cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ubc9 promotes breast cell invasion and metastasis in a sumoylation-independent manner

Ubc9 is an E2-conjugating enzyme that transfers the activated small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) to protein substrates, and thus it has an important function in sumoylation-mediated cellular pathways. We have earlier reported that Ubc9 promotes tumor growth in the xenograft mouse model using breast cancer cell line MCF-7 in part through regulation of Bcl-2 expression. In this study, we show that ectopic expression of wild-type Ubc9 (Ubc9-WT) promotes cell invasion and metastasis. Surprisingly, the dominant negative mutant Ubc9 (Ubc9-DN) also causes the same phenotype, indicating that the ability of Ubc9 to promote invasion and metastasis is distinct from its ability to conjugate SUMO to protein substrates. Of considerable interest, several microRNAs such as miR-224 are regulated by Ubc9. Although ectopic expression of Ubc9 causes downregulation of miR-224, suppression of Ubc9 by Ubc9-siRNAs leads to its upregulation. We further show that miR-224 can inhibit cell invasion and directly targets CDC42 and CXCR4, and that suppression of CDC42 and CXCR4 by RNAi causes inhibition of Ubc9-mediated invasion. Together, these results show a molecular link between Ubc9 and the metastasis genes such as CDC42 and CXCR4, and thus provide new insight into the mechanism by which Ubc9 promotes tumor invasion and metastasis.
Imaging crust and upper mantle beneath southern Africa The southern Africa broadband seismic experiment

The view from the rim of the Big Hole in Kimberley, South Africa, can only be described as spectacular (Figure 1). Both the size of that legendary kimberlite pipe and the prodigious amount of back breaking labor that went into removing some 27 million tons of dirt to extract 14.5 million carats (2722 kilos) of diamonds are powerful testaments to the timeless allure of diamonds. The Big Hole, the largest hand-dug excavation in the world (820 m deep and 1.6 km across), lies at an improbable elevation above 1100 m (3500 ft) in the heart of the great Archean Kaapvaal craton of South Africa. The Kaapvaal, perforated with thousands of kimberlite pipes similar to that from which the Big Hole was dug, has a rich and colorful history of exhaustive and painstaking geologic study and exploration that the presence of exotic mantle samples and large quantities of gem quality diamonds inspires. In this classic Archean craton we launched the largest seismic investigation ever to probe the deep crust and upper mantly ben...
The Parameterization of Subgrid-Scale Heat Diffusion In Eddy-Resolved Ocean Circulation Models

Abstract The two-layer quasigeostrophic model of Holland is modified to include a parameterization of subgrid-scale heat diffusion. Results from a sequence of simple, eddy-resolved calculations illustrate the effects of increasing heat diffusivities. It is clear that even rather small diffusion coefficients (small compared to the viscosity) cause important modifications of the eddy field and of the eddy generation process. In particular, heat diffusion can be very effective at diminishing the baroclinic signal associated with mesoscale processes, making it less likely that baroclinic instability processes can exceed damping.
Automotive demands for quality and reliability in microelectronics

This paper describes the automotive electronics market with its pressures to increase quality and reliability while reducing cost. It details the relative improvement that has occurred in electronic part reliability since 1990 and the decreasing market share the automotive segment represents in the semiconductor industry. It discusses how Chrysler, Delco Electronics and Ford formed the Automotive Electronics Council (AEC) to standardize on part qualification methods for the automotive market. It also discusses the guidelines for continuous improvement in part quality and reliability the AEC has developed. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Materials modification with accelerators

Abstract Electron initiated bulk crosslinking of polyolefins and polyvinylchloride for shrink tubing, wire sheathing, and food packaging have been well established commercial processes for decades and will be briefly reviewed. Over the past decade, a number of surface curing applications involving radiation initiated grafting and addition polymerization of materials have been commercialized. These applications continue to be driven by emission control regulations and the unique product properties achievable, and utilize selfshielded accelerators in the 100–300 kV range. The development of high energy ion implanters, generating currents over 1 mA at several MeV, has been motivated by the deep implantation needs of sub-micron device developments. High current implanters offering powers of 10 kW and above will be discussed for the important silicon on insulator (SOI) and separation by implanting oxygen (SIMOX) use. Other non-semiconductor applications are also reviewed.
Massachusetts Health Care Reform and Reduced Racial Disparities in Minimally Invasive Surgery

Importance Racial disparities in receipt of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) persist in the United States and have been shown to also be associated with a number of driving factors, including insurance status. However, little is known as to how expanding insurance coverage across a population influences disparities in surgical care. Objective To evaluate the impact of Massachusetts health care reform on racial disparities in MIS. Design, Setting, and Participants A retrospective cohort study assessed the probability of undergoing MIS vs an open operation for nonwhite patients in Massachusetts compared with 6 control states. All discharges (n = 167 560) of nonelderly white, black, or Latino patients with government insurance (Medicaid or Commonwealth Care insurance) or no insurance who underwent a procedure for acute appendicitis or acute cholecystitis at inpatient hospitals between January 1, 2001, and December 31, 2009, were assessed. Data are from the Hospital Cost and Utilization Project State Inpatient Databases. Intervention The 2006 Massachusetts health care reform, which expanded insurance coverage for government-subsidized, self-pay, and uninsured individuals in Massachusetts. Main Outcomes and Measures Adjusted probability of undergoing MIS and difference-in-difference estimates. Results Prior to the 2006 reform, Massachusetts nonwhite patients had a 5.21–percentage point lower probability of MIS relative to white patients ( P P = .007). After reform, nonwhite patients in Massachusetts had a 3.71–percentage point increase in the probability of MIS relative to concurrent trends in control states ( P = .01). After 2006, measured racial disparities in MIS resolved in Massachusetts, with nonwhite patients having equal probability of MIS relative to white patients (0.06 percentage point greater; P = .96). However, nonwhite patients in control states without health care reform have a persistently lower probability of MIS relative to white patients (3.19 percentage points lower; P Conclusions and Relevance The 2006 Massachusetts insurance expansion was associated with an increased probability of nonwhite patients undergoing MIS and resolution of measured racial disparities in MIS.
Stealing in the Name of Justice: Informational and Interpersonal Moderators of Theft Reactions to Underpayment Inequity

Abstract In a laboratory study, 102 undergraduate students performed a clerical task for which they were either equitably paid or underpaid. The payment was explained using either high or low valid information in either a high or low interpersonally sensitive manner. Subjects then took their own pay and were led to believe the experimenter would not be able to determine exactly how much they actually took. It was found that equitably paid subjects took precisely the amounts they were allowed to take, whereas underpaid subjects took more than they were permitted (i.e., they stole). The degree of stealing was moderated by the validity of the information given (high valid information reduced stealing more than low valid information) and the degree of interpersonal sensitivity shown (high sensitivity reduced stealing more than low sensitivity). These effects combined additively, such that theft was greatest in the low valid information/low sensitivity condition and least in the high valid information/high sensitivity condition (in which the mean amount taken was not significantly higher than the permitted amount). The practical and theoretical implications of these findings are discussed.
Surgical treatment of infrainguinal arterial occlusive disease in women.

Abstract Purpose: This study reviewed the outcome of 131 women who underwent infrainguinal bypass in 150 limbs from 1984 to 1991 for limb-threatening ischemia (95%) or disabling claudication (5%). Methods: These women were compared with 209 men who underwent infrainguinal arterial reconstruction of 231 lower extremities for limb threat (89%) or claudication (11%) during the same interval. On average, women were 3 years older than men (mean age 72 vs 69 years, p p Results: Early postoperative (30-day) mortality was 4% for women and 2% for men (not significant). Life-table survival after 3 years, however, was only 54% in women, compared with 72% in men ( p p p p Conclusions: Women and men requiring arterial reconstruction for infrainguinal occlusive disease had comparable operative mortality and limb salvage rates, but long-term survival and graft patency were significantly reduced in women. Our results indicate that sex substantially influences the outcome of patients after infrainguinal bypass. (J VASC SURG 1993;17:67-78.)
An octupole two-phonon multiplet in 96Zr and its description within the spdf interacting boson model

Abstract Members of a two-phonon octupole vibrational multiplet in 96Zr and their mixing with other positive parity levels are discussed. Calculations within the spdf boson version of the interacting boson model which includes intruder configuration mixing are compared with the experimentally observed properties.
Moving H5N1 studies into the era of systems biology

The dynamics of H5N1 influenza virus pathogenesis are multifaceted and can be seen as an emergent property that cannot be comprehended without looking at the system as a whole. In past years, most of the high-throughput studies on H5N1-host interactions have focused on the host transcriptomic response, at the cellular or the lung tissue level. These studies pointed out that the dynamics and magnitude of the innate immune response and immune cell infiltration is critical to H5N1 pathogenesis. However, viral-host interactions are multidimensional and advances in technologies are creating new possibilities to systematically measure additional levels of 'omic data (e.g. proteomic, metabolomic, and RNA profiling) at each temporal and spatial scale (from the single cell to the organism) of the host response. Natural host genetic variation represents another dimension of the host response that determines pathogenesis. Systems biology models of H5N1 disease aim at understanding and predicting pathogenesis through integration of these different dimensions by using intensive computational modeling. In this review, we describe the importance of 'omic studies for providing a more comprehensive view of infection and mathematical models that are being developed to integrate these data. This review provides a roadmap for what needs to be done in the future and what computational strategies should be used to build a global model of H5N1 pathogenesis. It is time for systems biology of H5N1 pathogenesis to take center stage as the field moves toward a more comprehensive view of virus-host interactions.
The feect of neutrotensin on the plasma cholesterol levels in the rat

Abstract The effect of the hypothalamic tridecapeptide neurotensin (NT) on the plasma cholesterol levels was studied in the rat. 15 min after the intravenous administration of 1.25 pmol/100 g body weight NT, the concentration of the total plasma cholesterol was increased about 25% above the control values (P
Investigating human evolutionary history

We rely on fossils for the interpretation of more than 95% of our evolutionary history. Fieldwork resulting in the recovery of fresh fossil evidence is an important component of reconstructing human evolutionary history, but advances can also be made by extracting additional evidence for the existing fossil record, and by improving the methods used to interpret the fossil evidence. This review shows how information from imaging and dental microstructure has contributed to improving our understanding of the hominin fossil record. It also surveys recent advances in the use of the fossil record for phylogenetic inference.
Work in progress?: How the credit crunch has its roots in the lack of integrated governance and control systems

Purpose – This paper aims to focus on recent developments within the financial markets. Design/methodology/approach – The approach is that of critical commentary on the present situation. Findings – Current market dynamics reinforce the fact that there are few greater issues for financial institutions than governance and control systems. Originality/value – The paper shows that financial institutions are still seeking to find the correct balance between risk and reward among the forces of financial innovation.
Spin-1/2 Heisenberg antiferromagnet on the kagome ´ lattice: High-temperature expansion and exact-diagonalization studies

For the spin-1/2 Heisenberg antiferromagnet on the kagom\'e lattice we calculate the high-temperature series for the specific heat and the structure factor. A comparison of the series with exact-diagonalization studies shows that the specific heat has further structure at lower temperature in addition to a high-temperature peak at T\ensuremath{\approxeq}2/3. At T=0.25 the structure factor agrees quite well with results for the ground state of a finite cluster with 36 sites. At this temperature the structure factor is less than two times its T=\ensuremath{\infty} value and depends only weakly on the wave vector q, indicating the absence of magnetic order and a correlation length of less than one lattice spacing. The uniform susceptibility has a maximum at T\ensuremath{\approxeq}1/6 and vanishes exponentially for lower temperatures.
Broadband microtremor observation of basin resonance in the Mississippi Embayment, central US

We report systematic variations in the fundamental period of seismic site resonance within the Mississippi embayment. The resonance periods are revealed by peaks in horizontal to vertical (H/V) spectral ratios of microtremor measurements, and increase with the depth to the sediment/basement interface. The sediment depth varies slowly enough spatially that at any site it can be modeled as a one-dimensional problem, revealing structural details of the sedimentary column. The strong impedance contrast and gentle dip of the base of the embayment sediments may trap seismic energy within the soft sediments, increasing durations and amplitudes of strong ground motions. Broadband recordings of microtremor within the Mississippi embayment provide a simple method to study the seismic response of the basin.
On chip cell separator using magnetic bead-based enrichment and depletion of various surface markers

This paper presents an on-chip magnetic cell sorting system for the sorting of cells based on a variety of surface markers. A polymer lab on a chip integrated with an electroplated array of Ni/Fe permalloy has been designed, fabricated, and characterized for the separation of cell substitutes at a variety of flow rates and incubation times. The system sequentially labels cell substitutes with magnetic beads and sorts them, repeating this process to sort for a variety of surface markers. Flow rates and incubation times were varied to characterize the system and produce the best combination of high specific capture and low nonspecific capture. The separation system developed on polymer is selective and efficient while being low cost, portable, and fabricated in a modular structure that can be integrated with other cell handling processes.
Inter-relational information and incompleteness in relational databases (abstract only)

@ denotes the null value and the domain of attribute y is the set (y1,y2,y3). Our scheme thus includes null values as a special case. In addition, our scheme captures many more kinds of incomplete information.We introduce the notion of an “alternative” under our definition the relation u(A B C F) a1 b1 c1 1 a1 b2 c2 2 a1 b1 c3 2 which contains only intra-relational incomplete information has the following conventional relations as alternatives: u1(A B C) u2(A B C) u3(A B C) a1 b1 c1 a1 b1 c1 a1 b1 c1 a1 b2 c2 a1 b2 c2 a1 b1 c3 a1 b1 c3 Also, in our treatment, the following RDB containing inter-relational incomplete information r(A B F) s(B C F) a1 b1 2 b2 c2 3 a2 b2 2 b1 c1 5 a1 b1 3 b1 c1 2 a2 b2 5 b2 c2 2 a3 b3 4 b3 c3 1 a4 b4 4 b4 c4 4 b4 c5 4 has seven alternatives; here each alternative is a pair (ri,si), i lying between 1 and 7 and each of the alternatives contains only intra-relational incompleteness. For this example, the alternatives are as follows: r1= r0 U {(a1,b1,1),(a2,b2,1)} s1= s0 U {(b2,c2,1),(b1,c1,1)} r2= r1, s2= s0 U {(b2,c2,1)} r3=r1, s3= s0 U {(b1,c1,1)} r4= r0 U {(a1,b1,1)}, s4= s1 r5= r4, s5= s3 r6=r0 U {(a2,b2,1)}, s6= s1 r7= r6, s7= s2 where r0 and s0 are as shown below: r0(A B F) s0(B C F) a3 b3 4 b3 c3 1 a4 b4 4 b4 c4 4 b4 c5 4We also introduce the notion of “minimality” of relation instances and based on the idea of an alternative, we give a specification and realization of an extended join operator; under our treatment, the extended join of r and s above is t, shown below: t(A B C F) a1 b1 c1 2 a2 b2 c2 2 a3 b3 c3 4 a4 b4 c4 4 a4 b4 c5 4In the context of our scheme, we also introduce an Extended Closed World Assumption, weak functional dependencies and inference rules and conditions for the lossless decomposition of a relation containing incomplete information.
Attitudes toward capital punishment among Indiana legislators: Diminished support in light of alternative sentencing options

State legislators play a fundamental role in establishing public policy relating to the death penalty. Indeed, the Supreme Court has looked to state legislatures as a gauge of society's “evolving standards of decency.” Despite this central role, little is known about state legislators' beliefs regarding capital punishment and alternatives to the death penalty. This article, which follows the previous studies of state legislators' attitudes on crime and justice, presents the results of a survey of Indiana legislators on these issues. Among the key findings is that the majority of lawmakers, despite high general support for the death penalty, state a preference for life without parole coupled with work and restitution to victims' families. Indeed, only a relatively small minority of legislators express support for current death penalty policy. In addition to examining patterns of support for the death penalty and its alternatives, this study presents the results of analyses of personal, political, and const...
Forget authority—Gofor power

Real power comes from the ability to influence other people. The organizationis constantly changing, and when it gives a manager authority, it does not confer power with it. With authority comes responsibility and accountability. What managers need is power. Power comes from understanding values, and is the key to bridging the gap between authority and accountability.
Smart traffic analytics in the semantic web with STAR-CITY

This paper gives a high-level presentation of STAR-CITY, a system supporting semantic traffic analytics and reasoning for city. STAR-CITY, which integrates (human and machine-based) sensor data using variety of formats, velocities and volumes, has been designed to provide insight on historical and real-time traffic conditions, all supporting efficient urban planning. Our system demonstrates how the severity of road traffic congestion can be smoothly analyzed, diagnosed, explored and predicted using semantic web technologies. Our prototype of semantics-aware traffic analytics and reasoning, illustrated and experimented in Dublin Ireland, but also tested in Bologna Italy, Miami USA and Rio Brazil works and scales efficiently with real, historical together with live and heterogeneous stream data. This paper highlights the lessons learned from deploying and using a system in Dublin City based on Semantic Web technologies.
Ethical currents in a career in science and technology: A case study

Abstract Ethical principles are at the heart of the scientific and technological enterprise. That may not always seem to be the case. Doubts become especially emotional when there are deep disagreements as to how much weight should be given to conflicting ethical principles. But in the conduct of their research and in their assessment of applications, scientists and engineers demonstrate a clearly ethical course. Stimulated by reconsidering C. P. Snow's “Two Cultures” lecture given in 1959, this paper draws upon my professional experiences to provide examples of ethical issues emerging in industry, government, a research university, an academy of science, and in science and technology policy.
Kinetics of photo-induced diffusion and clustering of matrix isolated metal atoms

Abstract Photo-induced diffusion and clustering has been studied for sputtered Ag and Mo atoms in Ar, Kr, and N 2 matrices. Absorption of light induces mobility in the metal atoms in all cases but growth of small clusters is only observed in Kr and N 2 matrices. A kinetic model is elaborated to describe these observations. It suggests that the clustering kinetics depend strongly on the initial cluster distribution and that diffusing atoms react more readily with dimers than with other atoms.
Extended hepatic resection for gallbladder cancer.

Abstract Background Although radical cholecystectomy is the standard of care for gallbladder cancers that invade perimuscular connective tissue or perforate visceral peritoneum, the role of extended right hepatectomy in achieving negative resection margins is not clear. Methods Clinicopathologic, perioperative, and long-term outcome data were reviewed from patients who underwent hepatic resection for gallbladder cancer. Results From 1995 to 2005, 22 consecutive patients underwent hepatic resection for gallbladder cancer, and 11 underwent extended hepatectomy. Negative resection margins were achieved in all patients. There were no significant differences in postoperative morbidity, mortality, and long-term survival after extended and minor hepatectomy. T3 tumors negatively predicted overall and recurrence-free survival. Comments Extended hepatectomy achieves negative resection margins for patients with gallbladder cancer and is associated with acceptable morbidity and long-term survival.
Incomplete upper esophageal sphincter relaxation: association with achalasia but not other esophageal motility disorders.

Incomplete upper esophageal sphincter (UES) relaxation is not well understood. We compared clinical and manometric characteristics of patients with normal and abnormal UES relaxation. Consecutive patients (n = 208) underwent manometric evaluation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), esophageal body, and UES/pharynx. The patients were divided into those with abnormal UES relaxation (residual pressure >6.7 mmHg) (n = 21) and normal relaxation (n = 187). Clinical and manometric profiles were compared. Sex, age, and presenting complaint did not correlate with UES relaxation. Normal esophageal peristaltic sequences were more frequently present in the normal UES group (73.6%) compared with the abnormal (55.8%) (p < 0.01). The UES relaxation was shorter in the group with abnormal relaxation (410.0 ms vs. 510.2 ms, p < 0.001). All other manometric parameters were not different between the two groups. When individual manometric diagnoses were analyzed, only achalasia was noted to be more common in the abnormal UES group (23.8% vs. 9.1%, p < 0.05), and a trend was noted toward diffuse esophageal spasm being more common (14.3% vs. 9.6%, not significant). We conclude that incomplete UES relaxation is a rare manometric finding, associated with achalasia and not specifically associated with any other motility disturbance. This finding may represent a secondary response to the poor esophageal emptying seen in achalasia.
Modeling ADS-B OUT system latency

Total and uncompensated latency are important performance parameters associated with data moving through a system architecture. Often, multiple temporal notions are required to specify system latency, which introduces potential for imprecise specification or confusion to system designers. In this paper, a model of system latency is provided which can be used to formally define latency in a system architecture. The modeling is applied to ADS-B OUT system latency.
Exposure to extremely low-frequency (50 Hz) electromagnetic fields enhances adult hippocampal neurogenesis in C57BL/6 mice

Throughout life, new neurons are continuously generated in the hippocampus, which is therefore a major site of structural plasticity in the adult brain. We recently demonstrated that extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELFEFs) promote the neuronal differentiation of neural stem cells in vitro by up-regulating Ca(v)1-channel activity. The aim of the present study was to determine whether 50-Hz/1 mT ELFEF stimulation also affects adult hippocampal neurogenesis in vivo, and if so, to identify the molecular mechanisms underlying this action and its functional impact on synaptic plasticity. ELFEF exposure (1 to 7 h/day for 7 days) significantly enhanced neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus (DG) of adult mice, as documented by increased numbers of cells double-labeled for 5-bromo-deoxyuridine (BrdU) and doublecortin. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis of hippocampal extracts revealed significant ELFEF exposure-induced increases in the transcription of pro-neuronal genes (Mash1, NeuroD2, Hes1) and genes encoding Ca(v)1.2 channel α(1C) subunits. Increased expression of NeuroD1, NeuroD2 and Ca(v)1 channels was also documented by Western blot analysis. Immunofluorescence experiments showed that, 30 days after ELFEF stimulation, roughly half of the newly generated immature neurons had survived and become mature dentate granule cells (as shown by their immunoreactivity for both BrdU and NeuN) and were integrated into the granule cell layer of the DG. Electrophysiological experiments demonstrated that the new mature neurons influenced hippocampal synaptic plasticity, as reflected by increased long-term potentiation. Our findings show that ELFEF exposure can be an effective tool for increasing in vivo neurogenesis, and they could lead to the development of novel therapeutic approaches in regenerative medicine.
Regulation of the bacteriorhodopsin photocycle and proton pumping in whole cells of Halobacterium salinarium.

Single-turnover kinetics of the bacteriorhodopsin photocycle and proton-pumping capabilities of whole cells were studied. It was found that the ΔμH+ of the cell had a profound influence on the kinetics and components of the cycle. For example, comparing the photocycle in whole cells to that seen in PM preparations, we found that (1) the single-turnover time of the cycle was increased ∼10-fold, (2) the mole fraction of M-fast (at high actinic light) decreased from 50 to 20%, and (3) the time constant for M-slow increased significantly. The level of ΔμH+ was dependent on respiration, ATP formation and breakdown, and the magnitude of a pre-existing K+ diffusion gradient. The size of the ΔμH+ could be manipulated by additions of HCN, nigericin, and DCCD (N,N‘-dicyclohexylcarbodamide). At higher levels of ΔμH+, further changes in the photocycle were seen. (4) Two slower components of M-decay appeared as major components. (5) The apparent conversion of the M-fast to the O intermediate disappeared. (6) A par...
A framework for testing security mechanisms for program-based attacks

Program vulnerabilities leave organizations open to malicious attacks that can result in severe damage to company finances, resources, consumer privacy, and data. Engineering applications and systems so that vulnerabilities do not exist would be the best solution, but this strategy may be impractical due to fiscal constraints or inadequate knowledge. Therefore, a variety of program and system-based solutions have been proposed to deal with vulnerabilities in a manageable way. Unfortunately, proposed strategies are often poorly tested, because current testing techniques focus on the common case whereas vulnerabilities are often exploited by uncommon inputs.In this paper, we present the design of a testing framework that enables the efficient, automatic and systematic testing of security mechanisms designed to prevent program-based attacks. The key insight of the framework is that dynamic compilation technology allows us to insert and simulate attacks during program execution. Thus, a security mechanism can be tested using any program, not only those with known vulnerabilities.
Fatigue fracture of long fiber reinforced nylon 66

The fatigue behavior of long fiber reinforced nylon 66 has been investigated by measuring fatigue crack propagation rates of injection molded samples. Plaques varying in thickness from 3 to 10 mm were employed for nylon 66 containing either glass, carbon or aramid fibers. Both conventional chopped, short fiber reinforcements and pultruded long fiber filled nylon 66 were examined. Long fiber reinforced nylon 66 exhibits improved fatigue resistance as shown by decreases in fatigue crack propagation rates compared to short fiber filled composites. Using a fracture mechanics analysis, it is shown that the improvements are due primarily to the higher moduli of the long fiber reinforced nylon 66, with only a slight increase in the calculated strain energy release rate associated with fatigue crack growth. For short or long glass fibers, and for short carbon fibers, the effects of fiber orientation on fatigue crack growth rates can be predicted from the fracture mechanics model. More significant effects of fiber length on fatigue fracture energies are noted for long aramid and long carbon reinforced nylon 66. It is also shown that thicker plaques can exhibit poorer fatigue fracture behavior owing to their inferior core sections
Electrical modulation of static and dynamic spectroscopic properties of coupled nanoscale GaSe quantum dot assemblies

We demonstrate the formation and spatial modulation of strongly coupled gallium selenide quantum dot (QD) nanoassemblies suspended in a nematic liquid-crystal (NLC) matrix at room temperature. Using static and dynamic optical techniques we show that the coupled QDs aggregate with a well-defined directionality commensurate with the NLC director axis. This results in highly anisotropic spectral properties of the QD assembly. The spatial orientation of the aggregates is selectively controlled in situ by the application of in-plane electric fields. The strong interdot coupling further increases the excitonic recombination rate which is both direction and electric field dependent. This electrical modulation, a noninvasive process, could potentially be an important functionality for the design and creation of building blocks for novel optoelectronic devices.
Structural assignments in isomeric pyrazoles based on 3J(15NH) coupling constants

Vicinal 15N–H coupling constants are used to characterize the isomeric pyrazoles obtained from the condensation of phenylhydrazine, 15N-enriched at the amino nitrogen atom, with various 1,3-diketones.
A Successful Model of Collaborative Undergraduate Research: A Multi-Faculty, Multi-Project, Multi-Institution Team Approach.

A collaborative research grant from the National Science Foundation allowed the first two authors to provide students at primarily undergraduate institutions with a multi-faculty, multi-institution...
Fetal echocardiography in multiple gestations.

We reviewed fetal echocardiograms from 36 multiple gestations from 20 weeks gestation to term. Seven sets of twins plus one set of triplets were referred because of a suspect cardiac anomaly in one fetus; heart disease was confirmed in one fetus of six sets of twins and in one triplet. Six sets were referred because of extracardiac malformations and heart disease was confirmed in two sets (including both twins in one set). The remaining case was detected in a patient sent for evaluation of karyotypic abnormality. Thus 11 fetal cardiac defects were detected in ten pregnancies. Chromosomes were abnormal in three of the anomalous fetuses. Two sets discordant for heart disease were monochorionic. Intervention, including a change in the planned location of delivery, or maternal digitalization for fetal congestive failure, occurred in six. We conclude that fetal echocardiography is feasible and useful in appropriate multiple gestations. Although often ethically complex, the information gained can be applied to patient management. Copyright © 1991 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Microns, Microns, Everywhere And All Of Them Out Of Line

The Large Optics Generator recently installed at the University of Arizona was purchased to grind symmetrical optics up to 8 meters and segments up to 15 meters in diameter and with a sag of up to 1.5 meters. To do this with accuracies of a few microns rms requires every trick in the book and leads to such farcical statements as: "You turned off the lights last night and that cost me 18 microns!" The techniques and solutions to many accuracy and stability problems are applicable to any large mechanical system that needs optical type tolerances or stability. The quantization of such items as a footstep on a two foot thick foundation and the sideways spread of a 1.7" x 3.5" steel bar when a bolt that goes through it is tightened can be potent reminders of what is needed to maintain micron accuracies. Verification of the smoothness of the large table bearing, mechanical alignment of the ways, minimization of backlash deflection and tilts, thermal time constants, characterization of the inaccuracies and computer corrections are all areas that could be of use in the design, adjustment and use of optical system. The Large Optics Generator may be unique, but its problems are not.
Temperature dependence of case II diffusion

Rutherford backscattering spectrometry was used to measure the front velocity V and the local volume fraction ∅(x) versus depth x of iodohexane in polystyrene as a function of temperature during case II diffusion. An effective viscosity η0 of the pure polymer was found from the initial surface swelling kinetics, and the diffusion coefficient D of iodohexane in the glass could be estimated from the iodohexane volume fraction profile ∅(x). The case II front velocity is thermally activated, i.e. V = V0exp(− ΔHvkBT), where kB, T and V0 are the Boltzmann constant, absolute temperature and a constant, respectively. The activation enthalpy ΔHv for the velocity is found to be 1.07 ± 0.21 eV. The viscosity and diffusion coefficients are also thermally activated, i.e. η0 = η∞exp(ΔHηkBT) and D = D0exp(− ΔHDkBT), where η∞ and D0 are constants. The activation enthalpies ΔHη and ΔHD are found to be 1.76 and 0.60eV, respectively. These results strongly support recent models of the steady-state front motion in case II diffusion, which require that V scales as (Dη0)12), with the consequence that ΔHv = (ΔHD + ΔHη)2.
Contributors to Content Quality

Now in its 20th volume, the Journal of Organizational Computing and Electronic Commerce has established a tradition of publishing fresh, innovative research. This is the product of an outstanding s...
Direct and indirect effects of happiness on wage: A simultaneous equations approach

Abstract Using data from the United Sates National Longitudinal Survey of Youth (NLSY79) and following a two-stage method, the current study estimates wage, schooling and happiness equations simultaneously and demonstrates that happiness affects the worker's wage not only directly, but also indirectly through its direct effect on years of schooling. The simultaneous relation between happiness and schooling demonstrated in this study further suggests that schooling also affects wage both directly and indirectly through happiness. The study supports the argument presented in several earlier studies that higher income does not necessarily guarantee higher levels of happiness.
Topographic quantitative EEG response to acute caffeine withdrawal: a comprehensive analysis of multiple quantitative variables.

Most previous studies of the neurophysiological effects of caffeine have focused on the effects of caffeine ingestion, and few studies have examined the effects of caffeine withdrawal. This open study evaluated the quantitative EEG (QEEG) changes occurring during a 4-day period of abstinence in subjects who habitually consume 300 mg or more of caffeine daily. Thirteen subjects underwent QEEG studies during their usual caffeine consumption (baseline) and on days 1,2, and 4 of a 4-day period of caffeine abstinence. Ten of the subjects underwent a second QEEG on day 4 that consisted of a period of recording after reinstitution of caffeine. A comprehensive analysis of multiple quantitative variables was performed for each study during the abstinence period and compared to the variables obtained at baseline for each subject. Changes occurring during caffeine abstinence included: 1) increases in theta absolute power over all cortical areas, 2) increases in delta absolute power over the frontal cortex, 3) decreases in the mean frequency of both the alpha and beta rhythm, 4) increase in theta relative power and decrease in beta relative power, and 5) significant changes in interhemispheric coherence. Most of these changes tended to return to pre-abstinence baseline levels rapidly after resumption of caffeine consumption. The caffeine withdrawal state affects a number of neurophysiological variables. Further investigation of the neurophysiological aspects of caffeine withdrawal using placebo controlled double blind assessment methods is warranted.
Engaging children in genomics research: decoding the meaning of assent in research.

This article considers how to approach assent from children for genomics research. We examine the “protection” rationale for assent, which emerged in the context of a historical debate regarding whether it was ever acceptable to subject children to risks of research for the benefit of others. We also consider the “development” rationale for assent, which has been articulated for pediatric clinical practice, as an alternative approach for addressing this issue. We consider these rationales in light of the more recent literature on pediatric assent in the research context, and suggest that “engagement” is a more useful construct. This construct emphasizes that children have development capacities that should be respected and includes a limited role for assent to allow children to protect themselves. Engaging children does not require disclosure of all of the benefits and risks of genomics research that might be conveyed to an adult and may permit a degree of parental control over decisions. Using a construct that emphasizes respect can also justify asking children, as they approach adulthood, about their willingness to participate in ongoing genomics research, and yet also permit research to continue if some cannot be reached to obtain consent. Genet Med 2012:14(4):437–443
Results from the problem-solving sessions at the 52nd annual meeting of the Association of University Radiologists.

The education of competent future radiologists is the main goal of radiology residency programs throughout the country. As the field of radiology expands, this goal becomes complex and more difficult to accomplish. At the 52nd Annual Meeting of the Association of University Radiologists (AUR), the American Alliance of Academic Chief Residents in Radiology (A3CR2) hosted problemsolving sessions to discuss two critical educational dilemmas: 1). Ensuring appropriate resident experiences in clinical areas threatened by turf wars, and 2). Achieving the appropriate balance between direct supervision and residents’ independent work. After discussing these issues with radiology residents from across the country, brief position statements were written and presented to members of the Association of Program Directors in Radiology (APDR) and the Association of Program Coordinators in Radiology (APCR) at a joint session. The main objective of this paper is to present the results of this discussion.
Regulation of Cell Adhesion and De-Adhesion Proteins in Veins Perfused Under Arterial Conditions Ex-Vivo

Failure of veins employed as arterial bypass grafts via intimal hyperplasia (IH) often occurs within 5 years after implantation, requiring re-operation in 60% of all cases1 . IH is characterized by de-adhesion, followed by migration of medial and adventitial smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and myofibroblasts into the intima, where they demonstrate uncontrolled proliferation. It is thought that this process may be induced by the abrupt exposure of the veins to the dynamic mechanical environment of the arterial circulation2 . Veins are much thinner walled and more distensible than arteries. Therefore, the SMCs within the vein wall are exposed to significantly higher levels of stress and strain than they are accustomed2 . The tissue responds to this perceived injury by thickening, which is thought to be an attempt to return the stress and strain to venous levels. However, when this response is uncontrolled it can over-compensate, leading to stenosis instead of the desired thickening or “arterialization” of the vein segment. Cellular de-adhesion, which refers to a change from a state of stronger adherence to a state of weaker adherence, is involved in the earliest response and therefore was the focus of this study. While there are many important proteins involved in the regulation of cellular adhesion, we focus our attention here to matricellular proteins, which function as adaptors and modulators of cell-matrix interactions3,4 , and intracellular adhesion proteins, which have been shown to localize to cellular focal adhesion sites5,6 . Tenascin-C (TN-C), thrombospondin-1,2 (TSP), and secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) are matricellular proteins that exhibit highly regulated expression during development and cellular injury7 . Mitogen inducible gene 2 (Mig-2) and integrin linked kinase (ILK) are intracellular proteins involved in cellular shape modulation5 and integrin-mediated signal transduction8 , respectively. It is well known that many intracellular and extracellular matrix proteins are regulated by mechanical stress9,10 . The purpose of this work was to explore the hypothesis that intact vein segments exposed to arterial hemodynamics will alter their expression of TN-C, TSP, SPARC, Mig-2 and ILK within 24 hours. This may induce a modulation of the level of cell adhesion, which could contribute to IH.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Elevated circulating tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP-1) levels are associated with neuroendocrine differentiation in castration resistant prostate cancer.

BACKGROUND. Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) is a 28.5kDa secreted glycoprotein that inhibits matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity. Our group has previously shown that elevated plasma TIMP-1 levels predict poor survival in metastatic castrationresistant prostate cancer (CRPC) patients; however, the underlying source and impact of elevated circulating TIMP-1 protein is unknown. METHODS. In this study, we used qRT-PCR, ELISA and immunohistochemistry to evaluate TIMP-1 expression in androgen-sensitive and resistant prostate cancer (PC) cell lines, tumor tissues and patient sera, and to correlate TIMP-1 levels to expression of chromogranin A (CGA), an established marker of neuroendocrine differentiation (NED). We also explored the relationship between TIMP-1 overexpression and induction of NED by overexpressing TIMP-1 in androgen-sensitive LNCaP cells, as well as by inducing NED of LNCaP cells with IL-6. RESULTS. Patients with CRPC have significantly higher serum TIMP-1 levels compared to patients with hormone-sensitive disease. Although circulating TIMP-1 levels were increased, peripheral blood cells were not the source of elevation. Instead, elevated TIMP-1 expression was associated with higher expression of CGA in both blood and metastatic tumor tissue. We further show that androgen receptor (AR) and PSA non-expressing prostate cancer cell lines known to display NED phenotypes such as PC-3, PC-3M, and DU145 cells, expressed high levels of TIMP-1, in contrast to AR (þ) and PSA (þ) adenocarcinoma cell lines such as LNCaP, VCaP, and LAPC-4, which had barely detectable levels of TIMP-1. In addition, ectopic overexpression of TIMP-1 in LNCaP cells did not induce NED. However, TIMP-1 mRNA expression was elevated >10-fold during IL-6-induced NED of LNCaP cells, suggesting that TIMP-1 overexpression accompanies, but is not the driving force for NED. Finally, we show that conditioned media from androgen-resistant PC-3, PC-3M, and DU145 cells induced TIMP-1 mRNA expression in primary prostate stromal fibroblasts in an ERK and NF-kB dependent manner. CONCLUSIONS. We provide in vitro and clinical evidence to support the association between NED and elevated circulating TIMP-1 expression in CRPC. Our observation
In-situ FT-IRAS study of the CO oxidation reaction over Ru(001): I. Evidence for an Eley-Rideal mechanism at high pressures?

Abstract Utilizing time-resolved Fourier Transform Reflection Absorption-Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IRAS), we have investigated the CO oxidation reaction on a Ru(001) surface in-situ at high pressures. The vibrational spectra allow us to characterize the nature of the surface during reaction and qualitatively determine steady-state coverages of CO and oxygen. Under oxidizing conditions ( CO O 2 ratios where the reaction rate is highest, the surface is found to be covered with a monolayer (ML) ofoxygen [O−(1 × 1)−Ru(001)]. Little, if any CO (θCo E ads (CO) kcal mol , and for high-pressure reaction at 500 K, CO coverages of θCo ( CO O 2 ratios > 2) , the steady-state coverage of oxygen decreases with decreasing oxygen partial pressure concurrent with a large reduction in reaction rates. Vibrational data reveal a steady-state coverage of CO (θ Co ≃ 0.11, E ads (CO) ≃ 25 kcal mol ) adsorbed on an O−(2 × 1)−Ru(001) surface (θO = 0.5). Severely reducing conditions lead to low steady-state oxygen coverages 1 2 ML and island formation of oxygen. Th implications of the various CO species and of the oxygen island formation are discussed in relation to the reaction mechanisms suggested by our previous kinetic study. In particular, we propose for reaction under oxidizing conditions an Eley-Rideal mechanism involving reaction between gas-phase or weakly adsorbed CO and the O−(1 × 1)−Ru(001) surface. Under reducing conditions on the O−(2 × 1) surface the reactions proceed via a Langmuir-Hinshelwood mechanism between chemisorbed CO and oxygen.