cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ultrastructural Analysis of Spores and Parasporal Crystals Formed by Bacillus sphaericus 2297

Abstract Bacillus sphaericus 2297, growing from a boiled, relatively nontoxic spore inoculum, increased about 30-fold in toxicity for mosquito larvae during early exponential growth but showed an approximately 1,000-fold toxicity increase during the late-exponential phase, as spores began to appear in the culture. The development of spores in the bacterial cells was accompanied by the formation of parasporal crystals. These parasporal crystals appeared during stage III as the forespore septum engulfed the incipient forespore. The paraspores were separated from the forespores by a branch of the exosporium across the cell. Measurements of the parasporal substructure revealed a 6.3-nm distance between the striations. When spores and paraspores were fed to mosquito larvae and the larvae were fixed 15 min after feeding, it was found that the spores remained relatively unchanged but that the matrix of the paraspores was dissolved. After dissolution of the paraspore matrix, a meshlike envelope remained which retained the paraspore shape and which was often in contact with the cross-cell portion of the exosporium. The parasporal crystals may be a source of the mosquito larval toxin in this strain of B. sphaericus, but proof will require their isolation from other cellular components.
Density functional study of LaFeAsO(1-x)F(x): a low carrier density superconductor near itinerant magnetism.

Density functional studies of 26 K superconducting LaFeAs(O,F) are reported. We find a low carrier density, high density of states, $N({E}_{F})$, and modest phonon frequencies relative to ${T}_{c}$. The high $N({E}_{F})$ leads to proximity to itinerant magnetism, with competing ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic fluctuations and the balance between these controlled by the doping level. Thus LaFeAs(O,F) is in a unique class of high ${T}_{c}$ superconductors: high $N({E}_{F})$ ionic metals near magnetism.
Interaction between ceramic powder and molten calcia-magnesia-alumino-silicate (CMAS) glass, and its implication on CMAS-resistant thermal barrier coatings

Abstract Calcia-magnesia-alumino-silicate (CMAS)-attack mitigation mechanisms of 2ZrO 2 ·Y 2 O 3 composition TBCs are investigated through a ‘model’ study where 2ZrO 2 ·Y 2 O 3 ceramic powders are immersed in molten CMAS glass for various durations at 1300 °C. The key insight gained from this study is that the formation of the CMAS-blocking apatite phase requires high concentration of Y 3 + within a confined volume of CMAS, whereas the presence of a large-volume CMAS sink for Y 3 + precludes the formation of apatite. It is also demonstrated that the ceramic microstructure has a profound effect on its dissolution and penetration by CMAS, and on the concomitant crystallization of apatite.
Chapter 14 – Applications of Laser Welding

This chapter discusses various applications of laser welding. Laser welding competes with various techniques such as arc, resistance, and electron beam welding. The technical advantages of lasers, coupled with the fact that laser welding produces high-quality welds at high seam rates in a wide variety of metals, in a process that is easily automated and that achieves high throughput, have led to the adoption of laser welding for many practical industrial applications, especially in high-volume production. The parameters of the laser beam and the properties of the workpiece strongly influence the results of a laser welding application. The thermal diffusivity of the workpiece is important. High thermal diffusivity allows faster conduction of the heat energy through the workpiece and permits greater depth of welding. High surface reflectivity can reduce the energy absorbed by the surface. Welding of metals with high reflectivity requires more energy than welding of low-reflectivity metals. Thus, surface reflectivity influences the choice of the laser to be used, so that one may operate at a wavelength where the reflectivity is relatively low.
Using Multiple-Input NEMS for Parallel A/D Conversion and Image Processing

The technology advancements in semiconductor process have led to rapid progress in design and fabrication of multiple-input Nano-electro-mechanical relays/switches (NEM relays/NEMS). This work explores the design space of implementing image processing algorithms using a hybrid multiple-input NEMS -- CMOS architecture. Different from the existing the approaches of building logic gates (e.g. INV, AND, OR, NAND, NOR, etc.) as conventional CMOS circuits, using NEMS, this work takes advantages of the electrical and mechanical physical features of the NEM relays to implement image processing algorithms. Simulation results show that the multiple-input NEM relays can be applied for decision-making and compare-select image processing algorithms. Moreover, we show that NEM relays can operate as parallel analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) with advantages of leakage reduction and power efficiency.
Recent Approaches in Chemoprevention of Prostate Cancer

In highly developed countries like USA, approximately one out of 6 in the male population will expect to have prostate cancer in their life time. Chemoprevention is presumably one of most effective means to combat many types of cancer including prostate cancer (PCa). Because clinically significant PCa usually requires more than a decade to develop, therefore, it would be an ideal target for chemoprevention. This review will focus on recent findings of the most studied, naturally occurring, synthetic or semi-synthetic chemicals for potential use in preventing PCa. Newly discovered chemicals which show potential in preventative or therapeutic effects will be included. Molecular mechanisms and gene/pathway targets by which the above agents act on target cells will be briefly discussed. The recent findings on the chemicals possessing anti-androgen receptor, anti-DNA methyltransferase, or anti-histone deacetyltransferase activity will also be presented. It will further present some important issues regarding how the interactions of chemopreventing agents with genetic polymorphisms or epigenetic factors might affect anti-cancer effects of the agents. Related large trials, if appropriate, will also be discussed.
Aspects of Religion in the Senegalese Novel

Every social activity in Africa is invested with a religious flavor. The family, for instance, has a spiritual foundation: the ancestors who constitute an integral part of it act as intermediaries between the dead and the living. This explains ancestral worshipping. The ancestors plead in favor of the living before the gods, asking for their good health and prosperity. A religious spirit also informs the traditional matrimonial system. The goddess of birth, primary source of life, is thus worshipped. Sterility engenders metaphysical doubts and spiritual anxiety. A barren woman is the carrier of bad luck because she is suspected of being under a divine curse. The land also has a religious and sacred quality. It is a collective property and "factor of solidarity between the living and the dead" (see SAC, 1962: 232).1 Education in the traditional community is equally religiously inspired: initiation or the rite de passage is simply a means of discovering the traditional cosmogony, a search for an answer to existence. In effect, every single activity in the traditional African society has its own god, very similar to what existed in ancient Greece. The gods reveal themselves through a number of natural phenomena: rain, tornado, tempest, wind,
Clinical trial priorities among surgeons caring for breast cancer patients.

Abstract Background Designing and prioritizing successful clinical trials benefits from increased community physician input. We surveyed practicing surgeons about current controversies in breast cancer surgery, reported practices of discussing trial participation, and perceived obstacles to trial participation. Methods A 44-question survey was mailed in 2005–2006 to 2,187 randomly selected American College of Surgeons members actively seeing breast cancer patients. Responses were analyzed by surgeon sex, practice type, oncology training, professional society membership, and breast cancer patient volume. Results A total of 923 responses were received, with 460 eligible responses remaining for analysis. Most surgeons infrequently or never discuss trial participation with breast cancer patients. Inadequate infrastructure presents the greatest physician obstacle to trial participation. Identifying proven indications for completion axillary dissection after positive sentinel node biopsy marks the highest-ranked research priority for surgeons providing breast care. Conclusions Understanding topics of interest among practicing surgeons and addressing common obstacles to trial participation may result in improved breast cancer patient accrual through surgeons.
The Correlates of Arms Importation

The basic question of why nations import arms is addressed by identifying clusters of variables most closely correlated with arms import levels, both for the world's aggregate of countries and by region. From prior impressionistic studies of arms transfers a set of six hypothesized clusters is proposed, entailing: (1) national characteristics such as geography and population; (2) governmental characteristics such as regime type; (3) military characteristics such as defense expenditures; (4) economic characteristics such as degree of wealth and level of trade; (5) international conflict involvements; and (6) international political alignment and alliance entanglements. Each of these is measured with data from Kidron & Smith's, The War Atlas, supplemented by ACDA's, World Military Expenditures and Arms Transfers, and by scholarly studies. The cluster with the largest impact on arms import levels consisted of military variables, especially budgetary expenditures and nuclear status. Economic and alignment var...
Retrieval of indwelling ureteral stent utilizing Fogarty catheter.

Abstract The efficacy of silicone rubber ureteral stents for long-term urinary diversion has been demonstrated to be of value in certain cases. However, complications, including migration of the stent, do occur. A method for retrieval of the ureteral stent utilizing a Fogarty arterial embolectomy catheter is described.
Intramammary Lymph Node Presenting as the Primary Breast Mass in Infiltrating Lobular Carcinoma

he significance of intramammary lymph nodes and their role n breast cancer has been an issue of interest despite the paucity f information available in the literature. Intramammary lymph odes can occasionally be observed during sentinel node maping or with mammography, but they are rarely palpable. erein the authors report a case in which an intramammary ymph node replaced with metastatic carcinoma presented as he primary palpable tumor in a patient with invasive breast ancer.
RalA-binding Protein 1 is an Important Regulator of Tumor Angiogenesis

Tumor angiogenesis is important in tumorigenesis and therapeutic interventions in cancer. To know inhibitor and effector of tumor angiogenesis in cancer, the specific gene of tumor and angiogenesis may develop the mechanisms of cancer suppression and therapy. Recently, we described the role of RalA-binding protein 1 (RLIP76) in tumor angiogenesis. Tumor vascular volumes were diminished, and vessels were fewer in number, shorter, and narrower in RLIP76 knockout mice than in wild-type mice. Moreover, angiogenesis in basement membrane matrix plugs was blunted in the knockout mice in the absence of tumor cells, with endothelial cells isolated from the lungs of these animals exhibiting defects in migration, proliferation, and cord formation in vitro. RLIP76 is expressed in most human tissues and is overexpressed in many tumor types. In addition, the protein regulates tumorigenesis and angiogenesis in vivo and in vitro. As the export of chemotherapy agents is a prominent cellular function of RLIP76, it is a major factor in mechanisms of drug resistance. Moreover, RLIP76 acts as a selective effector of the small GTPase, R-Ras, and regulates R-Ras signaling, leading to cell spreading and migration. Furthermore, in skin carcinogenesis, RLIP76 knockout mice are resistant, with tumors that form showing diminished angiogenesis. Thus, RLIP76 is required for efficient endothelial cell function and angiogenesis in solid tumors.
Problems Associated with Estimating Ground Water Discharge and Recharge from Stream‐Discharge Records

Ground water discharge and recharge frequently have been estimated with hydrograph-separation techniques, but the critical assumptions of the techniques have not been investigated. The critical assumptions are that the hydraulic characteristics of the contributing aquifer (recession index) can be estimated from stream-discharge records; that periods of exclusively ground water discharge can be reliably identified; and that stream-discharge peaks approximate the magnitude and timing of recharge events. The first assumption was tested by estimating the recession index from stream-discharge hydrographs, ground water hydrographs, and hydraulic diffusivity estimates from aquifer tests in basins throughout the eastern United States and Montana. The recession index frequently could not be estimated reliably from stream-discharge records alone because many of the estimates of the recession index were greater than 1000 days. The ratio of stream discharge during base flow periods was two to 36 times greater than the maximum expected range of ground water discharge at 12 of the 13 field sites. The identification of the ground water component of stream-discharge records was ambiguous because drainage from bank-storage, wetlands, surface water bodies, soils, and snowpacks frequently exceeded ground water discharge and also decreased exponentially during recession periods. The timing and magnitude of recharge events could not be ascertained from stream-discharge records at any of the sites investigated because recharge events were not directly correlated with stream peaks. When used alone, the recession-curve-displacement method and other hydrograph-separation techniques are poor tools for estimating ground water discharge or recharge because the major assumptions of the methods are commonly and grossly violated. Multiple, alternative methods of estimating ground water discharge and recharge should be used because of the uncertainty associated with any one technique.
Biplots of 1959-1961 United States metropolitan mortality.

National and international public-health bodies compile detailed age—race—sex-specific mortality data for a variety of geographic areas. Epidemiologists make extensive use of this information—but often in a piecemeal, summary fashion—to investigate questions of disease etiology. Exploratory data-analytical methods can be applied to these highly disaggregated mortality tables in their entireties to reveal broad patterns of the interrelationships between cause, place, and time of death, and age, race, and sex. One effective procedure for uncovering this multitude of potentially significant interaction effects is the biplotting of the deviations from various row-and-column independence models of the mortality tables. Biplots of two 201 × 56 tables are presented. These tables give the number of 1959–1961 deaths from 55 causes plus the number of survivors in 201 standard metropolitan statistical areas (SMSAs) of male whites aged 65–74 and of female whites aged 65–74. It is clear from the results that SMSAs tha...
Impact of postoperative nutrition on weight gain in infants with hypoplastic left heart syndrome

Objective The study objective was to evaluate risk factors for poor weight gain in infants with hypoplastic left heart syndrome after stage 1 palliation. Methods We reviewed all term infants with hypoplastic left heart syndrome who had stage 1 palliation and stage 2 palliation at Texas Children's Hospital between 2000 and 2011 (n = 120). Predictor variables included age at stage 1 palliation, intensive care unit factors, calories delivered, and echocardiographic findings. Outcome variables included weight for age Z scores at hospital discharge, stage 2 palliation, and change in weight for age Z scores between stage 1 palliation and hospital discharge. Results Complete nutritional data were available for 47 of 120 patients. Median total parenteral nutrition duration was 6 days (range, 1-43 days), and median intensive care unit calories delivered was 53.9 kcal/kg/d (range, 22.3-119.6 kcal/kg/d). Before hospital discharge, the median caloric intake was 106.7 kcal/kg/d (range, 70.0-152.0 kcal/kg/d). Median weight for age Z scores was −0.59 (range, −3.6 to 0.5) at stage 1 palliation, −1.62 (range, −4.5 to −0.1) at intensive care unit transfer, and −1.81 (range, −4.9 to −0.5) at hospital discharge. A total of 46 of 47 patients had a negative change in weight for age Z scores between stage 1 palliation and hospital discharge, with a median change of −1.14 (range, −2.3 to 0.6). Change in weight for age Z scores from stage 1 palliation to discharge was directly associated with calories delivered and indirectly associated with hospital length of stay and moderate tricuspid regurgitation ( P Conclusions Postoperative nutrition fails to meet the needs of infants with hypoplastic left heart syndrome despite increased focus on nutritional support. Modifiable factors (eg, nutritional intake) and hemodynamic factors (eg, tricuspid regurgitation) may play roles in the poor weight gain of these infants.
Hydrophilic-hydrophobic copolymers as cell substrates: Effect on 3T3 cell growth rates

Cell-substrate interactions are important in many processes, including biocompatibility, marine biofouling, cell growth in culture, and cell separation. The influence of surface properties such as polarity, hydrophobic/hydrophilic or acid/base balance on cell interactions is poorly understood, however. In this study 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) and ethyl methacrylate (EMA) in various volume ratios were copolymerized and spun cast onto glass to produce a chemically homologous series of surfaces varying principally in hydrophilicity. Growth, spreading, and attachment of mouse 3T3 cells were measured with time-lapse photomicroscopy, visualization of the nucleolus, and [3H]thymidine labeling, respectively. Fibronectin adsorption from serum to the copolymers was also measured, using 125I-labeled fibronectin. On all polymers made with monomers containing 50% or more EMA, cell numbers increased logarithmically with time at the same rate observed for glass (21-hr doubling time). Cells on 40% EMA polymers remained virtually constant in number while decreases in cell number were observed on all polymers made with 30% or less EMA. Attachment measured after either 2 or 20 hr was not well correlated with growth behavior since significant attachment occurred on polymers on which growth had not occurred. Spreading at 2 hr but especially after 24 hr was very similar to the variation in growth. The kinetics of attachment and spreading varied markedly among the copolymers. Fibronectin adsorption varied from 0.1 to 1.5 ng/cm2 on the copolymers and was similar to the variation in 2-hr spreading. Fibronectin adsorption from the serum and fibronectin exudation by the cells both appear to be important in determining 3T3 cell interactions with the HEMA-EMA copolymers. However, the relative influence of these two processes on cell behavior probably varies greatly among the copolymers. The interfacial properties of the copolymers which could account for a variation in the ability to support cell growth are discussed.
A nuclear-encoded small-subunit ribosomal RNA timescale for diatom evolution

Abstract A molecular phylogenetic dating study, using the PATHd8 program, was conducted to infer the time frame within which the diatoms originated and diversified. A Proterozoic to Early Paleozoic origin was rejected while an Early Triassic (i.e. 250 Ma) to Early Jurassic (i.e. 183 Ma) evolution of the group was supported. However, when considering the inconsistencies in the divergence dates, caused by the somewhat contradictory fixages, the diatoms may have evolved between the late Permian (i.e. 267 Ma) and the Middle Jurassic (i.e. 162 Ma). According to the chronogram of the original PATHd8 analysis, modern “centric diatoms” already existed in the Early Jurassic, “araphid pennates” should be discovered in Lower Cretaceous sediments and the “raphid pennates” are expected to be present in Upper Cretaceous deposits. Uncertainties in the divergence times, due to the disagreements between the fixed calibration dates, suggested that the modern “centrics” may, in fact, have evolved in the Middle Jurassic. However, the evolutionary time spans of the “araphids” and “raphids”, inferred by the original PATHd8 study, were not challenged by the discrepancies among the fixages. The molecular time estimates obtained for the evolution of many diatom lineages were generally between 10 and 65 Ma older than their first paleontlogical appearance dates. Exceptions were Thalassiosirales and Paralia which show “ghost ranges” of approximately 92 million and 84 Ma, respectively. The first appearance of Aulacoseira species in the paleontological record about 48.6 Ma ago is consistent with the time indicated by the molecular dating analysis. However, the chronogram shows that the lineage to which Aulacoseira belongs is approximately 98.7 Ma old, possibly suggesting a “gap” in our knowledge of the fossil record and the taxonomy of the group. Stratigraphic ranges devoid of diatom species, but expected to be present based on molecular dating analyses, may be due to erroneously classified/diagnosed taxa, poor preservation but also because of unreliable molecular timescales/phylogenies. It is suggested that the rRNA timescale, proposed here, can function as a guideline to identify geological time periods and taxa that potentially need additional analyses in order to provide a more complete picture of diatom evolution.
Perioperative management of patients treated with glucocorticoids.

HPA suppression is a common consequence of glucocorticoid therapy, whereas overt secondary adrenal insufficiency is a rare but life-threatening condition. Prolonged hypotension and a response to adequate doses of a glucocorticoid agent are not reliable ways to assess adrenocortical function. One must also demonstrate plasma cortisol levels that are inappropriately low for the clinical situation. Hypotension in patients previously treated with glucocorticoids is caused by loss of the permissive effect of glucocorticoids on vascular tone, which may be related in turn to enhanced PGI2 production in the absence of glucocorticoids. It is not caused by mineralocorticoid deficiency. Recurrent problems of study design and interpretation have plagued this area of investigation. Any patient who has received a glucocorticoid in doses equivalent to at least 20 mg a day of prednisone for more than 5 days is at risk for HPA suppression. If the doses are closer to but above the physiologic range, 1 month is probably the minimal interval. Recovery from prolonged exposure to high doses of glucocorticoids may take up to 1 year. Pituitary function returns before adrenocortical function. Recovery from short courses of treatment (e.g., 5 days) occurs more rapidly, in about 5 days. Recovery is time-dependent and spontaneous. The rate of recovery is a function of the dose and duration of therapy before tapering is started and while the dose is being reduced. ACTH therapy does not cause adrenocortical suppression but offers no advantage over glucocorticoids, has several disadvantages, and should no longer be used. Patients on alternate day glucocorticoid therapy have some suppression of basal cortisol levels but have normal or nearly normal responses to provocative tests of adrenocortical function. The standard short ACTH stimulation test is a reliable means of assessing adrenocortical function preoperatively. The low dose (1 microgram) short ACTH test is promising but has not been sufficiently well characterized, requires serial dilutions and cannot be recommended at this time. Studies of the physiologic adrenocortical response to surgical stress provide a basis for revised dose recommendations for perioperative coverage in the patient with known or suspected HPA suppression. Recommendations of a multidisciplinary group are presented.
Acquired von Willebrand disease in a patient with Wilms tumor

VON WILLEBRAND DISEASE is usually inherited as an autosomal dominant trait, and is generally characterized by a prolonged bleeding time, abnormally low levels of Factor VIII coagulant activity and Factor VIII-related antigen, as well as decreased platelet adhesiveness and abnormal ristocetin aggregation? However, not all of these features are necessarily present consistently in every individual with this disorder. I Several patients with acquired bleeding disorders resembling von Willebrand's disease have previously been reported; most of these patients had an associated immunologic or lymphoproliferative diseaseY-" In this report we describe the clinical and laboratory findings of an infant with unilateral Wilms tumor and a bleeding diathesis consistent with yon Willebrand disease, which resolved following surgical resection of the tumor. CASE REPORT A TA-month-old-boy was admitted to Children's Memorial Hospital with symptoms of increasing abdominal girth, bruises, and gingival bleeding of several weeks duration. His past history, including circumcision, revealed no hemorrhagic problems. The family history was entirely negative for bleeding symptoms. On physical examination there was marked abdominal distension with a prominent venous pattern and a large firm mass measuring 10  11 cm palpable in the right upper quadrant and flank. Multiple ecchymotic areas were noted over the upper and lower extremities. An intravenous pyelogram revealed a large right-sided intrarenal mass. Results of roentgenogram of the chest, bone scan, and hematologic studies were normal. Coagulation studies were performed preoperatively and serially in the postoperative period (Table). Pooled cryoprecipitate, which was assayed and administered in a Factor VIII dose of 40 units/kg, resulted in a transient rise to 25% in the level of Factor VIII activity. Subsequently, commercial Factor VIII concentrate infusions were administered preoperatively and resulted in a Factor VIII level of 60% at the time of surgery. Further infusions were given daily in the postoperative period. In spite of diminishing doses of Factor VIII concentrate in the first postoperative week, there was a sustained level of
Management of stage I malignant melanoma.

background Because of the rising incidence of melanoma, dermatologists are increasingly responsible for diagnosing and managing patients with this cutaneous malignancy. Fortunately, with the increased awareness and emphasis on early detection, most patients will present with tumors that have not yet spread beyond their primary focus in the skin (ie, Stage I). Dermatologists must, therefore, be fully versed in the diagnosis and management of Stage I melanoma. objective This review article focuses on the most important issues related to the diagnosis and management of Stage I melanoma. An emphasis will be placed on surgical management. results The mainstay of therapy for most patients with Stage I melanoma is surgery. The important principles of diagnostic biopsy and surgical excision will be discussed. There are several additional modalities that may be useful as adjuvants to surgical therapy or as primary therapy in situations when surgery is not feasible. Those include elective lymph node dissection, hyperthermic isolation limb perfusion, radiotherapy, cryotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. These will all be reviewed. conclusions With a thorough understanding of the important principles and controversies related to the management of Stage I melanoma, dermatologists can effectively manage the growing number of patients with this malignancy. learning objectives After studying the following article, participant should be able to: 1 Understand the proper diagnosis and evaluation of a patient with Stage I melanoma. 2 Understand the proper surgical management of Stage I melanoma. 3 Understand the available alternatives and adjuvants to surgical therapy of Stage I melanoma.
HLA-JY328: mapping studies and expression of a polymorphic HLA class I gene.

The JY328 clone was identified in a human genomic library using cDNA corresponding to mRNA for HLA-B7 as a probe. The L/328 cell line was established by cotransformation of mouse Ltk− cells with the herpes thymidine kinase gene and clone JY328. On Northern blots, RNA from,L/328 strongly hybridized to an HLA class I probe, and an antigen was recognized by an anti-HLA class I framework antibody on the cell surface. A DNA probe corresponding to a segment of intron 7 was developed by comparing the nucleotide sequence of clone JY328 with that of other HLA class I-type genes. Using the radiolabeled probe to screen Southern blots of DNA from families with siblings exhibiting intra-HLA recombinations, a restriction fragment length polymorphism was revealed —a 1.4 kb BstE II band not present in all individuals. A corresponding fragment was apparent in the base sequence of clone JY328. The occurrence of this band on Southern blots established that JY328 maps distinct from and centromeric to the HLA-C locus and near to the HLA-B locus. Antibody absorption studies and cytotoxicity tests indicated that the JY328 gene product was not an HLA-B antigen but that it did specifically absorb CW7-specific antibody. In sum, these results suggest a novel, polymorphic HLA class I gene which expresses a product serologically similar to HLA-Cw7 but which does not map within the corresponding locus.
A finite element study of the initiation of failure of fixation in cemented femoral total hip components.

Abstract In order to study initial mechanisms of failure in cemented femoral total hip components, an anatomically accurate three-dimensional linear finite element model was constructed and verified against experimental strain measurements in the cement mantle. Good agreement was found between predicted and measured strains. The likelihood of failure initiation due to cement-prosthesis debonding and crack initiation at voids was studied for loading conditions simulating both one-legged stance and stair climbing. The "out of plane" forces involved in stair climbing appear to be the greatest threat to the fixation of total hip replacements. In stair climbing, cement-prosthesis debonding and pore crack initiation were probable in the proximal anteromedial region of the cement mantle, and near the distal tip of the implant. The proximal stresses in stair climbing were higher than the distal stresses in either stair climbing or one-legged stance.
Optimal control problems with multiple goal objectives

Solution procedures for optimal control problems having multiple objectives are developed by using the concepts of goal programming. The solutions to optimal control problems having conflicting objectives and multidimensional decision criteria are in the form of a set of optimum levels of achievement of some target goals.
Introduction to Atmospheric Chemistry

In thirty years of university teaching, Peter Hobbs of the Atmospheric Sciences Department at the University of Washington, has seen atmospheric chemistry grow from a relatively small branch of geosciences into one with which every student of atmospheric sciences needs familiarity Some students are captivated in their first course and make atmospheric chemistry a field of further study or a lifelong career. At the same time, courses of “global change” and emerging curricula in scientific policy require students from diverse backgrounds to develop sufficient knowledge to become well-informed policy-makers. A number of practicing atmospheric chemists are retrained on the job from other scientific backgrounds and need selfeducation in the basics of the field.
Radiative properties of ice crystals within cirrus clouds: application to remote sensing

Ice clouds have been identified as one of the most uncertain components in atmospheric research. In recent years, the atmospheric radiative transfer and remote sensing community has made a concerted effort to improve the characterization of cirrus clouds. A number of airborne and balloon-borne observations have demonstrated that cirrus clouds are essentially composed of nonspherical ice crystals with various habits (or shapes) and sizes. In this paper, we report on some recent progresses towards the computation of the single-scattering properties nonspherical ice crystals and the relevant applications to remote sensing and radiative transfer simulations. Specifically, we have developed a database of the optical properties of ice crystals at the infrared wavelengths. In conjunction with the application of the scattering database, we also developed a fast infrared transfer model under cirrus cloudy condition, which is applied to the retrieval of ice clouds from satellite-based infrared measurements.
Hurricane-induced beach change derived from airborne laser measurements near Panama City, Florida

This study used airborne laser data to investigate spatial variations in shoreline migration, beach width, subaerial volume, and subaqueous volume change due to a hurricane event. Five separate airborne laser data sets of Panama City, FL area beaches were collected during a seven-month period before and after landfall of Hurricane Ivan. Contour shorelines were extracted from digital elevation models interpolated from these laser measurements and were used to measure changes in shoreline position and beach width. The shoreline migrated 16 m landward due to Hurricane Ivan and migrated 10 m seaward following Hurricane Ivan. No significant spatial relationship was found between shoreline migration before and after the hurricane. Linear relationships between a time series of beach width and subaerial volume were found at many locations. However, utilization of a single coefficient to represent all relationships is problematic due to the spatial variability in the linear relationship. Differences in two bathymetric data sets for summer and fall show that only a small portion of sediments were transported beyond an active zone and most sediments remain within the active zone despite the occurrence of a hurricane.
Distribution of copper deposited under forced-convection conditions at a contour cathode

The effect of hydrodynamic conditions and solution composition on the distribution of copper electrodeposited on a contour cathode (profile parameters: a cylindrical cavity 1.5–3 mm in diameter and 0.55–2.56 mm in depth) is studied. In the case of high stability of the intermediate reduction product, Cu(I), a purposeful decrease in the current efficiency for metal at Reynolds numbers 50 to 250 has a pronounced leveling effect. When reduction Fe(III) + e → Fe(II) occurs in parallel to the main cathodic process, the coating’s uniformity significantly improves.
Canal Cristae Growth and Fiber Extension to the Outer Hair Cells of the Mouse Ear Require Prox1 Activity

Background The homeobox gene Prox1 is required for lens, retina, pancreas, liver, and lymphatic vasculature development and is expressed in inner ear supporting cells and neurons. Methodology/Principal Findings We have investigated the role of Prox1 in the developing mouse ear taking advantage of available standard and conditional Prox1 mutant mouse strains using Tg(Pax2-Cre) and Tg(Nes-Cre). A severe reduction in the size of the canal cristae but not of other vestibular organs or the cochlea was identified in the E18.5 Prox1Flox/Flox; Tg(Pax2-Cre) mutant ear. In these mutant embryos, hair cell differentiated; however, their distribution pattern was slightly disorganized in the cochlea where the growth of type II nerve fibers to outer hair cells along Prox1 expressing supporting cells was severely disrupted. In the case of Nestin-Cre, we found that newborn Prox1Flox/Flox; Tg(Nestin-Cre) exhibit only a disorganized innervation of outer hair cells despite apparently normal cellular differentiation of the organ of Corti, suggesting a cell-autonomous function of Prox1 in neurons. Conclusions/Significance These results identify a dual role of Prox1 during inner ear development; growth of the canal cristae and fiber guidance of Type II fibers along supporting cells in the cochlea.
Buttler et al. Reply

A Reply to the Comment by Thomas Durt. {copyright} {ital 1999} {ital The American Physical Society}
Response of a shrub‐steppe ecosystem to fire: Soil water and vegetational change

Abstract A wildfire in August 1984 eliminated big sagebrush from a shrub‐steppe community in southeastern Washington. Bluebunch wheatgrass dominated the community in subsequent years. By comparing leaf area index and soil water storage on the burned site with an adjacent unburned site containing big sagebrush, we were able to test the hypotheses that plant community structure controls soil moisture dynamics and that wildfire can alter the water balance in these arid landscapes. Elimination of big sagebrush from the landscape greatly reduced the community leaf area index. Soil water storage computed to a depth of 125 cm was not affected by the change in community structure. However, storage computed to a depth of 275 cm was significantly greater on the burned site compared to the unburned site. This difference increased with time after the fire. Wildfire in shrub‐steppe communities dominated by big sagebrush effectively removes the deep rooted, woody component from these ecosystems. Consequently, the abili...
A Study of Riders' Noise Exposure on Bay Area Rapid Transit Trains

Excessive noise exposure may present a hazard to hearing, cardiovascular, and psychosomatic health. Mass transit systems, such as the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system, are potential sources of excessive noise. The purpose of this study was to characterize transit noise and riders’ exposure to noise on the BART system using three dosimetry metrics. We made 268 dosimetry measurements on a convenience sample of 51 line segments. Dosimetry measures were modeled using linear and nonlinear multiple regression as functions of average velocity, tunnel enclosure, flooring, and wet weather conditions and presented visually on a map of the BART system. This study provides evidence of levels of hazardous levels of noise exposure in all three dosimetry metrics. Leq and Lmax measures indicate exposures well above ranges associated with increased cardiovascular and psychosomatic health risks in the published literature. Lpeak indicate acute exposures hazardous to adult hearing on about 1% of line segment rides and acute exposures hazardous to child hearing on about 2% of such rides. The noise to which passengers are exposed may be due to train-specific conditions (velocity and flooring), but also to rail conditions (velocity and tunnels). These findings may point at possible remediation (revised speed limits on longer segments and those segments enclosed by tunnels). The findings also suggest that specific rail segments could be improved for noise.
The effect of sodium citrate, sodium lactate and nisin on the survival of Arcobacter butzleri NCTC 12481 on chicken

This study investigated the effectiveness of sodium lactate (SL), sodium citrate (SC) and nisin, individually and in combination, against Arcobacter butzleri NCTC12481 in chicken, a food system commonly contaminated by this organism. Samples of chicken flesh were incubated with combinations of SL and/or SC and/or nisin and viable counts carried out over 6 days. A. butzleri was insensitive to 500 IU g−1 nisin at both 5°C and 30°C while at 5°C, 2% (w/w) SL alone, 2%(w/w) SL+500 IU g−1 nisin and 1.5% (w/w) SL+1.5% (w/w) SC produced a statistically significant log reduction (P<0.05) compared with control treatment. Chicken skin samples were washed with similar treatment combinations and viable counts carried out immediately and after 6 days incubation at 5°C with no further treatment. A 15 min treatment of chicken skin with 2% (w/w) SL+500 IU g−1 nisin, or 1.5% (w/w) SL+1.5% (w/w) SC or 2% (w/w) SC+500 IU g−1 nisin produced a statistically significant log reduction (P<0.05) compared with control treatment. However, this reduction was not maintained after 6 days incubation at 5°C with no further treatment. The results suggest that a multiple hurdle approach including storage at low temperature in the presence of 2% SL, 2% SL+500 IU g−1 nisin or 1.5% SL+1.5% SC would be more effective in controlling Arcobacter contamination in meat-based food systems compared to low temperature alone
Adjacent fracture-dislocations of the lumbosacral spine: case report.

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE: Traumatic fracture-dislocations of the lumbosacral junction are rare, with all previously reported cases involving fracture-dislocations at a single level. No cases of multiple fracture-dislocations of contiguous spinal segments in the lumbosacral spine have been reported. A case of traumatic adjacent fracture-dislocations of the fifth lumbar segment is presented. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: An 18-year-old male patient sustained open lumbar spinal trauma after a motor vehicle accident. A neurological examination revealed an L4 level. Radiographic evaluation of the spine revealed a three-column injury at L5 with spondyloptosis of the L5 vertebral body. Aorto-ilio-femoral angiography revealed no evidence of vascular injury. INTERVENTION: The patient was treated with a combined anterior and posterior approach in a two-stage operation. Six months postoperatively, he was neurologically unchanged; however, he was able to walk with the aid of a cane. Plain films revealed normal alignment of the lumbosacral spine. CONCLUSION: The management of traumatic lumbosacral fracture-dislocations requires careful consideration of retroperitoneal structures and possible exploration of the iliac vessels in addition to spinal reconstruction.
SANS from Poly(ethylene oxide)/Water Systems

The poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)/water system is investigated using small-angle neutron scattering (SANS). This system associates to form hydrogen-bonded clusters at high enough concentrations. Two correlation lengths are observed: one long range representing cluster sizes and the other short range representing polymer chain correlations. Clusters are formed at a volume fraction of 4% hPEO in D2O. An LCST transition is obtained between a mixed phase (through hydrogen bonding) and a demixed two-phase region. Solvent deuteration is seen to enhance hydrogen bonding. Deuteration of the polymer backbone is seen to enhance hydrophobic interactions. The average polymer contrast match method fails due to the isotopic dependence of specific interactions. Pressure was seen to lower the LCST by breaking hydrogen bonds. At even higher temperature (beyond the boiling point of water) a UCST transition was observed.
Stunted growth is associated with physical indicators of malnutrition but not food insecurity among rural school children in Honduras.

Abstract Malnutrition affects approximately one third of children worldwide. Assessing children's growth is a meaningful way of studying a population's nutritional status. This study investigated (1) the association between stunting, chronic malnutrition, and food insecurity among school age children in rural Honduras and (2) the relationship between stunted growth and physical indicators of malnutrition. All school age children in 5 communities were assessed for physical indicators of malnutrition. Household interviews were performed with a subsample to collect information related to parental and household characteristics, food intake, and food insecurity. Means were compared for stunted versus nonstunted children, and bivariate correlation analyses were performed to investigate a relationship between food insecurity, stunting, and physical indicators of malnutrition. There was a correlation between stunting and one measure of food insecurity, and stunting and several physical indicators of malnutrition were related, including midarm circumference ( P P P P P P
Mechanical behavior of microcellular, natural fiber reinforced composites at various strain rates and temperatures

Abstract The mechanical properties of polypropylene (PP) composites with short, wheat straw natural-fiber reinforcements are studied in tension at various temperatures and rates of loading. Specimens of two fiber lengths have been considered with both closed-form, microcellular voids and in solid form. Results of mechanical stress-strain tests are given at static to moderate rates of strain, specifically 0.0005/s, 0.025/s and 14/s. Testing at these strain rates is conducted up to specimen failure at low, room and high temperatures of −30 °C, 22 °C, and 107 °C, respectively. Primary findings suggest that fibers increase the tangent modulus and ultimate stress, while reducing the failure strain, compared to pure polymer. The presence of microcellular voids generally reduces ultimate strength, but does not reduce failure strain. In many cases, the microcellular composites display reduced rate sensitivity that would result in the development of lower stress than solid counterparts during high rate and/or high strain events. The performance difference between the two fiber cases studied here is largest at room temperature and quasi-static strain rates, and in most cases becomes insignificant with increasing or decreasing temperature and increasing strain rates.
Disconnection of medial agranular and posterior parietal cortex produces multimodal neglect in rats

Two cortical areas in rats have been found to be important in directed attention and spatial processing: the medial agranular cortex (AGm), the rodent analog of the frontal eye fields; and the posterior parietal cortex (PPC), the rodent analog of area 7 in primates. As in primates, unilateral destruction of either of these cortical association areas produces severe contralesional neglect of visual, auditory, and tactile stimulation. AGm and PPC are reciprocally interconnected by longitudinally oriented axons traveling in layer VI of the cortex. Their trajectory provides a unique opportunity to examine the effects of disconnection of these two areas. The key question is whether these two regions function independently or as components of a cortical network for directed attention. Unilateral disconnection of the PPC and AGm was achieved via transverse knife-cuts extending through layer VI of cortex, and the disconnection verified by tract-tracing methods. The knife-cuts produced severe multimodal neglect and allesthesia/allokinesia. The deficits produced by the knife-cuts were virtually identical to those produced by unilateral destruction of these regions. The control operates, which received knife-cuts that spared the interconnections between the AGm and PPC, were unimpaired. The results indicate that AGm and PPC in rats function as parts of a cortical system for directed attention.