cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Age structure and growth of Semotilus atromaculatus(Mitchill) in PCB‐contaminated streams

Creek chub Semotilus atromaculatus from two PCB contaminated streams (Clear Creek and Richland Creek) at three locations and a reference stream (Little Indian Creek), Indiana, U.S.A., were examined to determine if age class structure and growth variables were correlated with in-situ PCB exposure. Approximately five to 15 fish were captured weekly during the spring spawning season and monthly thereafter for a 12 month period. Fish collected ranged from 25 to 267 mm total length (L T ). Throughout the course of this study, no spawning activity was observed at either location in Clear Creek, although some very small young-of-the-year (YOY) creek chub fry were observed at the downstream location by late summer. Creek chub nests were observed in both Richland Creek and Little Indian Creek but YOY were common only in Little Indian Creek. Exposure to PCBs was shown to both enhance and decrease growth in varied laboratory tests; subtle but significant gender-specific differences in the growth of creek chub populations between the sites were observed. Creek chub up to 24 months in age from Clear Creek and Richland Creek were significantly larger (both L T and mass for males and L T for females) than reference site creek chub. This trend was reversed for creek chub aged >24 months as the reference site fish were consistently larger with reference males weighing significantly more. Older age classes of creek chub were missing in areas of higher PCB contamination. Female population growth rates and individual instantaneous growth rates were consistently higher at the reference site in comparison to the PCB-contaminated sites. Calculation of 'functional b' (as a condition factor) did indicate that growth enhancement in young males did occur at the most contaminated site and reductions in growth (mass relative to L T ) occurred in females from all contaminated sites. Furthermore, long-term survivorship for females was reduced in the PCB-contaminated streams. All of these subtle alterations in growth would not have been observed if males and females had not been analysed separately.
Incorporating Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors into Treatment Regimens for AML and ALL: Is There a Right or Wrong Way?

Although combination chemotherapy regimens have been clearly successful in treating a proportion of patients with acute leukemia, we are probably close to a ceiling of maximal benefit from such combinations. Identification of targets in the cellular signaling pathways and development of specific drugs against them have added to our armamentarium; our current challenge is how to best incorporate these agents into the currently available regimens.
Intraoperative echographic localization of iodine-125 episcleral plaque for brachytherapy of choroidal melanoma.

PURPOSE: To report intraoperative echographic localization of iodine-125 episcleral plaque for brachytherapy of choroidal melanoma. METHODS: In a retrospective study, 117 eyes with medium-sized choroidal melanoma in 117 patients not participating in the Collaborative Ocular Melanoma Study underwent iodine-125 episcleral plaque radiotherapy with intraoperative echographic verification of plaque placement between January 1992 and December 1998 at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute. RESULTS: After initial plaque placement using standard localization techniques, intraoperative echography demonstrated satisfactory tumor–plaque apposition in 76% of eyes (89 of 117). In the 28 eyes (28 of 117, 24%) that required repositioning of the plaque, the extent of misplacement was less than 1 mm in 10 eyes, 1.1 to 3.0 mm in six eyes, and greater than 3 mm in eight eyes. Two eyes had tilting of the plaque, and in two additional eyes, although the plaque covered all tumor margins, the centration was considered suboptimal. Repositioning was necessary in 1 eye with an anteriorly located tumor (1 of 13, 7.7%) and in 20 eyes with peripapillary or posterior pole tumors (20 of 67, 26.3%). Anteriorly located tumors required plaque repositioning significantly less frequently than did posteriorly located tumors (P = .041). Misalignment involved one tumor margin in 23 eyes and two margins in five eyes. The most commonly misaligned margins were the lateral (35%) and posterior margins (26%). In no case was an anterior marginal misalignment documented. At a mean follow-up of 37 months, no tumor-related death or metastatic disease was noted. Two of the 117 patients (1.7%) had local tumor recurrence and underwent enucleation. CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative echography is an effective adjunct for localization and confirmation of tumor–plaque relationship. This technique facilitates the identification and correction of suboptimal plaque placement at the time of surgery, potentially minimizing treatment failures.
Manpower targets and educational investments

Abstract Quadratic programming can be useful to compute the optimal investment trajectory for an education system which is planned on the base of manpower targets. The computation of optimal investments required to approach manpower targets more closely becomes non trivial if the budget available is insufficient to meet manpower targets exactly, or if the manpower target trajectory is erratic. The quadratic programming problem consists of three components: (1) an optimization criterion which reflects the objective to minimize the squared deviation of actual manpower available from the manpower target; (2) a set of time difference equations which reflect the flow of students, the manpower stock flow and the flow of investments in the education subsystem; (3) a constraint on the budget, available for this branch of education over a planning period. This education investment problem is worked out for middle level technical manpower training in Bangladesh.
Cefdinir: an advanced-generation, broad-spectrum oral cephalosporin.

Abstract Background: Cefdinir is an advanced-generation, broad-spectrum cephalosporin antimicrobial agent that has been approved for the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia, acute bacterial exacerbations of chronic bronchitis, acute maxillary sinusitis, pharyngitis/tonsillitis, acute bacterial otitis media, and uncomplicated skin and skin-structure infections in adult and pediatric patients. Objective: The purpose of this article was to review the in vitro antimicrobial activity, pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy, safety, and potential role of cefdinir. Methods: Studies were identified by a MEDLINE search (January 1983–September 2001) of the English-language medical literature, a review of identified articles and their bibliographies, and a review of data on file with the manufacturer. Clinical efficacy data were selected from all published trials mentioning cefdinir. Information concerning in vitro susceptibility, safety, chemistry, and the pharmacokinetic profile of cefdinir also was reviewed. Results: Cefdinir has a broad spectrum of activity against many gram-negative and gram-positive aerobic organisms, including Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis . Cefdinir is stable to hydrolysis by 13 of the common beta-lactamases. It is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract (mean time to peak plasma concentration, 3 hours) and is almost entirely eliminated via renal clearance of unchanged drug. The terminal disposition half-life of cefdinir is ∼1.5 hours. Efficacy has been demonstrated in 19 clinical trials in adults and children with upper and lower respiratory tract infections (eg, pharyngitis, sinusitis, acute otitis media, acute bronchitis, acute bacterial exacerbation of chronic bronchitis, community-acquired pneumonia), and skin and skin-structure infections. The adverse-event profile is similar to that of comparator agents, although in 4 adult and adolescent studies and 1 adult study, diarrhea occurred significantly more frequently in cefdinir recipients than in recipients of penicillin V, cephalexin, cefaclor, and cefprozil. Conclusions: Cefdinir is an alternative to other antimicrobial agents and can be dosed once or twice daily for the treatment of upper and lower respiratory tract infections and skin and skin-structure infections. Similar to other oral expanded-spectrum cephalosporins, cefdinir has activity against common pathogens of the respiratory tract and skin and is stable in the presence of selected beta-lactamases. The clinical choice of an oral expanded-spectrum cephalosporin will be based on patient acceptance, frequency of administration, and cost.
Arterial tonometry: Review and analysis

A review is presented of the field of arterial tonometry and of the problems involved with its application. A second generation model is developed which interprets most of the difficulties encountered in previous experimental work. The model also identifies barriers that must be overcome to allow tonometry to become a practical technique for obtaining measurement of continuous, absolute blood pressure. Problems addressed include those of calibration, positioning sensitivity, design standardization, material properties and vascular loading characteristics. Theoretical and experimental studies provide support for the application of basic biomechanical concepts for solution of these problems and suggest required design features.
Promoting “EXCITE”ing brand values at General Motors UK

Jos Sharp, internal communications manager, explains how global car manufacturer, General Motors, has developed an award‐winning employee motivation program.
Sustained upregulation of glial fibrillary acidic protein in Müller cells in pigeon retina following disruption of the parasympathetic control of choroidal blood flow

Abstract Choroidal blood flow in pigeon eyes is light driven and controlled by a parasympathetic input from ciliary ganglion (CG) neurons that receive input from the medial subdivision of the ipsilateral nucleus of Edinger–Westphal (EWM). EWM lesions diminish basal ChBF and irreversibly prevent ipsilateral light-evoked increases in ChBF, presumably rendering the retina mildly ischemic. To characterize the location, severity, and time course of the retinal abnormality caused by an EWM lesion, we quantitatively analyzed the cellular and regional extent of Muller cell glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) immunolabeling up to nearly a year after an EWM lesion. We found that unilateral EWM lesions greatly increased Muller cell GFAP throughout the entire retinal depth and topographic extent of the affected eye, up to nearly a year post lesion. By contrast, destruction of the pupilloconstrictive pretectum or of the pupilloconstrictive part of lateral EW (EWL) did not appreciably increase Muller cell GFAP. Thus, the large increase in Muller cell GFAP following an EW lesion is attributable to an ongoing defect in choroidal vasodilatory function rather than to chronic pupil dilation. The Muller cell GFAP increase was greater ipsilateral than contralateral to the EWM destruction for the retinal territory deep to the heavily CG-innervated superior and temporal choroid, but not for the retinal territory deep to the poorly CG-innervated inferior and nasal choroid. The GFAP increase was light-dependent, since it did not occur in EW-lesioned birds housed in dim illumination. Our results show that the chronic vascular insufficiency caused by the loss of the EWM-mediated parasympathetic control of choroidal blood flow leads to a significant and sustained increase in retinal Muller cell GFAP. This increase could be a sign of a disturbance in retinal homeostasis that eventually leads to retinal injury and impaired visual function.
Disseminated histoplasmosis in an infant with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

Disseminated histoplasmoids has been recognized as a serious opportunistic infection in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). However, cases reported in the literature have been predominantly in adult patients. Here we report an infant with AIDS who presented with fever, cough, rhinorrhea, hepatosplenomegaly, pancytopenia and coagulopathy, and died of respiratory failure. Autopsy revealed disseminated histoplasmosis involving multiple organs including lungs, intestines, liver, spleen, bone marrow, lymph nodes, kidneys, and meninges. The diagnosis was established based on histomorphology and confirmed by blood culture.
Exploring Question Selection Bias to Identify Experts and Potential Experts in Community Question Answering

Community Question Answering (CQA) services enable their users to exchange knowledge in the form of questions and answers. These communities thrive as a result of a small number of highly active users, typically called experts, who provide a large number of high-quality useful answers. Expert identification techniques enable community managers to take measures to retain the experts in the community. There is further value in identifying the experts during the first few weeks of their participation as it would allow measures to nurture and retain them. In this article we address two problems: (a) How to identify current experts in CQA? and (b) How to identify users who have potential of becoming experts in future (potential experts)? In particular, we propose a probabilistic model that captures the selection preferences of users based on the questions they choose for answering. The probabilistic model allows us to run machine learning methods for identifying experts and potential experts. Our results over several popular CQA datasets indicate that experts differ considerably from ordinary users in their selection preferences; enabling us to predict experts with higher accuracy over several baseline models. We show that selection preferences can be combined with baseline measures to improve the predictive performance even further.
Postoperative adjuvant therapy of rectal cancer: an analysis of disease control, survival, and prognostic factors

Abstract Between 1976 and 1984, 139 patients with rectal cancer were treated with complete surgical resection and post-operative adjuvant pelvic radiation therapy with or without chemotherapy. In this group, tumor extended beyond the bowel wall or involved lymph nodes or both. Irradiation was begun between 15 and 182 days postoperatively (median delay, 42 days). The radiation was delivered with 4-, 6-, or 10-MV photons given 5 days per week at 1.8 to 2.0 Gy per fraction. Total doses ranged from 3.8 to 64.4 Gy (median, 50 Gy). The fields were AP:PA in 49 and AP:PA plus laterals in 90. Forty-four received concurrent chemotherapy: 5-fluorouracil and semustine in 37, and 5-fluorouracil alone in seven. Follow-up in survivors ranged from 2 to 10 years (median, 4.2 years). This analysis includes all failures, both initial and subsequent sites of failure. Local failure occurred in 30 (22%) of the 139 patients overall, 6 (18%) of 33 in Stage B-2, 1 of 3 in Stage B-3, 2 (10%) of 20 in Stage C-1, 20 (26%) of 76 in Stage C-2, and 1 (14%) of 7 in Stage C-3. Five-year actuarial survival was 59% overall, 82% in Stage B-2, 79% in Stages B-2 and B-3, 89% in Stage C-1, 41% in Stage C-2, and 42% in Stages C-2 and C-3. The following prognostic factors were independently associated with poorer survival and increasing distant failure: lymph node involvement, tumor extension beyond the bowel wall, and high histologic grade. Use of chemotherapy was associated with a significant improvement in survival and decrease in distant failure. No single factor was significantly associated with local failure. Adequate perineal coverage after combined abdominoperineal resection yielded significantly fewer perineal failures. Overall, serious complications developed in 7%, but none was fatal. Treatment recommendations and optimal treatment techniques are discussed.
Reinvestigation of perception of error in 7-letter targets.

7-letter nonsense targets with one letter (F or N) reversed, were tachistoscopically exposed by an ascending method of limits. The reversals appeared in the first, or fourth, or seventh array position. Control arrays had all printwise letters. Fifteen Ss were tested in each of these conditions. The threshold of the normally oriented letters was significantly elevated only when the reversed F was at the beginning or middle of an array. In these instances, and only in these, the number of letters reported per exposure was significantly lower in response to the experimental than control targets. These differences might have occurred because Ss used more than twice as many atypical (right-to-left) scanning strategies in reply to these experimental than control arrays. The results of this experiment do not support the ideas, derived from the hypothesis theory of perception, which Postman, et al. (1951) used to explain prior findings.
Synthesis of Sugars From D-Ribonolactone. II. An Alternative Synthesis of D-Erythrose

Abstract D-Erythrose was synthesized in four steps from D-ribono-1,4-lactone via the 3,5-O-benzylidene derivative of the latter compound. Reduction of the benzylidene D-ribonolactone, and periodate cleavage of the resulting 3,5-O-benzylidene-D- ribitol were performed in a one-flask reaction. The ensuing 2,4-O-benzylidene-D-erythrose was hydrolyzed with 10% acetic acid to obtain syrupy D-erythrose.
On-device objective-C application optimization framework for high-performance mobile processors

Smartphones provide applications that are increasingly similar to those of interactive desktop programs, providing rich graphics and animations. To simplify the creation of these interactive applications, mobile operating systems employ high-level object-oriented programming languages and shared libraries to manipulate the device's peripherals and provide common user-interface frameworks. The presence of dynamic dispatch and polymorphism allows for robust and extensible application coding. Unfortunately, the presence of dynamic dispatch also introduces significant overheads during method calls, which directly impact execution time. Furthermore, since these applications rely heavily on shared libraries and helper routines, the quantity of these method calls is higher than those found in typical desktop-based programs. Optimizing these method calls centrally before consumers download the application onto a given phone is exacerbated due to the large diversity of hardware and operating system versions that the application could run on. This paper proposes a methodology to tailor a given Objective-C application and its associated device-specific shared library codebase using on-device post-compilation code optimization and transformation. In doing so, many polymorphic sites can be resolved statically, improving the overall application performance.
Fetal Swallowing as a Protective Mechanism Against Oligohydramnios and Polyhydramnios in Late Gestation Sheep

Our objectives were to (1) quantify the relationship between daily swallowed volume and amniotic fluid volume (AF volume) in late gestation ovine fetuses and (2) use the resulting regression equation to explore the role of swallowing in regulating AF volume. Daily swallowed volume ranged from 36 to 1963 mL/d while experimental AF volume ranged from 160 to 6150 mL (n = 115). Swallowed volume was near zero when AF volume was far below normal, a maximum of 635 ± 41 (standard error) mL/d when AF volume was 1682 ± 31 mL and did not increase further with higher AF volumes. Computer simulations predicted that fetal swallowing would (1) return AF volume to normal in 5 to 6 days following an acute volume change in the absence of changes in other amniotic inflows or outflows and (2) stabilize AF volume in 4 to 8 days following sustained alterations in amniotic inflows or outflows other than swallowing. Conclusions: The volume of AF swallowed each day by the fetus is a strong function of AF volume and reaches a maximum when mild polyhydramnios develops. With deviations in AF volume from normal, changes in fetal swallowing protect against oligohydramnios and polyhydramnios because the changes in swallowing over time reduce the extent of the AF volume change. However, with experimental changes in AF volume stabilizing in 1 to 2 days, it appears that swallowing is not the major regulator of AF volume.
Antidumping Investigations and the Pass-Through of Antidumping Duties and Exchange Rates: Comment

Blonigen and Haynes (2002) calculated that pass-through of antidumping duties estimates to U.S. pricing of 200% would be required to eliminate potential antidumping duties. In empirical testing, the authors found pass-through of approximately 173%. However, their initial calculation was based on an error in interpretation of U.S. antidumping practice; in fact pass-through of 100% suffices to eliminate potential antidumping duties. The empirical result is largely due to a separate cause, the practice of “zeroing” in U.S. antidumping reviews, a policy that is currently being contested. The authors’ empirical results are directly relevant to the current debate on zeroing.
Signature of Gravity Waves in the Polarization of the Microwave Background

Using spin-weighted decomposition of polarization in the cosmic microwave background (CMB) we show that a particular combination of Stokes $Q$ and $U$ parameters vanishes for primordial fluctuations generated by scalar modes, but does not for those generated by primordial gravity waves. Because of this gravity wave detection is not limited by cosmic variance as in the case of temperature fluctuations. We present the exact expressions for various polarization power spectra, which are valid on any scale. Numerical evaluation in inflation-based models shows that the expected signal is of the order of 0.5 $\ensuremath{\mu}$K, which could be directly tested in future CMB experiments.
Survey: Self‐managed teams achieve continuous improvement best

Managers concerned with enhancing productivity and quality in their organizations want to know how to get the most from employee improvement programs (EIPs). But before they can do so, they need to understand EIP design and purpose. This article reports the findings of a national survey of EIP make-up and goals.
Multi-dimensional feedback particle filter for coupled oscillators

This paper presents a methodology for state estimation of coupled oscillators from noisy observations. The methodology is comprised of two parts: modeling and estimation. The objective of the modeling is to express dynamics in terms of the so-called phase variables. For nonlinear estimation, a coupled-oscillator feedback particle filter is introduced. The filter is based on the construction of a large population of oscillators with mean-field coupling. The empirical distribution of the population encodes the posterior distribution of the phase variables. The methodology is illustrated with two numerical examples.
Uncertainty finite element dynamic analysis

Abstract An inference-dynamic model is developed based on a model dynamic analysis using a moving boundary condition. The uncertainty of the physical parameters is implemented in the model using an inference scheme coupled with a perturbation technique. Finally, the first two statistical moments of the displacements and the stress field are estimated according to the proposed analytical scheme and are in good agreement with the initially assumed fields.
Précis of Objects and Persons

There are no statues or chairs or rocks or planets. But there are microscopic objects. Let's call them?whatever they may turn out to be?'atoms'. And although there are no statues, there are atoms "arranged statuewise." There are also atoms arranged chairwise, atoms arranged rockwise, and atoms arranged planetwise. I "eliminate" many familiar composite macroscopic objects. But I say there are atoms arranged as if they composed the eliminated objects. The bur den of Chapter One is to show that this "eliminativism" is neither contradic tory nor obviously false. It is not obviously false. At the very least, it can't be refuted by our "see ing and feeling statues." For atoms arranged statuewise do all that statues supposedly do, including accounting for all of our visual or tactile "statue" experiences (pp. 2-3), a point to which I return in Chapter Three. Atoms arranged statuewise can do the work of statues. Some might object that this is because 'there are statues' just means that there are atoms arranged statuewise. If so, eliminativism is contradictory. But?so I argue?this objection is clearly mistaken given what I mean by 'atoms arranged statuewise'. That atoms are arranged statuewise means approximately that, if there were statues, then those atoms would compose one (pp. 4-8; 12-20). And 'there are statues' does not mean that there are some atoms that would compose statues if there were statues. Consider the idea that a statue "just is" or "is nothing more than" its atomic parts. Understood one way, this reductionist sentiment supports eliminativism (pp. 11-12). But understood in another?understood as the claim that a statue is identical with its constituent atoms?it is a threat. I
A network model of migration equilibrium with movement costs

In this paper we introduce a new network equilibrium model of human migration in the presence of movement costs. The equilibrium conditions state that migration continues until the net gain in utility between the destination locations and each particular origin location minus the movement cost is equal, maximal and nonnegative, if there is a positive outward flow from that origin to the particular destinations. We then consider the case of linear utility functions and fixed movement costs and demonstrate that the equilibrium conditions can be reformulated as the solution to an equivalent quadratic programming problem. This approach is in line with the classical approaches to both traffic network equilibrium and spatial price equilibrium problems. We then present an equilibration algorithm which explicitly exploits the special structure of the underlying network. The algorithm proceeds from location to location, at each step equilibrating the migration flow out of a location. The numerical results demonstrate the robustness and efficacy of this approach on large-scale migration network equilibrium problems.
Genetic and pharmacogenetic associations between NOS3 polymorphisms, blood pressure, and cardiovascular events in hypertension.

BACKGROUND Polymorphisms in the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (NOS3) gene increase susceptibility to hypertension and cardiovascular disease. We examined genetic and pharmacogenetic associations between NOS3 polymorphisms, blood pressure (BP) control, and cardiovascular events in elderly, hypertensive coronary artery disease (CAD) patients. METHODS Patients with CAD were randomly assigned to either verapamil SR- or atenolol-based antihypertensive treatment and followed for cardiovascular events. Cases (all-cause death, nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI), or nonfatal stroke) and an age-, sex-, race/ethnicity-matched control population were genotyped for the -786T>C and Glu298>Asp polymorphisms in NOS3. On-treatment BP and BP control were compared across genotype groups. Logistic regression was performed to estimate odds ratios (ORs) for the -786T>C and Glu298>Asp polymorphisms in the combined population and in randomized treatment groups. RESULTS Genotype data were available for 256 cases and 769 controls. Among controls, mean on-treatment BP differed according to -786T>C genotype (T/T 137/78 mm Hg, T/C 133/76 mm Hg, C/C 133/75 mm Hg; P = 0.0007 for systolic, P = 0.09 for diastolic) which corresponded to differing rates of BP control (T/T 63%, T/C 72%, C/C 88%; P = 0.002). Neither polymorphisms was associated with case status, with or without regard to assigned treatment. CONCLUSIONS The -786T>C, but not the Glu298>Asp variant of NOS3, may correlate with BP but do not appear to be associated with incident cardiovascular events in patients with established cardiovascular disease. The antihypertensive treatment approach did not appear to alter the genetic contribution to either BP control or cardiovascular events.
Asthma medication adherence: the role of God and other health locus of control factors.

Abstract Background Medication adherence is an important determinant of disease outcomes, yet medication use on average tends to be low among patients with chronic conditions, including asthma. Although several predictors of non-adherence have been assessed, more research is needed on patients' beliefs about God and how these relate to medication use. Objective To examine the relationship between perceptions about "God's" role in health and other locus of control factors with inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) adherence among asthma patients. Methods Participants were from a clinical trial to improve ICS adherence and were 5-56 years old, had a diagnosis of asthma, and were receiving ICS medication. Baseline adherence was estimated from electronic prescription and pharmacy fill records. Patients were considered to be adherent if ICS use was ≥80% of prescribed. A baseline survey with the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control scale was used to assess five sources (God, doctors, other people, chance, and internal). Results Medication adherence was low (36%). Patients' who had a stronger belief that God determined asthma control were less likely to be adherent (odds ratio [OR] 0.82, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.70-0.96). This relationship was stronger among African American (OR 0.68, 95% CI0.47-0.99) compared to white patients (OR 0.89, 95% CI 0.75-1.04), and among adults (OR 0.81, 95% CI 0.69-0.96) compared to children (OR 0.84, 95% CI 0.58-1.22). Conclusion Patients' belief in God's control of health appears to be a factor in asthma controller use, and therefore should be considered in physician-patient discussions concerning course of treatment. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00459368.
A Comparison of Optical Properties between High Density and Low Density Sintered PTFE

Materials with similar chemical compositions often exhibit different optical properties due to their structural composition. PTFE is widely used in many applications for both its mechanical and optical properties. Low density sintered PTFE has optical properties that make it desirable for use as a white diffuser in applications such as remote sensing. The contrast between the commonly available high density material and the low density material may be useful for those interested in optical modeling of scattered light. Additionally, some applications may find high density PTFE suitable for some optical applications. This paper describes measurements of BRDF, 8o/hemispherical reflectance, and directional hemispherical transmittance for both high density (HD) and low density (LD) sintered PTFE.
Synergistic Remote Sensing of Lake Chad: Variability of Basin Inundation

Abstract During recent decades, drought and anthropogenic influences have led to the diminishment of Lake Chad with adverse effects on both food and water resources. The local population has learned to adapt to the reduced seasonal inundation of the lake basin but are vulnerable to both droughts and excessive inflows. Here, synergistic satellite radar altimetry and near-infrared imagery are employed to gain knowledge of the current flooding patterns. Variations in surface level for the inflowing rivers and the permanent and seasonal lake waters are derived for the 1990s using data from the TOPEX/POSEIDON satellite. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer images provide additional variations of basin inundation from 1995 to 1998, using a simple pixel histogram technique. With accuracy⩾10 cm rms, the altimetry reveals seasonal water-level variations of the order 0.5–6 m and there is a notable rise in minimum levels, 15–35 cm year −1 within the lake basin. Peak-level phase lags of 4 to 5 months are also observed between the headwaters of the Chari/Logone rivers and the western lake marshes. Image results reveal that the permanent lake area is ∼1,385 km 2 , and that with an accuracy of ∼5% the surrounding regions have been additionally flooding by up to ∼3,600 km 2 year −1 . Despite current basin complexities, the synergistic area/level measurements corroborate the known hydraulic relationship at low water levels. Both measurement sets reflect the poor inundation years of 1993/1994 and 1997/1998, despite the indication of a general recovery in regional precipitation to the southeast of the lake. The observed relationships between precipitation, inundation extent, and surface water level offers these remote sensing techniques as an additional tool for flood/drought forecasting and the availability of future fast delivery data, a mechanism for near-real time monitoring.
Zonal Differentiation of Performance under Heat Stress

This paper details four discrete zones which describe the limit of human physiological and performance capabilities in conditions of elevated environmental temperature. Boundaries to these zones are expressed in both environmental and physiological parameters. The practical application of these zones may be realized where individuals are exposed to continuous or intermittent heat stress.
On the transition from faceted to non-faceted growth in melt-grown crystals

Abstract A different approach to data analysis for the kinetics of crystal growth from the melt is suggested. This approach yields a transition in growth kinetics which corresponds to the transition in growth morphology discussed by Miller [1].
Large-scale and very-large-scale motions in turbulent pipe flow

In the outer region of fully developed turbulent pipe flow very large-scale motions reach wavelengths more than 8, as the combination of all smaller motions, including the large-scale motions and the main turbulent motions. The main turbulent motions, defined as the motions small enough to be in a statistical equilibrium (and hence smaller than the large-scale motions) contribute relatively little to the Reynolds shear stress, but they constitute over half of the net Reynolds shear force.
Asymmetric vortex merger in two dimensions: Which vortex is ‘‘victorious’’?

Merger of two like‐signed vorticity monopoles is the chief mechanism for the emergence and growth of vortices in 2‐D turbulent flows. The merger processes in turbulent flows generally involve vortices of different size and vorticity amplitude. This normally causes one of the vortices to dominate. Results of a numerical survey are presented that determine which vortex is dominant or ‘‘victorious.’’ These results are obtained through the complementary use of a low‐order Hamiltonian moment model and a high‐resolution pseudospectral algorithm.
Identification of molecular biomarkers for multiple sclerosis.

Multiple sclerosis is a demyelinating disease of the central nervous system with a presumed autoimmune etiology. Previous microarray analyses identified conserved gene expression signatures in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with autoimmune diseases. We used quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis to identify a minimum number of genes of which transcript levels discriminated multiple sclerosis patients from patients with other chronic diseases and from controls. We used a computer program to search quantitative transcript levels to identify optimum ratios that distinguished among the different categories. A combination of a 4-ratio equation using expression levels of five genes segregated the multiple sclerosis cohort (n = 55) from the control cohort (n = 49) with a sensitivity of 91% and specificity of 98%. When autoimmune and other chronic disease groups were included (n = 78), this discriminator still performed with a sensitivity of 79% and a specificity of 87%. This approach may have diagnostic utility not only for multiple sclerosis but also for other clinically complex autoimmune diseases.
Quantitative untersuchungen zur tryptophan → ommochrom-reaktionskette bei wildtyp und mutanten der honigbiene Apis mellifera

Abstract Quantitative studies on the tryptophan → ommochrome pathway are made in wildtype and mutant honey bees, Apis mellifera. The screening pigments xanthommatin and ommins are found in the bee eye at a quantitative proportion, depending on the particular developmental stage: the mature black wildtype-eye (drone, 12 days after emergence) contains xanthommatin far more than ommins, whereas the opposite relations are true for the violet coloured pupal eye. Characteristic pigment precursors (tryptophan and its derivatives) are accumulating temporarily in the haemolymph of all mutants except chartreuse. Herein the level of tryptophan proves to be very high (mutant snow); on the contrary, the amount of accumulated 3-hydroxykynurenine reaches rather low values only. The same compounds are accumulating in the clear rectal fluid at the reverse quantitative proportion. It can therefore be concluded that 3-hydroxykynurenine is removed from haemolymph faster than tryptophan. In consequence of an accumulation of kynurenine (ivory) or 3-hydroxykynurenine (cream, pearl, brick), the deaminated derivatives kynurenic acid resp. xanthurenic acid are found in pupae and young adults of the particular mutants. The new mutants ‘bayer’, ‘spade’, ‘eyeless’, are classified into the ommochrome pathway by their chemotype. Since the eyes of ‘eyeless’ ♂♂ are extremely reduced in size, the tryptophan catabolism leading to ommochrome is almost totally missing. Hereby the amount of tryptophan is considerably increased in the haemolymph of young ‘eyeless’ ♂♂. After having implanted tryptophan into the exstirpated eyes of ivory-mutants which had just emerged, kynurenine is being formed. This reaction was used, to estimate the activity of the enzyme tryptophan-oxygenase. Implanting of pigment precursor compounds in various mutants result in reactions, which demonstrate that the whole tryptophan → ommochrome pathway takes place in the eyes of bees.
Sister trajectories in the dual resonance model

Abstract The existence of a Regge tranjectory γ = α /3 − 1 in the eight-point amplitude of the Dual Resonance Model set of demonstrated. It is suggested that the three presently known trajectories α, β and γ are part of an infinite set of “sister” trajectories, the expected properties of which are discussed.
Neuroprotective effects of graded reoxygenation following chronic hypoxia in neuronal cell cultures.

The present study was undertaken to investigate the comparative effects of rapid vs graded correction of chronic hypoxia in vitro. Cerebral cortical cell cultures obtained from fetal mice were exposed to 5% O2 for 24 h and returned immediately to room air for the following 24 h (Group I); comparable cultures were exposed to 5% O2 for 24 h followed by 10% O2 for an additional 24 h before return to room air (Group II). At the conclusion of the experimental protocol (time 0), partial pressure of oxygen in the bathing medium of Group I cultures was significantly higher than that of Group II and non-hypoxic controls (151 mmHg vs 124 and 132 mmHg, respectively; P < 0.05). Throughout the recovery period, Group II cultures evidenced improved neuronal survival (e.g. 35,800 vs 17,700 neurons/culture well at time 0, P < 0.01), decreased lactate dehydrogenase efflux into the bathing medium, relative preservation of neuronal morphology, as well as higher specific and clonazepam-displaceable benzodiazepine binding and GABA uptake. Glutamate binding was not differentially affected and glutamine synthetase activity, a predominantly glial marker, was only modestly increased after graded reoxygenation. These results demonstrate that gradual reoxygenation after prolonged hypoxia in vitro (i) improves neuronal survival compared to rapid reoxygenation and (ii) delays the manifestations of metabolic dysfunction even though the length of hypoxic exposure is increased. The findings are also consistent with the concept that a period of relative hyperoxia may contribute to hypoxia-induced neuronal injury.
An enhanced parallel toroidal lattice architecture for large scale neural networks

Summary form only given, as follows. An enhanced parallel toroidal lattice architecture for neurocomputers is proposed. The performance of the architecture is almost proportional to the number of node processors. It uses the most efficient two-dimensional processor connections implemented by the VLSI technology to date and also has even greater expandability of performance and capacity of neurocomputers. The authors define the general neuron model that is the basis of the toroidal lattice architecture. Then they take a multilayer perceptron (MLP) as a typical example of neural networks and describe the simulation of the MLP using error backpropagation learning algorithms on virtual processors with the toroidal lattice architecture. Then, mapping from the virtual processors to physical node processors with the same toroidal lattice architecture is done by row and column partitions. At the same time, the row and column permutations are carried out for node-processor load balancing. Finally, the authors study the feasibility of simulating large-scale neural networks with 1 million neurons and 10 billion connections using toroidal lattice architecture node processors. >
Breast cancer and NSAID use: a meta-analysis

Recent epidemiological studies suggest that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) reduce the risk of several cancers including breast cancer. This meta-analysis examined the studies on NSAID use and breast cancer. The estimators of relative risk and associated variances, which have been adjusted for the greatest number of confounders, were abstracted and included in the meta-analysis. Combined estimators of relative risk (RR) were calculated using either fixed or random effect models. Meta-analyses were performed on 6 cohort studies (number of cases ranged from 14 to 2414) and 8 case–control studies (number of cases ranged from 252 to 5882). The combined estimate of relative risk was 0.82 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.75–0.89). The combined estimate for cohort studies was 0.78 (95% CI = 0.62–0.99) and was 0.87 (95% CI = 0.84–0.91) for case–control studies. The findings of this meta-analysis suggest that NSAID use may be associated with a small decrease in the risk of breast cancer. However, the available data are insufficient to estimate the dose–response effect for duration and frequency of use of any particular types of NSAID. © 2001 Cancer Research Campaign http://www.bjcancer.com
Phenomenological Approach to a Unified Field Theory

An attempt is made to give a phenomenological approach to a unified field theory by imposing four restrictions based on known experimental and theoretical considerations. The first two criteria, namely, that for weak electromagnetic fields the unified equations obey the flat space principle of conservation of energy and that the first-order corrections to Maxwell's equations not violate known experiments concerning the electron, lead to the requirement that a microscopic length appear in the Lagrangian. The remaining two conditions are a correspondence principle constraint for determining the form of the affinity and a gauge invariance condition. These four restrictions lead to a Lagrangian. The gauge invariance requirement forces the existence of a cosmological term. The field equations have been investigated for the spherically symmetric static solutions around a point electron. They lead to finite Coulomb energies, the microscopic length acting as the cut-off parameter.
When the links become chains: Considering dysfunctions of supportive communication in the workplace

(1993). When the links become chains: Considering dysfunctions of supportive communication in the workplace. Communication Monographs: Vol. 60, Into the New Century, pp. 106-111.
The Rescue of Dentin Matrix Protein 1 (DMP1)-deficient Tooth Defects by the Transgenic Expression of Dentin Sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) Indicates That DSPP Is a Downstream Effector Molecule of DMP1 in Dentinogenesis

Dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP1) and dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) are essential for the formation of dentin. Previous in vitro studies have indicated that DMP1 might regulate the expression of DSPP during dentinogenesis. To examine whether DMP1 controls dentinogenesis through the regulation of DSPP in vivo, we cross-bred transgenic mice expressing normal DSPP driven by a 3.6-kb rat Col1a1 promoter with Dmp1 KO mice to generate mice expressing the DSPP transgene in the Dmp1 KO genetic background (referred to as "Dmp1 KO/DSPP Tg mice"). We used morphological, histological, and biochemical techniques to characterize the dentin and alveolar bone of Dmp1 KO/DSPP Tg mice compared with Dmp1 KO and wild-type mice. Our analyses showed that the expression of endogenous DSPP was remarkably reduced in the Dmp1 KO mice. Furthermore, the transgenic expression of DSPP rescued the tooth and alveolar bone defects of the Dmp1 KO mice. In addition, our in vitro analyses showed that DMP1 and its 57-kDa C-terminal fragment significantly up-regulated the Dspp promoter activities in a mesenchymal cell line. In contrast, the expression of DMP1 was not altered in the Dspp KO mice. These results provide strong evidence that DSPP is a downstream effector molecule that mediates the roles of DMP1 in dentinogenesis.
Post-conflict health reconstruction: search for a policy.

Despite increasing experience in health reconstruction in societies emerging from conflict, the policy basis for investing in the development of equitable and effective health systems in the wake of war remains unsettled.1 Consideration of post-conflict health reconstruction is almost entirely absent in donor policies on global health. Practically by default, health programmes are seen increasingly as an element of stabilisation and security interventions in the aftermath of armed conflict. That perspective, however, lacks an evidence base and can skew health programmes towards short-term security and stabilisation goals that have a marginal impact and violate the principles of equity, non-discrimination, and quality, which are central to sound health systems and public acceptance of them. A better approach is to ground policy in legitimacy, viewing health both as a core social institution and one that, if developed according to human rights principles, including equity, non-discrimination, participation and accountability, can advance the effectiveness and the quality of governance in the emerging state.
Human Rights NGOS: The Power of Persuasion

At the end of World War II, the phrase “human rights” was virtually unknown, whether in the media, in standard textbooks, or as a guideline for state conduct in the emerging international community. It was nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) that made the phrase a core element of the United Nations Charter in 1944, even as they pressed for the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted three years later. This was but the beginning of a historic effort to make the Declaration a fundamental standard for measuring progress in civilized society. If the principal motivation was the prevention of another Holocaust, NGOs would fulfill the indispensable function, projected by Eleanor Roosevelt, of serving as the “curious grapevine” that would enlighten everyone about their rights and channel information about human rights violations to the world community.This essay is about the “curious grapevine,” an extraordinary tale of how NGOs, through their persuasion, have made human rights a major item in international discourse in the media, state chancellories, and international institutions. NGOs have played the leading role in the creation of international standards and in establishing legally binding treaties incorporating these standards. They are central to the process of adopting implementing organs to these treaties and in providing the essential documentation and briefings to make these organs work.