cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Group sequential clinical trials: a classical evaluation of Bayesian decision-theoretic designs

Abstract Bayesian decision-theoretic designs for a clinical trial comparing two treatments for a disease with binary outcomes are developed and evaluated. The probability of successful outcome with treatment i is denoted by pi , i = 1, 2, and prior knowledge regarding each pi is assumed to follow a beta distribution. The pi are assumed to be independent. To facilitate comparison with frequentist clinical trial designs, we take a hypothesis-testing approach. The null hypothesis is δ 0, where δ 0 is the minimum treatment effect sought by the trial and δ = p 2 - p 1 is the true treatment difference. We use a simple terminal loss function reflecting the hypothesis-testing goal of the trial, and the total cost of the trial is the final sample size plus the terminal loss function. The stopping and decision rules that minimize the expectation of the total cost are determined by backward induction. Monte Carlo simulation is used to compare Bayesian and frequentist erro...
WICS as a model of giftedness

This article presents WICS as a model of giftedness. WICS stands for Wisdom, Intelligence, Creativity, Synthesized. The article considers the relation between giftedness and expertise, and argues that giftedness is, ultimately, expertise in development. One cannot clearly distinguish between giftedness and expertise, because all measures of giftedness assess some kind of expertise, at least to an extent. The article then considers intelligence, creativity, and wisdom as elements of giftedness. It then draws some conclusions.
Polyacetylene: Its synthesis, doping and structure

Syntheses: premiers travaux avec les catalyseurs de Ziegler-Natta; systemes catalyseurs avec metal du groupe VIII; systemes catalyseurs Ziegler-Natta de type Shirakawa; systemes de composes du cyclopentadienyle; systemes catalyseurs de metal du groupe VI; reaction de Diels-Alder inversee; polymerisation radiochimique; deshalogenation du PVC; composites du polyacetylene. Dopage: differentes methodes de dopage; controverses sur le dopage; effet du dopage. Implantation d'ions. Structure et proprietes: structure cristalline et morphologique; proprietes physiques. Polyacetylene soluble. Dopants electrures
A standard python environment for software applications at the Robert C. Byrd Green Bank Telescope (GBT)

Since 2003, the monitor and control software systems for the Robert C. Byrd Green Bank Telescope (GBT) have been substantially redesigned to make the telescope easier to use. The result is the release of the Astronomer's Integrated Desktop (Astrid), an observation management platform used to create and submit scheduling blocks, monitor their progress on the telescope, and provide a real time, quick look data display. Using Astrid, the astronomer launches one application and has access to all of the software, documentation, and feedback facilities that are required to conduct an interactive observing session. These systems together provide a common look and feel for GBT software applications, enable offline observation preparation, and facilitate dynamic scheduling and remote observing.
Kinetic theory and simulations of active polar liquid crystalline polymers

A kinetic model is derived for active polar liquid crystalline polymers, that is, ensembles of polar, large molecular weight, rigid rod, “swimmers” in a viscous solvent. The model couples polarity and particle-activation physics to the Doi–Hess theory for passive liquid crystalline polymers (LCP). Our model extends the polar hydrodynamic liquid crystal model of the Marchetti group to active large molecular weight rods at arbitrary equilibrium volume fractions. The Doi–Hess–Smoluchowski equation inherits contributions due to spatial inhomogeneity and translational diffusion of the rod number density, rod polarity and self-propulsion, and the hydrodynamic equations inherit additional extra stress contributions. By suppression of LCP physics, our model recovers kinetic and mesoscopic active suspension theories of athermal, polar and apolar, micron-scale swimmers. The authors' full orientation space, 2D physical space, Smoluchowski–Navier–Stokes solver is generalized to the new model and implemented on the full system of 125 nonlinear PDEs from which we explore the coupling of rotational and translational diffusion, nano-rod density gradients, polarity and self-propulsion, and flow feedback through polar and nematic stresses. For this paper, results are presented for the dilute regime where the stable passive isotropic phase is driven far from equilibrium by activation physics, the analog of non-Brownian active “pusher” suspensions. We present a rich family of excitable and stationary patterns, previously seen in Landau–de Gennes-type coarse-grained models of apolar and polar active nematics and boundary-driven passive nematics at semi-dilute concentrations where the passive isotropic state is unstable. We find fluctuating, periodic and stationary patterns, including 1D banded and diverse 2D patterns, tunable by the relative strengths of rotational and translational diffusivity with all other physical parameters held constant.
The fission yeast Taz1 protein protects chromosomes from Ku-dependent end-to-end fusions.

Abstract A paramount role of telomeres is to prevent chromosome fusions. The fission yeast Taz1 protein regulates diverse telomere functions but is not essential for growth under stress-free conditions. Strikingly, however, taz1 − cells exhibit lethal telomere fusions when subjected to nitrogen starvation, a treatment that induces an uncommitted G1 state. These fusions are formed by Ku-dependent nonhomologous end joining. Fusions also occur during normal growth in taz1 − cells that lack rad22 + , a gene involved in homologous recombination. Our data suggest a model whereby taz1 − telomeres are exposed to the prevailing mode of DNA repair, which is dictated by the cell cycle. Thus, Taz1 caps chromosome ends and provides the telomerespecific interaction that prevents Ku from treating telomeres as double-strand breaks.
Benign or malignant? The effects of institutions

Summary The institutions discussed in this paper are those which most children attend for some (and in a few cases, most) of their time. It is argued that, not only are there differences in institutions ostensibly performing the same function, but that, with rare exceptions, differences in organization, philosophy and ethos can exert an influence on inmates in both the long and the short term. The question of what attempts have been made to alter the influence of institutions is then addressed in terms of changing structure, organization and attitudes. The agents of change include government committees, a local education authority, researchers, pressure groups and/or staff of the institutions. Whilst the enduring nature of institutions is recognized, some suggestions for strategies of change are made. These draw on research evidence indicating the kinds of institutional environments most suitable for children's development, the need for a coherent unified policy on child care, and for effective parent involvement, all of which could make the influence of institutions more positive—benign rather than malignant.
Deriving artificial models of visitors from dispersed patterns of use in the Sierra Nevada Wilderness, California

Summary Natural resource managers are faced with a complex problem of understanding human use patterns and associated impacts in dispersed recreation wilderness settings. While conventional approaches to modelling have limited use in acquiring and understanding such complex associations, spatial simulation models have been proposed as an alternative. The purpose of this paper is to describe a project whose focus is on a dispersed recreation context of backpacking trips and commercial packstock operations in the John Muir Wilderness in the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California. This paper will discuss the data collection and synthesis to derive agent profiles and rules as a precursor to the development of a dynamic, agent based model that represents the spatial distribution of visitation patterns.
Improving Community Skills After Lower Extremity Joint Replacement

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of an occupational therapy intervention focused on improving community skills after a lower extremity major joint replacement. One hundred and se...
`Poor people in silk shirts': Dress and ethnogenesis in Spanish-colonial San Francisco

At El Presidio de San Francisco, Spain's northernmost outpost in the Americas, military settlers refashioned their social identities by refusing the racializing sistema de castas and asserting a sh...
Getting in touch with history : The role of historic preservation in shaping collective memories

This paper argues that historic preservation is playing an increasingly important role in shaping collective memories. Historic preservation encompasses the range of strategies by which historic structures are maintained, manipulated, and managed. These strategies include preservation, restoration, conservation and consolidation, reconstitution, adaptive re-use, reconstruction, and replication (Fitch 1982: 46–47). While people are drawn to historic sites in the hopes of an immediate encounter with authentic, physical remains, this encounter is never unmediated. Instead, three social processes can be identified that shape it and the collective memories associated with the site: namely 1) selection, 2) contextualization, and 3) interpretation. Focussing on examples drawn from the field of industrial preservation in Great Britain and the United States, I demonstrate how these processes shape our encounters with history, and how this form of commemoration inevitably involves a political dimension.
Enhanced Integration of Newborn Neurons after Neonatal Insults

The production and integration of adult-generated neurons in the dentate gyrus is dramatically perturbed by a variety of pathological insults, including repetitive seizures and hypoxia/ischemia. Less is known about how insults affect early postnatal neurogenesis, during the developmental period when the majority of dentate neurons are produced. Here we tested how single episodes of hypoxia or chemically induced seizure activity in postnatal day 10 mice alter granule cell production and integration. Although neither insult was sufficient to alter the number of newborn neurons nor the population of proliferating cells, both treatments increased the dendritic complexity of newborn granule cells that were born around the time of the insult. Surprisingly, only the dendritic enhancement caused by hypoxia was associated with increased synaptic integration. These results suggest that alterations in dendritic integration can be dissociated from altered neural production and that integration appears to have a lower threshold for perturbation. Furthermore, newborn neurons in adult mice that experienced neonatal hypoxia had reduced dendritic length while having no alterations in number. Together these results suggest that single insults during the neonatal period can have both long- and short-term consequences for neuronal maturation.
Volatilization of urania under strongly oxidizing conditions

Abstract Vapor pressures are presented for UO 3 (g) over U 3 O 8− x in air by the transpiration technique. Measurements are also presented for UO 3 over the two-phase region, UO 2.24 –UO 2.60. Measurements made in steam-oxygen led to establishment of the homogeneous equilibrium UO 3 (g) + H 2 O(g) = UO 2 (OH) 2 (g). Some thermochemical values are presented. A method is shown for computing UO 3 and UO 2 (OH) 2 pressure for any temperature, steam concentration, and oxygen potential. Total volatilities and mass loss rates have been computed for some potential loss of pool coolant scenarios.
In vivo and in vitro effects of azaconazole on renal function in the Fischer 344 rat.

Abstract Azaconazole is an experimental agriculture fungicide which has shown promise for use in controlling powdery mildew on crops and bean rust. This study examined the nephrotoxic potential of a single intraperitoneal azaconazole injection (0.4 or 0.6 mmol/kg) or daily azaconazole administration (0.1 or 0.3 mmol/kg/day) for 7 days in male Fischer 344 rats. The in vitro effects of azaconazole on the accumulation of organic ions by renal cortical slices alse were examined. Acute azaconazole administration (0.4 or 0.6 mmol/kg, i.p.) produced a marked decrease in urine volume at 6 h. By 48 h urine volume was still decreased in the 0.6-mmol/kg group but not the 0.4-mmol/kg group. Proteinuria (++) and slight hematuria were seen in the 0.6-mmol/kg group on both treatment days. Accumulation of p -aminohioppurate (PAH) by renal cortical slices was stimulated in both azaconazole-treated groups while tetraethylammonium (TEA) accumulation was not altered. No changes in blood urea nitrogen concentration, kidney weight or renal morphology were produced at 48 h postinjection by either azaconazole dose. Daily administration of azaconazole (0.1 or 0.3 mmol/kg/day) did not significantly alter any of the renal parameters studied. Incubation of renal cortical slices with increasing concentrations of azaconazole from 10 −5 M to 10 −3 M caused a continued reduction in TEA accumulation. PAH accumulation was increased significantly following incubation with azaconazole 10 −5 or 10 − M. These results indicate that azaconazole is capable of producing acute, reversible renal effects at doses equal to or less than 0.6 mmol/kg and altering organic ion transport both in vivo and in vitro. The lack of marked renal effects following exposure to azaconazole is favorable for the development of this compound as an agricultural fungicide.
Expression of doublecortin reveals articular chondrocyte lineage in mouse embryonic limbs

The doublecortin (Dcx) gene encodes a microtubule-binding protein that was originally found in immature neurons. In this study, we used two mouse strains that express reporter genes (LacZ and enhanced green fluorescence protein, respectively) driven by the endogenous Dcx promoter. We found that Dcx was expressed in the mesenchymal cells in the mouse embryonic limb buds. A population of the mesenchymal cells continued Dcx expression after they differentiated into joint interzone cells and then articular chondrocytes. In contrast, the endochondral chondrocytes lost Dcx expression when the mesenchymal cells differentiated into endochondral chondrocytes. These data support a concept that the articular and endochondral chondrocytes originate from the same mesenchymal cells that express Dcx. In contrast to the notion that articular chondrocytes are derived from de-differentiated endochondral chondrocytes, our findings demonstrate that the lineages of articular and endochondral chondrocytes bifurcate at the stage of endochondral chondrogenesis.
Cyclic strain resistance and fracture behaviour of Al2O3-particulate-reinforced 2014 aluminium alloy metal-matrix composites

Abstract A study has been made to understand the low-cycle fatigue properties and cyclic fracture characteristics of 2014 aluminium alloy discontinuously reinforced with varying amounts of Al 2 O 3 particulates. The 2014/A1 2 O 3 composite specimens were cyclically deformed over a range of cyclic strain amplitudes, using tension-compression loading under total strain-amplitude control. The 2014/AI 2 O 3 composites exhibited softening at all cyclic plastic strain amplitudes and for different volume fractions of the discontinuous particulate reinforcement in the ductile metal matrix. The softening effect was greater at the higher cyclic strain amplitudes, and increased with test temperature. The intrinsic micromechanisms controlling the stress response characteristics during fully reversed cyclic straining are highlighted and the rationale for the observed softening behaviour is discussed. The cyclic strain resistance and resultant low-cycle fatigue life of the composites improved with increase in test temperature. The improvement was noteworthy at low cyclic plastic strain amplitudes and resultant long fatigue life. The kinetics governing the cyclic fracture process are discussed in the light of composite microstructural effects, cyclic plastic strain amplitude, concomitant response stress and test temperature.
Yeast myosin heavy chain mutant : maintenance of the cell type specific budding pattern and the normal deposition of chitin and cell wall components requires an intact myosin heavy chain gene

Recent studies with myosin heavy chain mutants in the slime mold Dictyostelium discoideum and the yeast Saccharoymyces cerevisiae indicate that the myosin heavy chain gene is not essential for cell survival under laboratory growth conditions. However, cells lacking a normal myosin heavy chain gene demonstrate substantial alterations in growth and cell division. In this study, we report that a disruption mutant in the rod portion of the yeast myosin heavy chain gene, MYOl, produces abnormal chitin distribution and cell wall organization at the mother-bud neck in a high proportion of dividing cells. It is suggested that this phenotype is the cause of the cell division defect and the osmotic sensitivity of yeast MYOl mutants. In the absence of a normal MYOl polypeptide, yeast cells alter their cell type specific budding pattern. It is concluded that an intact myosin heavy chain gene is required to maintain the cell type specific budding pattern and the correct localization and deposition of chitin and cell wall components during cell growth and division.
Vitamin E regulation.

Purpose of reviewVitamin E deficiency in humans has lead to the discovery of regulatory mechanisms that control plasma α-tocopherol concentrations and prevent the accumulation of other molecules with vitamin E-antioxidant activity, such as γ-tocopherol. This review describes these regulatory mechani
Learning about climate change and implications for near-term policy

Climate change is an issue of risk management. The most important causes for concern are not the median projections of future climate change, but the low-probability, high-consequence impacts. Because the policy question is one of sequential decision making under uncertainty, we need not decide today what to do in the future. We need only to decide what to do today, and future decisions can be revised as we learn more.
C-type viruses in systemic lupus erythematosus

VIRUSES have been implicated as the agents of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) expressed by dogs1 and mice2. We have shown that cell-free filtrates prepared from the spleens of dogs with positive LE cell tests induced anti-nuclear and anti-double-stranded DNA antibodies in CAF1 mice. The canine filtrate also induced lymphoid tumours in some recipient mice1. One of these neoplasms, SP 104, produces a monoclonal antibody against double-stranded DNA. Cultured SP 104 cells produce, in addition to the anti-DNA antibody, C-type RNA viruses that induce anti-nuclear antibodies when inoculated into normal mice (R.M.L., W.T., C.S., and R.S.S., unpublished). Here we present preliminary evidence linking the SP 104 virus to SLE in humans. Our results suggest that antigenic determinants related to the SP 104 virus are present on the lymphocytes of patients with SLE.
Effects of pH and selenium oxidation state on the selenium accumulation and yield of alfalfa

Abstract Experiments were performed in greenhouse sand culture to determine the effect of pH and Se oxidation state on the tissue composition and yield of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). Alfalfa was planted and irrigated with nutrient solution containing 0, 0.25, 0.5, 1.0 or 3.0 mg Se L‐1 as Na2SeO3 or Na2SeOl4. The solution pH was maintained at 7.0 ± 0.2 or 4.5±0.2. Three harvests were made and the shoots and roots weighed and analyzed for total Se. At the levels tested, additions of Se to the treatment solutions increased the tissue Se concentrations and depressed alfalfa shoot growth regardless of Se oxidation state or pH. Root growth was reduced in the presence of Se(VI) but was unaffected by Se(IV). Selenium was accumulated to higher concentrations in the shoot when supplied as Se(VI) compared to Se(IV) and accumulated to higher concentrations in the root when added as Se(IV) compared to Se(VI). Relative shoot yields were depressed more by Se(IV) then Se(VI) at pH 7, but there was no difference between...
Modeling of 2D photonic bandgap structures using a triangular mesh finite difference method

A numerical model is presented for computing the out-of- plane losses of a general class of row-defect waveguides formed by the superposition of a 2D photonic crystal onto a slab confinement structure. The usefulness of this model is demonstrated here by calculating the propagation loss of a single-row-defect waveguide composed of hexagonal air holes etched into two different slab structures. The results are interpreted in terms of a simple coupled-mode-theory picture in which loss is due to coupling by the waveguide corrugation between the fundamental and certain radiative slab modes. These calculations show that low-loss photonic crystal waveguides should be possible by carefully engineering the radiation modes of the slab waveguide.
Deconstructing difference: Gender, splitting, and transitional space

Apparently a straightforward elaboration of anatomical difference, “gender”; is symbolically tied to many kinds of cultural representations, which, in turn, set the terms not only for understanding the relations between women and men but for organizing self‐experience. Consequently, problems of self may come to be coded in terms of gender, and those of gender, in terms of the self. Using a clinical example, I speak of gender less as a determinate category than as something resembling a force field, that is, as a set of complex and shifting relations among multiple contrasts or differences. This multiplicity, in turn, generates some technical recommendations about gender and splitting. Recapturing split‐off parts of the self therefore requires inhabiting its transitional spaces, including that in which gender is not a given but is in question. Moreover, I suggest, counterintuitively, that gender identity both seals the package of self and preserves all the self must lose and thus bridges undifferentiated a...
Determination of parasitic parameters in a high frequency magnetic to improve the manufacturability, performance, and efficiency of a PV inverter

The power electronic inverter is an essential element of the photovoltaic systems as it converts the native direct-current (DC) from the photovoltaic cells into grid-compatible alternating current (AC), performs maximum power point tracking, and includes safety control and circuitry. Therefore performance, efficiency, and manufacturability are vitally important in the design, cost, and operation of the PV systems. Magnetic components such as inductors and transformers play a significant role in the efficiency and size/weight of inverter. They are also amongst the most difficult components to design, often requiring numerous design-build-test iterations. Accurate prediction and design of winding parasitic parameters of high frequency inductors in PV inverters is fundamental to improve performance, lower cost, and speed time to market. This paper presents a technique and method to analyze high frequency inductors in PV inverters with a FEA tool, and accurately determining parasitic winding capacitance of the high frequency inductors for use in PV inverters. Comparison of the proposed methodology in FEA tool simulations results with experimental and empirical formula results show good agreement, supporting method as a model-based design tool with the potential to considerably reduce the design-prototype-test cycle commonly needed with sophisticated magnetic designs.
Stochastic process of fracture in granular materials

Abstract By regarding the coefficient of particle friction of granular materials as a random variable distributed on the particle surface, the mechanism of particle sliding is interpreted as a stochastic process. Axial, shearing and volumetric strains are defined with regard to the deformation of a microscopic regular assembly of uniform spheres. For illustration, these strains are calculated for a uniform distribution of the coefficient of particle friction and applied to some triaxial test results reported elsewhere.
Assignment of extra lines in a perturbed band spectrum using power broadened line widths

Abstract Sub-doppler optical-optical double resonance (OODR) spectroscopy using two tuneable, 1 MHz width, dye lasers is shown to enehance detection, assignment, and frequency measurement of extra lines in perturbed band spectra. Perturbations of the BaO C 1 Σ + (υ = 3, J = 50) level are recognized by the appearance of narrow (Δν ≈ 60 MHz) extra lines.
Expression of complement component 3 (C3) from an adenovirus leads to pathology in the murine retina.

Purpose Activation of complement has been implicated as one of the major causes of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Evidence is accumulating for a role of complement in other retinal diseases, such as diabetic retinopathy and proliferative vitreoretinopathy. Because of the paucity of animal models that directly investigate the role of complement in retinal pathology, the authors sought to develop a model of increased complement expression and activation, specifically in the murine retina. Methods The authors constructed a recombinant adenovirus-expressing murine complement component 3 (C3, AdcmvC3). Adult mice were injected in the subretinal space with either AdcmvC3 or a control virus, AdcmvGFP. After 1 to 2 weeks of exogenous C3 expression, mice were analyzed by scotopic electroretinography and fluorescein angiography. Eyes were harvested for histologic, immunohistochemical, and quantitative RT-PCR analyses. Results Mice injected with C3-expressing adenovirus exhibited significantly increased vascular permeability, endothelial cell proliferation and migration, RPE atrophy, loss of photoreceptor outer segments, reactive gliosis, retinal detachment, and reduced retinal function relative to those injected with a control adenovirus. Deposition of the membrane attack complex was observed on endothelial cells and photoreceptor outer segments. Conclusions Adenovirus-mediated delivery of C3 to murine RPE induces significant functional and anatomic changes that reproduce many of the features of AMD as well as those of other retinal diseases. This novel model may be useful in assessing the role of complement in retinal pathology and in developing anti-complement therapies for retinal diseases associated with complement activation.
The carbon dioxide cycle

Abstract The seasonal CO2 cycle on Mars refers to the exchange of carbon dioxide between dry ice in the seasonal polar caps and gaseous carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. This review focuses on breakthroughs in understanding the process involving seasonal carbon dioxide phase changes that have occurred as a result of observations by Mars Global Surveyor.
Early Outcomes From Three Prospective Trials of Image-Guided Proton Therapy for Prostate Cancer

Purpose To report early outcomes with image-guided proton therapy for prostate cancer. Methods and Materials We accrued 211 prostate cancer patients on prospective Institutional Review Board-approved trials of 78 cobalt gray equivalent (CGE) in 39 fractions for low–risk disease, dose escalation from 78 to 82 CGE for intermediate-risk disease, and 78 CGE with concomitant docetaxel followed by androgen deprivation for high-risk disease. Minimum follow-up was 2 years. Results One intermediate-risk patient and 2 high-risk patients had disease progression. Pretreatment genitourinary (GU) symptom management was required in 38% of patients. A cumulative 88 (42%) patients required posttreatment GU symptom management. Four transient Grade 3 GU toxicities occurred, all among patients requiring pretreatment GU symptom management. Multivariate analysis showed correlation between posttreatment GU 2+ symptoms and pretreatment GU symptom management (p (p = 0.0048). Only 1 Grade 3+ gastrointestinal (GI) symptom occurred. The prevalence of Grade 2+ GI symptoms was 0 (0%), 10 (5%), 12 (6%), and 8 (4%) at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months, with a cumulative incidence of 20 (10%) patients at 2 years after proton therapy. Univariate and multivariate analyses showed significant correlation between Grade 2+ rectal bleeding and proctitis and the percentage of rectal wall (rectum) receiving doses ranging from 40 CGE (10 CGE) to 80 CGE. Conclusions Early outcomes with image-guided proton therapy suggest high efficacy and minimal toxicity with only 1.9% Grade 3 GU symptoms and
Evaluation and development of technical thermoplastic systems for desalination and other water treatment applications.

Abstract The presentation deals, from an industrial point of view, with successful applications as well as revolutionary new concepts for water treatment, currently under development. With the back up of the involved companies the following items will be reviewed: • • Examples such as AQUANOVA (C.F.E.), GKSS (R.O.) and PASSAVANT (lamella seperator). • • Material introduction ; polyphenyleneoxide and polyetherimide under consideration of: ◦ -FDA;BGA ◦ -economical, application dependent production methods. ◦ -influence and advantages for the treatment system; corrosion, chemical resistance, HDT, water absorbtion and equilibrium, surface appearance. • • Theoretical possibilities and new concepts. A comprehensive report on materials and case studies will be available at the conference.
Culturable bacteria from plum fruit surfaces and their potential for controlling brown rot after harvest

Abstract Fruit microflora have been the richest source of antagonists against fruit decays and the active ingredient in all currently available commercial biocontrol products. A comprehensive evaluation of plum bacteria for biocontrol activity against Monilinia fructicola , which causes brown rot of stone fruit, is important for determining their biocontrol potential. Resident culturable bacterial microflora of plums from early fruit development until maturity were characterized. The most dominant genera were Curtobacterium (19.88%), Pseudomonas (15.06%), Microbacterium (13.86%), and Clavibacter (12.65%). These genera occurred at all four isolation times and accounted for 61.45% of all isolates. Microbacterium and Curtobacterium dominated at the early stage of fruit development while Pseudomonas and Clavibacter were dominant at the end of the season. Less prevalent genera were Enterobacter (5.42%), Chrysomonas (4.82%), and Pantoea (4.22%). Most frequently isolated species were Microbacterium lacticum , Clavibacter michiganensis , Curtobacterium flaccumfaciens , Enterobacter intermedius , and Chrysomonas luteola. The seasonal succession of genera was observed in both MANOVA and frequency analysis. Primary and secondary screening of plum-inhabiting bacteria for control of brown rot on wounded fruit resulted in selection of several antagonists among which Pantonea agglomerans and Citrobacter freundii were the most effective. These antagonists grew well in plum wounds and increased by four log units during first three days at 24 °C, and two log units after seven days at 4 °C. Results indicate that plum microflora are an excellent source of antagonists against brown rot decay originating from wounds after harvest.
Transcriptional regulation of plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 mRNA in Hep G2 cells by epidermal growth factor

Secretion of plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 (PAI-1) by cultured cells is increased after exposure to specific cytokines and growth factors. We have shown previously that incubation of Hep G2 cells with epidermal growth factor (EGF) results in a marked increase in steady state levels of PAI-1 mRNA (Lucore, C.L., et al. (1988) J. Biol. Chem. 263, 15845-15848). The present study was undertaken to determine whether the regulation of expression of PAI-1 mRNA by EGF is mediated at the level of transcription and/or by post-transcriptional mechanisms. The rate of transcription of the PAI-1 gene measured by nuclear run-on assays was found to be increased within 2 h after stimulation of the cells with EGF (5 ng/ml) (3.2 fold increase relative to control, n = 2, range 3.0-3.4). It reached a maximum in 3 h, (9.2 fold increase relative to control, n = 2, range 8.8-9.6) and returned to baseline in 5 h. Exposure of the cells to EGF did not increase the rate of transcription of the glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase gene. The half life of PAI-1 mRNA in Hep G2 cells was 120 min as determined by RNA blot analysis after exposure of the cells to actinomycin D to inhibit transcription. Stimulation of the cells with EGF did not result in significant change in the half life of PAI-1 mRNA. The results demonstrate that exposure of Hep G2 cells to EGF increases PAI-1 gene transcription.
Dengue virus photo-inactivated in presence of 1,5-iodonaphthylazide (INA) or AMT, a psoralen compound (4′-aminomethyl-trioxsalen) is highly immunogenic in mice

Two novel methods of dengue virus inactivation using iodonaphthyl azide (INA) and aminomethyl trioxsalen (AMT) were compared with traditional virus inactivation by formaldehyde. The AMT inactivated dengue-2 virus retained its binding to a panel of 5 monoclonal antibodies specific for dengue-2 envelope protein, whereas inactivation by formaldehyde and INA led to 30–50% decrease in binding. All three inactivated viruses elicited high level virus neutralizing antibodies in vaccinated mice. However, only mice vaccinated with AMT inactivated virus mounted T cell responses similar to live, uninactivated virus.
Free and Esterified Sterol Composition of Edible Oils and Fats

The free and esterified sterol concentrations in 31 edible oils and fats were determined, including individual values for sitosterol, campesterol, stigmasterol, brassicasterol, Δ5-avenasterol, sitostanol, campestanol, and cholesterol. Free and esterified sterols were separated by solid-phase extraction (SPE), saponified, and quantified as trimethylsilyl ether derivatives using capillary gas–liquid chromatography. Considerable variability in the proportion of free and esterified sterols was observed among different oils and fats, with free sterols ranging from 32 to 94% of total sterols. Refining or hydrogenation tended to decrease total sterols and increase esterified sterols. Differences in total phytosterol content and the proportion of free and esterified sterols also were evident for different samples of some oils. Among four soybean oils, total phytosterols ranged from 205 to 287 mg/100 g, and free sterols constituted 68–81% of total sterols; two different shortenings differed 62% in total sterol content (185–301 mg/100 g). Such variability in phytosterol composition likely reflects differences in processing, growing season, or variety of a particular plant source.
Adaptive Gabor transforms

Abstract We aim to provide time-frequency representations of a one-dimensional signal where the window is locally adapted to the signal, thus providing a better readability of the representation.
Effect of expectancy of task duration on the experience of fatigue

Abstract If a person is performing a fatiguing task and firmly expects that he must continue for a great length of time, feelings of extreme fatigue will have unpleasant consequences: Either he will terminate the task, or he will be miserable while completing it. Consequently, in order to avoid unpleasantness, people will suppress feelings of fatigue until their task is virtually complete, when they should experience a sharp increase in fatigue—since such feelings are no longer troublesome. In an experiment, subjects performed a series of fatiguing tasks. After a given number of tasks, those individuals who were led to believe that their chore was virtually at an end reported a greater increase in fatigue than those who expected that they must continue for a longer period of time.
Assessment of progression and prognosis in 'possible' and 'probable' Alzheimer's disease.

Objective. The objective of this study was to assess the rate of progression and clinical predictors of decline in subjects with ‘possible’ and ‘probable’ Alzheimer's disease (AD). Design/setting. The annual rate of change (ARC) for cognitive/functional scales was calculated for 95 subjects with AD attending a memory clinic. Two consecutive ARCs were calculated for a subgroup of 39 subjects. Results. The ARCs were relatively normally distributed; however, there was a large degree of variability. Neither age nor duration of symptoms at presentations were predictive of the rate of decline. However, the data suggested an effect of gender, with males having a greater rate of decline in cognition (p=0·02). Finally, the rate of progression over the first year did not predict the subsequent ARC (p=0·25). Conclusions. The high variability in ARCs observed in this study and poor correlation between consecutive ARCs suggest that neither mean ARC values nor the previous rate of decline can be used to aid clinicians in the assessment of response to acetylcholinesterase inhibitors or other specific treatments for AD. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A new topological degree theory for perturbations of the sum of two maximal monotone operators

Abstract Let X be an infinite dimensional real reflexive Banach space with dual space X ∗ and G ⊂ X , open and bounded. Assume that X and X ∗ are locally uniformly convex. Let T : X ⊃ D ( T ) → 2 X ∗ be maximal monotone and strongly quasibounded, S : X ⊃ D ( S ) → X ∗ maximal monotone, and C : X ⊃ D ( C ) → X ∗ strongly quasibounded w.r.t. S and such that it satisfies a generalized ( S + ) -condition w.r.t. S . Assume that D ( S ) = L ⊂ D ( T ) ∩ D ( C ) , where L is a dense subspace of X , and 0 ∈ T ( 0 ) , S ( 0 ) = 0 . A new topological degree theory is introduced for the sum T + S + C , with degree mapping d ( T + S + C , G , 0 ) . The reason for this development is the creation of a useful tool for the study of a class of time-dependent problems involving three operators. This degree theory is based on a degree theory that was recently developed by Kartsatos and Skrypnik just for the single-valued sum S + C , as above.
Presence of retinogeniculate fibers is essential for initiating the formation of each interlaminar space in the lateral geniculate nucleus.

Abstract We demonstrated in a previous study that, following neonatal bilateral enucleation in the tree shrew, interlaminar spaces (ILSs) in the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus fail to form. In the present study we sought to determine which aspects of ILS formation are dependent upon retinal input. Accordingly, we studied the degree of ILS formation in tree shrews which were bilaterally enucleated either during ILS formation on postnatal day 3 (P3) or just after all ILSs were apparent but before they had reached a mature width (P15). Our results indicate that retinal input is necessary for the initial formation of each ILS, but that it is not required for the maturation or maintenance of ILSs which have already begun to form.
Airway tree segmentation using adaptive regions of interest

The accurate segmentation of the human airway tree from volumetric CT images builds an important corner stone in pulmonary image processing. It is the basis for many consecutive processing steps like branch-point labeling and matching, virtual bronchoscopy, and more. Previously reported airway tree segmentation methods often suffer from "leaking" into the surrounding lung tissue, caused by the anatomically thin airway wall combined with the occurrence of partial volume effect and noise. Another common problem with previously proposed airway segmentation algorithms is their difficulties with segmenting low dose scans and scans of heavily diseased lungs. We present a new airway tree segmentation method that works in 3D, avoids leaks, and automatically adapts to different types of scans without the need for the user to iteratively adjust any parameters.
Comparative studies of the spectroscopic properties of Nd 3+ : YAG nanocrystals, transparent ceramic and single crystal

Detailed comparative spectroscopic studies of Nd3+ doped YAG nanocrystals, transparent ceramic and single crystal have been performed. Although most of the radiative spectral properties of Nd3+ are almost in good agreement between the three hosts, the non-radiative losses are significantly high in nanocrystals, which are attributed due to the presence of large amount of hydroxyl groups on the nanocrystals surface which deteriorates the quality of the material for laser applications. In addition, wavelength dependent scattering loss for the Nd3+ doped YAG nanocrystals is found significantly high compared to those of Nd3+ doped single crystal and ceramic.
The Utility of Toluidine Blue for Assessing Cross Contamination in Fluid Specimens

Results: All of the patients found in this study presented with malignant pleural effusion or ascitesdother serous cavity effusions resulting from metastatic breast carcinoma were not seen. “Cannonball” formation was only found in 5 of the six cases of moderately differentiated (Nottingham grade 2) breast carcinoma (Figure 1). All five of these cases had Nottingham sub-scores of 3 for tubule formation, 2 for pleomorphism, and 1 for mitotic activity. The 5 cases of primary breast carcinoma with poor differentiation (grade 3) and with malignant effusion all displayed single malignant cells or dyshesive clusters of malignant cells (Figure 2). The average time from breast biopsy to detection of malignant effusion was 298 days for grade 2 primary breast carcinoma and 2003 days for grade 3 primary breast carcinoma (Table 1). Immunohistochemistry for common breast carcinoma molecular markers was noted for the original biopsy and malignant effusion. In the malignant effusion, ER and PR were often lost while mammoglobin was commonly retained (Table 2).
Screening adolescent females for Chlamydia trachomatis at a six-month interval.

Conclusions: Urine-based chlamydia screening and treatment at a six-month interval in school-based/student health centers were acceptable to young women. A moderate chlamydia incidence was found at this six-month interval re-screen most of which were newly acquired infections rather than recurrent infections. Sexually active young women should be offered chlamydia testing at six-month intervals. (excerpt)
Taurine-induced neuronal differentiation: the influence of calcium and the ganglioside gm1

Abstract Taurine-induced differentiation was examined in the murine neuroblastoma Neuro-2a cell line in the presence or absence of the monosialoganglioside GM1 and under conditions in which Ca2+ levels were manipulated. Taurine (4 mM), GM1 (200 μg/ml), or taurine with GM1 were applied to culture media that contained either various concentrations of Ca2+ or the Ca2+ ionophore A23187. Taurine or GM1 and taurine with GM1 increased the number of cells emitting neuntes above that found for controls. A significant interaction was found between treatment (taurine, GM1 or taurine+GM1) and the manipulations of Ca2+ levels, affecting the number of neuntes and producing changes on the neuritic and perikaryal surfaces. Treatment with both taurine and taurine+GM1 and the various concentrations of Ca2+ resulted in a significant increase in neurite elongation. The Ca2+ ionophore A23187 in the presence of taurine or taurine+GM1 caused neuntes to grow longer than observed in media containing Ca2+, either in a low concentration (about 125 μM) or at 1–2 mM. Taurine-treated cultures in the presence of extracellular Ca2+ or A23187 were characterized by surfaces with numerous microvillar, spine-like projections. This effect was enhanced with GM1 and was less pronounced in the medium containing low levels of Ca2+. Transmission electron microscopy of the taurine-stimulated neurons revealed an excessive number of clear-core vesicles (40–200 nm in diameter) in perikarya, neuntes and neuritic varicosities and growth cones. In addition, numerous aggregates of intermediate filaments were seen. They were most abundant in the taurine+GM1 treated cultures. The taurine+A23187 cultures also exhibited numerous microtubules within the elongated processes. The different neuritic patterns induced by taurine under conditions in which Ca2+ levels were manipulated and/or when cells were exposed to exogenous GM1 suggest that taurine's actions depend in part on Ca2+ flux.
Chronic pain: Intrusion and accommodation

Cognitive-behavioral and self-management perspectives on chronic pain emphasize the central role that patient's appraisals of their pain problems may have in determining aspects of the pain experience. This paper reports the development of a self-report instrument measuring two aspects of patients' appraisals of their pain and its impact on their lives. Two reliable and meaningful scales were derived via factor analysis, and a second sample was submitted to confirmatory factor analysis. Further analyses offered support for the internal consistency and stability of the scales. Pain Intrusion is related to greater depressive symptom severity and pain behaviors reflecting affective distress. Pain Accommodation is related to self-reports of greater self-control, viewing oneself as a problem-solver, fewer depressive symptoms, and fewer pain behaviors reflecting affective distress. This report introduces these constructs and the Chronic Pain Intrusion and Accommodation Scales that measure them, and discusses their theoretical and clinical relevance.
A general purpose alpha-gamma hot laboratory

Abstract The design for a general purpose hot-cell laboratory that embodies the maximum safety for operating personnel handling source material containing airborne alpha-gamma emitters is discussed in this report. The layout of this alpha-gamma hot-cell complex is predicated on the assumption that the in-cell research, process, or experimentation is always performed remotely, that sufficient remote handling equipment is available at all times to clear the cells of gamma emitters, and that equipment setup and removal and maintenance are done by properly protected personnel.
Knowledge discovering for document classification using tree matching in TEXPROS

Abstract This paper describes a knowledge-based system for classifying documents based upon the layout structure and conceptual information extracted from their contents. The spatial elements in a document are laid out in rectangular blocks which are represented by nodes in an ordered labeled tree, called the “Layout Structure Tree” (L-S Tree). Each leaf node of an L-S Tree points to its corresponding block content. A Knowledge Acquisition Tool (KAT) is devised to perform the inductive learning from L-S Trees of document samples, and then generate the Document Sample Tree and Document Type Tree bases. A testing document is classified if a Document Type Tree is discovered as a substructure of the L-S Tree of the testing document. Then we match the L-S Tree with the Document Sample Trees of the classified document type to find the format of the testing document. The Document Sample Trees and Document Type Trees are called Structural Knowledge Base (SKB). The tree discovering and matching processes involve comparing the SKB trees and a testing document's L-S Tree by using pattern matching and discovering toolkits. Our experimental results demonstrate that many office documents can be classified correctly using the proposed approach.