cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Genetic and experimental studies on a lethal trait (“Short Toes”) in the Mexican axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum)

A recessive lethal factor (s) discovered in the Mexican axolotl induces (1) reduction in length of limbs and number of phalanges, (2) failure of complete development of Mullerian ducts, and (3) renal pathology and dysfunction leading to death. Larvae homozygous for s, in parabiosis with normal animals, show no improvement in length of limbs or number of phalanges. Transplants of the forelimb area between normal and s/s embryos produce limbs of donor type. The character of the limbs in the s/s thus appears independent of nutritional or hormonal influences. The Mullerian ducts of s/s reared as parabionts with normal animals remain incomplete. The duct derived from a pronephric transplant from an s/s into a normal embryo attains full length, however, as does the duct from the reciprocal type of transplant. Probably intrinsic factors in duct epithelium and related stroma combine in s/s larvae to limit duct growth. Death of affected animals usually occurs before they are one year of age. Although some attain sexual maturity, none has reproduced. Gene s was probably carried by some of the white axolotls imported from Cracow by the Wistar Institute in the early 1930's. No linkage with other genes has been demonstrated.
Conversions of primary amines to azides by n-butyllithium and azidotris(diethylamino)phosphonium bromide

Abstract Lithium derivatives of varied aromatic, heterocyclic, aliphatic, and alicyclic primary amines react efficiently with azidotris(diethylamino)phosphonium bromide in THF at low temperatures to give azides, lithium bromide, nitrogen, and tris(diethylamino)phosphorimine.
Crystal chemistry of the scheelite solid solutions in the systems SrMO4Eu2(MO4)3 and EuMO4Eu2(MO4)3 (M = Mo, W)

Abstract It is proposed in this study that the Sr 2+ Eu 2+ crystal chemical analogy can be used to study phase equilibria in portions of EuMO systems which often present experimental difficulties by studying instead SrMO phase relations. To test this proposition phase relations in the 1050°C isotherm of the proposed model systems SrMO 4 Eu 2 (MO 4 ) 3 and EuMO 4 Eu 2 (MO 4 ) 3 (M = Mo, W) have been investigated. The composition limits of two solid solution phases, one with a scheelite structure type and the other with a scheelite related structure, and the two-phase regions in each of the systems have been determined and compared, yielding a good correlation between the crystal chemical model systems SrMO 4 Eu 2 (MO 4 ) 3 and their pure europium counterparts. The defect model of the scheelite solid solutions has been determined to be a cation vacancy type and confirmed by density measurements.
A neural basis for the retrieval of conceptual knowledge

Both clinical reports and systematic neuropsychological studies have shown that patients with damage to selected brain sites develop defects in the retrieval of conceptual knowledge for various concrete entities, leading to the hypothesis that the retrieval of knowledge for entities from different conceptual categories depends on partially segregated large-scale neural systems. To test this hypothesis, 116 subjects with focal, unilateral lesions to various sectors of the telencephalon, and 55 matched controls, were studied with a procedure which required the visual recognition of entities from three categories--unique persons, non-unique animals and non-unique tools. Defective recognition of persons was associated with maximal lesion overlap in right temporal polar region; defective recognition of animals was associated with maximal lesion overlap in right mesial occipital/ventral temporal region and also in left mesial occipital region; and defective recognition of tools was associated with maximal lesion overlap in the occipital-temporal-parietal junction of the left hemisphere. The findings support the hypothesis that the normal retrieval of knowledge for concrete entities from different conceptual domains depends on partially segregated neural systems. These sites may operate as catalysts for the retrieval of the multidimensional aspects of knowledge which are necessary and sufficient for the mental representation of a concept of a given entity.
Seasonal dynamics and variation among sheep in densities of the sheep biting louse, Bovicola ovis

Cyclic patterns and variations among sheep in numbers of Bovicola ovis are described in Polypay and Columbia ewes that were initially infested with equal numbers of lice and penned indoors continuously for 2 years. Bovicola ovis populations were censused at 3-4-week intervals at 69 body sites on each animal. In the second year of the study, the ewes were reinfested and half were mated. Louse populations were monitored on the resulting lambs from birth until 25 weeks of age. Strong seasonal cycles in louse numbers were observed on the ewes, with peaks in spring and troughs in summer. These cycles occurred in the absence of shearing, direct solar radiation or rainfall. Populations began to decline when daily mean and maximum temperatures were 11.5 degrees C and 15 degrees C, respectively, well below temperatures thought to cause warm season decline. Louse densities on Polypay ewes were approximately 10 times higher than on Columbias at most inspections. There were also large differences among sheep within breeds and sheep counts were highly correlated among dates, both within and between years. One third of the ewes failed to become infested despite having lice applied on five separate occasions and being penned together with other infested sheep. Pregnancy and lactation did not significantly affect louse numbers on the ewes. There was a significant negative correlation between louse counts and weight gains in the lambs, and lamb counts were significantly correlated with those of their dams up until, but not after, weaning. It is suggested that sheep may exert regulatory influences on lice which contribute to cycles in B. ovis populations.
The Aging Game: improving medical students' attitudes toward caring for the elderly.

Objectives The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a modified aging game to enhance medical students’ attitudes toward caring for elderly patients, enhance empathy for elderly patients, and improve general attitudes toward the elderly. Design Preintervention and postintervention study Participants and Setting All 84 students from 2 first-year medical school classes Intervention The aging game takes place over a period of 3 hours with a group of 10 to 12 students and 5 to 6 facilitators, and includes experiential learning about polypharmacy, medication cost, loss of functional status, semi-independent living, and living in a long-term care facility. Measurements Scores obtained through a modified Maxwell and Sullivan questionnaire, and the Aging Semantic Differential (ASD). Results There was a statistically significant improvement in 6 of the 8 attitudes toward caring for elderly and a statistically significant increase in empathy towards elderly patients following the aging game. There was a statistically significant change on 23 out of 32 ASD questions. There was no evidence of differences in the scores from pre-course to post-course by gender age group, interest in Family/Internal Medicine, or prior geriatric experience. Following the game, 77 (93%) of the students said they would take the course if not mandatory ( P = .0001). A majority stated the aging game added significantly (61.5%) or moderately (37.3%) to their knowledge and skills in patient care for the elderly. Conclusion A simulation experience like the aging game is an effective method of increasing the empathy and attitudes toward caring for the elderly early in the medical school curriculum. Longitudinal assessment of the effect of the aging game in maintaining the positive effect on empathy and attitudes toward caring for the elderly and especially in clinical practice needs to be done.
Risk of recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding after aortic valve replacement in patients with Heyde syndrome

Objective We sought to evaluate the effectiveness of aortic valve replacement for reducing gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with Heyde syndrome, in whom gastrointestinal bleeding is associated with intestinal angiodysplasia and aortic valve stenosis. Methods We conducted a retrospective review of patients treated at the Mayo Clinic between 1971 and 2007 for gastrointestinal bleeding and intestinal angiodysplasia who later underwent aortic valve replacement for severe aortic valve stenosis. We analyzed early and late outcomes, including recurrent gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Results Fifty-seven patients (39 men and 18 women) were identified. At operation, the median age of patients was 75 years. Intestinal angiodysplasia occurred most commonly in the duodenum and right side of the colon. Before aortic valve replacement, the mean number of bleeding episodes was 12 per patient-year; 48 patients (84%) required blood transfusions. Bioprosthetic valves were used in 47 patients. During follow-up extending to 15 years, 45 patients (79%) had no recurrence of bleeding. In patients who experienced recurrent bleeding, the episodes were reduced from a mean ± standard deviation of 4.7 ± 7 episodes per patient-year to 1.9 ± 2 per patient-year. Recurrent bleeding occurred only in patients with lesions of the duodenum or right colon. Among patients who received bioprostheses, the overall risk of recurrent bleeding was 15%, lower than the 50% risk of subsequent gastrointestinal bleeding with mechanical prostheses. Conclusions Aortic valve replacement seems to decrease the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with Heyde syndrome and is curative in approximately 80%. Although rates of recurrent bleeding were not significantly different between the 2 prosthetic valve types, the higher risk of bleeding in patients receiving warfarin makes bioprosthetic valves the valve of choice for most patients.
Effect of negative mechanical stress on the orientation of myosin cross-bridges in muscle fibers

Abstract The effect of positive and negative stress on myosin cross-bridge orientation in glycerinated muscle fibers was investigated by using fluorescence polarization spectroscopy of the emission from the covalent label tetramethyl-rhodamine-5-(and -6)-iodoacetamide (IATR) specifically modifying sulfhydryl one (SH1) on the myosin heavy chain. Positive tension was applied by stretching the fiber in rigor. Negative tension was applied in two steps by using a protocol introduced by Goldman et al. [Goldman, Y. E., McCray, J. A. & Vallette, D. P. (1988) J. Physiol. (London) 398, 75P]: relaxing a fiber at resting length and stretching it until the relaxed tension is appreciable and then placing the fiber in rigor and releasing the tension onto the rigor cross-bridges. We found, as have others, that positive tension has no effect on the fluorescence polarization spectrum from the SH1-bound probe, indicating that the cross-bridge does not rotate under these conditions. Negative tension, however, causes a change in the fluorescence polarization spectrum that indicates a probe rotation. The changes in the polarization spectrum from negative stress are partially reversed by the subsequent application of positive stress. It appears that negative tension strains the cross-bridge, or the cross-bridge domain containing SH1, and causes it to rotate.
Estimating a Response Surface with an Uncertain Number of Parameters, Assuming Normal Errors

Abstract Let Y ( x ) be independent normal random variables with mean f′ ( x )θ and variance σ2, and partition the vectors f′ and θ′ into (f 1′, f 2′) and (θ1′, θ2′). Estimate f′θ by , where and are the BLUEs of θ and θ2, is the BLUE of θ1 assuming θ2 = 0, σ2 D is the covariance matrix of , and r is any bounded non-negative nondecreasing function. Among such estimators with given fixed MSE when θ2 = 0, MSE is minimized for θ2 near 0 by making r constant. Numerical comparisons are given for the quadratic regression example.
Changes on radiographs at Thoroughbred yearling sales: Prevalence and significance

Abstract Examination of Thoroughbred yearlings at public auction is a special form of prepurchase examination since the clinician cannot be as thorough as in clinical situations. Yearlings are purchased based on visual and limited physical examinations and evaluation of presale radiographs and upper respiratory tract endoscopic examination. The prevalence and clinical relevance of radiographic changes has been the subject of our recent publications and a summary of our results is presented here. Radiographic changes were most common in the fetlock joints and 1127 forelimb and 1102 hindlimb fetlock radiographic series were examined. Flattened areas of the distal palmar aspect of the distal articular surface of the third metacarpal bone (McIII) were found in 41% of yearlings and had neither an effect on performance nor caused the subsequent development of clinical problems. Flattening (10%) or radiolucency (17%) of the dorsal aspect of the distal sagittal ridge of McIII was common and had no effect of these 2 parameters. Thirty of 1130 yearlings that had complete carpal radiographic examinations had signs of dorsal medial middle carpal disease. The presence of dorsal medial middle carpal joint lesions affected the horse’s ability to start a race and increased the incidence of clinical problems. The most common finding on carpal radiographs was circular radiolucencies in the ulnar carpal bone but the presence of this finding neither affected the ability to start nor was associated with clinical problems. Forty-eight of 1101 yearlings with complete tarsal radiographic examinations had concavity or fragmentation of the cranial intermediate ridge of the distal tibia, but there was no effect on racing performance. The changes most commonly observed in the distal tarsal joints were the presence of osteophytes or enthesophytes involving the distal intertarsal or tarsometatarsal joints. The presence of osteophytes or enthesophytes involving the distal intertarsal or tarsometatarsal joints were the only changes significantly associated with starting a race, but the effect was small. There were 600 yearlings with stifle radiographs, but in only 170 of them could the medial femoral condyle and proximal tibia be evaluated. Thirty-four yearlings had defects with or without fragments on the lateral trochlear ridge of the femur and there were no significant associations with any outcome except that they were more likely to have surgical treatment.
The social sources of homicide in different types of societies

A consistent finding to emerge from cross-national studies of crime is a positive relationship between the degree of social inequality and levels of homicide. This finding contrasts with the results of anthropological case studies that reveal high rates of homicide in some extremely egalitarian societies. Viewed together, these two sets of findings raise the question of whether the patterns observed in cross-national research on homicide are generalizable to the typically small, nonindustrial “simple societies” studied by anthropologists, but generally neglected by comparative sociologists. We address this issue in an analysis of homicide for a sample of small, nonindustrial societies. Our findings indicate that the degree of inequality in such societies is not significantly associated with the level of homicide. By contrast, levels of homicide do vary systematically with the complexity of the political and military organization of such societies. These results suggest that some of the most important findings of cross-national research in sociology are not readily generalizable across different types of societies.
Encoding and memory for visible speech and gestures: a comparison between young and older adults.

Two experiments explored whether older adults have developed a strategy of compensating for slower speeds of language processing and hearing loss by relying more on the visual modality. Experiment 1 examined the influence of visual articulatory movements of the face (visible speech ) in auditory-visual syllable classification in young adults and older adults. Older adults showed a significantly greater influence of visible speech. Experiment 2 examined immediate recall in three spoken-language sentence conditions : speech alone, with visible speech, or with both visible speech and iconic gestures. Sentences also varied in meaningfulness and speech rate. In the old adult group, recall was better for sentences containing visible speech compared with the speech-alone sentences in the meaningful sentence condition. Old adults' recall showed no overall benefit of the presence of gestures. Young adults' recall on meaningful sentences was not higher for the visible speech compared with the speech-alone condition, whereas recall was significantly higher with the addition of iconic gestures. In the anomalous sentence condition, both young and old adults showed an advantage in recall by the presence of visible speech. The experiments provide converging evidence for old adults' greater reliance on visible speech while processing visual-spoken language.
Multilayer folds initiated in bulk plane strain, with the axis of no change perpendicular to the layering

Abstract Buckle folds in internal multilayer systems will initiate and grow in a bulk plane strain condition, in which the principal axis of no change, Y (X >Y >Z), is perpendicular to the layering and to the fold axial direction, providing that the multilayer is confined both above and below. The bulk extension direction, X, is then parallel to the fold axial direction.
Low-temperature ordering in YBa2Cu3O6+x oxides at x>0.5: Computer simulation.

Recent experimental data are used to formulate the effective pair interaction model of oxygen ordering in ${\mathrm{YBa}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Cu}}_{3}$${\mathrm{O}}_{6+\mathit{x}}$ oxides at x\ensuremath{\gtrsim}0.5 which is able to predict the main observed features of the low-temperature ordering. The computer simulation which uses this model characterizes the low-temperature secondary and tertiary ordering and describes the microstructure development resulting in formation of the Magneli-type and 2\ensuremath{\surd}${\mathit{a}}_{0}$\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}2\ensuremath{\surd}${\mathit{a}}_{0}$ phases (${\mathit{a}}_{0}$ is the perovskite lattice parameter). It is shown that these phases form stable rather than transient states. The stability fields of these phases on the phase diagram are estimated. Physical reasons distinguishing specific features of ordering in ${\mathrm{YBa}}_{2}$${\mathrm{Cu}}_{3}$${\mathrm{O}}_{6+\mathit{x}}$ from the conventional ordering are discussed. The computer simulation results suggest certain heat treatment regimes which may provide formation of well-developed domains of the triple-period O-III and Magneli phases. The latter is important since lack of material with large domains poses a serious difficulty in experimental studies of these phases. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.
Sea ice fracturing on the large scale

Abstract This paper reviews observational and theoretical work on deformation and lead formation in Arctic pack ice on the geophysical scale. The observational overview includes some discussion of stress measurements in pack ice. The theoretical development focuses on isotropic and anisotropic fracture based models of pack ice and discusses the general level of strength in pack ice in terms of the energy needed to build pressure ridges. Particular emphasis is placed on the development of a class of scale independent fracture based models that can apply on all scales. Results from mechanistic idealized and basin wide simulations which yield oriented failure patterns are also presented.
Background identification and suppression for the measurement of (n,γ) reactions with the DANCE array at LANSCE

Abstract In the commissioning phase of the DANCE project (Detector for Advanced Neutron Capture Experiments) measurements have been performed with special emphasis on the identification and suppression of possible backgrounds for the planned (n,γ) experiments. This report describes several background sources, observed in the experiment or anticipated from simulations, which will need to be suppressed in this and in similar detectors that are planned at other facilities. First successes are documented in the suppression of background from scattered neutrons captured in the detector as well as from the internal radiation. Experimental results and simulations using the GEANT code are compared.
Delayed epidural hemorrhage in hypotensive multiple trauma patients

Despite the availability of high resolution computed tomography, severely head-injured patients often present diagnostic dilemmas. An initially negative computed tomographic scan in the presence of severe multiple trauma does not predict an uncomplicated course. Early repeat scanning should be considered. We present three cases of delayed epidural hemorrhage in multiple trauma patients who initially were hypotensive secondary to hypovolemia. Possible etiologies for the hemorrhage as well as a list of indications for repeat scanning in the posttraumatic period are discussed.
Regularized string and flow equations

Improved derivations of the string and flow equations for single hermitian-matrix models are given, avoiding the use of formal manipulations previously adopted. Explicitly local and regularized expressions are written down for the scaling operators and their continuum limit is calculated in detail. It is shown that the fundamental property underlying the mathematical structure of the equations is the singularity of the large-N eigenvalue distribution at one of the ends of its support.
Capsaicin-sensitive nerves modulate resting blood flow and vascular tone in rat gut.

Acute and chronic treatments with capsaicin were used to evaluate the role of afferent neurons in the regulation of intestinal blood flow. Experiments were performed on anesthetized rats, in which mean intestinal blood flow was determined with a pulsed Doppler flowmeter mean systemic arterial pressure was determined with a transducer, and intenstinal vascular conductance (C) was calculated from these measurements. Acute administration of periarterial capsaicin (0.5 mg) induced biphasic intestinal vascular responses. An early hyperemic response occurred with a maximal increase in blood flow of 31 % at 5 min, followed by a decrease in blood flow of 17% at 30 min. Arterial pressure was decreased by the application of capsaicin, initially by 10%. There was an early increase of 49% in conductance, followed by a 15% decrease, compared with control values. When 1 or 4 mg capsaicin was instilled into the lumen of the jejunum there was a response pattern similar to that observed after periarterial application of capsaicin. Intrajejunal capsaicin (4 mg) increased blood flow by 51%, followed by a decrease of 16%. Mean mesenteric artery conductance was increased by 32% initially and subsequently was decreased by 21%, in response to acute intrajejunal administration of capsaicin. Both mean blood flow and conductance were increased (44% and 76%, respectively) in adult rats chronically pretreated with capsaicin (170 mg total dose) when compared with vehicle-treated controls.
The Arafat Visa Affair: Exceeding the Bounds of Host-State Discretion

Pacta sunt servanda The U.S. refusal to permit Yasir Arafat, Chairman of the Palestine Liberation Organization, to attend the 43d annual meeting of the General Assembly in New York was almost universally condemned as a violation of international law. Because Arafat publicly complied, on December 14, 1988, with the conditions the United States had long prescribed as prerequisite for direct contacts with the PLO, many have tended retroactively to validate the refusal to grant the visa, as a pragmatic and legitimate technique of diplomatic suasion. Consequently, it is all the more urgent that the record of international legal violation be confirmed, lest the refusal be cited, in the idiosyncratic fashion of international law, as precedent for future violations. Such a development would hasten the deterioration of the regime of restraints on the discretion of host states and reduce the effectiveness of resident international organizations.
Impacts of growing inclusions on directional crystallization

The destructive influence of internally nucleated growing crystallites upon the growth of an oriented crystal front is examined. In particular, a simple two-dimensional model system is used to study the interaction of an oriented, planar growth front with a particle, initially of negligible size, which grows by circular growth. The locus of the intersection points of the fronts is obtained and used to derive an expression for the misoriented (ruined) area fraction produced by the presence of the growing particle. It is demonstrated that the reduced ruined area fraction is a function of two controlling parameters that describe the relative growth velocity of the interfering particle and its relative nucleation position. The sensitivity of the reduced ruined area fraction to these controlling parameters is ascertained and discussed.
Technological innovation and economic performance

Abstract Technological advances have come to be recognized as probably the most important sources of economic progress, including the productivity and competitive strength of industries, growth in national income and gains both in standards of living and in military security. It has become increasingly urgent, therefore, to advance our still rudimentary understanding of the processes of interaction between such innovations and economic adjustments. This requires replacing continuing vague concepts of the sources and nature of technological advances, superficial notions of how they alter actual production operations, and dubious generalizations about resulting economic effects.
A comparative study of the adrenergic innervation of the iris and ciliary structures in 18 species in phylogenesis

A detailed topography of adrenergic innervation in invertebrates (lobster), low vertebrates (fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds), and nine species of mammals is presented. Flack and Hillarp's specific fluorescent histochemical method using freeze-dried material was used. Phylogenetically, adrenergic innervation appeared earlier under the ciliary epithelium and in the muscle than surrounding the vessels, and in all species many fibers were without any connection to the vessel walls. Adrenergic innervation was very rich in the dilator muscle extending toward the epithelium of the posterior chamber; a surprisingly rich network was found in the sphincter muscle and also in ciliary spaces of some species. Numerous fluorescent mast cells were visualized in the pecten of the bird eye and in the ciliary tissue of the sheep and cow.
Five Reasons Why Health Care Quality Research Hasn't Affected Competition Law and Policy

Research on health care quality has become increasingly sophisticated, but the research has not had a major impact on competition law and policy. Five specific translational barriers (relevance/litigation dynamics, complexity, framing, judicial and administrative skepticism, and inadequate demand) are identified. If researchers on health care quality want to have an impact on competition law and policy they must confront and overcome these translational barriers.
The oxidation of carbon monoxide over the (110) surface of iridium

The heterogeneously catalyzed reaction of gaseous CO and O/sub 2/ to form CO/sub 2/ over Ir(110) has been studied, through measurements of the steady-state rate of CO/sub 2/ production, by mass spectrometry for surface temperatures betwee 300 and 1000 K, and for partial pressures of the reactants between 10/sup -8/ and 3 x 10/sup -6/ Torr. The rate expressions developed from a previous analysis of transient reactions were combined into a model that both qualitatively and quantitatively predicts trends in the steady-state measurements. However, the following four phenomena limit the applicability of this model: (1) the activation energies for CO desorption and CO oxidation depend markedly upon the composition of the adlayer on the surface; (2) diffusion in the adlayer may limit the rates of CO desorption and CO oxidation, but this effect can be included empirically in the rate expression; (3) the catalyst surface is oxidized at temperatures where the steady-state rate of CO oxidation is rapid, i.e., a second species of atomically adsorbed oxygen forms irreversibly near 700 K; and (4) hysteresis in the rate of production of CO/sub 2/ with temperature occurs in the steady-state reaction. 6 figures.
Damage detection of CFRP laminates via self-sensing fibres and thermal-sprayed electrodes

Structural components made of carbon/graphite fibre-reinforced polymers (CFRP) are frequently deployed in environments where solid particle impacts can generate surface degradation and damage. Recently, several nondestructive evaluation methods have been proposed to detect any damages for composite materials. However, many of them are not suited for real-time health monitoring in large scale due to their complexity and cost. This study proposes a new monitoring system to quantify the extent of damage using carbon fibres themselves as self-sensing sensors. This approach utilises recently developed thermal spray process to deposit copper electrodes directly onto composite surfaces. These electrodes are used to measure electrical resistances along the carbon, which are processed to estimate damage state via inverse analysis. In this study, in order to determine appropriate distributions of electrodes to identify damage parameters, several simulations are carried out under different electrode spacing conditio...
Modeling of ultrafast phase changes in metal films induced by an ultrashort laser pulse using a semi-classical two-temperature model

Abstract A semi-classical two-temperature (2T) model, together with the extended Drude model for temperature-dependent optical properties, is proposed to describe ultrafast thermal transport and phase changes in gold films irradiated by an ultrashort laser pulse. This model reduces to a classical 2T model when the electron momentum equation and the two terms related to electron drifting velocity in the electron energy equation are dropped off. It is found that the significant changes in reflectivity and absorption coefficient due to rapid temperature rise could drastically alter laser energy deposition and in turn, the thermal response in metal films. It is also found that the semi-classical 2T model could predict lower electron and lattice temperature and less severe solid–liquid and liquid–vapor phase change than the classical 2T model. The difference could be more distinct with increase of laser fluence and/or increase of laser pulse duration.
Gene Expression in Nuclear Microenvironments for Biological Control and Cancer

(2007). Gene expression in nuclear microenvironments for biological control and cancer. Cancer Biology & Therapy: Vol. 6, No. 11, pp. 1817-1821.
Metamorphosis of tachyon profile in unstable D9-branes

We explored a variety of brane configurations in our previous paper within the two derivative truncation of the unstable D9-brane effective theory. In this paper we extend our previous results with emphasis on the inclusion of the higher derivative corrections for the tachyon and the gauge fields computed in the boundary string field theories. We give the exact solutions to BPS brane configurations studied in our previous paper and find remarkable exact agreements of their energies and RR-charges with the expected results. We further find a few more solutions that we could not construct in the two derivative truncations, such as a (F,D6) bound state ending on a D8-brane whose existence turns out to be due to a higher derivative effect and also the dielectric brane of Emparan and Myers as a nonsupersymmetric example. These are also in exact agreements with the results obtained in the effective theory of supersymmetric D-branes.
What Voters Want From Political Campaign Communication

Conventional wisdom holds that the public dislikes campaigns for their negativity and superficiality, preferring a cleaner, substantive, and more deliberative process. By contrast, the implication of Hibbing and Theiss-Morse's (2002) Stealth Democracy is that, while citizens will indeed dislike campaigns, they do not necessarily desire more deliberation, debate, and discussion of issues. Instead they want simple cues that allow them to size up candidates with minimal effort. In this article, we test these theories with survey and focus group data collected during the 2002 California gubernatorial race. Ultimately, the ideal campaign envisioned by the public falls somewhere between the substantive and participatory campaign envisioned by reformers and what we call an “undemanding campaign.” We also find that attitudes toward campaigns vary substantially based on political involvement and demographic attributes. Most important, politically involved citizens desire the more substantive campaigns envisioned b...
Thoracic Duct Ligation and Pericardectomy for Treatment of Idiopathic Chylothorax

Chylothorax is a devastating disease, and the success rates from either medical or surgical management are less than satisfactory. In some animals with chylothorax, a thickening of the pericardium occurs that is associated with chronic irritation induced by chyle. We hypothesized that pericardial thickening would lead to increased right-sided venous pressures and that abnormal venous pressures would act to impede the drainage of chyle via lymphaticovenous communications after thoracic duct (TD) ligation. We also hypothesized that serosanguineous effusions that occurred after TD ligation could effectively be treated or prevented by pericardectomy in affected animals. TD ligation plus pericardectomy was performed in 17 animals, and pericardectomy alone was performed in an additional 3 animals that presented during a 5.5-year period to the Texas A&M University (College Station, TX). Nineteen animals presented for an evaluation of idiopathic chylothorax (9 dogs and 10 cats), and 1 dog presented for serosanguineous pleural fluid after TD ligation that had been performed elsewhere. Echocardiography was normal in all animals, except for a subjectively thickened pericardium in 7 cats and 6 dogs. Clinical signs of pleural fluid accumulation resolved in 10 of 10 dogs and in 8 of 10 cats after surgery. The overall success rate for the surgical treatment of chylothorax (ie, the resolution of pleural fluid accumulation) in this study was 90% (100% in dogs and 80% in cats). These data suggest that TD ligation in conjunction with pericardectomy has a favorable outcome in animals with idiopathic chylothorax.
Dispersal and air entrainment in unconfined dilute pyroclastic density currents

Unconfined scaled laboratory experiments show that 3D structures control the behavior of dilute pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) during and after liftoff. Experiments comprise heated and ambient temperature 20 μm talc powder turbulently suspended in air to form density currents within an unobstructed 8.5 × 6 × 2.6-m chamber. Comparisons of Richardson, thermal Richardson, Froude, Stokes, and settling numbers and buoyant thermal to kinetic energy densities show good agreement between experimental currents and dilute PDCs. The experimental Reynolds numbers are lower than those of PDCs, but the experiments are fully turbulent; thus, the large-scale dynamics are similar between the two systems. High-frequency, simultaneous observation in three orthogonal planes shows that the currents behave very differently than previous 2D (i.e., confined) currents. Specifically, whereas ambient temperature currents show radial dispersal patterns, buoyancy reversal, and liftoff of heated currents focuses dispersal along narrow axes beneath the rising plumes. The aspect ratios, defined as the current length divided by a characteristic width, are typically 2.5–3.5 in heated currents and 1.5–2.5 in ambient temperature currents, reflecting differences in dispersal between the two types of currents. Mechanisms of air entrainment differ greatly between the two currents: entrainment occurs primarily behind the heads and through the upper margins of ambient temperature currents, but heated currents entrain air through their lateral margins. That lateral entrainment is much more efficient than the vertical entrainment, >0.5 compared to ∼0.1, where entrainment is defined as the ratio of cross-stream to streamwise velocity. These experiments suggest that generation of coignimbrite plumes should focus PDCs along narrow transport axes, resulting in elongate rather than radial deposits.
The free energy of denaturation of lysozyme: An undergraduate experiment in biophysical chemistry*

An undergraduate laboratory experiment to measure the free energy of denaturation of the enzyme lysozyme is described. The fluorescence of the protein in solutions of varying concentrations of urea and guanidine hydrochloride is measured. The data are analyzed graphically assuming a two-state model for the denaturation.
Hepatobiliary cancers in persons With HIV/AIDS in the United States

Background Cancers of the hepatobiliary tract (liver, bile duct and gall bladder) are characterized by relatively infrequent occurrence, aggressive growth, and recurrences after treatment. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is of special concern in the context of HIV/AIDS due to substantial associated morbidity and mortality. The overall burden of liver cancer may increase in people with AIDS as the combined effects of alcohol use, coinfection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV), and other risk factors manifest as chronic liver disease.
Open surgical procedures for injuriesto the elbow in throwers

Abstract Elite throwers subject the elbow to extremely high forces that, over long periods of time, may cause significant injury.Surgical techniques developed to treat these injuries have allowed many athletes to resume careers that might have otherwise ended. In this article, open surgical techniques and the indications for surgery to the elbow are presented in detail. Included in the discussion is a detailed description of ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction.
The electrical conductivity of phospholipid films as an iodine-sensing mechanism.

Abstract The d.c. electrical conductivity of dry phospholipid films is increased by some 8–11 orders of magnitude by the adsorption of iodine vapor. The conductivity of these films has been found to increase as a function of iodine ‘vapor pressure’ and the quantitative relationship between electrical conductivity and the adsorbed iodine has been determined. Films composed of phospholipids with unsaturated hydrocarbon chains are some three orders of magnitude more electrically conductive than are films of phospholipids containing saturated hydrocarbon chains. Optical spectroscopic measurements show the development of absorption bands centered near 294 nm and 365 nm, upon iodine adsorption. These bands are much more intense for unsaturated phospholipids than for saturated ones. X-ray diffraction studies show that exposure of iodine decreases the thickness of phospholipid bilayers containing unsaturated hydrocarbon chains but does not change the thickness of bilayers containing only saturated chains. The electrical response of the lipid films, upon exposure to iodine, suggests their possible use as iodine sensors.
Tracking plasma rotation speeds in Saturn's magnetosphere

Researchers are learning more about the dynamics of Saturn's magnetosphere by applying a technique that is commonly used to study Earth's aurora. Using data from the magnetospheric imaging instrument on the Cassini spacecraft, Carbary and Mitchell tracked blobs of energetic neutral hydrogen atoms within Saturn's magnetosphere by creating keograms—time versus latitude plots assembled from multiple images, providing an instantaneous global view of azimuthal speeds of the blobs. The energetic neutral atoms serve as “imagers” of the ion population of a magnetosphere because they originate from charge exchange between neutral atoms and energetic ions.
Tacrolimus enhances transforming growth FACTOR-β1 expression and promotes tumor progression

BACKGROUND Immunosuppressive therapy is a risk factor for the increased incidence and metastatic progression of malignancies in organ graft recipients. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta(1) has been associated with tumor invasion and metastasis, and we have implicated cyclosporine-associated TGF-beta(1) hyperexpression in tumor progression in mice. METHODS BALB/c mice or severe combined immunodeficient-beige mice were treated with 2 or 4 mg/kg of tacrolimus, and the effect of treatment on mouse renal cancer cell pulmonary metastasis was investigated. We also determined whether tacrolimus induces TGF-beta(1) expression. Spleens from tacrolimus-treated mice were analyzed for level of expression of TGF-beta(1) mRNA with the use of competitive-quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay, and circulating levels of TGF-beta(1) protein were measured with the use of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS Treatment with tacrolimus resulted in a dose-dependent increase in the number of pulmonary metastases in the BALB/c mice (197+/-16 in untreated mice, 281+/-26 in mice treated with 2 mg/kg of tacrolimus, and 339+/-25 in mice treated with 4 mg/kg of tacrolimus; no treatment vs. 4 mg/kg tacrolimus, Bonferroni's P<0.001) and in the severe combined immunodeficient-beige mice (117+/-18 in untreated mice, 137+/-19 in mice treated with 2 mg/kg of tacrolimus, and 216+/-29 in mice treated with 4 mg/kg of tacrolimus; no treatment vs. 4 mg/kg tacrolimus, P<0.05). Treatment with 4 mg/kg but not 2 mg/kg of tacrolimus resulted in a significant increase in the levels of expression of TGF-beta(1) mRNA and circulating levels of TGF-beta(1) protein. CONCLUSIONS Tacrolimus has a dose-dependent effect on tumor progression and TGF-beta(1) expression, and tacrolimus-induced TGF-beta(1) overexpression may be a pathogenetic mechanism in tumor progression.
A New Class of Generalized Lindley Distribution with Applications

A new four-parameter class of generalized Lindley (GL) distribution called the beta-generalized Lindley (BGL) distribution is proposed. This class of distributions contains the beta-Lindley, GL and Lindley distributions as special cases. Expansion of the density of the BGL distribution is obtained. The properties of these distributions, including hazard function, reverse hazard function, monotonicity property, shapes, moments, reliability, mean deviations, Bonferroni and Lorenz curves are derived. Measures of uncertainty such as Renyi entropy and s-entropy as well as Fisher information are presented. Method of maximum likelihood is used to estimate the parameters of the BGL and related distributions. Finally, real data examples are discussed to illustrate the applicability of this class of models.
Dynamic reliability analysis of coherent multistate systems

This paper generalizes 2-state (binary-state) reliability parameters 'R(t), F(t), /spl lambda/(t), and mean-time to-failure' to multi-state reliability parameters 'R(t,i), G(t,i), /spl lambda/(t,i), mean-life-span-at-specified-performance-level(i), for each state'. By using these generalized reliability parameters, multi-state reliability dynamic analysis can be transformed to a set of 2-state reliability dynamic analyses. Then, the authors extend some theoretical results in 2-state reliability analysis to the multi-state case. Measures for evaluating performance degradation of multi-state system are developed. By combining Markov processes and s-coherent multi-state system structure functions, the dynamic multi-state reliability can be analyzed. Several examples are given.
P5J-1 Dual-Layer Transducer Array for 3-D Imaging

The difficulty in fabricating and connecting large numbers of 2-D array elements has limited the development of 2-D transducer array with more than 5000 elements. In this paper, we propose a dual-layer transducer array design which uses perpendicular 1-D arrays for 3-D imaging. This transducer design reduces the complexity of fabrication and the number of channels while maintaining adequate performance compared to a fully sampled 2-D transducer array. To demonstrate feasibility, we constructed a 4 cm times 4 cm prototype dual-layer transducer array which consists of 256 elements for each layer operating at 4 MHz. Both layers used P[VDF-TrFE] material. The -6 dB fractional bandwidth was 130% without matching layer. The measured crosstalk of P[VDF-TrFE] layer was -24 dB in the frequency range of 3 MHz-10 MHz. We also verified the performance of this transducer using a wire target phantom. The theoretical beamwidth was 0.62 mm compared to the measured beamwidth of 0.53 mm using coherence factor when f-number is 1.6.
Enhancing Cognitive Radio dynamic spectrum sensing through adaptive learning

Cognitive Radio (CR) networks present a difficult set of challenges due to the fluctuating nature of the available spectrum and wide ranging number of applications, each having different Quality of Service (QoS) requirements. This paper studies the key enabling technologies of Cognitive Radio and makes contributions in two key areas: sensing and learning. We shall first present the software testbed which is developed to implement the Cognitive Radio spectrum sensing system. Next, we derive the mathematical relationship between varying parameters and the QoS and test it on our system to verify the overall performance. Novel learning techniques which determine the statistics of primary user (PU) channel usage over time are proposed to enhance the cognitive radio's dynamic spectrum sensing ability. Using our testbed, we shall demonstrate the feasibility of the innovative adaptive learning algorithms and their ability to increase spectrum sensing efficiency and improve performance over time without feedback from the receiver. We will then proceed to the domain where there are multiple non-cooperative cognitive users (secondary users) selfishly applying the learning algorithms to increase their data rate in channels with varying primary user activity. Finally we conclude with discussions about our results and future work.
Resource-efficient mobilization programs in the intensive care unit: who stands to win?

Abstract Background Functional outcomes can improve with early intensive care unit (ICU) mobilization programs but require additional resources. Details regarding resource allotment and methods to deliver therapy are lacking. We describe an effective team-based, resource-efficient mobility program (REMP). Methods Consecutive admissions (November 2009 to March 2010) underwent an evaluation by a physical therapist and participation in the REMP. Sitting balance (SB), transfer from bed to chair, and ambulation were assessed on the initial evaluation and compared with ICU and hospital discharge using the Functional Independence Measure scale. Results Twenty-eight patients entered the REMP, and 31 patients served as controls. There were no differences in baseline characteristics or initial Functional Independence Measure scores for ambulation or SB. Bed-to-chair evaluation was higher in the controls (P Conclusions A team-based, resource-efficient approach to early mobilization is feasible and effective in the ICU.
Measurement Specialists: Motive to Achieve or Motive to Avoid Failure?.

After presenting his argument for a hope-oriented approach to the use of tests, BUI goes on to discuss the conjunctive decisionmaking model, he argues that the conjunctive model emphatically does not use Just one piece of data, then compares how data Is used In the conjunctive and the compensatory decisionmaking models.