cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Relic gravitational waves and extended inflation.

In extended inflation, a new version of inflation where the transition from the false-vacuum phase to a radiation-dominated Universe is accomplished by bubble nucleation and percolation, bubble collisions supply a potent-and potentially detectable-source of gravitational waves. The present energy density in relic gravity waves from bubble collisions is expected to be about 10(exp -5) of closure density-many orders of magnitude greater than that of the gravity waves produced by quantum fluctuations. Their characteristic wavelength depends upon the reheating temperature T(sub RH): lambda is approximately 10(exp 4) cm (10(exp 14) GeV/T(sub RH)). If large numbers of black holes are produced, a not implausible outcome, they will evaporate producing comparable amounts of shorter wavelength waves, lambda is approximately 10(exp -6) cm (T(sub RH)/10(exp 14) GeV).
Between Paralysis and Practice: Theorizing the Political Liminality of Palestinian Cultural Heritage

The Israeli military occupation of Palestine since 1967 coupled with the introduction of limited autonomy in 1993 has positioned the yet-to-be formed nation-state in political liminality—neither completely sovereign nor entirely subjugated. While this ambiguity has obvious ramifications for Palestine as a political entity, it also places the cultural heritage of Palestine in potential jeopardy. This paper examines the legal and historical construction of liminality for Palestine and explores how its ambiguous political status impacts the preservation, protection and management of cultural heritage in Palestine and influences the construction of cultural heritage narratives by Palestinians.
The long-term weathering behavior of UV curable clearcoats: I. Bulk chemical and physical analysis

The long-term weathering behavior of two UV cure clearcoat systems, one a monocure, the other a dual cure system, was studied by infrared spectroscopy, UV spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA), and fracture energy measurements. The photooxidation rate and consumption of residual acrylate double bonds during weathering was highly dependant on the presence of hindered amine light stabilizers (HALS) for both systems. Ultraviolet light absorbers (UVA) had little effect on the photooxidation rate or rate of consumption of acrylate double bonds during weathering. Changes in fracture energy (brittleness) of the clearcoats mirrored the changes found in the consumption of residual acrylate double bonds. DMTA analysis of both clearcoats indicated no increase in crosslink density as weathering progressed, suggesting the acrylate double bonds were not reacting to form additional crosslinks.
Balancing cooperation and risk in intrusion detection

Early systems for networked intrusion detection (or, more generally, intrusion or misuse management) required either a centralized architecture or a centralized decision-making point, even when the data gathering was distributed. More recently, researchers have developed far more decentralized intrusion detection systems using a variety of techniques. Such systems often rely upon data sharing between sites which do not have a common administrator and therefore cooperation will be required in order to detect and respond to security incidents. It has therefore become important to address cooperation and data sharing in a formal manner.In this paper, we discuss the detection of distributed attacks across cooperating enterprises. We begin by defining relationships between cooperative hosts, then use the take-grant model to identify both when a host could identify a widespread attack and when that host is at increased risk due to data sharing. We further refine our definition of potential identification using access, integrity, and cooperation policies which limit sharing. Finally, we include a brief description of both a simple Prolog model encorporating data sharing policies and a prototype cooperative intrusion detection system.
Light regulation of adenosine 3′, 5′ cyclic monophosphate levels in vertebrate photoreceptors

Abstract The regulation of adenylyl cyclase activity (measured as the production of labeled cyclic-AMP (cAMP) from labeled ATP) in frog rod outer segment photoreceptor membranes has been studied. The activity was found to be more than 20 times higher in fully dark-adapted than in bleached material. A number of experimental parameters must be carefully regulated to obtain this large ratio of dark to light activities. The disrupted rod outer segments must not be washed, since a soluble factor is essential for inhibition of activity by light. The photoreceptor membranes should be assayed for adenylyl cyclase immediately after preparation since the specific activity and light-dark differences are substantially reduced on storage at 4°C. Mechanical trauma (homogenization or sonication) causes some decrease in dark activity and a lessening of sensitivity to illumination. Preparation and assay of the dark material must be carried out using infrared light since there is a marked disproportionality between photic bleaching of rhodopsin and loss of cyclase activity. This disproportionality was further studied by mixing dark and totally bleached material in various proportions. With as little as 2% of the material bleached the cyclase activity is the same as in fully bleached material. The inhibitory action of the bleached material is destroyed by heating but is not affected by dialysis or treatment with tryspin. If the photoreceptor material is fractionated by sedimentation at 60 000 × g and 200 000 × g, the rhodopsin and adenylyl cyclase are primarily in the 60 000 × g pellet. The inhibitor is present in both pellets but not in the high speed supernatant. However, the high speed supernatant is essential for action of the inhibitor on unbleached material. Bleached (but not dark) photoreceptor material was found to inhibit cyclase in brain, liver and melanoma. Recent work carried out after presentation of the above findings has indicated that although the activity of cAMP phosphodiesterase is not affected by light under the usual assay conditions, in the presence of ATP light produces a marked stimulation of this activity. This stimulation of phosphodiesterase exhibits many of the characteristics previously attributed to the inhibition of cyclase and accounts completely or in large part for the apparent light dark differences in cyclase activity. At present the evidence points to phosphodiesterase as the main locus of light regulation of cAMP concentrations in photoreceptors, though a role for the light regulation of cyclase activity is not excluded.
Surgical approaches to the oral cavity primary and neck.

Purpose A variety of surgical approaches used to treat primary oral cavity tumors are described to delineate the technique and rationale behind each treatment choice. Methods and Materials Size, location, proximity to bone, lymph node status, histology, and prior treatment considerations are employed to determine the most appropriate surgical approach for primary oral cavity tumors. Results Oncologic outcomes and physical function show the best results from surgical treatment of many primary oral cavity, but necessitates careful selection of surgical approach. Conclusion Each surgical approach must be selected based upon relevant tumor, patient and physician factors.
Toxicokinetics of Selected Xenobiotics in Hexagenia Limbata

Understanding the role of benthos in the fate and transport of contaminants requires understanding the toxicokinetics of those organisms for both waterborne and sediment-associated compounds. This effort focused on the toxicokinetics of Hexagenia limbata as an important component of the benthic community of the upper Great Lakes connecting channels. The accumulation and elimination of two polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon congeners and a hexachlorobiphenyl isomer were followed over the course of a season in H. limbata collected from Lake St. Clair. Both the water uptake clearance and elimination rate constants increased with increasing temperature through the spring and summer. The elimination constants were relatively large. The uptake constant for sediment-associated compounds was essentially constant the two times it was measured and was large compared to sediment accumulation by Pontoporeia hoyi. Steady state model calculations indicate that the amount of compound in H. limbata should decline as temperature increases. The BCF values on a lipid content normalized basis remain relatively constant for both PAHs and show some change with season for hexachlorobiphenyl. Based on the best estimates of environmental concentration of the contaminants studied in both sediment and water, the model suggests that H. limbata should obtain greater than 90% of its contaminant body burden from the sediment-associated pollutants
Seismicity and the subduction process

There is considerable variation between subduction zones in the largest characteristic earthquake within each zone. Assuming that coupling between downgoing and upper plates is directly related to characteristic earthquake size, we have tested for correlations between variation in coupling and other physical features of subduction zones: the lateral extent and penetration depth of Benioff zones, age of subducting lithosphere, convergence rate, and back-arc spreading. Using linear multivariate regression, coupling is correlated with two variables: convergence rate and lithosphere age. Secondary correlations within the data set are penetration depth versus lithosphere age, and lateral extent versus convergence rate. An important additional correlation is that back-arc spreading is found to be associated with subduction zones where coupling is low (those characterised by small earthquakes). Taken together, the observed correlations suggest a simple qualitative model where convergence rate and lithosphere age determine the horizontal and sinking rates, respectively, of slabs: these parameters influence the seismic coupling in the subduction zone. In the limit of a fast sinking rate and slow convergence rate, back-arc spreading occurs and thereby appears to be a passive process.
Previous Hemodialysis Access Improves Functional Outcomes of the Proximal Radial Artery Fistula in Males

Background The proximal radial artery fistula (PRA) has been established as an early viable surgical option for arteriovenous fistula creation. The overall assisted primary patency reported in the literature approaches 100% at 1 year. We hypothesize that this excellent patency does not represent a functional result when seen in light of successful cannulation and fistula utilization. Methods We retrospectively queried our Veterans Administration Hospital operative database to identify 284 male patients who had 571 access procedures performed by a senior vascular surgeon attending (R.K.D.) from January 1, 2003, to December 31, 2008. Operative details, patient comorbidities, fistula maturation time (time to first cannulation), functional patency (date of access to abandonment, revision to another fistula type, conversion to a prosthetic graft, thrombosis of the fistula, conversion to peritoneal dialysis, renal transplant, or patient death), and total duration (creation of the fistula to the end of its functional patency) were collected and analyzed. Results A total of 144 PRAs were placed during the study period. In all, 87 patients underwent primary proximal radial artery fistula (P-PRA) placement in a limb without previous access; 57 patients had a secondary proximal radial artery fistula (S-PRA) after a failed previous fistula or graft in the same limb. There were no differences between the 2 groups in terms of age, comorbidities, and operative details. A total of 91 patients (63.2%) were receiving hemodialysis at the time of P-PRA or S-PRA placement. Outcomes of P-PRA and S-PRA populations on hemodialysis were examined. There was increased cannulation success (33% vs. 55%; P = 0.00354, Fisher's exact test), functional patency (755.2 ± 661.2 days vs. 405.4 ± 531.9 days; P = 0.0220, Wilcoxon two-sample test), and total duration (859.5 ± 650.7 days vs. 516.8 ± 547.2 days; P = 0.0361, Wilcoxon two-sample test) of S-PRA over P-PRA. There was no difference in endovascular interventions between the 2 groups (1.6 ± 1.0 interventions per access versus 1.1 ± 0.7 interventions per access; P = 0.2109, Wilcoxon two-sample test). Subgroup analysis (analysis of variance) of the S-PRA group indicated that a patent but failing previous access in the same arm was not superior in terms of successful cannulation, functional patency, or total duration when compared with a thrombosed previous access. Conclusions The PRA remains a viable first access procedure undertaken at our institution. Compared with the reported 12-month assisted primary patency of this fistula type, we found a small percentage of PRAs actually being accessed for successful hemodialysis treatment. The S-PRA appears to have a significantly higher successful cannulation rate, functional patency, and total duration time when compared with the P-PRA in patients receiving hemodialysis treatments. The mechanism of these improved outcomes is not known; considering patency or thrombosis of a previous access in the S-PRA group did not predict future access success in the same extremity.
“ORTHODOXY” AND “HERESY” IN MEDIEVAL ISLAM: AN ESSAY IN REASSESSMENT

Lorsqu'on parle de l'histoire intellectuelle de l'Islam, on a souvent tendance a mettre en place une dichotomie entre religion authentique orthodoxe et ersatz corrompus. Les chercheurs doivent adopter une position relativement objective lorsqu'ils traitent de la religion islamique. A partir des categories et des points de vue elabores par deux intellectuels medievaux: Al-Shahrastāni et Ibn 'Arabi et completes par les siens, l'A. tente de reconsiderer les criteres d'orthodoxie et d'heresie
Thermal Analysis Of Solid, Rotating, X-Ray Tube Anodes: New Results And A Comparison With Prior Studies

An approximate analysis of the solid anode heating process is presented for cyclic operation. The result is a composite of several boundary value problems that leads to a three parameter scheme for estimating the maximum surface temperature.© (1984) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Expression of mouse cytochrome P450IA1 cDNA in repair-deficient and repair-proficient CHO cells

Recombinant DNA techniques have been used to develop Chinese hamster ovary cell lines for studying chemically induced genotoxicity. These cell lines express a specific cytochrome P450 isozyme responsible for the metabolism of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and exhibit defined differences in DNA repair capacity. A bacterial gene (neo) conferring resistance to gentamicin was inserted into the pcD expression vector containing the mouse cytochrome P1450 (P450IA1) cDNA to facilitate the selection of transformed cells. This plasmid was introduced into the nucleotide-excision-repair-deficient UV5 cell line by electroporation. Transformed clonal isolates expressing the P1450 cDNA were identified by differential cytotoxicity assays using benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P). One such clone, termed UV5P1, was mutagenized with ethyl methanesulfonate and selected for resistance to killing by UV radiation to derive a repair-competent clone that expresses similar P1450 activity to that of the parental cell line. Two repair-competent clones were selected and called 5P1R1 and 5P1R3. The resulting cell lines (UV5P1, 5P1R1, and 5P1R3) expressed arylhydrocarbon hydroxylase activity. UV5P1 and 5P1R3 were compared in terms of cytotoxicity and mutagenicity after exposure to B[a]P. Induced mutations were measured at the adenine phosphoribosyltransferase (aprt) and hypoxanthine guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (hprt) loci. Repair-deficient UV5P1 cells were killed by B[a]P at concentrations below 0.1 microM, while the repair-proficient 5P1R3 cells showed no toxicity up to 60 microM. Mutation induction at both loci was also much more efficient in UV5P1 cells. These new cell lines provide a more sensitive system that can be used in a battery of assays to evaluate the genotoxicity of chemicals requiring P450IA1 metabolic activation and to assess the role of DNA repair in modulating the biological effects of DNA damage.
Biological Effects on the Early Atmosphere

MANY authors tacitly assume that the presence of life had no significant effects on atmospheric composition until after the appearance of photosynthesis with evolution of oxygen (compare refs. 1 and 2). This assumption seems implausible on biochemical and ecological grounds.
Inactivation of Human Norovirus in Contaminated Oysters and Clams by High Hydrostatic Pressure

Human norovirus (NoV) is the most frequent causative agent of food-borne disease associated with shellfish consumption. In this study, the effect of high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) on inactivation of NoV was determined. Genogroup I.1 (GI.1) or genogroup II.4 (GII.4) NoV was inoculated into oyster homogenates and treated at 300 to 600 MPa at 25, 6, and 1°C for 5 min. After HHP, samples were treated with RNase and viral particles were extracted with porcine gastric mucin (PGM)-conjugated magnetic beads (PGM-MBs). Viral RNA was then quantified by real-time reverse transcription (RT)-PCR. Since PGM contains histo-blood group-like antigens, which can act as receptors for NoV, deficiency for binding to PGM is an indication of loss of infectivity of NoV. After binding to PGM-MBs, RT-PCR-detectable NoV RNA in oysters was reduced by 0.4 to >4 log10 by HHP at 300 to 600 MPa. The GI.1 NoV was more resistant to HHP than the GII.4 NoV (P 4 log10 reduction of GI.1 NoV in both oyster and clam homogenates. It is therefore concluded that HHP could be applied as a potential intervention for inactivating NoV in raw shellfish. The method of pretreatment of samples with RNase, extraction of viral particles using PGM-MB binding, and quantification of viral RNA using RT-PCR can be explored as a practical means of distinguishing between infectious and noninfectious NoV.
Cells of cutaneous immunity in Xenopus: Studies during larval development and limb regeneration

The anuran Xenopus laevis is an experimental model for vertebrate development, immunology, and regenerative biology. Using histochemistry and immunohistochemistry (IHC) we examined embryonic, larval, and postmetamorphic Xenopus skin for the presence of dendritic cells (DCs), Langerhans cells (LCs), and dendritic epidermal T cells (DETCs), all components of cutaneous immunity that have been implicated in skin repair and regeneration. Cells expressing three markers for dendritic and Langerhans cells (formalin-resistant ATPase activity, major histocompatibility complex [MHC] class II antigens, and vimentin) and having morphology like that of these cells first appeared during late embryonic stages, becoming abundant by prometamorphosis. Cells positive for these markers were also numerous in the wound epithelia of regenerating hindlimbs at both early and late larval stages. Cells tentatively identified as DETCs were found, beginning at early larval stages, using IHC with antibodies against heterologous CD3e chain and T-cell receptor δ. Further characterization and work with the putative DCs, LCs, and DETCs demonstrated here will allow not only greater understanding of the amphibian immune system, but also further elucidation of regenerative growth and scarring.
A systematic review of the impact of alcohol use disorders on HIV treatment outcomes, adherence to antiretroviral therapy and health care utilization.

Background Alcohol use disorders (AUDs) are highly prevalent and associated with non-adherence to antiretroviral therapy, decreased health care utilization and poor HIV treatment outcomes among HIV-infected individuals.
Data assimilation using sequential monte carlo methods in wildfire spread simulation

Assimilating real-time sensor data into large-scale spatial-temporal simulations, such as simulations of wildfires, is a promising technique for improving simulation results. This asks for advanced data assimilation methods that can work with the complex structures and nonlinear behaviors associated with the simulation models. This article presents a data assimilation framework using Sequential Monte Carlo (SMC) methods for wildfire spread simulations. The models and algorithms of the framework are described, and experimental results are provided. This work demonstrates the feasibility of applying SMC methods to data assimilation of wildfire spread simulations. The developed framework can potentially be generalized to other application areas where sophisticated simulation models are used.
Regions Responsible for the Assembly of Inwardly Rectifying Potassium Channels

Abstract Inwardly rectifying potassium channels have an important role in determining the resting potential of the cell. They are tetrameric proteins with two transmembrane segments (M1 and M2), a pore-forming loop (H5), a cytoplasmic N-terminal, and longer C-terminal domain. We have used biochemical and electrophysiological methods to identify regions required for homotypic interactions and those responsible for the incompatibility between IRK1 and two other members of the same subfamily (IRK2 and IRK3) and two members from other subfamilies (ROMK1 and 6.1\\uK ATP ). The data indicate that, in contrast to the voltage-gated class of potassium channel, the proximal C-terminus and the transmembrane segment M2 determine homo- and heteromultimerization and that heteromultimerization between members of the same or different subfamilies is case specific.
PROSPECT THEORY AND POLITICAL SCIENCE

▪ Abstract Prospect theory is the most influential behavioral theory of choice in the social sciences. Its creators won a Nobel Prize in economics, and it is largely responsible for the booming field of behavioral economics. Although international relations theorists who study security have used prospect theory extensively, Americanists, comparativists, and political economists have shown little interest in it. The dominant explanation for political scientists' tepid response focuses on the theoretical problems with extending a theory devised in the lab to explain political decisions in the field. This essay focuses on these problems and reviews suggested solutions. It suggests that prospect theory's failure to ignite the imagination of more political scientists probably results from their aversion to behavioral assumptions and not from problems unique to prospect theory.
On the performance of tubular surface coils in nuclear magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy

Surface coils are important devices in the clinical application of nuclear magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy (NMRIS) because they have higher signal-to-noise ratios than body or head coils in superficial regions. This paper describes our theoretical and experimental study of the performances of tubular surface coils, aiding the effective application of such coils to NMRIS. We present formulas for the RF magnetic (H/sub 1/) fields produced by tabular surface coils placed over layered media, and for the self- and loaded-impedances of these coils. The calculated results show the dependence of the coil performances on the coil design parameters and the characteristics of the sample under test. We include the calculated results for the H/sub 1/ field phase shifts in conductive samples. >
Insect Populations on Cabbage Grown with Living Mulches

Cabbage was grown interplanted with several living mulches and in bare-ground monocultures in 1982 and 1983 at Freeville, N.Y. Living mulches were creeping bentgrass, red fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, and two white clovers. Populations of Phyllotreta cruciferae Goeze and Brevicoryne brassicae (L.) were lower on cabbage grown with any living mulch than on cabbage in bare-ground monocultures. First-generation larvae of Pieris rapae (L.) were more common on cabbage with clover living mulches, but second-generation eggs and larvae were less common on cabbage with clover living mulches. These differences in population density were probably determined by variation in herbivore colonization rates, not by variation in herbivore mortality. The data suggest that early season chemical treatments for flea beetles might be eliminated when living mulches are used. However, this potential gain may be offset by yield reduction from competition between cabbage and living mulches.
Fiber-optic prism true time-delay antenna feed

Experimental results for an optical-control technique for implementing a true time-delay function for array antennas are reported. A microwave signal is transmitted on a wavelength-tunable optical carrier through a fiber-optic prism-a set of nominally equal-delay fibers with differing net dispersion-to photodetectors that feed each antenna element. The relative interelement time-delay (beam angle) adjustment is accomplished by tuning the optical carrier wavelength. Measured antenna patterns of a two-element array clearly demonstrate beam steering and true time-delay operation over a two-octave bandwidth of 2-8 GHz. >
Tolrestat pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic effects on red blood cell sorbitol levels in normal volunteers and in patients with insulin-dependent diabetes

Objectives To examine the effect of diabetes mellitus on the pharmacokinetics of tolrestat and to investigate its effect on red blood cell sorbitol levels according to a new pharmacodynamic model for this class of drugs. Methods Single and multiple doses of tolrestat (200 mg/twice a day) were administered to 12 patients with insulin-dependent (type I) diabetes and 12 healthy volunteers in an open parallel trial. Results Tolrestat disposition was characterized by first-order absorption and biexponential disposition: In normal subjects the terminal disposition half-life (t12) was 13 ± 3 hours (mean ± SD) and the apparent oral clearance (CL/F) was 48 ± 9 ml/hr/kg, similar to the values in patients with type I diabetes mellitus (t12 = 14 ± 4 hours; CL/F = 55 ± 10 ml/hr/kg). Red blood cell sorbitol concentrations, which declined because of tolrestat's inhibition of aldose reductase, were characterized by an indirect-response model including a 50% inhibition constant (IC50) for production of sorbitol by aldose reductase. The removal of sorbitol (kout) was slower in patients with diabetes. The plasma IC50 averaged 2.0 ± 1.3 μg/ml in normal subjects and 2.5 ± 1.9 μg/ml in patients with diabetes. IC50 values expressed in free (unbound) concentrations (fu = 0.64%), which ranged from 12 to 16 ng/ml, were similar to the in vitro IC50 for inhibition of sorbitol accumulation in human red blood cells. Conclusions Tolrestat pharmacokinetics were similar in normal subjects and in patients with diabetes; however, the patients with diabetes had higher baseline sorbitol levels (11 versus 5 nmol/ml for normal subjects) and slower sorbitol efflux rates. The proposed biochemically realistic, dynamic model characterized well the red blood cell sorbitol response patterns after administration of single and multiple doses of tolrestat. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (1995) 58, 631–640; doi:
Adolescents and Young Adults with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

During the last decade, increasing attention has been paid to a unique group of patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) who lie at the crossroad of therapeutic care by pediatric and adult hematologists/oncologists. ALL is a disease that affects infants, children, adolescents, and adult patients. With current therapies, the vast majority of children with ALL are now long-term survivors; unfortunately, the same good results have not yet been obtained for adults with ALL. This review will describe current controversies surrounding the treatment of adolescents and young adults with ALL—a group who finds themselves in the transition from “pediatric” to “adult” treatment approaches. The review focuses on recent insights into disease biology, prognostic factors, and treatment outcomes that have led to a series of prospective clinical trials specifically designed for adolescents and younger adults (AYAs) with ALL. These trials have been designed to provide important new clinical, psychosocial, and biological insights, and to further improve the survival of this challenging and unique group of patients.
Protein domain movements: detection of rigid domains and visualization of hinges in comparisons of atomic coordinates

The activity of many proteins induces conformational transitions by hinge-bending, which involves the movement of relatively rigid parts of a protein about flexible joints. We present an algorithm to identify and visualize the movements of rigid domains about common hinges in proteins. In comparing two structures, the method partitions a protein into domains of preserved geometry. The domains are extracted by an adaptive selection procedure using least-squares fitting. The user can maintain the spatial connectivity of the domains and filter significant structural differences (domain movements) from noise in the compared sets of atomic coordinates. The algorithm subsequently characterizes the relative movements of the found domains by effective rotation axes (hinges). The method is applied to several known instances of domain movements in protein structures, namely, in lactoferrin, hexokinase, actin, the extracellular domains of human tissue factor, and the receptor of human growth factor. The results are visualized with the molecular graphics package VMD (Humphrey et al., J. Mol. Graphics 14(1):33-38, 1996). Applications of the algorithm to the analysis of conformational changes in proteins and to biomolecular docking are discussed.
Hormone, Relationships of Parathyroid Gamma Counts, and Adenoma Mass in Minimally Invasive Parathyroidectomy:

ObjectiveTo better understand relationships of parathyroid hormone (PTH) production, adenoma gamma counts, and adenoma mass in patients undergoing minimally radioguided invasive parathyroidectomy for primary hyperparathyroidism from single-gland disease.Study DesignA prospective review of 104 patients operated on by a single surgeon.SettingUniversity tertiary hospital.SubjectsAdults who have primary hyperparathyroidism due to a single gland.ResultsThere were 23 men and 81 women with an average age of 63 years. The mean (SD) adenoma mass was 0.78 (0.69) g (median, 0.57 g). The mean (SD) percent of background for the adenoma was 120.2 (90.5). Preoperative PTH and percent of background gamma count of the adenoma showed a likely correlation with a Spearman ρ value of 0.2039 and a P value of .037. There were significant correlations between both percent of background of the adenoma and adenoma mass (Spearman ρ = 0.4991 and P < .0001). Preoperative PTH and adenoma mass also showed a significant positive correla...
MANAGED CARE DATA AND PUBLIC HEALTH: The Experience of Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound

Traditional group and staff model HMOs have contributed to public health investigations for decades. HMOs offer several advantages for this type of research because of their defined population and provider groups and the integrated nature of care delivery in these organizations. Traditional HMOs have also made investments in sophisticated data systems to support evidence-based care that is supported by high-quality clinical data available in automated information systems. This paper reviews why traditional HMOs are ideal places to conduct public health research and analyzes how recent market trends may threaten this role for managed care.
Spontaneous Mutations in Recombinant Inbred Mice: Mutant Toll-like Receptor 4 (Tlr4) in BXD29 Mice

Recombinant inbred (RI) mice are frequently used to identify QTL that underlie differences in measurable phenotypes between two inbred strains of mice. Here we show that one RI strain, C57BL/6J × DBA/2J (BXD29), does not develop an inflammatory response following inhalation of LPS. Approximately 25% of F2 mice [F1(BXD29 × DBA/2J) × F1] are also unresponsive to inhaled LPS, suggesting the presence of a recessive mutation in the BXD29 strain. A genomic scan of these F2 mice revealed that unresponsive animals, but not responsive animals, are homozygous for C57BL/6J DNA at a single locus on chromosome 4 close to the genomic location of Tlr4. All progeny between BXD29 and gene-targeted Tlr4-deficient mice are unresponsive to inhaled LPS, suggesting that the mutation in the BXD29 strain is allelic with Tlr4. Moreover, the intact Tlr4 receptor is not displayed on the cell surface of BXD29 macrophages. Finally, a molecular analysis of the Tlr4 gene in BXD29 mice revealed that it is interrupted by a large insertion of repetitive DNA. These findings explain the unresponsiveness of BXD29 mice to LPS and suggest that data from BXD29 mice should not be included when using BXD mice to study phenotypes affected by Tlr4 function. Our results also suggest that the frequency of such unidentified, spontaneously occurring mutations is an issue that should be considered when RI strains are used to identify QTL.
Ocular manifestations of carotid artery atheroma

Although carotid endarterectomy (CE) is recommended in appropriate patients with bifurcation atheroma for the prevention of stroke, these patients are also at risk for visual loss, either temporary or permanent. The presentations of patients undergoing 512 consecutive CEs were reviewed to determine the preoperative frequency and risks of ocular disturbances. Visual symptoms occurred in 131 patients (25%). Temporary, monocular blindness (amaurosis fugax, AF) was reported by 99 patients (19%). Concomitant neurologic symptoms were present in 33 (33%) of the patients with AF, and carotid artery stenoses of greater than 75% diameter were documented in 82 (83%) of these patients. No visual deficits were observed following operation. Permanent visual loss ranging from scotoma to complete blindness was documented in 32 patients (6.2%). The permanent deficits were due to retinal artery occlusions (RAO) in 20 patients (4%), ischemic optic neuropathy (ION) in eight patients (1.5%), and homonymous hemianopsia (HH) in four patients (0.7%). Visual loss occurred without any warning in 27 of these 32 cases (84%). The five cases with warning had multiple episodes of AF and then sustained RAO and blindness. Neurologic symptoms occurred concomitantly but not prior to visual symptoms in 7 of the 12 patients (58%) with ION and HH. Stenoses greater than 75% were present in 22 of 32 cases (69%) and in every case of ION. Operation had no effect on the visual deficit. Permanent visual loss occurred in a significant number of patients with carotid atheroma (6.2%). Warning in the form of visual prodroma is uncommon in these patients (16%).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Post-Transplant Lymphoproliferative Disease in Pediatric Solid Organ Transplant Recipients

Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD) in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients has become one of the most common forms of lymphoproliferation in childhood and is a serious complication of SOT. More than 90% of cases are of B-cell origin, Epstein Barr virus (EBV) positive and are mostly occurring in the early post-transplant period. Pathologically and clinically it is a heterogenous disease ranging from being responsive to reduced immunosuppression without further intervention to rapidly progressive fulminant PTLD requiring prompt initiation of therapy. Prognosis overall is favorable. Current treatment strategies as well new promising targeted immune-based therapies such as rituximab and EBV-specific cytotoxic T-lymphocytes are being discussed.
Aeration to degas CO2, increase pH, and increase iron oxidation rates for efficient treatment of net alkaline mine drainage

Passive treatment systems for mine drainage use no energy other than gravity, but they require greater area than active treatment systems. Researchers are considering ‘‘hybrid” systems that have passive and active components for increased efficiency, especially where space limitations render passive-only technology ineffective. Flow-through reactor field experiments were conducted at two large net-alkaline anthracite mine discharges in central Pennsylvania. Assuming an Fe removal rate of 20 g m � 2 day � 1
Human Trafficking: The Unintended Effects of United Nations Intervention

International relations literature is well developed on the effects of United Nations intervention on the duration of crises. The global human rights community has on a case-by-case basis addressed some of the unintended effects of UN intervention, namely, substantial increases in the human sex trafficking trade into crisis areas. We bridge these two literatures and evaluate the effects of UN involvement in Kosovo, Haiti and Sierra Leone. We look beyond the intended effects of UN intervention and consider the unintended effects in a systematic and generalizable way. We argue that UN involvement has the unfortunate and unintended effect of increasing the rates of human trafficking in these crisis areas. Our work concludes that the UN should proceed with caution into crisis areas and have plans in place to avoid the potentially devastating externalities of otherwise well-intentioned efforts.
Feasibility Assessment of Deployable Composite Telescope

Volume constraints in existing launch vehicles require large space-based sensors to be folded during launch and subsequently deployed in space. This paper outlines the development of a prototype deployable astronomical telescope that would maintain both structural stability and optical alignment for potential space-based deployment. To achieve this goal, the structure must possess adequate stiffness and maintain its positional accuracy after a deployment cycle has ensued. The development and testing were based on a consumer-astronomy Newtonian telescope. A foldable carbon-epoxy composite replacement structure was integrated to replace the aluminum-truss assembly provided by the manufacturer. The composite telescope’s structure and optical output were evaluated using computational (finite-element analyses and closed-form equations) and experimental methods. The structure was subjected to postdeployment displacement tests to quantify alignment accuracy. The stresses introduced in folding the tape springs we...
Metal hyperaccumulation: a model system for coevolutionary studies

Recent years have seen a flurry of research activity concerning the hyperaccumulation of heavy metals by plants. Much of the interest in hyperaccumulation has been fueled by the commercial potential of phytoremediation, the use of plants to clean up contaminated soils (Baker et al., 1994; Salt et al., 1995; Chaney et al., 1997, 2000). These applications have in turn spurred many studies of the genetics and physiology of metal uptake (e.g. Kramer et al., 1996; Lasat et al., 1996; Salt & Kramer, 1999; Baker et al., 2000; see also Kramer, 2000; Lombi et al., 2000). Although phytoremediation provides an intriguing and potentially profitable backdrop, the ecology and evolution of hyperaccumulation in natural populations are interesting subjects in their own right. Two papers in this issue (Ghaderian et al., pp. 219-224; Davis & Boyd, pp. 211-217) are exciting contributions to the growing consensus that hyperaccumulation may act as a defense against herbivores and pathogens, and suggest that hyperaccumulation may become a model system for research in this area.
Comparison of Quantitative Sensory-Threshold Measures for Their Association With Foot Ulceration in Diabetic Patients

We compared the accuracy of cutaneous pressure perception-threshold measurements with that of other sensory-threshold measurements for detecting diabetic foot ulcer patients. Three hundred fourteen non-insulin-dependent diabetic patients were studied, of whom 91 had either a current foot ulcer or a history of foot ulceration. Foot ulcer patients had much higher pressure perception thresholds at the hallux than those without foot ulcers (mean +/- SE 4.63 +/- 0.05 vs. 3.54 +/- 0.04 U, P less than 0.001). The magnitude of association was higher than that for vibration thresholds and markedly greater than those for cool and warm thresholds. Pressure thresholds were highly accurate for identifying foot ulcer patients. At a threshold level of 4.21 U, the sensitivity was 0.84, with a specificity of 0.96. At similar sensitivities for vibration and thermal thresholds, specificities were lower. Foot ulceration and cutaneous pressure perception threshold are strongly associated. Pressure-threshold measurements are extremely accurate and perform at least as well as other quantitative sensory tests in identifying foot ulcer patients. Assessment of the foot pressure threshold may have promise as a simple and inexpensive method for detecting diabetic patients at risk for foot ulcers.
Reliability and validity of the Sedentary Behavior Questionnaire (SBQ) for adults.

Background: Sedentary behavior is related to obesity, but measures of sedentary behaviors are lacking for adults. The purpose of this study was to examine the reliability and validity of the Sedentary Behavior Questionnaire (SBQ) among overweight adults. Methods: Participants were 49 adults for the 2 week test-retest reliability study (67% female, 53% white, mean age = 20) and 401 overweight women (mean age = 41, 61% white) and 441 overweight men (mean age = 44, 81% white) for the validity study. The SBQ consisted of reports of time spent in 9 sedentary behaviors. Outcomes for validity included accelerometer measured inactivity, sitting time (International Physical Activity Questionnaire), and BMI. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) assessed reliability and partial correlations assessed validity. Results: ICCs were acceptable for all items and the total scale (range = .51–.93). For men, there were significant relationships of SBQ items with IPAQ sitting time and BMI. For women, there were relationships between the SBQ and accelerometer inactivity minutes, IPAQ sitting time, and BMI. Conclusions: The SBQ has acceptable measurement properties for use among overweight adults. Specific measures of sedentary behavior should be included in studies and population surveillance.
Preferred Technique for Adult Sex Determination of the Boll Weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

Abstract Determining the sex of boll weevil adults is complicated by the lack of a discreet, gender-specific, externally visible character. However, the posterior edge of the male’s 8th tergite is distinctively notched and can be revealed by gentle probing. Although completely accurate as originally described 35 yr ago, this method has not gained wide acceptance because of the perception that it is too slow for processing large numbers of weevils, and because the original illustrations are not entirely adequate. Here we illustrate the tergal-notch method of sexing with photographs and interpretive drawings. This method is quickly learned and fast enough for most applications. Experienced users in our laboratories routinely sex 200–300 weevils per hour. The common alternative technique of sexing by relative snout characteristics is only 88–90% accurate.
Prostate Cancer Incidence and PSA Testing Patterns in Relation to USPSTF Screening Recommendations

Importance Prostate cancer incidence in men 75 years and older substantially decreased following the 2008 US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendation against prostate-specific antigen (PSA)–based screening for this age group. It is unknown whether incidence has changed since the USPSTF recommendation against screening for all men in May 2012. Objective To examine recent changes in stage-specific prostate cancer incidence and PSA screening rates following the 2008 and 2012 USPSTF recommendations. Design and Settings Ecologic study of age-standardized prostate cancer incidence (newly diagnosed cases/100 000 men aged ≥50 years) by stage from 2005 through 2012 using data from 18 population-based Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) registries and PSA screening rate in the past year among men 50 years and older without a history of prostate cancer who responded to the 2005 (n = 4580), 2008 (n = 3476), 2010 (n = 4157), and 2013 (n = 6172) National Health Interview Survey (NHIS). Exposures The USPSTF recommendations to omit PSA-based screening for average-risk men. Main Outcomes and Measures Prostate cancer incidence and incidence ratios (IRs) comparing consecutive years from 2005 through 2012 by age (≥50, 50-74, and ≥75 years) and SEER summary stage categorized as local/regional or distant and PSA screening rate and rate ratios (SRRs) comparing successive survey years by age. Results Prostate cancer incidence per 100 000 in men 50 years and older (N = 446 009 in SEER areas) was 534.9 in 2005, 540.8 in 2008, 505.0 in 2010, and 416.2 in 2012; rates began decreasing in 2008 and the largest decrease occurred between 2011 and 2012, from 498.3 (99% CI, 492.8-503.9) to 416.2 (99% CI, 411.2-421.2). The number of men 50 years and older diagnosed with prostate cancer nationwide declined by 33 519, from 213 562 men in 2011 to 180 043 men in 2012. Declines in incidence since 2008 were confined to local/regional-stage disease and were similar across age and race/ethnicity groups. The percentage of men 50 years and older reporting PSA screening in the past 12 months was 36.9% in 2005, 40.6% in 2008, 37.8% in 2010, and 30.8% in 2013. In relative terms, screening rates increased by 10% (SRR, 1.10; 99% CI, 1.01-1.21) between 2005 and 2008 and then decreased by 18% (SRR, 0.82; 99% CI, 0.75-0.89) between 2010 and 2013. Similar screening patterns were found in age subgroups 50 to 74 years and 75 years and older. Conclusions and Relevance Both the incidence of early-stage prostate cancer and rates of PSA screening have declined and coincide with 2012 USPSTF recommendation to omit PSA screening from routine primary care for men. Longer follow-up is needed to see whether these decreases are associated with trends in mortality.
Techniques to study specific cell-surface receptor-mediated cellular vitamin A uptake.

STRA6 is a multitransmembrane domain protein that was recently identified as the cell-surface receptor for plasma retinol binding protein (RBP), the vitamin A carrier protein in the blood. STRA6 binds to RBP with high affinity and mediates cellular uptake of vitamin A from RBP. It is not homologous to any known receptors, transporters, and channels, and it represents a new class of membrane transport protein. Consistent with the diverse physiological functions of vitamin A, STRA6 is widely expressed in diverse adult organs and throughout embryonic development. Mutations in human STRA6 that abolish its vitamin A uptake activity cause severe pathological phenotypes in many human organs including the eye, brain, lung and heart. This chapter describes functional assays for STRA6 in live cells and on cellular membranes. These assays can be employed to study the mechanism of this new membrane transport mechanism and its roles in the physiology and pathology of many organs.
How to Keep the Playing Field Tilted: Mass Organization and the Durability of Competitive Authoritarianism

What factors explain the durability of competitive authoritarian regimes? Extant scholarship downplays incumbent strategies of tilting the electoral playing field, at least partly because the effectiveness of particular strategies is difficult to gauge. Exploiting unusual survey data and an original dataset containing information on 18,037 regime-affiliated "Communal Councils," I examine the effects of a common incumbent strategy whose effects remain largely unexplored - the formation of regime-affiliated mass organization - on the incumbent vote in Venezuela's 2006 election. The presence of mass organization has a strikingly large effect on incumbent support. The strength of this effect, however, varies greatly depending on whether organizations distribute patronage. These findings demonstrate that mass organization can play a critical role in competitive authoritarian endurance and suggest the utility of integrating this strategy into explanations of regime change. The findings also suggest that regimes reliant on mass organization may be particularly susceptible to economic shocks.