cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
In-Situ x-Ray Diffraction Analysis of TiSi2 Phase Formation from a Titanium-Molybdenum Bilayer

We demonstrate that the addition of a molybdenum interlayer between titanium and silicon enhances the formation of C54 TiSi2, without bypassing the formation of the C49 TiSi2 phase. In situ x-ray diffraction analysis during rapid thermal annealing, at a rate of 3 °C/s, was used to study the phase formation sequence of TiSi2 starting from a blanket bilayer of Ti on Mo on a polycrystalline Si substrate. It was shown, as in the case without the Mo layer, that the C49 TiSi2 phase forms first, followed by the C54 TiSi2 phase. The results were similar for undoped or arsenic, boron, and phosphorous doped polycrystalline silicon substrates. The temperature range over which the C49 phase is stable is reduced, on average, by 80 °C. The lower end of the range (appearance of C49) is increased by approximately 60 °C and the upper end of the range (disappearance of C49) is decreased by about 20 0C. The orientation of the C49 phase differs in that both the C49(131) and C49(060) orientations are observed, compared to the case without the Mo layer where only the C49(131) orientation is observed.
Comparative RFLP mapping of meadow and tall fescue

Molecular markers based on restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) were used to construct a genetic linkage map in diploid meadow fescue, Festuca pratensis Huds. (2n=2x=14, genomic designation PP), and to compare its genomic relationship with a related species, hexaploid tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.; 2n=6x=42, PPG1G1G2G2). Using a collection of 66 tall-fescue (heterologous) markers, an RFLP linkage map was constructed in F. pratensis. This map, which has a total length of 280.1 cM, includes seven linkage groups. A comparison of 33 markers that were mapped in both F. pratensis and F. arundinacea detected highly conserved linkage groups between these two species. Our data are consistent with the proposal that one of the genomes of F. arundinacea was derived from F. pratensis. However, since significant changes in marker sequences, map distances, and homoeologous linkage groups were also detected between the two species, it appears that the P genome diverged substantially during evolution from the diploid to the hexaploid Festuca.
Comments on the critical behavior of random systems

The renormalization-group treatment of the critical behavior of random systems is augmented by including all the cumulants of the disorder distribution. The results substantiate Lubensky's argument that the n ..-->.. 0 isotropic fixed point is ''unphysical,'' and that the phase transition of random m-component systems which have a positive specific-heat exponent will be sharp, with exponents determined by the ''random'' fixed point. The renormalization-group transformations of a random Gaussian model lead to a ''runaway'', which is shown to be unrelated to a first-order transition. This is related to the problem of a particle in a random potential with and without an absorptive part. (auth)
Electronic properties of {InAsP}/{InAs} strained-layer superlattices prepared by hydride vapor phase epitaxy

Abstract InAs x P 1− x InAs superlattices with 0.63 ≤ × ≤ 0.83 have been grown by hydride vapor phase epitaxy on semi-insulating Fe-doped InP(100) substrates using a single barrel horizontal reactor. The superlattices consisted of 60–150 layers of alternate InAsP and InAs with an individual layer thickness in the range of 200–500 A. The net carrier concentrations for these structures at 295 K are in the low 1016 cm−3 range with electron mobilities between 8,130 and 12,100 cm2/(V − sec.). The highest electron mobility was obtained for an InAs 0.7 P 0.3 InAs superlattice, which has a lattice misfit strain of 0.95%. The highest 77 K mobility observed for the InAsP/InAs structures was 4.7 × 104 cm2/V − sec.) for a net carrier concentration of 1.15 × 1016 cm−3. Electronic conduction mechanisms in the superlattices were studied from their magnetotransport properties at 1.6 K. Highly anisotropic magnetoresistance was noted for magnetic fields perpendicular and parallel to the layers. For low fields a negative magnetoresistance that was proportional to the square of the magnetic field was observed. For samples with high electron mobility, oscillations in the magnetoresistance were noted at high magnetic fields.
Efficient and portable multiple recursive generators of large order

Deng and Xu [2003] proposed a system of multiple recursive generators of prime modulus p and order k, where all nonzero coefficients of the recurrence are equal. This type of generator is efficient because only a single multiplication is required. It is common to choose p = 231−1 and some multipliers to further improve the speed of the generator. In this case, some fast implementations are available without using explicit division or multiplication. For such a p, Deng and Xu [2003] provided specific parameters, yielding the maximum period for recurrence of order k, up to 120. One problem of extending it to a larger k is the difficulty of finding a complete factorization of pk−1. In this article, we apply an efficient technique to find k such that it is easy to factor pk−1, with p = 231−1. The largest one found is k = 1597. To find multiple recursive generators of large order k, we introduce an efficient search algorithm with an early exit strategy in case of a failed search. For k = 1597, we constructed several efficient and portable generators with the period length approximately 1014903.1.
You Sank My Battleship!: A Case Study in Secure Programming

We report on a case study in secure programming, focusing on the design, implementation and auditing of programs for playing the board game Battleship. We begin by precisely defining the security of Battleship programs, borrowing ideas from theoretical cryptography. We then consider three implementations of Battleship: one in Concurrent ML featuring a trusted referee; one in Haskell/LIO using information flow control to avoid needing a trusted referee; and one in Concurrent ML using access control to avoid needing such a referee. All three implementations employ data abstraction in key ways.
Exercise Performance Comparison of Bicaval and Biatrial Orthotopic Heart Transplant Recipients

Abstract Background The standard biatrial technique for orthotopic heart transplantation uses a large atrial anastomosis to connect the donor and recipient atria. A modified technique involves bicaval and pulmonary venous anastomoses and is believed to preserve the anatomic configuration and physiological function of the atria. Bicaval heart transplantation reduces postoperative valvular regurgitation and is associated with a lower incidence of pacemaker insertion. Objective The aim of this study was to compare postoperative functional capacity and exercise performance in patients with bicaval and biatrial orthotopic heart transplantation. Methods Patients were selected for the study if they did not have any of the following: obstructive coronary artery disease (>50% stenosis), severe mitral or tricuspid regurgitation, signs of rejection (grade ≥1B-1R) on endomyocardial biopsy during the prior year, respiratory impairment, a permanent pacemaker, orthopedic or muscular impediments, or lived more than 150 miles from the medical center. A total of 27 patients qualified. In 15 patients who received a biatrial heart transplant and 12 patients with a bicaval heart transplant, a stationary bicycle exercise test was performed. Ventilatory gas exchange and maximum oxygen consumption measurements were measured. Results Recipient and donor characteristics, including body surface area, donor/recipient weight mismatch, immunosuppressive regimen, and self-reported weekly exercise activity, did not differ between the biatrial and bicaval groups (P = not significant [NS]). At peak exercise, similar heart rate, workload, oxygen consumption, carbon dioxide production, ventilation, functional capacity, and exercise duration were found between the 2 groups (P = NS). Patients in the biatrial group were studied later than patients in the bicaval group (6.54 ± 0.71 vs 4.68 ± 0.28 years; P Conclusion There were no significant differences in the exercise capacity between patients with biatrial versus bicaval techniques for orthotopic heart transplantation. Factors other than the atrial connection (such as cardiac denervation, immunosuppressive drug effect, or physical deconditioning) may be more important determinants of subnormal exercise capacity after heart transplantation. Nevertheless, the reduction in morbidity and postoperative complications and the simplicity in the bicaval technique suggest that bicaval heart transplantation offers advantages when compared with the standard biatrial technique.
On the minimum weights of compression structures

Abstract The weights of optimal compression structures of several types are estimated. Minimum weights of columns having solid square or circular cross-sections are compared with those of similar metal–foam-filled tubes, hollow tubes and tubes whose walls are foam-core sandwiches. Similarly, the minimum (of near-minimum) weights of wide sandwich compression panels are studied along with those of hat-stiffened, solid-skin panels and panels in which the skins and stiffeners are themselves metal–foam-core sandwiches. In these studies, weight comparisons are made on the basis of appropriate structural indices and compressive strength is the only failure criterion. These studies provide baseline comparisons that ignore other possible design constraints, such as longitudinal stiffness, minimum gage and cost.
The CD70-CD27 Axis, a New Brake in the T Helper 17 Cell Response

The CD70-CD27 interaction is known to positively regulate T cell expansion and effector function by providing costimulatory signals. In this issue of Immunity, Coquet et al. (2013) show an unexpected T-helper-17-cell-specific negative regulation mediated by CD70-CD27 interaction.
Ionophore A23187 disrupts membrane structure by modifying protein-lipid interactions.

The physiological function of membrane-bound protein clearly depends on the nature of its neighbouring lipid1. However, the question of how critical the protein is to the structure and function of membrane lipid has received much less attention. There is some evidence that lipid surrounding membrane protein, ‘boundary lipid’, may be more ordered than continuum lipid2. Protein can also alter the enthalpy and temperature of pure lipid-phase transitions3. However, controversy surrounds the question of whether membrane proteins determine long-range aspects of lipid structure or merely perturb their local environments4,5. Here, we demonstrate that a lipophilic substance, the calcium ionophore, A23187 (Lilly), dramatically disorders the lipid structure of the membrane and that this phenomenon depends on the presence of proteins.
Symptom Cluster Experience Profiles in Adult Survivors of Childhood Cancers

Although aggressive medical treatment protocols have led to 80% five-year survival rates for most childhood cancer patients, many long-term survivors experience multiple troubling symptoms. Using data from 100 adult survivors of childhood cancers (ACC-survivors), we used latent variable mixture modeling to generate unique subgroups of survivors based on their experiences with a cluster of eight symptoms: lack of energy, worry, pain, difficulty sleeping, feeling irritable, feeling nervous, difficulty concentrating, and feeling sad (as measured by the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale). We also examined factors that were likely to predict subgroup membership (chronic health conditions [CHCs], health-promoting lifestyle, and demographic variables) and determined the extent to which satisfaction with quality of life (QoL) varied across the subgroups. The final mixture model included three subgroups of ACC-survivors: high symptoms (HS; n=21), moderate symptoms (MS; n=45), and low symptoms (LS; n=34). ACC-survivors who reported at least one CHC were six times as likely to be classified in the HS subgroup as compared with the LS subgroup. Mean health-promoting lifestyle scores were lowest in the HS subgroup and highest in the LS subgroup. Differences in QoL among the subgroups were statistically significant, thus validating that the subgroups were characterized uniquely for identifying those symptoms with highest life impact. To our knowledge, we are the first to identify distinct subgroups of ACC-survivors differentiated by symptom cluster experience profiles. The findings warrant additional research to confirm the subgroup-specific symptom cluster experience profiles in larger studies of ACC-survivors.
Dopamine uptake and release: effects of imipramine on the pedal ganglion of a freshwater pelecypod (Quadrula pustulosa).

1) Exposure of pedal ganglia to the tricyclic antidepressant imipramine lowered the total endogenous dopamine concentration by 27 %.2) Field-stimulation of pedal ganglia labelled with 3H-dopamine caused release of the amine.3) Release of 3H-dopamine from field-stimulated pedal ganglia may be potentiated by imipramine.4) Newly accumulated 3H-dopamine mixes with the unlabeled endogenous dopamine in the ganglion and is not preferentially released.
Evaluation of Five QT Correction Formulas Using a Software-Assisted Method of Continuous QT Measurement from 24-Hour Holter Recordings

To evaluate and compare QT correction formulas in healthy subjects, we used 24-hour Holter monitoring because it allows the assessment of QT intervals over a large range of rates. Computer-assisted QT-interval measurements were obtained from 21 subjects. QT-RR relations for individuals and the group were fitted by regression analysis to 5 QT prediction formulas: simple Bazett's, modified Bazett's, linear (Framingham), modified Fridericia's and exponential (Sarma's). There were no significant differences in mean squared residuals between formulas. When using individually calculated regression parameters, each formula gave good or acceptable QT correction over the entire range of RR intervals. Simple Bazett's formula (which uses no regression parameters) was unreliable at high rates. Akaike information criteria rank was: Sarma's, Framingham, modified Bazett's, Fridericia's, and simple Bazett's. When group-based regression parameters were applied to individuals, no formula had a clear advantage over simple Bazett's. We conclude that any formula that invokes regression parameters unique to each individual provides satisfactory QT correction. Determination of these parameters requires long-term recording to obtain an adequate range of rates. Group-based regression parameters give poor correction. When individual parameters cannot be determined, as in a 12-lead electrocardiogram, no formula provides an advantage over the familiar simple Bazett's.
Estimation of densities and coefficients of thermal expansion of solid Ni-base superalloys

Abstract To calculate the densities of solid Ni-base superalloys as functions of temperature and composition, lattice parameters of 18 alloys at 20°C and coefficients of thermal expansion (CTEs) of 17 alloys were estimated by combining available data. To estimate the lattice parameters of the alloys at 20°C, the changes in the lattice parameter of Ni caused by additions of the elements were simply summed to get the lattice parameters of alloys. This procedure results in calculated densities that are
Properties of the Gametokinetic Substance in the Feces of Dairy Cattle

Summary Studies are reported that confirm the presence in bovine feces of a gametokinetic factor that will induce release of sperm in male amphibia. Male Rana pipiens frogs responded in a manner similar to that reported for the Indian toad Bufo melanostictus . The active substance was higher in feces of pregnant than of nonpregnant cattle, but its possible validity in pregnancy diagnosis was not evaluated. It is highly soluble in water and water-acetone mixtures. It is also soluble in pure n -butanol, but not in diethyl ether, chloroform, acetone, or ethyl alcohol. It is nondialyzable through a cellophane membrane. Partial inactivation occurred when extracts were dried at 94° C. However, appreciable inactivation did not result from boiling active solutions for as long as 1hour. Inactivation was complete upon refluxing with 15% and 20% of concentrated HCl added, but was only partial with 10% HCl. Purified extracts failed to induce ovulation when injected into virgin doe rabbits. From the results obtained, it is concluded that the gametokinetic factor differs from the known gonadotrophins and also from the androgen previously described in cattle feces.
Service learning models connecting computer science to the community

Service learning is an educational experience that enables students to apply material learned in the classroom by volunteering in a real-world situation. This paper provides a brief review of service learning and describes two models that the computer science department at Saint Anselm College implemented successfully.
A survey of railgun research at the Georgia Institute of Technology (USA)

In 2011, investigators at the Georgia Institute of Technology performed a series of experiments and analyses to provide a further understanding of railgun performance as a function of the armature-to-rail interface. In this paper, results of this effort are presented offering insight with respect to interface wear generated using a lab-scale railgun and a gas-gun.
Digital watermarking in parametric slant transform domain

In this paper, we introduce a novel signal-dependent parameterization of Slant-Hadamard transform. A secure watermarking scheme in transform domain is proposed based on this new orthonormal transform. Then watermarking performance is analyzed and discussed if we model the watermarking scheme as spread spectrum communication problem. We also propose an optimal parameters selection algorithm and show the robustness performance of the method through simulations that compare with watermarking approaches in other orthogonal domains in the presence of lossy compression.
Fatal complication of endoscopic sclerotherapy: Serratia marcescens bacteremia with delayed esophageal perforation.

Endoscopic sclerotherapy is recognized as a method of treating bleeding esophageal varices. l One study has demonstrated increased short-term survival in patients treated with the injection of sclerosant solutions into their varices. Sclerotherapy can be delivered using a flexible endoscope to direct multiple injections into variceal columns near the esophagogastric junction. This therapy represents an alternative to surgery in poor risk patients suffering repetitive variceal bleeding episodes. Lethal complications of sclerotherapy include perforation of the esophagus, bleeding esophageal ulcerations, and respiratory failure. J,4-7 We recently encountered a fatal complication of sclerotherapy consisting of bacteremic shock with an unusual organism and delayed esophageal perforation.
Recent Advances on Vibration Control of Structures Under Dynamic Loading

In this paper, a review of recent journal articles on passive, active, semi-active, and hybrid vibration control of structures subjected to dynamic loading is presented. Passive systems reviewed include tuned mass damper (TMD), tuned liquid column damper (TLCD), tuned liquid column ball damper (TLCBD), circular TLCD (CTLCD), and pendulum TLCD (PTLCD). Active control systems include active tuned mass dampers (ATMD) and piezoelectric actuators. Semi-active systems include magnetorheological (MR) damper, negative stiffness devices (NSD), magneto-rheological damper TMD (MR-TMD), variable stiffness semi-active TMD (VS-STMD), variable damper STMD (VD-STMD), and recentering variable friction device (RVFD). Hybrid systems include active base isolation system and semi-active MR dampers with nonlinear base isolators. The current frontier of research is semi-active control of structures as well hybridization of various control systems. The problem is complex requiring integration of several different hardware and software technologies with structural design such as smart materials, adaptive dampers, actuators, sensors, and control and signal processing algorithms. This complexity also makes it an exciting area of research and development.
Optical oscillator strengths for silicon

Abstract Optical oscillator strengths for excitations from the 3p valence subshell of silicon are calculated using a semi-empirical method.
Sjögren-Larsson syndrome associated with the Dandy-Walker malformation: report of a case.

: The Sjdgren-Larsson syndrome is defined as the association of ichthyosis, spastic diplegia or tetrapiegia, and mental retardation. Although most cases described have come from the Swedish county of Vasterbotten, isolated reports from the United States and elsewhere do exist Numerous neurologic abnormalities have been reported with this syndrome, including speech defects, seizures, and pyramidal tract disorders. Abnormal ophthaimologic findings are not rare. Prevlous studies with computerized tomographic (CT) scans have revealed no abnormalities of cranial anatomy. We report a 6-year-old boy with Sidgren-Larsson syndrome who had a Dandy-Walker malformation as demonstrated by diagnostic imaging by CT and magnetic resonance imaging scans. This case illustrates that developmental defects of the central nervous system can also occur in association with Sjdgren-Larsson syndrome.
Long time-base observations of surf noise

A year of surf noise observations in the very near shore region of La Jolla Shores beach are presented. Ambient sound levels and surface wave height were recorded for 9 min every hour from July 1997 through June 1998 at a monitoring station located 360 m seaward of the beach in 8-m deep water. Sound segments that were dominated by the noise from breaking surf formed the basis of a correlation analysis between surf noise level and wave height, wave period, wind speed, and mean water depth. The analysis shows that surf noise is primarily determined by wave height, and scales approximately with the wave height squared. The surface wave energy flux onto the beach also scales with wave height squared, leading to the conclusion that the conversion of the mechanical energy of the surface wave field into noise energy is approximately constant. In fact, the ratio of noise energy to surface wave energy flux varies by up to a factor of 3 over the range of energy fluxes considered (100–3000 W per m).
Vitreo-retinal interface segmentation from spectral-domain OCT using change detection and belief propagation

Vitreo-retinal interface (VRI) segmentation is a common prerequisite of automated quantitative analysis of retinal structures.This work presents a new, fast and robust 3D VRI segmentation from SD-OCT images using change detection and belief propagation. The proposed technique breaks the 3D VRI segmentation into two sub-problems, each of which can be solved with linear time complexity. A modified change detection algorithm is first applied along the A-scan direction to locate potential VRI surface points. Subsequently, the VRI surface is constructed from the potential surface points by systematically incorporating contextual constraints with a belief propagation algorithm. The efficacy of the proposed 3D VRI segmentation is validated with 25 SD-OCT data sets.
Acoustic Surface Wave Directional Couplers

A theoretical and experimental investigation leading to the design and fabrication of surface wave directional couplers is discussed. A simple theoretical model for surface acoustic waveguides developed by Adkins and Hughes serves as the foundation for the present investigation. In this model guidance is achieved by thin gold strips deposited on fused quartz. This single guide model was then extended to the double guide structure which serves as a basis for coupled mode devices. A preliminary account of this work has been previously reported. Calculated coupling lengths, decay lengths, and modal amplitude ratios were found to be in good agreement with experiment. The double guide model was then employed for the design and fabrication of directional coupler devices. A brief account of this work is reported in Ref. 3. The general agreement between theory and experiment indicates that the model constitutes the basic foundation for design of practical coupled mode devices.
Thermo-mechanical fatigue behavior of an angle-ply SCS-6/Ti-15-3 metal matrix composite

Abstract The response of the continuous-fiber-reinforced metal-matrix composite SCS-6/Ti-15-3 with orientation [±45]2s was investigated under fatigue conditions. Three temperature and load profiles were used to characterize the metal-matrix composite, namely: isothermal fatigue (IF) at 427°C, in-phase thermo-mechanical fatigue (IP-TMF) from 149°C to 427°C, and out-of-phase thermo-mechanical fatigue (OP-TMF) from 149°C to 427°C. At high stress levels (above 400 MPa) the [±45]2s laminate displayed in-phase, out-of-phase, and isothermal fatigue lives which were all within 1000 cycles. At these high stress levels the laminate exhibited the most detrimental fatigue response when subjected to the in-phase TMF profile. The IP-TMF and IF curves displayed equivalent fatigue lives at stress levels below 400 MPa. At these lower stress levels (below 400 MPa) the OP-TMF lives were approximately a factor of two lower than the IP-TMF and IF lives. Mechanical strain measurements, Young's modulus calculations, micromechanical analysis, acetate edge replication, metallography, and fractography were all employed to explain the damage mechanisms and their effects on the fatigue life of the laminate. The initial mode of damage for all specimens tested at all load-temperature profiles was fiber-matrix interfacial failures. Matrix plasticity, matrix cracking, fiber rotation, and fiber failures were evident at all applied stress levels in IP-TMF, OP-TMF, and IF. The degree of each of these mechanisms was dependent on both the applied stress level and the temperature profile.
Power Delivery and Leakage Field Control Using an Adaptive Phased Array Wireless Power System

Efficient wireless power transfer and precise control of power delivery and leakage field strength can be achieved using a phased array wireless power transfer system. This has particular importance for charging multiple devices simultaneously, or charging devices in environments where humans or foreign objects will be in close proximity. The phased array wireless power system consists of two or more phase-synchronized power amplifiers each driving a respective transmit coil. The system can maximize power delivery to an intended receiver in one location while simultaneously minimizing power delivery and leakage fields in other locations. These functions are possible by varying the amplitude and phase of each transmitter. This paper provides an analysis of a phased array wireless power transfer system using near-field magnetically coupled resonators, and derives parameters that can be used to automatically determine the optimal magnitude and phase of each transmitter to deliver power to one or more receivers. Experimental results verify the theoretical analysis and additional features of the full system are demonstrated.
Realizing the benefits of restored periodicity in the advanced light source

An essential feature of third generation storage ring based light sources is the magnetic lattice is designed with a high degree of periodicity. Tracking simulations show that if the periodicity is perturbed (by focusing errors, for example), nonlinear resonances become excited, which causes a reduction in the dynamic aperture. Therefore it is important to have a method to measure and correct perturbed periodicity. In this paper we study the effect of broken and restored periodicity at an actual third generation light source: the Advanced Light Source at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. First, we show that it is possible to accurately determine the storage ring optic and thus the perturbation of the periodicity by fitting measured orbit response matrices. This method allows us to determine individual field gradient errors in quadrupoles and closed orbit errors in sextupoles. By varying individual quadrupole field strengths it is possible to correct the optic, largely restoring the lattice periodicity. A comparison is made of the performance of the storage ring before and after the optic is corrected. Measurements of the electron beam tails and the synchrotron light image reveal a large suppression in resonance excitation after the optic is corrected. Correcting the optic also improves the injection efficiency.
Glycemic Control and Preventive Care Measures of Indigent Diabetes Patients Within a Pharmacist-Managed Insulin Titration Program vs Standard Care

BACKGROUND:Studies assessing pharmacist-led services have noted positive clinical diabetes outcomes; however, studies assessing pharmacist impact on glycemic control through insulin titration and adherence to American Diabetes Association (ADA) preventive care measures in an indigent population are limited.OBJECTIVE:To assess the impact of a pharmacist-managed insulin titration program compared to standard medical care on glycemic control and preventive care measures in an indigent population with diabetes.METHODS:This retrospective cohort study compared pharmacist-managed insulin titration to standard care; all patients received primary care services through a county-funded health center serving a low-income minority population. The pharmacist-managed patients, referred by the primary care provider, received telephone calls to assess blood glucose levels, encourage preventive care examinations, and titrate insulin doses through collaborative drug therapy management. Standard care patients received diabet...
Fitting In or Standing Out: Trends in American Parents' Choices for Children’s Names, 1880–2007

In an analysis of the first names of 325 million American babies born 1880 to 2007, parents have increasingly given their children less common names, suggesting a growing interest in uniqueness and...
C-Jun/AP-1 is required for CCK induced pancreatic acinar cell dedifferentiation and DNA synthesis in vitro

Endogenous CCK plays an important role in pancreatic regeneration after pancreatitis. We used primary culture of mouse pancreatic acinar cells to evaluate the effect of CCK on acinar cell morphology and gene expression and to determine signaling pathways required for proliferation of acinar cells in vitro. Over 4 days in culture, cells grew out from acini and formed patches of monolayer, which displayed a reduced expression of acinar cell markers including digestive enzymes and Mist1 and an increased expression of ductal and embryonic markers, including cytokeratin 7, β-catenin, E-cadherin, pdx-1, and nestin. There was no appearance of stellate cell markers. CCK enhanced cellular spreading, DNA synthesis, and cyclin D1 expression. When signaling pathways were evaluated, CCK stimulation increased c-Jun expression, JNK and ERK activity, and AP-1 activation. Chemical inhibitors of JNK and ERK pathways, dominant-negative JNK and c-Jun, and c-Jun shRNA significantly inhibited CCK-induced DNA synthesis, CCK-induced AP-1 activation, and cyclin D1 expression. Furthermore, dominant-negative c-Jun reduced the increased expression of β-catenin and the decreased expression of amylase during culture. These results show that MAPK/c-Jun/AP-1 pathway plays an important role in pancreatic acinar cell dedifferentiation and proliferation in culture. Monolayer culture can serve as a model to study acinar cell proliferation similar to regeneration after pancreatitis in vivo.
Treatment strategies for metastatic non small-cell lung cancer.

This review article provides evidence to support the use of chemotherapy for non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Chemotherapy plays an important role in the management of advanced NSCLC. Chemotherapy offers symptom palliation, modest but real survival benefits and improves quality of life. The survival benefits achieved with newer drug regimens offer chemotherapy as a strategy for the treatment of NSCLC patients with good performance, no medical or psychological contraindications.
Nuclear-targeting of mutant huntingtin fragments produces Huntington's disease-like phenotypes in transgenic mice

Huntington's disease (HD) results from the expansion of a glutamine repeat near the N-terminus of huntingtin (htt). At post-mortem, neurons in the central nervous system of patients have been found to accumulate N-terminal fragments of mutant htt in nuclear and cytoplasmic inclusions. This pathology has been reproduced in transgenic mice expressing the first 171 amino acids of htt with 82 glutamines along with losses of motoric function, hypoactivity and abbreviated life-span. The relative contributions of nuclear versus cytoplasmic mutant htt to the pathogenesis of disease have not been clarified. To examine whether pathogenic processes in the nucleus disproportionately contribute to disease features in vivo, we fused a nuclear localization signal (NLS) derived from atrophin-1 to the N-terminus of an N171-82Q construct. Two lines of mice (lines 8A and 61) that were identified expressed NLS-N171-82Q at comparable levels and developed phenotypes identical to our previously described HD-N171-82Q mice. Western blot and immunohistochemical analyses revealed that NLS-N171-82Q fragments accumulate in nuclear, but not cytoplasmic, compartments. These data suggest that disruption of nuclear processes may account for many of the disease phenotypes displayed in the mouse models generated by expressing mutant N-terminal fragments of htt.
Folding in sepiolite crystals

Fibrous sepiolite crystals derive much of their commercial value from their molecular size channels and grooves. The crystals fold upon drying and these channels and grooves are lost. A model for the folding and unfolding of the crystals is presented. Extensive i.r., X-ray and thermogravi- metric evidence shows that folding occurs when approximately half of the water of hydration, which is coordinated to the edge magnesium atoms inside of the channels, is removed. This occurs near 175~ under vacuum and near 300~ in air. When the crystals fold, all remaining water molecules enter a new environment, that of the hexagonal holes of the neighboring silica surface. A true anhydride is produced at about 500~ under vacuum when the final water is lost, but this final dehydration produces no important structural change. Rehydration of the anhydride to the normal hydrated sepiolite does not occur at room temperatures in 100% r.h. However, above, 60~ rehydration does occur. not after the high temperature treatment. Nagata et al. (1974) consider that the folded stage produced at half dehydration will rehydrate, but the true anhy- dride does not rehydrate even under hydrothermal conditions, Our study is designed to clarify the conditions un- der which sepiolite folds and unfolds and the involve- ment of the water of coordination in the folding. In- terpretation of TGA-DTGA. X-ray powder diffrac- tion patterns and, especially, careful study of the major changes observable in the i.r. spectra of the struc- tural OH during the dehydration and folding process will be used to explain a folding model.
Total hip arthroplasty in young adults after failed triple innominate osteotomy

This study compared the results of total hip arthroplasty (THA) in 11 patients with 13 hips who underwent THA after a failed triple innominate osteotomy (TIO) with an age-matched and sex-matched group of patients who underwent THA without prior TIO. The average age at the time of THA was 37 years (range, 16-50 years). The average follow-up of the patients who underwent THA for failed TIO was 36 months and for the control group was 28 months. One hip in each group underwent revision for dislocation. At final follow-up, the average Harris hip score in the study group was 76, whereas in the control group it was 88 (P <.05). The pain component of the Harris hip score in the study group averaged 32, whereas in the control group it averaged 40 (P <.05). Functional scores between the 2 groups were similar. Radiographically, there was no difference between the 2 groups. Estimated blood loss for the hips performed for failed TIO averaged 721 mL, whereas in the control group the estimated blood loss averaged 448 mL (P <.05). There was no difference in operative time. The results of this study indicated that although the radiographic results of THA after TIO are equivalent to THA without prior TIO, clinical results in terms of pain relief and the technical difficulty of THA are not equivalent to results in young adult patients who undergo THA without prior TIO.
THE RELEASE OF ACETYLCHOLINE FROM A SYMPATHETIC GANGLION BY CARBACHOL. RELATIONSHIP TO THE FUNCTIONAL SIGNIFICANCE OF THE LOCALIZATION OF ACETYLCHOLINESTERASE.

The action of carbachol in causing the release of acetylcholine from a sympathetic ganglion is described. The possible functional significance of the occurrence of acetylcholinesterase in non-cholinergic structures and the question of the importance of acetylcholine in all synaptic transmission processes are discussed.
Agent-based simulation of dynamic online auctions

The need to understand dynamic behavior in auctions is increasing with the popularization of online auctions. Applications include designing auction mechanisms, bidding strategies, and server systems. We describe simulations of a typical online auction, where the duration is fixed, and the second-highest price is continuously posted and determines the winner's payment. We modeled agents of exactly two types, idealizations and simplifications of those observed in practice: early bidders, who can bid any time during the auction period, and snipers, who wait till the last moments to bid. This allows us to study the interactions of the two types of bidders during the course of auctions, and the effects of the two strategies on the probability of winning, the final price, and the formation of price consensus in iterated auctions. Results show that: 1) early bidders can win with a lower price on average than snipers, but much less often; 2) the late bidding strategy of snipers is effective; and 3) in iterated auctions, adjustment feedback of motivational parameters can lead to effective price consensus with small fluctuations.
Black hole greybody factors and D-brane spectroscopy

Black holes do not Hawking-radiate strictly blackbody radiation due to well-known frequency-dependent greybody factors. These factors arise from frequency-dependent potential barriers outside the horizon which filter the initially blackbody spectrum emanating from the horizon. D-brane bound states, in a thermally excited state corresponding to near-extremal black holes, also do not emit blackbody radiation: The bound state radiation spectrum encodes the energy spectrum of its excitations. We study a near-extremal five-dimensional black hole. We show that in a wide variety of circumstances including both neutral and charged emission, the effect of the greybody filter is to transform the blackbody radiation spectrum precisely into the bound state radiation spectrum. Implications of this result for the information puzzle in the context of near-extremal black hole dynamics are discussed.
Small effects of amino acid replacements on the reduced and unfolded state of pancreatic trypsin inhibitor.

The effects of amino acid replacements on the hydrodynamic volume of reduced and unfolded bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor (BPTI) have been examined by gel electrophoresis. The electrophoretic mobilities of the reduced forms of 46 BPTI variants were compared at room temperature in the absence of denaturants. The single substitutions examined include many different types of replacements at sites throughout the polypeptide, and, collectively, alter 22 of the 58 residues of the wild-type protein. The only substitutions found to alter the electrophoretic mobility of the reduced protein by more than ∼3% are those that change the net charge of the protein. For nine mutants, the rates of disulfide formation in the reduced protein were also examined and found to be very similar to that of the wild-type protein. These results suggest that any structure that may be present in the reduced protein is either relatively insensitive to amino acid replacements or does not greatly influence the averaged properties of the polypeptide chain. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Identity Theft: Doubles and Masquerades in Cassius Dio's Contemporary History

The contemporary books of Cassius Dio9s Roman History are known (to the extent that they are read) for their anecdotal quality and lack of interpretive sophistication. This paper aims to recuperate another layer of meaning for Dio9s anecdotes by examining episodes in his contemporary books that feature masquerades and impersonation. It suggests that these themes owe their prominence to political conditions in Dio9s lifetime, particularly the revival, after a hundred-year lapse, of usurpation and damnatio memoriae , practices that rendered personal identity problematic. The central claim is that narratives in Dio9s last books use masquerades and impersonation to explore paradoxes of personal identity and signification, issues made salient by abrupt changes of social status at the highest levels of imperial society.
THE ROLE OF O2p-P(IV), N2p-P(IV) AND SIMILAR INTERACTIONS IN HETEROATOM CHEMISTRY

Abstract Phosphines having o-methoxyphenyl or o-(N,N-dimethylaminophenyl) groups bonded to the phosphorus atom exhibit moderate anchimeric assistance effects, attributable to through space O2p-P(IV) or N2p-P(IV) interactions, in reactions with alkyl halides. These SN2 reactions have early transition states, and that is why the anchimeric assistance effects are only moderate. Quaternary phosphonium salts having o-methoxyphenyl groups bonded to phosphorus undergo slow alkaline decomposition reactions as expected because of O2p-P(IV) interactions, but unusual effects are operative when o-(N,N-dimethylaminophenyl) groups are bonded to the phosphorus atom. Spectra of these types of compounds also show unusual characteristics. This review article provides rationalizations of these unusual data partly in terms of through space O2p-P(IV) and N2p-P(IV) interactions
When the left brain is not right the right brain may be left: report of personal experience of occipital hemianopia

OBJECTIVES—To make a personal report of a hemianopia due to an occipital infarct, sustained by a professor of neurology. METHODS—Verbatim observation of neurological phenomena recorded during the acute illness. RESULTS—Hemianopia, visual hallucinations, and non-occipital deficits without extraoccipital lesions on MRI, are described and discussed. CONCLUSIONS—Hemianopia, due to an occipital infarct, without alexia, is not a disability which precludes a normal professional career. Neurorehabilitation has not been necessary.
Effect of Thrust on Bending-Torsion Flutter of Wings

The effect of thrust on the flutter of a high-aspect-ratio wing is investigated. The wing is represented by a beam using a nonlinear mixed finite element method. Aerodynamic forces are calculated using a finite-state, two-dimensional unsteady aerodynamic model. The effect of thrust is modeled as a follower force of prescribed magnitude. Without the thrust force, the wing is shown to become unstable for freestream airspeeds greater than the flutter speed. On the other hand, in the absence of aerodynamic forces, the wing becomes unstable for values of the thrust in excess of a critical magnitude of the force. When both effects are present, the airspeed at which the instability occurs depends on the thrust magnitude. For validation, an analytical solution for the en vacuo case (accounting only for the effect of thrust) was developed and shown to closely match results from the numerical method. Parametric studies show that the predicted stability boundaries are very sensitive to the ratio of bending stiffness to torsional stiffness. Indeed, the effect of thrust can be either stabilizing or destabilizing, depending on the value of this parameter. An assessment whether or not the magnitude of thrust needed to influence the flutter speed is practical is made for one configuration.
Modeling IPO In Dubai Stock Market: Booming Or Tumbling Return?

This paper examines the impact of IPO on Dubai Stock Market. We measured through detailed distribution analysis and hypothesis testing the Dubai markets reaction to IPO. We demonstrated that IPO had downbeat impact on Dubai market performance in terms of return as revealed by the rejection of the alternative hypothesis. The independency between market return and IPO was partially attributed to irrational valuations at the time of IPO.
The Core Pathway: Diguanylate Cyclases, Cyclic Di-GMP-Specific Phosphodiesterases, and Cyclic Di-GMP-Binding Proteins

This chapter describes the studies that resulted in the experimental verification of the core signaling pathway. It discusses advances in enzymology of c-di-GMP synthesis and hydrolysis, identification and characterization of cyclic di-GMP (c-di-GMP) receptors, end targets, and molecular mechanisms, where these are known. The first line of experimental evidence that supported the prediction that DGC activity resides in the GGDEF domain came from genetic studies. If GGDEF domains were to function as diguanylate cyclase (DGC), the predicted activity of the EAL domains would have to be c-di-GMP hydrolysis. However, it was unclear whether or not EAL domains are sufficient for phosphodiesterase (PDE) activity, or whether GGDEF domains are needed as well. Spatiotemporal and stimulus-specific regulation proved to be crucial for maintaining specificity of responses and avoiding unwanted cross talk in the bacteria that possess vast networks of DGCs and PDEs. Since functional DGCs are present in representatives from various branches of the phylogenetic tree of the Bacteria, including branches comprised mostly of thermophiles, one can predict that c-di-GMP originated early in bacterial evolution. In vitro studies characterizing c-di-GMP-specific PDE activity were performed on the EAL domain proteins from other sources, Caulobacter crescentus CC3396 and Vibrio cholerae VieA, and very similar conclusions regarding the nature of enzymatic activity were reached.
Free fatty acid palmitate activates unfolded protein response pathway and promotes apoptosis in meniscus cells.

Summary Introduction Obesity is the major risk factor for the development of osteoarthritis (OA); however, the mechanisms involved are not clearly understood. Obesity is associated with increased production of adipokine and elevated levels of circulating free fatty acids (FFA). A recent study has shown that saturated fatty acid palmitate induced pro-inflammatory and pro-apoptotic pathways in chondrocytes. Meniscus has been shown to be more susceptible than articular cartilage to catabolic stimuli. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the effect of FFA (specifically, palmitate) on meniscus cells. Methods Cultured primary porcine meniscus cells were stimulated with 500 μM FFA (palmitate and oleate) for 24 h to induce endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. After treatment, cell lysates were prepared and immunoblotted for C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP). To determine the activation of unfolded protein response (UPR) signaling, cell lysates were probed for cJun n-terminal kinase (JNK), cleaved caspase -3 and Xbp-1s, an alternative mRNA splicing product generated due to Ire1α activation. Results Treatment of isolated primary meniscus cells with palmitate but not oleate induced expression of CHOP and Xbp-1s. Palmitate treatment of meniscus cells also activated JNK and increased expression of caspase-3, thus promoting apoptosis in meniscus cells. Conclusions Palmitate induces ER stress and promotes apoptotic pathways in meniscus cells. This is the first study to establish ER stress as a key metabolic mechanistic link between obesity and OA, in addition to (or operating with) biomechanical factors.