cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Fiji and Pacific rugby research: The state of the game

This article, based in part upon the author's ongoing archival and field research on the history of rugby in Fiji, briefly assesses the state of academic engagement with rugby in the Pacific Islands. In particular, it surveys the characteristic features of what might be described as the ‘first wave’ of Pacific rugby scholarship. Those include an emphasis on the construction of national, regional and masculine identities, as well as the notion of ‘the journey’, in both literal and metaphorical guises, as a central analytical motif. The article also offers a short list of provisional topics for future academic inquiry. It is suggested that while scholarly interest has mapped the contours of globalization, additional research on local contexts is necessary if we are to develop a more nuanced and sophisticated understanding of rugby in the Pacific Islands.
MIMO channel spatial covariance estimation: Analysis using a closed-form model

This paper formulates a closed-form expression for the full MIMO spatial covariance matrix based on knowledge of the propagation environment PAS and the antenna radiation patterns. It then uses the CMD to compare the results of this calculation with what is obtained when estimating the covariance from a sample mean taken over a finite set of observed channel measurements. Example computations based on a simple two-ring propagation model reveal that the window over which this sample mean should be computed can be estimated based on knowledge of the average distance to the scatterers. This framework provides a capability that allows us to better understand practical computation of covariance matrices for channel modeling and MIMO signal processing applications.
Ascorbic acid oxidizes thiol groups of plasma proteins.

Ascorbinsaure oxydiert die Thiolgruppen der Proteine im Plasma menschlichen Blutes schnell. Diese Fahigkeit der Ascorbinsaure mag fur biologische Systeme grossere Bedeutung haben.
The kinetics of transfer ribonucleic acid synthesis in Escherichia coli.

Abstract The kinetics of transfer RNA synthesis in Escherichia coli cultures has been studied, using [14C]uracil and [32P]orthophosphate. 1. 1. In exponentially growing cells, uracil is incorporated into transfer RNA, bypassing the intracellular nucleotide pool. 2. 2.Both the uridine and pseudouridine nucleoside phosphate residues in transfer RNA are labeled by [14C]uracil at the same rate. The labeling of transfer RNA is delayed by about 1 1 2 min, compared to the other RNA components. 3. 3. If transfer RNA is labeled with [32P]orthophosphate, the labeling of its uridine 5′-phosphate and pseudouridine 5′-phosphate residues suffers a greater kinetic delay than the uridine 5′-phosphate residues of the remainder of the newly formed RNA. At the same time, the entry of 32P into all the RNA fractions is delayed by its flow through a large intracellular pool. 4. 4. The kinetic delay of the entry of [14C]uracil into the uridine phosphate and the pseudouridine phosphate residues of transfer RNA is greatly lessened during the incubation of cultures in chloramphenicol. 5. 5. If the newly formed RNA synthesized during incubation with chloramphenicol is incubated with homologous DNA-agar, it is found that hybridizable RNA is present in relatively greater quantity than in untreated control cultures. 6. 6. From these findings, it is suggested that transfer RNA is synthesized from a “private” pool of material fed partly by the breakdown products of DNA-like RNA, and to a much lesser extent from the large intracellular pool of nucleotides implicated as a precursor for nucleic acid phosphate. The interconvertion of pseudouridylic and uridylic acids incorporated into transfer RNA must occur in this “private” pool. By analogy, the identical kinetics of the labeling of transfer RNA and DNA by [14C]uracil and [32P]orthophosphate suggests that the interconversion of ribonucleotides to deoxyribonucleotides for DNA synthesis also occurs in the same pool.
Reye's syndrome and aspirin use: A possible imuunological relationship

Abstract Reye's syndrome is a serious childhood disease usually associated with an antecedent viral illness such as influenza or chicken pox. Recent reports indicate a relationship between moderate aspirin use during the viral infection and the development of Reye's disease. The blastogenic response of cultured lymphocytes to lectins mimics their in vivo response to viral antigens. We report here that physiological doses of the cyclooxygenase inhibitor aspirin, induce marked hyperactivity in this response. Mouse spleen lymphocyte cultures were treated with phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and mitogenesis was assayed after 72 hours by measuring incorporation of 3H thymidine. Addition of aspirin produced up to 3-fold increases in the PHA response. The effect was specific for T-lymphocytes and response to the B lymphocyte mitogen LPS was not significantly affected. The hyperproliferative effect was dose-dependent being maximum at aspirin levels of 300–400 μM and was reversed by addition of prostaglandin E2 (10-9M). Maximum effects were observed when aspirin was added to cells within 8–10 hours of exposure to antigen. The observations suggest that Reye's syndrome may result from an aspirin-induced aberration in the immune response to a viral infection.
Thermodynamic Analysis of Unfolding and Dissociation in Lactose Repressor Protein

Lactose repressor protein, regulator of lac enzyme expression in Escherichia coli, maintains its structure and function at extremely low protein concentrations ( 4U) in the spectral transitions indicates that the disruption of the monomer-monomer interface and monomer unfolding are a concerted reaction (M4 U4) that may occur prior to the dissociation of the dimer-dimer interface. Thus, we propose that the unfolded monomers remain associated at the C-terminus by the 4-helical coiled-coil structure that forms the dimer-dimer interface and that this intermediate is the end point detected in the spectral transitions. Efforts to confirm the existence of this species by ultracentrifugation were inhibited by the aggregation of this intermediate. Based upon these observations, the wild-type fluorescence and CD data were fit to a model, M4 U4, which resulted in an overall DeltaG degrees for unfolding of 40 kcal/mol. Using a mutant protein, K84L, in which the monomer-monomer interface is stabilized, sedimentation equilibrium results demonstrated that the dimer-dimer interface of lac repressor could persist at higher levels of urea than the monomer-monomer interface. The tetramer-dimer transition monitored using this mutant repressor yields a DeltaG degrees of 20.4 kcal/mol. Using this free energy value for the dissociation process of U4 4U, an overall free energy change of approximately 60 kcal/mol was calculated for dissociation of all interfaces and unfolding of the tetrameric lac repressor, reflecting the exceptional stability of this protein.
Teeth-Number Synthesis of an Automatic Planetary Transmission Using Evolutionary Computation

The gear-teeth number synthesis of an automatic planetary transmission used in automobiles is formulated as a constrained optimization problem that is solved with the aid of an Estimation of Distribution Algorithm. The design parameters are the teeth number of each gear, the number of multiple planets and gear module, while the objective function is defined based on the departure between the imposed and the actual gear ratios, constrained by teeth-undercut avoidance, limiting the maximum overall diameter of the transmission and ensuring proper planet spacing.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Ampullary cancer: an overview

Ampullary cancers are rare, accounting for only 0.2% of gastrointestinal cancers and approximately 7% of all periampullary cancers. They arise from the ampullary complex, distal to the confluence of the common bile and pancreatic duct (Fig. 1). In contrast to other periampullary malignancies, true ampullary cancers present earlier in their disease course with symptoms that result from biliary obstruction. It is often difficult to distinguish primary ampullary cancers from other periampullary cancers preoperatively. In early stages, ampullary cancers are surgically treated, similar to pancreatic cancers, and typically with a pancreatico-duodenoectomy (or Whipple procedure). Because of their earlier presentation, resection rates for all patients are much higher than other periampullary carcinomas. Moreover, their prognosis tends to be better than those with other periampullary- and pancreatic-originating cancers. In patients with true ampullary cancer, there is very limited data to guide physicians on the choice of therapy, largely because of the rarity of the disease and the paucity of related research. Herein, we provide an overview of the biology, histology, current therapeutic strategies, and potential future therapies for carcinomas arising from the ampulla of Vater.
Space-Efficient Deterministic Simulation of Probabilistic Automata

Given a description of a probabilistic automaton (one-head probabilistic finite-state automaton or probabilistic Turing machine) and an input string x of length n, we ask how much space does a deterministic Turing machine need in order to decide the acceptance of the input string by that automaton? The question is interesting even in the case of one-head one-way probabilistic finite-state automata (1pfa's). We call (rational) stochastic languages} ($\SS_{rat}^{>}$) the class of languages recognized by 1pfa's whose transition probabilities and cutpoints (i.e., recognition thresholds) are rational numbers. The class $\SS_{rat}^{>}$ contains context-sensitive languages that are not context-free, but on the other hand there are context-free languages not included in $\SS_{rat}^{>}$. Our main results are as follows: \begin{itemize} \item{ The (proper) inclusion of $\SS_{rat}^{>}$ in $\zlo$, which is optimal (i.e., $\SS_{rat}^{>} \not \subset$ \Dspace$(o(\log n))$). The previous upper bounds were \Dspace$(n)$ (obtained by P. D. Dieu in 1972) and\linebreak[4]\Dspace$(\log n \log \log n)$ (obtained by H. Jung in 1984).} \item{ Probabilistic Turing machines with space bound f(n) in O(log n) can be deterministically simulated in space $O(\min (c^{f(n)}\log n, \log n (f(n) + \log \log n)))$, where c is a constant depending on the simulated probabilistic Turing machine. The best previously known simulation uses O(log n (f(n) + log log n)) space (obtained by H. Jung in 1984).} \end{itemize} To obtain these results we develop and use two space-efficient (but also parallel-time-efficient) techniques, which are of independent interest: \begin{itemize} \item {a technique to compare deterministically, using only O(log n) space, large numbers given in terms of their values modulo a sequence of primes, p1 < p2 < \cdots < pn in O(na) (where a is some arbitrary constant);} \item {a technique to compare deterministically a threshold with entries of the inverse of a given banded matrix.} \end{itemize}
Mode I Interlaminar Fracture of Interleaved Graphite/Epoxy

Mode I interlaminar fracture of interleaved graphite/epoxy has been stud ied experimentally using double cantilever beam (DCB) specimens and optical micros copy. The interleaves were either thermoset or thermoplastic films placed at the midplane along the anticipated fracture plane. To examine the possible influence of constraints on the crack tip plastic zone due to the rigid composite plies, a large range of interleaf thick nesses was investigated. At each crack increment, the crack extension initiated close to the maximum load and progressed in a stable manner during the displacement controlled test ing. Fiber bridging was not observed on the fracture specimens, or indicated by the shape of the crack growth resistance curves. The thermoplastic interleaves enhanced the fracture toughness, G IC , to a much larger extent than the thermoset interleaves, due to a larger en ergy absorption capability in the fracture process. For the thermoplastic interleaves, the maximum fracture toughness was achieved at ve...
The impact of neonatal bisphenol-A exposure on sexually dimorphic hypothalamic nuclei in the female rat.

Now under intense scrutiny, due to its endocrine disrupting properties, the potential threat the plastics component bisphenol-A (BPA) poses to human health remains unclear. Found in a multitude of polycarbonate plastics, food and beverage containers, and medical equipment, BPA is thought to bind to estrogen receptors (ERs), thereby interfering with estrogen-dependent processes. Our lab has previously shown that exposure to BPA (50 mg/kg bw or 50 μg/kg bw) during the neonatal critical period is associated with advancement of puberty, early reproductive senescence and ovarian malformations in female Long Evans rats. Here, using neural tissue obtained from the same animals, we explored the impact of neonatal BPA exposure on the development of sexually dimorphic hypothalamic regions critical for female reproductive physiology and behavior. Endpoints included quantification of oxytocin-immunoreactive neurons (OT-ir) in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN), serotonin (5-HT-ir) fiber density in the ventrolateral subdivision of the ventromedial nucleus (VMNvl) as well as ERα-ir neuron number in the medial preoptic area (MPOA), the VMNvl, and the arcuate nucleus (ARC). Both doses of BPA increased the number of OT-ir neurons within the PVN, but no significant effects were seen on 5-HT-ir fiber density or ERα-ir neuron number in any of the areas analyzed. In addition to hypothalamic development, we also assessed female sex behavior and body weight. No effect of BPA on sexual receptivity or proceptive behavior in females was observed. Females treated with BPA, however, weighed significantly more than control females by postnatal day 99. This effect of BPA on weight is critical because alterations in metabolism, are frequently associated with reproductive dysfunction. Collectively, the results of this and our prior study indicate that the impact of neonatal BPA exposure within the female rat hypothalamus is region specific and support the hypothesis that developmental BPA exposure may adversely affect reproductive development in females.
Primary cilia deletion in pancreatic epithelial cells results in cyst formation and pancreatitis.

Background & Aims: Defects in cilia formation or function have been implicated in several human genetic diseases, including polycystic kidney disease (PKD), Bardet-Biedl syndrome, and primary ciliary dyskinesia. Pancreatic lesions are found in approximately 10% of PKD patients, suggesting a connection between cilia defects and pancreatic pathologies. Here, we investigate the role of cilia in pancreas formation and function by analyzing mice that lack cilia in pancreatic cells. Methods: Using Cre/lox technology, we conditionally inactivated Kif3a, the gene encoding for a subunit of the kinesin-2 complex that is essential for cilia formation, in pancreatic epithelia. Kif3a mice were studied by immunohistochemical and biochemical methods to assess the morphology and differentiation status of pancreatic cells. Results: Tissue-specific loss of Kif3a in pancreatic cells resulted in severe pancreatic abnormalities including acinar-to-ductal metaplasia, fibrosis, and lipomatosis. Ductal metaplasia appears to be due to expansion of ductal cells rather than transdifferentiation of acinar cells. Cyst formation, aberrant ductal morphology, and extensive fibrosis associated with severe adhesion to adjacent organs were commonly observed in aged Kif3a mutant mice. Deletion of Kif3a using different pancreas-specific Cre strains suggests that these pancreatic phenotypes might be caused by the absence of cilia in ductal cells. Activation of transforming growth factor β and Mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MEK/ERK) pathways may play a role in these phenotypes. Conclusions: These results demonstrate that the absence of cilia in pancreatic cells produces pancreatic lesions that resemble those found in patients with chronic pancreatitis or cystic fibrosis.
Computation sharing programmable FIR filter for low-power and high-performance applications

This paper presents a programmable digital finite-impulse response (FIR) filter for high-performance and low-power applications. The architecture is based on a computation sharing multiplier (CSHM) which specifically targets computation re-use in vector-scalar products and can be effectively used in the low-complexity programmable FIR filter design. Efficient circuit-level techniques, namely a new carry-select adder and conditional capture flip-flop (CCFF), are also used to further improve power and performance. A 10-tap programmable FIR filter was implemented and fabricated in CMOS 0.25-/spl mu/m technology based on the proposed architectural and circuit-level techniques. The chip's core contains approximately 130 K transistors and occupies 9.93 mm/sup 2/ area.
CDw40 and BLCa-specific monoclonal antibodies detect two distinct molecules which transmit progression signals to human B lymphocytes

Two monoclonal antibodies (mAb), MA6 and G28-5, have the common property of detecting markers expressed on both B lymphocytes and carcinomas: BLCa (B lymphocyte carcinoma cross-reacting antigen) and CDw40 (Bp50). A comparison of the reactivity of these mAb revealed that MA6 and G28-5 detect distinct epitopes with different cell line and tissue distributions. L cell transfectants expressing CDw40 were not bound by MA6 anti-BLCa, but were bound by G28-5 anti-CDw40. G28-5 or a CDw40-specific heterantiserum could not block the migration of BLCa, while MA6 antibody could. These results indicate that CDw40 and BLCa are distinct surface molecules. Both G28-5 anti-CDw40 and MA6 anti-BLCa mAb could provide progression signals for B cells activated by appropriate B cell activators such as phorbol esters or anti-immunoglobulin; however, only G28-5 anti-CDw40 and not MA6 was co-stimulatory with the anti-CD20 competence signal, demonstrating a clear difference in the CDw40 and BLCa-mediated progression signals. Apparently, these molecules, although structurally distinct, have related functions in B cell activation.
Stability of Si-interstitial defects: from point to extended defects

Trends in the growth of extended interstitial defects are extracted from extensive tight-binding and ab inito local density approximation simulations. With an increasing number of interstitials, the stable defect shape evolves from compact to chainlike to rodlike. The rodlike {l_brace}311{r_brace} defect, formed from (011) interstitial chains, is stabilized as it grows, elongating in the chain direction. Accurate parametrization of the defect-formation energy on the number of interstitials and interstitial chains, together with the anisotropy of the interstitial capture radius, enables macroscopic defect-growth simulations. (c) 2000 The American Physical Society.
Brans-Dicke cosmology with time-dependent cosmological term

Berman and Som's solution for a Brans-Dicke cosmology with time-dependent cosmological term, Robertson-Walker metric, perfect fluid, and perfect gas law of state solves the horizon, homogeneity, and isotropy problems without requiring any unnatural fine tuning in the very early universe, thus being an alternative model to inflation. The model also does not need recourse to quantum cosmology, and solves the flatness and magnetic monopole problems.
Solution of nonlinear structural problems using array processors

Abstract The paper describes ongoing efforts to investigate the usefulness of so called ‘attached processors’ or ‘array processors’, combined with mini- and superminicomputers, in the analysis of computationally demanding engineering problems, such as, in finite element nonlinear applications. A close examination of some basic algorithms, which play an important part in such analysis, is presented. Furthermore, a methodology is developed, which forms a useful guide to further efforts of this nature, including the more general case of multiprocessing. An emphasis is made on the ability to predict the performance of algorithms from time measurements of certain basic operations, coupled with an understanding of the characteristics of the hardware in question and the interplay between its various components. Four hardware alternatives are considered, two of which have attached array processors. Of the algorithms considered, it appears that the decomposition process is the one which benefits most from the presence of an array processor. The speed advantage gained in stiffness assembly and forward and backward substitution may both be obtained by purchasing a more powerful superminicomputer.
Interaction of efficacy, commitment, and expectations in the formation of faculty attitudes toward collective bargaining

A model of the formation of faculty attitudes toward collective bargaining is developed which reflects recent developments in theory and research in organizational behavior. The model is an alternative to those grounded in need-satisfaction theories and takes into account interaction effects among variables. Hypotheses are formulated which explore how faculty members develop: (1) beliefs about, and effective responses toward, their work environment; and (2) propensities to wish to change that environment by implementating collective bargaining. Empirical data are analyzed to assess the main effects of, and interactions among, organizational commitment, perceived personal efficacy, and expectations with respect to the impact of bargaining.
The Architecture of CopA from Archeaoglobus fulgidus Studied by Cryo-Electron Microscopy and Computational Docking

Summary CopA uses ATP to pump Cu + across cell membranes. X-ray crystallography has defined atomic structures of several related P-type ATPases. We have determined a structure of CopA at 10 A resolution by cryo-electron microscopy of a new crystal form and used computational molecular docking to study the interactions between the N-terminal metal-binding domain (NMBD) and other elements of the molecule. We found that the shorter-chain lipids used to produce these crystals are associated with movements of the cytoplasmic domains, with a novel dimer interface and with disordering of the NMBD, thus offering evidence for the transience of its interaction with the other cytoplasmic domains. Docking identified a binding site that matched the location of the NMBD in our previous structure by cryo-electron microscopy, allowing a more detailed view of its binding configuration and further support for its role in autoinhibition.
Eicosanoids influence in vitro elongation of plasmatocytes from the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta.

Nodule formation is the predominant insect cellular defense reaction to bacterial challenges, responsible for clearing the largest proportion of infecting bacteria from hemolymph circulation. Hemocyte spreading behavior is a critical step in the nodulation process. It has been suggested that eicosanoids mediate several steps in the process. However, the influence of eicosanoids on hemocyte spreading has not been investigated in detail. To test the hypothesis that eicosanoids mediate hemocyte spreading behavior, I treated larvae of the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta, with eicosanoid biosynthesis inhibitors and later assessed plasmatocyte elongation on glass slides. Plasmatocytes from larvae treated with dexamethasone did not elongate to the extent of plasmatocytes from untreated control larvae. The dexamethasone effect on plasmatocyte elongation was expressed in a dose-dependent manner and was reversed by injecting dexamethasone-treated larvae with the eicosanoid-precursor fatty acid, arachidonic acid. Palmitic acid, which is not substrate for eicosanoid biosynthesis, did not reverse the influence of dexamethasone on plasmatocyte elongation. Finally, plasmatocytes from larvae treated with a range of eicosanoid biosynthesis inhibitors did not elongate to the extent of plasmatocytes from control larvae. Plasmatocyte width did not appear to be influenced in this study. These findings strongly support the idea that insect plasmatocyte elongation is influenced by eicosanoids. Arch. Insect Biochem. Physiol. 59:42–51, 2005. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
DYNAMICS OF A SUBTIDAL SEAGRASS LANDSCAPE: SEASONAL AND ANNUAL CHANGE IN RELATION TO WATER DEPTH

The spatial heterogeneity of a subtidal marine landscape and the areal extent of both monospecific and mixed patches of seagrass species were studied in Tampa Bay, Florida, USA. Specifically, we examined the temporal dynamics of seagrass distribution and its relationship to water depth and the serial replacement of one species by another. The ∼5-ha landscape was mapped at 1-m intervals in the spring and fall of 1994 and 1995. The landscape consisted of monospecific and mixed patches of seagrass (47%) and bare sediment (53%). Halodule wrightii was the most abundant seagrass (∼74%), while Thalassia testudinum was second most common (20%), and mixed patches of H. wrightii and T. testudinum composed the remaining 6%. There was an overall increase in seagrass of 14% from spring 1994 to fall 1995. The majority of change occurred along the margins of existing seagrass patches (i.e., H. wrightii invading bare sediment). Typically, “new” patches were the result of the transition of one seagrass species to another ...
Reliable insertion of nasogastric and enteral feeding tubes.

Nasogastric and enteral feeding tube insertion can be a challenging problem in patients with severe nasal septal deviation, obstructing neoplasms, or recent aerodigestive tract surgery. The following technique, which uses the flexible nasopharyngoscope, was developed in our department for the reliable insertion of these tubes in complicated cases
Cell suppression methodology: the importance of suppressing marginal totals

Safeguarding confidential information is of paramount concern to government agencies in publishing statistical data. Given a set of sensitive cells, the problem is to identify a set of complementary cells to suppress so as to mask the values of the sensitive cells. All of the existing cell suppression methods fail to consider the relationships among cell values and the representation of these relationships in marginal totals. That marginal totals may contain potent information has not been appreciated. The paper employs the theory of nominal data analysis to demonstrate that the disclosure of marginal totals can be very risky. It recommends adding a front end test to the existing methods. The goal is to identify a list of sensitive marginal totals that have to be suppressed. This increases the sophistication of cell suppression methodology by providing an extra layer of protection.
Statistics-based model for prediction of chemical biosynthesis yield from Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The robustness of Saccharomyces cerevisiae in facilitating industrial-scale production of ethanol extends its utilization as a platform to synthesize other metabolites. Metabolic engineering strategies, typically via pathway overexpression and deletion, continue to play a key role for optimizing the conversion efficiency of substrates into the desired products. However, chemical production titer or yield remains difficult to predict based on reaction stoichiometry and mass balance. We sampled a large space of data of chemical production from S. cerevisiae, and developed a statistics-based model to calculate production yield using input variables that represent the number of enzymatic steps in the key biosynthetic pathway of interest, metabolic modifications, cultivation modes, nutrition and oxygen availability. Based on the production data of about 40 chemicals produced from S. cerevisiae, metabolic engineering methods, nutrient supplementation, and fermentation conditions described therein, we generated mathematical models with numerical and categorical variables to predict production yield. Statistically, the models showed that: 1. Chemical production from central metabolic precursors decreased exponentially with increasing number of enzymatic steps for biosynthesis (>30% loss of yield per enzymatic step, P-value = 0); 2. Categorical variables of gene overexpression and knockout improved product yield by 2~4 folds (P-value < 0.1); 3. Addition of notable amount of intermediate precursors or nutrients improved product yield by over five folds (P-value < 0.05); 4. Performing the cultivation in a well-controlled bioreactor enhanced the yield of product by three folds (P-value < 0.05); 5. Contribution of oxygen to product yield was not statistically significant. Yield calculations for various chemicals using the linear model were in fairly good agreement with the experimental values. The model generally underestimated the ethanol production as compared to other chemicals, which supported the notion that the metabolism of Saccharomyces cerevisiae has historically evolved for robust alcohol fermentation. We generated simple mathematical models for first-order approximation of chemical production yield from S. cerevisiae. These linear models provide empirical insights to the effects of strain engineering and cultivation conditions toward biosynthetic efficiency. These models may not only provide guidelines for metabolic engineers to synthesize desired products, but also be useful to compare the biosynthesis performance among different research papers.
Hydrothermal Corrosion of Magnesia-Pyrochlore Composites for Inert Matrix Materials

The corrosion behavior of MgO-Nd2Zr2O7 cercer composites was investigated under hydrothermal conditions at 300°C and saturation pressure. It was found that corrosion resistance was microstructure dependent in terms of MgO contiguity and homogeneity. The inhomogeneous composites completely dissolved in less than 1 h showing poor hydration resistance similar to MgO. The homogeneous composites exhibited an improved hydration resistance and the corrosion was primarily limited to the surface. The normalized mass loss (NML) was proportional to the corrosion time and the NML rate increased with MgO volume fraction. The corrosion process followed an Arrhenius relationship and the apparent activation energy was calculated to be ∼39-41 kJ/mol. It is suggested that the mass loss of the MgO-Nd2Zr2O 7 composites is mainly governed by hydration of MgO and the NML rate is enhanced by contiguity of MgO. A desirable microstructure with enhanced corrosion resistance is viewed to have minimum contiguity of MgO, good homogen...
IFN-γ-Inducible Protein 10 (IP-10; CXCL10)-Deficient Mice Reveal a Role for IP-10 in Effector T Cell Generation and Trafficking

IFN-γ-inducible protein 10 (IP-10, CXCL10), a chemokine secreted from cells stimulated with type I and II IFNs and LPS, is a chemoattractant for activated T cells. Expression of IP-10 is seen in many Th1-type inflammatory diseases, where it is thought to play an important role in recruiting activated T cells into sites of tissue inflammation. To determine the in vivo function of IP-10, we constructed an IP-10-deficient mouse (IP-10−/−) by targeted gene disruption. Immunological analysis revealed that IP-10−/− mice had impaired T cell responses. T cell proliferation to allogeneic and antigenic stimulation and IFN-γ secretion in response to antigenic challenge were impaired in IP-10−/− mice. In addition, IP-10−/− mice exhibited an impaired contact hypersensitivity response, characterized by decreased ear swelling and reduced inflammatory cell infiltrates. T cells recovered from draining lymph nodes also had a decreased proliferative response to Ag restimulation. Furthermore, IP-10−/− mice infected with a neurotropic mouse hepatitis virus had an impaired ability to control viral replication in the brain. This was associated with decreased recruitment of CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes into the brain, reduced levels of IFN-γ and the IFN-γ-induced chemokines monokine induced by IFN-γ (Mig, CXCL9) and IFN-inducible T cell α chemoattractant (I-TAC, CXCL11) in the brain, decreased numbers of virus-specific IFN-γ-secreting CD8+ cells in the spleen, and reduced levels of demyelination in the CNS. Taken together, our data suggest a role for IP-10 in both effector T cell generation and trafficking in vivo.
Intraoperative Spermatic Venography Reconsidered

AbstractWe review our most recent experience with varicocelectomy and post-ligation venography in 58 adolescents as followup to our previously reported series. A single injection venogram confirmed the completeness of varicocele ligation in 82 percent of cases while 2 or more injections were required in the remainder. Venography was not performed in 8 cases because of technical difficulties in 5 or surgeon choice in 3. The recurrence rate was 8.6 percent and was not statistically significant whether or not venography was performed (p = 0.86). Although intraoperative spermatic venography is technically simple and safe, in our series its efficacy in diminishing the recurrence rate after varicocelectomy was unproved.
Local and Regional Audit Firms and the Market for SEC Audits

The period after the demise of Enron and Andersen has been tumultuous for the accounting profession. In congressional hearings and in responses to the SEC and GAO, auditors have stated that provisions of the Sarbanes‐Oxley Act of 2002 (SOA) and related SEC rules changes would cause many local and regional audit firms to terminate audit work for SEC registrants. In this study, we provide empirical evidence about small audit firms and recent changes in the market for SEC audits. After examining all auditor resignations during 2000–2003, we find that 47 local and regional audit firms disclosed in Form 8‐Ks filed in 2002–2003 that they were ceasing all SEC audits; only eight such firms that made this disclosure in 2000–2001. From interviews with audit partners of such firms, we find that the primary reasons for ceasing SEC audits is the perception of a more stringent oversight by the recently created Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB), increased professional liability insurance costs, and incre...
Speech Fluency and Schizophrenic Negative Signs

The spontaneous speech of negative-syndrome schizophrenia patients is underproductive and contains many hesitations and pauses. Acoustic analysis of the patient's speech during interview reveals that the duration of pauses, independent of other linguistic or paralinguistic measures, correlates strongly with the clinician's impressions of the patient's flat affect and alogia. Pausing is less related to associality and other aspects of the negative syndrome. The hesitations appear to reflect a word-finding difficulty that, together with neuropsychological evidence of compromised performance on word fluency tasks, suggests a specific speech generation difficulty. The significant relationship between pausing and both flat affect and alogia suggests that the two negative signs share phenomenal and psychometric properties. The examination of speech generation mechanisms may provide an informative avenue for study of schizophrenic psychopathology. Acoustic analysis reveals processes that are not apparent to the clinician and may provide a useful basis for clinical assessments and research.
Impact of genetics on disease resistance

The genetics of a bird or flock has a profound impact on its ability to resist disease, because genetics define the maximum achievable performance level. Careful attention should be paid to genetics as an important component of a comprehensive disease management program including high-level biosecurity, sanitation, and appropriate vaccination programs. Some specific genes (e.g., the MHC) are known to play a role in disease resistance, but resistance is generally a polygenic phenomenon. Future research directions will expand knowledge of the impact of genetics on disease resistance by identifying non-MHC genetic control of resistance and by further elucidating mechanisms regulating expression of genes related to immune response.
Continuous 12-lead electrocardiographic monitoring in an emergency department chest pain unit: an assessment of potential clinical effect.

Abstract Study objectives: Continuous 12-lead serial ECG monitoring has been proposed to assist in the evaluation of patients with acute coronary syndrome and nondiagnostic ECG in an emergency department chest pain unit. However, the ability of serial ECG to detect acute coronary syndrome and its benefit in addition to a standard protocol has not been established. We evaluate the ability of continuous 12-lead ECG to detect acute coronary syndrome, assess the incremental benefit of the serial ECG in association with a set protocol in an ED chest pain unit, and evaluate whether serial ECG changes could be considered as prognostic factors. Methods: Patients who met Agency for Health Care Policy and Research guidelines for intermediate risk for short-term cardiovascular event unstable angina were prospectively studied in the chest pain unit. Patients were monitored with the Mortara Instruments ELI 100 STM continuous 12-lead ECG system with ST-segment analysis. ST-segment changes of greater than 100 μV in 2 or more contiguous leads or greater than 200 μV in 1 lead were considered positive. Data were compared with serial serum cardiac markers, cardiac function study results, angiographic results, and 30-day outcome results. Results: One hundred nineteen patients had serial ECG applied. The median duration of monitoring was 4.2 hours. Forty patients were given a diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome. Chest pain unit protocol detected 52 patients, and 23 were given a diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome (sensitivity 58%; specificity 63%). Sixteen patients had ST-segment changes of greater than 100 μV or greater than 200 μV, and 9 were given a diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome. The addition of the serial ECG to the chest pain unit protocol increased the sensitivity to 65% and decreased the specificity to 58%. Two patients with ST-segment changes but none without ST-segment changes had an adverse cardiac event, yielding a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 88%. Conclusion: Serial ECG is of limited value in the diagnostic evaluation of intermediate-risk patients managed in the chest pain unit with a standard protocol. However, when ST-segment changes are present, they indicate an increased likelihood for an adverse cardiac event. [ Ann Emerg Med. 2003;41:342-351.]
Hemiarthroplasty for proximal humerus fractures

Proximal humerus fractures are common injuries that are increasing in incidence with the aging of the population. While nonoperative treatment of some fracture patterns results in clinical success, other, more displaced and comminuted fractures may require surgery to ensure a successful outcome. It is important to evaluate both patient and fracture characteristics in deciding upon the appropriate type of treatment. Every effort should be made to perform a humeral sparing procedure in younger patients. In the elderly, especially with more complex four-part fractures and fracture dislocations, hemiarthroplasty and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty are indicated to decrease complication rates and improve functional outcomes. In hemiarthroplasties, it is critical to achieve proper implant height and positioning of the tuberosities. For those patients or fractures in which the tuberosities are unlikely to heal or cannot be adequately reconstructed, reverse total shoulder arthroplasty should be considered.
Bryostatin 1 antagonizes the terminal differentiating action of 12- O -tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate in a human colon cancer cell

12-O-Tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA), a highly active representative of the tumor-promoting phorbol esters, induces a rapid terminal differentiation of a human colon cancer cell line. Bryostatin 1, a macrocyclic lactone, completely counteracts this effect of TPA and promotes continued replication. The observed responses provide a system for identifying cellular processes which are involved in the induced terminal differentiation of human colon cancer cells.
Recurrent ventilator-associated pneumonias: the gift that keeps on giving or the guest who won't leave?

Abstract Background: An increasing number of publications related to the concept of recurrent ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) has emerged in recent years. The clinical relevance of this publication trend could suggest failure to prevent VAP. Methods: Review of articles addressing recurrent VAP, which were scrutinized for their definitions and methodology, seeking to determine the actual meaning of “recurrence.” Results: A preponderance of the early papers on recurrent VAP used definitions that create the possibility and even, in some cases, the likelihood that what was being addressed actually was persistent VAP. These studies, mostly from the same investigator group, considered “recurrent” VAP to appear as early as three days after the initial diagnosis while patients were still receiving antibiotics to treat that initial episode. The blurring of the concepts of “recurrence” and “persistence” is apparent in the methodology and the results. Conclusions: Existing evidence-based guidelines regarding t...
An overview of Direct Laser Deposition for additive manufacturing; Part II: Mechanical behavior, process parameter optimization and control

Abstract The mechanical behavior, and thus ‘trustworthiness’/durability, of engineering components fabricated via laser-based additive manufacturing (LBAM) is still not well understood. This is adversely affecting the continual adoption of LBAM for part fabrication/repair within the global industry at large. Hence, it is important to determine the mechanical properties of parts fabricated via LBAM as to predict their performance while in service. This article is part of two-part series that provides an overview of Direct Laser Deposition (DLD) for additive manufacturing (AM) of functional parts. The first part (Part I) provides a general overview of the thermo-fluid physics inherent to the DLD process. The objective of this current article (Part II) is to provide an overview of the mechanical characteristics and behavior of metallic parts fabricated via DLD, while also discussing methods to optimize and control the DLD process. Topics to be discussed include part microstructure, tensile properties, fatigue behavior and residual stress – specifically with their relation to DLD and post-DLD process parameters (e.g. heat treatment, machining). Methods for controlling/optimizing the DLD process for targeted part design will be discussed – with an emphasis on monitored part temperature and/or melt pool morphology. Some future challenges for advancing the knowledge in AM-part adoption are discussed. Despite various research efforts into DLD characteristics and process optimization, it is clear that there are still many areas that require further investigation.
Genetic Identification of an Expansive Mechanoreceptor Sensitive to Skin Stroking.

Touch perception begins with activation of low-threshold mechanoreceptors (LTMRs) in the periphery. LTMR terminals exhibit tremendous morphological heterogeneity that specifies their mechanical receptivity. In a survey of mammalian skin, we found a preponderance of neurofilament-heavy-chain(+) circumferential endings associated with hair follicles, prompting us to develop a genetic strategy to interrogate these neurons. Targeted in vivo recordings revealed them to be Aβ field-LTMRs, identified 50 years ago but largely elusive thereafter. Remarkably, while Aβ field-LTMRs are highly sensitive to gentle stroking of the skin, they are unresponsive to hair deflection, and they encode skin indentation in the noxious range across large, spotty receptive fields. Individual Aβ field-LTMRs form up to 180 circumferential endings, making them the most anatomically expansive LTMR identified to date. Thus, Aβ field-LTMRs are a major mammalian LTMR subtype that forms circumferential endings in hairy skin, and their sensitivity to gentle skin stroking arises through integration across many low-sensitivity circumferential endings.
Orogeny and Reactivation to the West and Southeast of the West African Craton

The term “Pan-African thermotectonic event,” or “orogeny,” has been applied by Kennedy (1964, 1965) to a shield-wide series of metamorphic belts with ages in the range 450–700 m. y., which wrap around and enclose older undisturbed cratonic Precambrian complexes (Fig. 1). This reticulate group of belts has been recognized principally by mineral radiometric ages, which for most part give little information on the earlier history of the belts. In some cases they include folded and metamorphosed equivalents to cratonic sediments and crystalline basement rocks, but in others they consist of metasedimentary, gneissic, and granitic rocks of largely unknown age.
Nucleophiles as Anticarcinogens

The objective of the present work was to obtain chemopreventive compounds that can trap direct-acting carcinogens within the lumen of the gastrointestinal tract and thus prevent these carcinogens from attacking tissues of the host. Many direct-acting carcinogens are electrophiles (19, 36). One possible strategy for blocking their action is by trapping them with nucleophiles (electron donors). In the studies to be presented, emphasis has been placed on trapping direct-acting carcinogens in two sites, i.e., the stomach and the large intestine. To some extent different considerations pertain for each.
Zoospore ultrastructure of Monoblepharis polymorpha

The zoospore ultrastructure of Monoblepharis polymorpha was compared with that previously known for Monoblepharella and Oedogoniomyces. Monoblepharis is much like Monoblepharella but the three gene...
Boundary Issues: Clarifying New Orleans's Murky Edges

At first there were just titiy ridges flanking the river, barely perceptible piles of Big Muddy s mud. Then, over millennia, they grew as the Mississippi River deposited layers of soil during flood seasons. It happened like this: Before the advent of modern flood control technologies, when the swollen river spread from its channel each spring, the unconstrained torrent slackened. Without a current carrying it, suspended material sank. The heaviest sediment dropped closest to the river, with lighter silt falling farther away. So the Mississippi built its banks, earthen ramps descending gradually from its shores. We know these accretions as the river's natural levees.' Eventually, the levees became useful for people, because of both local topography and continental geography. Native Americans knew the riverbanks as the highest, driest ground in the flat, damp delta. They shared their knowledge with the Europeans who settled Louisiana. For the latter, the Mississippi and its levee embodied the New Worlds promise. The river gathered the waters of thousands of smaller streams crisscrossing its valley, an expanse stretching from the Rockies' eastern face to the Alleghenies' western slope. More than fifteen thousand miles of navigable waterways make up the Mississippi system, a funnel whose spout would, it seemed, shunt trade inexorably toward the Gulf of Mexico. For boosters the Mississippi was God's signature carved into the valley; they saw in the turbid river images of empire. And the levee was more evidence of a divine plan: an elevated spot on which to build an entrepot where produce gathered from the North American interior could arrive at market near the river mouth.^