cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Assessment of relative potential for Legionella species or surrogates inhalation exposure from common water uses.

The Legionella species have been identified as important waterborne pathogens in terms of disease morbidity and mortality. Microbial exposure assessment is a tool that can be utilized to assess the potential of Legionella species inhalation exposure from common water uses. The screening-level exposure assessment presented in this paper developed emission factors to model aerosolization, quantitatively assessed inhalation exposures of aerosolized Legionella species or Legionella species surrogates while evaluating two generalized levels of assumed water concentrations, and developed a relative ranking of six common in-home uses of water for potential Legionella species inhalation exposure. Considerable variability in the calculated exposure dose was identified between the six identified exposure pathways, with the doses differing by over five orders of magnitude in each of the evaluated exposure scenarios. The assessment of exposure pathways that have been epidemiologically associated with legionellosis transmission (ultrasonic and cool mist humidifiers) produced higher estimated inhalation exposure doses than pathways where epidemiological evidence of transmission has been less strong (faucet and shower) or absent (toilets and therapy pool). With consideration of the large uncertainties inherent in the exposure assessment process used, a relative ranking of exposure pathways from highest to lowest exposure doses was produced using culture-based measurement data and the assumption of constant water concentration across exposure pathways. In this ranking, the ultrasonic and cool mist humidifier exposure pathways were estimated to produce the highest exposure doses, followed by the shower and faucet exposure pathways, and then the toilet and therapy pool exposure pathways.
Crystal structure of the MAP kinase binding domain and the catalytic domain of human MKP5.

MAP kinase phosphatases (MKPs) have crucial roles in regulating the signaling activity of MAP kinases and are potential targets for drug discovery against human diseases. These enzymes contain a catalytic domain (CD) as well as a binding domain (BD) that help recognize the target MAP kinase. We report here the crystal structures at up to 2.2 A resolution of the BD and CD of human MKP5 and compare them to the known structures from other MKPs. Dramatic structural differences are observed between the BD of MKP5 and that of MKP3 determined previously by NMR. In particular, the cluster of positively charged residues that is important for MAP kinase binding is located in completely different positions in the two structures, with a distance of 25 A between them. Moreover, this cluster is α-helical in MKP5, while it forms a loop followed by a β-strand in MKP3. These large structural differences could be associated with the distinct substrate preferences of these phosphatases, but further studies are needed to confirm this. The CD of MKP5 is observed in an active conformation, and two loops in the active site have backbone shifts of up to 5 A relative to the inactive CDs from other MKPs.
Expression of epidermal growth factor variant III (EGFRvIII) in pediatric diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas

Despite numerous clinical trials over the past 2 decades, the overall survival for children diagnosed with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) remains 9–10 months. Radiation therapy is the only treatment with proven effect and novel therapies are needed. Epidermal growth factor receptor variant III (EGFRvIII) is the most common variant of the epidermal growth factor receptor and is expressed in many tumor types but is rarely found in normal tissue. A peptide vaccine targeting EGFRvIII is currently undergoing investigation in phase 3 clinical trials for the treatment of newly diagnosed glioblastoma (GBM), the tumor in which this variant receptor was first discovered. In this study, we evaluated EGFRvIII expression in pediatric DIPG samples using immunohistochemistry with a double affinity purified antibody raised against the EGFRvIII peptide. Staining of pediatric DIPG histological samples revealed expression in 4 of 9 cases and the pattern of staining was consistent with what has been seen in EGFRvIII transfected cells as well as GBMs from adult trials. In addition, analysis of tumor samples collected immediately post mortem and of DIPG cells in culture by RT-PCR, western blot analysis, and flow cytometry confirmed EGFRvIII expression. We were therefore able to detect EGFRvIII expression in 6 of 11 DIPG cases. These data suggest that EGFRvIII warrants investigation as a target for these deadly pediatric tumors.
Sodium-Hydrogen Exchange Inhibition During Ventricular Fibrillation Beneficial Effects on Ischemic Contracture, Action Potential Duration, Reperfusion Arrhythmias, Myocardial Function, and Resuscitability

Background— Inhibition of the sarcolemmal sodium-hydrogen exchanger isoform-1 (NHE-1) is emerging as a promising novel strategy for ameliorating myocardial injury associated with ischemia and reperfusion. We investigated whether NHE-1 inhibition (with cariporide) could minimize mechanical and electrical myocardial abnormalities that develop during ventricular fibrillation (VF) and improve outcome using a porcine model of closed-chest resuscitation. Methods and Results— Two groups of 8 pigs each were subjected to 8 minutes of untreated VF and randomized to receive either a 3-mg/kg bolus of cariporide or 0.9% NaCl immediately before an 8-minute interval of conventional closed-chest resuscitation. Cariporide prevented progressive increases in left ventricular free-wall thickness (from 1.0±0.2 to 1.5±0.3 cm with NaCl, P<0.001 versus 0.9±0.1 to 1.1±0.3 cm with cariporide, P=NS), maintained the coronary perfusion pressure above resuscitability thresholds (10±8 versus 19±3 mm Hg before attempting defibrillation,...
Border Health in the Shadow of the Hispanic Paradox: Issues in the Conceptualization of Health Disparities in Older Mexican Americans Living in the Southwest

Mexican Americans have demonstrated lower than what would be expected mortality rates and disease prevalence, given their overrepresentation among those living in poverty. However, Mexican Americans living along the US-Mexico border have been documented as carrying a higher burden of disease and disability that seems to contradict or at least challenge evidence in support of a “Hispanic Paradox”. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the concept of border health as it relates to the conceptualization and measurement of health outcomes in older Mexican Americans living in the Southwest United States. Data for this study comes from the Hispanic Established Populations for the Epidemiologic Studies of the Elderly (Hispanic EPESE) wave 1 and mortality files up to wave 5. Border residence was determined using La Paz Agreement county and distance from a port of entry classifications. Statistical analysis was conducted to assess border versus non-border differences in cause of death, disability, disease prevalence and premature mortality. Adjusted regression models were used to predict cause of death, disability and disease-free life expectancy and premature mortality (i.e. occurring before life expectancy). Interaction models between border/non-border and median income were also performed. Finally, distance from the US-Mexico border was used to determine the effect of distance to the US-Mexico border in border-residing participants. The findings from this study indicate that participants in the HEPESE were more likely to be alive at Wave 5 if they resided in a border county, however more likely to transition into ADL disability status. These findings were not explained by behaviors, duration in the US or sociocultural characteristics of where they lived. Additionally, Hispanic EPESE subjects that lived in the border region were more likely to have died from old age and were less likely to be lost to follow up. Interaction models revealed significant effects for diabetes as a cause of death. Moreover, distance from a US-Mexico port of entry was significant for being alive at wave 5 for border-residing participants. Relative to non-border residing participants, border residing Mexican Americans in the Hispanic EPESE did not carry a uniformly higher burden of disease, however had a significantly greater odds of 10 year survival. These findings bring up issues of measurement and the importance of geographic location when it comes to evaluating disease burden and mortality in Mexican Americans.
Solid Iron Compressed Up to 560 GPa

Dynamic compression by multiple shocks is used to compress iron up to 560 GPa (5.6 Mbar), the highest solid-state pressure yet attained for iron in the laboratory. Extended x-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy offers simultaneous density, temperature, and local-structure measurements for the compressed iron. The data show that the close-packed structure of iron is stable up to 560 GPa, the temperature at peak compression is significantly higher than expected from pure compressive work, and the dynamic strength of iron is many times greater than the static strength based on lower pressure data. The results provide the first constraint on the melting line of iron above 400 GPa.
The quantitative application of Fermi-Dirac functions to two- and three-dimensional systems

Expressions for the various physical parameters of the ideal Fermi-Dirac gas in two dimensions are derived and compared to the corresponding three-dimensional expressions. These derivations show that the Fermi-Dirac functions most applicable to the two-dimensional problem are F/sub o/(eta), F/sub 1/(eta), and F'/sub 0/(eta). Analogous to the work of McDougall and Stoner in three dimensions, these functions and parameters derived from them are tabulated over the range of the argument, -4< or =eta< or =20. The physical applications of the tabulated 2D and 3D functions to /sup 3/He monolayer and bulk liquid /sup 3/He nuclear magnetic susceptibilities, respectively, are considered. Calculational procedures of fitting data to theoretical parameters and criteria for judging the quality of fit of data to both two- and three-dimensional Fermi-Dirac values are discussed.
Productivity of algal epiphytes in a Georgia salt marsh: effect of inundation frequency and implications for total marsh productivity

Primary production by algal epiphytes of dead Spartina alterniflora shoots in a Georgia salt marsh was measured using the 14C technique. A 23 factorial design was used to quantify the effects of light intensity and inundation frequency (stem height) on carbon fixation at two sites along a salt marsh creek. Algae inundated daily fixed carbon more rapidly than those which had dried for several days, but this may have been the results of greater biomass on more frequently immersed stems. This result corroborates studies showing desiccation is not always a severe stress for intertidal algae. Similarity of epiphyte algal productivity to that of salt marsh benthic diatoms suggests that, given adequate substrate, the epiphytes may be an important source of primary production during some seasons of the year.
Use of the discrete ordinates Sn method in radiation shielding calculations

Abstract Recent developments have led to the widespread use of the “discrete ordinates” method in the deep-penetration shielding calculation. Events leading to this breakthrough in technology are described. A detailed derivation of the discrete ordinates difference equations is presented along with a review of the calculational procedure which are peculiar to the shielding problem. Advantages and disadvantages of the method are discussed and a list of current computer codes is included.
Femoral Osteochondral Lesion Resulting From Meniscus Arrow Repair

Abstract Summary: A 16-year-old girl who had a previously repaired medial meniscus with the biodegradable Meniscus Arrow (Bionx, Blue Bell, PA) developed a postoperative osteochondral lesion as a result of the prominence of the Arrow heads. Despite their ease of use, it brings into question possible risks associated with this procedure and the possible need for further design modification. Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery, Vol 16, No 4 (May-June), 2000: pp 8–8
Nanoclusters in catalysis: A comparison of CS2 catalyst poisoning of polyoxoanion- and tetrabutylammonium-stabilized 40 ′ 6 a Rh(0) nanoclusters to 5% Rh/Al2O3, including an analysis of the literature related to the CS2 to metal stoichiometry issue

It is crucial in metal particle catalysis to know the true number of catalytically active surface sites; without this knowledge it is impossible (i) to know the true turnover frequency (TOF, i.e., the moles of product/(moles of active metal atoms × time)); (ii) to know for certain whether a (quantitatively) better catalyst has been madeon a per-active-metal-atom basis; (iii) to know the amount of active sites remaining in a deactivated catalyst; and (iv) to know how many active sites have been regenerated in a reactivated catalyst. For this reason, herein we report the first quantitative, more complete and fundamental study of nanocluster catalyst poisoning using the preferred CS2 method with polyoxoanion- and tetrabutylammonium-stabilized Rh(0) nanoclusters; 5% Rh/Al2O3 is also examined as a valuable comparison point. Both catalysts are examined under essentially identical conditions and while catalyzing a prototype reaction, cyclohexene hydrogenation. A number of control studies are also reported to be ...
Drug combinations contributing to death according to mental health status

In light of rising prescription drug overdose and mental illness rates, this study explores combinations of drugs resulting in death according to mental health status. This retrospective cohort study examined all drug overdose deaths occurring in Utah from 2005 through 2010 (2,843 total). Data were extracted from the records of the Office of the Medical Examiner. Frequencies, percentages, and rates were used to describe the decedents and bivariate analyses were performed and assessed using the chi-square test. Those with both mental and physical health problems were analyzed separately from those with mental health challenges alone in order to account for potential confounding. Half of drug overdose decedents had mental illness, 40% of whom also had physical health challenges. While most deaths overall involved combinations with opiates, only decedents with anxiety were significantly more likely to have had opiates implicated in their death (rate ratio [RR] = 1.60, 1.04–2.47), while those with schizophren...
Secondary recrystallization textures and their origin in cold-rolled single crystals of silicon iron

Abstract Single crystals in three different orientations were cold rolled 70 per cent and were annealed to produce both primary and secondary recrystallization structures. A detailed study of changes in grain size and in orientation was made using metallographic, X-ray, and magnetic torque methods. The orientations of a few early forming primaries were determined. It was concluded that relatively large primary grains in orientations deviating markedly from the primary recrystallization texture grow into secondary grains having specific preferred orientations and that the driving force for secondary recrystallization comes from grain boundary energy. Drei Einkristalle mit verschiedener kristallographischer Orientierung wurden 70 prozent kaltverformt und dann gegluht um primare and sekondare Rekristallisationstexturen zu erzeugen. Eine detaillierte Untersuchung der Korngrosse and der Orientierung der Kristallite wurde mit Hilfe von metallographischen, rontgenographischen and magnetischen Messungen durchgefuhrt. Es wurde aus diesen Untersuchungen geschlossen, class relativ grosse primare Kristallite, die in ihrer kristallographischen Orientierung merkbar von der primaren Rekristallisationstextur abweichen, als sekundare Kristallite mit spezifischen, bevorzugten, Orientierungen weiterwachsen, and class der Ursprung der Krafte, die zur sekundaren Rekristallisation treiben, in der spezifischen Energie der Korngrenzen liegt.
Kinetics of the catalyzed and uncatalyzed liquid-phase hydration of propylene oxide

The kinetics of the catalytic and noncatalytic hydration of propylene oxide were studied in a continuous reactor. Both the catalytic and noncatalytic reaction were studied over a temperature range of 100° to 300°F. The feed ratios ranged from 2.5 to 10 lb. water/lb. propylene oxide. In the case catalytic reaction, the catalyst concentration of sulfuric acid ranged up to 0.25 wt. % of the total feed. The study showed the noncatalytic reaction to be pseudo first order with respect to propylene oxide, and an equation was found for the rate constant. The catalytic reaction was found to be pseudo second order with respect to propylene oxide, and the effect of the catalyst concentration is shown graphically.
Fusarium Species Associated with Tall Fescue Seed Production in Oregon

Abstract Seed samples were collected from 15 commercial tall fescue seed production fields and examined for Fusarium spp. The percentage of seeds from which Fusarium spp. were recovered ranged from...
TEACHING IMAGE COMPUTATION: FROM COMPUTER GRAPHICS TO COMPUTER VISION

This paper describes a course in image computation that is designed to follow and build up an established course in computer graphics. The course is centered on images: how they are generated, manipulated, matched and symbolically described. It builds on the student's knowledge of coordinate systems and the perspective projection pipeline. It covers image generation techniques not covered by the computer graphics course, most notably ray tracing. It introduces students to basic image processing concepts such as Fourier analysis and then to basic computer vision topics such as principal components analysis, edge detection and symbolic feature matching. The goal is to prepare students for advanced work in either computer vision or computer graphics.
Female Activity Profile of a Polygynous Lizard (Anolis Carolinensis): Evidence of Intersexual Asymmetry

1. The activity profile of free-ranging individuals should reflect how females and males are optimizing their respective reproductive efforts. By using the polygynous, sexually dimorphic lizard, Anolis carolinensis, we expected to find an example of pronounced intersexual asymmetry in daily activity patterns. 2. In contrast to males who should focus on blocking consexual access to resident females, we expected females to strategically facilitate egg production by minimizing conspicuous and unnecessary behavior, while feeding frequently from a defended food resource optimal to their needs. 3. During a 56 day period, we made a 90 h record of focal animal observations on 22 unmanipulated, reproductive females; then we compared this activity profile to a known profile for males. We found the following. 4. Females were 1.6 times more stationary (82% of day), moved 1/7th the distance (< 40 m/day), displayed at 1/8th the overall rate (< 14 displays/h), and used < 1/35th the number of displays in non-directed advertisement (1.6 displays/h) as males. 5. Females spent 1/30th the time (0.3% of day) in overt defense of territories 1/9th the volume (8 m3) as males. 6. However, both females and males had equivalent feeding rates (1.2 times/h), suggesting that the energetic needs of female egg production and male territorial maintenance are comparable. 7. The small, lightly defended territories and low feeding rates of females (along with their reptilian metabolism and insectivorous diet) indicate that females have a wide latitude in which to meet their energetic costs. 8. As expected, the proportion of intersexual contacts was similar between female and male profiles. Courtship and copulations occupied 3.2% and 3.9% of the females' day, respectively, with copula averaging 26 min in duration. 9. In a female activity profile which de-emphasized conspicuousness, we found little evidence for a pheromone-based alternative to visual signalling. 10. Predation, as an immediate threat to lizard activities, was not seen during three months of observations. We noted only four instances of avoidance behavior.
The Effect of a Fusarium roseum Culture and Diacetoxyscirpenol on Reproduction of White Leghorn Females

Abstract White Leghorn females in egg production (36 weeks old) were fed a culture of Fusarium roseum containing 15 ppm diacetoxyscirpenol (DAS) and other unidentified toxins at culture levels of 0, 1, and 2% of the diet for 8 weeks. Following this, all hens were placed on control (0% toxins) feed for 6 weeks. Birds were inseminated weekly with .05 ml of pooled semen from males given normal diets. The F. roseum had no significant effect on body weight change or egg weights. During the initial 8 weeks, egg production was significantly depressed by both the 1 and 2% levels whereas feed consumption, fertility, and hatchability of fertile eggs was reduced only by the 2% level of F. roseum. Moreover, the majority of embryo mortality occurred prior to the 7th day of incubation. All production levels returned to normal when the toxins were removed during the final 6 weeks. In a second experiment, control (0%), .5 ppm purified DAS, and 3% F. roseum culture were fed to White Leghorn females (50 weeks old) for 4 weeks followed by a 2-week withdrawal period when all birds were given control diets. In 4 weeks, hatchability of fertile eggs was reduced 24% by DAS and 99% by the culture of F. roseum but returned to normal after the toxins were removed. Other production indices were unaffected by dietary treatment. The DAS appears to be only partially responsible for the reduced hatchability; the major toxicant has not been identified.
A social action model of situated information systems design

The aim of this paper is to examine the nature of information systems (IS) design as situated in its organizational context. Much of the IS literature takes a fragmented perspective of the nature of IS design, examining methodological issues, social issues, or political issues in isolation from the context of the design initiative. Recent work in situated action and social cognition provides a basis for a more integrated understanding of situated IS design.Findings from a participant observation study of situated IS design are discussed, to form the basis for an integrative, social action model of IS design. Findings from the study demonstrate how innovative IS design activity is situated in its organizational context. It is argued that the form and nature of an organizational design "problem" is inseparable from its context and that design knowledge is distributed among a design team rather than shared intersubjectively. The situated nature of design requires design skills to be learned through simulated design contexts, rather than the communication of abstract models (as in many formal education programs). The situated model rejects the predefined goal-structures assumed by decompositional models of design, such as the "waterfall" model. It is suggested that design goal-definition must proceed recursively through the processes of design, which requires new approaches to the design and development of organizational information systems.
Using social media to study social pheonomena: An example using Twitter data

Twitter is a social networking platform that offers a simple, yet powerful service. The majority of its functionality resides in 140-character-maximum statuses, or ‘tweets’. We are developing a Java application that utilizes the service's application programming interfaces (APIs). The purpose is to offer a level of integrated functionality not provided by their website, and to circumvent some of the time constraints of manual analysis. The application provides a convenient way to pull tweets for a particular user or a specified search query into a delimited text document, offering very simple integration with spreadsheet software for analysis. This would be an especially valuable tool for people researching social networking activity, but can also be utilized by anyone to analyze public response to current events or popular culture. An example based on current events is presented.
NONLINEAR PROGRAMMING: THE GLOBAL USE OF THE LAGRANGIAN.

In some constrained nonlinear programming problems possessing several local optima, a local optimum can be recognized as the global optimum by looking closely at the Lagrangian, the augmented function. Similarly, classes of constrained optimization problems, such as geometric programming problems, can be recognized as possessing at most a single local optimum.
Infrared matrix isolation study of ammonia complexes with the neutral transition metals Cu and Fe

Abstract One-to-one complexes of ammonia with the neutral transition metals, Cu and Fe, have been formed in solid argon matrices at 12 K and investigated spectroscopically in the infrared region. FTIR spectra reveal large shifts in the ν 2 NH 3 umbrella mode upon complexation with these transition metal atoms. The present observations can be understood using the results of recent ab initio calculations by Bauschlicher. The complex binding is attributed to the electrostatic interaction between the NH 3 dipole moment and an induced effective dipole of the metal atom.
Mitosis in cells with unreplicated genomes (MUGs): spindle assembly and behavior of centromere fragments.

Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, which are arrested at the G1/S-phase of the cell cycle with hydroxyurea, enter mitosis prematurely when treated with caffeine [Schlegel and Pardee, 1986: Science 232:1264–1266]. Such mitotic cells with unreplicated genomes (MUGs) can assemble a mitotic spindle and progress through M-phase even in the absence of intact, replicated chromosomes [Brinkley et al., 1988: Nature 336:251–254; Zinkowski et al., 1991: J. Cell Biol. 113:1091–1110; Christy et al., 1995: Protoplasma 186:193–200]. In order to better define the role of the spindle in chromosome movement, we compared the structure and assembly of mitotic spindles and analyzed the nature of kinetochore association and movement in control cells and MUGs. The mitotic spindles in MUGs display the same morphological features and dynamic properties of assembly-disassembly as seen in normal spindles. Although multiple centromere-kinetochore fragments (CKFs), derived from fragmented chromosomes, interact with and attach to spindle microtubules in both orthodox and unorthodox ways, they nevertheless become aligned on the metaphase plate. Prometaphase congression and alignment at metaphase is achieved in MUGs even though CKFs represent kinetochore fragments that originate from unreplicated chromosomes and, therefore, lack “sister kinetochore” orientation such as seen in chromosomes of control cells. Our study supports the notion that much of the “information” needed for prometaphase chromosome movement and alignment is endemic to the spindle [Heald et al., 1996: Nature 382:420–425; Zhang and Nicklas, 1996: Nature 382:466–468.] Cell Motil Cytoskeleton 36:291–302, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Validation and characterization of DNA microarray gene expression data distribution and associated moments

The data from DNA microarrays are increasingly being used in order to understand effects of different conditions, exposures or diseases on the modulation of the expression of various genes in a biological system. This knowledge is then further used in order to generate molecular mechanistic hypotheses for an organism when it is exposed to different conditions. Several different methods have been proposed to analyze these data under different distributional assumptions on gene expression. However, the empirical validation of these assumptions is lacking. Best fit hypotheses tests, moment-ratio diagrams and relationships between the different moments of the distribution of the gene expression was used to characterize the observed distributions. The data are obtained from the publicly available gene expression database, Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) to characterize the empirical distributions of gene expressions obtained under varying experimental situations each of which providing relatively large number of samples for hypothesis testing. All data were obtained from either of two microarray platforms - the commercial Affymetrix mouse 430.2 platform and a non-commercial Rosetta/Merck one. The data from each platform were preprocessed in the same manner. The null hypotheses for goodness of fit for all considered univariate theoretical probability distributions (including the Normal distribution) are rejected for more than 50% of probe sets on the Affymetrix microarray platform at a 95% confidence level, suggesting that under the tested conditions a priori assumption of any of these distributions across all probe sets is not valid. The pattern of null hypotheses rejection was different for the data from Rosetta/Merck platform with only around 20% of the probe sets failing the logistic distribution goodness-of-fit test. We find that there are statistically significant (at 95% confidence level based on the F-test for the fitted linear model) relationships between the mean and the logarithm of the coefficient of variation of the distributions of the logarithm of gene expressions. An additional novel statistically significant quadratic relationship between the skewness and kurtosis is identified. Data from both microarray platforms fail to identify with any one of the chosen theoretical probability distributions from an analysis of the l-moment ratio diagram.
Determining the Charge Properties of Reoxidized, Lightly Nitrided Oxides Using Surface Charge Analysis

The changes in charge properties such as total fixed charge and interface state density as a result of nitridation and reoxidation of ultra-thin thermally grown oxides have been measured using a commercially available, optically based technique known as surface charge analysis (SCA). Charge data regarding both nitridation and reoxidation are consistent with those found in the literature thus indicating that SCA can be a viable tool for rapid and real-time analysis of the charge properties of ultrathin RNO dielectrics. The results further indicate that, when reoxidation time is larger than the nitridation time, total fixed charge during reoxidation of nitrided oxides obeys a universal curve which depends only on the ratio of reoxidation time to nitridation time
Radiation-induced lung damage after thoracic irradiation for Hodgkin's disease: the role of fractionation

Abstract Purpose: to estimate the αβ ratio for damage to human lung after thoracic irradiation for Hodgkin's disease. Patients and methods: The criterion for lung injury was the presence of radiological changes in the vicinity of the mediastinum as assessed on regular follow-up chest X-ray examinations. Patients with supradiaphragmatic stage I–II Hodgkin's disease received mantle field irradiation as part of their treatment between 1964 and 1981 (E.O.R.T.C. protocols H1, H2, and H5). The total mediastinal doses fixed by the protocols were 35–40 Gy. The fractional doses were left to the decision of the physicians in charge: the most frequent regimens were 5 × 1.8, 5 × 2.0, 4 × 2.5 and 3 × 3.3 Gy per week. The data were fit to the linear-quadratic (L.Q.) model using time-to-injury as endpoint. Results: 1048 (97%) of 1082 patients were evaluable. The mean follow-up duration was 8 years. One hundred and ninety-five cases of radiologically-visible lung damage were observed after a median interval of 6 months (range: 0–101). The 3-year actuarial probability of lung damage was 19% (95% confidence limits: 17, 21). Multivariate analysis (Cox model, stratified by protocol) showed an increased risk of damage with dose per fraction (relative risk, R.R. = 2.22 per Gy (1.75, 2.82)), the presence of systemic symptoms (R.R. = 1.53 (1.09, 2.15)), and total mediastinal dose (R.R. = 1.06 per Gy (1.01, 1.12)). Age, sex, histological type, number of involved nodal sites and radiotherapy duration did not significantly modify the risk of lung damage. The L.Q. model parameters were: α = 0.031 Gy −1 (0.003, 0.059), β = 0.010 Gy −2 (0.007, 0.013), αβ = 3.07 Gy (−0.23, 8.46). Conclusion: this low αβ ratio is consistent with late effects values from animals and humans, and illustrates the influence of large fraction sizes on the occurrence of late pulmonary complications.
A Note on the Analysis of Liquid X-Ray Diffraction Patterns

The corrected intensity curve given by Eisenstein and Gingrich for the diffraction of x-rays by liquid argon has been subjected to four different fittings, one of them including a weak fourth peak, to determine how sensitive the atomic distribution curve is, to errors in fitting. An analysis has been made for these four cases. The first peak of the atomic distribution curve has about the same shape in each case, the area under this peak varies by less than ten percent, and the position of its maximum remains constant to within about one and one-half percent. The small secondary peak becomes a plateau by the introduction of a weak fourth peak in the intensity curve.
Approaching the Silylium (R3Si+) Ion: Trends with Hexahalo (Cl, Br, I) Carboranes as Counterions

A systematic investigation has been made into the degree of silylium ion character in species of the type i-Pr3SiY where Y- is a weakly coordinating hexahalo-carborane anion, X6-CB11H6-, with X = Cl, Br, I. By X-ray crystal structural criteria such as the average C−Si−C angle (117.3(4)°, 117.0(13)°, and 115.6(9)° for X = Cl, Br, I, respectively) and the downfield 29Si chemical shift (115, 110, and 97 ppm for X = Cl, Br, I, respectively) the hexachloro-carborane anion is the least coordinating. Thus, the “ion-like” species i-Pr3Siδ+(Cl6-CB11H6)δ- becomes the closest structural approach to date to a condensed phase silylium ion. With the aid of ab initio molecular orbital theory and silicon chemical shift calculations we address the question of how much silylium ion character this species represents. From structural, energetic, and NMR criteria (where expectation values for the condensed phase 29Si chemical shifts are revised downward) we conclude that i-Pr3Siδ+(Cl6-CB11H6)δ- may have >50% silylium ion char...
Cartilage chondrolysis by fibronectin fragments causes cleavage of aggrecan at the same site as found in osteoarthritic cartilage.

Summary/Introduction Fibronectin proteolytic fragments (Fn-fs) have very potent cartilage chondrolytic activities toward cultured cartilage explants in vitro [1] and when injected into rabbit knee joints [2]. Their relevance to cartilage pathology is supported by their presence at elevated levels in synovial fluids of patients with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis [3, 4]. Their relevance is also supported by the discovery that their effects are mediated through other factors, thought to have roles in cartilage pathology, catabolic cytokines. Cytokines have been detected in conditioned media of Fn-f treated human cartilage [5] and neutralization with antibodies directed toward specific cytokines blocks cartilage damage by Fn-fs and induction of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) [5]. The major MMP responsible for cartilage damage appears to be MMP-3 (stromelysin-1), since antibodies to MMP-3 greatly slow cartilage damage caused by the Fn-fs [6, 7] and conditioned media of Fn-f treated cartilage contains levels of up to 800 nm of active MMP-3 [7]. Since MMPs cleave at the the Asn 360 -Phe 361 bond * in the interglobular domain of aggrecan [8], it would be expected that this cleavage would occur in Fn-f treated cartilage as well. However, this site is not cleaved in normal cartilage aggrecan turnover in vitro and in vivo [9] or in adult cartilage explants treated with interleukin-1 (IL-1) or retinoic acid [9–11]. In the latter cases, cleavage occurs exclusively at Glu 392 -Ala 393 . Further, the expected N-terminal Ala aggrecan fragments are found in human synovial fluids of patients with both osteoarthritis [11] and inflammatory joint diseases [12]. Accordingly, the enzymatic activity that may be responsible for this has been called ‘aggrecanase', but the responsible proteinase has not yet been identified or isolated. Our objective here was to determine whether the Fn-fs caused cleavage at the physiologically relevant ‘aggrecanase' site or at the MMP site in bovine cartilage aggrecan. The use of bovine cartilage was appropriate since proteoglycan synthesis suppression, cartilage proteoglycan degradation and release of active MMP-3 occurs to similar extents in both bovine and human knee cartilage explants [5–7]. We report here that cleavage was detected at the aggrecanase site, as well as other sites, but not at the MMP site. Thus, these data support a potential physiological role for Fn-fs in cartilage pathology in osteoarthritis or inflammatory joint disease. The data also support the relevance of the use of Fn-fs in animal models of knee joint damage as described by us earlier [2] as well as in in vitro explant culture models [1, 5–7].
Acid site properties of thermally stable, silica-doped alumina as a function of silica/alumina ratio and calcination temperature

Abstract Acid site properties of silica-doped aluminas prepared by a simple solvent deficient hydrolysis of the alkoxides was investigated. The total acid concentration (Bronsted and Lewis sites) of silica-doped aluminas (SDAs) calcined in the range of 700–1200 °C with Si/Al ratios of 5, 15, 27 wt% was determined using temperature-programmed desorption of ammonia (ammonia-TPD). 27 Al solid state MAS NMR (Al SS MAS NMR) was used to measure the intrinsic Lewis acid site concentration, and FTIR was also used as a separate measure of the Bronsted and Lewis acid site concentration. Results indicate that removing hydroxyl groups in the form of water molecules through calcination result in a lower concentration of Bronsted acid sites. Calcination at higher temperature also results in the transformation of unsaturated 5-coordinated aluminum (a strong Lewis acid) to higher concentrations of 6 and 4-coordinated aluminum in 5, 15 and 27% silica-doped alumina samples. Therefore, the total acid site concentration (Bronsted and Lewis sites) decreases by increasing the calcination temperature. In addition, the data show that increasing the silica/alumina ratio increases both the Bronsted and Lewis acid site concentrations. Based on these results, the acid site concentrations can be controlled by altering the Si/Al ratio and calcination temperature while maintaining high surface areas, large pore volumes, and large pore diameters.
Two-tiered health care: The root of ethical problems in recent clinical trials

The ethics of clinical trials involving patients with infectious diseases has received a great deal of attention recently in both the lay and the scientific press. In the Spring of 1997, President Clinton publicly apologized to the survivors and families of the US Public Health Service-sponsored Tuskegee Syphilis Study, recognizing that the study investigators wrongly had violated both the subjects’ rights and the ethics of scientific conduct.’ More recently, Lurie and Wolfe described why they believed that many of the current placebo-controlled trials to evaluate the prevention of perinatal human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission in developing countries are unethical. In their opinion, new “standards of research” were needed to preclude similarly designed studies in the future.2 Their article and the accompanying editorial, which linked the justification of these trials with those used for the Tuskegee study,’ have engendered a heated debate concerning the ethics of recent placebo-controlled clinical trials.* The same editorial also raised ethical concerns about a placebo-controlled tuberculosis (TB) prevention study.3 Though the ‘Tuskegee study, the HIV-prevention trials, and the TB-prevention study had disparate locations, patient populations, and time-frames, all involved groups of underserved individuals who otherwise did not have access to the highest standards of clinical care.
Chains of Modular Elements and Lattice Connectivity

We show that the order complex of any finite lattice with a chain \(\widehat{0} < m_{1} < \cdots < m_{r} < \widehat{1}\) of modular elements is at least (r−2)-connected.
Robust frame-dependent video watermarking

In this paper, we describe some of the problems associated with watermarking key management, with particular attention to the case of video. We also describe a possible solution to the problem, which is that of image-dependent watermarking, and briefly discuss some of the possible advantages to be gained from adopting such an approach. The paper also presents a simple, efficient means of robustly extracting bits from a video sequence. The algorithm has applications to secure, oblivious video watermark detection.
Tomography based pore-level optimization of radiative transfer in porous media

Abstract A non-energy-partitioning Monte Carlo Ray Tracing (MCRT) model is employed to optimize radiative transfer in porous media. The pore level geometry is incrementally modified using 3D equivalents of image manipulation algorithms such as erosion, dilation, opening, and closing. Subsequently, direct, pore-level analysis of radiative transfer is carried out for each modification step to optimize the pore-level geometry for maximum absorptance. Results have been obtained for an opaque, diffusely or specularly reflecting solid phase within a non-participating void phase. Model media studied are: (i) reticulate porous ceramics (RPCs) and (ii) packed beds of CaCO3 particles. The extinction coefficient and the forward scattering fraction have been determined for the media via a two-flux model of radiative transfer. Optimum porosities for maximizing absorptance at given medium thicknesses are then obtained from the analytical model. For the RPC, the forward scattering fraction varies between 0.38 and 0.57, and the extinction correlation coefficient varies between 9.56 and 7.03. For the packed CaCO3 particle bed, the forward scattering fraction varies between 0.6 and 0.72, and the extinction coefficient varies between and 2.84 and 2.14.
Veblen and globalization: a comment on Wellington and Zandvakili

Purpose – The purpose of the paper is to examine the claim made by Wellington and Zandvakili that Thorstein Veblen would be opposed to globalization.Design/methodology/approach – The approach of the paper is to examine what Veblen actually said in order to provide evidence from Veblen's own pen.Findings – Veblen forcefully argued that trade barriers are another form of business sabotage. Trade barriers increase business profits but harm the community as a whole. That is because trade barriers inhibit specialization, and specialization is required for technological progress. Trade barriers therefore impede progress from the standpoint of humanity as a whole.Practical implications – National boundaries impede technological development because they reduce specialization. Trade barriers make the problem worse, and therefore are harmful. Trade barriers help business at the expense of the general public.Originality/value – The paper offers an argument for reducing trade barriers that is not derived from neoclas...
Interatomic potentials from experimental phonon spectra I. Prototypes

The systematic procedure developed by Brosens et al. to derive the interatomic pair potential from the experimental phonon spectra is modified and generalized to cover a variety of metals. A set of metals (Na, K, Al, Cu, Fe) is investigated as prototypes for the general class of simple, noble, and transition metals. Comparisons are made between this potential and other potentials including those obtained from liquid metal structure factor data and pseudopotential theory. Reliability of the potentials is argued on the basis of comparison with experimental data, reliable theoretical potentials (where available), and internal consistency. The potentials are not recommended in modeling defects (vacancies, cracks) which introduce large inhomogeneities in the electron density. Das von Brosens et al. entwickelte Verfahren zur Bestimmung des interatomaren Paarpotentials aus den experimentellen Phononenspektren wird modifiziert und fur eine Reihe von Metallen verallgemeinert. Ein Satz von Metallen (Na, K, Al, Cu, Fe) als Prototypen fur die allgemeine Klasse von simplen, Edel- und Ubergangsmetallen wird untersucht. Es wird ein Vergliech dieses Potentials mit anderen Potentialen einschlieslich denen, die aus Strukturfaktorwerten flussiger Metalle und Pseudopotentialtheorie gewonnen werden, durchgefuhrt. Die Zuverlassigkeit der Potentiale wird auf der Grundlage eines Vergleiches mit experimentellen Werten, zuverlassigen theoretischen Potentialen (wo erhaltlich) und innerer Konsistenz uberpruft. Die Potentiale konnen nicht fur die Modellierung von Defekten (Leerstellen, Cracks) empfohlen werden, die grose Inhomogenitaten der Elektronendichte einfuhren.
Instream Large Wood: Denitrification Hotspots with Low N2O Production

We examined the effect of instream large wood on denitrification capacity in two contrasting, lower order streams — one that drains an agricultural watershed with no riparian forest and minimal stores of instream large wood and another that drains a forested watershed with an extensive riparian forest and abundant instream large wood. We incubated two types of wood substrates (fresh wood blocks and extant streambed wood) and an artificial stone substrate for nine weeks in each stream. After in situ incubation, we collected the substrates and their attached biofilms and established laboratory-based mesocosm assays with stream water amended with 15N-labeled nitrate-N. Wood substrates at the forested site had significantly higher denitrification than wood substrates from the agricultural site and artificial stone substrates from either site. Nitrate-N removal rates were markedly higher on woody substrates compared to artificial stones at both sites. Nitrate-N removal rates were significantly correlated with biofilm biomass. Denitrification capacity accounted for only a portion of nitrate-N removal observed within the mesocosms in both the wood controls and instream substrates. N2 accounted for 99.7% of total denitrification. Restoration practices that generate large wood in streams should be encouraged for N removal and do not appear to generate high risks of instream N2O generation.
Studies in neutron depth profiling

This paper describes first the application of neutron depth profiling (NDP) for measuring the distribution of6Li in LiAlO2 ceramics. Using a surface barrier detector for detecting3H produced in6Li(n, α)3H,6Li was profiled to a depth of 14 μm in the ceramics. Secondly, a new methodology is presented for NDP with enhanced capabilities based on measuring the energy of recoiling nuclei from (n, p) and (n, α) reactions by time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The scope of recoil nucleus time-of-flight mass spectrometry (RN-TOF-MS) includes profiling of10B,14N,17O,33S,35Cl,40K. Probe depths may be of a few tens nanometers. RN-TOF-MS complements and refines NDP based on charged particle (p or α) spectrometry.
The Multi-Channel Filter Based on Photonic Crystal with Circular Resonant Cavity

A photonic crystal model with circular resonant cavity is reported in order to achieve high efficiency and multi-channel filtration. Design a multi-channel filter based on its transmission properties. The distributions of the light energy of different wavelengths are given. As a result, the photonic crystal with circular resonant cavity has output efficiency of 75.5%99% and 100% when the wavelength is 1447nm1535nm and 1628nm. As the dielectric constant increases, the output wavelengths change. So, we can use this method to adjust the output wavelengths. Meanwhile, when the centre wavelength is 1447nm and 1535nm the multi-channel filter can output in different directions.
Time-Oriented Advertising: A Content Analysis of United States Magazine Advertising, 1890–1988:

Advertising appearing in Ladies' Home Journal reveals an increased emphasis on time-oriented concerns and product benefits. The study findings are consistent with claims that industrialization and ...