cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Microcephalin/MCPH1 Associates with the Condensin II Complex to Function in Homologous Recombination Repair

Microcephalin/MCPH1 is one of the causative genes responsible for the autosomal recessive disorder primary microcephaly. Patients with this disease present with mental retardation and dramatic reduction in head size, and cells derived from these patients contain abnormally condensed chromosomes. MCPH1 contains an N-terminal BRCT and tandem C-terminal BRCT domains. More recently, MCPH1 has been implicated in the cellular response to DNA damage; however, the exact mechanism remains unclear. Here, we report the identification Condensin II as a major MCPH1-interacting protein. MCPH1 and Condensin II interact in vivo, mediated by the CAPG2 subunit of Condensin II binding to a middle domain (residues 376-485) of MCPH1. Interestingly, while Condensin II is not required for the IR-induced G2/M checkpoint, Condensin II-depleted cells have a defect in HR repair, which is also present in MCPH1-/-MEFs. Moreover, the Condensin II binding region of MCPH1 is also required for HR function. Collectively, we have identified a novel function of MCPH1 to modulate HR repair through Condensin II, and thereby maintain genome integrity.
Determining the ROI of an Online English as a Second Language Program

This article examines the methodology used to determine the return on investment (ROI) of an online English as a Second Language (ESL) program. The online ESL program was implemented in over 20 countries, and the scope of the analysis includes data from all participating countries. A form of ROI analysis had been conducted annually prior to the addition of the Phillips methodology in 2008. The latest analysis follows the Phillips approach step by step and has provided greater credibility as a result.
Fluocinolone Acetonide Intravitreal Implants in Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada Disease

Purpose: To describe the use of fluocinolone acetonide implants (Retisert) in Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease (VKH).Design: Interventional case series.Methods: Retrospective review of medical records.Results: Two patients with VKH requiring high-dose systemic corticosteroid therapy to control their inflammation and bilateral serous retinal detachments received bilateral fluocinolone acetonide implants. Upon tapering of systemic corticosteroids, one patient had recurrent serous retinal detachments and the other patient’s anterior chamber and vitreous inflammation returned.Conclusions: The authors’ experience with fluocinolone acetonide implants in VKH has been mixed with an inability to fully taper off of systemic corticosteroids.
Expression of the messenger ribonucleic acids for insulin-like growth factor-I and insulin-like growth factor binding proteins in porcine corpora lutea.

In the pig, the corpus luteum (CL) can develop and function autonomous of pituitary gonadotropins for approximately 12 days. We hypothesized that the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system may play an autocrine/paracrine luteotrophic role(s) during this period. In this study, we monitored the expression (i.e., steady-state levels of mRNAs) of IGF-I and IGF binding proteins (IGFBP)-2, -3, -4, -5, and -6 mRNAs in whole CL and in small and large luteal cells on Days 4-16 of the estrous cycle. CL were dissociated with collagenase, and large and small luteal cells were isolated by centrifugal elutriation. Whole CL and luteal cells were extracted to isolate total or poly(A)+ RNA, which was subjected to Northern and/or dot-blot analyses using [32P]-labeled cDNA probes for IGF-I and IGFBP-2, -3, -4, -5, and -6. Northern blots showed readily detectable transcripts for IGF-I (6.7 and 0.9 kb), IGFBP-2 (1.8 kb), IGFBP-3 (2.8 kb), IGFBP-4 (2.6 kb), and IGFBP-5 (6.0 kb), but not for IGFBP-6. IGFBP-3 and -5 transcripts were observed mainly in small luteal cells, while IGFBP-2 and -4 were seen in both cell types. Dot-blot analyses for IGF-I and IGFBP-3 mRNAs were performed on total RNA from small and large luteal cells; blots were counter-probed with 3-phosphoglyceraldehyde dehydrogenase (p-GAD) cDNA to assess RNA quantity and quality. IGF-I mRNA (ratio IGF-I:p-GAD mRNA) expression was approximately 2-fold greater in small than in large luteal cells on Days 4-10. However, steady-state levels of IGF-I mRNA in small, but not large, luteal cells decreased significantly on Days 12-16 (vs. Days 4-10). IGFBP-3 mRNA expression was significantly greater (approximately 3-fold) in small than in large luteal cells but did not vary significantly between Days 4-10 and 12-16 for either cell type. We conclude that porcine CL express mRNAs for IGF-I and IGFBP-2, -3, -4, and -5, and that while small luteal cells are the major sources of IGF-I and IGFBP-3 and -5, IGFBP-2 and -4 appear to be expressed to approximately the same extent in small and large luteal cells. These results further suggest that the IGF-I/IGF system may have autocrine/paracrine regulatory actions in CL development/function in the pig.
Radiation Damping and the Polarization of Fluorescence Radiation

If the distance between two or more energy levels is comparable to their natural breadth, the levels cease to act independently. The coupling between the levels is then describable by means of a "damping constant matrix." The usual discussions concern themselves with a diagonal damping constant. Below a systematic treatment of emission, absorption and fluorescence is given without this restriction and it is shown how in general the frequencies of emission lines are affected by this radiation coupling. The theory is applied to the calculation of the polarization of fluorescence radiation. It is shown that the coupling state of the lower group of levels of the fluorescence line does not influence the polarization. Results of detailed calculations are given for the polarization of $\mathrm{H}\ensuremath{\alpha}$ excited by absorption of the second line of the Lyman series.
Benchmarking CVB website performance: Spatial and structural patterns

Abstract This study evaluated 967 U.S. CVB websites using a modified Balanced Scorecard (mBSC) approach which assesses website performance with respect to overall technical functionality, customer friendliness and usability, effectiveness of marketing the destination, and information content. Spatial maps were constructed for these four dimensions and overall CVB website performance using ArcMap v.9.2 GIS software. A structural pattern of CVB website performance was obtained using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). It was concluded that CVB websites primarily need improvement in marketing the destination product. The analysis revealed significant differences in website performance between members and non-members of Destination Marketing Association International (DMAI) as well as regional differences. Study implications for destination marketing organizations and CVB website designers are discussed.
Future perspectives of advancing multimodal polsar technology, its rapid worldwide expansion, and its plethora of diversified applications

With the un-abating global population increase our natural resources are stressed as never before, and the global day/night monitoring of the terrestrial covers from the mesosphere to the litho-sphere becomes all the more urgent. Microwave radar sensors are ideally suited for space imaging because those are almost weather independent, and microwaves propagate through the atmosphere with little deteriorating effects due to clouds, storms, rain, fog aerosol and haze. Globally humidity, haze and aerosols next to cloudiness are increasing at a rather rapid pace, whereas only 20 years ago all of those covered only 48% of the globe, today those have increased to about 62% and within another 20 years may exceed 80% for irreversible reasons. Thus, optical remote sensing from space especially in the tropical and sub-tropical vegetated belts is already and will become ever more ineffective, and microwave remote sensing technology must now be advanced strongly and most rapidly hand in hand with digital communications technology because operationally it is more rapidly available especially for disaster mitigation assistance.
ABSORPTION OF WATER THROUGH SUBERIZED ROOTS OF TREES.

It is generally assumed that absorption of water and solutes by plant roots occurs principally in the unsuberized region back of the root cap where root hairs are usually produced. It seems probable, however, that under some conditions considerable absorption must occur through the suberized regions of roots, especially those of woody plants. For example, root elongation of most trees and shrubs almost or entirely ceases in cold or dry soil, and few or no unsuberized root tips exist at such times. Nevertheless many evergreen species such as pine, privet, holly and citrus lose considerable water by transpiration during such periods. The water lost during periods of little or no root elongation presumably is replaced by absorption through the suberized surfaces of fully differentiated, mature roots. Several investigators have presented indirect evidence that this actually occurs. Crider (5) reported absorption of nitrate and phosphate through roots of citrus and vitis after all root tips had been removed and the cut ends sealed. Chapman and Parker (2) observed absorption of nitrate by orange roots which had turned brown and were at least partially suberized. Colby (4) stated that apparently apple trees can absorb enough water through suberized roots to prevent wilting but not enough for shoot growth. Nightingale (7) found that potted apple and peach trees grown at soil temperatures of 45 and 95? F. produced no new roots and some of the old roots even died at 95? F. Nevertheless these trees absorbed water as indicated by the fact that they leafed out and made some shoot growth. Whatever absorption occurred during these experiments must have been through the old suberized roots, or even, in some instances, through dead roots. In spite of the strong presumptive evidence little direct evidence of water intake through suberized roots has been obtained. In fact the only direct measurements known to this writer are those made by Hayward, Blair, and Sk alino (6) under laboratory conditions on roots of sour orange seedlings. It was decided therefore to make a series of measurements of absorption through suberized roots of trees, especially pines, growing in the open.
Combined modality treatment of gastric cancer

In a series of 46 patients with localized gastric cancer treated at Massachusetts General Hospital, problems with excessive acute or chronic toxicity due to combination treatment with irradiation (XRT) and chemotherapy (CT) were not seen. Forty of the 46 received combined treatment with 2 regimens: 1) Irradiation plus concomitant 3 days of 5-FU followed by maintenance 5-FU or combined drugs--26 patients; 2) In the other 14 patients, the sequence of irradiation and chemotherapy was altered. A single course of combined drug chemotherapy was given prior to irradiation and 5-6 additional courses were administered after completion of XRT (CT-XRT-CT). The drug combination was initially 5-FU-BCNU but this was changed to FAM (5-FU, Adriamycin, Mitomycin C). Irradiation was delivered to tightly contoured portals using shaped blocks to spare as much small bowel, kidney and marrow as possible while giving 4500-5200 rad in 25 to 29 fractions over 5 to 6 weeks. In this series, there were no cases of septicemia or any deaths related to treatment. A 3 year survival rate of about 20% was achieved for the total group of patients and 43% in the group with resection but at high risk for later failure. Our inability to improve these numbers is undoubtedly a result of dose limitations with external beam irradiation combined with a systemic failure problem. When irradiation is combined with surgical resection of all or a majority of tumor, both survival and local control appear to be better than in the unresected patient group. Only 4 of 29 patients (14%) with curative resection, or resection but residual disease, had later evidence of failure within the irradiation field as opposed to 6 of 9 or 66% in the group with unresectable disease.
Dynamic cortex stripping for vertebra evaluation

Vertebral cortex removal through cancellous bone reconstruction (CBR) algorithms on CT has been shown to enhance the detection rate of bone metastases by radiologists and reduce average reading time per case. Removal of the cortical bone provides an unobstructed view of the inside of vertebrae without any anomalous distractions. However, these algorithms rely on the assumption that the cortical bone of vertebrae can be removed without the identification of the endosteal cortical margin. We present a method for the identification of the endosteal cortical margin based on vertebral models and CT intensity information. First, triangular mesh models are created using the marching cubes algorithm. A search region is established along the normal of the surface and the image gradient is calculated at every point along the search region. The location with the greatest image gradient is selected as the corresponding point on the endosteal cortical margin. In order to analyze the strength of this method, ground truth and control models were also created. Our method was shown to have a significantly reduce the average error from 0.80 mm +/- 0.14 mm to 0.65 mm +/- 0.17 mm (p <0.0001) when compared to erosion. This method can potentially improve CBR algorithms, which improve visualization of cancellous bone lesions such as metastases, by more accurately identifying the inner wall of the vertebral cortex.
The post-listing puzzle: evidence from Tokyo Stock Exchange listing

Abstract In this paper, we examine the post-listing return and trading volume behavior of 292 stocks that listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange during the period 1975–1989. Though the abnormal returns for the full sample are significantly positive, these returns are primarily driven by the IPOs, which do not begin trading immediately. The post-listing returns pattern for the non-IPO firms that list in the first section is negative and similar to those reported for stocks that list on the NYSE. The post-listing abnormal returns for those stocks that list in the second section are negative but insignificant and differ from significant negative abnormal returns for stocks that list on the American Stock Exchange. We explore the role trading volume plays in explaining the post-listing return behavior. We find some support for the argument that a lack of trading interest provides a partial explanation as to why the negative post-listing returns persists for non-IPOs. The post-listing anomaly for non-IPOs seems to be an international phenomenon.
Vitamin K-Dependent Biosynthesis of γ-Carboxyglutamic Acid

V ITAMIN K, AN ESSENTIAL vitamin, is a cofactor for a single known enzymatic reaction: the conversion of glutamic acid to γ-carboxyglutamic acid in vitamin K-dependent proteins during their biosynthesis. Since the discovery of vitamin K and its association with blood coagulation,[1][1] many
Second Chance Mechanism Explains Dwell Time Distributions of Myosin and Dynein

We reproduced experimental dwell time distributions of head and tail labeled dynein and myosin V at low and high [ATP] with a continuous time Markov chain (CTMC) that we developed using second chance mechanics (SCM) (doi: 10.1371/ journal.pone.0041098). SCM is a non-equilibrium kinetic model. If work is done by cycles of force acting on protein interactions, SCM determines the probability that the displaced interaction is restored before the proteins separate. For a two headed molecule with a chemo-mechanical cycle, one phase of the cycle displaces a head from its site of interaction while another phase provides a second chance for it to bind. A minimum CTMC consists of three observed states of the motor, i.e. unbound (C), bound by two heads (m1), and bound with one head (m2). The transition between m1 and m2 has unitary probability and marks a physical displacement. Other state transitions have stochastic probabilities determined by the time derivative of the CTMC at steady-state given a set of transition rates. Derived probabilities form the initial distribution of a Markov matrix based on the CTMC. We simulated the stationary probability distribution of the Markov matrix by a Monte Carlo scheme of CTMC. Each step of the CTMC includes a waiting time based on catalytic rates of bound or unbound motor domains and the waiting times of each step are exponentially distributed. The dwell times of the simulated CTMC are gamma distributed because a minimum of two steps is required to complete a dwell period. Hence, the gamma distributed dwell times of myosin V and dynein may be explained by a series of delays, i.e.one to wait for favorable binding of the unbound head and another to wait for the displacement of a bound head.
IMPROVEMENTS IN THE CLASSIFICATION EFFICIENCY OF A HYDROCYCLONE WITH AN IMPELLER INSTALLATION AROUND THE VORTEX-FINDER

ABSTRACT Study of flow mechanisms in hydrocyclones shows that about10 to 15 percent of the particles entering the overflow through a leakage stream are not subject to the full centrifugal force. Hence an attempt was made to improve the separation efficinecy through design modifications. An impeller was installed through a central hole in the vortex-finder, and a series of experiments were carried out to compare the performance of an impeller-assisted hydrocyclone with that of a normal hydrocyclone. It was found that, with the introduction of the impeller, the classification efficiency was improved. A computer simulation of a grinding circuit using the impeller-assisted hydrocyclone showed that the capacity of the circuit can be increased by 35 percent.
3He-n vertex constant and the structure of 4He

Abstract The asymptotic normalization of the 3He-n relative wave function is evaluated from various sources. The values of C3He-n2 converge and yield an averaged magnitude of 16.7.
SU(6) symmetry breaking effects in deep inelastic scattering

Abstract The fact that the N and Δ states of the 56 baryons are not degenerate in mass is shown to imply that the deep inelastic scattering ratio F2n(x)/F2p(x) should approach 1 4 as x → 1. The rate of approach is predicted to be approximatel linear in x. The possibility of observing analogous effects in other large momentum transfer processes is also discussed.
Empathy and the Laws of Affect

There is a growing recognition of how animals respond to the affective states of other animals ( 1 , 2 ), including the show of empathy, a state once thought to be unique to primates. On page 1427 of this issue, Ben-Ami Bartal et al. ( 3 ) demonstrate that captive rats controlled experiments act prosocially to help other rats, even when they receive no explicit social rewards. This raises questions about the affective experiences of animals other than humans.
HIV INFECTION IN HEMOPHILIAC CHILDREN

We compared: 1) children (<18 years old) who have hemophilia-AIDS with other children with AIDS and with adults who have hemophilia-AIDS and 2) asymptomatic HIV-infected hemophiliac children with asymptomatic HIV-infected hemophiliac adults. Children with hemophilia-AIDS were older than other children with AIDS (medians 13 and 1 years, respectively), but had similar incidences of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP) (51% vs. 53%) and case-fatality ratios (57% vs. 61%). Children with hemophilia-AIDS had PCP significantly less often than did adults with hemophilia-AIDS, but both had similar case fatality ratios (adults: 72% with PCP, 60% deceased). Significantly more hemophiliac children than adults were non white (30% vs. 14%), and more resided in New York State (19% vs. 9%, not significant). For hemophiliacs without AIDS, the immune effects of HIV infection on children did not differ meaningfully from those upon adults; these included significantly decreased Thelper lymphocyte numbers, significantly decreased Thelper-to-Tsuppressor lymphocyte ratios, and increased serum immunoglobulin levels. The immune effects of HIV on asymptomatic pediatric and adult hemophiliacs are similar, and AIDS occurring in older children, infected through factor products, is similar to perinatally acquired AIDS. The factors related to the major differences between hemophiliac children and hemophiliac adults with AIDS are currently unknown and warrant further investigation.
Fatty Acids and Their Derivatives in Cardiovascular Disease: Arachidonic, Eicosapentaenoic, and Docosahexaenoic Acids and Their Byproducts, the Eicosanoids and Docosanoids

Lipids and their metabolites are now known to play essential roles in not only cardiovascular health and disease, but numerous other inflammatory processes as well. A multitude of diseases are being rigorously studied in the context of lipids and their metabolites. Dementias, rheumatologic and dermatologic diseases, neurologic repair, and proper neural development of the fetus and newborn child are just a few. The rapidly advancing fields of Lipidomics and more recently Signalolipidomics are reshaping our understanding of and approach to the mechanisms that lead to health and illness. In order for clinicians to become comfortable in this incontrovertibly relevant realm, they must develop a firm grasp of the fundamentals of lipids and their complex metabolism. As a consequence of the very high background intake of linoleic acid (LA) in the western world, alpha linolenic acid (ALA) cannot be efficiently and adequately converted into eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic Acids (EPA and DHA) as well as their derivatives, all of which are fats known to augment health. Thus, EPA and DHA must be consumed in order for us to enjoy their myriad health benefits. In this review, EPA and DHA of the omega-3 family, and arachidonic acid (AA) of the omega-6 family, as well as their varied and oftentimes competing metabolites, are explored. Their nomenclature is explained and the integral roles they play in cardiovascular health and disease are emphasized.
Antibody deposition in the pleura: a finding in drug-induced lupus.

Abstract Pleural tissues from a group of 36 consecutive patients comprised of 15 malignancies, 3 tuberculous, 2 rheumatoid arthritis, 3 procainamide-induced systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) syndromes, 1 infectious mononucleosis, and 12 nonspecific pleural effusions undergoing needle biopsy were studied by immunofluorescent techniques for antibody deposition. Specific nuclear fluorescence was detected only in procainamide-induced SLE and was characterized by in vivo staining with either IgG, IgM, and in one case, also C3. Clq could not be detected. Two other patients who had antinuclear antibodies (ANA) in their peripheral blood did not have detectable in vivo antinuclear staining in their pleural tissue. The presence of in vivo fixation of ANA in the pleura may be of etiologic and diagnostic significance in procainamide-induced SLE syndrome.
Diagenesis of the Sedimentary Rocks Enclosing Coaly Layers in Gavatha Area, Lesvos Island, Based on Silica Polymorph' s Transformations

A Tertiary non-marine stratigraphic sequence composed of carbonates (limestone), siliceous carbonates, coaly layers overlain by pyroclastic rocks and lavas, outcrops in the Gavatha area of northwestern Lesvos Island. Pure carbonates consist almost completely of calcite, the siliceous carbonate sediments of quartz, opal-CT and calcite, the shales of quartz, opal-CT, K-feldspar, smectite-illite and calcite, and the coaly layers of organic matter, quartz, opal-CT, feldspars and pyrite. Geochemical data indicate that smectite-illite, feldspars and associated elements (La, Zr, Y, Ba, Ce) are the products of alteration of volcanic rocks in a subtropical area.
Magnetic Field Effects on the Solute Luminescence of Alkane Solutions Irradiated with Heavy Ions

The effects of track structure on the luminescence decays in cyclohexane and in 2,2,4-trimethylpentane (isoocatane) solutions of 2,5-diphenyloxazole (PPO) have been determined in the presence and in the absence of an external magnetic field. Irradiations were performed with protons of 1-15 MeV and with helium ions of 2-20 MeV energy. Companion studies were performed with {sup 90}Sr-{sup 90}Y {Beta}-radiolysis. The magnetic field effect is due to the hyperfine interaction of nuclear spins in the geminate pair of solvent radical ions produced. In both solvents, the effect of the magnetic field on luminescence decreases with increasing linear energy transfer (LET) from about 40% for {Beta}-particles to only a few percent with helium ions. Magnetic field effects with protons decrease in time whereas they are constant with {Beta}-particles. This result is attributed to the overlap of initially isolated spurs during the evolution of the proton track; the probability of nongeminate recombination increases with the number of neighboring ion pairs. The total luminescence intensity per incident particle remains constant with proton energy but increases slightly with increasing helium ion energy. At a given particle energy, the intensity is greater in cyclohexane than in isoocatane. The pulse shapes of the luminescence decays reflect themore » distributions in ion recombination times, and very little variation in luminescence decay rates is observed with increasing LET. 37 refs., 7 figs., 1 tab.« less
Theory of chiral multilayers

We investigate reflection from and transmission through chiral multilayers with discrete and continuous variations in material characteristics. Both boundary-value and initial-value approaches are used. The S-parameter matrix and associated copolarized and cross-polarized reflection and transmission coefficients are derived from the chiral constitutive relations, Maxwell’s equations, and boundary conditions. A generalized matrix Riccati equation is found for the reflection and transmission coefficients of arbitrary chiral multilayers by using an initial-value approach and Ambarzumian’s principle of invariant embedding. All results are exact and applicable to both normal and oblique incidence. Special emphasis is given to the physical principles involved, to special cases, and to salient features.
Kindling in developing animals: interactions between ipsilateral foci

In adult rats, concurrent kindling of two limbic sites, alternating stimulation to each site, often results in the retarding of kindling at one or both sites. This inhibitory interaction between two limbic kindling foci is termed kindling antagonism and occurs irrespective of whether the sites are contralateral or ipsilateral. We have previously shown that kindling antagonism does not occur when 16- to 17-day-old rat pups are concurrently kindled in the hippocampus and contralateral amygdala or between the two amygdalae. In this study, adult and 16- to 17-day-old rats were concurrently kindled in the hippocampus and ipsilateral amygdala to determine if the local intrahemispheric mechanisms suppressing multiple kindled foci are age-dependent. Kindling antagonism occurred in 7 out of 10 adult rats. In contrast, in rat pups, kindling development was not suppressed. Concurrent kindling of the two limbic sites enhanced the development of severe seizures. Two 16- to 17-day-old rats receiving alternating stimulations exhibited spontaneous seizures. The age-specific failure of both inter- and intrahemispheric mechanisms to suppress the development of multiple kindling foci may explain the high incidence of multifocal seizures in the immature CNS.
An approach to amino acid sequence analysis of transplantation antigens.

THE major histocompatibility complex of the mouse, known as the H-2 locus, represents the prime barrier against successful tissue transplants1 and controls the expression of many cell surface alloantigens which are serologically detectable2,3. It may be subdivided by recombinational analysis into four major regions known as K, D, Ir and Ss (ref. 4). The Ss region controls the quantitative expression of a serum protein5. The Ir region controls immune responsiveness of mice to a variety of synthetic and natural antigens6,7, and the expression of multiple cell surface proteins, some of which may be distinguished by molecular weight8,9. The K and D regions both control the expression of distinct cell surface glycoproteins (molecular weight 47,000), which are non-covalently associated with a small molecular weight (11,500) component10–11. Because the native molecules are hydrophobic proteins present on the cell surfaces in small quantities, it is necessary to use unusual procedures for their isolation and chemical characterisation. We have, therefore, used indirect immunoprecipitation and sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) for the isolation and subsequent amino acid sequence analysis of both molecular weight components.
Human immunodeficiency virus replication in human brain cells

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the etiologic agent of AIDS, was found to infect and replicate in human brain cells. The extent of HIV replication was minimal in human brain-derived cells in comparison to T4 lymphoid cells. These results suggest that direct infection of glial/neuronal cells by HIV may contribute to the CNS dysfunction frequently observed in HIV infected individuals.
Right hemicolectomy with a linear cutting stapler.

PURPOSE: The aims of this study were to describe and evaluate a new method of performing a stapled, functional end-to-end anastomosis following right hemicolectomy. METHODS: The widely patent anastomosis is constructed by two “firings” of a nondisposable linear cutting stapler. The medical records and follow-up details of all patients undergoing this procedure were reviewed. RESULTS: This technique, which can be performed quickly and safely, has been used in 42 patients. There have been no instances of short-term or long-term anastomotic complications. CONCLUSION: The initial experience with this simplified technique of stapled anastomosis following right hemicolectomy has been favorable.
A Monoclonal Antibody Specific for Reovirus Outer-Capsid Protein ς3 Inhibits ς1-Mediated Hemagglutination by Steric Hindrance

Reovirus virions are nonenveloped icosahedral particles consisting of two concentric protein shells, termed outer capsid and core. Outer-capsid protein ς1 is the viral attachment protein and binds carbohydrate molecules on the surface of host cells. Monoclonal antibody (MAb) 4F2, which is specific for outer-capsid protein ς3, blocks the binding of ς1 protein to sialic acid and inhibits reovirus-induced hemagglutination (HA). To determine whether MAb 4F2 inhibits HA by altering ς1-ς3 interactions or by steric hindrance, we analyzed the effect of 4F2 immunoglobulin G (IgG) and Fab fragments (Fabs) on HA induced by reovirus strain type 3 Dearing (T3D). The concentration of 4F2 IgG sufficient to inhibit T3D-induced HA was 12.5 μg per ml, whereas that of Fabs was >200 μg per ml. Dynamic light scattering analysis showed that at the concentration of IgG sufficient to inhibit HA, virion-antibody complexes were monodispersed and not aggregated. The affinity of 4F2 Fabs for T3D virions was only threefold less than that of intact IgG, which suggests that differences in HA inhibition titer exhibited by 4F2 IgG and Fabs are not attributable to differences in the affinity of these molecules for T3D virions. We used cryoelectron microscopy and three-dimensional image analysis to visualize T3D virions alone and in complex with either IgG or Fabs of MAb 4F2. IgG and Fabs bind the same site at the distal portion of ς3, and binding of IgG and Fabs induces identical conformational changes in outer-capsid proteins ς3 and μ1. These results suggest that MAb 4F2 inhibits reovirus binding to sialic acid by steric hindrance and provide insight into the conformational flexibility of reovirus outer-capsid proteins.
Root development of two cotton cultivars in relation to potassium uptake and plant growth in a vermiculitic soil

Abstract Cotton ( Gossypium hirsutum L.) cultivars exhibit marked differences in yield on vermiculitic soils where late-season K deficiency causes yield reductions. A two-year field study was conducted to determine whether differences in root growth contribute to the differing sensitivity to late-season K deficiency of two cultivars. Cultivar ‘Acala GC510’ accumulated 41% more dry-matter, 37% more K, and proeuced 22% (1986) to 28% (1987) more seed cotton than the sensitive cultivar ‘Acala SJ-2’. Levels of extractable K were greatest in the surface 0–0.30 m, decreasing sharply below this depth. Root-length and surface-area density of both cultivars were greatest in the 0.10–0.20-m soil layer but least in the surface 0–0.10 m. Fluctuations in soil matric potential were greatest in the 0.10-m topsoil layer, which limited root extension in this zone. The K-efficient cultivar had a larger mean root diameter and an increased rate of root extension after peak bloom that resulted in 58% more total root surface area by mid-August. Differences in root surface area at 0.10–0.30-m depth were positively correlated with cultivar differences in K uptake, and root development in this subsurface layer appears to be critical for adequate K acquisition by cotton in soil with low subsoil K supply. Root surface area of both cultivars at 0.15–0.30 m was negatively correlated with soil bulk density, but root surface area of the more K-efficient cultivar was consistently greater across the range of measured bulk density. The results demonstrate significant genotypic differences in K uptake and sensitivity to late-season season K deficiency that were associated with differences in the determinacy of root growth after peak bloom and/or in root-growth response to soil bulk density.
INFLUENCE OF IONIZED CALCIUM ON THROMBIN-INDUCED DOWN REGULATION OF GPIb/IX RECEPTORS ON HUMAN PLATELETS

The influence of ionized calcium on the down-regulation of GPIb/IX receptors on human platelets was evaluated by flow cytometry using monoclonal antibodies. Addition of EDTA alone to a washed platelet suspension did not cause decreased monoclonal antibody binding to the cells. However, introduction of thrombin to the washed platelets containing EDTA resulted in a marked decrease in binding of monoclonal antibodies to the GPIb/IX receptors. If calcium at 1-3 mmol/L was added to buffered platelets instead of EDTA before thrombin, down-regulation was prevented or significantly reduced. Restoring calcium to EDTA platelets after the thrombin-stimulated down-regulation had been in progress for 1-3 minutes caused reversal of decreased antibody binding by GPIb/IX to near resting levels. Results demonstrate that extracellular calcium is a major factor regulating thrombin-induced down-regulation.
Instabilities in line-driven stellar winds. II - Effect of scattering

An earlier analysis (Owocki and Rybicki) of the linear instability of line-driven stellar winds is extended to take proper account of the dynamical effect of scattered radiation. The principal findings are as follows: (1) the drag effect of the mean scattered radiation does indeed greatly reduce the contribution of scattering lines to the instability at the very base of the wind, but the instability growth rate associated with such lines rapidly increases as the flow moves outward from the base, reaching more than 50 percent of the growth rate for pure absorption lines within a stellar radius of the surface, and eventually reaching 80 percent of that rate at large radii; (2) perturbations in the scattered radiation field may be important for the propagation of wind disturbances, but they have little effect on the wind instability; (3) the contribution of a strongly shadowed line to the wind instability is often reduced compared to that of an unshadowed line, but its effect is not one of damping in the outer parts of the wind. The primary conclusion derived from these results is thus that, even when all scattering effects are taken into account, the bulk of the flow in a line-driven stellar wind is still highly unstable.
Cohomology of Semidirect Product Groups

We give examples of semidirect product groups G⋉A such that the HochschildSerre spectral sequence H(G,HA) ⇒ H(G⋉A) for Z/p-cohomology has nonzero differentials. Until now, few such examples have been known, especially when the normal subgroup A is abelian. In particular, Benson and Feshbach [2] mentioned that in all known semidirect products with A abelian, the spectral sequence satisfies: (1) All differentials after d2 are 0. (2) All differentials are 0 if A = (S1)n. (To be consistent with the notation for discrete groups A, HA here means the cohomology of the classifying space of A.) (3) All differentials are 0 if A = (Z/2)n and we consider cohomology with Z/2 coefficients. We give examples to show that all three statements can fail. In fact, there can be nonzero differentials at dp or later in all of these cases. I expect that there can be nonzero differentials arbitrarily far along in the spectral sequence in all of these cases, but the problem remains open. (For semidirect products G ⋉ A with A not abelian, Benson and Feshbach [2] gave examples of nonzero differentials arbitrarily far along in the spectral sequence for Z/2-cohomology.) It turns out that there is a very general reason why there will be nonzero differentials in some examples. If X is a G-space, then H(G,C(X)) admits Steenrod operations compatible with those on HG because it is the cohomology of the space (X × EG)/G, whereas there is no reason for H(G,M) to have Steenrod operations for a general G-module M . Thus Steenrod operations provide a fundamental obstruction for a G-module to be the representation of G on the cohomology of a G-space, as G. Carlsson found [4]; there is a useful exposition by Benson and Habegger [3]. If a semidirect product G ⋉ A has the G-action on A given by the dual of such a G-module, we can show that there must be nonzero differentials in the Hochschild-Serre spectral sequence. It is interesting to contrast these examples with Nakaoka’s theorem that the Hochschild-Serre spectral sequence has no differentials for any wreath product G⋉ Hn ([6], p. 50). Here G and H are any finite groups and G acts on Hn through a permutation representation G → Sn. It would be good to characterize algebraically the class of G-modules M over Z/p, say for a p-group G, such that the semidirect product G ⋉M has no differentials in the spectral sequence: it seems to be fairly close to the class of permutation modules, but there are some other interesting examples. I would like to thank J. L. Alperin, Steve Siegel, and Peter Sin for many conversations on group cohomology. Steve Siegel read an early version of this paper and made useful suggestions. Also, this work was partially supported by the NSF.
Hemolysis near an ultrasonically pulsating gas bubble

A small volume of an erythrocyte suspension was subjected to the action of a manipulated gas bubble set into stable oscillation at 20 kilohertz. Release of hemoglobin occurred when the oscillation amplitude exceeded a critical threshold. Hydrodynamic stresses resulting from acoustically induced small-scale eddying motion near the bubble may be the mechanism of hemolysis.
Nonparametric Bayes estimation in repair models

Abstract Consider a sequence of dependent random variables X 1 , X 2 , … , X n , where X 1 has distribution F (or probability measure P), and the distribution of X i + 1 given X 1 , … , X i and other covariates and environmental factors depends on F and the previous data, i = 1 , … , n - 1 . General repair models give rise to such random variables as the failure times of an item subject to repair. There exist nonparametric non-Bayes methods of estimating F in the literature, for instance, Whitaker and Samaniego [1989. Estimating the reliability of systems subject to imperfect repair. J. Amer. Statist. Assoc. 84, 301–309], Hollander et al. [1992. Nonparametric methods for imperfect repair models. Ann. Statist. 20, 879–896] and Dorado et al. [1997. Nonparametric estimation for a general repair model. Ann. Statist. 25, 1140–1160] , etc. Typically these methods apply only to special repair models and also require repair data on N independent items until exactly only one item is left awaiting a “perfect repair”. In this paper, we define a general model for dependent random variables taking values in a general space, which includes most of the repair models in the literature. We describe nonparametric Bayesian methods to estimate P, without making any assumptions on when we stop collecting data. To do this we introduce a new class of priors called partition-based (PB) priors and show that it is a conjugate class to a large class of our general repair models. We also define a subclass of such priors called partition-based Dirichlet (PBD) priors which also forms a conjugate family of priors. For a special case of the repair model called the aging repair model, we obtain an easily computable Bayes estimate of P under a Dirichlet prior. The Bayes estimates are smoother than Whitaker and Samaniego non-Bayes estimates. Graphical comparisons show that the Bayes and non-Bayes estimates tend to be close.
Outcomes of elderly patients with stage IIIB-IV non-small cell lung cancer admitted to the intensive care unit

Abstract Background Although the prognosis of elderly patients with stage IIIB and IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is poor, it remains a common cause of cancer related admissions to the intensive care unit (ICU). The objective was to evaluate short and long-term outcomes of a population-based sample of elderly patients with advanced NSCLC who require ICU care. Methods Using combined data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results registry and Medicare files, we identified 1134 patients >65 years of age with stage IIIB and IV NSCLC admitted to an ICU with a diagnosis of respiratory, cardiac, or neurologic complications, renal failure, or sepsis. We assessed rates and predictors of death during hospitalization. The Kaplan–Meier method was used to estimate mortality rates at 90 days and 1 year post hospital discharge. Results In-hospital mortality was 33% (95% CI: 30–36%). The 90-day and 1-year mortality rate was 71% and 90%, respectively. Patients with an admitting diagnosis of sepsis had the highest rate of in-hospital mortality (59%). Of those who were alive at discharge, 52% were transferred to a skilled nursing facility, 6% to hospice, and 42% returned home. Conclusion We found that one-third of elderly patients with advanced NSCLC admitted to the ICU do not survive hospitalization. Among survivors, most patients required continued institutionalization with a very low likelihood of surviving >1 year from discharge. This data should help patients, families, and health care providers of elderly patients with advanced NSCLC make decisions regarding ICU utilization.
A note on neutron tunneling reactions

Abstract We take limiting forms of Buttle and Goldfarb's neutron tunneling amplitude to obtain (i) a simple analytic expression for the correction to Breit et al.'s formula for reactions with Q = 0, and (ii) the analogy of Breit's result when Q ≠ 0.
Corporate Governance and the Cost of Equity Capital

Separation of ownership and control in firms creates information asymmetry problems between shareholders and managers that expose shareholders to a variety of agency risks. This paper investigates the extent to which governance attributes that are intended to mitigate agency risk affect firms' cost of equity capital. We examine governance attributes along four dimensions: (1) financial information quality, (2) ownership structure, (3) shareholder rights, and (4) board structure. We find that firms reporting larger abnormal accruals and less transparent earnings have a higher cost of equity, whereas firms with more independent audit committees have a lower cost of equity. We also find that firms with a greater proportion of their shares held by activist institutions receive a lower cost of equity, whereas firms with more blockholders have a higher cost of equity. Moreover, we find a negative relation between the cost of equity and the independence of the board and the percentage of the board that owns stock. Collectively, the governance attributes we examine explain roughly 8% of the cross-sectional variation in firms' cost of capital and 14 % of the variation in firms' beta. The results support the general hypothesis that firms with better governance present less agency risk to shareholders resulting in lower cost of equity capital.
Flow Through Collapsible Tubes and Through in Situ Veins

The flow of blood in veins differs from the flow of liquids in rigid, circular tubes in that veins are collapsible vessels. Studies in models employing thin-walled rubber tubes and in the intact animal have shown that the flow (ml/s) of liquid through such a collapsible tube, in which the pressure immediately downstream to the collapsed segment is less than the pressure surrounding the collapsed segment, is unaffected by changes in the downstream pressure. With changes in the downstream pressure the collapsed tube automatically adjusts its resistance so that flow remains constant. In the mammalian organism the flow of blood in veins above heart level, and at the points where veins enter the low pressure area of the thorax, is governed by the principles of flow through collapsible tubes. The importance of the collapse phenomena in the flow of blood through the lung and other organs is discussed. Flow through such tubes is a special case of Bernoulli's theorem for the flow of viscous liquids, and under certain circumstances it is described with a reasonable degree of accuracy by a modification of the Hagen-Poiseuille law for tubes of elliptical cross section.
Combined nevi of the conjunctiva.

Objective To report the clinical and histologic features of combined nevi of the conjunctiva, a type of nevus that is not uncommon in the skin but rarely has been reported in the conjunctiva. Methods Conjunctival nevi and melanomas in the files of the University of California at San Francisco Eye Pathology Laboratory from 1984 to 1999 were reviewed for the presence of features of both standard nevocytic nevi and blue nevi. Clinical histories and, when available, clinical photographs were obtained. Results Thirty combined nevi were discovered between 1984 and 1999. One case before 1984 had been incorrectly diagnosed as a junctional nevus. The dendritic and spindle-shaped blue nevus cells had been overlooked because they were not recognized as distinct from the standard nevocytic nevus cells. The recognition of blue as well as a brown color, a deep as well as a superficial component in the lesion, or a history of pigmentation since birth may help to establish the correct clinical diagnosis and prevent an unnecessarily deep surgical resection. Although growth of the lesion or "satellites" in some may favor a clinical diagnosis of melanoma, no lesions in this series were malignant. Conclusion Despite a paucity of reports of combined nevi of the conjunctiva in the medical literature, this type of nevus, a combination of a nevocytic and a blue nevus, is common and has been overlooked in the past.
Solving Resource-Constrained Network Problems by Implicit Enumeration-Nonpreemptive Case

This paper considers a scheduling problem that has both precedence constraints of a general form as in PERT-CPM problems and resource constraints of the form in the general job-shop scheduling problem, and gives an efficient enumerative procedure for generating all active schedules for this problem. Based on this enumerative scheme, the paper describes a branch-and-bound method for implicitly enumerating all schedules and determining the optimum; finally, it gives computational experience for the problem where the objective is minimizing the project makespan.