cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
mTOR·RICTOR Is the Ser473 Kinase for Akt/Protein Kinase B in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes

The insulin-signaling pathway leading to the activation of Akt/protein kinase B has been well characterized except for a single step, the phosphorylation of Akt at Ser-473. Double-stranded DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK), ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) gene product, integrin-linked kinase (ILK), protein kinase Calpha (PKCalpha), and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), when complexed to rapamycin-insensitive companion of mTOR (RICTOR), have all been identified as playing a critical role in Akt Ser-473 phosphorylation. However, the apparently disparate results reported in these studies are difficult to evaluate, given that different stimuli and cell types were examined and that all of the candidate proteins have never been systematically studied in a single system. Additionally, none of these studies were performed in a classical insulin-responsive cell type or tissue such as muscle or fat. We therefore examined each of these candidates in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. In vitro kinase assays, using different subcellular fractions of 3T3-L1 adipocytes, revealed that phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate-stimulated Ser-473 phosphorylation correlated well with the amount of DNA-PK, mTOR, and RICTOR but did not correlate with levels of ATM, ILK, and PKCalpha. PKCalpha was completely absent from compartments with Ser-473 phosphorylation activity. Although purified DNA-PK could phosphorylate a peptide derived from Akt that contains amino acid Ser-473, it could not phosphorylate full-length Akt2. Vesicles immunoprecipitated from low density microsomes using antibodies directed against mTOR or RICTOR had phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate-stimulated Ser-473 activity that was sensitive to wortmannin but not staurosporine. In contrast, immunopurified low density microsome vesicles containing ILK could not phosphorylate Akt on Ser-473 in vitro. Small interference RNA knockdown of RICTOR, but not DNA-PK, ATM, or ILK, suppressed insulin-activated Ser-473 phosphorylation and, to a lesser extent, Thr-308 phosphorylation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Based on our cell-free kinase and small interference RNA results, we conclude that mTOR complexed to RICTOR is the Ser-473 kinase in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.
How Do Previous Solid Organ Transplant Recipients Fare After Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty

Abstract Introduction Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has been proven to increase knee outcome scores after solid organ transplantation (SOT), but many authors are concerned about a higher complication rate. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the complication profile of TKA after previous SOT. Methods A search of the entire Medicare database from 2005 to 2011 was performed using International Classification of Disease, version 9, codes to identify 3339 patients who underwent TKA after 1 or more solid organ transplants including the kidney (2321), liver (772), lung (129), heart (412), and pancreas (167). A cohort of 1,685,295 patients served as a control with minimum 2-year follow-up. Postoperative complications at 30-day, 90-day, and overall time points were compared between the 2 cohorts. Results Patients with any SOT were younger (age: P P P P P P P Conclusion The results of this study demonstrate that patients with previous SOT who undergo elective primary TKA have more postoperative complications in the global period and at short-term follow-up. Yet, complication profiles by individual organ varied significantly.
BLADE TIP GEOMETRY - A FACTOR IN ABRADING SINTERED SEAL MATERIAL.

Experimental results are presented for the case of titanium blade tip specimens of various geometrical configurations rubbing at 100 m/s against specimens of nickel-chromium sintered powder metal seal material, the latter being fed toward the rotating blades at an incursion rate of 0.0254 mm/s. Blade tips in the form of orthogonal cutting tools with about 85 deg negative rake angles exhibited desirable abrading capabilities, as measured by the tear-free appearance of the grooves they generated in the seal material, little wear of blade tips, low forces of interaction and low seal densification. Similar results have been obtained for blade specimens with tips of small radius of curvature, as well as for square-ended and slanted blade tips that are plasma-sprayed with abrasive particles. The relationship between the size of these particles and their abrading effectiveness is considered.
Novel Synchronous Clock Distribution and Recovery for High-Speed UDWDM-OFDMA-based Mobile Backhaul

We propose and experimentally verify novel low-complexity clock distribution and recovery for high-speed UDWDM-OFDMA-based mobile backhaul using SSB modulation and envelope detection. 30Gb/s UDWDM-OFDMA transmission with synchronous 50MHz clock distribution over 40km SSMF is achieved.
Religion, Terror, and America: Pastoral Care in the 21st Century

The United States of America’s War of Terror has so radically affected life in the USA that American culture is experienced by many as a “culture of terrorism.” This description of American life might lead one to conclude that America’s culture of terror is a new experience in America. This article suggests that terrorism laid the foundation for the New Republic and is deeply embedded in the American experience. In order to truly care for the American soul, pastoral theology must address the terror resident within American daily life.
Constrained regression median for measuring possible salary discrimination

Abstract This study proposes a new analytical method for empirically examining possible salary discrimination against a protected (e.g., female or minority) group. The proposed approach is referred to as ‘Constrained Regression Median’ (CRM). The method can be used for regressing salary with job qualifications as dependent variables. The result of CRM is transformed into a 2 × 2 contingency table and the degree of salary discrimination is determined by the result of the contingency table. The approach can be easily explained to and understood by lawyers, judges and other individuals involved in a discrimination case. The CRM method is particularly useful and practical when a data set maintains the problems of outlier and/or multicollinearity between job qualifications and gender (or race).
Collision Models for Multilane Highway Segments to Examine Safety of Curbs

The objective of this study was to develop valid statistical collision models for multilane highway segments to examine the safety of curbs. For this, road geometric traffic and collision data for 2001 to 2003 were collected. The data included 2,274 collisions and 885 injury collisions that occurred on 191.85 mi of 199 directional segments in North Carolina. The authors applied a new modeling method of introducing variables into the model one by one in a multiplicative form. A nonlinear optimizing algorithm for estimating parameters using a negative binomial log likelihood function was adopted for the modeling. The functional form of the variable to be introduced was determined on the basis of the relationship between the recorded number of collisions and the number of collisions predicted by the current model without the variable. The integrate—differentiate method was applied to find candidate functional forms for each variable. Model selections were based on the —2 log likelihood and Bayesian informati...
Transcriptional Activation of the Human Gαi2 Gene Promoter through Nuclear Factor-κB and Antioxidant Response Elements

Very little is known regarding molecular mechanism(s) underlying transcriptional regulation of any G-protein gene despite the importance of G-protein expression in modulating cellular processes. Here we show that phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) and tert-butylhydroquinone (tBHQ), which induce oxidative stress in cells, up-regulate transcription of Galpha(i2) in K562 cells. Redox-sensing chemicals abrogated this transcriptional effect. A dominant negative I-kappaB double mutant (S32A/S36A) suppressed PMA-induced transcription by 54-62%, suggesting involvement of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB). SN50, a cell-permeable peptide that inhibits nuclear import of stress-responsive transcription factors (such as NF-kappaB), inhibited PMA- and tBHQ-induced transcription. Deletion of an NF-kappaB-binding motif that maps at +10/+19 in the promoter resulted in 55-60% suppression of PMA-induced transcription, and 81% suppression of tBHQ-induced transcription. Mutation of an antioxidant response element (ARE) that maps at -84/-76 in the promoter resulted in 51 and 86% decrease in PMA- and tBHQ-induced transcription, respectively. In electrophoretic mobility shift assays, this element formed complexes with the transcription factors NF-E2p45 and Nrf2 that are prototypic for binding to the ARE, as well as with c-Fos, which can also interact with the ARE. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis demonstrated recruitment of these transcription factors to the promoter. Exogenously transfected Nrf2 transactivated the Galpha(i2) gene promoter; the cytoskeleton-associated protein, Keap1, abrogated this effect. Taken together, the present studies reveal that transcription factors that bind NF-kappaB and/or antioxidant response elements play an activating role in the transcription of the human Galpha(i2) gene.
Case studies for the feasibility of sweep improvement in surfactant-assisted waterflooding

Abstract Volumetric sweep inefficiencies can arise in waterflooding because of reservoir heterogeneity: the present work addresses, by computer-simulated case studies, the technical feasibility of a novel sweep improvement process which utilizes the chromatographic and phase behavior of dissimilar surfactants and their mixtures to plug high-permeability “thief zones”. Case studies are presented for waterfloods without and with the process. They reveal that low-permeability plugs can be grown from any starting point and will selectively penetrate the high-permeability zones for large permeability contrasts, where sweep inefficiency is high. Selectivity decreases when the contrast is small or the injection interval long. For strong permeability reduction, the optimum plug is located between one-half and three-quarters of the way along the high-permeability zone; larger plugs are unnecessary. Oil recoveries using the process approach those possible with ideal plug placement.
Hydrothermal oxidation of radioactive combustible waste

Abstract A hydrothermal processing system was designed, built and tested for treatment of transuranic combustible material. The operation is performed in a plutonium glovebox. Presented in this paper are results from the study of the hydrothermal oxidation of plutonium and americium contaminated organic wastes. The use of thermal liquefaction, via pyrolysis, to prepare solid materials for hydrothermal processing was tested and compared to the pumping of slurries of small particle sized solids (ion exchange resin). Experiments show that the hydrothermal process converts greater than 99.9% of the organic component to CO 2 and H 2 O, with 30 wt% H 2 O 2 as an oxidant, at 540°C and 46.2 MPa. The majority of the actinide component forms insoluble products that are easily separated by filtration. A titanium liner in the reactor and heat exchanger provides corrosion resistance for the oxidation of chlorinated organics.
All roads lead to and from Iraq: the Long War and the transformation of the nation-state system

Abstract This concluding article returns to some of the key themes of this volume in relation to insurgency, counter-insurgency and collapsing states. In particular it attempts to characterise the relationship between the Long War and the Cold War, in relation to the transformation of the nation-state system. More broadly it emphasises that the Cold War was an often misdirected, militarised struggle between ‘genuinely existing’ liberal capitalism and ‘genuinely existing’ state socialism (the First World and the Second World) against each other and for influence and power in the erstwhile Third World. The Long War, meanwhile, reflects both the triumph of ‘genuinely existing’ liberal capitalism as the dominant form of secular modernity over an equally, if not more virulently secular ‘genuinely existing’ state-socialism, and the emergence of an anti-secular neo-traditionalism (often, but not exclusively, Islamic) at both the nation-state and the transnational level. At the same time the binary that drove the...
Ambulatory sinus and nasal surgery in the United States: demographics and perioperative outcomes.

Objectives/Hypothesis: Determine the prevalence of ambulatory sinonasal surgical procedures and perioperative outcomes in the United States. Methods: The National Survey of Ambulatory Surgery 2006 release was examined, extracting all cases of nasal or sinus surgery. Sinonasal surgical procedures were grouped according to septoplasty and/or turbinate surgery, sinus surgery, facial plastic surgery, and other procedures. Overall and group population-based sinonasal procedure prevalences were estimated from the sample. Frequency of general anesthesia, discharge status, and unexpected emergency room visit estimates were obtained. Perioperative complication rates for cardiac arrest, malignant hyperthermia, postoperative emesis, and blood transfusion were determined as well. Results: Overall, an estimated 600,000 patients underwent ambulatory sinonasal procedures in 2006 with a mean age of 40.4 years and 53.7% male predominance. On a per patient basis, there were 260,000 septoplasties, 257,000 sinus cases, 134,000 plastics cases, and 103,000 other cases. Facial plastics procedures were less likely to use general anesthesia (72.8%) than the overall cohort (90.7%, P < .001). The vast majority of patients were discharged to home with an unexpected admission rate of 2.65%. Among the sample, there were no cases of cardiac arrest, malignant hyperthermia, or blood transfusion. The postprocedure emesis rate was 1.3%, not significantly different among procedure groups (P = .692). Only 0.1% of patients visited the emergency room postprocedure. Conclusions: Approximately 600,000 ambulatory sinonasal cases are performed each year in the United States. Complication rates and unexpected postprocedure mission rates are quite low indicating the safety and effectiveness of the ambulatory setting for sinonasal surgery. Laryngoscope, 2010
Prevention of acute regional ischemia with endocardial laser channels

Abstract Laser myocardial revascularization has been shown to reduce mortality and infarct size after left anterior descending coronary artery (I AD) ligation in dogs. It has not been shown to improve myocardial contractility in acute ischemia. In this study a holmium-yttrium-aluminum garnet laser (wavelength, 2.14 μm) was used to create nontransmural myocardial channels from the endocardial surface in the ischemic regions of the canine left ventricle. Twelve mongrel dogs (6 controls, 6 laser myocardial revascularizations) underwent 90 minutes of LAD ligation followed by 0 hours of reperfusion. The ischemic region was determined by methylene blue injection during brief LAD occlusion. Laser myocardial revascularization averaged three channels per square centimeter in the ischemic region created using 12 J/channel (600 mJ/pulse, 10 Hz) before LAD ligation. Contractility was assessed from regional preload recruitable stroke work (RPRSW), using pairs of segment length ultrasonic transducers in the ischemic and the nonischemic regions. Two-dimensional echocardiography corroborated with segmental length findings. In control dogs, the ischemic region was dyskinetic during LAD ligation and reperfusion. Dyskinesis of the ischemic region during systole produced negative values for regional stroke work, and RPRSW was considered zero. In 4 of 6 laser-revascularized dogs, RPRSW remained positive in the ischemic region. Two dogs had intermittent dyskinesis. The difference between laser-revascularized and control dogs in ischemic region RPRSW was significant ( p
Fabrication and characterization of uniform conformal thin films of SiO 2 and SiN x on optical fibers

This paper reports the fabrication and characterization of uniform conformal dielectric thin films on optical fibers using plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition. We show convincingly that, using both iridescence and scanning electron microscopy, uniform deposition on the fiber can only be obtained if it is rotated at a constant speed during deposition. Our study is important for depositing single or multiple uniform dielectric thin films on objects with cylindrical or spherical symmetry, which could enable new optical functionalities.
Failure to demonstrate a major anti-inflammatory effect with alpha tocopherol supplementation (400 IU/day) in normal subjects

levels of atrial natriuretic peptide in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Am J Cardiol 1992;70:1502–1504. 2. Nishigaki K, Tomita M, Kagawa K, Noda T, Minatogichi S, Oda H, Watanabe S, Morita N, Nakao K, Fujiwara H. Marked expression of plasma brain natriuretic peptide is a special feature of hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy. J Am Coll Cardiol 1996;28:1231–1242. 3. Hamada M, Shigematsu Y, Kawakami H, Minamino N, Kangawa K, Matsuo H, Hiwada K. Increased plasma levels of adrenomedullin in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: its relation to endothelin-1, natriuretic peptides and noradrenaline. Clin Sci 1997;94:21–28. 4. Levin ER, Gradner DG, Samson WK. Natriuretic peptides. N Engl J Med 1998;339:321–328. 5. Tsutamoto T, Wada A, Maeda K, Hisanaga T, Fukai D, Ohnishi M, Sugimoto Y, Kinoshita M. Attenuation of compensation of endogenous cardiac natriuretic peptide system in chronic heart failure. Circulation 1997;96:509–516. 6. Wilkins MR, Redondo J, Brown LA. The natriuretic-peptide family. Lancet 1997;349:1307–1310. 7. Yamada T, Fukunami M, Shimonagata T, Kumagai K, Ogita H, Asano Y, Hirata A, Hori M Hoki N. Prediction of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation in patients with congestive heart failure: a prospective study. J Am Coll Cardiol 2000;35: 405–413. 8. Rossi A, Enriquez-Sarano M, Burnett JC, Lerman A, Abel MD, Seward JB. Natriuretic peptide levels in atrial fibrillation. J Am Coll Cardiol 2000;35:1256– 1262. 9. Tuinenbrg AE, Van Veldhuisen DJ, Boomsma F, Van Den Berg MP, De Kam PJ, Crijns HJ. Comparison of plasma neurohormones in congestive heart failure patients with atrial fibrillation versus patients with sinus rhythm. Am J Cardiol 1998;81:1207–1210. 10. Globits S, Frank H, Pacher B, Huelsman M, Orgis E, Pacher R. Atrial natriuretic peptide release is a more dependent on atrial filling volume than on filling pressure in chronic congestive heart failure. Am Heart J 1997;135:592– 597. 11. Takemura G, Fujiwra H, Mukoyam M, Aito Y, Nakao K, Kawamura A, Ishida M, Kida M, Uegaito T, Tanaka M, Matsumori A, Fujiwara T, Imura H, Kawai C. Expression and distribution of atrial natriuretic peptide in human hypertrophic ventricle of hypertensive hearts and hearts with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Circulation 1991;83:181–190.
Automated tracing and visualization of software security structure and properties

Visualizing a program's structure and security characteristics is the intrinsic part of in-depth software security assessment. Such an assessment is typically an analyst-driven task. The visualization for security analysis is usually labor-intensive, since analysts need to read documents and source code, synthesize trace data from multiple sources (e.g., system utilities like lsof or strace). To help address this problem, we propose SecSTAR, a tool that dynamically collects the key information from a system and automatically produces the necessary diagrams to support the first steps of widely-used security analysis methodologies, such as Microsoft Threat Modeling and UW/UAB First Principles Vulnerability Assessment (FPVA). SecSTAR uses an efficient dynamic binary instrumentation technique, self-propelled instrumentation, to collect trace data from production systems during runtime then automatically produces diagrams. Furthermore, SecSTAR allows analysts to interactively view and explore diagrams in a web browser. For example, analysts can navigate the diagrams through time and at different levels of detail. We demonstrated the usefulness of using SecSTAR to produce FPVA-style diagrams for a widely used and complex distributed middleware system, the Condor high-throughput scheduling system. Compared with the original manual approach in FPVA, SecSTAR shortened the initial diagram construction time from months to hours and constructed a more accurate diagram visualizing the complete runtime structure of Condor.
Parental preferences for primary and specialty care collaboration in the management of teenagers with congenital heart disease.

Objectives. We examined parental preferences for locus of service delivery for their teenager9s congenital heart disease (CHD) and the influence of disease severity, sociodemographic factors, and insurance on these preferences. Methods. A consecutive sample of parents of teenagers followed in a pediatric cardiology clinic completed a mailed questionnaire. Disease severity was classified as low (≤1 cardiovascular procedure), moderate (>1 cardiovascular procedure), and high (cyanosis or single ventricle physiology). Results. Eighty-six of 148 parents responded (58%): 40, low severity; 36, moderate severity; and 10, high severity of illness. Parents preferred using primary care providers (PCPs) as a point of first contact for all 11 of 11 general health concerns and 5 of 7 potential cardiovascular-related concerns: chest pain (52%), syncope (73%), seeming seriously ill (79%), sports physical examination (79%), and endocarditis prophylactic antibiotics (94%). Increasing disease severity was significantly associated with preferring cardiologists for 6 of 7 cardiovascular-related concerns. Overall, 58% of parents viewed their care as a PCP–cardiologist comanagement model versus a cardiologist-dominated model. Lower family income (odds ratio [OR]: 1.5; confidence interval [CI]: 1.0–2.2) and severity of illness (OR: 2.1; CI: 1.0–4.4) were associated with a comanagement model of health care versus a cardiologist-dominated model. Conclusions. This study suggests that the majority of parents of teenagers with CHD prefer to use their teenager9s PCP for all routine health care needs and many cardiovascular health needs. Severity of illness and family income are positively associated with greater preference for cardiologist care.
Contribution to the kinetics of ozone-olefin reactions

Abstract Kinetics of the reaction of O 3 with single olefins and olefin-pairs have been investigated. The reactions were carried out by passing O 3 into a solution of the olefin(s). Most relative rate data gave the best fit to a zero order rate law, especially in cases where olefin consumption was extensive. The results are interpreted in terms of a reversible complex.
Phase-retrieval algorithm for inverse synthetic aperture radar

A new algorithm for correcting phase errors in synthetic aperture radar data is described. It employs a gradient search algorithm to minimize the energy of the image outside a support constraint.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
A light‐driven, one‐dimensional dimethylsulfide biogeochemical cycling model for the Sargasso Sea

[1] We evaluate the extent to which dimethylsulfide (DMS) cycling in an open-ocean environment can be constrained and parameterized utilizing emerging evidence for the significant impacts of solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) on the marine organic sulfur cycle. Using the Dacey et al. (1998) 1992–1994 Sargasso Sea DMS data set, in conjunction with an offline turbulent mixing model, we develop and optimize a light driven, one-dimensional DMS model for the upper 140 m. The DMS numerical model is primarily diagnostic in that it incorporates observations of bacterial, phytoplankton, physical, and optical quantities concurrently measured as part of the Bermuda Atlantic Time-series Study (BATS) and Bermuda Bio-Optical Project (BBOP) programs. With the exception of sea-to-air ventilation, each of the sulfur cycling terms is explicitly parameterized or altered by the radiation field. Overall, the model shows considerable skill in capturing the salient features of the DMS distribution, specifically the observed DMS summer paradox whereby peak summer DMS concentrations occur coincident with annual minima in phytoplankton pigment biomass and primary production. The dominant processes controlling the upper-ocean DMS concentrations are phytoplankton UVR-induced DMS release superimposed upon more surface oriented processes such as photolysis and sea-to-air ventilation. The results also demonstrate that mixing alone is not enough to parameterize DMS distributions in this environment. It is critical to directly parameterize the seasonal changes in the flux and attenuation of solar radiation in the upper water column to describe the DMS distribution with depth and allow for experimentation under a variety of climate change scenarios.
Acquisition of locative meanings: behind and in front of

Studies of locatives suggest regularities in order and age of acquisition, including systematic changes in context of use for behind and in front of. The present investigation extends earlier work by utilizing more naturalistic elicitation procedures and exploring an early use of behind and in front of with large reference objects. Thirty-three children, ages 2; 7 to 4; 7, told puppets where to look for missing objects. Results indicate an order of acquisition for English locatives which is consistent with prior reports. However, the puppet story method elicited given locatives at younger ages, and the first uses of behind occurred with large, non-featured reference objects. The patterns of use for behind and in front of suggest an acquisition process in which new conceptual resources lead to the re-analysis of object configurations and thus to new aspects of meaning.
Placebo effect in clinical trial design for irritable bowel syndrome.

Ongoing efforts to improve clinical trial design in irritable bowel syndrome have been hindered by high placebo response rates and ineffective outcome measures. We assessed established strategies to minimize placebo effect as well as the various approaches to placebo effect which can affect trial design. These include genetic markers such as catechol-O-methyltransferase, opioidergic and dopaminergic neurobiologic theory, pre-cebo effect centered on expectancy theory, and side effect unblinding grounded on conditioning theory. We reviewed endpoints used in the study of IBS over the past decade including adequate relief and subjective global relief, emphasizing their weaknesses in fully evaluating the IBS condition, specifically their motility effects based on functional net value and relative benefit-harm based on dropouts due to adverse events. The focus of this review is to highlight ongoing efforts to improve clinical trial design which can lead to better outcomes in a real-world setting.
Time-Mean Response over the Tropical Pacific to Increased C02 in a Coupled Ocean-Atmosphere Model

Abstract The time-mean response over the tropical Pacific region to a quadrupling Of CO2 is investigated using a global coupled ocean-atmosphere general circulation model. Tropical Pacific sea surface temperatures (SSTs) rise by about 4°–5°C. The zonal SST gradient along the equator decreases by about 20%, although it takes about one century (with C02 increasing at 1% per year compounded) for this change to become clearly evident in the model. Over the central equatorial Pacific, the decreased SST gradient is accompanied by similar decreases in the easterly wind stress and westward ocean surface currents and by a local maximum in precipitation increase. Over the entire rising branch region of the Walker circulation, precipitation is enhanced by 15%, but the time-mean upward motion decreases slightly in intensity. The failure of the zonal overturning atmospheric circulation to intensify with a quadrupling of CO2 is surprising in light of the increased time-mean condensation heating over the “warm pool” reg...
Applicability of Statistical Descriptions of AerMet100 Steel Subjected to Different Triaxial Stress States for Fracture Calculations

Abstract Computational continuum codes can provide many details on the response of metals to explosive loading. However, most “production” level calculations use a homogeneous description of the metal. This is an incorrect representation since metals possess a microstructure whose details create variations in material strength and other properties such as strain to failure. Ultimately these variations influence the formation of fragments at the macroscopic level. The spatial scale of the microstructure is on the order of micrometers and is not readily accessible to current computational tools and resources for system level calculations. Rather than explicitly model the microstructure one can attempt to capture the effects of material non-homogeneity through the use of a statistical description. Specifically, a statistically compensated Johnson-Cook fracture model can be used to simulate the non-homogeneity of a material. This analysis proceeded in two steps using experimental data available from earlier fragmentation work conducted on AerMet100 steel. In those experiments, a sphere was fractured by impact with a thin plate and a cylinder was fractured through explosive loading. Therefore, the sphere and the cylinder experienced significantly different triaxial stress states. In the first step, the distribution of failure strains required to produce an accurate solution for the explosively loaded cylinder was determined via Eulerian-Lagrangian calculations using Sierra Fortissimo. Sierra Fortissimo is a tool that allows for different code coupling techniques between CTH and Sierra Presto. In the second step, this distribution was applied to the sphere impact using the explicit dynamics code Sierra Presto. Comparisons of the sphere calculation results are made to the experimental fragmentation data and the results are analyzed in the context of triaxial stress states.
Motoneurone Depression by Norepinephrine

Dahlstrom and Fuxe have shown histochemically that norepinephrine (NE) is localized in a pathway from the brain stem to the spinal cord with terminals predominantly in the dorsal and ventral horns1. Biochemical investigations demonstrating the release of NE from the spinal cord by stimulation of descending tracts2 and almost complete disappearance of NE below a spinal transection3 provide additional evidence for a descending NE pathway. A pharmacological investigation of the sensitivity of neurones in the spinal cord had previously reported4 that interneurones were not sensitive to the electrophoretic administration of NE in barbiturate anaesthetized cats (the effect of NE on motoneurones was apparently not investigated). Because it is known that barbiturate anaesthesia can reduce or abolish pharmacological responses in the spinal cord5,6, we reinvestigated this problem in decerebrated cats and a few cats anaesthetized with ether and found that Renshaw cells and a number of interneurones are sensitive to NE (refs. 7 and 8). Similar findings have now been reported by other investigators9,10. During the course of these investigations, the extracellular action potentials of single motoneurones were only occasionally recorded; the investigation of these cells revealed that NE depressed the firing of some motoneurones.
Half-lives and delayed neutron emission probabilities of neutron-rich Li-Al nuclides

Beta-decay half-lives and delayed neutron emission probabilities of very neutron-rich nuclides from Li to Al have been measured by a delayed coincidence technique. Neutron-rich nuclides were produced by reaction of 800-MeV protons on a $^{232}\mathrm{Th}$ target and were individually identified by use of the time-of-flight isochronous spectrometer. For 16 previously measured nucides, the half-lives determined here agree with literature values within the uncertainties. The previously unmeasured half-lives for $^{25}\mathrm{F}$ (59\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}40 ms) and $^{28}\mathrm{Ne}$ (14\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}10 ms) have been determined. Delayed neutron emission has been measured for $^{12}\mathrm{Be}$, $^{14}\mathrm{B}$, $^{17}\mathrm{C}$, $^{18}\mathrm{N}$, $^{25}\mathrm{F}$, and $^{28}\mathrm{Ne}$. Emission probabilities are reported for 19 precursors and upper limits are reported for 12 other nuclides. These data are compared with predictions of several beta-decay models.
In‐vivo microscopy in the diagnosis of intestinal neoplasia and inflammatory conditions

Confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE) is a rapidly emerging tool in endoscopic imaging allowing in-vivo microscopy of examined gastrointestinal mucosa. This review will discuss the most recent advances of confocal laser endomicroscopy in the diagnosis of intestinal neoplasia and inflammatory conditions.
Diagnostic Discrepancy in Personal Accounts of Patients With 'Schizophrenia'

• Five published accounts of patients with "schizophrenia" were reviewed in the light of the DSM-III diagnostic criteria. None of the accounts unequivocally met the DSM-III criteria for schizophrenia, but all did meet the criteria for some other psychiatric condition, especially affective disorders. The survey results suggest that popular accounts of "schizophrenia" present a confusing picture of schizophrenia. Inasmuch as these accounts often are invoked to support "cures," the reading public is doubly misled, as when a naturally remitting condition such as depression is mistakenly called schizophrenia. The psychiatric profession has a responsibility to clarify diagnostic misconceptions put forth in popular literature, and DSM-III might provide more objective guidelines for this much-needed clarification.
Stimulation of intestinal lipase secretion by porcine cholecystokinin in the hagfish, Eptatretus stouti.

Abstract Mammalian gastrointestinal hormones and related peptides were tested in hagfish for effects on gallbladder muscle contraction in vivo and in vitro , intestinal muscle contraction in vitro , and intestinal release of lipase and alkaline phosphatase in vivo . No stimulation of contraction of gallbladder or intestinal muscle was observed in response to porcine cholecystokinin-33 (CCK-33), porcine gastrins-17-I and -II, caerulein, or pentagastrin. CCK-33 stimulated release of lipase but not of alkaline phosphatase from the hagfish intestine. Porcine secretin, vasoactive intestinal peptide, and glucagon had no effect on enzyme release. It is suggested that stimulation of pancreatic enzyme release arose earlier than stimulation of intestinal brush border enzyme release or stimulation of gallbladder muscle contraction as an action of CCK in vertebrates.
Crime and punishment in Soviet officialdom, 1965–90

(1993). Crime and punishment in Soviet officialdom, 1965–90. Europe-Asia Studies: Vol. 45, No. 2, pp. 259-279.
SINDSCAL source weight transformations are not always necessary or desirable: reply to Hodgkinson

Hodgkinson (1998) argues that we should have transformed the SINDSCAL source weights we used for an analysis presented on page 15 of our paper on the judgement of HIV cases (Irwin, Jones, and Mundo, 1996). In this reply we present theoretical and empirical arguments for why we did not transform the weights. Our statements are presented in the context of a more general discussion of how source weights should be interpreted and used. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
MHC-independent genetic regulation of liver damage in a mouse model of autoimmune hepatocellular injury

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is mediated by a T-cell attack upon liver parenchyma. Susceptibility to the development of AIH is genetically determined. While particular MHC haplotypes are known risk factors, it has been widely speculated that autoimmune liver damage can be regulated by additional genetic loci unlinked to MHC. However, evidence for the existence of such loci in humans is scant. We examined the contribution of the MHC in a murine model of autoimmune hepatocellular injury. BALB/c mice lacking the immunoregulatory cytokine transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) rapidly develop autoimmune T-helper 1-mediated necroinflammatory liver disease. Susceptibility to liver damage is strictly regulated by genetic background. Whereas TGF-beta1-deficient mice on the BALB/c background develop necroinflammatory liver disease, TGF-beta1-deficient mice on the 129/CF-1 genetic background do not. We asked whether MHC locus haplotype is the principal determinant of genetic susceptibility to liver disease in this model system. BALB/c mice harbor the H-2d haplotype. We used a 'haplotype swapping' approach to generate H-2b or H-2k congenic BALB-background TGF-beta1-deficient mice. In addition, F1 (BALB/c x 129/CF-1)-TGF-beta1-deficient mice were generated. As determined by plasma transaminase levels and histopathology, severe necroinflammatory liver disease developed in all BALB-background TGF-beta1-deficient mice, regardless of H-2 haplotype, but developed neither in 129/CF-1-TGF-beta1-deficient mice nor in F1 (BALB/c x 129/CF-1)-TGF-beta1-deficient mice. Thus, H-2d is neither necessary nor sufficient for the development of necroinflammatory liver disease in BALB-background TGF-beta1-deficient mice. This constitutes the first direct evidence that susceptibility to autoimmune hepatocellular damage, at least in mice, can be determined by genetic loci distinct from the MHC.
Preliminary Radiation Hardness Testing Of LiNbO 3 :Ti Optical Directional Coupler Modulators Operating At 810 Nm

Integrated optics have the potential to replace conventional electronics in many instrumentation applications; in many cases the integrated-optics approach is the only one that will achieve the necessary bandwidth and information-density goals. Thus far, little work has been done to address the prompt hardness of these devices to intense ionizing-radiation fields. Preliminary data is presented on the response of optical directional coupler modulators (ODCMs) to radiation from a Febetron. The Febetron produces energetic electrons in the 300 to 700 keV range in approx.3-ns FWHM pulses, with a maximum dose rate of approx.1014 rad/s. The operation of the ODCM is monitored during and promptly after the Febetron pulse impinges the device. Long-term effects are also monitored. These data are analyzed with respect to the operation of such devices in a harsh, ionizing-radiation environment.
Identification of cuticular lipids eliciting interspecific courtship in the German cockroach, Blattella germanica

The cuticular surface of sexually mature females of the German cockroach contains a sex pheromone that, upon contact with the male’s antennae, elicits a characteristic species-specific courtship behavior. This female-specific pheromone is a blend of several long-chain methyl ketones, alcohols and aldehydes, all derived from prominent cuticular hydrocarbons found in all life stages of this cockroach. We found that contact with the antennae of 5 out of 20 assayed cockroach species elicited courtship behavior in German cockroach males. The heterospecific courtship-eliciting compounds were isolated by behaviorally guided fractionation of the active crude extracts and compared to the native sex pheromone components. We identified two active compounds from the cuticular extract of the Oriental cockroach, Blatta orientalis—11-methylheptacosan-2-one and 27-oxo-11-methylheptacosan-2-one; the former compound was confirmed by synthesis and proved to independently stimulate courtship in German cockroach males. These compounds share common features with, but are distinct from, any of the known contact sex pheromone components. This suggests that sex pheromone reception in the male German cockroach is unusually promiscuous, accepting a wide range of compounds that share certain features with its native pheromone, thus resulting in a broad spectrum of behavioral response to other species. We propose that several characteristics of their mating system—chiefly, absence of closely related species in the anthropogenic environment, resulting in relaxation of selection on sexual communication, and a highly male-biased operational sex ratio—have driven males to respond with extremely low thresholds to a wide spectrum of related compounds.
Reimbursement for chest-pain CT: estimates based on current imaging strategies

The purpose of this study was to estimate reimbursement for chest pain CT, assuming no cost increase for current emergent chest pain imaging. Using reported imaging test characteristics, prevalence and risk of coronary heart disease, and Medicare reimbursement schedules, 10,000 simulated patients were evaluated with three chest pain imaging algorithms. The main difference among the algorithms was the initial imaging tool: stress echocardiography, single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and chest pain CT. Outcome analysis included deaths, intra- and extra-hospital myocardial infraction, number of tests performed, time utilization, and the cost per patient. The chest pain CT algorithm was assessed with its reimbursement as an unknown to determine a maximum reimbursement that would not increase overall healthcare costs. Stress echocardiography costs $856.5 per patient with 8.4 observation hours and 646 (27%) negative catheterizations. When SPECT replaces stress echocardiography, the cost increases to $1,413.7 with average observation of 9.05 hours and 1,060 (36%) negative catheterizations. Chest pain CT minimizes observation (by 8.4 and 9.1 compared to echocardiography and SPECT, respectively); negative catheterizations drop to 266 (12%). Solving for chest pain CT reimbursement as an unkown yields $433.1 and $990.3 when compared to echocardiography and SPECT, respectively. Under the assumption that new technology should not increase overall imaging costs, reimbursement for chest pain CT is compatible with current reimbursement for pulmonary embolism and aortic dissection CTA. Reimbursements must be weighed against the complexity and patient benefits of the examination.
Monoclonal Expansion of Endothelial Cells in Hemangioma: An Intrinsic Defect with Extrinsic Consequences?

Infantile hemangioma is a benign tumor of endothelial cells (ECs) that is well known to pediatricians because of its frequency and sometimes disturbingly rapid growth. The primary defect(s) that cause hemangioma have not yet been elucidated, but recent studies have revealed that hemangiomas are composed of clonal ECs that exhibit abnormal properties in vitro. These studies support the hypothesis that hemangiomas arise when a somatic mutation occurs in a single endothelial progenitor, leading to dysregulated activity of one or more genes that control EC growth. Aberrant endothelial growth may in turn alter patterns of gene expression in nearby cells--in the overlying epidermis, for example--and account for observed extrinsic alterations that may influence hemangiogenesis. Unraveling the cellular and molecular basis of hemangioma is likely to yield critical insights into the mechanisms of EC proliferation and regression that may be applicable to other cardiovascular disorders.
Interpretation of Seasonal Climate Forecast Using Brier Skill Score, The Florida State University Superensemble, and the AMIP-I Dataset

Abstract The superensemble technique has been proven to be successful in producing a deterministic forecast superior not only to any of the individual models going into it, but also to the multimodel ensemble forecast. Research so far has been done on the superensemble as a deterministic forecast, and it has been shown that using the superensemble method leads to a significant reduction in rms errors. This paper investigates the skill of the superensemble as a probabilistic forecast, and it compares it with that of the multimodel ensemble. Using the Atmospheric Model Intercomparison Project (AMIP I) seasonal multimodel precipitation forecasts, probability forecasts are defined for the multimodel ensemble and for the multimodel superensemble. The Brier skill score of these forecasts is calculated for different thresholds of precipitation anomaly. It is shown that both the multimodel ensemble and the superensemble probability forecasts are much better than climatological forecast and that the superensemble ...
COMBINING EMPLOYMENT AND BREASTFEEDING: UTILIZING A WORK-FAMILY CONFLICT FRAMEWORK TO UNDERSTAND OBSTACLES AND SOLUTIONS

Although authorities advocate breastfeeding as the ideal form of infant nutrition, breastfeeding rates remain low among employed mothers in the United States. Utilizing a work-family conflict framework, specific time-based, strain-based, and behavior-based conflicts that can occur for women combining breastfeeding and employment are explored. Research indicates that these conflicts often lead to decreased breastfeeding durations, which result in costs for employers, mothers, and infants. The review links workplace interventions (e.g. prenatal education, lactation programs, support systems, job flexibility, and child care) to the types of conflict (e.g. time, behavior, and strain-based) that each intervention can reduce.
Organization of contractile protein genes within the 88F subdivision of the D. melanogaster third chromosome

We have investigated contractile protein gene arrangement within the 88F subdivision of the Drosophila melanogaster third chromosome. We show that at least five antigenically related myofibrillar proteins, three of which accumulate only within indirect flight muscles, are encoded by a 20 kilobase chromosome segment located 140 kilobases proximal to the act88F actin gene. The chromosome segment includes two transcribed regions, each of which directs the synthesis of multiple mRNAs. RNA blot-hybridization experiments and DNA sequencing suggest that overlapping transcripts are generated by differential RNA splicing. The nucleotide sequence also establishes that two of the encoded proteins are tropomyosin isoforms, and two are related to tropomyosin. The arrangement of myofibrillar genes parallels the distribution of third chromosome mutations that disrupt indirect flight muscle formation.
The transistor laser

Emitter carrier injection and base hole recombination with base carrier transport (emitter to collector, E➔C) are fundamental to the operation of the transistor invented by Bardeen and Brattain in 1947. Carrier recombination has become the subject of intensive study and has established, over time, a basis for III–V compound semiconductor visible light emitting diodes by Holonyak in 1960, IR and visible diode lasers by Hall and Holonyak at in 1962, quantum-well diode lasers by Holonyak in 1977 and hetrojuction bipolar transistors (HBTs) by Kroemer in 1957. For high speed transistor operation (f T > 500 GHz) by Feng in 2003, the HBT inevitably becomes a high-current-density nano-structure transistor. Hence, the HBT with quantum-wells inserted in the base and cavity modifications has made possible a three-port device called the transistor laser (TL) and patented by Feng and Holonyak in 2003. Subsequently, we have demonstrated the first low temperature CW transistor laser operation in 2004[1] and the first room temperature CW laser operation in 2005.[2]
Photoacoustic Microscopy and Computed Tomography

A pulsed laser produces a rapid small temperature rise in biological tissue, which leads to emission of ultrasonic waves due to thermoelastic expansion. The short-wavelength ultrasonic waves are then detected to form high-resolution tomographic images.