cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
FRP jacketed concrete under uniaxial compression

Abstract The purpose of this investigation was to develop experimental data and check the validity of existing analytical models for the behaviour of concrete members jacketed (i.e., laterally confined) with fibre-reinforced plastic ( frp ) materials. The test specimens consisted of 150 × 300 mm cylinders of normal weight, normal strength concrete. Specimens loaded statically under uniaxial compression were studied. Three different types of passive frp confinement technologies (i.e., braided aramid frp tape, filament wound E-glass frp , and pre-formed glass-aramid frp shells) were investigated during the project with the objective of performing a qualitative comparison. Experimental results indicate that frp jacketing significantly enhances strength and pseudo-ductility of concrete. With regard to existing models to predict the stress-strain behaviour of the frp confined specimens, it was found that only the compressive strength enhancement can be somehow approximated. The prediction curves' shape and ultimate strain do not match experimental results, which can be simply represented by a bilinear diagram.
Combination of caspase transfer using the human telomerase reverse transcriptase promoter and conventional therapies for malignant glioma cells

Recently, we have reported the therapeutic efficacy of delivering initiator caspase (caspase-8) or executioner active caspase (rev-caspase-6) to telomerase-positive malignant glioma cells using the human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) gene promoter system (hTERT/caspase-8 or hTERT/rev-caspase-6). In the present study, we investigated if conventional treatments for malignant gliomas augment the efficacy of the hTERT/caspase therapy. First, we demonstrated that hTERT/rev-caspase-6 exhibited a greater ability to induce apoptosis in malignant glioma U87-MG and U373-MG cells than hTERT/caspase-8. Next, as conventional treatments to combine with hTERT/rev-caspase-6, apoptosis-inducing agents [cisplatin (CDDP), paclitaxel (PTX), and BCNU] and non-apoptosis-inducing therapies [temozolomide (TMZ) and gamma-irradiation (IR)] were used. Combination of hTERT/rev-caspase-6 gene therapy with PTX yielded a dose-dependent additive effect, while CDDP and BCNU had additive effect only when tumor cells were treated at IC75 of each agent. A decline in the combination effect of CDDP and BCNU at IC50 was due to decreased activity of telomerase in treated tumor cells prior to the hTERT/rev-caspase-6 transfer. On the other hand, TMZ or IR had no significant additive effect on induction of apoptosis. These results suggest that agents, which induce apoptosis without inhibiting telomerase activity are a promising counterpart to combine with hTERT/rev-caspase-6 therapy for the management of malignant gliomas.
K-SHELL INTERNAL CONVERSION COEFFICIENTS

Internal conversion coefficients for the $K$-shells of several medium-energy gamma emitters have been measured with a solenoidal beta spectrometer and a 30 mg/${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$ lead radiator. Isotopes investigated, with gamma energies and conversion coefficients \ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{3}$, are as follows: ${\mathrm{Nb}}^{95}$, 722 kev, 1.6\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.8; ${\mathrm{Cd}}^{110}$, 657 kev, 2.2\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.8; ${\mathrm{Te}}^{122}$, 570 kev, 6.6\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}1.7; ${\mathrm{La}}^{140}$, 541 kev, 5.6\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}1.9; ${\mathrm{Ce}}^{140}$, 489, 5.3\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}2.0. These values lead to multipolarity assignments of $E2$ or $M1$ for the first three, $E2$ for the ${\mathrm{La}}^{140}$, and $E1$ or $E2$ for the ${\mathrm{Ce}}^{140}$.
Vision and Exchange in Intra-Family Succession: Effects on Procedural Justice Climate Among Nonfamily Managers

We develop and extend fledgling literature on procedural justice climate and succession processes in family firms by focusing on the impact of family vision and exchange systems on procedural justi...
The Effects of Package Parasitics on the Stability of Microwave Negative Resistance Devices

The results of investigations of the effect of parasitic package elements on the behavior of negative resistance amplifiers are presented. Three different package styles were considered. Also two different lead configurations were used. The packages were all mounted in 7-mm coaxial transmission line. The impedance of packages with and without leads was measured from 4 to 18 GHz using a manual network analyzer. These data were used as the basis for calculations to determine the values of elements in a simple three-element equivalent circuit model of the package. Using the equivalent circuit model experimentally derived for each package style, the impedance seen by the chip through the package to a 50-/spl Omega/ load was calculated. Broad-band curves of the impedance seen by the chip are presented. The experimentally derived model of the package permits matching of chip and package for stability.
Prevalence and clinical characteristics of congenital dacryocystocele.

Objective To report the prevalence, clinical findings, and outcomes in children diagnosed with congenital dacryocystocele in a well-defined population during a 20-year period. Methods The medical records of all Olmsted County, Minnesota, patients diagnosed with congenital dacryocystocele from January 1, 1988, through December 31, 2007, were retrospectively reviewed. Results A total of 9 children were diagnosed with dacryocystocele during the 20-year period, yielding a birth prevalence of 1 in 3,884 live births. The median age at diagnosis was 12 days (range, birth to 40 days); 7 (78%) were female. Eight patients (89%) had unilateral disease. Clinical findings included a cystic mass in all 9, dacryocystitis in 3 (33%), intranasal cysts in 3 (33%), and 1 (11%) each with facial cellulitis and dacryocystocele-induced astigmatism. Conservative treatment resolved the obstruction in 3 (33%), whereas the remaining 6 (67%) each underwent one surgery. Complete resolution was observed in all 9 patients. Conclusions Congenital dacryocystocele is an uncommon unilateral condition of predominantly neonatal females. Clinical findings support a relatively high incidence of complications such as dacryocystitis and intranasal cysts as well as a less common finding of astigmatism that resolved without evidence of amblyopia. One-third of the cases were successfully managed with conservative treatment alone; most patients required surgical intervention.
A non-parametric analysis of transformations

Abstract A non-parametric estimator is proposed for the transformation model, where following Box and Cox (1964), we assume that the transform zi = z(yi, λ) of the original data {yi} satisfies a linear model. The estimator is based on the rank correlation of Kendall (1938) and is shown to be strongly consistent. We also find in a Monte Carlo study that the estimator attains greater efficiency in terms of mean squared error than the standard maximum likelihood estimator and the robust estimator of Carroll (1980) when the true error departs from normality. The size of this gain varies with the degree of the departure from normality as well as with the degree of non-linearity of the underlying transformation.
Diabetes enhances lipopolysaccharide-induced cardiac toxicity in the mouse model.

Diabetic patients have a higher rate of mortality from sepsis than do their nondiabetic septic counterparts. The hypothesis in this study is that chronic diabetes may make cardiovascular systems more sensitive to septicemia. To test this hypothesis, the authors investigated the effect of diabetes on endotoxin-induced cardiac toxicity. Diabetes was induced in FVB mice by injecting a single dose (150 mg/kg) of streptozotocin. Two months after streptozotocin treatment, the diabetic mice were treated with lipopolysaccharide by intraperitoneal injection at 2 mg/kg. Cardiac toxicity was evaluated by measuring levels of serum cardiac enzymes and cardiac morphology at 1 h, 4.5 h, and 24 h after lipopolysaccharide treatment. Serum and cardiac tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay methods at 1 h and 4.5 h after lipopolysaccharide treatment. Lipopolysaccharide treatment did not significantly affect the diabetic manifestations, including decreased body weight gain and increased glycated hemoglobin and serum triglyceride levels. However, diabetes significantly enhanced lipopolysaccharide-induced cardiac toxicity, which was demonstrated by significant increases in the levels of cardiac enzymes such as creatine phosphokinase and troponin T, abnormal morphological changes examined under light microscope with hematoxylin and eosin staining, and oxidative damage to proteins detected by 3-nitrotyrosine staining. Lipopolysaccharide treatment significantly increased serum and cardiac TNF-α and IL-6 concentrations. Diabetes did not alter the effect of lipopolysaccharide on serum and cardiac TNF-α elevation, but it significantly enhanced lipopolysaccharide-induced cardiac IL-6 production. These results suggest that diabetes significantly enhances endotoxin-induced cardiac toxicity, possibly through mechanisms that involve inflammatory/acute-phase cytokines.
Failure of glow-discharge polymerization onto woven Dacron to improve performance of hemodialysis graft

Abstract Purpose: The ideal conduit for hemodialysis vascular access remains elusive. Autogenous fistulas and prosthetic grafts, most commonly expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (e-PTFE), have adequate long-term patency rates (60% to 80% at 1 year); however, considerable delay in their use (2 to 6 weeks) is required. The Plasma-TFE graft is a recently introduced thin-walled woven Dacron graft to which an ultrathin layer of tetrafluoroethylene is bonded through a process of glow-discharge polymerization. This process purportedly results in a graft with an internal surface of low thrombogenicity. Low thrombogenicity, combined with the healing characteristics of a woven graft, have led to claims of equivalent patency rates even when used for dialysis immediately (within 1 week) after implantation. Methods: This concept led us to use this new graft material in 19 fistulas (12 forearm and 7 arm) during a 1-year period. Results: Although early use was possible, the primary and secondary patency rate at 12 months was only 47.4%. Ten grafts required replacement, five within the first month and two in the second month. Attempts at fistula revision failed because of unsuccessful graft thrombectomy or exuberant intimal hyperplasia. Failure was not associated with early use. During the same time period, 28 PTFE grafts were implanted, with only four failures (primary patency 78.6%; secondary patency 85.7%; p = 0.028). The secondary patency rate was the same for Plasma-TFE grafts (47%) but improved to 85.7% for e-PTFE grafts ( p = 0.005). Both groups were comparable with respect to age, diabetes, previous dialysis access procedures, and other comorbid conditions. Conclusions: These early results have been sufficiently disappointing that we have abandoned use of this graft approved for hemodialysis by the Food and Drug Administration and cannot recommend it for other clinical indications. Nevertheless, the concept of plasma-discharge polymerization is theoretically attractive and might be useful in future graft configurations. (J VASC SURG 1993;18:570-6.)
Protecting a Billion Hearts

GLOBAL HEART © 2014 Published by Elsevier Ltd. on behalf of World Heart Federation (Geneva). VOL. 9, NO. 4, 2014 ISSN 2211-8160/$36.00. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/ j.gheart.2014.12.004 Several innovations have saved billions of lives [1] over the years including the following: 1) staving of hunger with the development of the synthetic fertilizer [2,3] and the Green Revolution [4]; 2) the chlorination of water; 3) the identification of blood groups and the introduction of blood transfusions; 4) prevention of communicable disease with vaccinations against small pox, measles, and polio; 5) development of antibiotics such as penicillin; 6) use of oral rehydration for acute diarrheal diseases; and 7) introduction of aspirin, statins, and coronary angioplasty for treatment of coronary artery disease. Prevention of death from cardiovascular diseases has the potential to make an impact of a similar magnitude [5,6]. The United Nations [7] estimates that the world’s population will increase to 9.1 billion by 2050. Half of this increase will occur in 9 nations including the United States and in some of the least developed countries including India, China, Pakistan, Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Bangladesh, Uganda, and Ethiopia. Of the 7.1 billion people worldwide, 0.8% die every year [7]; of these, 7.4 million people died of ischemic heart disease and 6.7 million of stroke. Ischemic heart disease and stroke are not only the leading cause of mortality worldwide, but they also account for an annual loss of 129 million [8,9] and 102 million [10] disability-adjusted life years, respectively. In 2010, Eastern Europe and Central Asia had the highest mortality rates due to ischemic heart disease, and more deaths due to ischemic heart disease occurred in South Asia than in any other region of the world [11]. Moreover, this increase in mortality due to ischemic heart disease in South Asia, North Africa, the Middle East, and Sub-Saharan Africa occurred at a younger age than in most other regions [12]. The World Health Organization projects that by 2020, 71% of ischemic heart disease deaths and 75% of stroke deaths will occur in developing countries [13]. In addition, the burden of nonfatal ischemic heart disease also continues to grow in part due to aging of the population—there was an increase in the burden of ischemic heart disease by 29 million disability-adjusted life-years (29% increase) worldwide between 1990 and 2010 [14]. At the current rate, over a billion individuals will either be disabled or succumb to ischemic heart disease and stroke over the next decade worldwide. This special issue of Global Heart is focused on atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in lowerand middle-income countries (LMIC). Bedi et al. [15] discuss the utility of B-mode ultrasound in detection and management of subclinical atherosclerosis, whereas Zhao et al. [16] discuss the evidence for using calcium screening for
Quantitative reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatographic determination of major and modified deoxyribonucleosides in DNA

We have developed a method to accurately determine (< 3% RSD) the complete major and modified base composition of a few micrograms of unlabeled DNA. The DNA samples were quantitatively hydrolyzed with DNase 1, Nuclease P1, and bacterial alkaline phosphatase. The resulting deoxyribonucleosides were directly separated in 70 min by reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography with detection by ultraviolet absorption at 254 nm and 280 nm (RP-HPLC). The highly sensitive and selective dual wavelength quantitation greatly enhances the precision and accuracy of the chromatographic analysis. Contamination of DNA preparations with RNA does not interfere with the DNA analysis due to the high resolution of the chromatography. We have used this method for the quantitation of m5dCyd in 5 microgram of calf thymus and salmon sperm DNA in which the m5dCyd comprises only 1 to 2% of the total bases. This method should be a useful research tool in studies on various DNAs and DNA subfractions and should help to elucidate the functions of methylation of DNA.
Automatic ship classification system for inverse synthetic aperture radar (ISAR) imagery

The U.S. Navy has been interested in applying neural network processing architectures to automatically determine the naval class of ships from an inverse synthetic aperture radar (ISAR) on-board an airborne surveillance platform. Currently an operator identifies the target based on an ISAR display. The emergence of the littoral warfare scenario, coupled with the addition of multiple sensors on the platform, threatens to impair the ability of the operator to identify and track targets in a timely manner. Thus, on-board automation is quickly becoming a necessity. Over the past four years the Opto-Radar System Group at MIT Lincoln Laboratory has developed and fielded a neural network based automatic ship classification (ASC) system for ISAR imagery. This system utilizes imagery from the APS-137 ISAR. Previous related work with ASC systems processed either simulated or real ISAR imagery under highly controlled conditions. The focus of this work was to develop a ship classification system capability of providing real-time identification from imagery acquired during an actual mission. The ship classification system described in this report uses both neural network and conventional processing techniques to determine the naval class of a ship from a range- Doppler (ISAR) image. The `learning' capability of the neural network classifier allows a single naval class to be distributed across many categories such that a degree of invariance to ship motion is developed. The ASC system was evaluated on 30 ship class database that had also been used for an operational readiness evaluation of ISAR crews. The results of the evaluation indicate that the ASC system has a performance level comparable to ISAR operators and typically provides a significant improvement in throughput. © (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Ultraviolet oscillator strengths for carbon, nitrogen and oxygen ions.

Abstract Oscillator strengths were calculated for u.v. transitions in carbon, nitrogen and oxygen ions. Single and multiconfiguration numerical Hartree-Fock wavefunctions were used to represent initial and final states of the various transitions, and both dipole length and dipole velocity transition matrix elements were calculated. A careful choice of a few important configurations leads in most cases to multiconfiguration results which are in good agreement with experiment, and with other theoretical calculations.
Osmium-isotope variations in Hawaiian lavas: evidence for recycled oceanic lithosphere in the Hawaiian plume

Isotopic heterogeneity in Hawaiian shield lavas reflects the presence of two distinct recycled components in the Hawaiian plume, both from the same packet of recycled oceanic lithosphere. Radiogenic Os-isotopes and anomalously heavy oxygen-isotopes in Koolau lavas reflect melt generation from recycled oceanic crust plus pelagic sediment. In contrast, Kea lavas have unradiogenic Os-isotopes but anomalously light oxygen-isotopes. Oxygen–osmium–lead isotope correlations preclude generation of the Kea isotopic signature from asthenospheric upper mantle or the in situ lithospheric mantle or crust. Instead, melting of recycled, hydrothermally altered ultramafic lower crust or lithospheric mantle in the Hawaiian plume can produce Kea-type lavas. The preservation of both upper- and lower-crustal oxygen isotope signatures in plume-derived Hawaiian lavas indicates that chemical heterogeneities with length scales of only a few kilometers can be preserved in the convecting mantle for long periods of time, probably on the order of 1 Ga or more.
Line Correspondences from Cooperating Spatial and Temporal Grouping Processes for a Sequence of Images

This paper addresses the problem of matching line segments in two images from a sequence of images. We propose a new algorithm that employs relaxation labeling to integrate the perceptual grouping and feature matching processes. We consider feature matching between two views as a “temporal grouping” process, in addition to the traditional spatial groups established by perceptual grouping in a single image. In the relaxation procedure, we compare a line in the first image with multiple matching candidates in the second image. Correspondence ambiguities are resolved by iteratively propagating constraint information from the neighbors of a line, which are defined by the line's perceptual groups. The applications of our work include moving object detection, image registration, mobile robot navigation, and 3D structure from motion. We discuss the new algorithms and present performance analysis and experimental results with real image sequences.
Periodic solutions for non-autonomous Hamiltonian systems possessing super-quadratic potentials

We consider the non-autonomous Hamiltonian system Ju+∇H (t; u) = 0; (t; u)∈ ST × R ; where H ∈C1(R×R2N ;R) is T -periodic in t-variable, and J= ( 0 −IN IN 0 ) denotes the standard symplectic matrix and ∇ denotes the gradient with respect to the u-variable. We are interested in the existence of T -periodic solutions of (1). For the autonomous case, i.e. H is independent of t, in his pioneer work [8] Rabinowitz :rst proved the existence of at least one periodic solution for (1). Many works have been done on this topics, such as [2–13]. We refer to [2,3,11] for further references. At this paper, we :rst consider the case that H is symmetric in the u-variable. In [2] when H is super-quadratic at in:nitely and satis:es (H2)p There are constants c; d? 0 and p∈ (1; 2), such that |∇H (t; u)|p 6 c(∇H (t; u); u) + d; ∀u∈R2N ;
Baja California peninsula oases: An agro-biodiversity of isolation and integration

Abstract Agro-biodiversity in the desert oases of the Baja California peninsula, Mexico is a product of isolation and integration events through time and across peninsular spaces. Historic inventories of agricultural introductions provide a baseline from which to measure Mission-era crop persistence or genetic erosion in fifteen missions established during the Jesuit occupation (1697–1768). These mission-oases function as a network of interconnected sites supporting cultivated plant assemblages isolated from one another and the Mexican mainland by a desert matrix, by limited transportation infrastructure on the peninsula, and the surrounding sea. Garden surveys of perennial crop species and farmer interviews reveal that oases serve as refugia of Mission-era crop species and traditional knowledge. Isolation-connectivity analyses indicate that this agro-biodiversity disappears at the extremes: The most isolated and the fully integrated oases are unable to support heritage perennial crop species and traditional farming systems over long time scales. We describe how phases and processes of isolation and connectivity transform agro-biodiversity composition in this archipelago of peninsula oases and explore policy applications that could preserve this critical diversity and the rare and available oasis communities.
Cell migration in the embryo and adult organism.

At numerous times during embryonic development, and in the adult organism, cells are motile and actively move from one position to another (Trinkaus, Cells Into Organs 2nd edn. Prentis-HaU, 1984). During development, morphogenetic movements are critical in shaping the embryo. In the normal adult, white blood cells circulate through the capillaries and into the tissues, and keratinocytes as well as blood cells migrate into wounds to produce healing. Finally, in a pathological condition, tumor invasion and metastasis are the result of cell migration.
Regional differences in bromodeoxyuridine uptake, expression of Ki-67 protein, and nucleolar organizer region counts in glioblastoma multiforme

To investigate intratumoral differences in indices of tumor cell proliferation, we measured the bromodeoxyuridine labeling index (BrdUrd LI), the Ki-67 protein proliferating cell indices (PCIs) determined by monoclonal antibody MIB 1 in microwave-processed paraffin sections (MIB 1 PCI) and in some eases by monoclonal antibody in frozen sections (Ki-67 PCI), and counts of argyrophilic nucleolar organizer regions (AgNORs) in 20 glioblastomas. In the most actively proliferating areas, MIB 1 and Ki-67 PCIs correlated well with the BrdUrd LI and with each other, while AgNOR counts correlated less strongly with these indices. In less active areas, the MIB 1 PCI and BrdUrd LI changed concomitantly from one area to another within a tumor except in areas of pseudopalisading with necrosis; in these areas the BrdUrd LI decreased significantly compared with neighboring tumor tissue, while the MIB 1 PCI did not. There was very little staining of gemistocytic nuclei with either anti-BrdUrd or MIB 1 monoclonal antibodies; this supports the concept that gemistocytes are mainly quiescent cells. AgNORs in all of the above-mentioned areas varied from tumor to tumor, which suggests that they may indicate some cellular activity other than proliferation. The close correlation between the BrdUrd LI and Ki-67 protein PCIs in corresponding regions of glioblastomas suggests that MIB 1 staining of microwave-processed paraffin sections can be used to evaluate the growth potential of individual glioblastomas and possibly of other gliomas as well.
PRESEARCH DECISION MAKING IN CONSUMER DURABLE PURCHASES

The purpose of this research is to (1) examine the relationship between pre‐search decision making and external information seeking in consumer durable purchases and (2) to construct consumer profiles corresponding to the different levels of pre‐search decision making. The term “pre‐search decision making”is used to denote those decisions that consumers make before they actively start searching for (and collecting) information on product alternatives. The latter process is referred to here as “external information seeking.”
The Effect of Double Standardized Scoring on the Semantic Differential

Two semantic differentials were administered to 200 college students and analyzed by two scoring methods, regular and double standardized. Factor analyses of these two scoring methods revealed different factor structures in both number of factors and patterns of loadings. Individual profiles were constructed on the 12 bipolar adjectives from both the regular and double standardized scoring and from factor scores based on these two scoring methods. Groups were formed from these profiles by Wards Hierarchical Grouping Technique. Comparisons of the group memberships also demonstrated that the different scoring methods reveal different patterns. The major difference between the two methods appeared to be due to interindividual variability being associated with regular scoring while double standardized scoring reveals intraindividual differences.
Graft-versus-host disease after small bowel transplantation is associated with host colonic injury

The present studies were undertaken to evaluate the histologic effects of graft-versus-host disease on the host colon after small bowel transplantation. Graft-versus-host disease was produced in six Lewis x Brown Norway F1 rats by performing vascularized, out-of-continuity small bowel transplants from parental Lewis donors. Host proximal and distal colon were sampled 14 days after operation when signs of graft-versus-host disease, including weight loss and splenomegaly, were present. Tissue was assessed histologically by blinded observer and compared to eight sham-operated controls. Three histologic features were noted to be statistically increased in diseased animals: (1) mucin loss; (2) crypt abscesses; and (3) large lymphoid aggregates in the mucosa and submucosa. These features were more commonly noted in the distal rather than the proximal colon. Another group of five grafted animals treated with cyclosporine A (10 mg/kg/day intramuscularly) still lost weight but did not display overt signs of graft-versus-host disease and had normal-sized spleens. There was normal mucin content and no evidence of crypt abscesses in these treated animals, although large lymphoid aggregates were present. It is concluded that mucin loss, crypt abscesses, and large lymphoid aggregates are characteristics of graft-versus-host disease-induced colonic injury in this model and that these changes are most evident in the distal colon. Cyclosporine A therapy does not completely reverse the histological changes of colonic graft-versus-host disease. This model may be useful in studying the mechanisms by which immune mediated colitides preferentially affect the distal colon.
National Residency Matching Program Results for Radiation Oncology: 2012 Update

National Residency Matching Program Results for Radiation Oncology: 2012 Update Sanjay Aneja, BS,* Lynn D. Wilson, MD, MPH,*,y Bruce G. Haffty, MD,z,x and James B. Yu, MD*,y,k *Department of Therapeutic Radiology, Yale School of Medicine, and yYale Cancer Center, New Haven, Connecticut; zDepartment of Radiation Oncology, UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, and xCancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, New Jersey; and kCancer Outcomes, Public Policy, and Effectiveness Research (COPPER) Center at Yale, New Haven, Connecticut
On mode conversion of VLF radio waves at a land-sea boundary

Propagation in the earth-ionosphere waveguide is considered for the situation where the earth's boundary has an abrupt change in the surface impedance. The formulation, which utilizes medal analysis, includes the effect of the usually ignored reflected modes. It is demonstrated, however, that these may be neglected in most practical situations even when the surface impedance contrast is large. The relationship with an earlier integral equation approach to the problem is pointed out.
Transcriptional repression by YY1 is mediated by interaction with a mammalian homolog of the yeast global regulator RPD3

YY1 is a mammalian zinc-finger transcription factor with unusual structural and functional features. It has been implicated as a positive and a negative regulatory factor that binds to the CCATNTT consensus DNA element located in promoters of many cellular and viral genes. A mammalian cDNA that encodes a YY1-binding protein and possesses sequence homology with the yeast transcriptional factor RPD3 has been identified. A Gal4 DNA binding domain-mammalian RPD3 fusion protein strongly represses transcription from a promoter containing Gal4 binding sites. Association between YY1 and mammalian RPD3 requires a glycine-rich region on YY1. Mutations in this region abolish the interaction with mammalian RPD3 and eliminate transcriptional repression by YY1. These data suggest that YY1 negatively regulates transcription by tethering RPD3 to DNA as a cofactor and that this transcriptional mechanism is highly conserved from yeast to human.
Genome-Wide Analysis of Group A Streptococci Reveals a Mutation That Modulates Global Phenotype and Disease Specificity

Many human pathogens produce phenotypic variants as a means to circumvent the host immune system and enhance survival and, as a potential consequence, exhibit increased virulence. For example, it has been known for almost 90 y that clinical isolates of the human bacterial pathogen group A streptococci (GAS) have extensive phenotypic heterogeneity linked to variation in virulence. However, the complete underlying molecular mechanism(s) have not been defined. Expression microarray analysis of nine clinical isolates identified two fundamentally different transcriptomes, designated pharyngeal transcriptome profile (PTP) and invasive transcriptome profile (ITP). PTP and ITP GAS differed in approximately 10% of the transcriptome, including at least 23 proven or putative virulence factor genes. ITP organisms were recovered from skin lesions of mice infected subcutaneously with PTP GAS and were significantly more able to survive phagocytosis and killing by human polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Complete genome resequencing of a mouse-derived ITP GAS revealed that the organism differed from its precursor by only a 7-bp frameshift mutation in the gene (covS) encoding the sensor kinase component of a two-component signal transduction system implicated in virulence. Genetic complementation, and sequence analysis of covR/S in 42 GAS isolates confirmed the central role of covR/S in transcriptome, exoproteome, and virulence modulation. Genome-wide analysis provides a heretofore unattained understanding of phenotypic variation and disease specificity in microbial pathogens, resulting in new avenues for vaccine and therapeutics research.
Structure-Guided Development of Selective TbcatB Inhibitors

The trypanosomal cathepsin TbcatB is essential for parasite survival and is an attractive therapeutic target. Herein we report the structure-guided development of TbcatB inhibitors with specificity relative to rhodesain and human cathepsins B and L. Inhibitors were tested for enzymatic activity, trypanocidal activity, and general cytotoxicity. These data chemically validate TbcatB as a drug target and demonstrate that it is possible to potently and selectively inhibit TbcatB relative to trypanosomal and human homologues.
Leaf dynamics of a deciduous forest canopy: no response to elevated CO2

Leaf area index (LAI) and its seasonal dynamics are key determinants of terrestrial productivity and, therefore, of the response of ecosystems to a rising atmospheric CO2 concentration. Despite the central importance of LAI, there is very little evidence from which to assess how forest LAI will respond to increasing [CO2]. We assessed LAI and related leaf indices of a closed-canopy deciduous forest for 4 years in 25-m-diameter plots that were exposed to ambient or elevated CO2 (542 ppm) in a free-air CO2 enrichment (FACE) experiment. LAI of this Liquidambar styraciflua (sweetgum) stand was about 6 and was relatively constant year-to-year, including the 2 years prior to the onset of CO2 treatment. LAI throughout the 1999–2002 growing seasons was assessed through a combination of data on photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) transmittance, mass of litter collected in traps, and leaf mass per unit area (LMA). There was no effect of [CO2] on any expression of leaf area, including peak LAI, average LAI, or leaf area duration. Canopy mass and LMA, however, were significantly increased by CO2 enrichment. The hypothesized connection between light compensation point (LCP) and LAI was rejected because LCP was reduced by [CO2] enrichment only in leaves under full sun, but not in shaded leaves. Data on PAR interception also permitted calculation of absorbed PAR (APAR) and light use efficiency (LUE), which are key parameters connecting satellite assessments of terrestrial productivity with ecosystem models of future productivity. There was no effect of [CO2] on APAR, and the observed increase in net primary productivity in elevated [CO2] was ascribed to an increase in LUE, which ranged from 1.4 to 2.4 g MJ−1. The current evidence seems convincing that LAI of non-expanding forest stands will not be different in a future CO2-enriched atmosphere and that increases in LUE and productivity in elevated [CO2] are driven primarily by functional responses rather than by structural changes. Ecosystem or regional models that incorporate feedbacks on resource use through LAI should not assume that LAI will increase with CO2 enrichment of the atmosphere.
Matrix formulas for part and partial correlation

General formulas for part and partial correlation of any order are derived in terms of multiple correlation coefficients, standard partial regression weights, and validities. The relationship between part correlation and the “independent contribution of a predictor” is discussed.
Presence of antibody to a primate RNA virus in human plasma.

AN antigen is present in leukocytes of patients with chronic myelogenous leukaemia (CML) which cross reacts with an antigen of the core protein of an RNA virus originally isolated from a Rhesus monkey, the Mason–Pfizer monkey virus (MPMY). This finding depended on development of a radioimmune assay using rabbit antibody raised against MPMV1. I report here that using a modified Farr technique2 plasma from some patients with various malignancies has antibody which reacts the MPMV core protein. The inference is that individuals in the human population may have been infected with a virus which is identical with or has antigens similar to those of the MPMV virus. The possible relevance of such infections to development of malignancies has yet to be determined.
Can AIDS be prevented after injury with contaminated instruments

Particulate matter comparable in size with that of human immunodeficiency virus was subcutaneously injected into experimental animals. Such matter remained at the inoculation site long enough to suggest the possibility that human immunodeficiency virus can be destroyed in loco before it invades the host's circulation. These findings may be useful in developing a method to prevent acquired immunodeficiency syndrome after accidental injury with human immunodeficiency virus-contaminated instruments.
Creatinine: An inadequate filtration marker in glomerular diseases

Abstract The exaggerated clearance (C) of creatinine relative to inulin in patients with renal disease has been attributed to (1) increased tubular creatinine secretion (TS creatinine ) and (2) reduced inulin filtration due to restricted transglomerular inulin transport. In an attempt to gain further insight into the disparate clearances of these commonly employed markers of glomerular filtration, we performed simultaneous clearance studies of creatinine (Einstein-Stokes radius (ESR) = 3 A, inulin ESR=14 A and dextran fractions with ESR=16 − 24 A) in seven normal subjects, 10 patients with cardiac failure and 38 subjects with the nephrotic syndrome. Notwithstanding equivalent depression of mean C inulin to 47 ± 6 and 42 ± 5 ml/min/1.73 m 2 in cardiac and nephrotic subjects, respectively, C creatinine : C inulin was more increased in the latter (1.70 ± 0.11 versus 1.22 ± 0.14, p dextran : C inulin was not significantly different from unity in all three experimental groups. This suggests that uncharged polysaccharides with ESR creatinine , thus accounting for the increase of C creatinine above C inulin in patients with the nephrotic syndrome.
Streptomycin production by Streptomyces griseus from fractions of peanuts and soybeans

Abstract 1. 1. Minerals are the principal nutrients in peanut and soybean meals for streptomycin production in the medium used. 2. 2. Substances inhibitory to streptomycin production are present in peanut meal but are not present in soybean meal. 3. 3. In the non-ashed peanut and soybean proteins, the minerals appear to be partially unavailable for the production of streptomycin. 4. 4. In the peanut protein, the mineral nutrients for streptomycin production are either in low concentration or in an unfavorable balance. 5. 5. Waste liquor fractions of the peanut and soybean meals contain the nutrients of these plant products that favor streptomycin production.
Reconstructing the areal organization of the neocortex of the first mammals.

The fossil record indicates that early mammals had small brains with proportionately little neocortex. Here we consider what is known about the organization of the neocortex in species with the least
Spatial Pixel Crosstalk In A Charge-Injection Device

An optical multichannel detector system based on a charge-injection device (CID) sensor has been designed and constructed. This system is intended for use in a variety of spectroscopic studies, including atomic emission spectrometry (AES), in the ultraviolet to near-infrared spectral region. A General Electric Co. CID11 B was selected as the sensor because preliminary research indicated that this device has excellent characteristics for detection of the very wide dynamic range signals encountered in AES. During initial characterization of this detection system, a phenomenon was observed in which the signal obtained from reading a pixel of the array was affected by the quantity of charge in orthogonally located pixels. Investigations indicate that this spatial crosstalk effect is not caused by charge migration among pixels ("blooming") as in many other types of imaging detectors. Instead, the source of crosstalk for the CID11B is capacitive coupling of charge-collection and charge-sensing electrodes during the readout process. Because no charge migration is involved with this process, crosstalk in a CID can be corrected by simple algorithms, which are described.
Relationship of silica and bacillus calmette-guerin exposures to humoral and cellular immune functions

The consequences of silica preexposures were studied on subsequent bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) pulmonary infections. Silica had a variable effect on colonization by BCG depending on organ and number of BCG treatments. Silica preexposures resulted in increased numbers of free alveolar cells subsequent to BCG infections, with an initially rapid increase of neutrophils. Both silica and two BCG treatments were capable of decreasing the animals' splenic response to stimulations with Escherichia coli aerosols, and BCG greatly enhanced antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity in silica preexposed mice. 5'-Nucleotidase activity was depressed by both silica and BCG in pulmonary washout cells indicating that inhalation of these substances may have a stimulating effect on the alveolar macrophages.
The spreading of liquids on low-energy surfaces. VI. Branched-chain monolayers, aromatic surfaces, and thin liquid films

Abstract A study has been made of the wettability of adsorbed monolayers of branched-chain and cyclic molecules. It is shown that such monolayers are nonwetted by organic liquids with surface tensions higher than a critical value characteristic of the monolayer. Oleophobicity is therefore not restricted to monolayers whose surfaces comprise close-packed methyl groups, the latter merely representing an extreme case. It is shown, further, that adsorbed layers of nonpolar liquids behave, as regards wettability, like low-energy solids with the same atomic groups exposed in the surface. It is concluded that the free surface energy of adsorbed liquid or solid films depends only on the atomic groups in the surface and their packing.
Traumatic limb amputations at a level I trauma center

Introduction The purpose of this study was to analyze the epidemiology and outcomes after traumatic amputation of the upper (UEA) and lower (LEA) extremities.
Soft copy display requirements for digital mammography.

One of the advantages of digital mammography is to display mammograms on softcopy (electronic displays). Softcopy display of mammography is challenging because of the spatial and contrast resolution demands present in mammograms. We have designed and developed a softcopy mammography display application, Mammoview, which is capable of allowing radiologists to read mammograms as quickly and as accurately as they can on film alternators. We review the studies using Mammoview to elucidate the requirements of a successful softcopy display station. The design and development of the Mammoview softcopy display station are described in this article, and results of several studies using Mammoview are reported, including subjective feedback from Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) conference demonstrations, and clinical studies measuring performance in terms of speed and accuracy. Additional analysis of user interactions and user feedback is used to study the successes and shortcomings of mammography display stations like Mammoview. Overall, radiologist readings using Mammoview have been shown to be as fast and as accurate as readings using mammography film alternators. However, certain parts of the softcopy interface were more successful than their film counterparts, whereas others were less successful. Data analysis of the recorded human–computer interactions for the softcopy component of the clinical trial indicate statistically significant correlations between the difference in review time of softcopy versus alternator readings and three factors: the number of interactions, the reader, and the size of the image being reviewed. The first factor (number of interactions) suggests that simpler interfaces require less time to use; the second factor, the reader, supports previous findings that radiologists vary in how fast they read screening mammography studies; the third, size of image, suggests that the speed of softcopy review is increased relative to film readings when images are significantly larger than the display size. Feedback from radiologists using the system in clinical trials and at demonstration exhibits at RSNA indicated good acceptance of the interface and easy adaptation. Radiologists indicated that they felt comfortable using the interface, and that they would use such a softcopy interface in clinical practice. Finally, preliminary work suggests that the addition of a simple interaction to incorporate computer-aided detection (CAD) results would improve reading accuracy without significantly increasing reader times.
Evidence supporting preoperative chemotherapy for small cell carcinoma of the bladder: a retrospective review of the M. D. Anderson cancer experience.

ABSTRACT Purpose: Neuroendocrine tumors of the bladder comprise a small subset of all bladder tumors. To improve our understanding of this tumor and define outcomes with current management, we performed a retrospective review of these cases. Materials and Methods: We reviewed the records of 88 patients with small cell bladder carcinoma evaluated at our institution between 1985 and 2002. Of these patients 46 underwent cystectomy, including 25 who were treated with initial cystectomy and 21 who received preoperative chemotherapy. Results: For patients treated with initial cystectomy median cancer specific survival (CSS) was 23 months, with 36% disease-free at 5 years. For patients receiving preoperative chemotherapy median CSS has not been reached (p = 0.026), although CSS at 5-years was 78% with no cancer related deaths observed beyond 2 years. Notably 7 of 25 patients treated with initial cystectomy received chemotherapy after surgery but their survival was no better than those treated with cystectomy alone. As others have observed, the pathological stage was higher than clinically appreciated for 56% of patients treated with initial cystectomy. Moreover, there were no cancer related deaths among patients with disease down staged to pT2 or less. Conclusions: Like other neuroendocrine tumors, small cell carcinoma of the bladder grows rapidly but is chemo-sensitive. Clinical under staging is the rule. Optimal results are achieved via integration of local and systemic treatment. Our results suggest that preoperative chemotherapy is the optimal strategy, even in the setting of clinically localized cancer. On the basis of these observations, we have initiated a trial in which 4 cycles of aggressive multiagent preoperative chemotherapy are followed by radical cystectomy.
Effects of Camera Switching on Fine Accuracy in a Motion Capture System

When using optical motion capture systems, increasing the number of cameras improves the visibility. However, the software used to deal with the information fusion from multiple cameras may compromise the accuracy of the system due to camera dropout, which can vary with time. In cadaver studies of radial head motion, increasing the number of cameras used by the motion capture system seemed to decrease the accuracy of the measurements. This study investigates the cause. The hypothesis was that errors in position can be induced when markers are obscured from and then restored to a camera’s viewable range, as can happen in biomechanical studies. Accuracy studies quantified the capabilities of the motion capture system with precision translation and rotation movements. To illustrate the effect that abrupt perceived changes in a marker’s position can have on the calculation of radial head travel, simulated motion experiments were performed. In these studies, random noise was added to simulated data, which obscured the resultant path of motion. Finally, camera-blocking experiments were performed in which precise movements were measured with a six-camera Vicon system and the errors between the actual and perceived motion were computed. During measurement, cameras were selectively blocked and restored to view. The maximum errors in translation and rotation were 3.7 mm and 0.837 deg, respectively. Repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVAs) (α=0.05) confirmed that the camera-blocking influenced the results. Taken together, these results indicate that camera-switching can affect the observation of fine movements using a motion analysis system with a large number of cameras. One solution is to offer opportunity for user interaction in the software to choose the cameras used for each instant of time.