cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Three-Dimensional Biomechanical Static Strength Prediction Model Sensitivity to Postural and Anthropometric Inaccuracies

Abstract This paper describes a detailed empirical comparison of a 3-D Static Strength Prediction Model with a set of strength performance data. The data were acquired from 29 male volunteers who performed four different static exertions (e.g., lift, push-down, pull-in, and push-out), with one hand and both hands using a force cell located at six different positions around the body. It is shown that the biomechanical static strength prediction logic is extremely sensitive to errors in postures and somewhat sensitive to errors in anthropometry used as inputs to the model. It does appear that with good postural data the model is capable of predicting a population's mean static strengths reasonably well. Handled by the Department of Work Measurment/Methods/Egonomics.
Optimization of atrial defibrillation with a dual-coil, active pectoral lead system.

Introduction: Atrial defibrillation can be achieved with standard implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) leads, but the optimal shocking configuration is unknown. The objective of this prospective study was to compare atrial defibrillation thresholds (DFTs) with three shocking configurations that are available with standard ICD leads. Methods and Results: This study was a prospective, randomized, paired comparison of shocking configurations on atrial DFTs in 58 patients. The lead system evaluated was a transvenous defibrillation lead with coils in the superior vena cava (SVC) and right ventricular apex (RV) and a left pectoral pulse generator emulator (Can). In the first 33 patients, atrial DFT was measured with the ventricular triad (RV SVC + Can) and unipolar (RV Can) shocking pathways. In the next 25 patients, atrial DFT was measured with the ventricular triad and the proximal triad (SVC RV + Can) configurations. Delivered energy at DFT was significantly lower with the ventricular triad compared to the unipolar configuration (4.7 ± 3.7 J vs 10.1 ± 9.5 J, P < 0.001). Peak voltage and shock impedance also were significantly reduced (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in DFT energy when the ventricular triad and proximal triad shocking configurations were compared (3.6 ± 3.0 J vs 3.4 ± 2.9 J for ventricular and proximal triad, respectively, P = NS). Although shock impedance was reduced by 13% with the proximal triad (P < 0.001), this effect was offset by an increased current requirement (10%). Conclusion: The ventricular triad is equivalent or superior to other possible shocking pathways for atrial defibrillation afforded by a dual-coil, active pectoral lead system. Because the ventricular triad is also the most efficacious shocking pathway for ventricular defibrillation, this pathway should be preferred for combined atrial and ventricular defibrillators. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 15, pp. 790-794, July 2004)
Disseminated superficial actinic porokeratosis: A treatment review

Disseminated superficial actinic porokeratosis (DSAP) is a chronic disorder of keratinization characterized by numerous papules and plaques distributed over sun-exposed sites. Treatments are poorly standardized and several investigational therapies have demonstrated limited success in treating DSAP. To our knowledge, there have been no systematic reviews of the literature regarding the treatment of this disease. Herein, we review recent studies pertaining to the treatment of DSAP and evaluate the level of evidence for each of these therapeutic modalities.
The association between fertility clinic performance and cycle volume: implications for public reporting of provider performance data.

Objective To quantitatively determine the relationship between fertility clinic performance and cycle volume, and to assess the implications for public reporting of provider performance data. Design Retrospective longitudinal analysis. Setting Clinic. Patient(s) The study population included 307 U.S. assisted reproductive technology (ART) clinics that continuously reported performance data to the Centers for Disease Control from 2003 to 2008. Intervention(s) None. Main Outcome Measure(s) Regression coefficients between pregnancy rate per cycle, live birth rate per cycle, or live birth rate per transfer and number of ART cycles performed. Result(s) Overall, there was no association found between a clinic's most recently reported success rate and its cycle volume. This finding was consistent across three time periods studied. Moreover, stratification analyses of clinics with greater than ±5%, ±10%, and ±20% change in success rates also found no association between clinic performance and cycle volume. Conclusion(s) As proxied by cycle volume data, patients seeking ART treatment do not seem to be influenced by positive or negative changes in a clinic's performance despite the public availability of this data. These results suggest that current public quality reporting encompassing success rates alone will not change patient behavior and therefore is insufficient to place salient competitive pressure on health care providers. Further research is necessary to define provider performance comprehensively and to determine the metrics, if any, to which patients respond.
Mass-physical and geotechnical properties of surficial sediments and dense nearbed sediment suspensions on the Amazon continental shelf

Mass-physical and geotechnical properties of the surficial (to 3 m) sediments on the Amazon continental shelf were analyzed from 36 short (0.5 m) and longer (3m) cores obtained during a June–July 1983 cruise which coincided with the high discharge period of the Amazon River. Data included undrained shear strength (measured by a hand-held shear vane) and water content measurements, and were used to evaluate the state of consolidation of the uppermost 3 m of the continental shelf. The Amazon continental shelf, within the 30-m isobath, was divided into three groups, based upon these measurements. A southern group (Group 1), between 0 and 2°N, revealed low water contents, significant undrained shear strength, and was normally consolidated to overconsolidated. A northern group-(Group 2), extending from 2 to 3.5°N, showed significantly greater water content, low undrained shear strengths, and was generally normally consolidated. A third group, possessing properties intermediate between those of Groups 1 and 2 is located north of 4°N. Mass-physical and geotechnical properties of Group 1 and Group 2 sediments correspond very well with observed sediment accumulation rates. Viscous properties of dense nearbed sediment suspensions which occur in this environment indicate that they exhibit non-Newtonian flow behaviour, varying from shear thinning (pseudoplastic) at densities <1.20 Mg m−3 to shear thickening (dilatant) at greater densities. Yield stress and apparent viscosity increases linearly with density. These characteristics interact to inhibit resuspension where dense suspensions overlie the seabed, in spite of the energetic continental shelf environment. Such inhibition would be most effective in muds deposited during slack water intervals (associated with tidal currents). Nearbed sediment transport by mass movement of the dense suspension may be an effective transport process, as observed in other macrotidal environments.
Gangrenous and crepitant cellulitis

A dangerous and little-discussed group of soft tissue (skin, subcutaneous tissue, fascia, and skeletal muscle) infections are characterized by the presence of extensive gangrene and/or discernible tissue gas. The identifying characteristics of these infections, as well as diagnostic measures and therapy, are reviewed.
Spectroscopic determination of the most probable intersystem crossing route in phosphorescing molecules

Abstract A spectroscopic method employing steady-state optical techniques is described to detect spin polarization and to determine the most probable route of the intersystem crossing process in phospherescing molecules. The method is based on observing changes as a function of temperature (at low temperatures) in the relative intensity of the vibronic bands of the phosphorescence spectrum.
Paper 8: Problems Associated with Modern Designs of Oil-Free Labyrinth Piston Compressors

This paper presents a survey of problems common to all reciprocating piston compressors for oil-free delivery of gas, and states typical problems associated with labyrinth piston compressors. The paper discusses special arrangements for placing guiding elements outside the process gas area; the development of a self-centring, contact-free piston; and design and material problems relating to a labyrinth piston-rod gland. The closed, pressurized crankcase designs make it possible to use contactless sealing techniques in refrigerating and many other process gas applications with oil-free delivery or recycling of gas. Mention is made of gas in the crankcase and associated problems, such as oil-gas dilution and inside-pressure in the frame. The paper also presents an efficiency comparison between contactless and ring-sealed piston compressors and briefly mentions the reliability of labyrinth pistons, giving statistics on the sequence of replacement.
Atomization energies and enthalpies of formation of the SnBin (n=1–3) gaseous molecules by Knudsen cell mass spectrometry

The equilibria involving the gaseous species SnBi, SnBi2, and SnBi3 above the condensed system Bi–Sn contained in a graphite cell have been investigated by the Knudsen effusion technique combined with mass spectrometry. Third law enthalpies for the reactions SnBin(g)=Sn(cond)+nBi(g), n=1–3, were evaluated. By combining the experimental reaction enthalpies with the appropriate thermodynamic data taken from literature, the following atomization energies, ΔaH0o, and enthalpies of formation, ΔfH298.15o, in kJ mol−1, have been derived: SnBi, 191.1±12.0 and 317.5±12.0; SnBi2, 415.2±15.0 and 303.0±15.0; SnBi3, 603.4±18.0 and 323.0±18.0.
The distribution of insertionally polymorphic endogenous retroviruses in breast cancer patients and cancer-free controls.

Background: Integration of retroviral DNA into a germ cell can result in a provirus that is transmitted vertically to the host’s offspring. In humans, such endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) comprise >8% of the genome. The HERV-K (HML-2) proviruses consist of ~90 elements related to mouse mammary tumor virus, which causes breast cancer in mice. A subset of HERV-K(HML-2) proviruses has some or all genes intact, and even encodes functional proteins, though a replication competent copy has yet to be observed. More than 10% of HML-2 proviruses are human-specific, having integrated subsequent to the Homo-Pan divergence, and, of these, 11 are currently known to be polymorphic in integration site with variable frequencies among individuals. Increased expression of the most recent HML-2 proviruses has been observed in tissues and cell lines from several types of cancer, including breast cancer, for which expression may provide a meaningful marker of the disease. Results: In this study, we performed a case–control analysis to investigate the possible relationship between the genome-wide presence of individual polymorphic HML-2 proviruses with the occurrence of breast cancer. For this purpose, we screened 50 genomic DNA samples from individuals diagnosed with breast cancer or without history of the disease (n = 25 per group) utilizing a combination of locus-specific PCR screening, in silico analysis of HML-2 content within the reference human genome sequence, and high-resolution genomic hybridization in semi-dried agarose. By implementing this strategy, we were able to analyze the distribution of both annotated and previously undescribed polymorphic HML-2 proviruses within our sample set, and to assess their possible association with disease outcome. Conclusions: In a case–control analysis of 50 humans with regard to breast cancer diagnosis, we found no significant difference in the prevalence of proviruses between groups, suggesting common polymorphic HML-2 proviruses are not associated with breast cancer. Our findings indicate a higher level of putatively novel HML-2 sites within the population, providing support for additional recent insertion events, implying ongoing, yet rare, activities. These findings do not rule out either the possibility of involvement of such proviruses in a subset of breast cancers, or their possible utility as tissue-specific markers of disease.
Population-level variation in the expression of heterostyly in three species of Rubiaceae: does reciprocal placement of anthers and stigmas characterize heterostyly?

Heterostyly (i.e., reciprocal placement of anthers and stigmas between two or three floral morphs) is hypothesized to enhance outcrossing and reduce selfing. However, few studies have documented reciprocity among individual plants; instead, mean anther and stigma heights for floral morphs are usually reported, masking interindividual variation. We measured eight floral dimensions for individuals in five populations of three heterostylous Rubiaceae. The three methods used to quantify reciprocity yielded different conclusions regarding the degree to which populations conformed to expectations for heterostylous plants. Only Psychotria poeppigiana had stigma and, to a lesser degree, anther heights in discrete classes. Variation among plants of Bouvardia ternifolia and Psychotria chiapensis yielded a continuum of anther and stigma heights across populations. Comparison of distances between stigma and anthers indicated that only flowers of B. ternifolia had, as expected, a constant value for this distance. Finally, regression relationships between anther and stigma heights and corolla length showed that only in one population each of B. ternifolia and P. poeppigiana, and in P. chiapensis, was distance between anthers and stigmas the same across the range of corolla sizes for both floral morphs. Variation among these species in expression of heterostyly was not clearly linked to phylogenetic relationship or pollinator syndromes. Two approach herkogamous (AH) species were studied for comparison. Flowers of Psychotria brachiata were consistently AH, but flowers of P. pittieri were highly variable. Determining fitness consequences of population-level variation in sexual systems requires studies linking floral morphology to pollinator behavior and pollen transfer.
Geometrically stable sampling for the ICP algorithm

The iterative closest point (ICP) algorithm is a widely used method for aligning three-dimensional point sets. The quality of alignment obtained by this algorithm depends heavily on choosing good pairs of corresponding points in the two datasets. If too many points are chosen from featureless regions of the data, the algorithm converges slowly, finds the wrong pose, or even diverges, especially in the presence of noise or miscalibration in the input data. We describe a method for detecting uncertainty in pose, and we propose a point selection strategy for ICP that minimizes this uncertainty by choosing samples that constrain potentially unstable transformations.
Consumer-benefited cartels under strategic capital investment competition

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to refute the genrally accepted idea that a cartel raises producers' surplus at the expense of consumers' surplus. If firms in an industry expect that a cartel in which the output is allocated on the bases of the capital equipment will be formed, then each firm tries to make a larger capital investment than before, which may lead to larger consumers' surplus. Through this argument, I shall present one of the reasons why heavy industries had excess capacity in postwar Japan.
The Myofibrillar Protein, Projectin, is Highly Conserved Across Insect Evolution Except for Its PEVK Domain

All striated muscles respond to stretch by a delayed increase in tension. This physiological response, known as stretch activation, is, however, predominantly found in vertebrate cardiac muscle and insect asynchronous flight muscles. Stretch activation relies on an elastic third filament system composed of giant proteins known as titin in vertebrates or kettin and projectin in insects. The projectin insect protein functions jointly as a “scaffold and ruler” system during myofibril assembly and as an elastic protein during stretch activation. An evolutionary analysis of the projectin molecule could potentially provide insight into how distinct protein regions may have evolved in response to different evolutionary constraints. We mined candidate genes in representative insect species from Hemiptera to Diptera, from published and novel genome sequence data, and carried out a detailed molecular and phylogenetic analysis. The general domain organization of projectin is highly conserved, as are the protein sequences of its two repeated regions—the immunoglobulin type C and fibronectin type III domains. The conservation in structure and sequence is consistent with the proposed function of projectin as a scaffold and ruler. In contrast, the amino acid sequences of the elastic PEVK domains are noticeably divergent, although their length and overall unusual amino acid makeup are conserved. These patterns suggest that the PEVK region working as an unstructured domain can still maintain its dynamic, and even its three-dimensional, properties, without the need for strict amino acid conservation. Phylogenetic analysis of the projectin proteins also supports a reclassification of the Hymenoptera in relation to Diptera and Coleoptera.
Performance of White Leghorn Hens in Response to Cage Density and the Introduction of Cage Mates

Hens reared at densities of 344 and 516 cm2/bird produced significantly fewer hard-shelled (HS) and shell-less (SL) eggs than hens reared at a density of 1031 cm2/bird. Soft-shelled (SS) egg production was not affected by the density treatment. A decline in ovulation rate would account for the decrease in total hen-day production in response to the higher density treatments. To determine if the introduction of new cage mates would cause hens to lay fewer eggs with poorer shell quality, the performance of hens with visitors was compared with those with nonvisitors. Visitors were introduced monthly for 13 months. Visitors vs. nonvisitors showed no significant difference with regard to HS, SS, and SL egg production, feed efficiency, mortality, egg weight, and specific gravity.
PGE2 stimulates O2 uptake in hepatic parenchymal cells: involvement of the cAMP-dependent protein kinase

The aim of this study was to determine which PGE(2) receptors and signal transduction pathways are responsible for the stimulation of oxygen uptake in liver. Hepatic parenchymal cells isolated from female Sprague-Dawley rats were incubated either with PGE(2), 17-phenyl-omega-trinor PGE(2) (an EP(1)-specific agonist), or 11-deoxy PGE(1) (an EP(2)/EP(4)-specific agonist), and oxygen consumption was measured. Both PGE(2) and 11-deoxy PGE(1) stimulated oxygen consumption. However, an EP(1) agonist was without effect. Although PGE(2) elevated intracellular calcium, this occurred at concentrations approximately 500-fold lower than that required to stimulate oxygen uptake. PGE(2)-stimulated increases in cAMP formation correlated well with the increase in oxygen consumption. Dibutyryl cAMP also increased oxygen consumption. Furthermore, N-[2-(p-bromocinnamylamino)ethyl]-5-isoquinolinesulfonamide, a cell-permeable inhibitor of protein kinase A (PKA), reduced the stimulation of oxygen uptake by PGE(2). Incubation of isolated parenchymal cell mitochondria with the purified catalytic subunit of PKA and ATP increased both state 3 rates of oxygen uptake and the respiratory control ratio by approximately 50%. Activation of these events was prevented by incubation with the PKA inhibitory peptide, PKI. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that PGE(2) stimulates oxygen consumption via an EP(2) and/or EP(4) subclass of receptors through the actions of cAMP on a cAMP-dependent protein kinase.
The yeast gene ERG6 is required for normal membrane function but is not essential for biosynthesis of the cell-cycle-sparking sterol.

Abstract In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, methylation of the principal membrane sterol at C-24 produces the C-28 methyl group specific to ergosterol and represents one of the few structural differences between ergosterol and cholesterol. C-28 in S. cerevisiae has been suggested to be essential for the sparking function (W. J. Pinto and W. R. Nes, J. Biol. Chem. 258:4472-4476, 1983), a cell cycle event that may be required to enter G1 (C. Dahl, H.-P. Biemann, and J. Dahl, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 84:4012-4016, 1987). The sterol biosynthetic pathway in S. cerevisiae was genetically altered to assess the functional role of the C-28 methyl group of ergosterol. ERG6, the putative structural gene for S-adenosylmethionine: delta 24-methyltransferase, which catalyzes C-24 methylation, was cloned, and haploid strains containing erg6 null alleles (erg6 delta 1 and erg6 delta ::LEU2) were generated. Although erg6 delta cells are unable to methylate ergosterol precursors at C-24, they exhibit normal vegatative growth, suggesting that C-28 sterols are not essential in S. cerevisiae. However, erg6 delta cells exhibit pleiotropic phenotypes that include defective conjugation, hypersensitivity to cycloheximide, resistance to nystatin, a severely diminished capacity for genetic transformation, and defective tryptophan uptake. These phenotypes reflect the role of ergosterol as a regulator of membrane permeability and fluidity. Genetic mapping experiments revealed that ERG6 is located on chromosome XIII, tightly linked to sec59.
A new radiation boundary condition for FDTD based on self-teleportation of fields

A technique for injecting perfect plane waves into finite regions of space in FDTD has been reported. The essence of the technique, called field teleportation, is to invoke the principle of equivalent sources using FDTD's discrete definition of the curl to copy any field propagating in one FDTD domain to a finite region of another domain. In this paper we apply this technique of field teleportation to the original domain itself to create a boundary across which any outward traveling FDTD field produces an exact negative copy of itself. Repeated application of this radiation boundary and termination of the domain with a moderate absorbing boundary condition readily yields reflection coefficients of the order of -80 dB up to grazing incidence onto the boundary.
Modification and psychometric evaluation of the Peterson War Scale.

Summary A measure on attitudes toward war was administered to 125 student participants at a California university to assess psychometric properties for this scale for possible use in current research. A 5-point scale was substituted for the 2-point one originally. Item analysis indicated 23 of 32 items were viable. Using Cronbach reliability coefficient α and factor analysis, the shortened measure had an internal consistency reliability of .85. Factor analysis yielded a 4-factor structure: (1) War is Bad, (2) War is Necessary, (3) Positive Aspects of War, and (4) No Justification. These results indicate this seemingly outdated measure of war attitudes remains useful for current research purposes involving measuring attitudes toward war. However, longitudinal research is necessary.
PROMOTING SOCIAL AND ACADEMIC COMPETENCE IN THE CLASSROOM: AN INTERVENTION STUDY EXAMINING THE CONTRIBUTION OF THE RESPONSIVE CLASSROOM APPROACH

This exploratory study examined the contribution of the RC Approach over a two-year period. The RC Approach integrates social and academic learning in order to produce classroom environments that are conducive to learning by integrating social and academic learning. Two questions are addressed. First, how does teachers' use of RC practices contribute to children's academic and social growth? Second, how is the relation between teachers' use of RC practices and children's academic and social growth moderated by the presence of environmental adversity in the home? Participants included 62 teachers and 157 children at six schools. Findings showed that teachers' use of RC practices was associated with students' improved reading achievement, greater closeness between teachers and children, better pro-social skills, more assertiveness, and less fearfulness, even after controlling for family risk and children's previous years' performance. Family risk did not moderate the relation between RC practices and children's performance. These findings suggest to the positive contribution of the RC Approach in relation to children's gains over a one-year period. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Psychol Schs 44: 397–413, 2007.
Central integration and neural control of blood pressure during the cold pressor test: a comparison between hydrochlorothiazide and aliskiren.

Individuals with hypertension and sympathetic overactivity are at risk for cardiovascular events. Renin inhibitors are new while thiazide diuretics are first-class drugs used for treatment of hypertension. The purpose of this study was to determine whether 6 months of treatment with aliskiren (ALSK) or hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) would alter blood pressure (BP) and muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) indices in older mild hypertensives during a cold pressor test (CPT). We hypothesized that the ALSK group would demonstrate a blunted response compared to HCTZ. Nineteen (9 men, 10 women) subjects performed a CPT pre- and post treatment where heart rate (HR), systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP), and MSNA were measured. Blood samples were withdrawn for assessment of renal-adrenal hormones. Both medications lowered ambulatory SBP and DBP (P 0.05). Treatment with these antihypertensive medications lowered BP but was not successful in lowering the responsiveness to the CPT.
Duration of Infection-Derived Immunity to Cholera

Four volunteers were rechallenged with Vibrio cholerae (10(6) classical Ogawa 395 organisms) 33-36 months after their initial induced cholera infection; none of the four veterans and four of five control volunteers developed diarrhea (P = 0.04). All control subjects, but only one veteran, had positive coprocultures. Three of the four veterans had significant levels of serum IgG antitoxin before challenge, but none had measurable intestinal levels of secretory IgA antitoxin. Significant rises in levels of serum vibriocidal and antitoxic antibody occurred in all control subjects and in two veterans, who also manifested rises in levels of intestinal secretory IgA antitoxin. The impressive duration of infection-derived immunity suggests that the most promising approach to development of cholera vaccines may be to mimic natural immunity with orally administered, attenuated strains of V. cholerae.
Chaotic dynamics and halo formation in charged-particle beams

An old problem, but a new area of fundamental research, is characterizing orbital dynamics and its consequences in time-dependent potentials. Regarding nonequilibrium space-charge potentials, one clear consequence is halo formation. We show that orbital chaos normally plays a central role in halo formation. In turn, the ability to quantify chaos is centrally important. We show examples of the generation and consequences of chaos in nonequilibrium beams, and we apply a newly developed tool for pinpointing orbital chaos in time-dependent potentials.
Weekly Rotation of Blood Inventory—A System for Supplying Small Hospitals

A system of weekly turnover of blood inventory has been shown capable of reducing outdating in small hospitals. One problem is ensuring the return of unused blood at the end of the first week. Outdating becomes intolerable if the blood is returned to the blood center after two weeks.
The resonant micro fan gas pump for active breathing microchannels

This paper reports on the fluidic and mechanical performance of the resonant micro fan as an in-channel gas pump. Experiments with resonant fan arrays assembled within test channels were performed in order to observe the effects of changing fan length and resonant frequency with respect to volumetric flow rate in the channel. Flow rates of approximately 10 /spl mu/l/min were produced by single fans with the flow increasing to 25 /spl mu/l/min for three fans operated simultaneously in the same channel (the capability exists for many fans to be arrayed in a microchannel system). The ability of the micro fan to collect airborne suspended smoke particles was also experimentally examined.
Mapping trees outside forests using high-resolution aerial imagery: a comparison of pixel- and object-based classification approaches

Discrete trees and small groups of trees in nonforest settings are considered an essential resource around the world and are collectively referred to as trees outside forests (ToF). ToF provide important functions across the landscape, such as protecting soil and water resources, providing wildlife habitat, and improving farmstead energy efficiency and aesthetics. Despite the significance of ToF, forest and other natural resource inventory programs and geospatial land cover datasets that are available at a national scale do not include comprehensive information regarding ToF in the United States. Additional ground-based data collection and acquisition of specialized imagery to inventory these resources are expensive alternatives. As a potential solution, we identified two remote sensing-based approaches that use free high-resolution aerial imagery from the National Agriculture Imagery Program (NAIP) to map all tree cover in an agriculturally dominant landscape. We compared the results obtained using an unsupervised per-pixel classifier (independent component analysis-[ICA]) and an object-based image analysis (OBIA) procedure in Steele County, Minnesota, USA. Three types of accuracy assessments were used to evaluate how each method performed in terms of: (1) producing a county-level estimate of total tree-covered area, (2) correctly locating tree cover on the ground, and (3) how tree cover patch metrics computed from the classified outputs compared to those delineated by a human photo interpreter. Both approaches were found to be viable for mapping tree cover over a broad spatial extent and could serve to supplement ground-based inventory data. The ICA approach produced an estimate of total tree cover more similar to the photo-interpreted result, but the output from the OBIA method was more realistic in terms of describing the actual observed spatial pattern of tree cover.
Ras-mediated Loss of the Pro-apoptotic Response Protein Par-4 Is Mediated by DNA Hypermethylation through Raf-independent and Raf-dependent Signaling Cascades in Epithelial Cells

The apoptosis-promoting protein Par-4 has been shown to be down-regulated in Ras-transformed NIH 3T3 fibroblasts through the Raf/MEK/ERK MAPK pathway. Because mutations of the ras gene are most often found in tumors of epithelial origin, we explored the signaling pathways utilized by oncogenic Ras to down-regulate Par-4 in RIE-1 and rat ovarian surface epithelial (ROSE) cells. We determined that constitutive activation of the Raf, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, or Ral guanine nucleotide exchange factor effector pathway alone was not sufficient to down-regulate Par-4 in RIE-1 or ROSE cells. However, treatment of Ras-transformed RIE-1 or ROSE cells with the MEK inhibitors U0126 and PD98059 increased Par-4 protein expression. Thus, although oncogenic Ras utilizes the Raf/MEK/ERK pathway to down-regulate Par-4 in both fibroblasts and epithelial cells, Ras activation of an additional signaling pathway(s) is required to achieve the same outcome in epithelial cells. Methylation-specific PCR showed that the par-4 promoter is methylated in Ras-transformed cells through a MEK-dependent pathway and that treatment with the DNA methyltransferase inhibitor azadeoxycytidine restored Par-4 mRNA transcript and protein levels, suggesting that the mechanism for Ras-mediated down-regulation of Par-4 is by promoter methylation. Support for this possibility is provided by our observation that Ras transformation was associated with up-regulation of Dnmt1 and Dnmt3 DNA methyltransferase expression. Finally, ectopic Par-4 expression significantly reduced Ras-mediated growth in soft agar, but not morphological transformation, highlighting the importance of Par-4 down-regulation in specific aspects of Ras-mediated transformation of epithelial cells.
Musculoskeletal pain as an indicator of occult malignancy : Yield of bone scintigraphy

Background: When musculoskeletal pain is persistent or out of proportion to clinical findings, diagnostic imaging is often used to evaluate for the presence of occult pathologic conditions. Objective: To examine the efficacy of bone scintigraphy for identifying occult malignancy in such patients. Methods: Bone scans of 491 patients with new or recurrent complaints of musculoskeletal pain and no previously known malignancy were retrospectively reviewed. The findings of each scan were classified into 1 of the following categories: (A) no evidence of malignancy; (B) equivocal (1-3 lesions of uncertain significance); or (C) probable metastatic disease (>3 lesions without trauma or other benign explanation). All diagnoses of malignancy established within 6 months of the bone scan were then determined from review of radiological and clinical records. Results: The distribution of scan interpretations was as follows: category A, 386 (79%); category B, 84 (17%); and category C, 21 (4%). Among the 181 patients younger than 50 years, 161 (89%) had category A and 20 (11%) had category B scans. Of the 310 patients aged 50 years or older, 226 (73%) had scans in category A, 64 (21%) in category B, and 21 (7%) in category C. Thirty patients (6%) had malignancy involving bone, 29 among those aged 50 years or older. In patients aged 50 years or older, 10 (16%) of 64 with equivocal scan findings (category B) and 19 (90%) of 21 with widespread abnormalities (category C) had malignancy involving bone. Initial radiographs of symptomatic sites showed lytic or blastic bone abnormalities suggestive of malignancy in 16 (59%) of the 29 older patients in whom this diagnosis was confirmed. Conclusions: In patients aged 50 years or older, the yield of bone scintigraphy for identification of occult malignancy (29/310; 9%) is sufficient to justify its use in the investigation of the cause of problematic bone or musculoskeletal symptoms. Arch Intern Med. 1997;157:105-109
Determination of 3-D Alumina Grain Orientation, Size, Shape, and Growth Kinetics from 2-D Data in Nextel™ 610 Fibers

Nextel™ 610 alumina fibers were heat-treated at 1100°C–1500°C for 1–100 h in air. Grain size distributions (GSDs) and grain orientation distributions (ODs) with respect to the fiber axis were characterized by analysis of TEM images from longitudinal fiber sections. The 2-D GSDs and ODs were characterized as ellipses. 3-D GSDs and ODs were calculated by fitting distributions of oriented oblate ellipsoids to 2-D GSDs and ODs formed by ellipsoid–section-plane intersections. The standard deviations (SDs) of log-normal GSDs consistently increased with grain size, which is not diagnostic of normal grain growth. The grain aspect ratio (α) and the tendency of the short grain axis to orient perpendicular to the fiber axis also increased with grain size, resulting in more textured fibers at larger grain sizes. Average 3-D grain sizes were larger than 2-D sizes for GSDs with small SDs, but smaller for GSDs with large SDs because of under sampling of small grains. 3-D grain growth kinetics had the same 815 kJ/mol activation energy as that found by 2-D analysis, but the grain growth exponent m of 6.0 was larger and the pre-exponential factor much smaller. Expressions for 3-D log-normal GSDs as a function of heat treatment temperature and time were determined. α-distributions and ODs were determined as a function of grain size. Methods for determining 3-D GSDs are discussed.
Tillich and Heidegger: A Structural Relationship

The evaluation of Tillich's theological system in America and Great Britain (incipient in Germany but almost nonexistent in France) inevitably takes a stand on two questions. It asks whether Tillich is a theologian or a philosopher, and it asks whether he is an existentialist, an idealist, or, perhaps, both. The second question has almost as many opinions as answers. Is Tillich solely or basically a product of the German nineteenth century? Is he an existentialist despite his system, or an idealist despite his demand for existential theology? Or is Tillich merely an existentialist in his general terminology, while the horizon and form of his thought (because of ontology and system) is of the nineteenth century?
Update on Diagnosis, Management, and Prevention of Hepatitis B Virus Infection

Acute and chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a leading cause of liver disease worldwide. It is estimated that approximately 350 million people worldwide have chronic HBV infection and that 1 million persons die each year from HBV-related chronic liver disease. In the past decade, significant progress in the understanding of the molecular virology and pathogenesis of HBV infection has been made. In addition, effective treatment modalities have been developed for persons with chronic infection. Worldwide, prevention of HBV transmission has become a high priority. In 1992, the Global Advisory Group to the World Health Organization recommended that all countries integrate hepatitis B vaccine into national immunization programs by 1997. Currently, 80 countries have done so and several others are planning to. Many countries have reported dramatic reductions in the prevalence of chronic HBV infection among children born since the hepatitis B vaccine was introduced into infant immunization schedules. Recent reports from Taiwan indicate a reduction in the incidence of liver cancer among children as a result of widespread hepatitis B vaccination programs.
The reflexion of internal/inertial waves from bumpy surfaces. Part 2. Split reflexion and diffraction

This paper considers the linear inviscid reflexion of internal/inertial waves from smooth bumpy surfaces where a characteristic (or ray) is tangent to the surface at some point. There are two principal cases. When a characteristic associated with the incident wave is tangent to the surface we have diffraction; when the tangential characteristic is associated with a reflected wave we have split reflexion, a phenomenon which has no counterpart in classical non-dispersive wave theory. In both these cases the problem of determining the wave field may be reduced to a set of coupled integral equations with two unknown functions. These equations are solved for the simplest topography for each case, and the properties of the wave fields for more general topographies are discussed. For both split reflexion and diffraction, the fluid velocity has an inverse-square-root singularity on the tangential characteristic, and the energy density has a corresponding logarithmic singularity. The diffracted wave field penetrates into the shadow region a distance which is of the order of the incident wavelength. Possibilities for instability and mixing are discussed.
The Map Kinase Cascade Is Not Essential for Transcriptional Stimulation of Osmolyte Transporter Genes

Kidney derived MDCK cells are protected from the stress of hypertonicity by accumulating compatible osmolytes. Accumulation of the compatible osmolytes myo-inositol and betaine is driven by hypertonicity-induced stimulation of transcription of the genes coding for the myo-inositol cotransporter and the betaine cotransporter. We tested the importance of the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway in transcriptional activation of the genes for the two osmolytes cotransporters because this kinase pathway is rapidly activated when cells are exposed to hypertonicity and a mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway is essential for the osmo-protective transcriptional response of yeast to hypertonicity. Eliminating the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase did not block the hypertonicity induced increase in accumulation of osmolyte transporter mRNA.
Congenital posterolateral diaphragmatic hernia in an adult

A Bochdalek hernia (BH) occurs when abdominal contents herniate through the posterolateral segment of the diaphragm. Most BHs present with life-threatening cardiorespiratory distress in the neonatal period. Rarely, hernias that remain clinically silent until adulthood present as life-threatening surgical emergencies. Our recent experience with a life-threatening emergency due to a BH in a 29-year-old male patient prompted us to reinforce that this entity does exist in adults and should be considered in the differential of acute abdominal pain.
Influence of Winter Protection Covers on Survival and Hardiness of Container Grown Ilex crenata Thunb. ‘Green Island’ and Euonymus fortunei (Turcz.) ‘Emerald 'n Gold’

Abstract Five systems for protection of container grown nursery stock were compared for freeze injury to shoots and roots of Ilex crenata Thunb. ‘Green Island’ and Euonymus fortunei (Turcz.) ‘Emerald 'n Gold’. In three treatments, plants were protected starting November 15, 1988 either in a white co-polymer house or with structureless non-woven polypropylene covers (N-Sulate™ or Typar™). In a fourth treatment, structureless clear polyethylene was applied when temperatures were cold enough (−7°C (25°F) to cause injury. The controls were not covered. The white co-polymer house and the temporary covering with clear polyethylene reduced the number of hours below −7°C (25°F) in the canopy or medium and resulted in fewer plant losses compared to the nonwoven covers or the controls. Development of shoot and root hardiness of both species was monitored prior to and after the low temperature period. Roots of plants under long-term protective covers were slightly less hardy than those not covered.
Defining the PTA's Roles

To the Editor: I read with interest the article by Robinson et al entitled “Physical Therapist Assistants' Perceptions of the Documented Roles of the Physical Therapist Assistant” (and accompanying commentary) in the December 1995 issue of the Journal. I was somewhat dismayed to note, however, how little attention was paid, in both the article and the commentary, to the most fundamental documented source defining the roles of the physical therapist assistant (PTA): the practice acts and regulations of the individual states. Given that the scope of practice for both physical therapist (PT) and PTA is defined by state law and, therefore, varies from state to state, it is to be expected that PTs' and PTAs' perceptions of the PTA's roles would also vary. It would have been useful for the investigators to determine whether there were geographic differences in PTA responses.… [ ARTICLE][1] [ ARTICLE][2] [1]: /lookup/volpage/75/1054?iss=12 [2]: /lookup/volpage/75/1064?iss=12
A phenotypic study of Botrytis bunch rot resistance in Vitis aestivalis -derived ‘Norton’ grape

Botrytis bunch rot, caused by Botrytis cinerea, is one of the most destructive diseases of grapes (Vitis vinifera L.). A phenotyping assay was designed under laboratory conditions to analyze grape-B. cinerea interactions. A conidial suspension of concentration 1 × 105 conidia/ml was prepared and used to inoculate berries from two different grape varieties: V. aestivalis-derived ‘Norton’, a North American hybrid, and V. vinifera ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’, a European grape. The differences in the infection reaction between these two cultivars were visible 10 days after inoculation. Berries from Norton had a low average disease incidence (7.5 %) and disease severity (3.7 %). In contrast, berries from Cabernet Sauvignon were completely susceptible, exhibiting an average disease incidence and severity greater than 90 %. This phenotyping assay can be further applied to evaluate disease progression in a mapping population, developed by crossing V. aestivalis-derived ‘Norton’ and V. vinifera ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’.
A Model of Customers' Trust in E-Businesses: Micro-Level Inter-Party Trust Formation

Trust is one of the key success factors for many online retailers and therefore many researchers have examined the topic both conceptually and empirically. Reviewing the previous studies, we found two possible improvements in the study of trust. First, we propose a more comprehensive, parsimonious, and practical conceptualization of trust, especially business-to-customer e-commerce trust. This model of trust explicitly includes key concepts that are ignored, but are deemed to be important, in the conceptualization of trust (e.g., confidence and affect). Second, this conceptualization of trust is used in a comprehensive model of customers' trust in e-businesses. This model includes, in a more comprehensive and parsimonious way, key factors that are likely to affect customers' trust in an e-business. Furthermore, we believe that the model is useful in understanding the trust development process.
Ring apophysis fractures induced by low-load low-angle repetitive flexion in an ex-vivo cervine model

Abstract Ring apophysis fractures of the spine occur in physically-active adolescents causing low back pain and the potential for chronic pain. Many of these fractures occur without memorable trauma, suggesting that the fractures occur during everyday movements and activities. The benign nature of this poorly understood potential mechanism of injury hampers appropriate diagnosis and early treatment. The purpose of this study was to establish an ex-vivo model of ring apophysis fracture and demonstrate that these fractures can be initiated by repetitive non-traumatic loading. Six 5-vertebra cervine lumbar (L1–L5) motion segments were cyclically loaded in low-angle low-load flexion (to 15° flexion, with peak load of 230±50 N), a representative movement component of daily activities for both human and deer lumbar spines. Pinned end conditions replicated physiologically realistic loading. Ring apophysis fractures were created under low-load low-angle conditions in healthy vertebrae of similar bone mineral density and a similar degree of skeletal maturity to adolescent humans. All specimens developed ring apophysis fractures, some as early as 1400 cycles. The load-displacement data, and hysteresis loops during the cyclic loading, suggest that the fractures occurred gradually, i.e., without trauma. The ease at which these fractures were created suggests that ring apophysis fractures may be more prevalent than current diagnosis rates. Therefore, clinically, healthcare providers should include the potential for ring apophysis fracture in the differential diagnosis of all physically-active adolescents who present with back pain.
Synthesis and Evaluation of Perfluoroalkylamines as Halon Alternatives

本研究では, 代替ハロン候補化合物としてペルフルオロアミン系化合物の合成を行い, さらにそれらの環境影響評価及び消火性能評価を行った。臭化ペルフルオロアルキルアミンの合成では, まず電解フッ素化法により酸フロリドを合成し, ついで臭化リチウムとの反応により酸プロミドとし, さらに光化学反応により目的とする臭化物を合成した。電解フッ素化を除き, いずれの反応もほぼ定量的に進行することがわかった。分解性評価に関しては, ペルフルオロ (ジメチルアミノメチルブロミド) は, ハロン2402よりも, 分解しやすいことがわかった。また, 消火性能に関しては, ペルフルオロトリエチルアミンの場合, ハロン1301と同程度の消火性能を持っていることが明らかとなった。
Statin Medications and Development and Progression of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia and Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are common among aging men and impact quality of life. Recently, there has been an interest in alternative mechanisms of BPH and LUTS, specifically the role of chronic prostatic inflammation. Statin medications, known for their cholesterol-lowering properties, also possess certain anti-inflammatory effects, which may be of interest in the treatment and/or prevention of BPH and LUTS. Prior studies of statins have yielded conflicting results. These were limited by cross-sectional designs or limited follow-up, small sample sizes, and inability to control for confounding. One prior randomized control trial found no difference between atorvastatin vs. placebo in the treatment of BPH and LUTS after 6 months. Additional randomized trials with longer follow-up time evaluating the impact of statins on incident BPH and LUTS are required to assess the therapeutic potential of statins and develop a better understanding of alternative mechanisms for BPH and LUTS.