cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
In-medium stiffening of the nucleon-nucleon spin-isospin interaction☆

Abstract The tensor coupling of the ϱ meson to the nucleon, in analogy to the isovector transverse form factor for electron scattering from nuclei, is enhanced because the nucleon mass mn, which occurs in the denominator of each of these, should be replaced in medium by the effective nucleon mass m n ∗ . This leads to an increase in the ϱ-exchange interaction in medium. This, in turn substantially stiffens the spin-isospin response in proton scattering from nuclei, and generally cuts down low energy shell model matrix elements of the tensor interaction.
Has misdiagnosis of appendicitis decreased over time? A population-based analysis.

ContextMisdiagnosis of presumed appendicitis is an adverse outcome that leads to unnecessary surgery. Computed tomography, ultrasonography, and laparoscopy have been suggested for use in patients with equivocal signs of appendicitis to decrease unnecessary surgery.ObjectiveTo determine if frequency of misdiagnosis preceding appendectomy has decreased with increased availability of computed tomography, ultrasonography, and laparoscopy.Design, Setting, and PatientsRetrospective, population-based cohort study of data from a Washington State hospital discharge database for 85 790 residents assigned International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision procedure codes for appendectomy, and United States Census Bureau data for 1987-1998.Main Outcome MeasurePopulation-based age- and sex-standardized incidence of appendectomy with acute appendicitis (perforated or not) or with a normal appendix.ResultsAmong 63 707 nonincidental appendectomy patients, 84.5% had appendicitis (25.8% with perforation) and 15.5% had no associated diagnosis of appendicitis. After adjusting for age and sex, the population-based incidence of unnecessary appendectomy and of appendicitis with perforation did not change significantly over time. Among women of reproductive age, the population-based incidence of misdiagnosis increased 1% per year (P = .005). The incidence of misdiagnosis increased 8% yearly in patients older than 65 years (P<.001) but did not change significantly in children younger than 5 years (P = .17). The proportion of patients undergoing laparoscopic appendectomy who were misdiagnosed was significantly higher than that of open appendectomy patients (19.6% vs 15.5%; P<.001).ConclusionContrary to expectation, the frequency of misdiagnosis leading to unnecessary appendectomy has not changed with the introduction of computed tomography, ultrasonography, and laparoscopy, nor has the frequency of perforation decreased. These data suggest that on a population level, diagnosis of appendicitis has not improved with the availability of advanced diagnostic testing.
NGOs, Social Venturing, and Community Citizenship Behavior

Growing concerns about corporations’ business and accounting practices have contributed to increased scrutiny and the adoption of new laws to govern corporate behavior. Nonprofit nongovernmental or...
VIDEOURODYNAMIC STUDIES IN MEN WITH LOWER URINARY TRACT SYMPTOMS: A COMPARISON OF COMMUNITY BASED VERSUS REFERRAL UROLOGICAL PRACTICES

Purpose: We compared the clinical and urodynamic characteristics of men referred for evaluation of lower urinary tract symptoms in community based versus referral urological practices and examined the various pathophysiological mechanisms of these symptoms.Materials and Methods: We reviewed a multicenter urodynamics database of 963 consecutive men referred for the evaluation of persistent lower urinary tract symptoms at 2 community based and 1 urological referral center. Of the 963 patients in the database 422 (44%) were excluded from study due to neurological disorder in 41%, previous urinary or pelvic surgery in 27% and the use of medications known to affect voiding in 24%. A total of 541 patients with a mean age plus or minus standard deviation of 64.4 ± 13.8 years met study inclusion criteria and were analyzed further. We compared the clinical and urodynamic characteristics of patients at the community and referral centers.Results: Lower urinary tract symptoms were equally common in men presenting to ...
Access and agenda-setting in the European Union: Advocacy NGOs in comparative perspective

In the European Union (EU), rights advocacy NGOs increasingly seek to influence supranational policy making. The success of immigration and asylum NGOs in inserting themselves into policy making depends on existing (in)formal ties to EU institutions. In contrast, human rights-based NGOs received institutional support through the Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA) containing a civil society platform that aggregates NGO claims. This article applies a comparative framework derived from the literature on transnational advocacy, using the distinction between venues and frames as starting points for analysis. It compares both sets of NGOs, exploring issues of institutional access and agenda-setting, and examines the strategies and objectives of advocacy NGOs in these two different political settings: while immigration and asylum advocates rely mainly on pluralistic lobbying strategies and pre-given, exogenous institutional opportunity structures, Fundamental Rights Platform NGOs engage in a novel approach in which civil society actors endogenously co-constitute aspects of participatory governance in the EU. On the basis of interviews with NGOs and EU officials, we conclude that each of these strategies exhibit specific trade-offs based on the nature of the relationship to the EU institutions. It is argued that each type of access has its idiosyncratic drawback: while immigration and asylum advocacy may result in dispersed opportunities to steer outcomes at the EU level, the inclusion of rights-based NGOs in the FRA limits their strategic repertoire. Finally, issue-specificity also conditions agenda-setting as higher issue convergence enables more focused framing, while a diffuse issue spectrum yields weaker frames and authority.
Evidence contrary to the protein error hypothesis for in vitro senescence.

A strain of diploid fibroblasts, obtained from the skin of a male infant, was cultured in vitro and cells were tested throughout their lifespan for the appearance of altered glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) detected either by thermostability studies or by immunotitration. No significant difference was found in the proportion of thermolabile enzyme in 31 young cultures (4.8 +/- 1%, S.E.), in comparison with that in 19 old cultures (4.9 +/- 1%, S.E.). Old cultures had ceased active cell division (49-60 doublings); DNA replication, measured by [3H]thymidine uptake over a period of 24 hours, was limited to less than 5% of these cells. Young cells (5-22 doublings) had a [3H]thymidine labeling index of 75-85%. Titration of G-6-PD activity in extracts of young and old cells with neutralizing antibody directes specifically against G-6-PD failed to detect an increment of enzymatically defective G-6-PD in old cells. The thermostability studies were capable of detecting altered G-6-PD in skin fibroblasts from a female heterozygous for a thermolabile mutant of G-6-PD, and in fibroblasts treated with a proline analogue, azetidine carboxylic acid. The immunotitration technique was also capable of detecting catalytically altered G-6-PD from the thermolabile mutant and G-6-PD inactivated with N-ethylameimide. These findings argue against a protein error catastrophe as the cause of in vitro clonal senescence.
Structure-Functionality Changes in Starch Following Rough Rice Storage

The molecular-level features of starch in relation to the changes in rice functionality during storage are not yet fully elucidated. This work investigated the effects of rough rice storage conditions on starch fine structures and physicochemical properties. Dried rough rice samples (medium-grain Bengal and long-grain Cypress) were stored at 4, 21, and 38°C in temperature-controlled chambers and then periodically removed and evaluated after 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 months. Flour (powdered head rice) and starch (extracted from head rice by alkali steeping) samples were evaluated for pasting and thermal properties. High-performance size-exclusion chromatography and high-performance anion exchange chromatography were used to characterize starch molecular size and amylopectin chain-length distribution, respectively. Significant changes in starch fine structure were observed primarily on the 38°C lots, and to some extent on the 21°C lots. The decreased amylose: amylopectin ratio, shortened amylopectin average chain length, and the shift in chain-length distribution to shorter branch chains were implicative of molecular-level starch degradation. The flour and starch samples showed inconsistent trends in pasting and thermal properties, thus suggesting the role of not only starch but also its interaction with non-starch components in rice aging.
Carcinoma of the hypopharynx treated with one-stage reconstruction.

Abstract A case of hypopharyngeal carcinoma is presented which was treated with one-stage hypopharyngeal resection and replacement with a stainless steel funnel surrounded by split-thickness skin graft. The procedure used followed Edgerton's method with some modifications, which were discussed. The healing and results were excellent until there was local recurrence of the tumor.
Detection of Weak Neutral Current Using Fission ν̄ e on Deuterons

The weak-neutral-current reaction ${\overline{\ensuremath{\nu}}}_{e}+d\ensuremath{\rightarrow}n+p+{\overline{\ensuremath{\nu}}}_{e}$ has been observed concurrently with the charged-current process ${\overline{\ensuremath{\nu}}}_{e}+d\ensuremath{\rightarrow}n+n+{e}^{+}$ using an instrumented ${\mathrm{D}}_{2}$O target exposed to an ${\overline{\ensuremath{\nu}}}_{e}$ flux of 2.5\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{13}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}2}$ ${\mathrm{sec}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$. The measured neutral-current cross section, (3.8\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.9)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}45}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$/${\overline{V}}_{\mathrm{e}}$, is consistent with the Weinberg-Salam model, dependent in this case only on the axial-vector contribution. The charged-current reaction cross section is (1.5\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.4)\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}45}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$/${\overline{V}}_{\mathrm{e}}$, in fair agreement with expectation.
Nonlinear saturation of high‐m Alfvén‐ballooning modes in magnetospheric plasmas

[1] A theoretical model is proposed for the nonlinear saturation of high-m Alfven-ballooning instabilities in magnetospheric plasmas. Here, m is the azimuthal wave number. In the present model, a broad spectrum of Alfven waves nonlinearly generate ion-sound density perturbations; which, in turn, scatter the Alfven turbulence toward lower frequencies. Balancing the linear instability growth rate with the nonlinear scattering (Landau damping) rate then yield the corresponding saturated spectrum, which tends to peak near the bottom of the eigenmode frequencies. The theory also gives estimates of wave amplitudes at saturation in reasonable agreement with satellite observations.
Martha Van Rensselaer and the Delineator's homemaking department

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to look at the role played by home economists in providing information to consumers about household products. The work of home economist and educator Martha Van Rensselaer is reviewed, specifically her time as editor of the homemaking department of women's magazine Delineator from 1921‐1926.Design/methodology/approach – The paper used qualitative analysis of the content of the homemaking department under Van Rensselaer as well as quantitative analysis of the advertising during those years. Documents from several manuscript collections were used as well.Findings – Content analysis showed a shift over the years from 1921‐1926 from broader social themes to greater emphasis on specific homemaking tasks. Ads were regularly placed next to related editorial content, but under Van Rensselaer no brand names were mentioned editorially.Research limitations/implications – Since this research focused on one magazine, comparison with homemaking departments in other women's journal...
Adopting innovations in information technology

Abstract This paper examines how municipalities in California and other areas of the United States are going about incorporating advanced information technology into their civic operations. Whereas earlier cities prospered because of their location as transportation crossroads or as centers of industrial production, today cities are reassessing their role and capacities in relation to the emerging new knowledge-based economy and the needs of their citizens in this new social and economic environment. In this effort, cities are using a variety of new technologies to better prepare citizens to compete in the new economy to help in the delivery of public services, and to enhance the quality of life in their communities. The paper explores the development of the “smart communities” initiative in California and the California municipal experience in the adoption of municipal web sites.
Effects of Short Term Glucocorticoid Administration on Intestinal Calcium Absorption and Circulating Vitamin D Metabolite Concentrations in Man

These studies were performed to examine the hypothesis that glucocorticoids suppress intestinal calcium absorption in man by decreasing the circulating concentrations of biologically active vitamin D metabolites. Twelve normal adults were equilibrated for 2 weeks on a 600-mg calcium diet. After equilibration, subjects were studied for 12 days before and 14 days during the administration of prednisone (20 mg/day). After 14 days of prednisone administration, intestinal 47Ca absorption had decreased by 31% from initial values (P < 0.001). However, mean serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D and 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D did not change significantly from initial values of 28.1 +/- 1.8 and 2.09 +/- 0.17 pg/ml, respectively, and the serum 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D concentration was slightly increased (baseline, 34.8 +/- 3.3; day 14, 54.0 +/- 7.1 pg/ml; P < 0.02). The fasting serum immunoreactive parathyroid hormone concentration did not change. These results demonstrate that reduced intestinal calcium absorption after glucocorticoid administration cannot be attributed to decreasing circulating concentrations of the major known vitamin D metabolites.
Influence of diabetes mellitus on changes in left ventricular performance and renal function produced by converting enzyme inhibition in patients with severe chronic heart failure

Diabetes mellitus is frequently accompanied by specific abnormalities of the renin-angiotensin system, but it is not known whether these alterations modify the response to converting enzyme inhibition. To evaluate this possibility, 129 patients with severe chronic heart failure were treated with captopril or enalapril for one to three months, while doses of digoxin and diuretics were kept constant; 35 patients had diabetes mellitus. Prior to therapy, diabetic patients had lower plasma renin activity (3.4 +/- 0.5 versus 7.0 +/- 1.1 ng/ml/hour) than did nondiabetic control subjects (p less than 0.05); yet the initial hemodynamic response to captopril was similar in both groups. Plasma renin activity predicted the hypotensive response to the first dose of captopril in nondiabetic control subjects (r = 0.70, p less than 0.001) but not in diabetic patients (r = 0.29). During long-term treatment with captopril or enalapril, both diabetic and nondiabetic patients had similar increases in cardiac index and decreases in mean arterial pressure and systemic vascular resistance. Diabetic patients, however, showed larger reductions in left ventricular filling pressure (-13.8 versus -9.1 mm Hg, p less than 0.02) and mean right atrial pressure (-6.2 versus -3.9 mm Hg, p less than 0.05) than did nondiabetic subjects; this was accompanied by a notable decline in body weight in diabetic patients only. Renal function remained unaltered during converting enzyme inhibition in nondiabetic patients, but deteriorated significantly in diabetic patients, as reflected by a marked increase in serum creatinine concentration (1.7 +/- 0.1 to 2.1 +/- 0.1 mg/dl, p less than 0.001). In conclusion, despite lower pretreatment plasma renin activity, diabetic patients with severe chronic heart failure demonstrated improvement during long-term converting enzyme inhibition to a degree similar to (if not greater than) that seen in nondiabetic control subjects, but were more susceptible to the development of functional renal insufficiency than their nondiabetic counterparts. These differences are explicable by abnormalities of renin/aldosterone synthesis and angiotensin-mediated vasoregulation that are known to be present in the diabetic state.
A combined approach for quantitation of each specific HLA-A or -B antigen expressed on cells

In order to measure the amount of each individual HLA-A or -B antigen expressed in or on a cell without relying on monoclonal antibodies to different specific HLA antigens, we have developed a combined approach that consists of two separate measurements. The first measurement is to determine the relative quantities of different HLA-A and -B antigens in lysates of whole cells using IEF gel electrophoresis, immunoblotting with 171.4 anti-HLA heavy chain monoclonal antibody, and scanning densitometry. The second measurement is to determine the concentration of total HLA antigens expressed in or on a cell using an enzyme-linked immunoassay or a surface binding assay based on W6/32 anti-HLA monoclonal antibody. The quantity of each specific HLA antigen in or on a cell then is calculated from the results of these two measurements. To validate this combined approach, we conducted studies to show that the amounts of different specific HLA antigens measured by this approach were linearly correlated with those measured by FITC-labeled monoclonal antibodies and immunofluorescence flow cytometry in platelets and lymphoblastoid cell lines. We also demonstrated that the relative quantities of different HLA-A and -B antigens determined from the lysates of whole cells were the same as those expressed on the cell surface. These findings indicated that the newly developed combined approach can be applied to quantify each specific HLA-A or -B antigen expressed in or on a cell.
The TREC robust retrieval track

The robust retrieval track explores methods for improving the consistency of retrieval technology by focusing on poorly performing topics. The retrieval task in the track is a traditional ad hoc retrieval task where the evaluation methodology emphasizes a system's least effective topics. The most promising approach to improving poorly performing topics is exploiting text collections other than the target collection such as the web.The track has also investigated appropriate evaluation measures to support the focus on ineffective topics. Traditional measure are dominated by the better-performing topics, and the first two measures used in the track that do emphasize the poorly performing topics are unstable in practice. A third measure, a variant of the traditional MAP measure that uses a geometric mean rather than an arithmetic mean to average individual topic results, shows promise of giving appropriate emphasis to poorly performing topics while being more stable at equal topic set sizes.
Influence of low birth weight on C-reactive protein in asymptomatic younger adults: the bogalusa heart study

Background Both low birth weight, an indicator of intrauterine growth restriction, and low grade systemic inflammation depicted by high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) have emerged as independent predictors of cardiovascular (CV) disease and type 2 diabetes. However, information linking low birth weight and hs-CRP in a biracial (black/white) population is scant. We assessed a cohort of 776 black and white subjects (28% black, 43% male) aged 24-43 years (mean 36.1 years) enrolled in the Bogalusa Heart Study with regard to birth weight and gestational age data were retrieved from Louisiana State Public Health Office.
Human TSH receptor ligands as pharmacological probes with potential clinical application.

The biologic role of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH; thyrotropin) as an activator (agonist) of the TSH receptor (TSHR) in the hypothalamic–pituitary–thyroid axis is well known and activation of TSHR by recombinant human TSH is used clinically in patients with thyroid cancer. TSHR ligands other than TSH could be used to probe TSHR biology in thyroidal and extrathyroidal tissues, and potentially be employed in patients. A number of different TSHR ligands have been reported, including TSH analogs, antibodies and small-molecule, drug-like compounds. In this review, we will provide an update on all these classes of TSHR agonists and antagonists but place emphasis on small-molecule ligands.
Reply to Jurdy & Stefanick comment

We disagree with virtually all of what Jurdy & Stefanick have written. Part of our disagreement stems from personal opinions about what is ‘simple’, ‘arbitrary’, ‘artificial’, ‘undesirable’, etc., but other disagreements are more profound and reveal a very different understanding of finite rotations. Jurdy & Stefanick raise two basic objections. One concerns statistical questions that were not meant to be part of Chang et al. (1990). The other addresses the main issue of our paper, the parametrization of uncertainties of rotations. They suggest that both our approach is flawed and that theirs, outlined in Jurdy & Stefanick (1987), is better. Except possibly for their opinion of what constitutes a covariance matrix, we try not to indulge the reader with long discussions of questions of personal preference, but instead to confine our response to these basic questions.
Response of small New England ponds to historic land use

This palaeolimnological study addresses whether the timing, magnitude and nature of lake-ecosystem changes closely track changes in land-use intensity and forest cover in the watershed, and the extent to which lakes retuni to pre-disturbance states following the substantial long-term declinie in human activity that is typical for much of the rural eastern United States. Land-use intensity in the watersheds increased rapidly witlh European settleminent and forest clearance, peaked in the mid-nineteenth century when 60-80% of the land was cleared for agriculture, and then declined to the present as natural reforestation resulted in 65-90% forest cover. Land-use intensity in the three watersheds studied ranged from limited logging to extensive clearance for pasturing and to total clearance for pasture and tillage. In contrast to many studies in which human activity continues to increase throughout the settlement period, all three watersheds now support mature, growing forest and are in their most natural con...
A comparative study of five materials for use in filling root canal spaces

The purpose of this study was dual: (1) to test the adaptation of various filling materials to the walls of instrumented root canals and (2) to test which of the experimental materials can be utilized with the pressure syringe. The root canal spaces of 210 extracted permanent anterior teeth were instrumented and, with the pressure syringe, the canals and access cavities were filled with a sealer or cement. Teeth filled with laterally condensed gutta-percha and sealer, and with a silver cone plus laterally condensed gutta-percha and sealer served as the controls. Except for the apical openings, the roots were coated with sticky wax and then placed in methylene blue dye at 37 degrees C. for periods of 1 day, 1 week, and 1 month. The teeth were removed from the dye and sectioned longitudinally, and the length of the dye penetration between the filling and the canal wall was measured. Of all materials tested, the silver point control exhibited the least amount of marginal seepage at each time period. AH-26 exhibited the least amount of marginal seepage after 30 days as compared to the other experimental materials and the gutta-percha control, and was the easiest material to handle of all those tested. Since gutta-percha has been shown to be clinically successful, and since it did not differ significantly in dye seepage from the other materials, all materials tested will give a satisfactory result up to 30 days when used as a root canal sealer under these testing conditions.
Decomposition of forest products buried in landfills.

Abstract The objective of this study was to investigate the decomposition of selected wood and paper products in landfills. The decomposition of these products under anaerobic landfill conditions results in the generation of biogenic carbon dioxide and methane, while the un-decomposed portion represents a biogenic carbon sink. Information on the decomposition of these municipal waste components is used to estimate national methane emissions inventories, for attribution of carbon storage credits, and to assess the life-cycle greenhouse gas impacts of wood and paper products. Hardwood (HW), softwood (SW), plywood (PW), oriented strand board (OSB), particleboard (PB), medium-density fiberboard (MDF), newsprint (NP), corrugated container (CC) and copy paper (CP) were buried in landfills operated with leachate recirculation, and were excavated after approximately 1.5 and 2.5 yr. Samples were analyzed for cellulose (C), hemicellulose (H), lignin (L), volatile solids (VS), and organic carbon (OC). A holocellulose decomposition index (HOD) and carbon storage factor (CSF) were calculated to evaluate the extent of solids decomposition and carbon storage. Samples of OSB made from HW exhibited cellulose plus hemicellulose (C + H) loss of up to 38%, while loss for the other wood types was 0–10% in most samples. The C + H loss was up to 81%, 95% and 96% for NP, CP and CC, respectively. The CSFs for wood and paper samples ranged from 0.34 to 0.47 and 0.02 to 0.27 g OC g −1 dry material, respectively. These results, in general, correlated well with an earlier laboratory-scale study, though NP and CC decomposition measured in this study were higher than previously reported.
Post-sclerotherapy compression: controlled comparative study of duration of compression and its effects on clinical outcome.

Background. Although much has been published on the effects of compression on the venous system, relatively few studies address the duration of compression following sclerotherapy of telangiectatic webs associated with reticular veins. Objective. To perform a controlled study comparing the effects of different durations of compression following sclerotherapy of reticular veins and telangiectasias in similar locations. Method. This study consisted of a total of 40 patients, 30 patients who received compression therapy and 10 control patients who did not receive compression therapy. The compression group consisted of 10 in each of three duration groups: 3 days, 1 week, and 3 weeks. Patients were evaluated at 1 week, 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks for degree of improvement and side effects. Results. The three compression groups showed significantly greater improvement at 6 weeks (p = .004). There was a strong correlation between the length of time compression was applied and degree of improvement at 6 weeks, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks of clinical follow-up; r = .74, p = .0006, r = .59, p = .006, r = .66, p = .0001, respectively. The patients treated with compression for 3 days and 1 week had more improvement than the control patients while the patients treated for 3 weeks of continuous compression had the most improvement. In terms of side effects, the 1 week and 3 week compression groups experienced the least amount of post-sclerotherapy hyperpigmentation. Conclusions. Compression enhances the results following sclerotherapy in a statistically significant way and is directly correlated with duration of compression. Three weeks of continuous compression leads to the best results, although even 3 days of compression results in greater improvement than no compression. Compression leads to a statistically significant reduction of post-sclerotherapy hyperpigmentation.
Genetic differentiation and crypsis among members of the myco-heterotrophic Pyrola picta species complex (Pyroleae: Monotropoideae: Ericaceae)

Abstract The Pyrola picta species complex (Pyroleae: Monotropoideae: Ericaceae) is thought to be composed of three morphological taxa within a single species, Pyrola picta. All taxa typically inhabit mature coniferous or Fagaceous forests of North America west of the Rocky Mountains from British Columbia to Baja California, Mexico between ca. 250 and 3,000 m in elevation. Taxa within P. picta are distinguished from each other on the basis of leaf morphology and the degree to which they employ mycoheterotrophy rather than photosynthesis, but considerable variation has been documented in both of these features, confounding diagnosis. For this study Pyrola picta, P. picta f. aphylla, and P. picta ssp. dentata were collected from populations throughout their range in western North America and examined for genetic differences to determine whether they indeed constitute a single polymorphic species or, alternatively, multiple distinct species. Multiple individuals per population were described morphologically a...
Settlement Planning and Urban Symbology in Syro-Anatolian Cities

Few subjects have excited the imagination of archaeologists working in ancient complex societies as have monumentality and urban planning. Yet the two topics are rarely explicitly theorized in a sustained integrated investigation within a single study, despite the fact that monumental architecture is often considered a primary basis for identifying the presence of urban planning. This article makes the related methodological arguments that both phenomena benefit from a more full consideration of one another, and that the meaningful aspect of monumentality and urban symbology needs to be considered in conjunction with the formal aspect of monuments and urban layouts. These positions are then implemented in a study of the Syro-Anatolian city-state system that existed in the ancient Near East during the early first millennium bc. The capital cities of these polities were characterized by a program of monumentality that brought royalty, city walls, gates and monumental sculpture into an unmistakable constellation of associations. The consistency of this pattern of monumentality and urban form suggests that at least a degree of urban planning existed.
The use of practice guidelines by the American Society of Anesthesiologists for the identification of surgical patients at high risk of sleep apnea

American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) has introduced a simple tool to assess the perioperative risk of surgery/anesthesia in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). We compared the surgical outcomes in patients at high risk of OSA with the matched controls. This was a case-control study conducted on 3593 surgical patients receiving a general anesthesia at a single institution. On the basis of a preoperative OSA scoring system using the ASA checklist, patients were classified as high-risk OSA (HR-OSA) or low-risk OSA (LR-OSA) groups. Apnea/hypopnea index of >5 h(-1) during a formal preoperative sleep study was used to confirm or rule out the diagnosis of OSA. Receiver operating characteristic curves were plotted to determine the predictive values as well as sensitivity and specificity of the ASA tool in predicting HR-OSA. The HR-OSA group was matched with the patients in LR-OSA using the propensity scoring and logistic regression. Patients were analyzed for premorbid conditions, intraoperative course and postoperative events using cross tabulation, logistic regression model and paired t test. The development of a composite respiratory complication in the postoperative period was considered as the primary end point. The ASA risk tool was found to have 95.1% sensitivity and 52.2% specificity. At a prevalence of 10%, the negative predictive value was 98.5%. Of the 3593 patients, 306 were identified as HR-OSA. The HR-OSA group was found to have a higher incidence of hypertension and diabetes preoperatively when compared with LR-OSA. Postoperatively, the HR-OSA group had higher incidence of hypoxia, reintubation, postoperative use of continuous positive airway pressure and a longer stay in the recovery room. The ASA checklist offers a highly sensitive tool to identify the patients at a higher risk of OSA during the perioperative period. Patients at HR-OSA have a higher incidence of adverse events in the postoperative period when compared with those with LR-OSA.
Quantitative analysis of the effect of phosphorylated tau on cellular microfilament networks

The purpose of this study is to analyze the effect of site-specific tau phosphorylation on cellular microfilaments networks. We examined cell images to study tau’s interaction with microfilaments in both wild type full-length (2N4R) tau and pathological human tau (PH-tau) when expressed in Chinese hamster ovarian fibroblasts (CHO). A custom ImageJ plugin was developed to provide quantitative analysis of the immunofluorescently labeled polymerized actin in cells expressing either of the above mentioned tau vectors. Using histograms of the pixel intensities of images, with userdefined thresholds, the code calculates the integrated densities and creates an output image to visualize the considered areas (those outside the thresholds are displayed as well). The data demonstrated the presence of an inverse correlation between the level of PH-tau expressed and the amount of total actin polymerization. Additionally, actin polymerization was not only interrupted by the presence of PH-tau but also punctate staining was also detected (as opposed to the normal fibril structure). These observations were not detected in cells expressing wild type tau. The visualization helped reveal some image acquisition anomalies such as varying levels of fluorescent staining as well as standardized image collection. The results should aid in a further understanding the mechanism of cellular degeneration induced by the hyperphosphorylation of MAP tau. Keywords: Microfilaments, Medical
Sparse triangular solves for ILU revisited: data layout crucial to better performance

A key to good processor utilization for sparse matrix computations is storing the data in the format that is most conducive to fast access by the memory system. In particular, for sparse matrix triangular solves the traditional compressed sparse matrix format is poor, and minor adjustments to the data structure can increase the processor utilization dramatically. Such adjustments involve storing the L and U factors separately and storing the U rows 'backwards' so that they are accessed in a simple streaming fashion during the triangular solves. Changes to the PETSc libraries to use this modified storage format resulted in over twice the floating-point rate for some matrices. This improvement can be accounted for by a decrease in the cache misses and TLB (transaction lookaside buffer) misses in the modified code.
Avian intrapulmonary CO 2 -sensitive receptors: a comparative study.

Abstract 1. 1. An unidirectional, artificial respirating system was used to study the effect of the sudden lowering of airway CO2 concentration on respiratory movements in pigeons, pheasants, ducks and turkeys. 2. 2. After sudden removal of CO2 from the ventilating gas, all species initiated hyperventilation apnoea rapidly (0·44-0·70 sec). 3. 3. Bilateral, cervical vagotomy significantly delayed onset of apnoea in all species (4·7-6·2 sec). 4. 4. Results indicated the presence of CO2-sensitive receptors, which responded in a fashion similar to those in the lungs of chickens.
The Computer Revolution and the Problem of Global Ethics

The author agrees with James Moor that computer technology, because it is ‘logically malleable’, is bringing about a genuine social revolution. Moor compares the computer revolution to the ‘industrial revolution’ of the late 18th and the 19th centuries; but it is argued here that a better comparison is with the ‘printing press revolution’ that occurred two centuries before that. Just as the major ethical theories of Bentham and Kant were developed in response to the printing press revolution, so a new ethical theory is likely to emerge from computer ethics in response to the computer revolution. The newly emerging field of information ethics, therefore, is much more important than even its founders and advocates believe.
Behavioral Self-Control in Classroom Settings: A Review of the Literature.

Abstract Reviews the research on the use of behavioral self-control procedures with students in classroom settings. Thirteen published articles are reviewed. The three student classroom behaviors of on-task behavior, disruptive behavior, and academic behavior are considered. The use of behavioral self-control procedures appears promising with on-task and academic behaviors and inconclusive with disruptive behavior. The reviewed studies were weak regarding follow-up analyses and controlling for student prior experience with external contigency programs. Further research with behavioral self-control in different settings seems warranted.
Discovery of two new satellites of Pluto

Pluto's first known satellite, Charon, was discovered in 1978. It has a diameter (approximately 1,200 km) about half that of Pluto, which makes it larger, relative to its primary, than any other moon in the Solar System. Previous searches for other satellites around Pluto have been unsuccessful, but they were not sensitive to objects less, similar150 km in diameter and there are no fundamental reasons why Pluto should not have more satellites. Here we report the discovery of two additional moons around Pluto, provisionally designated S/2005 P 1 (hereafter P1) and S/2005 P 2 (hereafter P2), which makes Pluto the first Kuiper belt object known to have multiple satellites. These new satellites are much smaller than Charon, with estimates of P1's diameter ranging from 60 km to 165 km, depending on the surface reflectivity; P2 is about 20 per cent smaller than P1. Although definitive orbits cannot be derived, both new satellites appear to be moving in circular orbits in the same orbital plane as Charon, with orbital periods of approximately 38 days (P1) and approximately 25 days (P2).
Climate studies with a multilayer energy balance model. III: Climatic impact of stratospheric volcanic aerosols

A multilayer energy balance model is applied in an examination of the sensitivity of climate to stratospheric aerosols induced by volcanic eruptions. Zonally and annually averaged quantities are considered, with ocean and land temperatures computed separately and the atmosphere below the 200 mb level divided into eight layers of 24 sublayers each. The aerosol is assumed to form in the 150-200 mb range. Aerosol parameters for radiative transfer calculations are reflection in the solar spectral region and absorption in the solar and IR regions. A 75 percent aqueous solution of sulfuric acid is assumed for the aerosols. The sensitivity of the hemispherically averaged surface temperature is enhanced 37 percent, with a 20 percent uncertainty, when the thermal IR radiation is excluded. The solar radiation enhances the surface temperatures to a higher degree than the thermal radiation. The maximum response to the evenly distributed aerosols is in the 60-70 deg N latitudes and propagates, weakening, to lower latitudes.
HEMOCONCENTRATION ACCOMPANIED BY A LOW SERUM CALCIUM IN VAGOTOMIZED, PARATHYROIDECTOMI 2ED DOGS1

THAT PREVIOUS vagal section will greatly attenuate parathyroprival tetany in the dog has recently been demonstrated in this laboratory (I). The few deaths which did occur were of interest in that the laboratory data indicated that relative hemoconcentration (increased proteins and hematocrits) might be a contributing factor in the socalled depressive death in parathyroprival tetany. It was thought that a more intensive study of this hemoconcentration should be made to determine if it is accompanied by any change in the serum potassium or sodium, such as is known to accompany adrenal cortical insufficiency. The serum calcium was determined by the Collip and Clark modification of the Kramer and Tisdall method except that a flusher was used and the precipitated Caoxalate washed only once. This method was found to be accurate to within 1%. The serum potassium was determined by the Consolazjo and Talbott (2) modification of the chloroplatinate method, and we can confirm their findings that this method is accur...
Magnetotransport of a low-disorder triple-layer electron system in perpendicular or parallel magnetic fields

We report magnetotransport measurements on a coupled, triple-layer electron system subjected to either perpendicular (B⊥) or parallel (B∥) magnetic fields. The B⊥ data reveal an abrupt collapse of the v = 1 quantum Hall state as we increase the density in the side-wells. The results suggest the system makes a triple- to a double-layer transition at high B⊥ which is driven by interlayer electron-electron interactions. In B∥ data, we observe two types of resistance oscillations as we decrease front-gate bias: One corresponds to the passage of the Fermi level through the partial energy gaps arising from the B∥-induced level anticrossings, the other is due to the enhanced Coulomb scattering as the system makes layer transitions.
West Nile virus: crossing the blood-brain barrier.

A study in mice traces the path of West Nile virus into the brain. Viral replication in peripheral tissues triggers a Toll-like receptor inflammatory response that alters the blood-brain barrier ( pages 1366–1373 ).
Intranasal Eosinophilic Angiocentric Fibrosis: A Case Report and Review

Eosinophilc angiocentric fibrosis is a rare fibrosing vasculitis of unknown etiology that is progressive and potentially disfiguring. It has a predilection for the upper airways presenting most commonly as an obstructing mass lesion that is diagnosed histologically. Thus far, it has been nonfatal in the more than 40 reported cases; however, subglottic and ocular involvement has resulted in significant morbidity in several patients. Treatment has been challenging with persistent disease in most cases. The current case is a prototypical presentation with a limited nasal septal lesion providing the opportunity to discuss clinically relevant issues and increase awareness.
On the sum-of-ranks winner when losers are removed

Suppose that m alternatives are linearly ranked from best to worst by each of a number of judges, and that alternative x is the unique winner on the sum-of-ranks basis. It is shown that it is possible to construct a situation (with an appropriate number of judges) such that the initial winner x will be a sum-of-ranks loser within every proper subset of the original set of alternatives that contains x and at least one other alternative, except that x is the winner in exactly one subset that contains x and one other alternative.
Salivary Gland Lysate from the Sand FlyLutzomyia longipalpisSuppresses the Immune Response of Mice to Sheep Red Blood Cellsin Vivoand Concanavalin Ain Vitro

Abstract Titus, R. G. 1998. Salivary gland lysate from the Sand Fly Lutzomyia longipalpis suppresses the immune response of mice to sheep red blood cells in vivo and concanavalin A in vitro. Experimental Parasitology 89, 133–136.
The many faces of the octahedral ferritin protein

Iron is an essential trace nutrient required for the active sites of many enzymes, electron transfer and oxygen transport proteins. In contrast, to its important biological roles, iron is a catalyst for reactive oxygen species (ROS). Organisms must acquire iron but must protect against oxidative damage. Biology has evolved siderophores, hormones, membrane transporters, and iron transport and storage proteins to acquire sufficient iron but maintain iron levels at safe concentrations that prevent iron from catalyzing the formation of ROS. Ferritin is an important hub for iron metabolism because it sequesters iron during times of iron excess and releases iron during iron paucity. Ferritin is expressed in response to oxidative stress and is secreted into the extracellular matrix and into the serum. The iron sequestering ability of ferritin is believed to be the source of the anti-oxidant properties of ferritin. In fact, ferritin has been used as a biomarker for disease because it is synthesized in response to oxidative damage and inflammation. The function of serum ferritin is poorly understood, however serum ferritin concentrations seem to correlate with total iron stores. Under certain conditions, ferritin is also associated with pro-oxidant activity. The source of this switch from anti-oxidant to pro-oxidant has not been established but may be associated with unregulated iron release from ferritin. Recent reports demonstrate that ferritin is involved in other aspects of biology such as cell activation, development, immunity and angiogenesis. This review examines ferritin expression and secretion in correlation with anti-oxidant activity and with respect to these new functions. In addition, conditions that lead to pro-oxidant conditions are considered.
Correlation between radiology resident rotation performance and examination scores

Rationale and Objectives. The authors' purpose was to determine whether there is a relationship between subjective assessment of radiology resident performance on individual rotations and objective assessment of radiology resident performance on the American College of Radiology (ACR) in-training and American Board of Radiology (ABR) written examinations. Materials and Methods. Records of 81 radiology residents completing their residency between 1991 and 2000 were reviewed. Mean scores from all rotation evaluation forms obtained during the study period were calculated for each residency year. The means of the overall raw scores and percentiles obtained on the annual ACR in-training examinations during the first 3 years of residency and of the written portion of the ABR examination taken during the 4th year of residency were also determined. Rotation evaluation scores were then compared to examination scores obtained during the same year of residency, and correlation coefficients were obtained. Results. In the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th years of radiology residency, there is positive correlation between rotation evaluation scores and overall scores from the corresponding ACR in-training examination and written portion of the ABR examination taken during the same year. In contrast, in the 1st year of residency, resident rotation evaluation scores do not correlate with ACR in-training examination scores. Conclusion. Residents who are perceived as doing well on their rotations after the 1st year of residency are more likely to do well on standardized written examinations.