relevant clinical and retrieval studies, and discuss the “metastable” nature of the articular and taper-bore surfaces. Current limitations of wear-simulator studies are detailed. While some known parameters of phase transformation have been described, we lack understanding of how the different zirconia brand names, era of manufacture, ball diameters, clinical parameters, and exposure times in vivo will contribute to more or less phase transformation. As noted in recent clinical studies, patients with zirconia/polyethylene hip joint replacements may have to be monitored closely for adverse changes that have potential to occur 10 to 15 years post-operatively.
Crystallization-Induced Asymmetric Transformations in Crotyl Molybdenum Complexes†

Equilibria between epimers and diastereomers of pseudo-octahedral crotyl molybdenum complexes that contain bisphosphines occur in solution. Epimerization of the crotyl-molybdenum moiety is slow (t 1/2 = 7 h at 15 °C). Crystallization yields a single diastereomer, and this system provides a set of chiral nonracemic η 3 -crotyl complexes that can be easily handled and preserved for a reasonable time in solution at convenient temperatures.
The kinetic analysis of metastatic tumor formation and its clinical relevance

Knowledge regarding the kinetics of metastatic tumor formation, as related to the growth of the primary tumor, represents a fundamental issue in cancer biology with significant clinical relevancy. By using an in vivo mammalian model, this work showed that one could obtain useful information from the frequency distribution of the sizes of metastatic colonies in distant organs after serial sectioning and image reconstruction.Tumor cells were implanted into the mice subcutaneously, and the subsequent presence of metastases in the lungs at various time points was assessed and their individual colony size measured. To explain the experimental finding, a quantitative model was constructed based on the growth patterns of the primary tumor and metastases and a stochastic process of metastatic colony formation. With this approach, the mechanistic parameters governing the process of metastatogenesis in the lungs for two murine tumor cell lines (KHT and MCaK) were determined. It was found that the elementary assumption of exponential forms of growth for the primary tumor and metastatic colonies predicts a linear relation on a log–log plot of a metastatic colony size distribution, which was consistent with the experimental results. The observed metastasis-free probability also supported the assumption of a time-dependent Poisson process of metastatic formation. More complicated tumor growth patterns, e.g., Gompertzian and logistic models, were included in the mathematical construct, with the attempt to explain possible deviation from the log–log linear relation. Heterogeneous distributions of various biological parameters were also introduced. After showing that the biological parameters in the model could be obtained in the laboratory (thus a workable metastatic “assay”), the theoretical model was expanded to interpret some clinically assessable quantities encountered in cancer medicine. These included metastasis-free survival probability (derived by assuming certain limiting detection resolution of clinical diagnostic technology) and dose-dependent control probability by a cytotoxic agent (e.g., radiation therapy). In this way, a more rational basis in designing treatment regimens for subclinical metastases could be established. Finally, ways to improve the efficiency of the metastatic “assay” developed in this work were explored, using sampling technique and the mathematics of stereology.
Pediatric Sedation: It's More Than Just the Drugs!

Healthcare professionals have a duty to advocate for the children in their care. Children are in delicate stages of their development and cannot be expected to act like little adults. A child may find it difficult to endure a painful procedure. Sedation should be contemplated for any procedure that would impose pain or anxiety on a child. The nonanesthesiologist can safely and effectively administer sedation to a child for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures when institutional policy and procedures are followed.
Open state destabilization by ATP occupancy is mechanism speeding burst exit underlying KATP channel inhibition by ATP.

The ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channel is named after its characteristic inhibition by intracellular ATP. The inhibition is a centerpiece of how the KATP channel sets electrical signaling to the energy state of the cell. In the β cell of the endocrine pancreas, for example, ATP inhibition results from high blood glucose levels and turns on electrical activity leading to insulin release. The underlying gating mechanism (ATP inhibition gating) includes ATP stabilization of closed states, but the action of ATP on the open state of the channel is disputed. The original models of ATP inhibition gating proposed that ATP directly binds the open state, whereas recent models indicate a prerequisite transition from the open to a closed state before ATP binds and inhibits activity. We tested these two classes of models by using kinetic analysis of single-channel currents from the cloned mouse pancreatic KATP channel expressed in Xenopus oocytes. In particular, we combined gating models based on fundamental rate law and burst gating kinetic considerations. The results demonstrate open-state ATP dependence as the major mechanism by which ATP speeds exit from the active burst state underlying inhibition of the KATP channel by ATP.
A case of mistaken non-identity

The recent misidentification of simian T-cell lymphotropic virus type III (STLV-III) AGM and human T-cell lymphotropic virus type IV (HTLV-IV) isolates serves as a strong warning for virologists working with multiple isolates to check any new isolates against viruses present in the laboratory. In 1985 a virus now called simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) MAC that resembled human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) was isolated from Rhesus macaques infected with simian acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Thereafter SIV MAC was found to react with sera from a sizeable proportion of African green monkeys as well as sera from healthy prostitutes in Senegal that did not react with HIV-I a virus not known in West Africa at that time. Kanki et al subsequently reported the isolation from these prostitutes of a virus they named HTLV-IV and the isolation from captive and wild African green monkeys of a virus they termed STLV-III. Shortly thereafter Clavel and Montagnier reported the isolation of HIV-2 from HIV-1-negative West Africans with an AIDS-like disease. Nucleotide analysis of these new viruses showed that HIV-2 is more closely related to SIV MAC than to HIV-1. Doubts began to emerge however when other groups were unable to reproduce the isolation of a virus from African green monkeys as originally described. In fact STLV-III AGM and HTLV-IV isolates were found to have nearly identical restriction-endonuclease cleavage patterns and nucleotide sequences. It finally emerged that these questionable isolates were in fact laboratory contaminations of African green monkey and Senegalese human cells with SIV MAC. To avoid confusion it is recommended that all genuine West African type human viruses henceforth be labelled as HIV-2 and all simian viruses SIV with the terms HTLV-IV and STLV-III AGM reserved exclusively for the laboratory contaminants.
Growth instabilities of vapor deposited films: atomic size versus deflection effect

Two previously suggested, physically distinct mechanisms for a growth instability of vapor deposited films, the finite atomic size effect and the particle deflection effect due to interatomic attraction, are reconsidered, further analyzed, and compared. We substantiate why the instability caused by interatomic attraction must be considered as the truly underlying instability mechanism. We demonstrate that aspects of the structure zone model of Movchan and Demchishin can also be consistently explained using the growth instability induced by particle deflection instead of the instability arising from the atomic size effect. Most significantly we show that, for vapor deposited amorphous Zr65Al7.5Cu27.5-films, the growth instability due to the atomic size effect cannot be present.
Control of photo sharing over Online Social Networks

Photo sharing is an attractive feature which popularizes Online Social Networks (OSNs). Unfortunately, it may leak users' privacy if they are allowed to post, comment, and tag a photo freely. In this paper, we attempt to address this issue and study the scenario when a user shares a photo containing individuals other than himself/herself (termed co-photo for short). To prevent possible leakage of a photo privacy, we design a mechanism to enable each individual in a photo be aware of the posting activity and participate in the decision making on the photo posting. For this purpose, we need an efficient facial recognition (FR) system that can recognize everyone in the photo. However, more demanding privacy setting may limit the number of the photos publicly available to train the FR system. To deal with this dilemma, our mechanism attempts to utilize users' private photos to design a personalized FR system specifically trained to differentiate possible photo co-owners without leaking his/her privacy. We have also developed a distributed consensus-based method to not only reduce the computational complexity, but also preserve the privacy during the training. We show that our system is superior to other possible approaches in terms of recognition ratio and efficiency. Our mechanism is implemented as an Android application on Facebook's platform.
Laser Based Ignition of Natural Gas-Air Mixtures

In current natural gas engines, lean operation to reduce NOx emissions along with the requirement to maintain high specific power results in in-cylinder conditions that demand spark voltages beyond the capabilities of present ignition systems. Unable to overcome such limitations, presently these engines are operated well below their full potential (about 15% less). Additionally, undue maintenance demands are placed for the upkeep of ignition systems. Laser based ignition (LBI) on the other hand, overcomes the above limitations and potentially reduces emissions and increases efficiency. Experimental studies were performed to identify such potential benefits while using lasers to ignite quiescent methane-air mixtures. Quiescent methane-air mixtures at various conditions (φ = 0.6–1.0, fill pressure = 2–20 Bar) were established in a pressure vessel and were ignited using lasers and by conventional ignition systems. Such tests showed lasers to ignite mixtures with initial pressures 30% higher than those limiting ignition by conventional ignition systems. However, extension of the lean ignition limit appeared to be marginal and was defined by φ = 0.675. Also, for single point ignition followed here, the rates of pressure rise and ignition delays were identical and did not depend upon the method of ignition. Other characteristics in terms of (a) effect of focal length, (b) effect of fuel composition, and (c) effect of laser beam polarization are presented. In practice, in-cylinder conditions such as turbulence, velocity and temperature are likely to have an additional bearing on the ignition characteristics. Such effects will be determined through future investigations.© 2003 ASME
Computer vision system for automatically finding the auroral oval from satellite images

Abstract The DE-1 satellite has gathered over 500,000 images of the Earth's aurora. Finding the location and shape of the boundaries of the oval is of interest to geophysicists but manual extraction of the boundaries is extremely time consuming. This paper describes a computer vision system that automatically provides an estimate of the inner auroral boundary for winter hemisphere scenes. The system performs automatic checks of its boundary estimate. If the boundary estimate is deemed inconsistent, the system does not output it. The performance of this system is evaluated using 44 DE-1 images. The system provides boundary estimates for 37 of the inputs. Of these 37 estimates, 31 are consistent with the corresponding manual estimates. At this level of performance, the supervised use of the system provides more than one order of magnitude increase in throughput compared to manual extraction of the boundaries.© (1990) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Integrated-optical approaches to numerical optical processing

Recent progress in the design and fabrication of integrated-optical circuits for performing analog numerical computation is reviewed. Both components and algorithms are discussed and particular emphasis is placed on optical techniques for matrix multiplication.
IDENTIFICATION OF A GLUCOCORTICOID RESPONSE ELEMENT IN THE HUMAN TRANSFORMING GROWTH FACTOR BETA 1 GENE PROMOTER

Abstract TGF-β1, which has a stimulatory effect on dermal wound healing, has been implicated as the primary causative agent of fibrosis. Glucocorticoids such as dexamethasone normally inhibit wound healing and are capable of antagonizing the fibrotic effect of TGF-β1. Our data indicate the presence of a putative regulatory element responsive to glucocorticoids. Computer sequence analysis of the promoter region of the human TGF-β1 gene (Genbank Accession # J04431) revealed a consensus glucocorticoid response element, GRE (5′-AGAACA) located from (−1081) to (−1086) base pairs from the transcription start site. An oligonucleotide containing this site was obtained and labeled for use in gel mobility shift assays. The labeled oligonucleotide was found to bind both fetal rat skin nuclear extracts and purified recombinant glucocorticoid receptor. Unlabeled oligonucleotides containing a GRE from the rat procollagen type 1 promoter or a commercially supplied GRE competed effectively with the 32P-labeled GRE from the TGF-β1 promoter for binding to nuclear extracts. Addition of anti-glucocorticoid receptor revealed a supershifting of the labeled oligonucleotide-nuclear protein complex. These results indicate the presence of a putative GRE in the promoter region of the human TGF-β1 gene.
Forms of certain hopf algebras

Let Ψ be a field, G a finite group of automorphisms of Ψ, and Φ the fixed field of G. Let H be a Hopf algebra over Ψ. For g ∈ G we define a Hopf algebra Hg which has the same underlying vector space as H and modified operations and show that the tensor product (over Ψ) ⊗g ∈ G Hg has a Φ-form. As a consequence we see that if n>0 is an integer and Φ is a field of characteristic zero or p>0 with (n,p)=1, then there is a finite dimensional Hopf algebra over Φ with antipode of order 2n.
Contour Control Point Algorithms For Shape Measurement And Inspection

Motivated by the equivalence of two-dimensional shape and contour control points, techniques for making a number of popular shape measurements in control point space are presented. Then, a shape inspection scheme for locating test shape flaws is developed. Being primarily based on our jointly optimal spatial domain contour normalization algorithm, the inspection scheme applies to test shapes independent of their position, size and orientation.
Hirschman–Herfindahl index determination under incomplete information

This paper utilizes techniques from combinatorics to derive a closed form solution for an estimator of that portion of a Hirschman–Herfindahl index which measures concentration for that segment of the market with unattributed market share. This index makes more complete use of sample information than other more conventional measures of limited-information market concentration like the C4 and C8 indices.
Irrigating agricultural land with sugarbeet processing wastewater

Abstract Some sugarbeet processors are irrigating agricultural land for the treatment and disposal of processing wastewater. The wastewater contains organic matter (COD) and inorganic nutrients, as well as inorganic salts. Experiments on irrigating with sugarbeet processing wastewater were conducted at plants in America. Wastewater irrigation schedules were imposed to determine optimum irrigation rates. Nitrogen application in the wastewater ranged from 275 to 1400 kg ha−1. Phosphorus applications were low and potassium varied widely. COD removal in some of the fields was unsatisfactory in the first year of irrigation but improved as the fields were conditioned by continued wastewater irrigation. With good management and proper loading, sugarbeet processing wastewater can be used for irrigation with satisfactory results.
Epigenomic Regulation of Bile Acid Metabolism: Emerging Role of Transcriptional Cofactors

The traditional role of bile acids is to simply facilitate absorption and digestion of lipid nutrients, but bile acids also act as endocrine signaling molecules that activate nuclear and membrane receptors to control integrative metabolism and energy balance. The mechanisms by which bile acid signals are integrated to regulate target genes are, however, largely unknown. Recently emerging evidence has shown that transcriptional cofactors sense metabolic changes and modulate gene transcription by mediating reversible epigenomic post-translational modifications (PTMs) of histones and chromatin remodeling. Importantly, targeting these epigenomic changes has been a successful approach for treating human diseases, especially cancer. Here, we review emerging roles of transcriptional cofactors in the epigenomic regulation of liver metabolism, especially focusing on bile acid metabolism. Targeting PTMs of histones and chromatin remodelers, together with the bile acid-activated receptors, may provide new therapeutic options for bile acid-related disease, such as cholestasis, obesity, diabetes, and entero-hepatic cancers.
Toxic Emotions at Work: How Compassionate Managers Handle Pain and Conflict

The article presents a review of the book “Toxic Emotions at Work: How Compassionate Managers Handle Pain and Conflict,” by Peter J. Frost.
A WAVE APPROACH TO ESTIMATING FREQUENCY-DEPENDENT DAMPING UNDER TRANSIENT LOADING

Abstract A wave model is proposed for estimating damping loss factor as a function of frequency for a beam with arbitrary transient loading applied through the boundary conditions. In contrast to modal methods which provide measures of damping only at the modal frequencies of the test structure, the damping factor is determined over discrete, but regularly spaced, frequency values associated with the temporal sampling frequency. This makes it possible to predict or simulate damping in complex structures built from the tested component. Numerical and experimental data from a free–free beam are used to validate the approach.
Lifestyle, education, and prevalence of hypertension in populations of African origin. Results from the International Collaborative Study on Hypertension in Blacks.

Lifestyle Incongruity has been shown to be associated with elevated blood pressure in various developing societies. We sought to test this model in an international collaborative study of hypertension in populations of African origin. Data were available for 4770 men and women, aged 25-74, from Africa, the Caribbean, and the United States. The main effects of lifestyle score (LSS) and education on hypertension prevalence were explored, as well as interactions predicted by the Lifestyle Incongruity model. Significant interactions were observed, but only the U.S. men conformed to the pattern predicted. For this group, adjusted ORs for LSS were 4.45 among low-education and 0.71 among high-education subgroups (risk OR = 0.16, 0.03-0.84 95% CI). The Lifestyle Incongruity model therefore received limited support. The model was designed to describe processes in societies experiencing modernization and opportunities for lifestyle differentiation, conditions that may not have been met in some sites.
Nosocomial Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections: The Cost-Effectiveness and Cost-Benefit of Infection Control

Objective. To determine the cost-effectiveness and cost-benefit of an infection control program to reduce nosocomial respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) transmission in a large pediatric hospital. Design. RSV nosocomial infection (NI) was studied for 8 years, before and after intervention with a targeted infection control program. The cost-effectiveness of the intervention was calculated, and cost-benefit was estimated by a case–control comparison. Setting. Children9s Hospital of Philadelphia, a 304-bed pediatric hospital. Patients. All inpatients with RSV infection, both community- and hospital-acquired. Intervention. Consisted of early recognition of patients with respiratory symptoms, confirmation of RSV infection by laboratory testing, establishing cohorts of patients and nursing staff, gown and glove barrier precautions, and monitoring and education of staff. Outcome Measures. The incidence density of RSV NI before and after the intervention was calculated as the rate per 1000 patient days-at-risk for infection. Intervention costs included laboratory testing, isolation, and administration of the program. The cost of RSV NI was estimated by comparing hospital charges for 30 cases and matched uninfected controls. Results. A total of 148 patients acquired NI (88 before and 60 after the intervention). The Mantel-Haenszel stratified relative risk for NI in the period before the infection control program, compared with the postintervention period, was .61 (95% confidence interval: .53–.69). By applying the preintervention stratum-specific rates of infection to the days-at-risk in the postintervention period, an estimated 100 NIs would have been expected, which in comparison to the 60 NIs observed, yielded an estimated program effectiveness of 10 RSV NIs prevented per season. The total cost of the program per season was $15 627 or $1563/NI prevented. In comparison, the mean cost to the hospital was $9419/case of RSV NI, resulting in a cost-benefit ratio of 1:6. Conclusions. A targeted infection control intervention was cost-effective in reducing the rate of RSV NI. For every dollar spent on the program, approximately $6 was saved.
FACTORS INFLUENCING THE PORE VOLUME OF FINE‐GRAINED SEDIMENTS UNDER LOW‐TO‐MODERATE OVERBURDEN LOADS1

An anomalous increase of pore volume with increasing depth in the range 0—1,900 ft. occurs in fine-grained sediments along the east side of the San Joaquin Valley of Cali- fornia. Several possible causes for the anomaly were inferred from a literature search and from study of the core samples. Statistical analyses of the core sample data suggest the principle causes to be variations in particle size, the diatom-skeleton content, and the type of exchangeable cation adsorbed by the clay-mineral constituents of the sediments.
The temporal effects of a single session of high-velocity, low-amplitude thrust manipulation on subjects with spinal pain

Abstract Background: A high velocity, low amplitude thrust manipulation (HVLAT) is an intervention commonly used in the treatment of patients with spinal pain. Recent studies have reported on the possible neurophysiological effects of this technique which may be pertinent to the therapeutic value of these procedures. However, few studies have examined the temporal neurophysiological nature of a HVLAT beyond the immediate effects. Objectives: The purpose of this review is to summarize the literature on the temporal neurophysiological effects of a single HVLAT in patients with spinal pain. Methods: A systematic search of English articles was conducted using MEDLINE, CINAHL, and PEDro. Additional studies were identified with a hand search of the references of relevant articles. Search terms included spinal manipulation, chiropractic manipulation, osteopathic manipulation, spinal adjustment, cervical manipulation, lumbar manipulation, sacroiliac manipulation, neck pain, back pain, and sacroiliac pain. Quality...
CASE tools: understanding the reasons for non-use

Computer-Aided Software Engineering (CASE) technologies are tools that provide automated assistance for software development [3]. The goal of introducing CASE tools is the reduction of the time and cost of software development and the enhancement of the quality of the systems developed [3], [20]. This paper explores the use of CASE tools. We ask several questions. Are CASE tools being used? If yes, what features within the tool are being used? Next, we explore two potential reasons for the expected low use. Do CASE tools change the job of the systems developer in an unattractive way? And are the people who are expected to use CASE tools motivated to use them?233 systems developers were surveyed to answer these questions. We found that CASE tools are being used but not in many companies. Within the companies that have adopted CASE tools, few people are actually using the tools. The systems developers who use CASE tools are using formal methodologies more often than systems developers who do not use CASE tools. Systems developers allocate their time differently depending on whether they are using a CASE tool or not. Those who use the tools are using few of the functions within the tools. Finally we found that people were basically neutral on whether they enjoyed using the tool and whether the tool was useful.
Kinetics, aggregation behavior and optimization of the fractionation of whey protein isolate with hydrochloric acid☆

Abstract Concentrated WPI solutions (10%, w/w) containing approximately 50% beta-lactoglobulin (β-LG) and 26% alpha-lactalbumin (α-LA) were fractionated with HCl at acidic pH and moderate temperature to obtain enriched α-LA and β-LG fractions. Aggregation behavior and kinetics of protein precipitation and aggregate formation were analyzed as a function of four process parameters: pH (3.0–5.5), temperature (50–70 °C), reaction time (0–180 min) and protein concentration (10–29%). The precipitation and aggregation of α-LA appeared rate-limited, with a logarithmic dependence of time and possible bimodal nucleation rate, and varied considerably with pH and temperature. Aggregates as large as ∼300 μm were noted after 120 min at pH 4, 60 °C. Processing parameters were optimized to obtain both a high aggregate yield and optimal composition of the aggregate fraction. The optimally enriched solid and liquid fractions contained 58% α-LA and 76% β-LG, respectively, with 99% and 74% recovery ratios. Over the pH range studied, β-LG aggregation was found negligible at 60 °C and β-LG recovery in the aggregates attributed to liquid holding. Increasing WPI concentration accelerated α-LA aggregation, demonstrating a concentration-dependent aggregation mechanism, and reduced aggregate purity. Enriched whey protein fractions are valuable health-enhancing food ingredients.
Design Features and Operational Procedures for the New Brookhaven National Laboratory Radiation Laundry and Reclamation Facility

Abstract The decontamination, reclamation, or disposal of radioactively contaminated tools, equipment and clothing presents many varied and non-routine problems. The Brookhaven National Laboratory facilities and procedures for these operations are described. For safety and economy these operations are grouped in a facility with specially designed ventilation and controls under the supervision of a Health Physicist.
Gamma-ray burster counterparts - Archival data

This paper reports on the results of a search for optical transient images associated with gamma-ray bursters based on the collection of archival photographs at the Harvard College Observatory. This study searched through over 32,000 plates showing 16 gamma-ray burst error regions. The primary result is the identification of three optical transient images. The recurrence time scale for optical events with a gamma-ray to optical fluence ratio of less than 1000 is estimated to be 1.3 yr (with a 99-percent confidence interval of between 0.41 and 4.8 yr). A control study was simultaneously made where regions of the sky with no bursters were examined. The control region was 15.6 times larger than the burst search region, yet no optical transients were found. This paper describes in detail the methodology and the statistical results. Close attention is paid to a detailed analysis of the three optical transient images.
Education and Training for Primary Care Internal Medicine

Excerpt To the editor: The recent article by Kosecoff and associates (1) and editorial by Huth (2) suggest that the efforts of academic medical centers to promote primary care internal medicine in ...
Tear film dynamics on an eye-shaped domain I: pressure boundary conditions

We study the relaxation of a model for the human tear film after a blink on a stationary eye-shaped domain corresponding to a fully open eye using lubrication theory and explore the effects of viscosity, surface tension, gravity and boundary conditions that specify the pressure. The governing non-linear partial differential equation is solved on an overset grid by a method of lines using a finite-difference discretization in space and an adaptive second-order backward-difference formula solver in time. Our 2D simulations are calculated in the Overture computational framework. The computed flows show sensitivity to both our choices between two different pressure boundary conditions and the presence of gravity; this is particularly true around the boundary. The simulations recover features seen in 1D simulations and capture some experimental observations including hydraulic connectivity around the lid margins.
Vaginal Transposition of the Ovary in Primates (Papio Cynocephalus and Macaca Arctoides)

Summary: Experimental data indicate that the time and mechanism of ovulation play a significant role in some cases of infertility and in a broad range of reproductive abnormalities. In order to establish a new experimental model for the study of these phenomena in primates, transposition of the ovary from the pelvis into the vaginal fornix was attempted in 2 species of monkeys: (a) Macaca Arctoides and (b) Papio Cynocephalus. Particularly in the latter species, ovarian relocation into the anterior and the posterior vaginal fornices proved feasible. Most ovaries continued functioning in their new location during the 2–5 months of the follow-up, despite macroscopic and microscopic evidence of infection. Post mortem examination of one of the experimental animals several years after the surgical procedure revealed the presence of an intact functioning ovary still in close contact with the vaginal fornix.