cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dose-response in double-blind, placebo-controlled oral food challenges in children with atopic dermatitis.

Abstract Background: Double-blind, placebo-controlled oral food challenges (DBPCFCs) are considered the "gold standard" for diagnosing food hypersensitivity, but the dose that elicits positive challenges, or determinants that may predict dose-response relationships, have not been reported. Objective: Our purpose was to determine the quantity of food that elicits reactions during DBPCFCs and to evaluate parameters that may predict the provocative dose and severity of reaction. Methods: We reviewed challenge data for all positive challenges to 6 common allergenic foods in children with atopic dermatitis evaluated for food allergy over a 13-year period. Challenge food was generally administered in 6 doses at 10- to 15-minute intervals beginning with 400 to 500 mg and completing with a total of 8 to 10 g of food. An open feeding of a larger portion followed negative challenges. At the physician's discretion, a lower starting dose was occasionally used (100 mg, 250 mg). Food-specific IgE antibody concentrations (radioallergosorbent test [RAST]) were determined on stored sera of 20% of the challenges selected randomly and 99.6% had prick skin tests (PSTs) performed to the challenged food. Results: A total of 196 children (45% male; median age 5 y 9 mo; atopic dermatitis 98%, asthma 62%) had 513 positive challenges distributed as follows: egg 267, milk 117, soy 53, wheat 40, peanut 24, fish 12. The percentage of children reacting at the first dose (500 mg or less) was as follows: egg 49%, milk 55%, soy 28%, wheat 25%, peanut 26%, and fish 17%. Twenty-six milk challenges and 22 egg challenges were positive at a first dose of 250 mg; 3 milk challenges and 7 egg challenges were positive at a first dose of 100 mg. Eleven percent of the reactions that occurred on the first dose were severe. The percentage reacting after the final dose of the DBPCFC (or during open challenge) were egg 11%, milk 12%, soy 19%, wheat 12.5%, peanut 8.7%, and fish 25%. There was not a strong correlation between PST absolute wheal size or score (adjusted for histamine controls) and dose at reaction or severity of reaction (R s range –0.22 to 0.39 for particular foods). Serum concentration of food-specific IgE did not correlate well with the dose causing a reaction or with severity (R s range –0.40 to 0.55 for particular foods). Conclusions: This food-allergic population may react to as little as 100 mg of food, possibly less, and the dose causing a reaction and the severity of reaction is not predicted by PST or RAST. Lower doses (100 mg or less) should be investigated for their appropriateness in initiating DBPCFCs. (J Allergy Clin Immunol 2000;105:582-6.)
Growth from regenerating goldfish retinal cultures in the absence of serum or hormonal supplements: tissue extract effects.

The minimal requirements for the regeneration of optic nerve fibers in vitro were established in a serum-free retinal explant preparation. This serum-free preparation was developed as a prerequisite for testing the growth-promoting activity of tissue extracts prepared from the primary target of regenerating fibers. Explants taken from goldfish retinas 14 days after a prior optic nerve crush were capable of long-term survival and regenerated neurite outgrowth without serum or hormonal supplements. Serum-free conditions for explant outgrowth required only a basic Leibovitz (L-15) media containing 0.6% methyl cellulose (MC). Explants were also capable of neurite outgrowth in L-15 media alone when culture dishes were preplated with MC. MC treatment permitted both the regeneration of neurites in serum-free L-15 and a significant increase in the rate and extent of neurite outgrowth when combined with 10% fetal calf serum (FCS). Explants grown in L-15 with both MC and FCS produced a 2.5-fold increase in the length of neurite outgrowth over MC alone and a 1.5-fold increase in the length of neurite outgrowth over FCS alone. MC activity which permitted minimal serum-free regeneration and optimal serum supplemented regeneration was determined to be substrate related. Retinas were dissociated to determine if ganglion cells, like the intact explant, were capable of survival and neurite regeneration in serum-free conditions. These cells survived and extended long neurites when grown in L-15 with FCS or with FCS and MC, but they did not survive in serum-free L-15 with MC. The minimal serum-free conditions for explant for explant survival and neurite regeneration were used as a model system to test the growth-promoting activity of crude tissue extracts prepared from the goldfish brain. Extracts prepared from the primary target region, the optic tectum, stimulated a significant 2.5-fold increase in the length of regenerating neurites. The optic tectal extract (OTex) stimulated outgrowth with significantly high specific activity when compared with extracts of identical protein concentrations prepared from the cerebellum (Cex). At a minimal protein concentration of 150 μg/ml, the OTex stimulated a 1.5-fold increase in neurite outgrowth above Cex. These results indicated that a serum-free culture preparation had been established for optic nerve regeneration. This culture system has proven to be an extremely sensitive bioassay model without the masking effect of a serum supplement. Serum-free cultures may be used in further studies to determine the role neurotrophic factors may play in a widely used model of successful central nervous system (CNS) regeneration.
GHRS observations of the LISM

The GHRS has obtained high-resolution spectra of interstellar gas toward 19 nearby stars. These excellent data show that the Sun is located inside the Local Interstellar Cloud (LIC) with other warm clouds nearby. I will summarize the physical properties of these clouds and the three-dimensional structure of this warm interstellar gas. There is now clear evidence that the Sun and other late-type stars are surrounded by hydrogen walls in the upwind direction. The D/H ratio probably has a constant value in the LIC., (1.6 ± 0.2) x 10-5, consistent with the measured values for all LIC lines of sight.
Source drain leakage: a potential problem in submicron CMOS devices

As transistor dimension shrinks down below submicron to cater for higher speed and higher packing density, it is very important to ensure that the shrinkage is done painstakingly to avoid unwanted leakage problems. This paper reports the discovery of two new failure mechanisms, short poly end-cap and silicon dislocation, that are found to cause subtle source drain leakage in sub-micron CMOS product. The electrical characteristics of the failure and the special techniques that are employed to fault isolate the problem are also discussed in this paper.
Flammability of polymers

The flammability of polymers has been measured by determining the oxygen content of the atmospheres just capable of burning them. The effects of the following three commonly used agents for reducing flammability have been compared in polyethylene. (1) A moderate degree of inhibition is conferred by antimony trioxide plus sufficient chlorine: the maximum effect requires about 0·01 antimony atoms per C2 group in the polyethylene, and develops just as well when chlorine/antimony is six as when it is twenty. The full effect of the antimony does not develop when chlorine/antimony is two. (2) Various phosphorus compounds are all of similar effectiveness per atom of phosphorus added to polyethylene. (3) With sufficient substitution of hydrogen by halogen in polyethylene, a greater inhibition is achieved than is possible by (1) or (2). We have no evidence how (1) and (2) inhibit burning, but present evidence is that in (3) a large substitution of chlorine works mostly by affecting the degradation of the polymer rather than by interfering with gas phase flame reactions.
A phase I study of lenalidomide in combination with fludarabine and rituximab in previously untreated CLL/SLL.

Lenalidomide is an immunomodulatory drug related to thalidomide that has recently been reported to have significant single agent activity in relapsed CLL, with response rates of 35-50% including some complete responses1,2. The mechanism of action is unknown but appears to be immune-mediated given that lenalidomide alters cytokine levels and stimulates T and NK cell function, and lacks cytotoxicity against CLL in vitro3. In CLL patients, the administration of lenalidomide can be associated with tumor flare, a syndrome of painful enlarging lymphadenopathy, increased white count, fever, and rash1,2. This tumor flare can potentially escalate to become life-threatening, with renal insufficiency, tumor lysis or a systemic inflammatory response4,5. The mechanism of tumor flare remains unknown.
Circuit equivalent to the elastic spherical shell

The pulsating elastic spherical shell is investigated in detail. A possible equivalent circuit is shown to contain two capacitors, two inductors, a transmission line, and an ideal transformer.
A circuit for checking both electrode continuity and resistance during EEG recording

Abstract One of the penalties of high rejection ratio push-pull amplifiers of the type used in EEG work is that under certain situations the recording will occur in one channel with only one electrode in place. This recording may resemble the ordinary EEG record to such an extent that the operator is unaware of the break in continuity of the electrode in question. In usual situations where there is moderate amount of ambient 60 cycle airbone interference, such as a break in electrode continuity shows this promptly by the artifact of 60 cycle wave superimposed on the tracing. There are times of the day in the average laboratory when 60 cycle interference is at a minimum and in these laboratories with excellent shielding it might be at a minimum. In such situations one never knows when the electrode continuity have been defective, and errors in location and interpretation may become critical. Efforts at Relationship of the height of pen deflection with the circuit in place to resistance between the two electrodes being studied.
Future perspective of double balloon endoscopy: newer indications.

Background Double balloon endoscopy (DBE) is an emerging modality for complete endoscopic visualization of the small intestine. Although the most common indication of DBE is currently for evaluation of obscure GI bleeding or suspected small-bowel pathology, the unique technical features of the double balloon endoscope have led to its newer uses. Objective To evaluate the utility of DBE by the retrograde approach to perform a complete evaluation of the colon. Patients Sixteen patients in whom examination of the entire colon could not be achieved with conventional colonoscopy. Results Using DBE by the retrograde approach, we achieved a high success rate of complete endoscopic examination of the entire colon, and we were also able to perform appropriate therapeutic interventions. The procedures were well tolerated by the patients and could be performed with the patient under conscious sedation and without the use of fluoroscopy. Limitations This study comprised a small number of patients and there was no control group. Conclusions Anecdotal data suggest that other areas in which DBE technology may be potentially helpful are ERCP in patients with surgically altered anatomy, and endoscopic evaluation of the bypassed segment of the upper GI tract in patients who have undergone bariatric surgery, but such applications will require the development of appropriate accessories and substantial technical modification to currently available instruments.
Introduction to the Special Issue on Domestic Violence Issues in Child Custody

The groundbreaking Wingspread Conference on Domestic Violence and Family Courts, convened two years ago, gathered a diverse and distinguished group of professionals—judges, mediators and other fami...
Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma sparing resolving dermatomal herpes zoster lesions: an unusual phenomenon and implications for pathophysiology

Abstract Exclusion of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) by another dermatosis has not been reported. The mechanism for the epidermotropism of helper T lymphocytes in this indolent malignancy is not known. Although there is evidence that Langerhans cells (LC) play a role in the epidermotropism of lymphocytes in CTCL, clinical or in vivo support is lacking. We describe a patient with CTCL who developed herpes zoster involving the left T8 dermatome. When his CTCL became widespread after the herpes zoster healed, the previously affected areas of herpes zoster and their periphery were clinically free of lymphoma. Immunohistochemical analysis of a clinically uninvolved patch revealed absence of CD1a + cells in the epidermis, consistent with loss of LC in the areas spared by CTCL. There was no loss of LC in areas affected by CTCL. This is an unusual inhibition of CTCL by a prior viral infection. The loss of LC in the clinically spared skin suggests a role for LC in the epidermotropism of lymphocytes in CTCL.
The correct form of a recent result on level-subgroups of a fuzzy group

Abstract We present a counter example to a recent result on truly closed level-subgroups G [ t ] = { x : μ ( x ) ⩾ t } of a fuzzy group G , and prove a correct form of that result.
Limited T Cell Receptor Diversity Predisposes to Th2 Immunopathology: Involvement of Tregs and Conventional CD4 T Cells

Introduction A variety of immunodeficiencies characterized by limitations in the T-cell repertoire are also associated with Th2-like immunopathology.
Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether in Human Blood after Exposure to Oxygenated Fuel in Fairbanks, Alaska

Abstract Residents of Fairbanks, Alaska reported health complaints when 15%, by volume, methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) was added to gasoline during an oxygenated fuel program. We conducted an exposure survey to investigate the effect of the program on human exposure to MTBE. We studied 18 workers in December 1992 during the program and 28 workers in February 1993 after the program was suspended. All workers were heavily exposed to motor vehicle exhaust or gasoline fumes. In December, the median post-shift blood concentration of MTBE in the workers was 1.8 μg/l (range, 0.2–37.0 μg/l), and in February the median post-shift blood concentration of MTBE in the 28 workers was 0.24 μg/l (range, 0.05–1.44 μg/l; p = .0001). Blood MTBE levels were measurably higher during the oxygenated fuel program in Fairbanks than after the program was suspended.
Association between human recombinant EPO and peripheral vascular disease in diabetic patients receiving peritoneal dialysis

Abstract Peripheral vascular disease is a serious and frequent problem in diabetic patients. Since the beginning of the widespread use of erythropoietin (EPO), we have noted an increase in peripheral vascular disease in diabetic patients receiving peritoneal dialysis and erythropoietin. This prompted us to study the effects of erythropoietin on peripheral vascular disease in patients receiving peritoneal dialysis. We retrospectively reviewed medical records of all diabetic patients in our program who received peritoneal dialysis from 1990 to 1996. Demographic and laboratory data as well as EPO use data were collected. Hospital days and occurrence of vascular events (defined as peripheral vascular surgery, amputation, or recommendation of vascular surgery or amputation by a vascular surgeon) were determined for diabetic patients receiving peritoneal dialysis. Comparisons were made between those who received EPO and those who did not received EPO, as well as comparing vascular events in 28 patients who received peritoneal dialysis before and after beginning EPO. Patients who received erythropoietin were found to have a significantly shorter time to a first vascular event, a greater number of vascular events, and more hospital days associated with vascular disease than diabetic patients who did not receive erythropoietin. With multivariate analysis, significant risk factors for the development of peripheral vascular disease in these patients were erythropoietin use, erythropoietin dose, and smoking. Twenty-eight patients who initially performed peritoneal dialysis without receiving EPO, and later received EPO, had a significant increase in vascular events, including amputations only while receiving EPO. We found the use of erythropoietin to be associated with peripheral vascular events in diabetic patients who receive peritoneal dialysis. Further investigation is warranted. (Am J Kidney Dis 1998 Sep;32(3):488-93)
An augmented Lagrangian optimization method for contact analysis problems, 1: formulation and algorithm

A review of existing augmented Lagrangian methods (ALM) for contact analysis problems reveals that they have not been implemented with automatic penalty updates as intended in their original development. Therefore, although the methods are an improvement over the penalty methods, solution with them still depends on the user-specified penalty values for the contact constraints. To overcome this drawback, an ALM is developed and discussed for contact analysis problems that automatically update the user-specified penalty values to obtain the final appropriate values. Further, to solve the frictional contact analysis problem accurately, a two-phase formulation is proposed. Solution of the Phase 1 problem removes penetration of the contacting nodes and brings them exactly to their initial contact points. In addition, a new contact constraint is introduced which allows determination of the precise friction force at the contacting nodes. Phase 2 of the formulation checks the friction conditions and solves the friction problem to bring the structure to an equilibrium state. Phases 1 and 2 are then combined to provide a general algorithm for multi-node frictional contact problems. The two-phase procedure also removes dependence of the contact solution on the number of load steps for the elastostatic problem. Numerical evaluation of the formulation and the algorithm is presented in Part 2 of the paper.
Public trust requires disclosure of potential conflicts of interest

Evidence that funding relationships can distort objectivity is growing — but money isn't the only source of bias.
Effect of Adsorbent Particle Layering on Performance of Conventional and Tapered Fixed-Bed Adsorbers

Experimental and modeling studies were conducted for the adsorption of phenol from aqueous solutions onto activated carbon in fixed beds with the adsorbent particles layered according to particle size. In the conventional stratified cylindrical adsorber (SCA), the particles were layered according to natural stratification, and increased in size with column depth. In the reverse stratified tapered adsorber (RSTA), the particle size decreased with column depth, and the fluid velocity decreased in the direction of flow. Experimental data indicate that for a uniform particle size distribution, the breakthrough time for the RSTA was about 60% higher than for the SCA under identical carbon loading and flow conditions. The homogeneous solid phase diffusion model with Linear-Freundlich isotherm was used to model the layered adsorbers. It provides excellent predictions for breakthrough curves at various column depths. Bed capacity utilization can be increased with the RSTA due to the sharpening of the solute front, and this will translate into lower capital and operating costs for the carbon adsorption system due to the smaller unit required, lower carbon inventory, and lower pumping costs.
Stabilization of Indium Tin Oxide Films to Very High Temperatures

Thin film strain gages based on indium-tin-oxide (ITO) are being developed to measure to static and dynamic strain at temperatures approaching 1500°C. These ceramic strain gages exhibit excellent oxidation resistance and high temperature stability, surviving more than 25 hours of testing in air at 1470°C. Electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (ESCA) studies indicated that interfacial reactions between ITO and alumina can increase the stability of ITO at elevated temperature. Solid state diffusion of aluminum into the ITO at these temperatures can produce a very stable ITO/Al2O3 solid solution [1, 2]. To determine the nature of the interfacial reaction product, ITO films were deposited onto both Al2O3 and AlN surfaces and thermally cycled to 1500°C. AlN films were used to reduce/eliminate oxygen transport to the interface, so that aluminum-indium interactions alone could be studied. ITO films were deposited onto Al2O3 and AlN films, which were rf sputtered on platinum-coated alumina substrates. The resulting ESCA depth files showed that an interfacial reaction had occurred between the ITO and the Al2O3 and AlN. The presence of two new indium-indium peaks at 448.85 and 456.40eV, corresponding to the indium 3d5 and 3d3 binding energies were observed in both cases; i.e. the AlN and the Al2O3. These binding energies are significantly higher than those associated with stoichiometric indium oxide. In addition, aluminum doped ITO films were formed by co-sputtering from multiple targets and electrical stability of these films was compared to undoped ITO films over the same temperature range (25–1500°C) [1–4].
Maximum Susceptibility of Ferromagnetic Hysteresis

We report measured ferromagnetic susceptibility and our unifield model of hysteresis, physically describing hysteresis from minor to saturate loops and virgin and anhysteretic susceptibilities. Normal susceptibility for reversals, ΔM/ ΔH , and for the virgin curve, M/H, is the sum of anisotropic reversible and cooperative irreversible susceptibilities. Effective field is derived from Maxwell's thermodynamic and electromagnetic equations as the sum of Amperian, shape demagnetization, internal and external stress, eddy current and thermal fields. Rate dependence is modeled by time shifts and amplitude changes to our functions. We measure Faraday induction of ring and plate samples and vibrating sample magnetometer moments of a disc sample of mild steel, discussing procedures and precision. We find anhysteretic susceptibility to be our saturate susceptibility for positive magnetization, reflected in symmetry, with maximum susceptibility modified by each of the five fields.
Thermal stability of palladium on ceria-doped alumina

Several palladium on alumina and ceria/alumina catalysts were prepared and oxidized in air between 400 and 1000°C. The metal dispersion was determined by hydrogen titration of adsorbed oxygen. Dispersions above 50% were maintained on 0.2% Pd/Al2O3 up to 900°C. Adding 5.0% ceria, or increasing the metal loading to 2.5%, greatly reduces the thermal stability of the palladium, such that the dispersion falls rapidly at 600°C. The rates of methane oxidation (moles of CO2/g Pd h) at 250°C and 5% excess oxygen are nearly equal on 0.22–2.50% Pd/3.5–5.2% CeO2/Al2O3, dispersion 14–42%, and 0.20–0.46% Pd/Al2O3, dispersion 59–86%, but are 10 to 20 times lower than the rate on 2.3% Pd/Al2O3, dispersion 11%. The lower rate of methane oxidation on ceria-promoted and highly dispersed palladium on alumina might be due to the conversion of the palladium into less active palladium oxide during reaction.
Computerized microscopic image analysis of follicular lymphoma

Follicular Lymphoma (FL) is a cancer arising from the lymphatic system. Originating from follicle center B cells, FL is mainly comprised of centrocytes (usually middle-to-small sized cells) and centroblasts (relatively large malignant cells). According to the World Health Organization's recommendations, there are three histological grades of FL characterized by the number of centroblasts per high-power field (hpf) of area 0.159 mm 2 . In current practice, these cells are manually counted from ten representative fields of follicles after visual examination of hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stained slides by pathologists. Several studies clearly demonstrate the poor reproducibility of this grading system with very low inter-reader agreement. In this study, we are developing a computerized system to assist pathologists with this process. A hybrid approach that combines information from several slides with different stains has been developed. Thus, follicles are first detected from digitized microscopy images with immunohistochemistry (IHC) stains, (i.e., CD10 and CD20). The average sensitivity and specificity of the follicle detection tested on 30 images at 2×, 4× and 8× magnifications are 85.5±9.8% and 92.5±4.0%, respectively. Since the centroblasts detection is carried out in the H&E-stained slides, the follicles in the IHC-stained images are mapped to H&E-stained counterparts. To evaluate the centroblast differentiation capabilities of the system, 11 hpf images have been marked by an experienced pathologist who identified 41 centroblast cells and 53 non-centroblast cells. A non-supervised clustering process differentiates the centroblast cells from noncentroblast cells, resulting in 92.68% sensitivity and 90.57% specificity.
Coupling of Ca2+ and Substrate Binding in the Outer Membrane Transporter BtuB

In Gram-negative bacteria, TonB-dependent transporters (TBDTs) in the outer membrane bind large, scarce organometallic substrates with high affinity preceding active transport. Unique among TBDTs, the cobalamin (e.g. vitamin B12) transporter BtuB requires the additional binding of two Ca2+ ions to its extracellular loops before high affinity substrate binding can occur. Using the wealth of crystallographic data available for BtuB, we have carried out extensive (over 200 ns) equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations of multiple functional states of BtuB to address the role of Ca2+ in substrate recruitment. Simulation of the apo structure of BtuB with Ca2+ ions present in solution demonstrated the fast, spontaneous recruitment of Ca2+ by BtuB. Once bound, we find that Ca2+ both stabilizes and repositions key loops, in order to optimize their interactions with the substrate. Interestingly, replacement by Mg2+ abolishes this effect, in accordance with experiments, due to its inability to stabilize the Ca2+-binding loops. We have also performed the first simulation of the substrate-bound form of BtuB using CHARMM forcefield parameters we recently developed for cyanocobalamin. In this simulation, we observe interactions between the substrate and two loops not seen in the crystal structures; however, these two loops have been reported to be important for substrate binding and transport. Based on our results, we suggest that the large size of cobalamin compared to other TBDT substrates explains the requirement of Ca2+ binding for high affinity substrate recruitment in BtuB but not other TBDTs. Research supported by NIH Grant 2R01-GM079800-06A2.
WE-C-BRC-02: Combined Dynamic Contrast Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging (DCE-MRI) and Magnetic Resonance Thermal Imaging (MRTI) for Optimal Hyperthermia Treatment of Advanced Extremity Sarcomas: Fifteen Patients Update

Purpose: To deliver optimal hyperthermia (HT) treatments for patients with advanced extremity sarcomas using DCE‐MRI and MRTI Method and Materials: Patients were treated on a protocol using radiotherapy consisting of 45 Gy and once a week HT for 5 weeks in a setting that allows the use of a 1.5 T GE magnet for imaging. Pre‐ and post first HT treatment DCE‐MR images were acquired and analyzed with software from iCAD Inc. (Nashua, NH) based on a full time point pharmacokinetics (PK) analysis that measures tumor's permeability (Ktrans) and extracellular volume fraction (Ve). Multi‐slice temperature rise images were obtained using the proton resonance frequency shift technique during heating in a 140 MHz phased array HT applicator and compared to invasive temperature measurements. Thermal dose metrics were calculated and correlated with response and with the PK parameters. Results: Fifteen patients were enrolled on this protocol; ten patients were heated. Permeability maps derived from DCE‐MR images were used to guide the placement of the invasive catheter to span regions varying from high to low perfusion. The MRTI images were used to steer the power, with the intent of heating the tumor uniformly while maintaining surrounding normal tissue at lower temperatures. From the evaluable HT treatments, we achieved excellent correlation (ΔT<1°C) between the MRTI and invasive measurements. As a trend, patients that were either pathological complete or partial responders had a decrease in Ktrans. The Ve parameter showed no clear trend with pathological response or % necrosis. As expected, tumors that were more vascularized (higher Ktrans) heated less than tumors with a high degree of necrosis or fluid pockets. Conclusion: DCE‐MRI coupled with MRTI provides information on tumor environment that can improve planning, delivery, and evaluation of HT treatments. Supported by a grant from the NCI CA42745.
The partial molar volumes of anesthetics in lipid bilayers

Abstract The excess volumes of mixing of benzyl alcohol, halothane, and methoxyflurane in water and in suspensions of several lipid bilayers have been determined at 25°C using a novel excess volume dilatometer. The excess volumes of mixing in water were all found to be negative, whereas in lipid suspensions they were all more positive than those in water alone. From known partition coefficients the partial molar volumes of these three solutes in the lipid bilayers were calculated. These values were all close to the molar volumes of the pure anesthetics, as was a value determined for halothane in olive oil. Halothane was studied in dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine below its phase transition, and was found to exhibit a much larger excess volume than in any other system we studied. The potency of these three anesthetics was determined in tadpoles. It was calculated that at equi-anesthetic doses these three agents caused an expansion in egg lecithin/cholesterol (2:1) bilayers of 0.21 ± 0.051%. This result is consistent with the hypothesis that general anesthetics act by expanding membranes.
Growth and mortality of juvenile sunfishes (Lepomis sp.) under heavy predation

The relationship among growth, energy storage and mortality of juvenile bluegills (Lepomis macrochirus, Rafinesque) experiencing heavy predation was experimentally investigated in a large reservoir where piscivorous largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides, Lacepede) were abundant. I conducted experiments evaluating interspecific competition, density-dependent growth and lipid content and habitat-specific growth and mortality rates of juvenile bluegills in this reservoir. Enclosure experiments showed that the growth rates of bluegills were unaffected by presence of other Lepomis species but decreased with increasing bluegill density. However, at densities corresponding to those found in the reservoir, the growth rates of bluegills were high, and competition appeared to be relatively unimportant. The percentage lipid content of bluegills was unaffected by the presence of other species, density of bluegills or habitat. The growth rates of bluegills in vegetated refuge areas were significantly higher and mortality rates were significantly lower compared with open water habitats. The low densities and high growth rates of juvenile bluegills in refuge environments suggests that there is a strong lethal effect of predators on this population of bluegills.
Geochemical modeling of two‐phase flow with interphase mass transfer

Injecting an acidic aqueous solution into a carbonate-rich permeable medium can cause the formation of a mobile gas phase through mineral dissolution. The flowing gas can cause significant changes in mineral identities through interaction with the initially present mineral and aqueous species. We have developed a solution to such transport problems based on a finite difference implicit-pressure/explicit-saturation formulation for two-phase flow, using the local equilibrium assumption as calculated with the Villars-Cruise-Smith stoichiometric chemical equilibrium algorithm. We illustrate the changes that occur to a calcite/iron (II) hydroxide medium upon injection of hydrochloric acid and the stripping of hydrogen sulfide gas from carbon dioxide gas injected into a siderite-rich medium. The examples demonstrate that the formation and/or presence of a gas phase can alter resident minerals and that minerals can remove impurities from a gas phase.
Effects of Addition of Fiber to Simplified and to Complex Starters Fed to Young Dairy Calves

Abstract Effects of adding fiber (10% cottonseed hulls) to simplified and to complex calf starters, fed as the only dry feed to four groups of eight calves each, were investigated. The simplified calf starter consisted of ground corn grain, soybean meal, and supplements of vitamins, minerals, and an antibiotic. The complex starter contained soybean meal, linseed meal, wheat bran, cracked corn, corn meal, crimped oats, alfalfa meal, cane molasses, dried whey, animal fat, and supplements of vitamins, minerals, and an antibiotic. Additions of fiber to the simplified and the complex starters resulted in increased feed consumption and weight gains. Estimated net energy requirements per unit of gain were similar. Weight gains and energy requirements per kilogram of gain were similar for calves fed either complex or simplified starters. General appearance and incidences of diarrhea were not affected by the dietary differences. Results of this research suggest that when a starter is used as a complete feed for young calves, too low a fiber level reduces weight gains.
Marketing Executive MBA Programs: A Comparison of Student and Sponsoring Organization Decision Considerations

ABSTRACT Unlike most university administrators who market and recruit students for a master of business administration (MBA) program, EMBA directors must market and recruit both students and supporting organizations. This paper reports the results of a mail survey completed by currently enrolled students and the organizations that supported these students in five Midwest regional EMBA programs. The study compares the decision considerations used by students when selecting an EMBA program and the decision considerations organizations use when deciding to support an employee in such a program. The findings from this study provide direction for EMBA directors in strengthening recruiting efforts of both students and organization sponsors.
Inverted gamma as a life distribution

Abstract The inverted gamma distribution is studied as a prospective life distribution. The maximum likelihood estimation of the parameters of the inverted gamma is discussed, together with the estimation of the corresponding reliability function. A comparison with the log-normal and inverse Gaussian distribution is illustrated in terms of an example based on a maintenance data set.
The Japanese equity market:Past and present☆

This paper discusses matters of economic interest related to the Japanese equity market. Among other things, it emphasizes the futures market in shares of the companies that managed the stock exchanges as an important element of the pre-WWII market; the ‘stock market crisis’ of 1965 as an event that conditioned the subsequent course of public policy and institutional developments; the zaraba (continuous auction) method as the microstructure of the exchanges; and the uneven distribution of stock ownership and trading, the poor performance of investment trusts, and the high degree of concentration in the securities industry as the key contemporary features.
In situ FTIR studies of the mechanism of NOx storage and reduction on Pt/Ba/Al2O3 catalysts

Abstract The mechanism of NOx adsorption and reaction on a typical 1 wt.% Pt/20 wt.% BaO/Al2O3 NOx storage reduction (NSR) catalyst was studied by the use of in situ Fourier Transform InfraRed (FTIR) spectroscopy. Parallel studies were also conducted with the individual components of the NSR system (i.e., 1 wt.% Pt/Al2O3 and 20 wt.% BaO/Al2O3) in an effort to identify the role and importance of each component in the NSR process. Finally, the role of SO2 was also investigated, since it has been reported that it represents a poison for the NSR process. The results indicate that at 350 °C NOx is stored on the NSR catalyst primarily in the form of barium nitrite and nitrate species. In the presence of Pt a conversion of the surface barium nitrite to bulk barium nitrate is taking place during the storage phase. This step is accelerated in the presence of gas phase oxygen and at elevated temperatures. Both barium nitrite and nitrate species are reduced in the presence of propylene, although at different rates. These reactions are catalyzed by Pt and do not proceed at any significant rate over the BaO/Al2O3 sample. Finally, the formation of surface and bulk barium sulfates was observed when SO2 was introduced as a component of the NO-containing gas phase mixture. These species are stable on the catalyst surface under the reduction conditions studied and inhibit the NOx storage process.
Examination of potential mechanism(s) of metallothionein induction by diethyl maleate.

Abstract Diethyl maleate (DEM) is a glutathione-depleting agent that can increase the levels of the sulfhydryl-rich protein metallothionein (MT) in liver. The purpose of the present study was to examine the mechanism(s) by which DEM increases mouse hepatic MT levels. DEM appears to be an indirect MT inducer as suggested by the lack of increase in MT levels when cultured mouse hepatocytes were exposed to DEM. Four possible mechanisms by which indirect MT inducers may cause an elevation in MT concentrations in liver were examined. Zn levels did not increase prior to the increase in hepatic MT, thus, a Zn redistribution to the liver is not the cause of the liver MT induction by DEM. The adrenal gland products were not required for MT induction in liver, as adrenalectomy did not abolish the increase in hepatic MT caused by DEM. The elevation in liver MT does not appear to be due solely to the decrease in liver glutathione (60%) in the initial hour after DEM, because phorone, which decreases liver glutathione (80%), produced only a fourfold increase in hepatic MT. Activation of macrophages does not seem to account for the rise in liver MT levels, as there was no increase in abundance of cytokine mRNAs for TNF-α, IL-1β, or IL-6 in the liver. These data suggest that the induction of hepatic MT by DEM does not occur in response to (1) an increase in liver Zn that precedes the increase in liver MT, (2) release of adrenal gland products, (3) decrease in liver glutathione, or (4) increased cytokine gene expression.
An economic design of [xbar] control chart using quadratic loss function

Abstract The quadratic loss function is used in Taguchi's on-line cost model to estimate the quality cost. However, Taguchi's on-line quality control approach is different from the widely used statistical process control techniques where control charts are the primary tools for quality control. Duncan's economic design of x control chart is the first attempt to design the control charts in terms of process cost. In this paper, we present a new economic design based on the loss function approach as advocated by Taguchi. We also obtain the optimal parameters of the control chart that minimize the total quality cost.
Epiphrenic diverticulum: Results of surgical treatment

From 1975 to 1991, 112 patients (64 men and 48 women) were found to have an epiphrenic diverticulum. Symptoms were absent or minimal in 71 patients and incapacitating in 41. All patients with minimal symptoms were managed conservatively; 35 were available for follow-up, which ranged from 1 to 25 years (median, 9 years). None of these 35 patients had clinically significant progression of symptoms. Surgical repair was done in 33 patients with incapacitating symptoms. Achalasia was present in 8 of the surgical patients (24.2%), diffuse esophageal spasm in 3 (9.1%), hypertensive lower esophageal sphincter alone in 1 (3.0%), and nonspecific motor abnormalities of the esophageal body in 7 (21.2%). Diverticulectomy and esophagomyotomy were performed in 22 patients, diverticulectomy alone in 7, esophageal resection in 3, and esophagomyotomy alone in 1. Concomitant hiatal hernia repair was done in 6 patients. Complications occurred in 11 patients; 6 had esophageal leaks. There were three operative deaths (9.1%), all occurring in patients with abnormal manometry. Follow-up was complete in 29 patients and ranged from 4 months to 15 years (median, 6.9 years). Long-term results were excellent in 14 patients (48.2%), good in 8 (27.6%), fair in 5 (17.2%), and poor in 2 (6.9%). We conclude that operation has significant risks and is not warranted in patients with minimal symptoms because progression is unlikely. Surgical treatment, however, is advisable in patients with incapacitating symptoms because most operative survivors will have long-term symptomatic palliation.
Site-directed mutagenesis of a human brain ecto-apyrase: evidence that the E-type ATPases are related to the actin/heat shock 70/sugar kinase superfamily.

On the basis of sequence homologies observed between members of the E-type ATPases and the phosphate binding motifs of the actin/heat shock protein 70/sugar kinase superfamily, a human ecto-apyrase was analyzed by site-directed mutagenesis of conserved amino acids in apyrase conserved regions (ACR) I and IV. The expressed proteins were analyzed to assess the significance of these amino acids. A conserved aspartic acid residue in ACR IV was mutated to alanine, asparagine, and glutamic acid, and the relative activity and Km for ATP and ADP were determined. Mutation of this Asp 219 to Ala or Asn yielded an enzyme severely reduced in ATP hydrolyzing activity (>90%) and completely devoid of ADPase activity, along with a similar extent of inhibition of hydrolysis of other nucleoside di- and triphosphates. Interestingly, mutation of Asp 219 to Glu completely restored the ability of the enzyme to hydrolyze nucleoside triphosphates at levels above that of the wild-type enzyme, while the ability to hydrolyze nucleo...
Association of estrogen-related polymorphisms with age at menarche, age at final menstrual period, and stages of the menopausal transition.

Objective: To explore the association of estrogen-related polymorphisms with age at menarche, age at onset and duration of stages of the menopausal transition, and age at final menstrual period (FMP). Design: A total of 152 white women were genotyped for CYP17, CYP19 3-untranslated region, CYP19 TTTA 7-13 , HSDB1, CYP1A1, CYP1B1, and ESR1 polymorphisms. Analysis of variance was used to test a nonspecific model for differences among genotypes associated with each polymorphism. Results: Five of the 84 associations tested were significant at P < 0.05, which could be expected by chance. Women with two CYP19 7r alleles had menarche earlier (11.5 y) than those with one 7r allele (13.1 y). Women with two 11r alleles were 2 years older at onset of late stage than those with one 11r allele (50.7 y vs 48.6 y). Those with two 7r(-3) alleles were 2 years older at FMP than those without this allele (53.9 y vs 51.3 y). Women with the homozygous wild-type allele for HSDB1 (rs2830) were younger at FMP by 2 years than those with the heterozygous allele (50.8 y vs 52.9 y). Women with the heterozygous allele for CYP1B1*2 had a later age at menarche compared with women with the homozygous wild type (13 y vs 12.5 y). Conclusions: Age at onset of late stage and FMP and age at menarche are associated with specific genetic polymorphisms in the estrogen biosynthesis and metabolism genes. However, because of the number of comparisons, these associations may be false positives. These findings should be confirmed with a larger sample of white women.
Activation and differentiation of sexual behavior and translocation of hypothalamic estrogen receptors in rats by 6 alpha-fluorotestosterone.

Abstract Androgens classified as nonaromatizable in placental assay systems typically do not mimic testosterone's effects on sexual behavior in rats. 6α-Fluorotestosterone is an exception. To pursue this challenge to the aromatization hypothesis, we compared several behavioral and neuroendocrine effects of 6α-fluorotestosterone propionate (6α-fluoro-TP) with those of testosterone propionate (TP). Even at a very low dose (6.25 μg/100 g/day), 6α-fluoro-TP maintained most aspects of male sexual behavior as well as TP. It was slightly less potent than TP for inhibiting gonadotropin secretion (testicular development) in prepubertal males. Given neonatally, these androgens were equally likely to induce anovulatory sterility. 6α-Fluoro-TP defeminized sexual development in females and neonatally castrated males half as effectively as TP based on lordosis:mount ratios following estrogen and progesterone therapy in adulthood. Neither androgen masculinized sexual behavior. The behavioral effects of 6α-fluoro-TP correspond to its ability to inhibit cell nuclear accumulation of 17β-[ 3 H]estradiol in the hypothalamuspreoptic area. When injected on a schedule like that used to activate male sexual behavior, the two androgens reduced estrogen uptake equally. When injected into adult castrates on a schedule like that used to defeminize sexual development, 6α-fluoro-TP blocked estrogen uptake half as well as TP. 6α-Fluorotestosterone did not alter estrogen uptake when injected simultaneously with 17β-[ 3 H]estradiol. These data suggest that 6α-fluorotestosterone activates male behavior and defeminizes development because it translocates estrogen receptors in the brain, probably via an aromatized metabolite. Hence androgen aromatizability in the placenta may not reflect neural metabolism and cannot predict the behavioral or neuroendocrine effects of androgens.
Direct measurement of the rotational g-value in the ground vibrational state of acetylene by magnetic vibrational circular dichroism

The magnetic vibrational circular dichroism (MVCD) spectra of the v 4 + v 5 combination band of acetylene was measured. from the result for the P(J″ = 1 → J′ = 0) rotational transition, the g J -value in the ground vibrational state for C 2 H 2 was determined to be +0.049 (±0.005). The sign of the g J -value measured by MVCD confirms that the correct sign is positive as found in a revised molecular beam magnetic resonance experiment and predicted on the basis of molecular Zeeman studies of other molecules and magnetic effects on heat flow in acetylene. MVCD offers an exceptionally simple method of determining the sign of molecular g -values for both the ground and excited states.
Magnetic susceptibility studies of the cubic laves phases Sc(Ni1 − xCox)2☆

Abstract Magnetic susceptibility studies have been made on the cubic C 15 (MgCu 2 -type) Laves phases Sc ( Ni 1 − x Co x ) 2 ; the temperature dependences of susceptibility of the compounds ScNi 2 and ScCo 2 have been measured in the range 78 °–600 °K. The magnetic susceptibility of ScNi 2 at room temperature is 1.4 μemu/g and decreases by about 20% between 78 °K and room temperature. Although the room temperature susceptibility of ScCo 2 (12.6 μemu/g) is an order of magnitude larger than that of ScNi 2 , the form of the temperature dependence indicates that the cobalt does not carry a local magnetic moment. Experiments indicate that ScNi 2 and ScCo 2 may undergo severe surface damage by crushing at room temperature, sufficiently to yield metallic nickel or cobalt, respectively. The compounds are also extremely prone to oxidation above about 500 °K. Even at low pressures, atmospheric oxygen reacts with the scandium to leave free metallic nickel or cobalt, respectively. For comparison, the magnetic and structural properties of the cubic Laves phases RNi 2 and RCo 2 [where R represents Sc, Y, Ln (lanthanides), Ti and Zr]are reviewed.
Two Uses of R 4 in the Study of Atomic Structure

The two different uses of ${R}_{4}$, one as a mathematical and one as physical group which were discussed in previous work, are presented. The treatment of Rau is shown to be equivalent to the mathematical approach. The use of the physical group leads to new relationships not present in the mathematical approach.