cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cocarcinogenesis in vitro using Balb/3T3 cells and aromatic hydrocarbon cocarcinogens

The mouse skin cocarcinogens fluoranthene, pyrene, and undecane were used with the indirect-acting carcinogen, benzo(a)pyrene (BP), and the direct-acting alkylating carcinogen, beta-propiolactone (BPL), in an in vitro transformation assay. Dose response, cytotoxicity, and transformation studies with these compounds were performed with a subclone (A31-1-1) of the Balb/3T3 cell line. Transformation frequencies were found to increase with increasing concentrations of BP used up to 1.0 micrograms/ml or when BPL was used up to 4.0 micrograms/ml. A significant increase (P less than 0.05) in the transformation frequency over that seen with carcinogen alone was observed when cells were exposed to a combination of fluoranthene (4.0 micrograms/ml) and BP (0.063 micrograms/ml) or pyrene (5.0 micrograms/ml) and BP (0.063 micrograms/ml). Thus, the transformation frequency obtained with BP + fluoranthene was 3.8 x 10(-4) compared to 1.2 x 10(-4) when BP was tested alone. Similarly, the transformation frequency using BP + pyrene was 2.8 x 10(-4) vs. 1.2 x 10(-4) when BP was tested alone. Undecane did not exert any cocarcinogenic effect with BP in the dose range tested. In this in vitro assay, no cocarcinogenic effect was observed when BPL was used with any of the above mouse skin cocarcinogens. All cells isolated from transformed foci showed characteristics of transformed cells including anchorage-independent growth.
Differential Phosphorylation and Subcellular Localization of La RNPs Associated with Precursor tRNAs and Translation-Related mRNAs

The La protein facilitates the production of tRNAs in the nucleus and the translation of specific mRNAs in the cytoplasm. We report that human La that is phosphorylated on serine 366 (pLa) is nucleoplasmic and associated with precursor tRNAs and other nascent RNA polymerase III transcripts while nonphosphorylated (np)La is cytoplasmic and associated with a subset of mRNAs that contain 5'-terminal oligopyrimidine (5'TOP) motifs known to control protein synthesis. Thus, La ribonucleoproteins (RNP) exist in distinct states that differ in subcellular localization, serine 366 phosphorylation, and associated RNAs. These results are consistent with a model in which the relative concentrations of the La S366 isoforms in different subcellular compartments in conjunction with the relative concentrations of specific RNA ligands in these compartments determine the differential association of npLa and pLa with their respective classes of associated RNAs.
Dose dependency of L-arginine in neonatal myocardial protection: the nitric oxide paradox.

Objectives: Recent experimental studies have suggested that enriching cardioplegic solution with L-arginine improves myocardial protection by increasing nitric oxide production. Nitric oxide, however, also generates the toxic oxygen-derived free radical peroxynitrite; thus these beneficial effects may be dose dependent, especially in vulnerable (stressed) hearts. Methods: Fifteen neonatal piglets underwent 60 minutes of ventilator hypoxia (inspired oxygen fraction 8%-10%) followed by 20 minutes of normothermic ischemia on cardiopulmonary bypass (stress). They were then protected for 70 minutes with multiple doses of blood cardioplegic solution. In 5 (group 1), the cardioplegic solution contained no L-arginine, in 5 (group 2), it was enriched with a 4 mmol/L concentration of L-arginine, and in 5 (group 3), a 10 mmol/L concentration of L-arginine. Myocardial function was assessed by means of pressure volume loops and expressed as a percentage of control, and coronary vascular resistance and conjugated diene production were measured during infusions of cardioplegic solution. Results: Compared with the protection afforded by blood cardioplegic solution without L-arginine (group 1), the addition of a 4 mmol/L concentration of L-arginine (group 2) significantly improved myocardial protection, resulting in complete return of systolic function (end-systolic elastance 38% vs 100%; P < .001 vs 4 mmol/L L-arginine) and preload recruitable stroke work (40% vs 100%; P < .001 vs 4 mmol/L L-arginine); minimal increase in diastolic stiffness (239% vs 158%; P < .001 vs 4 mmol/L L-arginine); and lower coronary vascular resistance, conjugated diene production, and myeloperoxidase activity (P < .001 vs 4 mmol/L L-arginine in each case). Conversely, supplementing the cardioplegic solution with a 10 mmol/L dose of L-arginine (group 3) negated these beneficial effects, resulting in depressed systolic function (end-systolic elastance 41% ± 2%; P < .001 vs 4 mmol/L L-arginine) and preload recruitable stroke work (40% ± 2%; P < .001 vs 4 mmol/L L-arginine); increased diastolic stiffness (246% ± 7%; P < .001 vs 4 mmol/L L-arginine); and higher conjugated diene production, myeloperoxidase activity, and coronary vascular resistance (P < .001 vs 4 mmol/L L-arginine in each case). Conclusions: Enriching cardioplegic solution with a 4 mmol/L concentration of L-arginine significantly improves myocardial protection by reducing oxygen-derived free radical formation by white blood cells, thus preserving vascular and myocardial function. However, these beneficial effects are dose dependent because 10 mmol/L concentrations of L-arginine increase oxygen-derived free radical production, resulting in vascular and myocardial dysfunction. (J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 1999;118:655-64)
The number of pregnancies prior to the birth of twins.

SUMMARY Data from the birth certificates of twins born in New York City showed that the number of previous pregnancies differs significantly when mothers of like-sex twins are compared to mothers of unlike-sex twins. Also the number of previous pregnancies of mothers of male-male twins differed significantly from that of mothers of female-female twin pairs. The average number of previous pregnancies was adjusted so that the average maternal age was the same for each comparison. This adjustment produced no substantial differences in the original observations.
Oxygen-induced enzyme release: early events and a proposed mechanism.

Abstract Rat hearts perfused for 60 min with hypoxic Krebs-Henseleit medium were fixed and examined by light and electron microscopy at 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 5 and 15 min after reoxygenation. The earliest structural changes seen at 0.5 to 2 min were contracture of myocardial cells with separation of sarcomere attachments to intercalated discs and Z-bands. These separations were followed by focal, and later, diffuse mitochondrial and cytoplasmic swelling. Creatine phosphokinase release from hearts could be detected by 0.5 min, but did not peak until 2 min after reoxygenation. The observed temporal sequence of events suggests that contracture of cells precedes enzyme release and massive cell swelling. It is postulated that when oxygen-supported contracture occurs, stretching and rupture of cell sarcolemmal membranes occurs in dyskinetic regions of cells left unsupported by sarcomere detachments.
Electron spectroscopy studies of the decay of 154Eu

Abstract The relative conversion electron intensities of 16 transitions between 440 and 1280 keV were measured in an iron-free double-focusing spectrometer. The K conversion coefficients of the nine strongest transitions were measured by the internal-external conversion method, and multipole assignments of these transitions were made. The conversion electron intensities of the 676 and 692 keV transition between the 4+ and 2+ levels of the K = 0 vibrational band and the 4+ and 2+ levels for the ground state rotational band, respectively, were found to be about 90% E0 radiation. Transitions of 534 and 681 keV are assigned to be pure E0.
Seismic Evaluation of Unreinforced Masonry Structures with Flexible Diaphragms

Abstract A discrete linear‐elastic, multi‐degree‐of‐freedom (MDOF) dynamic model developed for the dynamic analysis of unreinforced masonry (URM) structures with flexible diaphragms is presented. The discrete MDOF dynamic model represents the dynamic response of the structure in a given direction by a reduced number of discrete masses associated to translational degrees of freedom acting in that direction. The discrete model considers the flexibility of the diaphragms and the rotations of the walls, which are included into the global translational degrees of freedom through static condensation. Soil‐structure interaction effects can be easily incorporated in the method. The applicability of the method in the study of the dynamic response of a URM structure with flexible diaphragms is presented. The structure, an old firehouse located at Gilroy, California, has been instrumented by California Strong Motion Instrumentation Program (CSMIP). Instrumented records of the dynamic response of the firehouse of Gil...
Teaching accountants to learn and "building blocks" for accounting education

Accounting professionals and academicians have expressed significant interest and are pursuing a variety of changes in accounting curricula. There is a broad range of opinions regarding the nature of the changes needed in accounting education, which range from dramatic redesign to little or no change. There is a need to develop a framework for accounting education that is consistent but flexible to accommodate the majority of the accounting educational needs. The "building blocks" of accounting education presented in this paper provide educators with a basic pedagogical framework for an appropriate learning process. The framework of accounting education specifically focuses on the accounting component of the educational process and identifies the nature of courses and appropriate teaching strategies based upon their goals and objectives. Most educators recognize that only "one" accounting curriculum is insufficient to meet the needs of a variety of constituents. Therefore, it is essential to adopt an appropriate general framework for coursework is adopted to address the development of many diverse accounting programs.
Comparison of T cell cytokines in resistant and susceptible mice infected with virulent Brucella abortus strain 2308

C57BL/10 and BALB/c mice differ in their abilities to clear infections with the intracellular bacterium Brucella abortus strain 2308. We have previously reported that in vivo neutralization of IL-10 in the susceptible BALB/c mice results in significantly fewer bacteria in their spleens 1 week after infection with 5 × 103 colony forming units (CFU) of 2308. Here we extend those studies and report a similar effect when IL-4 is neutralized. In contrast, in the more resistant C57BL/10 mice infected with 5 × 103 CFU, neither neutralization of IL-10 nor IL-4 significantly decreased the level of infection nor did it in either BALB/c or C57BL/10 mice infected with a 1000-fold higher dose of strain 2308. While splenocytes from the later mentioned groups of 1 produced IL-10 in response to stimulation with brucella antigen, they also produced higher levels of interferon (IFN)-γ than those from BALB/c mice infected with the low challenge dose of 5 × 103 CFU. Results of in vivo neutralization of IFN-γ by monoclonal antibodies (MAb) reported here and elsewhere indicated that IFN-γ is important for control; thus, we postulate that the higher levels of IFN-γ may override the detrimental effects of Th2 cytokines. In vitro studies also showed that macrophages from the more resistant C57BL/10 mice were less susceptible to the ability of IL-10 to decrease anti-brucella activities than were BALB/c macrophages. CD4+ T cells were principally responsible for the production of IL-10 in BALB/c but not C57BL/10 splenocyte populations. C57BL/10 splenocytes produced more IFN-γ than those from BALB/c mice in response to stimulation with brucella antigens. These differences between BALB/c and C57BL/10 mice may contribute to the superior capacity of C57BL/10 mice to control infections with B. abortus strain 2308.
Estimates of bird collision mortality at wind facilities in the contiguous United States

Abstract Wind energy has emerged as a promising alternative to fossil fuels, yet the impacts of wind facilities on wildlife remain unclear. Prior studies estimate between 10,000 and 573,000 fatal bird collisions with U.S. wind turbines annually; however, these studies do not differentiate between turbines with a monopole tower and those with a lattice tower, the former of which now comprise the vast majority of all U.S. wind turbines and the latter of which are largely being de-commissioned. We systematically derived an estimate of bird mortality for U.S. monopole turbines by applying inclusion criteria to compiled studies, identifying correlates of mortality, and utilizing a predictive model to estimate mortality along with uncertainty. Despite measures taken to increase analytical rigor, the studies we used may provide a non-random representation of all data; requiring industry reports to be made publicly available would improve understanding of wind energy impacts. Nonetheless, we estimate that between 140,000 and 328,000 (mean = 234,000) birds are killed annually by collisions with monopole turbines in the contiguous U.S. We found support for an increase in mortality with increasing turbine hub height and support for differing mortality rates among regions, with per turbine mortality lowest in the Great Plains. Evaluation of risks to birds is warranted prior to continuing a widespread shift to taller wind turbines. Regional patterns of collision risk, while not obviating the need for species-specific and local-scale assessments, may inform broad-scale decisions about wind facility siting.
Low-energy electron capture by B 4 + ions from hydrogen atoms

Using a merged-beam technique, the absolute, total electron-capture cross section has been measured for collisions of B${}^{4+}$ ions with hydrogen (deuterium) atoms at collision energies between 60 and 1200 eV/amu. The data are compared to two semiclassical coupled-channel molecular-orbital calculations, which differ by 30% with respect to each other over the entire energy range, and to two previous measurements at higher energies that differ by up to a factor of 2.
Late multiple organ surge in interferon-regulated target genes characterizes staphylococcal enterotoxin B lethality.

Background Bacterial superantigens are virulence factors that cause toxic shock syndrome. Here, the genome-wide, temporal response of mice to lethal intranasal staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) challenge was investigated in six tissues. Results The earliest responses and largest number of affected genes occurred in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), spleen, and lung tissues with the highest content of both T-cells and monocyte/macrophages, the direct cellular targets of SEB. In contrast, the response of liver, kidney, and heart was delayed and involved fewer genes, but revealed a dominant genetic program that was seen in all 6 tissues. Many of the 85 uniquely annotated transcripts participating in this shared genomic response have not been previously linked to SEB. Nine of the 85 genes were subsequently confirmed by RT-PCR in every tissue/organ at 24 h. These 85 transcripts, up-regulated in all tissues, annotated to the interferon (IFN)/antiviral-response and included genes belonging to the DNA/RNA sensing system, DNA damage repair, the immunoproteasome, and the ER/metabolic stress-response and apoptosis pathways. Overall, this shared program was identified as a type I and II interferon (IFN)-response and the promoters of these genes were highly enriched for IFN regulatory matrices. Several genes whose secreted products induce the IFN pathway were up-regulated at early time points in PBMCs, spleen, and/or lung. Furthermore, IFN regulatory factors including Irf1, Irf7 and Irf8, and Zbp1, a DNA sensor/transcription factor that can directly elicit an IFN innate immune response, participated in this host-wide SEB signature. Conclusion Global gene-expression changes across multiple organs implicated a host-wide IFN-response in SEB-induced death. Therapies aimed at IFN-associated innate immunity may improve outcome in toxic shock syndromes.
Maternal Functioning, Time, and Money: The World of Work and Welfare.

Numerous studies have assessed families' employment and financial stability following welfare reform. Yet little research has addressed whether welfare and work transitions are linked with other changes in family functioning. Using a representative sample of approximately 2000 low-income urban families from the Three-City Study, analyses assessed whether mothers' welfare and employment experiences over a two-year period following welfare reform were related to changes in family well-being. Lagged regression models controlling for family characteristics and earlier levels of functioning found that moving into employment and stable employment (of 30 h or more per week) were linked to substantial increases in income and improvements in mothers' psychological well-being. Movements into employment also were associated with declines in financial strain and food insecurity. Sustained or initiated welfare receipt was related to relative declines in income, physical health, and psychological well-being, but also to improved access to medical care. In contrast, mothers' welfare and work experiences showed very limited relations to changes in the quality of parenting or of children's home environments. These patterns were similar for families with young children and those with adolescent children. Results suggest that parenting behaviors are more resistant to change than are maternal emotional and economic functioning.
Evaluating the use of an environmental assurance program to address pollution from United States cropland

Voluntary market-based programs have been proposed as cost-effective means to reduce environmental impacts associated with agriculture. This study examines a relatively new program in Michigan USA, the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP), and explores how it might serve to reduce nutrient pollution associated with intensive corn production. Interviews with corn farmers were used to explore reasons for program participation, the extent of management changes, and opinions regarding program effectiveness. Results indicate that most farmers enrolled in the program had already satisfied the majority of the requirements, therefore few changes were made that would result in environmental improvements. Interviews also revealed that in almost all cases, corn farmers were unable to market their products as MAEAP verified. Participation was largely driven by goals to avoid law enforcement and minor financial benefits through insurance discounts. Farmers indicated that a lack of monitoring and enforcement reduced the perceived effectiveness of the program. Most farmers favored direct payments through government conservation programs over MAEAP. This case illustrates the limitations of voluntary and market-based programs to address agri-environmental problems and supports the use of multiple policy approaches.
Gas density and the work of breathing.

Abstract Man, living at 300 meters under the sea, will breathe gas mixture of oxygen and helium which are extremely dense, due to their pressures. These high densities will cause gas flow through the tracheo-bronchial tree to be turbulent, and the work of breathing will become a function of gas density. To stimulate this dense gas, an 80% sulfur hexafluoride-20% oxygen mixture was breathed by human subjects at one atmosphere. The work of breathing was determined by measuring the oxygen consumption during quiet breathing and during hyperventilation produced by 7% carbon dioxide. Under resting conditions, breathing room air, the oxygen consumption was 273 ml STPD/min for a minute volume of 5.5 liters BTPS/min. While breathing 7% carbon dioxide in air, the oxygen consumption was 353 ml STPD/min for a minute volume of 36 liters BTps/min, and while breathing 7% carbon dioxide in sulfur hexafluoride-oxygen, the oxygen consumption for a similar minute volume was 537 ml STPD/min. It is concluded that the oxygen cost of breathing high density gas mixtures in this experiment was not a factor which limits the capacity to do useful work.
On structurally decomposing processes

Structurally decomposing processes are studied as coupled bilinear systems (BLS) and conditionally linear systems (CLS). Physical models in engineering, and immunology are presented, along with an overview of the optimal state estimator. A novel method is discussed for detection of process structural decomposition. >
Modelling peak electricity demand

This paper estimates a forecasting equation for the hourly peak electricity demand one day in the future. The models incorporate deterministic influences such as holidays, stochastic influences such as average loads by building bivariate models, and exogenous influences such as the weather which is given a careful non-linear formulation. Out-of-sample comparisons are made using an additional year of data.
Community Interaction and Suburban Zoning Policies

Focusing on multifamily land use, this note discusses the hypothesis that zoning policies in a community are related to the zoning policies of surrounding communities. A community may restrict certain types of land use to preserve its neighborhood quality. As a result surrounding communities may adopt similar policies to prevent an influx that would reduce neighborhood quality. Empirically, a model is formulated to test whether the amount of multifamily development in a community is related to the amount of multifamily land use in surrounding communities. Other variables control for the effects of market forces, fiscal factors, and other effects. The empirical results are consistent with the hypothesis.
A High Contrast Optical Vortex Coronagraph

An optical vortex coronagraph, constructed by replacing the traditional coronagraph occulter with a vortex mask, creates a dark central null in a star allowing nearby planets to be detected. A vortex coronagraph may hold several advantages over other coronagraphs such as lower aberration sensitivity and multi-wavelength operation.
Resolution of Chronic Cluster Headache after Resection of a Tentorial Meningioma: Case Report

ABSTRACTCLUSTER HEADACHE IS almost always idiopathic, but, in rare cases, associated intracranial lesions have been found. We describe a patient who had chronic cluster headache for more than 20 years. The headache immediately resolved upon resection of a tentorial meningioma. Prior reports of clust
Evidence for the function of an exonic splicing enhancer after the first catalytic step of pre-mRNA splicing

Exonic splicing enhancers (ESEs) activate pre-mRNA splicing by promoting the use of the flanking splice sites. They are recognized by members of the serine/arginine-rich (SR) family of proteins, such as splicing factor 2/alternative splicing factor (SF2/ASF), which recruit basal splicing factors to form the initial complexes during spliceosome assembly. The in vitro splicing kinetics of an ESE-dependent IgM pre-mRNA suggested that an SF2/ASF-specific ESE has additional functions later in the splicing reaction, after the completion of the first catalytic step. A bimolecular exon ligation assay, which physically uncouples the first and second catalytic steps of splicing in a trans-splicing reaction, was adapted to test the function of the ESE after the first step. A 3′ exon containing the SF2/ASF-specific ESE underwent bimolecular exon ligation, whereas 3′ exons without the ESE or with control sequences did not. The ESE-dependent trans-splicing reaction occurred after inactivation of U1 or U2 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein particles, compatible with a functional assay for events after the first step of splicing. The ESE-dependent step appears to take place before the ATP-independent part of the second catalytic step. Bimolecular exon ligation also occurred in an S100 cytosolic extract, requiring both the SF2/ASF-dependent ESE and complementation with SF2/ASF. These data suggest that some ESEs can act late in the splicing reaction, together with appropriate SR proteins, to enhance the second catalytic step of splicing.
Fragmentation of relativistic heavy ions

Abstract The “incoherent droplet model” is used to explain recent experiments on the fragmentation of 16O during high energy collision with a Be target. In the 16O rest frame the fragments have a universal iso tropic Gaussian momentum distribution, independent to the masses of the fragments. The half-width of the Gaussian is 〈p〉 ( A 3 n ) , where, A is the mass number of the nucleus, n is the total number of fragments, and 〈p2〉 is the mean square momentum of individual nucleons in the fragmenting nucleus.
Prevention of obesity-linked renal disease: Age-dependent effects of dietary food restriction

Prevention of obesity-linked renal disease: Age-dependent effects of dietary food restriction. Background Hyperphagic obese Zucker rats develop glomerular injury and die of renal disease, an outcome prevented by food restriction at an early age. We examined the effects of food restriction imposed at different ages on systemic, renal hemodynamic, and hormonal changes to gain insight into the mechanisms of obesity-linked glomerular injury. Methods At 6 weeks of age obese Zucker rats were either fed ad libitum or were restricted in food intake at various ages (6, 12, 26, or 50 weeks) to that consumed by lean Zucker rats (14 g/day). Every four weeks 24-hour urine collections, blood pressure, and venous blood samples were obtained until the end of study (60 weeks). Results Food restriction at 6 or 12 weeks of age prevented glomerular injury and hypertrophy and delayed the development of hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and hyperinsulinemia. Food restriction at 26 weeks of age reduced proteinuria, while restriction at 50 weeks prevented further increases in proteinuria without altering pre-existing hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, or hyperinsulinemia. Hypertriglyceridemia and glomerular hyperfiltration in the obese animals were reversed at any age by food restriction. Plasma leptin levels were elevated in all obese groups. Conclusions ( 1 ) Early food restriction provided the greatest metabolic and renal benefits; ( 2 ) glomerular injury correlated with hyperphagia-induced hyperfiltration and hypertriglyceridemia and both were prevented by food restriction; ( 3 ) hypercholesterolemia was due to an increase in LDL and/or VLDL cholesterol; and ( 4 ) leptin does not directly contribute to glomerular injury in the obese Zucker rat.
Adhesive Joint Characterization by Leaky Guided Interface Waves

Ultrasonic inspection of adhesive joints is usually done either by normally incident longitudinal or shear waves or by Lamb modes propagating along the joint, i.e. in the adherend-adhesive-adherend sandwich as a whole. This paper discusses the feasibility of using guided interface waves propagating in the adhesive layer itself for nondestructive evaluation of bond quality. This layer is usually less than 5% of the whole joint, but all defects are expected in this region or on its boundary. True guided interface waves are probably the most sensitive to bond imperfections [1,2], but they are inherently very difficult to generate and detect, therefore we should settle for the second best, namely leaky guided interface waves which lend themselves quite easily to practical applications. The main purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the superior sensitivity of the suggested leaky guided interface wave technique over the more conventional Lamb wave inspection via examples of adhesive joints with different cohesive and adhesive type defects.
Biological implications of flavonoid chemistry in Baptisia and Thermopsis

Abstract An analysis of flavonoid distributional data from detailed biochemical systematic investigations of Baptisia and Thermopsis species supports the contention that the two genera are closely related with Baptisia being the more advanced evolutionarily and exhibiting greater evolutionary vigor. B. megacarpa may represent an ancestral complex which gave rise to several major Baptisia lines. Enzymes involved in methoxylation and 4′-glucosylation of flavonoids in Thermopsis have higher substrate specificities than those involved in 7-glucosylation.
Inverse FEL accelerator: experiment and theory

This article has two parts. In the first part of this article, an inverse FEL autoaccelerator experiment which uses the Columbia FEL accelerator system (V = 800 kV, I = 400 A) is described. High-power 1.5 mm radiation is developed in an optical resonator located along the first section of the undulator (which is 40 cm long and has a period of 1.43 cm and a magnetic field < 1 kG). The electron beam then moves into the second section of the undulator (which is 50 cm long and has its period tapered from 1.8 to 2.4 cm). A fraction of the electrons in the beam is accelerated in the second section by stimulated absorption of the FEL wave. A multimode two-dimensional simulation shows that approximately 50% of the FEL carried power should accelerate a group of trapped electrons to approximately 1200 kV. Measurements of the spectrum of FEL power shows that the stimulated absorption does in fact occur. In the second part of this article, we describe the theory of an inverse FEL beat-wave accelerator (IFELBWA). The essential idea is to use the inverse FEL mechanism to bunch a dense, low-energy electron beam, and then use the electric field generated between the bunches to accelerate a higher-energy electron beam. The phase velocity of the beat wave responsible for acceleration is enhanced by propagating the wave in a waveguide of smaller radius. Accelerating electric fields of the order of 100 MeV/m can be achieved with an electron beam of current density 20 kA/cm2. The parameters of a proof-of-principle experiment are presented.
Reasoning about rings

The ring is a useful means of structuring concurrent processes. Processes communicate by passing a token in a fixed direction; the process that possesses the token is allowed to make certain moves. Usually, correctness properties are expected to hold irrespective of the size of the ring. We show that the problem of checking many useful correctness properties for rings of all sizes can be reduced to checking them on a ring of small size. The results do not depend on the processes being finite state. We illustrate our results on examples.
Stochastic analysis of a modified first fit decreasing packing

We make a stochastic analysis of a modified version mFFD of First Fit Decreasing, in which each bin is closed after it receives its first fallback item. Consider a probability measure µ on [0, 1], and independent random variables X1, ', Xn distributed according to µ. Let Rn = RX1, ', Xn be the number of unit size bins that mFFD needs to pack items of size X1, ', Xn. We prove that cµ = limnâ∞ERn/n exists and that the random variable Rn-ncµ/ân converges in distribution. The main tools are deterministic inequalities concerning mFFD, that might be of independent interest.
Performance and variability of diploid and tetraploid potato families

The performance and variability of 11 diploid and 11 tetraploid potato hybrid families were investigated during two growing seasons at Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. The tetraploid families were significantly higher yielding than the diploids when grown from true seed but the differences were reduced when the materials were grown from tubers. The tetraploids were taller and had more stems 4 weeks after planting, and produced more and heavier tubers over 1.5 inches in diameter. There was no difference in total tuber number or weight. The diploid hybrids usually did not perform as well as their parental clones, while the tetraploids not only exceeded the mean of their parents but regularly exceeded the higher parent. In diploid and tetraploid potatos, gene action and heterozygosity may have a greater effect on plant vigor and productivity than ploidy level. The diploid families generally had more within-population variability. This provides evidence that diploid potatoes will respond to selection faster than tetraploids.
Union Presentation of Self and Worker Participation in Organizing Campaigns

Worker participation, or lack thereof, in union organizing campaigns has mainly been explained by workers' individual characteristics. This article takes a broader perspective: It postulates that union characteristics, and most importantly, the manner in which the union presents itself, are crucial in individuals' decisions to participate. The article shows, through analyses of interviews with workers collected after a union organizing campaign, that potential participants act in accordance with symbols the union presents to them. In the case examined here, the union presented itself as a business with a product to sell. This business presentation of self precluded participation because workers perceived that dues payment was all that was required to complete the business transaction. Political and economic hostility has been correctly blamed for the decrease in union strength. However, by acknowledging that the union's presentation has important ramifications for employee behavior, unions may gain more c...
Surgical results in large-angle exotropia.

Abstract Purpose: This study examines the surgical results of correcting large angle exodeviationsin adults who may lack bifixation. The expected results in adults are not to achieve improved fusion but, rather, to construct the alignment. Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted of all patients withcomitant exodeviation greater than 35 Δ examined and treated by 1 pediatric ophthalmologist between January 1994 and May 1999. Any patients with large A or V patterns, nystagmus, history of botulinum toxin injections for strabismus, paralytic or mechanical cause for strabismus, or use of adjustable sutures were excluded. Charts were reviewed for postoperative alignment. Postoperative results were separated into 3 categories: exodeviation greater than 10 Δ, successful outcome (esotropia Results: Sixty-three patients met the inclusion criteria. Their median age at the time of surgery was 18, with a standard deviation of 20. The majority of them had intermittent exotropia that had deteriorated into constant exotropia. Fifty-two patients had bilateral lateral rectus recessions, and 11 patients had recess/resect procedures. Sixty-two percent (39 of 63) had successful outcomes overall. Only 2 patients had overcorrection (esotropia>10 Δ). In patients with deviations greater than 50 Δ, 82% (9 of 11) were undercorrected (exodeviation >10 Δ). Conclusions: Large-angle exodeviations can be successfully approached with bilateral lateral rectus recessions or recess/resect procedures in preoperative deviations up to and including 50 Δ with a success rate of 71%. In larger deviations, 2-muscle surgery was not as successful (18%, or 2 of 11). (J AAPOS 2002;6:77-80)
Compositional variations in monomeric trimethylsilylated allyl lanthanide complexes

Abstract Treatment of three equivalents of the potassium salt of the bis(1,3-trimethylsilyl)allyl anion with various late lanthanide triflates (M = Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Lu) produces the unsolvated triallyllanthanide complexes LnA 3 ′ (A′ = 1,3-(SiMe3)2C3H3). The use of lanthanide halides (Cl, I) with the potassium allyl also generates neutral complexes, but when lanthanide iodides and the corresponding lithium allyl are combined, the lanthanate species Li(thf) 4 [ LnA 3 ′ I ] are formed. Trends in the bonding of lanthanide allyl complexes with the trimethylsilylated-allyl ligand are explored and compared with those of cyclopentadienyl lanthanide complexes.
Caloric Restriction Does not Alter Thyrotropin Secretion in Hypothyroidism

The effect of caloric restriction, as a model of nonthyroid illness, on serum thyroid hormone and TSH concentrations in hypothyroid patients was studied to determine if pituitary-thyroid function is altered in such patients, as it is in euthyroid subjects. Serum T4, T3, and TSH concentrations and serum TSH responses to TRH were measured in 5 untreated hypothyroid patients and 10 hypothyroid patients receiving T4 replacement therapy before and after restriction of caloric intake to 500 cal daily for 7 days. In 5 untreated hypothyroid patients, the mean serum T3 concentration declined 17%, from 75 +/- 14 (+/- SE) to 62 +/- 11 ng/dl. The mean basal serum TSH concentrations were 154 +/- 67 (+/- SE) microU/ml before and 161 +/- 75 microU/ml at the end of the period of caloric restriction, and the serum TSH responses to TRH were similar on both occasions. In 10 T4-treated hypothyroid patients, the mean serum T3 concentration declined 35%, from 110 +/- 8 to 71 +/- 8 ng/dl. In this group, mean basal serum TSH concentrations were 17 +/- 5.1 microU/ml before and 18.2 +/- 7.0 microU/ml at the end of the period of caloric restriction, and as in the untreated hypothyroid patients, the serum TSH responses to TRH were similar on both occasions. Mean serum T4 concentrations and serum free T4 index values did not change in either group. These results indicate that caloric restriction in both untreated and T4-treated hypothyroid patients is accompanied by 1) reduced serum T3 concentrations, as it is euthyroid subjects, and 2) no alterations in basal or TRH-stimulated TSH secretion.
Neurospectroscopy: the past, present and future.

Neurospectroscopy with respect to its past, present and future has been reported. It is helpful to understand the biochemical relevance of each of the major resonances in the brain spectra. Lactate is seen in the spectrum as a doublet at 1.33 ppm. Healthy tissues do not have sufficient lactate to be detectable by MRS. Neurospectroscopy provides information on brain constituents. Pattern recognition blends pattern recognition techniques and multivariate statistical analysis with solid, comprehensive software engineering practices. Neurospectroscopy offers a window into the chemistry of the human brain, reporting on normal mechanisms as well as the changes that occur with degeneration, disease, pain, cancer, and infection. Alzheimer's disease can now be identified much earlier than before offering earlier management before the disease progresses. The long-term effect of shaken baby syndrome and traumatic brain injury can be gauged by neurospectroscopy.
DIFFERENTIAL MOVEMENT AT EMBANKMENT-BRIDGE STRUCTURE INTERFACE IN ILLINOIS

Settlement of roadway pavement surfaces near highway bridge abutments often leads to abrupt grade differences at the abutments. These grade differences subject vehicles to a bump, which may lead to driver discomfort and potentially unsafe driving conditions. Furthermore, differential movement requires costly and repeated maintenance work that usually impedes the flow of traffic. The sources of differential movement in Illinois can be divided into six major categories: (a) compression or erosion of materials at the approach embankment-abutment interface, (b) a broken approach slab, (c) compression of foundation soils, (d) compression or internal erosion of embankment soils, (e) poor construction grade control, and (f) areal distortion of foundation soils. An approach gradient equal to or greater than 1/100 to 1/125 appears to cause rider discomfort and therefore is proposed as a criterion for initiating remedial measures.
Detection, location, and quantification of structural damage by neural-net-processed moiré profilometry

The development of efficient high speed techniques to recognize, locate, and quantify damage is vitally important for successful automated inspection systems such as ones used for the inspection of undersea pipelines. Two critical problems must be solved to achieve these goals: the reduction of nonuseful information present in the video image and automatic recognition and quantification of extent and location of damage. Artificial neural network processed moire profilometry appears to be a promising technique to accomplish this. Real time video moire techniques have been developed which clearly distinguish damaged and undamaged areas on structures, thus reducing the amount of extraneous information input into an inspection system. Artificial neural networks have demonstrated advantages for image processing, since they can learn the desired response to a given input and are inherently fast when implemented in hardware due to their parallel computing architecture. Video moire images of pipes with dents of different depths were used to train a neural network, with the desired output being the location and severity of the damage. The system was then successfully tested with a second series of moire images. The techniques employed and the results obtained are discussed.
Differential effects of cognitive behavior modification on seriously emotionally disturbed adolescents exhibiting internalizing or externalizing problems

This study examined the differential effects of a school-based cognitive behavior modification intervention on (a) the interpersonal/social skills and (b) the social competence and school adjustment of two groups of middle school students identified as seriously emotionally disturbed. One groups of students exhibited internalizing emotional problems and the other group exhibited externalizing emotional problems. The objective of the study was to investigate whether the effectiveness of a school-based cognitive behavior modification intervention was significantly related to the type of emotional disturbance a student exhibits (i.e. internalizing or externalizing emotional disturbance). The sample consisted of an experimental and a control group of middle school students identified as seriously emotionally disturbed. The intervention was implemented in 23 biweekly 42-minute sessions. The results indicated that teacher ratings of student social competence and school adjustment were sensitive to treatment effects, although students' social skills self-ratings were not significantly affected by the treatment. A differential treatment effect was established in that externalizing students were significantly more responsive than internalizing students.
Repeated courses of antenatal corticosteroids: Are there effects on the infant's auditory brainstem responses?

Abstract Our objective was to assess the effects of repeated antenatal corticosteroid treatments on the neonatal auditory brainstem response (ABR), a sensitive measure of neonatal brain maturity and auditory function. To achieve this, we performed and blindly evaluated neonatal ABRs on a subset of infants delivering within a multicenter randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial comparing single versus repeated courses of antenatal corticosteroid treatments for women at 23–31 weeks gestation who remained at increased risk for preterm birth. The women were randomly assigned to either the single or the repeated antenatal corticosteroid treatment group. Women in the repeated antenatal corticosteroid group received weekly antenatal corticosteroid treatments until 34 weeks gestation or until they reached a study-determined limited number of courses, whereas women in the single antenatal corticosteroid group received an initial course of corticosteroid followed by weekly placebo injections. We performed ABR testing on their infants prior to discharge. The latencies of waves I, III and V and the peak-to-trough amplitudes of waves I and V were compared between those in the single (n = 27) and repeated antenatal corticosteroid treatment (n = 24) groups. The majority of repeated antenatal corticosteroid infants (20 of 24) were exposed to ≥ 4 antenatal corticosteroid treatments. Even though gestational age was similar between our subset of single and repeated antenatal corticosteroid treatment groups, infant birth weight and length and head circumference were significantly smaller in the repeated antenatal corticosteroid group (p
FGF2 delays tectal neurogenesis, increases tectal cell numbers, and alters tectal lamination in embryonic chicks.

Intraventricular injections of the fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) are known to increase the size of the optic tectum in embryonic chicks. Here we show that this increase in tectum size is due to a delay in tectal neurogenesis, which by definition extends the proliferation of tectal progenitors. Specifically, we use cumulative labeling with the thymidine analog EdU to demonstrate that FGF2 treatment on embryonic day 4 (ED4) reduces the proportion and absolute number of unlabeled cells in the rostroventral tectum when EdU infusions are begun on ED5, as one would expect if FGF2 retards tectal neurogenesis. We also examined FGF2′s effect on neurogenesis in the caudodorsal tectum, which is born 2-3 days after the rostroventral tectum, by combining FGF2 treatment on ED4 with EDU infusions beginning on ED8. Again, FGF2 treatment reduced the proportion and number of EdU-negative (i.e., unlabeled) cells, consistent with a delay in neurogenesis. Collectively, these data indicate FGF2 in embryonic chicks delays neurogenesis throughout much of the tectum and continues to do so for several days after the FGF2 injection. One effect of this delay in neurogenesis is that tectal cell numbers more than double. In addition, tectal laminae that are born early in development become abnormally thin and cell-sparse after FGF2 treatment, whereas late-born layers remain unaffected. Combined with the results of prior work, these data indicate that FGF2 delays tectal neurogenesis and, thereby, triggers a cascade of changes in tectum size and morphology.
Effective ways to dispose of unwanted time and money with a laboratory computer

Four general types of mistakes are presented that are commonly made in choosing, purchasing, and setting up a laboratory computer. These are: avoiding advice, building your own hardware, buying from a fly-by-night manufacturer, and being ignorant of your machine.
Expression of osteopontin correlates with portal biliary proliferation and fibrosis in biliary atresia.

The acquired or perinatal form of biliary atresia is a Th1 fibro-inflammatory disease affecting both the extrahepatic and intrahepatic bile ducts. Osteopontin (OPN) is a Th1 cytokine implicated in several fibro-inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. We examined the expression of OPN in acquired biliary atresia in comparison to normal liver and several pediatric cholestatic liver diseases. We also assessed OPN expression by cultured human bile duct epithelial cells. We found that liver OPN mRNA and protein expression were significantly increased in biliary atresia versus normal and other cholestatic diseases. OPN expression in biliary atresia was localized to epithelium of proliferating biliary structures (ductules and/or ducts) and bile plugs contained therein. No portal biliary OPN expression could be demonstrated in normal liver, syndromic biliary atresia, biliary obstruction not due to biliary atresia, and idiopathic neonatal hepatitis. OPN expression by human bile duct epithelial cells in culture was responsive to IL-2 and TNF-α. Our results demonstrate an up-regulation of OPN expression by interlobular biliary epithelium in biliary atresia, which correlates with biliary proliferation and portal fibrosis. These findings suggest a role for OPN in the pathogenesis of biliary atresia.
Preoperative chemotherapy of chemoradiotherapy for the treatment of adenocarcinoma of the pancreas and ampulla of Vater

Much has been written about preoperative strategies in the treatment of pancreatic adenocarcinoma, yet there has been very little comment concerning other periampullary malignancies. This review discusses current issues relevant to the further development of preoperative adjuvant treatment of pancreatic adenocarcinoma. A small series of patients with ampullary adenocarcinomas treated with preoperative adjuvant chemoradiotherapy is also described.