cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
PKCλ/ι signaling promotes triple-negative breast cancer growth and metastasis

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a distinct breast cancer subtype defined by the absence of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2/neu), and the patients with TNBC are often diagnosed with higher rates of recurrence and metastasis. Because of the absence of ER, PR and HER2/neu expressions, TNBC patients are insensitive to HER2-directed and endocrine therapies available for breast cancer treatment. Here, we report that expression of atypical protein kinase C isoform, PKCλ/ι, significantly increased and activated in all invasive breast cancer (invasive ductal carcinoma or IDC) subtypes including the TNBC subtype. Because of the lack of targeted therapies for TNBC, we choose to study PKCλ/ι signaling as a potential therapeutic target for TNBC. Our observations indicated that PKCλ/ι signaling is highly active during breast cancer invasive progression, and metastatic breast cancers, the advanced stages of breast cancer disease that developed more frequently in TNBC patients, are also characterized with high levels of PKCλ/ι expression and activation. Functional analysis in experimental mouse models revealed that depletion of PKCλ/ι significantly reduces TNBC growth as well as lung metastatic colonization. Furthermore, we have identified a PKCλ/ι-regulated gene signature consisting of 110 genes, which are significantly associated with indolent to invasive progression of human breast cancer and poor prognosis. Mechanistically, cytokines such as TGFβ and IL1β could activate PKCλ/ι signaling in TNBC cells and depletion of PKCλ/ι impairs NF-κB p65 (RelA) nuclear localization. We observed that cytokine-PKCλ/ι-RelA signaling axis, at least in part, involved in modulating gene expression to regulate invasion of TNBC cells. Overall, our results indicate that induction and activation of PKCλ/ι promote TNBC growth, invasion and metastasis. Thus, targeting PKCλ/ι signaling could be a therapeutic option for breast cancer, including the TNBC subtype.
Use of optimal control theory to optimize carbon dioxide miscible-flooding enhanced oil recovery

Abstract Optimal control theory is used to determine optimal injection strategies that maximize the profitability of the carbon dioxide enhanced oil recovery process. Based upon a modified black oil model, a comparative study was made to determine how optimization can improve upon currently practiced injection policies of a single carbon dioxide slug, simultaneous injection of CO 2 and water, and WAG injection. The results show that optimal slug volumes of carbon dioxide can be computed. Also, the wellbore pressure is shown to be an important control variable affecting the optimal performance of a carbon dioxide flood.
Pilot study to test the efficacy and safety of activated recombinant factor VII (NovoSeven) in the treatment of refractory hemorrhagic cystitis following high-dose chemotherapy.

Pilot study to test the efficacy and safety of activated recombinant factor VII (NovoSeven) in the treatment of refractory hemorrhagic cystitis following high-dose chemotherapy
Chromosomes and causation of human cancer and leukemia: XL. The Ph1 and other translocations in CML

To date, 85 cases with unusual Ph1 translocations have been described and are summarized in the present report of the 85 translocations, 41 were simple and 44 complex. Only chromosomes #1, #4, #8, and #20 and the Y have not been found to be involved in simple translocations and #12, #16, #18, #20 and the Y in complex ones. Chromosomes #18, #20, and Y have not been involved to date in either complex or simple Ph1 translocations. Four cases have been reported in whom more than three chromosomes were involved in the Ph1 translocation and only four cases in whom the #9 was not involved in complex Ph1 translocations. The chromosomal changes, in addition to the Ph1, accompanying unusual Ph1 translocations in CML are not different from those seen in cases with the standard type of Ph1 translocation. Translocations (other than the Ph1) in CML occur in less than 1% of the cases and, to date, have been found to involve all the chromosomes except the X and Y. With rare exceptions, in complex Ph1 translocations 1) the distal end of #22 is translocated to a third chromosome (i.e., other than #9), a part of which is translocated to #9, #2) the breaks in the involved chromosomes probably occur concomitantly, and 3) a characteristic Ph1 chromosome is present. The survival of patients with CML and unusual or complex Ph1 translocations does not differ significantly from that of patients with the standard Ph1-translocation.
Comment on “Future of the U.S. Academic Research Fleet”

In an appeal for broader government support of the University National Oceanographic Laboratory System (UNOLS), Marcus G. Langseth (Eos, 62, 690–691, 1981) has noted that ‘other U.S. agencies, such as … U.S. Geological Survey, etc., which occasionally use the UNOLS fleet, buy time as needed and accept little or no responsibility for the health or composition of the fleet.’ Subsequently, he noted that ‘… there is no organized program to use the remarkable capabilities of multichannel seismic sounding in a systematic way to study fundamental problems of the continental margins…’ Precisely because the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is not an occasional user of the UNOLS fleet, we would like to support and extend Langseth's appeal to gain broader based government funding to keep more ships afloat in this important national facility. Also because we have been conducting a well-organized systematic study of the continental margin of the United States, based mainly on state-of-the-art multichannel seismic data, we support his contention that continental margins of the world should be studied in a similar manner.
‘Of Irish extraction’: translation, selection and re‐invention

The phrase ‘of Irish extraction’ means ‘of Irish origin’ in a particular sense: since ‘extraction’ derives from Latin extrahere ‘to draw out or remove’, to describe something as ‘of Irish extractio...
Excitation of the OI (3s 5S0-3p 5P; lambda 7774 A) multiplet by electron impact on O2

Electron impact on O2 has been employed to ascertain the absolute cross-section value and emission linewidths of the OI (3s 5S0-3p 5P; 7774 A) multiplet. The emission linewidths are highly Doppler-broadened in dissociative excitation, and display two distinct kinetic energy distributions: which indicate that both purely repulsive and discrete, bound, excited molecular states, which then predissociate, are involved in the dissociation process that leads to the excitation of OI 7774 A. The magnitude of the measured cross-section and the fragment kinetic energy distribution both indicate that the previous time-of-flight studies of the metastable OI (5S0) state require reinterpretation.
Sites of integration of infectious DNA of avian reticuloendotheliosis viruses in different avian cellular DNAs

Abstract The pattern of integration for the infectious DNA of two avian reticuloendotheliosis viruses whose DNA is not inactivated by digestion with the restriction endonuclease, Eco RI, was determined. High molecular weight DNA from infected chicken, turkey and pheasant cells was digested with Eco RI, electrophoresed through agarose gels and assayed for infectivity. The same patterns of integration of infectious viral DNA were found for these species of avian cells infected at high or low multiplicities with two reticuloendotheliosis viruses. There were multiple sites of integration in acutely infected cells with concomitant cell death. There was a single site of integration in chronically infected cells with no cell death. There were more integrated infectious viral DNA molecules per cell in acutely infected cells than in chronically infected cells. These results are consistent with the hypotheses that the cell death in the acute phase of infection is a result of the integration of the infectious viral DNA at multiple sites, and that only those cells survive that have the infectious viral DNA integrated exclusively at the single site.
Su1532 Diagnostic Yield and Safety of the 22 vs. 25 Gauge Expect™ Needles for Solid Malignancies: Results of a Prospective Randomized Trial

Su1532 Diagnostic Yield and Safety of the 22 vs. 25 Gauge ExpectTM Needles for Solid Malignancies: Results of a Prospective Randomized Trial Scott L. Gabbard*, Kartik Sampath, Stuart R. Gordon, Timothy B. Gardner Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH Background & Aims: Endoscopic ultrasound fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) is an indispensable tool for diagnosing upper tract neoplasms; however the optimal sized EUS needle to maximize diagnostic yield and minimize complications is not known. We performed a randomized, double-blinded trial evaluating the 22 vs. 25 gauge EXPECTTM needle. Methods: Consecutive patients with suspected upper tract malignancy referred for upper EUS-FNA were enrolled. Patients were randomized in a block sequence to either the 22 or 25 gauge EXPECTTM needle (Boston Scientific, Marlborough, MA). The primary outcomes of interest were the FNA diagnostic yield based on cytopathologic analysis with subsequent pathologic confirmation and the complication rate from each needle. The study was approved by the Dartmouth Committee for the Protection of Human Subjects. Results: 60 patients were randomized, with 5 subsequently excluded due to not performing an FNA or the sample not undergoing cytopathologic evaluation. Final pathologic diagnosis revealed 82% pancreatic adenocarcinoma, 5% pancreatic islet cell tumor, 5% mediastinal lymphadenopathy and 8% other The overall diagnostic yield for the 22 gauge needle (n 29) was 82.8% vs. 92.3% (p 0.289) for the 25 gauge needle (n 26). None of the patients suffered any complications from the FNA. Univariate and multivariate Odds Ratios are demonstrated in the table below: Conclusion: The EXPECTTM needle is a very effective and safe tool for obtaining diagnostic tissue during EUS-FNA for upper tract malignancy. Both the 22 and 25 gauge needle sizes are equally efficacious.
Far infrared and terahertz quantum well intra-subband photodetector (QWISP)

We describe a new device concept for far infrared (FIR) / terahertz (THz) radiation detection based on the use of dopant-assisted intra-subband absorption mechanism in quantum wells. We compare the Quantum Well Intra-Subband Photodetector (QWISP) to the FIR/THz quantum-well infrared photodetector (QWIP) and heterojunction internal photoemission (HIP) devices to clarify the device concept. We demonstrate QWISP's effectiveness through theoretical simulations by comparing it with the FIR/THz QWIP with comparable dark current levels and peak spectral positions. In particular, our modeling results show that in a device designed for ~110 μm peak response, the QWISP peak absorption coefficient and responsivity, respectively, are approximately 100 and 10 times strong than those for the FIR/THz QWIP. The QWISP is a compact device with normal incidence response, does not require very low barriers, and is compatible with existing GaAs focal-plane array technology.
ON THE STANDARD LENGTH OF A TEST

(1) A new descriptive parameter for tests, the standard length, is defined and related to reliability, correlation, and validity by means of simplified versions of known formulas. (2) The standard error of measurement is found to be related in simple fashion to the amount of information in a test in the sense of R. A. Fisher. The amount of information is computable as the test length divided by the standard length of the test. (3) The invariant properties of the standard length of a test under changes in length are discussed and proved. Similar results for the correlation coefficient corrected for attenuation and the index of validity are indicated.
Effects of acute central LH-RH administration of the skin temperature response in morphine dependent rats.

There are numerous reports of a temporal relationship between LH secretion and a subsequent flushing response in menopausal women. We have developed a morphine-dependent animal model to study the mechanisms of the hot flush. Administration of naloxone to these animals results in a surge in LH secretion which precedes the elevation in tail skin temperature (TST). In the present study, we utilized central administration of an LH-RH agonist and antagonist to evaluate the skin temperature response in our animal model. Ovariectomized female rats were fitted with unilateral cannula in the lateral ventricle (LV). One week later these animals were midly restrained to allow for continuous measurement of tail skin temperatures (TST). Central administration of naloxone was without effect in controls but produced a 5-6 degree C rise of TST in the morphine-dependent rat while central administration of 10 microliters of the saline vehicle produced no changes in TST in either group. A similar increased sensitivity to LH-RH was observed in morphine-dependent rats. Administration of 5 or 10 micrograms of the LH-RH agonist (Des-Gly10, [im-Bzl-D-His6]LH-RH ethylamide) into the LV produced a significantly greater elevation in TST (4 degrees C) in the morphine-dependent rats compared to a negligible rise in TST in the control rats; however, administration of a larger dose of 20 micrograms of the LH-RH agonist produced similar TST responses of about 4 degrees C in both groups. Intravenous administration of the LH-RH agonist (10 micrograms) was ineffective in producing any temperature effect in morphine-dependent rats. Thus, it appears that the morphine-dependent rat is more sensitive to the LH-RH agonist and the temperature response is mediated by a central mechanism which is similar to that observed following administration of a dose of naloxone. In a subsequent study central administration of the LH-RH agonist (5 micrograms/10 microliters) resulted in a similar rise in serum LH in both control and morphine-dependent rats, suggesting that the elevation in TST is not closely associated with LH secretion. Further support for a role of LH-RH in our animal model was obtained following central administration of an LH-RH antagonist [( D-Phe2.6, Pro3]LH-RH) which blocked the rise in TST associated with systemic administration of naloxone (1 mg/kg, s.c.) in morphine-dependent rats.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Stress Concentration Factors in Angled Flexural Members of Rectangular Cross-Section

L'analyse des contraintes est realisee a partir du programme par elements finis ANSYS. Le facteur de concentration des contraintes peut varier de 1,25 a 2,5
Infrared laser ablation of dental enamel: influence of an applied water layer on ablation rate and peripheral damage

Studies have shown that a water spray may augment the laser ablation rate of dental hard tissues in addition to reducing heat accumulation. However, the mechanism of augmentation is controversial and poorly understood. The influence of an optically thick applied water layer on the ablation rate was investigated at wavelengths in which water is a primary absorber and the magnitude of absorption varies markedly. Water was manually applied with a pipette and troughs were cut in enamel blocks using a laser scanning system. Q- switched and free running Er:YSGG and Er:YAG, free running Ho:YAG and 9.6 micrometers TEA CO2 laser systems were investigated. The addition of water increased the rate of ablation and produced a more desirable surface morphology during enamel ablation with all the erbium systems. Ablation was markedly more efficient for the Q-switched erbium lasers than for the longer free-running laser systems when a water layer was added. Although, the addition of a thick water layer reduced the rate of ablation during CO2 laser ablation, the addition of the water removed undesirable deposits of non-apatite mineral phases from the crater surface. There was extensive peripheral damage after irradiation with the Ho:YAG laser with and without added water without effective ablation of enamel. The results of this study suggest that water augments the ablation of dental enamel by aiding in the removal of loosely attached deposits of non-apatite mineral phase from the crater surface, thus producing a more desirable crater surface morphology. The non-apatite mineral phase interfere with subsequent laser pulses during erbium laser irradiation reducing the rate of ablation and their removal aids in maintaining efficient ablation during multiple pulses irradiation.© (2001) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The metal-oxide transition on Mo(100) monitored by photoemission of physisorbed xenon

Abstract The metal-to-oxide transition on the Mo(100) surface has been studied by monitoring surface polarizability using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements of physisorbed xenon. It was found that complete oxidation occurs over the narrow coverage range of 1.0–1.4 monolayers of oxygen. Furthermore, the surface is heterogeneous and most likely an island structure in this coverage range.
TITANOCENE COMPLEXES OF RING-OPENED DIBENZOTHIOPHENE AND RELATED DIMERCAPTOBIARYL LIGANDS

Abstract This paper describes organotitanium derivatives resulting from the reactions of titanocene dichloride with derivatives of dinenzothiophene (DBT). Lithium cleavage of DBT gives 2,2′-Li(LiS)C12H8 which reacts with (C5H5)2TiCl2 to give the metallacyclic complex (C5H5)2TiSC12H8 (1). Two side products were isolated in smaller amounts, the thiolates (C5H5)2Ti(SC6H4-2-Ph)2 (2) and (C5H5)2Ti(SC6H4-2-Ph)Cl. DNMR studies showed that 1 and its MeC5H4 analog 3 are stereochemically non-rigid as a result of the folding of the organosulfur chelate. The structure of (MeC5H4)2TiSC12H8 was verified by single crystal X-ray diffraction; the complex consists of the expected (MeC5H4)2Ti moiety coordinated to the carbon and sulfur of the ring-cleaved DBT. An attempt to generate 2,2′-Li(LiS)C12H8 via the double metalation of 2-phenylbenzenethiol with two equivalents of BuLi in the presence of TMEDA, followed by treatment with (C5H5)2TiCl2, gave the deep green complex (C5H5)2TiS2C24H16 (4). Single crystal X-ray diffraction indicated that 4 is a complex of the 2,2-dimercapto-3,3′-diphenylbiphenyl ligand (2,2′-(LiS)2-3,3′-Ph2C12H6), resulting from the coupling of two molecules of 1-Ph-2-LiS-3-LiC6H3. DNMR studies showed that this complex is stereochemically rigid. The free dithiol was liberated by treatment of 4 with anhydrous HCl. The complex of the unsubstituted 2,2′-dimercaptobiphenyl was prepared by treatment of 2,2′-Li(LiS)C12H8 with one equivalent of sulfur followed by quenching the reaction with titanocene dichloride to give (C5H5)2TiS2C12H8 (6). Electrochemical studies show that the TiIV/III couple is reversible for all new compounds; the reduction potentials are lower for the chelating dithiolates and highest for the C-S chelate complexes 1 and 3.
Dynamics of Davydov solitons

After modifying Davydov's original equations for the $\ensuremath{\alpha}$-helix soliton to include ten additional dipole-dipole coupling terms and to represent helical symmetry, a numerical study predicts that such solitons should appear under normal physiological conditions. This conclusion is supported by the assignment of a recently measured laser-Raman spectrum of a metabolically active cell to internal vibrations of the soliton. Analytical studies of continuum approximations to the numerical model provide additional insight into the soliton dynamics.
THE CANON - 5. Patients and healers in the context of culture: an explorationof the borderland between anthropology, medicine, and psychiatry, by Arthur Kleinman.

Editorial note. Each A&M issue will contain (in no particular sequence) a reappraisal of a past text of what may be considered (unfashionably) canonical, classical or at least of continuing interes...
C/EBPζ (CHOP/Gadd153) is a negative regulator of LPS-induced IL-6 expression in B cells

C/EBPzeta was originally identified as a gene induced upon DNA damage and growth arrest. It has been shown to be involved in the cellular response to endoplasmic reticulum stress. Because of sequence divergence from other C/EBP family members in its DNA-binding domain and its consequent inability to bind the C/EBP consensus-binding motif, C/EBPzeta can act as a dominant negative inhibitor of other C/EBPs. C/EBP transactivators are essential to the expression of many proinflammatory cytokines and acute phase proteins, but a role for C/EBPzeta in regulating their expression has not been described. We found that expression of C/EBPzeta is induced in response to LPS treatment of B cells at both the mRNA and protein levels. Correlating with the highest levels of C/EBPzeta expression at 48 h after LPS treatment, there is an increased association of C/EBPzeta with C/EBPbeta, and both the abundance of C/EBP DNA-binding species and IL-6 expression are downregulated. Furthermore, ectopic expression of C/EBPzeta inhibited C/EBPbeta-dependent IL-6 expression from both the endogenous IL-6 gene and an IL-6 promoter-reporter. These results suggest that C/EBPzeta functions as negative regulator of IL-6 expression in B cells and that it contributes to the transitory expression of IL-6 that is observed after LPS treatment.
Bis-histidyl hexacoordination in hemoglobins facilitates heme reduction kinetics

Hexacoordinate hemoglobins are a class of proteins that exhibit reversible bis-histidyl coordination of the heme iron while retaining the ability to bind exogenous ligands. One hypothesis for their physiological function is that they scavenge nitric oxide, a reaction that oxidizes the protein and requires reduction of the heme iron to continue. Reduction kinetics of hexacoordinate hemoglobins, including human neuroglobin and cytoglobin, and those from Synechocystis and rice, are compared to myoglobin, soybean leghemoglobin, and several relevant mutant proteins. In all cases, bis-histidyl coordination greatly increases the rate of reduction by sodium dithionite when compared to pentacoordinate hemoglobins. In myoglobin and leghemoglobin, reduction is limited by the rate constant for electron transfer, whereas in the hexacoordinate hemoglobins reduction is limited only by bimolecular binding of the reductant. These results can be explained by differences in the reorganization energy for reduction between he...
Conformational preferences of a chimeric peptide HIV-1 immunogen from the C4-V3 domains of gp120 envelope protein of HIV-1 CAN0A based on solution NMR: comparison to a related immunogenic peptide from HIV-1 RF.

A critical problem to overcome on HIV vaccine design is the variability among HIV strains. One strategy to solve this problem is the construction of multicomponent immunogens reflective of common HIV motifs. Currently, it is not known if these motifs should be based primarily on amino acid sequence or higher-order structure of the viral proteins of a combination of the two. In this paper, we report NMR-derived solution conformations for a sympathetic peptide taken from the C4 and V3 domains of HIV-1 CAN0A gp120 envelope protein. This peptide, designated T1-SP10CAN0(A), is compared to a recently reported C4-V3 peptide. T1-SP10RF(A) from the HIV-1 RF strain [de Lorimier et al. (1994) Biochemistry 33, 2055-2062], in terms of conformational features and immune responses in mice [Haynes et al. (1995) AIDS Res. Hum. Retroviruses 11, 211-221]. The T1 segment of 16 amino acids from the gp120 C4 domain is identical in both peptides and exhibits nascent helical character. The SP10 region, taken from the gp120 V3 loop, differs from that of T1-SP10RF(A) in both sequence and conformations. A reverse turn is observed at the conserved GPGX sequence. The rest of the Sp10 domain is extended with the exception of the last three residues which show evidence for a helical arrangement. Modeling of the turn region of the T1-SP10CAN0(A) peptide shows exposure of a continuous apolar stretch of side chains similar to that reported in the crystal structure of a V3 peptide from HIV-1 MN complexed with a monoclonal antibody [Rini et al. (1993) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 90, 6325-6329]. this hydrophobic patch is interrupted by a charged Lys residue in the T1-SP10RF(A) peptide. This observation suggests that the HIV-1 CAN0A and HIV-1 RF C4-V3 peptides can induce widely different anti-HIV antibodies. consistent with immunogenic results.
Wine: its uses in clinical practice.

Wine is one of the oldest medicines known to man. Prohibition and the advent of new drugs caused the disappearance of wine from the United States pharmacopeia and medical texts; consequently, younger health care professionals may be unaware of the therapeutic uses of wine. Recent findings indicate that it is effective as a mild tranquilizer, and to digestion, an appetite stimulant, and a sedative. In the area of Ob/Gyn, wine can be used as an additional source of vitamins and iron and to help ease first trimester nausea, the discomforts of the month of pregnancy, premenstrual tension and cramping, and pre- and postoperative concerns.
Diversified Business Groups and Corporate Refocusing in Emerging Economies

As emerging economies have improved their economic institutions, the performance of many large business groups has been reduced because such groups acted as market-substitute mechanisms. Consequently, business groups have become increasingly involved in refocusing activities. The authors develop a framework in which such refocusing is explained as an attempt to balance overall transaction costs faced by groups with organization-specific costs in order to improve group performance. They examine external and internal factors that might lead to the initiation of refocusing and also explain why different ownership structures may affect the direction of that refocusing (e.g., related vs. unrelated diversification).
Physical findings in 21q22 deletion suggest critical region for 21q— phenotype in q22

Multiple abnormalities were observed in a newborn infant with a deletion in the long arm of chromosome 21, from band 22q22.1-->qter. The phenotype of this infant was similar to that previously described in infants with deletions spanning the long arm of chromosome 21, from the centromere to 21q22 [Rethore et al., 1972, Exp Cell Res 70:455-456, 1973, Ann Genet (Paris) 16:271-275]. However, as a phenotypically normal child with normal intelligence and with deletion of 21q11.1-21q21.3 has also been identified [Korenberg et al., 1991, Hum Genet 87:112-118], this case suggests that the critical region of deletion for the 21q- phenotype lies distal to 21q21, within 21q22.1-22.2.
Internight variability of REM latency in major depression: implications for the use of REM latency as a biological correlate.

Abstract The internight variability in REM latency in 92 drug-free inpatients with major depressive illness was recorded for 4 consecutive nights and subsequently assessed. Individual coefficients of variation in REM latency [CV = (standard deviation of mean REM latency for 4 recording nights/4-night mean REM latency) × 100] ranged from 5.1 to 121.7, with a mean of 37.0 ( sd = 27.3 ) and a median of 27.4 CV was positively correlated with both age ( p p p p p p In selecting REM latency data for assessment of diagnostic sensitivity, the use of the shortest REM latency from at least 3 consecutive nights yielded a higher sensitivity (74%–81%) than did the use of any one individually specified night (50%–56%) or different internight means (49%–52%). The same conclusion applied when patient age was taken into account. These results have implications for standardizing the use of REM latency as a biological correlate in major depression.
The optimality of a control band policy

Abstract Consider a firm with an arbitrary profit function whose relative price follows a Brownian motion with negative drift. When the firm faces a fixed cost of price adjustment, we prove the optimal pricing policy is a control band if the following sufficient conditions are met: the profit function is continuous, strictly concave and single-peaked; moreover, together with its first and second derivatives, it is bounded in absolute value by a polynomial. We also demonstrate various ways of constructing the value function associated with the control band policy and show it has certain properties carried over from the profit function. Numerical examples are found to be consistent with empirical estimates regarding the frequency of price adjustments.
Understanding the Interactive Effects of Emotional Appeal and Claim Strength in Health Messages

This paper examines the interactive effects of the perceived strength of the verbal claims and the intensity and direction of the emotional appeal of public service announcements (PSAs) on audience perceptions of message effectiveness. The results show that PSAs containing strong verbal claims are rated as more effective than those with weak claims. Arousing messages with weak claims are perceived as least effective. Increasing claim strength increased memory for negative but not for positive messages. It is suggested that the combination of intense emotional appeal and weak claims may be partially responsible for the boomerang effects in antidrug campaigns.
Selective pressure for allelic diversity in SeM of Streptococcus equi does not affect immunoreactive proteins SzPSe or Se18.9.

Abstract Streptococcus equi, a clone or biovar of an ancestral Streptococcus zooepidemicus of Lancefield group C causes equine strangles, a highly contagious tonsillitis and lymphadenitis of the head and neck. At least 74 alleles based on N-terminal amino acid sequence of the anti-phagocytic SeM have been observed among isolates of S. equi from N. America, Europe and Japan. A dN/dS ratio of 5.93 for the 5′ region of sem is indicative of positive selective pressure. The aim of this study was to determine whether variations in SeM were accompanied by variations in the surface exposed SzPSe and secreted Se18.9, both of which bind to equine tonsillar epithelium and, along with SeM, elicit strong nasopharyngeal IgA responses during convalescence. Sequences of genes for these proteins from 25 S. equi expressing 19 different SeM alleles isolated over 40 years in different countries were compared. No variation was observed in szpse, except for an Australian isolate with a deletion of a single repeat in the 3′ end of the gene. Interestingly, only two SNP loci were detected in se18.9 compared to 93 and 55 in sem and szpse, respectively. The high frequency of nucleotide substitutions in szpse may be related to its mosaic structure since this gene in S. zooepidemicus exists in a variety of combinations of sequence segments and has a central hypervariable region that includes exogenous DNA sequence based on an atypical G–C percentage. In summary, the results of this study document very different responses of streptococcal genes for 3 immunoreactive proteins to selection pressure of the nasopharyngeal mucosal immune response.
Clustered-Dot Halftoning with Direct Binary Search

Printers employing electrophotographic technology typically use clustered-dot screening to avoid potential artifacts caused due to unstable dot rendering. Periodic clustered-dot screens are quite smooth, but also suffer from periodic moire artifacts due to interference with other color channels. Stochastic, clustered-dot screens provide an alternative solution. In this paper, we introduce a new approach for stochastic, clustered-dot halftoning and screen design based on direct binary search. The method deviates from conventional DBS in its use of different filters in different phases of the algorithm. We provide an intuitive explanation for the clustering achieved as a result of this modification, and also discuss ways to control the coarseness of clusters. Due to the non-applicability of conventional screen design procedures to the new halftoning method, we propose a new method for screen design also. Results include images of individually designed constant-tone halftones and halftones of screened folded ramps.
Subgroups ofSO(3) Associated with Tilings

Abstract We give a thorough analysis of those subgroups ofSO(3) generated by rotations about perpendicular axes by 2π/pand 2π/q. A corollary is that such a group is the free product of the cyclic groups of rotations about the separate axes if and only ifp, q ≥ 3 and are both odd. These groups are naturally associated with a family of hierarchical tilings of Euclidean 3-space.
Observation of He 4 Hyperfragments from K − -He Interactions; The K − − Λ Relative Parity

The Duke University helium bubble chamber was exposed to a separated low- energy K/sup -/ beam. Approximately 2500 K/sup -/ interactions at rest were obtained. In a partial scan, evidence was found for the production of Hel hyperfragments in the reaction K/sup -/ + He/sup 4/ sintered BeO /sub /sub 2/ at 1880 /He/sup 4/ + ith Cr deposite /sup -/. The relative K/sup -/- /sub 2/ at 1880 parity can be inferred from the reaction if it is assumed that parity is conserved, the spins of K/sup -/ and /sub /sub 2/ at 1880 /He/sup 4/ are zero, and no bound excited states of /sub /sub 2/ at 1880 /He/sup 4/ exist. The K/sup -/- /sub 2/ at 1880 relative parity was established to be negative. (W.D.M.)
Time reversal acousto-seismic method for land mine detection

We present the general concept and results of a pilot study on land mine detection based on the application of Time Reverse Acoustics (TRA). Applying TRA is extremely effective at focusing seismic waves in time and space, significantly improving detection capabilities using both linear and nonlinear wave methods. The feasibility of the system was explored in the laboratory and in small scale field experiments. The system included a multi-channel TRA electronic unit developed at Artann, five speakers for seismic-wave excitation and noncontact (laser vibrometer) or contact (accelerometer) devices for measurements of the surface vibration. Experiments demonstrated the high focusing ability of the TRA system. We observed excitation of highly focused seismic waves in an area with dimensions of the order of one wavelength. In the presence of a buried mock mine, the method led to an increase in the surface vibration amplitude and to significant nonlinear distortion of the TRA focused signal. Localization via TRA depends on the frequency of excitation, the depth of the buried mine, and the form and size of a mine mock. The nonlinear acoustic effect-higher harmonic generation-provides higher contrast for the mock-mine signal-response than for the surrounding medium. We also successfully tested an inversion method of the nonlinear TRA measurements earlier developed for medical ultrasound applications.© (2005) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Cooling Enhancements in Thin Films Supported by Flexible Complex Seals in the Presence of Ultrafine Suspensions

Flow and heat transfer inside thin films supported by flexible soft seals having voids of a stagnant fluid possessing a large coefficient of volumetric thermal expansion β T are studied in the presence of suspended ultrafine particles. The study is conducted under periodically varying thermal loud conditions. The governing continuity, momentum and energy equations are non-dimensionalized and reduced to simpler forms. The deformation of the seal is related to the internal pressure and lower plate's temperature based on the theory of linear elasticity and a linearised model for thermal expansion
Strategies for tracking regulatory requirement changes

One of the significant challenges for the certifications engineer is keeping abreast of the ever changing regulations around the world. The certifications engineer needs to be aware of upcoming regulatory changes well before they occur. Failure to adequately track such changes can prevent products from being accepted in their intended markets of sale or use. Unanticipated regulatory changes can result in penalties levied by regulatory authorities and even force the rework of products. Foreseeing upcoming changes can be particularly challenging for companies with limited resources. This paper provides strategies for tracking proposed standards and requirements when you do not have a dedicated staff assigned to the task.
Conductive mass transport from a semi-infinite lattice of particles

Abstract A method is presented for computing the instantaneous rate of conductive mass transport from a semi-infinite lattice of particles with arbitrary shape, in the limit as the particle size becomes small compared to the particle separation. A fixed rate of transport is imposed above the lattice, and the concentration is assumed to be constant and uniform over the particles' surface. Transport due to forced or natural convection is neglected, and the particle dissolution or evaporation is assumed to be limited by diffusion. In the mathematical formulation, the concentration field induced by each particle layer is expressed in terms of the doubly-periodic Green’s function of Laplace’s equation in three dimensions, which is evaluated using either a Fourier series or an alternative representation involving rapidly converging Ewald sums. The rate of transport from each layer is found using the method of matched asymptotic expansions resulting in a system of linear algebraic equations. Numerical results are presented for lattices with different configurations at various particle volume fractions, showing exponential decay of the rate of transport with distance from the top layer, in agreement with theoretical predictions. Having obtained general expressions for the rate of transport, a system of differential equations governing the evolution of the radii of dissolving spherical particles is derived. Numerical solutions illustrate the distribution of the particle radii after a periodic state has been established.
Family and aging policy.

* INTRODUCTION * Family and Aging Policy (Francis G. Caro) * INTERNATIONAL VIEW * Policies and Practices in Support of Family Caregivers--Filial Obligations Redefined in Sweden (Lennarth Johansson and Gerdt Sundstrom) * Danish Home Care Policy and the Family: Implications for the United States (Mary Stuart and Eigil Boll Hansen) * A Critical Review of Singapore's Policies Aimed at Supporting Families Caring for Older Members (Kalyani K. Mehta) * Families' Values and Attitudes Regarding Responsibility for the Frail Elderly: Implications for Aging Policy (Nancy Guberman, Jean-Pierre Lavoie, Michel Fournier, Lise Grenier, Eric Gagnon, Helene Belleau, and Aline Vezina) * THE UNITED STATES * Commentary: What Role for the Family and Medical Leave Act in Long-Term Care Policy? (Steven K. Wisensale) * Preliminary Experiences of the States in Implementing the National Family Caregiver Support Program: A 50-State Study (Lynn Friss Feinberg and Sandra L. Newman) * Families, Work, and an Aging Population: Developing a Formula That Works for the Workers (Donna L. Wagner). * Family and Friends as Respite Providers (Carol J. Whitlatch and Lynn Friss Feinberg) * The Family Caregiving Career: Implications for Community-Based Long-Term Care Practice and Policy (Joseph E. Gaugler and Pamela Teaster) * Zoning, Accessory Dwelling Units, and Family Caregiving: Issues, Trends, and Recommendations (Phoebe S. Liebig, Teresa Koenig, and Jon Pynoos) * Resident and Family Perspectives on Assisted Living (Carrie A. Levin and Rosalie A. Kane) * Welfare Reform: Challenges for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren (Casey E. Copen) * State Policy Decisions in the 1990s with Implications for the Financial Well-Being of Later-Life Families (Gretchen J. Hill) * Index * Reference Notes Included
Measuring the viscoelastic properties of an ethylene4‐tetrafluoroethylene copolymer at ultrasonic frequncies

Since poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE) and its copolymers are soluble only at high temperatures in primarily perfluorocarbon solvents, direct measurement of their molecular weight distribution by conventional dilute solution techniques is not possible. Instead, the structure must be inferred from the linear viscoelastic properties of the melt. To make this inference, the spectrum must be determined over a wide enough range of relaxation times to include the plateau modulus, G N O . This is accomplished by time-temperature superposition for most polymers. For PTFE and its copolymers, the range between the melting point and the degradation temperature is too narrow for time-temperature superposition to be used reliably for determination of the high frequency response. Hence, as they do not exist in the melt state over a wide enough temperature range for superposition, their viscoelastic properties at high frequencies must be measured directly. A new technique employing a piezoelectric ultrasonic composite oscillator has been developed. The viscoelastic properties, G'(ω) and G(ω), of Tefzel 280 (a high molecular weight ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene copolymer) have been measured at ultrasonic frequencies (40 to 200 kHz).
Fuzzy Modeling Approaches for the Prediction of Machine Utilization in Hard Rock Tunnel Boring Machines

The main objective of this paper was to develop a TBM utilization predictor model by using fuzzy logic. Rule-based (Mamdani model) and parametric-based (Sugeno model) fuzzy logic were adapted to model subjective and unquantified TBM field data sets. A total of three hard TBM projects were studied to establish possible trends and correlations between rock mass properties and machine utilization. Since rock mass properties are the most affecting and unpredictable factors to machine utilization, only rock mass properties were focused and analyzed in this paper. The identification of input parameters includes: machine diameter, RMR, groundwater inflow rate, and RQD. These were used as input parameters influencing machine utilization level for both algorithms. In order to verify the validity of the two models, the predicted machine utilization level and the measured (or real) utilization level from the field records were compared. The Sugeno model was a more accurate estimator of machine utilization than Mamdani's, with a smoother resolution. By applying this utilization predictor model for the planning stage of TBM projects, a machine advance rate and corresponding total excavation time and cost can be estimated and be used as a useful tool for TBM project planning and bidding purpose.
Assessing cyber-user awareness of an emerging infectious disease: evidence from human infections with avian influenza A H7N9 in Zhejiang, China

Summary Objectives The aim of this study was to assess cyber-user awareness of human infections with avian influenza A H7N9 in Zhejiang, China. Methods Daily Baidu index values were compared for different keywords, different periods (epidemic and non-epidemic), different levels of epidemic publicity (whether new cases were publicized), and different cities (divided into high, medium, low, and zero groups according to the number of cases). Furthermore, the correlation between the daily Baidu index values and the daily number of new cases was analyzed. Results Three epidemic periods (periods A/C/E) and three non-epidemic periods (periods B/D/F) were identified from April 2013 to May 2015 according to the curves of daily new cases. Each epidemic period was followed by a non-epidemic period. Baidu index values using ‘H7N9' as a keyword were higher than the values using the keyword ‘' (avian influenza in Chinese) in earlier periods, but the situation reversed in later periods. Index values for ‘H7N9' in the epidemic periods were higher than in the non-epidemic periods. In the first epidemic period (period A), the Baidu index values for ‘H7N9' showed no difference between the different levels of epidemic publicity and had no correlation with the daily number of new cases. The index values in cities without reported cases showed no difference from the values recorded in the medium and low groups. However, a difference and a correlation were found in a later epidemic period. Conclusions The Baidu index would be a useful tool for assessing cyber-user awareness of an emerging infectious disease.
Hierarchical Nested Surface Channels for Reduced Particle Stacking and Low-Resistance Thermal Interfaces

This paper reports on the improvement of thermal interfaces through the control of particle stacking during bondline formation. Particle stacking occurs in highly filled materials due to pressure gradients developing during squeeze flow over a rectangular surface, resulting in non-uniform interface properties and thick bondlines with a large thermal resistance. Nested surface channel designs are presented to create a uniform pressure drop as interface material flows across a rectangular surface. Reductions in thermal resistance of 2-3times compared with that of flat surfaces are demonstrated with similar reductions in bondline thickness and assembly pressure. We obtained thermal resistances as low as 2 Kmm2/W for thin bondlines (< 5 mum). Comparative power-cycling results also demonstrate improved reliability against paste pump-out with nested channel interfaces.
Applying Clean Seeding for Velocimetry in the AFRL Trisonic Gasdynamics Facility

Particle image velocimetry (PIV) has been carried out in the Trisonic Gasdynamics Facility (TGF), which has a test section of 24” by 24”, using solid carbon dioxide (CO2) particles generated by allowing liquefied CO2 to expand from a small diameter injector tube through a larger diameter shroud tube. The primary goal of this work is to demonstrate that the “clean seeding” technique, so-called because the dry ice particles do not foul the tunnel or the components of its circuit, can be utilized in a large-scale, closed-circuit tunnel. In the preferred configuration, particles were injected into the plenum, and discrete solid particles, suitable for PIV measurements, were present in the freestream of the test section. PIV images were captured for conditions ranging from Mach 0.3 through Mach 0.9 and velocity measurement in the freestream region matched values from tunnel instrumentation in each instance. As expected, the tunnel remained clean after dry ice particles were utilized as the seed material.
The dimension of matrices (matrix pencils) with given Jordan (Kronecker) canonical forms

Abstract The set of n by n matrices with a given Jordan canonical form defines a subset of matrices in complex n 2 dimensional space. We analyze one classical approach and one new approach to count the dimension of this set. The new approach is based upon and meant to give insight into the staircase algorithm for the computation of the Jordan canonical form as well as the occasional failures of this algorithm. We extend both techniques to count the dimension of the more complicated set defined by the Kronecker canonical form of an arbitrary rectangular matrix pencil A − λB .
New limits on D0 (1.865) production in proton-nucleus collisions at 400 GeV/c

Abstract We present final results of a sensitive search for new particles in π ± K ∓ effective mass spectra observed in proton-nucleus collisions at 400 GeV/ c . We establish a limit for D 0 (1.865) production B π + π − d σ /d y y cm ≈ −0.4. For D 0 → π − K + the limit is 290 nb/nucleon.