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The maximum rate at which fish can take up oxygen from their environment to fuel aerobic metabolism is an important feature of their physiology and ecology. Methods to quantify maximum oxygen uptake rate (ṀO2), therefore, should reliably and reproducibly estimate the highest possible ṀO2 by an individual or species under a given set of conditions (peak ṀO2). This study determined peak ṀO2 and its repeatability in Gulf killifish, Fundulus grandis, subjected to three methods to elevate metabolism: swimming at increasing water speeds, during recovery after an exhaustive chase, and after ingestion of a large meal. Estimates of peak ṀO2 during swimming and after an exhaustive chase were repeatable across two trials, whereas peak ṀO2 after feeding was not. Peak ṀO2 determined by the three methods was significantly different from one another, being highest during swimming, lowest after an exhaustive chase, and intermediate after feeding. In addition, peak ṀO2 during recovery from an exhaustive chase depended on the length of time of recovery: in nearly 60% of the trials, values within the first hour of the chase were lower than those measured later. A novel and important finding was that an individual's peak ṀO2 was not repeatable when compared across methods. Therefore, the peak ṀO2 estimated for a group of fish, as well as the ranking of individual ṀO2 within that group, depends on the method used to elevate aerobic metabolism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breadcrust bombs formed during Vulcanian eruptions are assumed to originate from the shallow plug or dome. Their rim to core texture reflects the competition between cooling and degassing timescales, which results in a dense crust with isolated vesicles contrasting with a highly vesicular vesicle network in the interior. Due to relatively fast quenching, the crust can shed light on pre‐ and syn‐eruptive conditions prior to or during fragmentation, whereas the interior allows us to explore post‐fragmentation vesiculation. Investigation of pre‐ to post‐fragmentation processes in breadcrust bombs from the 1999 Vulcanian activity at Guagua Pichincha, Ecuador, via 2D and 3D textural analysis reveals a complex vesiculation history, with multiple, spatially localized nucleation and growth events. Large vesicles (Type 1), present in low number density in the crust, are interpreted as pre‐eruptive bubbles formed by outgassing and collapse of a permeable bubble network during ascent or stalling in the plug. Haloes of small, syn‐fragmentation vesicles (Type 2), distributed about large vesicles, are formed by pressurization and enrichment of volatiles in these haloes. The nature of the pressurization process in the plug is discussed in light of seismicity and ground deformation signals, and previous textural and chemical studies. A third population (Type 3) of post‐fragmentation small vesicles appears in the interior of the bomb, and growth and coalescence of Type 2 and 3 vesicles causes the transition from isolated to interconnected bubble network in the interior. We model the evolution of viscosity, bubble growth rate, diffusion timescales, bubble radius and porosity during fragmentation and cooling. These models reveal that thermal quenching dominates in the crust whereas the interior undergoes a viscosity quench caused by degassing, and that the transition from crust to interior corresponds to the onset of percolation and development of permeability in the bubble network. Plain Language Summary: Breadcrust bombs are volcanic ejecta formed during explosive volcanic eruptions by rapid cooling of the exterior (the crust) and slow cooling of the interior that causes gas loss, bubble growth and cracking of the exterior. The rapidly cooled crust preserves characteristics of the magma prior to explosion. We study here the variations in porosity and vesicle properties from crust to interior in breadcrust bombs from the Guagua Pichincha volcano in Ecuador. Our results shed light on the pre‐eruptive conditions in the magma prior to explosive activity, and on the post‐fragmentation evolution of the bomb interior by bubble formation. Key Points: Vesicle textures in breadcrust bombs correlate with pre‐ to post‐fragmentation degassing processes during Vulcanian eruptionsLarge isolated vesicles preserved in the crust record a pre‐eruptive episode of outgassing and pressurization prior to fragmentationSmall vesicles provide insights into post‐fragmentation onset of permeability from the crust to the interior [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tephra fallout hazard assessment is undertaken with probabilistic maps that rely on numerical models. Regarding maps production, the input parameters of the model (including atmospheric conditions), the physical approximations of the numerical simulations, and the probabilities of occurrence of different eruption types in specific time frames are among the most critical sources of uncertainty. We therefore present a tephra fallout hazard assessment study for two active volcanoes (Cotopaxi and Guagua Pichincha) in Ecuador. We utilize PLUME‐MoM/HYSPLIT models, and a procedure for uncertainty quantification where: (a) the uncertainty on eruptive source parameters and eruption type occurrence is quantified through expert elicitation; (b) we implement a new procedure for correlations between the different parameters, and (c) we use correction coefficients to take into account the uncertainty of the numerical model. Maps of exceedance probability given a deposit thickness threshold, and thickness maps given a probability of exceedance, are produced (a) for two eruptive scenarios (sub‐Plinian and Plinian) and (b) as a combination of these scenarios in case the next eruption will be sub‐Plinian or Plinian. These maps are described according to the uncertainty distribution of eruption type occurrence probabilities, considering their 5th percentile, mean, and 95th percentile values. We finally present hazard curves describing exceeding probabilities in 10 sensitive sites within the city of Quito. Additional information includes the areal extent and the population potentially affected by different isolines of tephra accumulation. This work indicates that full uncertainty quantification helps in providing more robust scientific information, improving the hazard assessment reliability. Plain Language Summary: We present a tephra fallout (i.e., volcanic ash accumulation on the ground due to sedimentation from volcanic clouds) hazard assessment for two Ecuadorian volcanoes (Cotopaxi and Guagua Pichincha) threatening Quito, the capital city of Ecuador. The novelties of this study are that (a) we use coupled models for eruptive column and ash transport and (b) we quantify the main sources of uncertainties that normally affect probabilistic hazard maps. In particular, we present probability maps, for which a certain deposit thickness is overcome, and thickness maps, which show the expected thickness for a given probability. For the two volcanoes, the maps are related to the case that a next eruption will be of medium to large size (i.e., sub‐Plinian or Plinian). Moreover, we also present hazard curves for 10 sensitive sites within the city of Quito. These curves are used to infer, for each site, the probabilities for a given accumulation of ash. Finally, we show the areal extent and the population potentially affected by different tephra accumulations. Our study points toward the necessity to perform a full uncertainty quantification for volcanic hazard assessment. Key Points: We develop tephra fallout probabilistic hazard maps for Cotopaxi and Guagua Pichincha volcanoes using the PLUME‐MoM/HYSPLIT modelWe incorporate the quantification of the uncertainty on the input parameters, the model, and the occurrence of different eruption typesOur study indicates that full uncertainty quantification is essential in volcanic hazard assessment in order to provide robust information [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerical modeling of tephra dispersal and deposition is essential for evaluation of volcanic hazards. Many models consider reasonable physical approximations in order to reduce computational times, but this may introduce a certain degree of uncertainty in the simulation outputs. The important step of uncertainty quantification is dealt in this paper with respect to a coupled version of a plume model (PLUME-MoM) and a tephra dispersal model (HYSPLIT). The performances of this model are evaluated through simulations of four past eruptions of different magnitudes and styles from three Andean volcanoes, and the uncertainty is quantified by evaluating the differences between modeled and observed data of plume height (at different time steps above the vent) as well as mass loading and grain size at given stratigraphic sections. Different meteorological data sets were also tested and had a sensible influence on the model outputs. Other results highlight that the model tends to underestimate plume heights while overestimating mass loading values, especially for higher-magnitude eruptions. Moreover, the advective part of HYSPLIT seems to work more efficiently than the diffusive part. Finally, though the coupled PLUME-MoM/HYSPLIT model generally is less efficient in reproducing deposit grain sizes, we propose that it may be used for hazard map production for higher-magnitude eruptions (sub-Plinian or Plinian) for what concern mass loading. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of passive integrated transponder (PIT) tagging on cortisol release, standard metabolic rate (SMR) and daily specific growth rate (GS) were evaluated in the Gulf killifish, Fundulus grandis, a small estuarine fish native to the Gulf of Mexico. Cortisol release by individual fish was measured non‐invasively prior to PIT tagging, immediately after tagging and once per week for 1 month following tagging. Within the first 2 h of tagging, cortisol release rates were significantly elevated compared with values measured prior to tagging and significantly higher than that of fish handled identically except not implanted with PIT tags. By 1 week after PIT tagging, cortisol release rates returned to control levels. SMR, determined by intermittent‐flow respirometry and GS, defined as per cent change in body mass per day, were measured prior to PIT tagging and weekly for 1 month after tagging. Neither SMR nor GS was significantly different in tagged v. untagged fish for the duration of the study. One month after tagging, haematocrit, plasma cortisol, blood glucose and blood lactate did not differ between tagged and untagged individuals. Therefore, after a transient stress response that subsides within 1 week, PIT tagging had no significant effects on these physiological variables in F. grandis, validating its use as a method of marking this and other small fishes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of International Journal of Cosmetic Science is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of International Journal of Cosmetic Science is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The article discusses a Phase I dose-ranging study of bendamustine and rituximab (BR) inpatients with previously untreated or relapsed/refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) who had comorbidities. Topics covered include treatment-related toxicity and maximum tolerated dose (MTD), treatment efficacy and event-free survival (EFS), and the pharmacokinetic disposition of bendamustine and patient-related outcomes.

In rural African communities, the support of extended family, friends, and neighbours is essential in borrowing or leveraging land, labour, food, and money, especially at times of social and financial turmoil. Little is known, though, about the nature of the networks and the conditions under which they may generate greater support in post-conflict communities. This study, conducted in the Lira district of northern Uganda, examined the composition, proximity, and size of the networks that households utilise to gain access to resources during and after resettlement. Network structures with more kin and co-resident ties were found to offer greater resource access to households in post-conflict settings. Furthermore, there was a lack of meaningful linkages outside of a person's own village, especially with regard to households whose head has no or a low level of education. These findings enhance understanding of the specific role of relationships in social support for resource access among households in post-conflict communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Women who carry fragile X mental retardation 1 (FMR1)gene premutation expansions frequently report neurological or endocrine symptoms and prior studies have predominantly focused on questionnaire report of medical issues. Premutation carrier (PMC) women (n=33) and non-carrier controls (n=13) were recruited and evaluated by a neurologist, neuropsychologist, and endocrinologist. Blood and skin biopsies were collected for molecular measures. Scales for movement disorders, neuropathy, cognitive function, psychiatric symptoms, sleep, and quality of life were completed. The average age of the women was 51 years (n=46) and average CGG repeat size was 91±24.9 in the FMR1 PMC women. Seventy percent of the PMC women had an abnormal neurological examination. PMC women had significantly higher scores on the Fragile X-Associated Tremor Ataxia Syndrome (FXTAS) rating scale, more neuropathy, and difficulty with tandem gait compared to controls. Central sensitivity syndromes, a neuroticism profile on the NEO Personality Profile, and sleep disorders were also prevalent. Discrepancies between subject report and examination findings were also seen. This pilot study suggests that women with the FMR1 premutation may have a phenotype that overlaps with that seen in FXTAS. Additional research with larger sample sizes is warranted to better delineate the clinical features. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of International Journal of Cosmetic Science is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

When Hurricane Katrina struck the U.S. Gulf Coast, levees surrounding New Orleans, Louisiana, USA, were breached, leading to widespread flooding of the city and potential contamination from industrial spills, residential sources, and redistribution of pre-existing pollutants. We chemically characterized sediment samples from five New Orleans locations and used early development and mutagenesis in Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes) as metrics of the toxic effects of these sediments. Sediment samples were analyzed for organohalogen pesticides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls, and metals. One month after Hurricane Katrina, four of the five sites had unsafe concentrations of arsenic and one or more pesticides, pesticide metabolites, or polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Medaka embryonic mortality and time to hatching both increased during exposure to aqueous extracts of sediments, with the greatest toxicity observed for the most heavily contaminated sediment. Exposure to sediment extracts did not, however, result in significantly elevated rates of mutagenesis. When the most contaminated site was resampled 4.5 months later, the sediment had lower contaminant concentrations and fewer deleterious effects on medaka development. Using the medaka bioassay, therefore, we demonstrate toxic effects of post-Hurricane Katrina sediments immediately following the storm, with some amelioration over time of contaminant concentrations and their negative biological effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of International Journal of Cosmetic Science is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract: The keratin family includes epithelial (soft) keratins and hair (hard) keratins, and can be divided into acidic type I and basic to neutral type II subfamilies. Recently, nine type I and six type II hair keratin genes have been characterized through the screening of a human PAC library. The expression of these genes in the hair follicle was determined in vivo and a combined catalog of acidic and basic hair keratins was established. In this study, we investigated the expression and localization of most of the human hair keratin members of both types in human hair grown in vitro . We show that in vitro growth of hair follicles for 10 days in complete William's E culture medium did not alter the expression pattern of hair keratins. Similarly to the in vivo situation, each hair keratin was localized in precise and discrete compartments of the follicle, ranging from the matrix to the upper cortex and/or the hair cuticle. This study shows that the increase in length of in vitro grown follicles was accompanied by the proper hair shaft keratinization process. It also shows that hair follicle integrity was maintained in vitro , both in terms of gross morphology and molecular organization despite the complexity of the keratin expression pattern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current applications of phase diagrams and thermodynamic calculations to studies of refractories are reviewed highlighting links to microstructural analyses. Improved understanding of microstructural evolution and chemical corrosion mechanisms has resulted from such work. The limitation of the calculations/diagrams to thermodynamic equilibria has led to imaginative attempts to incorporate some dynamic aspect in them so they are more relevant to practical conditions. These include varying temperature to model a temperature gradient, P[sub O[sub 2]] to model atmosphere permeation into a brick, slag/refractory ratio to model slag penetration and altering the slag composition after reaction with the fine matrix phases. The potential future development of such techniques is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Randomized controlled trials testing flumazenil in hepatic encephalopathy have shown conflicting results. Aim: To compare flumazenil and placebo in hepatic encephalopathy in patients with cirrhosis. Methods: An overview of randomized controlled trials comparing flumazenil and placebo in hepatic encephalopathy in patients with cirrhosis was performed. For each end-point, heterogeneity and treatment efficacy were assessed by Peto and Der Simonian methods. As most trials were crossover in nature, a sensitivity analysis was performed including the two treatment periods. Results: Six double-blind randomized controlled trials, including 641 patients (326 treated with flumazenil and 315 with placebo), were identified. The treatment duration ranged from 5 min to 3 days. Heterogeneity tests between control groups were not significant. The mean percentages of patients with clinical improvement (five trials) were 27% in treated groups and 3% in placebo groups. This difference was significant by both methods (Peto: odds ratio=6.15; 95% confidence interval, 4.0–9.5; P < 0.001; Der Simonian: mean rate difference, 29%; 95% confidence interval, 17–41; P < 0.001). The mean percentages of patients with electroencephalographic improvement were 19% in treated groups and 2% in placebo groups. This difference was significant only with the Peto method (odds ratio=5.8; 95% confidence interval, 3.4–9.7; P < 0.001). The sensitivity analysis showed similar results. Conclusions: This meta-analysis shows that flumazenil induces clinical and electroencephalographic improvement of hepatic encephalopathy in patients with cirrhosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Steroid 5α-reductase catalyzes the reduction of testosterone (T) into the very potent androgen dihydrotestosterone (DHT). The different tissue expression patterns of the two isoforms of 5α-reductase, namely type-1 and type-2 5α-reductase (5α-R1 and 5α-R2, respectively), have prompted studies directed towards the synthesis of selective 5α-R1 or 5α-R2 inhibitors. In this present work, we have performed a structure/activity study on the inhibitory potential of indole carboxylic acids against hair follicle 5α-reductase activity. We have demonstrated that this class of molecules were potent inhibitors of either 5α-R1 or 5α-R2 or both depending on (i) substituents in positions 4, 5 or 6 and (ii) the presence of a free carboxylic group. We have also found that only 5α-R1 or 5α-R1/R2 inhibitors were able to inhibit 5α-reductase activity in plucked hairs from female volunteers or in freshly isolated female hair follicles, selective 5α-R2 inhibitors being inactive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Members of the Rab family of small molecular weight GTPases regulate the fusion of transport intermediates to target membranes along the biosynthetic and endocytic pathways. We recently demonstrated that Rab1 recruitment of the tethering factor p115 into a cis-SNARE complex programs coat protein II vesicles budding from the endoplasmic reticulum (donor compartment) for fusion with the Golgi apparatus (acceptor compartment) (Allan BB, Moyer BD, Balch WE. Science 2000; 289: 444-448). However, the molecular mechanism(s) of Rab regulation of Golgi acceptor compartment function in endoplasmic reticulum to Golgi transport are unknown. Here, we demonstrate that the cis-Golgi tethering protein GM130, complexed with GRASP65 and other proteins, forms a novel Rab1 effector complex that interacts with activated Rab1-GTP in a p115-independent manner and is required for coat protein II vesicle targeting/fusion with the cis-Golgi. We propose a 'homing hypothesis' in which the same Rab interacts with distinct tethering factors at donor and acceptor membranes to program heterotypic membrane fusion events between transport intermediates and their target compartments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background . To explore unfavorable effects, health perception was assessed in patients enrolled in a cardiovascular program in general practice. Methods. A prospective questionnaire survey was conducted shortly after risk detection and after 1 year of intervention. Patients (n=413) with an elevated risk were selected from 27 practices in The Netherlands. The outcome measure was patients' perceptions of their general health status. Results. The response rate was 62%. Two thirds of the patients did not show any change in general health status at either point in time. Substantially more patients showed improvement after 1 year of intervention. Compared to reference data, no major differences were found. Conclusion. Enrollment in a cardiovascular risk detection and intervention program did not lead to unfavorable perceptions of general health status, either shortly after risk detection or after 1 year of intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) scale is the most widely used measure of functional or performance status. While the KPS cannot be used as a sole measure of quality of life, some suggestions have been made that the KPS can be used as a measure of one component of the quality of life construct. However, few data are available supporting the use of the KPS in such a multi-measure assessment. The current study investigated the relation between KPS ratings and a measure of quality of life as well as measures of domains closely associated with quality of life (e.g. depression, social support). The subjects were 86 male veteran cancer patients receiving treatment for a first-time cancer. The results indicated that the KPS was not significantly correlated with quality of life, social support or depression. KPS ratings were significantly related to education, cancer stage and mortality. Although the results support the use of the KPS as a measure of functional status, they do not support the use of the KPS as a component of a multi-measure assessment of quality of life. Implications and future research directions arc discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The orally administered blocker of angiotensin-converting enzyme, captopril, was given to 16 patients with moderate to severe hypertension in whom blood pressure could not adequately be controlled by combination treatment with a vasodilator (hydralazine 200 mg daily), a beta-blocker (propranolol 320 mg daily), and a diuretic (hydrochlorothiazide 100 mg daily). Captopril (450 mg daily) alone maintained blood pressure at the same levels as during previous administration of the combination, although in the absence of the diuretic and the beta-blocker there were increases in body weight of 1.8 ± 0.5 (S.E.) kg ( P<0.01) and in supine heart rate of 10 ± 4 beats/min ( P < 0.01). After hydrochlorothiazide (100 mg daily) was added to the captopril, the supine mean blood pressure of 122 ± 5 mm Hg was significantly lower than during captopril alone (134 ± 4 mm Hg, P<0.01). Heart rate increased from 79 ± 3 to 90 ± 5 beats/min ( P<0.05). In 13 of the 16 patients, in whom supine diastolic blood pressure still remained higher than 90 mm Hg, the addition of propranolol (120-360 mg daily) to the captopril-hydrochlorothiazide combination decreased heart rate from 88 ± 5 to 65 ± 3 beats/min ( P < 0.01), but failed to produce a further blood pressure decrement. However, the supine mean blood pressure during the captopril-hydrochlorothiazide-propranolol combination of 120 ± 5 mm Hg was significantly lower ( P < 0.05) than that (132 ± 6 mm Hg) during the hydralazine-hydrochlorothiazide-propranolol combination. Despite similar diuretic doses in the two regimens, serum potassium concentration was significantly higher during treatment with the captopril combination (4.3 ± 0.2 vs. 3.6 ± 0.2 mEq/l., P<0.01). It seems likely that converting enzyme inhibition by captopril increases the sensitivity of the blood pressure response to diuretic therapy, in part by blocking the countervailing effects of the reactive rise in renin release that is stimulated by sodium depletion. In these renin-blocked patients, however, addition of propranolol does not appear to produce any further antihypertensive effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines trends in mental hospital commitments among the Chinese in California over the past one hundred years. There has been a two-fold increase for the general population compared to a seven-fold increase among the Chinese; while initially the Chinese had substantially lower rates of commitment, since the 1930s they have been roughly equal to the general population. Rates of increase within the Chinese population were not uniform; males, the aged, and the foreign born experienced substantially greater increases. Changes have also occurred in patterns of diagnosis and length of hospitalization over the century. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]