cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Assembly of the platelet prothrombinase complex is linked to vesiculation of the platelet plasma membrane. Studies in Scott syndrome: an isolated defect in platelet procoagulant activity.

Activation of human platelets by complement proteins C5b-9 is accompanied by the release of small plasma membrane vesicles (microparticles) that are highly enriched in binding sites for coagulation factor Va and exhibit prothrombinase activity. We have now examined whether assembly of the prothrombinase enzyme complex (factors VaXa) is directly linked to the process of microparticle formation. Gel-filtered platelets were incubated without stirring with various agonists at 37 °C, and the functional expression of cell surface receptors on platelets and on shed microparticles was analyzed using specific monoclonal antibodies and fluorescence-gated flow cytometry. In addition to the C5b-9 proteins, thrombin, collagen, and the calcium ionophore A23187 were each found to induce formation of platelet microparticles that incorporated plasma membrane glycoproteins GP Ib, IIb, and IIIa. These microparticles were enriched in binding sites for factor Va, and their formation paralleled the expression of catalytic surface for the prothrombinase enzyme complex. Little or no microparticle release or prothrombinase activity were observed when platelets were stimulated with epinephrine and ADP, despite exposure of platelet fibrinogen receptors by these agonists. When platelets were exposed to thrombin plus collagen, the shed microparticles contained activated GP IIb-IIIa complexes that bound fibrinogen. By contrast, GP IIb-IIIa incorporated into C5b-9 induced microparticles did not express fibrinogen receptor function. Platelets from a patient with an isolated defect in inducible procoagulant activity (Scott syndrome) were found to be markedly impaired in their capacity to generate microparticles in response to all platelet activators, and this was accompanied by a comparable decrease in the number and function of inducible factor Va receptors. Taken together, these data indicate that the exposure of the platelet factor Va receptor is directly coupled to plasma membrane vesiculation and that this event can be dissociated from other activation-dependent platelet responses. Since a catalytic membrane surface is required for optimal thrombin generation, platelet microparticle formation may play a role in the normal hemostatic response to vascular injury.
Mina makes the most of human‐resource management: Mini‐market switches from competing on price to competing on service

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe how strategic human resource management has transformed the fortunes of three Greek micro‐enterprises.Design/methodology/approach – The paper explains the problems faced by Mina mini‐market, Franco leather manufacturing and Yiannis Hair Care, and how they overcame them.Findings – The paper highlights the key role that training can play in improving product quality and customer service and setting a struggling company back on the track to success.Practical implications – The paper reveals that training can go hand in hand with new bonus schemes, employee empowerment and better conditions of employment.Social implications – The paper details a number of approaches that small companies can adopt to help them to survive in a challenging economic context.Originality/value – The paper recounts how three Greek micro‐businesses have achieved organizational change against the background of difficult economic circumstances.
Efficient generation and use of 3-carboalkoxycyclopentadienone as a Diels-Alder dienophile

Synthese du benzenesulfonyl-5 oxo-3 cyclopentene-1carboxylate de benzyle a partir de benzenesulfonyl-1 oxo-4 cyclopentene-2carboxylate de benzyle. Celui-ci reagit avec des composes dieniques conjugues pour donner des oxo-2 indanedicarboxylate-1,5 et un cyclopenta-9,10anthracene
Mutation analysis of DKK1 and in vivo evidence of predominant p53-independent DKK1 function in gliomas.

DKK1 protein belongs to a family of inhibitors of the Wnt/β1-catenin signaling pathway. Sporadic mutations affecting almost each major player of the Wnt/β1-catenin pathway have been described in a variety of human carcinomas. DKK1 translation can be induced by p53, thereby linking TP53 and Wnt/β1-catenin signaling pathways. These findings raise questions in regard to human gliomas, which similar to carcinomas carry a high rate of mutations in TP53. To analyze DKK1 for its role in initiation or progression, we screened a series of 73 brain tumors for structural alterations in the entire coding sequence by single-strand conformation polymorphism and direct sequencing. While several sequence variants were detected, there were no obvious mutations affecting DKK1. Further, we analyzed the prevalence of mRNA from TP53, DKK1 and CTNNB1 and of p53 and β1-catenin protein in a series of human gliomas with and without mutations in TP53. Transcription and expression of CTNNB1/β1-catenin and DKK1 proved to be independent of TP53/p53. These data support in vivo function of DKK1, independent of p53, in human gliomas with no major impact on their pathogenesis.
No evidence of increased sputum eosinophilia in treated asthma patients with gastroesophageal reflux

Abstract Rationale Inflammation of the lower airways is a defining characteristic of asthma. Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is commonly associated with asthma and may aggravate symptoms. The mechanism of this is not fully known, but it has been hypothesized that increased airway inflammation plays a role. In this study, we examine whether GER is associated with increased airway inflammation in treated asthma patients. Methods Induced sputum samples from 160 consecutive asthma patients referred for sputum evaluation were analyzed retrospectively for inflammatory parameters. Of these, 38 patients had been diagnosed with both asthma and GER and 122 patients with asthma alone. The majority of patients were on active pharmacotherapy for these conditions. Results Induced sputum leukocyte counts (WBC/μl) were similar in the GER and non-GER group (1,050; 95% confidence interval [CI] 228-1,872 vs. 1,183; 95% CI 733-1,633; p=0.70). A significantly lower eosinophil percentage was noted in the GER group (6.3%; 95% CI 1.0-11.7%) compared to the non-GER group (14.8%; 95% CI 10.9-18.8%; p=0.007). Neutrophil percentages were similar in both groups (57.4%; 95% CI 48.3-66.5% vs. 53.4%; 95% CI 48.6-58.1%; p=0.27). Out of 38 asthmatic patients with GER, only three had significantly elevated sputum eosinophil counts, of which two had radiological evidence of chronic rhinosinusitis. Conclusion Induced sputum analyses in treated asthma patients with GER demonstrated no evidence of increased airway inflammation; in fact, a lower sputum eosinophil percentage was found in these patients compared to those without GER. These results suggest that gastroesophageal reflux does not aggravate asthma through increased airway inflammation.
Fabrication of planar blazed grating using laser LIGA

We study the design of planar micro-grating and propose a new approach to fabricate planar micro-grating. By the basic grating diffractive theory (rigorous coupled wave theory), suitable and optimized structure (within our manufacturing capabilities) of grating for our application is found. The fabrication of planar micro-grating is demonstrated by Laser LIGA technology, using the instrument of KrF (248 nm) excimer laser system. The micro-grating with the continuous smooth profile and the pitch 2.5 ?m is shown.
Recruitment of Quercus agrifolia in central California: the importance of shrub‐dominated patches

. Many perennial plants strongly enhance the survival of seedlings of other species. We studied patterns of long-term recruitment of Quercus agrifolia (Coastal live oak) associated with shrub-dominated communities by counting Q. agrifolia recruits on a time sequence of historical aerial photographs and comparing recruitment among mapped patches of coastal sage scrub, chaparral, and grassland in an 1120-ha landscape. Because we could not identify new recruits in existing woodlands with aerial photographs, we studied the recruitment of Q. agrifolia in this vegetation type indirectly by comparing population size structures and the spatial relationships between shrubs and recruits among woodlands that varied in understory community type. At the landscape scale, recruitment was higher in coastal sage scrub vegetation than predicted by the extent of its coverage, commensurate with the spatial coverage of chaparral, and very low in grassland. Recruitment within woodland communities also varied considerably. In woodland communities on sheltered, north-oriented topography with understories dominated by shrubs, there were large numbers of small Q. agrifolia, and recruits were not significantly spatially associated with shrubs within plots. In woodlands with herbaceous understories there were few individuals in the small size classes, and recruits were strongly spatially associated with shrubs within plots. Woodlands with shrub-dominated understories have population structures that appear to be stable, but woodlands with herbaceous understories exhibit size structures associated with declining populations. Quercus recruitment into shrub-dominated patches corresponds with previous documentation of facilitative relationships between shrubs and oak seedlings, and suggests the occurrence of an unusual form of patch dynamics in these landscapes.
Outcomes of a Cardiovascular Nutrition Counseling Program in African-Americans with Elevated Blood Pressure or Cholesterol Level

Abstract Objective To evaluate a cardiovascular nutrition education package designed for African-American adults with a wide range of literacy skills. Design Comparison of a self-help group and a full-instruction group; each group received nutrition counseling and clinical monitoring every 4 months. Subjects Three hundred thirty African-American adults, aged 40 to 70 years, with elevated cholesterol level or high blood pressure were randomly assigned to the self-help or full-instruction group; 255 completed the 12-month follow-up. Interventions Counseling to reduce intake of dietary fat, cholesterol, and sodium was based on Cardiovascular Dietary Education System (CARDES) materials, which included food-picture cards, a nutrition guide (self-help and full-instruction group), a video and audiotape series, and 4 classes (full-instruction group only). Main outcome measures Changes in lipid levels and blood pressure after 12 months. Statistical analyses performed Primary analyses consisted of repeated-measures analysis of variance to examine effects of time and randomization group on outcomes. Results Total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level decreased by 7% to 8% in the self-help and full-instruction groups of men and women ( P P P Applications/conclusions These results suggest that periodic nutrition counseling based on CARDES materials used for home study can enhance management of lipid levels and blood pressure in African-American outpatients. J Am Diet Assoc. 1999;99:1380–1388,1391 .
Effect of prostaglandin F2alpha on human parathyroid adenomas: Evidence for uncoupling of parathyroid hormone secretion and cAMP accumulation

Human parathyroid adenomas are aberrantly regulated by extracellular calcium. We tested pertussis toxin, which ADP-ribosylates and inactivates several guanine nucleotide regulatory proteins, to test the role of these proteins in the secretory control of adenomatous parathyroid tissue. Pertussis toxin did not affect basal cAMP accumulation in 12 adenomas and enhanced parathyroid hormone (PTH) release in 6 of 10 adenomas. Prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha) inhibited cAMP in three of six adenomas, and pertussis toxin pretreatment did not affect this result. PTH release in 7 of 10 adenomas was inhibited by PGF2 alpha, and pertussis toxin did not significantly alter PTH release. Pertussis toxin catalyzed ADP-ribosylation of a 40-kDa protein in all adenomas tested (n = 8). We conclude that cAMP accumulation was not affected by pertussis toxin but that in 6 of 10 adenomas, the toxin enhanced PTH release. We suggest that cAMP accumulation and PTH release may be uncoupled from negative control by inhibitory ligands in adenomatous tissue or that the G-proteins involved do not couple to regulatory receptors or to effector.
Cloning and localization of RPE65 mRNA in salamander cone photoreceptor cells

RPE65 is a potential retinoid-processing protein expressed in the retinal pigment epithelium. Mutations in the RPE65 gene have been shown to cause certain inherited retinal dystrophies. Previous studies have shown that salamander cone photoreceptor cells have a unique retinoid processing mechanism which is distinct from that of rods. To determine whether RPE65 is expressed in photoreceptors, the RPE65 cDNA was cloned from a salamander retinal cDNA library. The deduced protein consists of 533 amino acids and is 85% identical to human and bovine RPE65. The RPE65 mRNA was detected in all of the single cone cells isolated from the salamander retina, as well as in the retinal pigment epithelium by RT-PCR, but not in the isolated rods. The RT-PCR products have been confirmed to be RPE65 by DNA sequencing. The results indicate that this potential retinoid processing protein is expressed in the cone photoreceptor cells but not in rods. Therefore, this protein may contribute to the unique retinoid processing capabilities in salamander cones.
Social indicators of racial parity

Using the U.S. Census' Social Indicators III (73 indicators) and the OECD List of Social Indicators (33 indicators), a modified Delphi panel was surveyed in two rounds to rank 106 items and 19 “areas of major social concerns” as to how “essential” or “unnecessary” each indicator was in measuring racial parity in the U.S. A hypothesis about how much consensus was reached overall between the first- and second-round responses and hypotheses about comparative views among Academics, minority Advocates and Government researchers-administrators were tested (See Table I). From the second-round returns, the top 15 indicators (selected by the panel) and the 19 major areas of social concerns were analyzed. Secondary data were gathered and built into a Dissimilarity Index. Comparisons were analyzed statistically in increments of 5 indicators (quintiles), and overall to determine how much parity, or equality, between Afro-Americans and Whites had been obtained between the “early 1980s” and the “early 1990s”.
Quantitative Analysis to Guide Orphan Drug Development

The development of orphan drugs for rare diseases has made impressive strides in the past 10 years. There has been a surge in orphan drug designations, but new drug approvals have not kept up. This article presents a three-pronged hierarchical strategy for quantitative analysis of data at the descriptive, mechanistic, and systems levels of the biological system that could represent a standardized and rational approach to orphan drug development. Examples are provided to illustrate the concept. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2012); 92 2, 258–261. doi:10.1038/clpt.2012.80
Effects of mesh voids on insertion loss of metallic mesh coatings

Metallic mesh thin-film coatings have been used for many years to provide electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding on infrared windows and domes. During the fabrication of these conductive, micron-sized mesh patterns, mesh voids or holes in the mesh pattern occasionally occur. Voids in the mesh degrade the EMI shielding or insertion loss of the mesh coating. In the past, we have shown that a small number of 1-mm voids do not degrade the insertion loss significantly for 20-dB insertion-loss mesh coatings. In this paper, we present a theory that provides an approximation for the number and size of mesh voids that can be tolerated without degrading the EMI shielding properties of a mesh coating. We also measured the insertion loss of several typical metallic-mesh coatings with and without voids and compared the results with our simple insertion loss model. Our analysis shows that tens of very small voids may have only minimal impact on the EMI shielding properties of a metallic mesh coating. Even a single 3-mm diameter void may not degrade the shielding properties significantly.
What Experienced Collaborators Say About Collaborative Writing

As currently used, collaboration refers to a variety of interactive writing expe riences, making it difficult or impossible to assess research projects accurately or to use their findings effective...
Composition and functional properties of cholesterol reduced egg yolk

The composition and functional properties of cholesterol reduced egg yolk (CREY) were compared to those of control egg yolk (EY). The CREY was prepared by absorbing cholesterol with beta-cyclodextrin after dilution and dissociation of granules at pH 10.5. The CREY contained less lipid and protein and more carbohydrate and ash than EY. Egg lipids were fractionated into triglycerides, cholesterol esters, free cholesterol, phosphatidyl choline, and phosphatidyl ethanolamine. Free and esterified cholesterol in CREY were reduced by 91.6 and 94.4%, respectively. Triglycerides were the major lipid class in CREY. The CREY contained more oleic acid and less linoleic acid than the control. Protein solubility in 0.1 and 0.6 M NaCl and sponge cake volume did not differ. The composition of proteins soluble in 0.6 M NaCl in both egg preparations were similar as determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The electrophoretic profiles of proteins soluble in 0.1 M NaCl were similar, except that lipovitellin form EY was insoluble under these conditions. The CREY was less yellow than EY, as indicated by beta-carotene concentrations and Hunter b values. These results suggest that beta-cyclodextrin can be used to produce a low cholesterol egg product with compositional and functional properties similar to EY.
Quantification and characterization of nuclear genomes in commercial red seaweeds: Gracilariales and Gelidiales

Nuclear genome profiles were developed for representative species of the Gelidiales and Gracilariales using information from present and previous studies of cytogenetics, cytophotometry and DNA reassociation kinetics. Results indicate that species of Gracilaria and Gracilariopsis are characterized by distinct chromosome complements of n = 24 and n = 32, respectively, a narrow range of small genome sizes (2C = 0.35–0.45 pg) and a wide range of values for repeated and unique genome sequences. In contrast, the Gelidiales investigated are characterized by a wide range of chromosome complements, n = 6–29, a wider range of genome sizes (2C = 0.42–0.68 pg) and a large proportion of unique genome sequences. Nuclear genome sizes for species of the Gelidiales and Gracilariales are compared with estimates of other red algal orders including the Bangiales, Ceramiales and Gigartinales.
Two-phase flow regimes in narrow rectangular vertical and horizontal channels

Abstract Adiabatic concurrent vertical and horizontal two-phase flow of air and water through narrow rectangular channels, gap widths 1 and 2 mm, was investigated. This study involved the observation of flow using a charge coupled device (CCD) camera and flow regimes were determined by examining the video images. A comparison of the resulting data was made with previous experimental data and also to existing transition criteria. There were four flow regimes and three transition regions observed for vertical flow and five flow regimes and three transition regions for horizontal flow.
Impact of polar stratospheric cloud particle composition, number density, and lifetime on denitrification

[1] One-dimensional simulations of polar stratospheric clouds (PSCs) composed of nitric acid trihydrate (NAT) and nitric acid dihydrate (NAD) particles are used to investigate vertical redistribution of nitric acid by clouds with these compositions. We find that for typical Arctic PSC lifetimes of a few days or less the net depletion of HNO3 is well below 50%, regardless of the NAT or NAD particle number density. With cloud lifetimes of a week or longer, greater than 50% denitrification is possible even with relatively low NAT particle number densities (as low as 1 × 10−3 cm−3). Denitrification is most efficient with NAT particle number densities of about 3 × 10−3 cm−3 to 10−2 cm−3. For a given temperature history the degree of denitrification by NAD clouds is much less severe than that by NAT clouds. The clouds also cause a local maximum in HNO3 mixing ratios at the cloud base where the cloud particles sublimate. Our simulations suggest that repeated short-lived PSC events do not build up the denitrification beyond about 50%; however, the depth of the denitrified layer increases with each successive PSC event.
Intracellular measurements in mammary carcinoma cells using fiber-optic nanosensors.

Abstract Submicrometer fiber-optic biosensors have been developed and used to measure toxic chemicals within single cells. Optical fibers that have been pulled to a distal-end diameter of less than 1 μm are coated with antibodies to selectively bind the species of interest. This paper describes the use of these fibers to selectively measure the concentration of benzo[ a ]pyrene tetrol (BPT), a metabolite of benzo[ a ]pyrene, within individual cells of two different cell lines, human mammary carcinoma cells and rat liver epithelial cells. The results from these measurements have been used to determine the sensitivity, reproducibility, and usefulness of these nanosensors. The detection limit of these biosensors has been determined to be 0.64 ± 0.17 × 10 −11 M for BPT.
Selected aspects of cell volume control in renal cortical and medullary tissue

Under normal physiological conditions, demands placed on mammalian renal cortical cells are quite different from those in the medulla. Cortical proximal tubule cells exist in an isotonic environment, but must resorb vast amounts of filtered fluid and solute, and also adjust to solute generated from cellular metabolism. In addition, cortical cells must also adjust to occasional pathological derangements in blood osmolality. By contrast, human medullary cells have a smaller solute resorptive load, but exist in a milieu where osmolality varies from 40 to more than 1200 mosmol/kg H2O, depending on water intake. Remarkably, the cells maintain a near normal size despite these stresses. Under isosmotic conditions, the primary regulator of cell volume is Na-K ATPase. In its absence, factors such as external protein, extracellular matrix and basement membrane, cytoskeleton, and perhaps formation of cytoplasmic vesicular-like structures help prevent cells from swelling massively. Under anisosmotic conditions, a variety of transport processes operating across basolateral and apical membranes either remove solute from or add solute (and water) to cells to minimize changes in their size. Medullary cells have the additional ability to accumulate organic, non-toxic, osmolytes that offset external hypertonicity and allow cells to maintain normal size without increasing cellular inorganic ion concentrations.
Amino acid stimulation of ATP cleavage by two Ehrlich cell membrane preparations in the presence of ouabain

Two membrane fractions prepared from the Ehrlich ascites-tumor cell show non-identical stimulatory responses to certain amino acids in their Mg2+-dependent activity to cleave ATP, despite the presence of ouabain and the absence of Na+ or K+. The first of these, previously described, shows little (Na+ + K+)-ATPase activity, and is characteristically stimulated by the presence of certain diamino acids with low pK2, and at pH values suggesting that the cationic forms of these amino acids are effective. The evidence indicates that these effects are not obtained through occupation of the kinetically discernible receptor site serving characteristically for the uphill transport of these amino acids into the Ehrlich cell. The second membrane preparation was purified with the goal of concentrating the (Na+ + K+)-ATPase activity. It also is stimulated by the model diamino acid, 4-amino-1-methylpiperidine-4-carboxylic acid, and several ordinary amino acids. The diamino acids were most effective at pH values where the neutral zwitterionic forms might be responsible. Among the optically active amino acids tested, the effects of ornithine and leucine were substantially stronger for the l than for d isomers. The list of stimulatory amino acids again corresponds poorly to any single transport system, although the possibility was not excluded that stimulation might occur for both preparations by occupation of a membrane site which ordinarily is kinetically silent in the transport sequence. The high sensitivity to deoxycholate and to dicyclohexylcarbodiimide of the hydrolytic activity produced by the presence of l-ornithine and 4-amino-1-methyl-piperidine-4-carboxylic acid suggests that the stimulatory effect is not merely a general intensification of the background Mg+-dependent hydrolytic activity.
Sunspot index infers a small relict magnetic field in the Sun's core

Inferences from the asymmetry in time of the solar sunspot number, taken over many cycles, yields evidence for the relict magnetic field in the solar core which Cowling (1945) suggested would not decay, over the solar system's lifetime, given sufficiently high bulk electrical conductivity. Whether such a relict field is present can be ascertained either by searching for the presence of a 22-year line quintet in the Fourier spectrum of the sunspot index or by processing the time sequence in order to highlight an offset. Since the solar cycle is unstable to frequency drifts, the presence of frequency modulation can lead to a spurious relict field signal.
VII—Plural Quantification and Modality

Identity is a modally inflexible relation: two objects are necessarily identical or necessarily distinct. However, identity is not alone in this respect. We will look at the relation that one object bears to some objects if and only if it is one of them. In particular, we will consider the credentials of the thesis that no matter what some objects are, an object is necessarily one of them or necessarily not one of them.
Sequestration of cAMP response element-binding proteins by transcription factor decoys causes collateral elaboration of regenerating Aplysia motor neuron axons

Axonal injury increases intracellular Ca2+ and cAMP and has been shown to induce gene expression, which is thought to be a key event for regeneration. Increases in intracellular Ca2+ and/or cAMP can alter gene expression via activation of a family of transcription factors that bind to and modulate the expression of CRE (Ca2+/cAMP response element) sequence-containing genes. We have used Aplysia motor neurons to examine the role of CRE-binding proteins in axonal regeneration after injury. We report that axonal injury increases the binding of proteins to a CRE sequence-containing probe. In addition, Western blot analysis revealed that the level of ApCREB2, a CRE sequence-binding repressor, was enhanced as a result of axonal injury. The sequestration of CRE-binding proteins by microinjection of CRE sequence-containing plasmids enhanced axon collateral formation (both number and length) as compared with control plasmid injections. These findings show that Ca2+/cAMP-mediated gene expression via CRE-binding transcription factors participates in the regeneration of motor neuron axons.
Recovery of technetium adsorbed on charcoal

Two methods capable of near complete recovery of technetium adsorbed on charcoal are presented. The first involves liquid extraction of the technetium from the charcoal by hot 4M nitric acid. An average recovery of 98% (n=3) is obtained after three rounds of extraction. The second method involves dry ashing with air in a quartz combustion tube at 400-450 °C. This method yields an average recovery of 96% (n=5). Other thermal methods were attempted, but resulted in reduced recovery and incomplete material balance.
A review of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) from the molecular radiobiology perspective

Introduction Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is a relatively new therapy being used to treat patients with many types of extracranial tumors and some metastases.
An immobilization system for claustrophobic patients in head-and-neck intensity-modulated radiation therapy.

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the effectiveness of an immobilization treatment system used for claustrophobic patients in head-and-neck intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). Methods and materials Instead of the thermoplastic facemask, the Vac Fix (S & S Par Scientific, Odense, Denmark) mold is used for immobilization of claustrophobic patients at the University of Florida in head-and-neck IMRT. The immobilization procedure combines the use of commercial stereotactic infrared (IR) ExacTrac camera system (BrainLAB, Inc., Westchester, IL) for patient setup and monitoring. The Vac Fix mold is placed on the headrest and folded up as needed to provide support before the mold is hardened. For the camera system, a frame referred to as a “tattoo-free immobilization accessory” is fabricated, on which the IR markers can be placed. A patient-specific dental impression is made with the bite tray. The movement of the markers, connected through the dental impression of the patient, accurately represents the overall patient motion. Patient movement is continuously monitored and repositioning is performed whenever patient movement exceeds the predefined tolerance limit. Monitored patient movements are recorded at a certain frequency. Recorded data are analyzed and compared with those of patients immobilized with the thermoplastic facemask plus the camera system that is the standard immobilization system in our clinic. Results For three patients treated with the Vac Fix mold plus the camera system, on average, the histogram-based uncertainties, U 95 5 , U 95 20 , and mean displacement, R mean (mm) were 1.03, 1.08, and 0.60, respectively. These values are close to those obtained with the mask plus the camera system. The Vac Fix mold plus the camera system often requires more beam interruptions because of repositioning than the mask plus the camera system (on average, the Vac Fix mold plus the camera system required repositioning 7.7 times and the mask plus the camera system required repositioning 1.8 times during 20 treatments). Conclusion The Vac Fix mold immobilization procedure plus the camera monitoring system has been set up for patients who are claustrophobic or cannot tolerate a mask during head-and-neck IMRT. Although this system causes more frequent beam delivery interruptions, it is as effective as the mask plus the camera system in immobilizing patients within the tolerance limit.
Position‐Specific Expression of Homeoprotein Gradients in Different Feather Tractsa

Homeoproteins have been shown to be expressed in defined bands along the anteriorposterior (A-P) body axis and are involved in determining the patterns of insect appendages.' In vertebrates, homeoproteins are also expressed in anterior-posterior (A-P) gradient in the spinal cord. Recently, homeoproteins were also shown to be distributed in a gradient in developing limb buds2.3 and feather buds: thus suggesting that homeoproteins may be involved in setting up the A-P axes of cell fields at different levels, first for the body axis, then for the limb axis, and finally for the feather a x k 4 Here, we further examine the orientation of the homeoprotein gradient at the level of the feather tract using the procedure of Chuong et aL4 We found that there are different but definite gradient axes in different tracts. Thus there is a position-specific homeoprotein expression pattern in each feather bud. Together with previous findings: the observations are summarized as follows.
An evolutionary analysis of the Secoviridae family of viruses.

The plant-infecting Secoviridae family of viruses forms part of the Picornavirales order, an important group of non-enveloped viruses that infect vertebrates, arthropods, plants and algae. The impact of the secovirids on cultivated crops is significant, infecting a wide range of plants from grapevine to rice. The overwhelming majority are transmitted by ecdysozoan vectors such as nematodes, beetles and aphids. In this study, we have applied a variety of computational methods to examine the evolutionary traits of these viruses. Strong purifying selection pressures were calculated for the coat protein (CP) sequences of nine species, although for two species evidence of both codon specific and episodic diversifying selection were found. By using Bayesian phylogenetic reconstruction methods CP nucleotide substitution rates for four species were estimated to range from between 9.29×10−3 to 2.74×10−3 (subs/site/year), values which are comparable with the short-term estimates of other related plant- and animal-infecting virus species. From these data, we were able to construct a time-measured phylogeny of the subfamily Comovirinae that estimated divergence of ninety-four extant sequences occurred less than 1,000 years ago with present virus species diversifying between 50 and 250 years ago; a period coinciding with the intensification of agricultural practices in industrial societies. Although recombination (modularity) was limited to closely related taxa, significant and often unique similarities in the protein domains between secovirid and animal infecting picorna-like viruses, especially for the protease and coat protein, suggested a shared ancestry. We discuss our results in a wider context and find tentative evidence to indicate that some members of the Secoviridae might have their origins in insects, possibly colonizing plants in a number of founding events that have led to speciation. Such a scenario; virus infection between species of different taxonomic kingdoms, has significant implications for virus emergence.
Free Trade Is Green, Protectionism Is Not

Many writers argue that free trade will lead to environmental degradation. Most environmentally pernicious public policies, however, such as subsidies of timber extraction and ranching, are also trade protectionist policies. To the extent that free trade treaties, such as the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, do away with such trade protectionism, free trade instead could be viewed as a major pathway to environmental reform. Furthermore, trade liberalization is associated with urbanization and industrialization, both of which reduce population growth rates and the pressures of colonization. I suggest that we, as environmentalists, can ally ourselves with free traders. Muchos escritores argumentan que el libre comercio conducira a la degradacion ambiental. Sin embargo, la mayoria de las politicas publicas ambientalmente perniciosas, tales como subsidios para la extraccion de madera y la ganaderia, tambien son politicas de comercio proteccionistas. En la medida en que los tratados de libre comercio, tales como el Acuerdo General Sobre Tarifas y Comercio, eliminen tales practicas proteccionistas, el libre comercio podra ser considerado como un camino importante conducente a una reform ambiental. Mas aun, la liberalizacion del comercio esta asociada con la urbanizacion y la industrializacion, dos procesos que reducen las tasas de crecimiento poblacional y las presiones de la colonizacion. Sugiero que como ambientalistas, nos podemos aliar con los librecambistas.
Evidence suggesting hyperoxaluria as a cause of nephrocalcinosis in phosphate-treated hypophosphataemic rickets

Abstract Urinary excretion of oxalate and phosphate was measured in twelve vitamin-D-treated, phosphate-supplemented patients with X-linked hypophosphataemia (XLH; four children, eight adolescents and adults) to investigate possible causative factors of nephrocalcinosis other than calcium. Oxalate excretion correlated highly with urinary phosphate excretion and with intake of phosphate supplements corrected for body surface area. Young children received the highest relative doses of phosphate (range 2·27-10·8 g/1·73 m 2 daily) and their urinary oxalate excretion was very high (0·94-3·38 mmol/1·73 m 2 daily). The urinary oxalate excretion of untreated adults with XLH was within normal limits. Six patients had evidence of nephrocalcinosis on ultrasound. The high urinary oxalate excretion in phosphate-supplemented XLH may be seen as a special type of enteric hyperoxaluria, in which the conditions of calcium-oxalate crystal precipitation could be reached even at normal levels of urinary calcium excretion. Urinary excretion of both calcium and oxalate should therefore be monitored during treatment in young XLH patients.
Simultaneous Red Cell and Plasma Protein Indicator-Dilution Curves Across the Peripheral Circulation During Open-Heart Surgery

Data have been presented showing the applicability of indicator-dilution technique to the entire human peripheral circulation during open-heart surgery. Initial results from simultaneous tagged red cell and plasma protein indicator-dilution curves demonstrate a consistently greater volume of distribution for plasma proteins than for red cells.
Flooding treatment of phobias: Does chronic diazepam increase effectiveness?

Abstract Flooding was combined with either chronic diazepam (15 mg/day) or placebo in the treatment of small animal phobias. Diazepam had no effect on the length of time required for successful treatment. This result is consistent with animal studies showing that tranquilizers do not enhance the effects of response prevention as a method of eliminating conditioned fears, but this result contrasts with human studies showing that flooding effects are enhanced if treatment sessions follow single doses of tranquilizers. It is suggested that differences in experimental outcome are attributable to whether flooding sessions overlap the waxing and waning of the drugged state.
A gene coding for a membrane-bound hydrolase is expressed as a secreted, soluble enzyme in Streptomyces lividans

A Gene Coding for a Membrane–Bound Hydrolase is Expressed as a Secreted, Soluble Enzyme in Streptomyces Lividans
Role of Zero-Field Splitting Interactions in the NMR Paramagnetic Relaxation Enhancements Produced by Ni(II)(acac)2(H2O)2

Recent theory has predicted that rhombicity in the zero-field splitting (zfs) tensor of transition metal ions with integer spin S ≥ 1 exerts a strong influence on the NMR- paramagnetic relaxation enhancements (NMR-PRE) of resonances of nuclear spins in solution. ZFS rhombicity induces rapid oscillation in the z-component of the electron spin vector, which in the absence of rhombicity, is static with respect to precession or oscillation. Rapid oscillation of Sz acts to decouple the nuclear spin magnetic moment from the local field produced by the electron spin, and in this way profoundly depresses the NMR-PRE. The influence of zfs-rhombicity on the solvent 1H NMR-PRE produced by the complex ion trans-bis(2,4-pentanedione)diaquanickel(II) in dioxane solution has been studied by variable field (0.14−8.5 T) T1 and T2 measurements. It is shown that the functional form of the T1 field dispersion profile can be fit by the mathematical expressions of the Zeeman-limit Solomon−Bloembergen−Morgan theory, although th...
Discussion: Estimation of Demand for Food and Other Products Assuming Ordinally Separable Utility

[3] GOLDMAN, S. M., AND H. UZAWA, "A Note on Separability in Demand Analysis," Econometrica 32:387-398, July 1964. [4] PEARCE, I. F., "An Exact Method of Consumer Dcmand Analysis," Econometrica 29:499516, Oct. 1961. [5] STROTZ, ROBERT H., "The Empirical Implications of a Utility Tree," Econometrica 25:269280, April 1957. [6] , "The Utility Tree: A Correction and Further Appraisal," Econometrica 27:482489, July 1959.
Survival analysis using auxiliary variables via multiple imputation, with application to AIDS clinical trial data.

Nous avons developpe une approche fondee sur le principe de l'imputation multiple pour utiliser des variables auxiliaires afin de reconstituer l'information des donnees censurees dans les analyses de survie. Nous appliquerons cette approche a des donnees issues d'un essai clinique dans le SIDA comparant ZDV et placebo, pour lequel la numeration des CD4 est la variable auxiliaire dependant du temps. Pour faciliter l'imputation, un modele joint est developpe pour les donnees, qui inclut un modele hierarchique de changement d'etat pour les CDL et un modele des taux proportionnels pour les delais de survenue du SIDA. La methode de Monte Carlo pour des chaines de Markov est utilisee pour une imputation multiple des temps d'evenements aux observations censurees. La serie de donnees ainsi etoffee est ensuite analysee et les resultats combines en utilisant des techniques d'imputation multiple standard. Une comparaison de notre approche apres imputation multiple et de la simple analyse des donnees observees indique que l'imputation multiple conduit a une faible modification de la mesure de l'effet du ZDV et a une estimation plus faible des ecarts type. Une analyse de sensibilite suggere que ces resultats sont stables pour plusieurs modeles d'imputation. Une etude de simulation montre qu'il peut en resulter une amelioration de l'efficacite de la procedure par rapport a une analyse classique et une correction partielle en cas de censure dependante. Un probleme est neanmoins apparu avec notre approche qui est de savoir si l'analyse de premier interet et le modele d'imputation sont compatibles.
MITOTIC ACTIVITY AT THE SHOOT APEX OF AZOLLA FILICULOIDES

The mosquito fern, Azolla filiculoides Lam., was grown in a growth chamber on a nitrogenfree culture solution at 24 C under the following photoperiod: 16 hr light/8 hr darkness. Shoot tips were fixed every 2 hr for 24 hr to determine the mitotic index for the apical cell, immediate derivatives, and remaining cells to the level of the first leaf or lateral shoot primordium. Mitotic indices were 6.9o, 6.5% and 6.3%, respectively. The colchicine method was employed to determine the cell-cycle durations and duration of mitosis for the same populations of cells. The cell-cycle duration and duration of mitosis of the apical cell were 28.2 hr and 2.8 hr, respectively; for the immediate derivatives, 26.7 hr and 2.5 hr; for the remaining cells, 23.6 hr and 2.1 hr. Conclusions: the apical cell is as mitotically active as its immediate derivatives, and there is no evidence of a quiescent apical cell.
Metabolism of zinc-binding ligands in rat small intestine.

Studies were conducted to determine the effects of zinc deficiency and excess zinc intake on the relative65Zn-binding activities of metallothionein (MT) and low-molecular-weight zinc-binding ligand (LMW-ZBL) in vitro and in vivo. Zinc-binding ligands of small intestine from four groups, each of five rats (normal, zinc-deficient, excess zinc injected, and excess zinc given orally), were separated by column chromatography on Sephadex G-75. The ratio of65Zn binding activities of MT to LMW-ZBL (MT/LMW-ZBL) in zinc-deficient rats was decreased both in vitro and in vivo compared to the control. When excess zinc was administered orally,65Zn-binding activity of MT was low in vitro and substantially increased in vivo. However, when excess zinc was injected intraperitoneally,65Zn-binding activity of MT in vitro greatly increased, but65Zn-binding activities of both MT and LMW-ZBL were significantly reduced in vivo as compared to the control. Based onA 280 readings of isolated MT and densities of protein bands in disc gel electrophoresis, the65Zn-binding activity of MT in vitro appeared to be proportional to the MT content. Hence, these data indicate that oral administration of excess zinc decreases MT whereas intraperitoneal injection of excess zinc stimulates its synthesis. Zinc deficiency has little to no effect on the intestinal MT metabolism. These results suggest that MT may be important in zinc secretion but not involved in zinc absorption; while LMW-ZBL participates both in zinc absorption and secretion.
The Mechanics of Indentation Induced Lateral Cracking

The mechanics governing the lateral cracks that form when a hard object plastically penetrates a ceramic is presented. The roles of indentation load, penetration depth, and work of indentation are all highlighted, as are the influences of the mechanical properties of the material. A closed form solution for cracking induced by expansion of a two-dimensional cavity is used to bring out essential features related to parametric dependence and scaling. The three-dimensional axisymmetric problem for an annular crack driven by a rigid spherical or conical indenter is solved using numerical methods. The region of highest tensile stress is identified corresponding to the location where a crack is most likely to nucleate. This location coincides with the depth below the surface where the crack will expand parallel to the surface under mode I conditions. The solutions have been substantiated by comparison with measurements of the cracks that form upon Vickers indentation. The basic formula for the crack radius has been used to predict trends in cracking upon static penetration and impact by a projectile. In both cases, the extent of the cracking is substantially diminished by increasing the toughness of the material. The yield strength has a much smaller effect. The cracks caused by penetration and the volume removed per impact both decrease marginally at higher yield strength.
Carcinoma of the oral tongue and floor of mouth: fifteen years' experience with linear accelerator therapy

One hundred fourteen patients with carcinoma of the oral tongue and floor of mouth were treated with high-dose megavoltage radiation at Stanford University from 1956 to1970. Actuarial 5-year survival for 56 patients with oral tongue lesions was: T', 73; T', 37%; and T', 19%. Similarly, for 58 patients with lesions of the floor mouth, 5-year survival was: T', 73%; T', 37%; and T', 25%. Local control of the primary was obtained in oral tongue T' lesions 10 of 11 times; T', 5 of 8; and T', 13 of 36 times. For floor of mouth, local control was: T', 22 of 26;T', 7 of 14; andT', 3 of 15. There was an indication that better control was obtained if interstitialtherapy was a planned part of the treatment. Dose for local control when external radiation alone was utilized was usually over 1900 rets. Patients with initially clinicallynegative nodes (TXNO) who had a low radiation dose to primary echelon lymph nodes developed later cervical lymph node metastases 38% of the time. In no case did late metastatic disease appear in patients whose necks were treated prophylactically.
Infinite Multiplets and the Hydrogen Atom

Section I of this report deals with attempts to construct infinite-component wave equations with mass spectra that are free of unphysical features. An example is given of a second-order relativistic wave equation whose mass spectrum, both the discrete and the continuous part, is precisely the same as that of the nonrelativistic hydrogen atom. Section II deals with the nonrelativistic hydrogen atom, without any approximations. It is shown that the Schr\"odinger equation is equivalent to a nonrelativistic analog of Majorana-Nambu wave equations. The Hilbert space of all the states, including the continuum, is profitably and economically used as a representation space for a unitary, irreducible representation of the group $\mathrm{SO}(4,2)$. The dipole operator is an $\mathrm{SO}(4,2)$ generator. The theory is generalized to arbitrary frames of reference by application of Galilei transformations. The generators of Galilei transformations also belong to the $\mathrm{SO}(4,2)$ algebra. What results is a field theory of the hydrogen atom. The exact electromagnetic interaction, including all multipoles, takes the form of a local interaction between the electromagnetic field and the infinite-component hydrogen field. In Sec. III the significance of all this for hadron physics is discussed.