cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Use of Treated Sewage in Aquaculture1

Six experimental brackish water ponds, three of which received secondary treated sewage waste and three as controls, were seeded with larval and postlarval species to study productivity, nutrient cycling and development of communities. A number of faculty and students from the University of North Carolina studied various phases, productivity, carbon metabolism, phosphorus budget, nitrogen, bacterial heterotrophy; standing crops of phytoplankton, decapod crustaceans, fishes, mollusks, algae, etc. Ponds receiving treated waste had high productivity, wide fluctuations in oxygen and pH, and dense algal blooms. Some functions of tertiary treatment and promise for production of selected marketable species are indicated.
Phosphorus fertilizer, soils, and site preparation influence loblolly pine productivity.

Growth and yield of 12-year-old loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) plantations were compared among five subsoil textures, seven site preparation methods, with and without phosphorus fertilizer. Phosphorus broadcast before planting increased the mean size of the loblolly pine trees. However, soil differences significantly influenced stand survival, and the method of site preparation significantly affected total stand yield. Therefore, the influence of phosphorus on total stand yield depended on soil type and site preparation method. The site preparation-fertilizer combinations yielding the most volume per soil type were: on the Lucy, Ruston, and Wagram soils, shear-windrow site preparation with phosphorus; on the Kirvin and Shubuta soils, chop-burn-harrow site preparation without phosphorus; on the Calloway and Henry soils, double chopping without phosphorus; on the Sawyer soil, chopburn-harrow site preparation with phosphorus; and on the Boswell, Cadeville, Gore, and Susquehanna soils, shear-windrow-harrow site preparation without phosphorus. Soil differences and phosphorus fertilization influenced the incidence of fusiform rust in 12-year-old stands of loblolly pine.
On Latin Hypercube sampling for efficient uncertainty estimation of satellite rainfall observations in flood prediction

Abstract With the advent of the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) in 2009, satellite rainfall measurements are expected to become globally available at space–time scales relevant for flood prediction of un-gauged watersheds. For uncertainty assessment of such retrievals in flood prediction, error models need to be developed that can characterize the satellite's retrieval error structure. A full-scale assessment would require a large number of Monte Carlo (MC) runs of the satellite error model realizations, each passed through a hydrologic model, in order to derive the probability distribution in runoff. However, for slow running hydrologic models this can be computationally expensive and sometimes prohibitive. In this study, Latin Hypercube Sampling (LHS) was implemented in a satellite rainfall error model to explore the degree of computational efficiency that could be achieved with a complex hydrologic model. It was found that the LHS method is particularly suited for storms with moderate rainfall. For assessment of errors in time to peak, peak runoff, and runoff volume no significant computational advantage of LHS over the MC method was observed. However, the LHS was able to produce the 80% and higher confidence limits in runoff simulation with the same degree of reliability as MC, but with almost two orders of magnitude fewer simulations. Results from this study indicate that a LHS constrained sampling scheme has the potential to achieve computational efficiency for hydrologic assessment of satellite rainfall retrievals involving: (1) slow running models (such as distributed hydrologic models and land surface models); (2) large study regions; and (3) long study periods; provided the assessment is confined to analysis of the large error bounds of the runoff distribution.
Diffusion in ordered alloys and intermetallic compounds

Diffusion in binary ordered alloys has been treated using the pair-approximation of the Path Probability Method (PPM) based on an atomistic model. The effect of the atomic interaction on the ordering behavior and its influence on transport properties have been clarified. Compositional dependence of both the intrinsic diffusion and interdiffusion coefficients, correlation factor and thermodynamic factor agree very well with the Monte Carlo simulation. The calculated properties also show qualitative agreement with the experimental data on diffusivity, activity and creep in the NiAl system.
Waveform characterization of animal contact, tree contact, and lightning induced faults

In this paper signal processing tools are used to uncover common and unique characteristics of faults resulting from animal contacts, tree contacts and lightning. For each fault type a large number of voltage and current waveform data sets measured at monitoring stations on distribution systems are analyzed. The characteristics include but are not limited to the presence of impulse-like oscillations, the number of phases involved, the duration of fault event, the phase angle, the time of day, the spectral content in the time-frequency and time-scale domains, the rate of rise of voltage or current, and the arc voltage. An individual characteristic alone is insufficient to provide an estimate of the fault type. However, by combining common and unique characteristics extracted from a fault event, it may be possible to estimate the fault type accurately.
Chronometer for S-Process Nucleosynthesis

The importance of the short-lived s-process chronometer 205Pb, its relation to the mechanism of s-process nucleosynthesis and its implications for cosmochronology are discussed.
Nanoscale Mechanical Characterization of Glass Fibers

Abstract The hardness and elastic modulus of E- and S-glass fibers with small diameters (8 to 20 μm) have been measured by nanoindentation. As expected, the hardness and elastic modulus of S-glass fibers was found to be greater than those of E-glass fibers. As compared with E-glass fibers, S-glass fibers exhibit higher resistance to plastic deformation. The change in diameter of E-glass fibers does not affect the hardness and elastic modulus. No change in hardness and elastic modulus across diameters was observed for both E-and S-glass fibers. The present work shows that nanoindentation is a very powerful method for studying mechanical properties of small diameter glass fibers or short glass fibers of which the mechanical properties cannot be measured in fiber form using conventional mechanical testing techniques.
Time-dependent density-functional study of field emission from tipped carbon nanotubes

Field emission from carbon nanotubes is studied by propagating the electronic wave function in real time using time-dependent density-functional theory. Complex absorbing potentials have been employed to avoid artificial reflections from the boundaries and to allow long time simulations. Domain decomposition is used to facilitate accurate and efficient wave function propagation. The influence of adsorbed atoms on field emission is investigated. It is found that adsorbate atoms significantly increase the field-emission current and cause strong differences and nonlinearity in the Fowler-Nordheim plot.
Novel Microwave Synthesis of Nanocrystalline SnO2 and Its Electrochemical Properties

We report a sol−gel-assisted microwave synthesis of nanocrystalline tin oxide with a particle size of 15−18 nm. The microwave synthesis reaction can be completed in only a few minutes. In situ formation of amorphous carbon from the decomposition of citric acid used as a chelating agent provided both high microwave susceptibility for the faster formation reaction of SnO2 and also prevented agglomeration of nanoparticles maintaining the size as small as 15 nm. Microwave reaction time can be optimized for the presence of a small amount of carbon, which helped in improving the electrochemical performance of the synthesized SnO2 when used as an electroactive material in lithium ion battery with a very high reversible capacity ∼ 900 mA h/g. The synthesis method could be extended for producing other metal oxide nanoparticles with controlled sizes.
Vygotskian perspectives on using dramatic play to enhance children's development and balance creativity with structure in the early childhood classroom

What kind of environmental and administrative factors support the balance between child‐centred and teacher‐directed practices in the early childhood classroom? What specific aspects of children's development are nurtured by this pedagogy? These and other pedagogical issues are addressed in this article as it describes how a particular curriculum on dramatic play was initiated, implemented and developed with a group of four year olds. The article includes a detailed discussion of the step‐by‐step process of how this curriculum was developed and an analysis of the multi‐dimensional development in children that occurred as a result of this project. The discussion is framed within a Vygotskian perspective as connections are explored between this curriculum, children's development and specific Vygotskian ideas such as language and cognition, the zone of proximal development, cultural signs and tools, socio‐cultural construction of knowledge and the notion of willpower. This project on dramatic play may be vie...
Health economics: Fundamentals and flow of funds Thomas Getzen, 2004, pp. 464

A fundamental question is whether society will be willing to spend an ever increasing portion of its GDP on healthcare. Accordingly, as Getzen notes, the battle over revenues in the health sector is a constant phenomenon as the various players seek to improve their bargaining position. In the healthcare industry as in other industries, the segment with market power reaps the most profit. Historically, doctors had the market power, then the market power shifted to the insurance companies. In 2004, hospitals and doctors have improved their bargaining power relative to insurance companies. Getzen documents these battles over resources through his flow of founds approach. He has provided an excellent treatment for health economics courses and others interested in this increasingly improtant and contentious area of study.
The Revival of Cigarette Beetle Larvae Fumigated with Hydrocyanic Acid

The time that should elapse between fumigation treatment and mortality determination is dependent on many factors, among the most important being the nature of the toxicant and the susceptibility of the insect species.
Dural cavernous angiomas outside the middle cranial fossa: a report of two cases.

Cavernous angiomas of the dura mater are clinically and radiographically distinct from parenchymal cavernous angiomas. In this report, we present two cases of dural cavernous angiomas located outside the middle cranial fossa. The first patient is a 36-year-old woman with two dural cavernous angiomas, including one that enlarged during a 2-year period of observation. The second patient is a 33-year-old man with medically intractable seizures from a dural cavernous angioma of the convexity, which was discovered at autopsy. From our experience and a review of the literature, we have identified two groups of dural cavernous angiomas that differ in incidence, natural history, and surgical management
Histochemical analysis of physiologically and morphologically identified muscles in an isect leg

Abstract 1. 1. The relative activities of selected enzymes and the amounts of stored glycogen were investigated to determine the possibility of differential utilization of metabolic pathways in the three muscle types of the metathoracic coxal-originating extensors of the cockroach, Periplaneta americana . 2. 2. Muscles with monoaxonal, phasic innervation (178, 179, type 1) had lower dehydrogenase reaction intensities and less glycogen stores than muscles with both phasic and tonic innervation (177d', 177e'; type 2) and muscles with a single tonic and inhibitory innervation (177d, 177e; Type 3). 3. 3. These histochemical results support previous physiological, biochemical and ultrastructural studies which have suggested a correlation between muscle types and motor activities such as locomotion and postural adjustments.
The role of ERCP in diagnosis and management of accessory bile duct leaks after cholecystectomy

Abstract Background: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) plays an important role in the management of bile leaks after cholecystectomy. Although most leaks occur from the cystic duct stump, clinically significant leakage from accessory bile ducts is less common and has not been investigated systematically. We report our experience with endoscopic diagnosis and treatment of accessory bile duct leaks after cholecystectomy. Methods: Patients with accessory bile duct leaks were identified from a computerized database. Hospital charts and cholangiograms were reviewed to determine the outcome of diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. Results: Of 86 patients with postcholecystectomy leaks, 15 (17%) were diagnosed with accessory bile duct leaks. ERCP established the diagnosis of accessory bile duct leaks in 11 of 15 patients (73%); percutaneous fistulography (2) and percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (2) were diagnostic in 4 patients. Endoscopic therapy led to resolution of the leak in 12 patients. One patient underwent successful percutaneous biliary drainage, and two patients required surgical repair. Conclusions: Accessory bile ducts are rare sites of significant bile leakage after cholecystectomy. ERCP identifies the leak in the majority of patients; percutaneous fistulography or percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography may help clarify the diagnosis if ERCP is nondiagnostic. Most patients can be successfully treated with endoscopic stenting. If endoscopic therapy fails, percutaneous drainage or surgical repair needs to be considered. (Gastrointest Endosc 1999;50:527-31.)
HIV: associated transmission risks in older adults--an integrative review of the literature.

Recent evidence suggests that transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is increasing among late middle-aged and older adults (50 years of age or older). However, research studies explaining the unique risk factors associated with transmission in this population are limited. This integrative review examines the physiologic, psychological, social, and education risks related to HIV transmission in late middle-aged and older adults. Seventeen research studies were reviewed. Findings were categorized into individual and system-failure-related risks. Findings suggest (a) inadequate HIV transmission education, (b) poor awareness/risk perception, and (c) insuffi-cient patient/provider communication may contribute to the increased prevalence of HIV transmission in late middle-aged and older adults. Recommendations for future research and intervention strategies based on this analysis are made.
Structure of the eye of Haideotriton wallacei, a North American troglobitic salamander

The eye of Haideotriton wallacei is more reduced histologically than those of othe troglobitic salamanders. The tiny eye is imbedded in a mass of adipose tissue. No extrinsic eye muscles are present. A rudimentary lens is present in about half of the eyes examined. In two instances the lens is surrounded by a small chamber; most eyes lack a chamber. The retina and iris are relatively undifferentiated. The relatively massive retina lacks rods and cones, an outer plexiform layer and subdivided nuclear layers. A tiny optic nerve runs to the brain.
Identifying Slowly Varying and Turbulent Wind Features for Flight Loads Analyses

Abstract : A methodology developed to determine the spectral boundary between the slowly-varying components and the more rapidly varying, or turbulent components, of measured wind profiles is presented. Pairs of measured wind velocity versus altitude profiles from the Eastern and Western launch ranges of the United States were used to establish the vertical wavelengths which could no longer be considered slowly varying over discrete time intervals. Analyses were performed for wind pairs that were 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes apart. The wavelength boundary between slowly-varying and turbulent wind features as a function of time interval is presented. The results of this work make it now possible to identify and extract the slowly-varying and/or turbulent wind features, as needed for a specific day-of-launch flight loads analysis, for these two launch facilities.
IL-1RA injected intra-cisterna magna confers extended prophylaxis against lipopolysaccharide-induced neuroinflammatory and sickness responses.

Abstract IL-1RA has been used intra-cerebrally to ameliorate neuroinflammatory responses. The present study explored the possibility that the bioactivity of IL-1RA administered intra-cerebrally may be prolonged in the CNS. hIL-1RA was detected in hippocampus from 2 h to 14 d post-ICM treatment. hIL-1RA ameliorated both the hippocampal cytokine (TNFα and NFκBIα) and sickness response to peripheral LPS administered 4 d after hIL-1RA. Four days post treatment, hIL-1RA reduced the basal expression of IL-1R1, Iba-1, MHCII, and TLR4 and blunted the microglial IL-1β and IL-6 response to LPS ex vivo. IL-1RA might be administered prophylactically to prevent the neuroinflammatory effects of trauma.
Effect of timing on long-term clinical success of alveolar cleft bone grafts.

Abstract Despite the almost universal agreement on the desirability of bone grafting in the cleft alveolar process, there are little long-term data to support preference for grafting at one time versus another. Investigation was undertaken to compare the clinical success of grafts placed at three distinct developmental stages: the “primary” group consisting of 20 rib grafts placed at less than 1 year of age; the “secondary” group consisting of 19 iliac crest grafts placed when the permanent canine was one fourth to one half formed; and the “delayed” group consisting of 18 iliac crest grafts placed after eruption of the permanent canines. Patients were a minimum of 15 years of age at time of final evaluation. Records were made a minimum of 5 years postsurgery. Biometric data and periapical x-ray films were evaluated. There was a trend for the delayed group to have a decreased incidence of successful bony bridging of the graft site compared with the other treatment groups. The primary group exhibited significantly (P
3-D track initiation in clutter using 2-D radar measurements

We present an algorithm for initiating 3-D tracks using range and azimuth (bearing) measurements from a 2-D radar on a moving platform. The work is motivated by the need to track possibly low-flying targets, e.g., cruise missiles, using reports from an aircraft-based surveillance radar. Previous work on this problem considered simple linear motion in a flat Earth coordinate frame. Our research extends this to a more realistic scenario where the Earth's curvature is also considered. The target is assumed to be moving along a great circle at a constant altitude. After the necessary coordinate transformations, the measurements are nonlinear functions of the target state and the observability of target altitude is severely limited. The observability, quantified by the Cramer-Rao lower bound (CRLB), is very sensitive to the sensor-to-target geometry. The paper presents a Maximum Likelihood (ML) estimator for estimating the target motion parameters in the Earth-centered Earth-fixed (ECEF) coordinate frame from 2-D range and angle measurements. In order to handle the possibility of false measurements and missed detections, which was not considered previously, we use the Probabilistic Data Association (PDA) algorithm to weight the detections in a frame. The PDA-based modified global likelihood is optimized using a numerical search. The accuracies obtained by the resulting ML-PDA estimator are quantified using the CRLB for different sensor-target configurations. It is shown that the proposed estimator is efficient, that is, it meets the CRLB. Of particular interest is the achievable accuracy for estimating the target altitude, which is not observed directly by the 2-D radar, but can be only inferred from the range and bearing observations.
An Analysis of Macro Models of Organizations: The Goal and Political Models

Macro theories of organizations generally rely on the concept of the goal as the mechanism that gives direction and achieves solidarity of organizational action. In recent years, research and theory building has begun to recognize the importance of such concepts as resource dependence, power, and conflict and to incorporate them into open systems models of organizations. While these open systems models do allow for change in organizational direction, they generally hold to the contention that environmental influence on organizational direction is achieved through a goal-setting process. Likewise, the concepts of power and conflict are incorporated into a goal model. An alternative model, termed the political model, is presented that allows for system openness at ad levels of an organization and does not rely on the concept of the goal in explaining direction or solidarity. Points of conflict between the goal model and the political are discussed along with some of the implications of adopting a political ...
Minimum variance beamforming with phase-independent derivative constraints

A set of first- and second-order derivative constraints that can be used in minimum variance beamformers to achieve flat main beam response is presented. Efficient algorithms are derived for the implementation of these constraints. In contrast to conventional derivative constraint methods which constrain both the magnitude (power) and phase responses of the beamformer, the method only constrains the magnitude response. The unnecessary constraint on the phase is a major drawback to the conventional methods since it causes the beamformer performance to vary with the particular spatial reference point used to define the array element positions. This phenomenon is clearly undesirable because the choice of a reference point is generally made for notational convenience. As a direct sequence of the phase constraint, an inappropriately chosen reference point can easily result in a beamformer response which has undesirably high sidelobes. The problem is avoided through the use of phase-independent derivative constraints. >
Occipital Nerve Stimulator Placement via a Retromastoid to Infraclavicular Approach: A Technical Report

Occipital nerve stimulation is a form of peripheral nerve stimulation used to treat refractory headache disorders. Various techniques have been described for occipital nerve stimulator implantation; these include midline cervical or retromastoid lead insertion with internal pulse generator placement in the infraclavicular, gluteal or low abdominal regions. Lead migration is one of the most common complications of occipital nerve stimulators. Implantation approaches that include remote battery sites may contribute to mechanical stress on the components, as the leads or extensions may traverse highly mobile body regions. In this technical report, we describe an occipital stimulator implantation technique that may be advantageous in terms of patient positioning, ease of surgical approach and minimization of mechanical stress on components.
Dynamic Reconfiguration of Structural and Functional Connectivity Across Core Neurocognitive Brain Networks with Development

Brain structural and functional development, throughout childhood and into adulthood, underlies the maturation of increasingly sophisticated cognitive abilities. High-level attentional and cognitive control processes rely on the integrity of, and dynamic interactions between, core neurocognitive networks. The right fronto-insular cortex (rFIC) is a critical component of a salience network (SN) that mediates interactions between large-scale brain networks involved in externally oriented attention [central executive network (CEN)] and internally oriented cognition [default mode network (DMN)]. How these systems reconfigure and mature with development is a critical question for cognitive neuroscience, with implications for neurodevelopmental pathologies affecting brain connectivity. Using functional and effective connectivity measures applied to fMRI data, we examine interactions within and between the SN, CEN, and DMN. We find that functional coupling between key network nodes is stronger in adults than in children, as are causal links emanating from the rFIC. Specifically, the causal influence of the rFIC on nodes of the SN and CEN was significantly greater in adults compared with children. Notably, these results were entirely replicated on an independent dataset of matched children and adults. Developmental changes in functional and effective connectivity were related to structural connectivity along these links. Diffusion tensor imaging tractography revealed increased structural integrity in adults compared with children along both within- and between-network pathways associated with the rFIC. These results suggest that structural and functional maturation of rFIC pathways is a critical component of the process by which human brain networks mature during development to support complex, flexible cognitive processes in adulthood.
Publication Patterns in 3 Prominent Educational Psychology Journals: The Geography of Editors, Advisors, Authors, and Participants

This article considers the publication practices of 3 leading journals in Educational Psychology, for the 6-year period 2008-2013, to determine their representation of countries throughout the world among the editors, editorial board members, authors, and the participants in the samples (the samples of participants based on a random subset of the articles published). The journals considered are: 1) Journal of Educational Psychology (JEP); 2) Contemporary Educational Psychology (CEP); and 3) The British Journal of Educational Psychology (BJEP). The journals published in the United States (JEP and CEP) have a 50 - 60 percent focus on individuals and participants in the United States. For BJEP, the United Kingdom accounts for about a third of authors and participants. Significantly more non-English speaking European countries are represented in the BJEP than in the two American journals. In all three countries, Asia, Africa, and Central and South America are significantly under-represented in the authors and participants of studies.
Interactive student modeling

This paper deals with defining an interactive student modeling system (ISMS) that allows for negotiation of the student model between the system and the student. The objective of this system is to develop a more accurate student model by promoting student inspection and modification of the student model. The ISMS is based on the combination of two approaches to student modeling that begin with a basic student model template. First, machine learning techniques will be used to develop and maintain a novice-to-expert learning transition in the student model. Second, methods for externalizing the student model will be used to provide for student-system interaction. The combination of these approaches allows the student to reflect on his learning process through discussion of the student model, helping to form a deeper understanding of his learning process, which ultimately leads to better developed problem solving skills.
Amino Acid Substitutions in Cold-Adapted Proteins from Halorubrum lacusprofundi, an Extremely Halophilic Microbe from Antarctica

The halophilic Archaeon Halorubrum lacusprofundi, isolated from the perennially cold and hypersaline Deep Lake in Antarctica, was recently sequenced and compared to 12 Haloarchaea from temperate climates by comparative genomics. Amino acid substitutions for 604 H. lacusprofundi proteins belonging to conserved haloarchaeal orthologous groups (cHOGs) were determined and found to occur at 7.85% of positions invariant in proteins from mesophilic Haloarchaea. The following substitutions were observed most frequently: (a) glutamic acid with aspartic acid or alanine; (b) small polar residues with other small polar or non-polar amino acids; (c) small non-polar residues with other small non-polar residues; (d) aromatic residues, especially tryptophan, with other aromatic residues; and (e) some larger polar residues with other similar residues. Amino acid substitutions for a cold-active H. lacusprofundi β-galactosidase were then examined in the context of a homology modeled structure at residues invariant in homologous enzymes from mesophilic Haloarchaea. Similar substitutions were observed as in the genome-wide approach, with the surface accessible regions of β-galactosidase displaying reduced acidity and increased hydrophobicity, and internal regions displaying mainly subtle changes among smaller non-polar and polar residues. These findings are consistent with H. lacusprofundi proteins displaying amino acid substitutions that increase structural flexibility and protein function at low temperature. We discuss the likely mechanisms of protein adaptation to a cold, hypersaline environment on Earth, with possible relevance to life elsewhere.
Relationship marketing in an enterprise resource planning environment

Retention of existing customers is a priority for businesses to survive and prosper. The high cost of acquisition of new customers in a mature market has pushed organizations into actively seeking to build and sustain long‐term relationships with customers. Such relationships are strong enough to provide a substantial barrier to switching business over to competition in most cases. The transition of a neutral or negative relationship into positive territory is based on changes in one or more of the cognitive, affective and behavioral dimensions of the relationship. Information exchanges between an organization and its customers play a significant role in such a change. The nature and scope of relationship with a customer changes, as the customer needs evolve in the course of the product life cycle in the customer’s industry. A framework merging the concepts of “customer relationship management” and “product life cycle” into “customer relationship life cycle” is proposed.
Some New Mutants of House Flies and Their Linkage Groups and Map positions

Two morphological mutants of Musca domestica L. Mk (masked eyes) and pw (pointed wing) were located on linkage groups II and III, respectively, and were assigned map positions of 77.3 and 71.6. A 3rd mutant, Sc (scalloped wing margin—linkage group III) was found to have poor penetration and was not mapped. Two mutants recovered previously in another laboratory, stw (stubby wings—linkage group II) and Iv (irregular veins—linkage group III), were determined to have map points of 48.6 and 70.4, respectively. Six additional mutants were recovered and assigned to linkage groups and 3 translocation stocks with associated visible mutants were isolated.
Extraction of the foveal center and lesion boundary from fundus images

Extraction of the foveal center and lesion boundary from fundus imagesNaseem lshaq, Kenneth Taylor, Kypros Steliou,and William Delaney Jr.SUNY Institute of Technology at Utica/Rome, Utica, NY 13504ABSTRACTComputer diagnosis of the vascular diseases treatable by laser burning(photocoagulation) are investigated. Specific concern is with identification of theregion and its distance from the center of the foveal avascular zone. Theparametrization of the lesion boundary and location and measurement of distancefrom the lesion to foveal center is accomplished with an algorithm which builds theboundary as points on spokes emanating from a chosen interior point, one point oneach spoke.1. INTRODUCTIONSome of the retinal diseases, in particular the so-called ocular histoplasmosis,are treatable by laser burning of a discernible region of the retina. In addition, thereare other diseases or abnormalities; macular degeneration, pathologic myopia,angloid streaks, traumatic choroidal rupture and other macular problems related tosubretinal vascularization. These diseases are also being treated byphotocoagulation, the burning of a region of retina by laser where the laser burn areais important. Choroidal neovascularization recurs if the treatment (burn) did not coverthe neovascular completely.1 In the case of ocular histoplasmosis when the treatmentwas successful as regards to extent, the rate of persistence (failure) was 1 7%, whilethe rate for the eyes where treatment did not cover the complete region ofneovascularization was 39%. When the entire region was treated with the MacularPhotocoagulation Study Group (MPS) standard for burn intensity there was apersistence rate of 16%; but when the standard was not met the rate was 48%. TheMPS protocol was to extend the burn 1 00 microns beyond the lesion. The lesion is anobstruction of vision, which can grow whether treated or untreated by
A facile approach toward multicomponent supramolecular structures: selective self-assembly via charge separation.

A novel approach toward the construction of multicomponent two-dimensional (2-D) and three-dimensional (3-D) metallosupramolecules is reported. Simply by mixing carboxylate and pyridyl ligands with cis-Pt(PEt3)2(OTf)2 in a proper ratio, coordination-driven self-assembly occurs, allowing for the selective generation of discrete multicomponent structures via charge separation on the metal centers. Using this method, a variety of 2-D rectangles and 3-D prisms were prepared under mild conditions. Moreover, multicomponent self-assembly can also be achieved by supramolecule-to-supramolecule transformations. The products were characterized by 31P and 1H multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, and pulsed-field-gradient spin echo NMR techniques together with computational simulations.
Current account and public debt implications of market distortions under structural rigidities

The development experience of a number of African and other developing countries has been characterized by policies of market interventions, agricultural taxation, and stateled industrialization in...
Mechanics of deformation and ductile tearing in cracked round bar specimens

Abstract This paper presents observations and analyses of the deformation and early stage of ductile tearing in cracked round bar (CRB) fracture specimens. Fracture surface topography analysis (FRASTA), stability analysis and simple kinematic analysis are applied to CRB specimens of HY-130 steel and pressure vessel steel welds. The J–resistance curve for HY-130 steel is constructed over the first 250 μm or so of crack extension and bounds on the amount of crack extension preceding the point of maximum load are established. Further, the influence of crack growth on JIc defined at maximum load is assessed and it is argued that, for small CRB specimens, this definition is consistent with that of standard testing methods. It is shown that crack mouth and crack tip opening displacement values can be readily estimated from global displacement measurements with extensometers. It is also shown that bending of the CRB specimen due to an eccentric ligament has a relatively small effect (
Residual effects of chromium gettering on the outgassing behavior of a stainless steel vacuum vessel

Long-lasting beneficial effects on plasmas after chromium gettering have been observed in ISX and TFTR. These benefits include a reduction in radiated power, lower Zeff, and the capability to operate at higher densities. This paper reports laboratory experiments performed to further investigate the underlying mechanism for this enhanced plasma performance. A stainless steel vacuum vessel and a chromium sublimation source were assembled to simulate the arrangement in TFTR. A controlled air leak was introduced, and the residual gases were monitored by a quadrupole mass spectrometer before, during, and after the deposition of a chromium film that covered 50% of the vacuum wall. The pumping speed of the film and the amount of gas sorbed as functions of time have been measured. Rate-of-rise measurements were made before deposition and after saturation of the film with oxygen. The results indicate that the residual effects of the chromium film on the vacuum are due to reduced outgassing of the stainless steel surface.
Chemical analysis of lamps and lamp materials

A review of modem methods of chemical analysis for the characterisation of lamps and lamp materials is presented. The general categories which are discussed are in situ emission and absorption spectroscopy, electrical diagnostics of trace impurities, gas analysis by mass spectrometry and gas chromatography, vapour pressure and vapour composition measurements, surface analysis and x-ray methods, thermal analysis, and instrumental and wet-chemical methods for elemental analysis in solids. Numerous examples of the application of these methods to lamps and lamp materials are presented.
Comparison of four methods for measuring chitinase activity and the application of the 4-MUF assay in aquatic environments

Abstract Four methods were compared for measuring chitinase activity in natural aquatic environments and microcosms. The four methods included: (1) the enumeration of chitinoclastic microorganisms; (2) the use of chitin azure as a substrate; (3) the use of fluorogenic [4-methylumberlliferyl (4-MUF)] chitin derivatives as substrates; and (4) the use of 3 H-chitin as a substrate. The 4-MUF assay required the least amount of preparation, the shortest time to complete, and was one of the most sensitive and highly reproducible assays. Optimum assay conditions included: (1) concentration of the trimer (4-MUF- β - D - N , N ′, N ″triacetylchitotriose) at 5 μM·ml −1 ; (2) pH at 7.4; (3) temperature 35°C; (4) time at 24 h; and (5) final pH after incubation adjusted to 10−11 (to enhance fluorescence). Using this method, chitinase activity was determined to be the highest in the aerobic region of aquatic sediments, slightly lower in the anaerobic zone, and lowest in the water column (5% of the total activity). The majority of enzymatic activity in sediments was associated with organic particles (95%) while 5% was associated with inorganic matter (sand). The results suggest that the 4-MUF assay is a sensitive, reliable, easily applied method for measuring chitinase activity in aquatic environments.
Ubiquitin-binding domains

Ubiquitin-binding domains (UBDs) are a collection of modular protein domains that non-covalently bind to ubiquitin. These recently discovered motifs interpret and transmit information conferred by protein ubiquitylation to control various cellular events. Detailed molecular structures are known for a number of UBDs, but to understand their mechanism of action, we also need to know how binding specificity is determined, how ubiquitin binding is regulated, and the function of UBDs in the context of full-length proteins. Such knowledge will be key to our understanding of how ubiquitin regulates cellular proteins and processes.
High‐voltage millimeter‐wave gyro‐traveling‐wave amplifier

An intense‐beam gyro‐traveling‐wave amplifier experiment has demonstrated an apparent growth rate of 2.2 dB/cm at 35 GHz, with total gain exceeding 30 dB, and an output power of ∼20 MW (±3 dB), corresponding to an efficiency of ∼11%.
Ion kinetic energy losses and excited state population in ion—molecule reactions

Abstract Kinetic energy loss spectra are reported for some organic ions undergoing high energy ion—molecule reactions accompanied by scattering. The translational energy losses are associated with excitation of the ions in inelastic collisions on rare gas targets. The measured energy losses are compared with values for states observed in photoelectron spectra and this has allowed electronic transitions to stable excited states of the ions to be identified. The energy loss spectra of scattered ethylene and acetonitrile molecular ions show some evidence for the formation of stable ions in excited electronic states lying above the thermochemical threshold for fragmentation. The method used in this work is unusual in that a conventional mass spectrometer is employed to study ions scattered through appreciable angles.
Early Near-Infrared Observations of SN 1993J

Photometric observations in the near-infrared atmospheric windows from 1.25 to 3.7 μm and spectrographic observations from 1.2 to 2.4 μm are presented of supernova SN 1993J for 250 days after the outburst. After an initial rise to a secondary maximum the infrared observations show an exponential drop much like the visual observations. At day 130 after the outburst, however, the 3.7 μm data show an excess, which we take as a signature of dust emission. Broadband spectral energy distributions (SEDs) were derived combining published visual photometry and the infrared photometry. The early SEDs during the supernova rise to its secondary maximum could be fitted with blackbodies, but during the exponential decrease the SEDs were too narrow to be fitted by a blackbody energy distribution. The low-resolution spectra were initially featureless, but beyond about day 30 after the outburst, when SN 1993J was in exponential decline, the spectra were dominated by line emission, probably by hydrogen, helium, and iron lines.
A 4–18-GHz reconfigurable RF MEMS matching network for power amplifier applications

We have developed a novel reconfigurable matching network based on the loaded-line technique. The network is composed of N-switched capacitors (N = 4–8) with a capacitance ratio of 4–5:1 and is suitable for power amplifiers at 4–18 GHz, or as an impedance tuner for noise parameter and load-pull measurements at 10–28 GHz. The networks are very small, and offer better performance than double or triple stub matching networks. Extensive loss analysis indicates that the 8-element network has a loss of 0.5 dB at 4–12 GHz, and less than 1.5 dB at 18 GHz, even when matching a 10Ω output impedance to a 50Ω load. As expected, the 4-element matching network has about half the loss of the 8-element network, but with much less impedance coverage. Both networks were simulated and measured in high VSWR conditions and can handle at least 500 mW of RF power at 4–18 GHz. The application areas are in phased array antennas, reconfigurable power amplifiers, and wideband noise-parameter and load-pull measurement systems. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J RF and Microwave CAE 14: 356–372, 2004.
Phase I studies of ZD1839 in patients with common solid tumors.

Clinical development of ZD1839 (Iressa; AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP, Wilmington, DE) was initiated based on strong preclinical studies that showed antitumor responses in a variety of solid tumor types and established its oral bioavailability and tolerability. In phase I trials, ZD1839 was investigated in patients with a wide variety of solid tumors that commonly express epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase. More than 250 patients with advanced refractory disease were enrolled in phase I studies; of these, 100 had non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). All patients had been recipients of substantial prior therapy. Intermittent and continuous dosing schedules with ZD1839 were well tolerated by these patients for up to 6 months or more. The most frequently reported adverse events were grade 1 or 2 diarrhea and grade 1 or 2 acneiform rash; these effects were reversible on discontinuation of therapy and either required no management or were easily managed. Grade 3 or 4 adverse events were rare and most were attributed to disease progression rather than being drug related. In phase I trials, the maximum tolerated dose of ZD1839 was determined to be 700 to 1000 mg/day; diarrhea was found to be the dose-limiting toxicity. Pharmacokinetic profiles supported once-daily oral dosing and indicated that biologically active plasma concentrations were achieved at the doses studied. Pharmacodynamic results in skin biopsies showed that ZD1839 produced inhibition of epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase in these patients. Durable tumor responses and stable disease were observed with ZD1839 treatment in patients with advanced NSCLC. Symptoms related to NSCLC also appeared to improve rapidly in some patients. Prolonged time on therapy was observed for other tumor types in addition to NSCLC, including hormone-refractory prostate, colorectal, head and neck, breast, ovarian, and renal cancers. The promising phase I results observed in heavily pretreated patients with advanced NSCLC and other solid tumors have warranted investigation in phase II/III clinical trials in these populations. Phase II/III trials are being conducted in patients with advanced NSCLC. Phase II trials of ZD1839 are also being conducted in patients who have hormone-refractory prostate, breast, or colorectal cancer, as well as other solid tumors. Based on the phase I study results, once-daily oral doses of 250 mg and 500 mg, which are well below the maximum tolerated dose, were selected for further clinical investigation of ZD1839.
How Accurately Can We Estimate the Proton Lifetime in an SU(5) Grand Unified Model

Abstract We reduce the theoretical uncertainties in the prediction of the proton lifetime in the simplest SU(5) model to an uncertainty reflecting our lack of precise knowledge of the QCD coupling constant, of the mass of color Higgs' bosons, and of the proton wave function at the origin. This enables us to put a confident upper bound on the lifetime in this model. Our analysis includes all renormalization prescription dependence effects and phase-space effects. Branching ratios to experimentally significant decay modes are also discussed.
Viscoelastic thermal stress analysis

Abstract The viscoelastic/elastic analogy leads directly to the viscoelastic solution for thermal stresses in a variety of glass-to-metal seals. This paper examines the conditions which must be met for that approach to be applicable, and shows that it cannot be used in most bodies with spatially varying temperature or composition. A method is presented which leads easily to solutions for the stresses in tempered or ion-exchanged plates, and in glass-to-glass sandwich seals. In the latter case, calculated stresses agree well with measured stresses reported in the literature.
Aerosol diagnostics and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry with demountable concentric nebulizers

A demountable concentric nebulizer (DCN) is evaluated for inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS). This nebulizer operates at conditions similar to a commercial pneumatic nebulizer used in ICP spectrometries, but is easily fabricated and is considerably less expensive. Key aerosol diagnostics data, and analytical figures of merit are presented for the DCN used in ICPMS. The DCN produces a better quality primary aerosol when using inner capillaries of smaller diameters. At a solution uptake rate of about 500 µL min−1 and a nebulizer gas flow rate of 1.0 L min−1, the Sauter mean diameter (D3,2) of the primary aerosol of the DCN is 7 µm and 14 µm for solution capillaries having an i.d. of 95 µm (DCN-1) and 190 µm (DCN-2), respectively. Based on the cumulative mass percent data, nearly 70% of the total mass of the droplets produced by DCN-1, under the above conditions, is composed of droplets having sizes less than 10 µm. The D3,2 of the tertiary aerosol of DCN-1, under the same operating conditions, is reduced to 5 and 3 µm when the nebulizer is coupled to a Scott-type and a cyclonic spray chamber, respectively. The tertiary aerosol of the DCNs studied does not show substantially different D3,2 values, particularly when the cyclonic spray chamber is used. Under optimum conditions, detection limits, sensitivities, and precision for the DCN compare favorably with a commercially available crossflow nebulizer. The accuracy and precision of the DCN in ICPMS measurements are demonstrated using two standard reference materials: SRM 1643c (Trace Elements in Water), and SRM 1570 (Trace Elements in Spinach).