cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Survey of Management Science Applications of the Deterministic Maximum Principle

Ever since the publication of Pontryagin's Maximum Principle, the number of its applications to management science problems has been steadily growing. This paper is an up-to-date survey of the applications of the deterministic maximum principle to the three functional areas of management: Finance, Production, and Marketing. The specific problems represented by these applications are cash balance problems, optimal financing problems, production and inventory problems, machine replacement problems, and optimal advertising problems. In addition, other selected management science applications are briefly described or simply listed. The survey concludes with suggestions for directions of future research.
Combined X-ray Diffraction and Raman Identification of Synthetic Organic Pigments in Works of Art: From Powder Samples to Artists’ Paints

X-ray diffraction (XRD) complemented by Raman spectroscopy analyses of synthetic organic pigments in powder samples, layered paint systems, and commercial artists’ paints bound in acrylic, alkyd, and oil media are presented. The potential and limitations of the techniques to identify and characterize mixtures of these pigments, along with inorganic extenders, in works of art are exemplified and discussed. Stratified model paint systems that mimic the layering structure typically found in modern paintings are used to evaluate the effect of the μXRD experimental parameters, as well as extenders or fillers commonly found in modern artists’ paint formulations, on the quality of the patterns recorded in microsamples of paint. XRD is demonstrated for the first time to be an effective tool for the specific identification of synthetic organic pigment mixtures and fillers in acrylic and alkyd bound artists’ paints, while the identification of these pigments by XRD in oil bound paints appears problematic. Detailed ...
A QALY-based societal health statistic for Canada, 1985

This paper assesses the appropriateness of QALYs (quality adjusted life years) as a foundation for an index of societal health, and the feasibility of using such an index to guide health care policy. Results of this paper suggest that the standard aggregate QALY index imposes an ethical position on policy makers which may promote inequality in well-being associated with health. It is possible to rectify this problem in theory, but current data are insufficient to estimate such corrected indices. A QALY-based index, constructed using the best available data, indicates morbidity has a significant effect on Canadian health status (e.g. life expectancy figures alone overstate community health by about 10%), that the impact of morbidity is unequal across regions and gender, and that role (the ability to fulfil social functions) and mobility dysfunction are important determinants of ill-health in this population.
Nursing home deficiency citations for infection control

Background This study examined the deficiency citation for infection control (ie, F-Tag 441). This information represents potential problems in infection control as identified in the yearly certification process of almost all US nursing homes. Methods The data used came primarily from the Online Survey, Certification, and Reporting data base, which contains information on both deficiency citations and characteristics of nursing homes. The data for each nursing home from 2000 through 2007 were combined, providing a panel of 100,000 observations. Multivariate analyses and generalized estimating equations with a logit link were used. Results An average of 15% of all nursing homes received a deficiency citation for infection control each year from 2000 to 2007. In the multivariate analyses, several staffing levels were robust in their significance. For all 3 types of caregiver examined (ie, nurse aides, Licensed Practical Nurses, and Registered Nurses), low staffing levels were associated with receipt of a deficiency citation for infection control. Conclusion The high number of deficiency citations for infection control problems identified in this study suggests the need for increased emphasis on these programs in nursing homes to protect vulnerable elders.
Alcohol related dementia: proposed clinical criteria

Current diagnostic criteria for Alcohol Related Dementia (ARD) are based almost exclusively on clinical judgment. Moreover, there are no guidelines available to assist the clinician or the researcher in distinguishing Alcohol Related Dementia from other causes of dementia such as Alzheimer's Disease (AD). However, this distinction may have implications for the prognosis and treatment of patients. In this article, provisional diagnostic criteria for establishing a diagnosis of Alcohol Related Dementia are proposed for further study. The criteria are based on the available literature on the relationship between alcohol consumption and dementia and were modeled after existing diagnostic criteria for AD and Vascular Dementia. Validity of these criteria for distinguishing AD from ARD will require further study.
On the Dini calculus

n any positive integer. This is the objective of the present note, the upshot being a systematic calculus for all such integrals (in the even more general context of a l-parameter family belonging to g(R)). While we shall only deal explicitly with the case of the real line, it would certainly be of interest to extend what is said here to the higher dimensional setting. This seems to be a problem of some complexity but we shall offer a conjecture at the end of the paper on how things might be expected to develop.
Strengthening State Legislatures

Declining prestige of legislative bodies has recently prompted inquiries looking to self-appraisal and reform in Congress and in legislatures of a number of the states. Dissatisfaction with the traditional organization and procedure of state legislatures has grown among legislators, who undertake the perplexities of present-day law-making with inadequate assistance and ineffective machinery. Legislation was seldom a simple problem, but it is today more difficult than at any time in our national history. As the responsibilities thrust upon legislatures are increased, so must the tools and processes of legislation be improved if the quality of legislation is to meet the needs which call it forth. To assist in the reappraisal and review of state legislative organization and procedure, twelve general suggestions for strengthening state legislatures have been reported to the Council of State Governments by a committee of state officials. Appointed in November, 1945, by the Board of Managers of the Council, the Committee on Legislative Processes and Procedures developed its report after broadly surveying legislative theory and practice and selecting for recommendation to the states those measures of most general application. Dealing with the problems of state legislatures generally, the committee decided at an early date to direct its attention to the strengthening of state legislatures as presently constituted. Questions of reapportionment, of representation in the legislature, proportional representation, unicameralism, and certain mechanics of procedure such as electrical voting were not treated in the final report.
Unusual manifestations of renal artery aneurysms

Two unusual cases of renal artery aneurysm are presented. The first, a 10.4-cm aneurysm, the largest yet reported, manifested as an abdominal mass in an otherwise asymptomatic patient. The second was associated with renovascular hypertension in a 6-month-old infant, the youngest patient yet reported.
The Pharmacology of Amblyopia

Physiologic and anatomic evidence has suggested an anatomic disconnection between the deprived eye and visual cortical neurons in cats made amblyopic by monocular deprivation. Clinical and visual-evoked response data suggest, however, that inhibition may play a major role in amblyopia. Accordingly, we intravenously administered anti-inhibitory compounds (bicuculline, ammonium ion, naloxone) to amblyopic cats and demonstrated a substantial restoration of binocular input to the visual cortex. Such pharmacologic reversal suggests that amblyopia is not an anatomically fixed lesion.
Fate of Listeria monocytogenes during freezing and frozen storage.

A cell suspension of Listeria monocytogenes was frozen 30 min at −18°C, or 10 min in liquid nitrogen (LN) at −198°C. Solidification required 15 min at −18°C and ca. 1 min at −198°C. Freezing and storage 1 month in phosphate buffer (PB) at −18°C caused 87% death and 79% injury. These were 54 and 45%, respectively, for cells in Tryptose Broth (TB) at −18°C. Freezing and storage 1 month in LN caused no death or injury of cells suspended in PB, whereas some injury and death occurred in TB. Freezing at −198°C followed by storage 1 month at −18°C resulted in 60% death and 36% injury in PB, and 61 and 44.2%, in TB. Repeated freezing and thawing caused more death/injury than did a single freeze-thaw cycle.
2-D Wilson spectral factorization

G. Wilson's method of spectral factorization (1969) is considered for generalization to the two-dimensional (2-D) case. For practical implementation, finite-order approximants to the 2-D spectral factors of infinite order are obtained. Although stability or convergence cannot be guaranteed in general, justifications are given for the success of the proposed generalization. Illustrative examples are given to support the conclusions. >
A psychophysiological field study of stress at Three Mile Island.

Residents of the area surrounding the Three Mile Island (TMI) nucelar power plant and from a control location 80 miles away participated in a longitudinal study of response to the venting of radioactive gas from the damaged reactor. Four assessments (including one prior to the venting, one during the venting, and two post-venting) were made using a battery of biochemical, performance, and self-report measures. Relative to demographically matched control subjects, TMI subjects exhibited higher levels of stress on each mode of this battery. While perceived threat and task performance remained constant during the four assessments for TMI subjects, symptom reporting and urinary catecholamine levels decreased after the krypton gas venting. Since these data were collected more than 17 months after the reactor accident, the findings suggest that the venting procedures had specific acute effects on chronic problems being experienced by TMI subjects, but no global effect across all measures.
Nonisotropic coronal atmosphere on Io

A model is presented for calculating nonisotropic coronal atmospheres. This is tested by comparison with the analytic results for an isotropic atmosphere. It is then used to consider differences between sublimated and sputtered corona on Io with reference to the ion and electron bombardment of such coronae when the exobase is at or near the surface.
The Cuban Economy: Where It Stands Today

There is widespread discussion both within and outside Cuba concerning what direction the Cuban economy will go under its new interim president, Raul Castro. This very short paper is intended to contribute one piece of information that is needed to intelligently discuss that issue: where Cuba's economy stands today. Its intention is to compactly provide as much current statistical information on a number of longstanding contentious economic issues in Cuba, as is allowed by its short length. It concludes that the evidence supports that there indeed has been real and meaningful accelerated improvement in the Cuban economy in recent years, and at the same time, Cuba remains far from being able to meet many of its citizen's economic needs in accord with its own principals of human development.
Break preclusion concept and its application to the EPRTM reactor

Abstract This paper provides a synthesis of the technical basis supporting the break preclusion concept and its implementation on the Main Coolant Lines and Main Steam Lines of the EPR™ reactor. In a first step, it describes the background of the break preclusion concept, and then it details the requirements associated to its implementation in a Defense In Depth approach.In second steps, main benefits and few illustrative examples are given for the MCL.
Observations on the substructure of ciliary rootlets.

The substructure and spatial arrangement of ciliary rootlets from Aequipecten irradians, Stylochus ellipticus , and Polychaerus caudata were investigated. Gill epithelium rootlets of Aequipecten irradians were found to have a length of 10 μ m with 750 major period composed of at least 13 subbands. Ciliated integumentary cells of Stylochus combined two rootlet types per cilium, one having a length of 0.60–0.75 μ m and another with a 4–5 μ m length. The latter rootlet had a major period of 750 containing 13 subbands. Polychaerus contained rootlets 1.9–2.1 μ m in length that were branched along their length. These rootlets had a major period of 700 containing 13–14 subbands.
Anisotropy in superfluid $sup 3$He and the attenuation of zero sound

The attenuation of 20-MHz zero sound in superfluid $A$-$^{3}\mathrm{He}$ has been studied as a function of angle between the sound propagation direction and an applied magnetic field, and found to be anisotropic.
Metal-nitride-oxide-semiconductor transistor characterization using implanted MNOS capacitors

Abstract MNOS capacitors were fabricated using ion implantation to replace the conventional diffusion step required to provide a source of carriers for inversion layer formation during write-erase cycling. The electrical characteristics of the implanted capacitors closely approximate those of the diffused capacitors. A single implant at 25 keV of 5 × 10 14 ions cm -2 using shadow mask metal dots for masking and a 500 °C sinter operation for activation of the implant was shown to be optimum for an Si 3 N 4 thickness of 475 A. No deleterious effects were observed to result from the implantation step.
Does traumatic brain injury predispose individuals to develop schizophrenia

Purpose of review Psychosis following traumatic brain injury has been studied in both prospective and retrospective studies that have been frequently limited by unclear criteria for classifying psychiatric syndromes or case ascertainment bias regarding traumatic brain injury. Schizophrenia is a psychotic disorder commonly attributed to the interaction of genetic vulnerability and environmental events, yet its relationship with traumatic brain injury has not been systematically reviewed. Recent findings The literature is not conclusive and highlights the challenges to observational research in conditions in which case ascertainment is difficult. The evidence supports a risk-modifying effect of traumatic brain injury in individuals who are genetically at risk for schizophrenia, but is less supportive of traumatic brain injury as an independent risk factor for schizophrenia in individuals without such risk. Summary Research in psychotic disorders following traumatic brain injury must distinguish schizophrenia from other psychotic syndromes, and take familial risk factors into consideration.
IMMUNOGLOBULIN (IG) LEVELS AND IMMUNE RESPONSE TO HEPATITIS B VACCINE IN CHILDREN WITH CANCER 130

The aim of this study was to correlate the seroconversion rate following hepatitis B vaccination in children with malignant diseases, to serum IG levels, the latter being an indirect method for determining B-cell function and humoral immunity status. One hundred and eight (108) patients (60 boys, 48 girls), 2-20 years old, with negative HBV, HCV and HIV markers, on or off chemotherapy, were studied. Of the 108 patients, 87 suffered from acute leukaemia, 11 from lymphoma, 7 from solid tumors and 3 had systematic Langerhan's cell histiocytosis. All patients were divided into 2 groups according to therapy status: group A comprised 70 patients under chemotherapy and group B 38 patients who had been off chemotherapy and in complete remission for 3 months to 10 years. Prior to the first vaccine dose, levels of IgG, IgA, IgM as well as IgG subclasses (G1, G2, G3, G4) were measured. Recombinant hepatitis B vaccine (20 mcg/dose) was administered at 0, 1, 2, and 6 months and the level of anti-HBs was determined one month after each dose. Protective titres were considered to be ≥ 10 mlU/ml. In group A the percentage of patients with normal values of IgG, IgA and IgM was 54%, 76% and 27% respectively, with a total seroconversion rate of 36%, whereas the corresponding percentage in group B were 97%, 100% and 71% with a total seroconversion rate of 82%. There was no significant correlation of immune response, either low or satisfactory, to any of the IgG subclasses. Our results support the hypothesis that the immunodeficiency status of patients under chemotherapy is responsible for the limited seroconversion rate to HBV vaccination. After the completion of therapy and the reconstitution of humoral immunity, a very good response to this vaccine is achieved.
Zoosporic plant pathogens produce bacterial autoinducer-2 that affects Vibrio harveyi quorum sensing

The frequent coisolation of bacteria with Phytophthora and Pythium species suggests possible interspecies communication. Zoospore-free fluids (ZFF) from bacteria-free and nutrient-depleted zoospore suspensions were examined to investigate the production of autoinducer-2 (AI-2), a bacterial interspecies signal molecule, by zoosporic oomycetes. ZFF from Phytophthora nicotianae, Phytophthora sojae, and Pythium aphanidermatum triggered luminescence of the Vibrio harve7yi AI-2 reporter, indicating the presence of AI-2 in zoospore extracellular products and the potential of cross-kingdom communication between oomycetes and bacteria. The production of AI-2 by zoospores was confirmed by chemical assays. These results provide a new insight into the physiology and ecology of oomycetes.
Mitochondrial DNA mutations and breast tumorigenesis

Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease and genetic factors play an important role in its genesis. Although mutations in tumor suppressors and oncogenes encoded by the nuclear genome are known to play a critical role in breast tumorigenesis, the contribution of the mitochondrial genome to this process is unclear. Like the nuclear genome, the mitochondrial genome also encodes proteins critical for mitochondrion functions such as oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), which is known to be defective in cancer including breast cancer. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is more susceptible to mutations due to limited repair mechanisms compared to nuclear DNA (nDNA). Thus changes in mitochondrial genes could also contribute to the development of breast cancer. In this review we discuss mtDNA mutations that affect OXPHOS. Continuous acquisition of mtDNA mutations and selection of advantageous mutations ultimately leads to generation of cells that propagate uncontrollably to form tumors. Since irreversible damage to OXPHOS leads to a shift in energy metabolism towards enhanced aerobic glycolysis in most cancers, mutations in mtDNA represent an early event during breast tumorigenesis, and thus may serve as potential biomarkers for early detection and prognosis of breast cancer. Because mtDNA mutations lead to defective OXPHOS, development of agents that target OXPHOS will provide specificity for preventative and therapeutic agents against breast cancer with minimal toxicity.
Energy-band equation for a general periodic potential.

A new approach\char22{}one not based on multiple scattering or the variational principle\char22{}to the problem of the band structure for a general (i.e., non-muffin-tin) periodic potential is presented. From the eigenvalue equation, the Bloch function is shown to be expandable as a multipole series around the origin and the coefficients are found to be given as functionals of the Bloch function and the cell potential. By introducing into this functional various representations of the Bloch function (as a superposition in which each individual term is not Bloch periodic), we obtain previously derived band-structure equations (some claimed to be exact). By deriving, however, a new representation for the Bloch function (as an on-shell superposition in which each term is Bloch periodic) and using this representation in the above functional, we obtain a new energy-band equation in which the potential can no longer be separated from the structure. When approximations are introduced, then Korringa-Kohn-Rostoker-type equations (in which the potential is separated from the structure) may be obtained. All the steps of this new approach are illustrated in the soluble case of a constant periodic potential. It is shown, in this case, that only the newly introduced band-structure equation is able to generate the correct eigenvalues.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis WhiB3 Maintains Redox Homeostasis by Regulating Virulence Lipid Anabolism to Modulate Macrophage Response

The metabolic events associated with maintaining redox homeostasis in Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) during infection are poorly understood. Here, we discovered a novel redox switching mechanism by which Mtb WhiB3 under defined oxidizing and reducing conditions differentially modulates the assimilation of propionate into the complex virulence polyketides polyacyltrehaloses (PAT), sulfolipids (SL-1), phthiocerol dimycocerosates (PDIM), and the storage lipid triacylglycerol (TAG) that is under control of the DosR/S/T dormancy system. We developed an in vivo radio-labeling technique and demonstrated for the first time the lipid profile changes of Mtb residing in macrophages, and identified WhiB3 as a physiological regulator of virulence lipid anabolism. Importantly, MtbΔwhiB3 shows enhanced growth on medium containing toxic levels of propionate, thereby implicating WhiB3 in detoxifying excess propionate. Strikingly, the accumulation of reducing equivalents in MtbΔwhiB3 isolated from macrophages suggests that WhiB3 maintains intracellular redox homeostasis upon infection, and that intrabacterial lipid anabolism functions as a reductant sink. MtbΔwhiB3 infected macrophages produce higher levels of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, indicating that WhiB3-mediated regulation of lipids is required for controlling the innate immune response. Lastly, WhiB3 binds to pks2 and pks3 promoter DNA independent of the presence or redox state of its [4Fe-4S] cluster. Interestingly, reduction of the apo-WhiB3 Cys thiols abolished DNA binding, whereas oxidation stimulated DNA binding. These results confirmed that WhiB3 DNA binding is reversibly regulated by a thiol-disulfide redox switch. These results introduce a new paradigmatic mechanism that describes how WhiB3 facilitates metabolic switching to fatty acids by regulating Mtb lipid anabolism in response to oxido-reductive stress associated with infection, for maintaining redox balance. The link between the WhiB3 virulence pathway and DosR/S/T signaling pathway conceptually advances our understanding of the metabolic adaptation and redox-based signaling events exploited by Mtb to maintain long-term persistence.
On Laminar Separation Bubbles

supplied, but, for reasons of safety the cylinders were partially filled with water. A mercury manometer was used to measure the internal pressure. The axial compressive load was applied by a hydraulic strut and measured with an SR-4 load cell. The torsion load was applied by a hydraulic strut which was attached to the lower head by two cables. The torsion load was also meas­ ured by an SR-4 load cell. The buckling loads of the test specimens were determined visually, which was a relatively simple task because the buckles often snapped into position. Occasionally, buckles appeared to grow out of relatively large initial irregularities. The order of application of the compression and torsion loads did not affect the magnitude of the critical stresses. A photograph of a typical buckle pattern in one of the specimens subjected to a combined load is shown in Fig. 1. The test data are plotted in Fig. 2 in terms of the nondimensional stress ratios Rc and Rt. The stress ratios are defined as in Eq. 1, but the critical stresses are those obtained with internal pressure present. In order to plot the combined loads data, the average of the experimental buckling stresses for the cylinders loaded in compression alone and those loaded in torsion alone have been used as the denominators of the stress ratios. Shown in Fig. 2 is the interaction relationship defined by Eq. (1) which has been suggested for unpressurized cylinders. It can be ob­ served that this interaction curve is a suitable lower bound to the test data. Based on these tests, it is concluded that the same shape design curve adequately describes the behavior of both pressurized and unpressurized circular cylinders under combined compression and torsion. For the design of pressurized cylinders, the stress ratios in Eq. (1) should be used with the critical buck­ ling stress for pressurized cylinders under compression alone or under torsion alone determined from empirical curves. It should be remembered that the above conclusions are based on tests of cylinders at only two values of the pressure parameter, (p/E) (r/t)2. It is conjectured that the interaction curve would be the same for any long pressurized cylinder; however, additional tests should be performed to verif}^ this assumption.
Plasma α‐Amino‐n‐Butyric Acid/Leucine Ratio in Alcoholics

Fasting free amino acid concentrations in plasma of 20 control and 18 alcoholic subjects were compared in an attempt to validate previous reports that the molar ratio of alpha-amino-n-butyric acid/leucine (A/L ratio) is a marker for alcoholism. We were unable to confirm the observations of either altered alpha-amino-n-butyric acid or leucine concentrations or an increased A/L ratio in alcoholic subjects, and we conclude that the A/L ratio is not a biochemical marker for alcoholism.
Non-Adiabatic Meson Theory of Nuclear Forces

Two nucleon forces are studied using a technique with which a detailed account of the nucleon recoil during meson emission and absorption may be given. The nucleon motion is treated relativistically. The method is applied to the neutral scalar meson field. It is concluded that the conventional static approximation gives results for this case which are not misleading. It is pointed out that the concept of potential energy is not always applicable in such problems, its validity depending not so much on the "separation" of the nucleons as on the character of the wave function for the state of the system concerned.
Modulation of serum uric acid levels by inosine in patients with multiple sclerosis does not affect blood pressure.

Modulation of serum uric acid levels by inosine in patients with multiple sclerosis does not affect blood pressure
Using portfolio theory to assess tradeoffs between return from natural capital and social equity across space

Spatial variance in returns from natural resources, driven by resource dynamics and regulations, can have strong consequences for equitable delivery of value to individuals and communities. Yet resource management models implicitly weight returns equally across space, even when space is explicitly included in model dynamics and policy. Here we translate financial portfolio theory from the temporal to spatial realm and use it to quantify the inherent tradeoff between resource returns and social equity, defined as a more uniform distribution of resource value across space. We illustrate this approach with a marine case study of the Channel Islands, California, USA. Depending on the spatial distribution of resources, increasing spatial equity requires nonlinear reductions in resource returns. Realistic management options, such as effort-based fisheries regulations or marine protected areas, increase or reduce this tradeoff, respectively. We also quantify two critical advantages of portfolio approaches to management: they improve outcomes by avoiding false expectations and increase either resource return or social equity while maintaining the other.
Reversing drug resistance in bcl-2-expressing tumor cells by depleting glutathione

The immense research effort in cancer cell physiology has led to an appreciation of the molecular and biochemical pathways that regulate cellular responses to endogenous and exogenous insults. Similarly, in tumor cells, there are multiple overlapping pathways that, once activated, impart resistance to therapeutic intervention. The multi drug resistance pathway is one such pathway. In this review, we will present current ideas concerning a mechanism of tumor cell resistance that involves the inability to undergo apoptosis. The bcl-2 family of proteins are known to regulate apoptosis in response to a wide variety of toxic agents. Additionally, recent evidence points to bcl-2 involvement in the regulation of antioxidant pathways mediated by glutathione. This new information will be discussed in some detail and strategies for overcoming these resistance mechanisms that may have clinical utility will be presented.
Modulation of cytostatic drugs by nifedipine in two heterotransplanted human testicular-cancer cell lines differing in their sensitivity to standard agents.

Drug resistance is an important clinical problem in testicular cancer patients with relapsed or refractory disease after first-line chemotherapy. Here we report that the relative reduction in tumour volume in nude mice heterotransplanted with either H 12.1 or H 23.1 human testicular cancer cell lines was significantly increased by addition of the calcium antagonist nifedipine to the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of cisplatin (DDP). The mean reduction in relative tumour volume at day 30 (rVR) reached statistical significance for both cell lines following combination therapy of DDP with nifedipine compared to DDP alone (55 ± 7% versus 12 ± 4% for H 23.1 and 60 ± 9% vs. 24 ± 4% for H 12.1). The synergistic anti-tumour activity of DDP with nifedipine has also been confirmed in H 12.1 cells in vitro. However, in vivo, this combination was associated with a concordant increase in therapeutic toxicity. In contrast, no improvement in in vivo anti-tumour activity was obtained by combining similar dose-schedules of nifedipine with the MTD of epirubicin, or with MTDs of vinblastine or etoposide. These results are in agreement with our immunohistochemical finding that H 12.1 and H 23.1 do not over-express the Pgp 170 grycoprotein which mediates the multiple drug resistance (MDR) phenotype and involves both anthracyclines and vinblastine, but not DDP. We conclude that another Pgp-MDR modulator, nifedipine, is able to increase the anti-tumour activity of DDP in vivo and in vitro via a specific but as yet unknown mechanism, which is most likely not MDR-related. However, the increased anti-tumour activity is, in vivo, associated with a considerable increase in overall toxicity. Further studies are necessary to decrease therapeutic toxicity, before clinically relevant models for modifiers of DDP-resistance could possibly be applied to patients.
The Effect of Long-term Near Normal Glycemic Control on Mild Diabetic Retinopathy

Abstract Thirty-three type I diabetics who used continuous subcutaneous infusion of insulin (CSII) and 24 diabetics on conventional treatment (maximum of two injections per day) were studied prospectively with ophthalmologic examinations, fundus photography, fluorescein angiography, and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1) determinations. Both groups were similar with respect to age, duration of diabetes, and length of follow-up. At entry almost all patients had only mild forms of diabetic retinopathy although three CSII patients had early proliferative retinopathy. The CSII groups achieved superior glycemic control throughout the study (mean HbA1=7.4% vs. 10.2%). After an average follow-up of more than 30 months, the CSII group showed significantly less progression of diabetic retinopathy as measured by macular aneurysm counts and by modified ETDRS grading. Careful control of glycemia may delay the progression of diabetic retinopathy.
Adsorption of Atomic H and O on the (111) Surface of Pt3Ni Alloys

To determine the optimal structure and size of a cluster suitable for modeling chemical processes on the (111) surface of Pt_3Ni alloys and to understand how alloying changes the electronic structure, we used the B3LYP flavor of density functional theory (DFT) to study systematically the composition and the characteristics of the Pt/Ni(111) alloy surface for clusters up to 44 atoms. We find that the bulk structure (Pt_3Ni crystal) has the atoms cubic closest packed as in bulk Pt or bulk Ni, but ordered such that each Ni has 12 bonds to Pt atoms and we find that this same pattern is preferred on the (111) surface. As a result, the ordered (111) surface has each Ni surrounded by six Pt atoms. After determining the optimal cluster, we examined the chemisorption of atomic hydrogen and atomic oxygen at all on-top (μ_1), bridge (μ_2), and 3-fold (μ_3) sites on the (111) alloy surface. We find that oxygen binds most strongly at a fcc site (two Pt and one Ni atom) with an adsorption energy of 3.50 eV, which is 0.22 eV stronger than binding to the pure Pt(111) surface. The barrier for the O to migrate about fcc sites shared by the same Ni is 0.23 eV, but to hop over to a site bordering a different Ni is 0.53 eV. In contrast, the barrier on Pt(111) is 0.56 eV. Thus oxygen is much more localized on the Pt/Ni alloy surface than on pure Pt. A similar behavior was observed for the chemisorption of hydrogen. Here we find that the best site is on-top of Pt with D_e = 2.67 eV, which is comparable to pure Pt(111). In contrast to Pt(111) where the barrier for migration through the bridge and fcc sites is only 0.06 eV, making H very mobile, we find that on Pt/Ni(111) the adsorption energies range from 1.78 to 2.67 eV. Here the migration of the H from one Pt site to the next goes through the bridging and fcc sites sharing a Ni with a barrier of 0.12 eV, twice that for Pt(111).
A calcium-dependent ergosterol mutant of Saccharomyces cerevisiae

ERG24 is the structural gene for the C14-sterol reductase in yeast. A lack of activity in that enzyme, mediated either by the morpholine fungicides or the insertional inactivation of ERG24, causes the accumulation of the aberrant sterol ignosterol. Cells producing this sterol are unable to grow aerobically in the routine laboratory medium, YPD. However, growth does occur on a synthetic defined medium. A novel calcium-dependent phenotype associated with alterations in the ergosterol biosynthetic pathway in yeast is described. In addition, reduction of yeast growth with an azole inhibitor of the C-14 sterol de-methylase was also modulated by an excess of calcium ions in the culture medium. These results define a new effect of ergosterol deficiency and provide important practical implications for utilizing morpholine and azole sterol biosynthetic-inhibiting fungicides.
Residual hypernasality in repaired cleft palate

This article reviews selected components of the speech process in children with a repaired cleft palate in order to provide the speech-language pathologist with a framework for decision-making in the selection of appropriate identification and management strategies. Discussion is offered which intends to clarify the phenomena of velopharyngeal valving, nasality, and hypernasality. With an understanding of these fundamental phenomena, suggestions are proposed for management approaches which may be applied to the more common bases of hypernasality in children with repaired clefts.
Acoustic detection of momentum transfer during the abrupt transition from a laminar to a turbulent atmospheric boundary layer

Abstract Acoustic sounder measurements of a vertical profile of the abrupt transition from a laminar to a turbulent atmospheric boundary layer were compared with meteorological measurements made at 10 and 137 m on an instrumented tower. Sounder data show that conditions necessary for the onset of the momentum burst phenomenon exist sometime during a clear afternoon when heat flux changes sign and the planetary surface cools. Under these conditions, the lowest part of the atmospheric boundary layer becomes stable. Prior to this situation, the entire boundary layer is in turbulent motion from surface heating. The boundary layer is then an effective barrier for all fluxes, and as the maximum flux Richardson number is reached at some height close to but above the surface, turbulence is dampened and a laminar layer forms. The profile of this layer is recorded by the sounder. Surface temperature drops, a strong wind shear develops, and the Richardson number decreases below its critical value (Ricr < 0.25). Subs...
The Structure of the Virgo Cluster from Surface Brightness Fluctuations in Hubble Space Telescope Images

Surface brightness fluctuations (SBF) in Hubble Space Telescope (HST) Wide Field Planetary Camera 2 images of elliptical galaxies provide the precision necessary to examine the internal structure of the Virgo galaxy cluster. In a sample of 15 elliptical galaxies with observations from the HST archive, we find that most galaxies are within 2 Mpc of NGC 4486, but several galaxies (including NGC 4406) are significantly in the foreground or background. The measured redshifts and distances suggest that all sample galaxies are gravitationally bound to the galaxy cluster. The SBF distances presented here show good agreement with other SBF distance measurements and with distance measurements made using other methods. We include a brief overview of the SBF method, as well as a more detailed description of the SBF calibration used with the data included in this study, which was taken in the HST F814W filter.
The inward rectification mechanism of the HERG cardiac potassium channel

A HUMAN genetic defect associated with 'long Q–T syndrome', an abnormality of cardiac rhythm involving the repolarization of the action potential, was recently found to lie in the HERG gene, which codes for a potassium channel1. The HERG K+ channel is unusual in that it seems to have the architectural plan of the depolarization-activated K+ channel family (six putative trans-membrane segments), yet it exhibits rectification like that of the inward-rectifying K+ channels, a family with different molecular structure (two transmembrane segments)2–4. We have studied HERG channels expressed in mammalian cells and find that this inward rectification arises from a rapid and voltage-dependent inactivation process that reduces conductance at positive voltages. The inactivation gating mechanism resembles that of C-type inactivation, often considered to be the Slow inactivation' mechanism of other K+ channels. The characteristics of this gating suggest a specific role for this channel in the normal suppression of arrhythmias.
Flow in hemodialysis grafts after angioplasty: Do radiologic criteria predict success?

Flow in hemodialysis grafts after angioplasty: Do radiologic criteria predict success? Background The anatomic success of percutaneous angioplasty of venous stenosis is determined by the improvement in cross-sectional diameter of the vessel. A successful outcome is defined as a residual stenosis of Methods Twenty-two hemodialysis patients with decreased intragraft blood flow ( Results The mean preangioplasty and postangioplasty graft blood flows were 457 ± 136 and 818 ± 202 mL/min, respectively. The mean degree of stenosis before angioplasty was 74 ± 15% and 18 ± 14% after dilation ( P r 2 = 0.22, P P = NS). There was no significant correlation between the change in blood flow and the change in percentage of stenosis. Conclusion Following angioplasty of a venous stenosis, the graft blood flow is most closely predicted by the preprocedural blood flow and is similar to the highest recorded blood flow ever measured in that graft. Angiographic criteria to assess the success of angioplasty are not predictive of changes in blood flow.
Effect of stress state on the stress-induced martensitic transformation in polycrystalline Ni-Ti alloy

The effect of stress state on the character and extent of the stress-induced martensitic transformation in polycrystalline Ni-Ti shape memory alloy has been investigated. Utilizing unique experimental equipment, uniaxial and triaxial stress states have been imposed on Ni-Ti specimens and the pseudoelastic transformation strains have been monitored. Comparisons between tests of differing stress states have been performed using effective stress and effective strain quantities; a strain offset method has been utilized to determine the effective stress required for transformation under a given stress state. Results of the tests under different stress states indicate that (1) despite the negative volumetric strain associated with the austenite-to-martensite transformation in Ni-Ti, effective stress for the onset of transformation decreases with increasing hydrostatic stress; (2) effective stressvs effective strain behavior differs greatly under different applied stress states; and (3) austenite in Ni-Ti is fully stable under large values of compressive hydrostatic stress.
Field-induced spin density wave in bechgaard salts, thermodynamics

Abstract We find an analytical expression of Green's function describing field-induced spin density waves in Bechgaard Salts. We assume that electrons are described by two-dimensional tight binding model interacting via on-site Coulomb potential. The thermodynamics as well as the transition temperature are obtained which is compared with experiments on (TMTSF)2 C l O4.
Gravel‐topped offshore bar sequences in the Lower Carboniferous of southern Ireland

Within the Kinsale Formation (Lower Carboniferous) of southern Ireland are pebbly sandstones and conglomerates contained in what is known locally as the Garryvoe conglomerate facies. In this facies there are three main groups of lithologies: (a) heterolithic mudrocks and sandstones characterized by a wide variety of wave-produced structures; (b) sandstones dominated by swaley cross-stratification (SCS), parallel lamination, and rare hummocky cross-stratification (HCS); and (c) pebbly sandstones and conglomerates occurring as discrete beds or as gravel clasts dispersed through SCS sets. Successions of the facies comprise units of heterolithic mudrock and rippled sandstone alternating repeatedly with coarsening-upward units of SCS pebbly sandstone capped by top-surface granule and pebble lags. The Garryvoe conglomerate facies accumulated in a system of offshore bars on a muddy shallow-marine shelf that was dominated by waves and currents generated by storms. Sands and gravels were bypassed from a contemporaneous northerly coastal zone to the shelf, where they were moulded by the storm-generated flow into low, broad, sand ridges (offshore bars). The elongate bars were spaced kilometres apart, oriented obliquely to the coast, and separated by muddy interbar troughs. Their surfaces were largely covered by hummocky and swaley forms. Long-term, gradual seaward migration of the offshore bars concentrated gravels on landward flanks from the dispersed pebbly sands that were on the crests and seaward flanks. Exceptionally intense storms could form laterally extensive winnowed gravel lags above thinned bar sequences. Such storms could also flush gravel-bearing turbidity currents into muddy interbar trough areas.
Whole genome sequencing in the study of disease and application in personalised medicine

Next Generation Sequencing has enabled a range of applications to investigate nearly every facet of genomic science including variant detection, transcriptome profiling and epigenetic studies. Many of these applications were previously either impractical or uneconomical by Sanger sequencing. In particular, whole genome and exome sequencing are now within the reach of an increasing number of researchers due to continued reduction in costs, improvements in workflow and accessibility of appropriate technologies. Furthermore, the improvements in data handling, storage and analysis tools have contributed significantly in providing biologist-friendly methods to assemble reads and call variants. Here I will review the recent application of whole genome and exome sequencing in both clinical and research environments for the study of breast cancer. Specifically, a recent whole-genome investigation of 50 tumour-normal pairs sourced from oestrogen receptor positive breast cancers will be explored. This study confirmed genes previously implicated in this type of cancer, as well as identifying 3 new candidates; MAP3K1, ATR and MYST. To improve clinical outcomes, it is hoped that whole genome sequencing in this study will identify treatment-resistance mechanisms for cancers sourced from women resistive to oestrogen-lowering treatment. Additional case studies will be used to highlight how these techniques have advanced our understanding in determining the treatment and subsequent clinical outcomes for individuals suffering from rare diseases.
Binding of Apolipoprotein E Inhibits the Oligomer Growth of Amyloid-β Peptide in Solution as Determined by Fluorescence Cross-correlation Spectroscopy

One of the primary neuropathological hallmarks of Alzheimer disease is the presence of extracellular amyloid plaques resulting from the aggregation of amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides. The intrinsic disorder of the Aβ peptide drives self-association and progressive reordering of the conformation in solution, and this dynamic distribution of Aβ complicates biophysical studies. This property poses a challenge for understanding the interaction of Aβ with apolipoprotein E (apoE). ApoE plays a pivotal role in the aggregation and clearance of Aβ peptides in the brain, and the ϵ4 allele of APOE is the most significant known genetic modulator of Alzheimer risk. Understanding the interaction between apoE and Aβ will provide insight into the mechanism by which different apoE isoforms determine Alzheimer disease risk. Here we applied alternating laser excitation fluorescence cross-correlation spectroscopy to observe the single molecule interaction of Aβ with apoE in the hydrated state. The diffusion time of freely diffusing Aβ in the absence of apoE shows significant self-aggregation, whereas in the presence of apoE, binding of the protein results in a more stable complex. These results show that apoE slows down the oligomerization of Aβ in solution and provide direct insight into the process by which apoE influences the deposition and clearance of Aβ peptides in the brain. Furthermore, by developing an approach to remove signals arising from very large Aβ aggregates, we show that real-time single particle observations provide access to information regarding the fraction of apoE bound and the stoichiometry of apoE and Aβ in the complex.
Generalizing the aspect graph concept to include articulate assemblies

Abstract A number of researchers have recently described algorithms to automatically compute the aspect graph representation of objects. To date, research in this area has been limited to entirely rigid objects of various shape classes. We present a generalization of the aspect graph concept which can be applied to objects defined as articulated assemblies of rigid parts.
On Modular Full Depth Bridge Deck Rehabilitation

Bridge deck systems consisting of a series of full depth precast concrete slab panel modules laid on steel stringers have been used for construction of new bridges as well as for rehabilitation of deteriorated bridge decks since at least the early sixties. Rapid construction is the main incentive of such construction method, which has been used for highway as well as for railway bridges, at a number of locations in the US and overseas. Prior to 1973, the application of full depth panels in the US were limited to noncomposite deck spans. A brief summary of essential features of these bridges are given. The emphasis of the paper is on the evolution of the application of the method since 1973 to date, which includes primarily composite spans and a number of major bridges. Various connection details and joint materials used in a number of bridges built by over half a dozen transportation agencies, using full depth precast panel are examined. Some of the persisting problems and uncertainties in using this meth...