cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Why insurers should reimburse for compression stockings in patients with chronic venous stasis

Abstract Background: Chronic venous stasis ulcers produce substantial morbidity rates and result in a significant expense to society. Fortunately, compression stockings (CS) have been found to reduce the rate of recurrence in patients with previous ulceration. Surprisingly, Medicare and other insurers do not reimburse the expense associated with CS or with patient education (Ed), which is essential to ensure compliance. Methods: A Markov decision analysis model was used for analysis of the cost-effectiveness of a strategy of reimbursement for CS and Ed (prophylaxis) versus one that does not supply these resources in a 55-year-old patient with prior venous stasis ulceration. The mean time to ulcer recurrence (53 months with CS+Ed; 18.7 months without prophylaxis), the mean time for ulcer healing (4.6 months), the probabilities of hospitalization (12%) and amputation (0.4%) after the development of an ulcer, and quality-adjustment factors (0.80 during ulcer treatment) were derived from the literature. The cost of CS ($300/year) and Ed ($93 for initial evaluation; $58/year; $40/recurrence) and the medical cost of ulcer treatment (average cost, $1621/recurrence) were calculated from our hospital cost accounting system. Results: A strategy of CS and Ed was cost saving, with 0.37 quality-adjusted life years and $5904 saved, compared with a strategy that does not provide these resources. The inclusion of loss of revenue related to absence from work in the analysis increased cost savings to $17,080 during the patient's lifetime. With sensitivity analysis, CS and Ed remained cost-effective (lifetime cost per quality-adjusted life year saved, Conclusion: Prophylactic CS and Ed in patients with prior venous stasis ulceration are cost saving, even with the most conservative of assumptions. Insurers should routinely reimburse for these interventions. (J Vasc Surg 2002;35:950-7.)
Compliance‐gaining strategies, communication satisfaction, and willingness to comply

Research on compliance‐gaining strategies has focused more on communication sources than on receivers’ willingness to comply with messages. In this study, targets’ satisfaction with and willingness to comply with 12 strategy types, under conditions varying in level of intimacy, were investigated. Results indicate that strategies employing negative sanctions were least likely to produce willingness to comply and were also the least preferred by receivers. Moreover, these strategies also produced the least receiver satisfaction. A significant relationship was found between communication satisfaction and receivers’ willingness to comply. Perceptions of relational distance between source and receiver did not effect satisfaction with or willingness to comply with messages. Implications for future research are suggested.
Effect of Moisture on the Spatial Uniformity of Cathodic Protection of Steel in Reinforced Concrete

Abstract A numerical model for the cathodic protection (CP) of steel in reinforced concrete was developed. Parameters were set to represent a three-dimensional section of a bridge beam exposed to the atmosphere and coated with a thermally sprayed zinc anode. Both the diffusion of oxygen and the conduction of charge within the concrete were considered explicitly through a two-dimensional finite element model. The diffusivity and conductivity were represented as functions of concrete moisture content. Electrochemical reactions considered at the rebar-concrete interface included the reduction of oxygen, the oxidation of iron, and the evolution of hydrogen in a constant-potential CP circuit. Reaction-kinetic parameters for actively corroding steel (not passivated steel) were used. Reactions at the zinc-concrete interface were not considered explicitly. The effectiveness of protection was found to vary significantly with both concrete moisture content and position on the rebar. For spatially uniform pore satur...
Erwinia and yellow-pigmented Enterobacter isolates from human sources.

Sixty-five strains of gram-negative, yellow-pigmented bacilli, including four chromogenicEnterobacter strains and 55 anaerogenic and six aerogenicErwinia strains, were isolated from human sources. The genusErwinia contained two groups; an anaerogenic group which produced aggregates of bacteria (symplasmata) in the syneresis water of slant cultures and biconvex bodies in colonies on agar medium, and an aerogenic group which lacked these characteristics.Erwinia was differentiated fromEnterobacter, since the latter possessed dihydrolase and decarboxylase activity and demonstrated resistance to cephalothin.
Civil society, youth and societal mobilization in democratic revolutions

Abstract Youth have played an important role in mobilizing support for democratic revolutions during elections that have facilitated regime change. In Serbia (2000), Georgia (2003) and Ukraine (2004) youth led the way in organizing democratic coalitions among hitherto warring opposition parties that the authorities had successfully divided and ruled over. In the three countries used as case studies, youth dominated civil society and election monitoring NGOs. The article outlines a five fold framework and discusses the issues that help understand the role of youth in democratic revolutions as well as those essential conditions that lead to success. Regime change only proved successful during certain time period, in our case electoral revolutions when the authorities were at their weakest. Organization of youth groups led to the creation of Otpor (Serbia), Kmara (Georgia) and Pora (Ukraine) and provided the youth movements with structure and purpose. The training of these organized youth NGOs became a third important condition for success and often was undertaken with Western technical and financial assistance. The choice of strategies to be employed during elections was an important fourth feature. In the three country case studies, discussed in this article, the response of the authorities proved to be ineffective, weak and counter-productive.
Attributing Effects to a Cluster-Randomized Get-Out-the-Vote Campaign

Early in the twentieth century, Fisher and Neyman demonstrated how to infer effects of agricultural interventions using only the very weakest of assumptions, by randomly varying which plots were to be manipulated. Although the methods permitted uncontrolled variation between experimental units, they required strict control over assignment of interventions; this hindered their application to field studies with human subjects, who ordinarily could not be compelled to comply with experimenters’ instructions. In 1996, however, Angrist, Imbens, and Rubin showed that inferences from randomized studies could accommodate noncompliance without significant strengthening of assumptions. Political scientists A. Gerber and D. Green responded quickly, fielding a randomized study of voter turnout campaigns in the November 1998 general election. Noncontacts and refusals were frequent, but Gerber and Green analyzed their data in the style of Angrist et al., avoiding the need to model nonresponse. They did use models for o...
EVOLUTION OF EGG TARGET SIZE: AN ANALYSIS OF SELECTION ON CORRELATED CHARACTERS

In broadcast-spawning marine organisms, chronic sperm limitation should select for traits that improve chances of sperm-egg contact. One mechanism may involve increasing the size of the physical or chemical target for sperm. However, models of fertilization kinetics predict that increasing egg size can reduce net zygote production due to an associated decline in fecundity. An alternate method for increasing physical target size is through addition of energetically inexpensive external structures, such as the jelly coats typical of eggs in species from several phyla. In selection experiments on eggs of the echinoid Dendraster excentricus, in which sperm was used as the agent of selection, eggs with larger overall targets were favored in fertilization. Actual shifts in target size following selection matched quantitative predictions of a model that assumed fertilization was proportional to target size. Jelly volume and ovum volume, two characters that contribute to target size, were correlated both within and among females. A cross-sectional analysis of selection partitioned the independent effects of these characters on fertilization success and showed that they experience similar direct selection pressures. Coupled with data on relative organic costs of the two materials, these results suggest that, under conditions where fertilization is limited by egg target size, selection should favor investment in low-cost accessory structures and may have a relatively weak effect on the evolution of ovum size.
Employing Nominal Variables, Induced Variables, and Block Variables in Path Analyses

In a variety of problems, it is desirable to have a single coefficient summarize the causal effects of a set of variables when other variables are controlled. The "sheaf coefficient" presented here does this and can be employed meaningfully in the context of path analysis models.
Innovative approach to preparing radial artery cocktails in response to manufacturer shortages of nitroglycerin and verapamil.

Background: Transradial access has gained popularity over transfemoral access for cardiac catheterization, because of the decreased risk of bleeding, time to ambulation, and length of stay leading to improved patient satisfaction. One disadvantage of the radial artery approach is vasospasm, which can be prevented with the administration of verapamil and nitroglycerin in a pre- and postradial cocktail. Unfortunately, there have been manufacturer shortages for both of these medications. Methods: The utilization of radial artery cocktails and other nitroglycerin compounding practices were evaluated in response to cost containment and waste reduction initiatives and to medication shortages. Results: A modified process for supplying verapamil and nitroglycerin for the transradial approach via separate syringes enabled physicians to have quick access to the medications and to customize the cocktail based on the patient’s needs. This process also decreased costs and minimized wastage. The change in practice decr...
Using response surface methods to explore and optimize mating disruption of the leafminer Phyllocnistis citrella (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae)

The application of synthetic sex pheromones to disrupt mating of agricultural pests can be an effective and environmentally friendly alternative to pesticide applications. Optimizing mating disruption through examination of multiple interrelated variables may contribute to wider adoption in agriculture, especially in situations where pheromone synthesis is expensive. Simulations and field experiments designed to produce response surfaces by varying the distribution and number of pheromone dispensers suggested procedures whereby understanding optimization might be increased over that resulting from more common experiments focusing on one factor at a time. Monte Carlo simulations of a spatially explicit agent-based model resulted in nonlinear disruption profiles with increasing point source density. Field trials conducted in citrus infested by the leafminer Phyllocnistis citrella varied the amount of pheromone applied at each point source and point source density using attractive and non-attractive disruption blends. Trap catch disruption in the field resulted in nonlinear disruption profiles similar to those observed with simulations. Response surfaces showed an interaction between the amount of pheromone applied and the number of point sources for the attractive blend, but not for the non-attractive blend. Disruption surfaces were combined with cost curves to optimize trap catch disruption under real world cost constraints. The methods used here highlight the importance of experiment design for understanding the underlying biological dynamics governing mating disruption and optimizing its implementation.
Body Fat Percentage of Children Varies According to Their Diet Composition

Abstract Objective To ascertain the association between diet composition and body fat percentage in 9- and 10-year-old children. Also, to examine the influence of gender, total energy intake, fitness, physical activity, and parental body mass on the relationship between diet composition and adiposity. Design Diet composition was assessed using the National Cancer Institute food frequency questionnaire, and adiposity was measured using the average of results determined using two skinfold equations. Fitness levels and physical activity were ascertained using the 1-mile run/walk test and a self-report 15-item scale, respectively. Subjects A sample of 262 children (162 boys and 100 girls, mean age=9.8±0.5 years) participated. Statistical analysis Regression analysis was used to determine the extent to which diet composition contributed to adiposity without statistical control for any potentially confounding variables. Partial correlations were calculated to assess the relationship between macronutrient intake and adiposity after potential confounders (gender, total energy intake, physical fitness, and parental body mass) were controlled statistically. Results Energy intake was positively related to adiposity. Fat intake, calculated as a percentage of total energy, was also positively related to adiposity, before and after control for potential confounding variables. Percentage of energy derived from carbohydrate was inversely related to adiposity, before and after controlling for potential confounders. Applications These findings indicate that the macronutrient intake of children, particularly dietary fat and carbohydrate intake, may play a role in adiposity, independent of the influence of total energy intake, gender, physical fitness, and parental body mass index.
Evidence for the involvement of ET(B) receptors in ET-1-induced changes in blood flow to the rat breast tumor.

Abstract Purpose. Structure, growth, and function of the blood vessels in breast tumors are markedly different from those in normal breast tissue due to changes in the production of growth factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), vasoactive substances such as endothelin-1 (ET-1) and cytokines. The role of ET-1 in breast tumor angiogenesis is not adequately understood. Studies have shown that the expression of proET-1, proET-3, and ETB receptors is increased in breast tumor. However, it is unclear whether there are any changes in ET-1-induced vascular responses in breast tumor. Hence, in the present study we investigated systemic hemodynamics and regional circulatory effects of ET-1 in rats with breast tumors. Methods. Female Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 180–200 g were divided into the following groups: (1) normal rats treated with saline (n=6), (2) tumor-bearing rats treated with methylnitrosourea (MNU) (n=6), (3) normal rats treated with saline plus the specific ETB receptor antagonist BQ 788 (n=5), and (4) tumor-bearing rats treated with MNU plus BQ 788 (n=5). Tumor development was monitored by regular palpation and measurement of tumor size. Once tumors had reached approximately 2–4 cm in diameter, the rats were anesthetized with urethane (1.5 g/kg i.p.) and their cardiovascular parameters were measured using a radioactive microsphere technique. Simultaneously, blood perfusion to the breast tissue was also measured using a laser Doppler technique. Results. ET-1 produced a significant increase in mean arterial pressure in normal and tumor-bearing rats. Blood flow to the tumor tissue increased significantly in response to ET-1 as compared to breast tissue in normal rats. This response was accompanied by a concomitant decrease in vascular resistance in the tumor tissue. These results were confirmed by laser Doppler flowmetry, which showed a significant increase in blood perfusion to breast tumor compared to normal breast tissue. This increase in blood perfusion was attenuated by pretreatment with BQ 788, suggesting an ETB receptor-mediated vasodilator action of ET-1 in rat breast tumor. Conclusions. The results indicate that ET-1 induced an increase in blood flow to breast tumor tissue mediated through ETB receptors.
Stimulation of rat liver 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase activity by o,p'-DDD.

Abstract To investigate the mechanism by which o , p ′-DDD (2,2-bis[2-chlorophenyl-4-chloro-phenyl]-1,1-dichloroethane; Mitotane) produces hypercholesterolemia in man, we studied the effect of the drug on hepatic 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase activity in reverse light-cycled rats. o , p ′-DDD markedly stimulated reductase activity in vivo and in vitro in a dose-dependent manner. This effect was not associated with demonstrable adrenocortical toxicity or changes in plasma corticosterone concentrations. Thus, o , p ′-DDD may elevate circulating cholesterol levels in man by increasing endogenous cholesterol synthesis. In addition, the o , p ′-DDD-treated rat may serve as a useful model for testing other agents for the ability to suppress endogenous cholesterol synthesis and lower circulating cholesterol levels.
CONDUCTION DEFECTS FOLLOWING VENTRICULAR SEPTAL DEFECT CLOSURE WITH AND WITHOUT A RIGHT VENTRICULOTOMY

It has been reported from our institution that almost all patients (pts) with tetralogy of Fallot develop a right bundle branch block pattern (RBBBP) postop and in addition 8.7% develop a left anterior hemiblock pattern (LAHP). To evaluate the occurrence of postop ventricular conduction defects the surgical procedures and pre and postop electrocardiograms of 70 pts with isolated ventricular septal defect (VSD) in whom the repair was carried out via a right ventriculotomy and 52 pts with VSD repaired via the atrium were reviewed. Of the 70 pts who had a right ventriculotomy 57 (81%) developed an RBBBP and 13 (19%) had no conduction abnormalities. No pt developed LAHP. Among the 52 pts repaired without a right ventriculotomy 13 (25%) developed an RBBBP and in addition 3 of the 13 had LAHP. The other 39 (75%) pts had no conduction defects after surgery. VSD size, location and use of suture vs. patch closure for VSD repair were similar for both groups. Our results indicate that 1) the incidence of RBBBP following VSD closure via the atrium is less frequent than previously reported; 2) RBBBP is more frequent when VSD is repaired via a right ventriculotomy suggesting that most lesions following ventriculotomy are due to peripheral injury of the right bundle branch; 3) when RBBBP and LAHP develop following VSD repair via the atrium, the lesion must be considered central in origin.
Nanoaperture Fluorescence Enhancement in the Ultraviolet

We study fluorescence excitation and emission enhancement in the ultraviolet regime for molecules confined within sub-wavelength metal apertures. Calculations are performed across a range of excitation wavelengths for individual apertures constructed in gold, silver, and aluminum. As expected, enhancement in the ultraviolet is greatest with aluminum. Using excitation and emission wavelengths appropriate for tryptophan, we find that more than 10× net increase in fluorescence count rate should be obtainable for aluminum apertures of ~75 nm diameter. These results suggest that many applications utilizing native protein fluorescence could become practical, even to the single molecule level.
Sintering activation by external electrical field

Field assisted sintering technique (FAST) is a non-conventional powder consolidation method in which densification is enhanced by the application of an electrical discharge combined with resistance heating and pressure. Interest in FAST is motivated by its ability to consolidate a large variety of powder materials to high densities in short times. Full densification of metal and ceramic powders has been achieved within minutes, with a reduced number of processing steps, no need for sintering aids and more flexibility in powder handling. Although the electrical discharge effects have not been completely elucidated, distinct surface effects created by micro-discharges have been noticed in FAST consolidated specimens such as atomically clean grain boundaries and new resistivity peaks in superconductors. On-going experimental and theoretical studies to provide more quantitative insight into the relevant FAST mechanisms are presented.
Unilateral solitary choroidal granuloma as presenting sign of secondary syphilis.

Syphilis is caused by the spirochete Treponemapallidum. The disease entity has long been known to be associated with ocular inflammation. With the development of appropriate therapy, its prevalence had gradually faded until the HIV epidemic. However, syphilis should remain an important consideration for many types of ocular inflammation because of its protean manifestations. They include disease of the cornea and ocular surface, posterioruveitis, optic nerve involvement, retinal vascular disease, retinal detachments, and others [1–6].Ocular syphilis remains a highly treatable illness, with intravenous penicillin G or intramuscular penicillin being the hallmarks of therapy [7]. We report two cases of syphilis presenting as solitary granulomas, to emphasize the relevance of consideration of this illness early in the diagnostic investigation for similar ocular signs.
Observation of self absorption of mercury I and cadmium I emission in an atmospheric microwave sustained plasma

Atomic emission spectroscopy of a continuous, atmospheric-pressure microwave sustained plasma in an undiluted slip stream of stack exhaust is under development for real-time monitoring of EPA-regulated hazardous metals (As, Be, Cd, Cr, Hg, and Pb). The detection limit in such a plasma for two of these metals at their strongest transitions, Cd I 228.8 nm and Hg I 253.65 nm, has been found to depend on the path length between the plasma and the detection system. Measurements were carried out on long plasma columns (>100 mm × ∼10 mm diameter) sustained in air by approximately 1.5 kW power at 2.45 GHz. The detection limits, using a long path-length axial view for UV light collection versus short path-length side views at different points along the plasma column, have shown a clear diminution of the signal for the axial view. Self-absorption by unexcited atomic cadmium and mercury is shown to be responsible for diminution of the axial signal. The Cd I 228.8 nm transition was observed to reverse from an emission feature to an absorption feature when the axial path-length for the light was extended.
Allium sativum (garlic) treatment for murine transitional cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND Currently, immunotherapy with Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) is the most effective treatment for superficial bladder carcinoma, but treatment-related toxicity may limit its use in some patients. Alternative treatments are needed for patients who fail to respond to BCG immunotherapy. Allium sativum (AS), or garlic, is known to have a broad range of biologic activities, including immune stimulation and reported antitumor activity. For these reasons, the authors conducted a series of experiments designed to explore the possible therapeutic effects of AS in the MBT2 murine bladder carcinoma model. METHODS C3H/HeN mice were randomized prior to initiation of each experimental protocol. Mice received 1 × 103 MBT2 cells in 0.1 mL RPMI-1640, administered subcutaneously into the right thigh, on Day 0 of the experiment. AS was injected at the site of tumor transplantation on Day 1 and at 2- to 7-day intervals up to Day 28. To evaluate the effects of oral AS in this model, treatment was initiated 30 days prior to tumor inoculation and continued for 30 days after tumor inoculation. Animals in all experiments were followed for tumor incidence, tumor growth, and survival. RESULTS In the initial experiments, subcutaneous AS significantly reduced tumor volume compared with the saline control (P < 0.05). Unfortunately, treatment-related death was also observed, requiring reduction in the total dose of AS. Animals that received 5 weekly immunizations of AS (5 mg, 5 mg, 1 mg, 1 mg, and 1 mg; cumulative dose = 13 mg) had significantly reduced tumor incidence, tumor growth, and increased survival when compared with animals that received the saline control. No treatment-related deaths were observed with this treatment schedule. To determine whether systemic AS administration might be effective, orally administered AS was tested at doses of 5 mg, 50 mg, and 500 mg per 100 mL of drinking water. Mice that received 50 mg oral AS had significant reductions in tumor volume (P < 0.05) when compared with animals that received the saline control, and mice that received 500 mg oral AS had significant reductions in both tumor volume and mortality (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The significant antitumor efficacy of subcutaneous and oral AS warrants further investigation and suggests that AS may provide a new and effective form of therapy for transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder. Cancer 1997; 79:1987-94. © 1997 American Cancer Society.
Thienamycin. A solution of the stereochemical problem

Abstract A new nitrone-based synthesis of β-lactams is described which makes provision for the 1-hydroxyethyl moiety in the potent antibiotic thienamycin. Moreover, the relative stereochemical features of the natural product are defined in a step involving the cycloaddition of a nitrone with methyl crotonate.
Effects of chromatic adaptation on phase-dependent sensitivity to heterochromatic flicker.

Temporal modulation sensitivity was measured as a function of the relative phase of two equiluminous chromatic sources (564 and 625 nm) for temporal frequencies from 6 to 20 Hz. The difference between 180° and the phase of least sensitivity was computed as the measured phase shift. A 2° test field was superimposed upon 8° chromatic adapting fields with luminances from 100 to 3000 Td and chromaticities of 500, 600, and 650 nm. For each adapting field, the 564-nm source was set to 175 Td, and the 625-nm source was matched to it with heterochromatic flicker photometry (giving an effective mean luminance of 350 Td). The 650-nm adapting fields produced large changes in photometric setting but only small changes in the measured phase shift. The 600- and 500-nm adapting fields produced smaller changes in photometric setting but larger changes in the measured phase shift. In general, increased adapting luminance resulted in an increase in the measured phase shift for 600-nm adaptation and a decrease in the measured phase shift for 500-nm adaptation.
Circulation — The Making of: Library Videos and the Real World

Abstract The Ohio University Libraries has been a part of the university's Freshman Year Experience (FYE) classes almost since their inception. Over the past ten years, we have tried many variations on the “library day” lesson plan, with various (low) success rates. For fall of 2010, the FYE coordinator asked for an extremely simple plan: just some videos about services and a walk through the library. It was well-timed; we were both frustrated with the low use of our lesson plans and getting better at video production. It seemed it would be so easy … and then, of course it wasn't. We were saved by collaborating with a film student, and one of our videos was awarded an ALA 2011 PR “Best of Show”. Students and instructors respond well to humorous short videos in which we do not take ourselves too seriously.
Coulometric titration of zinc with ferrocyanide

Abstract A method has been developed for the automatic coulometric titration of zinc ion with ferrocyanide ion generated by the reduction of ferricyanide ion at a platinum cathode. The composition of the zinc precipitate was found to depend on the pH. Over the pH range from about 1 to 3 it corresponds exactly to K2Zn3[Fe(CN)6]2, but at higher pH values the precipitate contains a smaller proportion of ferrocyanide to zinc. At the optimum pH of 2 quantities of zinc from 0.3 to 30 mg in 8o ml were titrated automatically with an average error smaller than ± 1% The ferriferrocyanide couple should be applicable to other coulometric titrations involving both redox and precipitation reactions.
Skilled Immigrants in Rome

Skilled migration, taking the forms of brain drain, movements of professionals and job transfers, has become an important component of contemporary migration flows. However, it does not necessarily follow that incoming flows of highly qualified immigrants automatically translate into an effective supply of skilled labour, since immigrants are often prepared to accept underemployment and working conditions that nationals from the local market have refused. This study aims to verify whether the phenomenon of brain waste exists in Rome. We analysed the data of 147,587 foreigners recorded in the City Register Office as being residents on 31 August 1999. Of these, 68,539 indicated their educational level and 73,746 their occupation. The data also revealed that the more stable segment of immigrants to Rome, i.e. those who have taken up residency, is composed mainly of qualified, or highly qualified, persons. Many foreign residents possess university degrees and are employed in managerial and/or intellectual professions. Alongside this important datum, however, we observe that the majority of foreign residents are employed in unqualified jobs, a considerable percentage of whom possess much higher qualifications than those required for the job they do. Analysing the temporal evolution of these data on the qualifications and professions of foreign residents leads us to believe that the phenomenon of underemployment is decidedly on the upturn. In order to understand the cause of this phenomenon, qualitative data from case study interviews have also been analysed. The most common reason why immigrants take on under-skilled jobs is lack of job offers appropriate to their academic or professional qualifications due to the peculiar situation of the Roman labour market. Other problems, such as the lack of protocols concerning the recognition of the academic qualifications of non-EU citizens and the language barrier, also play a role.
Restoration of hepatic mitochondria during recovery from carbon tetrachloride intoxication

Abstract During CCl 4 intoxication in rats, a disruption of hepatic mitochondrial structure and function occurs, which is characterized by a loss of respiratory activity, loss of phosphorylation coupled to respiration, and mitochondrial swelling, attended by loss of cristae structure. Within 15–25 hr, after full development of the mitochondrial lesion, the function and structure of the mitochondria are largely restored. Studies of the turnover of mitochondrial DNA and the rates of synthesis of mitochondrial DNA and protein indicated that the CCl 4 -insulted hepatocyte is repairing the mitochondrial damage by the insertion of specific elements into the damaged organelle, rather than by proliferation of undamaged mitochondria for replacement. The failure of ethidium bromide, oxytetracycline and chloramphenicol, specific inhibitors of mitochondrial protein, and/or nucleic acid synthesis, to block this restoration substantiates the postulated repair process, and also indicates the non-critical nature of the respective mitochondrial functions during the repair process. Cytochrome measurements made during the period of acute damage revealed normal levels of cytochrome c, c 1 and aa 3 . The observed elevation of cytochrome b is attributed to contamination of the preparation by hemoglobin.
Breakdown of the weak-phase object approximation in amorphous objects and measurement of high-resolution electron optical parameters

Abstract Using multi-slice simulations of electron scattering we show that the validity of the weak-phase object approximation in amorphous thin films is resolution dependent. In particular, this has impact on the appearance of diffractograms from amorphous objects often taken far out-of-focus to measure the “information-limit” resolution, and other optical parameters. Such diffractograms may not show the expected oscillatory contrast transfer function beyond a certain spatial frequency, which is dependent on the specimen thickness. Despite this anomaly, measurements of the information limit from the highest frequency transfer should still be qualitatively valid. However, measurements of Cs for example, from such diffractograms could be in significant error.
The effect of the formulation of nonlinear terms on aliasing errors in spectral methods

Abstract The effect on aliasing errors of the formulation of nonlinear terms, such as the convective terms in the Navier-Stokes equations of fluid dynamics, is examined. A Fourier analysis shows that the skew-symmetric form of the convective term results in a reduced amplitude of the aliasing errors relative to the conservative and nonconservative forms. The three formulations of the convective term are tested for Burgers' equation and in large-eddy simulations of decaying compressible isotropic turbulence. The results for Burgers' equation show that, while in certain cases the nonconservative form has the lowest error, the skew-symmetric form is the most robust. For the turbulence simulations the skew-symmetric form gives the most accurate results, consistent with the error analysis.
Direct identification of a G protein ubiquitination site by mass spectrometry.

Covalent attachment of ubiquitin is well-known to target proteins for degradation. Here, mass spectrometry was used to identify the site of ubiquitination in Gpa1, the G protein α subunit in yeast ...
‘The Very Air We Breathe’: The Aesthetics of Experience in Henry James's ‘From Chambéry to Milan’

This study offers a reading of Henry James's 1869 travel essay ‘From Chambery to Milan’, and argues that James's text uses the occasion of travel to Italy to pose a variety of phenomenological, epistemological and aesthetic questions. Such reflections become especially concentrated when James visits the home of Jean-Jacques Rousseau in Chambery and senses the ghostly' remainder of its former inhabitant's past as somehow embedded in the physical objects of the present. Upon arrival in Milan, the essay then gives an account of James's visions of the monumental nature of the city's Cathedral in terms of Walter Pater's theory of impressionistic perception and Kant's philosophy, as set forth in the Critique of Judgement. Concluding with a visit to the aesthetically rich space of the Milan Opera House, the essay seems to suggest that, in the end, these experiences of Italian travel are an important source for the development of James's theory of fiction.
The evolution of ion charge states in cathodic vacuum arc plasmas: a review

Cathodic vacuum arc plasmas are known to contain multiply charged ions. Twenty years after ‘Pressure ionization: its role in metal vapour vacuum arc plasmas and ion sources’ appeared in volume 1 of Plasma Sources Science and Technology, this is a great opportunity to re-visit the issue of pressure ionization, a non-ideal plasma effect, and put it in perspective to the many other factors that influence observable charge state distributions, such as the role of the cathode material, the path in the density–temperature phase diagram, the ‘noise’ in vacuum arc plasma as described by a fractal model approach, the effects of external magnetic fields and charge exchange collisions with neutrals. A much more complex image of the vacuum arc plasma emerges, putting decades of experimentation and modeling in perspective.
THE JUDAISMS OF KAIFENG AND COCHIN: PARALLEL AND DIVERGENT STYLES OF RELIGIOUS ACCULTURATION*

This comparative study of the religious life of the Jewish communities of Kaifeng, China, and Cochin, India, contributes to our understanding the mechanisms by which a religion becomes acculturated into its environment. Borrowing the metaphor of foregrounding/backgrounding from Gestalt psychology, both the plasticity and tenacity of Judaism are emphasized.
Photooxidation products of smoke generator fuel (SGF) no. 2 fog oil and toxicity to Hyallela azteca

Photooxidation of smoke generator fuel (SGF) No. 2 fog oil was investigated to determine qualitative changes in the chemistry of the oil and the resulting acute toxicity to the freshwater amphipod Hyallela azteca. The 48-h LC50 was about 11.5 mg total oil/L for photooxidized fog oil. Toxicity was related to the greater solubility of photooxidized fog oil in that higher concentrations of total dissolved oil in oil-water mixtures were obtained after equivalent additions of photooxidized oil and nonphotooxidized oil. Photooxidation caused increases in carbonyl oxygen and the presence of alpha- and beta-unsaturated ketones and acetophenones in aqueous extracts. There was no evidence for the formation of phenolic compounds in the photooxidized fog oil or in oil-water mixtures.
Octopamine Neurons Mediate Flight-Induced Modulation of Visual Processing in Drosophila

Background: Activity-dependent modulation of sensory systems has been documented in many organisms and is likely to be essential for appropriate processing of information during different behavioral states. However, the mechanisms underlying these phenomena remain poorly characterized. Results: We investigated the role of octopamine neurons in the flight-dependent modulation observed in visual interneurons in Drosophila. The vertical system (VS) cells exhibit a boost in their response to visual motion during flight compared to quiescence. Pharmacological application of octopamine evokes responses in quiescent flies that mimic those observed during flight, and octopamine cells that project to the optic lobes increase in activity during flight. Using genetic tools to manipulate the activity of octopamine neurons, we find that they are both necessary and sufficient for the flight-induced visual boost. Conclusions: This study provides the first evidence that endogenous release of octopamine is involved in state-dependent modulation of visual interneurons in flies.
Statistical aspects of strength size effect of laminated composite materials

This paper presents a theoretical analysis of strength size effect associated with the length and thickness of laminated composites. The presented expressions for prediction of the reliability use the Equal Load Sharing Rule (ELS Rule) and are determined by sequential multi-step failure of single lamina or sublaminate. The developed equations show the influence of the thickness and length on the strength of laminated composites. Strength size effect of unidirectional laminated composite under uniaxial tension, and cross-ply laminated composite under biaxial tension is analyzed and presented. The numerical results show the difference between size effect associated with length and that with thickness. Therefore, if Weibull weakest link model is used to predict strength size effect associated with the length and thickness of laminated composites, modification should be introduced.
Failure of 5-hydroxytryptophan to modulate brain stem auditory evoked responses in myelin deficient mutant qk mice.

Abstract The effect of 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) on brain stem auditory evoked response (BAER) amplitude in Quaking (qk) and normal littermate mice was examined. Administration of 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) (75 mg/kg, i. p.) to normal mice increased the amplitude of BAER peaks I, II, and III but had no effect on peak IV. In qk mice, however, 5-HTP did not affect the amplitude of any BAER peaks. Our data indicate that although 5-HTP increased BAER amplitude in normal mice, it failed to modulate BAER in qk mice. These findings are consistent with the possibility that 5-HTP receptor sites associated with myelin basic protein may be reduced in the myelin-deficient mutant qk mice.
Subspace identification with non-steady Kalman filter parameterization

Abstract Most existing subspace identification methods use steady-state Kalman filter (SKF) in parameterization, hence, infinite data horizons are implicitly assumed to allow the Kalman gain to reach steady state. However, using infinite horizons requires collecting infinite data which is unrealistic in practice. In this paper, a subspace framework with non-steady state Kalman filter (NKF) parameterization is established to provide exact parameterization for finite data horizon identification problems. Based on this we propose a novel subspace identification method with NKF parameterization which can handle closed-loop data and avoid assumption on infinite horizons. It is shown that with finite data, the proposed parameterization method provides more accurate and consistent solutions than existing SKF based methods. The paper also reveals why it is often beneficial in practice to estimate a bank of ARX models over a single ARX model.
Processing verbal relations

Abstract In a series of experiments, we investigated the mental representations and processes employed in verbal comprehension. In two preliminary studies, definitions of nouns and ratings on attributes in those definitions were obtained from college students. In Experiment 1, subjects solved synonym problems constructed from the nouns used in the preliminary studies. Each problem contained a target word (e.g., “visitor”) and two answer options (e.g., “guest” and “teacher”). In Experiment 2, subjects solved sentence-completion problems: their task was to choose, from two options, the word that better completed an incomplete sentence. Each of these sentence-completion problems corresponded to a synonym problem used in the first experiment. Linear modeling of response latency and logistic modeling of response choice revealed that decisions in the synonym problems (Experiment 1) were based on the overall similarity between the target and each option, and when that comparison was ambiguous, the weighted sum of attributes in the meaning of the target not shared with each option. Decisions in the sentence-completion problems (Experiment 2) were based solely on the weighted sum of attributes in the meaning of the target not shared with the options. Semantic attributes and their weights were determined from definitions and ratings collected in the preliminary studies. The models were also fit to individual subjects' data. Parameter estimates correlated reliably with reference ability tests. The implications of these results for theories of intelligence are discussed.
Live-Cell Imaging of Invasion and Intravasation in an Artificial Microvessel Platform

Methods to visualize metastasis exist, but additional tools to better define the biological and physical processes underlying invasion and intravasation are still needed. One difficulty in studying metastasis stems from the complexity of the interface between the tumor microenvironment and the vascular system. Here we report the development of an investigational platform that positions tumor cells next to an artificial vessel embedded in an extracellular matrix (ECM). On this platform, we used live-cell fluorescence microscopy to analyze the complex interplay between metastatic cancer cells and a functional artificial microvessel which was lined with endothelial cells. The platform recapitulated known interactions, and its use demonstrated the capabilities for a systematic study of novel physical and biological parameters involved in invasion and intravasation. In summary, our work offers an important new tool to advance knowledge about metastasis and candidate anti-metastatic therapies.
Estimating between‐ and within‐cluster covariate effects, with an application to models of international disputes

Students of international politics often use data in which the covariates vary both within and across units of observation. This is particularly true for dyadic data, which has come to dominate quantitative studies of international conflict, but is also a concern in any work involving a time‐series cross‐sectional component. Standard regression methods treat both types of covariates as equivalent with respect to their influence on the dependent variable, ignoring possible differences between cross‐dyad and within‐dyad effects. Here, I discuss the potential pitfalls of this approach, and show how between‐ and within‐dyad effects can be separated and estimated. I then illustrate the approach in the context of a logistic regression, using data on international disputes.
Effects of ketamine and N-methyl-D-aspartate on glutamate and dopamine release in the rat prefrontal cortex: modulation by a group II selective metabotropic glutamate receptor agonist LY379268.

Abstract Previous studies have shown that the metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR)2/3 agonist LY354740 attenuated glutamate release in medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) induced by the non-competitive N -methyl- d -aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist phencyclidine. In the present study we examined the effects of the more potent mGluR2/3 selective agonist LY379268 on ketamine-evoked glutamate and dopamine (DA) release in mPFC of male rats. Subjects were implanted with a unilateral microdialysis probe in the mPFC and were tested 12–24 h after implantation. Ketamine (18 mg/kg, s.c.) evoked a significant release of glutamate and DA, although the glutamate response was slower in onset compared with DA. Pretreatment with either systemic (3 mg/kg s.c.) or local (1 μM, in the probe) LY379268 blocked ketamine-evoked glutamate, but not DA, release. When applied directly to the mPFC via the dialysis probe, ketamine (1 mM in the probe) had no effect on glutamate release but did significantly enhance the release of DA. Application of NMDA (500 μM in the probe), on the other hand, decreased DA while increasing glutamate release. The effect of NMDA on evoking glutamate release was blocked by systemic but not local administration of LY379268. These findings indicate that systemic ketamine increases both glutamate and DA release in mPFC and that the effect on glutamate can be blocked by stimulating mPFC group II mGluR receptors. Local ketamine, on the other hand, does not increase glutamate but does increase DA release. This suggests that ketamine acts outside of the mPFC to enhance glutamate, but within the mPFC to enhance DA release. The origin of the ketamine effect on mPFC glutamate is currently not known.
China's Financial System: Two Decades of Gradual Reforms

Describes the efforts made since 1979 by China to reform its financial system to support its emerging market economy; and the associated problems. Cites research evidence that the reforms have been inadequate and analyses 1986‐2000 national statistics to calculate three macro‐indicators of financial crisis, three measures of government permeability and some other ratios for the Chinese financial system. Identifies many weaknesses, concludes that it remains vulnerable to crisis and points out the potential dangers inherent in plans to allow foreign banks to engage in local currency businesses within the next five years.
Radar and GPS System Inter-Operability with UWB-OFDM Signals

Ultra-wideband (UWB) signals and systems find increasing use in the fields of high-resolution radar, communication and networking, precision navigation, and others. There is a valid concern, however, that these systems may impose undesirable interference on other services used in airborne platforms, e.g., GPS. This potential disadvantage complicates and even prohibits use of in-band UWB and GPS systems. To mitigate this limitation, it is proposed to use an UWB-orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) system concept which allows for dynamic spectrum adjustments. An OFDM signal model is derived, and a system model with a single antenna and analog front-end (AFE) for both UWB-OFDM radar and a GPS receiver is analyzed. It is shown that such a system would permit inter-operability of in-band OFDM and GPS for OFDM signals, given that the OFDM signal power does not exceed a critical level determined by the GPS receiver implementation. Conclusions regarding potential benefits and system implementations of the proposed concept are also discussed.