cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An Organ Culture Model for Examining Epidermal Desquamation

The use of organ cultures of mouse ear skin for examining mechanisms of stratum corneum shedding has been investigated. The formation and loss of stratum corneum cells was assessed by electron microscopic autoradiography and from counts of stratum corneum cell layers taken from sections of plastic-embedded specimens. Using media supplemented with cortisone, there was a linear accumulation of stratum corneum cell layers and the rate of epidermal cell formation corresponded approximately to that in vivo. Cells that accumulated at the stratum corneum surface were loose and could consistently be removed by treatment with detergent and ultrasonication indicating the persistence of shedding mechanisms in vitro.
Altered time course of urinary daidzein and genistein excretion during chronic soya diet in healthy male subjects

Abstract Soybean consumption is associated with reduced rates of prostate and other cancers, possibly due in part to the presence of isoflavones. The metabolism and disposition of these soya‐derived phytoestrogens after chronic soya exposure were studied on a metabolic unit in six healthy males (21–35 yrs of age) who consumed an unrestricted hospital diet and a 12‐oz portion of soymilk with each meal for one month. The daily isoflavone intake was about 100 mg of daidzein (mostly as daidzin) and about 100 of mg of genistein (mostly as genistin). At two‐week intervals, excretion of isoflavones in urine was studied, during which time the subjects consumed a constant basal diet for three to four days, ingested the full daily 36‐oz portion of soymilk within 30 minutes each day for one to two days, and collected urine continuously. The urinary recovery of ingested daidzin plusdaidzein (46.9 ± 15.2%, mean ± SD) and genistin plus genistein (14.6 ± 9.2%) didnotchange with prolonged soya ingestion. The absorption h...
Religious competition, community building, and democracy in Latin America: grassroots religious organizations in Venezuela

This article considers the role of religion in the construction of democracy in contemporary Latin America. Religious competition is treated as a key variable and explored in three ways. First, it is analyzed as a dependent variable, and several key factors are introduced to account for its emergence as a vital factor in contemporary Latin America. Next, the dynamics of Latin American religious competition are examined. Finally, religious competition is considered as an independent variable with considerable potential to promote the ongoing construction of d mocracy in the region. Supporting data are derived from general Latin American expenence as well as a representative natiorul case, Venezuela, antl a specific urban setting, Caracas. Although clearly not sufficient in itsey, religious competition may be a particularly valuable support for the long-tenn process of darscratic deepening within political and civil sociery throughout the region.
Reaction of toluene with soil organic matter

Abstract Toluene and a peat soil (93% organic matter content) were used to investigate time‐dependence of isotherm nonlinearity and to gain a better understanding of sorption mechanisms of organic chemicals in soil organic matter (SOM). Isotherms were constructed using batch mixing technique at a series of contact time intervals. Toluene analysis was performed using liquid scintillation counting and sorption data were fitted with the Freundlich model (S = KFCN, where S and C are sorbed and solution concentrations, respectively, KF and N are constants). Isotherms at all contact times were nonlinear (N = 0.84–0.93), indicating a distribution of site energies in SOM. The KF values increased (from 54 to 75) with contact time. Nonlinearity also increased (i.e., N decreased) with increasing contact time, suggesting that energetic sites and condensed domains were relatively concentrated within the SOM matrix. These results are consistent with dual‐mode model of sorption in SOM proposed earlier. In this model bot...
β-Mannosidosis: Lesions of the distal peripheral nervous system

β-Mannosidosis, an inherited glycoprotein metabolic disorder so far identified only in the caprine species, is characterized by deficiency of β-mannosidase, oligosaccharide accumulation and excretion, neurovisceral cytoplasmic lysosomal storage vacuoles and central nervous system myelin and axonal lesions. In this investigation, transmission electron microscopy was used to study peripheral nerve elements in the gingiva of five affected goats and a control animal. Merkel and Schwann cells were vacuolated. Accumulations of dense bodies distended Merkel cell end plates and free-ending axons in the prickle cell layer as well as Pacinian corpuscle axons, and myelinated, unmyelinated, and demyelinated axons in the lamina propria. Unlike central nervous system myelin paucity, loss of peripheral nerve myelin was exclusively related to axonal dense body accumulation and enlargement. The identification of these lesions may facilitate detection of β-mannosidosis in man and other species.
Materials problems with inertial confinement fusion targets

Abstract The fabrication of advanced laser fusion targets requires careful attention to materials properties that are unimportant in target design. Specific problems encountered in the fabrication of high-Z pusher shells of a typical three-shell high-yield target are discussed. Neither electroplated gold nor chemical-vapor-deposited tungsten were usable, although both produced as-deposited coatings that met design criteria. We also observed that hydrogen permeability of chemical-vapor-deposited tungsten decreases drastically for coatings thicker than 25 pm.
VALUING AMENITIES AND DISAMENITIES OF URBAN SCALE: CAN BIGGER BE BETTER?*

. Considerable effort has been devoted within the recent literature to the valuation of urban amenities and disamenities, as well as to econometric procedures required for the estimation of their implicit market “prices.” This study questions the equilibrium conditions invoked within this literature to derive estimates of marginal willingness to pay, conditions premised upon “perfect” labor mobility among cities. It is shown that such assumptions need not be invoked if one considers the amenity price-mobility relationship directly. This is accomplished by appending a binary migration model to a first-stage wage equation, a procrdure that provides estimates of willingness to pay that can diverge from market-determined implicit prices. Comparison of such values yields important information on the adequacy of market compensation for disamenities (amenities) throughout metropolitan areas.
NUTRITIONAL AND CHEMICAL STUDIES OF THREE PROCESSED SOYBEAN FOODS

Three different processing methods were used to prepare foods based on whole soybean. Product A was prepared by soaking the beans overnight, blanching at 210° for 20 min, blending and drum drying at 40 psig steam. Product B was water-packed canned soybeans, blanched at 210°F for 20 min and thermally processed in cans at 250° F for 60 min, then blended, frozen and freeze dried. Product C, a mixture of soy and banana (1:1 solid basis), was prepared by the same method as Product A. The amino acid composition of the three products determined by gas chromatography was compared. The thermally processed product (B) showed a considerable decrease in methionine compared to Product A (from 23.4 to 11.3 mg Met/g protein). Product A showed superior quality (PER = 2.43; NPU = 46.3), but as a result of methionine supplementation (0.5%) the PER of the thermally processed product (B) was increased from 1.61 to 2.94 and the NPU from 33.2 to 49.3. The effect of the different processing procedures on the quality of the end products, such as browning, nitrogen solubility index (NSI) and amino acid partition between the soluble and the nonsoluble fractions was compared. Product (A) was superior to the thermally processed product (B) considering browning (A420= 0.072 compared to 0.156), but was inferior considering NSI (14.92% compared to 23.89%). Amino acid analysis of the soluble fraction indicated a relatively high amount of soluble lysine (114.5 mg/g protein). Cost analysis of the three products shows their economic advantage compared to casein as a protein source.
The spectrum of molecular defects of the CYP21 gene in the Hellenic population: variable concordance between genotype and phenotype in the different forms of congenital adrenal hyperplasia.

Defective steroid synthesis due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency is the most common form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Knowledge of the molecular defects causing 21-hydroxylase deficiency in different populations is of both theoretical and practical interest. The types and the relative frequencies of molecular defects and the correlation between the genotype and the phenotype were examined in the Hellenic population. We searched for deletions, conversions, and 11 of the most frequent mutations of the CYP21 gene by Southern blot and allele-specific PCR in 222 chromosomes from 111 unrelated subjects and their parents. The most frequent molecular defects were 1) in the salt wasting form, I2 splice (42.9%), deletions and conversions (24.5%), and Q318stop (14.3%); 2) in the simple virilizing form, I172N (35.3%), I2 splice (29.4%), and P30L (19.1%); and 3) in the nonclassical form, V281L (41.1%), P30L (21.4%), and P453S (14.3%). Compared with other populations, Greek patients had a higher frequency of Q318stop...
Estrogen selectively up-regulates eNOS and nNOS in reproductive arteries by transcriptional mechanisms.

OBJECTIVE To determine the mechanism(s) whereby daily and acute estradiol-17beta (E(2)beta) exposure modifies endothelium-derived nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and vascular smooth muscle (VSM) neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) in reproductive and nonreproductive arteries and to localize NOS isoform expression within the vessel wall. METHODS Oophorectomized nonpregnant ewes received E(2)beta (1 microg/kg per day) or no E(2)beta for 5-6 days or acute E(2)beta (1 microg/kg) on day 6-7 with or without daily E(2)beta. Uterine, mammary, mesenteric, and femoral arteries were collected at completion of each study, adventitia were removed, and samples were frozen and stored at -80C. After separating endothelium and VSM, NOS isoform mRNA was measured using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. VSM nNOS protein was determined by Western analysis. RESULTS Basal eNOS and nNOS mRNA was greatest (P 1.5-fold, P 2.5-fold, P <.003) and protein (21%, P <.05). Acute E(2)beta in the presence and absence of daily E(2)beta also increased uterine eNOS 68% and 28% (P =.01), respectively, within 90 minutes but did not affect VSM nNOS. Mammary eNOS increased 71% only after E(2)beta withdrawal; VSM nNOS was unchanged. Neither NOS isoform was altered in nonreproductive arteries by daily or acute E(2)beta. CONCLUSIONS Basal eNOS and nNOS isoform expression is greatest in arteries from reproductive tissues, and isoform responses to E(2)beta are cell specific and transcriptionally regulated. Furthermore, optimal uterine vascular responses to acute E(2)beta exposure require daily E(2)beta exposure that enhances basal NOS expression and abundance.
Mechanical Property-Microstructural Relationships in Abalone Shell

The microstructure and mechanical properties of abalone shell were studied. It was found that fracture strength, αf, is 180 MPa, and fracture toughness, KIC, is 7 ± 3 MPa-m1/2; these values are comparable with or better than most “high technology” ceramic materials. The microarchitecture of the nacre section of the red abalone shell is similar to a “brick and mortar” structure, where CaCO3 is the brick and organic matter is the mortar, constituting 95% and 5% of the microstructure by volume, respectively. This impressive combination of af and KIc values is attributed to the laminated structure of the shell with hard and thick (0.25±0.5 μm) CaCO3 and superplastic and thin (20–30 nm) organic components. Although there are several toughening mechanisms operating in the shell, fractographic studies identified sliding of CaCO3 layers and bridging by the organic layers to be the most effective ones. These phases also have a strong interface. The results of our experiments are discussed in the context of using abalone shell as a model for the design of synthetic laminates such as cermet (ceramic-metal) and cerpoly (ceramic-polymer) composites.
Simulating the effects of long-range collection on synthetic aperture radar imagery

Synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images exhibit a fundamental inverse relationship between image quality and collection range: various metrics and visual inspection clearly indicate that SAR image quality deteriorates as collection range increases. Standoff constraints typically dictate long-range imaging geometries for operational use of fielded SAR sensors. At the same time, system validation and data volume considerations typically dictate short-range imaging geometries for non-operational SAR data collections. This presents a conundrum for the developers of SAR exploitation applications: despite the fact that a sensor may be used exclusively at long ranges in operational settings, most or all of the data available for application development and testing may have been collected at short range. The lack of long-range imagery for development and testing can lead to a variety of problems, potentially including not only poor robustness to range-induced image-quality degradation, but even total failure if longer-range imagery invalidates fundamental algorithmic assumptions. We propose a method for simulating the effects of longer-range collection using shorter-range SAR images. This method incorporates the predominant contributing factors to range-induced image-quality degradation, including various signal-attenuation and aperture-decoherence effects. We present examples demonstrating our approach.
cDNA and deduced protein sequence of CYP6D1: the putative gene for a cytochrome P450 responsible for pyrethroid resistance in house fly.

A microsomal cytochrome P450 from the house fly (Musca domestica), termed P450lpr, is involved in P450 monooxygenase-mediated pyrethroid resistance and is expressed at 8-fold higher levels in the insecticide resistant LPR strain compared to a susceptible strain. An internal cDNA sequence was amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using degenerate primers based on known P450lpr, polypeptide sequences, and the remainder of the sequence was amplified by single side-specific PCR. A 1.8 kb cDNA sequence was obtained from 3 overlapping PCR products, with an open reading frame encoding a P450 protein of 516 residues (Mr 59,182). This gene has been designated CYP6D1 within the P450 gene superfamily. CYP6D1 exhibits most similarity (28.2–29.8% positional identity) to butterfly CYP6B1, house fly CYP6A1 and Drosophila CYP6A2, and also exhibits comparable similarity (24.7% identity) to rat CYP3AI. The deduced protein sequence contains a hydrophobic N-terminal region and conserved sequences thought to be involved in heme-binding and electron donor-protein interactions. Comparison of CYP6D1 with its four most similar proteins (CYP6B1, CYP6A1, CYP6A2 and CYP3A1) reveals the presence of extensive stretches of residues in an alignment row in 2 possible substrate-binding regions. Three introns of 74, 66 and 64 bp, having 5′-GT and AG-3′ ends, split the CYP6D1 coding region in genomic DNA. Results indicate that CYP6D1 is likely the P450lpr gene.
Interior structure of rotating black holes. I. Concise derivation

This paper presents a concise derivation of a new set of solutions for the interior structure of accreting, rotating black holes. The solutions are conformally stationary, axisymmetric, and conformally separable. Hyper-relativistic counter-streaming between freely-falling collisionless ingoing and outgoing streams leads to mass inflation at the inner horizon, followed by collapse. The solutions fail at an exponentially tiny radius, where the rotational motion of the streams becomes comparable to their radial motion. The papers provide a fully nonlinear, dynamical solution for the interior structure of a rotating black hole from just above the inner horizon inward, down to a tiny scale.
The life history characteristics, growth and density of Mysis diluviana in Lake Pend Oreille, Idaho, USA

Abstract Application of management plans for lakes and fisheries, such as the addition of nutrients to increase lake productivity or the removal of non-natives, requires that we understand the biology and ecology of the biota present in those ecosystems. To understand the biology of a non-native freshwater shrimp, Mysis diluviana , and provide information for management of it in Lake Pend Oreille, a large (382 km 2 ) and deep (351 m max depth) lake in northern Idaho, USA, we determined its life history characteristics, estimated growth rates, quantified seasonal density and calculated its production at two widely separated sites. M. diluviana required 2 years to reach maturity; reproduction took place from September to October, and young were released between May and June. However, some gravid females and newly released young were observed year-round. Growth rates were higher in summer (0.037 ± 0.004 mm/day) compared to winter (0.023 ± 0.003 mm/day). Density varied from 56 to 2471 individuals/m 2 , while production ranged between 2.18 and 3.12 g dry mass/m 2 /yr. These data can be used by managers of the Lake Pend Oreille ecosystem to optimize management strategies that increase kokanee production such as timing the potential application of nutrients, and/or the removal of mysids. Furthermore, we expand the knowledge of M. diluviana in large and deep lakes outside its native range.
Unsteady Flames in Microcombustion

Unsteady flames within alumina combustors with one submillimeter dimension are evaluated and discussed in this extended abstract. The flame dynamics within the combustors are characterized by non-stabilized and transient flame structures accompanied by acoustic emissions. These flames are studied experimentally and are discussed here. The experimental observations are carried out via two imaging techniques, high-speed and still-frame imaging. The acoustic emission and external wall temperature measurements are also recorded.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Short-term mode of secretion of equine chorionic gonadotrop in and the effect of GNRH.

Abstract Five mature Quarterhorse mares were bled every 30 min for 25 h on day 50 of pregnancy to determine the short-term mode of secretion of equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG). Three other mares with persistent endometrial cups after abortion were administered gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH; 1.0 μg/kg of body weight) and were bled immediately prior to and at 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120, 180 and 240 min after GnRH. Concentrations of eCG in plasma of pregnant mares were constant over the 24-h period; the variation of each mare's individual values was no greater (P>.05) than the predicted random variation of the radioimmunoassay. Administration of GnRH had no significant effect on eCG concentrations of mares with persistent endometrial cups over a 4-h period. These data are consistent with a model of eCG secretion in the pregnant mare in which there is little short-term regulation of secretion other than the factors which affect the number of healthy endometrial cup cells within the uterus.
Comparison of Gage and Radar Methods of Convective Rain Measurement

Abstract Gage and radar methods of convective rain measurement are compared in the context of the continuing multiple cloud seeding experiment of the Experimental Meteorology Laboratory. An optimal system, combining the best features of both, is recommended.The nature of the Florida convective rainfall to be measured is documented using measurements from a dense raingage mesonet (about 3 km2 per gage over 570 km2) that was operated for a total of 93 days in 1971 and 1973, and the gaging requirements for detection and measurement of 24 h rainfalls in the mesonet are determined using the full complement of gages as the standard. For the measurement of areal convective rainfall greater than 0.25 mm within a factor of 2 on 90, 70 and 50% of the days, gage densities of 31, 91 and 208 km2 per gage, respectively, are required.Radar performance in estimating convective rainfall over south Florida is determined using two collocated, calibrated 10 cm radars (UM/10-cm of the University of Miami and WSR-57 of the Nat...
Resonant collisional energy transfer between Rydberg atoms

Abstract Resonant collisional energy transfer between atoms and molecules is of practical importance and is interesting in its own right as a long range collision process. Resonant dipole-dipole energy transfer collisions between Rydberg atoms provide an excellent system in which to explore these collisions in great detail. In particular, the large cross sections and long collision times make it possible to carry out otherwise impossible experiments. The theory of such collisions is presented from several points of view to describe the observed phenomena and to show the similarities to conventional resonance spectroscopy. The experimental dependence of the linewidths of the collisional resonances and the peak cross sections on principal quantum number, i.e. the size of the dipole moments, and collision velocity is presented. Of particular interest, at very low collision velocities transform limited collisional resonances, in which the collision time is controlled externally, can be observed. Detailed investigations of the dependence of the lineshapes on the orientation of the collision velocity relative to a tuning electric field are also described. These measurements show a clear intracollisional interference analogous to the Ramsey interference pattern seen in radiofrequency spectroscopy. One of the more interesting applications of these collisions is to the study of radiatively assisted collisions, collisions involving the absorption or emission of photons. The theory of collisions between dressed molecular states is presented as well as experimental observations of high order multiphoton radiatively assisted collisions which substantiate the theory.
Soil Plant Atmospheric Relations

The plants growing on the soil are influenced by atmospheric or climatic factors which represent the boundary conditions at the soil-plant-atmosphere interface. Soil and plant conditions also have an impact on the atmosphere or microclimate. These interactions are quite complicated and are not fully understood. In this unit emphasis will be on the atmospheric interrelations of soils and plants.
Hybrid materials composed of tetravanadate motifs: Synthesis, structure and magnetic properties of the open framework structure solids [{M(C5H5N)4}2]V4O12 (M = Cu, Co)

Abstract Two new inorganic–organic hybrid materials – [{M(C5H5N)4}2]V4O12 (M = Cu, 1; M = Co, 2) have been synthesized and characterized by spectroscopic methods, X-ray powder diffraction, thermogravimetry, magnetometry and complete single crystal structure analysis. The structures of 1–2 are comprised of layers containing centrosymmetric {V4O12} rings connected to {M(C5H5N)4} units by V–O–M bridges (M = Cu, 1; M = Co, 2). The layers are parallel to the (1 0 1) crystal planes and there are pyridine stacking interactions between layers. The effective magnetic moment, μeff, values for 1 and 2 are 1.9 μB and 3.9 μB, respectively, indicating some orbital contributions in each case. Both compounds exhibit Curie–Weiss magnetic behavior over the entire range above the critical temperature.
Bismuth Ruthenate-Stabilized Bismuth Oxide Composite Cathodes for IT-SOFC

Bismuth ruthenate and erbia-stabilized bismuth oxide (ESB) composites were studied as prospective cathode materials for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) operating at intermediate temperatures (IT). Phase chemistry between bismuth ruthenate and ESB was studied using differential thermal analysis and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Symmetrical cells were fabricated on gadolinium-doped ceria electrolytes and studied by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Bi 2 Ru 2 O 7 -ESB composite electrodes showed area specific resistance values significantly lower than single-phase bismuth ruthenate electrodes, with the best performance from composite electrodes containing 31.25-43.75 wt % ESB. At 700°C, composite electrodes containing 31.25-43.75 wt % ESB exhibited an area specified resistance of 0.08-0.11 Ω cm 2 as compared to 1.78 Q cm 2 for Bi 2 Ru 2 0 7 . Introduction of the ESB phase reduced the rate limiting charge transfer and surface-diffusion steps in the oxygen reduction reaction, resulting in improved electrode performance.
Performance improvement by innovations feedthrough in the linear-quadratic-Gaussian control problem

For a class of practical applications where the control problem may be approximated by the linear-quadratic-Gaussian formulation, it is proposed that performance of the "separation-theorem" controller (measured in terms of physical energy input and expected transient response) may be improved by feed through of the innovations (residual) process of the Kalman filter. Explicit values for the gains on the innovations signal are derived using the Matrix Minimum Principle.
Convergence of telecommunications, media and information technology, and implications for regulation

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to review current policy debates on convergence in Korea and the UK. This study compares the two countries' cases of how they prepare for convergence, what are the regulatory frameworks, and what are the conflicting issues in the convergence.Design/methodology/approach – This study conducts a comparative case study between Korean and the UK. Data are collected through literature review, regulatory document and market research.Findings – The regulation in the UK has been focused on how to change the notion of public interest in the convergence era, whereas the agenda in Korea seems to be how to apply a legacy of public interest to convergence services. The laws of public interest in Korea have been drawn from a legacy regime, which makes applying in a convergence era increasingly difficult. There is a compelling need for conceptual clarification in understanding the meaning of public interest in the convergence environment.Research limitations/implications – Future re...
Process evaluations and economic analyses of recombinant human lysozyme and hen egg-white lysozyme purifications

Human lysozyme and hen egg-white lysozyme have antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties with numerous potential commercial applications. Currently, hen egg-white lysozyme dominates low cost applications but the recent high-level expression of human lysozyme in rice could provide an economical source of lysozyme. This work compares human lysozyme and hen egg-white lysozyme adsorption to the cation exchange resin, SP-Sepharose FF, and the effect of rice extract components on lysozyme purification. With one exception, the dynamic binding capacities of human lysozyme were lower than those of hen egg-white at pH 4.5, 6, and 7.5 with ionic strengths ranging from 0 to 100 mM (5-20 mS). Ionic strength and pH had a similar effect on the adsorption capacities, but human lysozyme was more sensitive to these two factors than hen egg-white lysozyme. In the presence of rice extract, the dynamic binding capacities of human and hen egg-white lysozymes were reduced by 20-30% and by 32-39% at pH 6. Hen egg-white lysozyme was used as a benchmark to compare the effectiveness of human lysozyme purification from transgenic rice extract. Process simulation and cost analyses for human lysozyme purification from rice and hen egg-white lysozyme purification from egg-white resulted in similar unit production costs at 1 ton per year scale.
Influence of Dietary Lipid Sources on the Growth Performance, Immune Response and Resistance of Nile Tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, to Streptococcus iniae Challenge

ABSTRACT This experiment was conducted to determine the effect of dietary lipid sources on growth performance, body proximate composition, hematology, immune response and resistance of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, to Streptococcus iniae infection. Six isocaloric (3.2 kcal/g) and isonitrogenous (34% crude protein) semi-purified diets were supplemented with 7% of various sources of lipid, namely, corn oil (CO), beef tallow (BT), menhaden fish oil (FO), linseed oil (LO), and equal combinations of FO+CO+BT or LO+CO+BT. Diets were fed to tilapia in quadruplicate aquaria to apparent satiation, twice daily for 12 weeks. Fish fed the BT-diet exhibited significantly lowest weight gain, diet intake, feed and protein efficiency ratios, apparent protein utilization, and survival. Whole-body protein and ash were significantly (P < 0.05) lowest and highest, respectively, for fish fed the beef tallow-diet, but the values of these parameters did not differ among fish fed other diets. No significant differences (P...
Are Both Color-Flow Duplex Scanning and Cerebral Arteriography Required Prior to Carotid Endarterectomy?

In an attempt to eliminate the morbidity, mortality, and cost associated with arteriography, surgeons are relying increasingly on duplex scanning of the extracranial arteries as the primary preoperative evaluation prior to carotid endarterectomy (CEA). This study was initiated to evaluate the need for cerebral arteriography in the preoperative evaluation of patients for CEA. One hundred five patients undergoing 114 CEA procedures are included in a retrospective review to determine whether the addition of cerebral arteriography changed the operative management of these patients. In 58 of 105 patients (55%), color-flow duplex scanning and cerebral arteriography were performed in the workup prior to CEA. In four patients a discrepancy was found between the duplex results and the arteriogram, leading to a change in the operative approach in two. The remaining 47 patients (45%) underwent color-flow duplex scanning as the definitive preoperative study; the surgical management was altered because of the operative findings in one patient. Although color-flow duplex scanning does not provide absolute concordance with cerebral arteriography, in most instances it can be used as the definitive preoperative study prior to CEA. We define the indications for cerebral arteriography in patients undergoing CEA.
Biotinyl-methyl 4-(amidomethyl)benzoate is a competitive inhibitor of human biotinidase

Posttranslational modification of histones by biotinylation can be catalyzed by both biotinidase (BTD) and holocarboxylase synthetase (HCS). Biotinylation of histones is an important epigenetic mechanism to regulate gene expression, DNA repair, and chromatin remodeling. The role of BTD in histone biotinylation is somewhat ambiguous, given that BTD also catalyzes removal of the biotin tag from histones. Here, we sought to develop BTD inhibitors for future studies of the role of BTD in altering chromatin structure. We adopted an existing colorimetric BTD assay for use in a novel 96-well plate format to permit high-throughput screening of potential inhibitors. Biotin analogs were chemically synthesized and tested for their ability to inhibit human BTD. Seven of these compounds inhibited BTD by 26% to 80%. Biotinyl-methyl 4-(amidomethyl) benzoate had the largest effect on BTD, causing an 80% inhibition at 1 mM concentration. Enzyme kinetics studies were conducted to determine Vmax, Km, and Ki for the seven inhibitors; kinetics were consistent with the hypothesis that biotinyl-methyl 4-(amidomethyl) benzoate and the other compounds acted by competitive inhibition of BTD. Finally, biotinyl-methyl 4-(amidomethyl) benzoate did not affect biotin transport in human cells, suggesting specificity in regard to biotin-related processes.
Permanent and transient radiation induced losses in optical fibers

With the deployment of fiber optic data transmission links in military and domestic communications systems which may be subjected to various levels of ionizing radiation it is of interest to determine both the permanent and transient radiation-induced optical transmission loss in both fibers and relevant bulk glasses. Loss produced by both Co60 γ-irradiation and by pulsed electron (0.5 MeV) irradiation in both high-loss and low-loss fibers is presented. Luminescence for some hundreds of microseconds following pulsed electron irradiation of low-loss fibers is briefly discussed in terms of possible electromagnetic interference effects.
Ipsiversive ictal eye and head deviation in a child with cerebral dysgenesis

Abstract Deviation of the head or eyes at the onset of a seizure usually suggests that the seizure focus is located in the contralateral hemisphere. We describe an infant with extensive cerebral dysgenesis in whom left frontal ictal discharges on EEG were consistently correlated with leftward deviation of the head and eyes. Resection of the left frontal lobe eliminated the focal ictal discharges and versive head and eye movements. Thus, in an abnormally formed immature brain, ictal head and eye movements are not necessarily associated with contralateral ictal discharges, and such ictal discharges can be falsely localizing.
Collisions at 14.5 GeV per nucleon: The study of Barton-Rich matter at high energy

Abstract The AGS-Tandem accelerator complex at Brookbaven National Laboratory is briefly described. Experiments have been performed with a 160 beam of total energy 232 GeV and a 28Si beam of total energy 406 GeV. A summary of the experimental results is presented. It is shown that 160 and 28Si nuclei at the incident momentum of 14.5 sol V c per nucleon can be substantially stopped by nuclei the size of Cu. Preliminary results on inclusive production of identified pions, kaons, protons and lambda particles are also discussed.
Relations Among Self-concealment, Mindfulness, and Internalizing Problems

Self-concealment and mindfulness can be viewed as two fairly stable emotion/behavior regulation tendencies, which are often linked to a range of internalizing problems. The current study examined whether low levels of mindfulness and higher levels of self-concealment predict higher levels of depression, anxiety, and somatization for both men and women. An ethnically diverse sample of college undergraduate females (n = 738) and males (n = 249) completed a web-based survey that included the self-report measures of interest. Path analysis models were evaluated separately for male participants and female participants. The findings from these models revealed that low levels of mindfulness predict higher levels of depression, anxiety, and somatization above the effects of self-concealment, age, and ethnicity for both men and women. Low levels of self-concealment predicted higher levels of depression and anxiety above the effects of mindfulness, age, and ethnicity for both men and women, and low levels of self-concealment predicted higher levels of somatization for women. Contrary to predictions, self-concealment did not predict somatization in men above the effects of mindfulness, age, and ethnicity. These findings suggest that mindfulness and self-concealment are distinct predictors useful for understanding the correlates of internalizing problems.
Distribution of genetic variation among chromosomal forms of Anopheles gambiae s.s: introgressive hybridization, adaptive inversions, or recent reproductive isolation?

A series of four papers in this issue explores the reproductive status of the five chromosomal forms of An. gambiae s.s. using molecular techniques to examine the variation among twelve different genes located throughout the An. gambiae s.s. genome. Results of these and previous studies are consistent with a hypothesis of at least partial barriers to gene flow between some chromosomal forms in the Ivory Coast and other West African countries to the north and west, but introgression between S and M types in Benin and countries to the east. Collectively, these studies indicate the need for a broader geographical sampling of An. gambiae s.s., increased research on mechanisms of prezygotic reproductive isolation and field-based studies of survival and fecundity in hybrids to test for postzygotic reproductive isolation.
Convergent Validity of O*NET Holland Code Classifications

The interpretive ease and intuitive appeal of the Holland RIASEC typology have made it nearly ubiquitous in vocational guidance settings. Its incorporation into the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) has moved it another step closer to reification. This research investigated the rates of agreement between Holland code classifications from three major sources. The Holland code classifications from the O*NET were compared with those from the Strong Interest Inventory and the Dictionary of Holland Occupational Types using six different methods. The mean pairwise rate of agreement for the first Holland code letter was 70.6%, with a three-way rate of agreement of 60.21%. The mean pairwise rate of agreement for the first and second Holland code letters was 32.33%, with a three-way rate of agreement of 15.71%. The mean pairwise rate of agreement for the first, second, and third Holland code letters was 12.56%, with a three-way rate of agreement of 2.62%. The implications of these findings for research and ...
Modulation of Notch signaling by intracellular bacterial toxins (610.3)

The Notch signaling pathway has recently been recognized as a critical signaling pathway in macrophages. This study examines how Notch signaling functions in the context of infectious disease as we...
PS-026 Peripheral infusions in neonatal and paediatric intensive care: extravasation rate and risk factors

Background Intravenous infusions of highly concentrated drugs and hyperosmolar parenteral nutrition are frequent in our neonatology (NEONAT) and paediatric intensive care (ICU) units, by central or peripheral venous catheters (PVCs). Extravasation may have severe consequences (necrosis, skin graft). Purpose To determine the extravasation rate of peripheral infusions in two care units (NEONAT/ICU) and associated risk factors. Material and methods Retrospective study (Jan–Dec 2013, electronic patient data) of all patients hospitalised in NEONAT or ICU and with at least one PVC. Global PVC (location, duration in situ (days), patient’s age (days) at PVC removal) and patient analyses (sex, age at admission (year), gestational age (GA, week)). ‘Extravasation group’ if PVC was removed or insertion site documented as ‘diffusion’ and if the patient had at least one extravasated PVC. Comparison of ‘extravasation’ and ‘no extravasation’ groups (median value [IQR25–75]) and multivariate subgroup (NEONAT/ICU) analysis of associated factors. Results A total of 1,300 PVCs in 695 patients were analysed. An extravasation rate of 11.7% (152/1,300) of PVCs and 17.6% (122/695) of patients was determined. In NEONAT and ICU, a rate of 28.3% (51/180) PVCs and 30.1% (44/146) patients, and 9.1% (101/1,115) PVCs and 14.3% (78/547) patients respectively was observed. In the extravasation group, the PVC remained in situ for longer (1.8d [1.0; 3.1] vs. 1.5d [0.8; 2.7], p = 0.01) and age at PVC removal (131.8d [1.2; 966.3] vs. 984.4d [154.2; 5,146.0], p in situ duration >3 days (ICU) were independent risk factors. Conclusion We observed a global extravasation rate of 11.7% (PVC) and 17.6% (patients). Prematurity (NEONAT), low age and PVC remaining in situ >3 days were associated risk factors. Implementation of PVC management guidelines and of an assessment scale are planned in the next future. References and/or acknowledgements No conflict of interest.
Iliad 24.649 and the semantics of KEPTOMEΩ

The meaning of κeρτομω and its congeners in Homer has been the subject of debate in this journal. Jones has argued that ‘to κeρτομ⋯ω someone is to speak in such a way as to provoke (whether intentionally or not) a powerful emotional reaction’, whether of anger or fear, and thus means ‘“to utter stinging words at [someone]”, “pierce to the heart”, “cut to the quick”, rather than merely “provoke” This definition seems to work well enough for some cases, but certainly not for all, and especially not for the passage from which the whole controversy began: Iliad 24.649, where Achilles speaks to Priam ༐πικeρτομέωυ. As Richardson says in his Iliad commentary, ‘there is no sign that Akhilleus’ speech has this direct effect [i.e. arouses fear] on Priam’. Jones's article was responding to an earlier one by J. T. Hooker, who attempted to ascertain the sense of Achilles’ ༐πικeρτομέυ by surveying the usage of kertom- words throughout Homeric epic. He concluded that the basic meaning is ‘to taunt’ or, more abstractly, it ‘indicates the provocation of another person into behaving in a certain way, whether that is the behaviour desired by the speaker… or is not desired by the speaker’. The problem was that this definition did not seem to fit the very line from which his inquiry began, the words of Achilles to Priam. Hooker then hypothesized that the verse betrayed signs of an ‘imperfect adaptation’ of a different version of the poem in which Achilles taunted a defeated enemy or perhaps preserved his grudge against Agamemnon to its end. This explanation is unpersuasive.
Practical aspects of backward bifurcation in a mathematical model for tuberculosis

Abstract In this work, we examine practical aspects of backward bifurcation for a data-based model of tuberculosis that incorporates multiple features which have previously been shown to produce backward bifurcation (e.g. exogenous reinfection and imperfect vaccination) and new considerations such as the treatment of latent TB infection (LTBI) and the BCG vaccine׳s interference with detecting LTBI. Understanding the interplay between these multiple factors and backward bifurcation is particularly timely given that new diagnostic tests for LTBI detection could dramatically increase rates of both LTBI detection and vaccination in the coming decades. By establishing analytic thresholds for the existence of backward bifurcation, we identify those aspects of TB׳s complicated pathology that make backward bifurcation more or less likely to occur. We also examine the magnitude of the backward bifurcation produced by the model and its sensitivity to various model parameters. We find that backward bifurcation is unlikely to occur. While increased vaccine coverage and/or increased detection and treatment of LTBI can push the threshold for backward bifurcation into the region of biological plausibility, the resulting bifurcations may still be too small to have any noticeable epidemiological impact.
A multi-agent, knowledge-based system for planning and scheduling medical tests

The use of multi-agent architectures in knowledge-based systems is increasing with the recognition that complex, difficult tasks need to be decomposed into smaller sub-tasks and that each sub-task should be solved with the most appropriate reasoning technique. Complex tasks require complex architectures. This research took a preliminary look at planning and scheduling in a medical domain. The medical test planning system (MTPS) is a multi-agent software system for planning and scheduling medical tests. East of the main agents is responsible for solving a sub-task of the larger problem using an appropriate reasoning technique. While some of the issues addressed in the system stemmed from the domain of medical testing, the approach to planning and scheduling operations within a domain is general. >
Guidelines for perioperative do-not-resuscitate policies

This paper reviews some of the difficulties in implementing perioperative reevaluation of do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders and suggests several strategies for perioperative DNR policies. Policies should be written, designed and implemented at the level of the institution, and be sufficiently flexible to permit the tailoring of the perioperative DNR order to the individual patient. Policies should unambiguously state that reevaluation is required, delineate responsibilities for reevaluating the DNR order, state all the available options, define the necessary documentation, and list resources for help.
Treatment of binge eating disorder in racially and ethnically diverse obese patients in primary care: randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial of self-help and medication.

The objective was to determine whether treatments with demonstrated efficacy for binge eating disorder (BED) in specialist treatment centers can be delivered effectively in primary care settings to racially/ethnically diverse obese patients with BED. This study compared the effectiveness of self-help cognitive-behavioral therapy (shCBT) and an anti-obesity medication (sibutramine), alone and in combination, and it is only the second placebo-controlled trial of any medication for BED to evaluate longer-term effects after treatment discontinuation. 104 obese patients with BED (73% female, 55% non-white) were randomly assigned to one of four 16-week treatments (balanced 2-by-2 factorial design): sibutramine (N = 26), placebo (N = 27), shCBT + sibutramine (N = 26), or shCBT + placebo (N = 25). Medications were administered in double-blind fashion. Independent assessments were performed monthly throughout treatment, post-treatment, and at 6- and 12-month follow-ups (16 months after randomization). Mixed-models analyses revealed significant time and medication-by-time interaction effects for percent weight loss, with sibutramine but not placebo associated with significant change over time. Percent weight loss differed significantly between sibutramine and placebo by the third month of treatment and at post-treatment. After the medication was discontinued at post-treatment, weight re-gain occurred in sibutramine groups and percent weight loss no longer differed among the four treatments at 6- and 12-month follow-ups. For binge-eating, mixed-models revealed significant time and shCBT-by-time interaction effects: shCBT had significantly lower binge-eating frequency at 6-month follow-up but the treatments did not differ significantly at any other time point. Demographic factors did not significantly predict or moderate clinical outcomes. Our findings suggest that pure self-help CBT and sibutramine did not show long-term effectiveness relative to placebo for treating BED in racially/ethnically diverse obese patients in primary care. Overall, the treatments differed little with respect to binge-eating and associated outcomes. Sibutramine was associated with significantly greater acute weight loss than placebo and the observed weight-regain following discontinuation of medication suggests that anti-obesity medications need to be continued for weight loss maintenance. Demographic factors did not predict/moderate clinical outcomes in this diverse patient group.
A Geometric Characterization of the Power of Finite Adaptability in Multistage Stochastic and Adaptive Optimization

In this paper, we show a significant role that geometric properties of uncertainty sets, such as symmetry, play in determining the power of robust and finitely adaptable solutions in multistage stochastic and adaptive optimization problems. We consider a fairly general class of multistage mixed integer stochastic and adaptive optimization problems and propose a good approximate solution policy with performance guarantees that depend on the geometric properties of the uncertainty sets. In particular, we show that a class of finitely adaptable solutions is a good approximation for both the multistage stochastic and the adaptive optimization problem. A finitely adaptable solution generalizes the notion of a static robust solution and specifies a small set of solutions for each stage; the solution policy implements the best solution from the given set, depending on the realization of the uncertain parameters in past stages. Therefore, it is a tractable approximation to a fully adaptable solution for the multistage problems. To the best of our knowledge, these are the first approximation results for the multistage problem in such generality. Moreover, the results and the proof techniques are quite general and also extend to include important constraints such as integrality and linear conic constraints.