cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The role of histopathology in polymorphous light eruption light testing

Summary Provocative light testing was performed in ten patients with polymorphous light eruption (Pmle) and in ten normal subjects to determine whether the histopathology of irradiated test sites could be used as an end point for a positive response. Three separate test sites on the lower back were irradiated (UV-B) with a single exposure to i minimal erythema dose (MED), a single exposure to 5 x MED, or three consecutive daily exposures to 3 x MED. Biopsies of all test sites were coded and examined without knowing if the biopsy was from a normal subject or a patient with Pmle. In no case was a rash reproduced by light testing. A spectrum of histologic features were observed at the three test sites in both normal subjects and patients with Pmle with no significant differences noted between the two groups. It was concluded that the histology at these UV-B irradiated test sites could not be used as an endpoint Pmle for testing. In establishing Pmle light testing techniques which rely on histology it is mandatory to include adequate numbers of normal controls.
CREDIT‐DEFAULT SWAPS ARE NOT TO BLAME

ABSTRACT Though accused by critics of helping to cause the current financial crisis, credit‐default swaps are blameless. The accusation is understandable, however, given misunderstandings about how a credit‐default swap actually works. A careful look into its mechanism shows that it is not only simpler than thought, but that it is also vital to keeping the financial system strong by enabling financial institutions to better manage their risks. The risk taken on in a credit‐default swap (CDS) is no different from the risk of making the underlying loan. CDSs allow risks to be spread more widely instead of being concentrated at vulnerable points, but they do not add to the total amount of risk.
Border security in risk society

Abstract This article examines contemporary migration and border controls in the U.S.‐Mexico borderlands through the prism of ‘risk society,’ a theoretical approach that reconceptualizes security and social change. Specifically, it analyzes the interplay between undocumented migration flows, policy reform, and the new ‘Smart Border’ regulatory regime initiated by the United States to police its frontiers. The events of September 11, 2001, and the subsequent focus on possible terrorism across U.S. borders, altered the political equation on migration and other bilateral issues in favor of technologically‐oriented border control systems. These systems, along with a potential guest worker program, are seen as a response to the difficult to detect threats inherent in and complicated by risk society; they are designed to facilitate free trade but at the same time screen out terrorists, weapons of mass destruction, illicit drugs, and undocumented migrants. These risks are insecurities introduced, in part, by pro...
Legal requirements and employer responses to accommodating employees with disabilities

Abstract This article focuses upon the legal requirements for accommodating individuals with disabilities in the workplace and the perceptions of employers regarding barriers to accommodation. After a brief analysis of how federal courts have interpreted the ADA's accommodation requirements, the literature on accommodation is reviewed and a theoretical framework for examining employers' attitudes toward accommodation is proposed. The article then tests the framework using the results of a study of 500 New Jersey employers which elicited their experiences with and attitudes toward the accommodation of disabled workers. Suggestions for further research are provided.
Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition for the treatment of moderate to severe diabetic retinopathy in normotensive Type 2 diabetic patients. A pilot study.

A few reports have suggested that angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-I) have a beneficial effect on mild diabetic retinopathy (DR). This pilot study was carried out to determine if a small dose of an ACE-I would retard the progression of moderate to severe DR in normotensive Type 2 diabetic patients. Normotensive patients were selected to isolate the effect on the ocular RAS independent of any lowering of blood pressure. Thirty-five normotensive Type 2 diabetic patients with /=1+ dipstick proteinuria times two (sustained proteinuria) for which an ACE-I was indicated. There were no differences in baseline age, gender, duration of diabetes, body mass indices, blood pressure, treatment of hyperglycemia or Hb A1C levels between the two groups. Blood pressure and Hb A1C levels did not change in either group during the study. The study was stopped prematurely after a mean duration of 7.2 months after an interim analysis revealed that it was very unlikely that a beneficial effect of ACE-I could be shown. At that time in the ACE-I group, four patients had progressed to PDR, three to ME and one had developed sustained proteinuria. In the MVI group, three patients had progressed to PDR, one to ME and one had developed sustained proteinuria. Small doses of an ACE-I did not exert a beneficial effect on the progression of moderate to severe DR over a short period of follow-up. An analysis of previously published clinical information on the effects of ACE-I, most of which evaluated patients with milder DR, supports only a limited (if any) beneficial effect of this class of drugs on the early stages of this microvascular complication.
Efficient and Scalable PRAM Algorithms for Discrete-Event Simulation of Bounded Degree Networks

We describe two new parallel algorithms, one conservative and another optimistic, for discrete-event simulation on an exclusive-read exclusive-write parallel random-access machine (EREW PRAM). The target physical systems are bounded degree networks which are represented by logic circuits. Employing p processors, our conservative algorithm can simulate up to O(p) independent messages of a system with n logical processes in O(log n) time. The number of processors, p, can be optimally varied in the range 1 ? p ? n. To identify independent messages, this algorithm also introduces a novel scheme based on a variable size time window. Our optimistic algorithm is designed to reduce the rollback frequency and the memory requirement to save past states and messages. The optimistic algorithm also simulates O(p) earliest messages on a p-processor computer in O(log n) time. To our knowledge, such a theoretical efficiency in parallel simulation algorithms, conservative or optimistic, has been achieved for the first time.
On a Divergent series of measurable functions

Click on the link to view the abstract. Keywords: Series of trigonometric functions Quaestiones Mathematicae 31(2008), 375–378
Autonomic innervation of rabbit urinary bladder following estrogen administration.

Abstract The effects of estrogen administration on the autonomic innervation of the rabbit urinary bladder were studied. Immature female white rabbits were injected twice daily with estrogen (150 μg./Kg.) for four consecutive days. Control animals received injections of vehicle alone. The adrenergic innervation was identified using the glyoxalic acid method of catecholamine histofluorescence. The cholinergic innervation was visualized utilizing specific acetylcholinesterase staining. Additionally, the effect of estrogen administration on the response of smooth muscle strips of urinary bladder to specific autonomic agonists was determined. Estrogen administration induced a moderate increase in the adrenergic innervation of the rabbit bladder detrusor, whereas no change could be observed in the cholinergic innervation. It should be noted, however, that whereas the adrenergic innervation in the bladder of the control animal was sparse, the cholinergic innervation in the bladder body was quite dense. Estrogen induced a marked increase in the response to alpha -adrenergic (methoxamine) and muscarinic cholinergic (bethanechol) agonists. No alterations were noted in the response to beta-adrenergic agonists (isoproterenol). These findings indicate that the urinary bladder responds as a target organ of estrogen-induced alterations in autonomic innervation.
205: Progesterone maintains a balance in collagen metabolism while estrogen drives production in cervical stromal cells

metabolism while estrogen drives production in cervical stromal cells Huiling Ji, Joshua Dahlke, Edward Chien Warren Alpert School of Medicine of Brown University, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Providence, RI OBJECTIVE: Cervical remodeling is associated with extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling. Collagen is the main ECM component in the cervix contributing to tissue resistance. Collagen remodeling in the cervix during gestation is thought to be hormone regulated and involves both the production of new protein as well as degradation of existing fibers. We have previously shown that estrogen increases collagen secretion. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of estradiol and progesterone on both collagen production and degradation in rat cervical stromal cells. STUDY DESIGN: Primary rat cervical stromal cells were cultured using an explant method approved by the IACUC. Passage 2-6 cells were plated on six well plates in serum free media. Cells were treated for 3 days with estradiol or progesterone. Vehicle treated cells were used as controls. Culture medium was collected for soluble collagen assay. The ECM collagen that was adherent to the culture dish was extracted using 0.5M acetic acid. Sircol Red Assay was used to quantify soluble and ECM collagen. Western Blot was performed to evaluate the expression of Type I and III collagen, MMP2, MMP9 and MMP13. Zymography was used to detect MMP2 and MMP9 expression. Data was analyzed using Sigma Stat. RESULTS: Similar to prior studies estradiol increased soluble collagen secretion while no change was observed with progesterone. Estradiol and progesterone had similar effects on ECM collagen. Estradiol stimulated collagen I /III expression and decreased MMP2 expression. Progesterone did not change Type I/III collagen expression but increased MMP13 expression. MMP9 expression did not change in either estradiol or progesterone treated rat cervical stromal cells. CONCLUSION: Estradiol increased overall collagen production by stimulating protein secretion and polymerization while inhibiting the production of collagenases. Collagen content was maintained by progesterone by balancing production and degradation.
Effects of a 2 × CO2 climate on two large lake systems: Pyramid Lake, Nevada, and Yellowstone Lake, Wyoming

Abstract The possible effects of trace-gas induced climatic changes on Pyramid and Yellowstone Lakes are assessed using a model of lake temperature. The model is driven by 3 1 2 years of hourly meteorological data obtained directly from the output of double-CO 2 experiments (2 × CO 2 ) conducted with a regional climate model nested in a general circulation model. The regional atmospheric model is the climate version of the National Center for Atmospheric Research/Pennsylvania State University mesoscale model, MM4. Average annual surface temperature of Pyramid Lake for the 2 × CO 2 climate is 15.5 ± 5.4°C (±1 σ), 2.8°C higher than the control. Annual overturn of the lake ceases as a result of these higher temperatures for the 2 × CO 2 climate. Evaporation increases from 1400 mm yr −1 in the control to 1595 mm yr −1 in the 2 × CO 2 simulation, but net water supplied to the Pyramid Lake basin increases from −6 mm yr −1 in the control to +27 mm yr −1 in the 2 × CO 2 simulation due to increased precipitation. For the open water periods, the average annual surface temperature of Yellowstone Lake is 13.2 ± 5.1°C for the 2 × CO 2 climate, a temperature 1.6°C higher than the control. The annual duration of ice cover on the lake is 152 days in the 2 × CO 2 simulation, a reduction of 44 days relative to the control. Warming of the lake for the 2 × CO 2 climate is mostly confined to the near-surface. Simulated spring overturn for the 2 × CO 2 climate occurs earlier in the year and fall overturn later than in the control. Evaporation increases from 544 mm yr −1 to 600 mm yr −1 in the 2 × CO 2 simulation, but net water supplied to the Yellowstone Lake basin increases from +373 mm yr −1 in the control to +619 mm yr −1 due to increased precipitation. The effects of these climatic changes suggest possible deterioration of water quality and productivity in Pyramid Lake and possible enhancement of productivity in Yellowstone Lake.
Drug discrimination training with progressively lowered doses

Rats were trained to discriminate drug from no-drug conditions in a two-lever operant task. Moderately high dosages were used initially. Whenever the discrimination was learned, training was continued with progressively reduced dosages. Eventually the rats discriminated extremely low doses of phenobarbital, chlordiazepoxide, cyclazocine, and fentanyl.
On the dispersion of fluid particles

The dispersion of fluid particles in a turbulent flow is described by transition-probability density functions. A renormalized expansion is made to establish the evolution equations of these functions. The resulting equations are nonlinear integrodifferential equations written in terms of Eulerian velocity-correlation functions. For the dispersion of a single particle, the equation at the zeroth order is the same as the one obtained by Roberts (1961). For the relative dispersion of a pair of particles, the equation is more convenient for applications than those of other theories. With this equation, Richardson's -power law for relative diffusion is recovered analytically based upon the Kolmogoroff spectrum and numerically based upon the von Karman spectrum and a smoothed experimental spectrum.
Reduction of doxorubicin (adriamycin) bone marrow toxicity.

Abstract Doxorubicin (adriamycin), an antineoplastic antibiotic, is a potent suppressant of bone marrow. Previous studies on doxorubicin disposition indicated that its diversion from bone marrow in the first few minutes after administration should result in a marked decrease in total exposure to the drug (concentration X time) with a concomitant reduction in concentration‐time‐dependent toxicity. To test this hypothesis, the descending aorta of rabbits was occluded just proximal to the iliac bifurcation for 30 min to deprive bone marrow of blood flow. Both these rabbits and the control rabbits were given 5 mg/kg of doxorubicin intravenously, and the total white cell count in peripheral blood was monitored periodically for 15 days. The decrease in toxicity produced by the occlusion was quite evident by comparison of white cell counts and deaths in all groups. A possible mechanism of this effect was shown to be a decreased doxorubicin exposure of bone marrow tissue in the occluded animals as judged by relative doxorubicin concentration‐time curves in rabbits with and without the aortic occlusion.
Identification of tissue interaction of terahertz radiation toward functional tissue imaging by terahertz spectroscopic imaging

In this study, we utilize Terahertz imaging to study the effects of hydrofluoric acid on both compact bone tissue and cartilage. We compare the differences observed in the exposure for formalin fixed and raw, dried, tissue as well as those resulting from a change in Hydrofluoric (HF) concentration. Measurements are performed with THz-TDS, and a variety of spectroscopic based image reconstruction techniques are utilized to develop contrast in the features of interest.
Molecular friction coefficients in polymers and their temperature dependence

Analysis of the temperature dependence of viscoelastic and dielectric relaxation processes in several individual polymers by the equation of Williams, Landel, and Ferry provides values of the fractional free volume at the glass transition temperature and its thermal expansion coefficient which are rather similar in different systems and of reasonable magnitude, with one exception (poly-n-butyl methacrylate). The friction coefficient per monomer unit atT g , derived from viscoelastic data, varies from 103 to 106 dyn-sec/cm; it is believed to depend on the magnitude of intermolecular forces as well as the disposition of local free volume in the packing of chain segments, which will be affected by detailed geometry even though the average fractional free volume atT g is apparently not much affected. The friction coefficient of a foreign molecule of comparable size to a chain monomer unit, derived from diffusion measurements, is similar in magnitude to that of a chain unit for polyisobutylene 96° aboveT g ; but is very much smaller than that of chain unit for polyvinyl acetate only 12° aboveT g . The temperature dependences of these quantities are similarly related. It is suggested that a foreign molecule is provided with local excess free volume which is relatively unimportant when the average free volume is considerable (well aboveT g ) but greatly reduces the friction coefficient when the average free volume is small (nearT g ).
Molecular epidemiology: the impact of molecular biology in epidemiology research.

Los avances en la biologia y genetica moleculares, a traves del desarrollo del diagnostico molecular y de acciones medicas dirigidas a individuos geneticamente susceptibles, estan cambiando aceleradamente la practica de la medicina y de la salud publica. Las consecuencias eticas, legales y sociales estan llegando a ser evidentes mientras estos descubrimientos se introducen en la practica clinica. La apropiada traduccion de esta nueva informacion desde el laboratorio a la comunidad es una necesidad urgente. La aplicacion de herramientas moleculares a la epidemiologia es considerada parte fundamental en el cumplimiento de esa tarea. El presente articulo describe el concepto de epidemiologia molecular que representa la base cientifica de la salud publica para el Siglo XXI
Mobility and Aging: Transference to Transportation

Mobility is fundamental to everyday life and is critical to an understanding of the health and well-being of older populations. The construct of mobility focuses on the ability of individuals to meet the challenges of the environment given their capabilities associated with movement within and between environments. Mobility can also be characterized by its form including transferring from bed to a chair, walking and ambulation, engaging in activities associated with independence, work, leisure-time activities, driving a car, and using various forms of passenger transport (William Satariano, personal communication, April 24, 2011). It is a central tenet of successful aging [1] and healthy aging [2]. CDC's Healthy Aging Research Network defines healthy aging as “the development and maintenance of optimal physical, mental, and social well-being and function in older adults. It is most easily achieved when physical environments and communities are safe and support the adoption and maintenance of attitudes and behaviors known to promote health and well-being and when health services and community programs are used effectively to prevent or minimize the impact of acute and chronic disease on function” [2].
The Impact of Wage‐Setting Institutions on the Incidence of Public Employment in the OECD: 1960–1998

Using data on seventeen Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries for 1960–1998, this paper studies the impact of unions on public employment incidence, using macro- and microdata. Macrodata show that greater coverage by centralized collective bargaining institutions raises the public employment share, controlling for country effects and country-specific trends. Microdata show that this effect is more positive for outsiders: women, and younger and older men. Thus, government jobs may in effect partially counteract the employment problems these groups face in highly unionized societies.
Compressive and shear properties of alginate gel: effects of sodium ions and alginate concentration.

The equilibrium and viscoelastic properties of alginate gel crosslinked with Ca2+ were determined as a function of alginate concentration and duration of exposure to physiologic concentrations of NaCl. Compressive and shear stress relaxation tests and oscillatory shear tests were performed to measure the material properties at two time periods after storage in NaCl compared to no NaCl exposure. The effect of concentration was determined by testing 1-3% alginate gel in a bath of physiological NaCl and CaCl2. After 15 h of exposure to NaCl, the compressive, equilibrium shear, and dynamic shear moduli decreased by 63, 84, and 90% of control values, respectively. The material properties exhibited no further changes after 7 days of exposure to NaCl. The loss angle and amplitude of the relaxation function in the shear also decreased, indicating less viscous behaviors in both dynamic and transient configurations. All moduli, but not the loss angle, significantly increased with increasing alginate concentration. The observed decrease in compressive and shear stiffness for alginate gel after exposure to Na+ was significant and indicated that physiological conditions will soften the gel over a time period of up to 7 days after gelation. The alginate gel retains significant solid-like behaviors, however, as measured by a loss angle of approximately 3 degrees. This study provides the first available data for material properties of alginate gel tested in physiological saline.
A comparison of epilepsy patients in a traditional ambulatory clinic and a telemedicine clinic.

Summary: Purpose: This article compares a traditional ambulatory clinic in an academic medical center with a telemedicine clinic. The telemedicine clinic is a joint project of the UTMB Telehealth Center and the Epilepsy Foundation of Southeast Texas, with partial funding for clinical operations provided by the Texas Department of Health. Methods: Data were collected on all the patients (n = 155) in both clinics for 3 months in 2004. In addition to demographic information, outcome data (number of seizures, hospitalizations, and emergency room visits) were gathered. Medication compliance also was collected by using self-report and medication levels. Results: Outcome variables were subjected to t test and χ2 analysis. No significant differences were found in any of the demographic data or outcome measures between the two groups. Conclusions: Telemedicine is an acceptable alternative to in-person clinics for the provision of care to adults with epilepsy. Because telemedicine programs are designed to bring medical care closer to where patients live, these clinics provide an excellent alternative to provide consistent care in rural and geographically isolated areas. Additional studies are needed to investigate the potential costs associated with telemedicine as well as the potential for cost savings over time as patients are more able to access care and therefore may be more likely to seek the needed routine care and follow-up.
Random stacking model applied to tetrahedrally bonded amorphous semiconductors: The scattering intensity.

In this work we present the results of a careful analysis of a random stacking, or stacking fault, model for tetrahedrally bonded amorphous semiconductors. In this model due originally to Wilson, the structure is characterized by the probability of faulting $\ensuremath{\alpha}(0\ensuremath{\le}\ensuremath{\alpha}\ensuremath{\le}1)$ when close-packed pairs of planes (double layers) are stacked in the direction perpendicular to the planes: adjacent planes are relatively displaced, occupying positions $A$ or $B$ or $C$; complete randomness is achieved for $\ensuremath{\alpha}=\frac{1}{2}$, and a wurtzite or diamond structure for $\ensuremath{\alpha}=0 or 1$, respectively. We modified Wilson's earlier results by taking the limit of an infinite stacking sequence and by separating discrete and continuous parts of the scattering: this facilitates the analytical and numerical application of the model for structures with arbitrary fault probability $\ensuremath{\alpha}$. In the course of our analysis we carefully examined some other recent and more restricted treatments of the random stacking model. We find that the "invariant vectors" whose existence was pointed out by Betteridge are a consequence only of the relative displacement of adjacent planes and of the maintenance of any fixed interlayer spacing and do not result from the existence of perfect tetrahedral bonds as Betteridge and Heine asserted. Perfect tetrahedral bonding occurs for only one particular ratio of interplane spacing to in-plane spacing: $\frac{c}{a}=\sqrt{\frac{2}{3}}$. Hodges' assertion that the scattering from a completely random stacking structure ($\ensuremath{\alpha}=\frac{1}{2}$) is closer to wurtzite scattering is irrelevant because of his omission of one of the two equivalent three layer sequences from consideration: when both sequences are included the asserted connection disappears. We also give some preliminary results of a numerical calculation of the scattering intensity for various fault probabilities.
Acceptability and validity of older driver screening with the DrivingHealth® Inventory

Abstract Research has indicated that technology can be effectively used to identify high-risk older drivers. However, adaptation of such technology has been limited. Researchers debate whether older drivers represent a safety problem as well as whether they should be screened for driving fitness. The present study examined how drivers feel regarding technological screening and mandatory state testing. The validity and acceptability of a new technological screening battery for identifying high-risk drivers, the DrivingHealth® Inventory (DHI), was also evaluated. In a sample of 258 Alabama drivers aged 18–87, older drivers performed significantly worse than younger drivers on sensory, cognitive, and physical subtests of the DHI, and older drivers with a crash history performed worse than older drivers without crashes. Regardless of age, 90% of participants supported states requiring screening for older drivers’ license renewal. The majority of the participants (72%) supported use of technological screening batteries such as the DHI as a driver screening tool. Considering the acceptability and potential efficacy of the DHI, it may be a useful tool in evaluating driving fitness among older adults.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Pancreas: A Case Report and Review of Literature

Primary squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the pancreas is an extremely rare tumor with the normal pancreas being entirely devoid of squamous cells. It, however, has been noted that during inflammatory episodes, squamous metaplasia of ductal columnar cells has been observed; however, transformation to SCC is rare. We herein describe a case of pancreatic SCC and provide a review of existing literature.
CELL CYCLE EVENTS IN THE HYDROCORTISONE REGULATION OF ALKALINE PHOSPHATASE IN HELA S3 CELLS

The increase in alkaline phosphatase in asynchronous cultures of HeLa S3 cells grown in medium supplemented with hydrocortisone is characterized by a lag period of 10–12 hr. Present studies utilizing synchronous cell populations indicate: (a) a minimum of 8–10 hr of incubation with hydrocortisone is necessary for maximum induction of alkaline phosphatase; (b) the increase in enzyme activity produced by hydrocortisone is initiated exclusively in the synthetic phase of the cell cycle; (c) alkaline phosphatase activity does not vary appreciably over a normal control cell cycle. Radioactive hydrocortisone is rapidly distributed into HeLa cells irrespective of their position in the cell cycle, indicating that inductive effects are not governed by selective permeability during the cell cycle. Hydrocortisone-1,2-[3H] diffuses back from the cell into the medium when the cells are incubated in fresh medium containing no hydrocortisone, and the alkaline phosphatase induction, under these conditions, is completely reversible.
Grain size stability of nanocrystalline cryomilled Fe-3wt.%Al alloy

Abstract Nanocrystalline Fe-3wt.%Al alloy powders are synthesized using cryogenic mechanical alloying in liquid N. Uptake of O by the powders is significantly reduced by controlling the atmosphere and pressure during milling. The initial 18 nm grain size of the cryomilled powder is found to experience grain growth at temperatures above 500°C (0.42 T m ), as determined by X-ray diffraction. Cryomilled pure Fe, in contrast, is found to be significantly less stable. Transmission electron microscopy indicates that the grain growth in the Fe-3wt.%Al is abnormal, while lattice parameter measurements indicate limited dissolution of Al in the Fe matrix.
Neuroendocrine profiles associated with energy intake, sleep, and stress in the night eating syndrome.

Context: Night eating syndrome (NES) is characterized by evening hyperphagia and frequent awakenings with ingestion of food. It is associated with obesity and depressed mood. Greater understanding of hormonal influences on NES is desirable. Objective: Our objective was to evaluate 25-h profiles of hormones involved in energy balance, sleep, and stress in NES. Design: Blood assays for glucose, insulin, ghrelin, leptin, melatonin, cortisol, TSH, and prolactin were sampled repeatedly among NES and control subjects. Food intake and depressive symptoms were assessed. Setting and Participants: Fifteen NES and 14 matched control participants stayed three nights in a General Clinical Research Center. Main Outcome Measures: We assessed differences between NES and control participants in the 25-h profiles of eight hormones. Results: Nocturnal food intake was higher among NES participants, although their daily calorie intake was similar to that of controls. Reflecting their increased nocturnal intake, insulin (P < 0...
Recent changes in freezing level heights in the Tropics with implications for the deglacierization of high mountain regions

[1] The height of the freezing level in the tropical atmosphere (the free air 0°C isotherm) has increased across most of the region, particularly in the outer Tropics. In the tropical Andes, south of the Equator, high elevation surface temperatures and upper air data show a similar trend in temperature, of ∼0.1°C/decade over the last 50 years. Meteorological observations at 5680 m on the summit of the Quelccaya Ice Cap, the largest ice mass in the Tropics, indicate that daily maximum temperatures often exceed 0°C from October–May, and rise well above freezing for much of the year around the ice cap margin at 5200 m. This is consistent with observations of a rise in the percolation facies (an indicator of surface melting) in recent decades, and other observations of marginal recession, showing that the ice cap is rapidly losing mass. Similar conditions are likely to be affecting other high elevation ice caps and glaciers in Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia, with important implications for water supplies in the region. Over the Tropics as a whole, freezing level height (FLH) is closely related to mean SSTs, with inter-annual variations in FLH controlled by the phase of ENSO variability. More extensive monitoring of climatic conditions at high elevations in the mountains of the Tropics is urgently needed.
Prenatal exposure to methamphetamine presenting as neonatal cholestasis.

Introduction Methamphetamine has been recognized as a common cause of acute toxic hepatitis in adults with clinical and histologic features indistinguishable from acute viral hepatitis. Clinical presentation of methamphetamine hepatotoxicity ranges from mild acute hepatitis with prompt recovery to fulminant hepatic failure. The pathophysiology of this hepatotoxicity is not well elucidated. Prenatal exposure to methamphetamine has been linked to intrauterine growth retardation and variety of withdrawal symptoms. Neonatal cholestasis is rare but serious problem that indicates hepatobiliary dysfunction and has several categories of etiologies. These include infectious, metabolic, endocrine, toxic, structural, familial, and autoimmune disorders. Cholestatic hepatitis is a recognized complication of exposure to some drugs including carbamazepine and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Case A 35-week preterm, appropriate for gestational age, white girl was born to a 39-year-old mother who had no prenatal care. The mother's urine drug screen revealed methamphetamine. The baby passed pale meconium and her subsequent stools were hypo-pigmented. A detailed work up was done and was unremarkable except for hepatobiliary scintigraphy, with no activity noted in the small bowel on delayed imaging. An operative cholangiogram and liver biopsy were performed. The cholangiogram revealed patent bile ducts. Liver biopsy was consistent with acute viral or toxic hepatitis. Gradual drop of bilirubin was noted. With negative extensive work up for other etiology, known hepatotoxicity of methamphetamine, early onset of cholestasis that improved without specific therapy, it is strongly suspected that prenatal exposure to methamphetamine is the most likely culprit in this patient. Discussion This is the first recorded case of neonatal cholestasis related to prenatal exposure to methamphetamine. Methamphetamine is considered the fastest-growing illicit drug in United States. Hence, prenatal exposure to methamphetamine is expected to rise. Healthcare providers should become aware of the possibility of methamphetamine effect on the fetal liver. Raising awareness of the expectant mothers through the healthcare profession may reduce the risk of this condition.
Evaluation of four techniques using intensity-modulated radiation therapy for comprehensive locoregional irradiation of breast cancer.

Purpose To establish optimal intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) techniques for treating the left breast and regional nodes, using moderate deep-inspiration breath hold. Methods and Materials We developed four IMRT plans of differing complexity for each of 10 patients following lumpectomy for left breast cancer. A dose of 60 Gy was prescribed to the boost planning target volume (PTV) and 52.2 Gy to the breast and supraclavicular, infraclavicular, and internal mammary nodes. Two plans used inverse-planned beamlet techniques: a 9-field technique, with nine equispaced axial beams, and a tangential beamlet technique, with three to five ipsilateral beams. The third plan (a segmental technique) used a forward-planned multisegment technique, and the fourth plan (a segmental blocked technique) was identical but included a block to limit heart dose. Dose--volume histograms were generated, and metrics chosen for comparison were analyzed using the paired t test. Results Mean heart and left anterior descending coronary artery doses were similar with the tangential beamlet and segmental blocked techniques but higher with the segmental and 9-field techniques (mean paired difference of 15.1 Gy between segmental and tangential beamlet techniques, p Conclusions Compared to the 9-field beamlet and segmental techniques, a tangential beamlet IMRT technique reduced exposure to normal tissues and maintained reasonable target coverage.
SENSITIVITY OF LISTERIA MONOCYTOGENES TO SPICES AT TWO TEMPERATURES

Thirteen spices were screened for growth inhibition effect against Listeria monocytogenes at 24°C using a concentration gradient plate method. Cloves, and oregano were the two most inhibitory spices with MIC values ranging from 0.5 to 0.7% (W/V). Inhibition was also detected with sage and rosemary (MIC of 0.7 to 1.0%) as well as nutmeg (MIC of 1.1–1.4%). Black pepper, chili, cinnamon, garlic, mustard, paprika, parsley and red pepper at a concentration up to 3.0% did not inhibit the growth of the organisms. The effect of cloves, oregano and sage on the growth and survival of L. monocytogenes Scott A was further tested in tryptic soy broth at both 4 and 24°C. At a concentration of 0.5 or 1.0%, cloves were bactericidal and oregano was bacteriostatic to this organism at both incubation temperatures. Sage at these two concentrations was bactericidal at 4°C and bacteriostatic at 24°C. When tested in sterile meat slurry, a 1.0% level of either cloves or oregano had little effect on the growth of L. monocytogenes Scott A at 4 or 24°C.
Deep Hypothermia in Cardiovascular Surgery

Abstract Recent experimental studies and clinical application of deep hypothermia for cardiovascular surgery are reviewed. At most institutions, surface hypothermia alone or in combination with limited cardiopulmonary bypass has been employed. Circulatory dynamics were well maintained following prolonged cardiac arrest at 20°C. Some degree of acidosis usually developed after the arrest period but was gradually corrected during rewarming. Total circulatory occlusion could be maintained for at least one hour at 20°C. without evidence of cerebral damage in infants. Many complex congenital cardiac anomalies, including transposition of the great arteries, total anomalous pulmonary venous return, ventricular septal defect, and tetralogy of Fallot, have been successfully corrected in the first few weeks of life. Less encouraging results have been achieved in patients with infradiaphragmatic total anomalous pulmonary venous return, complete atrioventricular canal, or pulmonary atresia.
Discharge Destination After Dysvascular Lower-Limb Amputations

Abstract Dillingham TR, Pezzin LE, MacKenzie EJ. Discharge destination after dysvascular lower-limb amputations. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2003;84:1662–8. Objective To examine postacute care rehabilitation services use after dysvascular amputation. Design State-maintained hospital discharge data from the Maryland Health Services Cost Review Commission were analyzed. Setting Maryland statewide hospital discharge database. Participants Persons discharged from nonfederal acute care hospitals from 1986 to 1997 with a procedure code for lower-limb amputation (ICD-9-CM code 84.12–.19), excluding toe amputations. Those persons with amputations due to trauma, bone malignancy, or congenital anomalies were excluded. Interventions Not applicable. Main outcome measure Postacute care service utilization. Results There were 16,759 discharges with an amputation procedure over this period. The average age was 69.3±14.3 years, and 51.9% were men. Black persons comprised 42.4% of the sample. Diabetes was present in 42.0%, and peripheral vascular disease was noted for 66.1% of amputees. Amputations were at the foot (19.4%), transtibial (38.1%), and transfemoral (42.4%) levels. The largest proportion (40.6%) of patients was discharged directly home after acute care, 37.4% went to a nursing home, 9.2% went home with home care, and 9.6% were discharged to an inpatient rehabilitation unit. From 1986 to 1997, there were downward trends in the rate of discharges directly home and corresponding upward trends in nursing home and inpatient rehabilitation dispositions. Conclusions Inpatient rehabilitation use is infrequent after dysvascular amputation. Prospective studies are necessary to examine outcomes for persons receiving rehabilitation services in different care settings to define the optimal rehabilitation venue for functional restoration.
Fossil Chlorins in a Triassic Sediment

SPECTROSCOPIC evidence for the presence of green chlorophyll-derivatives in ancient sediments and crude oils has been reported by Treibs1 and by Blumer2. We have now succeeded in isolating and characterizing the green pigments responsible for the absorption band at about 640 mµ in the extracts of the porphyrin-rich Triassic oil-shale from Serpiano (Switzerland) (Fig. 1A). The pigments are isolated by first removing from the extracts the asphaltenes by iso-octane precipitation and extracting the ether solution of the pigment-concentrate with 6 N hydrochloric acid. Subsequent partitioning between ether and hydrochloric acid of increasing concentration removes the stronger bases deoxophyllerythroetioporphyrin (DPEP) and meso-etioporphyrin (MEP). The final purification of the green pigment is then accomplished by repetitive chromatography over partially deactivated alumina (Brockman III). The spectrum of the pure pigment (Fig. 1B) is characteristic of the chlorin (dihydroporphin) configuration, and the partial resolution of the band at 490 mµ in addition to the presence of a small band at 612 mµ is indicative of a meso-chlorin, a chlorophyll-derivative in which the vinyl-group in the 2-position has been hydrogenated to an ethyl-group3. The high Chromatographie mobility of this pigment on alumina and on paper (R F = 0.75 on Whatman No. 3 paper, carbon tetrachloride–iso-octane developer, 7 : 3, see ref. 4) eliminates the possibility of the presence of acid-, ester- and other polar groups like —COH, —CO, —OH.
The first heart sound in intermittent left bundle branch block

Abstract The presence of intermittent left bundle branch block during a regular sinus rhythm has permitted an evaluation of the first heart sound and some of its determinants at a time when most factors affecting this sound were reasonably constant. During left bundle branch block, the first sound was markedly and consistently diminished. The maximal rate of rise of left ventricular pressure was decreased, initial motion of the heart as seen in the apex cardiogram was altered and the pre-ejection period was prolonged. These changes are in all probability related to the abnormal order of depolarization and activation of the left ventricle in left bundle branch block.
Classical Wing Theory and the Downward Velocity of Vortex Wakes

Classical wing theory is extended downstream from a flat vortex sheet to include vortex-wake configurations that can be considered as fully rolled up into a vortex pair. Classical wing theory was chosen as the method to be used because it is based on the flux of downward momentum imparted to the ambient flow field by the lift on a wing. After the theory is reviewed to establish the theoretical process used to analyze vortex wakes, it is extended to the configuration of lift-generated wakes that occur after roll-up of the vortex sheet, and that are composed of a vortex pair inside of an oval-shaped region that propagates downward as a unit. The distribution of downward momentum inside the oval, and in the surrounding fluid, found for the rolled-up vortex pair is then applied to vortex wakes as they undergo instabilities that lead to their decomposition and dispersion.
Late Archaean/Early Proterozoic CO2 streaming through the lower crust and geochemical segregation

Considerable evidence exists for large-scale migration of CO2-rich fluids through the lower continental crust in the Late Archaean and Early Proterozoic, with transfer of heat producing elements and H2O to higher levels. The evidence manifest in the large charnockitic terrains of this age includes deformation-related charnockitic alteration of gneisses, nearly ubiquitous CO2-rich fluid inclusions in minerals, depletion of large-ion-lithophile elements (LILE), particularly Rb, relative to typical upper crustal rocks, similar depletion of 18O in paragneisses and petrographic and geochemical evidence of open-system replacement of amphibole gneiss by charnockite. A conveyor-belt upper mantle source appears to have been necessary for prolonged CO2 supply in high-grade crustal metamorphism, most plausibly by deep subduction of marine carbonate under continental interiors. This plate tectonic mode seems consonant with crustal thickening and orogenic patterns inferred for most charnockitic terrains and with CO2 transport mechanisms constrained by experimental petrology.
A randomized, controlled trial of NRT-aided gradual vs. abrupt cessation in smokers actively trying to quit

Most smoking cessation programs advise abrupt rather than gradual cessation. We conducted a randomized, controlled trial of gradual cessation (n = 297) vs. abrupt cessation (n = 299) vs. minimal treatment (n = 150) among smokers who wanted to quit now and preferred to quit gradually. Participants were recruited via newspaper and radio advertisements. The gradual and abrupt conditions received five phone calls (total = 90 min) and the minimal treatment condition received two calls (25 min total). The gradual condition received nicotine lozenge (via mail) to reduce smoking prior to their quit date. After the quit day, all participants received lozenge. The primary outcome was prolonged abstinence from 2 weeks post-quit day through 6 months. Prior to the quit day, the gradual condition decreased cigarettes/day by 54%, whereas the other two conditions decreased by 1% and 5%. Prolonged abstinence rates (CO < 10 ppm) did not differ among gradual, abrupt and minimal treatment conditions (4%, 7% and 5%), nor did 7-day point prevalence rates (7%, 11% and 11%). Fewer smokers in the gradual condition (48%) made a quit attempt than in the abrupt (64%) or minimal (60%) conditions (p < .001). In the gradual condition, every week delay to the quit date increased the probability of lapsing by 19% (p < .001). We conclude that among smokers who want to stop gradually in the near future, gradual cessation with nicotine pre-treatment does not produce higher quit rates than abrupt cessation. One liability of gradual reduction may be that it allows smokers to delay their quit date.
Technical Choices, Social Categories and Meaning Among the Andean Potters of Las Animas:

Las Animas is a northern Andean community where potters have been making copies of archaeological artefacts for the last 30 years. Dual organiz ation characterizes this village. Here, potters live on one side of the com munity, comerciantes (distributors) on the other. Ethnotechnological studies show that two distinct production sequences are used for this pottery. Men in the high-status upper barrio use one, women and men in the lower-status barrio use the other. This new craft offers a vivid example of the dynamic role of technologies in shaping social forms and categories and the ways in which those forms and categories shape technological choices: here, gender and status distinctions are manifest through technical practices. Animenos link their work to that of the Antiguos, their prehistoric predecessors. These beliefs may partly explain why pottery production has become a powerful vehicle for social expression.
Tolerance to morphine-produced discriminative stimuli and analgesia.

Male hooded rats were trained in Skinner boxes to press one lever after a morphine injection (10 mg/kg) and another lever after a saline injection (1 ml/kg) on an FR 10 schedule of food reinforcement. After the drug discrimination was well established, the rats were tested for stimulus generalization at different doses of morphine, followed by assessment of tail withdrawal latency as a measure of analgesia. Subjects were then administered increasing doses of morphine sulphate to induce and increased level of tolerance. New dose-response curves indicated that tolerance developed to the morphine-induced discriminative stimulus, and to the analgesic action of morphine, but doses of morphine that failed to cause detectable analgesia still produced a pronounced discriminative stimulus.