Computer analysis of a polymer coating exposed to field weather conditions

A heat and moisture transfer model was used to study weathering of polymeric materials, such as paint, asphalt, sealants, plastics, textiles, and polymeric composites. Three damage indices, related to temperature changes, humidity changes, and time of wetness, respectively, were introduced to quantify adverse effects of climate. The variation of these indices was investigated for a hot and humid climate (Miami, FL) and a hot and dry climate (Phoenix, AZ). In addition, the relative effects of solar radiation, surface wetting by rain and dew condensation, and variations in outdoor temperature and relative humidity on the three damage indices were investigated. 100 Bureau Dr., Stop 8621, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-8621.     

Phase II trial of recombinant interferon-alpha-2a and eflornithine in patients with recurrent glioma

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) on bone marrow fibrosis associated with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). Eighty-two bone marrow biopsies from 41 patients in chronic phase CML were stained with Snook's reticulin stain for argyrophilic fibers. Grading of reticulin fibrosis (scale of 1 to 4) was according to the quantity and pattern of distribution of reticulin. The interval between biopsies was a median of 25 months (range 12 to 40 months). Patients had been treated with IFN-alpha for at least 12 months, were still on IFN-alpha therapy during the study, and had achieved at least a complete hematological response. Before the start of IFN-alpha therapy, reticulin fibrosis was grade 1-2 in 23 patients (56%) and grade 3-4 in 18 (44%). During IFN-alpha therapy, reticulin fibrosis in bone marrow did not worsen or was reduced in 33 patients (80%) and increased by one grade in eight patients (20%). Only five patients (12%) with limited fibrosis (grade 1-2) before start of IFN-alpha therapy showed an increase towards significant fibrosis (grade 3-4), while eight of the 18 patients (44%) with grade 3-4 fibrosis achieved a decrease of fiber content in bone marrow. In summary, IFN-alpha was not associated with an enhancing effect on myelofibrosis in patients with CML and may have prevented increasing fibrosis in patients who respond to therapy.     

IMPROVED SOFTWARE MAINTENANCE MANAGEMENT

A formal procedure for managing software maintenance—from the submission of a work order through the postimplementation review—opens a window of opportunity for the IS manager who sees systems as candidates for reverse engineering, reengineering, and restructuring. This article describes a set of procedures for improving maintenance management.     

Postinjury multiple organ failure: a bimodal phenomenon

To better define the epidemiology of postinjury multiple organ failure (MOF), we prospectively evaluated 457 high-risk trauma patients who survived more than 48 hours. Overall, 70 (15%) developed MOF. In 27 (39%) patients, the occurrence was early, while in 43 (61%) patients the presentation was delayed. At presentation, early MOF had more cardiac dysfunction, while late MOF had greater hepatic failure. Indices of shock were more critical risk factors for early MOF, while advanced age was more important for late MOF. While early and late MOF had a similar high incidence of major infections, these appeared to be more important in precipitating late MOF. Finally, while mortality is similar, early MOF patients appear to succumb faster. In conclusion, postinjury MOF remains a significant challenge and appears to present in at least two patterns (i.e., early versus late). Better understanding of the relative roles of the dysfunctional inflammation and infections in early MOF versus late MOF may facilitate the development of new strategies for the prevention and treatment of morbid syndrome.     

Oilseeds grading - quality control in oilseeds marketing

Grading systems are used in many countries to aid in separating oilseeds into marketable groups according to quality. Factors are compared for two types of systems: the fixed grade system used in Canada, the USA and Sweden, and the sliding scale system used in Australia and the EEC (European Economic Community) which is being considered by the International Standards Organization. The relationship between grade, degrading factors and end-use quality is discussed, specifically for Canadian oilseeds. Future use of NIR technology and other rapid nonvisual techniques in systems which now rely on visual assessment is considered. Paper No. 532 from the Grain Research Laboratory.     

Emergency center arteriography in the evaluation of suspected peripheral vascular injuries in children

During the 6-year period from 1983 to 1989, 109 children aged 3 to 18 years (mean, 16) with suspected peripheral vascular injuries underwent 113 emergency center arteriograms (ECA) performed by hand injection of contrast material using a single roentgenographic film. The most common indication for ECA was the proximity of the injury in 93 (82.3%) of the cases as penetrating injury accounted for 106 (94%) of the cases. There were 89 true-negative, 14 true-positive, 1 false-negative, and no false-positive arteriograms. The remaining 9 arteriograms were either equivocal or technically inadequate. The sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy of this procedure were 98.9%, 100%, and 91.2%, respectively. Operative intervention was required for 9 (64.2%) injuries detected by emergency arteriography. The remaining 5 injuries were considered minor and were observed with no complications during a period of 21 months. Sixty-eight children (76.4%) with negative ECA were followed for a mean of 12 months with no vascular complications or growth abnormalities noted. ECA is a rapid, accurate, and cost-effective technique. It is of particular value in detecting the presence of occult arterial injuries that might have deleterious effects in the growing child.     

Crops that feed the world 4. Barley: a resilient crop? Strengths and weaknesses in the context of food security

Barley is cultivated both in highly productive agricultural systems and also in marginal and subsistence environments. Its distribution is worldwide and is of considerable economic importance for animal feed and alcohol production. The overall importance of barley as a human food is minor but there is much potential for new uses exploiting the health benefits of whole grain and beta-glucans. The barley supply chains are complex and show added value at many stages. Germplasm resources for barley are considerable, with much potential for exploitation of its biodiversity available through the use of recently developed genomic and breeding tools. Consequently, substantial gains in crucial sustainability characteristics should be achievable in the future, together with increased understanding of the physiological basis of many agronomic traits, particularly water and nutrient use efficiency. Barley’s ability to adapt to multiple biotic and abiotic stresses will be crucial to its future exploitation and increased emphasis on these traits in elite germplasm is needed to equip the crop for environmental change. Similarly, resource use efficiency should become a higher priority to ensure the crop’s sustainability in the long-term. Clearly barley is a resilient crop with much potential which can be realised in the future.