cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Die Neuassyrischen Ursprünge Der Kanonformel in Deuteronomium 13,1 (The Origins of the Neo-Assyrian Canon Formula in Deuteronomy 13:1)

Expanding on previous work, this chapter shows the close connection between Deut 13 and the Neo-Assyrian treaty tradition. It shows how the “canon-formula” of Deut 13:1 belongs in its context and does not represent a secondary addition, as many scholars have recently claimed. Contrary to what is widely held, Deut 4:2 reworks Deut 13:1, rather than serving as its literary source. The increasing tendency of many scholars to construct a “covenant theology” stratum in the legal corpus, dated to the post-exilic period and regarded as a secondary legalizing development from an assumed non-nomistic, pre-exilic Israelite religion is challenged. The important recent discovery of a display copy of a version of Esarhaddon’s loyalty oath in the temple cella at Tel Tayinat is discussed extensively.
Applications of Compton imaging in nuclear waste characterization and treaty verification

Compton imaging systems have a number of advantages for characterization of nuclear waste, such as identifying hot spots in mixed waste in order to reduce the volume of high-level waste requiring extensive treatment or long-term storage, and imaging large objects or contaminated areas. Compton imaging also has potential applications for monitoring production, deployment, shipping and storage of nuclear warheads and components in the verification of treaties such as START I and II, the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty and the Non-Proliferation Treaty. This article presents a brief historical perspective and discusses system design requirements and performance specifications for these applications. The advantages of Compton imaging are compared to competing imaging technologies.
Global vs. local features for gender identification using Arabic and English handwriting

The focus of this paper is off-line analysis of handwriting for the purpose of identifying a writer's gender. An example application of such identification is forensic analysis, in which gender could be combined with other biometric attributes for identification or exclusion. Studies have shown that handwriting by males and females tend to exhibit distinctive characteristics, even across different languages and cultures. We have explored these differences by developing classifiers based on support vector machines (SVM). These were trained using a database in which 282 individuals provided handwriting samples in both Arabic and English. The paper compares results obtained using local features and global features. For classifiers using global features trained using handwriting samples for both languages, an accuracy of 81% was observed. When local features were also used, however, an accuracy of 94.7% was observed. These results highlight the importance of local feature analysis for gender identification from handwriting.
Theory of the optical properties of aluminum

Abstract Using Ashcroft's pseudopotential we calculate the Drude and interband contributions to ∈ 2 (ω) in aluminum. Agreement with experiment is excellent. The structure in ∈ 2 (ω) is related to simple properties of the nearly free electron model.
Global Warming Impact of E85 Fuel Derived from Forest Biomass: A Case Study from Southern USA

This study estimates global warming impact (GWI) of E85 fuel needed to run a small passenger car for its average lifetime, i.e., 241,402 km (150,000 miles). The ethanol needed for the production of E85 fuel was derived from an intensively managed slash pine (Pinus elliottii) plantation in the southern USA. We assumed that only pulpwood and harvesting residues obtained at the time of harvesting were used for ethanol production. A suitable system boundary was defined and a detailed life-cycle assessment was undertaken to determine GWI of all the steps present within the system boundary. Results indicate that the overall GWI of the E85 fuel was about 76% less than an equivalent amount of gasoline needed to run a small passenger car for its average lifetime. Within the system boundary, the GWI of the ethanol production stage was highest followed by the stage of E85 fuel consumption in a small passenger car. A need exists to evaluate impacts of utilizing forest biomass for E85 fuel production on forest ecology and traditional forest biomass-based industries.
Selective and non-selective cox inhibitors up-regulate heat shock protein-70 expression and protect human monocytes and macrophages from the cytotoxic effect of hydrogen peroxide

Abstract Heat shock protein 70 (HSP-70) is a molecular chaperone that protects cells against stress stimuli. The expression of HSP-70 is normally up regulated in response to stress. However, in patients with severe sepsis, HSP-70 expression is suppressed. We hypothesized that inhibitors of cyclooxygenase (COX) could up regulate the expression of HSP-70 in human macrophages and monocytes, which in turn will improve the resistance of these cells to stress. Human monocytes and macrophages were untreated or treated with aspirin, ibuprofen or NS-398, a selective COX-2 inhibitor, for 1.5 to 24 hrs. A parallel group was exposed to a 30-min heat shock at 42°C. Western blotting and real-time polymerase chain reaction quantified, respectively, time dependent changes in HSP-70 protein expression and mRNA production. To evaluate whether elevated HSP-70 expression protects the cells from stress, cell viability was determined after exposure of cells to cytotoxic concentrations of hydrogen peroxide. Changes in cell viability were monitored using propidium iodide and fluorescent microscopy. Treatment of the monocytes or macrophage cultures with either aspirin, ibuprofen or NS-398 caused a statistically significant increase (p
Understanding Clinical Expertise: Nurse Education, Experience, and the Hospital Context

Clinical nursing expertise is central to quality patient care. Research on factors that contribute to expertise has focused largely on individual nurse characteristics to the exclusion of contextual factors. To address this, we examined effects of hospital contextual factors and individual nurse education and experience on clinical nursing expertise in a cross-sectional analysis of data from 8,611 registered nurses. In a generalized ordered logistic regression analysis, the composition of the hospital staff, particularly the proportion of nurses with at least a bachelor of science in nursing degree, was associated with significantly greater odds of a nurse reporting a more advanced expertise level. Our findings suggest that, controlling for individual characteristics, the hospital context significantly influences clinical nursing expertise.
Comparison of energy estimation equations with measured energy expenditure in obese adolescent patients with cancer.

Abstract Obesity is increasing in the US adolescent population. As the number of obese adolescents increases, obesity is becoming a more frequent problem in the hospital setting, sometimes causing patients to have complicated and prolonged hospital stays. Calculation of the energy requirements of obese adolescent patients with chronic diseases such as cancer is complicated by increased energy requirements as a result of disease state and growth. This study examined the accuracy of the commonly used equations for calculating energy requirements. Estimated energy expenditure was compared with measured energy expenditure determined by indirect calorimetry. All energy estimation equations were inaccurate, which indicates the need for a specific equation for determination of energy needs in this special patient population. Until further research is done, indirect calorimetry is recommended for all obese adolescent patients with cancer who require nutrition support. J Am Diet Assoc. 1999;99:844–848.
Band-structure dependence of impact ionization rate in GaAs

The band‐structure dependence of the electron impact ionization rate in GaAs is studied by using local and nonlocal pseudopotential band structures and a Monte Carlo simulation code for the impact ionization rate α. We find that the difference in α for the two band structures reflects mainly the difference in the density of states.
Different characteristics distinguish early versus late arising adaptive mutations in Escherichia coli FC40

The Escherichia coli strain FC40 has frequently been employed to investigate the mechanism of adaptive mutations. The strain cannot utilize lactose due to a +1 frameshift mutation that reduces beta-galactosidase to about 1% of normal levels. Cells undergo a high rate of mutation from Lac- to Lac+ when cells are grown with lactose as the sole energy source. Almost all Lac+ colonies arising 3-6 days after plating result from a base pair deletion in runs of iterated base pairs within a 130-bp target region. In this study we characterized Lac+ colonies arising 3-10 days after plating. Temperature gradient gel electrophoresis (TGGE) was used to detect mutations in the target region as a function of the day a colony appears. TGGE results confirmed the occurrence of mutations within the target region in 36 of 37 FC40 Lac+ colonies arising on days 3-7. However, mutations in this region were not detected in 23 of 37 Lac+ colonies arising from days 8-10. Sequencing data verified the TGGE results. Half of the Lac+ mutants arising on days 8-10 with no base pair change in the target region were unstable and exhibited a Lac- phenotype after successive growth cycles in rich medium. The results suggest that amplification of the lac operon region is a common factor in late arising colonies, and that different characteristics distinguish early and late arising Lac+ colonies.
Folie à deux.

Abstract A review of folie a deux or induced psychotic disorder (DSM-III-R) is provided. The author believes it to be a more frequent phenomenon than usually thought, especially when hospitalized patients are evaluated with their families. An argument is made for viewing it as a description of a relationship and possible influence between individuals who may have very different disease processes. This includes, in the secondary partner, a continuum from being very “impressionable” to having an autonomous and independent delusional disorder. A case report and suggestions for treatment are given.
The use of a modified Kirschner—Ehmer apparatus in avian fracture repair

A modified Kirschner-Ehmer apparatus using hoof acrylic as the stabilizing bar was used for fracture fixation in a series of birds. Adequate reduction and stabilization were achieved in most birds. Complications that developed in some birds were life threatening, emphasizing the need for medical management prior to surgical intervention in avian species.
Pilot investigation of isradipine in the treatment of bipolar depression motivated by genome-wide association.

Objectives Motivated by genetic association data implicating L-type calcium channels in bipolar disorder liability, we sought to estimate the tolerability, safety, and efficacy of isradipine in the adjunctive treatment of bipolar depression. Methods A total of 12 patients with bipolar I or II depression entered this pilot, proof-of-concept eight-week investigation and 10 returned for at least one post-baseline visit. They were initiated on isradipine at 2.5 mg and titrated up to 10 mg daily, with blinded assessments of depression using the Montgomery–Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) as well as adverse effects. Results Among the 10 patients, three had bipolar II disorder; all but two reported current episode duration longer than six months. In all, four of 10 completed the study; no significant adverse events were observed, although one subject discontinued treatment per protocol because of possible hypomanic symptoms which had resolved prior to study visit. In a mixed-effects model, mean improvement in depression severity, assessed by MADRS, was 2.1 (standard error = 0.36) points/week (p < 0.001). Two of the 10 subjects remitted and four of the 10 subjects experienced 50% or greater symptomatic improvement with treatment. Conclusions Isradipine merits further investigation for the treatment of bipolar depression. This preliminary trial illustrates the potential utility of genetic investigation in identifying psychiatric treatment targets.
Telenovelas and the Israeli Television Market

Israel seems to import more telenovelas than any other country. VIVA, its telenovela cable channel, became instantly popular after its inauguration in early 2000. Its success surpassed the expectations of its owners, who launched the channel with ample evidence to support that they already counted on a solid demand for their product. VIVA competes, and often outranks, the top-rated national newscast in prime-time ratings. This channel established a weekly VIVA telenovela magazine. Its shows' musical themes rank high in the hit parade, driving the most popular singers and record labels to launch Hebrew versions of the songs. This article argues that telenovelas lead television entertainment in this country because of four primary factors: the centrality of cable to the television industry, the limited television programming before the 1990s, the cultural and political climate in which audiences watch telenovelas, and finally, the telenovela compatibility with Israel's narrative traditions, particularly its...
Cellular Immunity Impaired Among Patients on Left Ventricular Assist Device for 6 Months

Background. Sustained maintenance on left ventricular assist device (LVAD) is associated with an increased frequency of severe infections. Although temporary changes in cellular immunity are seen immediately after implantation, the consequence of sustained LVAD treatment on immunity is unknown. Methods. In vitro functional and phenotypic markers of T cell activation and 6 month clinical outcome were compared between patients with >6-month LVAD therapy and heart failure control patients. Results. Recipients of LVADs had more infections (45.5% versus 0%; p < 0.05) and mortality (54% versus 16%; p < 0.05) than control patients. T-cell proliferative responses were lower among LVAD recipients than control patients when challenged with phytohemagglutinin (3.4 4.7 versus 28.5 19.6; p < 0.01), anti-CD3 (4.3 4.5 versus 16.4 17; p < 0.01), and staphylococcal enterotoxin B (7.2 6.3 versus 26.1 15.6; p 0.002). Proliferative hyporesponsiveness among LVAD recipients was not caused by apoptosis (2.6% 2.7% versus 2.7% 2.1%; p 0.94) or insufficient CD4 cells (42.1% 11.3% versus 40.2% 7.5%; p 0.71) relative to control patients. Instead, CD3 cells from LVAD patients expressed less interleukin 2 (2.5% 1.5% versus 5.2% 3.1%; p 0.03) and tumor necrosis factor- (6.0% 3.5% versus 25.8% 8.7%; p < 0.001) and more interleukin 10 (5.8% 6.1% versus 2.6% 2.1%; p < 0.05). In addition, suppressive T-regulatory cells were more prevalent in LVAD patients than control patients (12.9% 3.2% versus 1.2% 1.1%; p < 0.001). Conclusions. Cellular immunity is compromised among long-term LVAD recipients because of a downregulatory cytokine imbalance and emergence of suppressive T-regulatory cells. (Ann Thorac Surg 2008;85:1656‐61) © 2008 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons
Deregulated Hepatic Metabolism Exacerbates Impaired Testosterone Production in Mrp4-deficient Mice

The physiological role of multidrug resistance protein 4 (Mrp4, Abcc4) in the testes is unknown. We found that Mrp4 is expressed primarily in mouse and human Leydig cells; however, there is no current evidence that Mrp4 regulates testosterone production. We investigated its role in Leydig cells, where testosterone production is regulated by cAMP, an intracellular messenger formed when the luteinizing hormone (LH) receptor is activated. Because Mrp4 regulates cAMP, we compared testosterone levels in Mrp4−/− and Mrp4+/+ mice. Young Mrp4−/− mice had significantly impaired gametogenesis, reduced testicular testosterone, and disruption of Leydig cell cAMP homeostasis. Both young and adult mice had impaired testosterone production. In Mrp4−/− primary Leydig cells treated with LH, intracellular cAMP production was impaired and cAMP-response element-binding protein (CREB) phosphorylation was strongly attenuated. Notably, expression of CREB target genes that regulate testosterone biosynthesis was reduced in Mrp4−/− Leydig cells in vivo. Therefore, Mrp4 is required for normal Leydig cell testosterone production. However, adult Mrp4−/− mice are fertile, with a normal circulating testosterone concentration. The difference is that in 3-week-old Mrp4−/− mice, disruption of gonadal testosterone production up-regulates hepatic Cyp2b10, a known testosterone-metabolizing enzyme. Therefore, defective testicular testosterone production de-regulates hepatic Cyp-mediated testosterone metabolism to disrupt gametogenesis. These findings have important implications for understanding the side effects of therapeutics that disrupt Mrp4 function and are reported to alter androgen production.
Medicaid coverage and medical interventions during pregnancy.

This paper extends prior research on the effect of Medicaid coverage on medical interventions during pregnancy (prenatal ultrasound) and birth (ultrasound during delivery, cesarean delivery, inducement, and fetal monitor). The data are from two sources: the New York State Vital Statistics (VS) matched infant birth-death file and the Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System (SPARCS) file for 1993–1996. Medicaid coverage increases the likelihood of teens and adults receiving prenatal care relative to being uninsured. Overall, the effect of insurance type varies depending on whether the procedure is part of standard care (ultrasound and fetal monitor) or more likely to be elective (inducement and cesarean delivery). Insurance type has a greater effect for elective procedures than for procedures that are part of standard care.
THE NATURE OF A GALAXY ALONG THE SIGHT LINE TO PKS 0454+039

We report on the properties of a faint blue galaxy (G1) along the line of sight to the QSO PKS 0454+039 from spectroscopic and imaging data. We measured emission lines of H{alpha}, [S II] {lambda}{lambda}6716, 6732, and [N II] {lambda}6584 in the spectrum of G1 obtained with the Gemini/GMOS instrument. The spectroscopic redshift of G1 is z = 0.0715 {+-} 0.0002. From the extinction-corrected H{alpha} flux, we determine a modest star formation rate of SFR = 0.07 M{sub Sun} yr{sup -1} and a specific SFR of log (sSFR) -8.4. Using three different abundance indicators, we determine a nebular abundance 12 + log (O/H) ranging from 7.6 to 8.2. Based on the velocity dispersion inferred from the emission line widths and the observed surface brightness profile, we estimate the virial mass of G1 to be M{sub vir} {approx} 6.7 Multiplication-Sign 10{sup 9} M{sub Sun} with an effective radius of 2.0 kpc. We estimate the stellar mass of G1 using spectral energy distribution fitting to be M{sub *} Almost-Equal-To 1.2 Multiplication-Sign 10{sup 7} M{sub Sun} and an r'-luminosity of L{sub r'} = 1.5x10{sup 8} L{sub Sun }. Overall, G1 is a faint, low-mass, low-metallicity Im/H II galaxy. We also report on themore » line flux limits of another source (G3) which is the most likely candidate for the absorber system at z = 0.8596. From the spectrum of the QSO itself, we report a previously undetected Mg II {lambda}{lambda}2796, 2803 absorption line system at z = 1.245.« less
Tailoring the microwave permittivity and permeability of composite materials

The microwave permittivity (ɛr) and permeability (µr) of composite materials are tailored by adding various loading agents to a host plastic and are subsequently modeled using the Maxwell Garnett theory and second order polynomials. With the addition of manganese zinc ferrite, strontium ferrite, nickel zinc ferrite, barium tetratitanate and graphite powders, materials with values of ɛ′, e″, µ′, µ″ as high as 22, 5, 2.5 and 1.7 have been obtained. Permittivity and permeability data are calculated at 2.0245 GHz from reflection and transmission measurements performed in a 7 mm coaxial test line. The Maxwell Garnett (MG) theory successfully models ɛr if the filling factor is less than 0.30 and ratio |ɛ1| (host)/ |ɛ2| (powder) is greater than 0.04. As this ratio decreases, the MG theory is shown to be independent of ɛ2 and second order polynomials are used to effectively model the dielectric constant. Polynomials are also used for the ferrite composites because it was determined that the MG theory was unable to model µr. This deficiency is attributed to the difference of domain structures that exist in powdered and sintered ferrites.
Two-dimensional fluids in a periodic external potential: Intercalation in graphite

Abstract An inhomogeneous anisotropic integral equation theory is used to predict the sixfold pattern of intensity in the structure factor for graphite intercalation compounds. The competition of length scales implied by particle size and the underlying lattice through the interplay of the liquid packing structure with the graphitic external field is shown to be responsible for the observed halo-like features in S( k ) . By using a density functional motivated ansatz no explicit truncation of the angular Fourier components of the density distributions was necessary.
A pictorial representation of confounding in epidemiolog1c studies

Abstract Confounding, a central issue in epidemiologic research, embodies some principles which are difficult to teach. By comparing crude and stratum-specific estimates of the risk ratio parameter on an appropriate diagram, confounding can be assessed visually, and its nature more easily understood. The pictorial approach presented here is not intended as a substitute for quantification of confounding in epidemiologic studies, but rather as a tool to facilitate understanding of the principles of confounding and its control. The relevant diagrams are presented and their use described for both the cohort and case-control study design.
Erythromycin breath test results in elderly, very elderly, and frail elderly persons.

Background and Objective Although increasing age is often thought to be associated with slower oxidative drug clearance, limited data from old, very old, and frail patients exist. Our objective was to determine the effects of very old age and frailty on erythromycin breath test (ERBT) results in patients and, secondarily, to determine the effects of sex and comedications on ERBT results. Methods ERBTs were performed in 60 individuals aged 65 to 101 years, 27 of whom were classified as frail (mean age [±SD], 86 ± 6 years; mean weight, 66 ± 17.4 kg; 8 men and 19 women; 24 living in a nursing home and 3 living in the community) and 33 of whom were classified as nonfrail (mean age, 79 ± 8 years; mean weight, 78.5 ± 14.5 kg; 16 men and 17 women; 17 living in a nursing home and 16 living in the community). Results ERBT results were faster in women versus men (3.53% ± 1.15% carbon 14 [14C] excreted/h versus 2.59% ± 0.99% 14C excreted/h, respectively; ANOVA, P < .002), faster in frail versus nonfrail patients (3.58% ± 1.2% 14C excreted/h versus 2.81% ± 1.06% 14C excreted/h, respectively; ANOVA, P = .01), and faster in those receiving cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A inducers versus those without inducers (5.02% ± 0.89% 14C excreted/h versus 3.02% ± 1.08% 14C excreted/h, respectively; ANOVA, P = .0007). When subjects receiving CYP inducers were excluded, sex affected ERBT results (ANOVA, P < .007) but frailty effects were not detected (P = .09). Age from 65 to 101 years did not affect ERBT results (r2 = 0.001). Conclusions Old and very old patients in the clinical setting, especially women and those receiving enzyme inducers, may have preserved medication clearance. Frail elderly persons do not have slower ERBT results compared with nonfrail elderly persons. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2006) 79, 440–448; doi: 10.1016/j.clpt.2006.01.006
On synchronous parallel computations with independent probabilistic choice

This paper introduces probabilistic choice to synchronous parallel machine models; in particular parallel RAMs. The power of probabilistic choice in parallel computations is illustrated by parallelizing some known probabilistic sequential algorithms. We characterize the computational complexity of time, space, and processor bounded probabilistic parallel RAMs in terms of the computational complexity of probabilistic sequential RAMs. We show that parallelism uniformly speeds up time bounded probabilistic sequential RAM computations by nearly a quadratic factor. We also show that probabilistic choice can be eliminated from parallel computations by introducing nonuniformity.
Biomechanical Comparison of Different Volar Fracture Fixation Plates for Distal Radius Fractures

The purpose of this study was to compare the biomechanical properties of four volar fixed-angle fracture fixation plate designs in a novel sawbones model as well as in cadavers. Four volar fixed angle plating systems (Hand Innovations DVR-A, Avanta SCS/V, Wright Medical Lo-Con VLS, and Synthes stainless volar locking) were tested on sawbones models using an osteotomy gap model to simulate a distal radius fracture. Based on a power analysis, six plates from each system were tested to failure in axial compression. To simulate loads with physiologic wrist motion, six plates of each type were then tested to failure following 10,000 cycles applying 100N of compression. To compare plate failure behavior, two plates of each type were implanted in cadaver wrists and similar testing applied. All plate constructs were loaded to failure. All failed with in apex volar angulation.The Hand Innovations DVR-A plate demonstrated significantly more strength in peak load to failure and failure after fatigue cycling (p value < 0.001 for single load and fatigue failure). However, there was no significant difference in stiffness among the four plates in synthetic bone. The cadaveric model demonstrated the same mode of failure as the sawbones. None of the volar plates demonstrated screw breakage or pullout, except the tine plate (Avanta SCS/V) with 1 mm of pullout in 2 of 12 plates. This study demonstrates the utility of sawbones in biomechanical testing and indicates that volar fixation of unstable distal radius fractures with a fixed angle device is a reliable means of stabilization.
Su1649 Algorithmic Approach Including Bile Aspiration to Decrease ERCP Associated Adverse Events in Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis

Su1646 Endoscopic Treatment of Dominant Biliary Strictures in Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis Patients: Comparison of Adverse Events Associated With Balloon Dilation With and Without Stenting Udayakumar Navaneethan, Ramprasad Jegadeesan*, Jeffrey Hammel, Madhusudhan R. Sanaka, John J. Vargo, Mansour A. Parsi Digestive Disease Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH; Cleveland2Center for Interventional Endoscopy, Florida Hospital Institute for Minimally Invasive Therapy, Orlando, FL Background: Dominant biliary strictures occur commonly in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). The optimal endoscopic management of dominant strictures remains unclear and the comparative risk of adverse events associated with balloon dilation alone versus balloon dilation and short term stenting remains unknown. Aim: Our aim was to compare the rate of adverse events associated with balloon dilation alone versus balloon dilation followed by short term stenting (! 7 days) in PSC patients with dominant strictures. Methods: In this retrospective study, 298 patients with PSC were evaluated. Among these, patients who had undergone biliary balloon dilation and/or short term stent placement (! 7 days) for endoscopic treatment of dominant strictures were identified. Adverse events associated with endoscopic biliary balloon dilatation with and without short term stenting for management of dominant strictures were determined. Results: A total of 72 PSC patients (median age 52.6 years; interquartile range 42.5-64) with dominant strictures were identified. Fifteen patients (20.8%) were treated with endoscopic balloon dilation alone and 57 patients (79.2%) were treated with balloon dilation and stent placement. Both groups had comparable baseline characteristics such as age, symptoms, bilirubin levels and severity of PSC as determined by the Mayo PSC risk score. The median duration of follow-up after intervention was similar in both groups (49 months). The overall risk of adverse events with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) was 15.3% (nZ11). Six patients developed cholangitis which was the most common adverse event. None of the patients in the balloon dilation alone group developed adverse events in contrast to 19.3% of patients (nZ11) who had undergone balloon dilation and short term stenting. (p! 0.01) On multivariate analysis, only stent placement increased the risk of adverse event development. (Hazard ratio 1.86; 95% confidence interval [1.3-2.2], pZ0.02). Conclusions: In this study, even short term stenting after balloon dilation appeared to increase the overall risk of adverse events associated with treatment of dominant strictures in PSC patients. Randomized controlled trials are required to clarify the appropriate management of dominant strictures in PSC patients.
Unusual Involvement of the Feet in Hemochromatosis

The arthropathy of hemochromatosis mimics aspects of both rheumatoid arthritis and degenerative joint disease. The negative latex fixation, involvement of weightbearing and non-weightbearing joints, as well as the peculiar involvement of the second and third metacarpophalangeal joints serve to distinguish this rare arthropathy from other inflammatory and degenerative arthritides. The purpose of this paper is to present a case of hemochromatosis arthritis with unusual bilateral involvement of the naviculocuneiform and tarsometatarsal joints. Only two cases of hemochromatosis of the foot have been previously reported, and those had involvement limited to the first metatarsophalangeal joint.
Misuse of landfall as a proxy for Atlantic tropical cyclone activity

Recent studies [Solow and Moore, 2000; Landsea, 2007] have used an assumed constant ratio of landfalling cyclones to all tropical cyclones in the basin to assess potential trends and archive quality for basin-wide North Atlantic tropical cyclones. The underlying assumption is that landfalling storms have been well observed compared with storms over the ocean that do not make landfall. Thus, a trend toward decreasing ratios of landfalling storms is assumed to imply an increasing number of unobserved oceanic storms as we go back in time. The results from these studies depend entirely on the assumption that landfalling ratios are constant over long time periods; yet neither study addressed the veracity of this assumption.
Coupled Evolution of Load Distribution and Wear on Grease-Lubricated Lead Screw Threads

Even under constant operating conditions, greases lubricating lead screw assemblies, as well as materials comprising their nut and screw threads, must perform over a range of contact pressures that not only varies from thread-to-thread, but also evolves with the sliding distance as the most-heavily loaded threads wear most rapidly. An example modeled here, consisting of a rigid nut and elastic screw body having flexible meshed thread pairs, describes a broad distribution of loads thread-to-thread on a new lead screw assembly that gradually evolves towards uniformity as the coupled consideration of thread loading and wear depth approaches a steady-state of equal rates of thread wear. Thread load redistributions brought on by changes in the operating conditions such as applied load, or even temperature in the case of a nut/screw pair of dissimilar materials, are similarly modeled. Such load redistributions in pre-worn lead screws may cause either the top or the bottom nut threads to become most heavily load...
Injury severity codes: a comparison of police injury codes and medical outcomes as determined by NASS CDS Investigators.

The severity of a highway crash can be described in terms of the severity of injuries to crash victims. However, the accuracy and reliability of scoring systems used by police officers at the scene of a crash have been questioned. This short paper, from the Traffic Records Forum, held in Buffalo, NY in 2005, reports on a study that used the National Automotive Sampling System (NASS) Crashworthiness Data System (CDS) samples of tow-away crashes of passenger vehicles at 24 sites in the United States. The authors gather crash information, the occupant's medical outcome, and the officer's KABCO score (used since 1966) and the Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS, introduced in 1990). In this study, the police-assigned KABCO scores for 101,580 motor-vehicle occupants of case vehicles with 288,286 injuries were examined to determine the accuracy with which the offices identified injury severity. The results showed that police officers at the scene of the crash do a good job of identifying the injury severity of the victims. Errors results from obvious injuries that appear worse than they are (particularly injuries that bleed profusely), or from injuries that are not evident. The authors conclude that the police injury scale appears to be an appropriate tool to use to discriminate the more serious crashes from the multitude of minor crashes.
Positional power and interpersonal evaluation in bargaining networks

Many social exchange approaches to interpersonal stratification parallel closely the "functionalist" theory of stratification at the macro-societal level. Such approaches have been criticized by conflict theorists for over¬emphasizing value consensus, freedom of choice, and social integration. A social exchange approach to bargaining networks is discussed which does not neglect the conflictful aspects of micro-stratification. This formulation asserts that power is a direct function of the centrality of the position occupied by a person in an exchange network. The formation of pre-normative status hierarchies in bargaining networks is explained. An experiment is reported which uses an interpersonal bargaining task and a manipulation of the centrality of the exchange network position occupied by subjects. The following hypotheses linking positional power in bar¬gaining networks to evaluations of self and others were supported: persons located in central exchange network positions will evaluate them¬selves as feeling (a) more pleasant and (b) more exhilarated than persons located in peripheral positions; and central persons will impute (a) lower status and (b) higher positive evaluations ("pleasantness") to peripheral positions than the latter will impute to central persons.
Research: Scalable approaches to load sharing in the presence of multicasting

This work examines policies based on multicasting for load sharing in a local area network environment. In these policies, lightly-loaded nodes join multicast groups to indicate their ability to accept additional work, and heavily-loaded nodes send multicast messages to locate these lightly-loaded nodes. Simulation is used to study the performance of these load sharing policies and compare them with previously proposed load sharing policies. The results show that multicasting is an efficient method for locating lightly-loaded nodes, yielding better response time compared to previous policies. In addition, the results show that multicast-based policies can be used to lessen network traffic to busy nodes and nodes on remote LANs, while scaling to large numbers of machines.
Deep-seated failure of a granular embankment over clay: Stability analysis.

ABSTRACT Presented is a method for analyzing the end-of-construction stability of a granular embankment over a clayey foundation with a variable undrained strength. The mechanism utilized allows the embankment to “break” steeply squeezing out the clay underneath. By virtue of the mechanism used, the factor of safety can be determined through a simple minimization process and without resorting to statical assumptions. The formulation is presented, in a framework of limit–equilibrium ; however, its results can also be shown in the context of limit-analysis. To demonstrate the method’s performance, some results are presented. The factor of safety predictions compare well with those obtained from Spencer’s method. Also, stability analysis predictions compare reasonably well with a field case history.
What is the evolutionary advantage of migraine

Susceptibility to migraine is determined by genetic factors and is therefore subject to the forces of natural selection. Migraine is a common and ancient disorder whose prevalence may be increasing, suggesting that a migraine-prone nervous system may be associated with reproductive or survival advantages. Five evolutionary explanations are reviewed that might account for the persistence of migraine: (i) migraine as a defence mechanism; (ii) migraine as a result of conflict with other organisms; (iii) migraine as result of novel environmental factors; (iv) migraine as a trade-off between genetic harms and benefits; and (v) migraine as a design constraint. An evolutionary perspective on migraine allows the generation of important hypotheses about the disorder and suggests rewarding possibilities for further research.
Chromosomal structure of Rhodobacter capsulatus strain SB1003: cosmid encyclopedia and high-resolution physical and genetic map.

Abstract A combination of cosmid genome walking and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis was used to construct a high-resolution physical and genetic map of the 3.8-megabase (Mb) genome of Rhodobacter capsulatus SB1003. The mapping was done by hybridization of pulsed-field gel blots and by grouping and further mapping of the cosmids and bacteriophages from genomic libraries. Cosmid clones formed two uninterrupted and ordered groups, one corresponding to the chromosome of R. capsulatus, the other to its 134-kb plasmid. Cos site end-labeling and partial EcoRV digestion of cosmids were used to construct a high-resolution EcoRV map of the genome. Overlapping of the cosmids was confirmed by the resemblance of the cosmid restriction maps and by direct end-to-end hybridization with SP6- and T7-specific transcripts. Twenty-three previously cloned genes and eight groups of repeated sequences, revealed in this work, were located in the ordered gene library and mapped with an accuracy of 1-10 kb. Blots of a minimal set of 192 cosmids, covering the chromosome and the plasmid with the known map position of each cosmid, give to R. capsulatus the same advantages that the Kohara phage panel gives to E. coli.
Phase I trial of 1-(2'-deoxy-2'-fluoro-1-beta-D-arabinofuranosyl)-5-methyluracil (FMAU) terminated by severe neurologic toxicity

FMAU (1-[2′-deoxy-2′-fluoro-l-β-D-arabinofuranosyl]-5-methyluracil) a newly synthesized fluorinated nucleoside, has potent in vitro antiviral and antileukemic activity and is active in murine leukemia lines resistant to cytosine arabinoside. In the initial phase I trial neurotoxicity, characterized by extrapyramidal dysfunction, was found to be the dose-limiting toxic effect, and a dosage of 32 mg/m2/day for 5 days was suggested for phase II studies. We report a second phase I study of FMAU using this schedule. Mild, transient neurologic dysfunction was encountered in patients treated at the starting dose of 4 mg/m2/day × 5 days and became severe and irreversible in two patients who received the highest cumulative doses administered at the 8 mg/m2/day × 5 days level. Both severely affected patients died. Severe neurotoxicity developed and progressed in these patients despite serial neurologic examinations, including detailed neuropsychologic tests implemented in an effort to detect early neurotoxicity. Because of these findings, further study of this drug as an antileukemic agent cannot be recommended. If it is to be used as an antiviral agent, further phase I study at lower doses is advised.
Function of a yeast TATA element-binding protein in a mammalian transcription system

Saccharomyces cerevisiae contains a protein which is functionally similar to the mammalian TATA element-binding transcription factor, TFIID. The yeast factor substitutes for TFIID in a mammalian RNA polymerase II in vitro transcription system, forms a stable preinitiation complex on the Adenovirus-2 major late promoter, and binds specifically to the TATA boxes of the viral promoter and the yeast CYCl promoter. Interestingly, the yeast factor promotes initiation at a distance from the TATA element typical of a mammalian system.
The Not-In-My-Backyard Syndrome: A research proposal for assessing public resistance

Abstract While there has been considerable attention and funding given to engineering-based siting criteria and mechanisms for implementation, technological advances have little value if public resistance to site location precludes the successful location of treatment facilities. Industry analysts now recognize that some of the most difficult obstacles to solving the hazardous waste dilemma are social and psychological rather than technical. Siting efforts are continually met with adamant local resistance, a phenomenon that has come to be known as the “Not-In-My-Backyard” (NIMBY) Syndrome. A research proposal has been made to 1) determine primary sources of public apprehension, 2) identify and delineate real and imagined fears, and 3) verify parameters or conditions of public acceptance in a community wherein a site location has been formally proposed or is under consideration. Under a grant from the GCHSRC, research instruments targeting two populations have been developed. Recognizing the sociological axiom that community power is stratified, the study targets both public opinion and local elites. The first instrument is a survey questionnaire designed for use in an opinion poll and will draw from a scientific, random sample of adult residents in the selected city or community. The second is an interview schedule constructed for in-depth interviews with community leaders and city officials. The research design and survey instruments are fully developed and are awaiting funding sources in order to be implemented.
Glycolysis in Plasmodium gallinaceum.

Summary and ConclusionsA study of the glucose requirements of Plasmodium gallinaceum has been made, and formulae derived for predicting the hourly glucose consumption rates of parasitized and unparasitized blood. These should be useful in predicting the amounts of glucose required for cultures and indicative of the in vivo drain on carbohydrate stores. Normal chicken blood was found to have an hourly glucose consumption rate of approximately 8.7 mg per 100 ml, and values as high as 74.7 mg per 100 ml were observed for parasitized blood. The glucose consumption per square micron per hour was 3.42 X 10−13 mg, 2.41 X 10−12 mg, and 3.00 X 10−11 mg for adult red cells, reticulocytes, and parasites respectively.
A Look at Tokyo Youth at Leisure: Towards the Design of New Media to Support Leisure Outings

In this paper we present a set of studies designed to explore Japanese young people's practices around leisure outings (how they are discovered, planned, coordinated, and conducted), and the resources they use to support these practices. Tokyo youth have a wealth of leisure opportunities and tools to choose from; they are technologically savvy, and are in the vanguard of those for whom the new mobile Internet technologies are available. We characterize typical leisure outings described by our study participants, how they are structured, and the tools used to support them. We found that discovery of leisure options tends to occur serendipitously, often through personal recommendations from friends and family. For leisure research and planning, the Internet is the tool of choice, but accessed via PC, not the mobile phone (or "keitai"), which is primarily used to communicate and coordinate, not to search for information. These and related findings suggest some emerging issues and opportunities for the design of future leisure support technologies.
Kinetic characterization of the serralysins: a divergent catalytic mechanism pertaining to astacin-type metalloproteases.

Substrates HO2CCH2CH2CO- and HOCH2CHOHCHOHCO-Phe-Leu-Ala-5-nitro-2-pyridinamide are cleaved efficiently at the acylarenamide linkage, with a convenient spectrophotometric assay, by the Serratia and...
Species Questions (Gattungsfragen) Humanity and Nature from Marx to Shiva

This article examines key moments in the historical interface between issues of social class and issues of humanity’s impact on the rest of the natural world. The author argues that Marx has been unfairly characterized as downplaying the importance of nature. In fact, Marx’s work provides a grounding for the present-day view that the struggles against class domination and against abuse of the natural environment, far from being in contention with one another, are mutually dependent.
Molecular weight distribution of PVC blends from resins with different K values

The molecular weight distribution (MWD) of blends of commercial suspension grade PVC resins with different molecular weights (MW) or K values is calculated. If the K-value difference is not too high, the polydispersity of the blend is only slightly increased as compared to those of the components. It is not possible to get bimodal MWDs by blending. Additionally, a model calculation of mean molecular weights has been performed for temperature-programmed polymerization. On the basis of the most realistic model, which takes into account the increasing polymerization reaction rate with increasing temperature and increasing conversion, it can be predicted that a linear temperature program will give a product corresponding to an isothermal resin polymerized at a temperature near the high end of the temperature program and showing only a slightly increased polydispersity.
Price strategy, information sharing, and firm performance in a market channel with a dominant retailer

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a framework to help the manufacturers to find the optimal decisions regarding the choice of channel member for information sharing.Design/methodology/approach – A game‐theoretical model plus Bayesian forecasting is developed to determine the optimal decisions for the manufacturer.Findings – The results show that the optimal strategy for the manufacturer is to engage in information sharing with one small retailer exclusively, such that the manufacturer can gain the most benefit from information sharing arrangement in a marketing channel with a dominant retailer.Research limitations/implications – The present study is analyzed by a theoretical model. Future research can explore the same study by collecting data to engage in an empirical test.Practical implications – This paper provides a useful model framework and pricing strategy for upstream manufacturers who are engaging or planning to engage in information sharing with their retailers.Originality/value –...
An efficient multiresolution algorithm for compensating density-dependent media blurring

The sharpness of a printed image may suffer due to the presence of material layers above and below the dye layers. These layers contribute to scattering and surface reflections that make the degradation in sharpness density-dependent. We present data that illustrate this effect, and model the phenomenon numerically. A digital non-linear sharpening filter is proposed to compensate for this density-dependent blurring. The support and shape of this filter is constrained to lie in a space spanned by a set of basis filters that can be computed efficiently. Burt and Adelson's Laplacian pyramid is used to develop an efficient scale-recursive algorithm in which the image is decomposed into the high-pass basis images in a fine-to-coarse scale sweep, and the sharpened image along with a local density image is subsequently synthesized by a coarse-to-fine scale sweep using these basis images. The local density image is employed, in combination with a scale dependent gain function, to modulate the high-pass basis images in a space-varying fashion. A robust method is proposed for the estimation of the gain functions directly from measured data. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm successfully compensates for media-related density dependent blurring.