cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Spore Coat Protein Synergizes Bacillus thuringiensis Crystal Toxicity for the Indianmeal Moth ( Plodia interpunctella )

Spores from Bacillus thuringiensis serovars kurstaki and entomocidus synergized crystal protein toxicity for larvae of the Indianmeal moth (Plodia interpunctella). Preparations of spore-crystal mixtures of either serovar were more toxic for the larvae than either purified spores or crystals alone (based on dry weight). Spores lost 53% of their toxicity for the Indianmeal moth after 2 h of UV-irradiation, but remained partially toxic (28%) even after 4 h of irradiation. Spore coat protein was toxic for the Indianmeal moth and was synergistic with B. thuringiensis serovar kurstaki HD-1 crystal protein. Enhanced toxicity of the combined spore-crystal preparation was attributed to a combination of crystal and spore coat protein, and included the effects of spore germination and resulting septicemia in the larval hemolymph. Ultraviolet irradiation of spores reduced the toxicity from septicemia but not the synergism caused by spore coat protein. The potencies of spore-crystal preparations must be carefully evaluated on the basis of contributions from all three factors.
Genetic consequences of clonal versus seed sampling in model populations of two wild potato species indigenous to the USA.

Wild potatoes reproduce in the wild clonally by tubers or sexually by seeds. This case study examined the genetic consequences of sampling in situ clones or in situ seeds for model populations of two indigenous potato species of the USA, Solanum stoloniferum (formerly S. fendleri) PI 564039 and Solanum jamesii PI 605371. Solanum stoloniferum is a selfing disomic tetraploid while S. jamesii is a diploid that reproduces by outcrossing. Genetic diversity of in situ clonal collections and in situ seed collections of these species were compared with RAPDs. More diversity (i.e., RAPD polymorphism) was found within the tuber collection than seed collection for S. stoloniferum but for S. jamesii, the opposite was true, with seed collection capturing significantly more diversity than tubers. It has generally been assumed that collecting in situ seeds will result in capture of more genetic diversity. However, this work indicates that clonal collections may capture more genetic diversity, perhaps depending on the breeding behavior of the species.
Thermal and ion beam induced thin film reactions in Cu-Al bilayers

Thermal and ion beam induced thin film reactions in Cu-Al bilayers were investigated by Rutherford backscattering and X-ray diffraction. A marker experiment was performed to study the moving species during the reaction using W embedded in the interface. At the initial stage of the thermally induced reaction, CuAl2, which is the most Al rich phase in the Cu-Al system, was observed to nucleate after annealing at 220°C for 30 min. Al was the dominant moving species during CuAl2 phase growth. The diffusion of Cu was enhanced as the temperature increased, which resulted in the formation of Cu9Al4 as the second phase. The diffusion of Cu became dominant at temperatures above 240°C. In ion beam mixing, on the other hand, the CuAl2 phase was not observed to form. The Cu9Al4 phase nucleated from the beginning of the reaction.
Incentive structure of CEO stock option pay and stock ownership: the moderating effects of firm risk

Outlines previous research on the role of executive compensation contracts in reducing conflicts of interest between ownership and control; and develops hypotheses on the effects of chief executive officer stock options and share ownership on subsequent firm performance. Suggests that since options do not create losses when share prices decline, they encourage more risk taking than share ownership. Explains the methodology used to test these ideas on 1994‐1996 data for a sample of large US firms and presents the results, which suggest that both stock options and share ownership are positively linked to later firm performance but that the link is stronger for ownership in high risk situations, but lower performance where risk is high. Considers the implications for corporate governance and consistency with other research; and calls for further research.
Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial of Fluoxetine in Adolescents with Comorbid Major Depression and an Alcohol Use Disorder

Objective This study compared the acute phase (12-week) efficacy of fluoxetine versus placebo for the treatment of the depressive symptoms and the drinking of adolescents with comorbid major depression (MDD) and an alcohol use disorder (AUD). We hypothesized that fluoxetine would demonstrate efficacy versus placebo for the treatment of both the depressive symptoms and the drinking of comorbid MDD/AUD adolescents.
Simulation of linear and non-linear propagation effects of a random turbulence field on bridge flutter instability

Abstract This paper presents the results of an analytical and numerical investigation on the implications associated with the propagation of an “uncertain” turbulence field on the aeroelastic stability of long-span bridges. Even though the influence of turbulence on flutter has received the attention of the wind engineering community in the recent past, an alternative formulation for simulating turbulence effects on flutter is proposed, in the general context of uncertainty and modeling error simulation. The coupled-mode flutter threshold, limited to the fundamental bending and torsional modes of a bridge, is estimated in the time domain by stochastic calculus techniques. A generalized modal correlation length is used to simulate turbulence modeling errors. Both linear and non-linear random propagation is investigated by means of stochastic stability. A numerical integration scheme is employed for the solution of the dynamic equations and to derive second-moment stability conditions for non-linear case. A set of simplified bridge examples is analyzed. Either a decrement or an increment in the critical velocity is observed for the non-linear random turbulence case, depending on the selected example. Nevertheless, this variation is usually small, of the order of a few percents in comparison with the “turbulence-free” scenario.
First Report of Root Rot of Soybeans Caused by Corynespora cassiicola in Wisconsin

Corynespora cassiicola (Berk. & M. A. Curtis) C. T. Wei was isolated from diseased soybean plants (Glycine max) collected in two fields near Racine and Arlington, WI. Plants sampled at seedling emergence (VC), late vegetative (V5), and mid-reproductive (R5) stages exhibited reddish to dark brown longitudinal lesions on the exterior of the tap root extending vertically on the hypocotyl to the soil line, and extensive necrosis of lateral roots. Sample size at each growth stage was 144 plants per site. Roots were surface sterilized in 0.5% sodium hypochlorite for 2 min and sections of symptomatic tissue placed on water agar (12 g/liter) containing 100 μg of streptomycin per ml. Sporulation occurred on lesions and on mycelium that had grown out from the plant tissue onto the water agar following a 2-week incubation at 24°C under fluorescent light (280 μmol s-1 m-2). Incidence of isolation of C. cassiicola at both sites was 40% of plants sampled at growth stage VC, 67% at V5, and 78% at R5. Conidia characteristic of C. cassiicola were particularly abundant on the surface of necrotic lateral root tissue. Elongated conidia produced on water agar were 151 ± 5 μm × 15 ± 0.5 μm with an average of 13 ± 0.4 cells separated by hyaline pseudosepta (1). To confirm pathogenicity, a 1-cm lateral slice into each of four 5-day-old soybean seedling roots was made and a plug of agar taken from the margin of a colony of C. cassiicola grown on potato dextrose agar was placed in each wound and incubated for 14 days at 24°C in a growth chamber. Symptoms similar to those of diseased field plants were observed and C. cassiicola was reisolated from all plants inoculated with C. cassiicola; all controls treated with agar alone had no symptoms and C. cassiicola was recovered from none of the noninoculated controls. This is the first report of root rot caused by C. cassiicola on soybean in Wisconsin. Reference: (1) W. L. Seaman and R. A. Shoemaker. Can. J. Bot. 43:1461, 1965.
Detection of mosaic retinal dysfunction in choroideremia carriers electroretinographic and psychophysical testing.

Purpose To test whether choroideremia carriers have a mosaic pattern of retinal dysfunction, as noted in carriers of X-linked recessive retinitis pigmentosa and X-linked retinoschisis. Design Prospective observational case series. Participants Seven obligate choroideremia carriers (age range, 18–72) with visual acuity (VA) of 20/25 or better were recruited into the study. Methods The carriers underwent VA testing (Snellen chart), ophthalmic examination, Humphrey visual field (VF), and multifocal electroretinographic testing. The amplitude and implicit time scales were measured by the algorithm of Hood and Li. The amplitude measures (a scales) and implicit time measures (t scales) were reported abnormal when they were >2 standard deviations above the mean of age-similar normally sighted control subjects. Main Outcome Measures Mapping of local 103 electroretinographic response amplitudes and implicit times. Results Only 1 of the 7 carriers showed abnormal Humphrey VF thresholds, whereas 6 of the 7 carriers showed a mosaic pattern of retinal dysfunction measured by multifocal electroretinographic testing. All 6 carriers showed statistically significant implicit time delays, whereas 4 carriers showed statistically significant amplitude reductions and implicit time delays ( P P P P Conclusions We demonstrated a mosaic pattern of retinal cone dysfunction in carriers of choroideremia. Our findings are consistent with the Lyon hypothesis of random X-chromosome inactivation. Multifocal electroretinographic testing is potentially sensitive to detect local retinal dysfunction in choroideremia carriers even in those with a normal-appearing macula and good VA.
Effect of spontaneous decay of superconductor quasiparticles in the tunneling density of states

Abstract Superconductivity has been successfully described with either the Landau-Ginzburg theory of second order phase transitions or with strong-coupling versions of the original BCS theory for almost fifty years. Recent tunnelling and photoemission data on the cuprate oxide superconductors may now provide evidence of corrections to the mean field approximation. It has been shown by Zasadzinski et al. a [1992] that there is a dip at e V ≅ 3Δ 0 in the SIS tunneling conductance, which is the derivative of the current across a superconductor-insulator-superconductor junction with respect to the applied voltage, for a set of cuprate superconductors whose T c 's range from 5.5K to 100K. Recently L. Coffey and I[Coffey and Coffey 1993] proposed an explanation of this feature in terms of the spontaneous decay of mean field quasiparticles. We showed that corrections to the mean field approximation for a superconductor lead to different frequency thresholds for spontaneous quasiparticle decay with different superconductor order parameter symmetries. These effects lead to features in the superconductor density of states and in the SIS tunneling conductance and provide experimental evidence of d-wave symmetry for the superconductor order parameter in the cuprates. I discuss this model and also evidence of quasiparticle decay in ARPBS data on Bi 2 Sr 2 CaCu 2 O 8 .
The use of dynamic impact experiments in the determination of the strain rate sensitivity of metals and alloys

The deformation of a metal target under an impacting hard elastic ball is analyzed to show that simple measurements can lead to valid stress-strain and stress-strain rate data. It is found that pure metals, exhibit the highest strain rate sensitivity while the solid solution alloys show intermediate strain rate sensitivity. On the other hand, in the case of precipitation hardened and dispersion strengthened alloys, the flow stress is insensitive to strainrate. The observed strainrate effects are rationalized in terms of a three component flow stress model incorporating the athermal, thermally activated and viscous components.
Subscapularis Tenotomy or Osteotomy? Opening the Door

The surgical approach to conventional total shoulder replacement requires a trans subscapularis approach. Some investigators have found that subscapularis dysfunction accompanies a significant percentage of patients who undergo this reconstructive surgery. Consequently, considerable controversy and discussion have erupted regarding the optimal method of managing the subscapularis during the surgical approach. Historically a subscapularis tenotomy was the preferred method of entering the glenohumeral joint. This then necessitated a tendon-to-tendon repair during the cuff repair and joint closure. Some authors feel that bone-to bone healing is more predictable than the soft tissue repair alone and hence recommend a lesser tuberosity osteotomy as the more optimal way to access the joint. In this way, as the argument is put forth, the subscapularis tendon is not violated because the entire construct of the lesser tuberosity and subscapularis muscle and tendon are retracted medially. Closure is then performed using bone-to-bone osteosynthesis techniques. But is this newer technique another classic "solution looking for a problem" or does it merely create even more opportunities for newer and different complications? This presentation will discuss these issues and summarize contemporary recommendations.
Rethinking Urban Parks: Public Space and Cultural Diversity

Setha Low, Dana Taplin, and Suzanne Scheld. Austin: University of Texas Press, 2005. 240 pp., halftones, maps, tables, and index. $50.00 hardcover (ISBN: 0-292-71254-5). In recent years, social sci...
The effects of short-term overfeeding on energy expenditure and nutrient oxidation in obesity-prone and obesity-resistant individuals

The effects of short-term overfeeding on energy expenditure and nutrient oxidation in obesity-prone and obesity-resistant individuals
A regiospecific synthesis of α-methylene ketones

Aus den β-Ketoestern (I) erhalt man nach Alkylierung zu anschliesender Mannich= Kondensation und Quaternierung die Salze (III), die in DMF bei 75°C zu den Methylenketonen (IV) reagieren.
An experimental test of warm glow giving

Abstract This paper reports the results of an experimental test of the warm glow hypothesis. A participant is presented with the opportunity to contribute from her own endowment to a charity of choice. The experiment is designed so that a pure altruist has no incentive to donate. The amount the designated charity will receive is preset; any contribution by the participant crowds out dollar-for-dollar giving by the proctor. We find that participants, on average, donated 20% of their endowments and that approximately 57% of the participants made a donation.
Mechanics of landslide initiation as a shear fracture phenomenon

Abstract A 3-D model of shear fracture in an elastic half-space provides insight into the initiation of sliding along weak pre-existing surfaces in rock or consolidated sediments. An elastic model is justified physically if regions of non-elastic deformation associated with sliding are small relative to the size of the shear fracture. A subsurface elliptical shear fracture parallel to the surface simulates sliding at depth along a pre-existing weakness (e.g. a bedding plane). Based on the stress concentration at the shear fracture perimeter, the model predicts landslide scars will tend to have elliptical shapes in map view and width-to-length values of 0.5–1, consistent with many observations. As a shear fracture spreads, the stress concentration at its perimeter promotes its propagation up towards the surface. The model predicts that sliding at depth causes and precedes fracturing at the surface. For a shear fracture less then twice as long as it is wide, surficial fracturing should start in the head and from there ‘unzip’ down along the slide flanks. Depending on the ambient stress state and the shear strength loss at the slide base, a shear fracture might need to become several or more times wider and longer than its depth to develop a sufficiently intense stress concentration to propagate out of plane to the surface. This accounts for the large length-to-thickness ratios of many natural slides. The model also accounts for the following generic landslide characteristics: a steep, arcuate, concave-downhill head scarp; an echelon pattern of opening-mode fractures along the flanks and subparallel to the head scarp trace; subsidence and normal faulting near the head of a slide; and uplift with thrust faulting near the slide toe.
Proinflammatory response during Ebola virus infection of primate models: possible involvement of the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily.

Ebola virus (EBOV) infections are characterized by dysregulation of normal host immune responses. Insight into the mechanism came from recent studies in nonhuman primates, which showed that EBOV infects cells of the mononuclear phagocyte system (MPS), resulting in apoptosis of bystander lymphocytes. In this study, we evaluated serum levels of cytokines/chemokines in EBOV-infected nonhuman primates, as possible correlates of this bystander apoptosis. Increased levels of interferon (IFN)-alpha, IFN-beta, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-18, MIP-1alpha, and MIP-1beta were observed in all EBOV-infected monkeys, indicating the occurrence of a strong proinflammatory response. To investigate the mechanism(s) involved in lymphoid apoptosis, soluble Fas (sFas) and nitrate accumulation were measured. sFas was detected in 4/9 animals, while, elevations of nitrate accumulation occurred in 3/3 animals. To further evaluate the potential role of these factors in the observed bystander apoptosis and intact animals, in vitro cultures were prepared of adherent human monocytes/macrophages (PHM), and monocytes differentiated into immature dendritic cells (DC). These cultures were infected with EBOV and analyzed for cytokine/chemokine induction and expression of apoptosis-related genes. In addition, the in vitro EBOV infection of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) resulted in strong cytokine/chemokine induction, a marked increase in lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity, and an increase in the number of apoptotic lymphocytes examined by electron microscopy. Increased levels of sFAS were detected in PHM cultures, although, 90% of EBOV-infected PHM were positive for tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) by immunohistochemistry, RNA analysis, and flow cytometry. Inactivated EBOV also effected increased TRAIL expression in PHM, suggesting that the TNF receptor superfamily may be involved in apoptosis of the host lymphoid cells, and that induction may occur independent of viral replication. In further studies with infected PHM, expression of MHC II was remarkably suppressed after 6 days, an additional correlate of immunological dysregulation. In conclusion, our findings suggest that infection of mononuclear phagocytes is critical, triggering a cascade of events involving cytokines/chemokines and oxygen free radicals. It is the consequence of these events rather than direct viral infection that results in much of the observed pathology. Identification of cytokine/chemokine, nitric oxide, and reactive oxygen species involvement in the observed filoviral pathogenesis may lend insight into the rational design of therapeutic countermeasures of filoviral pathogenesis.
Strength asymmetry in nanocrystalline metals under multiaxial loading

Abstract Molecular simulations of nanocrystalline nickel are used to investigate the effect of loading state on mechanical response. Simulations at grain sizes near the amorphous limit (2–4 nm) show a clear strength asymmetry, with specimens stronger under uniaxial compression than under uniaxial tension. A full biaxial yield surface is obtained for a grain size of 2 nm, and its shape reflects the asymmetry seen in the uniaxial simulations: the compressive lobe is proportionally larger than the tensile lobe. This biaxial yield surface cannot be well described using traditional yield criteria based on the maximum shear stress, but a good fit can be attained if a pressure or normal stress dependence is included. The simulations also show a monotonic trend towards larger strength asymmetry at larger grain sizes, suggesting the existence of a maximum asymmetry at finite grain sizes. This trend is validated by other mechanistic considerations in the ultrafine range of grain sizes, and discussed relative to the experimental literature.
The photophysical behavior of mixed transition metal-uranyl complexes with polyketonate ligands. The vibronically isolated uranyl chromophore

Abstract The uranyl excited-state lifetimes and luminescence spectra have been examined for a series of bis- triketonate and bis-tetraketonate uranyl— transition metal complexes at low temperatures. The energies of the vibronic components of the uranyl luminescence were found to be dependent on the complexing ligand, but they did not depend significantly on the neighboring transition metal (Cu, Co, Fe, Ni, Zn, Pd). The band shape was sometimes markedly dependent on the metal. Emission quantum yields varied over a 100-fold range. Emission lifetimes varied by less than a factor of three, despite the fact that most of the transition metals are potential quenchers, and despite the existence of a low energy ligand-to-metal charge-transfer excited state in the tetraketonate complexes. The vibronic isolation of the uranyl excited state from other molecular excited states in these complexes is attributed to a large nuclear reorganizational barrier for entry into or escape from the potential energy surface of the electronically excited uranyl moiety. Population of the uranyl excited state results in an increase in the UO bond length, and the UO nuclear motions are not activated by other low energy electronic excited states of the polyketonate complexes.
Mapping the BKCa Channel's “Ca2+ Bowl”: Side-chains Essential for Ca2+ Sensing

There is controversy over whether Ca2+ binds to the BKCa channel's intracellular domain or its integral-membrane domain and over whether or not mutations that reduce the channel's Ca2+ sensitivity act at the point of Ca2+ coordination. One region in the intracellular domain that has been implicated in Ca2+ sensing is the “Ca2+ bowl”. This region contains many acidic residues, and large Ca2+-bowl mutations eliminate Ca2+ sensing through what appears to be one type of high-affinity Ca2+-binding site. Here, through site-directed mutagenesis we have mapped the residues in the Ca2+ bowl that are most important for Ca2+ sensing. We find acidic residues, D898 and D900, to be essential, and we find them essential as well for Ca2+ binding to a fusion protein that contains a portion of the BKCa channel's intracellular domain. Thus, much of our data supports the conclusion that Ca2+ binds to the BKCa channel's intracellular domain, and they define the Ca2+ bowl's essential Ca2+-sensing motif. Overall, however, we have found that the relationship between mutations that disrupt Ca2+ sensing and those that disrupt Ca2+ binding is not as strong as we had expected, a result that raises the possibility that, when examined by gel-overlay, the Ca2+ bowl may be in a nonnative conformation.
The autoignition of iso-cetane at high to moderate temperatures and elevated pressures: Shock tube experiments and kinetic modeling

Iso-cetane (2,2,4,4,6,8,8-heptamethylnonane, C{sub 16}H{sub 34}) is a highly branched alkane reference compound for determining cetane ratings. It is also a candidate branched alkane representative in surrogate mixtures for diesel and jet fuels. Here new experiments and kinetic modeling results are presented for the autoignition of iso-cetane at elevated temperatures and pressures relevant to combustion in internal combustion engines. Ignition delay time measurements were made in reflected shock experiments in a heated shock tube for {phi} = 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 iso-cetane/air mixtures at temperatures ranging from 879 to 1347 K and pressures from 8 to 47 atm. Ignition delay times were measured using electronically excited OH emission, monitored through the shock tube end wall, and piezoelectric pressure transducer measurements, made at side wall locations. A new kinetic mechanism for the description of the oxidation of iso-cetane is presented that is developed based on a previous mechanism for iso-octane. Computed results from the mechanism are found in good agreement with the experimental measurements. To our knowledge, the ignition time measurements for iso-cetane presented here are the first of their kind. (author)
490 RULES REGARDING ADMISSION TO HOSPITAL IN PEDIATRIC TRAINING PROGRAMS

The decision to admit a patient to hospital in pediatric training programs is often made by housestaff. Many institutions have developed rules to help housestaff avoid missing an indicated admission. To determine how common rules are, a survey was carried out by mailed questionnaire of the 434 hospitals that make up the 284 US Pediatric Training Programs. 48 hospitals were eliminated from the sample largely because of duplication. 82%(318) of the 386 surveyed replied and reported 910 rules or an average of 6.1/hospital with a range of 1-78. 47%(151) of the hospitals had rules. Rules were reported as verbal(55%), verbal or written (26%), or exclusively written(19%). Rules were more common when the hospital was urban(55%) as opposed to rural(30%); when the Chief Resident completed the questionnaire(73%) as opposed to the Program Director(42%); when the hospital had > 30 housestaff(62%) or when the daily average census exceeded 100(77%). Rules were grouped as administrative(6%), psychosocial(21%), specific diseases(50%), and specific symptoms(34%). Most common symptoms, often associated with age, were fever(14%), neurological(18%), and respiratory(17%). Rules appear to be an important part of the decision to admit especially in larger programs but at least half of those surveyed reported no rules. How rules actually contribute to the decision to admit either in training or later in practice requires further study.
CARBON UPTAKE IN A MARINE DIATOM DURING ACUTE EXPOSURE TO ULTRAVIOLET B RADIATION: RELATIVE IMPORTANCE OF DAMAGE AND REPAIR

Experiments on a marine diatom, Thalassiosira pseudonana (Hustedt) clone 3H, demonstrate that under moderate photon flux densities (75 [mu]mol quanta [center dot] m[sup [minus]2][center dot]s[sup [minus]1]) of visible light inhibition of photosynthesis by supplemental ultraviolet (UV) radiation (UV-B: 280-320 nm) is well described as a hyperbolic function of UV-B irradiance for time scales of 0.5-4 h. Results are consistent with predictions of a recently developed model of photosynthesis under the influence of UV and visible irradiance. Although net destruction of chlorophyll occurs during a 4-h exposure to UV-B, and the effect is a function of exposure, the principal effect of UV-B is a decrease in chlorophyll-specific photosynthetic rate. The dependence of photoinhibition on dosage rate, rather than cumulative dose, and the hyperbolic shape of the relationship are consistent with net photoinhibition being an equilibrium between damage and repair. The ratio of damage to repair is estimated by a mathematical analysis of the inhibition of photosynthesis during exposures to UV-B. A nitrate-limited culture was much more sensitive to UV-B than were the nutrient-replete cultures, but the kinetics of photoinhibition were similar. The analysis suggests that the nutrient-limited culture was much more sensitive than the nutrient-replete cultures because repair or turnover ofmore » critical proteins associated with photosynthesis is inhibited. An inhibitor of chloroplast protein synthesis was used to suppress repair processes. Photoinhibition by UV-B was enhanced, and inhibition was a function of cumulative dose, as expected if damage were not countered by repair. The fundamental importance of repair processes should be considered in the design of field experiments and models of UV-B effects in the environment, especially in the context of vertical mixing. Repair processes must also be considered whenever biological weighting functions are developed. 69 refs., 6 figs., 3 tabs.« less
The NASA image collection visual thesaurus

This article is an unpublished manuscript of a paper presented at the 17th Annual Mid-Year Meeting of the American Society for Information Science at Ann Arbor, Michigan, May 15–18, 1988. It is the first recorded proposal for visual support of indexing. The system itself was built and deployed at NASA in the Johnson Space Center Image Archives from 1989 to 1992.
Superficial esophageal carcinoma

Background. The detection of superficial esophageal carcinomas by surveillance endoscopy and the downstaging of advanced carcinomas to superficial carcinomas by induction therapy have increased the number of patients with these carcinomas undergoing resection. The natural history of these carcinomas is not well defined. Methods. To evaluate the results of surgical resection and identify predictors of improved survival, a retrospective review of (1) patients with superficial esophageal carcinoma at presentation (SECP) and (2) patients with advanced carcinomas that were downstaged to no residual carcinoma or superficial esophageal carcinoma after induction therapy (SECD) was conducted. Results. There were 54 patients with SECP (19 Tis and 35 T1). Survival was significantly better for patients with Tis carcinomas (85.3% at 5 years) and patients with intramucosal T1 carcinomas (79.4%) than for patients with submucosal T1 carcinomas (16.3%) ( p = 0.007 and p = 0.045, respectively). Survival at 5 years for the 49 patients without regional lymph node metastases (N0) was 65.2%, whereas none of the 5 patients with regional lymph node metastases (N1) have survived more than 3 years ( p = 0.054), and 3 died of recurrent disease. There were 21 patients with SECD (13 T0, 2 Tis, and 6 T1). Survival at 4 years was 58.2%. In this group, survival was not related to depth of tumor invasion ( p = 0.76) or regional lymph node status ( p = 0.68). Conclusions. We conclude that (1) patients with Tis and intramucosal T1 SECP have a significantly better survival than those with submucosal T1 SECP, (2) patients with N0 SECP have a significantly better survival than those with N1 SECP, and (3) survival of patients with SECD is not related to depth of tumor invasion or regional lymph node status.
Association between enhanced type I collagen expression and epigenetic repression of the FLI1 gene in scleroderma fibroblasts.

Objective. Scleroderma (systemic sclerosis; SSc) is an autoimmune disease characterized by vasculopathy and widespread organ fibrosis. Altered fibroblast function, both in vivo and in vitro, is well documented and illustrated by augmented synthesis and deposition of extracellular matrix proteins. We undertook this study to investigate the possibility that epigenetic mechanisms mediate the emergence and persistence of the altered SSc fibroblast phenotype. Methods. The effects of DNA methyltransferase and histone deacetylase inhibitors on collagen expression and the level of epigenetic mediators in fibroblasts were examined. The effects of transient transfection of SSc fibroblasts with FLI1 gene and normal cells with FLI1 antisense construct on collagen expression were determined. The methylation status of the FLI1 promoter was tested in cultured cells and in SSc and normal skin biopsy specimens. Results. Increased levels of epigenetic mediators in SSc fibroblasts were noted. The addition of epigenetic inhibitors to cell cultures normalized collagen expression in SSc fibroblasts. The augmented collagen synthesis by SSc fibroblasts was linked to epigenetic repression of the collagen suppressor gene FLI1. Heavy methylation of the CpG islands in the FLI1 promoter region was demonstrated in SSc fibroblasts and skin biopsy specimens. Conclusion. The results of this study indicate that epigenetic mechanisms may mediate the fibrotic manifestations of SSc. The signal transduction leading to the SSc fibrotic phenotype appears to converge on DNA methylation and histone deacetylation at the FLI1 gene.
The multiple recapture census for closed populations and incomplete 2k contingency tables

SUMMARY The multiple recapture census for closed populations is reconsidered, assuming an underlying multinomial sampling model. The resulting data can be put in the form of an incomplete 2k contingency table, with one missing cell, that displays the full multiple recapture history of all individuals in the population. Log linear models are fitted to this incomplete contingency table, and the simplest plausible model that fits the observed cells is projected to cover the missing cell, thus yielding an estimate of the total population size. Asymptotic variances for the estimate of the population size are considered, and the techniques are illustrated on a population of children possessing a common congenital anomaly.
Surgical debridement and adjunctive hyperbaric oxygen in cervical necrotizing fasciitis

Objective: To review our management of cervical necrotizing fasciitis (CNF) with the use of adjunctive hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO).Study Design: Case series with chart review.Subjects and Metho...
Decoupled control techniques for dual flying capacitor bridge power supplies of large superconductive magnets

The dual flying capacitor (DFC) was developed in 1976 as a method of supplying efficient bilateral power to large superconductive magnets. This power supply concept uses a second superconductive coil for energy storage. Large reversable power demands of the load magnet are met by energy exchange between the storage and load coils, through the DFC bridge. This paper will show that the DFC circuit can be decomposed into two elementary single flying capacitor (SLC) circuits which can be controlled independently. The discovery of this decoupled control concept is the origin of several new control strategies which significantly improve the performance of DFC power supplies, microcomputer controllers containing the decoupled control algorithm were tested on a DFC system simulator. The results show that time optimal load coil current and voltage control is now achievable by a robust bang-bang control technique. Furthermore, load coil current ripple and voltage spectrum can be independently controlled, while following an arbitrary reference signal. The DFC bridge, with the decoupled controllers, is a high performance power supply candidate for superconductive magnets of fusion reactors, particle accelerators and other systems.
An experimental comparison of capacity rationing models

In this paper, we evaluate two approaches to capacity rationing to manage demand in make-to-order manufacturing firms that face seasonal demand in excess of installed capacity. We assume that the firms produce two classes of products, one having a higher profit contribution per unit of capacity than the other. In the first approach, capacity is reserved for the higher profit class in a dynamic fashion using an expected value analysis each time an order is received for the lower profit class. In the second approach, the amount of capacity reserved for the higher profit class is set at the beginning of the planning horizon and never changed. The two approaches are evaluated relative to the case with no capacity rationing (i.e. orders are accepted as they arrive as long as capacity is available) for a wide array of experimental situations by varying the ratio of unit profit contributions for the two product classes, the ratio of total available capacity to total expected demand, the ratio of order arrival ra...
Diagnosing Cloud Feedbacks in General Circulation Models

Abstract In this study, it is shown that the NCAR and GFDL GCMs exhibit a marked difference in climate sensitivity of clouds and radiative fluxes in response to doubled CO2 and ±2-K SST perturbations. The GFDL model predicted a substantial decrease in cloud amount and an increase in cloud condensate in the warmer climate, but produced a much weaker change in net cloud radiative forcing (CRF) than the NCAR model. Using a multiple linear regression (MLR) method, the full-sky radiative flux change at the top of the atmosphere was successfully decomposed into individual components associated with the clear sky and different types of clouds. The authors specifically examined the cloud feedbacks due to the cloud amount and cloud condensate changes involving low, mid-, and high clouds between 60°S and 60°N. It was found that the NCAR and GFDL models predicted the same sign of individual longwave and shortwave feedbacks resulting from the change in cloud amount and cloud condensate for all three types of clouds (...
Superconductivity in thin transition-metal films: Its suppression by reduced dimensionality and localization

Abstract The effects of reduced dimensionality on the superconductivity of thin films - Nb(100) and V(100) - and Ag/V/Ag(100) sandwiches are investigated using our all-electron self-consistent full potential linearized augmented plane wave (FLAPW) method. Results of calculations of the electronic structures are used along with the rigid-ion approximation and McMillan strong coupling theory to calculate the layer-by-layer contribution to the electron-phonon coupling. Despite a high N(EF) which remains at the surface layer, the electronic contribution to the electron-phonon coupling is found to be strongly suppressed by dimensional constraints. Localization of the surface states and the decrease of p-like electrons at the surface are shown to be behind this suppression. This implies that superconductivity is diminished in reduced dimensional transition metal thin films.
Purification of polyethylene terephthalate from polyvinyl chloride by froth flotation for the plastics (soft-drink bottle) recycling industry

Abstract Strong alkaline solutions of sodium hydroxide are able to destroy the hydrophobicity of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) allowing for the flotation separation of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) from PET. Conditioning of the PVC/PET mixture in a low-concentration solution of polymer plasticizer at elevated temperature enhances the hydrophobicity of PVC particles and only slightly affects the surface properties of PET particles. On this basis, enhancement of the flotation separation by conditioning with a polymer plasticizer, and by the use of non-ionic surfactants, has been developed and tested at a laboratory scale. Using this procedure a 93–95% recovery of PET can be obtained while rejecting almost all PVC (98–100%).
Zinc Modulates Bidirectional Hippocampal Plasticity by Effects on NMDA Receptors

Zinc has complex effects on NMDA receptors (NMDARs) and may be an endogenous modulator of synaptic plasticity. In the CA1 region of rat hippocampal slices, we observed that low micromolar concentrations of zinc depress NMDAR synaptic responses by 40–50% and inhibit long-term depression (LTD) but not long-term potentiation (LTP). A combination of zinc plus ifenprodil, an inhibitor of NR1/NR2B receptors, produced no greater inhibition of synaptic NMDARs than either agent alone, suggesting overlapping effects on NMDARs. Similar to low micromolar zinc, ifenprodil inhibited LTD but not LTP. In contrast, low concentrations of 2-amino-5-phosphonovalerate (APV) did not block either LTP or LTD despite producing >50% inhibition of synaptic NMDARs. NVP-AAM077 ([( R )-[( S )-1-(4-bromo-phenyl)-ethylamino]-(2,3-dioxo-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-quinoxalin-5-yl)-methyl]phosphonic acid), an antagonist with relative NR1/NR2A selectivity at low concentrations, also inhibited synaptic NMDARs by ∼50% at 0.05 μm but failed to completely block either LTP or LTD. These results suggest that LTD induction depends on specific NMDARs with sensitivity to low micromolar zinc and ifenprodil, but LTP is less dependent on specific NMDAR subtypes. Because high-affinity sites of NR2A are likely occupied by ambient zinc, we also examined effects of extracellular zinc chelators. Zinc chelation blocked LTP but had no effect on LTD. This LTP inhibition was overcome by APV and NVP-AAM077 but not ifenprodil, suggesting that zinc chelation unmasks tonic NR1/NR2A activation that negatively modulates LTP.
Reliability and Accountability of Digital Information Through Time

The paper highlights some of the issues relating to reliability and accountability of digital information with special reference to the Malaysian experience. Problems in establishing this accountability and reliability in records management in a digital environment are considered. Focus is also placed on the control measures and steps that need to be taken by the major players in records management in Malaysia in their work to preserve selected information.
Determinations of concentrations of heavy elements in meteorites by activation analysis

Abstract Barium, mercury, thallium, lead, bismuth and uranium contents and isotopic composition of stone and the troilite phase of iron meteorites have been determined by neutron activation analysis. Two groups of chondrites were observed: the one containing enstatite and carbonaceous chondrites has orders of magnitude more of the chalcophilic elements studied than other chondrites. Barium and uranium do not show this variation. The lead in this group is primordial in its 208 204 isotopic composition as might be expected from the Pb/U ratio. Some of the nuclear and geochemical implications of the results are suggested.
Large Deformation Analysis of an Elastic-Plastic Cantilevered Beam

Three regions of solution are treated: (i) purely elastic response at low loads; (ii) elastic-plastic response without a hinge, for intermediate loads; and (iii) elastic-plastic response with a hinge for loads corresponding to the fully plastic bending moment at the built-in end. Several aspects of the solution are analyzed: (i) the load-deflection relation: (ii) the growth of the elastic-plastic zone; (iii) limiting cases; (iv) the residual configuration; (v) the small bending configuration
A Circular Non-Newtonian Fluid Model: Part I—Used in Elastohydrodynamic Lubrication

A circular non-Newtonian fluid model associated with the limiting shear strength was considered. Using this model a modified Reynolds equation was developed which is almost the same as the classical Reynolds equation except for the viscosity term. The effects on performance of dimensionless load parameter, dimensionless speed parameter, slide/roll ratio, different oils, the limiting shear strength proportionality constant were studied
The effectiveness of community-based hospital planning: some recent evidence

The effectiveness of centralized or community-based local planning of hospital resources is still a subject for debate in most countries. The general problem of overcapitilization on beds and equipment has been reviewed in a number of theoretical (Granfield, 1975; Dahlberg 1976) and empirical studies (Cullis et al., 1980; Feldstein, 1967). Hospital planners frequently argue that the resulting direct benefits exceed the costs. The purpose of this paper is to estimate the impact of community-based hospital planning on controlling growth in the supply of beds and plant assets in the United States.
High Resolution Estimation of Quadratic Phase Coupling in Nonlinear Systems

A new approach for estimating phase coupling due to quadratic nonlinearity is developed. The method is different from the periodogram approaches to bicoherence estimation and can be used in situations where high resolution frequency and bifrequency estimation are required. Least squares fitting is done between expressions for the autocorrelation and third moment sequences of sinusoidal signals and corresponding estimates of autocorrelation and third moments from samples of the process under consideration. The fraction of the power contributed by quadratic nonlinearity to bifrequencies is then estimated from the result of the least squares fit. Simulation examples illustrating the approach are also presented.
Polyethylene Glycol Gradient Solubilization of Lysyl Hydroxylase

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) was substituted for ammonium sulfate in the gradient solubilization chromatographic procedure for the purification of proteins. Preliminary studies utilizing this method for fractionation of a crude lysyl hydroxylase preparation yielded an increase both in purity and in recovery of activity when compared with fractional precipitation with PEG. Turbidity, evident in resuspended fractional precipitates, was not found in PEG gradient solubilization fractions containing enzymatic activity.
Sexual and aggressive fantasies in violent and non-violent prison inmates.

Summary It was hypothesized that violent inmates who refrain from disciplinary violations while in prison would express more fantasy aggression compared to violent inmates with discipline problems and to well disciplined, non-violent inmates. It was also hypothesized that sexual fantasies would be positively correlated with aggressive fantasies in the whole group. 65 inmates at a state prison, classified on the basis of criminal history and prison discipline, took a fantasy Questionnaire (FQ) and an Experimental TAT booklet (ETAT. The results did not support the first hypothesis, though the differences were in the predicted direction. The second hypothesis was fully supported.
Consumer health informatics: results of a systematic evidence review and evidence based recommendations

An increasing array of technology based tools are available for patient and consumer utilization which claim to facilitate health improvement. The efficacy of these Consumer Health Informatics tools has not previously been systematically reviewed. As such a systematic evidence review of the efficacy of consumer health informatics tools was conducted. This review also sought evidence of any barriers to future widespread utilization of these tools and evidence of economic impact of these tools on health care costs. The findings of this review indicate that while more work needs to be done, the available literature does suggest a positive impact of consumer health informatics tools on select health conditions and outcomes. Many barriers remain that must be overcome prior to widespread utilization of these tools. There was insufficient data regarding economic impact of consumer health informatics tools on healthcare costs.
The air hunger response of four elite breath-hold divers.

Abstract Normal subjects terminate breath-holds due to intolerable ‘air hunger’. We hypothesize that competitive breath-hold divers might have increased tolerance of air hunger. We tested the air hunger (AH) response of four divers who could hold their breath for 6–9 min. Tidal volume and respiratory rate were controlled by mechanical ventilation (ventilation ≈0.16 L min−1 kg−1). AH was induced by raising P C O 2 and rated using a visual analog scale whose maximum was defined as intolerable. SpO2 was maintained at >97%. Three divers reported the same uncomfortable urge to breathe as normal subjects; the slopes of their responses were within normal range. Both resting CO2 and AH threshold were shifted to higher CO2 in some divers. Diver 3 was unique amongst neurologically intact subjects we have studied: he denied feeling an urge to breathe, and denied discomfort. We conclude that elite divers’ strategies to tolerate intense air hunger are a minor factor in their ability to tolerate long breath-holds.
Van Inwagen on the Cosmological Argument

In his book Metaphysics, Peter van Inwagen constructs a version of the Cosmological Argument which does not depend on the Principle of Sufficient Reason. He goes on to reject the argument. In this paper, I construct an alternative version of the Cosmological Argument that uses some of van Inwagen's insights and yet is immune to his criticisms. If we suppose that for each contingent truth, there is some at least partial explanation, then it follows that there is some necessary truth that explains the conjunction of all the contingent truths.