cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Regulation of Phospholipase D2 Activity by Protein Kinase Cα

It has been well documented that protein kinase C (PKC) plays an important role in regulation of phospholipase D (PLD) activity. Although PKC regulation of PLD1 activity has been studied extensively, the role of PKC in PLD2 regulation remains to be established. In the present study it was demonstrated that phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) induced PLD2 activation in COS-7 cells. PLD2 was also phosphorylated on both serine and threonine residues after PMA treatment. PKC inhibitors Ro-31-8220 and bisindolylmaleimide I inhibited both PMA-induced PLD2 phosphorylation and activation. However, Go 6976, a PKC inhibitor relatively specific for conventional PKC isoforms, almost completely abolished PLD2 phosphorylation by PMA but only slightly inhibited PLD2 activation. Furthermore, time course studies showed that phosphorylation of PLD2 lagged behind its activation by PMA. Concentration curves for PMA action on PLD2 phosphorylation and activation also showed that PLD2 was activated by PMA at concentrations at which PMA didn't induce phosphorylation. A kinase-deficient mutant of PKCalpha stimulated PLD2 activity to an even higher level than wild type PKCalpha. Co-expression of wild type PKCalpha, but not PKCdelta, greatly enhanced both basal and PMA-induced PLD2 phosphorylation. A PKCdelta-specific inhibitor, rottlerin, failed to inhibit PMA-induced PLD2 phosphorylation and activation. Co-immunoprecipitation studies indicated an association between PLD2 and PKCalpha under basal conditions that was further enhanced by PMA. Time course studies of the effects of PKCalpha on PLD2 showed that as the phosphorylation of PLD2 increased, its activity declined. In summary, the data demonstrated that PLD2 is activated and phosphorylated by PMA and PKCalpha in COS-7 cells. However, the phosphorylation is not required for PKCalpha to activate PLD2. It is suggested that interaction rather than phosphorylation underscores the activation of PLD2 by PKC in vivo and that phosphorylation may contribute to the inactivation of the enzyme.
Magnetic contribution to the interdiffusion coefficients in Bcc (α) and Fcc (γ) Fe-Ni alloys

The interdiffusion coefficients in bcc (α) and fcc (γ) Fe-Ni alloys below their Curie temperatures have been calculated based on the magnetic contribution to the free energy for interdiffusion. The free energy for interdiffusion due to magnetic ordering in bcc Fe-Ni alloys is positive. The calculated interdiffusion coefficients in bcc Fe-Ni alloys fit the experimental data quite well. In fcc Fe-Ni alloys, the magnetic contribution to interdiffusion depends on both temperature and composition and is abnormal for Ni compositions in the Invar region. The free energy of vacancy formation is positive and the free energy of vacancy migration is negative, due to the effect of magnetic ordering. The interdiffusion coefficient in the ferromagnetic phase is lower than that extrapolated from the paramagnetic phase for Ni compositions of 50 at. pct and greater and is higher than that extrapolated from the paramagnetic phase for Ni compositions of 40 at. pct and lower.
The Effects of Smoking Schedules on Cessation Outcome: Can We Improve on Common Methods of Gradual and Abrupt Nicotine Withdrawal?.

This study compared the efficacy of 2 traditional methods of smoking cessation, gradual reduction and "cold turkey," with a new approach involving variation in the intercigarette interval. One hundred twenty-eight participants quit smoking on a target date, after a 3-week period of (a) scheduled reduced smoking (progressive increase in the intercigarette interval), (b) nonscheduled reduced smoking (gradual reduction, no specific change in the intercigarette interval), (c) scheduled nonreduced smoking (fixed intercigarette interval, no reductions in frequency), or (c) nonscheduled nonreduced smoking (no change in intercigarette interval or smoking frequency). Participants also received cognitive-behavioral relapse prevention training. Abstinence at 1 year averaged 44%, 18%, 32%, and 22% for the 4 groups, respectively. Overall, the scheduled reduced group performed the best and the nonscheduled reduced group performed the worst. Both scheduled groups performed better than nonscheduled ones. Scheduled reduced smoking was associated with reduced tension, fatigue, urges to smoke, withdrawal symptoms, increased coping effort (ratio of coping behavior to urges), and self-efficacy, suggesting an improved adaptation to nonsmoking and reduced vulnerability to relapse.
Immunohistochemical identification of γ-aminobutyric acid-containing neurons in the rat basolateral amygdala

Abstract The peroxidase-antiperoxidase immunohistochemical technique was used together with an antiserum to γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) to identify GABA-containing structures in the rat basolateral amygdala (ABL). Morphological characteristics of GABA-positive neurons in ABL indicate that they correspond to class II, and perhaps class III, local circuit neurons observed in previous Golgi studies. GABA-positive punctate structures resembling axon terminals were observed both in the neuropil and forming pericullular baskets around large unlabeled perikarya in ABL. These results suggest that the strong intrinsic inhibition noted in electrophysiological studies of ABL is due primarily to synapses of GABAergic class II neurons with class I projection neurons.
Total pancreatectomy with islet cell autotransplantation: anesthetic implications.

Abstract Study Objective: To make recommendations for the perioperative management of patients undergoing total pancreatectomy with islet cell autotransplantation. Design: Retrospective review. Setting: University hospital. Patients: 41 patients undergoing total pancreatectomy with autologous islet cell transplantation for chronic pancreatitis from 1977 to 1996. Interventions: The charts and anesthetic records were reviewed, specifically investigating the changes in portal venous pressure, blood pressure (BP), and central venous pressure with islet cell injection. The records also were examined for blood glucose levels, type of fluids administered, blood loss, and postoperative complications. Measurements and Main Results: Injection of islet cells into the portal vein caused a significant increase in portal venous pressures (8.5 ± 4.8 to 27 ± 16 cm/H 2 O; p 2 O; p p p p = NS). However, 6 patients (14.6%) required vasopressors to maintain adequate BPs. Blood glucose levels were significantly higher immediately prior to islet cell infusion in patients who had received dextrose-containing solutions than those who did not (246 ± 80 vs. 176 ± 43 gm/dl; p = 0.002). Median blood loss was 2000 ml (range 350 to 12,000 ml), and most patients (95.1%) required blood transfusions. Conclusion: Although total pancreatectomy with islet cell autotransplantation is a difficult operation, with significant blood loss, most patients tolerate surgery and injection of islet cells into their portal system without hemodynamic instability. Glucose-containing solutions should not be administered to patients prior to islet cell infusion because hyperglycemia, which can damage islet cells, may result.
Mitral arcade in adults -- a systematic overview

Mitral arcade (MA) is a rare congenital anomaly of the mitral valve and its tensor apparatus. This condition has been reported primarily in children younger than 3 years of age. MA is characterized by elongated papillary muscles connected to each other and to the tip of anterior mitral leaflet by a bridge of fibrous tissue. Because of progressive mitral regurgitation and/or mitral stenosis, survival into adulthood is rare. Not much is known about MA in the adult population. In this review we address the demographic features, clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and outcome of this congenital anomaly in adult patients.
A numerical simulation on estimation of snow wetness with dual-frequency and polarization radar

In hydrological investigations, modeling and forecasting of snow melt runoff requires timely information about snow properties and their spatial variability. The liquid water content in snow pack is an important parameter. Previous study1 has indicated that the fully polarimetric C-band synthetic aperture radar (SAR) is capable to estimate the free liquid water content-snow wetness-in the top layer of a snow pack quantitatively. The objective of this study is to evaluate the capability of a radar system with measurements of the dual frequency (C-band 5.3 GHz and Ku-band 13.4 GHz) and of the dual-polarization (VV and HV) in estimation of snow wetness based on the numerical simulation. We have established C-band and Ku-band radar wet snow data-base by using second-order radiative transfer backscattering model. The data-base covers the most possible wet snow physical properties and surface roughness conditions. Using this data-base, an inversion algorithm has been developed for snow wetness retrieval. The newly developed algorithm mainly involved two steps: 1) decomposing the surface and volume scattering signals using depolarization factor, and 2) using each scattering component (surface or volume backscattering signals) to estimate snow wetness.
Effects of Vitamin D on Airway Epithelial Cell Morphology and Rhinovirus Replication

Vitamin D has been linked to reduced risk of viral respiratory illness. We hypothesized that vitamin D could directly reduce rhinovirus (RV) replication in airway epithelium. Primary human bronchial epithelial cells (hBEC) were treated with vitamin D, and RV replication and gene expression were evaluated by quantitative PCR. Cytokine/chemokine secretion was measured by ELISA, and transepithelial resistance (TER) was determined using a voltohmmeter. Morphology was examined using immunohistochemistry. Vitamin D supplementation had no significant effects on RV replication, but potentiated secretion of CXCL8 and CXCL10 from infected or uninfected cells. Treatment with vitamin D in the form of 1,25(OH)2D caused significant changes in cell morphology, including thickening of the cell layers (median of 46.5 µm [35.0–69.0] vs. 30 µm [24.5–34.2], p<0.01) and proliferation of cytokeratin-5-expressing cells, as demonstrated by immunohistochemical analysis. Similar effects were seen for 25(OH)D. In addition to altering morphology, higher concentrations of vitamin D significantly upregulated small proline-rich protein (SPRR1β) expression (6.3 fold-induction, p<0.01), suggestive of squamous metaplasia. Vitamin D treatment of hBECs did not alter repair of mechanically induced wounds. Collectively, these findings indicate that vitamin D does not directly affect RV replication in airway epithelial cells, but can influence chemokine synthesis and alters the growth and differentiation of airway epithelial cells.
Purine and pteridine pigments of light- and dark-colored arizona tiger salamanders

Pale yellow Arizona tiger salamander larvae (Ambystoma tigrinum nebulosum Hal-lowell) were collected from a turbid pond, and dark green larvae were collected from a clear pond. Light-colored larvae metamorphosed into salamanders with predominantly yellow skin, while dark-colored larvae metamorphosed into black individuals with few yellow markings. Skin of light-colored salamanders had abundant yellow xanthophores and silver-reflecting iridophores. Skin of dark-colored salamanders was covered with fully expanded melanophores. Concentration of yellow pteridine and blue-green reflecting purine pigments, extracted from skin of light and dark-colored salamanders, was compared fluorometrically and spectrophotometrically. There was no difference in total pteridine content between light and dark-colored salamanders. However, the average concentration of the pteridine xanthopterin was greater in dark rather than light-colored larvae. In addition there was four times more guanine in skin of light-colored larvae than in dark-colored larvae, which indicates salamanders increased iridophore deposits of guanine in the turbid pond.
Postmortem plasma luteinizing hormone levels and antemortem violence

Abstract Luteinizing hormone (LH) levels were determined in postmortem blood samples obtained from twenty-eight men who sustained sudden traumatic deaths. Violent antemorten behavior (committing suicide by gunshot or hanging, or killed during a violent attack or physical struggle) was associated with significantly higher LH levels than nonviolent antemortem behavior (pedestrians struck by vehicles, crime victims, and those shot during verbal arguments). Within both the violent and nonviolent groups, LH levels were higher in men with detectable alcohol in blood than in men with no alcohol in blood but these differences were not statistically significant. In the nonviolent group, men without alcohol in blood had LH levels within the normal range for healthy adult males. The stability of LH was established in serial studies of normal human male blood specimens over a range of temperatures and time durations comparable to conditions in postmortem blood sampling procedures. These findings suggest that postmortem LH levels in males may be a biological indicator of violent behavior immediately preceding death.
The performance of the NSLS mini-undulator

In 1986, the National Synchrotron Light Source installed a ten-period soft X-ray “mini-undulator” as a test bed for a longer device. We have used this device as a radiation source for soft X-ray holography and scanning microscopy, both of which require high brightness for practical operation. We present here calculations and measurements of the undulator output. Using beamline X-17T, we have measured the spectral intensity and brightness of the undulator. The results are in good agreement with calculations and indicate that even a short undulator, when coupled with a low-emittance storage ring, can produce extremely bright radiation. High brightness means large spatially coherent flux. We believe our measured value of 1011 photons/s/1% BW was the highest continuous spatially coherent flux then available from any source of soft X-rays.
Critique and comment. Zeeman's unstable stock exchange

The stock market is a simple market system. Zeeman's dynamic analysis, using catastrophe theory, of stock prices is shown to be equivalent to a standard economic model in which price movements produce deviation—amplifying feedbacks. Zeeman's catastrophe result in this system is thus based on an implicit assumption of irrational behavior.
A Comparative Study on the Effect of Surface Topography by Hard Turning vs. Grinding on Frictional Performance at Dry and Lubricated Sliding Contact

Machining-induced surface topography has a significant effect on tribological performance of machined components in sliding contact. However, the effect of different surface topography by turning versus grinding on tribological performance has received very little attention. In this study four types of surface topography by turning and grinding AISI 52100 bearing steel (62 HRc) were prepared and characterized to study its effect on friction and wear in sliding contact. Dry and lubricated reciprocating sliding wear tests with an on-line acoustic emission (AE) sensor were carried out using a ball-on-disk tribometer. The experimental results have shown that: (i) the turned surfaces, regardless of the presence of a white layer, yield smaller friction of coefficients in sliding along feed marks than across sliding at both dry and lubricated conditions. However, the opposite hold true for the ground surfaces; (ii) friction of coefficients (0.6∼0.8) at dry conditions is higher for both turned and ground fresh surfaces than their white layer counterparts regardless of sliding direction. At lubricated conditions, Friction of coefficients (0.1∼0.12) are smaller for the both turned and ground fresh surfaces than the white layer surfaces in along sliding, while it is equivalent in across sliding; (iii) the trends of acoustic amplitude amplitude are consistent with those of frictional coefficients for the turned or ground surfaces at dry conditions. Similar trends are also true for the turned surfaces at lubricated conditions, but not for the ground surfaces; and (iv) the wear debris on the track may act as solid lubricants to reduce the sliding frictional coefficient. Machining induced white layers leads to a better wear resistance than the fresh surfaces in either along or across sliding.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Effect of morphology on organic thin film transistor sensors

This review provides a general introduction to organic field-effect transistors and their application as chemical sensors. Thin film transistor device performance is greatly affected by the molecular structure and morphology of the organic semiconductor layer. Various methods for organic semiconductor deposition are surveyed. Recent progress in the fabrication of organic thin film transistor sensors as well as the correlation between morphology and analyte response is discussed.
A signal-processing framework for reflection

We present a signal-processing framework for analyzing the reflected light field from a homogeneous convex curved surface under distant illumination. This analysis is of theoretical interest in both graphics and vision and is also of practical importance in many computer graphics problems---for instance, in determining lighting distributions and bidirectional reflectance distribution functions (BRDFs), in rendering with environment maps, and in image-based rendering. It is well known that under our assumptions, the reflection operator behaves qualitatively like a convolution. In this paper, we formalize these notions, showing that the reflected light field can be thought of in a precise quantitative way as obtained by convolving the lighting and BRDF, i.e. by filtering the incident illumination using the BRDF. Mathematically, we are able to express the frequency-space coefficients of the reflected light field as a product of the spherical harmonic coefficients of the illumination and the BRDF. These results are of practical importance in determining the well-posedness and conditioning of problems in inverse rendering---estimation of BRDF and lighting parameters from real photographs. Furthermore, we are able to derive analytic formulae for the spherical harmonic coefficients of many common BRDF and lighting models. From this formal analysis, we are able to determine precise conditions under which estimation of BRDFs and lighting distributions are well posed and well-conditioned. Our mathematical analysis also has implications for forward rendering---especially the efficient rendering of objects under complex lighting conditions specified by environment maps. The results, especially the analytic formulae derived for Lambertian surfaces, are also relevant in computer vision in the areas of recognition, photometric stereo and structure from motion.
NONVOLATILE SPINTRONICS: PERSPECTIVES ON INSTANT-ON NONVOLATILE NANOELECTRONIC SYSTEMS

Instant-on nonvolatile electronics, which can be powered on/off instantaneously without the loss of information, represents a new and emerging paradigm in electronics. Nonvolatile circuits consisting of volatile CMOS, combined with nonvolatile nanoscale magnetic memory, can make electronics nonvolatile at the gate, circuit and system levels. When high speed magnetic memory is embedded in CMOS logic circuits, it may help resolve the two major challenges faced in continuing CMOS scaling: Power dissipation and variability of devices. We will give a brief overview of the current challenges of CMOS in terms of energy dissipation and variability. Then, we describe emerging nonvolatile memory (NVM) options, particularly those spintronic solutions such as magnetoresistive random access memory (MRAM) based on spin transfer torque (STT) and voltage-controlled magnetoelectric (ME) write mechanisms. We will then discuss the use of STT memory for embedded application, e.g., replacing volatile CMOS Static RAM (SRAM), followed by discussion of integration of CMOS reconfigurable circuits with STT-RAM. We will then present the scaling limits of the STT memory and discuss its critical performance parameters, particularly related to switching energy. To further reduce the switching energy, we present the concept of electric field control of magnetism, and discuss approaches to realize this new mechanism in realizing low switching energy, allowing for implementation of nonvolatility at the logic gate level, and eventually at the transistor level with a magnetoelectric gate (MeGate). For nonvolatile logic (NVL), we present and discuss as an example an approach using interference of spin waves, which will have NVL operations remembering the state of computation. Finally, we will discuss the potential impact and implications of this new paradigm on low energy dissipation instant-on nonvolatile systems.
Analysis of Interobserver Scoring Patterns in Porotic Hyperostosis and Cribra Orbitalia

The role of scoring standards has become increasingly important during the last ten years because of issues such as reburial and comparability of data among researchers. The present study considered the efficacy of a proposed standard for porotic hyperostosis and cribra orbitalia, two of the most commonly evaluated pathologies in skeletal analysis. Twenty scorers with varying experience in bioarchaeology and five scorers with no experience in bioarchaeology evaluated 21 partial skulls for three characteristics: presence of pathology, appearance of porosities, and degree of healing. Participants showed good levels of agreement (>80%) when a lesion was considered present, but most scorers never agreed that a specimen was free of pathology when, in fact, it was. Greater variation was seen in evaluation of porosity size among those cranial fragments with lesions. Determination of degree of healing showed even more diversity with 19 of 21 cases having all scoring options given. Level of experience did not appear to make a difference with respect to level of agreement. Virtually the same pattern of results was seen among the five individuals with no familiarity with porotic hyperostosis or cribra orbitalia but with some biological training. These findings suggest that further refinement, especially in the area of photographs and descriptions illustrating minimum and maximum representations of various scoring levels, are necessary to produce scoring standards for porotic hyperostosis and cribra orbitalia that are effective and reliable. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Iron-Induced Myocardial and Hepatic Lysosomal Abnormalities in the Guinea Pig*

The guinea pig model of iron overload, described in the preceding article, was used to investigate the mechanism of excess iron toxicity in hepatic and cardiac tissues. Effects of iron overload on both lysosomal membrane fragility and membrane peroxidation were studied. The free activity of selected myocardial and hepatic lysosomal enzymes, in addition to serum activity, was measured in guinea pigs treated with iron dextran (0.25, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 g Fe/kg body weight); controls received dextran. Levels of malondialdehyde were also determined in whole homogenates of heart and liver in animals loaded with 0.5 and 1.5 g Fe/kg of iron dextran. Results indicated that the free activity of hepatic glucosaminidase (p < 0.05) and β-glucuronidase (p < 0.05) were significantly elevated at all levels of iron loading; hepatic acid phosphatase was increased at all but the lowest iron dose. Similarly, increased serum glucosaminidase activity was observed (p < 0.01) at all dose levels. When compared to pooled controls, ...
Cd44: a marker of squamous differentiation in adenosquamous neoplasms.

noma, were consistent with respect to both extent and intensity of staining. Staining in lymph nodes was similar to that in the primary tumors, with well-differentiated squamous foci being consistently positive, well-differentiated mucin-producing adenocarcinoma foci consistently negative, and poorly differentiated foci showing variable staining. Although staining was less intense with the variants, it followed the same staining pattern as found for CD44(s). No differences in the extent or intensity of staining were identified in the metastatic versus primary tumor foci, nor was any difference identified between superficial and deeply invasive areas of primary tumors. Conclusions.—Our study shows that CD44(s) and its variants are good markers of squamous epithelial differentiation in several types of normal epithelium and tumors, and that these markers can identify areas of well- to moderately differentiated elements in adenosquamous neoplasms. However, poorly differentiated tumors show an inconsistent staining pattern with CD44, such that it cannot be used as a reliable and practical marker of squamous differentiation in poorly differentiated neoplasms. (Arch Pathol Lab Med. 2000;124:212‐215)
Hispanic Parents' Perspectives and Participation in Their Children's Special Education Program: Comparisons by Program and Race.

This study investigated the attitudes, satisfaction and participation in their children's special education program of Hispanic parents with handicapped children. Comparisons were made between parents with children in programs for the learning handicapped (LH) and in other program categories. In addition, cross-study racial and program comparisons were conducted. Although no significant differences were found between Hispanic subcategories, several differences between racial groups are reported. Parents of Hispanic LH students did not participate as actively in the IEP and assessment processes as did LH parents in general or white parents. The consequences of cultural variations for the definition of “participation” and their implication for schools are discussed.
A view from industry: The foundations of future commercial support and a call for action

Based on a model of industry support that aligns with the emerging performance-improvement approach to continuing medical education (CME), a call to action is made for the transformation of commercial support. Today, commercial support, like the CME profession, is linked largely to educational activities of far less value to patients than the model now emerging to address professional practice gaps. The new model could help ameliorate lingering concerns about the presence of commercial support, but it also will require fundamental changes in perspective and procedures by both industry and CME providers.
Performance of soft feedback equalization over magnetic recording channels

Several new results of soft feedback equalization (SFE) algorithm are presented: an interpretation of its different performance on different recording channels, a more comprehensive study of its performance over longitudinal channels, especially channels with jitter noise and the fact that there is a potential performance gain by lowering the coding rate for jitter dominant channels.
Inflammatory Mechanisms in Obesity

The modern rise in obesity and its strong association with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes have elicited interest in the underlying mechanisms of these pathologies. The discovery that obesity itself results in an inflammatory state in metabolic tissues ushered in a research field that examines the inflammatory mechanisms in obesity. Here, we summarize the unique features of this metabolic inflammatory state, termed metaflammation and defined as low-grade, chronic inflammation orchestrated by metabolic cells in response to excess nutrients and energy. We explore the effects of such inflammation in metabolic tissues including adipose, liver, muscle, pancreas, and brain and its contribution to insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction. Another area in which many unknowns still exist is the origin or mechanism of initiation of inflammatory signaling in obesity. We discuss signals or triggers to the inflammatory response, including the possibility of endoplasmic reticulum stress as an important contributor to metaflammation. Finally, we examine anti-inflammatory therapies for their potential in the treatment of obesity-related insulin resistance and glucose intolerance.
Fully Modified VAR Inference in Partially Nonstationary Models

To test for the number of cointegrating relationships among multivariate time series, the likelihood ratio (LR) test for ranks is commonly used. The distribution of the LR test in partially nonstationary models is nonstandard and nonsymmetric in the presence of non-iid errors. In contrast we show that, under less restrictive assumptions on the errors, the fully modified (FM), VAR rank test has a x2 distribution for the null of cointegration but is degenerate for the null of no cointegration, unlike its LR counterpart which is well defined for both nulls. It turns out that augmenting the VAR by an exogenous I (0) variable solves the degeneracy problem. The procedure can also be applied to testing for Granger-Causality and is, in fact, a generalization of Toda-Yamamoto=D5s (1995) procedure of augmenting the VAR with additional lagged I (1) variables. Unlike Toda-Yamamoto=D5s approach, our FM tests do not require knowledge of the number of lagged variables in the VAR nor does it require errors to be iid.
Effect of Glass Additions on the Indentation‐Strength Behavior of Alumina

The effect of small calcium aluminosilicate (CAS) glass additions on the microstructure and flaw tolerance of alumina ceramics is investigated, and the results compared to a high-purity alumina. The high-purity alumina specimens were dense with microstructures consisting of a uniform grain size distribution and equiaxed grain morphology. Additions of only 1 wt% glass phase resulted in a bimodal grain size distribution containing large, elongated grains within a fine-grain matrix. Indentation-strength tests indicated enhanced flaw tolerance with the bimodal microstructure, even though both materials had nominally the same average grain size. The strength of unindented specimens was also observed to decrease with glass additions. Observations of crack paths show a greater propensity for bridging in the glass-containing alumina due to the presence of coarse, elongated grains and perhaps a lower grain boundary toughness. However, crack extension occurs transgranularly when the size of the coarsest grains becomes too large. This suggests that an optimum in flaw tolerance will be achieved with an elongated grain morphology and intermediate grain size.
Some Determinants of Corporate Risk Aversion

In this paper we roughly quantify the degree of risk aversion induced by three rationales for corporate risk management: the cost of financial distress, costly external finance, and the principal-agent relationship between shareholders and management. In so doing, we provide a foundation for the use of corporate utility functions. However, we are unable to fully support the degree of risk aversion reported in the decision analysis literature. Specifically, financial distress and costly external finance appear to induce relatively little risk aversion, while principal-agent concerns lend only partial support to published corporate risk tolerance guidelines.
A review of high-dose statin therapy: targeting cholesterol and inflammation in atherosclerosis

Lipid lowering with 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors or 'statins' has dramatically reduced morbidity and mortality in patients with established cardiovascular disease. Recently, there have been multiple studies investigating the role of high-dose statin therapy with more aggressive lipid lowering in this setting. Concomitantly, there is increasing evidence implicating a role of inflammation in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. These high-dose statin trials and other studies have also provided a wealth of data suggesting that statins have anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties that go beyond their lipid-lowering effects. In this review, we will provide a brief overview of recent, large-scale, randomized, placebo and active controlled trials of high-dose statin therapy in the setting of stable and unstable coronary artery disease and percutaneous coronary intervention. Further, we will discuss the evidence for effects of high-dose statin therapy on inflammation and C-reactive protein.
State vector estimation of high dimensional systems based on functional spline operators

An estimation procedure based on the functional spline interpolation for dealing with high-dimensional bilinear dynamical models is described. At first, the nonlinear dynamics of a given system is transformed through Carleman bilinearization into a bilinear form. Decoupled bilinear models are then constructed, with input-output mappings expressible in closed form and with dimension determined by the number of training signals used in a prior learning stage. Motivation is given by the need for order reduction and input-output analysis of Carleman bilinearization. An illustration of the technique is made to a forced version of Duffing's equation and merits and eventual extension of the procedure are also highlighted. >
Modal, ray, and beam techniques for analyzing the EM scattering by open-ended waveguide cavities

The problem of high-frequency electromagnetic scattering by open-ended waveguide cavities with an interior termination is analyzed via three different approaches. When cavities can be adequately modeled by joining together piecewise separable waveguide sections, a hybrid combination of asymptotic high-frequency and modal techniques is employed. In the case of more arbitrarily shaped waveguide cavities for which modes cannot even be defined in the conventional sense, the geometrical optics ray approach proves to be highly useful. However, at sufficiently high frequencies, both of these approaches tend to become inefficient; hence, a paraxial Gaussian beam technique, which retains much of the simplicity of the ray approximation but is potentially more efficient, is investigated. Typical numerical results based on the different approaches are discussed. >
A naturalistic study of suicidal adolescents treated with an SSRI: suicidal ideation and behavior during 3-month post-hospitalization period.

Objective Describe suicidal ideation and suicide related/other emergencies (SRE), among depressed and acutely suicidal adolescents during a 3-month period following psychiatric hospitalization.
Multi-chip modules for digital, analog and optical applications

MCMs offer an effective approach for the implementation of mixed signal and electro-optical circuits. The paper describes MCM types (-L, -C, and -D), discuss cost-performance trade-off, and the design methodology for analog and digital MCM circuits. Significant performance improvements attributed to the MCM embodiment were observed in the digital and microwave circuits of a MCM-D direct digital synthesis (DDS)/single sideband (SSB) upconverter when the number of interfaces and associated parasitic effects were reduced.
Enabling Technologies and Design Values for Building the Real World Web

The notions of ubiquitous computing and networking, and the increasing availability of compact, low power sensing technolo- gies naturally lead to the idea that we can expect to see large numbers of sensors embedded in the fabric of our everyday lives and that these could form a "Real World Web" of real-time data sources about our world. Implications for e-Research include sharing of real-time data from scientific instruments and aggregation of many types of information to answer complex questions as they arise. The World Wide Web was made possible through a combination of the increasing availability of the Internet, simple network protocols, and open content and delivery standards. The Real World Web can only grow and become self-sustaining if we pay attention to these same core design values of simplicity and openness. Recent developments in cloud computing and in Web 2.0 technologies and design stances provide enablers from which to build the Real World Web, but in addition, require a shift in thinking away from a classical Web services and layered standards model. This paper explores these issues and the role of the Real World Web as a paradigm for sharing instruments, sen- sors and other real-time data sources in e-Research collaborations.
An efficient algorithm for real time collision detection involving a continuum manipulator with multiple uniform-curvature sections

A continuum manipulator, such as a multisection trunk/tentacle robot, performs manipulation tasks by continuously deforming into different concave shapes. While such a robot is promising for manipulating a wide range of objects in less-structured and cluttered environments, it poses a greater challenge to collision detection than conventional, articulated manipulators. Existing collision detection algorithms are built upon intersection checking between convex primitives, such as between two convex polygons or polyhedra, with the assumption that both the manipulator and the objects in the environment are modeled in terms of those primitives, for example, as polygonal meshes. However, to approximate a continuum manipulator with a polygonal mesh requires a fine mesh because of its concavity, and each time the manipulator changes its configuration by deforming its shape, the mesh has to be updated for the new configuration. This makes mesh-based collision detection involving such a robot much more computationally expensive than that involving an articulated manipulator with rigid links.Hence, we introduce an efficient algorithm for Collision Detection between a Continuum Manipulator (CD-CoM) and its environment based on analytical intersection checking with nonconvex primitives. Our algorithm applies to the exact model of any continuum manipulator consisting of multiple uniform-curvature sections of toroidal and (sometimes) cylindrical shapes as well as more general continuum manipulators whose sections can be approximated by toroidal and cylindrical primitives. Our test results show that using this algorithm is both more accurate and efficient in time and space to detect collisions than approximating a continuum manipulator as a polygonal mesh. Moreover, the CD-CoM algorithm also provides the minimum distance information between the continuum manipulator and objects when there is no collision. Such an efficient algorithm is essential for path/trajectory planning of continuum manipulators in real-time.
A directional image decomposition for ultra-wideband SAR

This paper presents a theoretical analysis of the structure of wide angle, ultra-wideband SAR images formed by a constant integration angle backprojection image former. It is shown that the effects of the image former can be modeled as a filtering operation on the original data. Furthermore, SAR images for different squint angles can be obtained from the original images by directional filtering. As a result, it is shown that perfect reconstructing directional filterbanks can be used as a unitary transform between SAR images and a 3-D representation containing additional aspect-angle information. It is demonstrated, how this new representation can be used to enhance targets.
Templated Assembly of Metal-Anion Arrays within Layered Hosts; Synthesis and Characterization of New Transition-Metal Oxyhalide Perovskites

Ion exchange of Dion-Jacobson-type double- and triple-layered perovskites with divalent transition-metal halides leads to the templated assembly of metal-anion layers. A whole series of compounds of the form (MCl)LaNb2O7 (M = V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Cu) and (CuCl)Ln2Ti2NbO10 (Ln = Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu) have been prepared. Additionally, a new series of host compounds is being developed to exploit this exchange chemistry; the new oxyfluorides, RbLnTiNbO6F (Ln = La, Pr, Nd) and RbLaM′NbO6F (M′ = V4+, Mn4+, Nb4+, Mo4+), have been prepared by a direct route.
36. What Factors Increase Risk of Onset or Persistent Severe Foot Pain in a Population Study

productivity loss measures and the correlation between these 5 measures were moderate. The latter probably reflecting differences in concepts, recall periods, and references used in these measures. The moderate association between the global at-work productivity measures and VAS general well-being suggests that the impact of arthritis on work is only partly captured by generic health measures. Disclosure statement: The authors have declared no conflicts of interest.
Using Perceived Self-efficacy to Improve Fatigue and Fatigability In Postsurgical Lung Cancer Patients: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background Fatigue remains a prevalent and debilitating symptom in persons with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Exercise has been shown to be effective in reducing fatigue, yet interventions are limited for postsurgical NSCLC patients. To date, while surgery is offered as a standard curative treatment for NSCLC, no formal guidelines exist for postsurgical rehabilitation. Objective This study focuses on the design and testing of a postsurgical intervention for NSCLC patients to promote perceived self-efficacy for fatigue self-management targeting cancer-related fatigue (CRF) severity and its associated fatigability through exercise. Methods A 2-arm randomized controlled trial was used to examine the impact of a 6-week rehabilitative CRF self-management exercise intervention on 37 NSCLC participants compared with 35 control group participants receiving usual care from diagnosis to 6 weeks' postsurgical hospital discharge. Results We exceeded goals for recruitment (66%), retention (97%), adherence (93%), and acceptability. Our 6-week exercise intervention demonstrated preliminary efficacy in significantly reducing CRF severity and fatigability as compared with usual care, with mean CRF levels restored to levels lower than presurgery. Likewise, the exercise group's functional performance (physical and mental health scores) exceeded usual care. Furthermore, no adverse events were reported; participants had a mean age of 67 years and a mean of 8 comorbid conditions. Conclusions An exercise intervention for postsurgical NSCLC patients is feasible, safe, and highly acceptable showing positive changes in CRF self-management. Implications for practice To advance practice, testing of the effectiveness of this health-promoting self-management exercise intervention in a larger-scale randomized controlled trial is needed.
Research and Implementation of Agent-based Information and Network Security Isolation Device

To satisfy the security demand of electric power enterprise business,an implementation solution of agent-based information and network security isolation device is proposed by combining the network topology and the application architecture of electric power enterprises.This solution is to securely exchange information with a self-designed hardware device and its in-line SQL security engine,which can monitor the information flow between the intranet and the extranet of electric power enterprises and prevent hijack attacks from the extranet.
Tuberculosis, AIDS, and i.v. drug abuse.

The number of tuberculosis cases reported has begun to rise. This rise in the number of cases may be due to HIV infection, particularly among intravenous drug abusers.
Clinical Application of Electronic Bladder Stimulation in Paraplegics

Ten patients have received bladder stimulators in a clinical trial to reduce urologic complications of neuropathic bladders. Preoperative evaluation and surgical techniques are discussed. Several patients void with the stimulator, and maintain low residual urine and a reduced incidence of infection. Two patients are total failures and 1 is in the early postoperative period. The physiological mechanisms involved are discussed. Additional investigation is needed for a means to deliver the stimulus to a more precise localization. Further clinical trials are warranted.
The AMC: The Formal and Informal Organization

Leadership is critical to success of Academic Medical Centers (AMCs), and poor leadership can paralyze these organizations for decades. We outline a variety of structural features that make these organizations complex and daunting. The situation is made more complicated by the fact that the leaders of the AMCs often begin with little experience in running them, and the skills that get them the job are not the same skills they need to succeed. This chapter outlines the most fundamental concepts in understanding this complex organization. It simplifies the terrain by suggesting that you can view the AMC simply as a group. Accordingly, the leader is valued if he or she helps the group survive and prosper, and the group itself has built in mechanisms of governance for the leader to exploit. They include vertical hierarchies, compensation systems, and culture, the spoken and unspoken rules and customs that govern behavior. Hierarchies and compensation systems have strengths but also weaknesses. Culture is probably the most important governance system, even if it is often the most overlooked, because it reveals the informal organization. If you learn how to use it, you can become a transformational leader and accomplish more than anyone relying just on the vertical hierarchies and compensation system alone.
Cues to action in prostate cancer screening.

Purposes/objectives To describe factors that cue men of all ages to participate in prostate cancer screening programs and to explore the relationship of age to the rating of the cues. Design Exploratory survey. Setting A large community prostate cancer screening program in the Midwest. Sample 127 men (mean = 66.3 years of age) who participated in community prostate screening. Methods Subjects completed and returned by mail the 13-item Prostate Screening Follow-Up Questionnaire developed, piloted, and refined by the investigator for measuring the rating of the cues to action. Main outcome measures Results of the rating of each cue to action, selected demographic variables, and comparison of the cue ratings by age group. Findings Appointment scheduling, reminder cards, a friend/family member with cancer, and newspaper promotion were perceived by the sample as most influential in their decision to have prostate cancer screening. No practical significant differences in cue ratings were found between the two age groups: 70 years of age and older and less than 70 years of age. Conclusion Reminder cards, specific appointments, and newspaper promotion should be used when structuring community prostate cancer screening programs. Men who have a friend or family member with cancer may be more likely to participate in screening activities. Implications for nursing practice By incorporating influential cues to action into their everyday practice, nurses can be instrumental in reaching the population of men who are at risk for prostate cancer. Strategies for promoting prostate cancer screening should include: educating patients and family members about prostate cancer screening guidelines, using specific influential promotional practices when setting up prostate screening programs, and networking with seniors programs in the community.
Estimating total discharged volume in uncontrolled oil wells

Abstract This paper presents a practical oil-spill risk assessment method. The basis of this method is constituted by modeling the physical fluid-flow phenomenon from the reservoir to discharge point and accounting for distribution of uncertainties of various independent variables. Our model couples the gas/oil two-phase flow in a wellbore with a reservoir in deepwater settings. Unsteady-state reservoir depletion coupled with changes in flow patterns in the wellbore are implicit in this analytical modeling approach. We validated the model with various published results related to Gulf of Mexico's Macondo oil spill in a probabilistic frame. Overall, combining the physical model with distributions of uncertain parameters enabled us to depict the risk picture of the uncontrolled wellbore flow events. This approach led to volumetric estimation of the spilled volume. The statistical design of experiments aided in the analysis of the discharged volume range assessed by others in the Macondo case study. The results suggest that good agreement is in hand when compared with the previous deterministic solutions.