cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Variational principles for surface wave propagation on a laterally heterogeneous Earth—I. Time-domain JWKB theory

SUMMARY We present a JWKB theory for the propagation of monochromatic Love and Rayleigh waves on a smooth, laterally heterogeneous Earth model. The analysis is based upon a slowly varying Lagrangian which yields local Love and Rayleigh eigenfunctions, local dispersion relations, and transport equations which determine the variation in surface wave amplitude along a ray. The amplitude of a monochromatic Love or Rayleigh wave varies only as a result of geometrical spreading; the amplitude diverges and the phase is shifted by n/2 each time the wave passes through a caustic singularity, where the width of the ray tube vanishes. We obtain the JWKB surface wave Green’s tensor and derive an explicit expression for the JWKB response to a moment tensor source. The theory allows for slowly varying topography of the Earth’s surface and any internal discontinuities, and incorporates the effect of self-gravitation and slight anelasticity on surface wave propagation.
Upgrading to Web 2.0: An Experiential Project to Build a Marketing Wiki

Wikis are one of the newest features of Web 2.0. This article describes the implementation of a project in a marketing course in which students created an interactive textbook using wiki software. Several surprises encountered along the way are described, and the unique problem of grading individual contributions to a wiki is discussed. The author concludes that the wiki work improved the collaboration skills of students, but effects on learning could not be assessed. Strategies are provided that other instructors interested in using a wiki in the classroom can use to make the experience fulfilling for both instructor and students. The article ends with a call for the development of better grading methods and for assessment of the impact of wikis on learning.
A Tale of Two Mexican Border Cities: The Rise and Decline of Drug Violence in Juárez and Tijuana

AbstractThis paper examines the tale of the two cities, Ciudad Juarez and Tijuana. These two municipalities are the largest of Mexico's metropolises along the country's roughly 2,000-mile frontier with the United States, the longest land border between the “global north” and the “global south.” This narrative builds on several years of research regarding Mexico's rule of law challenges, during which the author conducted multiple field research trips to both Ciudad Juarez and Tijuana. By virtue of their status as border cities, both lie at the fringes of the state and the very limits of its coercive monopoly on force. Consequentially, these are two cities that also stand at the frontiers of globalization, thanks to the opening of trade, new technologies, and infrastructure that has expanded flows of commerce, capital, and people across the US–Mexican border. This article examines the factors that contributed to the eruption of enormous violence in both cities around 2008, and the factors that contributed t...
Conservative management of transitional cell carcinoma of the kidney and ureter.

We report six patients with upper tract transitional cell neoplasms who were treated by an endourologic approach. Two patients had undergone nephroureterectomy previously, whereas one patient had a single functioning kidney. Two patients were deemed candidates for endourologic procedures secondary to significant comorbid disease precluding major open surgery. The final patient had a low-grade distal ureteral lesion and desired a conservative approach.Of six patients, two were rendered tumor free without recurrence 48 months and 60 months after surgery. Two patients had multiple superficial recurrences managed endoscopically and are currently disease free after 12 and 48 months, respectively. One patient died from metastatic transitional cell cancer 18 months postoperatively whereas one died perioperatively secondary to bleeding and multiple organ failure.Of five patients who tolerated endoscopic therapy, four were disease free with a mean follow-up of 30 months. Endoscopic treatment of upper urinary tract transitional cell carcinoma is feasible, although the risk of disease recurrence and progression may be significant.
Improving material logistics via automation in an existing semiconductor fab

The introduction of a new product or technology into an existing semiconductor fab involves a combination of new processes, material flows and equipment sets. These changes may introduce manufacturing inefficiencies for both existing production and the new product sets, making it more challenging over time to compete with dedicated facilities specifically designed to optimize production of the new technologies. Yet it is necessary to effectively utilize a fab over multiple generations to attain a return on the large investments associated with semiconductor fabs. This paper presents an overview of the implementation of an automated material handling system (AMHS) designed to enhance the competitiveness of a mature 200 mm manufacturing facility. The fab had experienced a number of product and technology introductions over time, and the cumulative layout and flow changes were affecting performance metrics including cycle times, equipment utilization and labor efficiency. The implementation of a large scale AMHS into a high volume manufacturing environment involves many challenges including physical constraints such as ceiling height, floor space, right-of-way and cleanliness limitations; logistical implications associated with executing a project that spans the entire facility while minimizing disruption to production; and the requirement to provide seamless integration into existing legacy systems along with a familiar 'look and feel' interface to existing operations. The paper also describes issues associated with the integration of AMHS equipment from multiple suppliers. The resultant system is one of the largest automated interbay systems in the world in terms of volumes, size, scope and complexity, transporting material in a timely and cost-effective manner. The automation solution has enhanced the ability of the fab to support multiple generations of process and product flows, improved operator efficiency, and provided faster and more predictable delivery times between production areas.
Decapping and Decay of Messenger RNA Occur in Cytoplasmic Processing Bodies

A major pathway of eukaryotic messenger RNA (mRNA) turnover begins with deadenylation, followed by decapping and 5' to 3' exonucleolytic decay. We provide evidence that mRNA decapping and 5' to 3' degradation occur in discrete cytoplasmic foci in yeast, which we call processing bodies (P bodies). First, proteins that activate or catalyze decapping are concentrated in P bodies. Second, inhibiting mRNA turnover before decapping leads to loss of P bodies; however, inhibiting turnover at, or after, decapping, increases the abundance and size of P bodies. Finally, mRNA degradation intermediates are localized to P bodies. These results define the flux of mRNAs between polysomes and P bodies as a critical aspect of cytoplasmic mRNA metabolism and a possible site for regulation of mRNA degradation.
Orthodoxy Requires Orthopathy: Emotions in Theology

Those who study, teach, and write about orthodoxy typically omit almost entirely any explicit consideration of human emotions. It is not surprising, then, that theology can seem an abstract activity without much effectiveness either for inspiring ritual and moral practice or for fostering attachment to Christianity. Similarly, church leaders, in their concentration on orthodoxy or orthopraxy, pay insufficient attention to the affective alienation occurring within and among Christians. This article brings to bear on theology the burgeoning philosophical and psychological research on emotions. It develops the cognitive and participative nature of emotions; their role in forming both an existential faith and community; the legitimacy and independence but also the inadequacy of conceptualist theology; the conflicts, tensions, and mutual contributions of intellect and emotion; and, finally, the role of emotion in moving ideas to practice.
Binocular contributions to the responsiveness and integrative capacity of the circadian rhythm system to light.

The retinohypothalamic tract (RHT), a monosynaptic retinal projection to the SCN, is the major path by which light entrains the circadian system to the external photoperiod. The circadian system of rodents effectively integrates or counts photons, and the magnitude of the rhythm phase response is proportional to the total energy of the photic stimulus. In the present studies, responsiveness to light and integrative capacity of the circadian system were tested in hamsters after reduction of retinal photoreceptor input by 50%. At CT 19, animals in constant darkness with or without unilateral retinal occlusion were exposed to 1 of 6 irradiances of 5-min white-light pulses ranging from 0.0011 to 70 [.proportional]W/cm2 or 5 white-light pulses of 0.6 [.proportional]W/cm2 with durations ranging from 0.25 to 150.0 min. Assessment of light-induced circadian rhythm phase response and Fos expression in the SCN by these animals revealed that a 50% reduction in input from photoreceptors stimulated directly with light...
Impact of untreated portal vein thrombosis on pre and post liver transplant outcomes in cirrhosis

Background and aims. Most portal vein thromboses (PVT) in cirrhotics are discovered incidentally. While case series demonstrate improved portal vein patency with anti-coagulation, there is little information on impact of PVT on morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to compare morbidity and mortality in cirrhotics with untreated PVT with those without PVT. Material and methods. Cirrhotics evaluated for orthotopic liver transplant in a single large transplant center were prospectively followed. Subjects had contrast CT or MRI at initial evaluation and serial imaging every 6 months until transplantation, removal from the list or death. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis were used to assess associations between new PVT and factors of interest. Results. Of the 290 prospectively followed cirrhotics who met inclusion criteria, PVT was detected in 70 (24.1%)-47 had PVT at the time of initial evaluation and 23 developed one during the pre-transplant study period. A third of the patients with PVT had re-canalization or spontaneous resolution of thrombus while awaiting transplantation. There was no difference in the pre or posttransplant mortality between cirrhotics with and without PVT. Conclusion. Cirrhotics with untreated PVT fared equally well as those without PVT before and after transplantation. Further studies with larger numbers of patients are needed to determine if anticoagulation therapy truly improves outcomes in cirrhotics with portal vein thrombosis.
Impaired secretion and increased insolubilization of IgE‐receptor complexes in mycophenolic acid‐treated (guanine nucleotide‐depleted) RBL‐2H3 mast cells

In RBL-2H3 rat leukemic mast cells, cross-linking anti-DNP IgE-receptor complexes with multivalent antigen (DNP-BSA) activates a signal transduction pathway leading to Ca2+ influx and secretion. Cross-linking IgE-receptor complexes also stimulates a pathway that inactivates (desensitizes) receptors; this pathway becomes important at high concentrations of cross-linking antigen. Recent evidence that antigen-induced secretion is impaired by mycophenolic acid (MPA), an inhibitor of guanine nucleotide synthesis de novo, has implicated a GTP-binding protein (G protein) in the signaling pathway. Other recent studies have indicated that the conversion of cross-linked receptors to a detergent-insoluble (cytoskeleton-associated) form at high antigen concentrations is correlated with the loss of signaling activity. Here we show that secretion elicited by an optimal concentration of antigen (0.05 micrograms/ml DNP-BSA) is only inhibited by about 25% in guanine nucleotide-depleted cells, whereas secretion elicited by 5 micrograms/ml DNP-BSA, a concentration in the range that causes the high-dose inhibition of secretion, is inhibited by more than 60%. We also show that IgE-receptor complexes are insolubilized in response to 5 but not 0.05 micrograms/ml DNP-BSA in both control and guanine nucleotide-depleted cells. Importantly, the extent of insolubilization elicited by 5 micrograms/ml DNP-BSA is increased by more than 60% in the guanine nucleotide-depleted samples. These results raise the possibility that guanine nucleotide depletion reduces the secretory response to high antigen concentrations in two ways: by inhibiting the G protein-coupled signaling pathway and by increasing the availability of receptors to the pathway leading to receptor insolubilization and inactivation.
Genetic and environmental influences on malformations of the cardiac outflow tract.

Congenital cardiovascular malformations are the most common form of birth defect recorded. Specific malformations of the outflow portions of the heart are termed conotruncal malformations and arise from the septation of the common conotruncus of the heart. There are multiple lines of evidence that point towards genetic–environmental interactions in the genesis of conotruncal congenital cardiovascular malformations. In particular, environmental exposures that involve vitamin A, retinol, folic acid or retinol receptors are identified as cardiac teratogens. Other environmental agents for which there is evidence of cardiac teratogenicity for outflow tract malformations include nitrofen, ambient air pollution, chlorinated hydrocarbons and pesticides. Genetic polymorphisms of xenobiotic metabolism are clearly differentiating in the effect of potential teratogens. Work in this field is at a new cusp, with the ability to measure xenobiotic exposure, document xenobiotic metabolizing genetic polymorphisms and integ...
Elucidation of the genomic nucleotide sequence of bovine coronavirus and analysis of cryptic leader mRNA fusion sites

Over the last few years numerous respiratory bovine coronaviruses (RBCV) were isolated from respiratory infections of cattle including two shipping fever epizootics (Storz et al., 1996; Storz et al., 2000). The RBCV strain 98TXSF-110-LU (LU) and the enteric strain 98TXSF-110-ENT (ENT) were isolated from lung and intestinal samples, respectively, from an animal experiencing fatal respiratory disease during a 1998 shipping fever epizootic. We obtained and compared the entire genomic sequences of the LU and ENT isolates to delineate nucleotide (nt) and amino acid (aa) differences between them. In addition, we analyzed the leader-mRNA junction sequences of the S and 12.7 kDa mRNAs specified by different BCV strains.
Why Do IPO Underwriters Allocate Extra Shares when They Expect to Buy Them Back

I argue that overallocation is used as a marketing strategy to increase the offer price and aftermarket price of an initial public offering (IPO). I show that, when there is weak demand, it can be optimal for the underwriter to oversell an issue and take a naked short position. The issuing firm benefits from a higher expected offer price. This is in spite of the fact that, in equilibrium, allocating more shares when there is weak demand requires greater underpricing when there is strong demand.
Regulation of pp90rsk phosphorylation and S6 phosphotransferase activity in Swiss 3T3 cells by growth factor-, phorbol ester-, and cyclic AMP-mediated signal transduction.

Abstract Somatic cell homologs to the Xenopus laevis S6 protein kinases (referred to collectively as pp90rsk) have recently been identified and partially characterized. Here we examine alterations in pp90rsk phosphorylation and S6 phosphotransferase activity in response to regulators of multiple signal transduction systems: purified growth factors, phorbol ester, changes in cyclic AMP (cAMP) levels, and sodium vanadate. All reagents tested increased pp90rsk serine and threonine phosphorylation, but only those agents that regulate cell proliferation and sodium vanadate activated its S6 kinase activity. In addition to the cAMP-stimulated phosphorylation of pp90rsk, a simple correlation between the extent of growth-regulated pp90rsk phosphorylation and S6 phosphotransferase activity was not observed. Quantitative phosphorylation of pp90rsk continued to increase after its S6 kinase activity began its return towards basal levels. However, a close correlation between the appearance and disappearance of a slow-mobility form of phosphorylated pp90rsk (by electrophoresis) and pp90rsk activity was observed. In addition, pp90rsk was regulated by both protein kinase C-independent and -dependent signaling mechanisms. The extent of protein kinase C participation, however, varied depending on which growth factor receptor was activated. Furthermore, growth factor-specific differences in the temporal regulation of pp90rsk S6 phosphotransferase activity were also observed. These results support the notion that the complex regulation of the rsk gene product constitutes one of the primary responses of animal cells to mitogenic signals.
A C library for retrieving specific reactions from the BioModels database.

Summary: We describe libSBMLReactionFinder, a C library for retrieving specific biochemical reactions from the curated systems biology markup language models contained in the BioModels database. The library leverages semantic annotations in the database to associate reactions with human-readable descriptions, making the reactions retrievable through simple string searches. Our goal is to provide a useful tool for quantitative modelers who seek to accelerate modeling efforts through the reuse of previously published representations of specific chemical reactions. Availability and implementation: The library is open-source and dual licensed under the Mozilla Public License Version 2.0 and GNU General Public License Version 2.0. Project source code, downloads and documentation are available at http://code.google.com/p/ lib-sbml-reaction-finder.
Evolution of stickleback in 50 years on earthquake-uplifted islands

How rapidly can animal populations in the wild evolve when faced with sudden environmental shifts? Uplift during the 1964 Great Alaska Earthquake abruptly created freshwater ponds on multiple islands in Prince William Sound and the Gulf of Alaska. In the short time since the earthquake, the phenotypes of resident freshwater threespine stickleback fish on at least three of these islands have changed dramatically from their oceanic ancestors. To test the hypothesis that these freshwater populations were derived from oceanic ancestors only 50 y ago, we generated over 130,000 single-nucleotide polymorphism genotypes from more than 1,000 individuals using restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (RAD-seq). Population genomic analyses of these data support the hypothesis of recent and repeated, independent colonization of freshwater habitats by oceanic ancestors. We find evidence of recurrent gene flow between oceanic and freshwater ecotypes where they co-occur. Our data implicate natural selection in phenotypic diversification and support the hypothesis that the metapopulation organization of this species helps maintain a large pool of genetic variation that can be redeployed rapidly when oceanic stickleback colonize freshwater environments. We find that the freshwater populations, despite population genetic analyses clearly supporting their young age, have diverged phenotypically from oceanic ancestors to nearly the same extent as populations that were likely founded thousands of years ago. Our results support the intriguing hypothesis that most stickleback evolution in fresh water occurs within the first few decades after invasion of a novel environment.
Chekhov’s Letter: Linguistic System and its Discontents

In speaking here for language and literature (and I do speak, not »on« or »about,« but precisely for them: on their behalf and in their name) I face an impossible task. It is not just the vastness of the topic; there is also the enormous body of scholarship, either itself systems-theoretical or of a sort congenial to systems theory, dating back in Saussure and the Russian Formalists to the earliest decades of this century. Ideally I would present some kind of report summarizing views, methods, and findings, delineating common assumptions and problems, and hinting at profitable lines for future research. Yet given the dimensions of this paper, any such inevitably shorthand report is out of the question. I must take a quite different tack I shall of course name some of the most important names and say something of what they stand for. But my general method will be suggestive rather than descriptive, less a conventional expose than a series of what Wittgenstein would call thinking-points. I shall present a thesis of sorts, grounded in the interpretation of a certain story; and the fact that I ground my remarks in the analysis of a particular literary text already tells you something about how we do things in my neck of the woods. But this thesis is meant to serve merely as an occasion, a place for thought; the actual work must come later, in your own subsequent musings on the points it raises.
Development of high sodium renal hypertension during chronic blockade of the vascular effects of vasopressin.

Studies in sodium-dependent models of hypertension have shown that arginine-vasopressin (AVP) plays an important role in the maintenance of blood pressure, predominantly through its vasoconstrictor action. In addition to AVP, the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) also acts to maintain blood pressure in high sodium one-kidney, figure-8 renal wrap hypertension. The purpose of this study was to determine if chronic blockade of vascular AVP (V1) receptors affected the induction of high sodium renal hypertension and the contribution of the SNS to the maintenance of blood pressure. Rats receiving chronic s.c. administration of a V1 antagonist, d(CH2)5Tyr(Me)AVP, or vehicle were subjected to renal wrapping or sham surgery, V1 receptor blockade was confirmed periodically by an 80 +/- 3% reduction of the pressor response to a bolus injection of 10 mU/kg of AVP. d(CH2)5Tyr(Me)AVP did not affect the development of hypertension or the associated changes in plasma sodium, potassium, osmolality and hematocrit. In renal-wrapped rats, ganglionic blockade caused a greater fall in blood pressure in animals treated with d(CH2)5Tyr(Me)AVP than in vehicle-treated animals. However, this apparent increase in SNS function was not responsible for the hypertension in d(CH2)5Tyr(Me)AVP-treated, renal-wrapped rats, inasmuch as ganglionic blockade lowered blood pressure a similar amount in normotensive d(CH2)5Tyr(Me)AVP-treated, sham-operated rats and blood pressure remained elevated after combined blockade of the SNS, AVP and the renin-angiotensin systems. These results indicated that chronic blockade of V1 receptors did not alter the induction of high sodium renal hypertension and the mechanism of the elevated blood pressure was not through an activation of the SNS or other neurohumoral mechanisms.
Mass Spectrometry of Peptides and Proteins up to Proteomics

Abstract The development of mass spectrometric methodologies for determining the amino acid sequences of peptides and the primary structure of proteins began in the late 1950s with the conversion of small peptides to analogous polyamino alcohols that were sufficiently volatile to be separated by gas chromatography and ionized by electron impact. Sequencing was greatly simplified by the ability to ionize intact peptides and even entire proteins directly afforded by the invention of FAB, MALDI, and ESI in the 1980s. The advent of DNA sequencing provided further synergistic avenues to the efficient determination of the primary structure of even very large proteins.
The NLRP3 inflammasome is critically involved in the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia

The pathogenesis of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), a devastating lung disease in preterm infants, includes inflammation, the mechanisms of which are not fully characterized. Here we report that the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome is associated with the development of BPD. Hyperoxia-exposed neonatal mice have increased caspase-1 activation, IL1β and inflammation, and decreased alveolarization. Nlrp3(-/-) mice have no caspase-1 activity, no IL1β, no inflammatory response and undergo normal alveolarization. Treatment of hyperoxia-exposed mice with either IL1 receptor antagonist to block IL1β or glyburide to block the Nlrp3 inflammasome results in decreased inflammation and increased alveolarization. Ventilated preterm baboons show activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome with increased IL1β:IL1ra ratio. The IL1β:IL1ra ratio in tracheal aspirates from preterm infants with respiratory failure is predictive of the development of BPD. We conclude that early activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome is a key mechanism in the development of BPD, and represents a novel therapeutic target for BPD.
How do foreign language teachers maintain their proficiency? A grounded theory investigation

Abstract Building on Markus and Nurius's (1986) possible selves theory to investigate language teachers' engagement in professional development, this case study examines how nine Italian school foreign language (FL) teachers in two types of high schools (college preparation and vocational schools) experienced and responded to changes in their FL proficiency. Interview data, analyzed with a grounded theory approach, showed that when dealing with professional development, the FL teachers had to decide whether to (1) engage in professional development activities, and (2) maintain their engagement with or without a supportive community. Their decisions and engagement were influenced by the strength of the dissonance between the perception of their actual and possible L2 selves. The findings have implications for designing in-service professional development courses that take into consideration teachers' needs in relation to their school environments as FL teachers navigate the life-long experience of learning and maintaining a foreign language.
Columbus Bibliographies: Past, Present, Future

Summary A brief description and evaluation of a few prominent enumerative bibliographies of Christopher Columbus and his writings may provide some direction for such bibliographies in the future. The term enumerative bibliography distinguishes an organized list of books and articles from other kinds of bibliography. The term bibliography also applies, of course, to the study of books as books, and to the art of critical editing. The current state of enumerative bibliography permits us to judge the Columbus bibliographies of the past-that is, before 1992-ac-cording to certain criteria (Provost, 1987) which apply to annotated bibliographies, i.e., bibliographies that include commentaries or annotations in the entries. Such a bibliography of Columbus editions and studies will be selective, for a mountain of trivial books and essays must be avoided in favor of genuine scholarly contributions.
THE EFFECT OF INCREASE IN POST-EXERCISE ANKLE-BRACHIAL INDEX AMONG PATIENTS WITH NORMAL RESTING RESULTS

Prior studies assessed the effect of post-exercise ankle-brachial index (ABI) drop in patients with normal resting results. However, none have evaluated the effect of its increase in these patients. From a single center vascular laboratory database between 09/2005 and 01/2010, we retrospectively
Abstract 3342: Specific inhibition of IKKβ induces caspase-independent cell death in the ovarian cancer stem cells

Proceedings: AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010‐‐ Apr 17‐21, 2010; Washington, DC Introduction: Current studies show that the cancer stem cells represent the chemo-resistant phenotype and therefore may survive chemotherapy to eventually rebuild the tumor. Our group previously identified and characterized the ovarian cancer stem cells using CD44 and MyD88 as a marker and showed that these cells have a constitutively active IKKβ/NFκB axis. We hypothesize that specific targeting of this pathway may affect survival of the ovarian cancer stem cells. Methods: A panel of CD44+/MyD88+ ovarian cancer stem cells were treated with increasing concentrations of the specific IKKβ inhibitor, BAY 11-7082 (0.1, 0.5 1, 5, and 10 μg/ml). Effect on cell growth was monitored using the Incucyte real time imaging system and cell viability was determined using the Celltiter 96 assay. Specific inhibition of IKKβ was determined by: (a) the effect on the mTOR pathway by analyzing levels of phospho-S6 kinase and (b) by determining the effect on TNFα-induced NFκB activity by measuring levels of IκB. Activity of caspases- 3/7, −8, and −9 was measured using Caspase-Glo assay and levels of XIAP monitored using western blot analysis. Effect on mitochondrial membrane potential was measured using flow cytometry after staining with JC1 dye. In vivo activity was monitored using a s.c. ovarian cancer xenograft model in nude mice. The effect of BAY 11-7082 (10 mg/kg every other day given i.p.) was compared to carboplatin (40mg/kg q7d given i.p.) and paclitaxel (10mg/kg q3d given i.p.). Results: Treatment with BAY 11-7082 inhibited cell growth and decreased cell viability in all ovarian cancer stem cell cultures tested in a dose and time dependent manner with GI50 at ∼ 5μg/ml. Specific inhibition of IKKβ was observed at this dose by a decrease in phospho-p70S6 kinase and inhibition of TNFα-induced IκB degradation. Cell death was caspase-independent with no significant increase in caspases 3/7, 8, nor 9 and no effect on the levels of XIAP. Cell death was associated with loss of mitochondrial membrane potential with more than 90% of cells showing a shift in JC1 fluorescence from red to green in 4h. In vivo studies showed that BAY 11-7082 is able to inhibit tumor growth with T/C of 64%, significantly better than carboplatin and paclitaxel (T/C 87% and 74%, p=0.009 and 0.0025, respectively). Conclusion: The capacity of the cancer stem cells to survive chemotherapy and rebuild the tumor represent a major target to inhibit recurrence in ovarian cancer patients. The demonstration that specific targeting of IKKβ can induce cell death in the ovarian cancer stem cells opens new therapeutic options for ovarian cancer patients. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3342.
Observations upon the Absorption and Excretion of Sulfapyridine (2 Sulfanilyl Aminopyridine)

ConclusionsSulfapyridine (2-sulfaiiilyl aminopyridine) is less readily and more irregularly absorbed bly human beings than is sulfanilamide. Our experience leads us to believe that from a half to two-thirds of the ingested drug is excreted in the urine. Sulfapyridine is found in purulent pleural exudates and spinal fluids in concentrations of a half to two-thirds of those observed in the blood. In the blood of human beings a considerable fraction of the drug is frequently found in the conjugated form. Because of the irregular absorption of the drug and its tendency towards conjugation, accurate therapy with sulfapyridine is more difficult than with sulfanilamide.
Copolymerization of 1-Ethyl-3-vinylimidazolium Bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide via Initiated Chemical Vapor Deposition

We studied the copolymerization of an ionic liquid (1-ethyl-3-vinylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([EVIm][TFSI])) with ethylene glycol diacrylate (EGDA) via initiated chemical vapor deposition to form polymerized ionic liquid (PIL) copolymer films. The copolymerization was carried out by placing droplets of [EVIm][TFSI] in the reactor and introducing EGDA and tert-butyl peroxide initiator in the vapor phase. The heterogeneous films that formed at the surface of the liquid droplets were composed of a homopolymer PEGDA top layer that formed by the polymerization of adsorbed EGDA at the liquid—vapor interface and a poly([EVIm][TFSI]-co-EGDA) copolymer bottom layer that formed by the copolymerization of [EVIm][TFSI] with absorbed EGDA within the liquid. The copolymer layer contained a gradient composition with decreasing concentration of [EVIm][TFSI]. We showed that the composition of the copolymer films can be controlled by tuning the reaction time and pressure. In addition, we demonstrated th...
iCellular: device-customized cellular network access on commodity smartphones

Exploiting multi-carrier access offers a promising direction to boost access quality in mobile networks. However, our experiments show that, the current practice does not achieve the full potential of this approach because it has not utilized fine-grained, cellular-specific domain knowledge. In this work, we propose iCellular, which exploits low-level cellular information at the device to improve multi-carrier access. Specifically, iCellular is proactive and adaptive in its multi-carrier selection by leveraging existing end-device mechanisms and standards-complaint procedures. It performs adaptive monitoring to ensure responsive selection and minimal service disruption, and enhances carrier selection with online learning and runtime decision fault prevention. It is readily deployable on smartphones without infrastructure/ hardware modifications. We implement iCellular on commodity phones and harness the efforts of Project Fi to assess multi-carrier access over two US carriers: T-Mobile and Sprint. Our evaluation shows that, iCellular boosts the devices with up to 3.74x throughput improvement, 6.9x suspension reduction, and 1.9x latency decrement over the state-of-the-art selection scheme, with moderate CPU, memory and energy overheads.
MOLECULAR MECHANISMS REGULATING NITRIC OXIDE BIOSYNTHESIS Role of Xenobiotics in Epithelial Inflammation

The squamous epithelium, which comprises the outermost barrier to the environment, functions as the primary initial site of xenobiotic insult. Following xenobiotic insult, the epithelium responds by producing a complex inflammatory micro-environment. During inflammation, hyperplasia, edema as well as leukocyte infiltration are typically observed (Adams, 1993). Stromal cells, keratinocytes in the case of the skin, resident immune-type dendritic cells, and infiltrating leukocytes release an array of cytokines and inflammatory mediators that regulate the inflammatory process. Initially, these mediators induce increased vascular permeability, which in turn facilitates an influx of serum-derived factors including complement, hormones, leukotrienes and cytokines (Camp, 1990, Gallo, 1989). These mediators then enhance recruitment of additional leukocytes to the site of xenobiotic insult as well as stimulating the proliferation of resident epithelial cells and fibroblasts. This later effect is required for the resolution of inflammation and successful wound repair (Friedman, 1993, Knighton, 1991, Kupper, 1990). Within the inflammatory micro environment activated leukocytes produce a variety of bioactive mediators including cytokines, hydrolytic enzymes, collagen and lipid degradation products (Adams, 1993). For some time it has been recognized that inflammatory leukocytes also produce short-lived reactive intermediate such as active oxygen species including superoxide anion, hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl anion. These reactive oxygen intermediates (ROJ) are important in non-specific host defense (Flohe, 1985). Recently, immunologically activated leukocytes have been found to produce reactive nitrogen intermediates (Nathan, 1992, Feng, 1990). Nitric oxide, the best recognized of these species also plays an important role in host defense (Marietta, 1993). However peroxynitrite and other transient nitrogen oxides may be important in inflammation (Stamler, 1994). One of the major functions of nitric oxide and its oxidation products during inflammatory reactions is microbial killing. This activity is due to nitric-oxide-mediated inactivation of critical metabolic enzymes necessary for the survival of many invading microorganisms. However, host tissues also respond to nitric oxide formed during an inflammatory response. As a consequence, this may alter physiologic functions within the inflamed tissue. For example, nitric oxide causes relaxation of smooth muscle cells lining the blood vessels, resulting in
Effect of chronic respiratory loading on the subunit composition of cytochrome c oxidase in the diaphragm

To elucidate in the diaphragm, 1) whether chronic inspiratory loading increases the amount of cytochrome c oxidase (COX) subunit proteins, and 2) how well the regulation of mitochondrially and nuclearly coded COX subunits is coordinated, we have trained six adult sheep with inspiratory flow-resistive loads for 3 h/day for 3 wk. Six other sheep served as controls. Proteins from crude muscle homogenates were separated using sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, immunoblotted, and reacted with polyclonal rabbit anti-bovine COX antibodies. A mitochondrially coded subunit (II) and nuclearly coded subunits (IV and VII) reacted with anti-COX antibodies and were quantified with laser densitometry using purified COX as a standard. In the costal diaphragm and for the equivalent amount of muscle homogenate protein, the integrated optical densities (IOD) for subunits II, IV, and VII were significantly greater in the trained sheep than in the controls. Similarly, the IOD for subunits II and VII were significantly greater in the trained than in the controls in the crural diaphragm. There were no differences between the two groups in the quadriceps, a muscle that was used as an untrained, internal control muscle. The ratios of the IOD for each of the two nuclearly coded subunits to that for mitochondrially coded subunit II were not different between the two groups. These data suggest that chronic inspiratory loading increases both mitochondrially and nuclearly coded COX subunits in the diaphragm and that the subunits coded by the two genetic systems are coordinately regulated.
TRANSIENT PERFORMANCE PREDICTION OF HORIZONTAL WELL WITH COUPLED IN WELLBORE AND RESERVOIR PART 3: CASE ANALYSIS

This paper applied the transient performance prediction model of horizontal well with coupled wellbore and reservoir that was found by Duan yong-gang etc to calculate and verify the model according to the result. The calculated results indicated that the effect of the horizontal well and reservoir form and parameters are fully considered in the model. In the horizontal well, because the frictional drop is far bigger than acceleration drop, in the fact application we can ignore the effect of acceleration of liquid in the wellbore. The horizontal well has an optimal horizontal length range. We can rapidly find out the optimal length by using the coupled model. The coupled model developed had finer extended capability and provides a universal mode for reservoir engineering studies in different condition.
Simultaneous analysis of rhodamine B and rhodamine 123 in chilli powder by high performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection after solid-phase extraction

Objective:To develop a method for the simultaneous determination of rhodamine B and rhodamine 123 in chilli powder by high performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection.Methods:Chilli powder samples were extracted using methanol-water(1:1,V/V),and cleaned up with Strata-X-CW SPE cartridges.Chromatographic separation was performed on a Kromasil C18 analytical column(250 mm×4.6 mm×5 μm) with a gradient elution using formic acid solution(0.1%,V/V)-acetonitrile as mobile phase.The rhodamine B and rhodamine 123 were detected by fluorescence detector at excitation wavelength(λex) 556 nm and 518 nm,and emission wavelength(λem) 581 nm and 542 nm,respectively.Results:Linearities of the method were in the range of 1.0 μg/L～50.0 μg/L and 2.0 μg/L～100.0 μg/L with determination coefficients(R2) higher than 0.9994 for rhodamine 123 and rhodamine B,respectively.Recoveries were in the range of 94.5%～104.6%,and the relative standard deviations(RSDs) were lower than 5%.The limit of quantification(LOQs) for rhodamine B and rhodamine 123 were in the range of 1.0 μg/kg～2.0 μg/kg.Conclusion:The developed method has the advantages of simple pretreatment,efficient separation and high reproducibility,and it can be applied to the determination of the two rhodamines in chilli powder.
Validation and Evaluation of the Effects of Semi-Occluded Face Mask Straw Phonation Therapy Methods on Aerodynamic Parameters in Comparison to Traditional Methods

Summary Objectives/Hypothesis Traditional semi-occluded vocal tract therapies have the benefit of improving vocal economy but, do not allow for connected speech during rehabilitation. In this study, we introduce a semi-occluded face mask (SOFM) as an improvement upon current methods. This novel technique allows for normal speech production, and will make the transition to everyday speech more natural. We hypothesize that use of an SOFM will lead to the same gains in vocal economy seen in traditional methods. Study Design Repeated measures excised canine larynx bench experiment with each larynx subject to controls and a randomized series of experimental conditions. Methods Aerodynamic data were collected for 30 excised canine larynges. The larynges were subjected to conditions including a control, two tube extensions (15 and 30 cm), and two tube diameters (6.5 and 17 mm) both with and without the SOFM. Results were compared between groups and between conditions within each group. Results No significant differences were found between the phonation threshold pressure and phonation threshold flow measurements obtained with or without the SOFM throughout all extension and constriction levels. Significant differences in phonation threshold pressure and phonation threshold flow were observed when varying the tube diameter while the same comparison for varying the tube length at least trended toward significance. Conclusions This study suggests that a SOFM can be used to elicit the same gains in vocal economy as what has been seen with traditional semi-occluded vocal tract methods. Future studies should test this novel technique in human subjects to validate its use in a clinical setting.
Effects of olfactory sense on chocolate craving

In the present study, we assessed the effect of the olfactory sense on chocolate craving in college females. Building on previous research by Kemps and Tiggemann (2013), we hypothesized that a fresh scent would decrease one’s craving level for chocolate food. While the precursor study only addressed the decrease of chocolate craving, we also hypothesized that a sweet scent would increase one’s craving level for chocolate foods. In the present experiment, participants rated their craving levels after viewing images of chocolate foods and inhaling essential oils: one fresh (Slique™ essence), and one sweet (vanilla). Results supported both of the hypotheses: inhaling a fresh scent reduced females’ craving levels; similarly, when a sweet scent was inhaled, the participants’ craving levels for chocolate food increased. These findings are particularly beneficial for women seeking weight loss and the findings can be applied in contexts such as weight loss programs, therapy, and maintenance programs, even beyond college settings. The results are particularly useful for helping women regarding stimuli that might serve as triggers for chocolate cravings.
Work expansion and teamwork in the clinical examination department

Changes in hospital management and examination rooms are needed along with revisions of medical laws and medical fees. Clinical examination engineers should improve hospital management by implementing user service, cost performance and effective use of skills to ensure proper treatment.
Nonlinear Effects in Acoustic Imaging

The fundamental mechanisms of sound propagation are nonlinear. At low frequencies and/or intensities, linearity can usually be assumed but this is often not the case in ultrasonic imaging.
Characterization of the Xylella fastidiosa PD1311 gene mutant and its suppression of Pierce's disease on grapevines

Xylella fastidiosa causes Pierce's disease (PD) on grapevines, leading to significant economic losses in grape and wine production. To further our understanding of X. fastidiosa virulence on grapevines, we examined the PD1311 gene, which encodes a putative acyl-coenzyme A (acyl-CoA) synthetase, and is highly conserved across Xylella species. It was determined that PD1311 is required for virulence, as the deletion mutant, ΔPD1311, was unable to cause disease on grapevines. The ΔPD1311 strain was impaired in behaviours known to be associated with PD development, including motility, aggregation and biofilm formation. ΔPD1311 also expressed enhanced sensitivity to H2 O2 and polymyxin B, and showed reduced survival in grapevine sap, when compared with wild-type X. fastidiosa Temecula 1 (TM1). Following inoculation, ΔPD1311 could not be detected in grape shoots, which may be related to its altered growth and sensitivity phenotypes. Inoculation with ΔPD1311 2 weeks prior to TM1 prevented the development of PD in a significant fraction of vines and eliminated detectable levels of TM1. In contrast, vines inoculated simultaneously with TM1 and ΔPD1311 developed disease at the same level as TM1 alone. In these vines, TM1 populations were distributed similarly to populations in TM1-only inoculated plants. These findings suggest that, through an indirect mechanism, pretreatment of vines with ΔPD1311 suppresses pathogen population and disease.
Internal Competition and Cooperation at Art Museums: A Qualitative Exploration

Internal competition and internal cooperation and/or collaboration are constructs that are defined most often in managerial literature. The two constructs are generally seen as having a poor influence on outcomes in the case of internal competition and more positive outcomes in the case of cooperation/collaboration. However, outcomes in the nonprofit world are not so easily defined as in for-profit businesses. Further, the concepts on internal competition and internal cooperation are not well understood in the nonprofit arena. This research explores the concepts using qualitative in-depth interviews from a variety of U.S. non-profit art museums in order to begin the development of a better understanding of how the presence, intensity and nature of internal competition and internal cooperation manifest themselves.
Package design for high-speed SerDes

High-speed SerDes signals are significantly distorted by the time they leave the package. The distortion is caused by excess capacitive loading at points along the signal path, causing reflections. The reflections can be minimized through design modifications, added structures for compensation, filters, and characteristic impedance shifts.
Direct measurement of cortical force generation and polarization in a living parasite

A laser trap was used to measure the molecular-scale forces generated at the surface of living Toxoplasma gondii in order to test the dominant theory of how these parasites move and invade host cel...