cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Corporate Pandemic Bonds

I examine corporate pandemic bonds, whose proceeds are committed to COVID-19 containing activities. I find an average cumulative abnormal return of 1.33–1.71% during the five trading days surrounding their issuance announcement. Also, their yield spread is 13.8–20.9 basis points lower than that of otherwise similar non-pandemic bonds. Additional evidence suggests that their issuances could facilitate COVID-19 containment. In mainland China, newly confirmed COVID-19 cases decrease by 1,217, recovered cases increase by 6,468, and the recovery rate increases by 6.9% following the issuance of a corporate pandemic bond.
ARID1A Deficiency Promotes Pancreatic Tumorigenesis by Attenuating Mutant KRAS Induced Senescence

ARID1A (AT-rich interacting domain-containing protein 1A) is one of the frequently mutated epigenetic regulators in a wide spectrum of cancers. Recent studies have shown that ARID1A deficiency induces global changes in the epigenetic landscape of enhancers and gene regulations. These complex changes make it challenging to identify the driving mechanisms of ARID1A deficiency in promoting cancer progression. Using a mouse model, we identified the anti-senescence effect of ARID1A deficiency, which promotes the progression of pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN). To identify the underlying mechanism and the players, we profiled the transcriptomes of individual PanIN lesions. As a result, we observed not only the anti-senescence effect but also the complex trans-differentiation of neoplastic cells. Furthermore, we discovered that significantly upregulated aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) help to inhibit Kras-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and lead to the reduction of the cellular senescence, which results in the accelerated PanIN progression.
Rural exclusion from science and academia

Rural individuals are underrepresented in science at all levels. The disenfranchisement of rural people in science and research foments a cultural divide between rural America and the scientific community. Science can improve inclusion of rural individuals by removing barriers in academia that disfavor those from first-generation and low-socioeconomic backgrounds.
Patient Use of Dietary Supplements, Home Monitoring, or Genetic Testing for Nonneovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration:

Purpose:This work evaluated the use and type of dietary supplements and home monitoring for nonneovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD), as well as the prevalence of genetic testing among...
The Exclusion of Embedded Software and Merely Incidental Information from the Scope of Article 2B: Proposals for New Language Based on Policy and Interpretation

This Article explores the scope of the proposed draft of Article 2B of the Uniform Commercial Code. In particular, it examines the exclusion of embedded software from the scope of Article 2B, and the treatment of hybrid transactions under Article 2B. This Article also suggests that the language of Article 2B describing the exclusion of embedded software and the treatment of hybrid transactions is ambiguous and could lead to inconsistent applications of Article 2B. After considering the history of the language and the policies behind the exclusion of embedded software and the treatment of hybrid transactions, new language for Article 2B is
EXPERIMENTAL AND NUMERICAL STUDIES OF SLOSHING IN LIQUID CARGO TANKS WITH INTERNAL STRUCTURES

This paper describes both experimental and numerical investigations on sloshing in cargo tanks with internal structures. Motion of liquid is numerically simulated by a method that takes into consideration the effect of internal structures such as horizontal girders, bottom and deck transverses and swash bulkheads. The calculation successfully expresses the deformation of flow pattern caused by those structures and the calculated dynamic pressure histories and amplitudes also show good agreement with experimental values. Furthermore, the numerical simulation explains extremely nonlinear effects such as the occurrence of symmetrical two node free-surface deformation mode caused by the tank-rolling motion, etc. The present numerical simulation has proven useful in a practical design stage as a tool to predict sloshing in tanks with internal structures.
Minimum-Shift-Keying

Among the many bandwidth efficient constant envelope modulation schemes that fall in the class of continuous phase frequency modulations, minimum-shift-keying is undoubtedly the most popular of the group that transmit binary information. The reason for this stems perhaps from the fact that MSK can be viewed both from the standpoint of frequency modulation and pulse-shaped offset quadrature phase-shift-keying thereby allowing a large degree of flexibility in the design of transmitter and receiver implementations. In this chapter we explore a large variety of these implementation options with emphasis on their analytical characterization as well as their power and bandwidth performance behaviors. While the chapter attempts to cover a large body of the published literature on MSK, it is not offered to the readership as an all-inclusive treatise on the subject but rather one that highlights the key technical contributions that are essential to a basic understanding of the modulation method as well as its associated demodulation, detection, and synchronization techniques. Keywords: bandwidth-efficient modulation; constant envelope modulation; continuous phase frequency-shift-keying (CPFSK); continuous phase modulation (CPM); digital phase modulation; fast frequency-shift-keying (FFSK); pulse-shaped offset quadrature phase-shift-keying (OQPSK)
Correlated evolution of morphology and vocal signal structure in Darwin's finches

Speciation in many animal taxa is catalysed by the evolutionary diversification of mating signals. According to classical theories of speciation, mating signals diversify, in part, as an incidental byproduct of adaptation by natural selection to divergent ecologies, although empirical evidence in support of this hypothesis has been limited. Here I show, in Darwin's finches of the Galapagos Islands, that diversification of beak morphology and body size has shaped patterns of vocal signal evolution, such that birds with large beaks and body sizes have evolved songs with comparatively low rates of syllable repetition and narrow frequency bandwidths. The converse is true for small birds. Patterns of correlated evolution among morphology and song are consistent with the hypothesis that beak morphology constrains vocal evolution, with different beak morphologies differentially limiting a bird's ability to modulate vocal tract configurations during song production. These data illustrate how morphological adaptation may drive signal evolution and reproductive isolation, and furthermore identify a possible cause for rapid speciation in Darwin's finches.
Factors That Influence the Development of Compassion Fatigue, Burnout, and Compassion Satisfaction in Emergency Department Nurses

Purpose The purpose of this study was twofold: (a) to determine the prevalence of compassion satisfaction, compassion fatigue, and burnout in emergency department nurses throughout the United States and (b) to examine which demographic and work-related components affect the development of compassion satisfaction, compassion fatigue, and burnout in this nursing specialty. Design and Methods This was a nonexperimental, descriptive, and predictive study using a self-administered survey. Survey packets including a demographic questionnaire and the Professional Quality of Life Scale version 5 (ProQOL 5) were mailed to 1,000 selected emergency nurses throughout the United States. The ProQOL 5 scale was used to measure the prevalence of compassion satisfaction, compassion fatigue, and burnout among emergency department nurses. Multiple regression using stepwise solution was employed to determine which variables of demographics and work-related characteristics predicted the prevalence of compassion satisfaction, compassion fatigue, and burnout. The α level was set at .05 for statistical significance. Findings The results revealed overall low to average levels of compassion fatigue and burnout and generally average to high levels of compassion satisfaction among this group of emergency department nurses. The low level of manager support was a significant predictor of higher levels of burnout and compassion fatigue among emergency department nurses, while a high level of manager support contributed to a higher level of compassion satisfaction. Conclusions The results may serve to help distinguish elements in emergency department nurses’ work and life that are related to compassion satisfaction and may identify factors associated with higher levels of compassion fatigue and burnout. Clinical Relevance Improving recognition and awareness of compassion satisfaction, compassion fatigue, and burnout among emergency department nurses may prevent emotional exhaustion and help identify interventions that will help nurses remain empathetic and compassionate professionals.
Height uniformity for integral points on elliptic curves

We recall the result of D. Abramovich and its generalization by P. Pacelli on the uniformity for stably integral points on elliptic curves. It says that the Lang-Vojta conjecture on the distribution of integral points on a variety of logarithmic general type implies the uniformity for the numbers of stably integral points on elliptic curves. In this paper we will investigate its analogue for their heights under the assumption of the Vojta conjecture. Basically, we will show that the Vojta conjecture gives a naturally expected simple uniformity for their heights.
Robust methods for the detection of genetic linkage for quantitative data from pedigrees.

The robust method for detecting linkage developed by Haseman and Elston [The investigation of linkage between a quantitative trait and a marker locus. Behav Genet 2:3-19, 1972] for data from sib pairs is extended to any type of noninbred relative pair. The regression of the squared relative-pair trait difference on the estimated proportion of genes identical by descent (i.b.d.) at a marker locus is shown to depend upon the recombination fraction between the two loci; the regression coefficient is negative if the trait and marker loci are linked. A test for linkage based on data from any informative type of relative pair can thus be obtained by testing that this regression coefficient is less than zero. Formulae for the asymptotic power of such tests for linkage based upon independent relative pairs are developed. Results are also given for the special case in which the proportion of genes shared i.b.d. for relative pairs is known. Finally, a general algorithm is described that will incorporate all available pedigree data to calculate an estimate of the proportion of genes that a relative pair shares i.b.d. at a marker locus.
Contribution of hydraulically lifted deep moisture to the water budget in a Southern California mixed forest

Trees and shrubs growing in California's mountains rely on deep roots to survive the hot and dry Mediterranean climate summer. The shallow montane soil cannot hold enough water to support summer transpiration, and plants must access deeper moisture from the weathered bedrock. We used the HYDRUS-1D model to simulate the moisture flux through the soil-plant continuum in Southern California's San Jacinto Mountains. The mechanisms facilitating deep water access are poorly understood, and it is possible that either or both hydraulic lift and capillary rise contribute to the survival and activity of trees and soil microorganisms. We modified HYDRUS to incorporate hydraulic lift and drove it with meteorological and physiological data. The modeled quantity of water lifted hydraulically ranged from near zero during the wet months to ~28 mm month-1 in midsummer. Likewise, modeled capillary rise was negligible during the winter and averaged ~15 mm month-1 during June through November. Both mechanisms provided water to support evapotranspiration during the dry months. Isotopic measurements of xylem water for eight shrub and tree species confirmed the importance of a deep source of water. Conventional and automated minirhizotron observations showed that fine-root and rhizomorph biomass remained relatively constant year-round, while mycorrhizal hyphae biomass varied markedly, peaking in the wet season and declining by ~70% in the dry season. Model results predict that hydraulic lift and capillary rise play key roles in Southern California's mountains: they support evapotranspiration and photosynthesis during the summer drought; they contribute to the year-round survival of fine roots and soil microorganisms. Key Points HYDRUS-1D model was used to model hydraulically lifted deep moisture Both hydraulically lift and capillary rise contributed to evapotranspiration Trees and mycorrhizal fungi must depend on the deep moisture in bedrock ©2013. American Geophysical Union. All Rights Reserved.
Fluid-body simulations using vortex particle operations

Modeling continuous media such as fluids remains an elusive goal for interactive simulations. Fluids are particularly challenging because of the complexity imparted by the non-linear equations of motion, and the difficulty in creating stable simulations that retain spatial detail.
BLACK/WHITE DIFFERENCE IN IN VIVO INSULIN SECRETION IN PREPUBERTAL CHILDREN. † 489

African-Americans are at increased risk for obesity, NIDDM, CVD and hypertension. Hyperinsulinemia/insulin resistance has been implicated as a potential pathogenic mechanism. This study was undertaken to test the hypothesis that racial differences in insulin secretion and action may precede disease manifestation by decades and could be detected early in childhood.
Siegert's theorem revisited: Applications to the forward angle cross section and the sum rule for 2H (γ,n)p

Abstract We discuss the validity of the Siegert form of the electric dipole operator and modifications to it, with particular emphasis on those derived from mesonic-exchange contributions to the nuclear charge density. We evaluate the forward angle cross section and the enhancement to the classical sum rule for E1 photo-absorption by 2H. This latter shows surprisingly strong model dependence.
QTLs of factors of the metabolic syndrome and echocardiographic phenotypes: the hypertension genetic epidemiology network study

Background In a previous study of the Hypertension Genetic Epidemiology Network (HyperGEN) we have shown that metabolic syndrome (MetS) risk factors were moderately and significantly associated with echocardiographic (ECHO) left ventricular (LV) phenotypes.
An experimental study of high contraction ratio, subsonic wind tunnel inlets

The inlet or contraction section has significant impact on the performance and operating characteristics of any subsonic wind tunnel. Previous experimental studies have been conducted to examine specific aspects of inlet performance and design. This work builds on this earlier experience by performing a comprehensive experimental analysis of a member of a family of high contraction ratio inlets used on indraft type wind tunnels. Quantitative flow field measurements were made using wall static ports, a five-hole pressure probe, and a hot wire anemometry system. Smoke flow visualization techniques were used to examine the inlet flow in a more qualitative manner and to correlate with quantitative measurements. This experimental investigation has provided insight into some of the many problems associated with inlet flows.
Statistical computing with R: selecting the right tool for the job—R Commander or something else?

R Commander (Rcmdr) is one of the most popular graphical user interfaces (GUIs) for R. Why is R Commander so popular? What does it do? When should R Commander be used? When should it not be used? What are the alternatives to R Commander? What can be said about using R Commander, or an alternative, to teach introductory statistics courses? The answers to these questions form the sections of the paper. Included is a Box describing many of the alternative R GUIs (RExcel, Deducer, Rattle, and RKWard) and interactive development environments (IDEs—RStudio, REvolution, and RKWard). Advice is given to help the user ‘select the right tool for the job’. WIREs Comput Stat 2012, 4:518–526. doi: 10.1002/wics.1228
Optical oscillator strengths for isoelectric ions of silicon

Abstract An analytic atomic independent particle model potential adjusted to experimental single-particle energy levels is used to generate wave functions for the valence and excited states of the ions P +1 , S +2 , Cl +3 , Ar +4 and K +5 of the silicon isoelectronic sequence. Using these wave functions in conjuction with the Born approximation and the LS -coupling scheme, we calculate optical oscillator strengths for excitations from the 3p 2 ( 3 P 0 ) ground state. Good agreement is obtained with experimental and theoretical data.
Incomplete spondylolysis and healing. A study of ancient Canadian Eskimo skeletons.

Study Design Skeletons of ancient Canadian Eskimos subjected to arctic weathering presented an unusual opportunity for direct observation of all stages of spondylolysis. Objective To explore early stages of incomplete lysis, a phenomenon difficult to observe radiographically. Summary of Background Data Although lumbar spondylolysis most often appears to be a stress fracture that may proceed to complete separation, its early stages have been difficult to visualize. Methods Vertebrae were examined for even minute lytic defects in the general region of pars interarticularis and the results were correlated with age at death. Results Spondylolysis was found in 51 individuals, with 110 separate sites (sides) affected. At 34 of these sites, all but two in adolescents or young adults, the lysis was incomplete, Incomplete lysis effected the superior margin of the neural arch more often than the inferior margin, and the right side more often than the left. Conclusion Spondylolysis first became recognizable as incomplete stress fractures during adolescence, with most progressing to complete lysis in young adulthood. New fractures continued to develop in young adults, but most healed by middle adulthood. After 45 years of age, the overall frequency of spondylolysis declined, indicating that even complete defects occasionally healed.
Surface hydrophobicity of hemoglobins A, F and S determined by gel filtration column chromatography in high-phosphate buffer.

Abstract We found that hemoglobins A, F and S could be separated on TSK-GEL-SW column by differences in surface hydrophobicity when eluted with 1.8 M phosphate buffer, pH 7.4. The elution pattern of the oxy- and deoxy-forms of hemoglobins A, S and F from a TSK-GEL-SW-type gel filtration column is useful for measuring surface hydrophobicity. The elution volumes of oxyhemoglobins F, A and S on the TSK-GEL-SW column in 1.8 M potassium phosphate buffer, pH 7.4, related linearly to the log of their solubility; the higer the surface hydrophobicity, the lower the solubility. There was no linear relationship between the solubilities and the elution volumes of these hemoglobins in the deoxy-form; deoxy-Hb S was far from the lines formed by deoxy-Hb A and deoxy-Hb F. These data suggest that the solubility of oxyhemoglobins is related to simple hydrophobic interactions caused by the total surface hydrophobicity, but the extremely low solubility of deoxy-Hb S must be the result of a stereospecific strong hydrophobic interaction between amino acids at the contact regions of deoxy-Hb S molecules.
Should methotrexate be used to treat early rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract A number of studies show the efficacy of methotrexate (MTX) for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in general. However, is there any reason to single this drug out for early RA? Mechanistically, it probably works differently in RA than in cancer, at least in part. Thus, in addition to dihydrofolate reductase—related effects, MTX inhibits aminoimidazocarboxamide transformylase, decreases leukotriene B 4 production, and increases adenosine release at concentrations achieved with lowdose MTX regimens. Clinically, it is well tolerated over relatively long periods. Further, a recent meta-analysis of radiology studies shows that MTX compares favorably with intramuscular gold and is better than azathioprine. Toxicity remains a concern in treating early RA, particularly as pulmonary "hypersensitivity reactions" continue (1% to 7.6%), infections (both fungal and perioperative) are documented, and more cirrhosis is found. With all of the above in mind, the use of MTX seems reasonable but not necessarily uniformly appropriate and not yet proved for early RA. Studies of MTX in early RA, particularly in combination with other drugs, are only beginning.
Glaucomatous Optic Neuropathy

Prior to the 1980s, glaucoma was defined as a disease involving progressive visual loss due to elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). Although elevated IOP is now considered one of the major risk factors for glaucomatous damage, glaucoma is defined as a primary optic neuropathy; visual loss results from characteristic, progressive deterioration of the optic nerve due to loss of retinal ganglion cells and their axons, leading to irreversible loss of visual function. At least three million Americans suffer from glaucoma, and many more have risk factors that require monitoring or treatment. In addition, 50% of Americans with glaucoma are unaware they have the disease.
Using the points of large cases

We believe that case-based reasoning (CBR) will prove applicable to design, at least in part, as we have seen designers making extensive use of past cases. Construction of useful systems, however, requires the resolution of many open issues. In this paper we consider three issues in particular: (1) What sort of content should be captured in a design case? (2) How should the content of a complex case be segmented into chunks for use? (3) How should the resulting chunks be indexed for retrieval? These are among the issues we are seeking to address through construction of Archie-II, a case-based aid for conceptual design in architecture. In addition to our approaches to these issues, this paper also discusses our strategic choice to build a design aiding system as opposed to a system that generates designs on its own.
Comparison of methods for long-range assessment in education

Abstract There are many problems with attempting to assess the long-range impact of educational innovations or programs. The two fundamental components upon which most long-term educational evaluations are based are the use of standardized tests to measure cognitive growth and methodologies which project normal growth. Long-range educational evaluations are then based upon this notion of normal growth. This study examines the accuracy of various student test score projection techniques-idiographic analysis, standard score method, regression analysis and a differential equation growth model. The study found that even though estimates for its parameters were derived from a small sample, the differential equation growth model was generally more accurate for long-range projection than the other models and approximately the same accuracy for short-term projections as regression. Idiographic analysis and the standard score method were generally poor in terms of accuracy of prediction, especially for extended time periods. The study concludes with an overview of the problems of projecting student test scores and suggests a stochastic procedure based upon Bayesian analysis as a more realistic probabilistic projection technique for use in educational policy formulation—especially since this procedure is more compatible with expected value and benefit cost analysis which are now becoming an integral part of comprehensive instructional evaluation.
Partition and poliomyelitis: an investigation of the polio disparity affecting Muslims during India's eradication program.

BACKGROUND: Significant disparities in the incidence of polio existed during its eradication campaign in India. In 2006 Muslims who comprise 16% of the population in affected states comprised 70% of paralytic polio cases. This disparity was initially blamed on the Muslims and a rumor that the vaccination program was a plot to sterilize their children. Using the framework of structural violence this paper describes how the socio-political and historical context of Muslim populations in India shaped the polio disparity. METHODS AND FINDINGS: A qualitative study utilizing methods of rapid ethnography was conducted from May-August 2009 in Aligarh Uttar Pradesh India. Field methods included participant observation of vaccination teams historical document research and 107 interviews with both Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) stakeholders and families with vaccine-eligible children. Almost all respondents agreed that Aligarh was a highly segregated city mostly due to riots after Partition and during the 1990s. Since the formation of segregated neighborhoods most respondents described that "Muslim areas" had been underdeveloped compared to "Hindu areas" facilitating the physical transmission of poliovirus. Distrust of the government and resistance to vaccination were linked to this disparate development and fears of sterilization influenced by the "Family Planning Program" from 1976-1977. CONCLUSIONS: Ethnic violence and social marginalization since the Partition and during the rise of Hindu nationalism led to distrust of the government the formation of segregated slums and has made Muslims victims of structural violence. This led to the creation of disease-spreading physical environments lowered vaccine efficacy and disproportionately higher levels of resistance to vaccination. The causes of the polio disparity found in this study elucidate the nature of possible other health disparities affecting minorities in India. LIMITATIONS: This study is limited by the manual coding of the transcribed data size and some dialectal difficulties in translation.
Fiber confocal reflectance microscope (FCRM) for in-vivo imaging

In-vivo imaging can be achieved with a coherent-fiber-bundle based confocal reflectance microscope. Such a microscope could provide the means to detect pre-cancerous lesions in the cervix by characterizing cells' nuclear-to-cytoplasmic ratio. In this paper we present the design of such a fiber confocal reflectance microscope, with an emphasis on its optical sub-systems. The optical sub-systems consist of a commercially available microscope objective and custom designed telescope, scan lens, and coupling lens systems. The performance of the fiber confocal reflectance microscope was evaluated by imaging a resolution bar target and human cervical biopsy tissues. The results presented in this paper demonstrate a lateral resolution of 2 microm and axial resolution of 6 microm. The sensitivity of the system defined by the smallest refractive-index mismatch that can be detected is approximately Delta n 0.05.
The temperature dependence of the half widths of some self-and foreign-gas-broadened lines of methane

The temperature dependence of the half width of four lines of the 2v3 band of methane has been measured. The broadeners used were H2, He, N2, and CH4. The temperature coefficients, defined by the relation γ = γ0(TT0)n, have been determined for all of the broadeners and, in some cases, depart significantly from a kinetic theory value of -0.5. Where possible, the half-widths were determined by two independent methods. All measurements were made at pressures below 2 atm absolute to reduce interfering effects from the wings of neighboring lines.
Geographic Variation in Radiologist Capacity and Widespread Implementation of Lung Cancer CT Screening

BackgroundNewly released United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendations for lung cancer screening are expected to increase demand for low-dose computed tomography scanning, b...
Fabrication and characterization of poled Pyrylium doped nonlinear organic thin film

Organic thin film doped with Pyrylium was fabricated and characterized. Optical second-order nonlinearity was obtained after poling with electric field. Maker Fringe measurements and analysis were performed to evaluate the nonlinear coefficients. The film demonstrates negligible absorption in blue wavelengths window.
Insulin resistance, obesity, inflammation, and depression in polycystic ovary syndrome: biobehavioral mechanisms and interventions.

Objective To summarize physiological and psychological characteristics that are common among women diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and provide evidence suggesting that addressing psychological disturbances can reduce or alleviate physical symptoms of PCOS through behavioral pathways and physiological pathways. Method(s) Empirical studies and expert consensuses pertaining to physiological, psychological, and medical management aspects of PCOS were identified and presented in this review. Articles were identified by searching Pubmed, PsycInfo, Medline ISI, CINAHL, or a Web browser (i.e., Google) using numerous combinations of terms pertaining to physiological, psychological, and medical management aspects of PCOS. An article was chosen to be included in this review if it reported findings and/or provided information that related to and helped support the main purpose(s) of this review article. Result(s) Available literature on the physiological (i.e., hyperandrogenism, central obesity, inflammation, insulin resistance) and psychological (i.e., depression, anxiety, eating disorders) factors among women with PCOS provides evidence that these various aspects of PCOS are strongly interrelated. Conclusion(s) The existence of these relationships among physiological and psychological factors strongly suggests that medical management of PCOS would greatly benefit from inclusion of psychological and behavioral approaches.
An alternative ionization paradigm for atmospheric pressure mass spectrometry: Flying elephants from Trojan horses

Abstract We propose an alternative for production of multiply charged ions that is based on the recent discovery that laser ablation of certain common matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) matrixes produce multiply charged ions at atmospheric pressure (AP) that are similar in charge state distribution to ions produced by electrospray ionization (ESI). In ESI and AP–MALDI, ions are primarily produced at AP before being transferred to the vacuum region of the mass analyzer. In this new laserspray ionization (LSI) method, the ionization mechanism is proposed to be similar to ESI, but with a solid rather than a volatile liquid solvent. Unlike in ESI, desolvation does not occur in the AP region, but in a heated AP to vacuum transfer region. Here we propose that highly charged droplets rather than naked ions pass the AP to vacuum entrance aperture before the multiply charged ESI-like ions are released into the viscous gas flow. Such a process offers a new and possibly highly sensitive method for ion formation in MS.
Characterization of the GTAW fusion line phases for superferritic stainless steel weldments

Abstract During the study of GTA welding of several superferritic stainless steel alloys, using multi-pass welds of austenitic fillers, poor tensile properties were observed. Tensile specimens were observed to fail at the fusion line with the shape of the fracture exactly matching that of the weld/base metal interface. The weld corrosion test results were also not as satisfactory as the base metal tests. Localized corrosion was observed at the weld fusion line. This was attributed to the presence of an excess brittle phase at the weld fusion line. In this study, samples from 29Cr–4Mo–2Ni alloy welds were made using Inconel 625 filler material and the gas tungsten arc welding procedure. The samples were metallographically examined after brittle phases were found at the fusion line. A composition that the Fe–Cr–Ni phase diagram at 650°C predicts a mix of austenite and sigma phase has been found on the broken face of a tensile specimen, using SEM/XEDS quantitative analysis. X-ray diffraction independently confirmed the presence of a mixture of austenite and sigma phase on the broken tensile sample.
Effect of Process Parameters on Microstructures of 30Mn20Al3 Steel

The microstructures of 30Mn20Al3 non-magnetic steel after different finishing temperature and cooling rates have been studied by multi-pass compression test in a thermal-mechanical simulator. The results show that the microstructure of this steel is totally of austenitic with amounts of twins. At the same cooling rate, larger amount of thicker twins appear when lowering finishing temperature. The austenite grain size is related to finishing temperature and cooling rate. The critical temperature of austenite recrystallization is determined as 950~1000°C. When the finishing temperature is about 1000°C and cooling rate higher than 15°C/s, fine and uniform austenite grains can be obtained.
Medical students speak: a two-voice comment on learning professionalism in medicine.

We are two medical students. For one of us, medical school is just beginning; for the other, it is coming to an end. Our experiences are different, but our message is the same. Professionalism is a vital component in the field of medicine. Characteristics such as trustworthiness, compassion, integrity, honesty, leadership, and social responsibility must be embraced by the next generation of doctors so the future healthcare system will be one that patients and physicians admire and respect. To reach this goal, it is important to understand how medical students today view professionalism and how such a construct is integrated into medical education. We hope to provide insight into this area by reflecting on the lessons we have learned regarding professionalism in medical school. Professionalism, like the medical field itself, is a life-long learning process. By encouraging this process early in medical training, future doctors will be able to provide their patients with highest quality care. Clin. Anat. 19:415–418, 2006. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
On the unconditional subsequence property

Abstract We show that a construction of Johnson, Maurey and Schechtman leads to the existence of a weakly null sequence ( f i ) in ( ∑ L p i ) l 2 , where p i ↓ 1 , so that for all e > 0 and 1 q ⩽ 2 , every subsequence of ( f i ) admits a block basis ( 1 + e ) -equivalent to the Haar basis for L q . We give an example of a reflexive Banach space having the unconditional subsequence property but not uniformly so.
Cordycepin Blocks Recovery of Non-Heat-Shock mRNA Translation following Heat Shock in Drosophila

Treatment of cells with cordycepin (3-deoxyadenosine), an inhibitor of cytoplasmic adenylation, blocks the restoration of normal translation following heat shock. Cordycepin also reduces heat-shock protein 70 (Hsp70) protein synthesis greater than 10-fold, while having little to no effect on mRNA accumulation. Parallel analysis of the poly(A)-binding protein detects no change in its abundance during heat shock or subsequent recovery. These results suggest that normal, non-heat-shock mRNA translational repression during heat shock may be caused by deadenylation, and that readenylation is required for restoration of activity. However, three independent analyses of the adenylation status of mRNAs during heat shock and recovery indicate that no significant changes in polyadenylation occur. (a) The total poly (A) content decreases by only about 10% during heat shock; (b) the size of the poly (A) tract decreases only marginally, from an average length of 75–90 nucleotides in non-heated cells to 45–60 nucleotides during heat shock; (c) virtually all mRNAs bind to oligo d(T)-cellulose, whether extracted from normal-temperature. heat-shock or recovered cells. Our results are most consistent with a model where the process of readenylation, rather than the specific poly(A) tail length, influences translational activation during recovery, paralleling a proposed model for the activation of translation during Xenopus oocyte maturation.
An Era of Change-Tolerant Systems

Software complexity is the degree to which software is difficult to analyze, understand, or explain. As society increasingly depends on software, the size and complexity of software systems continues to grow making them progressively more difficult to understand and evolve. This trend has dramatically accelerated in recent years with the advent of Web services, agent-based systems, autonomic and self-healing systems, reconfigurable computing, and other advances. Software's complexity has compounded in both volume (structure) and interaction (social) as the Internet has enabled delivering software functionality as services. Yet, most technologies that we use to develop, maintain, and evolve software systems do not adequately cope with complexity and change. Traditionally, software engineers respond to complexity by decomposing systems into manageable parts to accommodate the sheer number of elements and their structure. However, the Internet and the emergence of software as services have led to a new kind of complexity.
88 EFFECT OF OXYGEN ON THE SYSTEMIC VASCULAR BED IN PATIENTS WITH TETRALOGY OF FALLOT

The mechanism by which oxygen (O2) administration improves systemic arterial saturation (SA sat) in patients (pts) with Tetralogy of Fallot (ToF) has not been previously elucidated. In order to explain this phenomenon, hemodynamic measurements were made before and after 90-100% 02 administration to 16 pts, age 4 mos. - 8 yrs. (M= 3.4 yrs.). During O2 administration, mean SA sat increased from 76.5±1.7%(M±SEM) to 90.9±1.9%(p .05). The mean % right to left (R→L)shunt decreased from 51.4±3.6% in room air to 35.5±4.6% in O2(p<.001). In room air, 4 pts had bidirectional shunts. However, with O2, an additional 7 pts developed bidirectional shunts. In all pts, the increment in oxygen saturation was significantly greater than could be due to dissolved O2 alone. It is concluded that O2 administration in pts with ToF increases SA sat by inducing systemic vasoconstriction. The resultant increased SVR causes a decrease in the R→L shunt and improved oxygenation. Thus, in ToF, the beneficial effect of O2 results primarily from its effect on the systemic vascular bed.
Decreased formation of α2-macroglobulin-protease complexes in plasma of patients with cystic fibrosis

Abstract Alpha2-macroglobulin from patients with cystic fibrosis is shown to have reduced binding with papain, trypsin, and thrombin. The obligate heterozygotes for cystic fibrosis revealed intermediate values between the controls and the patients. Since papain and trypsin are not plasma endopeptidases, it becomes evident that the absence of α2-macroglobulin-protease complex in cystic fibrosis is due to a molecular defect within the macroglobulin.
A brief history of the development of error correcting codes

Abstract This paper is based on a talk the author gave at the symposium in honor of Solomon Golomb's 60th birthday. It describes the history in which the author was a participant in some of the early developments of error-correcting codes and computers. Also details are given about the origins of both the Reed-Muller and Reed-Solomon codes.
The development of stereociliary bundles in the cochlear duct of chick embryos

The differentiation of hair cell stereociliary bundles was investigated during early stages of embryonic development in the chick cochlear duct. The ultrastructural characteristics of the differentiating stereocilia and the position of the hair cells at the time of their differentiation were determined with scanning (SEM) and transmission (TEM) electron microscopy. Stereocilia were first identifiable with SEM as early as embryonic day 6 (stage 29) in only the distal region of the basilar papilla. By embryonic day 7.5 (stage 32) stereocilia were detected with both SEM and TEM on hair cells located in the distal two-thirds of the basilar papilla. Stereociliary bundles were recognizable throughout the entire basilar papilla by embryonic day 9 (stage 35). At this stage the hair cells exhibited a distal-to-proximal gradient in the cell surface area and the number of stereocilia on each hair cell. These results suggest that there is a distal-to-proximal wave of hair cell differentiation which occurs at a very early time period in the development of the chick cochlea. Both the timing and the direction of the stereociliary differentiation contrast with previous ultrastructural reports of avian hair cell development, yet compare favorably with the patterns of functional development in the auditory system.
Phase II trial of high-dose carboplatin and etoposide with autologous bone marrow transplantation in first-line therapy for patients with poor-risk germ cell tumors.

BACKGROUND Between 20% and 30% of patients with advanced germ cell tumors (GCTs) fail to have durable complete response to conventional cisplatin-based induction chemotherapy. However, third-line therapy with high-dose carboplatin and etoposide plus autologous bone marrow transplantation (AuBMT) has induced durable complete response in 10%-20% of patients with cisplatin-resistant GCT. PURPOSE We conducted a phase II trial of first-line therapy that included high-dose carboplatin and etoposide plus AuBMT in untreated men with advanced GCTs and unfavorable prognosis (i.e., "poor-risk" patients). METHODS Twenty-eight patients were treated with a conventional-dose, cisplatin-containing regimen (VAB-6 [cisplatin, vinblastine, bleomycin, cyclophosphamide, dactinomycin]) with or without high-dose carboplatin (1500 mg/m2) and etoposide (1200 mg/m2) plus AuBMT. Twenty-two of these patients were selected for treatment with two cycles of high-dose carboplatin and etoposide plus AuBMT when reduced clearance of serum tumor markers (alpha-fetoprotein [AFP] or human chorionic gonadotropin [HCG]), as evidenced by prolonged half-life (> 7 days for AFP and > 3 days for HCG), was observed after two cycles of conventional treatment. RESULTS Fifteen (56%) of 27 patients considered assessable for response achieved a complete response (12 treated with high-dose chemotherapy plus AuBMT). Sixteen (57%) are alive; 13 (46%) are free of disease at a median follow-up of 31.2 months. For 36 cycles of high-dose chemotherapy, the median duration from bone marrow infusion until a granulocyte count of 0.5/mm3 and a platelet count of 50,000/mm3 was 16 days (range, 7-41 days and 8-30 days, respectively). Analysis showed a trend toward improved survival (P = .07) in patients treated with high-dose chemotherapy in this study, compared with 68 poor-risk patients with GCT treated with conventional-dose therapy alone in two earlier studies. Toxicity was not cumulative, and recovery of blood counts after AuBMT was generally rapid. CONCLUSIONS Inclusion of high-dose carboplatin-containing chemotherapy in treatment of poor-risk GCT patients is feasible when serum tumor marker half-life is used to predict resistance to standard cisplatin-based therapy. High-dose therapy in this setting was well tolerated. IMPLICATIONS Early use of a dose-intensive regimen may increase survival compared with conventional-dose therapy alone. Further studies with standard induction therapy and intensive high-dose therapy using hematopoietic growth factor support are warranted, followed by a randomized trial comparing this strategy with standard therapy.
Carnitine palmitoyltransferase in bovine fetal heart mitochondria.

Abstract Bovine fetal heart mitochondria oxidize palmitoyl-CoA in the presence of 1-carnitine at 2–14% of the rate they oxidize palmitoyl-1-carnitine when incubation times are less than 5 min. The initial low oxidation rate with palmitoyl-CoA is not significantly changed by increasing the concentration of ADP in the incubation. Preincubation of fetal heart mitochondria with palmitoyl-CoA plus carnitine for 10 min before initiating oxidation with ADP leads to oxidation rates that are comparable to those obtained in calf heart mitochondria. The total carnitine palmitoyltransferase activity in fetal heart mitochondria is not strikingly different from calf heart mitochondria. The palmitoyl-CoA saturation curves show that deficiency in “overt” carnitine palmitoyltransferase(A) activity in fetal heart mitochondria cannot account for these observations. Our results show an abnormal CoA saturation curve of fetal heart mitochondrial transferase activity but the relationship of this finding to the lag period before maximal oxidation of palmitoyl-CoA is not known.
Environmentally induced variation in floral traits affects the mating system in Datura wrightii

Summary 1. If pollination is unpredictable, selection may favour the production of selfed seeds in the absence of pollen vectors, even in plant species with obvious adaptations for outcrossing. Pollination may be less predictable for plants growing in certain environments if environmental factors affect the floral phenotype. Through effects on flower morphology and the floral display, the environment may affect the outcrossing rate. 2. We manipulated two environmental factors, water availability and exposure to insect herbivores, in a common-garden experiment using a perennial herb, Datura wrightii . We measured herkogamy (the separation of anthers and stigmas within flowers), total flower length, and flower number, and used a single-gene trichome dimorphism as a marker to determine per-plant outcrossing rates. 3. The large amount of variation in herkogamy was affected by trichome type, irrigation and herbivory. In addition, watered plants had longer corollas, and plants attacked by herbivores had fewer open flowers. Thus environmental factors affect floral phenotype. 4. However, irrigation and herbivory did not directly affect outcrossing rate. There were indirect effects of these treatments on outcrossing because plants with increased herkogamy and fewer open flowers had higher outcrossing rates. 5. A greenhouse experiment showed that autonomous selfing is more likely when herkogamy is reduced, and can occur both as the flower opens and when the corolla is shed. 6. These experiments are among the first to show that within-population variation in the mating system can be due to environmentally induced variation in floral traits.
THE MULTIPLICATION OF THE VIRUS OF MEXICAN TYPHUS FEVER IN FLEAS

The virus of Mexican typhus has been shown to multiply abundantly in the following species of fleas: Xenopsylla cheopis, Ceratophyllus fasciatus, Leptopsylla musculi, Ctenocephalus canis, Ctenocephalus felis. In all fleas, Rickettsia prowazeki was demonstrated within the epithelial cells of the stomach and within the cells of the Malpighian tubules. Whereas in infected lice enormous numbers of these organisms are discharged from the disintegrating cells into the intestinal content, only few Rickettsiae are found in the lumen of the fleas' intestines. They are held back by the peritrophic membrane, which covers the mucosa of the entire stomach. Rickettsiae seem to enter the lumen of the gut almost exclusively by the route of the Malpighian tubules. Observations were made which seem to indicate that the fleas recover from the infection and that they are able to regenerate the partly destroyed intestinal mucosa. An explanation is given for the relative harmlessness of fleas as vectors of typhus.