cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Could lncRNAs be the Missing Links in Control of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Differentiation

Long suspected, recently recognized, and increasingly studied, non protein-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are emerging as key drivers of biological control and pathology. Since their discovery in 1993, microRNAs (miRNAs) have been the subject of intense research focus and investigations have revealed striking findings, establishing that these molecules can exert a substantial level of biological control in numerous tissues. More recently, long ncRNAs (lncRNAs), the lesser-studied siblings of miRNA, have been suggested to have a similar robust role in developmental and adult tissue regulation. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are an important source of multipotent cells for normal and therapeutic tissue repair. Much is known about the critical role of miRNAs in biogenesis and differentiation of MSCs however; recent studies have suggested lncRNAs may play an equally important role in the regulation of these cells. Here we highlight the role of lncRNAs in the regulation of mesenchymal stem cell lineages including adipocytes, chondrocytes, myoblasts, and osteoblasts. In addition, the potential for these noncoding RNAs to be used as biomarkers for disease or therapeutic targets is also discussed.
Healthcare underutilization in overweight Mexican Americans with chronic pain

Purpose – To determine healthcare utilization issues for low-income Hispanic immigrants who have both excess weight and chronic pain. Design/methodology/approach – Community health workers conducted at-home interviews with 101 middle-aged and older Mexican Americans (aged 40-79 years, M=52.1±8.8) associated with a community agency in southern California to evaluate healthcare underutilization and reported reasons for not using medical or pharmaceutical care. Findings – Almost all participants (91 percent) reported having received at least some medical care in the year preceding the study interview. However, at some point during the prior year, 62 percent had not seen a doctor when it was needed and 45 percent had not taken a prescribed medication. While the primary reason for underutilization was financial, communication, and trust reasons were also reported. Research limitations/implications – Although cross-sectional and geographically restricted, this study lays the foundation for additional research o...
Importance and origin of halosteric contribution to sea level change in the southeast Indian Ocean during 2005–2013

Steric sea level change has been identified as one of the major contributors to the regional variability of sea level trends observed by satellite altimetry for the past two decades. This contribution varies in space and time. The temperature (thermosteric) contribution to sea level has generally been found to be more important than the salinity (halosteric) effect. Based on sea level measurements from satellite altimetry and temperature and salinity data from Argo floats during 2005–2013, we found that the southeast Indian Ocean experiences a large halosteric contribution to sea level change. The conspicuously large halosteric contribution is associated with a freshening in the upper 300 m. Neither local atmospheric forcing such as Ekman pumping and E − P nor halosteric signal transmitted from the western tropical Pacific can explain this freshening. An enhanced precipitation in the Maritime Continent region and the observed strengthening of the Indonesian throughflow are the likely causes.
A note on analyticity and Floquet isospectrality

A simple argument shows that certain complex Hill's operators have the same Floquet multipliers as the zero potential case. Previous results are extended to include matrix coefficients and some meromorphic potentials.
Mixed-mode fracture in biaxial stress state: Application of the diametral-compression (Brazilian disk) test

Abstract Mixed-mode fracture of soda-lime glass was studied using a diametral-compression test that features disk specimens with symmetric through-cracks. The test enables one to study fracture under pure mode I loading, pure mode II loading, or any combination of mode I and mode II loading by a simple alignment of the crack relative to the diameter of compression loading. The disk specimens were precracked with the aid of both chevron notches and water-assisted subcritical crack growth. The directions of noncoplanar crack extensions and the relative magnitudes of mode I and mode II stress-intensity factors for mixed-mode fracture under inert conditions were compared to the predictions of three different mixed-mode fracture theories. None of the theories was completely adequate to explain the experimental observations, but a maximum hoop stress criterion modified to include second order, nonsingular term in the series solution for the crack-tip region stress gave reasonable agreement with the experimental results.
Partial Unfolding of Diverse SH3 Domains on a Wide Timescale

SH3 domains are small, modular domains that are found in many proteins, especially signal transduction proteins such as tyrosine kinases. While much is known about the sequences and tertiary structures of SH3 domains, far less is known about their solution dynamics. A slow, partial unfolding event that occurs under physiological conditions was previously identified in the Hck SH3 domain using hydrogen exchange (HX) mass spectrometry (MS). To determine if this unfolding was unique to Hck SH3, HX MS was used to analyze 11 other SH3 domains: seven SH3 domains from Src-family kinases and five SH3 domains from various proteins. A wide variety of unfolding rates were found, with unfolding half-lives ranging from 1s to 1h. The Lyn and alpha-spectrin SH3 domains exhibited slow, partial unfolding in beta strands D and E and part of the RT-loop. Hck SH3 also underwent partial unfolding in the same region, implying that a unique feature in this area of the domains is responsible for the partial unfolding. Partial unfolding was, however, not a function of sequence conservation. Although the Fyn and Yes SH3 domains are very similar to Hck SH3 in sequence, they exhibited no evidence of partial unfolding. Overall, the results suggest that while the tertiary structure of SH3 domains is highly conserved, the dynamics of SH3 domains are variable.
Computing in Science and Engineering &#x2026; in Manufacturing

The authors consider the obstacles and discuss the importance of integrating the latest techniques of computational science and engineering into digital manufacturing.
The effects of pressure and cholesterol on rotational motions of perylene in lipid bilayers.

Using steady-state fluorescence polarization measurements, an isothermal pressure-induced phase transition was observed in dimyristoyl-L-alpha-phosphatidylcholine multilamellar vesicles containing perylene. The temperature-to-pressure equivalence, dT/dP, estimated from the phase transition pressure, P1/2, is about 22 K X kbar-1, which is comparable to values determined from diphenylhexatriene polarization (Chong, P.L.-G. and Weber, G. (1983) Biochemistry 22, 5544-5550). In addition, we have employed a new method, introduced in this paper, to calculate the rate of in-plane rotation (Rip) and the rate of out-of-plane rotation (Rop) of perylene in lipid bilayers. The effects of pressure and cholesterol on the rotational rates of perylene in two lipid bilayer systems have been examined. They are 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-L-alpha-phosphatidylcholine (POPC) multilamellar vesicles (MLV) and 50 mol% cholesterol in POPC (MLV). Rop is smaller than Rip due to the fact that the out-of-plane rotation requires a larger volume change than the in-plane rotation. Cholesterol seems not to affect Rop significantly, but pressure causes a decrease in Rop by about a factor of three. In contrast, the effects of pressure and cholesterol on Rip are less straightforward. At 1 atm cholesterol increases Rip by a factor of about two. Similarly, in the absence of cholesterol 1.5 kbar pressure essentially triples Rip. However, if both cholesterol is added and pressure is applied, Rip decreases sharply. The possible interactions between cholesterol and perylene are discussed.
Repeated seizures cause a generalized increase in excitability in the hippocampus

Changes in excitability within the hippocampus were examined by recording in CA3 and in CA1 or the dentate gyrus and stimulating in the angular bundle (fiber bundle connecting the entorhinal cortex with the dentate gyrus) before and after 36 electrographic seizures in urethane anesthetized rats. The responses recorded in CA3 or CA1 to stimulation of the angular bundle every 30 s were unchanged after repeated seizures, while the responses in the dentate gyrus were augmented. When the angular bundle was stimulated every 200 ms, population spikes appeared in CA3 and CA1, with CA1 producing multiple population spikes before CA3. The results indicate that after repeated seizures there is a general enhancement of excitability throughout the hippocampus.
Spinodal decomposition in thin polymer films

We have studied the influence of the boundary surfaces on spinodal decomposition in thin films of a critical polymer mixture. The wetting layer formed during spinodal decomposition is found to grow as t1/3 and the corresponding composition vs. depth profiles exhibit dynamic scaling behavior. For sufficiently thin films, the effects of the two boundary surfaces interfere and the overall domain structure is found to be strongly thickness dependent.
The Evaluation of a Merged Hospital System Application of the Interrupted Time Series Design

The growing concern over rising costs and prices for hospital services threatens the viability of many hospitals. The advocates of hospital reform have suggested merger as u cost-containment endeavor. Among other benefits, this solution visualizes the attain ment of economies of scale in operations, an improvement in the quality of services offered, the obtaining of capital more readily, the taking of a monopolistic or monop sonistic position in the market area, and the seeking of complements or substitutes for the resources of a hospital. This study seeks to verify empirically the achievement of the professed goals of one such merger. It examines six hospital cost indicators in the frame work of an Interrupted Time Series Design. Inferences are then made regarding the changes in the level and slope of the series, following the methods outlined by Box and Tiao. From an analysis of the cost indicators of this case study, the view that mergers lower per-unit costs is not supported.
Prophylactic tocainide or lidocaine in acute myocardial infarction.

Abstract Twenty-nine patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) were studied in a randomized double-blind trial of intravenous lidocaine and tocainide, followed by either oral tocainide or placebo without regard to previous therapy, for the prophylaxis of arrhythmias associated with acute infarction. No patient had symptomatic ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation, although 1 patient taking lidocaine was withdrawn from therapy because of breakthrough arrhythmias. One patient in each group died from mechanical complications of AMI. Tocainide was administered to 16 patients and lidocaine to 13. Seven of the 13 patients receiving lidocaine had ventricular tachycardia or accelerated idioventricular rhythm, compared with 2 of 16 receiving tocainide (p
Rapid induction of type X collagen gene expression in cultured chick vertebral chondrocytes.

Abstract During endochondral ossification, small rapidly proliferating chondrocytes mature into flattened discshaped cells and then into large round hypertrophic cells. These morphological changes are accompanied by a decrease in the rate of cell proliferation. Type X collagen synthesis is initiated during chondrocyte maturation and reaches very high levels in the hypertrophic cells. We have analyzed type X collagen gene expression in chick embryo vertebral chondrocytes that were allowed to mature in monolayer culture and were then switched to suspension culture. The resuspended chondrocytes changed in shape from flat to round and decreased the proliferation rate as they do in vivo. These events were accompanied by a rapid, dramatic increase in type X collagen gene expression at the levels of transcription, steady-state mRNA and protein synthesis, as well as an increase in the number of cells producing type X collagen. The amount of type X collagen gene expression in resuspended chondrocytes was comparable to that in mineralizing cartilage in vivo. These results indicate that events accompanying the switch from monolayer to suspension culture (for example, the change from a flat to a round shape and/or the decrease in proliferation rate) may play a role in the induction of type X collagen gene expression during chondrocyte maturation. Thus we have developed an in vitro system that appears to mimic the events occurring during in vivo chondrocyte maturation. This in vitro model may provide an ideal system for further examination of the parameters regulating chondrocyte maturation and type X collagen gene expression.
The Value of Ultrastructural Evaluation in the Diagnosis of Renal Tumors: A General Overview

The understanding of renal neoplasia has advanced significantly in the last 20 years. New challenges have arisen as a consequence of prolonged dialysis and renal transplantation becoming the therapeutic modes to deal with chronic renal disease. Immunosuppression resulting from primary disease processes or as a result of clinical intervention has resulted in an increase in neoplasia in general and changes in manifestations and clinical behavior of tumors. Special techniques such as immunocytochemistry and electron microscopy have provided information that has resulted in refinement of diagnostic and conceptual issues. The variable gross and histological manifestation of many of the renal neoplasms can be explained at least in part by reflecting on the new fundamental knowledge that has been acquired regarding renal developmental biology. A more aggressive approach from a therapeutic point of view placing emphasis on specific treatment protocols for the various nosologic entities further emphasizes the need...
Bayesian Estimation Methods for 2 × 2 Contingency Tables Using Mixtures of Dirichlet Distributions

Abstract In the estimation of cell probabilities from a 2 × 2 table, a prior distribution is developed that can reflect prior beliefs about the cross-classification structure in the table. The posterior means using this prior shrink the classical estimates towards the association structure specified a priori by the user. Closed-form approximations to the posterior means and credible regions are developed in the special case where the two variables of the table are believed independent.
Cyclodextrin fibers via polymer-free electrospinning

Cyclodextrins (CDs) are intriguing amphiphilic molecules that consist of a hydrophilic outer structure and a hydrophobic core with the ability to act as hosts for both nonpolar and polar guests. Electrospinning is a facile yet effective method for producing non-woven mats of fibers with high aspect ratios. Cyclodextrin fibers would leverage the distinctive properties of these molecules with the unique properties of nanofibers. We report the fabrication of submicron hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPβCD) fibers from highly concentrated aqueous solutions by electrospinning without the addition of a carrier polymer. We focus on exploring solution properties that make fiber formation possible contrary to the widely accepted premise that molecular entanglement of macromolecules is required for electrospinning. The ability to electrospin these solutions is attributed to hydrogen-bonded aggregation between HPβCD molecules at high concentrations, as evidenced from an exponential increase in zero-shear viscosity and bound water as a function of concentration, as well as disruption of fiber formation upon addition of urea to the system.
Enhancing the performance of infrared detectors for space applications

At the Air Force Research Laboratory's Space Vehicles Directorate, we are investigating how nanostructured metal surfaces can produce plasmon-enhanced fields to improve detectivity of a detector material placed directly below the metal surface. We are also investigating a wavelength-tunable detector scheme that involves a coupled double quantum well structure with a thin middle barrier between the two wells. The photocurrent from this structure will be swept out with a lateral bias. Another form of wavelength tunability is to have a tunable filter in front of a broadband detector. There are many avenues of research that lead to such a device. The way we are approaching this is via the new field of metamaterials. Not only might these new materials present us a way to tune the light that is incident upon a detector, but such research might also lead to ways to obtain sub-diffraction-limit resolution and the concentration of light using flat lenses for increased signal-to-noise ratios. In this talk we will discuss the research efforts being pursued in the above areas.
Forest structure affects trophic linkages: How silvicultural disturbance impacts bats and their insect prey

Abstract Vertebrate insectivores such as bats are a pervasive top-down force on prey populations in forest ecosystems. Conservation focusing on forest-dwelling bats requires understanding of community-level interactions between these predators and their insect prey. Our study assessed bat activity and insect occurrence (abundance and diversity) across a gradient of forest disturbance and structure (silvicultural treatments) in the Central Appalachian region of North America. We conducted acoustic surveys of bat echolocation concurrent with insect surveys using blacklight and malaise traps over 2 years. Predator activity, prey occurrence and prey biomass varied seasonally and across the region. The number of bat echolocation pulses was positively related with forest disturbance, whereas prey demonstrated varied trends. Lepidopteran abundance was negatively related with disturbance, while dipteran abundance and diversity was positively related with disturbance. Coleoptera were unaffected. Neither bat nor insect response variables differed between plot interiors and edges. Correlations between bat activity and vegetative structure reflected differences in foraging behavior among ensembles. Activity of myotine bats was correlated with variables describing sub-canopy vegetation, whereas activity of lasiurine bats was more closely correlated with canopy-level vegetation. Lepidopteran abundance was correlated with variables describing canopy and sub-canopy vegetation, whereas coleopteran and dipteran occurrence were more closely correlated with canopy-level vegetative structure. Our study demonstrates regional variation in bat activity and prey occurrence across a forested disturbance gradient. Land management and conservation efforts should consider the importance of vegetation structure and plant species richness to sustain forest-dwelling bats and their insect prey.
Uncertainties in the determination of dielectric properties in the infinite sample method

In the infinite-sample method, the sample permittivity is found from the measured input reflection coefficient. The reflection coefficient domain of a traveling-wave system is transformed into the complex permittivity domain by two subsequent mappings which include the inverse bilinear and Schwarz-Christoffel transformations. The error bounds in permittivity measurements are derived. The dielectric properties and respective uncertainties are presented for a water sample in the form of the Cole-Cole diagram. The case presented represents the first step leading to a more general presentation of uncertainties in dielectric measurements. >
Factors associated with parental acceptance of dental sealants.

Whereas a number of surveys have documented oral disease preventive behaviors and associated factors, little is known about public knowledge and beliefs about dental sealants. In this study, factors associated with the presence of sealants were studied in first and second graders residing in Columbia, SC. From a sample of 1,119 children, 88 were found clinically to have sealants; 508 did not have, but needed them. Parents of the sealant children (n=87) and of a random sample of the no-sealant children (n=289) were interviewed by telephone to obtain information regarding (1) factors related to parents' inclination to obtain sealants for their children, (2) ability of the family to obtain oral disease preventive services, and (3) the influence of others in the family's decision-making efforts. Analysis of 16 factors thought to be related to sealant presence revealed that parents were more likely to obtain dental sealants for their children if dentists or their staffs recommended them, if the parents were knowledgeable about dental sealants, if the parents were more highly educated, and if the parents had dental insurance coverage. Parents were less likely to obtain dental sealants for their children if they heard about them from mass media. The latter finding is unexpected and may have been influenced by conflicting or negative opinion expressed by some dental practitioners through mass media or other channels of communication. The results of this study suggest that efforts to enhance the utilization of dental sealants should include strategies to (1) encourage dentists to promote them with their patients and the public, (2) educate potential consumers about the benefits of dental sealants, and (3) promote greater insurance coverage for oral health care, including sealants.
Human female sexual cycles and the concealment of ovulation problem

Recent applications of the principles of evolutionary biology to the problem of the origins of Homo sapiens have resulted in increased interest in the evolution of human sexual behavior. Sociobiologists have generally rejected the social bonding explanations of human sexual behavior widely accepted a few years ago without presenting a generally accepted alternative explanation. In this review we summarize seven recent hypotheses advanced to account for an aspect of human female sexual behavior, the concealment of ovulation. We also discuss implications of research on the distribution of human female activity throughout the menstrual cycle for these seven hypotheses.
A tumor suppressive coactivator complex of p53 containing ASC-2 and histone H3-lysine-4 methyltransferase MLL3 or its paralogue MLL4

ASC-2, a multifunctional coactivator, forms a steady-state complex, named ASCOM (for ASC-2 COMplex), that contains the histone H3-lysine-4 (H3K4)-methyltransferase MLL3 or its paralogue MLL4. Somewhat surprisingly, given prior indications of redundancy between MLL3 and MLL4, targeted inactivation of the MLL3 H3K4-methylation activity in mice is found to result in ureter epithelial tumors. Interestingly, this phenotype is exacerbated in a p53+/− background and the tumorigenic cells are heavily immunostained for γH2AX, indicating a contribution of MLL3 to the DNA damage response pathway through p53. Consistent with the in vivo observations, and the demonstration of a direct interaction between p53 and ASCOM, cell-based assays have revealed that ASCOM, through ASC-2 and MLL3/4, acts as a p53 coactivator and is required for H3K4-trimethyation and expression of endogenous p53-target genes in response to the DNA damaging agent doxorubicin. In support of redundant functions for MLL3 and MLL4 for some events, siRNA-mediated down-regulation of both MLL3 and MLL4 is required to suppress doxorubicin-inducible expression of several p53-target genes. Importantly, this study identifies a specific H3K4 methytransferase complex, ASCOM, as a physiologically relevant coactivator for p53 and implicates ASCOM in the p53 tumor suppression pathway in vivo.
Dynamics Near an Unstable Kirchhoff Ellipse

We describe the dynamics of the Kirchhoff ellipse by formulating a nonlinear equation for the boundary of a perturbed vortex patch in elliptical coordinates. We demonstrate that in the regime for which the linearized equation of motion is unstable, the nonlinear dynamics of a rather general initial perturbation of the Kirchhoff ellipse are determined by the fastest growing mode for the corresponding linearized equation, on a time scale when the nonlinear instability occurs. In particular, we resolve a question suggested by Love’s results and prove that such elliptical patches are indeed unstable in the full nonlinear sense.
Successful Mediated Priming via Associative Bonds

The effects of indirect priming via forward and reverse associative bonds were investigated using a word-association test to measure changes in associative frequency. Preceding each cue-stimulus on the association test were three priming words, selected because they were known to elicit the desired response (Group 1, N = 38) or to be elicited by it (Group 2). For every stimulus word studied, forward indirect priming (Group 1) increased the probability of occurrence of the desired response. The effects of reverse indirect priming (Group 2, N = 50) were random and insignificant. Some implications of these findings for future research were suggested.
Real-time implementation of the multistage detector for next-generation wideband CDMA systems

The multistage detection algorithm has been widely accepted as an effective interference cancellation scheme for next generation Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (W-CDMA) base stations. In this paper, we propose a real-time implementation of this detection algorithm in the uplink system, where we have achieved both high performance in the interference cancellation and computational efficiency. When interference cancelation converges, the difference of the detection vectors between two consecutive stages is mostly zero. We recode the estimation bits, mapping from plus or minus 1 to 0 and plus or minus 2. Bypassing all the zero terms saves computations. Multiplication by plus or minus 2 can be easily implemented in hardware as arithmetic shifts. The system delay of a three-stage detector can be reduced by half with satisfactory bit error rate. We also propose a VLSI implementation of this algorithm that has the potential of real-time performance. The detector handling up to eight users with 12-bit fixed point precision was fabricated using a 1.2 micrometer CMOS technology.
AlN/GaN HEMTs with high‐κ ALD HfO2 or Ta2O5 gate insulation

AlN/GaN Metal-Insulator-Semiconductor High Electron Mobility Transistors (HEMTs) have been grown and fabricated which utilize a 6 nm thick atomic layer deposited film of either Ta2O5 or HfO2 for gate insulation. Drain, transfer, and gate current characteristics are compared between both structures, showing a measurable difference in threshold voltage and transconductance. The cause is highlighted by the results of capacitance-voltage analysis which showed 10 MHz dielectric constants of 8.7 and 11.7 for the HfO2 and Ta2O5 films, respectively. Furthermore, interface trap state density was extracted by Terman's method and compared between films. HEMT small signal frequency performance was representative of the different sub-micron gate lengths. Consideration of the compared electrical results suggests that at this stage in ALD development, Ta2O5 appears better suited for gate insulation of AlN/GaN HEMTs. (© 2011 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Outcome of contingency contracting for illicit drug use in a methadone maintenance program

This study evaluates the outcome of a mandatory, clinic wide, structured contingency contracting system in a methadone maintenance program. The system involved weekly urine screening and placement on written individualized contracts for any of 106 male patients who displayed illicit drug use. Methadone dose decreases were the penultimate and detoxification and discharge the ultimate contingencies for unremitting drug use. Sixty subjects (56.6%) received contracts and 36 (35%) eventually left treatment. The contracts did not decrease the overall number of positive urines for the contract subjects, but opiate use did decrease significantly for subjects on more stringent contracts.
Recent lifetime results from FOCUS

Abstract The FOCUS experiment took data during the 1996–1997 Fermilab fixed target run. By utilizing a precision vertex detector, FOCUS is able to accurately determine the lifetimes of charmed hadrons. In this paper, we present lifetime measurements (some preliminary) for all of the singly charmed hadrons.
The experience of nursing students in an online doctoral program in nursing: A phenomenological study

The increased sophistication of technology has led to greater use of distance learning, providing graduate nursing students with increased access to such programs, while more easily maintaining employment. Little information is available regarding the experience for those students enrolled on these programs. This information would be of value to both those who are considering online courses, and to those who are charged with developing and teaching these courses. A phenomenological approach was used in order to examine the experience of five students enrolled in an online doctoral program in nursing in the United States. Verbatim transcripts were analyzed for themes from which three main ones emerged as the essence of the experience: considering the fit, liking the fit, and making it fit. Recommendations are provided for future research pertaining to distance education, particularly in the form of graduate outcomes.
Collective coordinates for semiclassical femtosecond dissipative dynamics in Liouville space

A semiclassical path-integral algorithm for propagating the reduced density matrix of a quantum-particle coupled to a harmonic bath with an arbitrary temperature and distribution of timescales is developed. Using a canonical transformation of the action in Liouville space, a unique prescription is provided for constructing collective bath coordinates for a given nuclear spectral density. The number of relevant collective coordinates depends on the structure of the spectral density and increases at lower temperatures.
Optical and electrical properties of polycrystalline and amorphous PZT thin films prepared by the sol-gel technique

Lead zirconate titanate thin films on silicon wafers and titanium foils were fabricated by the sol-gel technique. Polycrystalline and amorphous PZT thin films were obtained at the heat- treatment temperature of 650 degree(s)C and 400 degree(s)C, respectively. The microstructures of these films ere determined by x-ray and electron diffraction and HRTEM techniques. the optical refractive index of both polycrystalline and amorphous PZT films were measured by ellipsometer. The optical refractive index of polycrystalline films increases with increasing film thickness; however, the optical refractive index of amorphous films is independent of the film's thickness. the electrical properties of the PZT thin films were measured. for both polycrystalline and amorphous PZT thin films a ferroelectric hysteresis loop and pyroelectric current were observed. The dielectric permittivity of amorphous PZT is much lower than that of polycrystalline PZT. For the optical applications, the advantages of ferroelectriclike amorphous PZT materials are low processing temperature, ease of deposition on a variety of substrates (including glass and plastic), and transparency without grain boundaries. In this paper, the preparation, optical, and electrical characterizations, as well a microstructures of these thin films, are reported.
The dark side of evidence-based medicine

Clinical judgement – utilizing personal experience, analogy and extrapolation – is still necessary in a system of evidence-based medicine.
Accelerated meshfree method for metal forming simulation

An accelerated meshfree method based on a stabilized conforming nodal integration method is developed for elastoplastic contact analysis of metal forming processes. In this approach, strain smoothing stabilization is introduced to eliminate spatial instability in Galerkin meshfree methods when the weak form is integrated by a nodal integration. The gradient matrix associated with strain smoothing satisfies the integration constraint for linear exactness in the Galerkin approximation. Strain smoothing formulation and numerical procedures for path-dependent problems are introduced. Applications to metal forming analysis are presented, with results demonstrating a significant improvement in computational efficiency without loss of accuracy.
PERCEPTION OF A BORDER DEFINED BY RAPIDLY REVERSING LUMINANCE CONTRAST

Szrrnmay.-We report a new visual illusion of a perceptual boundary visible beween wo conuguous regions of equal luminance when the intensity is modulated with a temporal frequency that is higher than the critical fusion rate. Measurements of the luminance threshold of the perceptual border with various slopes of the luminance gradient yielded a funcuon suggestive of the range of ocular instability. These findings raise the possibility that this new border lllusion may be influenced by involuntary ocular motion during fixation. Human eyes are in continuous motion (R~ggs, Armington, & Ram, 1954; Ditchburn, 1973; Hallett, 1986; Matin, 1986). Recordmgs of eye position have shown several types of miniature movements, such as microsaccades, slow-drift movements, and tremor movements even during visual fixation (Ditchburn & Foley-Fisher, 1967; Steinman, Haddad, Skavenslu, & Wyman, 1973; Ott, Seidman, & Leigh, 1992). On the one hand, it is well known that this physiological nystagmus is essential in visual perception because its absence results in the disappearance of visual targets (figgs, Ratliff, Cornsweet, & Cornsweet, 1953; Pritchard, Heron, & Hebb, 1960). On the other hand, it is remarkable that this oculomotor instabhty does not interfere with the production of a sharp and stable visual perception since under normal viewing conditions the micromovements do not induce a perception of motion that would be expected from the motion of the retinae. Here, however, we describe a condition in which the visual system apparently does not compensate for the oculomotor instabhty and visual perception seems to be under the influence of the retinal motion. METHOD A commercially available graphics system on a personal computer equipped for visual psychophysical experiments (Vision Research Graphics, Inc., Nashua, NH) was used to present visual stirnd. The frame frequency was 117.3 Hz and the pixel size was 0.28 mm x 0.41 mm. Viewing was binocular with natural pupils under photopic conditions. Three male participants whose ages ranged from 23 to 33 years had normal visual acuity without cor, rection and were naive with respect to the psychophysical experimentation. 'Address correspondence to Kyoungmin Lee, M.D., Ph.D., The tMRI Laboratory, Department of Neurology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, Box 506, 1275 York Ave., New York, NY 10021.
Passivation of GaAs surfaces

Exposure to atomic hydrogen lowers the decomposition temperature of GaAs. Simultaneous exposure of GaAs to atomic hydrogen and atomic nitrogen above 500°C results in a layer rich in GaN. The degree of passivation was monitored by photoluminescence. A fourfold improvement in luminescence efficiency was obtained by nitridization, while a factor-of-ten improvement can be obtained with the more complicated technique of generating an (AlGa)As skin.
Segmentation in local hospital markets

This study examines evidence of market segmentation on the basis of patients' insurance status, demographic characteristics, and medical condition in selected local markets in California in the years 1983 and 1989. Substantial differences exist in the probability patients may be admitted to particular hospitals based on insurance coverage, particularly Medicaid, and race. Segmentation based on insurance and race is related to hospital characteristics, but not the characteristics of the hospital's community. Medicaid patients are more likely to go to hospitals with lower costs and fewer service offerings. Privately insured patients go to hospitals offering more services, although cost concerns are increasing. Hispanic patients also go to low-cost hospitals, ceteris paribus. Results indicate little evidence of segmentation based on medical condition in either 1983 or 1989, suggesting that "centers of excellence" have yet to play an important role in patient choice of hospital. The authors found that distance matters, and that patients prefer nearby hospitals, moreso for some medical conditions than others, in ways consistent with economic theories of consumer choice.
Sinonasal carcinoma after irradiation for medulloblastoma in nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome.

Abstract Background Nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (NBCCS) is associated with multiple basal cell carcinomas, odontogenic cysts, craniofacial anomalies, and childhood medulloblastomas. In addition, it has been associated with irradiation-induced neoplasms including, meningiomas, sarcomas, and gliomas. Methods We present a 19-year-old man with NBCCS who presented with a sinonasal carcinoma 17 years after receiving craniospinal irradiation for treatment of medulloblastoma. Results To our knowledge, this is the first report of a sinonasal tumor after irradiation in a patient with NBCCS. Conclusions With this case, the authors examine the genotype of NBCCS patients and their propensity for radiation-induced tumors. In addition, the management of neoplasms in these tumor-sensitive patients is reviewed.
Stationary-phase effects on efficiency in micellar liquid chromatography

One of the main limitations of micellar liquid chromatography (MLC) is the lower efficiency compared to reversed-phase liquid chromatography (RPLC) with hydro-organic mobile phases. The main contribution to the reduced efficiency has been shown to be due to the slow mass transfer between micelles, the aqueous phase, and the stationary phase mainly due to surfactant adsorption onto the stationary phase. The use of a variety of stationary phases, including large-pore short alkyl chain, non-porous, superficially porous, and perfluorinated, is shown to have differing effects on remediation of the reduced efficiency. Diffusion coefficients were determined by the Taylor-Aris dispersion technique for the construction of Knox plots. The Knox plots are used to compare the efficiency data obtained with the different columns using several alkylphenones in both micellar mobile phase and hydro-organic mobile phase.
Family dances and the rhythms of intimacy

Over time each couple evolves its own repetitive, rhythmic patterns of loving, fighting, etc. This “dance” is picked up by the couple's children and becomes kinesthetic, rather than intellectual, knowledge of how to be in an intimate relationship. For each new generation of couples, making one dance out of two is the unspoken challenge to a marriage. Often mates do not fit into each other's dance, do not know the “right” moves, and thus remain rhythmically unfamiliar to one another, making it difficult to live in comfortable intimacy.
The skin of primates. XXIV. The skin of Goeldi's marmoset (Callimico goeldii)

The close resemblance between the skin of Goeldi's marmoset (Callimico goeldii) and that of the genus Saguinus (Hoffmannsegg) suggests that C. goeldii be placed in the family Callithricidae (Thomas, '03) as originally proposed by Pocock in 1920 and not in the family Cebidae (Swainson, 1835). Recent karyological evidence supports this point of view. The skin is characterized by (1) a melanin-laden epidermis and aggregates of melanocytes in the upper dermis; (2) nonglandular skin in the gular region distinguished by a sparsely haired, pebbly, granular surface; (3) cholinesterase-positive Meissner corpuscles and papillary nerve end-organs; (4) groups of 3 to 5 hair follicles in linear perfect sets; (5) sinus hairs on the ventral ulnar wrist; (6) manubrial, sternal, genitopubic, and circumanal sebaceous-apocrine glandular concentrations rich in phosphorylase and alkaline phosphatase; (7) eccrine glands, restricted to volar friction surfaces, whose clear and dark secretory cells contain phosphorylase but no glycogen; and (8) eccrine glomeruli surrounded by many acetyl- but few butyrylcholinesterase-reactive nerves.
Abstract 5212: Irradiation-induced uPAR promotes stemness via Wnt/β-catenin signaling in medulloblastoma cells

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL Urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) is known to promote invasion, migration and metastasis in cancer cells. In this study, we show that ionizing radiation (IR) induced uPAR has a role in Wnt/β-catenin signaling and mediates induction of cancer stem cells (CSC)-like properties in medulloblastoma cell lines UW228 and D283. We observed that IR induced the expression of uPAR, CSC markers such as CD44 and Msi-1, and activates Wnt/β-catenin signaling molecules. Overexpression of uPAR after IR treatment led to the activation of Wnt signaling, which was demonstrated by an increase in nuclear translocation of β-catenin and β-catenin-Lef/Tcf-mediated transactivation, thereby promoting cancer stemness. Quercetin, a potent Wnt/β-catenin inhibitor suppressed uPAR and uPAR-mediated Wnt/β-catenin activation. Treatment with shRNA specific for uPAR (pU) suppressed the β-catenin-Tcf/Lef-mediated transactivation both in vitro and in vivo. Further, we show that uPAR is physically associated with the Wnt effector molecule β-catenin using immunocytochemistry and immunohistochemistry; these results were confirmed by immunoprecipitation analysis. Most interestingly, we demonstrate for the first time that the localization of uPAR in the nucleus is associated with transcription factors (TF) and their specific response elements. The association of uPAR with β-catenin-Tcf/Lef complex and various other TF involved in neurogenesis during embryonic development and cancer demonstrates the receptor's possible role at generating CSC-like properties in primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET) cells of medulloblastoma. Considering all of the data, we conclude that uPAR is a potent activator of stemness, and the targeting of uPAR in combination with radiation has significant therapeutic implications. 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 5212. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-5212
Strategic business marketing developments in the New Europe: Retrospect and prospect

Abstract The unification of Europe is causing considerable effects on industrial marketing strategy. Roughly ten years ago the Industrial Marketing Management journal published a study on the expected consequences of the European Union (EU) single market. In the current study, we investigate the actual results of the single market formation on industrial marketing in the EU and compare them to the expectations noted by industrial marketers a decade earlier. We find that the effects differ markedly from those anticipated and that they have important implications for business marketing practice in the EU.
Absolute Lipschitz extendability

A metric space X is said to be absolutely Lipschitz extendable if every Lipschitz function f from X into any Banach space Z can be extended to any containing space Y⊇X, where the loss in the Lipschitz constant in the extension is independent of Y,Z, and f. We show that various classes of natural metric spaces are absolutely Lipschitz extendable. To cite this article: J.R. Lee, A. Naor, C. R. Acad. Sci. Paris, Ser. I 338 (2004).
Two field tests of an explanation of assessment centre validity

Klimoski & Brickner (1987) described two sets of constructs underlying assessment centre ratings. The trait explanation holds that dimensional ratings capture a candidate's personal characteristics, skills and abilities. The performance consistency/role congruency explanation holds that dimensional ratings are predictions of how well the candidate will perform various tasks and/or roles in the target job. While past research has failed to find support for the trait explanation, no studies have explicitly examined the validity of assessment centres designed to make task or role-based dimensional ratings. We report two field evaluations of this explanation. In Study 1 assessor training was modified to have assessors view traditional assessment dimensions as role requirements. Concurrent validation of assessor evaluations of retail store managers resulted in correlations ranging from .22 to .28 with superiors' performance appraisal ratings and .32 to .35 with store profit. Study 2 evaluated the criterion-related validity of ratings on both job requirements and traits. Findings indicate that task-based ratings demonstrate concurrent validity in a sample of entry level unit managers while the traditional trait-based ratings do not. Implications for the construct validity and design of assessment centres are drawn.
Effect of Endosperm Type on Incremental Energy Value of Corn Grain for Dairy Cows

Abstract The incremental energy value of corn grain representing two contrasting endosperm types was measured with lactating and nonlactating cows in energy balance experiments using indirect calorimetry. The energy values of increments of hard and soft types of corn were not different, but the energy values of both endosperm types were substantially lower for lactating than for nonlactating cows at maintenance intake. The average values for lactating and nonlactating cows were 2.32 and 3.38 Meal metabolizable energy/kg dry matter, 2.28 and 3.51 Meal digestible energy/kg dry matter, and .56 and .84kg total digestible nutrients/kg dry matter. The average net energy value of the increment of corn grain for lactating cows was 1.34 Mcal/kg dry matter. Recommended energy values for corn grain are given as a function of intake and physical form.
A note on scheduling problems arising in satellite communications

We present a brief overview of recent results on scheduling in Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) satellite communications systems which augment those included in a recent survey. These results address problems arising in Satellite Switched TDMA (SS/TDMA) systems and SS/TDMA systems with intersatellite links, as well as generalizations and relatives of these problems. They also have application in other areas, for example, I/O in parallel computers.
Polymer Chain Length Dependence of Amplified Fluorescence Quenching in Conjugated Polyelectrolytes

This paper reports the synthesis and photophysical study of a series of anionic, carboxylate-substituted poly(phenylene ethynylene)-based conjugated polyelectrolytes (CPEs) with variable chain lengths. These CPEs are of interest as they allow the study of the effect of chain length on amplified fluorescence quenching. The CPEs were synthesized via organic soluble ester precursor polymers. The degree of polymerization of the precursor polymers was controlled by addition of a monofunctional “end-cap” to the polymerization reaction. The CPEs were obtained postpolymerization by base-promoted hydrolysis of the ester protecting groups. Stern−Volmer fluorescence quenching of the CPEs in methanol with monovalent electron-transfer quenchers (MV+ and HV+) show that the Stern−Volmer quenching constant (KSV) increases with polymer chain length reaching a maximum of ca. 2 × 105 M−1 at a degree of polymerization of 49. The results indicate that a maximum quenching amplification factor of 53 is attained under conditions...