cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
National Trends in the Utilization of Cholecystectomy in Children

Background. Previous studies have suggested that indications for cholecystectomy in children have evolved over the past three decades contributing to an increased frequency of this procedure. The purpose of this study was to evaluate recent trends in utilization of cholecystectomy in children in the laparoscopic era. Materials and methods. Children (<15 year) undergoing cholecystectomy between 1996 and 2003 were identified in the Nationwide Inpatient Sample. Underlying medical illness and related biliary tract conditions and procedures were identified using ICD-9 codes. Census data were used to calculate population-based rates stratifying by age and risk factors for cholelithiasis. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed accounting for survey design. Results. During the study period, an estimated 11,823 cholecystectomies were performed nationwide. While the population frequency of children with hemolytic anemia undergoing cholecystectomy did not significantly change, the frequency of children undergoing cholecystectomy without this risk factor increased from 1.5 to 2.5 procedures/100,000 population (P = 0.03). The percentage undergoing cholecystectomy by a laparoscopic approach increased from 77 to 91% (P < 0.001), with the largest increase being observed in children <5 years old (36% versus 90%, P < 0.001). While no significant differences in in-hospital surgical complications or mortality were observed, laparoscopic cholecystectomy was associated with a 2.3 d (P < 0.001) shorter length of stay than open cholecystectomy. Conclusions. The indications for cholecystectomy have continued to evolve in the laparoscopic era. While the increased use of laparoscopic cholecystectomy has been associated with decreased length of stay, this approach has not been associated with changes in in-hospital outcomes. The effect of these trends on rates of operative biliary tract injury and long-term outcome require additional study.
Determination of a glucose-dependent futile recycling rate constant from an intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test

Abstract Increased glucose cycling between glucose and glucose-6-phosphate is characteristic of insulin resistance and hyperglycemia seen with Type II diabetes. Traditionally, glucose cycling is determined by the difference between hepatic glucose output measured with separate [2- 3 H ]glucose and [6- 3 H ]glucose infusions. We demonstrate a novel method for determining hepatic glucose recycling from an intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test (IPGTT). A single tracer, [1, 2- 13 C 2 ]glucose (a M2 glucose isotopomer), was administered at 1 mg/g body weight to 4-month-old C57BL/6 mice. Hepatic glucose recycling was monitored by the appearance of a plasma M1 isotopomer of glucose, which is produced by the action of the pentose cycle on the M2 glucose isotopomer in the liver. The initial M2 enrichment was 56% and decreased to 13% at the end of 3 h, and the M1 enrichment peaked at 2 h. The ratio of plasma M1/M2 glucose increased linearly with time to ∼25%, and the regression of the M1/M2 ratio against time gives a slope, termed the in vivo glucose-dependent futile recycling rate constant kHR. kHR estimates glucose/glucose-6-phosphate futile cycling, along with glucose recycling through the pentose cycle. These observations demonstrate complex substrate cycling during an IPGTT using a single stable isotope tracer.
Several roles of CCKA and CCKB receptor subtypes in CCK-8-induced and LiCl-induced taste aversion conditioning

Administration of a relatively large IP dose of sulfated cholecystokinin (26-33) (CCK-8; 1.0 mumol/kg) consistently induced moderate taste aversion conditioning (TAC) using a 20-min, one-bottle test in Long-Evans rats. Because CCK-8 has affinity for both CCKA and CCKB receptor subtypes, we wanted to determine the subtype involved in CCK-8-induced TAC. Pretreatment with the selective CCKA antagonist MK-329 (L-364, 718 or devazepide), at doses of 0.1, 1.0, or 10.0 mumol/kg, markedly antagonized (> 70%) CCK-8-induced TAC. Pretreatment with the selective CCKB antagonist L-365,260, at doses of 0.1 or 1.0 mumol/kg, partially antagonized (approximately 50%) CCK-8-induced TAC, although the highest dose of L-365,260. 10.0 mumol/kg, did not. These partial antagonistic effects of L-365,260 on CCK-8-induced TAC were replicated in our second study. In our third study, we observed that another CCKB antagonist, the dipeptoid CI-988, also partially antagonized CCK-8-induced TAC at a dose of 0.1, but not 1.0 or 10.0, mumol/kg. In our final study, pretreatments with a single dose (i.e., 10.0, but not 0.1 or 1.0, mumol/kg) of either MK-329 or L-365,260 were also shown to partially antagonize the formation of moderate TAC induced by treatment with LiCl at 708 mumol/kg. Marked antagonism of LiCl-induced TAC was also observed following pretreatment with the known anxiolytic chlordiazepoxide HCl at 7.4 mumol/kg. Considering the existing data on the induction of TAC by various CCK analogues, we consider an action of CCK-8 on peripheral CCKA, but not CCKB, receptors necessary for the induction of TAC. Our results of partial antagonism of CCK-8- and LiCl-induced TAC by L-365,260, CI-988, or MK-329 suggest, but do not prove, that both CCKA and CCKB mechanisms may be operative during TAC. Because the CCK antagonists affected TAC like chlordiazepoxide, blockade of CCKA and CCKB mechanisms may produce a mild anxiolytic effect.
Competition with flies promotes communal breeding in the burying beetle, Nicrophorus tomentosus

Communal breeding through nest-sharing may benefit cooperating individuals indirectly, in increased inclusive fitness, or directly, when environmental constraints reduce the fitness of solitary breeders. Burying beetles provide extensive parental care and can breed either in pairs or in larger groups of unrelated males and females. Parentage of communally-reared broods is usually shared but is skewed in favor of the individuals of each sex that provide longer care. Females provide care longer than males, and two females are more likely to remain together in the brood chamber than two males are. Flies and other burying beetles are the major competitors for carcasses and this study suggests that it is competition with flies that promotes communal breeding in Nicrophorus tomentosus On medium-size carcasses (35–40 g) the presence or absence of oviposition by flies had a significant effect on the size of the brood reared, and on large carcasses (55–60 g) the number of beetles present, two or four, had a significant effect on brood size. On both medium and large carcasses, pairs rearing broods on flyblown carcasses had fewer young than pairs on clean carcasses or foursomes on flyblown carcasses. There was a strong trend for an interaction effect between number of beetles and competition with flies (Table 1). Duration of parental care was not affected by competition with flies except for that of the first male to depart, which provided care longer on flyblown carcasses (Table 2). Pairs and foursomes were equally able to defend the carcass and brood from conspecific intruders and from larger intruding Nicrophorus orbicollis (Table 3).
Investigation of enhanced ion abundances from a carrier process in high-performance liquid chromatography particle beam mass spectrometry

Enhancements in ion abundances in high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) particle beam (PB) mass spectrometry were observed during coelution or when certain substances (e.g., ammonium acetate) were added to the mobile phase during a reverse-phase gradient elution HPLC separation. These enhancements were observed with two commercial PB interfaces and a variety of compounds generally not amenable to separation by gas chromatography. The enhancements are attributed to both improved chromatographic efficiency and a PB carrier process.
Polyethylene oxide does not necessarily aggregate in water

POLYETHYLENE oxide (PEO) is one of the most extensively studied of all water-soluble synthetic polymers, both for its wide range of applications1–4 and from the fundamental standpoint of understanding the behaviour of polymer solutions. The aggregation behaviour of PEO in water and its consequences have been a matter of concern in many studies5–11 of this system. It is not clear, however, whether PEO aggregation is an inherent property of these aqueous solutions, although this knowledge can have important and widespread consequences for both industry and polymer science. Here we use dynamic light scattering from high-molecular-weight PEO in carefully purified water and in methanol to show unambiguously that both are good solvents in the sense that PEO behaves like a typical random coil in both, with no evidence of aggregation.
Metapopulation extinction caused by mutation accumulation

Theory suggests that the risk of extinction by mutation accumulation can be comparable to that by environmental stochasticity for an isolated population smaller than a few thousand individuals. Here we show that metapopulation structure, habitat loss or fragmentation, and environmental stochasticity can be expected to greatly accelerate the accumulation of mildly deleterious mutations, lowering the genetic effective size to such a degree that even large metapopulations may be at risk of extinction. Because of mutation accumulation, viable metapopulations may need to be far larger and better connected than would be required under just stochastic demography.
The DNP and Entry Into Midwifery Practice: An Analysis

The American Association of Colleges of Nursing recently published a policy statement calling for the requirement of the Doctor of Nursing Practice for entry into practice as an Advanced Practice Nurse by the year 2015. Certified nurse-midwives, defined as those educated in both nursing and midwifery, are commonly included in the definition of Advanced Practice Nurses, along with nurse practitioners, nurse anesthetists, and clinical nurse specialists. This paper explores issues related to the practice doctorate as an entry requirement for midwifery practice in the United States. The results of a brief survey of midwifery students indicate mixed interest in a clinical doctorate. At the present time, evidence points to the fact that current education requirements produce safe, knowledgeable, competent midwives. Because data are lacking regarding the potential impact of the proposed Doctor of Nursing Practice on the cost of education to both the institution and the student, on the applicant pool, and on the health care system, the Directors of Midwifery Education endorse a statement affirming support for multiple routes of midwifery education based on the ACNM Core Competencies, and does not endorse a mandatory requirement for the clinical doctorate for entry into practice at this time.
Importance of Carolina Bays to the Avifauna of Pinelands in the Southeastern United States

Past anthropogenic activity has led to the destruction or alteration of Carolina bay wetlands throughout the southeastern United States. Presently, urban development, combined with a 2001 ruling by the US Supreme Court relaxing protection of isolated wetlands, poses an increasing threat to these and other isolated wetland systems; however, little information exists on the importance of these wetland systems to birds. We compared breeding and wintering bird communities of upland pine (Pinus spp.) forests with and without Carolina bays. Estimated species richness was greater in pine forests with Caro- lina bays than without during the winter (31.7 ± 1.3 (mean ± SE) vs. 26.9 ± 1.2; P = 0.027), but not in the breeding season (27.9 ± 2.2 vs. 26.3 ± 2.2; P = 0.644). Total relative abun- dance did not differ between pine forests with Carolina bays and those without in either the breeding (148.0 ± 16.0 vs. 129.4 ± 10.4 birds/40 ha; P = 0.675) or winter (253.0 ± 36.4 vs. 148.8 ± 15.1 birds/40 ha; P = 0.100) seasons. However, 23 species, 43% of which were wetland-dependent, were observed only in pine forests with bays during the breeding sea- son, and 20 species, 30% of which were wetland-dependent, were observed only in such sites during winter. In contrast, only 6 and 1 species were observed only in pine forests without bays during the breeding and winter seasons, respectively, indicating that few species were negatively affected by the presence of bays. Thus, Carolina bays appear to enrich the avifauna of pine forests in the southeastern United States.
Deletion of mitochondrial uncoupling protein-2 increases ischemic brain damage after transient focal ischemia by altering gene expression patterns and enhancing inflammatory cytokines

Mitochondrial hyperpolarization inhibits the electron transport chain and increases incomplete reduction of oxygen, enabling production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The consequence is mitochondrial damage that eventually causes cell death. Uncoupling proteins (UCPs) are inner mitochondrial membrane proteins that dissipate the mitochondrial proton gradient by transporting H+ across the inner membrane, thereby stabilizing the inner mitochondrial membrane potential and reducing the formation of ROS. The role of UCP2 in neuroprotection is still in debate. This study seeks to clarify the role of UCP2 in transient focal ischemia (tFI) and to further understand the mechanisms of ischemic brain damage. Both wild-type and UCP2-knockout mice were subjected to tFI. Knocking out UCP2 significantly increased the infarct volume to 61% per hemisphere as compared with 18% in wild-type animals. Knocking out UCP2 suppressed antioxidant, cell-cycle, and DNA repair genes, including Sod1 and Sod2, Gstm1, and cyclins. Furthermore, knocking out UCP2 significantly upregulated the protein levels of the inflammatory cytokines, including CTACK, CXCL16, Eotaxin-2, fractalkine, and BLC. It is concluded that knocking out the UCP2 gene exacerbates neuronal death after cerebral ischemia with reperfusion and this detrimental effect is mediated by alteration of antioxidant genes and upregulation of inflammatory mediators.
Dietary factors in atherogenesis

Emerging evidence continues to increase our awareness of the complexity of pathologic processes involved in atherogenesis. Dietary modulation exclusively targeting cholesterol consumption is rapidly becoming an archaic mode of intervention as alternative theories of atherogenesis evolve. The interaction of nutrients that occurs with different dietary patterns has been the subject of intense research. Similarly, the effect of diet on vascular reactivity, lipid metabolic kinetics, and antioxidant potential has enormous implications for therapeutic modalities targeting atherosclerosis. Many dietary strategies aimed at inhibiting and preventing atherogenesis have resulted from ongoing research. Consensus opinions extrapolated from available data have also emerged. Regardless, the precise role of dietary modulation in atherogenesis is yet to be fully elucidated. This article reviews recent evidence relating to the interface between dietary factors and biologic models of atherogenesis. Clinical implications and practical applications are also discussed.
Assay of the Human Liver Citric Acid Cycle Probe Phenylacetylglutamine and of Phenylacetate in Plasma by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry

Phenylacetate, derived from phenylalanine, is converted in human and primate liver to phenylacetylglutamine. The latter has been used to assess the labeling pattern of liver citric acid cycle intermediates. We present gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric assays of phenylacetylglutamine, phenylacetate, and phenylalanine in biological fluids. The compounds are derivatized with dimethylformamide dimethyl acetal. Limits of detection are 0.1 nmol for phenylacetylglutamine and phenylacetate and 2 nmol for phenylalanine. Baseline plasma concentrations of phenylacetate and phenylacetylglutamine and 1 and 3 microM, respectively. The 24-h urinary excretions of phenylacetate and phenylacetylglutamine are about 4 mumol and 1 mmol, respectively. Ingestion of phenylalanine (in the form of aspartame) by a human is followed by sequential increases in phenylacetate and phenylacetylglutamine concentrations in plasma and urine. This assay opens the way to noninvasive probing of the 13C-labeling pattern of liver citric acid cycle intermediates in humans.
The Benefits of Having a National Institute of Child Health and Human Development

A cting on the request of President John Kennedy, Congress, in October 1962, passed legislation establishing a new Institute at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD). This legislation implemented the visionary proposal first put forward by Robert E. Cooke, MD, Chair of Pediatrics at Johns Hopkins, to fill a void in the NIH research spectrum by focusing on developmental processes and how they were affected by genes, disease, or environment, with a focus on the health impact onmothers and children. This action provided the opportunity to use the unparalleled resources of the federal government, provided by the American people, to advance a great cause: Improving the health and lives of mothers and children, in this country and worldwide, through research. I would like to share with you some of what has come from a part of this investment. One of the keys to research success is training. Without a sound base of trained, skilled investigators, your field has no chance in the highly competitive world of winning research support. Nearly 25 years ago, the scientific leadership of Pediatrics asked me to support the convening of a meeting to plan a way to assure sound training of the scientific leadership for the pediatrics of the future. What came from that meeting at NICHD was the Pediatric Scientist Development Program (PSDP), funded by a new K12 grant from NICHD but contributed to by numerous pediatric organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), Society for Pediatric Research, Association of Medical School Pediatric Department Chairs, and American Pediatric Society. It was highly selective in who entered the program and intensely mentored to ensure success in training in top-notch labs and entering an academic career. That PSDP grant continues today, growing and expanding under the nurturing leadership of Dr Peggy Hostetter. Because of its success but need for larger numbers, NICHD added a companion program, the Child Health Research Career Development Program. It was also supported by NICHD K12 grants, awarded to and located in 20 pediatric departments, and markedly augmented the numbers of pediatric scientists trained in the flagship PSDP.
The future of autologous stem cell transplantation in myeloma

Autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) has long been considered frontline therapy for newly diagnosed myeloma patients. This Spotlight examines the role of ASCT in the era of novel drugs and argues that ASCT should continue to be considered for eligible patients. A combination of novel drugs with ASCT in a sequential treatment approach can attain long-term survival and perhaps cure a subset of patients. ASCT will likely remain an important platform to develop curative strategies in the foreseeable future.
Optimal partisan gerrymandering

Abstract We look at the problem of devising an optimal gerrymander from the standpoint of the political party in control of the redistricting process in a single-member district system involving two-party competition. In an electoral universe with uncertainty, we show that the optimal partisan gerrymander is different from the classic recipe for partisan gerrymandering if parties are concerned with the long-run risk of electoral defeat caused by shifting electoral tides. We look at two different plausible objective functions: (1) maximizing expected seat share: and (2) maximizing the probability of a (working) legislative majority. In general, the optimal districting schemes which will be generated under these two objective functions will be different, although both will make similar use of the two basic gerrymandering techniques, the concentration gerrymander and the dispersal gerrymander. Also, because of the need to minimize risk, both will resemble a bipartisan gerrymander considerably more than has previously been suggested in the literature. We also look at difficulties in achieving either objective (1) or objective (2) because of conflicts between majority party legislators' own self-interest and the districting that will maximize party advantage, and briefly review evidence that the 1982 California congressional plan was a risk-minimizing partisan gerrymander.
The reversible acid dissociation and hybridization of lactic dehydrogenase.

Abstract Polarization spectra of the intrinsic fluorescence of lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) demonstrate a reversible structural transition in acidic solutions. The pH region of this transition varies for different LDH's. The transition is marked by loss of coenzyme binding and catalytic activity, enhanced ability to bind 1-anilinonaphtha-lene-8-sulfonate, and a decrease in rotational relaxation time from 188 nseconds at pH 7.1 to 77 nseconds at pH 2.5. Renaturation by dilution into neutral solution leads to a recovery of more than 90% LDH with catalytic and physical properties identical to those of the untreated enzyme. Hybrids of beef heart LDH X beef muscle LDH and of beef heart LDH X chicken heart LDH have been prepared by neutralization of solutions of LDH incubated in acid. Our results indicate that a reversible dissociation, either partial or complete, is the basis of hybridization. Measurements of fluorescence polarization, coenzyme binding, and ease of hybridization demonstrate that the hybrids of beef LDH are more readily dissociated by acid than either of the parent types, beef M 4 or beef H 4 . This indicates that interaction among subunits is maximal when all are of the same type.
Activation of 2-Aminofluorene by Prostaglandin Endoperoxide H Synthase 2

Abstract Prostaglandin endoperoxide H synthase is the key enzyme in the conversion of arachidonic acid to tissue prostanoids. Two isoforms of prostaglandin endoperoxide H synthase have been identified: PHS-1 is constitutively expressed in most tissues under normal physiological conditions and PHS-2 is expressed in response to inflammatory agents, tumor promoters, and other agents related to mitogenesis. Previous work demonstrated that PHS-1 can activate arylamine carcinogens. We report here that PHS-2 can also activate an arylamine carcinogen to form DNA adducts. This is shown by: (1) use of purified ovine PHS-2 to form DNA adducts; (2) increased DNA adduct formation, PHS-2 mRNA, and PHS-2 protein after treatment of HUVEC cells with the PHS-2 inducer PMA; and (3) transient expression of PHS-2 cDNA in COS-1 cells gave rise to both elevations of PHS-2 enzyme protein and DNA adduct formation. Finally, two PHS inhibitors, aspirin and indomethacin, showed significant inhibition of PHS-2-mediated DNA adduct formation.
Metabolic profiling by ion mobility mass spectrometry (IMMS)

Ion Mobility Mass Spectrometry (IMMS) was evaluated as an analytical method for metabolic profiling. The specific instrument used in these studies was a direct infusion (DI)-electrospray ionization (ESI)—ambient pressure ion mobility spectrometer (APIMS) coupled to a time-of-flight mass spectrometer (TOFMS). The addition of an ion mobility spectrometer to a mass spectrometer had several advantages over direct infusion electrospray mass spectrometry alone. This tandem instrument (ESI-IMMS) added a rapid separation step with high-resolution prior to mass spectrometric analysis of metabolite mixtures without extending sample preparation time or reducing the high through put potential of direct mass spectrometry. Further, IMMS also reduced the baseline noise common with ESI-MS analyses of complex samples and enabled rapid separation of isobaric metabolites. IMMS was used to analyze the metabolome of Escherichia coli (E. coli), containing a collection of extremely diverse chemical compounds including hydrophobic lipids, inorganic ions, volatile alcohols and ketones, amino and non-amino organic acids, and hydrophilic carbohydrates. IMMS data were collected as two-dimensional spectra showing both mobility and mass of each ion detected. Using direct infusion ESI-IMMS of a non-derivatized methanol extract of an E. coli culture, more than 500 features were detected, of which over 200 intracellular metabolites were tentatively assigned as E. coli metabolites. This analytical method also allowed simultaneous separation of isomeric metabolic features.
Infrared dichroism of glassy polycarbonate at small strains

The dichroism of the 889, 1364, and 3063 cm−1 infrared absorption bands of glassy, amorphous polycarbonate has been measured as a function of the strain in the range 0 to 2% at 23°C. The data obtained for these three bands superpose rather well over this strain range. Negligible dichroism is observed up to about 0.6% strain; above this level, the dichroic ratio increases in an approximately linear manner. Independent mechanical data, obtained under comparable conditions of time-scale and temperature, are cited which show that a transition from approximately linear to marked non-linear viscoelastic behavior occurs with glassy polycarbonate in the range 0.7 to 1.0% strain. The coincidence on the strain axis of a relatively abrupt increase in optical absorption anisotropy with a distinct change in Young's modulus is discussed in terms of a recent molecular theory of deformation of glassy polymers. It is suggested that the data are consistent with the view that the transition from linear to nonlinear viscoelastic behavior in glassy polycarbonate is marked by the onset of significant rotation around backbone bonds.
A Review of Public Attitudes Toward Bears in Japan

From April 2006 to March 2007, 4,340 vulnerable Asiatic black bears (Ursus thibetanus) in Japan were captured and the majority killed by hunters because of their nuisance activities or to control t...
Culture in the use, care, and control of the aging body

Abstract Little systematic information exists on how the older adult reacts to normal physical changes with age. The personal perception and treatment of the aging body are particularly significant given the predominantly negative cultural values associated with senescence in American society. This study used a qualitative approach to examine continuity and change in physical self-evaluation and self-care among a group of healthy men and women in their fifties and seventies. Focused interviews were conducted to identify the evaluative criteria that these individuals apply to the aging body and the behavioral outcomes of the self-assessment process. Analysis focused on sex differences, perception of personal control over health and well-being, continuity of approach to the body, and the perception of time left to live. Findings highlighted personal and social resources and common behavioral strategies employed by older persons in managing the aging physical self.
Lidar evaluation of the propagation environment

The atmospheric medium consists of aerosols and gases that can greatly affect the propagation of electromagnetic energy. Because these constituents, as well as temperature and turbulence, can vary greatly in time and space, propagation codes based on standard models of atmospheric parameters, climatological records, or limited measured data may not adequately simulate the propagation environment exposed to EO/IR sensors and systems. Lidar techniques are reviewed and data examples are presented that illustrate lidar capabilities for measurement of atmospheric transmissions over extended paths. The lidar also provides measurements of atmospheric structure and quantitative data on aerosol and gas concentration and temperature distributions needed to evaluate the propagation environment.© (1991) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Manifesting in an Adult as a Conjunctival Mass

Purpose To describe the clinical manifestation and course of disseminated acute lymphoblastic leukemia in an adult. Methods Case report. Recurrence of disseminated disease was heralded by “salmon patch” involvement of the conjunctiva. The ocular tumor was treated successfully with external beam radiotherapy. Results The patient, who had a history of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, had recurrent disease involving the left eye conjunctiva. The diagnosis was confirmed by histopathologic analysis. Conclusions Although acute lymphoblastic leukemia typically occurs in children, the tumor can masquerade as a conjunctival lymphoma in adults.
Changes in the ‘Connectedness’ and Resilience of Paleolithic Societies in Mediterranean Ecosystems

Human predator‐prey relationships changed dramatically in the Mediterranean Basin between 250,000 and 9,000 years ago. Many of these changes can be linked to increases in Paleolithic human population densities. Small game species are particularly diagnostic of increases in human hunting pressure and are a major source of evidence for demographic change after 40–45,000 years ago. Biomass-corrected data on prey choice also indicate increasing use of those species that possess higher reproductive efficiencies. Step-wise, apparently irreversible shifts in human predatory niche are apparent in the Mediterranean Basin, beginning with the earliest Upper Paleolithic in the east and spreading westward. Evidence of demographic pressure and greater use of resilient prey populations is followed by technological innovations to exploit these animals more efficiently. The zooarchaeological findings suggest that Middle and Lower Paleolithic reproductive units probably were not robust at the micropopulation scale, due to the rather narrow set of behavioral responses that characterized social groups at the time, and thus localized extinctions at the micropopulation level were likely to have been common. Upper Paleolithic groups were the quintessential colonizers and, in addition, uniquely good at holding on to habitat gained. Upper Paleolithic archaeological “cultures” had shorter histories of existence than those of earlier periods, but they were even more widespread geographically. The demographic robustness of the Upper Paleolithic systems may stem from wholesale strategies for evening-out or sharing risk and volatility in technology. Micropopulations were larger and often denser on landscapes, more connected via cooperative ties, and thus more robust.
Mobile camera positioning to optimize the observability of human activity recognition tasks

The performance of systems for human activity recognition depends heavily on the placement of cameras observing the scene. This work addresses the question of the optimal placement of cameras to maximize the performance of these types of recognition tasks. Specifically, our goal is to optimize the quality of the joint observability of the tasks being performed by the subjects in an area. We develop a general analytical formulation of the observation problem, in terms of the statistics of the motion in the scene and the total resolution of the observed actions that is applicable to many observation tasks and multi-camera systems. A nonlinear optimization approach is used to find the internal and external (mounting position and orientation) camera parameters that optimize the recognition criteria. In these experiments, a single camera is repositioned using a mobile robot. Initial results for the problem of human activity recognition are presented.
Iron substitution in NdCoAsO: Crystal structure and magnetic phase diagram

The effects of replacing small amounts of Co with Fe in NdCoAsO are reported. Polycrystalline materials with compositions ${\text{NdCo}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\text{Fe}}_{x}\text{AsO}$ ($x=0.05$, 0.10, 0.15, and 0.20) are studied and the results compared to previous reports for NdCoAsO. Rietveld analysis of powder x-ray diffraction data shows that as Fe replaces Co on the transition metal $(T)$ site, the $T$-As distance increases, and the As tetrahedra surrounding the $T$ site become more regular. Electrical resistivity and magnetization measurements indicate that the three magnetic phase transitions in NdCoAsO are suppressed as Co is replaced by Fe, and these transitions are not observed above 1.8 K for $x=0.20$. Based on these results, the magnetic phase diagram for the Co-rich side of the NdCoAsO-NdFeAsO system is constructed.
A highly water-soluble C60–NVP copolymer: a potential material for photodynamic therapy

Water-soluble C60 polymers, which have the highest solubility of fullerene reported to date (7.8 mM of C60 in water), were prepared via copolymerization, and showed significant visible light-induced O2˙− generation and DNA cleavage, indicating the potential of these water-soluble fullerene derivatives as agents for photodynamic therapy.
Tabulation of optically pumped far infrared laser lines and applications to atmospheric transmission

Abstract Laser lines in the FIR from 37 μm to 1.8 mm are tabulated for over 450 transitions including information concerning the lasing medium, output power, pump laser, pump transition, wavelength, and power. The lines are listed under three categories; CW, pulsed, or super radiant emission. The positions of the lines are compared with atmospheric attentuation over this spectral band.
Endocrinological investigation into the reproductive cycles of two sympatric skate species, Malacoraja senta and Amblyraja radiata, in the western Gulf of Maine

The smooth skate, Malacoraja senta, and thorny skate, Amblyraja radiata, are two commercially exploited batoids found within the Gulf of Maine. During the past five years, we conducted a large study to accurately describe important biological life history parameters previously lacking for these species. As part of that project, the current study reports our findings on the hormonal profiles associated with the reproductive cycles of M. senta and A. radiata. Blood samples were obtained from mature M. senta and A. radiata of both sexes from all months of the year, and plasma testosterone (T), estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) concentrations were determined using radioimmunoassay (RIA). In female M. senta and A. radiata, monthly T concentrations ranged from 4,522 pg ml−1 to 1,373 pg ml−1 and 31,940 pg ml−1 to 14,428 pg ml−1, E2 concentrations from 831 pg ml−1 to 60 pg ml−1 and 8,515 pg ml−1 to 2,902 pg ml−1, and P4 concentrations from 3,027 pg ml−1 to 20 pg ml−1 and 3,264 pg ml−1 to 331 pg ml−1, respectively. No statistical differences were detected between any months for any hormone. Estradiol concentrations were not correlated with ovary weight, shell gland weight, or diameter of the largest follicles in either species. Monthly T concentrations in male M. senta and A. radiata ranged from 23,146 to 12,660 pg ml−1 and from 57,500pg ml−1 to 24,737 pg ml−1, while E2 concentrations ranged from 7.5 pg ml−1 to undetectable and 103 to 30 pg ml−1, respectively. No statistical differences were observed between months for either steroid. Testosterone concentrations were weakly correlated with testes weight and percent of stage VI spermatocysts in A. radiata, however, no correlation was detected between T and stage VI spermatocysts in M. senta. Collectively, these data support the previous conclusion that M. senta and A. radiata of both sexes are capable of reproducing year round in the western Gulf of Maine.
Branched-chain amino-acid aminotransferase of Salmonella typhimurium. I. Crystallization and preliminary characterization.

Abstract 1. 1. A protocol for the purification of transaminase B (branched-chain amino-acid:2-oxoglutarate aminotransferase, EC 2.6.1.6) from Salmonella typhimurium that includes the following steps: (a) heat treatment; (b) ammonium sulfate fractionation; and (c) DEAE-cellulose column chromatography is presented. 2. 2. Crystallization of the enzyme is accomplished by an ammonium sulfate treatment of the purified preparation. 3. 3. Results of disc gel electrophoresis provide evidence that the crystalline enzyme is highly purified and free of any significant contamination. 4. 4. Basic enzymatic and spectral characteristics of the crystalline enzyme are presented.
SMARTSync: Towards patient-driven medication reconciliation

Interactions between prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and nutritional supplements can have negative consequences for patients. There is a need for the reconciliation across this spectrum spurred on by the adoption of electronic medical records by healthcare providers and the usage of personal health records by patients. In such a setting, unifying information from multiple sources through automated reconciliation can address adverse medication interactions, track adverse medication reactions, and avoid overmedication. This requires mitigating the integration issues of multiple data sources and systems. In this paper, we leverage Harvard University's SMART framework to perform medication reconciliation across different data sources, with the long-term goal of providing robust decision support for overmedication and adverse interactions. Our prototype application SMARTSync provides ontology-backed recognition of interactions, decision support, and is able to warn a patient (or notify a provider) of potential medication problems.
A technique for treating periprosthetic fractures of the femur associated with deep prosthetic infection.

In this report a case of periprosthetic fracture of the femur associated with deep prosthetic infection after a total hip arthroplasty is treated in a novel way that allows for stabilization of the fracture and the delivery of local antibiotics. The technique allows the surgeon to stabilize the fracture and deliver antibiotics locally with a cement-coated Enders nail. This technique is useful in this combination of difficult problems as it facilitates the goals of eradicating infection, alleviating pain and improving function.
Increase in Glyceride Content of Brown Fat by Treatment with Adrenocorticotropin.

SummaryTreatment of intact or castrated rats with ACTH caused an increase in the glyceride content of brown adipose tissue. Treatment of hypophysectomized rats with 3 times the dose used above failed to maintain the fat content of the interscapular gland at a normal level.
Interaction of photo-thermo-refractive glass with nanosecond pulses at 532 nm

Photo-thermo-refractive (PTR) glass is a photosensitive silicate glass where high-efficient holographic optical elements are created for visible and near infrared spectral region. Photosensitivity of this glass is ranged down to 350 nm. Induced absorption and refraction in PTR glass were studied under consequent exposing to low power UV and high power laser radiation of second harmonic of Nd:YAG laser at 532 nm (25 mJ, 5 ns). It was found that additional absorption induced in short wavelength region by initial UV irradiation can be partially bleached by consequent irradiation at visible region. Bleaching of additional absorption was observed after high-power irradiation at 532 nm while no effect was observed after low-power illumination with the same dosage. Induced refractive index of PTR glass is higher in the area consequently exposed to UV and high-power radiation at 532 nm compare to that in the area exposed to UV radiation only. The maximal refractive index difference between singleexposed and double-exposed areas was up to 10 -4 . Volume Bragg grating and complex hologram were recorded in PTR glass by visible radiation at 532 nm.
Transcendence and Feminism: Response to Anderson’s “Feminist Challenges to Conceptions of God”

An argument that Pamela Sue Anderson’s critique of Irigaray commits her to a version of the Ideal Observer Theory, a theory Anderson rejects. This paper was delivered in the APA Pacific 2007 Mini-Conference on Models of God.
Trichobilharzia physellae (Digenea: Schistosomatidae) from endemic waterfowl on the high plains of Texas

Adult Trichobilharzia physellae were recovered from the liver and mesenteric veins of green-winged teal, Anas creca, blue-winged teal, A. discors, and pintail, A. acuta, breeding on the High Plains of Texas. Wild ducks naturally-infected with these schistosomes were emaciated with mild to severe atrophy of the breast musculature. The liver was considerably enlarged, pale and somewhat friable. Numerous viable and dead T. physellae were recovered from the cut surface. On histologic examination, viable adult schistosomes were observed in the portal veins and dead, partly calcified T. physellae were found in the interlobular bile ducts. The normal liver architecture was well preserved but there was mild to extensive fibroplasia of most portal triads. An intense inflammatory response consisting mainly of eosinophils and fibroblasts with a few histiocytes, epithelioid cells, plasma cells, and lymphocytes surrounded the infected triads. There was pressure atrophy of adjacent hepatic parenchyma, hyperplasia or atrophy of the bile duct epithelium, bile stasis in smaller interlobular ducts, ectasia of larger portal ducts, focal areas of inflammatory cells throughout the liver, and periphlebitis of portal veins. The basic lesion presented as an obstructive fibrosis of the portal triads. These lesions are compared with those reported in infections by other schistosome species in their respective hosts. The oculate, apharyngeate, furcocercous cercariae of T. physellae were recovered from the snail first intermediate host, Physa anatina. Attempts to infect domestic mallard ducks via skin penetration by these cercariae were unsuccessful. This is the first record of a cercarial dermatitis-producing schistosome species from the Texas Panhandle and the first detailed description of such extensive lesions produced by adult schistosomes in the liver of a vertebrate host.
Backscatter signatures of biological aerosols in the infrared

To develop a deeper understanding of the optical signatures of both biological aerosols and potential interferents, we made field measurements of optical cross sections and compared them to model-based predictions. We measured aerosol cross sections by conducting a hard-target calibration of a light detection and ranging system (LIDAR) based on the Frequency Agile Laser (FAL). The elastic backscatter cross sections are estimated at 19 long-wave infrared (LWIR) wavelengths spanning the range from 9.23 to 10.696 μm. The theoretical modeling of the elastic backscatter cross sections is based on the measured refractive index and size distribution of the aerosols, which are used as inputs into Mie calculations. Both model calculations and experimental measurements show good agreement and also indicate the presence of spectral features based on single particle absorption in the backscatter cross sections that can be used as a basis for discrimination for both standoff and point sensors.
Biliary strictures after liver transplantation

Biliary complications are common after orthotopic liver transplantation, and biliary strictures occur in 1% to 23% of all liver transplants performed. Biliary strictures are typically divided into anastomotic or nonanastomotic strictures, with different risk factors for each type. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography is the procedure of choice for the diagnosis and management of most biliary strictures after liver transplantation. In this article, we review the incidence, pathogenesis, and risk factors for biliary strictures occurring after liver transplantation. We discuss the relationship between the type of biliary anastomosis and the subsequent development of biliary strictures. Finally, we discuss the indications for endoscopic intervention and focus on the endoscopic management of biliary strictures after liver transplantation.
Learning and costs in airframe production: A multiple‐output production function approach

This article examines the influence of both production rate and learning on airframe program costs. A dynamic multiple-output production model is developed and is used to observe the cost impact of changes in production rate and learning. Several simulations are performed to demonstrate the sensitivity of the optimal time path of cost to changes in the model parameters. The model is applied by estimating parameters from the F102 airframe program.
Résultats initiaux d'un programme de chirurgie endovasculaire de l'aorte thoracique: Une technique plus sûre chez les patients à haut risque

Les resultats du traitement endovasculaire de l'aorte thoracique dans notre institution sont presentes et confirment qu'il est sur chez les patients presentant des comorbidites significatives. Une revue retrospective de tous les patients ayant eu une reparation endovasculaire ou ouverte de l'aorte thoracique dans notre institution depuis 2002 a ete effectuee. Les principaux criteres de jugement incluaient la presentation clinique, les donnees demographiques, les facteurs de risque pre-operatoires, les details operatoires et les resultats cliniques. Le groupe endovasculaire comprenait 37 patients (22 hommes), tandis que le groupe opere de maniere conventionnelle incluait 19 patients (huit hommes). Huit patients de chaque groupe ont ete traites en urgence d'un traumatisme ou d'une rupture (22% et 42% respectivement, p = 0,11). Les patients du groupe endovasculaire etaient significativement plus vieux et porteurs de davantage de comorbidites (p
Quxatitative Theory of Seasitization

The chromium composition along the grain boundaries of sensitized austenitic stainless steel are calculated using several different quantitative theories of sensitization. The results of the calculations are compared to measured values of the chromium composition along the grain boundary in an effort to assess the validity of the various theories. The experimental results point out two facts not previously emphasized in prior studies: (1) the amount of carbide precipitation required to sensitize austenitic stainless steel is small; (2) significant de-sensitization does not occur until after large amountsof carbide precipitation have occurred.
Higher‐order finite element modelling of laminated composite plates

P-version finite elements based on higher-order theory are developed for the two-dimensional modelling of general bending and cylindrical bending of thin-to-thick laminated composite plates. In the case of general laminated plate elements, three displacement fields are used. In the special case of cylindrically bent laminated plate elements, two displacement fields are needed. In each case the displacement is expressed as the product of two functions—one in terms of out-of-plane co-ordinates alone and the other in terms of in-plane co-ordinates. The shape functions used to build the displacement fields are based on integral of Legendre' polynomials. The quality and performance of the elements are evaluated in terms of convergence characteristics of displacements and stresses. The predicted response quantities are compared with those available in the published literature based on analytical as well as conventional finite element models.
Managers' Reference Book Shelf

This survey is mainly concerned with certain basic sources of information aimed at persons occupying administrative and managerial positions in business and industry as well as academicians and students in business schools. It covers management theory and methods, industrial and personnel relations and legislation affecting such relationships, and manpower planning and related data sources. Since much of the current thinking and research on management is disseminated variously as reports and articles in scholarly periodicals, it would be logical to begin with indexing and abstracting sources which enable retrieval of such data. These should not be confused with serial publications whose aim is to provide the subject specialist with means to keep abreast of developments in his field, like Management Contents, Marketing Executive Digest and McGraw‐Hill Management Awareness Program.