cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Market P/E Ratio, Earnings Trends, and Stock Return Forecasts

This is an analysis of periods characterized by high price/equity ratios, using measures of the market P/E based on both one-year trailing earnings and ten-year smoothed earnings. High P/E periods are preceded by accelerating equity returns and declines in both nominal interest rates and stock market volatility. Stock returns following a high P/E period are marginally higher when earnings growth remains strong and interest rates continue falling. Even when these mitigating factors are in place, however, real returns are appreciably lower for decades following high levels of the market P/E ratio. The worst case scenario for future equity returns occurs when P/E ratios expand during periods of strong earnings growth. Once earnings growth slows, equities are left profoundly overvalued, which leads to prolonged periods of low and sometimes negative real returns. The findings suggest that U.S. equities are currently priced to deliver real returns that are positive, but well below their historical average.
The dry deposition of sulfur dioxide on a loblolly pine plantation

Abstract A concentration gradient/resistance model approach was used to determine the flux density, deposition velocity, and transport resistances for sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ) between the atmosphere and a loblolly pine ( Pirms taeda L.) plantation. Measurements were made on 54 clear to partly sunny days during the period from June 1982 to May 1983. For this stand and these days, the average daylight flux density was 0.052 μg m −2 s −1 and the deposition velocity for SO 2 was 0.72±0.65 cms −1 . The average transport resistance for SO 2 includes the aerodynamic resistance ( r a ), canopy resistance ( r c ), and internal resistance corrected for solubility ( r ir ). The values for these resistances were 15 ±4, 127 ±94 and 14+-39 s m −1 , respectively.
Circuit frequency response analysis program with worst-case capabilities (FRWC)

Circuit Analysis with s digital computer has become almost commonplace. Such programs as NET-1, ECAP, SCEPTRE, CIRCUS and many others have significantly advanced the state of the art of circuit analysis. So much so that the past several years have witnessed the development of the worst-case analysis era. It is no longer sufficient just to supply a customer with a piece of electronic equipment that is thoroughly tested. Frequently, and especially when the customer is connected with the space program, an analysis is also required that shows the equipment will meet the performance specifications when component parameters are permitted to vary. These variations may be due to purchase tolerances, temperature variation, or end-of-life degradation. The analysis procedure that leads to a worst-case calculation is very tedious. The variation which gives the worst-caste performance must be selected. The analyst is given some aid in his search for the worst-case performance by some computer programs. For example, ECAP will calculate the sensitivities and the worst-case voltages in a DC circuit. However, neither the worst-case transient solution nor the worst-case frequency response solution can be obtained automatically from available programs.A digital computer program which uses the extremes of the parameter varizations to compute the worst-case performance of a lumped-linear model of an electronic circuit was developed by the authors and is presented here.The program is described in this paper in several sections. In Sections II through IV the worst-case feature is described in detail and an example is given to illustrate the use of the program. In Section V the detailed operating instructions for the program are listed. Section VI presents conclusions.
Extension of the four-stranded intercalated cytosine motif by adenine.adenine base pairing in the crystal structure of d(CCCAAT).

The crystal structure of d(CCCAAT), refined at 2.0 A resolution, shows a four stranded molecule in which two parallel duplexes intercalate with opposite polarity, using cytosine•protonated cytosine base pairs. The intercalation motif in this structure is extended by adenine•adenine base pairs. Two topologically distinct broad grooves are found in the lath-like central part of the molecule with the phosphate groups on one side bent over towards each other, stabilized by bridging water molecules. At the 3′ends, two arrangements of intermolecular A•A•T base triplets are found, involving both asymmetric and symmetric A•A base pairs joined to thymine residues by Watson-Crick and reverse Hoogsteen base pairing, respectively.
Dismantle or remanufacture

Abstract In this paper we study a firm’s disposition decision for returned end-of-use products, which can either be remanufactured and sold, or dismantled into parts that can be reused. We formulate this problem as a multi-period stochastic dynamic program, and find the structure of the optimal policy, which consists of monotonic switching curves. Specifically, if it is optimal to remanufacture in a given period and for given inventory levels, then it is also optimal to remanufacture when the inventory of part(s) is higher or the inventory of remanufactured product is lower.
Will all postinfarction patients receive defibrillators? Recent trials and expanding indications

Abstract Implantable defibrillators have been demonstrated to be the most effective therapy for secondary prevention of sudden cardiac death. Unfortunately, however, many patients succumb to their initial episode of cardiac arrest so that primary prevention strategies are warranted. Several studies have demonstrated the mortality benefit of prophylactic, implantable defibrillators in patients with coronary artery disease depressed ventricular function and nonsustained ventricular tachycardia with inducible ventricular tachycardia during electrophysiologic study. However, widespread application of this approach is limited by the need for invasive risk stratification. The results of the MADIT II study, which demonstrate mortality reduction with prophylactic ICD implantation in patients with previous myocardial infarction and severe left ventricular dysfunction in the absence of invasive risk stratification, have dramatic implications for the management of this high-risk population. This article will review these data and their implications.
Relationship of Pancreatic Mass Size and Diagnostic Yield of Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Fine Needle Aspiration

Background Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) is central to discerning the diagnosis of solid pancreatic tumors through tissue acquisition. Test performance is affected by a number of factors including location of mass within the pancreas, presence of onsite cytology technologist, and number of passes with the needle. The influence of tumor size has not been well studied.
Open-field behavior and the peripheral sympathetic nervous system in the MR/N and MNR/N rat strains.

The Maudsley Reactive (MR) and Maudsley Non-Reactive (MNR) strains of rats, respectively selected by P. L. Broadhurst for high and low open-field defecation (OFD), were acquired by the National Institutes of Health in 1963 at the 21st generation of inbreeding and have been inbred as the MR/N and MNR/N strains at that location for more than 40 generations. The present experiment shows that, despite the lack of deliberate selection for more than 40 generations, the strains still differ predictably in OFD. Strain differences in open-field activity, originally found to be inversely associated with those in OFD, have also been preserved. The existence of an association between the peripheral sympathetic system and OFD originally established in the Har derivation of the Maudsley strains was also confirmed in the MR/N and MNR/N strains: MR/N male rats, with the relatively higher levels of OFD, exhibited lower concentrations of norepinephrine (NE) in spleen and descending colon than MNR/N rats. The pattern of biochemical and morphological findings obtained in this study and previous data indicate that the MNR/N and the MNR/Har strains are both derived from the British stocks of this strain carrying the agouti allele (AA). A distinction should be made between these strains and the MNRA/Har strain, which carries the nonagouti allele (aa) and which has been genetically isolated from the Nonreactive strains bearing the agouti allele since early in the selection experiment.
A method to determine in situ zooplankton grazing rates on natural particle assemblages

In situ zooplankton grazing rates on natural particle assemblages were estimated by measuring zooplankton uptake of labelled autotrophic (with Na14CO3) and heterotrophic (with [methyl-3H]-thymidine) particulate matter in 1-h incubations in clear, Plexiglas, Haney chambers. The in situ grazing rates are in the same range as those measured for zooplankton in the laboratory using standard particle counting techniques. A negative selection coefficient for 3H-labelled particles indicated a lower filtration efficiency or avoidance of these particles by zooplankton.
Absorption, fluorescence, lifetime and reactivity of excited di(p-methylphenyl)methylene in solution

The absorption spectrum, fluorescence and kinetics of di(p-methylphenyl)methylene have been examined using laser photolysis techniques. In acetonitrile the excited carbene has a lifetime of 5.6 ns at room temperature and reacts with carbon tetrachloride with k = 1.1 × 109 M−1 s−1. The absorption of the excited carbene shows λmax = 370 nm, while its fluorescence peaks at = 517 nm.
ATP-dependent minor groove recognition of TA base pairs is required for template melting by the E1 initiator protein

Template melting is an essential step in the initiation of DNA replication, but the mechanism of template melting is unknown for any replicon. Here we demonstrate that melting of the bovine papillomavirus type 1 ori is a sequence-dependent process which relies on specific recognition of TA base pairs in the minor groove by the E1 initiator. We show that correct template melting is a prerequisite for the formation of a stable double hexamer with helicase activity and that ori mutants that fail to melt correctly are defective for ori unwinding and DNA replication in vivo. Our results also indicate that melting of the DNA is achieved by destabilization of the double helix along its length through multiple interactions with E1, each of which is responsible for melting of a few base pairs, resulting in the extensive melting that is required for initiation of DNA replication.
Rossby normal modes in nonuniform background configurations. I Simple fields. II - Equinox and solstice conditions

An investigation is conducted regarding the influence of mean field variations on the realization of planetary normal modes, taking into account the mode response and structure in the presence of simple background nonuniformities. It is found that mean field variations have the combined effect of depressing, shifting, and broadening the characteristic response of Rossby normal modes. While nonuniformities in both the mean wind and temperature fields contribute to the reduction in peak response, the former are primarily responsible for translation and spectral broadening. An investigation is conducted to determine which modes may be realized in actual atmospheric configurations and which may be identified. For both the equinox and solstice configurations, response peaks corresponding to all of the first four modes of wavenumbers 1, 2, and 3 are readily visible above the noise.
Characterization of the CXCR4 signaling in pancreatic cancer cells.

CXCL12 and its receptor, CXCR4, are emerging as promising targets for modulating growth, angiogenesis, and metastasis in several human cancers. Indeed, blocking the receptor is sufficient to prevent metastasis and angiogenesis in experimental breast cancer xenografts. Recently, the biological effect of the CXCR4 in pancreatic cancer, one of the most deadly neoplastic diseases, has been reported. However, the molecular mechanism by which CXCR4 contributes to these properties is not completely understood. In this paper, we characterize the signaling pathways activated by CXCR4 in pancreatic cancer. We show that after CXCR4 activation, EGFR becomes tyrosine phosphorylated, and the kinase activity of this receptor, together with the activation of MMPs, Src, and PI3-Kinase, is required for CXCR4-mediated ERK activation. Analysis of this cascade in pancreatic cancer cells revealed that the ERK-mediated pathway regulates genes involved in angiogenesis, such as VEGF, CD44, HIF1α, and IL-8. Furthermore, ERK blockage inhibits the migration and tube formation of endothelial cells induced by CXCL12. Considering that inhibitors for several components of this pathway, including CXCR4 itself, are at different stages of clinical trials, this study provides theoretical justification for the clinical testing of these drugs in pancreatic cancer, thus extending the list of potential targets for treating this dismal disease.
Nonlinear optical properties of K/sub 2/La(NO/sub 3/)/sub 5/.2H/sub 2/O and K/sub 2/Ce(NO/sub 3/)/sub 5/.2H/sub 2/O

The harmonic generating properties of potassium lanthanum nitrate (KLN) and potassium cerium nitrate (KCN) are described. These crystals have much larger nonlinear coefficients than potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KDP) and are nearly noncritically phase matched at room temperature for Type I frequency doubling of 1.064- mu m light, and for Type II doubling of light near 0.95 mu m. Thus, these crystals are useful for generating blue-green light by frequency doubling high-power near-infrared lasers. The crystal growth of KLN and KCN are described by the three component phase diagrams. Crystallographic data for KCN that confirms its structural similarity to KLN are presented. The optical absorption spectra of the two materials are discussed, and the linear refractive indexes are given. >
Cardiovascular Reactivity to Stress and Left Ventricular Mass in Youth

Abstract We studied the relationships of cardiovascular reactivity during mental stress with left ventricular mass index in a group of prepubertal children 8 to 10 years old and in a group of peripubertal or postpubertal adolescents 15 to 17 years old. One hundred fifteen participants, varying in age group, sex, and race (black and white), took part in a laboratory stress protocol consisting of a reaction-time task, a mirror tracing task, a cold forehead challenge, and a stress interview. Cardiovascular measures included blood pressure and heart rate, as well as cardiac output, stroke volume, total peripheral resistance, and preejection period obtained noninvasively with impedance cardiography. Measures of left ventricular mass were made by echocardiography. Results indicated that across all participants, left ventricular mass index was associated with cardiovascular responses during the mirror tracing and cold forehead tasks, especially with those responses reflecting increased vasoconstriction. Subgroup analyses showed that these associations were significant for males and sometimes adolescents but not for females and children. As mirror tracing and cold forehead tasks most consistently produce α-adrenergic activation, the results suggest a model in which vasoconstriction due to mental stress is related to increased left ventricular mass in susceptible individuals, even at a young age.
Geometrically-based Consequences of Internal Constraints

When a body is subject to simple internal constraints, the deformation gradient must belong to a certain manifold. This is in contrast to the situation in the unconstrained case, where the deformation gradient is an element of the open subset of second-order tensors with positive determinant. Commonly, following Truesdell and Noll [1], modern treatments of constrained theories start with an a priori additive decomposition of the stress into reactive and active components with the reactive component assumed to be powerless in all motions that satisfy the constraints and the active component given by a constitutive equation. Here, we obtain this same decomposition automatically by making a purely geometrical and general direct sum decomposition of the space of all second-order tensors in terms of the normal and tangent spaces of the constraint manifold. As an example, our approach is used to recover the familiar theory of constrained hyperelasticity.
Fermi surface and quantum well states of V(110) films on W(110)

Using angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy, we have measured the Fermi surface of V(110) films epitaxially grown on a W(110) substrate. We compare our results for thicker films to existing calculations and measurements for bulk vanadium and find generally very good agreement. For thinner films, we observe and analyse a diverse array of quantum well states that split and distort the Fermi surface segments. We have searched unsuccessfully for a thickness-induced topological transition associated with contact between the zone-centre jungle gym and zone-boundary hole ellipsoid Fermi surface segments. We also find no evidence for ferromagnetic splitting of any bands on this surface.
Effective dielectric function of a random system of spheres in the k → 0 limit

We consider the effective dielectric function of a composite system with randomly distributed spheres in the k → 0 limit. Performing the mean-field average of the coupling among the spheres and including all orders of multipole moments, we show that the k → 0 limit of the longitudinal response of such a system approaches continuously the result of the k = 0 case, namely, the Maxwell-Garnett formula. We show that different macroscopic system configurations (sphere, parallel-plate capacitor and slab) all lead to the same result, as expected for a bulk response, provided that the average field consistent with the same system configuration is also used.
The hydrogen reduction of MoO3 powder to MoO2

Abstract The kinetics of the reduction in hydrogen of a static bed of MoO3 powder to MoO2 were investigated as a function of temperature, hydrogen flow rate, bed height and powder size. The kinetics were monitored by weight loss measurements and the normalized weight loss at various temperatures was found to have a linear time dependence Wt/W0 = −Kt + 1 where the apparent rate constant K between 732 and 842 K obeys an Arrhenius relation with an activation energy of 17 000 cal mol−1. The reduction kinetics were also found to be systematically dependent on the other experimental parameters. Several simple models were employed to characterize the reduction kinetics but none of them was able to account for all the observed parametric dependences.
Value of serum copper levels and erythrocyte sedimentation rates as indicators of disease activity in children with Hodgkin's disease.

Initial and serial serum copper levels (SCL) and erythrocyte sedimentation rates (ESR) of 29 children with Hodgkin's disease were reviewed to determine the relationship of these features to disease activity. Only six of 10 patients who relapsed had SCL greater than adult upper normal levels. Although correction for age increased this to 7, it also increased the number of patients with false positive results to 9 of 19. Although 9 of the 10 patients at relapse had an increase in SCL over the preceding value, almost one-fifth of patients in remission had increases in consecutive SCL greater than the average increase of patients who relapsed. We conclude that SCL, even when age corrected and consecutively followed, are not useful as indicators of disease activity in children with Hodgkin's disease. Although the ESR increased to >20 mm/hour in 9 of 10 patients who relapsed, this determination could not be considered a useful early indicator of disease recurrence since it was so frequently elevated in patients who were free of disease (62 of 109 determinations). The extremely nonspecific nature of SCL and ESR in childhood renders these tests unreliable, particularly in the individual child. Cancer 42:1929–1935, 1978.
Reflection of $sup 4$He atomic beams from clean LiF surfaces

We have studied reflection of a $^{4}\mathrm{He}$ nozzle beam from a LiF crystal surface cleaved in situ at ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}9}$ Torr. As compared with previous results on water-covered surfaces, the selective adsorption intensity minima are pronouncedly sharpened and deepened and there is considerable fine structure. The main minima can be associated with three bound states and two positive-energy resonances. On aging the surface in the vacuum, the fine structure fades and the bound-state energy levels shift slightly.
Kilonova light curves from the disc wind outflows of compact object mergers

We study the radioactively-powered transients produced by accretion disk winds following a compact object merger. Starting with the outflows generated in two-dimensional hydrodynamical disk models, we use wavelength-dependent radiative transfer calculations to generate synthetic light curves and spectra. We show that the brightness and color of the resulting kilonova transients carry information about the merger physics. In the regions of the wind where neutrino irradiation raises the electron fraction to Ye > 0.25, r-process nucleosynthesis halts before producing high-opacity, complex ions (the lanthanides). The kilonova light curves thus show two distinct components: a brief (~2 day) blue optical transient produced in the outer lanthanide-free ejecta, and a longer (~10 day) infrared transient produced in the inner, lanthanide line-blanketed region. Mergers producing a longer-lived neutron star, or a more rapidly spinning black hole, have stronger neutrino irradiation, generate more lanthanide-free ejecta, and are optically brighter and bluer. At least some optical emission is produced in all disk wind models, which should enhance the detectability of electromagnetic counterparts to gravitational wave sources. However, the presence of even a small amount (10^{-4} Msun) of overlying, neutron-rich dynamical ejecta will act as a "lanthanide-curtain", obscuring the optical wind emission from certain viewing angles. Because the disk outflows have moderate velocities (~10,000 km/s), numerous resolved line features are discernible in the spectra, distinguishing disk winds from fast-moving dynamical ejecta, and offering a potential diagnostic of the detailed composition of freshly produced r-process material.
Prediction of equilibrium defect concentrations in GaAs and ZnSe

Abstract We use the local density approximation within a self-consistent pseudopotential and pseudoatomic-orbital scheme to predict equilibrium point defect concentrations in semiconductors and their dependence on stoichiometry, temperature and Fermi level. We compare and contrast the native defects expected in GaAs (III–V) with those in ZnSe (II–VI). We find in stoichiometric p-type material that the dominant defect in GaAs is the cation on anion antisite defect, whereas the interstitial cation defect is dominant in ZnSe. The prominence of interstitials in p-type ZnSe tends to self-compensate the material since Zn I is a double donor. We also demonstrate how extrinsic impurities may affect native defect concentrations by considering as an example the Zn impurity in GaAs.
Ion flotation studies of the chlorocomplexes of some platinum group metals

Abstract The anionic chlorocomplexes of Au(III), Pt(IV), Pd(II), Ir(IV), Ir(III) and Rh(III) can be floated from aqueous solutions with cationic surfactants of the type RNR'3Br. The flotation behavior of each metal is reported with respect to variations of hydrochloric acid and sodium chloride concentrations, the R and R' chain lengths, initial surfactant concentrations and initial metal ion concentrations. The flotation behavior of the metals is compared to the anion-exchange selectivity coefficients and a flotation selectivity sequence of Au(III) > Pt(IV), Ir(IV), Pd(II) > Ir(III) > Rh(III) is generally observed. Nearly 100% of Au(III), Pt(IV), Ir(IV) and Pd(II) can be recovered from dilute solutions using the ion flotation procedures.
Neural and endocrine effects on classical conditioning: A comparison of ACTH and hippocampectomy

The effects of bilateral hippocampal lesions and systemic elevation of ACTH were compared using the classically conditioned rabbit nictitating membrane response. Animals with hippocampal lesions and unoperated animals that received ACTH (5 I.U./kg) exhibited a facilitated rate of acquisition and decreased conditioned response onset latency relative to normal control groups or animals with cortical lesions. The administration of ACTH did not alter performance in animals with hippocampal damage, indicating that the effects of these treatments are not additive. The performance of a second group of animals that was treated with a smaller dosage of ACTH (2.5 I.U./kg) was no different from that of any other group, suggesting a dose-dependent effect of the hormone. The selective replication of hippocampal deficits ascribed to a loss of response modulation suggests that ACTH may influence learning by stimulating hippocampal neurons.
Coprocessing waste rubber tire material and coal

Abstract Blind Canyon DECS-6 coal (BC6) was reacted with ground waste rubber tire (WRT) particles and pyrolyzed tire oil (PTO) recovered by vacuum pyrolysis of WRT in an investigation of the feasibility of coprocessing coal and waste tire materials to make transportation fuels. Reactions were carried out in tubing reactors under a 1000 psig (cold) hydrogen atmosphere at either 350 or 430°C for 1 h. Molybdenum catalyst was added in the form of ammonium tetrathiomolybdate, a catalyst precursor. The catalyst precursor was added to obtain a 1% by weight (NH4)2MoS4 loading of the reaction mixture. The amount of ground WRT mixed with BC6 was varied to determine the optimum ratio of reactants. A synergistic effect (beneficial effect of reacting coal and WRT together that is not observed when coal and WRT are reacted individually) was observed for most WRT BC6 reaction mixtures treated at 430°C with catalyst and for some mixtures without catalyst. Coprocessing at 430°C yielded greater total conversion to liquids than at 350°C, with the added advantage of diminishing the amount of carbon black found in the liquid products. BC6 coprocessed with PTO yielded the greatest synergistic effect when reacted at 430°C in the presence of the molybdenum catalyst. The synergism observed for PTO BC6 reactions may be related to the presence of polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHC) in the PTO. It was found that coprocessing coal with PTO is more beneficial than coprocessing coal with WRT, i.e. the BC6 PTO mixture yields more product liquids as well as diminished carbon black contamination of liquid products.
The tectosphere and postglacial rebound

Large lateral variations in the thickness of the lithosphere and viscosity of the mantle may be associated with continental roots. The effects of continental roots, or the tectosphere, on postglacial rebound are calculated using an axisymmetric flow model in which both the mantle and lithosphere are described as Newtonian fluids. Continental roots are shown to have a measurable effect on postglacial rebound, in particular, on the evolution of the peripheral bulge. Effects of continental roots are concentrated near the edge of the tectosphere, and thus often near ocean-continent boundaries where many relative sea-level histories are measured. The pattern and distribution of tectonic and seismic activity associated with deglaciation are affected by a tectosphere.
Fischer−Tropsch synthesis: activity and selectivity for Group I alkali promoted iron-based catalysts

Abstract The impact of the Group I alkali metals upon the activity of iron catalysts has been obtained at medium pressure synthesis conditions and at the same conversion levels. The relative impact of the alkali metal depends upon the conversion level with potassium being the promoter that impacts the highest activity at all conversion levels. At low conversions, Li is nearly as effective as potassium in improving the catalytic activity but is the poorest promoter at high conversion levels. In fact, three alkalis (Li, Cs and Rb) should be viewed as inhibitors since they decrease the catalytic activity for CO conversion below that of the unpromoted iron catalyst. The differences in the impact of the various Group I alkali metals at lower (≲40%) conversions are slight but become much greater at higher CO conversion levels. The major differences of the alkali metals at higher conversion levels is due to the impact of the promoter upon the water–gas-shift (WGS) reaction. At higher conversion levels, with a synthesis gas or “syngas” of H2/CO=0.7, the WGS reaction becomes rate controlling because hydrogen production becomes the rate limiting factor in the Fischer–Tropsch synthesis (FTS). The basicity of the promoter appears to be the determining factor for the rate of catalyst deactivation and on the secondary hydrogenation of ethene.
Serological response to "Rochalimaea henselae" antigen in suspected cat-scratch disease

There are no generally accepted diagnostic tests for cat-scratch disease (CSD), the cause of which is unknown. During the development of an indirect fluorescence antibody (IFA) test for detection of antibodies to "Rochalimaea henselae", sera from patients with CSD were found to have high titres to R henselae antigens. Further tests with this assay showed that 36 (88%) of 41 patients with suspected CSD had serum titres of 64 or more to R henselae antigen, that there was a low prevalence (3%) of substantial titres to R henselae in healthy controls (n = 107), and that the immune responses to R henselae antigens were specific. These data suggest that the R henselae IFA test, or other serological assays based on R henselae, may be useful for diagnosis of CSD.
Actin-binding protein expression in benign and malignant melanocytic proliferations

Studies on melanoma cell lines indicate the expression of actin-binding protein (ABP), a peripheral cytoplasmic protein that crosslinks actin, is important for melanoma cell motility. We used an ABP-specific monoclonal antibody to characterize ABP expression in 18 benign nevi and 28 primary and metastatic malignant melanomas. Heterogeneous expression of ABP staining was observed in metastatic melanoma. No clear differences in ABP staining were identified among compound nevi, dysplastic nevi, and superficial spreading melanoma; however, the lentiginous intraepidermal component of the benign and malignant lesions and the pagetoid cells of superficial spreading malignant melanoma were negative for ABP. In contrast, the nested intraepidermal and dermal components of both benign nevi and primary malignant melanoma were positive. The differential expression of ABP of the lentiginous component as opposed to the intraepidermal nests and pagetoid cells of benign nevi or melanoma may represent a capacity of the nested melanocytes to migrate from the epidermis to the dermis during maturation or invasion. Taken together, the findings support that ABP may be important for cell-cell adhesion during tumorigenesis and may play a role in tumor cell ameboid motility during tissue invasion.
Just-in-time inventory systems innovation and the predictability of earnings

Abstract Firms that adopt just-in-time (JIT) inventory practices do so in order to realize cost savings and improve product quality, but an unexpected benefit to such firms could be a more predictable earnings stream. We examine the relationship between implementation of just-in-time inventory practices and the predictability of future quarterly earnings for a matched-pair sample of 82 firms, half of which have publicly announced that they have adopted JIT inventory practices. We find that one- and four-step-ahead forecasts of quarterly earnings, using either a Brown–Rozeff [Journal of Accounting Research (1979) 179–189] ARIMA or a seasonal random walk expectation model, are more accurate for the firms that have adopted JIT.
The Problem of “Us” Versus “Them” and AIDS Stigma:

This article has two goals. The first is to consider what the social-psychological literature on social identity, ingroup-outgroup perception, and prejudice contributes to the understanding of AIDS...
Ethnography and Sister Sciences: Why Refuse Assistance? A Reply to Weeks

Social scientists (most recently John Weeks) tend to reply to arguments about epistemological difficulties for belief ascription with two responses. An epistemological response goes: Behavioral evidence for underlying beliefs `is all we have and all we need'. A metaphysical response argues that beliefs, being merely instrumental entities are not really subject to worries about underdetermination. In this article, I argue that these responses are inadequate, and that social science practice can be greatly improved by incorporating cognitive-science constraints into the practice of ascribing beliefs.
Pulse rotation modulations for spread spectrum communication systems

Spread spectrum communication systems excel in their ability to provide enhanced security and channel sharing, yet they do so at the expense of data throughput provided to each individual user. This paper introduces an alternative modulation mechanism, pulse rotation modulation (PRM), for increasing the data throughput in wideband direct sequence or chaotic sequence code-based spread spectrum systems. The result employs a temporal rotation of the spread pulse within its own symbol duration, leading to higher data throughputs that can be throttled up/down as the channel and multiple access conditions permit. Challenges with signal synchronization, code orthogonality, and carrier-induced phase rotations/phase noise are discussed. A predictive model of receiver performance is validated with simulated AWGN-channel results; both are based on extrapolations from a measured hardware prototype that has implemented a small scale example of the PRM technique.
MO-D-134-11: Anomalous Scanner-Reported Values of CTDIvol

Purpose: Significant anomalies in scanner reported values of CTDIvol for stationary table protocols (with aberrant, elevated values of CTDIvol up to 300 % higher than the actual dose to the phantom), have been observed; well beyond the typical accuracy expected of CTDIvol as a phantom dose. Recognition of these outliers as bad data is important to users of CT dose index tracking systems (e.g. ACR DIR), and a method for recognition and correction is provided. A second anomaly is that the reported CTDIvol for automatic tube current modulation (TCM) has a different physical meaning from the traditional CTDIvol at constant mA, resulting in the dichotomy CTDIvol of the first and second kinds. Methods: Rigorous equations are derived to describe the accumulated dose distributions for auto TCM and for stationary table CT. A comparison with formulae for scanner reported values of CTDIvol clearly identifies the source of these anomalies. Results: For the stationary table, use of the CTDI100 formula (applicable to a moving phantom only) generates extra scatter and an over beaming correction, both of which are non existent if the phantom is held stationary. It is shown that CTDIvol is not robust between fixed mA and auto TCM in this case only DLP is robust. Conclusion: For the case of a stationary phantom, correction of CTDI100 prior to its use in the calculation of CTDIvol using the approach to equilibrium formula H(a) serves as a method of recognition of bad data and as a correction factor for same. In the case of auto TCM, the use of CTDIvol is compromised, and an alternative (approximate) physical interpretation is suggested. However, the reported DLP value (integral dose) remains robust between the fixed and auto mA modes.
Hierarchical Optimization Methodology for Wideband Low Noise Amplifiers

In this paper, we present a systematic synthesis methodology for fully integrated wideband low noise amplifiers that simultaneously optimizes impedance matching, noise figure, and other performance parameters. Leveraging an accurate analytical model, we hierarchically couple global optimization techniques with local convex optimization methods to efficiently locate optimal wideband LNA circuits. The results indicate that the methodology yields significant improvement in key LNA design constraints over existing methodologies while achieving up to one order of magnitude speedup in computational performance.
The mycobiota from seeds of Shrunken-2 (sh2) sweet corn.

Sixteen species of fungi were isolated from the pericarp, endosperm, scutellum, and embryo of low ( 89%) seedlots of supersweet sweet corn (sh2) hybrids over two years. Most frequently isolated species werePenicillium oxalicum, Rhizopus arrhizus (14.5%), andRhizopus spp (17.4%).Fusarium moniliforme, a common inhabitant in field or dent corn, was isolated from only 2.4% of the samples. The low mean isolation values may be the result of poor conditions for infection or the data may reflect the methods used including sterilization techniques or random tissue selection.Aspergillus niger, F. moniliforme, andP. oxalicum, were isolated at a significantly greater level than other fungi from the high vigor hybrids at 0.89, 0.46 m and 4.46 respectively compared to 0.04, 0, and 1.82 for the low vigor hybrids. When Total Fungi were compared mean isolations were significantly greater from the high vigor hybrids at 11.96, the moderate 8.79, or low 4.86 vigor groups. When data from seed sources for all vigor groups were compared, significantly greater mean isolations were obtained from Illinois Foundation Seed hybrids forCladosporium sp,R. arrhizus, andRhizopus spp., but greater rates were obtained forFusarium oxysporum from the Asgrow hybrids. Isolation frequencies for the 16 species were not significantly different between the seed tissue types from any of the hybrids evaluated during this investigation. Results from this study showed that there is a diverse group of fungi present within thesh2 seed and seed treatments must be developed which will minimize seed rot and seedling blight from both internal seedborne and external pathogens.
Design of 3-DOF force sensing micro-forceps for robot assisted vitreoretinal surgery

Vitreoretinal surgery is associated with serious complications that can easily stem from excessive tissue manipulation forces while the forces required for such surgery are routinely well below human tactile sensation. Despite the critical need in this area, there is still no practical vitreoretinal instrument that can sense both the axial and transverse tool-to-tissue interaction forces with sub-mN accuracy. In this study, we present the conceptual design and optimization of a 3 degrees-of-freedom (DOF) force sensing micro-forceps as the next generation of our force sensing instruments. 4 fiber Bragg grating (FBG) strain sensors are integrated in the design to measure tool tip forces.
Potato tuber tissue respiration & ventilation

The purpose of this work is to compare gas movement through potato tuber tissue with the respiratory rate of such tissue and to assess possible oxygen deficiency as a factor in the limitation of respiration within the tissue. Argon 37 was used as a substitute for oxygen in most of the gas transfer experiments because it is easier to measure, its solubilities and diffusion coefficients are very similar to those of oxygen in a wide variety of solvents, and its rate of movement can be measured independently of respiration.
Abstract B34: Angiotensin-(1-7) attenuates the proliferation of cancer-associated fibroblasts in triple negative breast cancer

The interaction between cancer cells and the surrounding microenvironment transforms the stroma into an abnormal phenotype, altering normal function, tissue architecture, cellular morphology, and extracellular matrix-cell interactions that directly contribute to formation of neoplasia. About 80% of reactive stroma associated with breast carcinoma is comprised of activated myofibroblasts or cancer-associated fibroblasts which secrete extracellular matrix proteins resulting in the desmoplasia that is associated with advanced breast tumor progression. Cancer-associated fibroblasts, transformed by cytokines such as transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), secrete tumor promoting growth factors and extracellular matrix components, to promote tumor initiation, growth, and metastases. Inhibition of cancer-associated fibroblast proliferation and function may be an effective therapeutic strategy, since these cells play a vital role in carcinogenesis. Angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)] is an endogenous, seven amino acid peptide hormone of the renin-angiotensin system with anti-proliferative and anti-fibrotic properties. We showed that Ang-(1-7) inhibited the growth of MDA-MB-231 human triple negative breast tumors growing in the mammary fat pads of athymic mice with a concomitant 3-fold decrease in interstitial tumor fibrosis (n=9-11, p Citation Format: Alison L. Arter, Patricia E. Gallagher, E. Ann Tallant. Angiotensin-(1-7) attenuates the proliferation of cancer-associated fibroblasts in triple negative breast cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Tumor Invasion and Metastasis; Jan 20-23, 2013; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(3 Suppl):Abstract nr B34.
Preclinical Left Ventricular Diastolic Dysfunction in Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome (MS) is commonly associated with left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction and LV hypertrophy. We sought to examine whether preclinical LV diastolic dysfunction can occur independent of LV hypertrophy in MS. We recruited 90 consecutive participants with MS and without cardiovascular disease (mean age 46 years, 78% women) and 26 controls (no risk factors for MS; mean age 43 years, 65% women). Participants underwent echocardiography with tissue Doppler imaging. In age- and gender-adjusted analyses, MS was associated with higher left atrial (LA) diameter, higher LV mass, lower E/A ratio, and lower mean e′ (p
Effect of glutamine on tumor and host growth

Background: Oral glutamine supplementation has been found to support gastrointestinal mucosal growth and increase intestinal and systemic toxicity after chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Glutamine is also an important nutrient for rapidly proliferating tumor cells. However, it is not clear whether long-term glutamine supplementation in the tumor-bearing host has a selective benefit for host growth or tumor cell proliferation.
Antimicrobial actions of nitric oxide

Nitric oxide (NO ) is a versatile molecular mediator that is generated enzymatically or chemically within the host and exerts broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. Production of NO by phagocytic cells is augmented in response to inflammation. Sequential production of bactericidal reactive oxygen species and bacteriostatic NO is observed in both macrophages and mice during infection with the enteric bacterial pathogen Salmonella enterica . The reaction of NO with metal centers and thiols inhibits bacterial respiration, DNA replication and specific metabolic pathways including the tricarboxylic acid cycle. NO is predominantly detoxified by the Hmp flavohemoglobin, whose expression is exquisitely responsive to low concentrations of NO . The Gram-positive bacterium Staphylococcus aureus escapes NO inhibition by expressing Hmp in concert with inducible homolactic fermentation, which serves to maintain redox balance during nitrosative stress. This may account for the unique ability of this pathogen to withstand high NO concentrations present in the nose.
Sa1560 The Accuracy of Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) and Pancreatic Protocol CT (PPCT) in Diagnosing Main Pancreatic Duct Stones

well as other malignant neoplasms. One of the most common causes of elevated CA 19-9 is pancreato-biliary diseases, including gallbladder sludge. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) in patients with elevated CA 19-9 and normal abdominal CT findings. Methods: Between January 2007 and December 2009, 21 patients who visited Pusan National University Hospital because of elevated serum CA 19-9 level, were retrospectively enrolled. EUS was performed in all subjects, in whom all of the tests including routine blood tests, endoscopy, abdominal CT, and other clinical exams to detect the origin of elevated CA 19-9 showed no abnormal findings. Serum CA 19-9 was measured subsequently every 36 months. Results: Median CA 19-9 value was 63.6 U/mL (40.0381 U/mL), and median follow-up period was 10.8 months (3.050.6 months). Gallbladder sludge was identified on EUS in 19 of 21 patients, all of which was not detected on abdominal/pelvic CT. There was no overt pancreatic cancer detected. Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) was administered in 14 of 19 patients, for 117.8 months (mean 6.2 months). Six patients of 12 UDCA-delivered patients (except 2 patients in whom subsequent CA 19-9 value was not checked) achieved normal CA 19-9 level after mean 5.3 months (39 months), and one of 5 UDCA not-delivered patients did after 6 months. Conclusion: EUS is useful to investigate the pancreato-biliary cause of elevated CA 19-9 level, particularly, when abdominal CT showed non-specific results. UDCA may be effective to normalize the CA 19-9 in patients with accidentally detected gallbladder sludge.
Pulsatile secretion of luteinizing hormone in children.

The gonadotropin secretory patterns of 22 sexually immature children were analyzed in detail to determine whether pulsatile secretion occurs before the onset of puberty. Eight endocrinologically normal children, 13 children with isolated GH deficiency, and 1 girl with 45χ gonadal dysgenesis were divided into 2 groups according to bone age. Group A children had bone ages less than 10 yr, and group B had bone ages between 10–11.5 yr. Blood samples were drawn every 20 min for periods of 3–11 h during both the day and night; in addition, 12-h urine collections were made for gonadotropin determinations. Mean nocturnal concentrations of LH and FSH were significantly greater than daytime values in 8 of 15 and 5 of 15 children in group A and in 6 of 7 and 1 of 7 in group B, respectively. Nocturnal urinary excretion of LH and FSH was significantly greater in group A children. Eight children in group A, including 4 whose bone ages were less than 5 yr, and 4 group B children had discernible LH pulses. LH pulses were...
Pulmonary heart disease: The heart-lung interaction and its impact on patient phenotypes.

AbstractPulmonary heart disease (PHD) refers to altered structure or function of the right ventricle occurring in association with abnormal respiratory function. Although nearly always associated with some degree of PH, the degree, nature, severity, and causality of PH in relation to the PHD is not necessarily linear and direct. Abnormal gas exchange is a fundamental underpinning of PHD, affecting pulmonary vascular, cardiac, renal, and neurohormonal systems. Direct and indirect effects of chronic respiratory disease can disrupt the right ventricular-pulmonary arterial (RV-PA) interaction and, likewise, factors such as sympathetic nervous system activation, altered blood viscosity, and salt and water retention can function in a feedback loop to further influence RV-PA function. Left heart function may also be affected, especially in those with pre-existing left heart disease. Thus, the physiologic interactions between abnormal respiratory and cardiovascular function are complex, with PHD representing a he...
The management of tuberculosis in refugees along the Thai-Kampuchean border.

Abstract The treatment of tuberculosis in refugees living in camps along the Thai-Kampuchean border has remained a controversial issue since the beginning of the Khmer relief operation in 1979. During the 1984-85 dry season, war-related disruptions forced the evacuation of the 240 000 residents of 21 camps into evacuation sites in Thailand. Seven tuberculosis treatment programmes, using a fully supervised, daily protocol of isoniazid(H), rifampicin(R), pyrazinamide(Z) and streptomycin(S) 3 HRZS/HR, (6 months for pulmonary and 9 months for extrapulmonary tuberculosis), were able to continue operation, with acceptably low rates of default from therapy. During the 18 month period beginning in July 1984, 984 patients were started on treatment: 755 completed a full course while 86 defaulted. The programme design and organisation are described.