cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The observational properties of the ZZ Ceti stars

The ZZ Ceti stars are the pulsating white dwarfs lying within an instability strip on the white dwarf cooling sequence with edges at B-V colors of +0,16 and +0.29. A total of 13 confirmed ZZ Ceti stars have now been found, and all have DA spectral types, all have temperatures between 10500K and 13500K, and all have gravities between log g of 7.8 and 8.1. These properties, like all the properties of the ZZ Ceti stars, are normal for white dwarfs. Indeed, since both pulsating and non pulsating white dwarfs can be found within the instability strip, at present there is no way to distinguish observationally a pulsator from a non-pulsator other than by the immediate fact of its variability. All of the ZZ Ceti stars are multi-periodic with, in the case of HL Tau-76, more than 20 periods being simultaneously present in the light curve. The periods are always very long, ranging from 100 to 1200 seconds. In at least one variable, R548, the pulsation periods are exceptionally stable, with the upper limit on the rate of change of the periods being |p| < 10−12, but in other variables the periods appear to change on time scales as short as a few hours. All recent models for the variability of ZZ Ceti stars have invoked nonradial, g-mode pulsations. Qualitatively, the g-mode pulsations easily account for the length of the observed periods and for the occasional close spacing of the periods. While the g-mode interpretation is certainly at least partially correct, the light curve of the ZZ Ceti star GD 154 suggests that other complicating factors are at work. Although it too is multi-periodic, GD 154 has only one strong period, 1186 seconds. This period is so long that if it is a 'g-mode, it must be a high overtone, k ≈ 20-30. Thus, GD 154 seems to have been excited in a single high overtone. It has not been clearly demonstrated that a white dwarf can be excited in such a high overtone without exciting other overtones as well.
Informed Investors and the Financing of Entrepreneurial Projects

We consider a model of the financing of a small-business venture in which it is presumed that outside investors have greater expertise in project evaluation than the entrepreneur. We show that entrepreneurs and investors may restrict themselves to debt and junior equity (call option) contracts without loss of efficiency. A "pecking order" for new ventures is demonstrated, in which entrepreneurs prefer to be financed by junior equity rather than by debt. In addition, the model correctly predicts that large and successful venture-capital firms are likelier to hold debt stakes and makes untested predictions about the lending patterns of specialist banks.
From Optimistic Policies to Pessimistic Outcomes: Why Won't Boot Camps Either Succeed Pragmatically or Succumb Politically?.

Abstract Although much of the evaluation research conducted to date on correctional boot camps has produced less-than-favorable results, unimpressive outcomes do not appear to have had a significant impact on their steadfast endurance. To some extent, this may be a reflection of the basic reality that correctional practices have not traditionally been strongly influenced by empirical research. Yet, in this era of public accountability, fiscal constraints, and demands to identify “what works,” similarly consistent findings might well have sounded the death knell for less notable correctional interventions. Why have boot camps been spared? Addressing this question calls for an analysis of the policy-making process itself, since the untimely endurance of a popular initiative may have more to do with the conditions promoting its acceptance than the conclusions discouraging its continuance. Probing boot camps from the perspective of the public policy process-ranging from conceptualization to formulation, imple...
A mathematical modeling approach to quantify the role of phlebotomy losses and need for transfusions in neonatal anemia.

BACKGROUND: Very preterm infants commonly develop anemia requiring multiple red blood cell transfusions (RBCTx). This is in part attributable to heavy laboratory phlebotomy loss. Quantification of the extent to which laboratory blood loss contributes to anemia sufficient to prompt RBCTx has not been examined. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Twenty-six preterm infants weighing less than 1500 g at birth requiring ventilator support who received one or more RBCTx were intensively studied during the first month of life. Hemoglobin (Hb) loss via laboratory blood loss and RBC senescence and Hb gain from RBCTx were precisely accounted for in a Hb mass balance mathematical model developed to assess the impact of phlebotomy on RBCTx when restrictive RBCTx criteria were applied. RESULTS: Study subjects had a birth weight of 880 ± 240 g (mean ± SD) and a Hb level of 14.4 ± 2.4 g/dL at birth and received 3.81 ± 2.15 RBCTx during the study period. Modeling indicated that even with the total elimination of laboratory phlebotomy loss, a reduction of 41% to 48% in RBCTx was achievable. CONCLUSION: The present modeling results indicate that while phlebotomy reduction can significantly decrease the number of RBCTx administered to preterm infants, total elimination of all RBCTx will likely require other approaches, for example, stimulation of erythropoiesis with erythropoiesis-stimulating agents.
Substance use patterns among high-risk American Indians/Alaska Natives in Los Angeles County.

Background: Substance abuse among American Indians/Alaska Natives (AI/ANs) is a significant and long-standing health problem in the U.S. Two-thirds of American AIs/ANs reside in the urban setting. However, studies analyzing substance use characteristics among urban AI/ANs are very limited. Methods:Substance use patterns among a sample of AI/ANs (n = 77) and other ethnic/racial groups in Los Angeles County at high risk of substance abuse were analyzed utilizing three datasets from programs targeting individuals at high risk for substance abuse and risky sexual behaviors. Results:Compared to all other ethnic/racial groups, AI/ANs demonstrated significantly younger age of onset of alcohol, marijuana, methamphetamine, and "other" drug use, higher correlations of age of first use of amphetamine with a measure of the drug's reinforcement, and higher mean number of illicit drug injections in the 30 days before being interviewed. Conclusions:Results from this study highlight a critical need for furthering our understanding of substance abuse problems among urban AI/ANs.(Am J Addict 2012;00:1-8). Language: en
Dynamics in Ceramics

Ionic conductors play an important role in batteries and fuel cells. But little is known about how anions such as oxide ions (O) move through a solid. In his Perspective, [Stebbins][1] highlights the report of [Kim and Grey][2], who use solid state Nuclear Magnetic Resonance to show that oxygen vacancies promote diffusive motion in an ionic conductive ceramic. [1]: http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/full/297/5585/1285 [2]: http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/short/297/5585/1317
Evaluation of the efficiency of Pd/H2 -catalyzed benzylic H/D exchange of dehydroabietinal with D(2) O and synthesis of a tritium-labeled analogue.

Dehydroabietinal (DA) has been identified as an important signaling molecule in systemic acquired resistance in plants. Deuterium and tritium-labeled DA were synthesized to confirm its role in signaling and to further elucidate the mechanism by which DA induces systemic acquired resistance. Pd/H2 -catalyzed exchange of benzylic hydrogen atoms of DA with (2) H-H2 O or (3) H-H2 O was conducted with >97% label incorporation for (2) H-DA and a specific activity of 12.6 mCi/mmol for (3) H-DA synthesized from 90 mCi/mmol (3) H-H2 O. The extent of deuterium labeling at each benzylic position was determined via an inverse-gated (13) C NMR experiment. C7 and C15 were 87% and 81% labeled, respectively. Isotope-induced chemical shift changes at C6 were used to approximate the amount of singly (66%) and doubly (17%) labeled (2) H-DA at C7. Results also indicated that two of the three benzylic protons in DA underwent facile exchange. Exchange at the remaining position was likely hampered by steric interactions of nearby methyl groups at the surface of the Pd catalyst.
Transverse dimension and long-term stability

This article emphasizes the critical importance of the skeletal differential between the width of the maxilla and the width of the mandible. Undiagnosed transverse discrepancy leads to adverse periodontal response, unstable dental camouflage, and less than optimal dentofacial esthetics. Hundreds of adult retreatment patients corrected for significant maxillary transverse deficiency using surgically assisted maxillary expansion (similar to osseous distraction) has produced excellent stability. Eliciting tooth movement for children (orthopedics, lip bumper, Cetlin plate) in all three planes of space by muscles, eruption, and growth, develops the broader arch form (without the mechanical forces of fixed or removable appliances) and has also demonstrated impressive long term stability.
Moromycins A and B, Isolation and Structure Elucidation of C-Glycosylangucycline-Type Antibiotics from Streptomyces sp. KY002

Two new anticancer antibiotics of the angucycline class, moromycins A and B (1, 2), along with the known microbial metabolites saquayamycin B (3) and fridamycin D (4) were isolated from the ethyl acetate extract of a culture broth of the terrestrial Streptomyces sp. KY002. The structures consist of a tetrangomycin core and various C- and O-glycosidically linked deoxysugars. The chemical structures of the new secondary metabolites were elucidated by 1D and 2D NMR and by mass spectrometry. Moromycin B (2) showed significant cytotoxicity against H-460 human lung cancer and MCF-7 human breast cancer cells.
PIK3CA mutations in small bowel adenocarcinoma.

Aims and background PIK3CA mutations involving exons 9 and 20 are among the most common aberrations seen in human malignancies. The identification of PIK3CA mutations in small bowel adenocarcinoma (SBA) is sparse. There is some evidence that tumors with this mutation may be a good target for inhibitors of the PI3K pathway. Case report We report an exon 9 (G1624A: E542K) hot spot mutation in a 69-year-old man with sporadic jejunal cancer (T3, N1). A systemic search was made for other reports using Medline/Embase along with Sangers Institute Cancer Genome Project database. We analyzed and describe this mutation in these patients, including one of ours. Results and conclusion A total of 8 tumor samples with confirmed somatic mutations out of a total of 86 samples were noted: rate 9.3% (95% confidence interval 4.5% to 17.5%). Overall, PIK3CA mutations were more common in duodenum (62.5%) and located most commonly on exon 9. The significance of PIK3CA mutation in SBA is unclear. Further studies on mutation analysis in larger cohorts with SBA are in order to identify and confirm relationships between these mutations and various clinical and pathologic variables such as age, lymph node status, distant metastasis, stage, and progression-free survival and association with other gene mutations.
A Francisella tularensis Live Vaccine Strain That Improves Stimulation of Antigen-Presenting Cells Does Not Enhance Vaccine Efficacy

Vaccination is a proven strategy to mitigate morbidity and mortality of infectious diseases. The methodology of identifying and testing new vaccine candidates could be improved with rational design and in vitro testing prior to animal experimentation. The tularemia vaccine, Francisella tularensis live vaccine strain (LVS), does not elicit complete protection against lethal challenge with a virulent type A Francisella strain. One factor that may contribute to this poor performance is limited stimulation of antigen-presenting cells. In this study, we examined whether the interaction of genetically modified LVS strains with human antigen-presenting cells correlated with effectiveness as tularemia vaccine candidates. Human dendritic cells infected with wild-type LVS secrete low levels of proinflammatory cytokines, fail to upregulate costimulatory molecules, and activate human T cells poorly in vitro. One LVS mutant, strain 13B47, stimulated higher levels of proinflammatory cytokines from dendritic cells and macrophages and increased costimulatory molecule expression on dendritic cells compared to wild type. Additionally, 13B47-infected dendritic cells activated T cells more efficiently than LVS-infected cells. A deletion allele of the same gene in LVS displayed similar in vitro characteristics, but vaccination with this strain did not improve survival after challenge with a virulent Francisella strain. In vivo, this mutant was attenuated for growth and did not stimulate T cell responses in the lung comparable to wild type. Therefore, stimulation of antigen-presenting cells in vitro was improved by genetic modification of LVS, but did not correlate with efficacy against challenge in vivo within this model system.
Dark-rim-free ungated first-pass perfusion CMR with 3-Slice end-systolic imaging: initial experience

Background First-pass perfusion (FPP) cardiac MR (CMR) imaging has been shown to have a high performance for diagnosis of coronary artery disease (CAD). Reliability of FPP imaging, however, is hindered by dark-rim artifacts (DRAs) and the need for near-perfect ECG gating. The latter can be challenging in the presence of arrhythmias or heart-rate variations during stress. Moreover, endsystolic (ES) imaging has recently been shown to provide improved visualization of subendocardial defects [1]. We developed an innovative ungated FPP technique capable of simultaneously eliminating DRAs [2,3] and enabling reconstruction of all slices at ES. We hypothesized that the developed method achieves DRA-free imaging and high accuracy in patients with suspected CAD, using nuclear myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) as the reference. Methods Based on the so-called “Ungated Cine FPP” approach [4], a multi-slice magnetization-driven [5-7] method was developed for ungated FPP imaging. Figure 1 highlights the main differences of the proposed pulse sequence compared with the conventional FPP method. All scans were performed on a 3T clinical scanner using an ungated RF-spoiled GRE sequence with continuous golden-angle radial acquisition as in Figure 1b (flip angle = 21°, resolution: 1.7 × 1.7 × 10 mm). The reconstruction method used automatic self-gating and optimally apodized [3] compressed sensing for DRA-free accelerated reconstruction. Normal subjects (n = 6) were studied using both the proposed and conventional methods. Patients (n = 9) with suspected CAD on the basis of recent abnormal SPECT/PET MPI underwent adenosine stress/rest FFP CMR. Three patients returned for a second study using the conventional method. Results The ungated FPP studies in normal subjects were all of high quality and demonstrated normal perfusion. A representative patient study is shown in Figure 2. Stressinduced hypoperfusion was observed in the ES Ungated Cine FPP images, corresponding to a reversible defect on PET MPI (Figure 2b). Figure 2c shows the mid slice for the conventional FPP scan. Based on nuclear MPI studies, sensitivity and specificity of the developed method were 93% and 95%, respectively. The minor disagreements can be explained by the presence of subendocardial defects and possible artifacts on SPECT. All images were reviewed and no DRAs was detected on the Ungated Cine FPP images (2 readers, consensus). However, for the 3 studies using the conventional method, mild-moderate DRA was observed in 21% of the segments. Conclusions Conventional FPP methods are prone to DRAs, require accurate ECG gating, and do not provide the freedom to image all slices at ES. The developed method overcomes these challenges and is an attractive alternative with the advantage of simplicity (no gating), higher accuracy in the subendocardium (no DRAs, ES imaging), and thereby potentially improved reliability. Preliminary results in healthy volunteers and patients with suspected CAD were of high quality and showed high accuracy compared to nuclear MPI.
739-1 Multivessel Supported Coronary Angioplasty in Cardiogenic Shock

Coronary Angioplasty (CA) of the only infarct-related vessel (IRV) in pts with multivessel (MV) Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) and Cardiogenic Shock (CS) has been associated with a poor prognosis. No report exists on multivessel CA in the setting of acute myocardial infarction (MI) with C.S. Eleven consecutive pts (ages 41–77 yrs) with MVCAD and acute MI (anterior in 9: inferior in 2) had percutaneous cardiopulmonary bypass support (PCPS) instituted 30–240 minutes after the onset of C.S. Eight had prior MI, 4 were on balloon pump and 4 had recent cardiac arrest. Ejection fraction (EF) ranged from 11–40% (mean 24.7 ± 3%) and TIMI flow was diminished to grade I or II in 12 of 17 non IRVs. A mean flow rate of 4.0 L/min was achieved with mean BP 6885 mmHg on PCPS prior to CA, which was attempted in 28 vessels (2.5 per ptl with angiographic success in 27 of 28 vessels. All IRV were successfully dilated. Total bypass time ranged from 41–360 min (mean 138 ± 72 min). Four pts died post CA: 2 due to acute closure of IRV, 1 due to CVA and 1 due to sepsis. All 7 survivors are alive at a mean follow-up of 24 ± 6 months, with EF increased to mean 38 ± 5% (p l 0.05). Five pts are functional class I and have required no interventions. Two other pts have required repeat interventions for restenosis. Conclusion PCPS can stabilize pts in CS and facilitate MVCA which may result in improved survival.
Reply to Waltz

Kenneth Waltz claims that I have misunderstood his argument and that he did not say or imply what I attributed to him. I will deal with his points and then offer some concluding reflections. 1. Economics as an independent variable I noted (Review, pp. 691, 693) that the authors under review did not consider economics an "independent variable" in explaining the international system. Waltz correctly regarded "economics" as one important constituent of the power capabilities of nations. But for him the distribution of power is a "system-level" variable and the factors generating that distribution within states (economic growth) are "unit-level" and "reductionist." They might therefore be relevant to a theory of foreign policy but not to a theory of international politics. (More on this below.) In fact, as I showed in the review, the disinclination to deal with unit-level influences or their dismissal is one primary basis of my criticism of his conclusions. His long chapter on economics does not remedy this. It is entitled "Structural Causes and Economic Effects" and merely illustrates the difficulty. Political structure of the system is primary and economics merely an effect-or, in other terms, a dependent variable. 2. Interdependence is low or declining It is possible that Waltz is inconsistent in his view of current interdependence; if so, there may be scattered grounds for his present claim that interdependence "has been rising from the low point reached after World War II." Yet this sentence must be balanced against formulations in Theory of International Politics.
PET reconstruction using sensor fusion techniques: neural network approach

In this paper we propose a neural network approach to PET reconstruction using sensor fusion concepts. A simple method of image fusion is presented in the supervised learning mode of the network where the supervisor signal provides the image information to be integrated with the reconstructed PET image.
Regeneration after acute tubular necrosis.

A 44 year-old woman took six mercuric bichloride tablets (3.0 gm.) and entered the hospital with nausea and abdominal cramps three hours later. Her blood pressure was 86/60. Five hours after the ingestion of the poison, BAL treatment was begun and she was given 2 cc. every four hours for six days, and then 1 cc, every 12 hours for five days. During the first 42 hours the patient had diarrhea, vomited and suffered abdominal cramps. Fifty cc. of urine were passed in the first 24 hours, then none for five days. The urinary output rose slowly for six days to 935 cc. and then fell to an average of 120 cc. until death. The NPN on the second day was 53 mg. per cent rising to 450 on the 28th day. On the 29th day she died, clearances of inulin, creatinine and PAH were infinitesimal on six occasions. [Abbreviations: BAL, British antilewisite or dimercaprol; NPN, nonprotein nitrogen (normal, 22—29mg per cent); PAH, para-aminohippurate.]
Targeted Silencing of Elongation Factor 2 Kinase Suppresses Growth and Sensitizes Tumors to Doxorubicin in an Orthotopic Model of Breast Cancer

Eukaryotic elongation factor 2 kinase (eEF-2K), through its phosphorylation of elongation factor 2 (eEF2), provides a mechanism by which cells can control the rate of the elongation phase of protein synthesis. The activity of eEF-2K is increased in rapidly proliferating malignant cells, is inhibited during mitosis, and may contribute to the promotion of autophagy in response to anti-cancer therapies. The purpose of this study was to examine the therapeutic potential of targeting eEF-2K in breast cancer tumors. Through the systemic administration of liposomal eEF-2K siRNA (twice a week, i.v. 150 µg/kg), the expression of eEF-2K was down-regulated in vivo in an orthotopic xenograft mouse model of a highly aggressive triple negative MDA-MB-231 tumor. This targeting resulted in a substantial decrease in eEF2 phosphorylation in the tumors, and led to the inhibition of tumor growth, the induction of apoptosis and the sensitization of tumors to the chemotherapy agent doxorubicin. eEF-2K down-modulation in vitro resulted in a decrease in the expression of c-Myc and cyclin D1 with a concomitant increase in the expression of p27Kip1. A decrease in the basal activity of c-Src (phospho-Tyr-416), focal adhesion kinase (phospho-Tyr-397), and Akt (phospho-Ser-473) was also detected following eEF-2K down-regulation in MDA-MB-231 cells, as determined by Western blotting. Where tested, similar results were seen in ER-positive MCF-7 cells. These effects were also accompanied by a decrease in the observed invasive phenotype of the MDA-MB-231 cells. These data support the notion that the disruption of eEF-2K expression in breast cancer cells results in the down-regulation of signaling pathways affecting growth, survival and resistance and has potential as a therapeutic approach for the treatment of breast cancer.
Electrospun Polyimide Nanocomposite Fibers Reinforced with Core−Shell Fe-FeO Nanoparticles

Both pure polyimide (PI) and Fe-FeO nanoparticles reinforced PI nanocomposite fibers with a particle loading of 5, 10, 20, and 30 wt % are produced by electrospinning with optimized operational parameters such as polymer concentration, applied electrical voltage, and tip-to-collector distance. The morphology of the resulting products is correlated to the corresponding rheological behaviors of the pure PI and Fe-FeO/PI nanocomposite solutions. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) reveal an enhanced thermal stability of the nanocomposite fibers after introducing the Fe-FeO nanoparticles. The glass transition temperature (Tg) and melting temperature (Tm) of the nanocomposite fibers increase by 10−12 and 15−17 °C, respectively, as compared to those of the pure PI fibers. The magnetic properties of the Fe-FeO nanoparticles in the polymer nanocomposite fibers are different from those of the as-received nanoparticles. An increased shell thickness by 7.4% is deduced after t...
Marketing's influence on manufacturing practices

Abstract This paper investigates a straightforward proposition. If there is to be meaningful coordination between the sales/marketing function and manufacturing, there should be means by which marketing can have an impact on manufacturing practices. This research seeks evidence that marketing does influence the manufacturing practices of companies in four regions of the world. Evidence of such influence is found when marketing participates in the planning of manufacturing activities, sales sets priorities for production of products or changes in production reflect changes in the market place. To see what empirical evidence there might be for this level of involvement, data from the Global Manufacturing Research Group were compiled on forecasting, production planning and shop floor execution. The data contain a sample of manufacturing practices in each of these areas from North America, western Europe, South Korea, and the People's Republic of China. Effective coordination of sales, marketing and manufacturing should involve a marketing presence in all areas right down to the production of the product on the factory floor. The results of the study do not provide a lot of evidence of marketing influence. The presence of marketing is greatest at the forecasting stage, which is not surprising. Forecasts are important components of production planning, but almost no other sales or marketing input is used at this stage. Evidence of marketing's influence is weakest on the shop floor, perhaps at the stage where it is most critical. There are signs that changes do take place in response to sales' needs, and there are differences between the different regions of the world, but they are weak. More understanding of the mechanisms for coordinating sales, marketing and manufacturing is necessary and a specific study to gain a deeper understanding of the realities of the coordination actually practiced today would be valuable.
Abstract 1427: Signal rewiring induced by EWS/FLI-1 in mouse and human mesenchymal stem cells

Translocations involving members of the Ets family of transcription factors are common in prostate cancer and sarcomas, yet their effects on signal rewiring in cancer are unclear. Translocations between EWS and the Ets transcription factor Fli1 are found in Ewing9s sarcoma, an aggressive tumor found in children and young adults. To elucidate the mechanism of transformation by EWS-Fli1, we have developed a novel approach that leverages the advantages of both mouse and human model systems. A knock-in mouse in which a Fli1-cDNA was introduced downstream of the endogenous EWS allele was generated. To our knowledge, this is the first described genetically engineered model in which EWS-Fli1 (EF) can be expressed conditionally from the native EWS promotor. Expression of EF in MEFs and MSCs from this model demonstrates that MSCs tolerate EF expression better than MEFs, consistent with prior data suggesting that MSCs are the likely cell of origin of Ewing9s sarcoma. Ongoing analysis of well-defined MSC subsets may provide additional information regarding the cell of origin. In parallel, we have analyzed the consequences of expression of EF in human MSCs derived from pediatric patients. Deep-sequencing of these human pediatric MSCs (hpMSCs) has identified many novel coding and non-coding transcripts that are specifically upregulated in hpMSCs as a consequence of expression of EF. We have used functional analysis using hMSC and ES cell lines to validate the role of these genes in EWS pathogenesis. Some, but not all of these novel transcripts are also upregulated in mouse MSCs and MEFs that express EF. In summary, a cross-species approach that combines mouse genetics with functional genomics has identified novel targets for ES specific therapeutic development. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1427. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-1427
RNA dimer synthesis using montmorillonite as a catalyst: The role of surface layer charge

Abstract The oligomerisation of activated nucleotides to form RNA is catalyzed by montmorillonite. However, the mechanism of this process and its use as a model for similar prebiotic chemistry is still under investigation. To date, amongst the more than two hundred clay minerals investigated as catalysts, only a few are excellent. We turned our attention to the less efficient catalysts to see how they performed in the synthesis of nucleotide dimers in which a nucleoside and an activated nucleotide produced only linear products of the form MpN. We have found that representative clay minerals, Otay and Chambers specifically, although poor at catalyzing the direct oligomerization of activated nucleotides, are able to promote these dimer syntheses. Sixteen reactions and thirty two products have been studied and found to vary in their outcome. The yields of 2′–5′ and 3′–5′-products were always less than those obtained with the excellent catalyst Volclay®. The results of this research provide a basis for further understanding of the physical processes in the mechanism of this catalysis and suggest that more clay minerals than hitherto expected may have the ability to catalyze RNA synthesis at the dimer level. These results have an important bearing upon the RNA world scenario for the origin of life.
Spatiotemporal wavelet maximum a posteriori estimation for video denoising

We examine one way to extend recently proposed wavelet-based maximum a posteriori estimation rules for image denoising to video. The proposed approach takes into account both spatial and temporal dependencies between wavelet coefficients, and is general enough to incorporate different spherically contoured prior distributions on noiseless coefficients, as well as different spatiotemporal coefficient neighborhoods. Presented extensions of the algorithm have reasonable complexity and are suited to vectorized, convolution-based implementations.
Highlights of the 2004 transcatheter cardiovascular therapeutics (TCT) annual meeting: clinical implications.

In its 16th year, the Transcatheter Cardiovascular Therapeutics (TCT) annual meeting remains one of the largest meetings in interventional cardiology. Live case demonstrations of interventional procedures remain a hallmark of this meeting, where results of several clinical studies and reviews of
1‐Pyrroline: The Odor Component of Strecker‐Degraded Proline and Ornithine

SUMMARY The odor component of proline and ornithine degraded by periodate, isatin, or ninhydrin was identified as 1-pyrroline by means of gas chromatography on three columns, mass spectra, and infrared analysis. Free γ-amino-butanal also yields the same odor component via formation of an internal Schiff base.
EFFECT of LAURIC ACID ADDITION ON the ANTIMICROBIAL EFFICACY and WATER PERMEABILITY of CORN ZEIN FILMS CONTAINING NISIN

The effect of the addition of lauric acid and nisin to corn zein films on the water permeability and inhibition of bacterial growth was examined using two methods. A zone of inhibition test on solid media and a log reduction assay with the film exposed to a bacterial culture (Lactobacillus plantarum) in liquid media (cell count method) for six hours were conducted. The corn zein cast films contained nisin (5.0 mg nisin/g film and lauric acid at 0, 4, and 8% (w/w). The highest level of lauric acid addition (8%) significantly lowered the film water permeability compared to the 4 and 0% levels. The zone of inhibition test on solid media showed no clear inhibitory zones for films containing lauric acid alone, but did produce clear zones for films with nisin with or without lauric acid. Zone size decreased as the level of lauric acid increased or with decreased water permeability. Cell counts in liquid media exposed to film were reduced by the addition of lauric acid alone to the film. The nisin alone and in combination with lauric acid in the film reduced cell numbers in the cell count as well as increased zone size in the zone assay. No additional cell reductions were found when lauric acid and nisin were combined in the films compared to films containing lauric acid alone. Nisin alone was not as effective in reducing cell counts as 8% lauric acid. Log reductions for the nisin only treatment were 2 logs after 1 h and 3 logs after 4 h. However, while the lauric acid only treatment achieved the same ultimate 5.5 log reduction, the 1 and 2 h reductions were 0 and 1 logs, respectively.
Using semantics to process legal document updates

In most information retrieval systems, updates to indexed documents are handled by either adding the new document to the index and incrementing a version field, or by completely replacing the old version by the new version. These approaches work well when the entire document text is updated, but are insufficient to appropriately handle partial updates in amendments that explicitly state what changes are made to legal contracts. We propose here an approach that parses contract amendments to understand how the amendment is altering the original contract and determine the new effective legal contract. This approach uses semantic modeling and rules to indicate the effective contract to information retrieval systems.
Morphine- and ketocyclazocine-induced analgesia in the developing rat: differences due to type of noxious stimulus and body topography

Abstract Patterns of morphine- and ketocyclazocine-induced analgesia in limb withdrawal and tail-flick tests of thermal and mechanical nociception were examined in the preweanling rat. In the forepaw test, morphine was more effective than ketacyclazocine with both thermal and mechanical stimuli. Both drugs first induced analgesia between 3 and 5 days of age. In the tail-flick test, ketocyclazocine-induced analgesia preceded morphine's effects against both thermal and mechanical stimuli by several days. Ketocyclazocine produced robust analgesia between 7 and 10 days of age, while the effects of morphine did not peak until day 14. In the hindpaw, morphine was more effective than ketocyclazocine against a higher intensity mechanical stimulus, while ketocyclazocine was more effective against a lower intensity mechanical stimulus. Morphine-induced analgesia was reversed by lower doses of naloxone than was ketocyclazocine-induced analgesia, regardless of body part tested, against all noxious stimuli. These findings demonstrate differences in morphine- and ketocyclazocine-induced analgesia that are dependent upon age, body topography, stimulus type and intensity and imply different physiologic roles of μ- and χ-opioid receptors in analgesia.
THE IMPACT OF ORDER FULFILLMENT SERVICE ON RETAILER MERCHANDISING DECISIONS IN THE CONSUMER DURABLES INDUSTRY

Historically, manufacturers held the upper hand in consumer goods supply chain relationships. There has been a pervasive shift of power to retailers over the past 20 years, however, ushering in an era of waning consumer loyalty to manufacturers' brands and increasing loyalty to retailers. While there is extensive research focusing on the manufacturer-consumer relationship, retailers' increased ability to influence consumer purchases suggests that manufacturers should understand not only consumer perceptions of delivery service, but also retailer perceptions. We incorporate social network theory to examine the manufacturer-retailer-consumer linkages in the consumer durables industry, with the emphasis on the retailer in the role of the “broker” (Burt 1992). Specifically, we examine whether retailer perceptions of a manufacturer's order fulfillment service (OFS) positively impacts retailer perceptions of the manufacturer's brand, the importance of the product, and the likelihood of the retailers' salespeople to recommend the product to consumers. The research bridges OFS and retailer purchase behavior in a consumer durables industry characterized by high levels of consumer involvement, brand presence, and personal selling.
Effect of thermally induced relaxation on passivity and corrosion of an amorphous Al–Co–Ce alloy

Abstract The corrosion behavior of Al 87 Co 7 Ce 6 alloy was investigated in the amorphous as-quenched, amorphous thermally relaxed, and two partially devitrified conditions using AC and DC electrochemical methods combined with high resolution microscopy in the active dissolution and passivity-local breakdown regimes. The best corrosion resistance was observed after relaxation. Intermediate behavior was observed in a partially devitrified treatment that formed small fcc Al particles and intermetallic phases. Further devitrification decreased the corrosion resistance. The amorphous “relaxed condition”, characterized by EXAFS, is an Al–Co–Ce solid solution with short bond length, high coordination number and reduced free volume compared to the as-quenched amorphous state.
MBE growth and characterization of in situ arsenic doped HgCdTe

We report the results of in situ arsenic doping by molecular beam epitaxy using an elemental arsenic source. Single Hg1−xCdxTe layers of x ∼0.3 were grown at a lower growth temperature of 175°C to increase the arsenic incorporation into the layers. Layers grown at 175°C have shown typical etch pit densities of 2E6 with achievable densities as low as 7E4cm−2. Void defect densities can routinely be achieved at levels below 1000 cm−2. Double crystal x-ray diffraction rocking curves exhibit typical full width at half-maximum values of 23 arcsec indicating high structural quality. Arsenic incorporation into the HgCdTe layers was confirmed using secondary ion mass spectrometry. Isothermal annealing of HgCdTe:As layers at temperatures of either 436 or 300°C results in activation of the arsenic at concentrations ranging from 2E16 to 2E18 cm−3. Theoretical fits to variable temperature Hall measurements indicate that layers are not compensated, with near 100% activation after isothermal anneals at 436 or 300°C. Arsenic activation energies and 77K minority carrier lifetime measurements are consistent with published literature values. SIMS analyses of annealed arsenic doping profiles confirm a low arsenic diffusion coefficient.
Ossifying tumor of infantile kidney report of two cases

Two patients, both male infants, presented with hematuria and were found to have small calcified intrarenal masses interpreted as calculi radiographically. These were found at surgery to be firmly adherent to parenchyma. Dense, stone-like cores, after decalcification, were found to be composed of bone, while the periphery was composed of uniform, undifferentiated cells. We believe these tumors were derived from urothelium rather than the metanephros, and that they represent yet another benign variant of pediatric renal tumors.
Characterization of the transport topology in patient-specific abdominal aortic aneurysm models

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is characterized by disturbed blood flow patterns that are hypothesized to contribute to disease progression. The transport topology in six patient-specific abdominal aortic aneurysms was studied. Velocity data were obtained by image-based computational fluid dynamics modeling, with magnetic resonance imaging providing the necessary simulation parameters. Finite-time Lyapunov exponent (FTLE) fields were computed from the velocity data, and used to identify Lagrangian coherent structures (LCS). The combination of FTLE fields and LCS was used to characterize topological flow features such as separation zones, vortex transport, mixing regions, and flow impingement. These measures offer a novel perspective into AAA flow. It was observed that all aneurysms exhibited coherent vortex formation at the proximal segment of the aneurysm. The evolution of the systolic vortex strongly influences the flow topology in the aneurysm. It was difficult to predict the vortex dynamics from the aneurysm morphology, motivating the application of image-based flow modeling.
Automatic seam tracking in pipeline welding with narrow groove

Automatic welding has been used frequently on pipeline projects. Productivity and reliability are the most essential features of automatic welding system.While the mechanized GMAW process is the most widely used welding process, the carriage and band system is the most effective welding system for pipeline laying. This application-oriented paper introduces a new piece of automatic welding equipment used in the dual tandem welding process for pipeline construction. It is based on cutting-edge design and practical welding physics to maximize productivity. This paper also describes the control system that was designed and implemented for automatic welding equipment. The system has the self diagnostic function which facilitates maintenance and repairs, and also has the network function via which the welding task data can be transmitted and the welding process data can be monitored. The arc sensor was also developed for a narrow welding groove in order to achieve higher accuracy of seam tracking and fully automatic operation.
Conserved axoneme symmetry altered by a component β-tubulin

Abstract Ninefold microtubule symmetry of the eukaryotic basal body and motile axoneme has been long established [1–3]. In Drosophila , these organelles contain distinct but similar β -tubulin isoforms [4–10]: basal bodies contain only β 1-tubulin, and only β 2-tubulin is used for assembly of sperm axonemes. A single α -tubulin functions throughout spermatogenesis [11,12]. Thus, differences in organelle assembly reside in β -tubulin. We tested the ability of β 1 to function in axonemes and found that β 1 alone could not generate axonemes. Small sequence differences between the two isoforms therefore mediate large differences in assembly capacity, even though these two related organelles have a common evolutionarily ancient architecture. In males with equal β 1 and β 2, β 1 was co-incorporated at equimolar ratio into functional sperm axonemes. When β 1 exceeded β 2, however, axonemes with 10 doublets were produced, an alteration unprecedented in natural phylogeny. Addition of the tenth doublet occurred by a novel mechanism, bypassing the basal body. It has been assumed that the instructions for axoneme morphogenesis reside primarily in the basal body, which normally serves as the axonemal template. Our data reveal that β -tubulin requirements for basal bodies and axonemes are distinct, and that key information for axoneme architecture resides in the axonemal β -tubulin.
Expression of the GDNF receptors Ret and GFRα1 in the developing avian enteric nervous system

The formation of the enteric nervous system (ENS) from neural crest-derived cell precursors requires the growth factor glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and the receptors Ret and GDNF family receptor alpha 1 (GFRα1). We investigated the location(s), the timing, and the extent to which these GDNF receptors appear in the population of crest-derived precursors that form the avian ENS using immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. Sections and whole mounts of embryonic chick gastrointestinal tract were costained with antibodies to the receptors and to HNK-1, a marker for crest-derived cells. Neural crest-derived precursors migrate through the primitive esophagus to colonize the gizzard where an extensive cellular network forms. Ret-immunoreactivity (ir) was found in a network of cells in the gizzard at embryonic day (E)3.5. As development proceeded, Ret-immunoreactive cells appeared at progressively more caudal positions and were present in the colon at E7.5. Costaining with Ret and HNK-1 was performed to determine the number of Ret-immunoreactive cells in the crest-derived population. Ret appeared in some HNK-1 cells in the esophagus and gizzard at embryonic day (E)3.5. During development, the number of crest cells with Ret increased in the ganglia of the gizzard and small intestine. GFRα1-ir was also found in HNK-1 cells in the esophagus at E3.5 but did not appear in the gizzard until E4.5. Surprisingly, the colonizing vanguard of crest-derived cells lacked both Ret- and GFRα-ir. Between E4.5 and E6.5, the fraction of HNK-1-positive cells expressing GFRα1 increased considerably in the foregut. Ret and GFRα1 were coexpressed in many cells at E6.5, and the number of such cells increased as development progressed. In the adult, GFRα1 and Ret were found in the neuropil of enteric ganglia. We conclude that the population of cells expressing the receptors increases during development and persists in the adult, findings that support a neurotrophic role for GDNF in the formation and maintenance of the avian ENS. J. Comp. Neurol. 414:193–211, 1999. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Preface to collected papers on monazite microprobe geochronology

The seven papers collected in this issue of American Mineralogist grew out of presentations made at a special session we convened at the 2002 Geological Society of America Annual Meeting in Denver. At that time, chemical dating of monazite using the electron microprobe was beginning to take off as a tool for high-resolution thermochronology in metamorphic terranes. Papers in the early and mid-1990s, for example by Suzuki and Adachi (1991a, 1991b) and by Montel et al. (1996), had pointed the way toward …
Genetic Background Alters the Severity and Onset of Neuromuscular Disease Caused by the Loss of Ubiquitin-Specific Protease 14 (Usp14)

In this study, we identified and characterized an N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU) induced mutation in Usp14 (nmf375) that leads to adult-onset neurological disease. The nmf375 mutation causes aberrant splicing of Usp14 mRNA, resulting in a 95% reduction in USP14. We previously showed that loss of USP14 in ataxia (axJ) mice results in reduced ubiquitin levels, motor endplate disease, Purkinje cell axonal dystrophy and decreased hippocampal paired pulse facilitation (PPF) during the first 4-6 weeks of life, and early postnatal lethality by two months of age. Although the loss of USP14 is comparable between the nmf375 and axJ mice, the nmf375 mice did not exhibit these axJ developmental abnormalities. However, by 12 weeks of age the nmf375 mutants present with ubiquitin depletion and motor endplate disease, indicating a continual role for USP14-mediated regulation of ubiquitin pools and neuromuscular junction (NMJ) structure in adult mice. The observation that motor endplate disease was only seen after ubiquitin depletion suggests that the preservation of NMJ structure requires the stable maintenance of synaptic ubiquitin pools. Differences in genetic background were shown to affect ubiquitin expression and dramatically alter the phenotypes caused by USP14 deficiency.
Pomegranate sensitizes Tamoxifen action in ER-α positive breast cancer cells

It is estimated that one in eight women will be affected with cancer during their lives, which means over 1 million women worldwide will be diagnosed with breast cancer in the year of 2011. Roughly, 70% of breast cancer will be estrogen receptor-alpha (ER-α) positive. The presence of ER-α is associated with better prognosis and is able to determine if tumors will respond to the estrogen-blocking/ER-antagonist drug Tamoxifen (TAM). However, a significant fraction of ER-positive tumors respond with minimal or no response to TAM. It is unclear why some breast cancer cells resist TAM and how to make these cells respond. Early evidence suggests Pomegranate fruit extracts (PFEs) exhibit an anticancer effect against some cancers. The objective of the study was to determine whether PFEs may able to enhance/sensitize the TAM’s effect in ER-positive MCF-7 breast cancer cells. To test the hypothesis, we determined the effect of PFEs on sensitive and TAM-resistant-MCF-7 cell viability and cell death in the presence or absence of TAM under estrogenic or non-estrogenic culture environment. The present studies demonstrated that PFEs enhance the TAM action in both sensitive and TAM-resistant MCF-7 cells through the inhibition of cell viability (regular or estrogen-induced) by inducing cell-death machinery. Collectively, the results showed for the first time that pomegranate combined with TAM may represent a novel and a powerful approach to enhance and sensitize TAM action.