cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Unified many-body approach to mesons, Glueballs and hybrids

A unified quark and gluon description of mesons, glueballs and exotic hybrids is presented for a relativistic field theoretical Hamiltonian in the Coulomb gauge. The effective QCD Hamiltonian entails a linear confining interaction with slope predetermined by lattice theory and is approximately diagonalized using different many-body techniques: BCS for the vacuum ground state; TDA and RPA for the excited hadron spectrum. Chiral symmetry rigorously emerges and is spontaneously broken by the model BCS vacuum which contains dynamically generated constituent quark and gluon condensates described by respective gap equations. The observed low energy meson spectrum and the quenched lattice glueball measurements are reproduced along with a Regge trajectory consistent with the Pomeron. Using generalized vector meson dominance, glueball decays are predicted and a glueball photoproduction experimental signature is predicted. Finally, a variational relativistic three quasiparticle calculation for hybrid mesons is reported which concurs with alternative model predictions that the lightest hybrid states are near but above 2 GeV. This strongly indicates that the recently observed JPC = 1 −+ exotics at 1.4 and 1.6 GeV are more likely four quark states.
Evidence for microwave-induced recrystallization in NiZn ferrites

A series of ferrites was prepared using the microwave method, starting with hematite as precursor in the Ni1−xZnxFe2O4 (x = 0–1) system. After synthesis, the NiZn ferrite samples were irradiated with a microwave field for 90 s. X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements were performed to yield the lattice constant as function of the amount x of Zn substitution, before and after irradiation. The lattice parameter was found to increase much slower with increasing x for the microwave irradiated specimens. Mossbauer spectroscopy was performed at room temperature and spectra were analyzed using the binomial distribution. For x = 0.4, 0.5 and 0.6 the resonance lines are much sharper for the irradiated samples and indicate that a microwave-induced recrystallization of the NiZn ferrites occurs in the composition range specified.
Positional radiotherapy beam dosimetry using a laser heated thermoluminescent plate.

A 4‐W, laser‐based system for the positional readout of thermoluminescent (TL) plates was utilized to obtain dose profiles for a Co 60 radiotherapy beam. Experimentally obtained glow curves for LiF resulting from the rapid heating rates characteristic of laser heating agreed well with results predicted using a first‐order kinetic model. Excellent system linearity was obtained for sensitivity to Co 60 . The useful dynamic range for this tissue‐equivalent system could extend over 8 orders of magnitude. A minimum detectable signal of 1.2 R was estimated for the presently configured system, whose spatial resolution is limited by the laser beam diameter, 1.7 mm. Depth dose profiles for the radiotherapy beam obtained using the prototype laser TL system with a specially designed composite 2.2 cm×3.3 cm×0.254 mm LiF plate agreed to within 14% of ionization chamber measured doses.
Atraumatic Gastric Transposition After Transhiatal Esophagectomy

Transhiatal esophagectomy using the stomach for esophageal replacement requires that the gastric "neoesophagus" be transferred from the peritoneal cavity through the posterior mediastinum into the neck under blind conditions. This process is associated with stretching, tearing, and hematoma formation in the most critical portion of the gastric tube, that to be used for the anastomosis. A technique is described for this procedure that is simple to perform and, most importantly, completely atraumatic to the gastric conduit.
Heat transfer characteristics of cucumbers during blanching

Abstract The possible use of blanching in combination with controlled fermentation is being considered as a means to reduce the salt levels needed in the storage of brined cucumbers. To be commercially feasible, the use of heat should be optimized for economic and product quality considerations. This study reports basic information on the heat transfer characteristics of cucumbers needed to optimize the blanching process. Two-dimensional (cylindrical coordinates) heat diffusion equations were used to simulate the heat transfer characteristics of cucumbers during rapid water heating (blanching). The equations were solved by explicit form of the finite difference method. Thermo-physical properties (thermal conductivity, specific heat and density) of cucumbers needed to solve the heat transfer equation were also measured. Temperature (20–95°C) did not significantly affect the thermal conductivity (0.62 W/m K) or specific heat (4.03 kJ/kg K) of cucumber. The maximum standard error of simulated temperatures of the cucumbers from experimental data was 4.5°C. There was no significant change in the moisture level of the cucumber during blanching. Simulation results showed that heat transfer coefficients between 500 and 6000 W/m2 K had no significant effect on the surface and center temperatures of cucumbers during blanching.
Complex aphthosis and Behçet's disease

Complex aphthosis is a disorder in which patients develop recurrent oral and genital aphthous ulcers or almost constant, multiple oral aphthae, without manifestations of systemic disease. Behcet's disease is a multisystem disease characterized clinically by oral and genital aphthae, arthritis, cutaneous lesions, and ocular, gastrointestinal, and neurologic manifestations. This article reviews both disorders, including their clinical and histologic presentations, factors in pathogenesis, and includes an overview of therapeutic modalities.
Theories of Regulation and the History of Consumerism

The “economic” (Chicago School) theory of regulation fails to explain many important features of regulatory history in the USA, such as the periodicity of regulatory innovation, the role of the organized consumer movement, and the roots of reform, including deregulation. J.Q. Wilson′s political theory of regulation accounts for these phenomena when interpreted in historical context. The widely‐held social values of Wilson′s theory are identified with the values articulated by the consumer movement. This theory suggests that regulation can indeed serve the public interest as understood from the perspective of consumerist values.
The Use of Sodium Hydroxide Hydrolysis to Study the Fine Structure of Undrawn and Drawn High-Speed Spun Polyethylene Terephthalate) Fibers

Abstract The fine structures of undrawn and drawn high-speed spun poly-(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) fibers, 0.86 dL/g intrinsic viscosity, formed at speeds from 1615 to 3329 m/min, were investigated. Increasing the spinning speed and drawing resulted in greater levels of orientation and crystallinity in the untreated fibers. The relatively high molecular weight of the PET yielded undrawn products of higher orientation and crystallinity than those obtained by workers using PET of lower molecular weight but spun at similar speeds. A linear relationship between cohesive and optical anisotropy was found for the undrawn and drawn fibers. Aqueous sodium hydroxide hydrolysis was utilized to reveal the presence of any radial variations in structure. In the undrawn fibers, hydrolysis revealed that a more oriented layer was present very near the fiber periphery at higher spinning speeds. In the drawn samples a small but significant progressive decrease in birefringence was generally observed as the center of the ...
Mechanisms of neurocognitive dysfunction and therapeutic considerations in tuberous sclerosis complex.

Purpose of reviewMendelian disorders that affect cognition provide a unique opportunity to study the mechanisms of neurodevelopmental disorders through the examination of genetic defects in animals and development of hypotheses that can be tested in human beings. Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is
Risk for cognitive deficit in a population-based sample of U.S. children with autism spectrum disorders: Variation by perinatal health factors

Abstract Background From 30% to 60% of children with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have an IQ measure that falls in the intellectual disability (ID) range. It is not well studied whether, for children within this ASD subgroup, there is variation in the risk for low IQ based on a child's perinatal risk factors. Objective/Hypotheses We assessed whether preterm delivery and term small-for-gestational-age (tSGA) were associated with various measures of cognitive deficit among children with ASDs. Methods A sample of 1129 singleton children born in 1994 and identified through school and health record review as having an ASD by age 8 years were selected from a U.S. population-based surveillance network. Mean IQ and dichotomous IQ outcomes indicating various levels of ID were examined according to whether a child was preterm ( Results Mean IQ was significantly (p Conclusions In children with ASDs, the risk for concurrent ID or IQ deficit is associated with both preterm delivery and tSGA; these associations may vary by race-ethnicity and SES. Further studies of ASD-ID co-occurrence and the effectiveness of intervention strategies should consider both perinatal and sociodemographic factors.
Recognition of occluded objects: a cluster-structure algorithm

Clustering techniques have been used to perform image segmentation, to detect lines and curves in images and to solve several other problems in pattern recognition and image analysis. In this paper we apply clustering methods to a new problem domain and present a new method based on a cluster-structure approach for the recognition of 2-D partially occluded objects. Basically, the technique consists of three steps: clustering of border segment transformations; finding continuous sequences of segments in appropriately chosen clusters; and clustering of sequence average transformation values. As compared to some of the earlier methods, which identify an object based on only one sequence of matched segments, the new approach allows the identification of all parts of the model which match in the occluded scene. We also discuss the application of the clustering techniques to 3-D scene analysis. In both cases, the cluster-structure algorithm entails the application of clustering concepts in a hierarchical manner, resulting in a decrease in the computational effort as the recognition algorithm progresses. The implementation of the techniques discussed for the 2-D case has been completed and the algorithm has been evaluated with respect to a large number of examples where several objects partially occlude one another. The method is able to tolerate a moderate change in scale and a significant amount of shape distortion arising as a result of segmentation and/or the polygonal approximation of the boundary of the object. A summary of the results is presented.
Associations of postmenopausal estrogen use with cardiovascular disease and its risk factors in older women. The CHS Collaborative Research Group.

BACKGROUNDPostmenopausal estrogen replacement therapy has been associated with favorable levels of cardiovascular disease risk factors, but these associations and the relations between estrogen use and subclinical disease have not been examined in large samples of older women.METHODS AND RESULTSPresent and past estrogen use was ascertained in 2955 women > or = 65 years old in the Cardiovascular Health Study, a study of risk factors for coronary heart disease and stroke in the elderly. Present estrogen use was reported by 12% of these women and past use by an additional 26.5%. Estrogen use (past or present) was strongly associated with lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, fibrinogen, glucose, insulin, obesity, and age and higher high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and socioeconomic status (all P < .0001). Estrogen users also had lower levels of subclinical disease as measured by carotid intimal-medial thickness, carotid stenosis grade, ECG left ventricular mass, and Doppler mitral peak flow velociti...
EFFECT OF RECYCLE ON CHEMICAL REACTOR CONTROLLABILITY

This paper studies temperature control of continuous stirred-tank chemical reactors (CSTR's) when they occur in a series configuration with and without a downstream separation section with recycle. The dynamic controllability of the reactor section is a key factor in the dynamic performance of the process because of the large impact that temperature control has on product quality, yield and safety of the entire plant. Also in a combined reactor/separation process, temperature control in the reactor can affect reactor compositions which in turn can drastically affect the load on the separation section. The number of reactors in the reactor system is a major design parameter which affects the steadystate economics (operating and investment costs). The number of reactors also has a strong impact on the dynamic controllability of not only the reactor system itself but of the whole combined system. The results of this study demonstrate that the use of multiple reactors results in poorer temperature control, wi...
Emotionality of encoding activity in face memory

Abstract The effects of emotionality of study tasks on face recognition were examined. Subjects made either personality decisions or self-comparisons about the people shown in a series of photographs. The personality traits judged during the encoding tasks had been selected to be either arousing or relatively nonarousing. Face recognition performance was best after an emotional nonself study task, on both immediate and delayed tests. In a companion study examining these manipulations in verbal memory, self-reference study tasks produced the best word recognition, with no difference due to the emotionality of nonself tasks. These results suggest emotionality and self-awareness have different effects on facial and verbal memory. A final study indicated that the effect of emotionality disappeared if it was added to self-reference. As regards self-reference differences in face and verbal memory, this series of experiments seems to rule out an emotionality confounding. It was concluded that self-images are less effective mnemonic aids than the propositional self-concept.
Labor Performance Analysis for Microtunneling Projects

Microtunneling projects have special process characteristics. The production time of microtunneling projects is needed for project estimating and scheduling. The production time has three basic components: (1) preparation times for pipe segments; (2) preparation times; and (3) delay times. Real project data were collected from 35 projects to predict the time needed for pipe segment preparation. A probabilistic distribution technique was used to predict the preparation times for pipe segments. Various numbers of probabilistic distributions were tested against the data. A log-logistic distribution was selected to represent the preparation time’s probability for a pipe in microtunneling projects. Preparation times for high, medium, and low performance contractors were predicted. By enhancing the estimation process of the microtunneling projects, contractors can use this paper in predicting the preparation time for pipe segments, which represents the crew (or crew’s) productivity.
A Novel Biomimetic Polymer Scaffold Design Enhances Bone Ingrowth

There has been recent interest in treating large bone defects with polymer scaffolds because current modalities such as autographs and allographs have limitations. Additionally, polymer scaffolds are utilized in tissue engineering applications to implant and anchor tissues in place, promoting integration with surrounding native tissue. In both applications, rapid and increased bone growth is crucial to the success of the implant. Recent studies have shown that mimicking native bone tissue morphology leads to increased osteoblastic phenotype and more rapid mineralization. The purpose of this study was to compare bone ingrowth into polymer scaffolds created with a biomimetic porous architecture to those with a simple porous design. The biomimetic architecture was designed from the inverse structure of native trabecular bone and manufactured using solid free form fabrication. Histology and μCT analysis demonstrated a 500-600% increase in bone growth into and adjacent to the biomimetic scaffold at five months post-op. This is in agreement with previous studies in which biomimetic approaches accelerated bone formation. It also supports the applicability of polymer scaffolds for the treatment of large tissue defects when implanting tissue-engineering constructs.
Dielectric studies on homogeneous phosphatidylcholine vesicles

Abstract Dielectric measurements carried out on phospholipid vesicles about 280 A in diameter suspended in dilute aqueous salt solution show a dispersion centered at about 40 MHz which is analogous to the “β-dispersion” observed in suspensions of biological cells and organelles. Measurements over a wide frequency range reveal no “α-dispersion”, provided the vesicles have zero net charge. Analysis of the electrical characteristics of the suspension based on the Pauly-Schwan equations gives values of 3.3 to 4.2 μF/cm 2 for the capacitance of the phospholipid shell. The homogeneous suspensions of phospholipid vesicles were prepared from purified egg phosphatidylcholine according to the procedure of Huang 3 .
The nation in the city: ceremonial (re)burials and patriotic mythmaking in turn-of-the-century Budapest

The funerals and reburials of prominent Hungarian leaders (Count Lajos Batthyany, Ferenc Deak, Lajos Kossuth and Prince Ferenc Rakoczi II) over the course of the Dualist decades (1867–1918) – a time period when Hungary was integrated into a federal structure with Austria – were important moments in the imagining of Hungarian national identity. The article argues that turn-of-the-century Budapest served not just as stage for patriotic mythmaking on the occasion of these funeral ceremonies but was both affected by and shaped the former's content and significance.
From complicated to complex uncertainties in system of systems

In this discussion paper we demonstrate the catastrophic failure property of complex system of systems by simulation and an uncertainty propagation technique. Complex uncertainty cannot manifest in complicated systems that structurally lack significant circular causal dependencies. The applicability of flexibility engineering as a technique of not only harnessing but also exploiting uncertainty in system of systems is questioned and discussed for systems under complex uncertainties. Given the rapid and unintuitive uncertainty propagation in complex systems, and the impossibility of backward propagation to determine the sources of complex uncertainty, we note that flexibility engineering must be rethought and reframed for system of systems; simply because exercising new options can 1) unintentionally and dramatically increase the structural complexity, exposing the system more dangerously to possibility of a sudden global failure, and 2) be deployed in inappropriate situations and conditions that do not necessarily lead to added value promised by deployment of adaptive solutions.
Epithelial cell specific properties and genetic complementation in a ΔF508 cystic fibrosis nasal polyp cell line

Analysis of vectorial ion transport and protein trafficking in transformed cystic fibrosis (CF) epithelial cells has been limited because the cells tend to lose their tight junctions with multiple subcultures. To elucidate ion transport and protein trafficking in CF epithelial cells, a polar cell line with apical and basolateral compartments will facilitate analysis of the efficacy of different gene therapy strategies in a “tight epithelium”in vitro. This study investigates the genotypic and phenotypic properties of a CF nasal polyp epithelial, ΔF508 homozygote, cell line that has tight junctions pre-crisis. The cells (ΣCFNPE14o-) were transformed with an origin-of-replication defective SV40 plasmid. They develop transepithelial resistance in Ussing chambers and are defective in cAMP-dependent Cl− transport as measured by efflux of radioactive Cl−, short circuit current (Isc), or whole-cell patch clamp. Stimulation of the cells by bradykinin, histamine, or ATP seems to activate both K+- and Ca+2-dependent Cl− transport. Measurement of36Cl− efflux following stimulation with A23187 and ionomycin indicate a Ca+2-dependent Cl− transport. Volume regulatory capacity of the cells is indicated by cell swelling conductance. Expression of the CF transmembrane conductance regulator mRNA was indicated by RT-PCR amplification. When cells are grown at 26° C for 48 h there is no indication of cAMP-dependent Cl− as has been previously indicated in heterologous expression systems. Antibodies specific for secretory cell antigens indicate the presence of antigens found in goblet, serous, and mucous cells; in goblet and serous cells; or in goblet and mucous cells; but not antigens found exclusively in mucous or serous cells. Gene complementation studies with an episomal vector containing wild-type CF transmembrane conductance regulator cDNA showed correction of the cAMP-dependent Cl− transport defect. This cell line contributes unique phenotypic features to the store of transformed CF epithelial cells already available.
An arteriovenous malformation model for stereotactic radiosurgery research.

OBJECTIVE: To introduce the utilization of a swine arteriovenous malformation (AVM) model for stereotactic radiosurgery research and to describe the morphological changes in the vessels after radiation. METHODS: The model was created in six animals by creation of a right-sided carotid-jugular fistula. Pre- and postsurgical hemodynamic evaluation was performed. The left rete was radiated in four animals; two animals were not radiated. All animals were sacrificed 4 months after surgery, and the bilateral retia were obtained at autopsy. RESULTS: There were no procedure-related complications. A pressure gradient of 20 mmHg across the nidus was obtained after surgery. The peak velocity in the arterial feeder increased from 18.5 to 83 cm/s. Microscopic examination of the control animals showed intimal hyperplasia and disrupted internal elastic lamina, similar to human AVMs. The radiated retia showed more prominent intimal hyperplasia. This was confirmed by histometric studies showing greater luminal occlusion in radiated specimens. Adventitial fibrosis was prominent in the radiated retia and was absent in the control animals. Immunohistochemical studies showed proliferating smooth muscle cells in the intima. The adventitial fibrosis consisted of smooth muscle cells surrounded by collagen Type IV extracellular matrix. CONCLUSION: The nidus component and high-flow vasculopathy make this an attractive model for stereotactic radiosurgery research. Histology of the radiated models is similar to those described in radiated human AVMs. Further studies of the model are warranted to gain a better understanding of the cellular and molecular events in AVM vessels after stereotactic radiosurgery.
Angiotensin II (AII) modulation of steroidogenesis by luteinized granulosa cells in vitro.

Purpose: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effect of angiotensin H and its inhibitor, saralasin, on steroid production by luteinized human granulosa cells in vitro. Granulosa cells were obtained from follicular fluid aspirations from human in vitro fertilization. Cultures were established in supplemented Ham's F-IO medium. Human chorionic gonadotropin and angiotensin H were added to culture media and the effect on steroid production was measured. Results: Human chorionic gonadotropin alone stimulated production of progesterone, estradiol, and testosterone. The addition of angiotensin H resulted in a dosedependent increase in progesterone production (428% increase compared to baseline). No effect was seen on estradiol or testosterone. However, a large increase (700%) in estradiol was seen with the addition of the competitive inhibitor of angiotensin II, saralasin. Conclusion: We conclude that angiotensin H modulates progesterone production by human luteinized granulosa cells in vitro. The observed enhancement of estradiol production by angiotensin blockade suggests a tonic inhibition of estradiol secretion by endogenous angiotensin H.
Inflation and burst of aluminum tubes. Part II: An advanced yield function including deformation-induced anisotropy

Abstract In a recent study [Korkolis, Y.P., Kyriakides, S., 2008. Inflation and burst of anisotropic aluminum tubes for hydroforming applications. Int’l. J. Plasticity 24, 509–543], the formability of aluminum tubes was investigated using a combination of experimental and numerical approaches. The tubes were loaded to failure under combined internal pressure and axial load along radial paths in the engineering stress space. The experiments were then simulated using appropriate FE models and two established anisotropic yield functions. It was found that for some loading paths the computed deformations did not agree with the experimental ones, whereas rupture was generally overpredicted. In the current study the problem is tackled using a more advanced yield function [Barlat, F., Brem, J.C., Yoon, J.W., Chung, K., Dick, R.E., Lege, D.J., Pourboghrat, F., Choi, S.-H., Chu, E., 2003. Plane stress function for aluminum alloy sheets – part I: theory. Int’l. J. Plasticity 19, 1297–1319]. Three different calibration schemes of this function are employed, in two of which the experimentally observed deformation-induced anisotropy is taken into account. It is demonstrated that both deformation and failure can ultimately be predicted successfully, albeit arduously, using a hybrid procedure detailed herein.
Vapor-pressure osmometric study of the molecular weight and aggregation tendency of a reference-soil fulvic acid

Abstract The molecular weight and aggregation tendency of a reference-soil fulvic acid in Armadale horizon Bh were determined by vapor-pressure osmometry using tetrahydrofuran and water as solvents. With tetrahydrofuran, number-average molecular weight values of 767 ± 34 and 699 ± 8 daltons were obtained from two separate sets of measurements. Two sets of measurements with water also yielded values within this range (754 ± 70 daltons) provided that the fulvic acid concentration in water did not exceed 7 mg ml−1; at higher concentrations (9.1–13.7 mg ml−1) a number-average molecular weight of 956 ± 25 daltons was resolved, providing evidence of molecular aggregation. Extension of these studies to 80% neutralized fulvic acid showed that a sizeable fraction of the sodium counter ion is not osmotically active.
Development and evaluation of digitally processed Z-contrast imaging: a technological advance in medical imaging

For the first time in the field of medical imaging, harmonious use of Z-contrast imaging and digital image processing was developed as an analytical imaging tool and demonstrated in studying human and rabbit spermatozoa. The biological information generated is unique to the science of medical imaging. The versatility of its applications is wide as this advance in imaging technology can be applied to any area of medicine involving tissue analysis. Tissue analysis plays a vital role in both medical research and diagnostic patient care. Imaging in the Z-contrast mode of the scanning-transmission electron microscope affords biologists the capability to image tissue in its natural state such that heavy metal fixatives and stains are not used. The digitally processed Z-contrast image is not only devoid of artifacts caused by fluctuating mass-density, topography variations, and the addition of heavy metal contrast agents but also offers a biological blueprint of the atomic weight distribution in the tissue. The varying gray level intensities assigned to each pixel in the resulting image are specific to the average atomic weight differences inherent in the tissue. The advent of complementary Z-contrast imaging and digital image processing and their concomitant research possibilities offers areas of medical care and medical research an invaluable imaging tool.
THE EFFECT OF TRANSPIRATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS ON LEAF TEMPERATURES II. LIGHT INTENSITY AND THE RELATION OF TRANSPIRATION TO THE THERMAL DEATH POINT

In a previous paper 1 it was shown that the cooling effect of transpiration upon the leaves of certain common plants is seldom more than 20 or 30 C. In this paper data are presented to show the effect upon leaf temperatures of a slight inequality in the illumination upon two sides of a leaf, and the effect of shading a leaf from the direct rays of the sun. An attempt was also made to determine the thermal death point of the plants studied, and to see if transpiration does actually protect them from injury in bright sunlight. Thermocouples were used in these experiments as described in the previous paper. In most of the experiments reported in these papers two junctions, one in the middle of the lamina on each side of the midrib, were placed in each leaf under observation in order to obtain a better idea of the temperature of the whole leaf. Sometimes the readings from these two junctions in the same leaf varied quite markedly. A striking example of this sort is shown in the following experiment with cabbage leaves in potometers. Table i gives the temperature readings of the two sides of each leaf, the air temperatures, the differences between successive readings on the two sides of each leaf, and the differences between the means of the readings from each side of the leaves. At each time indicated at the left, all the junctions were read as rapidly as possible, and the two readings from the same leaf were always observed as quickly as the instrument could be operated and were recorded after the second determination had been made. The sun was bright but the atmosphere was hazy, and during the afternoon there were gusty winds which tended to make all the temperatures fluctuate. Both leaves were somewhat curved on the edges, and the junctions had been
Precervical myositis ossificans in an infant secondary to child abuse

We present a 10-week-old girl with myositis ossificans circumscripta (MO) of the neck secondary to nonaccidental trauma. This condition is rarely seen in infants; furthermore, the majority of MO lesions develop in the extremities rather than the head and neck region. We will detail the US-guided biopsy technique used in our case, in addition to discussing the characteristic imaging and pathological findings of MO to assist in the diagnosis and successful treatment of this condition.
Stratification in the gallbladder during intravenous cholangiography

The stratification (layering) phenomenon in the gallbladder is a source of errors in interpretation of intravenous cholangiography. It may mimic stones that do not exist or conceal stones that do. To avoid false-positive or false-negative interpretations, it is suggested that delayed films be taken at 4 hours in cases which demonstrate a layering phenomenon. By this time, a normal gallbladder will be homogeneously opacified and a diseased one will reveal its stones. Horizontal beam roentgenograms are mandatory for complete evaluation.
Culturing Layer-Specific Neocortical Neurons as a Cell Replacement Therapy Following Traumatic Brain Injury

Neurophysiological changes resulting from traumatic brain injury (TBI) can result in adverse changes in behavior including mood instability and cognitive dysfunction. Cell death following TBI likely contributes to these altered behaviors and remains an elusive but attractive target for therapies aiming at functional recovery. Previously we demonstrated that neural progenitor cells derived from embryonic rats can be transplanted into donor neonatal rat brain slices and, over the course of two weeks in culture, mature into neurons that express neuronal immunohistochemical markers and develop electrophysiological profiles consistent with excitatory and inhibitory interneurons. Here we examine the potential of generating electrophysiologically mature neurons with a layer-specific phenotype as a next step in developing a therapy designed to rebuild a damaged cortical column with the functionally appropriate neuronal subtypes. Preliminary results suggest that neurons derived from passaged neurospheres and grown in dissociated cell culture develop GABAergic and presumed glutamatergic phenotypes and that the percentage of GABAergic cells increases as a function of passage. After two weeks in culture, the neurons have a mix of immature and mature neuronal electrophysiological profiles and receive synaptic inputs from surrounding neurons. Subsets of cells expressing neuron specific markers also express layer specific markers such as Cux1, ER81, and RORβ. Future studies will investigate the potential of transplanting layer specific neurons generated and isolated in vitro into the neocortex of neonatal brain slices and their potential to maintain their phenotype and integrate into the host tissue.
Hepatitis A-induced diabetes mellitus, acute renal failure, and liver failure.

ABSTRACT 38-year-old otherwise healthy man presented with hepatic failure (aspartate aminotransferase of 7212 U/L, alanine aminotransferase of 6629 U/L, total and direct bilirubin of 10.7 mg/dL) and acute renal failure (ereatinine of 11.6 mg/dL and blood urea nitrogen of 42 mg/dL), which required hemodialysis when the creatinine increased to 21 mg/dL, with a blood urea nitrogen of 115 mg/dL, and the patient became oliguric. On admission, this patient also had a lipase of 1833 U/L, amylase of 211 U/L, glucose of 210 mg/dL, and reactive IgM antibody for acute hepatitis A. The hepatitis and acute renal failure resolved in 3 months, but this patient continues to have type II diabetes mellitus 7 years after the hepatitis A infection. This case illustrates that hepatitis A infection may be severe with liver failure, acute renal failure, and permanent diabetes mellitus as sequale of this infection.
An assessment of the suitability of rf sputtered amorphous hydrogenated Si as a potential solar cell material

We review several material properties thought to be important for the production of high efficiency amorphous semi-conductor Schottky barrier solar cells, with particular reference to a systematic study made in this laboratory of amorphous Si:H alloys prepared by rf sputtering. These requirements include: (a) an optical gap which efficiently absorbs the solar spectrum in a thin film, (b) a Fermi level position close to the conduction band for a large work function difference between metal and semiconductor, (c) high photoconductivity, (d) long carrier migration lengths, and (e) a low overall density of gap states. Using our data on these electronic properties, we show that we can satisfy these conditions somewhat by depositing at an argon pressure of 20 mTorr. Furthermore, we demonstrate, using a simple Schottky barrier structure, that significant improvements in device performance are achieved, particularly in open circuit voltage, as the above properties are optimized. Other factors which might still limit the performance of the device are discussed, and from an examination of the temperature dependence of the short circuit current, we conclude that the most likely to be important is the “effective” diffusion length for valence band holes.
Gene Expression in Florida Red Tide Dinoflagellate Karenia brevis: Analysis of an Expressed Sequence Tag Library and Development of DNA Microarray

Karenia brevis (Davis) is the dinoflagellate responsible for nearly annual red tides in the Gulf of Mexico. Although the mechanisms regulating the growth and toxicity of this problematic organism are of considerable interest, little information is available on its molecular biology. We therefore constructed a complementary DNA library from which to gain insight into its expressed genome and to develop tools for studying its gene expression. Large-scale sequencing yielded 7001 high-quality expressed sequence tags (ESTs), which clustered into 5280 unique gene groups. The vast majority of genes expressed fell into a low-abundance class, with the highest expressed gene accounting for only 1% of the total ESTs. Approximately 29% of genes were found to have similarity to known sequences in other organisms after BLAST similarity comparisons to the GenBank public protein database using a cutoff of P < 10e−4. We identified for the first time in a dinoflagellate a suite of conserved eukaryotic genes involved in cell cycle control, intracellular signaling, and the transcription and translation machinery. At least 40% of gene clusters displayed single nucleotide polymorphisms, suggesting the presence of multiple gene copies. The average GC content of ESTs was 51%, with a slight preference for G or C in the third codon position (53.5%). The ESTs were used to develop an oligonucleotide microarray containing 4629 unique features and 3462 replicate probes. Microarray labeling has been optimized, and the microarray has been validated for probe specificity and reproducibility. This is the first information to be developed on the expressed genome of K. brevis and provides the basis from which to begin functional genomic studies on this harmful algal bloom species.
Specialists and generalists: Equilibrium skill acquisition decisions in problem-solving populations

Abstract Many organizations rely on the skills of innovative individuals to create value, including academic and government institutions, think tanks, and knowledge-based firms. Roughly speaking, workers in these fields can be divided into two categories: specialists, who have a deep knowledge of a single area, and generalists, who have knowledge in a wide variety of areas. In this paper, I examine an individual's choice to be a specialist or generalist. My model addresses two questions: first, under what conditions does it make sense for an individual to acquire skills in multiple areas, and second, are the decisions made by individuals optimal from an organizational perspective? I find that when problems are single-dimensional, and disciplinary boundaries are open, all workers will specialize. However, when there are barriers to working on problems in other fields, then there is a tradeoff between the depth of the specialist and the wider scope of problems the generalist has available. When problems are simple, having a wide variety of problems makes it is rational to be a generalist. As these problems become more difficult, though, depth wins out over scope, and workers again tend to specialize. However, that decision is not necessarily socially optimal – on a societal level, we would prefer that some workers remain generalists.
The 18° water in the Sargasso Sea

Abstract The surface waters of the northern Sargasso Sea cool to a temperature of about 18°C each winter, forming an isothermal layer more than 350 m deep. This layer is also isohaline at 36·5%. Much water with these characteristics is converged in this area and flows off to the south at the 300 m level. The excess of “18° water” formed each winter immediately south of the Gulf Stream can be clearly detected throughout the Sargasso Sea, at least as far south as the 20th parallel North. Some of the implications of this are discussed.
Religious Involvement, Social Capital, and Adolescents' Academic Progress: Evidence from the National Education Longitudinal Study of 1988

Abstract Using the second and third waves of NELS, this study examines three questions concerning the links between religious involvement, social capital, and academic achievement of public school students: First, what are the relationships between adolescents' religious involvement and their access to social capital within families (parental expectations and parent-child interaction) and communities (intergenerational closure and peers' academic values)? Second, is adolescent religious involvement associated with academic progress, including self-concept (locus of control), attitudes (educational expectations), effort (time spent on homework and truancy), opportunities and demands (advanced mathematics course work), and rewards (high school graduation)? Third, to what extent are the positive relationships between religious involvement and academic progress due to enhanced access to social capital? We find that adolescents' religious involvement at grade 10 is consistently and positively associated with v...
The pollen-specific R-SNARE/longin PiVAMP726 mediates fusion of endo- and exocytic compartments in pollen tube tip growth

The growing pollen tube apex is dedicated to balancing exo- and endocytic processes to form a rapidly extending tube. As perturbation of either tends to cause a morphological phenotype, this system provides tractable model for studying these processes. Vesicle-associated membrane protein 7s (VAMP7s) are members of the soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE) family that mediate cognate membrane fusion but their role in pollen tube growth has not been investigated. This manuscript identifies PiVAMP726 of Petunia inflata as a pollen-specific VAMP7 that localizes to the inverted cone of transport vesicles at the pollen tube tip. The endocytic marker FM4-64 was found to colocalize with yellow fluorescent protein (YFP)-PiVAMP726, which is consistent with PiVAMP726 containing an amino-acid motif implicated in endosomal localization, At high overexpression levels, YFP- PiVAMP726 inhibited growth and caused the formation of novel membrane compartments within the pollen tube tip. Functional dissection of PiVAMP726 implicated the N-terminal longin domain in negative regulation of the SNARE activity, but not localization of PiVAMP726. Expression of the constitutively active C-terminal SNARE domain alone, in pollen tubes, generated similar phenotypes to the full-length protein, but the truncated domain was more potent than the wild-type protein at both inhibiting growth and forming the novel membrane compartments. Both endo- and exocytic markers localized to these compartments in addition to YFP-PiVAMP726, leading to the speculation that PiVAMP726 might be involved in the recycling of endocytic vesicles in tip growth.
Functional Differentiation of Adult-Born Neurons along the Septotemporal Axis of the Dentate Gyrus

Over the past several decades, the proliferation and integration of adult-born neurons into existing hippocampal circuitry has been implicated in a wide range of behaviors, including novelty recognition, pattern separation, spatial learning, anxiety behaviors, and antidepressant response. In this review, we suggest that the diversity in behavioral requirements for new neurons may be partly caused by separate functional roles of individual neurogenic niches. Growing evidence shows that the hippocampal formation can be compartmentalized not only along the classic trisynaptic circuit, but also along a longitudinal septotemporal axis. We suggest that subpopulations of hippocampal adult-born neurons may be specialized for distinct mnemonic- or mood-related behavioral tasks. We will examine the literature supporting a functional and anatomical dissociation of the hippocampus along the longitudinal axis and discuss techniques to functionally dissect the roles of adult-born hippocampal neurons in these distinct subregions.
THE RHETORICAL IMPACT OF EVIL ON PUBLIC POLICY

The concept of evil is murky, colored as it is with religious undertones and ontological ramifications. Are actions or peopleevil? Is it intention or outcome that matters?Evil can be understood as an intense exploitative connection with another person or a total disconnection with the humanity of others. Normally, it is limited to human actions toward other humans. The term is used to conceptually separate people designated asevil fromthe rest of humanity. Rhetorical use ofevil is an example of sensemaking—it places the incomprehensible within an understandable framework. A designation ofevil may also be used to preclude causal analysis. In public policy, its use constructs a worldview that permits, or even demands, undertaking otherwise proscribed actions to destroy the designatedevil. By enabling the commission of what would otherwise be understood as inhumane actions, the rhetorical use of evil facilitates the very behavior it condemns.
The Reduction of Product Development Cycle Time: Building Dynamic Capabilities through HR Practices

Theory suggests organizational learning has the potential to lead to the development of dynamic capabilities, but very little, if any, empirical work exists to test this relationship. This investig...
Expression of skeletal muscle sodium channel (Nav1.4) or connexin32 prevents reperfusion arrhythmias in murine heart

Aims Acute myocardial ischaemia induces a decrease in resting membrane potential [which leads to reduction of action potential (AP) V max] and intracellular acidification (which closes gap junctions). Both contribute to conduction slowing. We hypothesized that ventricular expression of the skeletal muscle Na+ channel, Nav1.4 (which activates fully at low membrane potentials), or connexin32 (Cx32, which is less pH-sensitive than connexin43) would support conduction and be antiarrhythmic. We tested this hypothesis in a murine model of ischaemia and reperfusion arrhythmias. Methods and results Empty adenovirus (Sham) or adenoviral constructs expressing either SkM1 (gene encoding Nav1.4) or Cx32 genes were injected into the left ventricular wall. Four days later, ventricular tachycardia (VT) occurred during reperfusion following a 5 min coronary occlusion. In Nav1.4- and Cx32-expressing mice, VT incidence and duration were lower than in Sham ( P < 0.05). In vitro multisite microelectrode mapping was performed in the superfused right ventricular wall. To simulate ischaemic conditions, [K+] in solution was increased to 10 mmol/L and/or pH was decreased to 6.0. Western blots revealed Cx32 and Nav1.4 expression in both ventricles. Nav1.4 APs showed higher V max and conduction velocity (CV) than Shams at normal and elevated [K+]. Exposure of tissue to acid solution reduced intracellular pH to 6.4. There was no difference in CV between Sham and Cx32 groups in control solution. Acid solution slowed CV in Sham ( P < 0.05) but not in Cx32. Conclusion Nav1.4 or Cx32 expression preserved normal conduction in murine hearts and decreased the incidence of reperfusion VT.
Service-Oriented Order-to-Cash Solution with Business RSS Information Exchange Framework

For period of time customers have demand for more reusable and manageable service-oriented components for Order-to-Cash (O2C) solution so they can be easily re-configured and managed to adapt to business changes quickly. In this paper, we present a serviceoriented business process optimization model that minimizes potential revenue leakage through process improvements. We introduce service componentization approach to decompose business processes to identify re-usable services in SOA solution context. We adopt Really-Simple-Syndication (RSS) technology to realize a collaborative dispute management solution based on Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA). The proposed approach can help streamline the dispute management process with revenue increase and higher customer satisfaction.