cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Monitoring of antiretroviral therapy in low-resource settings.

In their Article on the outcomes of monitoring HIV-infected individuals by use of clinical observation CD4 counts or viral load Andrew Phillips and colleagues claim that expanding access to treatment should proceed without attention to diagnostic monitoring since outcomes are only trivially worse with observation alone. This is an interesting analysis but it ignores the true benefit of CD4 monitoring: deter mining the timing of treatment initiation. Outcomes for individuals who start treatment in Africa are substantially worse than in developed countries especially in the first year after treatment initiation. There are two main factors that drive this gap: higher incidence of opportunistic infections especially tuberculosis and a lower CD4 count at treatment initiation. Waiting until the CD4 drops to the levels Phillips and colleagues assumed is avoidable and changing. CD4 counts at treatment initiation have been rising owing to the spread of CD4 counters earlier HIV diagnosis and increasing availability of antiretrovirals. It is soundly proven that starting highly active antiretroviral therapy at higher CD4 counts leads to improved outcomes. Use of CD4 counts to time treatment initiation leads to fewer opportunistic diseases improved life expectancy and reduced hospital costs. Phillips and colleagues conclusion that "use of ARV therapy without monitoring of viral load or CD4 cell count does not have marked detrimental effects on patient survival" is shortsighted. As millions are poised to start antiretrovirals avoiding investments in CD4 monitoring could lead to a late start limited benefits and early death. (full-text)
Intrapericardial Bronchogenic Cyst Overriding the Pulmonary Artery

We describe a case of a 3-year-old child with an intrapericardial bronchogenic cyst arising from the pericardium overlying the pulmonary artery found incidentally at the time of elective repair of a sinus venosus atrial septal defect with partial anomalous pulmonary venous return. A cystic mass overriding the right pulmonary artery was resected and diagnostic studies revealed multiple loculated cysts lined by respiratory mucosa with cartilage and smooth muscle in the wall consistent with a bronchogenic cyst. The cyst was completely resected and postoperative recovery was uneventful.
Alteration of salt marsh plant community composition by grazing snow geese

A notable omission from wetlands ecology has been the study of the influence of herbivores on vegetation. Reported here are the effects of grazing by snow geese Anser caerulescens altantica on the vegetation of salt marshes along the mid-Atlantic coast of the United States, Exclosures were used to compare total and species percent cover between grazed and ungrazed areas in three marshes (Salt Flats, South Pond, and Bodie Island) with differing vegetation communities from 1978 to 1980. Spartina alterniflora was reduced by ⅔ in grazed versus ungrazed areas of Salt Flats, S. S. patens was reduced by ½ in grazed portions of South Pond but recovered when grazing ceased. In grazed portions of Bodie Island total plant cover was reduced by 16%. Scirpus robustus and S. patens reacted in opposite ways to grazing pressure with S. robustus increasing and S. patens decreasing, Elocharis was found only in grazed areas of Bodie Island. Echinochloa crusgali appeared in grazed portions of this marsh in 1978 but decreased in abundance during subsequent years. Scirpus americanus was unaffected by grazing, maintaining a nearly constant percent cover in grazed and ungrazed areas at Bodie Island. Differences in responses to grazing are discussed in terms of each species' growth and reproductive strategies as tempered by the physical and biological environment within each marsh.
Influence of water pressure systems on oil pool distribution

We examine the interaction of oil pools during exploitation. In the Kuybyshev sector of the Volga region the pressure gradients formed in the remote extra-peripheral zone (1-1.3 kgf/cm/sup 2/) under the influence of exploitation cannot lead to marked displacement of the pools or to lateral migration of oil from one pool to another due to the inadequate migration rates and the insufficient duration of the process.
Teacher-Child Relationship Quality and Academic Achievement of Chinese American Children in Immigrant Families.

This study examined the cross-sectional relations between teacher-child relationship quality (TCRQ) and math and reading achievement in a socio-economically diverse sample of Chinese American first- and second-grade children in immigrant families (N=207). Teachers completed a questionnaire measuring TCRQ dimensions including closeness, conflict, and intimacy, and children completed a questionnaire measuring overall TCRQ. Standardized tests were used to assess children's math and reading skills. Analyses were conducted to (a) test the factor structure of measures assessing TCRQ among Chinese American children, (b) examine the associations between teacher- and child-rated TCRQ and children's academic achievement, controlling for demographic characteristics, and (c) examine the potential role of child gender as a moderator in the relations between TCRQ and achievement. Results indicated that teacher-rated TCRQ Warmth was positively associated with Chinese American children's reading achievement. Two child gender-by-TCRQ interactions were found: (a) teacher-rated TCRQ Conflict was negatively associated with girls' (but not boys') math achievement, and (b) child-rated Overall TCRQ was positively associated with boys' (but not girls') reading achievement. These findings highlight the valuable role of TCRQ in the academic success of school-aged children in immigrant families.
The Conflicting Cognitions of Corporate Entrepreneurs

Research in the entrepreneurial cognition domain has demonstrated that entrepreneurs tend to draw from similar sets of event schemas when considering to start a new venture. The social cognition li...
The state of medical sociology in the United States, Great Britain, West Germany and Austria: Applied vs pure theory

Abstract This paper investigates the development of medical sociology in four selected Western nations —the United States, Great Britain, West Germany and Austria—where the state of the field ranges from highly developed to underdeveloped. The focus of the paper is to explore the problem of applied versus purely theoretical medical sociology and assess the direction of the field. The trends noted in the analysis clearly indicate that contemporary medical sociology is primarily an applied subject. The evolution and implications of this situation for the subdiscipline are discussed.
Kainic Acid and Decorticating Lesions Stimulate the Synthesis of C1q Protein in Adult Rat Brain

Abstract: The first component of the classic complement cascade, C1q, was increased in whole rat brain after lesioning by intraperitoneally injected kainic acid (KA) (20-fold, 3 days after KA) and in the striatum ipsilateral to unilateral decortication (fivefold, 10 days after decortication). C1q was measured after purification by chromatography and electrophoresis. De novo biosynthesis of C1q 3 days after KA was increased >10-fold, as measured by the incorporation of [35S]methionine into C1q after incubation of brain slices from KA-treated rats for 2 h. In parallel with these responses, KA induced fivefold increase of C1q bioactivity, as evaluated with C1q-dependent hemolysis. The contribution of C1q from entrapped cerebrovascular blood was evaluated by the effects of perfusion and was minor relative to the increases of C1q in response to KA lesioning. These findings support the hypothesis that the C1q protein detected by immunocytochemistry in senile plaques of Alzheimer brains and in the hippocampus after deafferenting lesions is synthesized by resident brain cells.
Regulation of Cardiac MicroRNAs by Cardiac MicroRNAs

Rationale:MicroRNAs modestly suppress their direct mRNA targets, and these direct effects are amplified by modulation of gene transcription pathways. Consequently, indirect mRNA modulatory effects of microRNAs to increase or decrease mRNAs greatly outnumber direct target suppressions. Because microRNAs are products of transcription, the potential exists for microRNAs that regulate transcription to regulate other microRNAs. Objective:Determine whether cardiac-expressed microRNAs regulate expression of other cardiac microRNAs, and measure the impact of microRNA-mediated microRNA regulation on indirect regulation of nontarget mRNAs. Methods and Results:Transgenic expression of pre-microRNAs was used to generate mouse hearts expressing 6- to 16-fold normal levels of microRNA (miR)-143, miR-378, and miR-499. Genome-wide mRNA and microRNA signatures were established using deep sequencing; expression profiles provoked by each microRNA were defined. miR-143 suppressed its direct cardiac mRNA target hexokinase 2, ...
The association of interleukin 6 with clinical and laboratory parameters of acute pelvic inflammatory disease.

Abstract Objective: We sought (1) to determine whether interleukin 6 levels are increased in plasma and cervical secretions and endometrial tissue obtained from women with a clinical diagnosis of pelvic inflammatory disease, (2) to determine whether interleukin 6 levels in these sample sites reflected the clinical severity of acute infection, and (3) to determine whether interleukin 6 levels in endometrial tissue obtained from these women were higher in the presence of histologic endometritis. Study Design: We performed a prospective pilot study on 20 women with a clinical diagnosis of pelvic inflammatory disease (patients) and then compared them with 20 women presenting to the gynecology clinic without pelvic complaints (control subjects). Interleukin 6 levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunologic testing in plasma, cervical secretions, and endometrial biopsy specimens. Results: Cervical interleukin 6 levels were higher in patients than control subjects (median, 317 vs 111 pg/mL; P = .003). Among women with pelvic inflammatory disease, statistically significant positive correlations were noted between the clinical severity score and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate ( r = 0.45; P = .04), the clinical severity score and the white blood cell count ( r = 0.49; P = .03), the plasma interleukin 6 levels and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate ( r = 0.55; P = .02), and the plasma interleukin 6 levels and the white blood cell count ( r = 0.54, P = .01). Endometrial tissue interleukin 6 levels were also higher in patients with versus those without histologic endometritis (median, 427 vs 17 pg/mL; P = .004). Conclusion: In this pilot study interleukin 6 levels in cervical secretions were significantly higher in women with pelvic inflammatory disease versus those without pelvic inflammatory disease. In women with pelvic inflammatory disease, endometrial tissue samples with histologic evidence of endometritis were observed to have higher levels of interleukin 6. Interleukin 6 may be a useful adjunct to the clinical diagnosis of pelvic inflammatory disease. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 1999;181:940-4.)
CHARACTERIZATION OF MODULATED SPIN-COATED AND LANGMUIR-BLODGETT THIN FILM ETALONS

Abstract Transmission-mode Fabry-Perot etalons provide an excellent means for studying the optical and physical properties of thin films because small changes in the index of refraction, absorption coefficient or thickness of the film can be observed as changes in the intensity of the transmitted beam. In this work, etalons are formed by spinning on a poly (methyl methacrylate) spacer onto a sputter-deposited metal mirror and depositing a multilayer Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) film system composed of dye-substituted polymers interleaved with a fatty acid material to produce a non-centrosymmetric system on the order of 125 nm thick. An identical top mirror is sputter deposited to form the etalon. The optical properties of the etalons are determined by illuminating the devices with a fixed-wavelength, variable-polarization incident beam and monitoring the transmitted beam while varying the angle of incidence. By applying an a.c. modulating field across the etalon and monitoring the transmitted beam, small changes in transmissivity can be measured. The angular dependence of the observed transmissivity modulation in the devices is used to show that the electro-optic effect in the multilayer LB film is the physical origin of the electrically-induced change in transmissivity. Thus we demonstrate the novel use of interferometric structures for the enhancement and study of non-linear effects in very thin films.
Suprapubic Cystostomy for Neurogenic Bladder Using Lowsley Retractor Method: A Procedure Revisited

Objective To report our experience with the Lowsley retractor method for suprapubic cystostomy (SPC) in patients with neurogenic bladder (NGB). Methods A retrospective study was performed of 44 patients with NGB who underwent SPC with the Lowsley retractor method. The subjects were selected from 90 patients undergoing SPC by 1 surgeon from 1995 to 2010. The age, sex, indication, anesthesia type, catheter type, blood loss, fluids administered, and duration and complications were recorded. Results A total of 49 primary catheter placements were performed in 44 patients. A total of 23 men and 21 women were included. The etiology of NGB was spinal cord injury and multiple sclerosis in 38 subjects (86%). The mean age was 44 years (range 18-86). The cases were performed under general anesthesia, except for 8 (16%) that were successfully performed with local and monitored anesthesia. The operation time documented in 19 cases (39%) was 20.2 ± 5.5 minutes (range 11-31). The Foley catheter size ranged from 16F to 22F. The blood loss was minimal, and there were no intraoperative complications or incorrect catheter placements. One patient returned with significant hematuria 1 day after the procedure. No other minor or major complications were noted. Conclusion Patients with NGB have been shown to have a greater risk of complication during percutaneous suprapubic catheter placement. SPC using the Lowsley retractor was described by Zeidman et al in 1988. Their report did not detail the patient characteristics or operative experience. To our knowledge, no other institutional experience with the technique has been reported. The present report describes the Lowsley retractor method as a quick and safe ambulatory procedure for patients with NGB.
Possible roles of microtubules and actin filaments in retinal pigmented epithelium

Abstract The distribution of cytoplasmic filaments and microtubules in retinal pigmented epithelial cells has been examined in an attempt to elucidate their roles in motile activities of these cells. Pigmented epithelia of normal and dystrophic rats were compared with special reference to possible roles of filaments and microtubules in phagocytosis of effete photoreceptor outer segments. In both normal and dystrophic rats, the plasma membranes of the apical projections of the pigmented epithelial cells are lined on their cytoplasmic face with parallel rows of axially oriented filaments. Microtubules are absent from the apical projections but numerous in the nearby apical cytoplasm. To investigate the roles of actin filaments and microtubules in the dramatic light-induced pigment migration in pigmented epithelia of crepuscular fishes, light and dark adapted retinas from the grey snapper (lutjanus griseus) were examined by electron microscopy. The long apical projections of this pigmented epithelium contain both actin filaments (as ascertained by myosin subfragment-1 binding) and numerous axial microtubules. Possible roles of actin filaments and microtubules in phagocytosis and in pigment migration are discussed.
Abstract 5439: Metabolomic study of EGFR drug resistance mechanisms

Proceedings: AACR Annual Meeting 2014; April 5-9, 2014; San Diego, CA Therapies targeting EGFR often fail after certain period of treatment due to development of resistance. There are many causes of resistance such as genetic mutations of KRAS, BRAF, etc.. Overexpression of other receptor tyrosine kinases can also lead to resistance of EGFR therapies. A therapeutic targeting metabolic phenotypes that can overcome multiple resistance mechanisms is highly desired. In order to identify the Achilles heel of resistant cell metabolism, we investigated the metabolic effects of the current EGFR targeting agents as well as the metabolic differences between sensitive and resistant cancer cells. Citation Format: Yang Zhao, Bo Tan, Ming-Shang Kuo, Ling Liu, Matthew D. Breyer. Metabolomic study of EGFR drug resistance mechanisms. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 5439. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-5439
Ultrahigh-accuracy measurement of the coefficient of thermal expansion for ultralow-expansion materials

Microlithographic systems rely on precision alignment and a high-level of dimensional stability to achieve required performance. In critical applications, immunity to thermally induced dimensional changes is achieved by the use of low linear coefficient of thermal expansion (hereafter referred to as CTE and denoted by a) materials such as ULE in components such as reflective optics and machine structures. ULE has a CTE that is typically in the 0 + 30 ppb K-1 range and it may be engineered to achieve a specific value. A high-accuracy determination of the CTE is essential for both process control and for providing an essential input to the design of such systems for error budgeting purposes. Currently, there is a need for CTE determination with an expanded uncertainty U(a)(k=2) < 1 ppb K-1 in the 273-373 K temperature range. A survey of the state-of-the-art of high-accuracy absolute measurement of CTE is presented along with a discussion of the significant error sources in each of the current techniques. The metrology techniques, sample design and instrumentation are described along with uncertainty estimates for representative instruments. The design philosophy and prospects for a new instrument that satisfies the above mentioned need are described.
Preterm infant stimulation: The analysis of a concept

Abstract A universal theoretic framework for preterm infant stimulation programs is nonexistent. Many programs are developed on the basis of unsupported assumptions, capitalizing on chance relationships. A theoretic foundation can only be developed when the concept of stimulation is studied analytically. The purpose of this article is to analyze the concept of preterm infant stimulation by identifying definitions, delineating assumptions, developing antecedents and consequences, and designing a model case. Theoretic and methodologic issues are discussed with recommendations designed to provide guidance for future development of a theoretic framework for infant stimulation.
Using a CD-ROM Interactive Study Module on Rural Aging for Web-Based and Traditional Instruction

Abstract Health professions educators are being challenged to adapt their curricula to prepare their graduates for new models of care of the elderly. Prescribed pre-clinical curricula leave students with no time to explore foundational disciplines such as gerontology. The described Aging in Rurality learning system, composed of a CD-ROM Interactive Study Module, an Aging in Rurality Web site, and World Wide Web-linked resources, offers a learning resource to support inclusion of gerontological theory and transformative learning essential to preparing health professionals to implement interdisciplinary care plans that enable rural elders to maintain their highest possible level of independence.
A Radiologist's Guide to the Federal Election of 2012: What You Should Know Before You Go Into the Booth

The results of the federal election of 2012 will likely have very substantial impacts on the practice of radiology. Health care reform is likely to continue under the administration of either of the two major candidates, albeit in very different ways. In particular, radiologists should be aware of the candidates' positions on how their plans will affect key issues facing radiology. There are many issues at stake. These include reimbursement, multiple-procedure discounting, utilization rates, bundled care, accountable care organizations and capitation, justification of procedures, tort reform, and taxation policies. The election coincides with a period of fiscal crisis in the US government coupled with a relatively weak economic recovery in the United States and an ongoing fiscal and economic crisis in Europe. The pressures in the United States are further magnified by a profound demographic shift as the baby boom generation retires in record numbers, increasing the payment requirement on the major entitlement programs, Medicare and Social Security. These forces are heightening the pressures at the federal level for substantial change in how health care is regulated and reimbursed. The author reviews the positions of the major candidates and their parties on health care and evaluates election outcome scenarios that radiologists and their groups should plan for over the period from 2013 to 2017.
Induction of spermidine/spermine N1-acetyltransferase (SSAT) by aspirin in Caco-2 colon cancer cells.

Epidemiological, experimental and clinical results suggest that aspirin and other NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) inhibit the development of colon cancer. It has been shown that the NSAID sulindac induces apoptosis and suppresses carcinogenesis, in part, by a mechanism leading to the transcriptional activation of the gene encoding SSAT (spermidine/spermine N1-acetyltransferase), a rate-limiting enzyme in polyamine catabolism. In the present study, we show that a variety of NSAIDs, including aspirin, sulindac, ibuprofen and indomethacin, can induce SSAT gene expression in Caco-2 cells. Aspirin, at physiological concentrations, can induce SSAT mRNA via transcriptional initiation mechanisms. This induction leads to increased SSAT protein levels and enzyme activity. Promoter deletion analysis of the 5′ SSAT promoter-flanking region led to the identification of two NF-κB (nuclear factor κB) response elements. Electrophoretic mobility-shift assays showed binding of NF-κB complexes at these sequences after aspirin treatment. Aspirin treatment led to the activation of NF-κB signalling and increased binding at these NF-κB sites in the SSAT promoter, hence providing a potential mechanism for the induction of SSAT by aspirin in these cells. Aspirininduced SSAT ultimately leads to a decrease in cellular polyamine content, which has been associated with decreased carcinogenesis. These results suggest that activation of SSAT by aspirin and different NSAIDs may be a common property of NSAIDs that plays an important role in their chemopreventive actions in colorectal cancer.
Pulse shearing from a spatially varying group index

We study the propagation of pulses through media in which the group delay varies across the transverse profile of the pulse. We quantify the diffraction from the resulting pulse
Analysis of imposing tidal dynamics to nested numerical models

Abstract Tides often play an important role in the circulation of coastal and shelf environments. In numerical modeling, high-resolution models are used for these regions requiring that they be nested in coarser models with properly specified tidal boundary conditions. In this paper, we examine two, one-way nesting methods for specifying the combined baroclinic and barotropic tides to a child model: (i) specifying spatially interpolated boundary values from the outer model at a specified interval; and (ii) using the same boundary conditions as (i), but fitting and removing the tidal harmonics from the boundaries and providing the harmonics as separate forcing. We compare these methods in two regions: an idealized seamount experiment where baroclinic tides are generated outside of and propagate into the nested domain; and, a realistic case of the Hawaiian archipelago with strong barotropic tides with significant energy conversion to the baroclinic tide both inside and outside of the nested domain. In all cases, we find that there is significant improvement in the tidal dynamics by removing the tides from the boundary conditions and using a separate tidal forcing as compared to simply prescribing the boundary conditions. Furthermore, because many numerical models use temporal linear interpolation for boundary conditions at each time-step, if the tidal function is not specified separately, the amplitudes are significantly reduced and – more importantly – energy is aliased at higher frequencies. These findings are applicable to any tidally energetic region (particularly shelf and coastal systems) and become more significant with nonlinear interaction between tidal constituents.
Changes in [3H]lysine incorporation into protein in a seizure focus in rat isocortex

A focus of epileptiform discharge was induced in rat isocortex by subpial injection of 5 microliters of 100 mM FeCl3. Control animals were prepared with saline injections. Protein synthesis was estimated by uptake of [3H]lysine and its incorporation into protein at the site of iron injection, in the contralateral homotopic isocortex, and in the midline cerebellum. We found diminished uptake of [3H]lysine into all regions of rat brain in the interictal or nonseizing iron-injected animals, whereas the corrected rate of incorporation of [3H]lysine into protein was not significantly different from control rates. Actively seizing animals showed no inhibition of uptake of [3H]lysine, but [3H]lysine incorporation into protein relative to the uptake was significantly inhibited within the epileptic focus but not in the other areas examined. This decreased incorporation of amino acids into protein parallels that found in animals convulsing after electroshock or pentylenetetrazol injection.
Ancient Maya Trading Ports and the Integration of Long-Distance and Regional Economies: Wild Cane Cay in South-Coastal Belize

The importance of Maya sea trade was the sea's integrating role as provider of ritual and subsistence resources and ritual symbolism in the Maya economy. Coastal as opposed to inland transportation of obsidian and other exotics was enhanced because of coastal–inland exchange within the southern Maya lowlands. Results are presented on fieldwork conducted to investigate Maya sea trade by the South Coastal Archaeology in Belize (SCAB) project in the Port Honduras area of south-coastal Belize between Punta Gorda and Punta Negra. The research focused on identifying features characteristic of Maya trading ports that participated in long-distance trade and their impact on regional economies. The first part of the project, with fieldwork in 1982, identified the offshore island site of Wild Cane Cay as a trading port from the Classic through Postclassic periods (a.d. 300–1500). The discovery of some 30 sites during the second phase of the project, dating from the Protoclassic through the Postclassic periods (a.d. 1–1500), indicated that the coastal area had a long period of settlement in contrast to the inland area of southern Belize where settlement was concentrated during the Late Classic period (a.d. 600–900). The patterns of distribution of similar-sourced obsidian, and blades instead of cores within the south-coastal area indicated that some exotics were regionally distributed and that Wild Cane Cay was the nexus of regional distribution. The importance of coastal-inland exchange is underscored by the presence of specialized salt-production sites, coastal resources, and inland goods—notably “unit-stamped” pottery and moldmade figurine whistles.
Effect of Prolines on the Intrinsic Stiffness of Islet Amyloid Polypeptide Variants

Human islet amyloid polypeptide (hIAPP) is an intrinsically disordered hormone that is co-secreted with insulin in the beta-cells of the pancreas. The aggregation of hIAPP into insoluble amyloid fibrils is believed to play a causal role in type 2 diabetes. The rodent variant (rIAPP), differing by 6 of 37 amino acids, does not aggregate into amyloid fibrils and inhibits hIAPP amyloid formation. Both these properties have been attributed to rIAPP's three proline mutations (A25P, S28P and S29P). Single proline mutants of hIAPP have also been shown to kinetically inhibit hIAPP fibril formation. Because of their intrinsic dihedral angle preferences, prolines are expected to affect monomer conformational sampling. However, the specific effect of proline substitutions on IAPP structure and dynamics has not yet been explored. Detecting such properties is challenging due to the low molecular weight, fast reconfiguration times, and very low solubility of IAPP peptides. High resolution, time resolved techniques are needed.We use a nanosecond laser spectroscopy technique to measure end-to-end contact formation rates in IAPP mutants. Using this technique, Vaiana et al. showed that rIAPP populates more extended conformations, characterized by larger end-to-end distances, compared to hIAPP. Here we study the effects of proline substitutions in IAPP and characterize them in terms of intrinsic chain stiffness. We find that the three proline mutations alone do not explain rIAPP's increased chain stiffness. Interestingly, early experiments by Green et al. show that mutating the non-proline residues in rIAPP renders it capable of forming amyloids. Together these results suggest that rIAPP's unique chain stiffness is a determinant for its non-amyloidogenic properties. We discuss the reasons for this peptide's unique chain stiffness and the implications of our findings on the effect of prolines in IDPs.
Subjective and objective knowledge as determinants of organic vegetables consumption

This study investigates the association between consumers’ subjective knowledge, objective knowledge, general attitudes towards organic food and organic vegetables consumption. Cross-sectional data were collected from a sample of 529 consumers in January 2007 in Belgium. In general, consumers were very well informed about organic vegetables practices, though their subjective knowledge was on moderate to rather low level. Subjective knowledge is shown to be an important factor in explaining organic vegetables consumption. It is significantly, relatively strongly and directly associated with organic vegetables consumption. Objective knowledge, in contrast, is only indirectly associated with organic vegetables consumption, through increased subjective knowledge and more favourable general attitudes towards organic vegetables. Attitudes towards organic vegetables have a direct positive and relatively strong relationship with organic vegetables consumption. Information and promotion campaigns could focus on promoting organic vegetables and organic food in general, so that consumers could improve their expertise and experience with those products.
Partial Contact of a Smooth Elastic Wavy Strip Pressed Between Two Flat Surfaces

The contact of a smooth elastic wavy strip pressed between two surfaces is solved by considering a curved beam in contact with a rigid half-space. In assuming so, the Michell Fourier series expansion for elastic bodies is shown to satisfy the resulting mixed boundary value problem. When the contact region is small compared to the radius of curvature of the beam, semi-analytical solutions are obtained by exploiting dual series equation techniques. The relation between the level of loading and the extent of contact, as well as stress on the surface and in the beam, are found. Various boundary conditions on the ends, which arise as lower order terms in the Michell solution, are considered. This semi-analytical solution may prove useful in analyzing the contact of a corrugated seal.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
A first-principles study of surface and subsurface H on and in Ni(111): diffusional properties and coverage-dependent behavior

Abstract Periodic, self-consistent, density functional theory (GGA-PW91) calculations are performed for both surface and subsurface atomic hydrogen on and in Ni(1 1 1). At a low coverage ( θ =0.25 ML), the binding energies (BEs) of a hydrogen atom in surface fcc, subsurface octahedral (first layer), and subsurface octahedral (second layer) sites are −2.89, −2.18, and −2.11 eV, respectively. The activation energy barriers for hydrogen diffusion from the surface to the first subsurface layer and from the first to the second subsurface layer are estimated to be 0.88 and 0.52 eV, respectively. In the entire coverage range studied, hydrogen occupies surface fcc and hcp sites and subsurface octahedral sites. In addition, the magnitude of the BE per hydrogen atom and the magnetization of the nickel slabs both decrease as hydrogen coverage increases. Vibrational frequencies of hydrogen at various surface and subsurface sites are calculated and are in reasonable agreement with experimental data. A phase stability calculation with a 2 × 2 surface unit cell shows that a p (2 × 2)-2H overlayer structure ( θ =0.5 ML) and a p (1 × 1)-1H structure ( θ =1.0 ML) are stable at low hydrogen pressures, in agreement with numerous experimental results. A very large increase in pressure is required to populate subsurface sites. After such an increase occurs, the first subsurface layer is filled completely.
Excitation transfer in the vicinity of a dielectric surface

Using the quantum electrodynamics method, we present the resonance excitation transfer matrix element in the vicinity of a dielectric surface. Depending on the geometry and orientations of two dipoles, our results show that the excitation transfer can be suppressed or enhanced by the presence of the dielectric surface in comparison to that of the free space. Both near-zone and wave-zone limits are discussed.
A general method for determining optimum thrust nozzle contours for chemically reacting gas flows.

Optimum thrust nozzle contours for chemically reacting gas flows, obtaining set of partial differential equations for gas dynamic properties
A Theoretical and Empirical Analysis of the Measurement of Collective Efficacy: The Development of a Short Form.

The present study reports on the development of a 12-item Likert-type measure of collective efficacy in schools. Designed to assess the extent to which a faculty believes in its conjoint capability...
Stress intensity factors for a circumferential crack emanating from a notch in a round tensile bar

Abstract A semi-empirical formula for the stress intensity factors for short cracks is presented. Once the crack has reached a critical depth, designated as a o , the notch has no effect on the crack tip stress field and the stress intensity factor for a smooth bar with crack depth (a + d) is applicable, where d is the notch depth. The solution for shallow cracks less than a o , which are influenced by the proximity of the notch, are determined from the maximum stress and stress gradient at the root of the notch and the smooth bar solution at a o . The results are applicable for a wide variety of notch geometries ranging from semi-circular notches to deep hyperbolic shapes.
Remote spectroscopic identification of carbonaceous chondrite mineralogies: Applications to Ceres and Pallas

High-resolution spectroscopic observations of asteroids Ceres and Pallas have been obtained in the 1.0- to 2.6-micron region. Combined with previous spectral measurements at other wavelengths, this work presents the broadband spectral reflectances of these asteroids over the 0.4- to 3.6-micron region. This extended coverage permits new analyses of the surface mineralogies of these objects. Using laboratory comparison spectra of meteorites and mixtures of terrestrial minerals, the surfaces of Ceres and Pallas are consistent with mixtures of opaques and hydrated silicates, such as are found in types C1 and C2 meteorites. This research emphasizes the importance of the 3-micron spectral region for studying by remote methods the relationship of carbonaceous chondrite mineralogies to asteroid surfaces.
Fluorescence and reflectance characteristics of manganese deficient soybean leaves: effects of leaf age and choice of leaflet

Leaf reflectance and fluorescence characteristics of soybean (Glycine max cv ‘Bragg’) are influenced strongly by Mn availability. This report evaluates the effects of leaflet choice, leaf age, and leaf nodal position on several spectral characteristics. Leaves were obtained from soybeans grown hydroponically under controlled environmental conditions with wide differences in Mn supply. The ratio of ‘constant yield’ fluorescence (Fo) to ‘variable yield’ fluorescence (Fv), the ratios of reflectance at 750 nm to 550 nm and that at 650 nm to 550 nm, the position of the “red edge” near 700 nm, and an index of leaf “yellowness” were measured periodically. Increasing leaf age caused increases in the “red edge” and in both reflectance ratios. Leaf “yellowness” and the fluorescence ratio Fo/FV decreased with leaf age and increased with leaf nodal position, primarily in Mn deficient leaves. Effects arising from leaf choice were smaller than those caused by Mn deficiency.
Ultrastructural localization of inhibin β- and somatostatin-28-immunoreactivities in the paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei

Abstract Recent studies have supported the existence of projections to the paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei of the hypothalamus that arise from non-catecholaminergic neurons in the nucleus of the solitary tract, whose terminal distribution is suggestive of interactions with both parvocellular and magnocellular neurosecretory neurons. Pre-embedding immunolabeling methods were used to compare and characterize the termination patterns of axons immunoreactive for two putative markers for this projection system, inhibin β and somatostatin-28, at the ultrastructural level. Axon terminal profiles stained fro either peptide were found to form symmetric or asymmetric junctions predominantly with the shafts of unlabeled dendrites of varying caliber. A small percentage of peptidergic terminals was found in both hypothalamic nuclei to engage in so-called ‘shared synapses’, where a single terminal profile contacted two postsynaptic elements. Axo-somatic terminations were relatively rarely seen in the supraoptic nucleus, but were somewhat more abundant in the paraventricular nucleus. These comprised principally symmetric junctions onto the somatic membranes of an ostensibly mixed population of cells, some of which bore apparent neurosecretory specializations. Combined immunoperoxidase and immuno-autoradiographic staining methods were used to estimate the extent to which either terminal type interacts with oxytocin neurons. Oxytocin stained elements comprised a minority of the postsynaptic targets of both peptidergic terminal types in the paraventricular nucleus, and a scant majority of those in the supraoptic nucleus. These results support the view that peptidergic neurons in the caudal nucleus of the solitary tract interact synaptically with multiple cell types in the parvocellular division of the paraventricular nucleus, and preferentially with oxytocinergic elements in the magnocellular neurosecretory system.
Site-directed mutagenesis studies of the high-affinity streptavidin-biotin complex: contributions of tryptophan residues 79, 108, and 120.

Abstract We report the functional characterization of site-directed biotin binding-site mutants of recombinant core streptavidin. The mutagenesis studies were aimed at characterizing the contributions of Trp residues known to contact biotin that have been postulated to control the exceptional binding affinity observed in this system. The functional properties of single site-directed mutants replacing Trp residues with Phe or Ala at positions 79, 108, and 120 were investigated by quantitating the EC50 binding parameters of these mutants to biotin and 2-iminobiotin in an ELISA format. The biotin EC50 for all mutants was the same as wild-type streptavidin, demonstrating that their delta Ka values relative to wild type were 5 x 10(9) M-1, respectively, in excellent agreement with the ELISA estimates of delta Ka with 2-iminobiotin as a reporter ligand. The results of these preliminary functional studies suggest that these aromatic side chains contribute significantly to the streptavidin-biotin binding free energy.
Competitive processes. II. Stability of random systems.

Abstract In this work, by employing the concept of vector Lyapunov functions and the theory of random differential inequalities, the stability analysis of random competitive systems is initiated in a systematic and unified way. Furthermore, an attempt has been made to formulate and partially resolve the “deterministic vs. stochastic”, and the “complexity vs. stability” problems in stochastic competitive processes. Finally, the usefulness of the stability analysis of the competitive systems has been demonstrated by exhibiting several well-known examples of competitive processes in biological, medical, physical and social sciences in a coherent way.
Peptide YY Concentrations in Normal Ileum and Colon and in Idiopathic Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Concentrations of the candidate endocrine and paracrine peptide, peptide YY, were measured by specific radioimmunoassay in tissue extracts prepared from normal ileum, normal colon, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis. In both the ascending and descending colon, there were significantly decreased mean concentrations of peptide YY in Crohn's colitis and ulcerative colitis, compared to mean concentrations in normal colon. There was no age-related decrease of concentrations of peptide YY in normal colon. The decrease in concentrations of peptide YY in colon obtained from patients with inflammatory bowel disease did not appear related either to the duration of the clinical symptoms of the disease or to the severity of colonic inflammation. Further studies of the physiological function of peptide YY in man are needed to determine whether these findings might be useful in understanding a component of the pathophysiology of idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease.
Nasopharyngeal malignancies in children

A retrospective analysis identified 29 children with nasopharyngeal malignancies who were evaluated at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia from 1970 through 1989. Rhabdomyosarcoma (15) and carcinoma (9) were the most common tumor types, and there were distinct differences in the clinical presentations of these two malignancies. Patients with rhabdomyosarcoma were generally younger than those with carcinoma and enjoyed longer survival. Six (67%) of the children with carcinoma were black; all of the patients with rhabdomyosarcoma were white. Patients with carcinoma were also more likely to present with cervical metastases. The presentation, evaluation, and methods of treatment for pediatric nasopharyngeal malignancies are discussed.
Spin of the 1029-keV Level in Hg 200

A search for 1029-keV photons following the decay of ${\mathrm{Tl}}^{200}$ has been made. These have been observed with a relative intensity $\frac{{I}_{1029}}{{I}_{661}}=0.049\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.016$. The spin assignment to the 1029-keV level of ${\mathrm{Hg}}^{200}$ is discussed.
Ratios of double to single K-vacancy production in heavy ion-atom collisions

Abstract The projectile Z 1 and energy dependences of the ratio of double to single K-vacancy production have been measured for thin Ti targets bombarded by N, F, Mg, Al, Si, and Cl ions in the 2.0–6.5 MeV/amu range. A pronounced projectile charge state dependence of this ratio is observed for heavy near-symmetric collision systems.
Epidemiological trends in multiple births in the United States, 1971-1998.

The astounding rise in multiple births in the United States continues. We analyzed live birth files from the U.S. National Center for Health Statistics. Twin, triplet, quadruplet, and quintuplet+ rates were calculated for the period 1971-1977 and for each year between 1990 and 1998. Triplet rates were also computed within categories of mother's education and age. The twin rate increased from 1.8% in 1971-77 to 2.8% in 1998. The rate of triplets increased 5.9-fold, quadruplets 11.9-fold, and quintuplets+ 5.3-fold between 1971-77 and 1998. Increases in triplet rates were much more marked among births to university-educated women and women 30 years and older. Among women 45 years and older, the triplet rate was approximately fifty times higher in 1998 than in 1971-77. This group of older women (> or = 45 years) had the highest multiple birth rate in 1998.
Urban Form and Racial Order

This study focuses on the developing urban morphology of Lexington, Kentucky since about 1790, in order to demonstrate how inherited urban geographies help shape racial patterns in the American city. The empirical component begins with a contemporary (potential) racial flashpoint as a catalyst for unpacking the city's urban morphological transformations since the late 18th century. The Lexington case illustrates the importance of particular understandings of urban sociospatial form as key in shaping racialized landscapes in general. It also contributes to a richer understanding of Southern city form and development, and ultimately holds forth the possibilities for intervening in urban sociospatial processes through the cultural landscape to challenge the always-reformulating processes of racial formation.
Automated distribution comes of age

The use of intelligent systems that automatically operate and coordinate the use of all of a utility's distribution components in real time is discussed. Most utility computers and communications systems were designed only to perform specific functions, such as supervisory control and data acquisition and were installed with no, or only limited, capability to communicate with other systems. By connecting all the components into a single communications network, utilities can save as much as 10% of their annual operation and maintenance expenses. The features of automatic distribution are discussed, and their installation is briefly considered. >
Peer assessment of the social behavior of accepted, rejected, and neglected children.

Positive and negative sociometric nominations were used with second and fifth-grade children to select 26 socially accepted, 32 rejected, and 28 neglected children. A total of 358 of their classmates evaluated these children by indicating whether each of 19 descriptions of social behavior was characteristic of each child. Rejected children were perceived by their peers as being more aggressive, disruptive, irritable, domineering , dishonest , and selfish than accepted and/or neglected children. Neglected children, in contrast, differed from accepted children only in being less likely to brag about physical prowess . While the low sociometric status of rejected children appears to be related to the negative impact of their behavior on peers, this does not appear to be the case for neglected children. Females were generally perceived as behaving more positively with peers, but no interactions were found between sex and sociometric status. In general, the test-retest reliability of peer evaluation items was higher for fifth- than for second-grade children, but significant grade by sociometric status interactions were found for only two items.
Evaluation of platelet kinetics in 47 dogs using indium-111

Abstract This report provides data on platelet survival times obtained from 47 dogs over a period of 18 months. Platelets were labeled with indium-111 oxine using isotonic saline as the labeling medium. Results obtained from four different mathematical models are summarized. The mean platelet survival time for 47 animals using the multihit model for calculations was 78.8 ± 2.0 (SEM) hr. Basic statistics are provided on sufficient animals to allow evaluation of the reproducibility of the technique when used on a routine basis.
Just Despots: The Cultural Construction of Imperial Constitutionalism

This article explores the significance of widespread debates in empires about the exercise of arbitrary power. As particularly evident in the decades around the turn of the nineteenth century, colo...