cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cervical Papanicolaou smear abnormalities in inner city Bronx adolescents: prevalence, progression, and immune modifiers.

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to quantify the prevalence of cervical smear abnormalities in sexually active adolescents and identify the effect of immune-modifying conditions. METHODS Two hundred seventy-one females ages 13–22 years attending a clinic for sexually transmitted disease (STD) evaluation had cervical Papanicoloau (Pap) smears and completed sexual history questionnaires. Results of all follow-up Pap smears were obtained. Medical charts were available for 54 patients with cytologic follow-up and were reviewed for the presence of immune-modifying conditions. Follow-up smear results for patients with and without immune-modifying conditions were compared. Abnormality rates for all cervical smears seen in 1995 at Montefiore Medical Center were also obtained. RESULTS The smear abnormality rate for adolescents was 20.7% (abnormal squamous cells of undetermined significance [ASCUS], 12.2%; low grade squamous intraepithelial lesion [LGSIL], 7.7%; high grade squamous intraepithelial lesion [HGSIL], 0.7%) compared with all adult females, for whom the rate was 13.2% (ASCUS, 9.9%; LGSIL, 2.5%; HGSIL, 0.6%; carcinoma 0.2%) (P < 0.0002). Of 20 initial ASCUS patients, 6 (30%) showed LGSIL or HGSIL on follow-up. Chart review allowed the clinical immune status of 54 patients to be determined. Of 14 patients with an immune-modifying condition (9 HIV positive patients, 3 receiving oral steroids, 1 liver transplant patient receiving steroids, and 1 with intestinal lymphangiectasia), 11 (78.6%) developed or maintained an abnormality on cytologic follow-up. Of 40 patients with no identifiable immune-modifying condition, 11 (27.5%) developed or maintained an abnormality on cytologic follow-up (P < 0.00082). CONCLUSIONS Sexually active adolescents are at higher risk of developing a significant cervical smear abnormality, especially LGSIL. Patients with an atypical Pap smear or immune-modifying condition require more attentive gynecologic monitoring. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 1999;87:184–9. © 1999 American Cancer Society.
One and one half: Frontiers in FQHE theory

Abstract The fractional quantum Hall effect is a consequence of strong correlations among interacting electrons in two dimensions in high magnetic fields. Because of the Landau level degeneracy in these systems, expectations based on the properties of non-interacting electrons can fail completely and many novel electron-electron interaction effects occur. Recently, qualitatively new behavior has been uncovered in the properties of single-layer quantum Hall systems with Landau level filling factor equal to one half ( v = 1 2 and in the properties of double-layer systems with v = 1 2 per layer. The single-layer v = 1 2 system appears to have some properties similar to those of two-dimensional fermion systems at zero magnetic field. The double-layer v = 1 2 system has a spontaneoulsy broken symmetry analogous to that of quantum easy-plane ferromagnets and in a parallel magnetic field a commensurate-incommensurate phase transition occurs.
First forbidden β-decays as a probe of T-odd nuclear forces

Abstract It is proposed that first forbidden beta-decays can be used to study T-odd nuclear forces. Maximal enhancement occurs if the T-odd force admixes a nearby state, particularly in the parent, that has a super-allowed beta-decay.
Intestinal transit time during infection with Eimeria nieschulzi in rats.

SYNOPSIS. Experiments were designed to test whether or not intestinal transit time increases significantly during severe coccidiosis in the rat. Intraduodenal catheters were surgically implanted into 25 rats. Six to 12 days after surgery 11 rats were inoculated orally with 104 sporulated oocysts of Eimeria nieschulzi Dieben, and 11 were inoculated with 106 oocysts; 3 rats were retained as uninfected controls. At 2, 4, 8, 9, and 16 days postinoculation (PI) Na251CrO4 was injected through the catheter into the duodenum of fasted rats and allowed to progress through the small bowel for 15 min, at which time the rats were killed. The distribution of 51Cr in the gut was plotted as a function of gut length. The leading edge of radioactivity traversed 70% of the gut length in controls, and ∼ 50–60% in parasitized rats on days 2, 4, 8, and 9 PI. Also, a reflux of gut contents, as evidenced by radioactivity in the stomach, occurred early (PI days 2 & 4) in rats infected with 104 oocysts and throughout patency in rats infected with 106 oocysts. A 2nd study was undertaken to determine if chemically induced suppression of gut transit time during early infection would enhance infectivity as measured by increased parasite fecundity. Nine rats were injected subcutaneously with an antidiarrheal agent, Loperamide®, known to slow small bowel motility significantly. Another group of 9 control rats was injected with the ethanol-propylene glycol solvent. Ten min after injection, all rats were inoculated per os with 104E. nieschulzi oocysts. The daily number of oocysts discharged/rat was followed from PI days 5–11. Patency began for all rats on PI day 7. The total number of oocysts discharged by the drugged rats as compared with controls was not significantly different.
MAPCLUS: A Mathematical Programming Approach to Fitting the ADCLUS Model.

We present a new algorithm, MAPCLUS (MAthematicalProgrammingCLUStering), for fitting the Shepard-Arabie ADCLUS (forADditiveCLUStering) model. MAPCLUS utilizes an alternating least squares method combined with a mathematical programming optimization procedure based on a penalty function approach, to impose discrete (0,1) constraints on parameters defining cluster membership. This procedure is supplemented by several other numerical techniques (notably a heuristically based combinatorial optimization procedure) to provide an efficient general-purpose computer implemented algorithm for obtaining ADCLUS representations. MAPCLUS is illustrated with an application to one of the examples given by Shepard and Arabie using the older ADCLUS procedure. The MAPCLUS solution uses half as many clusters to achieve nearly the same level of goodness-of-fit. Finally, we consider an extension of the present approach to fitting a three-way generalization of the ADCLUS model, called INDCLUS (INdividualDifferencesCLUStering).
Epitaxy of Pt thin films on (001) MgO—I. Interface energetics and misfit accommodation

Theoretical and experimental results on film/substrate interface energetics and misfit accommodation in Pt thin films on (001) MgO are reported. Two epitaxial orientations were observed in Pt films deposited on to (001) MgO substrates by electron beam evaporation: [110](001)Pt//[110](001) MgO and [110](111)Pt//[110](001) MgO. O-lattice calculations were used to predict film/substrate interface structures and relative interfacial energies for these two epitaxial Pt film orientations. The interfacial misfit dislocation structure was characterized by weak beam transmission electron microscopy. Good agreement was found among the calculated relative interface energies, reports in the literature, and the present experimental data.
Multivariate analyses of elemental hair concentrations from a medieval Nubian population.

Elemental hair concentrations were obtained from 168 mummified individuals recovered during excavations of cemeteries S and R (A. D. 550–1450), at Kulubnarti, Republic of the Sudan (Van Gerven et al., 1981). Concentrations of calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), strontium (Sr), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), and copper (Cu) were determined using inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometry (ICP) (Sandford, 1984; Sandford et al., 1983). Following univariate statistical reanalyses of these data (Sandford and Kissling, 1993a, b), we applied principal component analysis and multidimensional scaling to clarify their multivariate structure. Similar underlying associations were revealed in the two cemeteries. The first principal component, consisting of Mg, Ca, Sr, and Mn, may reflect inherent chemical similarities coupled with specific dietary factors (e. g., vegetation intakes) and physiological processes (e. g., bone remodeling). The second principal component, a contrast between Fe and Zn, may be due to their competitive relationship during absorption. The third principal component consists of Cu alone (in cemetery S), and Cu and Fe (in cemetery R), suggesting utilization of animal protein and an underlying synergism between Cu and Fe, respectively. Multidimensional scaling substantiates a three-dimensional model for describing elemental covariation. While interpretation of the first two dimensions was analogous to those of the first two principal components, the third dimension may represent antagonism between pairs of elements during absorption, transport and/or utilization (cemetery R: Cu vs. Zn; cemetery S: Cu vs. Zn, Fe vs. Mn). While these results provide the most persuasive evidence to date that elemental hair concentrations from this population reflect chiefly biogenic processes, isolation of diagenetic and exogenous effects requires further investigation through controlled studies. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A polynomial-time algorithm for computing the yolk in fixed dimension

The yolk, developed in Ferejohn, McKelvey and Packel (1984) and McKelvey (1986), is a key solution concept in the Euclidean spatial model as the region of policies where a dynamic voting game will tend to reside. However, determining the yolk is NP-hard for arbitrary dimension. This paper derives an algorithm to compute the yolk in polynomial time for any fixed dimension.
Do Changes in Morphology and Prey-Capture Movements Facilitate a Dietary Transition in Juvenile Colorado pikeminnow, Ptychocheilus lucius ?

Ontogenetic diet shifts in juvenile fishes are sometimes associated with proportional changes to the feeding mechanism. In addition, many piscivorous teleosts transition from invertebrate-prey to fish-prey when the mouth attains a specific diameter. Allometric (disproportionate) growth of the jaws could accelerate a young fish’s ability to reach a critical gape diameter; alternately by opening the lower jaw to a greater degree, a fish might increase gape behaviorally. We investigated the ontogeny of feeding morphology and kinematics in an imperiled piscivore, the Colorado pikeminnow (Ptychocheilus lucius) in a size range of individuals across which a diet shift from invertebrate-prey to prey-fishes is known to occur. We predicted that: (1) the feeding apparatus of the fish would grow proportionally with the rest of the body (isometric growth), that (2) anatomical gape diameter at the known diet transition would be a similar gape diameter to that observed for other piscivorous juvenile fishes (15–20 mm) and (3) feeding kinematic variables would scale isometrically (that is, change in direct proportion to body length) as juvenile pikeminnow became larger. Furthermore, we also asked the question: if changes in feeding morphology and kinematics are present, do the changes in morphology appear to generate the observed changes in kinematics? For juvenile Colorado pikeminnow, the majority of the morphological variables associated with the skull and jaws scale isometrically (that is, proportionally), but seven of eight kinematic variables, including functional gape, scale with negative allometry (that is, they became disproportionately smaller in magnitude). In contrast with the overall trend of isometry, two key aspects of feeding morphology do change with size; the lower jaw of a young Colorado pikeminnow becomes longer (positive allometry), while the head becomes shallower (negative allometry). These findings do not support the hypothesis that morphological ontogenetic changes directly generate changes in feeding kinematics; in fact, allometric jaw growth would, a priori, be expected to generate a larger gape in older fish—which is the opposite of what was observed. We conclude that ontogenetic morphological changes produce a more streamlined cranium that may reduce drag during a rapid, anteriorly directed strike, while concomitant behavioral changes reduce the magnitude of jaw movements—behavioral changes that will facilitate a very rapid opening and closing of the jaws during the gape cycle. Thus, for juvenile pikeminnow, speed and stealth appear to be more important than mouth gape during prey capture.
Binding of Specific ATP Citrate Lyase and Fatty Acid Synthetase Antibodies to Heavy Populations of Rat Liver Polysomes

The polysome fractions involved in the synthesis of the rat-liver inducible lipogenic enzymes, ATP citrate lyase and fatty acid synthetase, were identified by their binding of radioiodinated specific antibodies to enzyme. Both of these populations of specific polysomes were shown to be markedly heavier than the average rat liver polysomes and significantly heavier than specific polysomes involved in albumin synthesis. The quantity of antibody bound to the lipogenic enzyme-related polysomes was markedly affected by the dietary status of the animal. A dietary regimen which induced lipogenesis resulted in a tenfold increase in the hepatic activities of these enzymes found in normally fed animals. The radioactivity bound to hepatic polysomes of induced rats was likewise greater than tenfold higher, presumably reflecting an increase in the number of polysomes active in enzyme synthesis. The fasting state resulted in lower hepatic enzyme activity than normal and correspondingly less binding of ATP citrate lyase and fatty acid synthetase antibodies to the heavy polysomes of the sucrose gradient.
First observation of alpha particle loss induced by kinetic ballooning modes in TFTR deuterium-tritium experiments.

A correlation between the measured alpha particle loss and high frequency ( $\ensuremath{\sim}100--200$ kHz) magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) modes has been observed in some high \ensuremath{\beta} ( $\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}=\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}$ plasma pressure/magnetic pressure) DT plasmas in TFTR. These modes are localized around the peak plasma pressure gradient and have ballooning characteristics. Particle simulation shows that the loss is due to wave-particle resonances. Linear instability analysis indicates that the plasma is unstable to the kinetic MHD ballooning modes driven by strong local pressure gradients.
Modeling shoot water contents in high-elevation Picea rubens during winter.

During the winter of 1990-1991, a meteorological tower was established at an 880-m elevation site within the spruce-fir zone on Mt. Moosilauke, New Hampshire, USA. Hourly means of air, needle and trunk temperatures, wind velocity, relative humidity and solar radiation were recorded. On a weekly basis, shoots that had elongated during the preceding growing season were collected from four red spruce (Picea rubens Sarg.) trees and their relative water contents (RWC) determined. Cuticular resistances of needles from these shoots were measured four times during the winter.Measured meteorological parameters were used in a previously developed model to simulate changes in red spruce shoot RWC during the winter. The modeled results were compared to measured shoot RWCs. The predictive power of the model was improved when it was modified to include measured values of cuticular resistance and needle and trunk temperatures. The new version of the model accurately predicted RWC from late December 1990 to the beginning of April 1991, after which spring recharge appeared to occur. We conclude that water lost from foliage was easily replaced by stored reserves and that uptake of water by the roots was not required to maintain an adequate foliar water content during the winter.
Mathematical modeling of conductive heat transfer from a freezing, convecting magma chamber to a single-pass hydrothermal system: implications for seafloor black smokers

Abstract Hydrothermal systems subject to a heat flux boundary condition at the base behave differently from systems with an isothermal bottom boundary. Scaling analysis of convection in a uniform porous layer at large Rayleigh number, Ra , is used to illustrate that the core temperature of the system scales as Ra −1/2 and vertical velocity scales as Ra 1/2 . A time-dependent numerical model of heat transfer across a thickening conductive boundary layer between a crystallizing magma chamber and a single-pass hydrothermal system in the oceanic crust is then developed. The model shows that a layer of isotropic gabbro at the top of the magma chamber ∼ 75–200 m thick during a period of high-temperature flow. The parameter kd , where k is the bulk permeability and d is the thickness of the chemical reaction-heat uptake region at the base of the hydrothermal system, exerts a strong control on the duration of high-temperature flow. The thickness d is thought to be a few tens of meters. The simulations yield temperature and flow rates that are similar to black smokers under rather restrictive conditions on kd ( kd ∼ 5 × 10 −12 m 3 ) for a time period of ∼ 100 years. But during this time interval, the temperature and flow rate decreases significantly; and these features do not appear to be characteristic of black smokers. Thus although kd exerts some control on whether high-temperature venting occurs, other factors must stabilize the temperature and heat output of black smoker vents. Downward migration of the hydrothermal system into the isotropic gabbro layer could help to stabilize the flow. Two-phase flow is not explicitly treated in this model; but the results suggest that supercritical two-phase flow may occur for tens to hundreds of years.
SYSTOLIC ARTERIAL PRESSURE RECOVERY AFTER VENTRICULAR FIBRILLATION IN PIGS

Abstract Ventricular fibrillation (VF) is induced during implantable cardioverter defibrillator insertion and can result in cardiovascular collapse. The relation between repeated VF trials of varying duration and systolic blood pressure (SBP) recovery rate was studied in 6 pigs. Two implantable cardioverter defibrillator patches were placed on the heart, and VF was varied in a cyclic pattern until cardiovascular collapse occurred. A negative logarithmic relation between SBP recovery rate and duration of VF was found in 4 of the pigs with correlation coefficients of 0.62 to 0.97 ( p p p
Release of lignin from kraft pulp by a hyperthermophilic xylanase from Thermatoga maritima

Abstract The cloning, sequencing, and expression in E. coli of a gene from the hyperthermophile, Thermatoga maritima , encoding a thermostable xylanase is reported. The enzyme is active at 100°C for several hours and efficient in releasing lignin from kraft pulp. Comparison of the T. maritima recombinant enzyme with a commercially available xylanase, Pulpzyme, indicated that the hyperthermophilic enzyme has several advantages that make it an attractive biotechnological reagent. In studies of the release of reducing sugars and lignin from hardwood and softwood kraft pulp, the specific activity for the partially purified enzyme was 131 U mg −1 . The enzyme released reducing sugars and aromatic materials from the pulp suspensions over a pH range from 3.5–10.
Description of larvae of four Haliplus species from Australia (Coleoptera: Haliplidae)

The third instar larvae of Haliplus fortescueensis Watts & McRae, 2010, H. halsei Watts & McRae, 2010, H. pilbaraensis Watts & McRae, 2010 and H. pinderi Watts & McRae, 2010 are described, together with the first instar larva of H. halsei Watts & McRae, 2010. A key to the six known third stage larvae of Australian Haliplidae is given and notes are given on subgeneric placement of the species.
Fetal intestinal transplant model for mucosal immune responses.

A rat fetal intestinal transplant model was developed for long-term study of intestinal immune responses. For the model, fetal small intestine is transplanted into the dorsal subcutaneous tissue of synergic adults and allowed to mature, providing an accessible site, isolated from the intestinal stream. We previously demonstrated normal histologic maturation of the transplant. Specific antibody-producing cells appeared in the lamina propria of both transplant and native in situ intestine following intraluminal immunization of the transplant with cholera toxin, and conversely, in transplants after immunization of in situ intestine. An enterointestinal lymphocyte migratory pathway (originating in intestine and migrating to another region of the intestine) was thus demonstrated unequivocally. We found a bacterial flora in the transplant, and showed normal villus morphology in scanning electron microscopy. Less than 200 pg, i.e., a 10−7 fraction, of 2 mg macromolecular lipopolysaccharide placed in the transplant lumen was absorbed per plasma lipopolysaccharide half-life. Immunization of the transplant with cholera toxin resulted in specific IgA and IgG antibody in the transplant lumen and in bile, and specific IgG, but not IgA, antibody in serum. A second dose of antigen gave an anamnestic rise in intra-transplant antibody. Intestinal immune tolerance was also demonstrated: sheep red blood cells (SRBC) administered into the transplant for 7 days suppressed splenic IgM plaque forming responses to subsequent intraperitoneal challenge with SRBC. These studies further demonstrate that the fetal intestinal transplant behaves immunologically like native intestine, and therefore provides a useful model for investigation of the intestinal immune system.
Osmotic regulation of myo-inositol uptake in primary astrocyte cultures

Uptake of myo-inositol by astrocytes in hypertonic medium (440 mosm/kg H2O) was increased near 3-fold after incubation for 24 hours, which continued for 72 hours, as compared with the uptake by cells cultured in isotonic medium (38 nmoles/mg protein). myo-Inositol uptake by astrocytes cultured in hypotonic medium (180 mosm/kg H2O) for periods up to 72 hours was reduced by 74% to 8 to 10 nmoles/mg protein. Astrocytes incubated in either hypotonic or hypertonic medium for 24 hours and then placed in isotonic medium reversed the initial down- or up-regulation of uptake. Activation of chronic RVD and RVI correlates with regulation of myo-inositol uptake. A 30 to 40 mosm/kg H2O deviation from physiological osmolality can influence myo-inositol homeostasis. The intracellular content of myo-inositol in astrocytes in isotonic medium was 25.6 +/- 1.3 micrograms/mg protein (28 mM). This level of myo-inositol is sufficient for this compound to function as an osmoregulator in primary astrocytes and it is likely to contribute to the maintenance of brain volume.
Lower GI bleeding: epidemiology and management

Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding from the colon is a common reason for hospitalization and is becoming more common in the elderly. While most cases will cease spontaneously, patients with ongoing bleeding or major stigmata of hemorrhage require urgent diagnosis and intervention to achieve definitive hemostasis. Colonoscopy is the primary modality for establishing a diagnosis, risk stratification, and treating some of the most common causes of colonic bleeding, including diverticular hemorrhage which is the etiology in 30 % of cases. Other interventions, including angiography and surgery, are usually reserved for instances of bleeding that cannot be stabilized or allow for adequate bowel preparation for colonoscopy. We discuss the colonoscopic diagnosis, risk stratification, and definitive treatment of colonic hemorrhage in patients presenting with severe hematochezia.
Constant composition kinetics study of carbonated apatite dissolution

Abstract The carbonated apatites (CAP) may be more suitable models for biominerals such as bone and dental hard tissues than is pure hydroxyapatite (HAP) since they have similar chemical compositions. Although they contain only a relatively small amount of carbonate, the solubility and dissolution properties are different. The solubility product of the CAP particles used in this dissolution study, 2.88×10 −112 mol 18 l −18 , was significantly greater than that of HAP, 5.52×10 −118 mol 18 l −18 . The kinetics of dissolution of CAP has been studied using the constant composition (CC) method. At low undersaturations, the dissolution reaction appeared to be controlled mainly by surface diffusion with an effective reaction order of 1.9±0.1 with respect to the relative undersaturation. These results together with those obtained by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) suggest a dissolution model. Based on the surface diffusion theory of Burton, Cabrera and Frank (BCF). The interfacial tension between CAP and the aqueous phase calculated from this dissolution model, 9.0 m J m −2 , was consistent with its relatively low solubility. An abnormal but interesting dissolution behavior is that the CAP dissolution rate was relatively insensitive to changes in calcium and phosphate concentrations at higher undersaturations, suggesting the importance of the carbonate component under these conditions.
Mechanistic Studies of the Cationic Binding Pocket of CYP2C9 In Vitro and In Silico: Metabolism of Nonionizable Analogs of Tienilic Acid

Tienilic acid (TA) is selectively oxidized at the C-5 position of the thiophene ring by the human liver enzyme cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9). This oxidation is mediated by the proximal positioning of the thiophene over the heme iron, which is proposed to be coordinated by an interaction of the TA carboxylic acid to a cationic binding pocket in the enzyme active site. In this study, we investigated how chemical modification of TA influences the bioactivation by CYP2C9. For this investigation, nine analogs of TA were chosen with substitutions on either side of the molecule. We tested three parameters, including CYP2C9 inhibition, metabolic profiling, and in silico docking. Of the 10 compounds tested, only two (TA and a noncarboxyl analog) resulted in competitive and time-dependent inhibition of CYP2C9. Metabolic profiling revealed a trend in which substitution of the carboxylate with nonionizable functional groups resulted in metabolic switching from oxidation of the aromatic ring to dealkylation reactions at the opposite side of the structure. The in silico modeling predicted an opposite binding orientation to that of TA for many analogs, including the 3-thenoyl regio-isomer analog, which contradicts previous models. Together these data show that disrupting interactions with the cationic binding pocket of CYP2C9 will impact the sites of metabolism and inhibition of the enzyme.
Predicting childhood obesity prevention behaviors using social cognitive theory for elementary school students in Taiwan

Childhood obesity and overweight are among the most serious public health challenges in Taiwan. Moderate daily physical activity, limiting screen viewing, drinking more water, and consuming adequate fruits and vegetables are modifiable and particularly important for preventing childhood obesity. Self-efficacy, expectations, and self-control were used to predict each of the four behaviors. A valid and reliable instrument was administered to 222 upper elementary students. Minutes of physical activity were predicted by self-efficacy and self-control to exercise (R2 = 0.111). Hours of TV watching were predicted by self-efficacy of watching less than 2 hour of TV (R2 = 0.136). Glasses of water consumed were predicted by self-efficacy for drinking water and age (R2 = 0.093). Servings of fruits and vegetables consumed were predicted by self-efficacy of eating fruits and vegetables (R2 = 0.089). This research provided useful guidance based on social cognitive theory for building prevention programs specific to th...
Exceptions to urban bias in Latin America: Cuba and Costa Rica

This essay speculates on the structural conditions under which the peasantry in Latin America is able to prosper. Contemporary Latin American states invariably meddle in agricultural markets. Despite government affirmations to the contrary, peasants ordinarily do not benefit from state intervention in the agricultural sector. However, there are two exceptions to this pattern in Latin America, and surprisingly they are the cases which ideologically bracket the political spectrum in the region ‐ Cuba and Costa Rica. These two cases suggest that the proclivity towards urban bias can be thwarted by the socialist ideology of a well‐ensconced and politically invulnerable elite, such as in Cuba, or by a vigorous democratic regime, such as Costa Rica.
Community Studies as Formative Evaluations for Citizens

Evaluation has been defined by Blaine Worthen and J. R. Sanders (1973, Educational Evaluation: Theory and Practice. Worthington, Ohio: C.A. Jones Publishing Company, p. 19) as making a "determination of the worth of a thing." The thought of evaluating a community is one that, at first hearing, is likely to give any anthropologist a cold chill. But actually, communities are evaluated all the time; the evolutionary socioeconomic processes of a region continually, although impersonally, evaluate communities. In the process, some are selected to live and others to die and become ghost towns (or future archaeological discoveries). My region, Minnesota, Wisconsin and the Dakotas, is filled with towns that have been evaluated by this process. While they are not ghost towns, they have been reduced to two road signs announcing their names, a tavern, and a deserted general store. This type of evaluation is occurring through the rural areas of the world. It results in rural depopulation and the demise of rural commu...
Safety and effectiveness of stent implantation without predilation for small coronary arteries.

The purpose of this study was to examine the safety and effectiveness of stenting without predilation (direct stenting) in small (< 2.5 mm) coronary arteries. Clinical and angiographic data from the multicenter randomized PREDICT trial was examined. Direct stenting was performed on 42 small and 158 large vessels. Predilation was performed prior to stenting for 37 small vessels. In the small-vessel group, mean reference vessel diameter was 2.24 +/- 0.19 mm for direct stenting vs. 2.24 +/- 0.22 mm for predilation (P = NS). Mean reference vessel diameter was 3.17 +/- 0.48 mm in the large-vessel group. Device success for direct stenting was similar for small vs. large vessels (90.5% vs. 92.4%; P = NS). At 180 days, a trend toward increased MACE between small vs. large vessels in the direct-stenting group was observed (26.8% vs.16.7%; P = NS), and significantly higher target lesion revascularizations (TLRs) in the small-vessel group (19.5% vs.7.7%; P = 0.03) were observed. In small vessels, differences in device success rate (90.5% vs. 100 %; P = NS) and lesion success rate (100% vs. 100%; P = NS) for direct stenting vs. predilation were not significant. At 180 days, no differences between direct stenting and predilation for MACE (26.8% vs. 29.7%; P = NS) or TLR (22.0% vs. 21.6%; P = NS) were seen in small vessels, although binary angiographic restenosis rate tended to be higher in direct-stenting group (38.2% vs. 18.5%; P = NS). Direct stenting of small vessels can be performed safely and successfully in selected cases. Restenosis rates may be higher for small vessel treated by direct stenting compared to predilation.
Matrix Assisted Laser Processing of Organic Thin Films with an Er:YAG Laser

This work focuses on the deposition of organic thin films by matrix assisted pulsed laser deposition. In particular, an Er:YAG laser is used and the results compare more than favorably with those obtained when using an ArF (193 nm) laser. The deposition of polyethylene glycol, fluropolyol, polyaniline (emeraldine salt), and calf thymus DNA is reviewed and discussed.
A Revision of Acanthinus (Coleoptera: Anthicidae). III. The Spinicollis-Group

The group is defined to include Acanthinus spinicollis (LaFerte), fryi (Heberdey), trifasciatus (F.), and 3 new species: glareosus (from Florida, Mexico, Central America, and Colombia), egleri (from the state of Para, Brazil), and fastigatus (from Ecuador). New synonymy proposed: Acanthinus trifasciatus (F.) (= Anthicus laterotuberculatus Buck).
Vegetation characteristics and primary productivity along an arctic transect: implications for scaling‐up

Summary 1 Arctic terrestrial ecosystems, which are important components of the global carbon (C) cycle, are expected to undergo considerable future climate change. However, predicting arctic C budgets is complex because the landscape is highly diverse and plant biomass very variable. 2 We investigated the diversity of vegetation at 14 sites along an arctic transect in northern Alaska, including sites on wet coastal tundra, tussock tundra, heath and shrub tundra. We applied these data to a model of the soil–plant–atmosphere (SPA) continuum, to investigate how variations in vegetation structure might affect landscape patterns of gross primary productivity (GPP). 3 Although the dominant species varied, there was a highly significant relationship for vascular plants between the leaf area index (LAI) and total foliar nitrogen (N; g m–2 ground area) at each site. 4 A modelled response surface of GPP to changes in both N and LAI indicated that for tundra plants there is an almost constant ratio between the sensitivity of productivity to the two variables. 5 The conservative nature of canopy LAI–N ratios simplifies the task of generating regional predictions of C assimilation by vascular plants (for which LAI and N are key requirements) because measurements of LAI can be used to infer N. 6 Spatial and temporal patterns of LAI and N must be determined if the photosynthetic component of regional C budgets is to be modelled accurately for diverse arctic ecosystems. Patterns of solar irradiance, together with air temperature and soil moisture constraints, are also influential but less important. The contribution of bryophytes must be accounted for as well.
Designing a Lunar Wheel

Given NASA’s renewed initiative to return to the moon, it is imperative to develop a mobility platform which will enable a wider range of exploration and science. To this end a wheel which can perform in a lunar environment for an extended period of time and distance is needed. This paper analyzes and evaluates the attempts to develop such a solution and the challenges which have arisen. Furthermore, it builds upon an analytical basis for the proposed solution and examines further applications in vehicular mobility. Specifically, three concepts were conceived, analyzed, prototyped, and tested in a senior design project class supported by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Michelin Tire Corporation, then critically examined for failure modes. The lessons learned from the analysis are currently being applied in the development of third and fourth generation prototypes.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Pharmacokinetic Optimisation of the Treatment of Embolic Disorders

Management of thromboembolic disease involves administration of anticoagulants, thrombolytics or antiplatelet agents to lyse or prevent thrombus extension. Despite widespread use and decades of experience with some of these agents, much is unknown about the effects of dose and plasma concentration on patient response. Unfractionated heparin (UFH) improves outcome in many thromboembolic disorders when administered to a target activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) or plasma heparin concentration. UFH exhibits dose-dependency both with absorption from subcutaneous sites and elimination. Doses based on bodyweight or estimated blood volume attain therapeutic aPTTs faster than fixed or standard doses. Low molecular weight heparins (LMWHs) were developed to increase the anti-factor Xa:anti-factor IIa activities. Several different LMWHs are as effective as UFH in treating deep venous thrombosis. Evidence fails to support a relationship between anti-factor Xa activity and either thrombosis evolution or bleeding. No comparisons have been made between bodyweight-based and anti-factor Xa activity-based doses. The dose of orally administered warfarin is adjusted to achieve a target International Normalised Ratio (INR). Maintenance doses are estimated on the basis of the patient's INR during the first 3 days of therapy: the dose required to achieve an optimal INR decreases with age > 50 years. The thrombolytic agents are administered in standard doses to achieve rapid thrombolysis with minimal alteration in systemic haemostasis. Accelerated intravenous alteplase may result in the highest rate of coronary artery reperfusion. Nevertheless, standard doses of streptokinase, anisoylated plasminogen streptokinase complex and alteplase result in similar 1-month mortality rates. The minimal advantage seen with alteplase is offset by higher rates of stroke. Future trials will focus on administration strategies achieving rapid thrombolysis, while minimising the risk of serious bleeding. With the antiplatelet agents, unpredictability in the pharmacokinetic parameters of different products has confounded interpretation of published reports. Optimal aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) administration would include administration of an initial dose of 160 to 325mg after an acute vascular event, followed by maintenance dosages of approximately 75 mg/day for prophylaxis or treatment. Ticlopidine does not exhibit a relationship between either plasma concentration or dose and adverse effects, while pharmacodynamic effects may be dose-, but not plasma concentration-, dependent. The correlation between the concentration of dipyridamole and some of its antiplatelet effects may be the strongest amongst all the antiplatelet agents. However, unfortunately all clinical trials used standard doses and the current consensus is that dipyridamole alone is not an effective antiplatelet agent.
Diarrea intratable y pérdida ponderal acusada secundarias a roflumilast

Resumen Fundamento y objetivo El roflumilast es un farmaco de reciente introduccion, indicado en el tratamiento de mantenimiento de la enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva cronica grave asociada a bronquitis cronica en exacerbadores frecuentes, como terapia adicional a un tratamiento broncodilatador. Material y metodos Los datos de seguridad han sido siempre tema de preocupacion y controversia. La Food and Drug Administration rechazo inicialmente el farmaco, solicitando al laboratorio fabricante aclaraciones respecto a las reacciones adversas observadas en el proceso de investigacion, y la Agencia Europea del Medicamento autorizo el farmaco, incluyendo un Plan de Riesgos para favorecer su uso seguro. Resultados En los primeros meses tras su comercializacion, el Sistema Espanol de Farmacovigilancia ya ha sido conocedor de un numero importante de sospechas de reacciones adversas y, por tanto, se recomienda vigilar estrechamente la posible aparicion de las mismas, principalmente de tipo digestivo y psiquiatrico. Conclusiones Se expone el caso de una paciente que tras iniciar tratamiento con roflumilast presento un grave cuadro de tipo digestivo y una severa perdida ponderal mayor del 25% de su peso inicial. La sospecha de una posible reaccion adversa farmacologica como causante del cuadro y la resolucion del caso precisaron de 3 ingresos hospitalarios.
Neighborhood, family and individual characteristics related to adolescent park-based physical activity

BACKGROUND: Local parks are an important community resource that may influence levels of physical activity among youth. However, few population-based studies have investigated park-based physical activity among youth. PURPOSE: This study examines sociodemographic, family and neighborhood characteristics associated with park-based physical activity among adolescents. METHODS: Data were from the 2007 California Health Interview Survey (CHIS), a population-based survey of California households and were analyzed in 2012-2013 and 2015. This study examined individual (age, gender, race/ethnicity, and nativity), family (household income, parental education and nativity), and neighborhood characteristics (urbanicity, perceived park availability, perceived park safety, neighborhood income and racial composition) associated with engaging in park-based physical activity among adolescents. RESULTS: In California, 71% of adolescents reported being physically active the last time they visited a park. In adjusted multinomial logistic regression analyses, older adolescents and females were less likely to be physically active in parks. Adolescents with a park within walking distance of home and those with a safe park nearby were more likely to be physically active during a park visit. CONCLUSIONS: Park availability and perceptions of park safety are important predictors of engaging in park-based physical activity among adolescents. These findings provide information that can help inform interventions intended to increase physical activity among youth. Strategies that increase availability and safety of parks and other recreation spaces may be particularly effective. Language: en
Angle-resolved X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy of epitaxially grown (100) β-SiC to 1300 °C

The (100) surfaces of three β-Sic crystals grown epitaxially on Si substrates were analyzed by angle-resolved x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The specimens were heated by direct current for 2 min in 25 °C increments from 900 to 1300 °C. After each anneal, Si 2p, C 1s and O 1s spectra were obtained for 28° and 64° photoelectron takeoff angles. After annealing below 1150 °C, the Si 2p spectrum has three main lines. One is assigned to SiC, one to SiO2 and the other to a suboxide. The angular dependence of the intensities of the three features is consistent with 22 A of SiO2 over 10 A of suboxide on the SiC substrate. After annealing above 1150 °C, the O 1s and the oxide lines in the Si 2p spectrum gradually decrease, while the C 1s spectrum develops a second line which proved to be due to surface graphite. After heating at 1175 °C the surface was free of oxide and nearly free of graphite. For this surface, C 1s and Si 2p spectra were obtained for electron takeoff angles between 8° and 64°. Comparison of the Si 2p/C 1s ratio with that calculated from a layer model of β-SiC indicates that the top layer in this state is primarily Si rather than C. After heating above 1200 °C, the second characteristic line in the C 1s spectrum grows. Both the binding energy and characteristic loss features of the new carbon line developed after annealing at high temperatures indicate that it is due to graphite. The angular dependence of the intensities of the two C 1s features indicate that 18 A of graphite is formed on the surface heated to 1300 °C for 8 min.
Relationship of head posture and the rest position of the mandible

Eight subjects were evaluated to assess the relationship between VDR and head posture. Photographic evaluation of head position and VDR was performed initially to quantify a baseline recording. All subjects were then given 4 weeks of physical therapy to improve head posture. Photographs were remade after 2 and 4 weeks of therapy. An increase in the VDR and in the angle of the head to the cervical vertebra was noted in all patients. Although further study is indicated to confirm the findings of this pilot study, it appears that the VDR is influenced by head position. This finding should be considered when prosthodontic problems are treated.
SPATIAL LEARNING DEFICIT IN THE RAT AFTER EXPOSURE TO A 60 HZ MAGNETIC FIELD

Rats were trained in ten daily sessions to perform in a 12-arm radial maze, which is a behavioral test for spatial memory functions. Exposure to a 60 Hz magnetic field (45 min, 0.75 mT) immediately before each training session retarded learning significantly. Pretreatment with the cholinergic agonist physostigmine before magnetic field exposure reversed the field's effect on spatial learning. Data from this experiment indicate that magnetic field-induced spatial learning deficit is caused by the effect of the field on cholinergic systems. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Video Analysis to Monitor Rigor Mortis in Cultured Gulf of Mexico Sturgeon (Ancipenser oxyrynchus desotoi)

: A subjective method was used to evaluate rigor mortis in 50 Gulf sturgeons distributed into 5 weight categories. Duration of rigor increased with fish weight. Onset of rigor ranged from 12 to 24 h. A new method to determine onset and resolution of rigor in cultured Gulf sturgeon was studied using analysis of video images. Insight on the progress of rigor through the fish body is provided. In 10 different time intervals from 0 to 67 h after death, fish were temporarily secured to the edge of a table by the head, with the body free to droop, and video images were taken. Rulers in the background allowed quantification of body position. The extent of deflection of various points along the body length was analyzed. New parameters based on maximum deflection and integral deflections were developed. Rigor in Gulf sturgeon took an average of 24 h to onset and 67 h to resolve and was not a uniform process: the tail reached maximum rigor later than the middle of the fish.
A Tale of Two Fishes: Using Recreational Angler Records to Examine the Link Between Fish Catches and Floodplain Connections in a Subtropical Coastal River

In the tropical and subtropical wet and dry regions, maintaining natural hydrologic connections between coastal rivers and adjacent ephemeral wetlands is critical to conserving and sustaining high levels of fisheries production within these systems. Though there is a consensus that there is a need to maintain these natural connections, little is known about what attributes of floodplain inundation regimes are most important in sustaining fisheries production. Two attributes of the flood season and thus floodplain inundation that may be particularly influential to fisheries are the amplitude of the flood season (floodplain water depth and spatial extent of inundation) and the duration of the flood season (i.e., time floodplains are inundated). In mangrove-dominated Everglades coastal rivers, seasonal inundation of upstream marsh floodplains may play an important role in provisioning recreational fisheries; however, this relationship remains unknown. Using two Everglades coastal river fisheries as a model, we tested whether the amplitude of the flood season or the duration of the flood season is more important in explaining variation in angler catch records of common snook and largemouth bass collected from 1992 to 2012. We validated angler catches with fisheries-independent electrofishing conducted in the same region from 2004 to 2012. Our results showed (1) that bass angler catches tracked electrofishing catches, while snook catches were completely mismatched. And (2) that previous year's marsh dynamics, particularly the duration of the flood season, was more influential than the flood season amplitude in explaining variation in bass catches, such that bass angler catches were negatively correlated to the period time that floodplains remained disconnected from coastal rivers in the previous year, while snook catches were not very well explained by floodplain inundation terms.
Crystallization and Preliminary X-ray Diffraction Studies of the Lepidopteran-specific Insecticidal Crystal Protein CrylA(a)

A trypsin-activated CrylA(a) protein from Bacillus thuringiensis has been purified and crystallized. Crystals belong to orthorhombic space group P212121, with cell dimensions a = 53.3, b = 111.3 and c = 154.7 A. The crystals diffract to at least 2.2 A resolution and are suitable for X-ray structural analysis. They contain a single molecule in the asymmetric unit.