cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dependency and development in the garment industry: Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands

This study examines colonization, development, and globalization in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) with respect to the garment industry, the main industry of the islands. A broad-reaching analysis examined population, gender, economic factors, and import/export data in order to explore the repercussions of garment industry development and subsequent decline on the CNMI. A quantitative analysis was conducted utilizing data from the United States Census Bureau, the CNMI's Department of Commerce, and the U.S. Department of Commerce Office of Textiles and Apparel.
A real-time adaptive traffic monitoring approach for multimedia content delivery in wireless environment

Network traffic monitoring is critical for wireless applications to ensure the QoS while streaming multimedia content. The high rate of traffic monitoring is likely to obtain the high accuracy of the network traffic. However, using a high monitoring rate has a tradeoff due to the extra bandwidth consumption. In a wireless network environment with limited bandwidth, traffic load generated by a high monitoring rate may cause the network congestion. Therefore, both accuracy and bandwidth consumption should be taken into consideration while determining an appropriate traffic monitoring rate. In this paper, an adaptive real-time traffic monitoring approach that can dynamically adjusts the monitoring rate based on real-time network bandwidth consumption and network congestion status is proposed. In the serious traffic condition, the system uses a small traffic monitoring rate in order to avoid increasing network traffic load. If the network traffic is steady, the rate is reduced. When the traffic is fluctuated, the rate is increased to detect variations in the network.
Targeting ornithine decarboxylase reverses the LIN28/Let-7 axis and inhibits glycolytic metabolism in neuroblastoma

LIN28 has emerged as an oncogenic driver in a number of cancers, including neuroblastoma (NB). Overexpression of LIN28 correlates with poor outcome in NB, therefore drugs that impact the LIN28/Let-7 pathway could be beneficial in treating NB patients. The LIN28/Let-7 pathway affects many cellular processes including the regulation of cancer stem cells and glycolytic metabolism. Polyamines, regulated by ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) modulate eIF-5A which is a direct regulator of the LIN28/Let-7 axis. We propose that therapy inhibiting ODC will restore balance to the LIN28/Let-7 axis, suppress glycolytic metabolism, and decrease MYCN protein expression in NB. Difluoromethylornithine (DFMO) is an inhibitor of ODC in clinical trials for children with NB. In vitro experiments using NB cell lines, BE(2)-C, SMS-KCNR, and CHLA90 show that DFMO treatment reduced LIN28B and MYCN protein levels and increased Let-7 miRNA and decreased neurosphere formation. Glycolytic metabolic activity decreased with DFMO treatment in vivo. Additionally, sensitivity to DFMO treatment correlated with LIN28B overexpression (BE(2)-C>SMS-KCNR>CHLA90). This is the first study to demonstrate that DFMO treatment restores balance to the LIN28/Let-7 axis and inhibits glycolytic metabolism and neurosphere formation in NB and that PET scans may be a meaningful imaging tool to evaluate the therapeutic effects of DFMO treatment.
A Comprehensive Framework for the Analysis of Ethical Behavior, with a Focus on Sales Organizations

A model describing the process of ethical decision making is proposed. This model, termed the Ethical Decision/Action Process (EDAP), expands on the scope of prior models, and uses a four-component moral decision structure as its central focus. The behaviors which take place within the moral decision structure are influenced by the decision maker's characteristics and decision outcomes, and can vary in light of situational moderators. Research results related to the model configuration are presented and analyzed, drawn from selling, sales management, and other settings. Research and management implications are provided.
Thermodynamic Formalism and Multifractal Analysis of Conformal Infinite Iterated Function Systems

We develop the thermodynamic formalism for equilibrium states of strongly Holder families of functions. These equilibrium states are supported on the limit set generated by iterating a system of infinitely many contractions. The theory of these systems was laid out in an earlier paper of the last two authors. The first five sections of this paper except Section 3 are devoted to developing the thermodynamic formalism for equilibrium states of Holder families of functions. The first three sections provide us with the tools needed to carry out the multifractal analysis for the equilibrium states mentioned above assuming that the limit set is generated by conformal contractions. The theory of infinite systems of conformal contractions is laid out in [13]. The multifractal analysis is then given in Section 7. In Section 8 we apply this theory to some examples from continued fraction systems and Apollonian packing.
Indigenizing knowledge for development : epistemological and pedagogical approaches

Possessing endogenous knowledge can help Africans formulate practical solutions to our problems that best fit our circumstances to improve our livelihood. Endogenous knowledge can be considered as knowledge about the people, by the people and for the people. This suggests that economic progress is most likely to occur in societies that succeed in linking their knowledge base to innovation systems. But can Africans create such indigenous knowledge? This paper outlines an approach that suggests modification in the current epistemology and pedagogy applied in teaching, learning and research. It is being proposed here that the African scholar should adopt a problem-oriented approach in conducting research as opposed to the current method-oriented approach that prevents the African from examining pertinent African problems. Pedagogy should also change from single-loop learning in which assumptions underlying western theories and concepts are not examined to double-loop learning. In addition, there is the need to revise the training of the next generation of African scholars and modes of knowledge dissemination. The African scholar must be educated on how to apply critical theory to screen imported knowledge. African universities should also rely less on publications in the so-called international journals as the criterion for staff promotion and rather rely more on publications in domestic journals, staff contribution to solving African problems and the number of postgraduates successfully supervised. The journey to creating indigenous knowledge will be long. As such, a 'front' should be nurtured to clear the path.
Maternal depressive symptoms, dysfunctional cognitions, and infant night waking: the role of maternal nighttime behavior.

Mechanisms were examined to clarify relations between maternal depressive symptoms, dysfunctional cognitions, and infant night waking among 45 infants (1–24 months) and their mothers. A mother-driven mediational model was tested in which maternal depressive symptoms and dysfunctional cognitions about infant sleep predicted infant night waking via their impact on mothers’ bedtime and nighttime behavior with infants (from video). Two infant-driven mediational models were also examined, in which infant night waking predicted maternal depressive symptoms, or dysfunctional cognitions, via their impact on nighttime maternal behavior. Stronger support for the mother-driven model was obtained, which was further supported by qualitative observations from video-recordings. This study provides important insights about maternal depression’s effects on nighttime parenting, and how such parenting affects infant sleep.
Waiting cycle analysis on H.246 decoder run in PAC Duo platform

Two approaches for parallelization of H.264 decoder, data partition and function partition, are realized on a PAC Duo platform, which contains two Parallel Architecture Core Digital Signal Processors (PACDSP's). Eight baseline CIF sequences are decoded and their execution cycles and waiting cycles are examined. There are three roots hindering the performance of dual-core decoders: inter-core synchronization, resource contention, and cache miss. Through the waiting cycle analysis, the major reasons causing the degradation of dual core H.246 decoders are found. The inter core synchronization and resource contention principally slow down the execution speed of the dual core with function partition and dual core data partition, respectively. The precious experience and analysis will help the software and hardware designers explore the mechanisms to improve performance of the multi core scenarios.
Hafnium isotope variations in oceanic basalts

Hafnium isotope ratios generated by the beta(-) decay of Lu-176 are investigated in volcanic rocks derived from the suboceanic mantle. Hf-176/Hf-177 and Lu/Hf ratios were determined to precisions of 0.01-0.04% and 0.5%, respectively, by routine, low-blank chemistry. The Hf-176/Hf-177 ratio is found to be positively correlated with the Nd-143/Nd-144 ratio and negatively correlated with the Sr-87/Sr-86 and Pb-206/Pb-204 ratios, and to increase southwards along the Iceland-Reykjanes ridge traverse. An approximate bulk earth Hf-176/Hf-177 ratio of 0.28295 is inferred from the bulk earth Nd-143/Nd-144 ratio, which requires a bulk earth Lu/Hf ratio of 0.25, similar to the Juvinas eucrite. Midocean ridge basalts are shown to account for 60% of the range of Hf isotope ratios, and it is suggested that Lu-Hf fractionation is decoupled from Sm-Nd and Rb-Sr fractionation in very trace-element-depleted source regions as a result of partial melting.
Evaluation of 99mTc-probestin for imaging APN expressing tumors by SPECT.

Abstract Aminopeptidase N (APN) is known to play important roles in tumor angiogenesis, tumor cell invasion, and metastasis. Thus, APN is an attractive biomarker for imaging tumor angiogenesis. Here we report results obtained from biodistribution and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging studies of a technetium-99m labeled probestin (a potent APN inhibitor) conjugate containing a tripeptide, Asp-DAP-Cys (DAP = 2,3-diaminopropionic acid), chelator and a 8-amino-3,6-dioxaoctanoic acid (PEG 2 ) linker conducted in nude mice xenografted with HT-1080 human fibrosarcoma tumors (APN-positive tumors). These results collectively demonstrate that 99m Tc-probestin uptake by tumors and other APN expressing tissues in vivo is specific and validate the use of probestin as a vector for targeting APN in vivo.
Predictive respiratory gating: a new method to reduce motion artifacts on CT scans.

PURPOSE: To evaluate a gating system, called predictive respiratory gating (PRG), that reduces motion-induced artifacts on computed tomographic (CT) scans of patients who cannot suspend respiration. MATERIALS AND METHODS: PRG uses a respiration monitor and a new algorithm to predict when a motionless period is about to occur. It automatically starts scanning so the scan is temporally centered around the motionless period at end inspiration or end expiration. To demonstrate PRG, CT was performed on a motion phantom and a quietly breathing volunteer with and without gating. RESULTS: Scans of the phantom obtained with PRG contained less motion-induced streaking and blurring than did scans acquired without PRG. Scans of the volunteer gated at end expiration contained significantly less artifact than nongated scans (P < .03). CONCLUSION: PRG reduced motion artifact on scans of a spontaneously breathing volunteer. PRG may be able to reduce motion artifacts on scans of patients unable to suspend respiration.
Thymic function and peripheral T-cell homeostasis in rheumatoid arthritis

T-cell diversity is generated through the production of new thymic emigrants. Thymic function declines with age, and the T-cell pool is maintained through homeostatic proliferation of naive peripheral T cells. This article discusses the impact of thymic output and peripheral T-cell homeostasis on the development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It is proposed that thymic output is prematurely compromised in RA patients. A compensatory expansion of peripheral T cells results in a contracted and distorted repertoire, possibly favoring T cells with autoreactive potential. Increased risk of autoimmunity, as a consequence of abnormal T-cell population dynamics, could be a common mechanism in chronic inflammatory diseases.
Regulation of myosin-IIA assembly and Mts1 binding by heavy chain phosphorylation.

Previous studies suggested that heavy chain phosphorylation regulates non-muscle myosin-II assembly in an isoform-specific manner, affecting the assembly of myosin-IIB, but not myosin-IIA. We re-examined the effects of heavy chain phosphorylation on myosin-IIA filament formation and also examined mts1 binding. We demonstrated that heavy chain phosphorylation by either protein kinase C (PKC) or casein kinase 2 (CK2) inhibits the assembly of myosin-IIA into filaments. PKC phosphorylation had no affect on mts1 binding, but CK2 phosphorylation decreased the affinity of mts1 for the myosin- IIA rod by approximately 6.5-fold. Mts1 destabilized PKC-phosphorylated myosin-IIA filaments and inhibited the assembly of myosin-IIA monomers with maximal inhibition of assembly and promotion of disassembly occurring at a molar ratio of one mts1 dimer per myosin-IIA rod. At this molar ratio, mts1 only weakly disassembled CK2-phosphorylated myosin-IIA filaments and weakly inhibited the assembly of CK2-phosphorylated myosin-IIA monomers. These observations demonstrate that CK2 phosphorylation of the myosin-IIA heavy chain protects against mts1-induced filament disassembly and inhibition of assembly, and suggest that heavy chain phosphorylation provides an additional level of regulation for the mts1-myosin-IIA interaction.
Generation of a chemotactic lipid from arachidonic acid by exposure to a superoxide-generating system

Certain products of arachidonic acid have been demonstrated recently to possess chemotactic activity for human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN). Enzymatic (lipoxygenase, cyclooxygenase) generation of these lipid chemotaxins proceeds through the formation of intermediate lipid peroxides. Since lipid peroxidation can be mediated by oxygen-derived free radicals, we have examined whether chemotactically active products of arachidonic acid could be produced by exposing this unsaturated fatty acid to a superoxidegenerating system. A lipid with potent chemotactic activity for human PMN was produced by incubating arachidonic acid with xanthine oxidase and acetaldehyde. Generation of chemotactic activity was time-dependent and could be inhibited to the greatest extent by scavengers of singlet oxygen (i.e., histidine, uric acid, and 2,5-dimethylfuran). Inhibition was also observed with scavengers of superoxide anion radicals (i.e., superoxide dismutase), hydrogen peroxide (i.e., catalase), and hydroxyl radicals (i.e., mannitol). Silica gel thin-layer radiochromatography demonstrated a single peak with chemotactic activity (Rf = 0.33–0.38) distinct from unaltered arachidonic acid. The product of arachidonic acid was chemotactic at a concentration of 3.0 ng/ml and chemokinetic at concentrations of 0.75–1.5 ng/ml. Since PMN produce oxygen-derived free radicals and singlet oxygen upon stimulation of their plasma membrane, and since arachidonic acid is widely distributed in human tissues, free radical-mediated generations of chemotactic activity from arachidonic acid may play an important role in amplifying inflammatory responses.
Direct measurement of third-order nonlinearity of Green Fluorescent Protein

We present the measurement of χ(3) nonlinearity of Green Fluorescent Protein. The nonlinear index is n 2 = 10−19m2/W, opening the possibility of using genetically engineerable and naturally occuring proteins in cells as a source of four wave mixing experiments.
Large magnetostriction of Fe 1 − x Ge x and its electronic origin: Density functional study

The magnetostriction of ${\text{Fe}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\text{Ge}}_{x}$ with $x\ensuremath{\le}25%$ has been investigated with the density functional all-electron full-potential-linearized augmented plane wave method. It was found that at low concentration the magnetostriction linearly increases with $x$, because of elimination of Fe-Fe bonds. When Fe atoms get two or more Ge neighbors, starting from $x=11%$, the magnetostriction rapidly decreases and gradually becomes negative at $x=14%$ along with the development of the ${\text{DO}}_{3}$ structure. The spin-orbit coupling interactions among states localized at Fe atoms nearest to Ge are crucial. In particular, the availability of ${e}_{\text{g}}$ holes above the Fermi level leads to the negative magnetostriction.
Submarine exhalative gold mineralization at the London-Virginia Mine, Buckingham County, Virginia

Low grade submarine exhalative gold mineralization occurs at the London-Virginia deposit in central Virginia Piedmont. The deposit consists of a series of localized but conformable units — basal garnetiferous-chlorite schist, magnetite schist, quartz-muscovite schist, ferruginous quartzite, and chlorite-biotite schist — which represent a mixture of submarine epiclastic volcanic debris and exhalative chemical sediments. Finely disseminated gold occurs dispersed with minor amounts of pyrite, sphalerite, chalcopyrite, galena, and tennantite in the ferruginous quartzite and quartz-muscovite schist. The deposit is believed to have formed by processes analogous to those currently active in the Atlantis II Deep of the Red Sea. Silicarich, hypersaline brines discharged through fractures in the sea floor and ponded in a local basin. Epiosodic influx of clastic debris and extensive deposition of hydrothermal silica diluted the concentration of sulfides and gold to produce a low-grade, siliceous mineralized zone. Emanation from the exhalative vent was terminated when the basin was capped by a lava flow. Subsequent regional greenschist grade metamorphism has recrystallized the silica into a granular quartzite and produced minor remobilization of the gold and sulfides.
Resolutions, relation modules and Schur multipliers for categories

Abstract We show that the construction in group cohomology of the Gruenberg resolution associated to a free presentation and the resulting relation module can be copied in the context of representations of categories. We establish five-term exact sequences in the cohomology of categories and go on to show that the Schur multiplier of the category has properties which generalize those of the Schur multiplier of a group.
Dynamical Coupled-Channel Analysis at EBAC

The status and progress of the dynamical coupled-channel analysis at the Excited Baryon Analysis Center (EBAC) is reported.
Pretreatment nomogram predicting ten-year biochemical outcome of three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy and intensity-modulated radiotherapy for prostate cancer.

OBJECTIVES To update our previously published nomogram predicting for biochemical outcome with 10-year data from a larger cohort of patients treated with three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (RT) or intensity-modulated RT for localized prostate cancer. METHODS From 1988 to 2004, 2253 patients were treated with three-dimensional conformal RT or intensity-modulated RT for clinical Stage T1-T3 prostate cancer. Prescription doses ranged from 64.8 to 86.4 Gy. The median follow-up time was 7 years. The nomogram was developed using a proportional hazards regression model predicting for the probability of biochemical relapse after RT according to the nadir plus 2 ng/mL definition of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) relapse. RESULTS The 10-year PSA relapse-free survival rate was 62%. The nomogram incorporated the following variables to predict likelihood of PSA failure after RT: pretreatment PSA level, Gleason score, radiation dose, use of neoadjuvant androgen deprivation, and clinical stage. The concordance index of this long-term nomogram was 0.72. CONCLUSIONS A nomogram predicting the 10-year probability of biochemical control after three-dimensional conformal RT or intensity-modulated RT for prostate cancer was reasonably accurate and discriminating. The nomogram also provided evidence that long-term biochemical control can be achieved after conformal RT for the treatment of localized prostate cancer.
Subnanoradian X-ray phase-contrast imaging using a far-field interferometer of nanometric phase gratings

Phase-contrast imaging has become popular for medical diagnostic purposes because of the ability to see transparent structures at relatively small radiation energy dosed to samples. Wen et al. further develop this technique using nanometric phase gratings to achieve subnanoradian sensitivity.
The 17th Street Bridge in Atlanta, Georgia: Context-Sensitive Design Process

The new 17th Street Bridge provides a vital link between midtown Atlanta, Georgia, and the proposed Atlantic Station development. The project was presented to the community as an opportunity to create a signature structure for Atlanta—a gateway into the city. The community was extensively involved in the development of the bridge. Through a series of community workshops, focus groups, and architectural task groups, the bridge was defined and detailed, and pedestrian mobility and safety were the focus of the final product. The resulting bridge, though significantly different from the original vision, has met with approval from the community.
Second harmonic generation microscopy for quantitative analysis of collagen fibrillar structure

Second-harmonic generation (SHG) microscopy has emerged as a powerful modality for imaging fibrillar collagen in a diverse range of tissues. Because of its underlying physical origin, it is highly sensitive to the collagen fibril/fiber structure, and, importantly, to changes that occur in diseases such as cancer, fibrosis and connective tissue disorders. We discuss how SHG can be used to obtain more structural information on the assembly of collagen in tissues than is possible by other microscopy techniques. We first provide an overview of the state of the art and the physical background of SHG microscopy, and then describe the optical modifications that need to be made to a laser-scanning microscope to enable the measurements. Crucial aspects for biomedical applications are the capabilities and limitations of the different experimental configurations. We estimate that the setup and calibration of the SHG instrument from its component parts will require 2-4 weeks, depending on the level of the user's experience.
Striking the balance

Abstract [Newman DH, Wolfson AB. Striking the balance. Ann Emerg Med. May 2001;37:541-542.]
Oxygen atom reactions with SiHCl3 in solid argon: The infrared spectrum of SiCl3OH

Abstract SiCl 3 OH is identified as a major reaction product of uv photolysis of SiHCl 3 O 3 and vacuum uv photolysis of SiHCl 3 O 2 mixtures in solid argon. The ir spectrum of normal and isotopically substituted SiCl 3 OH molecules is reported. The frequencies were fitted to a general valence force field.
Interaction and mutual stabilization of the two subunits of vaccinia virus mRNA capping enzyme coexpressed in Escherichia coli.

Abstract The genes D1 and D2, predicted to encode the 95- and 31-kDa subunits of the vaccinia virus mRNA capping enzyme, were coexpressed from the same plasmid in Escherichia coli. Induction with low concentrations of isopropyl beta-D-thiogalactoside was necessary to obtain soluble enzyme. The active heterodimer was purified by column chromatography and was shown to have both RNA guanylyltransferase and mRNA (guanine-N7-)-methyltransferase activities. Formation of the m7G(5')pppG cap structure was verified by enzyme digestion and thin-layer chromatography. Each subunit was also expressed individually in E. coli. Without the large subunit, the small one was very unstable in some bacterial strains and could only be detected by pulse labeling with radioactive amino acids. The individually expressed large subunit contained the guanylyltransferase domain, but the activity from E. coli was less than 2% of that obtained with both subunits. Two other products of the D1 open reading frame were formed: a 55-kDa subfragment with the GMP binding site and a 38-kDa C-terminal fragment that started at amino acid 498. Expression of this heterodimeric enzyme in E. coli may facilitate the analysis of its functional domains and provide a useful reagent for the specific 5' labeling of uncapped or capped RNA and for enhancing RNA translatability in eukaryotic systems.
Left Gastric Artery Arising from the Superior Mesenteric Artery: Case Reports

Two case reports of a left gastric artery replaced to the SMA are presented. Normal left gastric anatomy and development are described, and the importance of such anomalies is discussed.
Attribution theory and attributional therapy: Some theoretical observations and suggestions

Two shortcomings of attributional therapy and therapy-related research are pointed out. First, crucial comparisons between attributional inductions are not being made, so that the variables mediating change remain uncertain and, secondly, the full theory is not being used, thereby greatly limiting the possible change programmes.
Reticle inspection system using DUV wavelength and new alogorithm platform for advanced reticle inspection for 0.13-μm technology node

KLA-Tencor has developed a fourth-generation reticle inspection system, the KLA-Tencor 570, using DUV imaging to detect 100-nm defects on advanced OPC and PSM reticles for the 0.13 micron technology node production and 0.10 micron technology development. This system contains innovations in optics, electronics, mechanics, algorithms, and software. The DUV wavelength of the optical system improves the resolution and thus the minimum linewidth capability. A low-noise optical system generates high-quality images to improve productivity, facilitate defect classification, and reduce operator errors. The United Inspection Computer (UIC), a high-speed scalable computational engine, renders database data to create an image of the mask for die-to-database inspections. The UIC uses the new Ultra-Performance Algorithm (UPA), which provides high detection sensitivity at high speed for D:D and D:DB inspections. UPA can handle complex structures such as advanced OPC and phase shift masks. It places no fundamental requirement on the size of OPC features. UPA classifies defects automatically. The operator can select sensitivity settings independently for each defect type. Since UPA measures the CD of every feature on the reticle, it can also make Total Plate Quality (TPQ) measurements for statistical process control of mask manufacturing. A new reticle handling system reduces overhead time and allows easy loading and unloading of the reticle. This system manipulates 6-inch and 230-mm reticles with and without pellicles. A flexible adapter design allows the system to mix different reticle sizes. A new Data Preparation System (DPS) executes on a multi-processor computer with a 64-bit operating system to minimize data preparation time. This DPS architecture allows the operator to change various inspection parameters such as pixel size, alignment points, DNIR's and rotation without the need for re-prep, thereby improving productivity and flexibility. The KLA-Tencor 570 also allows optional remote Data Prep. Test results indicate that the KLA-Tencor 570 already meets its sensitivity specifications on a Verimask VT 690 in both die-to-die and die-to-database modes.
Creating a new organizational culture: The key to total quality management in the public sector

Total Quality Management (TQM) as a business strategy has been recognized by managers in the public sector since the late 1980s. While much has been written about the need for TQM and its strategies such as quantitative measurement and statistical analysis, team work and worker participation, few empirical and theoretical studies have been carried out or published on the connection of organizational culture to the implementation of TQM. Many leaders in the field have asserted that significant organizational cultural change will be required to ensure the success of TQM. This paper examines the changes that may be required in the process, and presents a synopsis of the need to (perhaps) reexamine the definition of organizational culture and the perspective of management, public or private, to make the culture of an organization more compatible with desired values.
Hyponatremia in the elderly: diagnosis and management

Hyponatremia is a commonly encountered problem in both the inpatient and outpatient geriatric population. Fluid and electrolyte problems are often more severe and more difficult to manage in the elderly than in younger patients. The increased risk of developing hyponatremia in the elderly can be attributed to physiologic changes associated with aging, disease processes that are more frequently found in the elderly, and to the increased number of medications prescribed for older patients. In this review, a differential diagnosis of hyponatremia is outlined based on clinical estimate of volume status and measurement of urinary sodium. The pathophysiology of each disorder is explained followed by specific circumstances that should be considered in elderly patients. A specific approach to treatment is described along with possible therapeutic dilemmas which may arise in elderly patients.
Use of positron emission tomography to study tumors in vivo.

Abstract Positron emission tomography (PET) is a non-invasive imaging technique. The ability of PET to visualize biochemistry and physiology in vivo distinguishes this technique from other imaging modalities and renders it of particular interest for oncological studies. PET studies can of en differentiate between normal and neoplastic tissue, as well as identify early signs of malignant degeneration through biochemical or physiological changes. Over the past several years, PET studies have been useful in the early diagnosis and the selection of treatment, as well as in following the progression or regression of malignant disease processes. Of particular significance, PET findings can be quantified by using mathematical modeling and computerized data analysis, which makes it possible to produce quantitative images of human pathophysiology in vivo .
Osteogenesis imperfecta in a weightlifter.

Abstract Objective: To discuss the case of a 42-yr-old weightlifter with osteogenesis imperfecta. Clinical Features: The patient had bilateral acute elbow pain and a previous history of more than 35 fractures of the spine and extremities. Intervention: There is no current treatment for osteogenesis imperfecta. Treatment objectives were designed to minimize pain, improve range of motion, and decrease stress on the elbow joints. Nutritional supplementation was used to help maintain bone density. The elbow pain improved with treatment, and the patient has had no new fractures in the last 6 years. Conclusion: Although most patients with osteogenesis imperfecta are physically inactive because of the high risk of fracture, some patients with milder forms of the condition may be involved in some athletic activities. Although manipulation is contraindicated in patients with osteogenesis imperfecta, chiropractors may be of service by offering pain relief and rehabilitation, in addition to advice regarding nutrition and supplements. (J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2002;25:334-39)
Foraging tactics and prey-selection patterns of omnivorous and carnivorous calanoid copepods

The foraging tactics and prey-selection patterns of omnivorous and carnivorous calanoid copepods are reviewed. Calanoid foraging tactics are envisioned as falling along several closely coupled continua reflecting swimming behavior, feeding behavior, and dietary habit. The consequences of these foraging tactics on prey-selection patterns are explored in the context of a graphical model. It is hypothesized that the prey-selection patterns of calanoid copepods are determined, to a large extent, by calanoid foraging tactics and the size relationships of predator and prey.
Electrophysiological Assessment of Auditory Stimulus-Specific Plasticity in Schizophrenia

Background Disrupted neuroplasticity may be an important aspect of the neural basis of schizophrenia. We used event-related brain potentials (ERPs) to assay neuroplasticity after auditory conditioning in chronic schizophrenia patients (SZ) and matched healthy control subjects (HC). Methods Subjects (15 HC, 14 SZ) performed an auditory oddball task during electroencephalogram recording before and after auditory tetanic stimulation (Pre/Post Blocks). Each oddball block consisted of 1000-Hz and 1500-Hz standards and 400-Hz targets. During tetanic conditioning, 1000-Hz tones were presented at 11 Hz for 2.4 min. We analyzed the standard trials, comparing the ERPs evoked by the tetanized stimuli (1000 Hz tones: TS+) and untetanized stimuli (1500 Hz tones: TS–) in the Post Blocks with ERPs from the Pre Blocks (averaged into Baseline ERPs). Results In Post Block 1 in HC, TS+ tones evoked a negative shift (60–350 msec) at right temporal electrodes relative to Baseline. No pre-/post-tetanus effects were found in SZ. In Post Block 2 in HC, TS+ tones evoked a positive shift (200–300 msec) at bilateral frontal electrodes. In SZ, TS+ tones evoked a positive shift (100–400 msec) at right frontotemporal electrodes. No pre-/post-tetanus effects were found in either subject group for the TS– tones. The right temporal Post Block 1 and 2 effects were correlated in SZ, suggesting a trade-off in the expression of these effects. Conclusions These results suggest that stimulus-specific auditory neuroplasticity is abnormal in schizophrenia. The electrophysiologic assessment of stimulus-specific plasticity may yield novel targets for drug treatment in schizophrenia.
An investigation of hardness and adhesion of sputter-deposited aluminum on silicon by utilizing a continuous indentation test

The hardness of aluminum films on silicon are measured as functions of depth of the indenter. The films have thicknesses of 0.25,0.5, and 1.0μm. The adhesion between one film and the substrate has been reduced through the prior deposition of a 10 nm layer of carbon. In each case the hardness is found to increase as the indenter approaches the film-substrate interface, but the rate of increase is greater for a film with good adhesion than for one with poor adhesion. It is suggested that this increase results from the constraint on deformation of the film by the substrate. A physical model is proposed whereby the yield stress of the film, σo, and an average effective shear strength τ of the indenter-film and film-substrate interfaces, may be determined from the data.
Replication-dependent instability at (CTG)•(CAG) repeat hairpins in human cells

Instability of (CTG)•(CAG) repeats in microsatellite DNA has been linked to numerous neurological diseases. Probing trinucleotide repeat structures using engineered zinc-finger nucleases provides evidence that DNA hairpins form in vivo and are linked to replication-dependent genomic instability.
Metric nonlinearities of microchannel plate detectors

Metric nonlinearities in microchannel plate detectors have been mapped using a small spot of UV light scanned across the detector. The centroid of the detected image is accurately located, and corrections to the wavelength scale are made to determine the precise absolute Doppler shifts of the solar emission lines. The possible causes of the observed nonlinearities are briefly discussed.
Synthesis and excited-state photodynamics of perylene–porphyrin dyads Part 3. Effects of perylene, linker, and connectivity on ultrafast energy transfer

New perylene–porphyrin dyads have been designed that exhibit superior light-harvesting and energy-utilization activity compared with earlier generations of structurally related dyads. The new dyads consist of a perylene mono(imide) dye (PMI) connected to a porphyrin (Por) via an ethynylphenyl (ep) linker. The PMI–ep–Por arrays were prepared with the porphyrin as either a zinc or magnesium complex (Por = Zn or Mg) or a free-base form (Por = Fb). The absorption properties of the perylene complement those of the porphyrin. Following excitation of the perylene (forming PMI*) in toluene, each array exhibits ultrafast (kENT ≥ (0.5 ps)−1) and essentially quantitative energy transfer from PMI* to the ground-state porphyrin (forming Por*). In each of the arrays, the properties of the excited porphyrin (lifetime, fluorescence yield, etc.) are basically unperturbed from those of the isolated pigment. Thus, following energy transfer, the excited porphyrin is not quenched by deleterious reactions involving the perylene accessory unit that would otherwise limit the ability of Por* to emit light or transfer energy to another stage in a molecular photonic device. Collectively, the PMI–ep–Por dyads represent the successful result of a molecular design strategy to produce arrays with excellent properties for use as light-input and energy-transduction elements for applications in molecular optoelectronics.
Nitrogen metabolism in cockerels treated with 17-α-methyl-17-β-hydroxyandrosta-Δ1, 4-3-one (methandrostenolone)

Abstract Intramuscular administrations of a saline suspension of 17- α -methyl-17- β -hydroxyandrosta-Δ 1, 4 -3-one (methandrostenolone) ranging from 0.25 to 10 mg per kilogram body weight per day were given to noncastrated White Rock cockerels from the fifth to the seventh week of age. It was found that the anabolic response to this steroid in chicks was similar to that of other androgens. Excessive dosages (1.25 mg per kilogram per day) resulted in slower gains in body weight, while moderate dosages (0.50 mg per kilogram per day) produced small but significant increases in weight over saline-injected controls. Although not as clearly defined, a similar pattern was observed in retention of nitrogen. Pectoralis muscle weights were depressed with 2.50 mg per kilogram per day while 5.00 mg per kilogram per day was required to reduce semi-membranosus weights. In general these reductions in muscle mass by excessive administration of the steroid could be accounted for by the lower body weights; however, the reductions in pectoralis weight at the 10 mg per kilogram per day dose level were greater than could be accounted for by correction for the lower body weight. Concentration of nitrogen in muscle or the percentage of water were not significantly changed at the dosages employed. Levels of the hormone sufficient to induce significant gains in weight and nitrogen retention also caused noticeable changes in sexual characteristics, including increased comb weight and maturation of the germinal epithelium within the seminiferous tubules.
Promoting Labour Market Efficiency and Fairness through a Legal Minimum Wage: The Webbs and the Social Cost of Labour

Neoclassical economists, using a competitive demand/supply model of labour markets, typically conclude a legislated minimum wage is harmful to economic efficiency and social welfare. The major theoretical counter-attack by proponents of a minimum wage is to argue that low-wage labour markets are better modelled as monopsonistic. This article develops and formalizes a second theoretical defence for a legal minimum wage law. This defence rests on the concept of the social cost of labour, as originally popularized by Sidney and Beatrice Webb and then further developed by American institutional economists. This analysis is unique in that it continues to use the competitive demand/supply model but nonetheless demonstrates that a legislated minimum wage often simultaneously increases both economic efficiency and fairness, unlike the neoclassical prediction.
Reprogramming of myosin light chain 1/3 expression in muscle heterokaryons.

Abstract Fast myosin light chain (MLC) 1 3 is one of the few genes which regulates transcript production at both transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels, utilizing two functionally distinct promoters coupled with alternatively spliced exons. The transcriptional process controlling expression from this single gene locus is developmentally regulated, such that MLC 1 precedes MLC 3 during myogenesis. Results from our RNA analyses demonstrate that in differentiated rat L6E9 muscle, MLC 3 is the sole isoform expressed from the MLC 1 3 locus. However, we also show that by generating rat L6E9:mouse C2 muscle heterokaryons, MLC 1 expression from the L6E9 MLC locus can be induced. In addition to novel rat MLC 1 expression in the C2:L6E9 heterokaryons, we show that the synthesis profile of rat MLC 3 mRNA is also altered relative to L6E9 muscle cultured alone. Additional experiments demonstrate that the reprogramming of rat MLC 1 and 3 expression in the muscle heterokaryons requires that C2 and L6E9 nuclei be contained within a common cytoplasm. These results demonstrate that expression from the MLC 1 3 gene is “plastic,” and is not under the control of a strict developmental program but, rather, can be modified by the environmental milieu.
Analytical Modeling of Fracture of Materials with Environment Assisted Delaminations

We consider delamination crack growth controlled by gas diffusion into the crack. If the gas is accumulated inside the delamination, after some incubation period, the crack starts growing under the pressure of the accumulated gas. An important example is given by hydrogen induced delamination. Hydrogen absorbed by a metal is typically dissolved in the proton form within the lattice. Some of the protons reach the surface of pre-existing or freshly created cracks or delaminations where they recombine with electrons and form molecular hydrogen in the crack cavity. Since the molecular form of hydrogen is thermodynamically more stable, this process leads to accumulation of hydrogen gas inside the delamination crack. Under the excessive hydrogen pressure fracture often takes place even in the absence of any additional external loading. It is known, that the fracture toughness K Ic in most cases cannot be assumed crack velocity independent in conditions of hydrogen embrittlement, however described by some kinetic functions K Ic ( v ). As numerically shown in the author's earlier work for the internal crack growth, the crack velocity first increases in accordance with the kinetic function until reaching some value of v s and remains at the same level afterwards. Since, as has been obtained by the author in a previous paper, kinetic equations for internal and delamination cracks are essentially identical, the same conclusion can be derived for the latter. In this paper the stability and asymptotic approach to the constant velocity of delamination growth is proved analytically. If v s is known, the corresponding value of fracture toughness, K s , is obtained by substituting v s into the kinetic function K Ic ( v ) resulting in K s = K Ic ( v s ).
Aerosol Evaporation in the Transition Regime

ABSTRACT This paper attempts to provide a definitive study of microdroplet evaporation over a range of Knudsen numbers extending from the continuum regime to the free-molecule regime. By electrodynamically levitating a droplet of dibutyl phthalate (DBP) in a temperature-controlled vacuum chamber, by following the evaporation by means of angular scattering measurements and by recording morphology-dependent resonance spectra, precise evaporation rate data were obtained for various pressures and temperatures. The DBP/air system was selected because of the large amount of data available in the literature for DBP and because the molecular mass ratio m DBP/m air, corresponds to the solution of the linearized Boltzmann equation reported by Loyalka et al. (1989). The evaporative flux data for DBP in air are shown to be in agreement with Loyalka's analysis, with the interpolation formula of Loyalka (1983) and with the empirical Fuchs-Sutugin (1970) equation. The free-molecule data are shown to be consistent with a...
Digital venous anatomy

The veins of the digits and their valves were studied in nine cadaveric hands by sequential angiography, microdissection, routine histology, cross-sectional microradiography, and corrosion casting. The findings revealed a pattern of dorsal venous arches situated over each digit. Connections between those arches were at the level of the metacarpal heads, the point at which most of the palmar venous blood joins the dorsal system by intercapitular veins. A system of valves, which were arranged so as to direct flow from distal to proximal, from palmar to dorsal, and from radial to ulnar in the hand, was present in all veins as far distal as the pulp.
Simultaneous, accurate lifetime determination of two luminophores using time-domain techniques

The multi-luminophore lifetime determination (MLD) technique uses a simple window sum correction to calculate the true lifetime of two temporally-distinct luminophores using time-domain techniques. This method offers advantages over traditional fitting methods because it can quickly calculate lifetime for optimal use in applications which require the ability to monitor dynamic changes, such as multi-analyte sensing. Measurement error can be reduced if sampling parameters such as window width are chosen appropriately.
The impact of high-voltage and fast-switching devices on modular multilevel converters

US government is funding the development of high-voltage and fast-switching power semiconductor devices based on silicon carbide (SiC) for applications in medium- and high-voltage power systems. The availability of these devices should reduce the complexities of grid-connected advanced power electronic systems like medium-voltage voltage-source converters (VSC) for HVDC terminals, power electronic interfaces for distributed generation, or high-power motor drives. However, fast-switching devices may augment the adverse effects of parasitic inductances that are inherent in any power converter layout. Hence, this paper presents a theoretical analysis of the impacts that the developing 15-kV SiC insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs) have on modular multilevel converters (MMCs) in terms of the sub-module (SM) numbers, the SM capacitance, the effects of parasitic inductances on overvoltages, capacitor and IGBT module volumes, and THD. An 800 MW ±320 kV VSC-HVDC terminal is selected as a case study to illustrate the potential advantages of such a high-voltage and fast-switching semiconductor device.
The Herzberg Controversy: A Critical Reappraisal

Substantial empirical evidence is available in support of both Herzberg's duality theory of job satisfaction and more conventional uniscalar explanations. This article breaks the deadlock by emphas...
Initiating dialogue on social media: An investigation of athletes’ use of dialogic principles and structural features of Twitter

Abstract In this study, the authors examine the Twitter activity of professional athletes to determine how dialogue is initiated with followers using dialogic principles and the structural features of Twitter. Findings of a content analysis suggest that two-way dialogue is under-utilized but the structural features of Twitter (hashtags and multimedia) are used to keep users coming back to their Twitter feed.