cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Stability of C54 titanium germanosilicide on a silicon-germanium alloy substrate

The stability of C54 Ti(Si1−yGey)2 films in contact with Si1−xGex substrates was investigated. The C54 Ti(Si1−yGey)2 films were formed from the Ti‐Si1−xGex solid phase metallization reaction. It was determined that initially C54 Ti(Si1−yGey)2 forms with a Ge index y approximately the same as the Ge index x of the Si1−xGex substrate (i.e., y≊x). After the formation of the C54 titanium germanosilicide, Si and Ge from the Si1−xGex substrate continue to diffuse into the C54 layer, presumably via lattice and grain boundary diffusion. Some of the Si diffusing into the C54 lattice replaces Ge on the C54 lattice and the Ge index of the C54 Ti(Si1−yGey)2 decreases (i.e., y<x). We propose that this process is driven by a reduction in C54 crystal energy which accompanies the replacement of Ge with Si on the C54 lattice. The excess Ge diffuses to the C54 grain boundaries where it combines with Si1−xGex from the substrate and precipitates as Si1−zGez which is Ge‐rich relative to the substrate (z≳x). This segregation a...
Tropical Cyclones: Their Evolution, Structure, and Effects

This book gives the state of knowledge about tropical cyclones. After the introduction, which stresses the socioeconomic importance of these phenomena, the reader becomes excited to know more about one of the most powerful perturbations of the atmosphere. All the aspects of the phenomenon are treated. Thus, an entire chapter is devoted to the interaction between storm and ocean. The introduction begins with some history about the first descriptions and understanding of tropical cyclones. It is followed by their socioeconomic impact. Their influence can be illustrated with numbers taken from the book: Each year an average number of 20,000 deaths and economic loss of $6–7 billion
Microspectrophotometry of Euglena Chloroplast and Eyespot

A SIMPLIFIED microspectrophotometer developed in our laboratory was applied to obtain the in vivo absorption spectra for the chloroplast and eyespot of the algal flagellate Euglena. The optical and electrical characteristics of this instrument, which utilizes a Bausch and Lomb grating monochromator and a cadmium selenide photoconductive cell, have previously been reported1.
The relationship between receiving care within a medical home and HPV vaccine receipt for adolescent girls: results of the 2007 National Survey of Children's Health.

To estimate initiation of HPV vaccination among adolescent girls and examine the relationship between receiving care consistent with the medical home model in a population-based sample. We used the National Survey of Children’s Health 2007, a nationally representative sample of children in the United States, to study adolescent girls 12–17 years of age. We present the results of descriptive and multivariable logistic regression analyses for the relationship between receiving care within a medical home, as defined by the American Academy of Pediatrics, and HPV vaccination initiation. Overall, 18.1% of adolescent girls had received at least one HPV vaccine injection and 54.6% received care within a medical home. The relationship between having a medical home and HPV vaccine initiation was heterogeneous across levels of household income and parent education. After adjusting for region of U.S., insurance status, and race/ethnicity, we found increased odds of HPV vaccine receipt for girls with versus without a medical home among those in low income households (<300% of the federal poverty level) whose parents have less than a high school education (OR 3.98, 95% CI 1.52–10.44). Results were not significant for other strata of household income and parent education. These findings suggest the important role of receiving care in a medical home model in HPV vaccine adoption for adolescents in households with low incomes and low parent education. Continued promotion of the medical home model at the federal and state levels, especially within vulnerable populations, may help to reduce disparities in access to preventive vaccines.
Davidson on the Impossibility of Psychophysical Laws

Donald Davidson’s classic argument for the impossibility of reducing mental events to physicallistic ones is analyzed and formalized in relational logic. This makes evident the scope of Davidson’s argument, and shows that he is essentially offering a negative transcendental argument, i.e., and argument to the impossibility of certain kinds of logical relations. Some final speculations are offered as to why such a move might, nevertheless, have a measure of plausibility.
Multi-walled carbon nanotube directed gene and protein expression in cultured human aortic endothelial cells is influenced by suspension medium.

The use and production of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) have significantly increased over the last decade due to their versatility in numerous applications. Their unique physical and chemical properties make them desirable for various biomedical applications, but the same properties also raise concerns about their safety to human health, particularly at the cellular level. The vascular endothelium could be exposed to nanomaterials either by direct intravenous administration in nanomedicine or by translocation following inhalational exposure in an occupational setting. We hypothesized that direct exposure to MWCNTs will increase the expression of inflammatory markers in human aortic endothelial cells (HAEC). We also investigated the effect of the route of exposure on activation by changing the suspension medium of the MWCNTs. HAEC were treated in vitro with MWCNTs (1 or 10 μg/cm2) suspended in either cell culture medium [(M)-MWCNTs] or 10% clinical grade pulmonary surfactant [(S)-MWCNTs]. The zeta potential of the (S)-MWCNTs was significantly more negative than the (M)-MWCNTs suggesting a more stable suspension. Treatment of HAEC with (S)-MWCNTs; as compared to (M)-MWCNTs resulted in a significantly higher up-regulation of mRNA transcripts for cell adhesion molecules VCAM1, SELE, ICAM1 and the chemokine CCL2. Time dependent changes in VCAM1 and CCL2 protein levels were confirmed by immunofluorescence, flow cytometry and ELISA. A label free quantitative mass spectrometry proteomic analysis was utilized to compare protein expression patterns between the two suspensions of MWCNTs. We identified significant expression changes in >200 unique proteins in MWCNT treated HAEC. However, the two suspensions of MWCNTs resulted in different protein expression patterns with the eIF2 pathway as the only common pathway identified between the two suspensions. These data suggest that direct exposure to MWCNTs induces acute inflammatory and protein expression changes in HAEC, which is influenced by the type of media used for suspension of MWCNTs and their resulting zeta potential.
Simultaneous detection and recognition of chromatic flashes

Studies of simultaneous detection and recognition were performed to test alternative models of the detection process, signal detection theory and low-threshold theory. Sensitivity in a detection experiment was independent of whether the type of signal (red or green light flash) was known in advance, because only one type of s trial was possible, or was unknown because either stimulus could occur. When a recognition judgment was added to either a binary or rating-scale detection response, Ss were able to report the nature of the stimulus at better than chance levels even when they indicated that the stimulus was not detected. Since such performance occurred when Ss used detection responses likely to have been given only in the nondetect state, the data lead to the rejection of low-threshold theory.
Liver failure, transplantation, and critical care

The management of patients for end-stage liver disease in the ICU mandates a multidisciplinary approach and intense monitoring. Orthotopic liver transplantation still remains the only definitive therapy. Given the increasing disparity between the number of potential recipients and available cadaver organs, the current challenge is to optimize outcome with the limited resource. In recent years, considerable progress has been made in developing specific and supportive medical measures. Future research should target a better understanding of mechanisms responsible for liver cell death and liver regeneration, as well as developments in xenotransplantation, hepatocyte transplantation, and liver-directed gene therapy.
The role of T cells in Kawasaki disease.

Kawasaki disease (KD) is the most common pediatric vasculitis and the most frequent cause of acquired heart disease in children in the U.S. Its etiopathogenesis is unknown, although T cell, B cell and monocyte/macrophage populations have all been implicated in the disease. The precise role played by T cells is unclear. Analysis of T-cell activation markers in peripheral blood has demonstrated conflicting data. Study of tissue samples, which could clarify this issue, has been limited. Expansion of T cells bearing V beta 2 and V beta 8 has been reported during the acute phase of the disease, suggesting that exposure to a superantigen may represent one of the etiologies. Other studies, however, have not confirmed V beta expansions of T cells; in fact, indirect evidence that a conventional antigen may be involved has been reported in certain patients. Together, these various studies suggest that the clinical entity of KD may be induced by a variety of etiologic agents.
The Pennsylvania certified safety committee program: an evaluation of participation and effects on work injury rates.

BACKGROUND: Since 1994, Pennsylvania, like several other states, has provided a 5% discount on workers' compensation insurance premiums for firms with a certified joint labor management safety committee. This study explored the factors affecting program participation and evaluated the effect of this program on work injuries. METHODS: Using Pennsylvania unemployment insurance data (1996-2006), workers' compensation data (1998-2005), and the safety committee audit data (1999-2007), we conducted propensity score matching and regression analysis on the program's impact on injury rates. RESULTS: Larger firms, firms with higher injury rates, firms in high risk industries, and firms without labor unions were more likely to join the safety committee program and less likely to drop out of the program. The injury rates of participants did not decline more than the rates for non-participants; however, rates at participant firms with good compliance dropped more than the rates at participant firms with poor compliance. CONCLUSIONS: Firm size and prior injury rates are key predictors of program participation. Firms that complied with the requirement to train their safety committee members did experience reductions in injuries, but non-compliance with that and other requirements was so widespread that no overall impact of the program could be detected. Am. J. Ind. Med. 53:780-791, 2010. (c) 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. Language: en
Retinal Dopamine Mediates Multiple Dimensions of Light-Adapted Vision

Dopamine is a key neuromodulator in the retina and brain that supports motor, cognitive, and visual function. Here, we developed a mouse model on a C57 background in which expression of the rate-limiting enzyme for dopamine synthesis, tyrosine hydroxylase, is specifically disrupted in the retina. This model enabled assessment of the overall role of retinal dopamine in vision using electrophysiological (electroretinogram), psychophysical (optokinetic tracking), and pharmacological techniques. Significant disruptions were observed in high-resolution, light-adapted vision caused by specific deficits in light responses, contrast sensitivity, acuity, and circadian rhythms in this retinal dopamine-depleted mouse model. These global effects of retinal dopamine on vision are driven by the differential actions of dopamine D1 and D4 receptors on specific retinal functions and appear to be due to the ongoing bioavailability of dopamine rather than developmental effects. Together, our data indicate that dopamine is necessary for the circadian nature of light-adapted vision as well as optimal contrast detection and acuity.
Performance analysis of multitone direct-sequence spread spectrum in the presence of carrier frequency offset

It is well known that accurate synchronization is more critical in multicarrier systems than in single carrier systems. Here we provide new analytical and computer simulation results for performance of MT-DS-SS signaling in the presence of imperfect carrier synchronization, modeled as frequency offset with Gaussian statistics. We investigate performance as a function of frequency offset standard deviation, the number of subcarriers and per-subcarrier processing gain. Random spreading codes are used, and we assume coherent BPSK modulation. Comparisons between simulations and analysis show excellent agreement, and also show the expected increased sensitivity of MT-DS-SS to frequency offset, compared with single-carrier DS-SS.
Utility of Flow Cytometry of Cerebrospinal Fluid as a Screening Tool in the Diagnosis of Central Nervous System Lymphoma

� Context.—Experiences at our institution show that flow cytometry analysis (FCA) has become routine clinical practice in the workup of patients with altered mental status, even if risk factors are low. Objective.—To assess diagnostic accuracy of combined FCA and cytology in the diagnosis of central nervous system lymphoma in an unselected patient population with neurologic symptoms, including patients with no history of lymphoma or suspicious radiology. Design.—Between 2001 and 2011, cerebrospinal fluid was submitted from 373 patients for lymphoma screening by FCA. The medical records were reviewed for patient symptomatology, history of malignancy, brain imaging, FCA results, cytology results, brain biopsy, and clinical follow-up. Results.—A lymphoid malignancy was detected by FCA in 4% of cases. A positive diagnosis was more likely in patients with either a history of hematologic malignancy and/or a suspicious radiology result (P ¼.009). All patients with no history of lymphoma and no suspicious radiology (n ¼ 102) had negative cytology, and none had a correspondingly positive FCA result. The positive and negative predictive values of combined cytology and FCA in the patients with history of lymphoma and/or abnormal imaging results were 92% and 89%, respectively, when compared with open brain tissue biopsy, and 89% and 86%, respectively, when compared with clinical followup. When low-risk patients were included, the positive predictive value remained at 92%, but the negative predictive value dropped to 52% with the open brain biopsy as the reference, and values did not change significantly for the group with clinical follow-up. Conclusions.—Concurrent FCA and cytology are most useful in the appropriate clinical setting, and we propose a triage algorithm for how FCA on cerebrospinal fluid is best used.
Nuclear data sheets for A = 98

Abstract The 1960 version of the Nuclear Data Sheets for A = 98 has been revised on the basis of experimental data received prior to June 1973. Information from approximately 80 papers and communications has been included in the present compilation.
Molecular Dynamics Study of Ion Transfer and Distribution at the Interface of Water and 1,2-Dichlorethane

Molecular dynamics simulations were carried out to study the transfer of cesium and chloride ions across the H2O-1,2-dichloroethane (DCE) interface. The free energy of transfer for the ions agreed very well with experiment. In addition, cesium had a free energy minimum near the H2O-DCE interface, showing a propensity for the aqueous region near the H2O-DCE interface. However, the density and free energy profile for the chloride ion showed it was somewhat repelled from the H2O-DCE interface. We found that DCE had an average interfacial orientation that resulted in unfavorable interactions with anions but favorable ones with cations, causing the observed ion interfacial behavior. This study shows that DCE has favorable interfacial properties for cation extraction, but less favorable ones for chloride ion extraction.
Anaerobic degradation of inedible crop residues produced in a Controlled Ecological Life Support System

An anaerobic reactor seeded with organisms from an anaerobic lagoon was used to study the degradation of inedible crop residues from potato and wheat crops grown in a closed environment. Conversion of this biomass into other products was also evaluated. Degradation of wheat volatile solids was about 25% where that of potato was about 50%. The main product of the anaerobic fermentation of both crops was acetic acid with smaller quantities of propionate and butyrate produced. Nitrate, known to be high in concentration in inedible potato and wheat biomass grown hydroponically, was converted to ammonia in the anaerobic reactor. Both volatile fatty acid and ammonia production may have implications in a crop production system.
The chemisorption of chlorosilanes and chlorine on Si(111)7 × 7

Abstract The chemisorption of SiCl4, Si2Cl6, and chlorine on Si(111)7 × 7 has been characterized using soft X-ray photoemission with synchrotron radiation, thermal desorption spectroscopy, and Auger electron spectroscopy. SiCl4 dissociatively chemisorbs on room temperature Si(111)7 × 7 with an extremely low sticking coefficient, with only SiCl remaining on the surface. In contrast, Si2Cl6 chemisorbs with ∼ 500 times greater probability and then partly dissociates into SiClx (x = 1, 2, 3) fragments. A monolayer of Cl deposited directly also contains SiCl, SiCl2, and SiCl3 surface species, but they are created via reaction with substrate Si atoms and have lower Si2p core level binding energies. Upon heating the surface all the adsorbed Cl is removed via desorption of silicon chlorides, primarily SiCl2, indicating that SiCl4, Si2Cl6, and chlorine will etch Si(111)7 × 7 if an additional reactant is not avail to remove the surface Cl. Interestingly, the different reactivities of SiCl4 and Si2Cl6 upon adsorption can be explained by the dynamics of different adsorption mechanisms.
Management of parapneumonic effusions in pediatrics: Current practice

Pneumonia with associated complex pleural disease is a cause of significant morbidity among hospitalized children. The management of this patient population continues to be a challenge and varies even among single institutions. The article presented here reviews the management goals for pediatric patients hospitalized with complex parapneumonic effusions and provides updated summaries of both medical and surgical therapies. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2008;3:263–270. © 2008 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Neurosecretory endings in the rat neurohypophysis are en passant.

Abstract A combination of Golgi, Phaseolus vulgaris leucoagglutinin, and transmission electron microscopic (EM) techniques was used to investigate the morphology of neurosecretory axons and their endings in the neurohypophysis of the rat. Light microscopy indicated that the neurosecretory processes are very tortuous, varicose, and branched, often running in close association with blood vessels. EM, as well as reconstruction from serial thin sections, demonstrated that the combination of synaptoid membrane specializations, dense core vesicles, and accumulations of microvesicles, thought to indicate areas of preferential hormone release, can occur anywhere that the axons contact the basal lamina (BL) lining the perivascular space. Usually, but not always, this was accompanied by some degree of axonal dilation. Individual neurosecretory axons frequently entwined around, or ran adjacent to, blood vessels, a short length of axon forming multiple “endings”. Thin glial (pituicyte) processes were interposed between these endings. Axonal processes were also seen to end blindly as end-bulbs suspended in the perivascular space where they were often surrounded by pituicyte processes. The morphology observed suggests that reductions in the contact length of individual nerve terminals could be mediated through increased pituicyte coverage of the BL. Conversely, a reduction of pituicyte coverage along the BL could lead to more areas of axonal contact with the BL inducing or allowing the formation of more endings, such as has been reported to occur during lactation or prolonged elevation of plasma testosterone levels.
Effect of the direction of DNA replication on mutagenesis by N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine in adapted cells of Escherichia coli.

The methylating agent N-methyl-N′-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine preferentially induces G:C to A:T transitions at DNA base pairs with the G in one particular strand of the cI gene in a lambda prophage, in this case the non-transcribed straind, in Escherichia coli cells in which the adaptive response is induced. The same preference is found for the cI gene inserted in the genome in the inverse orientation, so the differential effect is not caused by the direction of motion of the DNA replicating fork.
Preparation of an Isocyano-β-diketone via its Metal Complexes, by Use of Metal Ions as Protecting Groups

A ligand containing isocyanide and β-diketone functional groups, 3-(4-isocyanophenyl)-2,4-pentanedione (HacphNC), and several of its metal complexes have been prepared. The free isocyano-β-diketone could not be prepared by dehydration of the analogous formamide, HacphNHCHO, because of the reactivity of its β-diketone moiety. Instead, the metal complexes Al(acphNC)3, Fe(acphNC)3, Cu(acphNC)2, and Zn(acphNC)2 were synthesized by dehydration of the formamido-β-diketonate complexes Al(acphNHCHO)3, Fe(acphNHCHO)3, Cu(acphNHCHO)2, and Zn(acphNHCHO)2. The free isocyano-β-diketone, HacphNC, can be liberated from its Al and Fe complexes by treatment with oxalate (C2O42−) and HC2O4−. In addition to these O-bound complexes, C(N)-bound complexes can be prepared by the reaction of either Al(acphNC)3 or HacphNC with Au(I). X-ray analyses of HacphNC, Al(acphNC)3, (HacphNC)AuCl, Cu(acphNHCHO)2, trans-Zn(acphNHCHO)2(H2O)2, and two other intermediates are also reported.
Effective mechanical and transport properties of cellular solids

We utilize two different approaches, homogenization theory and discrete network analyses, to study the mechanical and transport properties of two-dimensional cellular solids (honeycombs) consisting of either hexagonal, triangular, square or Voronoi cells. We exploit results from homogenization theory for porous solids (in the low-density limit) to establish rigorous bounds on the effective thermal conductivity of honeycombs in terms of the elastic moduli and vice versa. It is shown that for hexagonal, triangular or square honeycombs, the cross-property bound relating the bulk modulus to the thermal conductivity turns out to be an exact and optimal result. The same is true for the cross-property bound linking the shear or Young's modulus of the triangular honeycomb to its conductivity. For low-density honeycombs, we observe that all of the elastic moduli do not depend on the Poisson's ratio of the solid phase. The elastic-viscoelastic correspondence principle enables us to conclude that all of the viscoelastic moduli of honeycombs in the low-density limit are proportional to the complex Young's modulus of the solid phase. Such structures have real Poisson's ratios and the loss tangent is the same for any load.
Evaluation of the Risk of PRRSV Transmission via Ingestion of Muscle from Persistently Infected Pigs

Summary The objectives of this experiment were to determine how long porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) could be detected in muscle tissues of experimentally infected pigs and to evaluate the transmissibility of PRRSV to pigs via ingestion of quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR)-positive muscle tissues. Serum, lymphoid tissues, and muscle (M. longissimus dorsi) samples were collected from 135 pigs (89 PRRSV-inoculated pigs and 46 negative control). Between 28 and 202 days post-inoculation, 13 of 89 (14.6%) muscle samples were positive by qRT-PCR. Among these 13, PRRSV was isolated from four of the 13 corresponding serum samples and three of 13 lymphoid tissue samples. In addition, infectious virus was detected in lymphoid tissue homogenates of six of 13 pigs by intramuscular bioassay. Swine transmissibility studies were performed by feeding thirteen 3-week-old PRRSV-naive pigs (recipient pigs) qRT-PCR-positive muscle and then monitoring recipients for evidence of PRRSV viremia by qRT-PCR. No transmission of PRRSV to recipient pigs via consumption of muscle samples was observed. These data suggested that qRT-PCR detected non-infectious PRRSV in pig meat and/or PRRSV is not highly transmissible to susceptible pigs via consumption of PRRSV-contaminated meat.
Differences in mortality among patients with community-acquired pneumonia in California by ethnicity and hospital characteristics.

Abstract Purpose To determine ethnic disparities in mortality for patients with community-acquired pneumonia, and the potential effects of hospital characteristics on disparities, we compared the risk-adjusted mortality of white, African American, Hispanic, and Asian American patients hospitalized for community-acquired pneumonia. Methods We studied patients discharged with community-acquired pneumonia in 1996 from an acute care hospital in California (n = 54,874). Logistic regression models were used to examine the association between ethnicity and hospital characteristics and 30-day mortality after adjusting for clinical characteristics. Results The overall 30-day mortality was 12.2%. After adjustment for demographic, clinical, and hospital characteristics, Hispanic (odds ratio [OR] = 0.81; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.73 to 0.90) and Asian American patients (OR = 0.88; 95% CI: 0.77 to 1.00) had lower mortality than did white patients, whereas African Americans had a similar mortality to whites (OR = 0.93; 95% CI: 0.83 to 1.06). There were no overall differences in mortality by hospital characteristics (i.e., teaching status, rural location, and public or district hospital). Conclusion Hispanics and Asian Americans have a lower risk of death from community-acquired pneumonia than whites in California. No overall differences in mortality were observed by hospital characteristics.
Val-Ala-Pro-Gly, an elastin derived non-integrin ligand: cell adhesion and specificity

The non-integrin derived peptide VAPG maybe useful as a biospecific cell adhesion ligand for smooth muscle cells. By grafting the peptide sequence into a hydrogel material, we were able to assess its effects on cell adhesion and spreading. These materials are photopolymerizable hydrogels based on acrylate-terminated derivatives of polyethylene glycol (PEG). PEG diacrylate derivatives can be mixed with adhesive peptide-modified PEG monoacrylate derivatives. Following photopolymerization, the PEG monoacrylate derivatives are grafted into the hydrogel network formed by the PEG diacrylate. This results in covalent immobilization of the adhesive peptides to the hydrogel via a flexible linker chain. The resistance of PEG to protein adsorption makes is an ideal material for this model system, since cell-material interactions are essentially limited to the biomolecules that are covalently incorporated into the material. In this case we were able to demonstrate that VAPG is specific for adhesion of smooth muscle cells, and this can aid in the design of tissue engineered vascular grafts.
A Host Factor That Binds near the Termini of Hepatitis B Virus Pregenomic RNA

The terminal regions of hepatitis B virus (HBV) pregenomic RNA (pgRNA) harbors sites governing many essential functions in the viral life cycle, including polyadenylation, translation, RNA encapsidation, and DNA synthesis. We have examined the binding of host proteins to a 170-nucleotide region from the 5' end of HBV pgRNA; a large portion of this region is duplicated at the 3' end of this terminally redundant RNA. By UV cross-linking labeled RNA to HepG2 cell extracts, we have identified a 65-kDa factor (p65) of nuclear origin which can specifically bind to this region. Two discrete binding sites were identified within this region; in vitro cross-competition experiments suggest that the same factor binds to both elements. One binding site (termed UBS) overlaps a portion of the highly conserved stem-loop structure (epsilon), while the other site (termed DBS) maps 35 nucleotides downstream of the hexanucleotide polyadenylation sequence. Both binding sites are highly pyrimidine rich and map to regions previously found to be important in the regulation of viral polyadenylation. However, functional analysis of mutant binding sites in vivo indicates that p65 is not involved in the polyadenylation of HBV pgRNA. Potential roles for the factor in viral replication in vivo are discussed.
Shear Stress–Activated Wnt-Angiopoietin-2 Signaling Recapitulates Vascular Repair in Zebrafish Embryos

Objective— Fluid shear stress intimately regulates vasculogenesis and endothelial homeostasis. The canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways play an important role in differentiation and proliferation. In this study, we investigated whether shear stress activated angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) via the canonical Wnt signaling pathway with an implication in vascular endothelial repair. Approach and Results— Oscillatory shear stress upregulated both TOPflash Wnt reporter activities and the expression of Ang-2 mRNA and protein in human aortic endothelial cells accompanied by an increase in nuclear β-catenin intensity. Oscillatory shear stress–induced Ang-2 and Axin-2 mRNA expression was downregulated in the presence of a Wnt inhibitor, IWR-1, but was upregulated in the presence of a Wnt agonist, LiCl. Ang-2 expression was further downregulated in response to a Wnt signaling inhibitor, DKK-1, but was upregulated by Wnt agonist Wnt3a. Both DKK-1 and Ang-2 siRNA inhibited endothelial cell migration and tube formation, which were rescued by human recombinant Ang-2. Both Ang-2 and Axin-2 mRNA downregulation was recapitulated in the heat-shock–inducible transgenic Tg(hsp70l:dkk1-GFP ) zebrafish embryos at 72 hours post fertilization. Ang-2 morpholino injection of Tg (kdrl:GFP ) fish impaired subintestinal vessel formation at 72 hours post fertilization, which was rescued by zebrafish Ang-2 mRNA coinjection. Inhibition of Wnt signaling with IWR-1 also downregulated Ang-2 and Axin-2 expression and impaired vascular repair after tail amputation, which was rescued by zebrafish Ang-2 mRNA injection. Conclusions— Shear stress activated Ang-2 via canonical Wnt signaling in vascular endothelial cells, and Wnt-Ang-2 signaling is recapitulated in zebrafish embryos with a translational implication in vascular development and repair.
Effect of omental, intercostal, and internal mammary artery pedicle wraps on bronchial healing

Abstract Bronchial transection and devascularization is necessary in the course of sleeve resection or lung transplantation, leaving distal bronchial segments ischemic and subject to stricture or dehiscence. Thirty mongrel dogs underwent left lung autotransplantation. The bronnchial anastomosis was wrapped with omentum (n = 9), intercostal muscle pedicle (n = 9), or internal mammary artery pedicle grafts (n = 6). Six control animals underwent bronchial anastomosis without an external wrep. Bronchial revascurlarization by capillary ingrowth from the pedicle to the bronchial submucosal plexus was demonstrated with all three types of vascular pedicle grafts; however, more consistent and confluent vascular ingrowth was provided by internal mammary artery pedicle grafts. Additionally, the bronchial anastomotic cross-sectional area was significantly better in the internal mammary artery group (84.5 ± 3.3) as compared with that of the omental (68.4 ± 8.3), intercostal muscle (66.9 ± 10.9), or contral groups (70.2 ± 7.6). An internal mammary artery pedicle graft and the presence of dense confluent submucosal vascular ingrowth from any pedicle graft were independently predictive ( p
Compositional and structural analysis of selected chromosomal domains from Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Chromatin is the template for replication and transcription in the eukaryotic nucleus, which needs to be defined in composition and structure before these processes can be fully understood. We report an isolation protocol for the targeted purification of specific genomic regions in their native chromatin context from Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Subdomains of the multicopy ribosomal DNA locus containing transcription units of RNA polymerases I, II or III or an autonomous replication sequence were independently purified in sufficient amounts and purity to analyze protein composition and histone modifications by mass spectrometry. We present and discuss the proteomic data sets obtained for chromatin in different functional states. The native chromatin was further amenable to electron microscopy analysis yielding information about nucleosome occupancy and positioning at the single-molecule level. We also provide evidence that chromatin from virtually every single copy genomic locus of interest can be purified and analyzed by this technique.
CEO Successor Choice, its Antecedents and Influence on Subsequent Firm Performance An Empiricalanalysis

Prior CEO succession research has been inconclusive, and studies suffer from threats to external validity from sampling limitations. This study uses 219 succession events over a 2-year period to in...
Monotonicity and stratification

In utilizing the technique of stratification, the user needs to first partition/stratify the sample space; the next task is to determine how to allocate samples to strata. How to best perform the second task is well understood and analyzed and there are effective and generic recipes for sample allocation. Performing the first task, on the other hand, is generally left to the user who has limited guidelines at her/his disposal. We review explicit and implicit stratification approaches considered in the literature and discuss their relevance to simulation studies. We then discuss the different ways in which monotonicity plays a role in optimal stratification.
Consequences of arizona's immigration policy on social capital among Mexican mothers with unauthorized immigration status

This study explores the consequences of increasingly restrictive immigration policies on social capital among Mexican mothers with unauthorized immigrant status in Arizona. Three focus groups conducted in Arizona explore how mothers' experiences with immigration policies have affected their neighborhood, community, and family ties. Focus group content and interactions revealed that perceived racial profiling was common among mothers and led to fear of family separation. Several described direct experiences with detention and deportation. Although detention and deportation strengthened social ties between mothers and other unauthorized immigrants, these experiences were detrimental to social ties between mothers and members of the mainstream society, including their children's teachers. Finally, immigration policies were perceived to affect parent-child ties negatively, as mothers reported family stress, financial hardship, and decreased parental availability.
Lyrics and Borrowed Tunes of the American Temperance Movement – Edited by Paul D. Sanders

The title accurately describes the book's contents, a compilation of temperance song lyrics usually sung to borrowed tunes. The author supplements other works on this topic by providing the words f...
Electron-stimulated desorption of D + from D 2 O ice: Surface structure and electronic excitations

We present a study of the electron-stimulated desorption of deuterium cations (D{sup +}) from thin (1{endash}40 ML) D{sub 2}O ice films vapor deposited on a Pt(111) substrate. Measurements of the total yield and velocity distributions as a function of temperature from 90 to 200 K show that the D{sup +} yield changes with film thickness, surface temperature, and ice phase. We observe two energy thresholds for cation emission, near 25 and 40 eV, which are weakly dependent upon the ice temperature and phase. The cation time-of-flight (TOF) distribution is at least bimodal, indicating multiple desorption channels. A decomposition of the TOF distributions into {open_quotes}fast{close_quotes} and {open_quotes}slow{close_quotes} channels shows structure as a function of excitation energy, film thickness, and temperature. The D{sup +} yield generally increases with temperature, rising near 120 K on amorphous ice, and near 135 K on crystalline ice. The amorphous-crystalline phase transition at {approximately}160 K causes a drop in total desorption yield. The temperature dependence of D{sup {minus}} desorption via the {sup 2}B{sub 1} dissociative electron attachment resonance is very similar to the slow D{sup +} yield, and likely involves similar restructuring and lifetime effects. The data collectively suggest that a thermally activated reduction of surface hydrogenmore » bonding increases the lifetime of the excited states responsible for ion desorption, and that these lifetime effects are strongest for excited states involving a{sub 1} bands. {copyright} {ital 1997} {ital The American Physical Society}« less
Process optimization for high efficiency heterojunction c-Si solar cells fabrication using Hot-Wire Chemical Vapor Deposition

The researchers extensively studied the effects of annealing or thermal history of cell process on the minority carrier lifetimes of FZ n-type c-Si wafers with various i-layer thicknesses from 5 to 60 nm, substrate temperatures from 100 to 350°C, doped layers both p- and n-types, and transparent conducting oxide (TCO). Hot-Wire Chemical Vapor Deposition (HW-CVD) was used to achieve high lifetime, high open circuit voltage (V oc ), and high efficiency in crystalline silicon (c-Si) heterojunction (HJ) solar cells. The minority carrier lifetime with i-layer passivation in as-grown state was found to peak at 200°C substrate temperature. Annealing c-Si with as-grown layers affects the lifetime significantly. The optimized annealing temperature is from 250–350°C. It was also found that the lifetime of c-Si wafers with a very thin i/p passivation decreases significantly when annealed at temperatures higher than 250°C. However, the lifetime of the i/p passivated c-Si wafers is not affected by the p-layer even when the i-layer is as thin as 10 nm. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to understand the annealing effect. For the c-Si wafers with i/n passivation, the minority carrier lifetime is usually longer than 2 ms and slightly improved by annealing. Minority carrier lifetime greater than 1 ms in a double side HJ structure with i/n and i/p layers can be achieved by controlling thermal history of the cell process. HJ cells were fabricated with an efficiency >18% on n-type wafers without texturing, and an efficiency of 19.2% with texturing.
Equivalence of backpropagation and contrastive Hebbian learning in a layered network

Backpropagation and contrastive Hebbian learning are two methods of training networks with hidden neurons. Backpropagation computes an error signal for the output neurons and spreads it over the hidden neurons. Contrastive Hebbian learning involves clamping the output neurons at desired values and letting the effect spread through feedback connections over the entire network. To investigate the relationship between these two forms of learning, we consider a special case in which they are identical: a multilayer perceptron with linear output units, to which weak feedback connections have been added. In this case, the change in network state caused by clamping the output neurons turns out to be the same as the error signal spread by backpropagation, except for a scalar prefactor. This suggests that the functionality of backpropagation can be realized alternatively by a Hebbian-type learning algorithm, which is suitable for implementation in biological networks.
Drug-induced valve disease and considerations of benefit versus risk.

This editorial refers to ‘Frequency of drug-induced valvular heart disease in patients previously exposed to benfluorex: a multicentre prospective study’[†][1], by C. Tribouilloy et al. , on page 3580 Data from epidemiological studies, and a single randomized trial, have plausibly suggested that a variety of amphetamine-related molecules can cause valvular morphological lesions and variable degrees of valvular dysfunction.1–10 Though a causal relationship has not been unequivocally proven, cellular mechanisms have been defined that may account for such a relationship.11,12 However, early in the experience with the phentermine–fenfluoramine combination that sensitized the medical community to such problems,1 the frequency of valve involvement probably was markedly overstated. Indeed, at the height of the concern, when several very small series suggested that the majority of exposed patients developed valve disease, five patients (as large as some of the published series) were referred to me after moderately long exposure to seek evidence of valve disease; none was apparent in any. Importantly, the involved drugs all were approved for specific benefits, e.g. weight reduction for morbidly obese persons who might suffer from orthopaedic, psychological, cardiovascular, and other debilities in part because of their body weight, and diabetes control for patients in whom glucose metabolic abnormalities could have several unwanted and potentially preventable consequences. In all such situations, the appropriateness of the therapies must be determined on the basis of a judgement of putative benefits vs. putative risks. Since the benefits and the risks of the amphetamine-related therapies are intrinsically different, the relationship between benefit and risk is impossible to quantify rigorously and must be based on the judgement of experienced observers. Therefore, it is essential to quantify, as precisely as possible, the benefits and the risks. Benefits often are reasonably quantified by randomized, appropriately controlled trials enabling comparison of … [1]: #fn-2
Death of CD4+ T-Cell Lines Caused by Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Does Not Depend on Caspases or Apoptosis

A critical aspect of AIDS pathogenesis that remains unclear is the mechanism by which human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) induces death in CD4(+) T lymphocytes. A better understanding of the death process occurring in infected cells may provide valuable insight into the viral component responsible for cytopathicity. This would aid the design of preventive treatments against the rapid decline of CD4(+) T cells that results in AIDS. Previously, apoptotic cell death has been reported in HIV-1 infections in cultured T cells, and it has been suggested that this could affect both infected and uninfected cells. To evaluate the mechanism of this effect, we have studied HIV-1-induced cell death extensively by infecting several T-cell lines and assessing the level of apoptosis by using various biochemical and flow cytometric assays. Contrary to the prevailing view that apoptosis plays a prominent role in HIV-1-mediated T-cell death, we found that Jurkat and H9 cells dying from HIV-1 infection fail to exhibit the collective hallmarks of apoptosis. Among the parameters investigated, Annexin V display, caspase activity and cleavage of caspase substrates, TUNEL (terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling) signal, and APO2.7 display were detected at low to negligible levels. Neither peptide caspase inhibitors nor the antiapoptotic proteins Bcl-x(L) or v-FLIP could prevent cell death in HIV-1-infected cultures. Furthermore, Jurkat cell lines deficient in RIP, caspase-8, or FADD were as susceptible as wild-type Jurkat cells to HIV-1 cytopathicity. These results suggest that the primary mode of cytopathicity by laboratory-adapted molecular clones of HIV-1 in cultured cell lines is not via apoptosis. Rather, cell death occurs most likely via a necrotic or lytic form of death independent of caspase activation in directly infected cells.
READING AND THE AGED: A STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

A number of recent surveys have shown that many adults do not read extensively. There is also evidence that senior citizens and retirees, despite increased leisure time, do not acquire reading habits if they have previously failed to develop systematic reading habits. Rather, the reading behavior of retired persons tends to closely reflect previous reading habits, educational attainment, and socioeconomic status. Special programs developed by churches, schools, and community agencies can serve to promote increased reading activity among older adults.
The Gettier Problem and the parable of the ten coins

“Where have you been?” I expect philosophers to ask me this when I tell them that this paper is on the Gettier Problem. I found it difficult to participate in the discussion of the problem until now because instead of wanting to consider what could be done to revive the project of identifying necessary and conditions for knowledge after the apparent damage done to it by Gettier counterexamples, I wanted to question the legitimacy of the project itself. However, I have come to believe that the real issue raised by Gettier’s argument is how certain logical entailments, such as Existential Generalization or Disjunctive Addition, can be relied upon to generate the objects of actual (justified) belief. Because of this change in perspective, I believe that I have something to say that is specifically about his argument.
Inhibition of the general soil microbial community by allyl-isothiocyanate and benzyl-isothiocyanate

Abstract. Invasion of Alliaria petiolata (garlic mustard) has become increasingly problematic, as it has disrupted the native ecosystem of the forest understory throughout most of the United States. A key element of garlic mustard invasion is the production of two compounds that have been shown to be inhibitory at relatively low concentrations, allyl-isothiocyanate (AITC) and benzyl-isothiocyanate (BITC). The current study utilizes Minimum Inhibitory Concentration tests to assess the effect of AITC, BITC, and AITC and BITC in combination on the soil microbial community across a gradient of invasion severity: from uninvaded, moderately invaded, and heavily invaded sites. It is hypothesized that prior history of garlic mustard invasion, chemical treatment, previous chemical exposure and chemical concentration will all influence microbial growth. Results showed that invasion history and chemical condition significantly influenced microbial growth for initially exposed trials, but only chemical condition infl...
Development of the Drosophila Melanogaster Eye: From Precursor Specification to Terminal Differentiation

Publisher Summary This chapter highlights the processes of formation of Drosophila melanogaster eye and its specification. Even though most processes in eye formation occur during late larval and pupa stages, initial steps of eye disc patterning already take place during early larval life. Clonal analyses of the first instar eye-antennal disc indicate that about 20 cells give rise to the eye, although clone size varies between individuals. During early stages, cells of the eye disc proliferate, leading to disc growth. During early second larval instar, changes in gene expression occur to subdivide the eye-antennal disc into an eye part and an antennal part. Expression of the Pax genes eyeless (ey) and twin of eyeless (toy), two major factors in eye development that are expressed in the entire disc, retracts to the posterior two-thirds while the homeodomain transcription factor Cut starts to be expressed in the anterior third. Ey/Toy expression marks the prospective eye part, whereas Cut expression defines the antenna part. In Drosophila, the specification of the compound eye is controlled by the genes ey, toy, eye gone, sine Oculis, optix, eyes absent, and dachshund that encode nuclear factors.
Meta-analysis of published data using a linear mixed-effects model

This paper describes the use of a linear mixed-effects regression model as a framework for the meta-analysis of published data. It generalizes the random-effects models used by DerSimonian and Laird (1986, Controlled Clinical Trials 7, 177-188) and Begg and Pilote (1991, Biometrics 47, 899-906), and describes the use of the model using examples from these papers and the data given by Tori et al.