cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract 1420: Mechanisms of stroma-derived CCL7 in promoting lung cancer.

Proceedings: AACR 104th Annual Meeting 2013; Apr 6-10, 2013; Washington, DC Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer related deaths worldwide, with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) being the most prevalent form. Considerable attention has been directed to cancer cell intrinsic abnormalities (K-ras, p53, EGFR, AML-ALK4 fusions etc.), but little is known about the contribution of stromal cells to NSCLC progression. We have undertaken a comprehensive analysis to determine the contribution and biological function of the stromal cells in NSCLC. We show increased recruitment of BM hematopoietic cells in the tumor beds compared to matched adjacent non-neoplastic lung tissue in NSCLC patients. Genome-wide transcriptome analysis on specific cell populations from fresh samples of NSCLC patients identified differentially regulated genes and mRNA isoforms in NSCLC stromal cells. Genes that were successfully validated by independent RT-PCR on sorted stromal cells and tumor cells were used for further analysis. Many genes encoded secreted proteins, suggesting the activation of aberrant autocrine and paracrine regulatory loops likely to support stroma-mediated tumor progression. Among these genes, CCL7 was upregulated in myeloid progenitor cells and was selected for further investigation. Immunostaining of lung tumor and adjacent non-neoplastic tissue of patients shows highest expression of CCL7 in BM-derived cells (CD45+ cells) in the tumor. Cross species analysis showed that, consistent with the observation in human tissue, CCL7 was differentially regulated in BM derived cells in a mouse model of NSCLC generated in KrasG12D and p53-/- transgenic mice. We have genetically ablated CCL7 in the BM cells using lentiviral shRNA and BMT approaches and will discuss consequences of this ablation in CCL7-mediated crosstalk between tumor cells and stromal cells that regulate NSCLC progression. Citation Format: Hyejin Choi, Anna Durrans, Dingcheng Gao, Seongho Ryu, Nasser Altorki, Vivek Mittal. Mechanisms of stroma-derived CCL7 in promoting lung cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1420. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-1420
Iron and manganese transformation in Louisiana salt and brackish marsh sediment.

Abstract The kinetics of the release of dissolved iron [Fe(II)], manganese [Mn(II)], and phosphate in salt and brackish marsh sediment and the exchange with the overlying water column were investigated. Sediment was incubated in laboratory microcosms and in sediment water columns in studying these exchanges. The rate constants of the dissolved Fe(II), Mn(II), and phosphate release in sediment suspensions were 2.02–2.28,0.08–0.117, and 4.18–5.38 μmol g‐1 dry sediment d‐1, respectively. In sediment‐water column studies, the rate constants (K) of dissolved Fe(II), Mn(II), and phosphate removal from the overlying water into the sediment were 0.755–0.989,0.0695–0.0949, and 0.315–0.448, day‐1, respectively. The flux of dissolved Fe(II), Mn(II), and phosphates from the salt and brackish marsh sediment to the overlying water in the column studies were 2.56–4.93,1.05–1.689, and 208.6–428.9 mg m‐2 d‐1, respectively. The fluxes from salt marsh were slightly greater than those measured in brackish marsh, although the...
Absolute positioning using Doris tracking of the SPOT‐2 satellite

The ability of the French DORIS system operating on the SPOT-2 satellite to provide absolute site positioning at the 20-30-centimeter level using 80 d of data is demonstrated. The accuracy of the vertical component is comparable to that of the horizontal components, indicating that residual troposphere error is not a limiting factor. The translation parameters indicate that the DORIS network realizes a geocentric frame to about 50 nm in each component. The considerable amount of data provided by the nearly global, all-weather DORIS network allowed this complex parameterization required to reduce the unmodeled forces acting on the low-earth satellite. Site velocities with accuracies better than 10 mm/yr should certainly be possible using the multiyear span of the SPOT series and Topex/Poseidon missions.
Strain-based probabilistic fatigue life prediction of spot-welded joints

Abstract This paper develops a strain-based probabilistic fatigue life prediction methodology for spot-welded joints under variable amplitude loading history. The loading history is multi-axial and is obtained from transient response analysis of a vehicle model. A 3D FE model of a simplified joint with four spot welds is developed and a static stress–strain analysis is performed first. Then a probabilistic Miner’s rule is combined with randomized strain–life curve family and the stress–strain analysis result to develop a strain-based probabilistic fatigue life prediction methodology for the spot weld. This new method is implemented and combined with FEA software, and is useful for reliability assessment of spot-welded joints against fatigue.
Spontaneous play in two-year-olds born to substance-abusing mothers

The aim of the study was to determine if spontaneous play was altered in 2-year-olds born to polysubstance-abusing mothers. The study is part of a longitudinal research project of chronic substance-abusing mothers and their children living in poverty in the inner city of Los Angeles, identified in the hospital at birth by positive urine-toxicology screens, and compared to non-substance-abusing mothers and their children living in the same geographic area, of similar ethnic group and socioeconomic and marital status. The behavior of the 31 target and 21 comparison children in the 16-minute procedure was measured by frequency counts of manipulative, functional, and symbolic acts as well as by ratings of the quality of play. The play of the prenatally drug-exposed children differed from the comparison group by demonstrating significantly more immature play strategies, less sustained attention, more deviant behaviors, and fewer positive social interactions with their caregivers. Le but de cette etude etait de determiner si le jeu spontane etait modifie chez les enfants de deux ans nes de meres abusant de plusieurs drogues. Cette etude fait partie d'un projet de recherche longitudinale sur les meres se droguant regulierement et leurs enfants vivant dans la pauvrete et en ville a Los Angeles, identifiees a l'hǒpital a la naissance par des examens toxicologiques d'urine positifs, et compares a des meres ne se droguant pas et a des enfants vivant dans la měme region geographique, ou a un groupe ethnique, socio-economique et marital similaire. Le comportement des 31 enfants objets de l'etude et de 21 enfants de camparaison durant la procedure de 16 minutes fut mesure par des denombrements de frequence d'actes manipulatifs, fonctionnels, symboliques ainsi que par des evaluations de la qualite du jeu. Le jeu des enfants exposes prenatalement a la drogue differait du groupe de comparaison en ce qu'il faisait preuve de strategies de jeu bien moins mures, de moins d'attention soutenue, de comportements plus anormaux, et de bien moins d'interactions sociales positives avec leurs modes de soin.
Two dobzhansky-muller genes interact to cause hybrid lethality in Drosophila

The Dobzhansky-Muller model proposes that hybrid incompatibilities are caused by the interaction between genes that have functionally diverged in the respective hybridizing species. Here, we show that Lethal hybrid rescue (Lhr) has functionally diverged in Drosophila simulans and interacts with Hybrid male rescue (Hmr), which has functionally diverged in D. melanogaster, to cause lethality in F1 hybrid males. LHR localizes to heterochromatic regions of the genome and has diverged extensively in sequence between these species in a manner consistent with positive selection. Rapidly evolving heterochromatic DNA sequences may be driving the evolution of this incompatibility gene.
The γ-globin genes and their flanking sequences in primates : findings with nucleotide sequences of capuchin monkey and tarsier

By sequencing extensive regions of the beta-globin gene cluster from capuchin monkey (New World monkey) and tarsier (prosimian) we confirmed that capuchin monkey and tarsier have two and one gamma-globin gene(s), respectively. These findings indicate that the ancestral anthropoid gamma-globin gene duplicated after anthropoids diverged from tarsier, but before they diverged into platyrrhines (New World monkeys) and catarrhines (Old World monkeys, apes, and human). The capuchin monkey gamma 1-globin gene promoter region accumulated many nucleotide substitutions, including a T to C substitution in the proximal CCAAT element. This adverse mutation, along with the previous finding that the gamma 1 locus in spider monkey is a pseudogene, suggests that in platyrrhines the gamma 2-globin gene may be the primary fetal beta-like globin gene. The aligned gamma gene sequences contain several conserved sequence elements (phylogenetic footprint) of 6 bp or longer in the 5' flanking region, but none in the 3' flanking region. Gene conversions frequently occurred in the 5' flanking and transcribed regions of the duplicated genes of anthropoids but rarely in the 3' flanking sequences. However, an absence of conversions within the capuchin and spider monkeys promoter regions suggests that in platyrrhines selection acted against conversions as they could decrease (or inactivate) gamma 2 expression.
Hydroxyproline-rich glycoproteins in cell walls of pericarp from maize

Abstract Hydroxyproline-rich glycoprotein accumulation in maize ( Zea mays L.) pericarp cell walls was assayed by determining total hydroxyproline and by assessing protein extracts on western blots. Whole kernel dry weight and pericarp cell wall dry weight increased throughout kernel development of the three varieties studied, Golden × Bantam (GXB), Japanese Hulless (JHL) and South American Yellow (SAY). Total hydroxyproliner per mg dry weight and per pericarp increased throughout kernel development; a major increase occurred between 10 and 20 days after pollination. Soluble proteins from all three varieties were assayed on western blots reacted with a monoclonal antibody raised against PC-1, the major maize hydroxyproline-rich glycoprotein purified from GXB pericarp. Each of the maize varieties contained one major band that cross reacted with anti-PC-1 antibodies. This protein was a major part of the salt soluble proteins of the pericarp walls from all developmental times studied. PC-1 differed in electrophoretic mobility on native gels among the three varieties, and the popcorn proteins showed heterogeneity at different times after pollination as well. These maize wall proteins are strongly correlated with development and maturation of kernel pericarp, indicating a functional role for them in mechanical support and protection of the embryo and endosperm.
Genetic Relationships among the Members of the Family Rickettsiaceae As Shown by DNA Restriction Fragment Polymorphism Analysis

The genetic diversity of members of the genus Rickettsia was examined using restriction site polymorphisms found within a series of DNA fragments scattered throughout the genome. Rickettsia belli, R. akari, and R. australis were the most divergent species when compared to the other species examined. These three species were also not closely related to each other. The other examined species were more tightly clustered. This survey also examined the genetic diversity within several species. The unexpected finding of this survey is that several species of rickettsia are as closely related to the surveyed strains of R. rickettsii as these strains are to each other. These results indicate that R. sibirica, R. parkeri, R. rickettsii, and an unnamed isolate from Africa are likely to be strains of a single rickettsial species of worldwide distribution. R. conorii was very closely related to this R. rickettsii-containing group but is likely to remain in a genetically distinct category as the data base expands.
Taste and smell sensations enhance the satiating effect of both a high-carbohydrate and a high-fat meal in humans

The effects of meal sensory properties (tasty vs. bland) and nutrient composition [high-CHO (carbohydrate) vs. high-FAT] on hunger ratings, blood glucose and free fatty acids (FFA), taste perception, and subsequent food intake, were studied in human subjects. Aspartame and vanilla were used to augment meal palatability, yielding four isocaloric liquid meals: bland-FAT, tasty-FAT, bland-CHO, tasty-CHO. Normal-weight, nondieting young adults consumed each of the meals for breakfast on separate days. The main finding was that tasty versions of high-FAT and high-CHO meals were more satiating than nutritionally identical bland meals, as indicated by a greater decrease in hunger ratings following the tasty meals. Changes in blood glucose and FFA were related to meal nutrient composition, but not to meal sensory properties. High-CHO meals tended to be more satiating than high-FAT meals. Consumption of each of the meals produced a similar decrease in pleasantness ratings of food-related tastes. Intake of carbohydrates was significantly higher at a self-selected lunch 5.25 h following a tasty breakfast. These findings indicate that hunger is decreased to a greater extent by meals flavored with aspartame and vanilla relative to nutritionally identical, unflavored meals. The satiety-enhancing effect of oral stimulation was found for both high-FAT and high-CHO meals.
Consumer entitlement theory and measurement

Previous studies of personality observe that a healthy individual maintains a level of entitlement. Consumer entitlement concerns the extent to which a customer expects special treatment in retail environments. To date, marketing scholars have not investigated consumer entitlement at the buyer–seller interface. This article represents an initial attempt to examine this construct in a retailing context. The development of a scale, the consumer entitlement inventory (CEI), is reported. The scale's psychometric properties were examined, with the use of an undergraduate sample ( N = 410). Antecedents and implications for consumer entitlement are discussed. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
SELF-ACTUALIZATION AS RELATED TO AGE OF FACULTY MEMBERS AT A LARGE MIDWESTERN UNIVERSITY '

Summary.-Maslow suggested chat individuals were more likely to realize levels of self-actualization as they became older. The Personal Orientation Inventory was administered to a random sample of 290 faculty members of a midwestern university to examine trends for self-actualization as related to age. Polynomial regression analysis yielded no trends for self-actualization and age, a finding which contradicts Maslow's earlier hypothesis that self-actualization increases with age. Maslow's hierarchy of needs is well-established in the psychological literature. The highest level of optimal functioning in the hierarchy is selfactualization, a level few individuals attain (Maslow, 1954). Maslow defined self-actualization as "an ongoing actualization of potentials, capacities, and talents . . ." (1954, p. 25). Maslow (1954, 1971) suggested that individuals were more Likely to realize levels of self-actudzation as they became older. Knapp (1976) suggests there is support in the literature that self-actualization increases with age but only to the early adult years. Knapp noted that research on the trend for actualizing tendencies beyond the age of 30 is not clear and suggested further research to address this issue, so the following study was conducted to examine trends for self-actualization as related to age within older age groups. The purpose of the study was to assess whether individuals age 30 and over become more self-actualized with age. Faculty members with the ranks of assistant, associate, and full professor who were employed full-time at a large midwestern university during the 1986 spring semester were selected. A randomly mixed computer list of names was generated and a systematic sample (Abbey-Livingston & Abbey, 1982) of 290 names was drawn. A package with a covering letter was sent by campus mail. Respondents were given the opportunity to pick up the interpretation of their personal profiles by identifying themselves with the last four digits of their social security numbers. By providing an address, they could have their profiles and personal interpretations mailed to them. Seventy-seven percent of the respondents made these arrangements. The Personal Orientation Inventory was used to measure self-actualiza
Divalent Metal Nanoparticles

Nanoparticles can be used as the building blocks for materials such as supracrystals or ionic liquids. However, they lack the ability to bond along specific directions as atoms and molecules do. We report a simple method to place target molecules specifically at two diametrically opposed positions in the molecular coating of metal nanoparticles. The approach is based on the functionalization of the polar singularities that must form when a curved surface is coated with ordered monolayers, such as a phase-separated mixture of ligands. The molecules placed at these polar defects have been used as chemical handles to form nanoparticle chains that in turn can generate self-standing films.
Magnetic field dependent optical dephasing in LaF3:Er3+

Abstract Optical dephasing of the 5388 A transition between the lowest Kramers doublets of the 4S 3 2 and 4I 15 2 multiplets of Er3+:LaF3 has been studied by photon echo, optical phase switching and optical free induction decay. Er3+−19F hyperfine interactions produce dephasing which is two orders of magnitude faster than in previously studied non-Kramers systems, but at high field changes in the spin dynamics result in microsecond dephasing. For the lower Zeeman component of 4S 3 2 , T2 (=6μs) is independent of H0 whereas for the upper component the dephasing is rapid and strongly field dependent. This is quantitatively accounted for by spin lattice relaxation of the upper component of 4S 3 2 . Below 20 kG concentration and temperature dependent dephasing due to electron spin diffusion is observed.
One-way analysis of variance with long memory errors and its application to stock return data

Recent empirical results indicate that many financial time series, including stock volatilities, often have long-range dependencies. Comparing volatilities in stock returns is a crucial part of the risk management of stock investing. This paper proposes two test statistics for testing the equality of mean volatilities of stock returns using the analysis of variance (ANOVA) model with long memory errors. They are modified versions of the ordinary F statistic used in the ANOVA models with independently and identically distributed errors. One has a form of the ordinary F statistic multiplied by a correction factor, which reflects slowly decaying autocorrelations, that is, long-range dependence. The other is a test statistic such that the degrees of freedom of the denominator in the ordinary F test statistic is calibrated by the so-called effective sample size. Empirical sizes and powers of the proposed test statistics are examined via Monte Carlo simulation. An application to German stock returns is presented. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Expediting in Job-Order-Control Systems: A Simulation Study

Abstract This article reports on an experimental investigation of expediting in job-order-control systems. Two modes of expediting—first-come-first-served and shortest-processing-time—are tested in simulated hybrid job shops and pure flow shops. These modes of expediting are statistically compared with shops which do not include expediting functions. The results of 36 computer runs generally indicate that first-come-first-served expediting is almost never desirable while the shortest processing time mode of expediting is, on the whole, about as desirable as no expediting.
An evaluation of two sunflower residue fuels

Abstract The feasibility of using two forms of densified sunflower biomass as fuel in a commercial, residential sized boiler unit has been studied. Tests using sunflower stalk briquets and hull pellets showed that both fuels would burn at acceptable efficiency levels but problems were encountered. The stalk briquets burned with an average efficiency of 67% and produced little smoke. There was little difficulty in controlling the combustion rate. The briquets were slow in igniting and contained a high percentage of ash. The sunflower pellets had a higher heat content and greater surface area than the stalk briquets. Problems with the sunflower hull pellets were the low air intake rate necessary to prevent overheating and difficulty in supplying enough secondary combustion air to prevent smoking. The average combustion efficiency of the pellets was 62%. The pellets contained much less ash than the briquets and presented few problems in ash removal. There were no clinkers formed by the pellets and there was no fuel feeding problem.
Oxo-molybdenum(VI,V,IV) complexes of the facially coordinating tris(mercaptoimidazolyl)borate ligand: synthesis, characterization, and oxygen atom transfer reactivity.

A series of monooxo−Mo(IV,V) and dioxo−Mo(VI) complexes of the “soft” tripodal ligand, sodium tris(mercaptoimidazolyl)borate (NaTmMe), have been synthesized as potential oxygen atom transfer (OAT) models for sulfite oxidase. Complexes have been characterized by X-ray crystallography, cyclic voltammetry, and EPR, where appropriate. Oxygen atom transfer kinetics of TmMeMoO2Cl, both stoichiometric and catalytic, have been studied by a combination of UV−vis and 31P NMR spectroscopies under a variety of conditions. OAT rates are consistent with previously established relationships between redox potential/reactivity and mechanistic studies. The analysis of these complexes as potential structural and functional analogues of relevance to molybdoenzymes is further discussed.
Nonparametric F-Tests for Nested Global and Local Polynomial Models

Abstract In this paper, we investigate geometric properties of local polynomial regression and show that the class of global polynomial models is nested within the class of functions generated by fitting local polynomials. The geometric properties are then utilized to construct nonparametric F -tests for testing whether a regression relationship is a polynomial function. The proposed F -tests can be seen as a “calculus” extension of the classical F -tests with analysis of variance interpretations. With the normality assumption, the test statistic is shown to have asymptotic F -distributions under the null hypothesis and fixed alternatives. Simulation results illustrate that the asymptotic null F -distribution approximates well in finite sample cases and the proposed tests enjoy robustness against heteroscedasticity and non-normality as do the classical F -tests.
Malignant eccrine spiradenoma: a meta-analysis of reported cases

Abstract Background Malignant eccrine spiradenoma is an aggressive sweat gland tumor with poorly understood behavior and no currently accepted therapeutic regimen. Methods An individual patient data meta-analysis with Kaplan–Meier survival curves was performed on 72 reported cases of malignant eccrine spiradenoma. Results In 35 patients with no distant metastasis, local resection resulted in 100% disease-free survival. Of 7 patients with lymph node but no distant metastasis treated with surgical resection and lymph node dissection, 6 patients remained disease-free at final follow-up evaluation. For the 24 cases with confirmed distant metastatic disease, patient survival did not significantly differ between local resection and surgery with adjuvant chemoradiotherapy ( P = .8763). Conclusions Heightened awareness is recommended among surgeons likely to treat this entity. An aggressive surgical approach is supported in the absence of metastasis. When lymph nodes are not clinically involved, sentinel node may have a role followed by lymph node dissection in patients with a positive node.
The use of gadolinium in the MR imaging of bone tumors

Before determining the role of gadolinium in the evaluation of the solitary bone tumor, the practicing radiologist needs to determine which solitary bone lesions merit further evaluation with magnetic resonance imaging and why further imaging is required. A practical approach in applying magnetic resonance imaging to the indeterminate solitary bone lesion is outlined in this article, which serves as a guideline for logical and consistent application of MR imaging for this purpose. Although seemingly widely used, gadolinium appears to add little to the diagnostic sensitivity or specificity of MR with respect to solitary bone lesions. For selective tumors, such as osteosarcoma, gadolinium offers the potential for determining the efficacy of chemotherapy, by evaluating tumor necrosis prior and subsequent to chemotherapy. In select situations, especially sarcomas close to joints, gadolinium may aid and augment other pulse sequences in determining whether tumor resection should be intraor extra-articular. However, gadolinium has a limited role in the evaluation of the solitary bone tumor, and its use should be the exception rather than the rule.
Raman scattering studies of monolayer-thickness oxide and tellurium films on PbSnTe

Abstract Raman backscattering spectra from fractured and etched surfaces of PbTeSnTe alloys have been studied and compared with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis of the surfaces. For samples freshly broken in air or suitably etched electrolytically, the spectra are identified with very thin (−monolayer) films of oxide, chemically as TeO2. For samples etched in HNO3 and HCl and for as-grown epi-films the spectra are identified with thin films of elemental tellurium. On n-type material, the surface oxide spectrum is found to change with time after fracture going from an initial rapidly formed TeO2 spectrum, similar to that of p-type material, to a spectrum identified with a mixture of Pb and Te oxides.
Phonon assisted stimulated energy transfer in PrF3

Abstract We investigate the effects of a nonequilibrium phonon population on energy transfer in PrF3. We determine the spectral and temporal dynamics associated with transfer between Pr3+ ions in interstitial and stoichiometric sites.
Further Results on Oscillation of Functional-Differential Equations

Abstract New sufficient conditions are given ensuring the oscillation of all (or the bounded) solutions of functional-differential equations of the form x ( n ) + H ( t , x ( g ( t ))) = Q ( t ). In some of the cases considered the forcing Q ( t ) is a “large” function.
Should the ordering of medical imaging examinations be reexamined

In 2003, according to National Center for Health statistics, US national expenditures for health exceeded $1.5 trillion, representing almost 15% of the gross domestic product. Costs have been increasing at an annual rate greater than 7.5%. In 2002, per-capita expendituresforhealthintheUnitedStates surpassed $5,440. These expenditures greatly exceed those of any other country in the world, and the question of whether they could be reduced without affecting quality is rightly asked. Although the expenditure figures for total medical imaging procedures are not available, on the basis of an extrapolation from known Medicare imaging expenditures, they should amount to $65 billion to $75 billion peryear.Thisisbasedonaroughrule of thumb multiplying Medicare imaging expenditures by a factor of 3.5 [1]. This amount for medical imaging is also considered to be higher than it should be. The value of modern, cross-sectional medical imaging is undisputed, and much of the increase in itsutilizationisapparentlyjustified.
A Multimedia Authoring Tool for Language Instruction

We describe a multimedia-based Russian-language course at Colgate and a multimedia authoring system that makes the creation of such courses technically feasible for language instructors. The system uses high-level visual tools to integrate the various media components of the educational unit and to establish links between them. Although designed with language instruction in mind, the system can be used for creating educational materials in any domain, as long as they consist of video/animation clips (or other linear sequences), accompanying texts, glossaries, and hypertext/hypermedia commentaries.
Acoustic Emission From a Brief Crack Propagation Event

Acoustic emissions produced by elementary processes of deformation and fracture at a crack edge are investigated on the basis of elastodynamic ray theory. To obtain a two-dimensional canonical solution we analyze wavefront motions generated by an arbitrary distribution of climbing edge dislocations emanating from the tip of a semi-infinite crack in an unbounded linearly elastic solid. These wavefront results are expressed in terms of emission coefficients which govern the variation with angle, and phase functions which govern the intensity of the wavefront signals. Explicit expressions for the emission coefficients are presented. The coefficients have been plotted versus the angle of observation, for various values of the crack propagation speed. The phase functions are in the form of integrals over the emanating dislocation distributions. Specific dislocation distributions correspond to brittle fracture and plastic yielding at the crack tip, respectively. Acoustic emission is most intense for brittle fracture, when the particle velocities experience wavefront jumps which are proportional to the stress-intensity factors prior to fracture. An appropriate adjustment of the canonical solution accounts for curvature of a crack edge. Such effects as focussing, finite duration of the propagation event, and finite dimensions of the crack are briefly discussed. As a specific example, the first signals generated by brittle Mode I propagation of an elliptical crack are calculated.
Continuous Infusion of Magnesium Sulfate (MgSO 4 ) in the Management of Severe Asthma in Children. • 238

Continuous Infusion of Magnesium Sulfate (MgSO 4 ) in the Management of Severe Asthma in Children. • 238
Testability features in a high-density memory module

A configurable multichip memory module designed in silicon-on-silicon hybrid form is discussed. The memory controller IC, which has been implemented in a CMOS gate array, also functions as an in-circuit tester for the memory chips. This capability, supplemented by the controller's own scan-path and boundary-scan features, results in increased in-field testability as well as greatly reduced production test costs. >
CDK6 kinase activity is required for thymocyte development

Cyclin-dependent kinase-6 (CDK6) is required for early thymocyte development and tumorigenesis. To mechanistically dissect the role of CDK6 in thymocyte development, we generated and analyzed mutant knock-in mice and found that mice expressing a kinase-dead Cdk6 allele (Cdk6K43M) had a pronounced reduction in thymocytes and hematopoietic stem cells and progenitor cells (Lin−Sca-1+c-Kit+ [LSK]). In contrast, mice expressing the INK4-insensitive, hyperactive Cdk6R31C allele displayed excess proliferation in LSK and thymocytes. However, this is countered at least in part by increased apoptosis, which may limit progenitor and thymocyte expansion in the absence of other genetic events. Our mechanistic studies demonstrate that CDK6 kinase activity contributes to Notch signaling because inactive CDK6 kinase disrupts Notch-dependent survival, proliferation, and differentiation of LSK, with concomitant alteration of Notch target gene expression, such as massive up-regulation of CD25. Further, knockout of CD25 in Cdk6K43M mice rescued most defects observed in young mice. These results illustrate an important role for CDK6 kinase activity in thymocyte development that operates partially through modulating Notch target gene expression. This role of CDK6 as a downstream mediator of Notch identifies CDK6 kinase activity as a potential therapeutic target in human lymphoid malignancies.
Propriospinal input to thoracolumbar sympathetic nuclei from cervical and lumbar lamina I neurons in the cat and the monkey

The possibility that specific thermoreceptive and nociceptive influences on sympathetic outflow are conveyed directly to spinal sympathetic regions by lamina I neurons was investigated anatomically with the immunofluorescent PHA-L technique in the cat and the cynomolgus monkey. Iontophoretic injections made with physiological guidance were restricted to lamina I or to laminae I-II in the cervical (C6-8) or lumbar (L6-7) enlargement. Bilateral (symmetric) terminal arborizations were observed (with an ipsilateral predominance) in the intermediolateral, intermediomedial, and intervening regions of the thoracolumbar intermediate zone. In serial horizontal sections, patches of terminal labeling appeared at regular longitudinal intervals in the intermediolateral region. Longitudinally coursing fibers that had multiple varicosities and gave off small terminal branches were observed in the intermediolateral and the intermediomedial regions. Mediolateral strips of labeling that extended from labeling in the intermediolateral region to labeling in the intermediomedial region occurred at fairly regular longitudinal intervals. Because the longitudinal distribution of these terminations corresponds very well with the characteristic (ladder-like) longitudinal pattern of organization of the neuropil of the thoracolumbar sympathetic nuclei, i.e., the principal part of the intermediolateral cell column, the central autonomic n., and the intervening n. intercalatus, it is inferred that these lamina I terminations occur within these nuclei. After cervical injections, the labeling was most dense in the upper thoracic T2-4 spinal cord segments in both the cat and the monkey; labeling was also present in the T10-12 segments. After lumbar injections, labeling in the cat was located in the L4 segment; labeling in the monkey was present in the T4-6 and T10-12 segments. The labeling obtained was much more dense in the monkey than in the cat. These observations reveal a spinal lamina I projection that could provide a direct pathway for the somatosympathetic reflex effects of thermal and noxious stimuli. Considered together with reports that lamina I and the sympathetic nuclei both receive descending input from certain key autonomic regions, this result emphasizes the importance of lamina I for homeostasis, in addition to its probable roles in behavioral arousal, affect, and sensation. These observations thus support the proposed concept that lamina I processes and distributes in a functionally specific manner the sensory input relevant to the physiological status of the tissues and organs of the entire organism.
Succinct Greedy Geometric Routing Using Hyperbolic Geometry

We describe a method for performing greedy geometric routing for any n-vertex simple connected graph G in the hyperbolic plane, so that a message M between any pair of vertices may be routed by having each vertex that receives M pass it to a neighbor that is closer to M's destination. Our algorithm produces succinct embeddings, where vertex positions are represented using O(\log n) bits and distance comparisons may be performed efficiently using these representations. These properties are useful, for example, for routing in sensor networks, where storage and bandwidth are limited.
A compaction correction for the paleomagnetism of the Nanaimo Group sedimentary rocks: Implications for the Baja British Columbia hypothesis

[1] A paleomagnetic and magnetic anisotropy study of the Late Cretaceous Northumberland formation on Hornby Island, British Columbia, was conducted to determine if burial compaction could have caused its anomalously shallow inclinations. The shallow Nanaimo Group inclinations have been used to support the Baja British Columbia (Baja BC) model of continental dynamics in which superterranes were transported thousands of kilometers northward along the active North American continental margin in the Cretaceous. A mean of the site means from the Northumberland formation is D = 5.8°, I = 50.9°, α95 = 7.9° (N = 8). Anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) and anisotropy of anhysteretic remanence (AAR) were measured to identify and correct for any inclination shallowing caused by depositional/compactional processes. Both concretion and fine-grained rock samples had typical depositional/compactional AMS and AAR fabrics with bedding perpendicular minimum principal axes. A revised correction equation was used to account for the effects of either triaxial magnetic fabrics or small angular deviations of principal axes from the bedding plane. The average inclination was increased by 9.6° after the compaction correction (D = 6.1°, I = 60.5°, α95 = 7.1°, N = 8), and the mean inclination of concretion and fine-grained rock sites was significantly steeper than Ward et al.'s [1997] result (I = 42.5°) placing Hornby Island and the Insular superterrane at a paleolatitude of 41°N in the Late Cretaceous. This paleolatitude indicates that Baja BC did translate northward since the Late Cretaceous by about 1600 km but not by the 3500 km previously indicated.
Bonding in Paper and Nonwovens

The manipulation of the physical characteristics of nonwovens and paper by variation of fiber and web geometry is briefly reviewed in terms of a new system of bonding in which the adhesive interfiber forces are a consequence of ionic chemical bonds.These bonds were created by the sequential covalent introduction of anionic sites onto the interior and exterior surfaces of microporous pulp and rayon fibers using a chloro-s-triazinyl fiber reactive dye and subsequent stoichiometric reaction with crosslinking polycations derived from ethylenimine.The tensile properties of both the pulp and rayon fiber assemblages were significantly augmented as a result of the development of both ionic inter- and intra-fiber bonds.
US-Stainless Steel (Mexico)

The US-Mexico stainless-steel dispute presents two interesting questions. First, what role does and should stare decisis (precedent) play in the WTO dispute-resolution system? Second, are there circumstances under which exceptional methodologies, i.e. "zeroing," can better achieve the stated objectives of the agreement than the standard methodologies explicitly stated in the agreement? We argue that the institutional structure and foundational norms of the WTO imply the need for Panels to be bound by the prior decisions of the Appellate Body. Our economic analysis describes the costs and benefits of legal systems with and without precedent. Regarding methodology, we argue that any analysis of the suitability of a methodology (i.e. "zeroing") must be undertaken jointly with an analysis of the underlying objective of the agreement (i.e. remedying injury). We conclude that, under limited circumstances, the "zeroing" methodology is more effective at remedying injury than the ordinary methodology outlined in the Agreement on Antidumping.
Color image decomposition and restoration

Abstract Meyer has recently introduced an image decomposition model to split an image into two components: a geometrical component and a texture (oscillatory) component. Inspired by his work, numerical models have been developed to carry out the decomposition of gray scale images. In this paper, we propose a decomposition algorithm for color images. We introduce a generalization of Meyer’s G norm to RGB vectorial color images, and use Chromaticity and Brightness color model with total variation minimization. We illustrate our approach with numerical examples.
Effect of dosage at the soft starch (h) locus on starch granule volume in maize

Larger particle volume is beneficial for many aspects of maize starch processing, and may improve the performance of some starch attributes. Of the numerous endosperm carbohydrate mutants, the soft starch (h) mutant appears to have the greatest influence on starch particle volume. The objective of this study was to determine the gene dosage effect upon starch particle volume at the h locus. Two inbreds, B37 and Oh43, were studied in 1992 and 1993, and their hybrid B37 × Oh43 was studied in 1993. Appropriate crosses were made to establish four endosperm genotypes ++/+, ++/h, hh/+ and hh/h. Starch was extracted from mature kernels collected for each endosperm genotype and analysed for particle volume. The source of variation attributable to fitting two straight regression lines on number of h alleles was highly significant (P < 0.01) in all experiments, resulting in a horizontal-line relationship among the three normal genotypes (++/+,++/h and hh/+) at 14.452 μm33 and a regression line of slope 1.622 μm3 passing from hh+ to hh/h. There is no dosage effect of starch particle volume at the h locus; complete recessiveness of the h allele for starch particle volume is the same as the visual phenotypic observation of soft starch.
Superresolution Parallel MRI

Parallel MRI reconstruction is formulated as a superresolution problem using coil sensitivities acquired with higher spatial resolution than the actual image. Array coils with a large number of small elements that present very localized and highly modulated sensitivity functions will form an encoding basis to estimate high k-space components from limited k-space acquisitions. The method is proposed for spatial resolution enhancement of intrinsic low-resolution modalities such as spectroscopic imaging and functional MRI where the coil sensitivities are varying withing the image voxel.
Effects of fluoride on parathyroid hormone secretion and intracellular second messengers in bovine parathyroid cells

Fluoride ion (F−) alone or in conjunction with aluminum (Al3+) has been shown to stimulate the activity of guanine nucleotide-binding proteins (G proteins) in cell membrane preparations from a variety of cell types and in intact hepatic cells. Several studies have indicated that G proteins are involved in the regulation of parathyroid hormone (PTH) secretion. Intracellular second messengers which modulate PTH secretion (e.g., cAMP) have also been found to be regulated by G proteins. We have, therefore, employed F− as a probe to investigate the possible role of G proteins in the modulation of PTH release and the intracellular second messengers that have been implicated in the control of PTH secretion. F− produces a dose-dependent inhibition of PTH release with a maximal inhibitory effect (67%) at 5 mM. F− exerts its inhibitory effect within 5 min and the degree of suppression of PTH secretion gradually increases over 1 hr. F− (5 mM) inhibits PTH secretion at 0.5 mM Ca2+ to the level observed with 2 mM Ca2+ alone; moreover, the effects of F− and high Ca2+ are not additive. While 1 mM F− suppresses PTH secretion by only 21%, and 10 μM Al3+ has virtually no effect at all, together they inhibit PTH release approximately to the level (63% inhibition) observed with 5 mM NaF alone. In the presence of 10−5M dopamine, F− produces a concentration-dependent inhibition of cAMP accumulation (0.684 ± 0.033 pmoles/105 cells at 0 mM F−vs. 0.256 ± 0.048 at 5 mM F−). However, the F−-induced decrease in cAMP cannot account for the inhibition of PTH release by this agent, since addition of methylisobutylxanthine (10−4M) by F− -treated cells raises intracellular cAMP content above that of control cells but fails to reverse the inhibition of PTH release. The cytosolic calcium concentration in Fura-2-loaded cells increases from 210 ± 20 nM to 340 ± 44 nM after 5 mM F− was added to incubation media. Prior removal of extracellular Ca2+ by EGTA totally blocks the F−-induced rise in cytosolic Ca2+ without preventing the inhibition of PTH release by NaF. F− also produces a time- and dose-dependent increase in the accumulation of IP, IP2, and IP3 in cells prelabeled with [3H]inositol and incubated with 10 mM Li+, consistent with activation of phospholipase C. We conclude that F− is a potent inhibitor of PTH secretion. Its action is potentiated by Al3+, consistent with mediation via G protein(s). F− also mimics the effects of high Ca2+ on several intracellular second messengers in parathyroid cells (e.g., cAMP, cytosolic Ca2+, and IP3), presumably through activating G proteins, although the changes in these mediators may not be directly linked to inhibition of secretion. The tumor promoter TPA, an activator of protein kinase C, reverses the inhibition of PTH release by 2 mM Ca2+ but has no effect on the inhibition of secretion by F−, suggesting that F− may also affect G proteins related to secretion at a locus distal to the protein kinase C system.
Colorimetric Determination of Serum Guanase Activity

A colorimetric method for the determination of serum guanase has been developed whereby ammonia, formed by the deteramination of guanine, is measured by the phenatehypochlorite reaction. Variations in substrate concentration, time of incubation, pH, temperature, and concentration of enzyme have been investigated with respect to enzyme activity. The determination of serum guanase appears to be useful in the differential diagnosis of jaundice.
Real Time Study of Cu Diffusion through a Ru Thin Film by Photoemission Electron Microscopy (PEEM)

We demonstrate the efficacy of Photoemission Electron Microscopy (PEEM) as a tool to detect metal diffusion processes at nanoscale spatial resolution in real time. For a sample comprising a nominally 1 nm physical vapor-deposited (PVD) Ru thin film covering a thick Cu substrate, we have observed the appearance of bright features on a dark background as the temperature is monotonically increased and irradiated with photons from a Hg arc lamp. These bright features are the result of a lower work function due to Cu diffusion through the Ru film.
Randomized blinded trial shows relative thrombocytopenia in natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery compared with standard laparoscopy in a porcine survival model.

Anecdotal reports of natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) procedures in patients are emerging. Whether the new procedure truly is less invasive is not known. Perioperative hematologic parameters during NOTES was compared with those during standard laparoscopy. For this study, 12 swine were randomized to transgastric peritoneoscopy with air or diagnostic laparoscopy using carbon dioxide. Arterial and venous catheters provided cardiopulmonary parameters and blood draws at baseline and up to 7 days postoperatively. The animals survived for 14 days. Data were analyzed by an investigator blinded to the procedure performed. Treatments were contrasted in terms of the mean outcome using a repeated measures linear model. All experiments were successfully completed. No gastric leak or peritonitis resulted. One NOTES animal died of hemorrhagic gastritis on postoperative day 3 due to bleeding distant from the gastrotomy site. Two animals in the laparoscopy group and one animal in the endoscopy group experienced respiratory compromise requiring disinflation. A widening pulse pressure and lower bladder pressure were observed in the NOTES group compared with the laparoscopy group (p < 0.001). Pre- and postoperative laboratory results showed an increase in the white blood cell count (1,000/ml) from 16.83 ± 1.94 in the laparoscopy group and 15.17 ± 0.41 in the NOTES group at baseline to 24.17 ± 3.25 and 23.33 ± 3.88, respectively, on postoperative day 7, but no difference between the groups (p = 0.6). The platelet count (1,000/ml) showed a difference between the two groups, changing from 422.5 ± 97.49 to 446.33 ± 89.86 in the laparoscopy group and from 368 ± 105 to 299.5 ± 161.9 in the NOTES group (p = 0.03). Significant differences in measured but not clinically apparent parameters were encountered. A potentially significant thrombocytopenia clinically was encountered in the NOTES group. The physiologic impact of NOTES procedures beyond the absence of abdominal incisions should be investigated further.