cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Environmental context effects on alcohol cognitions and immediate alcohol consumption

The present experimental study sought to demonstrate the effects of environmental context on accessibility of alcohol-related cognitions and immediate alcohol consumption. Fifty-six males were randomly assigned and exposed to either a simulated bar (alcohol contextual prime) or a neutral laboratory (neutral prime). Memory accessibility was measured using implicit memory association measures and immediate drinking behavior was measured unobtrusively using a taste-rating task. Contextually primed participants reported significantly more alcohol-related memory associations to ambiguous stimuli and exhibited significantly greater alcohol consumption than controls. These results strengthen support for the influence of environmental context on retrieval of alcohol cognitions in memory and on drinking behavior. Our findings complement theoretical assertions of the critical role of alcohol cognitions in directly influencing alcohol consumption.
New developments in passive radiation dosimetry: radiation-induced thermally activated currents.

Radiation‐induced thermally activated currents (RITAC) in ultra‐high‐purity dielectrics provide a radiationdosimetry technique which is practical for applications at room temperature and is much more sensitive than other more well known, solid state dosimetry effects. The essential requirement for producing high‐radiation‐sensitivity RITAC readout, either in polarization or conductance modes of operation, is selective purification of the dosimetrymaterial. Simple methods exist for monitoring the active impurity levels for fabrication of highly sensitive reproducible RITAC effect devices.
A test of the equivalence principle using a space-borne clock

An experimental verification of Einstein's equivalence principle has been made using an atomic hydrogen maser in a space probe attaining an altitude of 10,000 km above the earth's surface. At the present stage of the data reduction, confirmation is at the 2×10−4 level of accuracy. The experiment and the resulting data are described including a comment on the limits to the anisotropy of the velocity of light. We believe that this is the first direct, high-accuracy test of the symmetry of the propagation of light and a beginning in the use of high-accuracy clocks in space to measure relativistic phenomena.
Alteration of cell volume in bull spermatozoa by factors known to affect active cation transport.

Summary The effects of Na + , K + , Li + , fructose, cyanide, ouabain, and oligomycin on the motility and electronically monitored cell volume stability of bull spermatozoa diluted approx. 1:10 000 and incubated at 35°C in media isosmotic with 0.15 M NaCl buffered to pH 7.0 were studied. When only one type of alkali metal ion was present (Na + , Li + , or K + ), sperm motility was poor and sperm started to swell immediately, resulting in apparent lysis after several hours. By incorporating 2.25 mM of K + in a Na + -containing medium, onset of sperm swelling was delayed, but motility was not improved. Li + was unable to satisfactorily replace Na + in maintaining sperm cell volume stability and it abolished sperm motility. Fructose significantly delayed onset of swelling only when adequate levels of K + replaced part of the Na + . Cyanide or oligomycin abolished sperm motility and the delaying effect of K + on sperm swelling when no energy source was supplied. Fructose with CN − and K + , greatly extended sperm motility and cell volume stability. The latter was abolished by ouabain or oligomycin but motility was little affected, indicating that these compounds inhibit Na + transport without blocking glycolysis. Thus, spermatozoa resemble other animal cells in their ability to stabilize cell volume through the active maintenance of intra- and extracellular distribution of Na + and K + .
Crystal data for low molecular weight albumins of carp.

We have grown crystals of the low molecular weight albumins of carp suitable for a 2.0-A resolution structure determination. Component 3 forms monoclinic crystals; space group C2 with a = 28.2 A, b = 61.0 A, c = 54.3 A and β = 95 °10′.
Removal of avitene microfibrillar collagen hemostat by use of suitable transfusion filters

We assessed the ability of two commercial filters (Pall RC100 and Statlabs 20 microns) to filter out Avitene microfibrillar collagen hemostat from suspension. Quantitative determination of the collagen content as well as scanning electron and light microscopy, particle counting, and platelet aggregometry of filtrates revealed that these filters effectively remove potentially thrombogenic particles of Avitene microfibrillar collagen hemostat. The filters removed at least 97% of the total collagen, as determined by hydroxyproline analysis. The collagen that passed through the Pall filter did not pellet upon ultracentrifugation. Scanning electron and light microscopic analysis revealed no Avitene microfibrillar collagen hemostat particulates in the Pall filtrates but did reveal the presence of a significant number of approximately 1- to 8-microns particulates in the Statlabs filtrates. Concentrates of the filtrates from either of the two filters, however, did not promote platelet aggregation. Through ultracentrifugation and infrared analysis, the filtrates were found to consists of soluble, partially denatured collagen. The risk associated with the reintroduction of collagen particulates into the vasculature can be significantly reduced by use of appropriate, currently available blood-transfusion filters.
On the prediction of fatigue crack initiation in rolling/sliding contacts with provision for loading sequence effect

The principles of continuum damage mechanics are applied to predict the rolling/sliding contact fatigue crack initiation. The approach involves evaluating the subsurface stresses as well as the state of damage within the contact region. It is shown that the fatigue crack initiation life can be related to the scalar damage parameter D, which is a measure of micro-crack and voids density in the material. Comparison of the predicted results with the available experimental work shows good agreement. The effect of variable loading on the fatigue behavior of rolling contact with provision for non-linear damage evolution is also investigated.
Mean Radar Echo Characteristics during Project GALE

Abstract The mean radar echo characteristics during the Genesis of Atlantic Lows Experiment (GALE) are presented for the southeastern United States during the 15 January–15 March 1986 field phase of the program. The echo characteristics were derived from the operational National Weather Service (NWS) WSR-57 10 cm network radars. Radar echo frequency and intensity were subjectively tabulated on a 0.5° latitude-longitude grid from objectively contoured three hourly NWS maps routinely transmitted over facsimile. The objectively contoured maps were derived from manually digitized radar observations at each NWS radar location. The principal findings include: 1) a greater occurrence of VIP intensity level 1 and greater echoes in the coastal waters from Georgia to North Carolina; 2) a concentrated region of VIP intensity level 1,3 and 5 radar echoes ∼100 km cast of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina along the edge of the Gulf Stream; 3) a considerably greater likelihood of offshore versus onshore radar echoes along t...
Estimation of total above-ground phytomass production using remotely sensed data

Remote sensing potentially offers a quick and nondestructive method for monitoring plant canopy condition and development. In this study, multispectral reflectance and thermal emittance data were used in conjunction with micrometeorological data in a simple model to estimate above-ground total dry phytomass production of several spring wheat canopies. The fraction of absorbed photosynthetic radiation (PAR) by plants was estimated from measurements of visible and near-infrared canopy reflectance. Canopy radiation temperature was used as a crop stress indicator in the model. Estimated above-ground phytomass values based on this model were strongly correlated with the measured phytomass values for a wide range of climate and plant-canopy conditions.
Femtosecond-laser-induced plumes

Femtosecond laser-induced titanium plumes have been studied by emission spectroscopy and imaging, and time-of-flight measurements. The laser pulse is of around 100 fs (FWHM) duration and has a central wavelength of 800 nm. The sample was placed inside a high vacuum chamber. Time-resolved plume emission images were obtained by an ICCD camera. Compared to nanosecond laser- induced plumes, femtosecond laser-generated plumes are much more confined in space, which is due to the lack of direct laser energy absorption by the plume, as well as lower energy per pulse. The emission spectrum was studied with a combination of a monochromator and an ICCD camera. Individual emission lines from both titanium neutrals and ions were identified. Time-of-flight (TOF) experiment showed that extremely energetic ions were present in the plume. These high energies may affect the laser deposition of thin films. A TOF experiment using a nanosecond laser was carried out for comparison. Laser ablated craters were measured with an interferometric microscope, and ablation yield was expressed as a function of applied laser fluence. Two ablation regimes were identified for femtosecond laser ablation of titanium by time-of-flight and microscope measurements.© (2001) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Saint-Venant's principle in linear elasticity with microstructure

Toupin's version of the Saint-Venant principle in linear elasticity is generalized to the case of linear elasticity with microstructure. That is, it is shown that, for a straight prismatic bar made of an isotropic linear elastic material with microstructure and loaded by a self-equilibrated force system at one end only, the strain energy stored in the portion of the bar which is beyond a distance s from the loaded end decreases exponentially with the distance s.
Resolving the ambiguities due to spatial undersampling in wideband uniform linear arrays

In array signal processing in general, we often wish to fuse the collected data at several sensor elements and implement a given estimation or detection task. This study is a selective treatment of the wideband array processing under some specific assumptions. Shannon Spatial Sampling Limit defines an upper bound for the frequency of transmission given certain element spacings in arrays. Beyond this bound, the exceeded ambiguity, due to spatial aliasing, avoids correct estimation of the signal parameters -e.g. the Direction Of Arrival (DOA), which is of our interest in this study. In another vein, decreasing the element spacing to meet a wider spectral support is difficult to implement due to the electromagnetic mutual coupling of the sensor elements in the array and the reduction of the resolution. This work is an attempt to develop a methodology for resolving this ambiguity or aliasing in the wideband scenario using statistical signal processing. Our approach is heuristic. We consider known implementations, adopt them to meet our scenario and then analyze the performance of our proposed method. Although the models and the formulations presented in this survey can be further generalized, we limit our discussion mainly to the Uniform Linear Arrays (ULA). Many of the topics discussed in this study have a potential for being useful in practical applications, since they would allow a realistic modeling and offer more flexibility than the conventional array processing framework, hence we believe that there are already sufficient interest in this study.
The Prandtl Number Effect on the Transition in Natural Convection Along a Vertical Surface

As is often the case, the decision to embark on a new project was triggered by a set of coincidental and mutually reinforcing observations: (i) There is a definite lack of information (theoretical, numerical, experimental) on natural convection in low-Pr fluids (Lykoudis, 1989). This observation was stressed recently also by Wolff et al. (1988). (ii) Georgiadis (1989) drew attention to the line of work represented by Chao et al. (1982) and Bertin and Ozoe (1986), who showed numerically that the onset of Benard convection appears to be influence by the Prandtl number in the Pr < 1 range. (iii) The authors were struck by Bertin and Ozoe's (1986) discovery that they were unable to obtain numerically a steady flow below a certain Prandtl number (Pr = 0.001), even though the Rayleigh number based on height seemed sufficiently low (Ra = 2,800). The present study was motivated by these observations and the apparent suggestion that in low-Pr fluids the laminar flow expires at unexpectedly low Rayleigh numbers. This idea is particularly interesting if they think of the natural convection boundary layer near a vertical wall, for which the textbook teaches to associate the constant Ra {approx} 10{sup 9} with the heightmore » of transition to the turbulent flow, regardless of the Prandtl number (e.g., Incropera and DeWitt, 1985, p. 427). In order to test this idea, the authors reexamined the experimental record of observations on transition in vertical natural convection boundary layer flow. Indeed, the empirical data described next show that the Prandtl number has a strong influence on the transition Rayleigh number. In low-Pr fluids the transition occurs at Rayleigh numbers much lower than the often-mentioned Ra {approx} 10{sup 9}, while in high-Pr fluids the transition Rayleigh number is higher than 10{sup 9}. It appears that the constant Grashof number Gr {approx} 10{sup 9} (i.e., not Ra {approx} 10{sup 9}) marks the transition in the wide Pr range 0.001-1000.« less
Locoregional treatment outcomes after multimodality management of inflammatory breast cancer.

Purpose The aims of this study were to determine outcomes for patients with inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) treated with multimodality therapy, to identify factors associated with locoregional recurrence, and to determine which patients may benefit from radiation dose escalation. Methods and Materials We retrospectively reviewed 256 consecutive patients with nonmetastatic IBC treated at our institution between 1977 and 2004. Results The 192 patients who were able to complete the planned course of chemotherapy, mastectomy, and postmastectomy radiation had significantly better outcomes than the 64 patients who did not. The respective 5-year outcome rates were: locoregional control (84% vs. 51%), distant metastasis–free survival (47% vs. 20%), and overall survival (51% vs. 24%) (p Conclusions Patients with IBC who are able to complete treatment with chemotherapy, mastectomy, and postmastectomy radiation have a high probability of locoregional control. Escalation of postmastectomy radiation dose to 66 Gy appears to benefit patients with disease that responds poorly to chemotherapy, those with positive, close, or unknown margin status, and those
Total quality management contrasts in manufacturing and service industries

Offers the view that TQM concepts apply equally to manufacturing and service industries and examines assertions through a survey of selected manufacturing and service companies involved in TQM implementation. To test the hypothesis a framework of 19 TQM dimensions is developed and, based on this framework, the studied companies are evaluated. It is shown that under varied environmental conditions the TQM tools and procedures may vary but the underlying concepts apply equally to both manufacturing and service companies. The differences in the studied dimensions between manufacturing and service companies signify slow dissemination of TQM knowledge among the service companies. Service operations are generally not sure whether the tested procedures in manufacturing companies will work equally well for them. As a result, commitment for a fully fledged TQM has been lacking in the service industries.
Sliding mode control based on observers for uncertain nonlinear systems

The paper considers uncertain nonlinear nonaffine systems affected by matched and unmatched uncertainties. The state of the system is not accessible, while a a possibly nonlinear output is available. Integrators are introduced in the input channel and the first time derivative of the original control is regarded as the new control. The obtained augmented system satisfies a convexity condition. A full-order observer is designed and the control problem is solved by steering the observer to the sliding manifold. While this sliding motion is maintained, conditions are found under which it is proven the exponential stability of the observation error. Furthermore both system and observer are proven to converge to the unique ideal solution.
Methamphetamine effects upon avoidance behavior during limbic seizures in the cat.

It was predicted that methamphetamine administered to nine adult male cats would counteract the debilitating effects of electrically-induced septal after-discharges (seizures) upon learned shock avoidance. Performance was assessed in terms of number of avoidance responses and their latencies. Septal after-discharges of over five seconds duration resulted in the predicted deterioration of avoidance performance. Under the dosage (1.5 mg/kg) and conditions employed in the present experiment, methamphetamine appeared to enhance, rather than counteract, this effect. Methamphetamine alone had mixed effects upon avoidance behavior: there was less tendency for animals to “freeze” in response to the CS, but subjects appeared confused and disoriented. There was a greater likelihood of occurrence of after-discharges when methamphetamine was used in conjunction with electrical stimulation of the septum.
A comparison of patient needs following two hurricanes.

Objectives: The New Mexico-1 Disaster Medical Assistance Team (NM-1 DMAT) has responded to more disasters due to hurricanes than disasters from any other type of event. To assess whether defined patient needs may be applied to future hurricanes, the patient needs after Hurricanes Andrew and Iniki were compared. The study question was, “Did patient medical needs differ after these hurricanes?” Methods: Design : Retrospective cohort review. Subjects : All patients evaluated by NM-1 DMAT following Hurricanes Andrew and Iniki. Observations : Age, past medical history, chief complaint, diagnosis, diagnostic tests, treatments, triage level, and disposition. Age was analyzed using Student's t -test, other data were analyzed using the chisquare test. Results: A total of 1,056 patients were evaluated. Age distributions did not differ between events. More patients had co-morbidities after Hurricane Andrew. The only difference in chief complaint was that more patients complained of “cold” symptoms following Hurricane Iniki. The only differences in diagnoses were for upper respiratory infections, which were diagnosed more often after Hurricane Iniki. There were no differences in the administration of tetanus toxoid, antibiotics, or analgesics. Patients evaluated after Hurricane Andrew had more diagnostic tests performed and a higher illness/injury acuity. The proportion of the total number of patients conveyed to a hospital did not differ. Conclusion: Patient needs were similar after Hurricane Andrew and Hurricane Iniki and may be applicable for predicting the needs of patients for future hurricanes.
Antigen retrieval immunohistochemistry used for routinely processed celloidin-embedded human temporal bone sections: standardization and development

The use of immunohistochemistry (IHC) in routinely processed celloidin-embedded human temporal bone section has created a fruitful field in understanding the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of the human inner ear at a molecular level since the early 1990s when the antigen retrieval (AR) technique was developed. This review article focuses on several critical technical issues of AR technique based predominantly on our experiences and suggestions concerning further development and standardization of AR-IHC for IHC study of human temporal bone section, as well as other tissues embedded in celloidin. Examples of using AR-IHC in human temporal bone sections collected include our unpublished data in order to indicate the potential utility of this novel method. Suggestions of further development of AR techniques are proposed for references and comments.
Assessment of cognitive, psychiatric, and behavioral disturbances in patients with dementia: the Neurobehavioral Rating Scale.

Objective To assess the validity of the Neurobehavioral Rating Scale (NRS) in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) or multi-infarct dementia (MID) and to characterize the cognitive, psychiatric, and behavioral disturbances that occur in these patients. Design Cross-sectional evaluation. Setting West Los Angeles VAMC Geropsychiatry Inpatient Unit, Neurobehavior Inpatient Unit, and Dementia Clinic; UCLA Alzheimer's Disease Clinic. Patients Convenience sample of 61 patients with AD and 22 patients with MID. Main Outcome Measure The NRS, a 27-item observer-rated instrument that measures cognitive, psychiatric, and behavioral disturbances. Results The NRS demonstrated content and convergent validity in this patient group. Principal components analysis of the NRS ratings identified a six-factor solution, and each factor contained clinically related symptoms. The factors were Cognition/Insight, Agitation/Disinhibition, Behavioral Retardation, Anxiety/Depression, Verbal Output Disturbance, and Psychosis. Among the patients with AD, agitation, disinhibition, hostility, poor insight, poor motivation, suspiciousness, and delusions were more severe in patients with more advanced dementia. Depressive symptoms occurred with equal severity in patients with mild and advanced dementia, but depressed mood was more severe in patients with earlier age of onset of AD. Conclusion The NRS is a useful instrument for structured assessment of a broad range of cognitive, psychiatric, and behavioral disturbances in patients with dementia.
Immunoscintigraphy with111 In-satumomab pendetide in patients with colorectal adenocarcinoma: Performance and impact on clinical management

PURPOSE: The role of immunoscintigraphy with111 Insatumomab pendetide in the medical and/or surgical management of colorectal cancer patients was evaluated in a multicenter trial. METHODS: This 103 patient study population included 46 individuals with rising serum carcinoembryonic antigen levels and otherwise negative diagnostic evaluation, 29 patients with known recurrence, presumed to be isolated and resectable, and 28 patients for whom standard diagnostic tests provided equivocal information. RESULTS: No adverse reactions were noted following intravenous administration of 1 mg of satumomab pendetide radiolabeled with approximately 5 mCi of111 In. Thirty percent of patients developed human anti-mouse antibodies postinfusion. In the 84 patients for whom correlation with histopathologic, diagnostic, and/or clinical findings was available, antibody imaging demonstrated a sensitivity of 73 percent in patients with confirmed tumor (36/49) and negative results for all 35 patients with no evidence of malignancy. Occult disease was detected in 18 patients. CONCLUSION: 111 In-satumomab pendetide immunoscintigraphy was helpful in the medical and/or surgical management of 45 (44 percent) patients and provided information unavailable from other diagnostic modalities.
Progress on gene transfer in farm animals.

Abstract Transgenic pigs and sheep have been produced by the microinjection of single-cell zygotes and two-cell ova with linear molecules of mouse metallothionein I (MT) promoter/regulator fused to either the human growth hormone (hGH) or bovine growth hormone (bGH) structural genes. The foreign genes integrated into the chromosomes of 3 of 111 lambs or fetuses and 31 of 341 pigs or fetuses examined. Immunoreactive hGH or bGH was present in the plasma of two transgenic lambs and 19 transgenic pigs. The hGH concentration in plasma varied greatly among pigs and was unrelated to the number of gene copies that had integrated. Rate of growth was not enhanced in any of the transgenic pigs in comparison to their littermate controls. However, bGH and hGH exerted definite biological effects in transgenic pigs as evidenced by significantly depressed backfat measurements, elevated levels of insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1), stimulation of mammary development (by hGH) and reduction in porcine growth hormone (pGH) to nondetectable levels in plasma. Five of six founder transgenic pigs transmitted the MT-hGH gene construct to one or more progeny. Three progeny of a boar that expressed hGH also expressed the foreign gene.
Torture and Incoherence: A Reply to Cyr

John Martin Fischer and Anthony L. Brueckner have argued that a person’s death is, in many cases, bad for him, whereas a person’s prenatal non-existence is not bad for him. Their suggestion relies on the idea that death deprives the person of pleasant experiences that it is rational for him to care about, whereas prenatal non-existence only deprives him of pleasant experiences that it is not rational for him to care about. Jens Johansson has objected to this justification of ‘The Asymmetry’ between the badness of death and pre-natal non-existence on the grounds that what it is actually rational for us to care about is irrelevant to the question of whether the event is bad for us. Taylor Cyr has recently argued that Jens Johansson’s objection to Fischer’s and Brueckner’s position relies on an incoherent example, and is thus unsuccessful. I argue that Cyr’s attempt to defend Fischer and Brueckner in fact illustrates that their position is incoherent, and that Johansson’s objection therefore succeeds.
Effects of personality and situational variation in locus of control on cheating: Determinants of the “congruence effect”

Thirty-two male and 32 female introductory psychology students were given the opportunity to falsely report success (i.e., to cheat) on a series of objectively unsolvable achievement tasks. Consistent with previous evidence, a Personality × Situational Locus of Control interaction effect, accounting for 24% of the variance, was found whereby persons classified as having generalized internal locus of control beliefs (internals) cheated more when the task was described as requiring skill while those with external control beliefs (externals) cheated more when chance presumably determined performance outcomes. Differing rates of task persistence, postperformance belief and affect ratings, and stated reasons for cheating (or not) were consistent with both affective and cognitive theories in explaining the cheating behavior. It was hypothesized that whereas internals cheated to conform to their status on the internal stable dimension of ability, externals were concerned with maintaining a belief in their status as fortunate individuals, also conceived as an internal stable attributional determinant. No sex differences in cheating or persistence behavior were found.
TOLERANCE OF RAPE: A SEXIST OR ANTISOCIAL ATTITUDE?

A prison sample and a community control group were used to develop a scale of Rape Attitudes (tolerance of rape) and to validate a modified version of the Gough Socialization Scale. A university student sample and an adolescent sample completed the Rape Attitudes scale and a scale of attitudes toward heterosexual relationships. Males in the adolescent sample also completed the modified Cough Socialization Scale. For both university students and adolescents, and for both males and females, tolerance of rape was associated with sexist attitudes toward heterosexual relationships. For the male adolescents, tolerance of rape and sexist attitudes were associated with antisocial, delinquent personality tendencies. The relationship between tolerance of rape and sexist attitudes was stronger than the relationship between tolerance of rape and an antisocial personality.
Post-mortem Whole Exome Sequencing with Gene-Specific Analysis for Autopsy-Negative Sudden Unexplained Death in the Young: A Case Series

Annually, thousands of sudden deaths in individuals under 35 years remain unexplained following comprehensive medico-legal autopsy. Previously, post-mortem genetic analysis by Sanger sequencing of four major cardiac channelopathy genes revealed that approximately one-fourth of these autopsy-negative sudden unexplained death in the young (SUDY) cases harbored an underlying mutation. However, there are now over 100 sudden death-predisposing cardiac channelopathy-, cardiomyopathy-, and metabolic disorder-susceptibility genes. Here, we set out to determine whether post-mortem whole exome sequencing (WES) is an efficient strategy to detect ultra-rare, potentially pathogenic variants. We performed post-mortem WES and gene-specific analysis of 117 sudden death-susceptibility genes for 14 consecutively referred Caucasian SUDY victims (average age at death 17.4 ± 8.6 years) to identify putative SUDY-associated mutations. On average, each SUDY case had 12,758 ± 2,016 non-synonymous variants, of which 79 ± 15 localized to these 117 genes. Overall, eight ultra-rare variants (seven missense, one in-frame insertion) absent in three publically available exome databases were identified in six genes (three in TTN, and one each in CACNA1C, JPH2, MYH7, VCL, RYR2) in seven of 14 cases (50 %). Of the seven missense alterations, two (T171M-CACNA1C, I22160T-TTN) were predicted damaging by three independent in silico tools. Although WES and gene-specific surveillance is an efficient means to detect rare genetic variants that might underlie the pathogenic cause of death, accurate interpretation of each variant is challenging. Great restraint and caution must be exercised otherwise families may be informed prematurely and incorrectly that the root cause has been found.
All-optical switching in a hybrid Mach-Zehnder interferometer as a result of cascaded second-order nonlinearity.

We demonstrate, for the first time to our knowledge, all-optical switching with a contrast ratio of 7:1 based on the cascaded second-order nonlinearity. We performed the switching experiments in a nonlinear hybrid Mach–Zehnder interferometer, using a nonuniformly temperature-tuned lithium niobate channel waveguide in an operating regime of small fundamental depletion.
Multivalency effects in protein--carbohydrate interaction: the binding of the Shiga-like toxin 1 binding subunit to multivalent C-linked glycopeptides.

A series of monovalent and bivalent glycopeptides displaying a C-linked analogue of the Pk trisaccharide, the in vivo ligand for the pentavalent Shiga-like toxin binding subunit (SLT-1B), were prepared and evaluated as ligands for SLT-1B by isothermal titration microcalorimetry and competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Although none of the monovalent ligands showed any enhancement in affinity compared to O-methyl glycoside, two bivalent ligands show significant enhancements in affinity in assays. This observation represents the first calorimetric observation of an enhancement in affinity for this system. In contrast, only one of the two ligands shows an enhancement in the competitive ELISA. Together, these data signal a difference in the means by which the two ligands achieve affinity, apparently triggered by a change in the nature of the linker domain. These results provide a rationalization for apparently contradictory reports from the recent literature and again emphasize the importanc...
A comparison between the measured and the desirable quality of hydrogel extended wear contact lenses

Eighty-two hydrogel extended wear contact lenses (EWCL) from four brands were tested for overall quality and variations in specified parameters. Two of the EWCL brands were approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for wear by the public, while two of the brands were uninvestigated. In addition, the packaging solution was examined for osmolarity and pH. All brands were delivered with solutions that had estimated means of pH and osmolarity departing from what may be considered ideal physiologically. The EWCLs all had a consistent power and an acceptable thickness reproducibility. One of the FDA approved brands, demonstrated diameter variations of a magnitude that may produce an unpredictability in the lens fit. Several lenses of one brand suffered from edge quality deficiencies. Although the FDA clinical trial is designed to control the clinical performance of contact lenses prior to the market entry, the results of the present investigation indicate that an authority independent of the manufacturer should regularly sample the lens quality. It is for this purpose imperative that standards for contact lenses are established.
Vasopressin to attenuate pulmonary hypertension and improve systemic blood pressure after correction of obstructed total anomalous pulmonary venous return

Pulmonary hypertension remains a major contributor to morbidity in the postoperative course of patients after successful surgical correction of obstructed total anomalous pulmonary venous return (TAPVR). Additionally, the postcardiotomy syndrome of low systemic vascular resistance and low cardiac output often necessitates aggressive vasopressor and inotropic support. Vasopressin has been prospectively shown in both adults and children to decrease the need for vasoactive medications in the postcardiotomy syndrome. In animal models of hypoxic pulmonary constriction, vasopressin has been shown to have properties of pulmonary vasodilation as well as systemic vasoconstriction. We hypothesized that vasopressin might decrease pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) and thus decrease the need for vasoactive medications after surgical correction of TAPVR.
Blepharophimosis: a causally heterogeneous malformation frequently associated with developmental disabilities.

We report on 22 individuals referred for genetic evaluation because of blepharophimosis. Fourteen of these patients had the blepharophimosis syndrome: 5 familial and 9 sporadic. Mental retardation or developmental delay was seen in 8 of the 12 children in whom this could be assessed. Eight of 22 children had a malformation syndrome other than the blepharophimosis syndrome. All 8 of these children were mentally retarded or developmentally delayed. Two of these 8 had recognized disorders (branchio-oto-renal syndrome and a ring 4 chromosome); the remaining 6 had unrecognized malformation syndromes. Based on this information, it is suggested that children with blepharophimosis be evaluated carefully for underlying conditions and that they be observed for developmental disabilities because of the frequent association. Am. J. Med. Genet. 75:52–54, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Middle ear volume as an adjunct measure in congenital aural atresia

A B S T R A C T Objective: To examine middle ear volume in patients with aural atresia and investigate the role of middle ear volume as an adjunct measure in determining surgical candidacy. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of children with aural atresia in a tertiary academic pediatric otolaryngology practice. High resolution multiplanar CT scans of the temporal bones were analyzed for middle ear volume and staged according to existing clinical grading scales. Atretic ears were compared to the nonatretic ears of the same patient as well as to ears of a control population. Results: The average age of patients at the time CT was performed was 4.7 years (range <0.1–13.8 years). The average middle ear volume of the atretic ears was 0.34 cc compared to an average of 0.51 cc for the nonatretic ears. The mean ratio of the atretic to nonatretic volume was 0.67. In patients who underwent serial scans, no statistically significant difference in rates of growth existed between atretic and nonatretic ears. Finally, measures of middle ear volume correlated well with clinical grading scales. Conclusions: Both middle ear volume and the ratio of the atretic volume to nonatretic volume serve as useful adjunct measurements in determining surgical candidacy. The practitioner may be better able to assess surgical candidacy by supplementing classic atresia classification systems with middle ear volume measurements.
Microfabricated electrophoresis chips for simultaneous bioassays of glucose, uric acid, ascorbic acid, and acetaminophen.

A micromachined capillary electrophoresis chip is described for simultaneous measurements of glucose, ascorbic acid, acetaminophen, and uric acid. Fluid control is used to mix the sample and enzyme glucose oxidase (GOx). The enzymatic reaction, a catalyzed aerobic oxidation of glucose to gluconic acid and hydrogen peroxide, occurs along the separation channel. The enzymatically liberated neutral peroxide species is separated electrophoretically from the anionic uric and ascorbic acids in the separation/reaction channel. The three oxidizable species are detected at the downstream gold-coated thick-film amperometric detector at different migration times. Glucose can be detected within less than 100 s, and detection of all electroactive constituents is carried out within 4 min. Measurements of glucose in the presence of acetaminophen, a neutral compound, are accomplished by comparing the responses in the presence and absence of GOx in the running buffer. The reproducibility of the on-chip glucose measurement...
The Interwoven Ideologies of Art and Artisanal Education in Postcolonial Tunis

In the decade following Tunisian Independence in 1956, transformations in art and artisanal education dovetailed into the ideologies of social engineering implemented by President Habib Bourguiba. ...
The functional cycle of visual arrestins in photoreceptor cells

Visual arrestin-1 plays a key role in the rapid and reproducible shutoff of rhodopsin signaling. Its highly selective binding to light-activated phosphorylated rhodopsin is an integral part of the functional perfection of rod photoreceptors. Structure-function studies revealed key elements of the sophisticated molecular mechanism ensuring arrestin-1 selectivity and paved the way to the targeted manipulation of the arrestin-1 molecule to design mutants that can compensate for congenital defects in rhodopsin phosphorylation. Arrestin-1 self-association and light-dependent translocation in photoreceptor cells work together to keep a constant supply of active rhodopsin-binding arrestin-1 monomer in the outer segment. Recent discoveries of arrestin-1 interaction with other signaling proteins suggest that it is a much more versatile signaling regulator than previously thought, affecting the function of the synaptic terminals and rod survival. Elucidation of the fine molecular mechanisms of arrestin-1 interactions with rhodopsin and other binding partners is necessary for the comprehensive understanding of rod function and for devising novel molecular tools and therapeutic approaches to the treatment of visual disorders.
ESSENTIAL ENTROPY-CARRYING HORSESHOES AS SET LIMITS

This paper studies the set limit of a sequence of invariant sets corresponding to a convergent sequence of piecewise monotone interval maps. To do this, the notion of essential entropy-carrying set is introduced. A piecewise monotone map f with an essential entropy-carrying horseshoe S(f) and a sequence of piecewise monotone maps $\{g_i\}_{i = 1}^ \infty$ converging to f is considered. It is proven that if each gi has an invariant set T(gi) with at least as much topological entropy as f, then the set limit of $\{T(g_i)\}_{i = 1}^ \infty$ contains S(f).
Vehicle and route dependent effects of a pyrethroid insecticide, deltamethrin, on motor function in the rat

Deltamethrin is a potent neuroactive pyrethroid insecticide. Literature reports of the in vivo potency of deltamethrin, however, vary by greater than three orders of magnitude in studies employing numerous vehicles and routes of exposure. Therefore, the present study systematically compared IP and PO routes of exposure to deltamethrin (0.3-1000 mg/kg) delivered to adult rats in one of four different vehicles (corn oil, glycerol formal, Emulphor, or methylcellulose). A reduction in motor activity as measured in figure-8 mazes was used to index the potency of this pesticide on CNS function. Dose-effect and time-course determinations were made for each combination of vehicle and route. Results demonstrated that the potency of deltamethrin was dependent on both the route of administration and the vehicle. The ED50 for deltamethrin was 5.1 mg/kg when administered PO in corn oil, whereas, the ED50 was > 1000 mg/kg when administered PO in methylcellulose. Thus, reported discrepancies in the potency of deltamethrin on CNS function are at least partially attributable to route of administration and vehicle.
Formaldehyde equilibria: Their effect on the kinetics of the reaction with phenol

The kinetics of the base catalyzed hydroxymethylation of phenol by aqueous formaldehyde are influenced strongly by the equilibria among the hydrated forms of formaldehyde, and among the hydrates and the alcoholic function of the products. Apparent peculiarities in the kinetics of the system and seemingly anomalous solvent effects are shown to be due to erroneous formulation of the previously accepted rate expression. The correct expression is: Rate = k[Pi−] [F]m, where Pi− is phenoxide ion, F is unreacted formaldehyde, and m is the fraction of formaldehyde in the form of monomeric hydrate. Formaldehyde tied up in equilibria as αω-poly(oxymethylene) diols, and hemiformals of the hydroxymethylphenols, constitutes a potential source of formaldehyde and is detected by the usual analytical procedures, but does not contribute to the rate of the hydroxymethylation reaction.
Capital on the move: The changing relation between livestock and labor in Mali, West Africa

Abstract In dryland areas of the Africa, livestock play important economic roles as commodities, wealth stores, producers of products, and agents of environmental change. Conventional depictions of livestock economies in this region have focused (in support or against) on the need for greater engagement of livestock producers with markets supplying meat to urban areas. This paper argues this singular focus has led analysts to ignore two important aspects of livestock economies: livestock as a preferred store of wealth across a wide range of social groups and the need for specialized labor to manage these livestock across open pastures to maintain their productivity and limit their negative environmental impacts. In the West African Sahel, the capital-like nature of livestock wealth has become more clear with a growing fraction of the region’s livestock owned by investors with little connection to livestock husbandry. Livestock investments are maintained on a day-to-day basis by hired herders who facilitate access to ephemeral pastures and water. A particular concern is the changing geographies of livestock ownership and the herding labor in relationship to regional pastures (to economic and environmental ends). This relationship will be explored using the case study of the Maasina region of central Mali – a historically important livestock region, which is now undergoing significant labor emigration. Building from a long-term ethnographic engagement with local livestock owners and herders, the results of ownership surveys of livestock herds across a 14-year period and interviews of urban-based emigrants from the study area about investment decisions will be used to analyze the changing geographies of livestock investment and herding labor in the Maasina.
Possible drug-induced hepatopathy in a dog receiving zonisamide monotherapy for treatment of cryptogenic epilepsy

A 9-year old female spayed Rottweiler was diagnosed with cryptogenic epilepsy and started on zonisamide monotherapy (8.3 mg/kg, PO, q 12 hr). Three weeks after the 1st dose of zonisamide the dog presented for vomiting, inappetence and icterus. Serum biochemistry showed marked elevation of liver enzymes, consistent with hepatocellular damage and cholestasis. No underlying cause for liver disease was identified and a drug-induced hepatopathy was suspected. Zonisamide was discontinued and replaced by potassium bromide. Supportive therapy consisted of intravenous fluids, antiemetics, antibiotics and hepatoprotectants. The dog made a complete recovery and serial serum biochemical examinations showed complete normalisation of liver parameters 8 weeks after discontinuation of zonisamide. Based on a human Drug-induced Liver Injury Diagnostic Scale, the likelihood for zonisamide-induced hepatopathy was classified as "possible". Veterinary practitioners and owners should be educated about the potential for an idiosyncratic drug reaction to zonisamide. If signs of hepatotoxicity are recognised early and zonisamide is discontinued, complete recovery is possible.
Relationship Between Semen Regurgitation and Pregnancy Rates with Intrauterine Insemination

Objective To evaluate the relationship between semen regurgitation and intrauterine insemination (IUI) outcomes. We hypothesized that clinical pregnancy rates and live birth rates would be reduced when regurgitation occurred. Design Retrospective cohort study. Setting A university-based reproductive endocrinology and infertility clinic. Patient(s) Retrospective review of 1,957 IUI cycles performed on 660 patients between July 2007 and May 2012. Intervention(s) None. Main Outcome Measure(s) The primary outcome was live birth. Secondary outcomes were positive serum pregnancy result and clinical pregnancy. Risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a cluster-weighted generalized estimating equations method to estimate modified Poisson regression models with robust standard errors to account for multiple IUI cycles in the same patient. Result(s) Live birth rates were similar in IUI cycles with and without regurgitation (6.3% vs. 6.8%, respectively, RR = 0.82, 95% CI [0.53–1.26]). Clinical pregnancy rates in the presence or absence of regurgitation were 10.5% vs. 10.0% (RR = 0.99, 95% CI [0.73–1.35]). Positive serum pregnancy tests after IUI did not differ by regurgitation status (15.0% vs. 15.4%, RR = 0.97, 95% CI [0.75–1.24]). Results were unchanged when adjusted for covariates (age, race and ethnicity, body mass index, duration of infertility, medication, infertility diagnosis, total motile count, and method of sperm preparation). Conclusion(s) The presence of regurgitation during the IUI procedure is not related to pregnancy outcome.
Caregivers Who Refuse Preventive Care for Their Children: The Relationship Between Immunization and Topical Fluoride Refusal

Objectives. The aim of this study was to examine caregivers’ refusal of preventive medical and dental care for children.Methods. Prevalence rates of topical fluoride refusal based on dental records and caregiver self-reports were estimated for children treated in 3 dental clinics in Washington State. A 60-item survey was administered to 1024 caregivers to evaluate the association between immunization and topical fluoride refusal. Modified Poisson regression models were used to estimate prevalence rate ratios (PRRs).Results. The prevalence of topical fluoride refusal was 4.9% according to dental records and 12.7% according to caregiver self-reports. The rate of immunization refusal was 27.4%. In the regression models, immunization refusal was significantly associated with topical fluoride refusal (dental record PRR = 1.61; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.32, 1.96; P < .001; caregiver self-report PRR = 6.20; 95% CI = 3.21, 11.98; P < .001). Caregivers younger than 35 years were significantly more likely th...
New Trick for Removal of Intravascular Retained Foreign Body A Case Report and Review of Literature

A 54-year-old male presented to the vascular service for an urgent inpatient consultation. During an infusaport removal, the catheter was accidentally disconnected and lost intravascularly within the left subclavian vein, with the tip still in the right ventricle. We report on a novel technique for removing such intravascular foreign bodies (FBs), which will add a valuable technical option to our existing armamentarium regarding intracorporeal FB removal.