cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Lamisil (terbinafine) toxicity: Determining pathways to bioactivation through computational and experimental approaches.

Abstract Lamisil (terbinafine) may cause idiosyncratic liver toxicity through a proposed toxicological mechanism involving the reactive metabolite 6,6-dimethyl-2-hepten-4-ynal (TBF-A). TBF-A toxicological relevance remains unclear due to a lack of identification of pathways leading to and competing with TBF-A formation. We resolved this knowledge gap by combining computational modeling and experimental kinetics of in vitro hepatic N-dealkylation of terbinafine. A deep learning model of N-dealkylation predicted a high probability for N-demethylation to yield desmethyl-terbinafine followed by N-dealkylation to TBF-A and marginal contributions from other possible pathways. We carried out steady-state kinetic experiments with pooled human liver microsomes that relied on development of labeling methods to expand metabolite characterization. Those efforts revealed high levels of TBF-A formation and first order decay during metabolic reactions; actual TBF-A levels would then reflect the balance between those processes as well as reflect the impact of stabilizing adduction with glutathione and other biological molecules. Modeling predictions and experimental studies agreed on the significance of N-demethylation and insignificance of N-denaphthylation in terbinafine metabolism, yet differed on importance of direct TBF-A formation. Under steady-state conditions, the direct pathway was the most important source of the reactive metabolite with a Vmax/Km of 4.0 pmol/min/mg protein/µM in contrast to model predictions. Nevertheless, previous studies show that therapeutic dosing leads to accumulation of desmethyl-terbinafine in plasma, which means that likely sources for TBF-A would draw from metabolism of both the major metabolite and parent drug based on our modeling and experimental studies. Through this combination of novel modeling and experimental approaches, we are the first to identify pathways leading to generation of TBF-A for assessing its role in idiosyncratic adverse drug interactions.
Rapid temporal changes in root colonization by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and fine root endophytes, not dark septate endophytes, track plant activity and environment in an alpine ecosystem

Fungal root endophytes play an important role in plant nutrition, helping plants acquire nutrients in exchange for photosynthates. We sought to characterize the progression of root colonization by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), dark septate endophytes (DSE), and fine root endophytes (FRE) over an alpine growing season, and to understand the role of the host plant and environment in driving colonization levels. We sampled four forbs on a regular schedule from June 26th–September 11th from a moist meadow (3535 m a.s.l) on Niwot Ridge, Rocky Mountain Front Range, CO, USA. We quantified the degree of root colonization by storage structures, exchange structures, and hyphae of all three groups of fungi. AMF and FRE percent colonization fluctuated significantly over time, while DSE did not. All AMF structures changed over time, and the degree of change in vesicles differed by plant species. FRE hyphae, AMF arbuscules and AMF vesicles peaked late in the season as plants produced seeds. AMF hyphae levels started high, decreased, and then increased within 20 days, highlighting the dynamic nature of plant-fungal interactions. Overall, our results show that AMF and FRE, not DSE, root colonization rapidly changes over the course of a growing season and these changes are driven by plant phenology and seasonal changes in the environment.
Light-Based Analog Computing Using a Single Array of Polarizable Particles

Light-based signal processing in the spatial domain enables parallel computation, resulting in faster operations in comparison to digital-based systems. We propose a basic platform to realize spatial differentiation and integration of the impinging wavefront using a basic array of electric/magnetic dipoles. We also leverage bianisotropic inclusions to realize odd operations on the impinging wavefront. Our results show that a single array of polarizable particles enables sufficient degrees of freedom to realize optical analog computing using metasurfaces.
Revenue Enhancement via Asymmetric Signaling in Interdependent-Value Auctions.

We consider the problem of designing the information environment for revenue maximization in a sealed-bid second price auction with two bidders. Much of the prior literature has focused on signal design in settings where bidders are symmetrically informed, or on the design of optimal mechanisms under fixed information structures. We study commonand interdependent-value settings where the mechanism is fixed (a second-price auction), but the auctioneer controls the signal structure for bidders. We show that in a standard common-value auction setting, there is no benefit to the auctioneer in terms of expected revenue from sharing information with the bidders, although there are effects on the distribution of revenues. In an interdependent-value model with mixed private- and common-value components, however, we show that asymmetric, information-revealing signals can increase revenue.
Surface to crown transition

Wildland fires are generally classified into three categories: ground fires, surface fires, and crown fires (Fig. 1). Soils are described worldwide by the various layers that have formed or been deposited on top of bedrock or other parent material. In wildland areas, the layer closest to the surface is composed of organic material deposited by plants (Foth 1978). The organic layer is divided into two parts – the O1 layer at the surface and the O2 layer which forms under the O1 layer. Ground fires burn the matted and decomposed organic material that forms the O2 layer. Surface fires burn the surface litter (O1 layer), other loose debris, and small vegetation. Crown fires burn through the living foliage and branches of trees and shrubs independently or coupled to a surface fire. Because the fire environment consisting of vegetative fuels, weather, and topography is complex and dynamic, these fire types often occur simultaneously within a wildland fire, and transitions between the fire types occur as fuels, weather, and topography change.
Estimates of the X ( 3872 ) cross section at a hadron collider

The claim that the $X(3872)$ meson cannot be a charm-meson molecule because its prompt production cross section at hadron colliders is too large is based on an upper bound in terms of a cross section for producing charm-meson pairs. Assuming $X$ is sufficiently weakly bound, we derive an equality between the $X$ cross section and a charm-meson pair cross section that takes into account the threshold enhancement from the $X$ resonance. The cross section for producing $X$ is equal to that for producing ${D}^{*0}{\overline{D}}^{0}$ integrated up to a relative momentum ${k}_{\mathrm{max}}=7.7{\ensuremath{\gamma}}_{X}$, where ${\ensuremath{\gamma}}_{X}$ is the binding momentum of $X$. We also derive an order-of-magnitude estimate of the $X$ cross section in terms of a naive charm-meson pair cross section that does not take into account the threshold enhancement, such as that produced by a Monte Carlo event generator. The cross section for producing $X$ can be approximated by the naive cross section for producing ${D}^{*0}{\overline{D}}^{0}$ integrated up to a relative momentum ${k}_{\mathrm{max}}$ of order $({m}_{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{2}{\ensuremath{\gamma}}_{X}{)}^{1/3}$. The estimates of the prompt $X$ cross section at hadron colliders are consistent with the cross sections observed at the Tevatron and the LHC.
Capillary breakup and extensional rheology response of food thickener cellulose gum (NaCMC) in salt-free and excess salt solutions

Cellulose gum, also known as sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (NaCMC), is a polysaccharide often used as a thickener or rheology modifier in many industrial complex fluids, including foods. Shear and extensional rheology response influence production and processing of food, as well as the consumer perception and bioprocessing that begin with every bite. Stream-wise velocity gradients associated with extensional flows spontaneously arise during extrusion, calendaring, coating, dispensing, bubble growth or collapse, as well as during consumption including swallowing and suction via straws. The influence of polysaccharides on shear rheology response is fairly well characterized and utilized in food industry. In contrast, elucidating, measuring, and harnessing the extensional rheology response have remained longstanding challenges and motivate this study. The characterization challenges include the lack of robust, reliable, and affordable methods for measuring extensional rheology response. The product design challenges stem from the difficulties in assessing or predicting the influence of macromolecular properties on macroscopic rheological behavior. In this contribution, we address the characterization challenges using dripping-onto-substrate (DoS) rheometry protocols that rely on analysis of capillary-driven thinning and breakup of liquid necks created by releasing a finite volume of fluid onto a substrate. The DoS rheometry protocols emulate the heuristic tests of thickening, stickiness, or cohesiveness based on dripping a sauce from a ladle. We show that adding glycerol or changing salt concentration can be used for tuning the pinch-off dynamics, extensional rheology response, and processability of unentangled solutions of cellulose gum, whereas entangled solutions are relatively insensitive to changes in salt concentration.Cellulose gum, also known as sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (NaCMC), is a polysaccharide often used as a thickener or rheology modifier in many industrial complex fluids, including foods. Shear and extensional rheology response influence production and processing of food, as well as the consumer perception and bioprocessing that begin with every bite. Stream-wise velocity gradients associated with extensional flows spontaneously arise during extrusion, calendaring, coating, dispensing, bubble growth or collapse, as well as during consumption including swallowing and suction via straws. The influence of polysaccharides on shear rheology response is fairly well characterized and utilized in food industry. In contrast, elucidating, measuring, and harnessing the extensional rheology response have remained longstanding challenges and motivate this study. The characterization challenges include the lack of robust, reliable, and affordable methods for measuring extensional rheology response. The product design c...
9 – SYSTEMS OF EQUATIONS AND INEQUALITIES

Publisher Summary Many problems in business and engineering require the solution of systems of equations and inequalities. In fact, systems of linear equations and inequalities occur with such frequency that mathematicians and computer scientists have devoted considerable energy to devising methods for their solution. With the aid of large-scale computers, it is possible to solve systems involving thousands of equations or inequalities, a task that previous generations would not have dared tackle. This chapter presents a study of the methods of substitution and elimination—methods that are applicable to all types of systems. It also discusses graphical methods for solving systems of linear inequalities and presents the application of these techniques to linear programming problems.
Molecular Diagnostics for HIV-1

An estimated 30 million people are currently infected with the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), and over the last two decades there have been more than 20 million deaths from the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). In addition, approx 16,000 new infections occur daily, making this a worldwide epidemic. In 1983, Luc Montgnier and his colleagues at the Institute Pasteur and Robert Gallo and his colleagues at the US National Institutes of Health independently identified HIV-1 as the cause of AIDS (1). By 1985, an antibody test was developed to identify infected individuals. Over the following year zidovudine (AZT), the first anti-HIV drug, went on clinical trial and received Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval in record time. In 1986, a second type of HIV called HIV-2 was isolated from AIDS patients in West Africa (2). Although additional drugs such as ddI and ddC were developed, the next major breakthrough did not occur until a decade later with the discovery of a new class of antiviral agents, the protease inhibitors; along with this came the implementation of combination therapy for treatment of HIV-infected individuals. Despite the great progress in diagnosis, treatment, and prevention, HIV remains a major cause of death in most parts of the world. Thus far, the pandemic has led to over 70 million infections and an annual worldwide mortality of 3 million people (1). In addition, the emergence of HIV resistance has been described for all classes of antiretroviral agents (3–7). Recent studies by Little and others (8,9) have shown that a significant number of newly infected HIV patients harbor viruses that are resistant to at least one drug and a small, yet significant, proportion of these patients harbor viruses that are resistant to all available antiviral agents.
TGFβ acts through PDGFRβ to activate mTORC1 via the Akt/PRAS40 axis and causes glomerular mesangial cell hypertrophy and matrix protein expression.

Interaction of transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ)-induced canonical signaling with the noncanonical kinase cascades regulates glomerular hypertrophy and matrix protein deposition, which are early features of glomerulosclerosis. However, the specific target downstream of the TGFβ receptor involved in the noncanonical signaling is unknown. Here, we show that TGFβ increased the catalytic loop phosphorylation of platelet-derived growth factor receptor β (PDGFRβ), a receptor tyrosine kinase expressed abundantly in glomerular mesangial cells. TGFβ increased phosphorylation of the PI 3-kinase–interacting Tyr-751 residue of PDGFRβ, thus activating Akt. Inhibition of PDGFRβ using a pharmacological inhibitor and siRNAs blocked TGFβ-stimulated phosphorylation of proline-rich Akt substrate of 40 kDa (PRAS40), an intrinsic inhibitory component of mTORC1, and prevented activation of mTORC1 in the absence of any effect on Smad 2/3 phosphorylation. Expression of constitutively active myristoylated Akt reversed the siPDGFRβ-mediated inhibition of mTORC1 activity; however, co-expression of the phospho-deficient mutant of PRAS40 inhibited the effect of myristoylated Akt, suggesting a definitive role of PRAS40 phosphorylation in mTORC1 activation downstream of PDGFRβ in mesangial cells. Additionally, we demonstrate that PDGFRβ-initiated phosphorylation of PRAS40 is required for TGFβ-induced mesangial cell hypertrophy and fibronectin and collagen I (α2) production. Increased activating phosphorylation of PDGFRβ is also associated with enhanced TGFβ expression and mTORC1 activation in the kidney cortex and glomeruli of diabetic mice and rats, respectively. Thus, pursuing TGFβ noncanonical signaling, we identified how TGFβ receptor I achieves mTORC1 activation through PDGFRβ-mediated Akt/PRAS40 phosphorylation to spur mesangial cell hypertrophy and matrix protein accumulation. These findings provide support for targeting PDGFRβ in TGFβ-driven renal fibrosis.
Finerenone - Halting Relative Hyperaldosteronism in Chronic Kidney Disease.

Type 2 diabetes is the most common cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease. Cardiovascular risk and the risk of progression of kidney disease are very high among patients ...
Selective abrogation of S6K2 maps lipid homeostasis as a survival vulnerability in MAPKi-resistant NRASMUT melanoma

SUMMARY Although oncogenic NRAS activates MAPK signaling, inhibition of the MAPK pathway is not therapeutically efficacious in NRAS-mutant tumors. Here we report that silencing the ribosomal protein S6 kinase 2 (S6K2), while preserving the activity of S6K1, perturbs lipid metabolism, enhances fatty acid unsaturation, triggers lipid peroxidation and induces cell death selectively in NRAS-mutant melanoma cells that are resistant to MAPK inhibition. S6K2 depletion stimulates SREBP1 activity in an S6K1-dependent manner and relieves suppression of PPARα, triggering apoptosis and ferroptosis. Combining PPARα agonists and polyunsaturated fatty acids phenocopies the effects of S6K2 abrogation, blocking tumor growth. Collectively, our study establishes S6K2 and its effector subnetwork as promising targets for NRAS-mutant melanoma that are resistant to global MAPK pathway inhibitors.
Automated extraction of physical parameters from experimentally obtained thermal profiles using a machine learning approach

Abstract Computational modeling is playing an increasingly important role in designing novel experiments and enhancing existing ones. However, these models require input parameters that are sufficiently accurate in order for the predictions to be quantitatively reliable. Frequently, some of these parameters are not directly measurable or have a large uncertainty. We propose a machine learning approach to automatically extract these uncertain or unknown parameters indirectly from experimental measurements that depend on the combination of parameters in a complex manner. The algorithm iteratively refines the possible range of each parameter based on the mean and standard deviation of the sampling simulations that are at the 10th percentile or lower in error until the convergence criteria is met, which is followed by a multivariate quadratic fit and minimization. To demonstrate its applicability, we apply the algorithm to determine physical parameters during the fitting of temperature profiles extracted from in situ synchrotron measurements of an optical floating zone furnace used for high-temperature crystal growth. We built a thermal transfer model in COMSOL Multiphysics® software that considers an Al2O3 sample that is heated by a power source and thermal conduction and cooled due to natural air convection and thermal radiation. A set of experimentally measured steady-state temperature profiles of a heated Al2O3 sample is used as training data to determine the parameter set using the algorithm, which resulted in a close match. Using this parameter set, we also simulated the time-dependent temperatures, which yielded good agreement to the corresponding experimental measurement. We conclude that the steady-state temperature profiles suffice as training data, eliminating the need for additional in situ measurements of the dynamic experimental state for robust model parameterization.
Etched-groove focusing GaAs surface acoustic wave cavities for enhanced coupling to quantum emitters

We demonstrate focusing cavities of surface acoustic waves on gallium arsenide with quality factors reaching 20,000. These cavities can potentially enhance coupling of surface phonons to a wide variety of quantum systems, possibly enabling efficient quantum transduction.
Highly sensitive amperometric Pt-Nafion gas phase nitric oxide sensor: Performance and application in characterizing nitric oxide-releasing biomaterials

A highly sensitive amperometric gas-phase nitric oxide (NO) sensor based on a Pt working electrode chemically deposited on a Nafion film is described. The Pt electrode is chemically deposited on a Nafion 117 membrane by impregnating the film with Pt(NH3)4(2+) ions, which are then exposed to NaBH4 to precipitate conductive Pt metal. The sensor was characterized with a mass-flow controlled 1 ppm NO standard gas and has an electrochemical surface area of 34 ± 9 cm(2), low limits of detection (4.3 ± 1.1 ppb) and a fast response time (<5s) toward changes in gas phase NO levels. Good correlation was found for measurements with the new amperometric Pt-Nafion sensor vs. chemiluminescence results for detecting the rates of NO release from Carbosil2080A polymer films doped with S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (R = 0.999, m = 0.999, n = 6) and for electrochemical reduction of nitrite to NO (R = 0.999, m = 0.938, n = 3) mediated by a copper(II)-tri(2-pyridylmethyl)amine complex.
Reconciling Professional Ethics and Prosecutorial Power: The No-Contact Rule Debate

The questions whether and when federal prosecutors may ethically contact parties who have retained attorneys about the subject of the representation recently have been the focus of considerable controversy. In this note, Alafair S.R. Burke traces the history of attempts by the Department of Justice toformulate a uniform rule governing such direct communications and analyzes the regulations the Department finalized in August 1994. Ms. Burke argues that federal government attorneys should be subject to a single national standard rather than numerous state no-contact rules, and that certain limited exceptions to the rule are justified in the criminal context. She contends, however, that the new regulations are overbroad because they go beyond the legitimate needs of law enforcement by allowing most direct contacts prior to an arrest. She offers an alternative approach that would create narrow exceptions to the no-contact rule based on the special needs offederal prosecutors. Finally, Ms. Burke argues that prosecutors who violate the rule should be disciplined by state bars but that, contrary to the Second Circuit's holding in United States v. Hammad, courts need not suppress evidence gathered in violation of the rule.
Expert systems for the evaluation of data quality for establishing the Recommended Dietary Allowances.

In view of the important role that nutrient intake assessments play in establishing the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs), the quality of food composition data must be assured for accuracy and representativeness. Assurance of data quality requires the definition of critical parameters in the data generation process and the evaluation of specific data for foods and components according to these parameters. An expert systems approach for evaluating the quality of analytical data has been developed by scientists at the Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center to determine the quality of food composition data for five parameters: sampling plan, sample handling, number of samples, analytical method and analytical quality control. A rating scale for each parameter was developed with 0 representing poor or inadequately documented data and 3 representing optimal data. Specific criteria for each parameter and rating have been developed and incorporated into expert systems software to facilitate the objective assignment of ratings for each data source by the reviewer. After all ratings for a specific food-nutrient combination are assigned, the system calculates a composite score called the "confidence code" which indicates to the user the relative level of confidence in the data. By identifying and rating the important steps in the data generation process, one can begin to partition the possible sources of error or variability in the process. Limitation of the data set relative to specific purposes (e.g., setting the RDAs) can be identified. The evaluation process can provide the basis for focussed research to improve the most critical areas of the data generation process. A similar process could be established to evaluate the quality of analytical data for clinical measurements used to establish the RDAs.
Hoops Group: Group Work with Young "Street" Men

This paper presents the "hoops group," a basketball group for young "street" men. The purpose of this presentation is: (1) to further the discussion of services developed for group empowerment for homeless persons, (2) to present a case example of services to this population, and (3) to further the conceptualization using McGrath's (1991) construct of group functions. This article maintains that groups developed around activities in which individuals feel competence (in this case, playing basketball) are ideal in developing a collective identity and facilitating therapeutic gains.
LoKey: leveraging the SMS network in decentralized, end-to-end trust establishment

People increasingly depend on the digital world to communicate with one another, but such communication is rarely secure. Users typically have no common administrative control to provide mutual authentication, and sales of certified public keys to individuals have made few inroads. The only remaining mechanism is key exchange. Because they are not authenticated, users must verify the exchanged keys through some out-of-band mechanism. Unfortunately, users appear willing to accept any key at face value, leaving communication vulnerable. This paper describes LoKey, a system that leverages the Short Message Service (SMS) to verify keys on users' behalf. SMS messages are small, expensive, and slow, but they utilize a closed network, between devices—phones—that are nearly ubiquitous and authenticate with the network operator. Our evaluation shows LoKey can establish and verify a shared key in approximately 30 seconds, provided only that one correspondent knows the other's phone number. By verifying keys asynchronously, two example applications—an instant messaging client and a secure email service—can provide assurances of message privacy, integrity, and source authentication while requiring only that users know the phone number of their correspondent.
Excitotoxic destruction facilitates brain tumor growth.

Although it acts as a principal neurotransmitter in the brain, glutamate can be highly destructive if released in excess. Glutamate neurotoxicity has been implicated in stroke, head trauma, multiple sclerosis and neurodegenerative diseases. New research suggests that this abundant amino acid might also be involved the growth of brain tumors. (pages 1010–1015 )
On the Theoretical Foundations for Regulating Financial Markets

How we think about financial markets determines how we regulate them. Since the 1970s modern finance theory has shaped how we think about and regulate financial markets. It is based on the notion that markets are or can be made (more) efficient. Financial markets have been deregulated when they were thought to achieve efficient outcomes on their own; and regulation was designed to lend crutches to them when it appeared that they needed support. While modern finance theory has suffered some setbacks in the aftermath of the global crisis, defenders hold that improving market efficiency should still be the overriding concern for regulation. This essay raises the question whether this is indeed the case. What if other factors besides information costs affect the vulnerability of markets to crises? Two factors have been identified in the literature: Imperfect Knowledge and the Liquidity Constraint. This essay introduces the relevant theories that focus on these factors and discusses their regulatory implications.
Drosophila Set1 is the major histone H3 lysine 4 trimethyltransferase with role in transcription

Histone H3 lysine 4 trimethylation (H3K4me3) is a major hallmark of promoter-proximal histones at transcribed genes. Here, we report that a previously uncharacterized Drosophila H3K4 methyltransferase, dSet1, and not the other putative histone H3K4 methyltransferases (Trithorax; Trithorax-related protein), is predominantly responsible for histone H3K4 trimethylation. Functional and proteomics studies reveal that dSet1 is a component of a conserved H3K4 trimethyltransferase complex and polytene staining and live cell imaging assays show widespread association of dSet1 with transcriptionally active genes. dSet1 is present at the promoter region of all tested genes, including activated Hsp70 and Hsp26 heat shock genes and is required for optimal mRNA accumulation from the tested genes. In the case of Hsp70, the mRNA production defect in dSet1 RNAi-treated cells is accompanied by retention of Pol II at promoters. Our data suggest that dSet1-dependent H3K4me3 is responsible for the generation of a chromatin structure at active promoters that ensures optimal Pol II release into productive elongation.
Maximal detection of myocardium in echocardiograms for supervised refinement

A novel thresholding method to separate the myocardium of correct thickness from a sequence of two-dimensional echocardiograms is presented. The threshold is made adaptive by maintaining a constant wall width ratio throughout the image sequence. The width ratio is computed at an interactively indicated wall section where the wall width is known a priori. The method is well suited for detecting the heart walls in long axis views of the echocardiograms, but in general it can be used for detection or any striped object pattern. >
Extended Evaluation of Effects of Anoxia on Ventricular Performance and Compliance

Eight dogs were prepared by implanting a left ventricular pressure transducer, aortic flow probe, and endocardial ultrasound crystals across the maximum transverse left ventricular diameter. In an unanesthetized state, the dogs were evaluated at rest and with acute volume loading, both before ischemic cardiac arrest and sequentially (2, 4, 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours) after 20 minutes of arrest during normothermic cardiopulmonary bypass. At a left ventricular end-diastolic diameter comparable to preoperative levels, left ventricular systolic pressure, heart rate, and rate of rise of left ventricular pressure were not changed, but at 2 to 6 hours there was a significant decrease in cardiac output (p less than 0.01), left ventricular stroke work (p less than 0.01), ejection fraction (p less than 0.05), maximum rate of systolic diameter shortening (p less than 0.05), and circumferential fiber shortening (p less than 0.05). They gradually returned to control levels by 24 hours postoperatively. Left ventricular compliance, as measured by left ventricular end-diastolic pressure at a set end-diastolic diameter and by left ventricular diastolic pressure/diameter, was reduced at 2 hours (p less than 0.01) and gradually returned to control values at 48 hours. Thus, reversible myocardial injury due to anoxia is associated with both decreased contractility and compliance, with resultant depressed left ventricular performance for 24 to 48 hours after injury.
Disclination grain boundary model with plastic deformation by dislocations

Abstract A disclination dipole wall model of grain boundaries incorporating a dislocation emission mechanism has been developed. Uniform and non-uniform disclination spacings have been treated, and the complete stress field equations have been solved for the uniform case. Two models of dislocation emission from the disclination dipoles are considered as plastic deformation mechanisms. A stable grain boundary with limited plastic deformation potential is described.
The universal sl(2) cohomology via webs and foams

Abstract We construct the universal sl ( 2 ) -tangle cohomology using an approach with webs and dotted foams. This theory depends on two parameters, and for the case of links it is a categorification of the unnormalized Jones polynomial of the link.
Indications for cardiac surgery in patients with active infective endocarditis

Currently, absolute indications for valve replacement during active infective endocarditis include severe heart failure, the presence of an infecting microorganism that is not susceptible to available antimicrobial agents, and, in patients with an infected prosthetic valve, an unstable device. Relative indications include an etiologic microorganism other than a susceptible Streptococcus, relapse after presumed effective therapy, evidence of intracardiac extension of the infection, two or more systemic emboli, vegetations large enough to be demonstrated by echocardiography, and, in patients with an infected prosthetic device, early disease and periprosthetic leak. With use of data from the medical literature, a study generated by the cardiovascular surgical group at the University of Alabama School of Medicine, and a brief cost analysis, a point system was constructed to assist in decision-making concerning surgery in patients with active infective endocarditis. The usefulness of this system will depend on experience generated from its utilization in a larger number of patients as well as new data relative to a more complete understanding of the risks and benefits of surgery in this condition.
Minimally invasive surgery fellowship does not adversely affect general surgery resident case volume: a decade of experience.

Abstract Background With the advent of clinical fellowships in general surgery, there has been a continual debate over the effect on general surgical resident training. Will a fellowship interfere with a chief resident's experience or case volume? The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that the presence of an advanced laparoscopic fellow in a tertiary care hospital and residency has had no deleterious effect on chief resident laparoscopic case volume. Methods The operative case logs of graduating residents and fellows from 2001 to 2011 were reviewed, focusing on laparoscopic basic and complex cases and comparing between those 2 groups and comparing residents' case numbers with the national average published by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. Results Residents graduating from 2001 to 2011 (4–6 chief residents per year) performed an average of 989 ± 76.2 laparoscopic cases per graduating chief class, with each chief averaging 207.7 ± 10.7. The average number of laparoscopic basic cases per graduating chief year was 555.3 ± 42.1, with each chief averaging 116.2 ± 4.9. The average number of laparoscopic complex cases per graduating chief year was 434.4 ± 39.2, with each chief averaging 91.5 ± 7.2. Over the same period of time (1 or 2 fellows per year), fellows performed an average of 336 ± 23.3 cases per year. When comparing residents' total average cases with the national data, the residents performed a similar number of cases (209.9 ± 11.9 vs 195.0 ± 19.5, P = .53). When comparing years when there were 2 clinical fellows vs years with 1 fellow, there was no change in the total number of laparoscopic cases per chief (224.2 vs 195.6, P = .26) and no change in the number of complex laparoscopic cases (97.1 vs 88.7, P = .63). There was a significant difference for basic laparoscopic cases, with a slight decrease when there were 2 fellows (127.8 vs 106.9, P = .04). Conclusions A laparoscopic fellowship has not had an adverse impact on the complex or basic laparoscopic case experience of surgical residents. In a busy academic practice, laparoscopic fellowships and general surgical residency can coexist.
Integrating technology and pedagogy for inquiry-based learning: The Stanford Mobile Inquiry-based Learning Environment (SMILE)

Despite the long-standing interest in educational technology reforms, many researchers have found that it is difficult to incorporate advanced information and communications technologies (ICT) in classrooms. Many ICT projects, particularly in the developing world, are limited by the lack of integration between pedagogy and technology. This article presents a framework for integrating ICT technology and inquiry-based pedagogies in classroom settings: the Stanford Mobile Inquiry-based Learning Environment (SMILE). It then outlines findings from a series of studies that tested SMILE’s effectiveness in various country contexts. SMILE successfully spurs student questioning and changes student-teacher dynamics in class. On the other hand, school and country contexts influence students’ initial abilities to form deep inquiries, and SMILE is more difficult to implement in areas where rote memorization pedagogies are typical. The authors advocate further research on the effect of long-term interventions.
Metastable (III–V)1−xIV2x alloys

Abstract Zincblende-to-diamond-lattice structural phase transitions should occur in metastable (III–V)1−xIV2x alloys at a transition composition xc that is controllable by growth conditions. The effect of this transition should be visible both in the electronic as well as the vibrational properties of these alloys. For example, in the prototypical (III–V)1−xIV2x alloy, (GaAs)1−xGe2x, the observed anomalous V-shaped bowing of the direct gap is explained in terms of the phase transition, which occurs at the minimum of the “V.” Predictions are made for the band gaps of new metastable alloys, such as (GaSb)1−xSn2x. Consequences of this transition for (III–V)-IV superlattices are also discussed.
The global e-economy: Can your ERP handle it?

Are your information systems up to the demands of a rapidly changing global business environment? ©2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
The Relationship Between the Intensity of Competition in China’s Real Estate Industry and its Return on Equity

Does the rate of return from the Chinese real estate industry correlate with the intensity of competition among real estate firms? If China’s equity market performs efficiently, the rates of return of real estate firms should vary indirectly with their level of monopoly power. Greater monopoly power reduces earnings risk and leads to lower costs of capital. The authors analyze empirical evidence and indicate no relationship exists between returns and competition. Speculation may induce stock prices to deviate from normal values. Because normal values assume no speculation, Chinese markets are not likely to be economically efficient.
Adrenal cortical carcinoma

Adrenal cortical carcinoma is a rare endocrine tumor for which complete surgical resection is the only potentially curative treatment. Accurate preoperative evaluation (biochemical and radiographic) of the patient who presents with an adrenal mass maximizes the opportunity for the patient to undergo a complete, margin-negative resection of the primary tumor, which is the most powerful prognostic variable for long-term survival. The response to chemotherapy or mitotane is modest in patients with advanced disease. Hopefully, an improved understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of this challenging tumor will lead to the development of more effective therapies in the future.
Predicting photoactive compound (PAC) decomposition tendencies in resists

All photoresists have finite shelf lives where lithographic properties and performance remain within acceptable specified ranges. Slow but perceptible decomposition of the diazonaphthoquinone (DNQ) photoactive compounds (PAC) result in the evolution of nitrogen gas and acidic by-products which may begin to affect functional behavior. This study looks at the relative increase in acidity of aged PAC solutions using a very sensitive spectrophotometric measurement technique based upon Congo red indicator (see accompanying paper 3049- 49). The technique was used to assess the main resist component combinations which accelerate acid generation. Major effects indicated that particular combinations of PAC isomer and solvent greatly affected the reactive generation of acidic species in solution. In general, the 2,1,5 isomers of both novolac-based or hydroxylated benzophenone PACs were less stable than their 2,1,4 counterparts in all of the tests. The supposition that acidity was caused by PAC decomposition was substantiated by degassing studies which parallelled the acid measurements indicating that the 2,1,5 PACs were less stable than the 2,1,4 isomers. Results may be useful in formulating resists with extended shelf lives.
Diffusion-controlled bimolecular recombination of electrons and holes in a-Si:H

Abstract The fluctuation-dominated and mean-field models for diffusion-controlled bimolecular recombination are compared with picosecond domain transient optical experiments on a-Si:H. Using no fitting parameters, the fluctuation-dominated model gives a good account for the optical decay times as a function of laser intensity. A lower bound for the thermalization radius of a photogenerated electron-hole pair, r0 > 12 nm, is inferred. a-Si:H ia felicitous material for exhibiting the fluctuation-dominated effects since it combines a modest electron mobility with an unexplained but large thermalization radius. However, the role of the electrostatic potential fluctuations due to the charged electrons and holes is not understood.
Improving staff satisfaction through job design.

Job satisfaction affects the quality of the services provided in human service organizations and it is strongly influenced by job design. The author suggests that meeting staff needs for satisfying work is an important responsibility of the administrator.
Duality Theory for Infinite Horizon Convex Models

Often it is desirable to formulate certain decision problems without specifying a cut-off date and terminal conditions which are sometimes felt to be arbitrary. This paper examines the duality theory that goes along with the kind of open-ended convex programming models frequently encountered in mathematical economics and operations research. Under a set of general axioms, duality conditions necessary and sufficient for infinite horizon optimality are derived. The proof emphasizes the close connection between duality theory for infinite horizon convex models and dynamic programming. Dual prices with the required properties are inductively constructed in each period as supports to the state evaluation function.
Delivery of a monomeric p53 subdomain with mitochondrial targeting signals from pro-apoptotic Bak or Bax

Purpose p53 targeted to the mitochondria is the fastest and most direct pathway for executing p53 death signaling. The purpose of this work was to determine if mitochondrial targeting signals (MTSs) from pro-apoptotic Bak and Bax are capable of targeting p53 to the mitochondria and inducing rapid apoptosis.
Fumarate Reductase in the Control of Heme Biosynthesis

A drug-induced stimulation of heme biosynthesis in mouse liver was accompanied by altered fumarate metabolism. In liver homogenate, fumarate 1,4-C14 was incorporated, via succinate and succinyl coenzyme A, into heme at an accelerated rate. This pathway of fumarate utilization was inhibited by acetoacetate but not by β-hydroxybutyrate. Fumarate reduction to succinate required reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide. The enzyme fumarate reductase is suggested as a link between terminal oxidation and cellular control of the heme biosynthetic pathway.
Analysis of the difficulties and possibilities for superresolution

In passive imaging, the spatial information acquired is strictly bandlimited. Because of this limitation, a number of postprocessing strategies have been proposed to accomplish a measure of superresolution. These strategies incorporate prior information about the image to improve resolution. We show that unless this information is shift- variant, it is unable to contribute to any superresolution. Shift-variant information about the image can be shown to be equivalent to forcing a correlation among the basis images that represent the image. We show that accomplishing superresolution from this correlation is very difficult and has fundamental limitations. Finally, we discuss the potential gains available from using prior information and propose an acquisition strategy that in some cases could improve the potential for superresolution.
Micropropagation of Phytolacca dodecandra through shoot-tip and nodal cultures

A procedure for micropropagation of endod (Phytolacca dodecandra) is described. BA at 0.44 μM produced 3.1 new shoots per expiant in six weeks using shoot tips. Nodal expiants, however, produced up to 4.7 shoots per explant on medium with 0.44 μM BA and 0.27 μM GA,. IBA at 0.49 μM induced 90% rooting with minimal callus. Plantlets were successfully transferred to the greenhouse and some staminate clones produced flowers after six months.
NMR lineshapes caused by transverse cross relaxation of nearly like spins

Abstract Transverse cross relaxation resulting from an intramolecular dipole-dipole interaction of two nearly like spins is investigated in the slow tumbling region. Theoretically predicted non-Lorentzian lineshapes are experimentally confirmed. The conditions for maximum peak separation and for coalescence are derived and relationships between lineshapes for transverse cross relaxation and for chemical exchange are discussed.
Morphology of rubella virus

Abstract The morphology of rubella virus was studied in thin sections of infected rabbit cells. The virus matures by budding from membranes within the cytoplasm. Rubella virus contains a dense core surrounded by two limiting membranes. The core has a diameter of approximately 35 mμ and the entire virion a diameter of 50 mμ. Once thought to be a member of the myxovirus group, the agent now seems to fall into a new group of viruses morphologically different from the myxoviruses.
Overexpression of ATP Sulfurylase in Indian Mustard Leads to Increased Selenate Uptake, Reduction, and Tolerance

In earlier studies, the assimilation of selenate by plants appeared to be limited by its reduction, a step that is thought to be mediated by ATP sulfurylase. Here, the Arabidopsis APS1 gene, encoding a plastidic ATP sulfurylase, was constitutively overexpressed in Indian mustard (Brassica juncea). Compared with that in untransformed plants, the ATP sulfurylase activity was 2- to 2.5-fold higher in shoots and roots of transgenic seedlings, and 1.5- to 2-fold higher in shoots but not roots of selenate-supplied mature ATP-sulfurylase-overexpressing (APS) plants. The APS plants showed increased selenate reduction: x-ray absorption spectroscopy showed that root and shoot tissues of mature APS plants contained mostly organic Se (possibly selenomethionine), whereas wild-type plants accumulated selenate. The APS plants were not able to reduce selenate when shoots were removed immediately before selenate was supplied. In addition, Se accumulation in APS plants was 2- to 3-fold higher in shoots and 1.5-fold higher in roots compared with wild-type plants, and Se tolerance was higher in both seedlings and mature APS plants. These studies show that ATP sulfurylase not only mediates selenate reduction in plants, but is also rate limiting for selenate uptake and assimilation.
Determination of Potential coefficients to degree 52 from 5° Mean Gravity Anomalies

A set of 38406 1°×1° mean free air anomalies were used to derive a set of 1507 5° equal area anomalies that were supplemented by 147 predicted anomalies to form a global coverage of 1654 anomalies. These anomalies were used to derive potential coefficients to degree 52 using the summation formulae. In these computations, a smoothing operator was introduced and found to significantly effect the results at higher degrees. In addition, the effects of the atmosphere, spherical approximation and terrain were studied. It was found that the atmospheric effects and spherical approximation effects were about 0.3% of the actual coefficients. The terrain correction effects amounted to 10 to 25% of the low degree coefficients depending on a specific terrain correction model chosen; however, the correction terms found from the models did not yield solutions that agreed better with current satellite derived potential coefficient determinations. Anomalies were computed from the derived potential coefficients for comparison to the original anomalies. These comparisons showed that the agreement between the two anomalies became significantly better as the degree of expansion increased to the maximum considered. These comparisons shed some doubt on the rule of thumb that a block of size θ° can be represented by a spherical harmonic expansion to 180°/θ°.
Computability aspects for 1st-order partial differential equations via characteristics

In this paper, it is shown that the method of characteristics can be used to compute local solutions of the boundary value problems for the first-order partial differential equations at feasible instances, under the natural definition of computability from the view point of application; but the maximal region of existence of a computable local solution may not be computable. It is also shown that the problem whether a boundary value problem has a global solution is not algorithmically decidable. The negative results retain even within the class of quasilinear equations defined by analytic computable functions over particularly simple domains (quasilinear equations are among the simplest first-order nonlinear partial differential equations). This fact shows that the algorithmic unsolvability is intrinsic.