bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mixing Web and Mail Methods in a Survey of Physicians
Authors: Beebe Timothy J. , Locke G. Richard , Barnes Sunni A. , Davern Michael E. , Anderson Kari J.
Published: October 2006

Objective. To assess the effects of two different mixed‐mode (mail and web survey) combinations on response rates, response times, and nonresponse bias in a sample of primary care and specialty internal medicine physicians.

Data Sources/Study Setting. Primary data were collected from 500 physicians with an appointment in the Mayo Clinic Department of Medicine (DOM) between February and March 2005.

Study Design. Physicians were randomly assigned to receive either an initial mailed survey evaluating the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) with a web survey follow‐up to nonrespondents or its converse—an initial web survey followed by a mailed survey to nonrespondents. Response rates for each condition were calculated using standard formula. Response times were determined as well. Nonresponse bias was measured by comparing selected characteristics of survey respondents to similar characteristics in the full sample frame. In addition, the distributions of results on key outcome variables were compared overall and by data collection condition and phase.

Principal Findings. Overall response rates were somewhat higher in the mail/web condition (70.5 percent) than in the web/mail condition (62.9 percent); differences were more pronounced before the mode switch prior to the mailing to nonrespondents. Median response time was 2 days faster in the web/mail condition than in the mail/web (median=5 and 7 days, respectively) but there was evidence of under‐representation of specialist physicians and those who used the EMR a half a day or less each day in the web/mail condition before introduction of the mailed component. This did not translate into significant inconsistencies or differences in the distributions of key outcome variables, however.

Conclusions. A methodology that uses an initial mailing of a self‐administered form followed by a web survey to nonrespondents provides slightly higher response rates and a more representative sample than one that starts with web and ends with a mailed survey. However, if the length of the data collection period is limited and rapid response is important, perhaps the web survey followed by a mailed questionnaire is to be preferred. Key outcome variables appear to be unaffected by the data collection method.
Anesthetic management of the head trauma patient
Authors: Armitage‐Chan Elizabeth A. , Wetmore Lois A. , Chan Daniel L.
Published: October 2006

Objective:To describe the optimal anesthetic management of patients with brain injury, with emphasis on the support of oxygen delivery to the brain, and the effects of anesthetic agents on cerebral perfusion.

Data sources:Clinical and experimental studies from both the human and veterinary neuroanesthesia literature.

Summary:The management of patients following primary traumatic brain injury (TBI) significantly impacts outcome. Outcome can be improved by strategies that improve oxygen delivery to the brain and prevent cerebral ischemia. Anesthetic agents have widely variable effects on the blood supply to the brain and, therefore, choice of anesthetic agent can influence neurological outcome. Although in the past, anesthetic agents have been selected for their neuroprotective properties, it is increasingly being recognized that the support of cerebral perfusion during anesthesia contributes more significantly to a positive outcome for these patients. Support of cardiorespiratory function is, therefore, highly important when anesthetizing patients with TBI.

Conclusion:Choice of anesthetic agent is determined by the extent of brain injury and intracranial pressure (ICP) elevation. Factors that should be considered when anesthetizing head trauma patients include the effects of anesthetic agents on the cardiac and respiratory systems, their effects on cerebral blood flow (CBF), ICP, and possible neuroprotective benefits offered by certain agents.
Profound hypokalemia causing respiratory failure in a cat with hyperaldosteronism
Authors: Haldane Sarah , Graves Thomas K. , Bateman Shane , Lichtensteiger Carol A.
Published: October 2006

Objective:Description of acute respiratory failure in a cat due to profound hypokalemia associated with primary hyperaldosteronism.

Case summary:A cat was presented with weakness and paraparesis that deteriorated rapidly into acute ventilatory failure. The serum potassium concentration declined despite intravenous fluid therapy. Positive pressure ventilation was required to support ventilatory function. A functional adrenocortical adenoma was found at necropsy in conjunction with a serum aldosterone concentration of greater than 3329 pmol/L.

New or unique information provided:Respiratory failure secondary to profound hypokalemia is a rare, although recognized, condition. There are few reports that focus on this aspect of respiratory failure in the veterinary literature and primary hyperaldosteronism has not been reported as a cause of respiratory failure in cats.
What Does It Mean to Be Relational? A Framework for Assessment and Practice
Authors: SILVERSTEIN RACHELLE , BUXBAUM BASS LINDA , TUTTLE AMY , KNUDSON‐MARTIN CARMEN , HUENERGARDT DOUGLAS
Published: October 2006

The authors begin with a question regarding how to better draw upon relational thinking in making case assessments and treatment plans. They first address issues regarding the cultural construction of self and relationships, integrating women's psychology, family systems, and collectivist culture literatures within a discussion of power. Then they present a heuristic framework for how individuals orient themselves within relationships that includes two dimensions—focus and power—and evolves out of the social context. From these two dimensions, a typology of four basic relational orientations is presented: position directed, rule directed, independence directed, and relationship directed. Case examples from couple's therapy and suggestions for practice are provided.
Refuse dumps of leaf‐cutting ants as a deterrent for ant herbivory: does refuse age matter?
Authors: Ballari S. A. , Farji‐Brener A. G.
Published: October 2006

Leaf‐cutting ants often avoid contact with their waste because it harbors microorganisms that are dangerous to the ants and their symbiotic fungus. Therefore, the use of ant waste (i.e., refuse dumps) has been proposed as a deterrent method against leafcutter attack. We tested experimentally whether the age of the refuse dump (fresh vs. old) affects the herbivory‐deterrent effect against the leaf‐cutting ant Acromyrmex lobicornis Emery (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). Refuse placed around seedlings significantly delayed the initiation attacks of leaf‐cutting ants, and this deterrent effect decreased gradually over a period of 30 days. The initial strength of this decrease was the same for newly‐discarded ( ‘new’) refuse and refuse from the bottom of the ants’ waste pile (‘old’ refuse). However, the loss of deterrent effect over time was more rapid for new than old refuse. A further experimental manipulation, replacement of refuse every 3 days, had no effect on the deterrent effect for old refuse, but increased this effect for new refuse, although the amount of this increase gradually weakened over the course of the 30‐day experiment. We speculate on the possible causes of these effects, their consequences for the hygienic behavior of leaf‐cutting ants, and on the use of ant debris as short‐term control method against leaf‐cutting ants.
Treatment of hepatitis C virus infection in intravenous drug users
Authors: Cowan Matthew L , Maxwell James D.
Published: October 2006

Background:

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is common among intravenous drug users, and because of the long latent period, HCV liver disease is set to increase.

Objectives:

We sought to examine practice guidelines regarding treatment of HCV in drug users and to review the evidence for current practices.

Methods:

A structured search of the Pubmed database, websites of the National Institute for Clinical Excellence and national and international expert groups and opinion of independent experts in the field.

Results and Conclusions:

All those infected with HCV need to be assessed to ascertain whether they have active ongoing viral replication and the extent of liver damage. HCV-infected individuals should be educated about the modes of transmission and means of reducing the risk of infecting others. They should also be advised to avoid cofactors (especially alcohol) that accelerate the progression of liver disease. Specific treatment with antivirals can cause viral clearance and prevent the progression of liver disease. Therapy is effective in those on opiate-replacement treatments and also in motivated individuals who continue to use intravenous drugs. The decision whether to treat drug users should be made jointly by specialists in the management of viral hepatitis and addiction on a case-by-case basis. Current combination drug regimens are expensive but are claimed to be cost-effective, and are certainly much less costly than managing end-stage liver disease. In addition to satisfactory sustained viral response rates, other benefits such as a beneficial effect on drug habit, self-esteem and rehabilitation have been reported. Encouraging suitable drug users to take-up and comply with treatment seems to be more easily achieved in supportive drug dependency unit settings (rather than the more formal surroundings of a hospital clinic).
CLinical Experience Acquired with Raptiva® (CLEAR) trial in patients with moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis: results from extended treatment in an international, Phase III, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Sterry Wolfram , Stingl Georg , Langley Richard G.B. , Zacharie Hugh , Lahfa Morad , Giannetti Alberto , Ferrándiz Carlos , Sinclair Rodney , Saurat Jean‐Hilaire ,   the CLEAR Multinational Study Group
Published: October 2006

Background: The 12‐week, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, first‐treatment (FT) CLEAR trial period demonstrated the efficacy/safety of efalizumab in moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis, including refractory or contraindicated patients unsuitable for other systemic treatments. This study assessed the efficacy/safety of open‐label extended treatment (up to 24 weeks' continuous treatment) in patients not achieving ≥75% improvement in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI‐75) at week 12 of the FT period. Time to relapse after treatment cessation, and efficacy/safety of 12 weeks' open‐label re‐treatment in patients achieving PASI‐75 at week 12 FT were also assessed.

Patients and methods: Patients with PASI‐75 at week 12 FT were observed without treatment until relapse, then re‐treated with open‐label efalizumab (1.0 mg/kg/week for 12 weeks). Others received open‐label extended treatment without intervening observation.

Results: Among efalizumab‐treated patients (n = 308) who had < 75% PASI improvement at week 12 FT, extended treatment led to PASI‐75 in 26.6%. Among patients with between ≥ 50 and < 75% PASI improvement at week 12 FT (n = 118), 47.5% improved to PASI‐75 with extended treatment. Forpatients achieving PASI‐75 at week 12 FT (n = 164), median time to relapse was 58 days. Re‐treatment after relapse led to mean PASI improvement of 62.3% from study baseline (n = 145). Safety results were consistent with pre‐vious studies, with no new safety concerns.

Conclusions: These results demonstrate additional benefit of continuing efali‐zumab. Re‐treatment re‐established disease control in patients with PASI‐75 who relapsed following treatment cessation. The safety profile remained consistent with that seen at 12 weeks.
Lupus vulgaris–a case diagnosed more than 20 years after onset
Authors: Sammain Adel , Jocher Andrea , Bruckner‐Tuderman Leena , Schempp Christoph M.
Published: October 2006

A 47‐year‐old Turkish woman developed an erythematous scaly plaque on her thigh over 20 years. Cutaneous sarcoidosis had been diagnosed eight years previously on a skin biopsy. We confirmed Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection by polymerase chain reaction and cultivation of the causative organism from lesional skin. After several months of antituberculous treatment with isoniazid, rifampicin, ethambutol and pyrazinamide, the lesion resolved.
Xerosis and callus formation as a key to the diabetic foot syndrome: Dermatologic view of the problem and its management
Authors: Pavicic Tatjana , Korting Hans Christian
Published: October 2006

The diabetic foot syndrome is a major complication of diabetes mellitus. The two most important pathophysiologic factors are peripheral arterial occlusion and peripheral neuropathy. The cutaneous lesion is a plantar ulcer, often accompanied by soft tissue and bone infections which can require amputation. Triggers include poorly fitting shoes, poor foot care, or overlooked foreign bodies, often coupled with a structural foot deformity. Increased plantar pressure, especially beneath the metatarsal heads, and the resultant callus play an important role. The patients often already have xerosis of the plantar skin with scales, fissures, erosions and impaired barrier function, complicating the situation. Prompt neurologic and vascular diagnostic studies, coupled with routine examination of the feet and primary prophylactic measures are most important. The most important therapeutic goals are optimal control of the diabetes mellitus, relieving pressure points and avoiding or reducing callus formation.
Yeast protein glycation in vivo by methylglyoxal
Authors: Gomes Ricardo A. , Miranda Hugo Vicente , Silva Marta Sousa , Graça Gonçalo , Coelho Ana V. , Ferreira António E. , Cordeiro Carlos , Freire Ana Ponces
Published: October 2006

Protein glycation by methylglyoxal is a nonenzymatic post‐translational modification whereby arginine and lysine side chains form a chemically heterogeneous group of advanced glycation end‐products. Methylglyoxal‐derived advanced glycation end‐products are involved in pathologies such as diabetes and neurodegenerative diseases of the amyloid type. As methylglyoxal is produced nonenzymatically from dihydroxyacetone phosphate and d‐glyceraldehyde 3‐phosphate during glycolysis, its formation occurs in all living cells. Understanding methylglyoxal glycation in model systems will provide important clues regarding glycation prevention in higher organisms in the context of widespread human diseases. Using Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells with different glycation phenotypes and MALDI‐TOF peptide mass fingerprints, we identified enolase 2 as the primary methylglyoxal glycation target in yeast. Two other glycolytic enzymes are also glycated, aldolase and phosphoglycerate mutase. Despite enolase's activity loss, in a glycation‐dependent way, glycolytic flux and glycerol production remained unchanged. None of these enzymes has any effect on glycolytic flux, as evaluated by sensitivity analysis, showing that yeast glycolysis is a very robust metabolic pathway. Three heat shock proteins are also glycated, Hsp71/72 and Hsp26. For all glycated proteins, the nature and molecular location of some advanced glycation end‐products were determined by MALDI‐TOF. Yeast cells experienced selective pressure towards efficient use of d‐glucose, with high methylglyoxal formation as a side effect. Glycation is a fact of life for these cells, and some glycolytic enzymes could be deployed to contain methylglyoxal that evades its enzymatic catabolism. Heat shock proteins may be involved in proteolytic processing (Hsp71/72) or protein salvaging (Hsp26).
Changes in the ratio of twig to foliage in litterfall with species composition, and consequences for decomposition across a long term chronosequence
Authors: Dearden Fiona M. , Dehlin Helena , Wardle David A. , Nilsson Marie‐Charlotte
Published: October 2006

In the past two centuries, anthropogenic fire suppression has affected many biomes, including boreal forests. Absence of fire in the boreal zone is often linked to declining soil fertility and increased carbon sequestration in the humus through changes in NPP and litter decomposition. We studied tree litterfall and litter decomposition for thirty lake islands in the boreal forested zone of Sweden, which differ naturally in fire regime: larger islands have burned far more frequently than smaller ones because they are intercepted more often by lightning. We used litter trays to show that the ratio of twig to foliar litterfall forPicea abieswith prolonged absence of fire is largely responsible for the concomitant increased twig proportion in the total litterfall. We hypothesised that the increased twig proportion in the litterfall with time since fire would affect overall decomposition by reducing net litter quality and through impairing decomposition of associated foliar litters. We established a litter decomposition mesocosm experiment based on litter from the three main tree species found on the islands. From each of the thirty islands, we prepared a set of litterbags comprising three mixtures (all foliar litters combined, all twig litters combined, and all twig and foliar litters combined), plus monotypes (i.e. each of the separate foliage and twig litters for each species). Unlike most studies, we used the natural litterfall proportions in the mixtures. We found a (negative) effect of time since wildfire on decomposition rate for only the foliage‐twig mixtures, although twig litter did not inhibit the decomposition of foliar litter within these mixtures. The reduced decomposition rate in the foliage‐twig mixture from the small islands was therefore due to the increased proportion of twigs in the mixtures from these islands. Our results suggest that, with prolonged absence of fire, the increase of twig proportion in the foliage‐twig litterfall forP. abiescombined with the shift to canopy dominance byP. abiesmay be important in contributing to reduced decomposition rates in boreal forest soils.
A Critical Review of the Thermoeconomic Diagnosis Methodologies for the Location of Causes of Malfunctions in Energy Systems
Authors: Lazzaretto Andrea , Toffolo Andrea
Published: October 2006

Thermoeconomic diagnosis procedures in the literature rely on the assumption that specific consumptions of resources in the components are the key to interpret the effects of malfunctions and then to trace a path towards the sources of anomalies. The main obstacle to a successful application of these approaches is represented by the actual interactions existing among components which cause a propagation of the alteration of component specific consumptions and therefore mask those effects that would allow a direct identification of the origin of malfunction. This paper presents an extensive discussion of potentialities and limits of diagnosis procedures proposed in the literature in distinguishing the effects induced by component interactions from those that are intrinsically generated by the anomaly, which is considered here as the main task to locate effectively causes of malfunctions in energy systems.
A Thermodynamic Based Approach for the Multicriteria Assessment of Energy Conversion Systems
Authors: Franco Alessandro , Diaz Vazquez Ana R.
Published: October 2006

The paper analyzes the links among energy, economy, and the natural environment. This matter requires the reconsideration of energy efficient and low emission technologies and the definition of new instruments for the analysis of energy systems as well as for the definition of energy policies. After an overview of the methods available in the literature, dealing with a multidimensional analysis of energy system, the authors propose a quantitative approach based on the use of two different thermodynamic based utility functions. The utilization of those functions permits to join thermodynamic and environmental performance of the energy system, to analyze the effects of their interaction and to obtain a more logical comparison among different energy systems, accepting the multidimensional nature of the problem but maintaining a system analysis in the way engineers are accustomed to. Two cases are discussed and analyzed.
Shielding of Directional Magnetic Sensor Readings in a Measurement While Drilling Tool for Oil Well Positioning
Authors: Amundsen Per A. , Torkildsen Torgeir , Saasen Arild
Published: October 2006

Magnetic materials in the drilling fluid used for drilling a petroleum well can significantly shield the Earth’s magnetic field as measured by magnetic sensors inside the drilling pipe. This has been shown to sometimes cause significant errors in the accuracy of borehole positioning using magnetic surveying. In this paper we present a physical approach for correcting the measured magnetic fields for such shielding. An explicit solution of the shielding problem is derived for the simplest case of a magnetic sensor on the axis of the borehole.
Earthquake Hazard in New England
Authors: Shakal Anthony F. , Toksöz M. Nafi
Published: October 2006

The earthquake return periods (the mean interoccurrence time) and the probability of earthquake occurrences for southern New England are calculated from the available seismic data for the period 1725 through 1974. For this region the occurrence of larger earthquakes varied with time and the seismic activity was higher in the period 1725 through 1824 than in the next 100 years (1825 through 1924). This variation introduces large uncertainties into calculations of the earthquake hazard. The estimated return period, based on data covering the time period 1725 through 1974, for earthquakes in the southern New England area of intensity VI or greater is 25 years and for intensity VIII or greater is 130 years.
Azaarenes in Recent Marine Sediments
Authors: Blumer M. , Dorsey T. , Sass J.
Published: October 2006

Chemical fractionation and mass spectral probe distillation reveal the presence in recent marine sediments of a complex assemblage of nitrogen-containing aromatic compounds. These azaarenes range from three- to eight-membered rings, with homologs containing up to eight alkyl carbons. In their composition, and presumably in their origin in natural fires, they resemble the aromatic hydrocarbons found in the same sediments. The analytical, geochemical, and environmental implications of these findings are discussed.
Biological Consequences of the 1975 El Niño
Authors: Cowles Timothy J. , Barber Richard T. , Guillen Oscar
Published: October 2006

The weak El Niño event of 1975 had a clearly defined effect on the biological productivity of the southeastern tropical Pacific. During February and March 1975, warm (27°C) water of low salinity (33.5 parts per thousand) and low nutrient content extended south across the equator east of the Galápagos Islands, replacing the nutrient-rich water normally supplied by equatorial upwelling. Equatorial primary production was less than 0.2 gram of carbon per square meter per day, one-fifth of the normal value. At the maximum development of the 1975 event, the coastal region of Peru continued to have strong nearshore upwelling with primary production values greater than 2.5 grams of carbon per square meter per day, although the zone of high production was confined to a 250-kilometer-wide band, one-half its normal width. The biological effects of the 1975 event were short-lived; in April and May 1975 the equatorial region had begun to reestablish its normal levels of primary production.
Energetic Radiation Belt Electron Precipitation: A Natural Depletion Mechanism for Stratospheric Ozone
Authors: Thorne Richard Mansergh
Published: October 2006

During geomagnetically disturbed periods the precipitational loss of energetic electrons from the outer radiation belt of the earth can readily provide the major ionization source for the mesosphere and upper stratosphere. One particularly intense manifestation of this interaction between the radiation belts and the lower atmosphere is the relativistic electron precipitation (REP) event which occurs at subauroral latitudes during magnetospheric substorm activity. At relativistic energies the precipitating electrons produce copious fluxes of energetic bremsstrahlung x-rays, the major portion of which penetrate deep into the stratosphere before undergoing excitation and ionization collisions with the neutral atmosphere. If such REP events occur more than a few percent of the time, they can, on an annual basis, provide a local source of upper stratospheric nitric oxide molecules (via the dissociation of molecular nitrogen) comparable to that from either galactic cosmic rays or energetic solar proton events. Since nitric oxide plays a major role in the removal of stratospheric ozone, it appears that the influence of REP events must also be considered in future photochemical modeling of the terrestrial ozone layer.
Leucine 2,3-Aminomutase: A Cobalamin-Dependent Enzyme Present in Bean Seedlings
Authors: Poston J. Michael
Published: October 2006

Leucine 2,3-aminomutase has been demonstrated in extracts of bean seedlings. The activity of this enzyme is stimulated by coenzyme B
12
and is inhibited by intrinsic factor. The inhibition is removed by the addition of coenzyme B
12
. This evidence is consistent with the presence of a cobalamin-dependent enzyme in higher plants.
Solar Energy and Electric Utilities: Should They Be Interfaced?
Authors: Asbury Joseph G. , Mueller Ronald O.
Published: October 2006

Analyses of the economics of solar collection in the firm- and shifting-peak cases (that is, with off-peak electricity indefinitely available or with a flat load curve) indicate that, for many important applications, solar energy systems that interface with electric utilities can be justified only in terms of the value of the off-peak utility fuels that they displace. In regions where off-peak electricity costs are low, the most economically efficient solar energy systems will be those that use electricity as the auxiliary energy source. This implies extremely low break-even costs for a number of important solar energy applications. In regions where the cost of off-peak electricity is higher than that of competing energy forms, the most economical solar energy systems will utilize auxiliary fuels other than electricity.

The general conclusion is that conventional electric utility systems and most solar energy systems represent a poor technological match. The basic problem is that both technologies are very capital intensive. The electric utility, because of the high fixed costs of generation, transmission, and distribution capacity, represents a poor backup for solar energy systems. On the other hand, the solar collection system, because it represents pure, high-cost capital and because of its outage problems, cannot be considered as a part-load source of auxiliary energy for the electric utility system.
Brown on Deterrence
Authors: Brown Harold
Published: October 2006

Some insight into Secretary of Defense Harold Brown's views on deterrence may be gained from the following excerpts from an address titled "Strategic Force Structure and Strategic Arms Limitations" he delivered at the Institute of U.S. Studies of the Soviet Academy of Science in Moscow in March 1975.
Occultation of ε Geminorum by Mars: Evidence for Atmospheric Tides?
Authors: Elliot J. L. , French R. G. , Dunham E. , Gierasch P. J. , Veverka J. , Church C. , Sagan Carl
Published: October 2006

Temperature profiles of the martian atmosphere have been derived from airborne observations of the 8 April 1976 occultation of ε Geminorum. Within the altitude range from 50 to 90 kilometers, these profiles show peak-to-peak variations of 35°K with a vertical scale of 20 kilometers and represent evidence for strong tides in the martian atmosphere. However, more information is necessary to conclusively rule out a radiative explanation for the temperature variations.
Release of Particles Containing Metals from Vegetation into the Atmosphere
Authors: Beauford W. , Barber J. , Barringer A. R.
Published: October 2006

Studies with radioisotopes indicate that in the laboratory pea plants and pine tree seedlings release zinc and lead into the atmosphere. Field studies carried out on radiolabeled plots vegetated with a variety of grasses and small herbaceous plants also show that these elements are released into the atmosphere. The metals, associated with particles of various sizes, are released from the plant surfaces, and the loss mechanism is influenced by growth conditions, the concentrations of the elements in the leaves, and meteorological factors. For plants whose leaves have about equal concentrations of zinc and lead, the amount of zinc released is usually two orders of magnitude greater than the amount of lead. The significance of the process is discussed in terms of the overall trace metal composition of atmospheric particulates.
Heterogeneous Catalysis: Some Recent Developments
Authors: Sinfelt John H.
Published: October 2006

In recent years major progress has been made in the area of heterogeneous catalysis by metals. Much has been learned about the nature of metal catalysts and of catalytic phenomena on metals. Characteristic patterns of catalytic behavior among the metallic elements have been established for certain classes of reactions, and these patterns provide a first step toward a more comprehensive understanding of catalytic specificity. Studies on metal alloys and related bimetallic catalysts have revived interest in a geometric factor in surface catalysis to complement the traditional electronic factor. Closely related to this geometric factor is the discovery that selectivity, rather than activity alone, is a major factor in reactions on bimetallic catalysts.

Concurrent with progress in understanding how catalysts work, advances are also being made in the development of new catalyst systems, examples of which are the bimetallic (or polymetallic) cluster catalysts. Research in this area provides an example of how advances in catalyst technology can be realized within a framework of fundamental research on catalytic phenomena.
Origins of Sulfur in Coal: Importance of the Ester Sulfate Content of Peat
Authors: Casagrande Daniel , Siefert Kristine
Published: October 2006

The sulfur found in coal stems in large part from sulfur incorporation at the peat-forming stage. Ester sulfate (a carbon-oxygen-sulfur linkage) is a major contributor to the sulfur in peat and thus is an important determiner of the quantity and forms of sulfur eventually found in coal.
Cellulases Can Enhance β-Glucan Synthesis
Authors: Wong Yuk-Shan , Fincher Geoffrey B. , MacLachlan Gordon A.
Published: October 2006

β-Glucan synthesis from uridine diphosphoglucose by pea epicotyl tissue slices is increased two- to threefold by preliminary, short-term treatment with cellulases purified from auxin-treated peas. We suggest that cellulases introduce chain ends in accessible regions of cellulose microfibrils which then act as primers for chain elongation.
Batesian Mimicry: Selective Advantage of Color Pattern
Authors: Sternburg J. G. , Waldbauer G. P. , Jeffords M. R.
Published: October 2006

Field studies of releases and recaptures of diurnal moths painted with yellow to resemble the edible tiger swallowtail and of black moths that resemble a toxic species of swallowtail produced these results: (i) A greater proportion of the black moths were recaptured; (ii) daily trapping for a week after each release showed that the black moths survived longer than the yellow-painted moths; (iii) an analysis of wing injuries shows that most attacks can be attributed to birds and that the yellow-painted moths were attacked more often, more vigorously, or more persistently than the black moths. These results are interpreted as showing a greater predation pressure on the yellow-painted than on the black moths and, therefore, as confirming the Batesian theory of mimicry.
Rainfall Results, 1970-1975: Florida Area Cumulus Experiment
Authors: Woodley William L. , Simpson Joanne , Biondini Ronald , Berkeley Joyce
Published: October 2006

The latest rainfall results of the Florida Area Cumulus Experiment (FACE) are discussed after a review of the background, design, and early results of this experiment. Analysis without the benefit of data stratification and appropriate covariates of the 48 random experimentation days obtained through 1975 provided no evidence that dynamic seeding appreciably altered the rainfall over the fixed target area (1.3 × 10
4
square kilometers). Partitioning of the experimentation days according to whether the convective echoes moved across the Florida peninsula or developed in situ was more informative. Use of this echo motion covariate with five meaningful predictor models of natural rainfall in a stepwise regression program produced persuasive evidence for an effect of seeding in both echo motion categories. For days with moving echoes, there is evidence for a positive, statistically significant treatment effect on the rainfall from the subject clouds (the floating target) and in the overall target area. The results for days with stationary echoes, although considerably more tentative, suggest that seeding produces more rainfall in the floating target but with no net change of the precipitation in the overall target area. The ramifications of this result and a possible explanation are discussed. Corroborative statistical analyses and discussion are presented, including a discussion of the physical bases and history of the echo motion covariate and the meteorological predictors, analysis that is supportive of the rain-gage-adjusted radar measurements of precipitation in FACE and results of relevant cloud physics measurements in Florida.
Some Recent and Future Automotive Electronic Developments
Authors: Jones Trevor O.
Published: October 2006

The automotive industry continues to examine new electronic technologies for their applicability to the automobile. Today, 16 electronic systems can be found on the automobile, and future engine and emission control systems will soon be added. Truck systems of interest include wheel-lock control, vehicle weighing systems, and tire pressure warning devices. Digital electronic displays and multiplex wiring systems are expected to be near-term developments and, on a longer-range basis, it is expected that automatic radar brakes and intoxicated-driver interlocks will receive considerable attention.
What Computers Mean for Man and Society
Authors: Simon Herbert A.
Published: October 2006

From an economic standpoint, the modern computer is simply the most recent of a long line of new technologies that increase productivity and cause a gradual shift from manufacturing to service employment. The empirical evidence provides no support for the claim sometimes made that the computer "mechanizes" and "dehumanizes" work. Perhaps the greatest significance of the computer lies in its impact on Man's view of himself. No longer accepting the geocentric view of the universe, he now begins to learn that mind, too, is a phenomenon of nature, explainable in terms of simple mechanisms. Thus the computer aids him to obey, for the first time, the ancient injunction, "Know thyself."
Trends in Computers and Computing: The Information Utility
Authors: Madnick Stuart E.
Published: October 2006

Demands for more effective information management, coupled with advances in computer hardware and software technology, have resulted in the emergence of the information utility concept, whereby computers specialized for information storage and processing serve as information nodes. The information nodes, which may be interconnected, can provide information management services to both conventional and personal computers. In this article the key hardware and software components of classical information systems are described to provide background on the requirements for an information utility. Four approaches to the development of specialized information nodes, drawing on various advances in technology, are presented: (i) firmware enhancement, (ii) intelligent controllers, (iii) minicomputer back-end processors, and (iv) highly modular database machines. The benefits of these advances will be systems that are more efficient, reliable, and easy to use.
Teeth in
Ichthyornis
(Class: Aves)
Authors: Martin Larry D. , Stewart J. D.
Published: October 2006

Both
Hesperornis
and
Ichthyornis
are toothed birds; they and
Archaeopteryx
share broad flattened teeth with highly expanded roots. The teeth of
Ichthyornis
have been reported to have been set in sockets as were those of
Archaeopteryx
, but new specimens of Ichthyornis show the teeth set in a groove as in
Hesperornis
. These new fossils are from an adult but not old bird; thus, the presence or absence of tooth sockets in birds may be dependent on age.
Deep Western Boundary Current in the Eastern Indian Ocean
Authors: Warren Bruce A.
Published: October 2006

Historical temperature data suggest that the deep circulation of the eastern Indian Ocean is a system separate from that in the west, with its water being supplied directly from the south. If so, then circulation theory would require that the northward flow take the form of a narrow western boundary current along the Ninetyeast Ridge. Recent observations demonstrate, the existence of this current, and indicate a volume transport for it of about 4 × 10
6
cubic meters per second.
Tritium-Helium Dating in the Sargasso Sea: A Measurement of Oxygen Utilization Rates
Authors: Jenkins W. J.
Published: October 2006

The newly developed technique of "tritium-helium dating" has been used to investigate in situ rates of oceanic oxygen utilization. As an example, an apparent oxygen utilization rate of 0.20 ± 0.02 milliliter per liter of water per year has been obtained for the Subtropical Mode water (18°C water) in the Sargasso Sea.
Alzheimer's Disease, Trisomy 21, and Myeloproliferative Disorders: Associations Suggesting a Genetic Diathesis
Authors: Heston Leonard L.
Published: October 2006

Relatives of probands with Alzheimer's disease had excessive incidences of trisomy 21 and myeloproliferative disorders. Microtubules are structures that are likely to be affected by a genetic defect causing a predisposition to Alzheimer's disease, trisomy 21 and, possibly, to myeloproliferative disorders.
Visual Observations of the Sea Floor Subduction Line in the Middle-America Trench
Authors: Heezen Bruce C. , Rawson Michael
Published: October 2006

Four dives were made to the floor of the Middle-America Trench with the U.S. Navy's deep research submersible DSV
Turtle
. The area investigated is located between Costa Rica and the Cocos Ridge where the depth of the trench floor does not exceed the 2000-meter capability of the submersible. At the axis of the trench floor a series of steep northeast-facing scarps 10 to 20 meters high lie parallel to the trench axis. Here oceanic crust appears to have been carried down by near-vertical normal vaults of small displacement. Between these small scarps and the landward wall of the trench a narrow line of recent deformation interrupts a smooth apron. Unconsolidated sediments are thrust in sharply serrated piles and cut by sharp-edged chasms. This line of deformation is interpreted as the present sea floor trace of crustal subduction.
Cucumber Mosaic Virus Associated RNA 5: Causal Agent for Tomato Necrosis
Authors: Kaper J. M. , Waterworth H. E.
Published: October 2006

A small replicating RNA, encapsidated with and dependent on, but not part of the viral genome, modifies disease expression depending on the host. In tomato plants, it causes a lethal necrotic disease which is probably the same as that which, in 1972, destroyed most of the field tomato crop in large regions of the French Alsace.
Chemotaxis of
Rhizobium spp
. to a Glycoprotein Produced by Birdsfoot Trefoil Roots
Authors: Currier William W. , Strobel Gary A.
Published: October 2006

Rhizobium spp.
show chemotaxis to plant root exudates. A glycoprotein has been isolated from the root exudates of birdsfoot trefoil,
Lotus corniculatus
, which, at micromolar concentrations, attracts six strains of rhizobia. This glycoprotein has been given the trivial name trefoil chemotactin and contains approximately twice as much protein as carbohydrate. Gel filtration of trefoil chemotactin on a Bio-Gel A-1.5m column gave a molecular weight of approximately 60,000. Trefoil chemotactin represents a new class of chemoattractants for bacteria.
Incompatibility on
Brassica
Stigmas Is Overcome by Treating Pollen with Cycloheximide
Authors: Ferrari Thomas E. , Wallace D. H.
Published: October 2006

Pollen of
Brassica
exhibited strong self-incompatibility. It did not germinate on, adhere to, or extend into the stigmatic tissues of the female parent plant. In contrast, pollen that had been treated with cycloheximide germinated on and penetrated into self-stigmas to the same degree as untreated pollen placed on cross-stigmas (compatible). Germ tubes from cycloheximide-treated pollen did not continue growth through stylar tissues and therefore were unable to effect fertilization.
Local Mate Competition and Parental Investment in Social Insects
Authors: Alexander Richard D. , Sherman Paul W.
Published: October 2006

Efforts to develop formulas for contrasting genetic interests of workers and queens in social Hymenoptera are complicated by many factors, including multiple matings by queens, oviposition by unmated females, and mating rivalry among genetic relatives (Hamilton's "local mate competition"). Because of haplodiploid sex determination in Hymenoptera, when such influences are absent, queens benefit from 1:1 sex ratios of investment (male: female) in reproductive offspring, workers from 1:3 ratios among reproductive siblings. Reports of variable ratios, including many well above 1:3, and female biases in nonsocial Hymenoptera and diplodiploid termites, implicate local mate competition and raises questions about previous interpretations that workers have their way.
Apical Dichotomy Demonstrated in the Angiosperm
Flagellaria
Authors: Tomlinson P. B. , Posluszny Usher
Published: October 2006

An equal dichotomy of an angiosperm vegetative apex, previously suspected on morphological grounds, is demonstrated both externally in whole apices and in histological preparations. Dichotomy is a normal developmental feature with complete continuity in growth from the simple to the bifurcated state. The accessibility of this rare phenomenon in this plant makes further, possibly experimental, approaches feasible.
Antarctic Marine Flora: Uniquely Devoid of Kelps
Authors: Moe Richard L. , Silva Paul C.
Published: October 2006

The discovery of embryonic stages of the common large Antarctic brown seaweed
Himantothallus
has led to the conclusion that this plant, hitherto assigned equivocally to the Laminariales (kelps), is a member of the Desmarestiales. Moreover, field study of a large sample of
Himantothallus
and two other enigmatic brown algae,
Phyllogigas
and
Phaeoglossum
, has led to the merger of these three genera with the recognition of a single species,
Himantothallus grandifolius
. The correct placement of these kelp-like algae underscores the uniqueness of the Antarctic marine flora as the only cold-water flora without kelps.
Comparative Breeding Characteristics of Fusion and Fast Reactors
Authors: Fortescue Peter
Published: October 2006

Expressions are developed to allow ready comparison of a hybrid fission-fusion plant and a fast breeder with respect to the number of thermal reactors that their fissile production could support, both for their feed requirements and for the new inventory needs of an expanding industry. These relations are expressed in terms of the neutron multiplication factor obtained in the fusion blanket, and the analogous quantities represented by the conversion ratios of the fast and thermal fission associated with the comparison. Results are presented graphically both for the steady state and for industries of arbitrary growth rate, and include the influence of tritium production requirements. Even a modest blanket neutron multiplication factor could enable the hybrid fusion system greatly to outperform the fast breeder on this simple basis of material balances.
Lithium-Sodium Beta Alumina: First of a Family of Co-ionic Conductors?
Authors: Roth Walter L. , Farrington Gregory C.
Published: October 2006

Lithium-sodium beta alumina having a lithium/sodium ratio greater than about 1 appears to be the first generally useful lithium superionic conductor that has been reported. It exhibits strikingly nonlinear ion exchange properties and may presage the discovery of similar co-ionic interactions in other superionic conductors. The properties of lithium-sodium beta alumina are discussed in relation to current concepts of ionic interaction and distribution in the beta alumina conduction plane.
Endangered Species: Review of Law Triggered by Tellico Impasse
Authors: Holden Constance
Published: October 2006

To condense the evolution of life on Earth . . . suppose the whole history of the planet is contained within a single year. The conditions suitable for life do not develop until late June. The oldest known fossils are living creatures around mid-October, and life is abundant . . . by the end of that month. In mid-December, dinosaurs and other reptiles dominate the scene. Mammals . . . appear in large numbers only a little before Christmas. On New Year's Eve, at about five minutes to midnight, man emerges. . . . The period since 1600 A.D., when man-induced extinction began to increase rapidly, amounts to three seconds, and the quarter century just begun, when the disappearance of species may be on the scale of all the mass extinctions of the past put together, will take another sixth of a second-a twinkling of an eye in evolutionary time.
Interspecific Hybridization and Caste Specificity of Protein in Fire Ant
Authors: Hung Akey C. F. , Vinson S. Bradleigh
Published: October 2006

One natural population of fire ant in Texas was found to be a hybrid between
Solenopsis geminata
and
S. xyloni
. Evidence from isozyme studies and breeding experiments is provided to demonstrate interspecific hybridization in ants. In this hybrid population, all worker ants have both parental types of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide-malate dehydrogenase isozymes, but 95 percent of queens possess only the maternal type.
Serum Bactericidal Activities of High-Dose Daptomycin with and without Coadministration of Gentamicin against Isolates of
Staphylococcus aureus
and
Enterococcus
species
Authors: DeRyke C. Andrew , Sutherland Christina , Zhang Bo , Nicolau David P. , Kuti Joseph L.
Published: October 2006

The purpose of this experiment was to evaluate the pharmacokinetics and serum bactericidal titers (SBTs) of daptomycin alone and in combination with gentamicin against strains of
Staphylococcus aureus
and enterococci to determine if there might be any benefit to the addition of the aminoglycoside. A multiple-dose, randomized crossover study was performed in 11 healthy volunteers to evaluate the steady-state pharmacokinetic profile of 6 mg/kg of body weight daptomycin once daily with or without 1 mg/kg gentamicin every 8 h. SBTs were determined against clinical isolates of nosocomial (MRSA 494) and community-acquired (CA-MRSA 44) methicillin-resistant
S. aureus
, vancomycin-susceptible
Enterococcus faecalis
(VSEF 49452), vancomycin-resistant
Enterococcus faecium
(VREF 80), and quality control strains of methicillin-susceptible
S. aureus
(ATCC 29213) and vancomycin-susceptible
E. faecalis
(ATCC 29212). Enhancement of bactericidal activity was evaluated by calculating and comparing the areas under the bactericidal curve (AUBC) for each dosing regimen against each isolate. The area under the concentration-time curve from 0 to 24 h and clearance for daptomycin alone were 645 ± 91 μg · h/ml and 9.47 ± 1.4 mg/h/kg, respectively, compared with 642 ± 69 μg · h/ml and 9.45 ± 1.0 mg/h/kg for daptomycin plus gentamicin. Daptomycin alone displayed sustained bactericidal activity against five of the six isolates over the entire 24-h dosing interval; bactericidal activity was maintained for 8 h against VREF 80. Mean AUBCs for daptomycin alone ranged from 935 to 1,263 and 36 to 238 against staphylococcal and enterococcal isolates, respectively, compared with 902 to 972 and 34 to 213 against staphylococci and enterococci when coadministered with gentamicin. The results of this study suggest that the addition of gentamicin does not alter the pharmacokinetic profile or enhance the bactericidal activity of daptomycin against staphylococcal or enterococcal isolates.