cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Relative accuracy of analysts’ earnings forecasts over time: a Markov chain analysis

The main purpose of this paper is to analyze the time patterns of individual analysts’ relative accuracy ranking in earnings forecasts using a Markov chain model. Two levels of stochastic persistence are found in analysts’ relative accuracy over time. Factors underlying analysts’ performance persistence are identified and they include analyst’s length of experience, workload, and the size and growth rate of firms followed by the analyst. The strength and the composition of these factors are found to vary markedly in different industries. The findings support the general notion that analysts are heterogeneous in their accuracy in earnings forecasts and that their superior/inferior performance tends to persist over time. An analysis based on a refined measure of analysts’ forecast accuracy ranking that strips off firm-specific factors further enhances the empirical validity of the findings. These findings provide a concrete basis for researchers to further explore why and how analysts perform differently in the competitive market of investment information services.
Transitions and modulated phases in chiral tilted smectic liquid crystals.

Des phases modulees apparaissant dans des cristaux liquides smectiques inclines sont discutees dans la theorie du champ moyen dans des couches minces et en volume. En admettant differents comportements possibles des energies des defauts, on trouve soit un etat «denude» avec des parois de defauts paralleles, soit un reseau de cellules unitaires hexagonales contenant des disinclinaisons limitees par des parois de defauts qui se coupent dans les couches minces
Mathematical model of mass transport throughout the kidney: Effects of nephron heterogeneity and tubular-vascular organization

A model of transport processes throughout the mammalian kidney is presented. Structural features of the model include labyrinth and medullary ray subsystems in the cortex, distinct vasa recta and capillary plexus subsystems in the outer and inner stripes, and an inner zone subsystem. Distinctions are also made between short and long nephrons, juxtamedullary and nonjuxtamedullary nephrons, vasculature, and interstitial spaces. Salt, urea, plasma proteins, and miscellaneous “nonreabsorbable” solutes in tubular and interstitial fluids are chosen as the essential solutes for describing renal mass transport. Geometric and number density data of vessels are taken from anatomical studies. Membrane parameters are evaluated principally from isolated rabbit tubule perfusion and rat micropuncture experiments. By numerical solution of the mass transport equations, the mild antidiuretic, steady state of a rat is simulated. To assess the importance of special structual features of the model, simulations were performed with different values of the anatomical parameters. By distributing more arterial blood toward the inner cortex and medulla, the osmotic gradient in the inner stripe is reduced while the urinary water and solute excretion rates are increased. When the reabsorption of urea from the papillary collecting duct is enhanced, the interstitial osmotic gradient monotonically increases throughout the inner medulla.
Optical imaging of arrhythmias in tissue culture.

Abstract Background Cardiac cell cultures are becoming an important experimental system of minimal complexity that captures many of the salient features of myocardial tissue function and are simple enough that tissue parameters can be controlled systematically. Fundamental mechanisms that underlie normal and pathological electrophysiology at the tissue level can be studied. Of particular interest are spiral waves, which underlie many tachyarrhythmias and fibrillation. Methods Methods of patterned growth were used to control tissue structure, and contact fluorescence imaging was used to visualize the spread of electrical waves in confluent monolayers of neonatal rat ventricular cells stained with voltage-sensitive dye. Results Work is summarized regarding anisotropy, multiarmed spirals, cocultures of cardiac cells and skeletal myoblasts or mesenchymal stem cells, mechanical excitation, attachment of spiral waves to small anatomical obstacles, perturbation of spiral waves by external electric fields, and structure-based facilitation of spiral wave formation. Conclusions The cultured cell monolayer is a contemporary experimental model encompassing great versatility for basic studies of wavefront propagation and cardiac arrhythmias.
Variability of the planarity of the human aortic bifurcation

The susceptibility of vascular branches to atherosclerosis is believed to be due in part to the unusual fluid dynamic environments that the vessel wall experiences in these regions. As vascular geometry is a primary determinant of the local haemodynamic environment, it is of interest to quantitate the geometric features of vascular branches and their variability. The present research focusses on branch planarity, using axial magnetic resonance images of the aortic bifurcations of 20 healthy subjects. The in vivo images were processed to obtain vector representations of the vessel axes at the bifurcation, from which the planarity of the bifurcation was derived using a novel robust definition. Three-dimensional reconstructions of the bifurcations were rendered using computer graphics techniques to demonstrate the variability of the planarity of this region of the vasculature; this variability might be related to variable predispositions to atherosclerosis at the aortic bifurcation.
Comparison of N-methylthiotetrazole dispositions in healthy volunteers following single intravenous doses of moxalactam, cefoperazone, and cefotetan.

The N-methylthiotetrazole side chain (NMTT) that is present on several cephalosporins has been implicated in the development of antibiotic-associated hypoprothrombinemia. A randomized three-way crossover trial was conducted to compare the release of the NMTT side chain from three NMTT-containing antibiotics. Single 2-g doses of moxalactam, cefoperazone, and cefotetan were given, followed by serial blood and urine sampling. The concentrations of the parent compound and the NMTT side chain in plasma, urine, and the reconstituted antibiotic solution were determined by high-pressure liquid chromatography. Peak NMTT concentrations ranged from 0.42 to 16.50 micrograms/ml and were significantly higher after moxalactam administration than after cefoperazone or cefotetan administration (P less than 0.01). The NMTT trough concentrations (12.5 h) ranged from nondetectable to 2.47 micrograms/ml and tended to be greater following cefoperazone administration. The amounts of NMTT administered (e.g., the amount in the reconstituted antibiotic solution) were 25.8 +/- 1.4, 15.2 +/- 0.9, and 22.1 +/- 3.0 mg following moxalactam, cefoperazone, and cefotetan administration, respectively (P less than 0.01). In contrast, urinary recoveries of NMTT were 57.4 +/- 26.2, 73.6 +/- 44.3, and 29.7 +/- 22.9 mg following moxalactam, cefoperazone, and cefotetan, respectively. The amount of NMTT formed in vivo and excreted unchanged, as assessed by subtracting in vitro NMTT formation from NMTT urinary recovery, was significantly higher after cefoperazone than after moxalactam or cefotetan administration (P less than 0.05). The discrepancy between in vitro NMTT production (moxalactam > cefotetan > cefoperazone) and the amount of NMTT formed in vivo and excreted unchanged (cefoperazone > moxalactam > cefotetan) demonstrated that the in vivo production of NMTT is dependent on the disposition of the parent cephalosporin.
Clinical Neuroradiology: A Case-Based Approach

Among the plethora of case review publications, Clinical Neuroradiology: A Case-Based Approach stands out in concept, content, and educational value. Too often “case reviews” are superficial, supply just the minimum of information, and leave the reader with little in-depth knowledge. In
Augmented reality using ultra-wideband radar imagery

The U.S. Army Research Laboratory (ARL) has been investigating the utility of ultra-wideband (UWB) synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technology for detecting concealed targets in various applications. We have designed and built a vehicle-based, low-frequency UWB SAR radar for proof-of-concept demonstration in detecting obstacles for autonomous navigation, detecting concealed targets (mines, etc.), and mapping internal building structures to locate enemy activity. Although the low-frequency UWB radar technology offers valuable information to complement other technologies due to its penetration capability, it is very difficult to comprehend the radar imagery and correlate the detection list from the radar with the objects in the real world. Using augmented reality (AR) technology, we can superimpose the information from the radar onto the video image of the real world in real-time. Using this, Soldiers would view the environment and the superimposed graphics (SAR imagery, detection locations, digital map, etc.) via a standard display or a head-mounted display. The superimposed information would be constantly changed and adjusted for every perspective and movement of the user. ARL has been collaborating with ITT Industries to implement an AR system that integrates the video data captured from the real world and the information from the UWB radar. ARL conducted an experiment and demonstrated the real-time geo-registration of the two independent data streams. The integration of the AR sub-system into the radar system is underway. This paper presents the integration of the AR and SAR systems. It shows results that include the real-time embedding of the SAR imagery and other information into the video data stream.
A contribution to the upper‐air climatology of tropical south america

An upper-air climatology of tropical South America is presented using objectively analysed geopotential height, temperature and wind data from various radiosonde stations for the common period 1970-1974. In the lower troposphere the South Atlantic high dominates the geopotential height patterns extending deeply into interior Brazil in Southern winter. In the upper troposphere, contour gradients are concentrated around the subtropical region in winter. Temperature analysis shows the steep meridional gradient in winter. In summer, the Peruvian-Bolivian Altiplano heating effect is manifested in the mid-tropospheric temperature fields and also in the thickness field. Lower-tropospheric flow throughout the year is marked by an anticyclonic turning of easterlies over much of eastern Brazil. Easterlies originating from the South Atlantic high penetrate further inland in Southern winter. Upper-tropospheric flow changes dramatically from mainly westerly in winter to a well-defined anticyclone over the Altiplano and a trough downstream over northeast Brazil in summer. Thickness and temperature patterns indicate that the upper anticyclone is maintained by a warm-core system whereas the trough is marked by a relatively cold temperature. Upper tropospheric flows are equivalent barotropic in nature over tropical South America. The map discussion of summer and winter circulation is complemented by cross-sections of meridional wind component along approximately 60°W.
Factors associated with the mass of venom expended by prairie rattlesnakes (Crotalus v. viridis) feeding on mice.

The purpose of this study was to assess through correlation analyses the various factors and consequences associated with the mass of venom injected by prairie rattlesnakes (Crotalus v. viridis) into their natural prey, deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus). Fifty-seven predator-prey interactions were studied via slow motion videotape review. The mass of venom expended by snakes during biting was quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) of whole-animal homogenates. The quantity of venom expended was not related to size of prey; however, the range of mouse sizes (13-31 g) was quite narrow. Multiple bites of the same mouse were not associated with incremental increases in venom expenditure; only about 40% more venom was expended by striking prey a second time. The duration of fang contact and site of fang penetration had no discernible effects on venom expenditure. The site of fang penetration of prey appeared to be random, due to evasive actions of the mice. The components of striking (duration of launch, fang contact, and recoil, respectively) and distance of the strike were correlated and appeared to be influenced by the prey's reaction. After striking and releasing mice, the snakes did not attempt to relocate more quickly those prey which succumbed to venom relatively quickly. Both natural (snakebite) and artificial (syringe) injections indicated that the site of venom injection (e.g. anterior, posterior, muscle, vital organ) has a greater influence on subsequent mobility and survival of mice than the quantity of venom injected. It appears that some behavioral aspects of predation (especially the sequential components of striking) are flexible and responsive to prey reactions, while others (venom expenditure and poststrike immobility) are less subject to modification.
Investigating the Ability of Knee OA Patients to Maintain Targeted Knee Flexion Angles for Weight Bearing MRI

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common clinical presentation of osteoarthritis, and has been estimated to affect 12–16% of the population older than 60 years in the US [1]. A biomechanical risk factor that has been linked to knee OA is the changes in the local loading and the contact area between the cartilage surfaces [2]. Investigation of such factors requires precise measurement tools to determine knee joint positioning and contact areas. Clinically, MR images of the knee are most frequently acquired in the supine position; such images are not representative of the loading conditions experienced functionally in the weight bearing knee joint. With the advent of vertically open MRI (e.g. Upright MRI, Fonar Corporation, Melville, NY), it is now possible to scan the knee in fully upright weight bearing conditions representing truly functional positions. To measure sensitive variables such as joint positioning and cartilage contact, it is important to minimize subject movement in order to obtain high quality images. In MRI, increased scan times allow for data of improved signal to noise ratio and resolution; however, long scanning durations without subject movement are not feasible, particularly in individuals with symptomatic knee OA.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
A Fibroblast Mitogen Present in Scleroderma but not Control Sera: Inhibition by Proteinase Inhibitors

Fibroblast mitogenic activity (MA) has been identified in scleroderma (SD) sera. Control and scleroderma skin fibroblasts in early passage were observed for replication (cell counts) after 72 h of serum exposure. SD sera at 15% concentration induced a significant increase in control fibroblast numbers when compared with control sera; this effect was not seen with SD cells while at higher serum concentrations (30%); SD cells were slightly responsive to the MA. MA was completely abrogated by the proteinase inhibitors STI and TLCK which did not affect mitogens in healthy sera. Circulating mitogenic proteinases selective for fibroblasts could play a role in the fibrosis of SD by modulating fibroblast replication.
Cooperative rigor binding of myosin to actin is a function of F-actin structure.

Many aspects of cooperative behavior within pure F-actin filaments have now been described. We have used two myosin fragments, heavy meromyosin (HMM) and Subfragment 1 (S1), to look at the rigor binding to different forms of F-actin. With Ca2+bound at the high-affinity metal binding site in actin, there is a very large cooperativity in the binding of HMM, but no cooperativity for S1. With Mg2+bound at the high affinity site, or with conditions that stabilize the conformation of subdomain-2 of actin, there is no cooperativity seen with either HMM or S1. These results show that the two heads of HMM can induce structural changes in F-actin that are not observed with the single head of S1. They also support the notion that the binding of myosin to F-actin induces a conformational change in subdomain-2 of actin, and that under certain conditions this conformational change can be cooperatively propagated through an actin filament.
Authority and Control in Client-Serving Organizations

FORMAL organizations, as well as individual practitioners, are important agents of professional service. Yet, despite the attention which has been given to the relations between clients and free professionals, relations between clients and client-serving organizations largely remain to be explored.' Since the form of the professionalclient relationship has significant effects on the behavior of the free professional, presumably it has an equally marked impact upon the structures and activities of client-serving organizations. Our purpose here is to suggest what some of these effects may be. We have chosen to analyze effects upon authority structures and control within the staff, assuming that these structures have a central, strategic position vis-d-vis other attributes of organization.2 We shall attend especially to the effects of variations in the form of the organization-client relationship. The analysis begun here could be extended profitably to a number of other organizational characteristics.
Laser-induced reconnection of severed axons

After their axons have been severed, nerve cells can achieve functional recovery either by regrowth of the injured cells or by direct repair of the injured cell at the site of injury. Direct repair of a severed axon promises the advantages of preserving the viability and existing connections of the axon distal to the injury. We report here the first successful axon reconnection in the earthworm (Lumbricus terrestris) medial giant axon (MGA) in vitro system (1) by the application of well-focused 15 nsec, 5 to 50 μJ/pulse, 308 nm laser pulses. Axon reconnection is documented by light and electron microscopy, as well as by transfer of the iontophoretically injected fluorescent dye, Lucifer Yellow, across the reconnected MGA segments.
Stability and causality in the Israel-Stewart energy frame theory

Abstract This paper examines the linearized Israel-Stewart theory of relativistic dissipative fluids with the fluid four-velocity chosen to be a timelike eigenvector of the stress-energy tensor. It is shown that the conditions that a fluid described by the theory must satisfy to possess equilibrium states which are stable for linear perturbations are equivalent to the conditions necessary to guarantee that these perturbations propagate subluminally via hyperbolic differential equations. These properties, and nonlinear behavior which is superior to that of the Israel-Stewart theory with fluid four-velocity chosen parallel to the particle number current, suggest this theory is a better choice for applications.
Achalasia: new diagnostic tests and treatments

Introduction: The past several years have seen exciting breakthroughs leading to a better understanding of the pathogenesis of achalasia, classifying the disease more accurately by high-resolution manometry (HRM), defining better predictors of achalasia treatment success and to the introduction of exciting new treatments.Areas covered: PubMed and the Cochrane library were searched with no date limits for ‘achalasia’ and appropriate treatment modalities. This review summarizes the current state-of-the-art treatment and technology in achalasia. Emphasis is placed on the role of HRM with detailed assessment of lower esophageal sphincter function and peristalsis making it possible to classify achalasia into three subsets. These subsets seem to predict treatment success: type II achalasia does best with any form of treatment, whereas type III may respond better to surgery. The multicenter, randomized controlled European Achalasia Trial now gives us confidence that either pneumatic dilation or surgical myotomy ...
Relative distribution of synapses in the pulvinar nucleus of the cat: implications regarding the "driver/modulator" theory of thalamic function.

To provide a quantitative comparison of the synaptic organization of "first-order" and "higher-order" thalamic nuclei, we followed bias-corrected sampling methods identical to a previous study of the cat dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN; Van Horn et al. [2000] J. Comp. Neurol. 416:509-520) to examine the distribution of terminal types within the cat pulvinar nucleus. We observed the following distribution of synaptic contacts: large terminals that contain loosely packed round vesicles (RL profiles), 3.5%; presynaptic profiles that contain densely packed pleomorphic vesicles (F1 profiles), 7.3%; profiles that could be both presynaptic and postsynaptic that contain loosely packed pleomorphic vesicles (F2 profiles), 5.0%; and small terminals that contain densely packed round vesicles (RS profiles), 84.2%. Postembedding immunocytochemistry for gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) was used to distinguish the postsynaptic targets as thalamocortical cells or interneurons. The distribution of synaptic contacts on thalamocortical cells was as follows: RL profiles, 2.1%; F1 profiles, 6.9%; F2 profiles, 5.4%; and RS profiles, 85.6%. The distribution of synaptic contacts on interneurons was as follows: RL profiles, 11.8%; F1 profiles, 9.7%; F2 profiles, 2.8%; and RS profiles, 75.6%. These distributions are similar to that found within the dLGN in that the RS inputs (the presumed "modulators") far outnumber the RL inputs (the presumed "drivers"). However, in comparison to the dLGN, the pulvinar nucleus receives significantly fewer numbers of RL, F1, and F2 contacts and significantly higher numbers of RS contacts. Thus, the RS/RL synapse ratio in the pulvinar nucleus is 24:1, in contrast to the 5:1 RS/RL synapse ratio in the dLGN (Van Horn et al., 2000). In first-order nuclei, the lower RS/RL synapse ratio may result in the transfer of visual information that is largely unmodified. In contrast, in higher-order nuclei, the higher RS/RL synapse ratio may allow for a finer modulation of driving inputs.
Who commits to the rule of law? Constrained government and foreign direct investment in postcommunist states

Research linking credible commitments to the rule of law in terms of property rights and contract enforcement is a hallmark of recent efforts to explain economic growth and development. However, many postcommunist states have had difficulty making such commitments and spurring growth. Many argue political polarization prevents states from reforming laws and protecting property rights in some countries whereas single-party governance renders state promises incredible in others. I analyze pooled cross-sectional time-series data for twenty-four postcommunist countries and provide evidence effective constraints among elected officials act as democratic commitment mechanisms rendering government policies credible.
Strategic Alliances/Knowledge-Intensive Partnerships

The confluence of important developments in the international economic environment during the past two to three decades has turned inter-firm cooperation into an important mechanism of business interaction and market and technology access. Particularly in high- and medium-tech industries, the private sector has increasingly used various kinds of cooperative agreements such as joint ventures, joint R&D, technology exchange agreements, co-production, direct minority investments, and sourcing relationships to advance core strategic objectives. Called alliances (partnerships) in this chapter, such agreements imply deeper and steadier relationships than arm’s-length market exchanges but fall short of complete mergers. They involve mutual dependence and shared decision-making between two or more independent parties. When research and development is a focus of the partnership, universities and other research institutes may also participate.
Hypervalent Siliconate Materials. Synthesis and Characterization of Novel Ladder and Network Ionomers

The first representatives of novel materials that contain five- and six-coordinate anionie silicon are reported. Linear (or cyclic) ionomers incorporating pentacovalent siliconate were synthesized by condensation of 1,2,4,5-tetrahydroxybenzene (THB) with alkyl and aryl trialkoxysilylanes. Network ionomers that incorporate pentacovalent siliconates were formed from THB and alkyl and aryl bistrialkoxysilanes. In addition, network ionomers with hexacoordinate silicon result from condensation of TEOS and THB. Spectroscopie evidence is presented to verify the identity of the novel structural features of these materials.
High performance gradient driver for magnetic resonance imaging system

In high performance magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems, the gradient driver is required to supply the gradient coil with large amplitude (>600A) and high slew rate (>2A/µs) current waveform. In addition, extremely high fidelity for reproducing the current command from the central system is very critical for imaging quality. This paper presents an improved gradient driver structure and a new modulation scheme, with which the switching frequency will vary according to the slew rate of the current command. The corresponding output filter design is also introduced. With the proposed technique the switching loss can be reduced and evenly distributed in all the bridges, therefore the utilization ratio of the semiconductor devices is improved and the number of devices in parallel can be reduced. A 2 MVA platform has been built and fully tested. The experimental results proved the validity of the proposed structure and modulation technique.
A spatial and spectral maximum entropy method as applied to OVRO solar data

We present rst results of applying a Maximum Entropy Method (MEM) algorithm that acts in both the spatial and spectral domains to data obtained with the frequency-agile solar interferometer at Owens Valley Radio Observatory (OVRO) taken at 45 frequencies in the range 1 18 GHz. The traditional MEM algorithm does not exploit the spatial information available at ad- jacent frequencies in the OVRO data, but rather applies separately to each frequency. We seek an algorithm that obtains a global solution to the visibilities in both the spa- tial and spectral domains. To simplify the development process, the algorithm is at present limited to the one- dimensional spatial case. We apply our 1-d algorithm to observations taken with the OVRO frequency-agile inter- ferometer of active region AR 5417 near the solar limb on March 20, 1989 (vernal equinox). The interferometer's two 27 m antennas and 40 m antenna were arranged in a linear east-west array, which at the vernal equinox gives a good match to the 1-d algorithm. Our results show that includ- ing the spectral MEM term greatly improves the dynamic range of the reconstructed image compared with a re- construction without using this information. The derived brightness temperature spectra show that for AR 5417 the dominant radio emission mechanism is thermal gyrores- onance and we use this information to deduce the spa- tial variation of electron temperature and magnetic eld strength in the corona above the active region.
Bringing the State Back In: Promoting and Sustaining Innovation in Public Higher Education

Since the well-known failures of many experimental colleges and programs in the 1960s and 1970s, policymakers and scholars are often cynical about the possibilities for organisational innovation, particularly within public universities. Public university innovation is possible, however, when organisational actors seek to institutionalise reform and use the legitimacy of reform to obtain adequate human and financial resources. An illustrative case study of California State University at Monterey Bay is used to describe how institutionalisation processes can be used to establish, support and expand public university innovation, which may be increasingly crucial to meet political and competitive demands for university adaptation.
Gravitomagnetic resonant excitation of Rossby modes in coalescing neutron star binaries

In coalescing neutron star binaries, r-modes in one of the stars can be resonantly excited by the gravitomagnetic tidal field of its companion. This post-Newtonian gravitomagnetic driving of these modes dominates over the Newtonian tidal driving previously computed by Ho and Lai. To leading order in the tidal expansion parameter R/r (where R is the radius of the neutron star and r is the orbital separation), only the l=2, |m|=1, and |m|=2 r-modes are excited. The tidal work done on the star through this driving has an effect on the evolution of the inspiral and on the phasing of the emitted gravitational wave signal. For a neutron star of mass M, radius R, spin frequency fspin, modeled as a Gamma=2 polytrope, with a companion also of mass M, the gravitational wave phase shift for the m=2 mode is ~0.1 radians (R/10 km)^4(M/1.4M[sun])^(-10/3)(fspin/100 Hz)^(2/3) for optimal spin orientation. For canonical neutron star parameters this phase shift will likely not be detectable by gravitational wave detectors such as LIGO, but if the neutron star radius is larger it may be detectable if the signal-to-noise ratio is moderately large. The energy transfer is large enough to drive the mode into the nonlinear regime if fspin>~100 Hz. For neutron star—black hole binaries, the effect is smaller; the phase shift scales as companion mass to the -4/3 power for large companion masses. The net energy transfer from the orbit into the star is negative corresponding to a slowing down of the inspiral. This occurs because the interaction reduces the spin of the star, and occurs only for modes which satisfy the Chandrasekhar-Friedman-Schutz instability criterion. A large portion of the paper is devoted to developing a general formalism to treat mode driving in rotating stars to post-Newtonian order, which may be useful for other applications. We also correct some conceptual errors in the literature on the use of energy conservation to deduce the effect of the mode driving on the gravitational wave signal.
Potent stimulation of transcription-coupled DNA supercoiling by sequence-specific DNA-binding proteins

Transcription by RNA polymerase can stimulate localized DNA supercoiling in Escherichia coli. In vivo, there is extensive experimental support for a "twin-domain" model in which positive DNA supercoils are generated ahead of a translocating RNA polymerase complex and negative supercoils are formed behind it. Negative supercoils accumulate in the template DNA because the positive supercoils are preferentially removed by cellular topoisomerase action. Yet, in vitro, clear and convincing support for the twin-domain mechanism has been lacking. In this article, we reconcile this inconsistency by showing that, in a defined in vitro system with plasmid DNA templates, a variety of sequence-specific DNA-binding proteins, such as the bacteriophage lambda O replication initiator or the E. coli lactose or galactose repressors, strikingly stimulate transcription-coupled DNA supercoiling. We demonstrate further that this stimulation requires the presence in the DNA template of a recognition sequence for the relevant DNA-binding protein and depends on the production of long RNA chains by an RNA polymerase. Our data are most consistent with a model in which specific DNA-binding proteins facilitate a twin-domain mechanism to enhance DNA supercoiling during transcription. More precisely, we suggest that some nucleoprotein complexes, perhaps those that contain sharply bent DNA, can form barriers that impede the diffusion and merger of independent chromosomal supercoil domains. Localization of DNA supercoils by nucleoprotein complexes may serve as a general mechanism for modulating DNA transactions that are sensitive to DNA superhelicity.
Mass Spectrometry in Precision Medicine:Phenotypic Measurements Alongside Pharmacogenomics

Background: Precision medicine is becoming a major topic within the medical community and is gaining traction as a standard approach in many disciplines. This approach typically revolves around the use of a patient’s genetic makeup to allow the physician to choose the appropriate course of treatment. In many cases the genetic information directs the drug to be used to treat the patient. In other cases the genetic markers associated with enzyme function may inform dosage recommendations. However there is a second way in which precision medicine can be practiced—that is, by therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM). Content: A review of the use of mass spectrometry for TDM in the arena of precision medicine is undertaken. Because the measurement of a drug or its metabolites provides the physician with a snapshot of the therapeutic exposure the patient is undergoing, these concentrations can be thought of as an actual phenotype measurement based around the patient’s genetics coupled with all of the environmental, pharmacological, and nutritional variables. The outcome of a TDM measurement by mass spectrometry provides the patient’s current phenotype vs the potential phenotype imputed by the genetics. Summary: The use of mass spectrometry can provide an understanding of how a drug is interacting with the patient, and is orthoganol to the information provided by pharmacogenomic assays. Further, the speed and relatively low expense of drug monitoring by mass spectrometry makes it an ideal test for precision medicine patient management.
Rereplication by Depletion of Geminin Is Seen Regardless of p53 Status and Activates a G2/M Checkpoint

Genomic DNA replication is tightly controlled to ensure that DNA replication occurs once per cell cycle; loss of this control leads to genomic instability. Geminin, a DNA replication inhibitor, plays an important role in regulation of DNA replication. To investigate the role of human geminin in the maintenance of genomic stability, we eliminated geminin by RNA interference in human cancer cells. Depletion of geminin led to overreplication and the formation of giant nuclei in cells that had wild-type or mutant p53. We found that overreplication caused by depletion of geminin activated both Chk1 and Chk2, which then phosphorylated Cdc25C on Ser216, resulting in its sequestration outside the nucleus, thus inhibiting cyclin B-Cdc2 activity. This activated G2/M checkpoint prevented cells with overreplicated DNA from entering mitosis. Addition of caffeine, UCN-01, or inhibitors of checkpoint pathways or silencing of Chk1 suppressed the accumulation of overreplicated cells and promoted apoptosis. From these results, we conclude that geminin is required for suppressing overreplication in human cells and that a G2/M checkpoint restricts the proliferation of cells with overreplicated DNA.
Diffuse interstellar bands in low color excess stars. III

Measurements of the equivalent widths of the diffuse interstellar bands at 6284 A and 6613 A in the spectra of 23 stars with E(B-V) less than 0.1 mag are reported. The band strengths do not correlate with interstellar H2 column density. They are probably produced by molecular mantles on grains or very stable molecules such as the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
Choroidal neovascularization in Bardet-Biedl syndrome

Purpose: To describe a case of choroidal neovascularization in a young patient with genetically-proven Bardet-Biedl syndrome.Methods: Case description with fundus and anatomical photography and optical coherence tomography.Patients: Single patient case description.Results: Fundus photography and optical coherence tomography reveal the presence of previously-active choroidal neovascularization. Anatomical, historical, and genetic evidence confirm Bardet-Biedl syndrome in this individual.Discussion: Choroidal neovascularization accompanying this syndrome has not been reported. Herein we describe the first published description of choroidal neovascularization in an individual with genetically-proven Bardet-Biedl syndrome.
Interband cascade and type-II superlattice mid-infrared lasers

We report recent theoretical and experimental progress toward efficient and practical mid-IR semiconductor lasers employing active regions with a type-II band alignment. Perhaps the semiconductor IR source with the greatest potential is the interband cascade laser (ICL), in which multiple photons are generated by each injected electron as it traverses a staircase-like quantum well structure.
The compactness of a policy space in dynamic programming via an extension theorem for Carathe´odory functions

The background for this paper is a dynamic programming model with a Borel state space and compact action sets. A new simple proof of the compactness of a space of measures corresponding to randomized stationary policies is given, in a topology induced by Caratheodory functions on the state-action space. For this purpose an extension theorem for Caratheodory functions is proved, which is a new version of the Tietze's extension theorem for continuous functions.
Power Law as a Method for Ultrasound Detection of Internal Bleeding: In Vivo Rabbit Validation

New detection methods for vascular injuries can augment the usability of an ultrasound (US) imager in trauma settings. The goal of this study was to evaluate a potential-detection strategy for internal bleeding that employs a well-established theoretical biofluid model, the power law. This law characterizes normal blood-flow rates through an arterial tree by its bifurcation geometry. By detecting flows that deviate from the model, we hypothesized that vascular abnormalities could be localized. We devised a bleed metric, flow-split deviation (FSD), that quantified the difference between patient and model blood flows at vessel bifurcations. Femoral bleeds were introduced into ten rabbits (~5 kg) using a cannula attached to a variable pump. Different bleed rates (0% as control, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, and 30% of descending aortic flow) were created at two physiological states (rest and elevated state with epinephrine). FSDs were found by US imaging the iliac arteries. Our bleed metric demonstrated good sensitivity and specificity at moderate bleed rates; area under receiver-operating characteristic curves were greater than 0.95 for bleed rates 20% and higher. Thus, FSD was a good indicator of bleed severity and may serve as an additional tool in the US bleed detection.
Structure–activity relationships for propane oxidative dehydrogenation by anatase-supported vanadium oxide monomers and dimers

Abstract To understand the importance of the effect of molecular structure on reactivity, we have studied the activity of anatase TiO 2 (0 0 1) supported VO x catalytic sites for propane oxidative dehydrogenation (ODH). First, possible structures of monomeric and dimeric VO x species on anatase (0 0 1) after VO 4 H 3 grafting and water elimination were determined. We then studied the conversion reaction of propane to propanol by the supported VO x to elucidate the structure–reactivity relationship. The coordination number of the vanadium atom was the key structural parameter in predicting the catalytic activity. This key structural difference alone resulted in an increase of up to 800 times in the reaction rate of C H bond activation (rate-determining for propane ODH) for the various vanadium oxide species at 600 K. These results demonstrate the remarkable sensitivity of the catalytic site activity to its geometric structure and its implications for achieving optimal catalyst performance.
Lymphoepithelial cysts of the pancreas. Can preoperative imaging distinguish this benign lesion from malignant or pre-malignant cystic pancreatic lesions?

Context Lymphoepithelial cysts of the pancreas are rare true benign cystic tumors of the pancreas of uncertain etiology. Cystic neoplasms of the pancreas present a significant diagnostic dilemma in differentiating benign from premalignant or malignant variants. Since the first description of lymphoepithelial cysts in 1985, 109 cases have been reported in the literature. We describe 6 cases of this rare tumor, the preoperative imaging results, and a review the literature. Patients Five males and one female ranging in age from 47 to 76 years underwent resection for lymphoepithelial cysts. Five patients presented with abdominal pain related to the lesion and in one patient the lesion was discovered incidentally. Four patients had elevated serum CA 19-9 levels. Pre-operative imaging with a CT scan and MRI of the abdomen typically revealed a well defined hypodense mass with Hounsfield units (HU) in the range of 15 to 20. One patient had papillary projections into the lesion. The mean size was 3.3 cm (ranging from 1.8 cm to 4 cm). All lesions were exophytic off the pancreatic parenchyma (1 cyst was located in the head of the pancreas, 2 were in the body, and 3 were in the tail region). Pre-operative EUS-guided/CT-guided needle aspiration, when performed, was not diagnostic. All patients underwent resection (one pancreaticoduodenectomy, five left pancreatectomies) to remove these cystic neoplasms. Pathology revealed a cyst lined by non-dysplastic squamous cells surrounded by sheets of benign lymphocytes. No evidence of malignancy was found. Conclusion Lymphoepithelial cysts of the pancreas are rare and are characteristically seen in men. While a hypodense mass (less than 20 HU) with papillary projections should be considered suspicious for lymphoepithelial cyst, a definitive diagnosis cannot be made solely based on preoperative imaging. EUS-guided biopsy coupled with biochemical/tumor marker studies are increasingly being used as a diagnostic tool to help differentiate between the various types of cystic pancreatic neoplasms. Imaging findings of lymphoepithelial cysts are non-specific and hence surgical resection is often required to rule out the presence of a malignant or pre-malignant cystic pancreatic lesion. In true lymphoepithelial cysts, malignant transformation is not seen and patients who have these cysts are not at increased risk of developing a pancreatic malignancy. Image: T1 post-contrast subtraction imaging shows the mass having a black non-enhancing center, with a thin rim of peripheral enhancement.
Areolar temporalis fascia: a reliable graft for tympanoplasty.

Objective: This study examines the success rate of areolar temporalis fascia (fool's fascia) as a graft material for tympanoplasty. Design: This study is a retrospective review of surgical cases. Setting: This study was conducted at Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, San Diego, a tertiary referral center for otologic surgery within Southern California Permanente Medical Group. Patients: Four hundred six patients having undergone tympanoplasty (with and without mastoidectomy) from September 1992 to December 1997 were observed. Medial graft (underlay) techniques were used in all cases, including total drum replacement procedures. Sixty-three percent (256/406) of the cases were revision surgeries. Seventy-three percent (296/406) of the cases were for total drum replacement. In 342 (84%) cases, areolar temporalis fascia was used as the graft material. Outcome Measure: Successful tympanic membrane healing. Failure of a graft was considered to be reperforation during the entire period of follow-up (range 6 months-S years). Results: Tympanic membrane healing was successful in 98.54% (337/342) of the cases in which areolar temporalis fascia was used as the graft material. Graft failure for other graft materials was slightly higher. Overall success rate for all 406 cases was 97.5%. Conclusions: Areolar temporalis fascia is an effective and reliable graft material for primary and revision tympanoplasty. Areolar fascia is readily found in most revision surgeries. Revision tympanoplasty achieved a success rate better than 95%.
Comparative Review of the Governmental Role and Policies on Access, Affordability and Quality of Higher Education in the USA and India

This paper compares and contrasts the roles and policies of federal and state governments that influence access, affordability and quality in higher education in the USA and India keeping the array of public and private benefits of higher education as a reference at the background. To facilitate better understanding of context of the issues discussed, a brief historical background of the two countries with specific reference to higher education is given at the beginning of the paper following the introduction. The concluding section sums up the key problem areas and explores possible ways to move forward.
Oxidatively Resistant Ligands for Palladium-Catalyzed Aerobic Alcohol Oxidation

The complex [(neocuproine)Pd(OAc)]2[OTf]2 (1) catalyzes the aerobic oxidation of 2-heptanol at room temperature, but competitive ligand oxidation leads to low catalyst lifetimes. In an effort to mitigate the oxidative degradation of the ligand, a variety of Pd complexes ligated by fluorinated phenanthrolines (bis-2,9-(trifluoromethyl)-1,10-phenanthroline (btfm-phen), 4-methyl-2-(trifluoromethyl)-1,10-phenanthroline (tfmm-phen), and 2-(o-difluorophenyl)-1,10-phenanthroline (odfp-phen)) were prepared and tested. Active catalyst precursors were generated by in situ conproportionation of (N−N)Pd(OAc)2 and [(N−N)Pd(NCCH3)2[OTf]2. Pd complexes derived from tfmm-phen catalyzed the aerobic oxidation of 2-heptanol at room temperature with up to 22 turnovers, nearly double that of 1.
Evaluation of Insecticides for Control of the Pickle worm on Summer Squash

Four experiments, beginning in 1963, were conducted at Gainesville, Florida, to evaluate insecticides for control of Diaphania nilidalis (Stoll) on summer squash. Carbaryl consistently gave as good or better control than other materials tested. Lindane, endosulfan, and trichlorfon also gave good control although trichlorfon was not so consistent. Monsanto CP-47114 (O,O -dimethyl O -4-nitro- m -tolyl phosphorothioate) at 1 1b active per acre gave excellent control and should be tested further, furadan® (2, 3-dihydro-2, 2-dimethyl-7-bellzofuranyl methylcarbamate) and Ortho 9006 ( O, S -dimethyl phosphoramidothioate), both systemics, also gave good control, but they are not likely to be recommended for usc on squash, unless it can be shown that they are rapidly degraded and will not leave hazardous residues.
Draft Genome Sequence of Pseudomonas stutzeri ODKF13, Isolated from Farmland Soil in Alvin, Texas

ABSTRACT Pseudomonas stutzeri ODKF13 is a bacterial microorganism isolated from farmland soil in Alvin, Texas. This strain is notable for its naphthalene degradation and nitrogen fixation pathways and for its characterization as an organophosphate degrader of phosphotriester and phosphorothioate insecticides.
Comparison of conservative and dynamic management of premature rupture of membranes/premature labor syndrome. New approaches to the delivery of infants which may minimize the need for intensive care.

This article evaluates a combined dynamic approach to management of this syndrome in order to determine if improved outcome might be achieved when compared with the current conservative approach.