cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Perilipin Expression in Human Adipose Tissue Is Elevated with Obesity

The perilipins are highly phosphorylated adipocyte proteins that are localized at the surface of the lipid droplet. With activation by protein kinase A, perilipins translocate away from the lipid droplet and allow hormone-sensitive lipase to hydrolyze the adipocyte triglycerides to release nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA). Because of the potential importance of adipocyte lipolysis to obesity and insulin resistance, we measured perilipin protein and mRNA levels in nondiabetic subjects with varying degrees of insulin resistance. By Northern and Western blotting, we could detect perilipin A, but not perilipin B. Perilipin A protein and mRNA levels were quantitated and were highly correlated with each other. There was a significant positive relationship between perilipin expression and obesity (r = 0.55; P < 0.01, perilipin mRNA vs. percent body fat). However, there was no significant relationship between perilipin expression and blood NEFA, nor was there a significant relationship between perilipin expressio...
Containment forces in stable plasma configurations

It is demonstrated that finite pressure gradients can be maintained in the lowest free energy state (‘relaxed state’) of a plasma configuration. The pressure forces are supported by the Magnus Force in a compressible adiabatic plasma if mass motions are considered. It has been demonstrated elsewhere that these forces can be of the same order of magnitude as the Lorentz forces in some laboratory plasmas.
Local EM Estimation of the Hazard Function for Interval‐Censored Data

We propose a smooth hazard estimator for interval-censored survival data using the method of local likelihood. The model is fit using a local EM algorithm. The estimator is more descriptive than traditional empirical estimates in regions of concentrated information and takes on a parametric flavor in regions of sparse information. We derive two different standard error estimates for the smooth curve, one based on asymptotic theory and the other on the bootstrap. We illustrate the local EM method for times to breast cosmesis deterioration (Finkelstein, 1986, Biometrics 42, 845-854) and for times to HIV-1 infection for individuals with hemophilia (Kroner et al., 1994, Journal of AIDS 7, 279-286). Our hazard estimates for each of these data sets show interesting structures that would not be found using a standard parametric hazard model or empirical survivorship estimates.
Consumption and Vulnerability Among Foragers and Horticulturalists in the Rainforest of Honduras

Abstract It is often said that poor rural households in developing countries remain inadequately insured against shocks. Using panel data from Tawahka Amerindians in the Honduran rainforest, a horticultural/foraging society, we estimate the consumption-smoothing ability and vulnerability to risks of 32 households in two villages with varying degrees of market openness. The information was collected using cultural anthropology methods, and key variables were estimated through direct observations and physical measures to reduce measurement errors. Results suggest that household consumption is directly affected by income shocks, despite the practice of partial insurance and risk-sharing within communities. In a comparison between the villages, we find evidence that households practice distinctly different consumption-smoothing behaviors, partly driven by their gap in economic development.
Co-expression of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor with antigen enhances humoral and tumor immunity after DNA vaccination

Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) was used to enhance humoral and tumor immunity resulting from DNA immunization. The genes encoding GM-CSF and antigen were cloned onto the same plasmid backbone, but separate promoters drove expression of each gene. beta-Galactosidase was used as the model antigen to generate antibody responses while the human tumor antigen, MAGE-1, was used to monitor tumor resistance. Immunization with a DNA vaccine co-expressing GM-CSF and beta-gal resulted in higher antigen-specific IgG responses than immunization with antigen encoding plasmid alone or co-inoculated with GM-CSF expressing plasmid. Similarly, DNA vaccines expressing both MAGE-1 antigen and GM-CSF were more effective in protecting against B16-MAGE-1 melanoma. However, both GM-CSF co-expressing DNA vaccines and co-inoculation with plasmids encoding the cytokine or antigen enhanced the generation antigen-specific IFN-gamma and IL-6 responses. These results demonstrate that co-expressing both GM-CSF and antigen on a DNA vaccine enhances humoral and tumor immune responses.
Preparation of Porous Nitinol Material by Hot-Isostatic Pressing

In this preliminary study, porous nitinol is fabricated using elemental Ni and Ti powders. The elemental powders were mixed at the ratio of 50:50 at.% by ball milling in preparation for pressing and sintering. The compacts were obtained by uniaxial pressing with a steel die of 12.5mm diameter. They were then subjected to hot isostatic pressing (HIPing) in an argon environment. The sintering pressure, temperature and time were varied in order to acquire porous nitinol. Porosity as high as 47.3% was achieved, which was benefited by partial liquid phase sintering. X-ray diffraction and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) demonstrated that diffusion in the samples sintered at the temperature higher than the eutectic point was nearly complete, while the diffusion will take much longer time to complete at temperature lower that the eutectic point.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Effects of maternal exposure to ammonium perchlorate on thyroid function and the expression of thyroid-responsive genes in Japanese quail embryos.

Perchlorate, a known thyroid disruptor, is deposited in eggs of exposed female birds, raising concerns that the embryos from these eggs may become hypothyroid, which may in turn affect the development and function of thyroid-dependent organs. We hypothesized that exposure to ammonium perchlorate (AP) would decrease hen and embryonic thyroid function and affect the expression of thyroid-responsive genes in embryonic brain and liver. Laying Japanese quail hens were treated with 2000 mg/l or 4000 mg/l AP in drinking water. Thyroid status and expression of thyroid-responsive genes were exam- ined in the embryos from eggs of exposed hens. Perchlorate exposure led to hypothyroidism in hens from both treatment groups; egg production was decreased in the high dosage group only. Embryos from eggs of perchlorate-exposed hens had hypertrophied thyroid glands and significantly lower thyroidal hor- mone storage, indicating hypothyroidism in these embryos. The embryonic hypothyroidism was associ- ated with decreased embryonic growth, delayed hatching and greater mortality during hatching. The mRNA level of type 2 deiodinase (D2) in the liver of embryos from eggs of perchlorate-exposed hens was increased compared to the control embryos, a compensatory response that increases the production of metabolically active T3. However, the mRNA levels of D2 and RC3 in the brain were not affected. These results suggest that the embryonic brain is protected from hypothyroidism by other mechanisms known to influence hormone entry into and exit from the brain. Our study shows that maternal perchlorate exposure led to embryonic hypothyroidism and may have interfered with embryonic development.
Total arterial revascularization with an internal thoracic artery and radial artery T graft

Abstract Background . Proximal anastomosis of the radial artery to the side of the internal thoracic artery (ITA) permits complete arterial revascularization in most patients, with the aim of improving long-term results of coronary artery bypass through greater long-term graft patency. The short-term results, however, have yet to be defined. We therefore reviewed our early experience with this grafting strategy. Methods . Between October 1, 1993, and September 1, 1998, 649 patients aged 30 to 85 years (mean, 60 ± 10 years) had primary coronary artery bypass using an ITA and radial artery in a T-graft configuration. Left ventricular function was severely depressed (ejection fraction Results . A total of 937 distal anastomoses were performed with the left ITA (1.4 per patient) and 1,452 with the radial artery (2.2 per patient). There was one perioperative death (0.2%). There were 32 (5%) q-wave myocardial infarctions, and 14 patients (2%) had transient low output syndrome. There was one episode of hypoperfusion corrected by lengthening the left ITA. Angiography for clinical indications in 27 patients 1 to 35 months postoperatively (mean, 9.5 ± 8.3 months) demonstrated a distal anastomotic patency of 100% for ITA and 82% for radial artery grafts. Conclusions . Complete arterial revascularization can be achieved with an ITA and radial artery T-graft with low operative risk and acceptable early patency. These results support the continued investigation of this grafting strategy.
Severe rhabdomyolysis with renal failure after intranasal cocaine use

A case of acute renal failure due to rhabdomyolysis in a patient who used cocaine on a daily basis is presented. In contrast to many prior reports of renal failure occurring with cocaine-associated rhabdomyolysis, our patient did not use intravenous cocaine and did not have any evidence of trauma, seizure, hypotension, hyperthermia, hyperactivity, or coma. His creatine phosphokinase peaked at 448,000 U/liter. He was treated initially with forced diuresis and i.v. furosemide, but he became oliguric, developed pulmonary edema, and required hemodialysis. He recovered fully after 3 weeks of dialysis. The literature is reviewed in an attempt to delineate a rational approach to evaluating cocaine users at risk for rhabdomyolysis.
Spiroaminal Model Systems of the Marineosins with Final Step Pyrrole Incorporation.

Abstract In this Letter, we describe a short, six step enantioselective route to spiroaminal lactam model systems reminiscent of marineosins A and B that has been developed starting from either ( R )- or ( S )-hydroxysuccinic acid, respectively, in ∼9% overall yield. This route enables late stage incorporation of the pyrrole ring at C5 via nucleophilic displacement of an iminium triflate salt.
WNT3 Inhibits Cerebellar Granule Neuron Progenitor Proliferation and Medulloblastoma Formation via MAPK Activation

During normal cerebellar development, the remarkable expansion of granule cell progenitors (GCPs) generates a population of granule neurons that outnumbers the total neuronal population of the cerebral cortex, and provides a model for identifying signaling pathways that may be defective in medulloblastoma. While many studies focus on identifying pathways that promote growth of GCPs, a critical unanswered question concerns the identification of signaling pathways that block mitogenic stimulation and induce early steps in differentiation. Here we identify WNT3 as a novel suppressor of GCP proliferation during cerebellar development and an inhibitor of medulloblastoma growth in mice. WNT3, produced in early postnatal cerebellum, inhibits GCP proliferation by down-regulating pro-proliferative target genes of the mitogen Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) and the bHLH transcription factor Atoh1. WNT3 suppresses GCP growth through a non-canonical Wnt signaling pathway, activating prototypic mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), the Ras-dependent extracellular-signal-regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2) and ERK5, instead of the classical β-catenin pathway. Inhibition of MAPK activity using a MAPK kinase (MEK) inhibitor reversed the inhibitory effect of WNT3 on GCP proliferation. Importantly, WNT3 inhibits proliferation of medulloblastoma tumor growth in mouse models by a similar mechanism. Thus, the present study suggests a novel role for WNT3 as a regulator of neurogenesis and repressor of neural tumors.
Pornography-seeking behaviors following midterm political elections in the United States: A replication of the challenge hypothesis

The current study examined a prediction derived from the challenge hypothesis; individuals who viciously win a competition of rank order will seek out pornography relatively more often than individuals who viciously lose a competition. By examining Google keyword searches during the 2006 and 2010 midterm elections in the United States, the relative popularity of various pornography keyword searches was computed for each state and the District of Columbia the week after each midterm election. Consistent with previous research examining presidential elections and the challenge hypothesis, individuals located in traditionally Republican states tended to search for pornography keywords relatively more often after the 2010 midterm election (a Republican victory) than after the 2006 midterm election (a Democratic victory). Conversely, individuals located in traditionally Democratic states tended to search for pornography relatively less often following the 2010 midterm election than they did following the 2006 midterm election.
An Analysis of Readability Levels of Contemporary Textbooks That Employ a Hybrid Approach to the Basic Communication Course.

Determining the readability of textbooks should allow teachers to select books that appropriately challenge the functional reading skills of their students. Gunning's (1968) FOG index was utilized to determine the average readability of 24 contemporary textbooks that employ a hybrid approach to the basic speech communication course. Twenty‐five reading samples from each text were analyzed. Means, standard deviations, and relevant statistics are reported. Pragmatic use of the FOG index is discussed and some strategies for developing reading skills are suggested.
Constraints on the Kurile slab from shear wave residual sphere analysis

We analyze residual spheres for teleseismic S wave arrival times from 10 intermediate and deep focus earthquakes in the Kurile subduction zone. Long-period WWSSN and CSN recordings of transverse component S and ScS arrivals provide good azimuthal coverage for each event, with arrival time estimates that compare well with short-period observations. In order to isolate the near-source structure, substantial lower mantle and receiver path effects are suppressed both by using empirical station/path statics derived from S, sS, ScS, and sScS arrivals for a total of 28 northwestern Pacific events and by constructing differential residual spheres. Ray tracing through three-dimensional aspherical shear velocity models supports the inferred large magnitude of the deep mantle and near receiver effects, although existing models do not appear to provide accurate corrections. The events are relocated in the PREM structure, and a modest spatial smoothing of the residuals is applied. The resulting residual spheres are modeled using a finite difference travel time method that accounts for three-dimensional ray path perturbations. Our starting models are derived from slab structures determined by previous P wave residual sphere analyses. We explore the compatibility of the P and S wave observations to constrain the Vs/Vp velocity ratio of the slab and to test whether the S wave arrival times place additional constraints on the slab geometry. The modeling supports the previous results favoring penetration of the Kurile slab to at least 800 km depth for most of the length of the arc, with some evidence that the northern portion of the slab broadens by as much as a factor of 3 upon entering the lower mantle. The preferred slab shear velocity models have relatively low (2–3%) shear velocity contrasts below 670 km depth, which can be accounted for by slab temperature reductions of 300°–400°.
Azlocillin kinetics during extracorporeal haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis

The kinetic disposition of azlocillin in patients with end stage renal failure was evaluated in six individuals maintained on chronic extracorporeal haemodialysis and in six individuals on peritoneal dialysis. In the absence of renal function the plasma half-life of azlocillin was extended from the normal value of approximately 60 min to 235 +/- 30 min. During peritoneal dialysis the plasma half-life was reduced to 148 +/- 15 min and during extracorporeal haemodialysis it was further reduced to 112 +/- 11 min. Azlocillin was readily dialysed during haemodialysis but its removal rate during peritoneal dialysis was substantially less.
Optimisation of process audit plan for minimising vehicle launch risk using MILP

Suppliers play a critical role in the success of any organisation. A complex product such as an automobile often involves a large number of suppliers. The need for high supplier quality especially gets highlighted at the time when automobile manufacturers launch new vehicles. A new vehicle launch involves enormous coordination efforts among the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and suppliers distributed across the globe. In such situations, supplier audits are used for minimising associated launch risk. However, allocating limited qualified engineers to supplier plants for an audit becomes a challenging task. This research proposes a mixed integer linear programming (MILP) model to allocate engineers to supplier plant locations and create an optimal audit schedule by incorporating the level of risk involved.
Detection of Entomophaga maimaiga (Zygomycetes : Entomophthorales) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay

Abstract The Japanese entomopathogenic fungus Entomophaga maimaiga can be detected in infected gypsy moth larvae, Lymantria dispar , using an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Polyclonal antibodies specific to the plasma membranes of the protoplast stage of E. maimaiga (the fungal stage within the hemolymph of infected insects) were used for ELISA development. Fungal infection can be detected 3 days after conidial inoculation with 71.1% accuracy and after 4 days with 97.8% accuracy. Antibodies do not cross-react with the gypsy moth nucleopolyhedrosis virus or four North American endemic species of entomopathogenic fungi known to infect the gypsy moth. One isolate in the same phylogenetic grouping as E. maimaiga, the E. aulicae species complex, is detectable using E. maimaiga antisera.
The development, function, and design of amphicoelous vertebrae in teleost fishes1

The vertebral centra of teleost fishes are amphicoelous. They resemble biconid hour-glass shaped cylinders, the ends of which are concave. The development, function, and design of the biconid amphicoelous shape of teleost centra are discussed in view of: the role of morphogenesis in the development of centra shape; function of the precaudal portion of the vertebral column in teleost locomotion; design of the centra as an adaptive response to functional problems. The biconid portion of the centrum is formed in compact bone by ossification within the cylindrically arranged sclerotome. The characteristic biconid shape is controlled by alternating dilation and constriction of the developing anlage, a result of differential growth of the sclerotome and notochordal sheaths. The shape of the biconid compactum is not correlated with stress distributions resulting from locomotion. Much spongy bone is present in teleost centra; it surrounds the compact biconid and forms longitudinal bars of bone along the lateral margin of the centra. Spongy bone is derived from sclerotomal mesemchyme. The time for formation, its position, and alignment of bony trabeculae within the spongy bone suggests it to be deposited in response to mechanical stresses.
Prevention and treatment of the orofacial complications of radiotherapy

A review of the potential orofacial side effects of radiotherapy of malignant head and neck tumors is presented in conjunction with preventive strategies for the dental treatment of patients undergoing radiotherapy. Radiotherapy of malignant head and neck tumors often causes extensive, permanent changes in salivary glands, peridental alveolar bone, and mucosal structures. Dental neglect and inappropriate dental management can cause complications. The potential orofacial side effects of radiotherapy are reviewed, as are preventive strategies for the dental treatment of patients scheduled to undergo radiotherapy.
Design principles of reconfigurable machines

Reconfigurable machines form a new class of machines that are designed around a specific part family of products and allow rapid change in their structure. They are designed to allow changes in machine configuration according to changes in production requirements. The reconfiguration may be related to changes in machine functionality or its scalability, i.e., the change in production volumes or speed of operation. Reconfigurable machines represent a new class of machines that bridges the gap between the high flexibility and high cost of totally flexible machines and the low flexibility and low cost of fully dedicated machines. The design principles of reconfigurable machines follow a similar philosophy, which was derived for reconfigurable manufacturing systems, and present an approach for the design of machines to be used mainly in high-volume production lines. This paper introduces design principles for reconfigurable machines, which may be applied in different fields of manufacturing. Based on these design principles, three types of reconfigurable machines were designed for various types of production operations such as: machining, inspection and assembly. This paper shows how the suggested design principles were utilized in the design of several full-scale machine prototypes and tested experimentally.
Avoidance responding and closed-head injury: Replication and reevaluation of the “anticipatory behaviour deficit”

Abstract Previous research suggests that survivors of closed-head injury (CHI), tested while inpatients, took more trials to learn to avoid a noxious noise in a conditioning task than did controls. In contrast, patients with CHI learned to escape at latencies equal to those of controls. The authors attributed these results to defective anticipation of the consequences of either the warning stimulus and/or the subject's own behaviour. They called this pattern of intact escape with putatively impaired avoidance an Anticipatory Behaviour Deficit (ABD). We tried to detect an ABD in nonhospitalized CHI survivors who had sustained an injury significant enough to produce a detectable deficit on a standard neuropsychological battery. The CHI group (n=24) and controls (n=13) had comparable avoidance latencies, escape latencies, and trials to criterion. Both groups escaped more quickly than they avoided. We conclude that ABD may not be ubiquitous in CHI survivors or that it may be a temporary condition, limited to ...
Dynamic aberration control testbed for the characterization of multiple wavefront sensors

An optical testbed has been developed for the comparative analysis of wavefront sensors based on a modified Mach Zender interferometer design. This system provides simultaneous measurements of the wavefront sensors on the same camera by using a common aberrator. The initial application for this testbed was to evaluate a Shack-Hartmann and Phase Diversity wavefront sensors referenced to a Mach-Zender interferometer. This testbed has the added benefit of being able to train the deformable mirror against the spatial light modulator and evaluate its ability to compensate the spatial light modulator. In the paper we present some results from the wavefront sensors along with preliminary results from the wavefront corrective elements in the optical testbed.
The inhibition of phospholipid synthesis in escherichia coli by phenethyl alcohol.

Abstract The kinetics of lipid metabolism during phenethyl alcohol treatment of Escherichia coli were examined. Phenethyl alcohol at a non-bacteriostatic concentration reduces the accumulation of [32P] phosphate into phospholipids and alters the phospholipid composition of the cell membrane. The changes in phospholipid composition are a result of the inhibitory effect of phenethyl alcohol on the rates of synthesis of the individual phospholipids. The inhibition in the rate of phosphatidylethanolamine synthesis by phenethyl alcohol was twice the inhibition in the rate of phosphatidylglycerol synthesis. The de novo rate of cardiolipin synthesis was only slightly inhibited. However, net cardiolipin accumulation increased during phenethyl alcohol treatment due to a more rapid turnover of phosphatidylglycerol to cardiolipin. Phenethyl alcohol also altered the fatty acid composition of the cell as a result of its inhibitory effect on the rate of individual fatty acid synthesis. However, the inhibition of phospholipid synthesis was not reversed by fatty acid supplementation of phenethyl alcohol treated cells. This result indicates that phenethyl alcohol does not inhibit phospholipid synthesis solely at the level of fatty acid synthesis.
Cardiogenic shock complicates successful treatment of refractory thrombotic thrombocytopenia purpura with rituximab

BACKGROUND: Treatment of thrombotic thrombo-cytopenia purpura (TTP) with daily therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) may be accompanied by a variety of adjunctive interventions including most recently rituximab. Rituximab, a murine and human monoclonal antibody directed against CD20 antigen on B lymphocytes, is primarily used for treatment of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas. Because of severe and fatal infusion reactions including heart failure, rituximab carries a boxed warning. CASE REPORT: A 20-year-old female presented with TTP. She underwent 17 daily (1 day skipped) TPE. Her platelet (PLT) count reached 150 × 109 per L and then gradually declined to 36 × 109 per L despite continuing TPE. Because of the refractory behavior of her disease, rituximab was administered. After the rituximab infusion, she developed a nonproductive cough which progressed to a productive cough, acute respiratory failure, chest pain, and hypotension and was moved to intensive care for management of biventricular cardiogenic shock (ejection fraction was 5%-10%). Once stable in the intensive care unit, TPE was resumed. Her PLT count reached 241 × 109 per L, and her lactate dehydrogenase decreased to normal after four TPEs. Her heart failure completely resolved and she was discharged. Rituximab was added to her medical record as a drug allergy. CONCLUSION: Refractory TTP has been reported to respond favorably to rituximab when used as an adjunct. Interventions, however, can also carry significant risk as illustrated by the cardiogenic shock in our patient. Use of rituximab for refractory TTP should follow a careful assessment of benefits.
Differential fluorescence holography

We present a new technique of three-dimensional tracking by way of incoherent digital holography suitable for non-scanning fluorescence microscopy. By acquiring complex holograms of a sample at different times, a difference hologram can be calculated. This result is another complex hologram representing only the information which has changed throughout the volumetric space during the time interval between one hologram and the next. We first demonstrate the advanced capability of self-interference incoherent digital holography combined with difference holography to track three-dimensional changes in a broadband, unfiltered, sunlit scene containing macroscopic continuous objects. This case is particularly remarkable due to the exceptionally short temporal coherence length and excessive build-up of noninterfering source points. We then demonstrate the ease of adaptation to microscopy, successfully converting a standard two-dimensional commercial microscope into a powerful three-dimensional tool. By overcoming these challenges, we show the feasibility and ease at which this technique may be adapted to the versatile, functional imaging of fluorescence microscopy.
5-iodo-2'-deoxyuridine and DNA synthesis in mammalian cells.

Abstract Murine tumor cells (P815Y), grown in the presence of 5-iodo-2′-deoxyuridine (IUdR; 2 × 10−4M) for one cell doubling, synthesize only about one-half as much DNA as untreated cells. The data presented in this paper demonstrate: 1. 1. That this observation can be accounted for by the fact that only one-half of the cells in the population are able to synthesize DNA; 2. 2. That the proportion of cells unable to synthesize DNA is independent of the concentration of IUdR in the medium, providing that the de novo synthesis of thymidine-5′-monophosphate is inhibited; 3. 3. That the failure of 3 H-thymidine to be incorporated into DNA reflects a loss of ability to synthesize DNA rather than some secondary process, e.g., loss of the ability to transport or phosphorylate thymidine, dilution of the isotope by abnormally high levels of endogenous thymidine derivatives, or loss of DNA from one-half of the cells; and 4. 4. That on the basis of the rate of appearance of cells unable to make DNA, it would appear that the incorporation of IUdR into DNA limits time process other than the ability of the macromolecule to serve as a template for the synthesis of new DNA.
Beyond the teaching machine: The neglected area of operant conditioning in the theory and practice of management

Abstract This paper maintains that the work of B. F. Skinner has not been recognized in the administrative and management literature to the extent that it deserves. The work of Skinner is highly consistent with that of many widely accepted students of management, except that Skinner's work deals specifically with scheduling reinforcements, does not require acceptance of the metaphysics of many of the “humanistic” psychologists, and is based on considerable empirical evidence. The power of positive reinforcement, the unanticipated consequences of punishment, and the value of partial reinforcement are stressed. Finally, the operant view is applied to some managerial problems. It seems clear that the conditioning approach can meaningfully integrate much of the behavioral science literature and serve organizations in the areas of personnel development, job design, compensation and alternative rewards, and organizational design.
Paranasal sinus bony anatomic variations and mucosal abnormalities: CT analysis for endoscopic sinus surgery.

Coronal plane computerized tomographic (CT) scanning has dramatically improved the imaging of paranasal sinus anatomy as compared to sinus radiographs. Increasingly, subtle bony anatomic variations and mucosal abnormalities of this region are being detected. Data regarding the “background” prevalence of these findings are needed to determine their clinical relevance. A detailed analysis of coronal plane CT scans of the paranasal sinuses obtained in 202 consecutively imaged patients was conducted. Special attention was directed toward identifying bony anatomic variations and mucosal abnormalities. Anatomic variations studied included pneumatization of the middle turbinate, paradoxical curvature of the middle turbi-nate, Haller's cells, and pneumatization of the unci-nate process. Such bony anatomic variations were detected in 131 (64.9%) of 202 patients and were found with a similar frequency in patients scanned for sinus complaints and in those scanned for nonsinus reasons. Mucosal abnormalities were detected in 168 (83.2%) of 202 patients. For those patients scanned during the evaluation of sinus-like complaints, mucosal abnormalities were noted in 153 (92.2%) of 166 cases, and were predominantly detected in the anterior ethmoid region. For patients scanned during nonsinus evaluations, mucosal abnormalities were detected in 15 (41.7%) of 36 cases, without predilection for the anterior ethmoid region. Discussion regarding the prevalence and clinical significance of paranasal sinus bony anatomic variations and mucosal abnormalities is included as a guide to assist the otolaryngologist and/or radiologist in the evaluation of coronal sinus CT scans.
Zimmer phocomelia: Delineation by principal coordinate analysis

We present a 46,XX stillborn fetus with tetraphocomelia, absence of ears, severe hypoplasia of nose, cleft palate, pulmonary hypoplasia, imperforate anus and vagina, and phallus-like structure on an otherwise undefined perineum. The pattern of abnormalities resembles the tetraphocomelic condition described by Zimmer et al. in 1985. Tetraphocomelia, ear/nose hypoplasia with facial clefts, pulmonary hypoplasia, and defects of the caudal end including imperforate anus, and abnormal genitalia constitute a distinct pattern of malformation termed Zimmer phocomelia. Principal coordinate analysis with Gower's similarity index supported the clinical impression that cases reported by Zimmer and the present case are distinct from other phocomelic conditions. Although Zimmer phocomelia is currently referred to as "X-linked amelia," documentation of a female case with a penis-like structure in this report as well as consanguinity in the original family in Zimmer's report indicates that this condition is likely inherited in an autosomal recessive fashion. Zimmer phocomelia may be a more appropriate name than X-linked amelia.
Potential Effects of U.S. Commodity Grants to Other Countries

Different types of local currency have been generated by U.S. commodity grants since the inception of P.L. 480 in 1954. As an aid instrument, these local currencies have good points, but they also have serious deficiencies which can be traced to the inherent nature of soft currencies and their legal ownership. The differing economic effects of U.S.-owned and country-owned local currencies became significant when P.L. 480 became a major source of U.S.-owned local currencies. Before 1954, about 95 percent of local currency deposits were country-owned; since then, 66 percent of these deposits have been U.S.-owned. The monetary and real effects of these two types of local currency are examined, as are the implications for U.S. aid policy.
Gathering Under a Green Umbrella: Collaborative Rainwater Harvesting at the University of Arizona

The Parasol Club is a student-run, collaborative group focusing on sustainable resource use at the University of Arizona (UA), especially rainwater harvesting. The groupâ€™s fundamental idea is that, as a land-grant university in an arid environment, UA should serve as a learning laboratory for the development and demonstration of techniques for sustainable use of water and energy. Parasolâ€™s success is due largely to its collaborative model in which students work closely with facilities staff, faculty, and administrators to identify sites, gather materials and labor, and bring projects to fruition. Completed projects serve as a testament to the effectiveness of the collaborative model. As the group has demonstrated the power of institutional collaboration at the university, its circle has widened to include members of several academic departments, additional facilities staff, and university administrators. New campus projects are planned, and the group has extended its reach to work with Tucson primary schools and neighborhood organizations on rainwater harvesting projects. This paper discusses Parasolâ€™s model as an example for collaborative infrastructure and project development at an institutional level.
Predictors of on-duty coronary events in male firefighters in the United States.

Coronary heart disease (CHD) accounts for 39% of "on-duty" deaths in firefighters in the United States. No studies have examined the factors that distinguish fatal from nonfatal work-associated CHD events. Male firefighters experiencing on-duty CHD events were retrospectively investigated to identify cardiovascular risk factors predictive of case fatality; 87 fatalities (death within 24 hours of the event) were compared with 113 survivors who retired with disability pensions for heart disease after on-duty nonfatal events. Cardiovascular risk factors were then examined for associations with case fatality. Predictors of CHD death in multivariate analyses were a previous diagnosis of CHD (or peripheral/cerebrovascular disease) (odds ratio [OR] 4.09, 95% confidence intervals [CI] 1.58 to 10.58), current smoking (OR 3.68, 95% CI 1.61 to 8.45), and hypertension (OR 4.15, 95% CI 1.83 to 9.44). Age ≤45 years, diabetes mellitus, and serum cholesterol level were not significant predictors of case fatality. In conclusion, previous CHD, current smoking, and hypertension are strong predictors of fatality in male firefighters experiencing on-duty CHD events. Accordingly, prevention efforts should include early detection and control of hypertension, smoking cessation/prohibition, and the restriction of most firefighters with significant CHD from strenuous duties.
Photoemission and Electron Detachment in Low-Energy Collisions of Metastable Atoms with Negative Ions

Cross sections for Penning detachment, ${X}^{*}+{Y}^{\ensuremath{-}}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}X+Y+e$, and collision-induced photon emission, ${X}^{*}+{Y}^{\ensuremath{-}}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}X+{Y}^{\ensuremath{-}}+h\ensuremath{\nu}$ have been calculated for collisions of metastable neutral atoms and negative ions at low energies ($E\ensuremath{\sim}1$ eV). A semiclassical treatment based on the impact parameter method and adiabatic electronic interactions was employed. Collisions involving ${\mathrm{H}}^{*}$ ($2^{1}S$), ${\mathrm{Ca}}^{*}$ ($3^{1}D$), and ${\mathrm{He}}^{*}$ ($2^{1}S$) with ${\mathrm{H}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$, ${\mathrm{O}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$, ${\mathrm{Cl}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$, and ${\mathrm{C}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ were investigated. In all collisions not involving ${\mathrm{H}}^{*}$ ($2^{1}S$), Penning detachment predominates and exhibits cross sections on the order of ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}14}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$.
The inversion of aureole measurements to derive aerosol size distributions

An iterative method to invert size distributions from simulated scattered radiance measurements at small angles from the sun has been investigated. The inferred size distributions were represented by piecewise linear and cubic spline functions. Various relevant characteristics were investigated and it was found that: (1) the inverted size distribution was insensitive to the number of knots in the piecewise linear spline; (2) within the range of sensitivity, the choice of initial guess had little effect on the inverted size distribution; (3) five per cent random noise in the simulated radiances appreciably deteriorated the result but variations are still tolerable when compared with other methods for determining size distributions; (4) the inverted distribution was insensitive to the index of refraction used in the kernel for particle radii greater than 1 micron; (5) the choice of wavelength between 0.40 and 0.70 microns has a negligible effect on the inverted distribution; (6) a range of tropospheric aerosol size distributions gives acceptable inverted results; and (7) the cubic spline representation can give reasonable inverted distributions, but may become unstable.
Progress Report On The Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Soft X-Ray Laser Program*

Significant progress toward the goal of producing high Power, high coherence x-ray lasers has been made. Lasing at wavelengths as low as 66 A has been achieved in a nickel like laser scheme which is scalable to sub-44 A wavelengths. In addition, x-ray laser cavities, x-ray holography, and an applications beamline have been demonstrated.
EP2-receptor Stimulated Cyclic Amp Synthesis in Cultured Human Non-pigmented Ciliary Epithelium

Abstract Prostaglandins are locally produced mediators of physiologic function which act through specific receptors to influence cellular response pathways. We have conducted a series of experiments designed to obtain a preliminary pharmacologic characterization of the prostaglandin E2 receptor subtype mediating increased synthesis of adenosine 3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate (cyclic AMP) in an SV40 transformed line of human non-pigmented ciliary epithelium (ODMC2). Human non-pigmented epithelial (NPE) cells were grown to confluency, preincubated with indomethacin (to prevent endogenous PGE2 synthesis) and with isobutyl-methyl-xanthine (to prevent breakdown of cAMP), challenged with PGE2 or receptor-selective prostanoids and extracted. Prostanoid-stimulated cAMP synthesis was determined using a protein binding assay and normalized to cellular protein. Prostanoid agonists known to be relatively selective for the EP2 receptor subtype stimulated cAMP synthesis by human NPE cells. EP1 and EP3, IP, FP and DP selective protanoids had negligible effects on stimulation of cAMP synthesis. The results of these studies lead us to conclude that human NPE cells express receptors of the EP2 subtype which mediate PGE2 stimulated synthesis of cyclic AMP.
DO THE NEARBY BLUE HORIZONTAL BRANCH STARS BELONG TO THE THICK DISK OR THE HALO

We study the Milky Way region (|Z|< 3.0 kpc) where the thick disk and inner halo overlap by using the kinematics of local blue horizontal branch (BHB) stars (within 1 kpc) and new samples of BHB stars and A-type stars from the Century Survey. We derive Galactic U, V, and W velocities for these BHB and A-type star samples using proper motions from the NOMAD catalog. The mean velocities and the velocity dispersions of the BHB samples (|Z| < 3 kpc) are characteristic of the halo, while those of the Century Survey A-type stars are characteristic of the thick disk. There is no evidence from our samples that the BHB stars rotate with the thick disk in the region |Z| < 3 kpc. Nearly a third of the nearby local RR Lyrae stars have disk kinematics and are more metal rich than [Fe/H] ~ –1. Only a few percent of the Century Survey BHB (CBHB) stars have these properties. Only one nearby BHB star (HD 130201) is likely to be such a disk star but selection based on high proper motions will have tended to exclude such stars from the local sample. The scale height derived from a sample of local RR Lyrae stars agrees with that of the CBHB stars. The local samples of BHB stars and metal-weak red giants are too incomplete for a similar comparison.
An integrated contextual model of confidence in local police

Current work tests an integrated contextual model of confidence in local police. The model addresses four questions. (a) Do incivilities, procedural justice, and local social climate each affect confidence? (b) Do incivilities more powerfully corrode confidence at some points along the urban versus rural continuum? (c) Where on the continuum is confidence weakest? (d) Does confidence in local police bolster confidence in the broader justice system? Surveys from households across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania were supplemented with municipality-level census and reported crime data, and county-level urban versus rural continuum codes. Findings showed significant net effects of both procedural justice and incivilities on the outcome; strongest corrosive impacts of incivilities in rural counties; lowest confidence in rural counties; and connections between confidence in local police and confidence in the broader criminal justice system. Results underscore the broad importance of police simultaneously maintaining order and treating citizens fairly. Language: en
A fast algorithm based on volume integral equation for analysis of arbitrarily shaped dielectric radomes

The volume integral equation (VIE) combined with the multilevel fast multipole algorithm (MLFMA) is applied to analyze antenna radiation in the presence of dielectric radomes. In solving the VIE, the radome is modeled by small volume cells of tetrahedron or hexahedron shape so that three-dimensional (3-D) complex radomes can be modeled accurately. When the induced volume current is determined by the method of moments, the total radiation is calculated by adding the induced current radiation to that of the antenna in the absence of the radome. The application of MLFMA reduced the computational complexity to a lower order and hence electrically large-sized radomes are analyzed. Numerical results are compared with the analytical solution for spherical shells with dipole array as excitations. The radiation patterns of dipole arrays in the presence of ogive, cone, and hemisphere radomes are also presented.
E. Digby Baltzell Reconsidered: A Reply to Samuel Z. Klausner

L'A. examine de facon critique l'article de Samuel Z. Klausner «E. Digby Baltzell: Moral Rhetoric and Research Methodology» publie en 1998. Klausner, dans ce cadre, s'est efforce d'etudier l'impact des valeurs defendues par E. Digby Baltzell sur ses choix en matiere de perspective de recherche. Il estime que Klausner propose une lecture superficielle de l'oeuvre de Baltzell. Il affirme que Baltzell a adhere a l'individualisme methodologique par hostilite envers le totalitarisme et non en raison de sa foi protestante. L'A. presente les analyses de la stratification sociale et de l'organisation de l'elite et de la haute societe americaine developpees par Baltzell. Il souligne le caractere descriptif et non normatif de sa demarche en cette affaire.
Demography and Working-Class History: Challenging the Modernization Model

Christopher Hill, in a twist on an old epigram, once wrote that "historical demography is too serious a subject to be left to the demographers."1 Hill's statement is all too true when it comes to the existing historical literature of working-class demography. Each of these three books takes a significant step toward improving this situation; collectively they offer new perspectives on the shifting trends of family life among nineteenth-century workers and peasants. According to the conventional wisdom, the population history of the nine teenth-century West, including the working class, involved a movement from a high fertility and mortality regime to a low fertility and mortality regime.2 The alleged cause of this shift was modernization?the dissolution of agrarian society and its replacement by "modern" urban industrial society? which undermined the old material and social forces that produced high birth and death rates.3 The critical stage in this process was the deliberate limitation of fertility within marriage ?a fertility transition?which became a general phenomenon by the late nineteenth century in most of Europe and the United States. In theory, with the emergence of urban industrial society, the value of children as economic assets dwindled as the costs of caring for and educating them grew more burdensome. Once the relative cost of supporting children increased, couples practiced family limitation in order to concentrate their resources, both emotional and material, on fewer people. A coinciding decline in mortality, the growing struggle for upward mobility, rising real incomes, improvements in the status of women, and the spread of education and individualism reinforced this change.4 Moreover, demographers argue, family limitation began among the upper and
emotional confrontations between Sevillano fathers and sons: cultural foundations and social consequences

This essay examines the linkage between the culture of reputation management, family integration, and features of social organization in a working-class neighborhood of Seville, Spain. Sevillano beliefs about honor and manliness are shown to promote highly emotional disputes between Sevillano fathers and their adolescent sons as the former attempt to control the behavior of the latter. Socially sanctioned father-son avoidance and a preference for uxorilocality in Seville are explained as social organizational solutions to a cultural conundrum. [Spain, reputation management, family conflict, social organization, adolescence, postnuptial residence]
Watching The Clock: A Mother’s Hope For A Natural Birth In A Cesarean Culture

A physician and mother on giving birth in a culture that increasingly pushes women toward cesarean sections.