cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Implications of the Developments in Metaphors Research for Marketing Communications: A Review and Research Agenda: An Abstract

Metaphors are pervasive in everyday life, not only in language but also in thought and action. In addition to increasing the effectiveness of communication, metaphors have also contributed toward theory development in social science. Specifically, in the marketing discipline, there is a rich tradition of research based on metaphors. However, a systematic review of advancements in research on metaphors and, correspondingly, research in marketing communication regarding and employing metaphors, reveals that the potential of metaphors and metaphoric transfer for marketing communication remains under-realized. Given that metaphors research has been developed in disparate fields, such as linguistics, psychology, and social sciences, understandably, research on metaphors is fraught with non-conciliatory issues with regard to conceptualization, different types of metaphors, uses, and metaphoric theory. Therefore, on the foundations of the significant developments in metaphors research that can be useful for marketing communications scholarship, we undertake a systematic overview as to the status of research on metaphors in order to develop an appropriate framework for reviewing metaphors and explore implications for the domain of marketing communications. Specifically, we develop a brief review of metaphor conceptualizations, various typologies in metaphors, uses of metaphors, models of metaphor, and potential issues with and pitfalls of metaphors. To demonstrate that marketing research can be significantly advanced by focusing on metaphors as linguistic tools and as well as research tools that can spark inquiry, the objectives of this research are to: (i) provide an up-to-date review of metaphors research in terms of conceptualization, types of metaphors, uses of metaphors, models of metaphor, and issues and pitfalls of metaphors; (ii) identify several communication and theoretical metaphors that are relevant to marketing communication; and (iii) develop a research agenda on the different roles of metaphors for the domain of marketing communications. Consequently, the contributions and implications of this research for marketing communication scholarship are discussed.
Observations of extended lag phase of nonnative invasive Frangula alnus (Rhamnaceae) may be spatial-scale dependent1

Analysis of herbaria records allows for an examination of patterns of spatial spread of nonnative plants in novel ranges, aiding in understanding the processes that govern nonnative species invasions. I used herbaria records to investigate the rate of spread and pattern of establishment for the invasive plant Frangula alnus (Rhamnaceae) in northeastern and central North America. I collected records spanning a temporal range from ca. 1880 to the present and a spatial range covering the entire invaded area in northeast North America. To address unequal sampling effort in specimen collection, I compared temporal and spatial patterns of F. alnus accessions with patterns in a group of ecologically similar native species. Frangula alnus likely had multiple initial introductions into North America that were geographically separated, ranging from southern Ontario to the coastal Mid-Atlantic region. Trends in record collection in time and space show that the rate of spread of F. alnus was initially slow, then increased rapidly during the early 20th century, and reached a relatively constant rate of spread in the later 20th century. Examining the spread of this species at the continental scale, it appears to have experienced an extended lag phase early in its invasion history, but has steadily increased in area of occupancy since ca. 1920. This counters previous reports suggesting a lag lasting to ca. 1970. These results raise the question of whether extended lag phases may be a spatial-scale-specific pattern. The analytical methods presented here provide one way to investigate this question further.
Implementing CardioMEMS Monitoring and Interventions into Clinical Practice

Heart failure is a complex clinical syndrome and its management can be challenging. Recurrent hospitalizations cannot always be avoided and the mortality and morbidity rates in this population are higher with each hospital admission. Current technological advances have focused on exploring intra-vascular or intra-cardiac devices as an option to monitor hemodynamics remotely in patients with heart failure to guide and optimize their medical therapy. This review discusses the implementation of the CardioMEMS monitoring system and its use into clinical practice in patients with heart failure. Over time, several devices have been studied to monitor hemodynamics in heart failure patients. The CardioMEMS is the only monitoring technology that has demonstrated the ability to significantly reduce heart failure hospitalizations approved by the FDA. Research has showed that it could potentially lead to improved outcomes through hemodynamic guidance of medical therapy in this population. Data collected by the device includes pulmonary artery (PA) pressure values (systolic, diastolic, and mean), PA pressure wave forms, and heart rate. Information is sent remotely to physicians via a secure web-based site. After a provider analyzes the information, medication titration can be done according to the different PA readings. This approach has been very convenient for patients and physicians since patients do not need to undergo repeat invasive hemodynamic testing in order to obtain intracardiac pressures. The CardioMEMS system has showed promising results in heart failure patients and there are encouraging signs that it might be of benefit in special populations such as patient with ventricular assist devices and pulmonary hypertension. Heart failure is a major public health issue generating increasing annual costs in the United States health care system every year. Pulmonary artery pressure monitoring with the CardioMEMS monitoring system can help physicians tailor medical therapy in patients with heart failure remotely. Monitoring patients in the outpatient setting could reduce the need for hospitalizations for acute decompensated heart failure; and hence, reduce the mortality and morbidity rates in this population.
Where Do Women of Color Complete Physics Degrees

Between 2006 and 2016, women made up 19% of the U.S. citizens and permanent residents who received bachelor’s degrees in physics. Women of Color (which includes women who indicated Black, Latina, American Indian, Alaska Native, Asian American, Pacific Islander, Native Hawaiian, or mixed as their ethnicity or race) received 4% of all physics degrees; African American, Latina, and Native American (ALANA) women received 2%. ALANA women are more underrepresented in physics than in any of the other major STEM disciplines, including computer science and engineering (see Fig. 1).
Internal split liver transplants reduce the waiting list time for teenagers with a low calculated Model for End-stage Liver Disease score.

BACKGROUND Split liver transplantation allows for the simultaneous transplantation of two patients, typically a child and an adult, with a single organ. We report our experience with "internal splits" in which 10 pediatric patients from our institution were transplanted with five organs. We hypothesized that this would reduce the WL time for teenagers with a low calculated MELD score. METHODS A retrospective chart review of those 10 patients was done. Their WL time was compared with local, regional, and national data. P < .05 was considered significant. RESULTS The median age of the five primary recipients to whom the liver was first allocated was 2.3 years (0.7-7.4) (median weight 10.4 kg (8.4-17.7)). They received a segment 2-3 graft. Five "secondary" recipients (median age 17.4 years (16.6-18.9); median weight 66.2 kg (53.7-70.0)) were identified on our WL to receive the trisector graft. At transplant, their median calculated MELD score was 11 (8-20). Their mean WL time (241.6 ± 218.9 days) was significantly shorter than local (480.6 ± 833.6 days), regional (370.4 ± 563.4 days), and national patients (245.6 ± 465.4 days) with MELD ≤ 20 (P = .047). There was no significant difference between their WL time and that of patients with a MELD 8 ≤ x≤31 (equivalent to their median exception score, P = .63). Patient and graft survival was 100% for all 10 patients. CONCLUSION In our experience, simultaneous internal split liver transplantation allowed teenagers with a low calculated MELD score to be transplanted faster than patients with a similar score. Promoting the use of internal split liver transplantation could help reduce the pediatric waitlist mortality.
Shwachman-diamond syndrome: A case report.

Rationale The aim of this study was to analyze the genetic abnormalities and clinical manifestations of Shwachman-Diamond syndrome (SDS). Patient concerns A Chinese infant with elevated transaminase and a novel mutation at of sbdsc.258 +2T>C and c.184a>Tc.292G>A. Diagnoses The female patient was 5 months' old at onset, with elevated transaminase as the first manifestation accompanied by restricted growth and development and oily stool. After sequencing the blood samples from patients and their parents, the heterozygous mutations of sbdsc.258 +2T>C and c.184a>T were detected. Interventions After admission, the patient was provided compound glycyrrhizin, Newtide formula milk supplemented with probiotics, fat-soluble vitamins, oral medication to adjust the spleen and stomach, and other symptomatic treatments. Outcomes The stool traits improved, and the levels of liver function transaminases decreased compared with before. Lessons SDS is a rare disease with a variety of clinical manifestations. Pancreatic exocrine dysfunction, blood system manifestations, and bone abnormalities are common clinical manifestations, and genetic testing is helpful for diagnosis.
Determinants of Satisfaction in the Workplace: Differences and Similarities between Male and Female Employees in Chile

This paper empirically examines the major determinants of Chilean male and female employees’ satisfaction. Two variables represent one’s satisfaction with the workplace: having a full-time job and receiving a quality benefit package. We extract data from the 2009 National Employment Survey in Chile and observe over 426,000 Chilean employees in our sample. The survey data show that women’s participation in the labor force is significantly lower than that of men’s. Female employees tend to have higher education levels. However, male Chilean employees are more likely to work full-time and to have better benefits. We conduct econometric tests to examine various determinants of workplace satisfaction. Education and skill levels are found to have significant, positive effects on both male and female employees’ satisfaction. Marriage and family status contribute the most to the differences between female and male employees’ satisfaction.
Household member arrest and adolescent externalizing behaviors: The roles of family and peer climates

Abstract Although research on the intergenerational consequences of criminal justice contact has focused primarily on parental incarceration, scholars have called for greater attention to the reverberating effects of other family members’ entanglements with law enforcement on youth. Using longitudinal data from the Mobile Youth Survey (MYS), this study examines direct and indirect linkages between household member arrest and youth outcomes and considers the roles of social (parenting, peer normative climate) and emotional (anger expression) processes. Results suggest that household members’ involvement with the criminal justice system has consequences for youth’s behavioral and criminal justice outcomes. Moreover, although social and emotional processes appeared to “matter,” they did not account for the negative outcomes associated with household member arrest. Results suggest the importance of adopting broader perspectives on family criminal justice contact that include attention to household member arrest as well as to both direct and indirect effects. Findings are discussed in terms of directions for future research and the need to specify mechanisms by which household member arrest may increase risk for adverse youth outcomes.
The results obtained in treated and untreated cases of syphilis in pregnant negro women

Abstract Fifty per cent of the mothers who had no treatment had full term live babies. Seventy-three per cent of the treated mothers had full term live babies. In the nontreated cases 6.6 per cent terminated as full term stillbirths. In the treated cases 1.4 per cent terminated as full term stillbirths. In the nontreated cases 27 per cent had premature stillbirths. In the treated cases 7.3 per cent had premature stillbirths. In the nontreated cases 16 per cent of the babies were premature but alive. Seven of these babies died in the hospital. In the treated cases 10.8 per cent of the babies were premature but alive. The cord Wassermanns done on the babies of the untreated mothers were positive in 31 per cent. The cord Wassermanns done on the babies of the treated mothers were positive in 19 per cent. (Cord Wassermanns are rarely done on stillbirths. If routinely done this disproportion would be much higher.) There were no severe reactions. The earlier treatment is started the more effective it will be.
Gamma irradiation effect on polystyrene + SBR blends: morphology and microhardness

Blends with 0,5,10 and 13 weight % of styrene/butadiene (SBR) copolymer embedded in a rigid polystyrene matrix were prepared. Microhardness was determined and morphology evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) before and after gamma irradiation. We relate the morphology to chemical structure and to composition of the SBRs as well as to irradiation dosages. We also connect the microhardness to the impact strength determined previously.
A Language-Based Approach to Security

Language-based security leverages program analysis and program rewriting to enforce security policies. The approach promises efficient enforcement of fine-grained access control policies and depends on a trusted computing base ofon ly modest size. This paper surveys progress and prospects for the area, giving overviews of in-lined reference monitors, certifying compilers, and advances in type theory.
Helix–Coil Transition

Polymers' functional properties and stability are often correlated with their chain conformation. Understanding the helix–coil conformational change, characteristic to many natural and synthetic polyamino acids, is important not only to establishing the polymer stability but also for revealing interactions and functions of native proteins. This article overviews practical aspects of investigating this transition (e.g, titration experiments, optical activity, and spectroscopic methods) and theoretical models providing phenomenological parameters such as the helix content as a function of temperature, pH, molecular weight, concentration. Examples of modeling the helix–coil transition for two representative classes of polymers, homopolymers, and random copolymers, are also included. Keywords: helix–coil transition; polyamino acids; helix nucleation
Escherichia coli K-12 mutants resistant to nalidixic acid: genetic mapping and dominance studies.

Escherichia coli K-12 strains tested so far (approximately 20) can be separated into three groups on the basis of their abilities to form colonies on nutrient agar supplemented with nalidixic acid (NAL): (i) Nals or wild type (no growth at 1 to 2 μg/ml); (ii) NalAr (growth at 40 μg/ml or higher); and (iii) NalBr (growth at 4 μg/ml, but no growth at 10 μg/ml). The NalAr group has a spectrum of sensitivity ranging from 60 to over 100 μg/ml. All Hfr strains of the NalAr and NalBr groups transfer NAL resistance to recipient cells at genetic loci which are at 42.5 ± 0.5 and 51 ± 1 min, respectively, on the Taylor-Trotter map. Some members of the NalAr group also have the genetic locus for NalBr. The nalAs allele is completely dominant to nalAr in a partial diploid configuration. In haploids, nalAr-nalBr is phenotypically NalAr; nalAr-nalBs is NalAr; and nalAs-nalBr is NalBr. The map location of nalA and the easy differentiation between NalAr and NalAs allow this marker to be used as a counterselector in bacterial conjugation experiments.
Embryonic Stem Cells

Abstract Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) have an unlimited capacity for self-renewal as well as the potential to differentiate into every cell type in the body. These characteristics make them an extremely attractive cell source for regenerative medicine; derivatives may be used to repair damaged tissue or replace specific cells lost due to disease. Numerous hESC-based therapies have shown promise in animal models, and two of them – oligodendrocyte precursors and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) – have recently entered human clinical trials. The generation of hESC lines and their various derivatives for cellular therapies, however, presents unique challenges in terms of production, manufacturing, quality control and safety.
Principles of Wound Healing and Tissue Repair

As a continuation of the inflammatory process, wound healing is a phenomenon consisting of sequentially controlled steps which result in the replacement of dead tissue with regenerated cells and/or scar tissue. If the injury did not involve structural damage to the tissue, regeneration of new cells can restore original function (resolution). In most instances, however, there is at least some degree of connective tissue scarring and functional impairment of the involved tissue (organization). Understanding of the injury-repair process is important to be able to facilitate those factors that promote wound healing and minimize those factors that inhibit wound healing.
Predictability and Specification in Models of Exchange Rate Determination

We examine a class of popular structural models of exchange rate determination and compare them to a random walk with and without drift. Given almost any set of conditioning variables, we find parametric specifications fail. Our findings are based on a broad entropy function of the whole distribution of variables and forecasts. We also find significant evidence of nonlinearity and/or “higher moment” influences which seriously questions the habit of forecast and model evaluation based on mean-variance criteria. Taylor rule factors may improve out of sample “forecasts” for some models and exchanges, but do not offer similar improvement for in-sample (historical) fit. We estimate models of exchange rate determination nonparametrically so as to avoid functional form issues. Taylor rule and some other variables are smoothed out, being statistically irrelevant in sample. The metric entropy tests suggest significant differences between the observed densities and their in- and out- of sample forecasts and fitted values. Much like the Diebold-Mariano approach, we are able to report statistical significance of the differences with our more general measures of forecast performance.
Preferential Transcription of Bacillus subtilis Light Deoxyribonucleic Acid Strands During Sporulation

Messenger ribonucleic acid (RNA) from log and sporulation stages of growth were transcribed mainly from the heavy strand of the complementary strands of Bacillus subtilis deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). During sporulation a slight transcription shift from heavy to light DNA strands was observed. RNA-DNA hybrid competition experiments revealed that this shift was due to sporulation-specific transcription from light-DNA strands.
The Psychology of Nuclear Proliferation: The struggle over the bomb in the French Fourth Republic

Introduction “Hurray for France! From this morning she is stronger and prouder!” Such was the February 13, 1960 reaction of President Charles de Gaulle to the news of the first French nuclear explosion. Since that day, it has been hard to dissociate the French nuclear arsenal from de Gaulle's foreign policy of grandeur , from the “monarchical” presidential system he introduced in 1958, and indeed from overall French national identity. But in fact, the coming of the French nuclear arsenal was far from foreordained. Indeed, on several occasions the French Fourth Republic establishment almost succeeded in signing away France's rights to nuclear weapons. This chapter details the struggle over the bomb in the French Fourth Republic. It argues that this struggle reflected the very different conceptions of French national identity that were held by French “Europeans” and by French “nationalists.” As detailed in Chapter 3, the “Europeans,” who dominated the French Fourth Republic establishment, held an oppositional subaltern NIC vis-a-vis Germany. This NIC led them to be hostile to the idea of a French nuclear weapons drive. By contrast, the “nationalists,” including de Gaulle and Pierre Mendes France, held an oppositional nationalist NIC vis-a-vis Germany. This NIC led them to embrace the idea of a French nuclear weapons drive, a drive that Mendes France jumpstarted with his dramatic nuclear decision of December 26, 1954.
An experimental investigation of the flow of dilute polymer solutions through corrugated channels

Measurements of the velocity using Laser Doppler Velocimetry and normal stress are made for the flow of dilute polymer solutions through a channel with corrugated top and bottom plates. (Since we are dealing with non-Newtonian fluids, there can be significant contributions to the normal stress from non-linear terms in the constitutive expression, even when the flow is slow. The measurements being made are the normal stresses and not the “pressure”.) The surfaces of the plates are sinusoidal. A Reynolds number based on half the average plate spacing as the length scale and the characteristic velocity as the velocity scale was used and the range of Reynolds numbers studied was 50 < Re < 1000. The centerline velocities indicate that the experiments were performed in the inertial regime, as confirmed by the asymmetry of the centerline velocities along the channel length. The velocity profiles at the trough near the wall, for a channel with wavelength of 2.54 cm, indicate the presence of secondary flow. Sinusoidal plates with nearly identical aspect ratios (aλ) allowed for dramatic changes in the way in which the friction factor varied with Reynolds number, in that, in one case the friction factor associated with the fluid without polymer was higher than the friction factor associated with the fluid with polymer, while in others it was just the opposite. This would call into question the use of aspect ratio as an appropriate parameter for studying such problems. Changes in plate wavelength either increased or decreased the friction factor depending on the Reynolds number. Increasing plate amplitude increased the friction factor of the fluid for the range of values for the Reynolds number that was considered. The amplitude associated with the dimensionless normal stress increased with decreasing wavelength, for particular Reynolds numbers, irrespective of the fluid studied. Increasing the polymer concentration in the fluid decreased the difference in the amplitude of the dimensionless normal stress, the Reynolds number being fixed. Increasing the plate amplitude increased the amplitude of the normal stress, while an increase in plate wavelength decreased the amplitude of the normal stress.
The effects of abnormal conditions on aircraft, parallel A-C power systems

The purpose of this paper is to call attention to system malfunctions which may occur on parallel-connected, aircraft, a-c electric power systems. These malfunctions must be considered when an integrated study is made of the protection and operation of these systems. A list and discussion of these malfunctions is presented. It is hoped that this paper will stimulate discussion which will provide more nearly complete coverage of the problems associated with this type of system.
Cloning of an Inr- and E-box-binding protein, TFII-I, that interacts physically and functionally with USF1

The transcription factor TFII‐I has been shown to bind independently to two distinct promoter elements, a pyrimidine‐rich initiator (Inr) and a recognition site (E‐box) for upstream stimulatory factor 1 (USF1), and to stimulate USF1 binding to both of these sites. Here we describe the isolation of a cDNA encoding TFII‐I and demonstrate that the corresponding 120 kDa polypeptide, when expressed ectopically, is capable of binding to both Inr and E‐box elements. The primary structure of TFII‐I reveals novel features that include six directly repeated 90 residue motifs that each possess a potential helix–loop/span–helix homology. These unique structural features suggest that TFII‐I may have the capacity for multiple protein–protein and, potentially, multiple protein–DNA interactions. Consistent with this hypothesis and with previous in vitro studies, we further demonstrate that ectopic TFII‐I and USF1 can act synergistically, and in some cases independently, to activate transcription in vivo through both Inr and the E‐box elements of the adenovirus major late promoter. We also describe domains of USF1 that are necessary for its independent and synergistic activation functions.
Ultrasound assessment of first-trimester bleeding.

OBJECTIVE To assess the outcome (to the end of the first trimester) of pregnancies with vaginal bleeding and the influence of ultrasound-acquired information on care and cost of care. METHODS A chart review was performed of 1,240 patients receiving care at an integrated medical center for threatened abortion from 1998-2000. Records from 715 patients with adequate follow-up data were reviewed and outcomes studied. Charges for outpatient and inpatient care were obtained from the data warehouse. RESULTS Main findings include that on endovaginal ultrasonography, 44% of the pregnancies were viable, of which 86% continued to the end of the first trimester and that of the 33% of pregnancies that were nonviable, 74% successfully miscarried without intervention. Charges for the care varied significantly, based on outcome and choice of site of care. CONCLUSION Endovaginal ultrasonography for the evaluation of early pregnancy bleeding has a significant effect on care decisions and costs. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE II-3.
Functional Domains of the HK97 Capsid Maturation Protease and the Mechanisms of Protein Encapsidation

Tailed double-stranded DNA bacteriophages and herpesviruses build capsids by co-assembling a major capsid protein with an internal scaffolding protein that then exits from the assembled structure either intact or after digestion in situ by a protease. In bacteriophage HK97, the 102-residue N-terminal delta domain of the major capsid protein is also removed by proteolysis after assembly and appears to perform the scaffolding function. We describe the HK97 protease that carries out these maturation cleavages. Insertion mutations at seven sites in the protease gene produced mutant proteins that assemble into proheads, and those in the N-terminal two-thirds were enzymatically inactive. Plasmid-expressed protease was rapidly cleaved in vivo but was stabilized by co-expression with the delta domain. Purified protease was found to be active during the assembly of proheads in vitro. Heterologous fusions to the intact protease or to C-terminal fragments targeted fusion proteins into proheads. We confirm that the catalytic activity resides in the N-terminal two-thirds of the protease polypeptide and suggest that the C-terminal one-fifth of the protein contains a capsid targeting signal. The implications of this arrangement are compared to capsid targeting systems in other phages, herpesviruses, and encapsulins.
Subsolidus and melting relationships for calcite, magnesite and the join CaCO3-MgCO3 36 kb

Subsolidus and melting relations for the CaCO_3-MgCO_3 join at 30 kb have been determined using piston-cylinder apparatus. Data are also presented for the melting curve of CaCO_3 to 30 kb, the decomposition and melting curves of MgCO_3 to 36 kb, and the calcite-aragonite transition at 800°C, 950°C and 1100°C. At 30kb, the melting loop for the CaCO_3-MgCO_3 join extends from 1610°C (CaCO_3) to 1585°C (MgCO_3) through a liquidus minimum at 1290°C (near 42 mole% MgCO_3). The dolomite-magnesite solvus barely intersects the 30 kb melting loop to produce a peritectic reaction at 1385°C. Integration of the new experimental data with other published data permits construction of a complete P-T projection and a sequence of isobars for the CaCO_3-MgCO_3 join for pressures between 5 and 30 kb. The phase relations for this join provide part of the essential framework of the model peridotite system CaO-MgO-SiO_8-CO_2-H_2O, which has particular application to the origin of carbonatitic and kimberlitic magmas. In light of the accumulating evidence for CO_2 in various forms within the upper mantle and of its effect on magmatic processes, analysis of the melting relations in this system is of considerable importance.
Three-dimensional finite element analysis of the effects of anisotropy on bone mechanical properties measured by nanoindentation

A three-dimensional finite element analysis (FEA) model with elastic-plastic anisotropy was built to investigate the effects of anisotropy on nanoindentation measurements for cortical bone. The FEA model has demonstrated a capability to capture the cortical bone material response under the indentation process. By comparison with the contact area obtained from monitoring the contact profile in FEA simulations, the Oliver-Pharr method was found to underpredict or overpredict the contact area due to the effects of anisotropy. The amount of error (less than 10% for cortical bone) depended on the indentation orientation. The indentation modulus results obtained from FEA simulations at different surface orientations showed a trend similar to experimental results and were also similar to moduli calculated from a mathematical model. The Oliver-Pharr method has been shown to be useful for providing first-order approximations in the analysis of anisotropic mechanical properties of cortical bone, although the indentation modulus is influenced by anisotropy.
Self-Consistent Open-Celled Metal Foam Model for Thermal Applications

Many engineering applications require thermal cycling of granular materials. Since these materials generally have poor effective thermal conductivity various techniques have been proposed to improve bed thermal transport. These include insertion of metal foam with the granular material residing in the interstitial space. The use of metal foam introduces a parasitic thermal capacitance, disrupts packing, and reduces the amount of active material. In order to optimize the combined high porosity metal foam-granular material matrix and study local thermal nonequilibrium, multiple energy equations are required. The interfacial conductance coefficients, specific interface area, and the effective thermal conductivities of the individual components, which are required for a multiple energy equation analysis, are functions of the foam geometry. An ideal three-dimensional geometric model of open-celled Duocell® foam is proposed. Computed tomography is used to acquire foam cell and ligament diameter distribution, ligament shape, and specific surface area for a range of foam parameters to address various shortcomings in the literature. These data are used to evaluate the geometric self-consistency of the proposed geometric model with respect to the intensive and extensive geometry parameters. Experimental thermal conductivity data for the same foam samples are acquired and are used to validate finite element analysis results of the proposed geometric model. A simple relation between density and thermal conductivity ratio is derived using the results. The foam samples tested exhibit a higher dependence on relative density and less dependence on interstitial fluid than data in the literature. The proposed metal foam geometric model is shown to be self-consistent with respect to both its geometric and thermal properties.
Fiber composite thin shells subjected to thermal buckling loads

Abstract The results of parametric studies to assess the effects of various parameters on the buckling behavior of angle-ply, laminated thin shells in a hot environment are presented in this paper. These results were obtained by using a three-dimensional finite element analysis. An angle-ply, laminated thin shell with fiber orientation of [ θ −θ ] 2 was subjected to compressive mechanical loads. The laminated thin shell has a cylindrical geometry. The laminate contained T300 graphite fibers embedded in an intermediate-modulus, high-strength (IMHS) matrix. The fiber volume fraction was 55% and the moisture content was 2%. The residual stresses induced into the laminated structure during the curing were taken into account. Parametric studies were performed to examine the effect on the critical buckling load of the following parameters: cylinder length and thickness, internal hydrostatic pressure, different ply thicknesses, different temperature profiles through the thickness of the structure, and different layup configurations and fiber volume fractions. In conjunction with these parameters the ply orientation varied from 0° to 90°. Seven ply angles were examined: 0°, 15°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 75°, and 90°. The results show that the ply angle θ and the laminate thickness had significant effects on the critical buckling load. The fiber volume fraction and the internal hydrostatic pressure had important effects on the critical buckling load. The cylinder length had a moderate influence on the buckling load. The thin shell with [ θ −θ] 2 or [ θ −θ] s angle-ply laminate had better buckling-load performance than the thin shell with [θ]4 off-axis laminate. The temperature profiles through the laminate thickness and various laminates with the same thickness but with the different ply thickness had insignificant effects on the buckling behavior of the thin shells.
Producing Recombinant Adeno-Associated Virus in Foster Cells: Overcoming Production Limitations Using a Baculovirus–Insect Cell Expression Strategy

Establishing pharmacological parameters, such as efficacy, routes of administration, and toxicity, for recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vectors is a prerequisite for gaining acceptance for clinical applications. In fact, even a therapeutic window, that is, the dose range between therapeutic efficacy and toxicity, has yet to be determined for rAAV in vivo. Multiphase clinical trials investigating the safety and efficacy of recombinant AAV-based therapeutics will require unprecedented vector production capacity to meet the needs of preclinical toxicology studies, and the progressive clinical protocol phases of safety/dose escalation (phase I), efficacy (phase II), and high-enrollment, multicenter evaluations (phase III). Methods of rAAV production capable of supporting such trials must be scalable, robust, and efficient. We have taken advantage of the ease of scalability of nonadherent cell culture techniques coupled with the inherent efficiency of viral infection to develop an rAAV production method based on recombinant baculovirus-mediated expression of AAV components in insect-derived suspension cells.
Differences in molar wear gradient between adult macaques and langurs

Interspecific differences in the amount and form of molar wear in nonhuman primates are only beginning to be documented and understood. The purpose of this study was to look at the wear gradient between M1 and M2 in a sample of macaques and langurs to determine if differences in wear gradient could be related to differences in diet. A skeletal collection of wild shot Macaca fascicularis, Presbytis cristata, and Presbytis rubicunda from the Museum of Comparative Zoology at Harvard University was examined using photogrammetric techniques. X, Y, and Z coordinates were used to compute areas of dentin exposure on the buccal occlusal surfaces of M1 and M2. The relationship between these variables was examined using Bartlett’s three-group method and least-squares regression. Interspecific comparisons of the resultant y intercepts indicate that (I) M. fascicularis (as compared with P. cristata or P.) has more dentin exposed on M1 when there is none exposed on M2, and (2) P. cristata (as compared with P. rubicunda) has more dentin exposed on M1 when there is none exposed on M2. Factors that might be responsible for these differences are (a) differences in dentin/enamel structure, (b) differences in molar eruption timing, and (c) differences in behavior. An unusual intercusp sequence of dentin exposure in the langurs makes precise interpretations difficult. However, at the present time, behavioral differences among the species deserve further consideration as a cause of the observed differences in molar wear gradient.
Optical properties of sol-gel spin-coated TiO 2 films and comparison of the properties with ion-beam-sputtered films

Transparent and optical-grade TiO2 coatings were prepared by sol-gel spinning and ion-beam sputtering techniques. We investigate process parameters for the fabrication of sol-gel spin-coated TiO2 films exhibiting high optical quality comparable with that of ion-beam-sputtered TiO2 films. X-ray diffraction studies showed the sol-gel-deposited films to be amorphous for heat treatments below 350° C, whereas the ion-beam-sputtered films were slightly crystalline and exhibited the anatase structure. The refractive index and the extinction coefficient were evaluated from transmittance characteristics in the ultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared regions. Transmission spectra and ellipsometric measurements showed that spin-coated films were essentially optically equivalent to those prepared by ion-beam sputter deposition.
Characterising digital video set top boxes in R&D and proving performance in manufacturing

This paper introduces the principles behind digital video broadcasting (DVB) cable receiver characterisation. It describes why the receiver performance and quality is important and suggests techniques for testing set top boxes thoroughly in R&D and quickly and economically in manufacturing. It gives an overview of the basic architecture of a DVB receiver, defines the fundamental measurements associated with DVB, outlines methods for characterising a DVB receiver and measuring the implementation loss, and provides a practical method for high volume manufacturing.
The role of positive auricular biopsy in mitral stenosis.

Abstract Aschoff lesions were found in 58 per cent of auricular biopsies obtained at surgery from 81 patients. Out of 44 patients studied carefully, 38 had predominant mitral stenosis; of these 38, 18 had a positive auricular biopsy. Following surgery 50 per cent of these 18 showed objective changes in addition to subjective and clinical improvement. It is suggested that the presence of Aschoff lesions in auricular biopsy does not significantly alter the surgical outcome.
The third component of complement (C3) is responsible for the intracellular survival of Leishmania major

Leishmania are obligate intracellular parasites of mononuclear phagocytes. We 1,2 and others3 have shown that the promastigote form of all species of leishmania activates complement from non-immune serum and that this activation can result in parasite lysis. This work, as well as earlier in vivo studies4, suggested that complement is an important component of host defence against leishmaniasis. We now present evidence that parasite complement fixation, in addition to increasing parasite phagocytosis5,6, is required for the intracellular survival of leishmania in macrophages. We specifically show a strong correlation between parasite C3 fixation and intracellular survival. We attribute this survival, in part, to a decrease in the magnitude of the macrophage respiratory burst which is triggered by complement-coated, as opposed to uncoated, parasites.
Nf1-Dependent Tumors Require a Microenvironment Containing Nf1+/−- and c-kit-Dependent Bone Marrow

Interactions between tumorigenic cells and their surrounding microenvironment are critical for tumor progression yet remain incompletely understood. Germline mutations in the NF1 tumor suppressor gene cause neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), a common genetic disorder characterized by complex tumors called neurofibromas. Genetic studies indicate that biallelic loss of Nf1 is required in the tumorigenic cell of origin in the embryonic Schwann cell lineage. However, in the physiologic state, Schwann cell loss of heterozygosity is not sufficient for neurofibroma formation and Nf1 haploinsufficiency in at least one additional nonneoplastic lineage is required for tumor progression. Here, we establish that Nf1 heterozygosity of bone marrow-derived cells in the tumor microenvironment is sufficient to allow neurofibroma progression in the context of Schwann cell Nf1 deficiency. Further, genetic or pharmacologic attenuation of c-kit signaling in Nf1+/- hematopoietic cells diminishes neurofibroma initiation and progression. Finally, these studies implicate mast cells as critical mediators of tumor initiation.
Gastric secretory function in patients with chronic renal failure undergoing maintenance hemodialysis

Gastric secretion was evaluated in 9 male patients with chronic renal failure on maintenance hemodialysis. Five secreted low or normal quantities of acid and 4 exhibited hypersecretion, 2 of whom had associated peptic ulcer disease. Serum gastrin responses to a protein meal were comparable to control subjects. Calcium infusion in two basal hypersecretors depressed acid secretion. The only statistically significant correlation observed was between basal acid output and serum levels of parathormone. These studies suggest that while acid secretory abnormalities vary in patients with chronic renal failure on hemodialysis, there is no apparent sensitivity of the gastrin-secreting cells to protein or calcium ion which might account for acid hypersecretion. Secondary hyperparathyroidism may influence the occurrence of acid secretory abnormalities.
ELECTRON MICROSCOPIC DEMONSTRATION OF A DITHIOTHREITOL-LABILE VITELLINE COAT SURROUNDING THE UNFERTILIZED EGG OF COMANTHUS JAPONICA (ECHINODERMATA: CRINOIDEA)*

In Comanthus, the unfertilized egg is surrounded by a vitelline coat, which is separated from the underlying plasma membrane by a space several hundred Angstroms wide. By electron microscopy, the vitelline coat is a distinct layer 100 to 150 A thick, which consists of finely granular material of moderate electron density. Treatment for 3 min in 0.01 M dithiothreitol in sea water buffered to pH 9.2 almost completely removes the vitelline coat and causes the irregularly shaped egg to become spherical. After such DTT-treated eggs have been washed for 2 min in sea water, they cannot be fertilized, but they can undergo a cortical reaction when treated with ionophore A23187. This cortical reaction consists of the exocytosis of cortical granule material directly into the surrounding sea water. By several hours after DTT treatment, most of the eggs, whether exposed to ionophore or not, fragment into spheres of diverse sizes.
Stability of tritiated thymidine during prolonged labelling of human blood leukocyte cultures

Der Stoffwechsel des3H-Thymidins in Blut-Leukozyten wurde wahrend langfristiger Inkubation studiert. Die Bedingungen waren dieselben, die gewohnlich for Chromosomenpraparate angewendet werden. So gelang es, menschliche Leukocyten wahrend 72 Stunden mit H3-markiertem Thymidin zu inkubieren, ohne dass das markierte Thymidin durch die Leukozyt-Thymidin-Phosphorylase zerstort wurde.
Controlled induction of spherical aberration with custom soft contact lenses.

Background: This study investigated the non-invasive induction of spherical aberration (SA) levels consistent with complication-free wavefront-guided (WFG) refractive surgery using custom WFG soft contact lenses and quantified the resulting impact on visual performance. Methods: Twelve healthy individuals of typical military age (mean of 26.08 ± 1.92 years) meeting the inclusion criteria of emmetropia (less than ± 0.50 DS and less than ± 0.50 DC) as measured by subjective refraction served as subjects. Five plano lenses were manufactured to induce a range of SA typical of those encountered after refractive surgery. The measured SA values over a 6 mm artificial pupil in these five lenses were -0.224 µm, 0.074 µm, 0.214 µm, 0.495 µm and 0.621 µm. For each subject, the level of total ocular aberrations through 10 Zernike radial orders over a 6 mm pupil was measured with a custom Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensor, while wearing each lens. Visual performance was evaluated using high contrast visual acuity (HCVA) measured through a 6 mm artificial pupil. Results: Custom WFG soft contact lenses can be manufactured to include the range of SA that occurs with complication-free refractive surgery (-0.20 µm to +0.60 µm) and produces a change in SA within a similar range when worn on the eye. High contrast visual performance with these lenses varied, depending on the amount of SA in each lens. Visual performance worsened with greater amounts of positive or negative SA and a quadratic fit to the data peaked at +0.209 µm. Conclusions: Defined levels of SA can be manufactured and induced (non-invasively) with WFG soft contact lenses and their effect on logMAR high contrast visual performance can be measured. Results show that subjects' best logMAR HCVA occurs with the presence of positive residual SA. When designing the actual test lens, the targeted change in aberrations for each subject will likely be better achieved by first measuring the aberrations of a template lens on the eye and then compensating for unique subject dependent eye-lens interactions.
Genome complexity and repetitive DNA in metazoans from extreme marine environments.

Abstract As genomics converges with ecology and evolution to identify the fundamental linkages between genome structure and function, genome and transcriptome complexity will need to be measured in organisms from more diverse habitats, most often in the absence of complete sequence data. Here, we describe the complexity of ten genomes measured by a novel, high-throughput fluorescence-based kinetic hybridization assay. We applied the Shannon information index, H, and a related, fluorescence-adjusted index, Hf, as unique metrics of the hybridization kinetics to complement the conventional rate constant, k. A strong, positive relationship was present between Hf, and the repetitive DNA content of five eukaryotic genomes previously determined by Cot kinetic analyses (Onchorynchus keta, Ilyanassa obsoleta, Bos taurus, Limulus polyphemus, Saccharyomyces cerevisiae). This relationship was used to characterize the complexity of previously unstudied genomic samples in five metazoan taxa from three marine environments, including deep-sea hydrothermal vents (Alvinella pompejana), the temperate subtidal (Streblospio benedicti), and Antarctic coastal bays (Sterechinus neumayeri, Odontaster validus, Tritonia antarctica). Contrary to the predictions of nucleotypic theory, Antarctic invertebrates consistently had the lowest quantities of repetitive DNA in conjunction with low metabolic rates and highly protracted rates of cell division and larval development. Conversely, hydrothermal vent species with rapid cell division and growth do not have significantly different genome sizes or particularly low amounts of repetitive DNA as compared to non-vent, deep-sea taxa. Furthermore, there appears to be a positive correlation between the temperature at which the most abundant repetitive sequence classes anneal and habitat thermal stability. Thus, our study reveals a potential shift in repetitive sequence representation between these extreme environments that may be related to genome function in species living at these different thermal regimes.