cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Extant Earthly Microbial Mats and Microbialites as Models for Exploration of Life in Extraterrestrial Mat Worlds.

As we expand the search for life beyond Earth, a water-dominated planet, we turn our eyes to other aquatic worlds. Microbial life found in Earth’s many extreme habitats are considered useful analogs to life forms we are likely to find in extraterrestrial bodies of water. Modern-day benthic microbial mats inhabiting the low-oxygen, high-sulfur submerged sinkholes of temperate Lake Huron (Michigan, USA) and microbialites inhabiting the shallow, high-carbonate waters of subtropical Laguna Bacalar (Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico) serve as potential working models for exploration of extraterrestrial life. In Lake Huron, delicate mats comprising motile filaments of purple-pigmented cyanobacteria capable of oxygenic and anoxygenic photosynthesis and pigment-free chemosynthetic sulfur-oxidizing bacteria lie atop soft, organic-rich sediments. In Laguna Bacalar, lithification by cyanobacteria forms massive carbonate reef structures along the shoreline. Herein, we document studies of these two distinct earthly microbial mat ecosystems and ponder how similar or modified methods of study (e.g., robotics) would be applicable to prospective mat worlds in other planets and their moons (e.g., subsurface Mars and under-ice oceans of Europa). Further studies of modern-day microbial mat and microbialite ecosystems can add to the knowledge of Earth’s biodiversity and guide the search for life in extraterrestrial hydrospheres.
The structure and evolution of lower stratospheric frontal zones. Part II: The influence of tropospheric ascent on lower stratospheric frontal development

The intensification of frontal characteristics in the region above the mid-latitude jet core within the lower stratospheric portion of an upper-level jet front system (ULJF) is known as lower stratospheric frontogenesis. Four recent cases of lower stratospheric frontogenesis in southwesterly flow are examined in order to elucidate the interaction between lower stratospheric dynamical processes and tropospheric ascent that characterizes such developments. In all of the cases examined the lower stratospheric front was (1) characterized by lower stratospheric quasi-geostrophic forcing for ascent on its cold side, and (2) parallel to a surface cold front. As latent heating associated with ascent along the surface cold front redistributed the potential temperature field within the upper troposphere, the stability of the near-tropopause upper troposphere decreased, thus intensifying the response to lower stratospheric frontal forcing by enhancing the frontogenetic ascent within the upper troposphere. It is therefore suggested that ascent originating in the lower troposphere is able to influence the development of lower stratospheric fronts and substantially alter the structure of the mid-latitude tropopause and its associated horizontal potential vorticity gradient at and above the jet core. The implications of lower stratospheric frontogenetic processes on facilitating tropical–extratropical interactions is discussed.
Quantitative assessment by measurement and modeling of mobile target elongation in cone-beam computed tomographic imaging

The purpose of this study was to assess quantitatively elongation of mobile targets in cone-beam CT (CBCT) imaging by measurement and modeling. A mathematical model was derived that predicts the measured lengths of mobile targets and its dependence on target size and motion patterns in CBCT imaging. Three tissue-equivalent targets of differing sizes were inserted in an artificial thorax phantom to simulate lung lesions. Respiratory motion was mimicked with a mobile phantom that moves in one-dimension along the superior–inferior direction at a respiration frequency of 0.24 Hz for eight different amplitudes in the range 0–40 mm. A mathematical model was derived to quantify the variations in target lengths and its dependence on phantom motion parameters in CBCT. Predictions of the model were verified by measurement of the lengths of mobile targets in CBCT images. The model predicts that target lengths increased linearly with increase in speed and amplitude of phantom motion in CBCT. The measured lengths of mobile targets imaged with CBCT agreed with the calculated lengths within half-slice thickness spatial resolution. The maximal length of a mobile target was independent of the frequency and phase of motion. Elongation of mobile targets was similar in half-fan and full-fan CBCT for similar motion patterns, as long as the targets remained within the imaging view. Mobile targets elongated linearly with phantom speed and motion amplitude in CBCT imaging. The model introduced in this work assessed quantitatively the variation in target lengths induced by motion, which may be a useful tool to consider elongations of mobile targets in CBCT applications in diagnostic imaging and radiotherapy.
Enki e Prometeu: o herói de cultura no mito e pensamento da Mesopotâmia e da Grécia

O artigo tem por objetivo examinar a relacao entre Prome- teu e possiveis modelos mitologicos da Asia Ocidental, buscando reexaminar a sugestao de Stephanie West de que a personagem de Prome- teu, como trapaceiro e heroi de cultura, foi apenas uma dentre muitas importacoes tipicas do “periodo orientalizante” na Grecia arcaica.
Possible alterations in GABAA receptor signaling that underlie benzodiazepine-resistant seizures

Benzodiazepines have been used for decades as first-line treatment for status epilepticus (SE). For reasons that are not fully understood, the efficacy of benzodiazepines decreases with increasing duration of seizure activity. This often forces clinicians to resort to more drastic second- and third-line treatments that are not always successful. The antiseizure properties of benzodiazepines are mediated by γ-aminobutyric acid type A (GABA(A) ) receptors. Decades of research have focused on the failure of GABAergic inhibition after seizure onset as the likely cause of the development benzodiazepine resistance during SE. However, the details of the deficits in GABA(A) signaling are still largely unknown. Therefore, it is necessary to improve our understanding of the mechanisms of benzodiazepine resistance so that more effective strategies can be formulated. In this review we discuss evidence supporting the role of altered GABA(A) receptor function as the major underlying cause of benzodiazepine-resistant SE in both humans and animal models. We specifically address the prevailing hypothesis, which is based on changes in the number and subtypes of GABA(A) receptors, as well as the potential influence of perturbed chloride homeostasis in the mature brain.
Abstract 14671: Myocardial Recovery After Initial Hospitalization for Heart Failure in Patients with Non-ischemic Cardiomyopathy

Background: Recovery of myocardial function has been demonstrated in outpatients with heart failure (HF) due to non-ischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM), but little is known about the high-risk population of patients after hospitalization for HF (HHF). We sought to examine the proportion of patients with NICM who experience myocardial recovery after initial HHF and examine outcomes associated with recovery status. Methods: We identified patients with first HHF from NICM [reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤ 40%, not due to CAD, valvular disease, chemotherapy, infiltrative disease] using the Northwestern Medicine Enterprise Data Warehouse from January 1, 2000 to January 1, 2013. Myocardial recovery status was defined as: 1) myocardial recovery (absolute LVEF improvement ≥10%), 2) no change/ worsening of LVEF, and 3) no subsequent LVEF assessment. Multivariable-adjusted regression models were fitted to test the association between myocardial recovery status and all-cause mortality. Results: There w...
Extreme Response Style

Extreme response style (ERS) is the tendency to respond to questions on a Likert-type scale by using response options on the ends of the continuum. ERS can involve either negative or positive responses, depending on the tendency to select either very low or very high values or points. Its obverse is middle (or middling) response style (MRS). Keywords: methodology; measurement in psychology; research
On the energy cascade rate of solar wind turbulence in high cross helicity flows

[1] Improved observations and analysis of solar wind fluctuations at 1 AU show that the total energy spectrum, kinetic plus magnetic, is in better agreement with the Kraichnan 3/2 scaling than with the Kolmogorov 5/3 scaling, consistent with simulations of incompressible MHD turbulence with a strong ambient magnetic field which exhibit a perpendicular energy spectrum proportional to k⊥−3/2. The Kraichnan scaling is especially clear in solar wind flows having large values of the normalized cross helicity σc. In this study, a generalization of Boldyrev's theory that applies to turbulence with nonvanishing cross helicity is used to estimate the energy cascade rate for high cross helicity flows in the solar wind at 1 AU. The analysis of 85 intervals of solar wind data from the Wind spacecraft characterized by normalized cross helicities in the range ∣σc∣ > 0.88 yields typical values of the energy dissipation rate ɛ ranging from 100 to 2400 J/kg/s. This is roughly a factor of 4 or 5 smaller than estimates of the proton heating rate at 1 AU needed to account for the nonadiabatic solar wind expansion. The results suggest that the reduction in turbulent heating in high cross helicity flows creates a tangible deficit in the heating rate required by empirical models based on average solar wind properties.
Caveat Emptor: Ethical Chauvinism in the Global Economy

The tendency of American business schools to teach a “universal” set of ethical standards and managerial perspectives can have a serious impact on the business practices of new graduates as well as on the success of companies desiring to do business globally. We need to become more sensitive to other cultural/ethical approaches and to sensitize our business students to them early in their academic process in order to encourage the use of common-norming to attain mutual economic benefit. We can understand this process through the application of anthropological principles to ethical constructs.
Corporate Governance and Ethics Compliance in Islamic Financial Institutions - Legal Perspectives

Corporate governance systems are continuously converging and inherently presuppose the predominance of law. Strong emphasis is put on checks and balances and monitoring systems. However, despite convergence tendencies there are also differences in corporate governance systems that often stem from different commercial and legal cultures, the prevailing political and economic conditions and the development of the macroeconomic model. Religious traditions and moral aspects also come into play. Islamic financial institutions are significantly subject to multi-level governance systems. They are not only required to comply with applicable laws but also with Sharia and ethical principles. If legality is insufficient to frame governance policies or where the law is silent, ethical norms can have a supplementary regulative effect.After inquiring the relationship between law and morals the paper will argue that the two distinct spheres of law and morals can sometimes conflict with each other. The paper will then go on to discuss the content and regulative character of codes of conduct applied in the Islamic finance sector. In this context, the ethics standards of the AAOIFI and the IFSB will be presented and critically reflected upon.Because markets and individuals do not always sufficiently guarantee adherence to ethical norms, ethical codes of conduct as instruments of self-regulation need to be implemented and “reinforced” effectively. This article attempts to create a nexus between corporate governance systems and ethics compliance taking into account the distinctive features of Islamic financial institutions. It suggests integrated legal mechanisms for applying ethical norms within the corporate governance framework of an Islamic financial institution. Formal organisational systems that create incentives for ethical behaviour and ultimately enhance ethics compliance will be discussed. The paper also shows the legal limits of implementing ethical norms and sanctioning misconduct, particularly in European legal and regulatory settings.
Screening for coronary heart disease : Has the time for universal imaging arrived?

The Screening for Heart Attack Prevention and Education (SHAPE) Task Force has recommended a strategy of screening for coronary heart disease in which nearly all middle-aged and older adults would undergo an imaging test. However, this approach is not supported by evidence and is not endorsed by professional societies or the US Preventive Services Task Force. Physicians should follow established guidelines such as those of the third Adult Treatment Panel of the National Cholesterol Education Program.
Targeting Activated KIT Signaling for Melanoma Therapy

Melanomas are composed of several biologically distinct categories of neoplasms that differ in their clinical and histologic presentations, cell of origin, age of onset, ethnic variation, pathogenetic role of ultraviolet radiation, predisposing germline alterations, type of genomic instability, pattern of metastasis, and patterns of somatic mutation. The latter contain a set of recurrent gain-of-function mutations in the genes NRAS, BRAF, KIT, GNAQ, and GNA11 that tend to occur in a mutually exclusive pattern early during progression. KIT is a receptor tyrosine kinase that binds to stem-cell factor (SCF), activating a series of downstream effector pathways (Fig 1). KIT is of critical importance in melanocyte development. It is expressed in early melanoblasts, which receive positional cues from SCF-expressing epithelia, while they migrate dorsoventrally through the superficial mesenchyme to reach their destination in the epidermis and hair follicles. Loss-of-function mutations reducing KIT signaling lead to distinctive pigment phenotypes, such as piebaldism, caused by an absence of melanocytes in the skin and/or hair follicles in frontomedial regions, such as the scalp or abdomen. Genetic alterations of KIT, including somatic gain-of-function mutations and copy number increases of wild-type KIT, occur in a minority of melanomas on skin with cumulative sun-induced damage (ie, CSD melanomas); on non–hair-bearing skin, such as palms, soles, or nail apparatus (ie, acral melanomas); and on the mucosal membrane (ie, mucosal melanomas). These melanomas are typically not associated with melanocytic nevi, and melanocytic nevi presenting on acral skin do not seem to harbor KIT mutations. The absence of a
Dynamics of Flame Propagation through Layered Methane-Air Mixtures

Abstract Characteristics of flames propagating in vertical tubes in the direction of steep methane-air concentration gradients of about 1.3 volume-percent methane per cm were investigated using interferometric techniques. The maximum flame velocity for upward and downward propagation in both 2.5- and 5.0-cm diameter tubes occurred in the fuel-rich region; lower flame speeds were observed with the smaller tube diameter at corresponding methane concentrations. Following flame extinguishment in upward propagation, the hot product gas region behind the flame front continued to rise in a predictable fashion as a coherent column into the nonflammable fuel-rich region. This hot column rose at a constant velocity, approximately equal to the flame speed at the time of flame extinguishment. Flame extinguishment limits in the layered mixtures were found not to be strongly dependent on tube diameter. Interferometric techniques developed in this study appear to be useful for the rapid measurements of flammability limi...
Efficacy of safety signals in the epilepsy monitoring unit (EMU): Should we worry?

There is little consensus regarding the critical safety measures to prevent harm in epilepsy monitoring units (EMUs). We sought to determine whether the safety signals (SS) triggered during EMU events differed by seizure type and the efficacy of SS in alerting responders. We screened 468 consecutive EMU admissions from January 2008 until April 2011 for definitive events to evaluate the first 50 events of complex partial seizures (CPS), generalized tonic-clonic seizures (GTC), and psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES). Response to telemetry signal was slower than to push button (PB). When there was PB alarm, response time was slower in patients with PNES. A higher proportion of PNES were triggered by PB. A greater percentage of epileptic seizures were missed compared with PNES. Future studies investigating more effective techniques to capture every epileptic seizure are warranted as 24/7 monitoring by healthcare professionals is not feasible in many settings.
On the microstructure, chemistry, and dielectric function of BaTiO3 MOCVD thin films

Thin films of BaTiO3 deposited on (100)LaAlO3 substrate by metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) are investigated using several electron-optical techniques. Combined high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), electron energy loss spectrometry (EELS), and convergent beam electron diffraction (CBED) indicate a substantial influence of lattice strain on the structural and optical characteristics of BaTiO3 films. Spatially resolved EELS and CBED studies indicate that the substrate influence persists up to about 40 nm away from the interface. The changes in the dielectric function of the films, as inferred from spatially resolved EELS, appear to correlate well with internal lattice strain in the films as deduced from convergent beam electron diffraction (CBED).
Estimating non-rigid motion from point and line correspondences

Abstract This paper presents a new algorithm for recovering motion parameters of non-rigid objects using both point and line correspondences. It requires estimating the coefficients of the first fundamental form before and after the motion. This algorithm has several advantages over a previously developed algorithm which uses only point correspondences and Gaussian curvature. First, it does not require any assumption on the spatial distribution of the stretching parameter in conformal motion. Second, the amount of computation is significantly reduced. The algorithm is tested on both simulated and real data and its performance is evaluated. Noise sensitivity of the algorithm is also evaluated using Gaussian noise on simulated data.
From Strategic Adjustment to Normative Learning? Understanding China’s Peacekeeping Efforts in Africa

Over the last two decades, Chinese armed forces have been increasingly exposed to the global norms of UN peacekeeping, not least through expanded participation in international peacekeeping operations. As the largest Security Council permanent member troop contributor, more than four fifths of Chinese troops in UN peacekeeping operations are deployed in Africa. As such, China is increasingly in a position to strengthen peacekeeping operations, contribute to stability, security, and security sector reform in Africa, and expand its regional multilateral military cooperation, all of which raises the prospects for China to become more integrated in the international community and a responsible, and responsive, major power. Given these important developments and their implications for the future of peacekeeping in Africa, this paper seeks to: identify the key determinants that undergird China’s evolving foreign policy approach toward peacekeeping principles and praxis in Africa; ascertain the degree and trace the process in which increasing interactions between China, the African Union, and the broader international community have led Chinese policy elites to consider greater flexibility in their views toward sovereignty and the changing nature of peacekeeping; assess how a rising China may exert its influence through its expanding role in peacekeeping; and analyze the strategic implications of these security developments for Africa.
KINETIC AND SPECTROSCOPIC EVIDENCE FOR ACTIVE SITE INHIBITION OF HUMAN ALDOSE REDUCTASE

Aldose reductase is an NADPH-dependent oxidoreductase that catalyzes the reduction of a variety of aldehydes and carbonyls, including monosaccharides. Intense interest in the discovery and characterization of inhibitors has developed since the action of this enzyme has been linked to the pathogenesis of some diabetic complications. Since past studies indicated that most inhibitors act noncompetitively or uncompetitively versus substrate in the direction of aldehyde reduction, it was assumed that they bind at one or more sites distinct from the active site. However, the crystal stucture of aldose reductase complexed with inhibitor [Wilson et al. (1993) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 90, 9847−9851] unambiguously revealed the inhibitor bound at the active site. The present study was undertaken to address this apparent discrepancy. Using a fluorometric assay, it was determined that zopolrestat, an acetic acid-type inhibitor, bound to aldose reductase complexed with either NADPH or NADP+. In contrast, the spiro...
Lifting the Home Care Veil From Depression: OASIS-C and Evidence- Based Practice

There is a high prevalence of depression among the general elderly population. There is an even higher prevalence among elderly receiving home health care, with a conservative estimate of 13.5% having clinically defined major depression. The Medicare Home Health Benefit provides limited coverage, eligibility, and payment for mental health services, and the national Outcome Assessment and Information Set (OASIS) assessment instrument has had limited requirements on assessing, diagnosing, and treating depression. However, the new OASIS-C significantly increases the depression-related requirements, though still not requiring assessments and not adding prospective payment reimbursement for patients with depression. The new OASIS-C requirements provide a gateway to home care providers seeking to expand depression care, especially combined with evidence-based models of primary care—based collaborative depression management programs such as the Improving Mood-Promoting Access to Collaborative Treatment (IMPACT) ...
Alterations in MR relaxation of normal canine gallbladder bile during fasting

Abstract The correlation between the concentration and proton relaxation of bile was studied by examining sequential changes in the MR image appearance and relaxation times of gallbladder bile during a 24-h fasting period in dogs. Bile relaxation times computed from images showed progressive shortening during the first 4–8 h of fasting: T1 decreased from 500–900 ms to 250–400 ms and T2 from 130–190 ms to 70–100 ms at 0.15 T. Similar in vitro results at 0.47 T were obtained on aspirated bile samples. Relaxation times of gallbladder bile remained longer than those of the liver, and we conclude that in general the gallbladder will appear less intense than the liver on T1-weighted images (with short enough TE) and more intense on T2-weighted images regardless of the bile concentration. The liver/gallbladder contrast may reverse in a normal subject during fasting for pulse sequences combining both T1 and T2 effects, which may be explored for the possible visual detection of abnormal gallbladder function on an image.
Neurotologic management of intracranial epidermoid tumors

Objectives: Epidermoid cysts are the most common intracranial embryonal tumor, although they account for only 1% of all intracranial tumors. Epidermoids often spread into several intracranial compartments. Thorough preoperative surgical planning is imperative for safe epidermoid removal. This paper discusses the neurotologic management of intracranial epidermoid cysts Study Design: Retrospective chart review. Methods: A database search revealed 10 patients with diagnosis of intracranial epidermoid cysts between January 1, 1971 and December 31, 2003 at our institution. Results: Six males and four females with ages ranging from 18 to 54 years of age underwent surgery between September 1, 1971 and November 4, 2003. The average tumor size was 3.9 cm; six originated in the cerebellopontine angle and four in the petrous apex. Six patients had a translabyrinthine approach to the tumor, two with additional transcochlear exposure. Two patients had tumors removed by way of the middle fossa approach and one through the suboccipital approach. Multiple cranial nerves were involved by tumor in all patients, including nerves III through XI. The internal carotid artery was involved by tumor in four patients. Multiple cranial nerve deficits were seen preoperatively, and facial weakness was the most common new deficit postoperatively. Eight patients required intradural access for complete tumor removal. Seven had complete tumor removal. Headaches were the most common complication. One patient had seizures postoperatively, and another had a malignant epidermoid, which resulted in death. Conclusions: Intracranial epidermoid cysts require complex surgical planning. They involve multiple cranial nerves and vascular structures. Complete resection is frequently possible with minimal new cranial nerve deficits.
Quasi-fluid electron flute modes in collisionless plasmas

Abstract Collisionless plasmas, having electron temperature larger than or of the order of the ion temperature and confined in a periodically varying magnetic configuration, are shown to be subject to macrospically unstable flute modes with a growth rate larger than the average ion excursion frequency.
Stress in the Courtroom: Call for research

Recent acts of violence against judges highlight the growing number of occupational stressors that judges encounter. In addition to threats of violence, judges often deal with substantial workloads, traumatic cases, and the pressure of making significant decisions. It is important to understand these stressors, because they could negatively affect judges' abilities to handle evidence, protect jurors, and make decisions. Approaches (work-related burnout, compassion fatigue, and vicarious traumatization) to assessing work-related stress, and their corresponding scales (Maslach Burnout Inventory, Compassion Fatigue Self-Test, Traumatic Stress Institute Belief Scale), are presented, as a first step in developing a scale to assess the extent and prevalence of judge stress. Following assessment research, researchers should develop intervention strategies to alleviate problematic sources of stress for judges.
Monomerization of pyrimidine dimers in DNA by tryptophan-containing peptides: wavelength dependence.

Tryptophan-containing peptides and proteins can sensitize the monomerization of pyrimidine dimers in ultraviolet-irradiated DNA; photoreactivating enzymes catalyze the light-induced monomerization of pyrimidine dimers in DNA. It has recently been proposed that a variety of tryptophan-containing proteins and peptides might be confused with true photoreactivating enzymes both in vivo and in vitro. We have thus characterized the wavelengths required for the tryptophan-sensitized dimer monomerization to determine if this process is distinguishable from true enzymatic photoreactivation. We find that 313-nm radiation can monomerize pyrimidine dimers in DNA in the presence of the peptide lysyl-tryptophyl-lysine; however, 334- 365-, and 405-nm radiation are ineffective for fluences up to 1 MJ/m/sup 2/. In contrast, each of these wavelengths is capable of monomerizing dimers in the presence of photoreactivating enzymes. Indeed, 334 and 365 nm are always more effective than 313-nm radiation in the case of true enzymatic photoreactivation. The inability of wavelengths other than those near 300 nm to drive the tryptophan-mediated reaction efficiently is consistent with recently reported spectroscopic experiments. The extreme differences in the wavelength specificities for true enzymatic photoreactivation and tryptophan-sensitized monomerization mean that it is easy to differentiate experimentally between the two phenomena. Consideration of the spectral distributions of conventional sourcesmore » of photoreactivating light indicate that it is extremely unlikely that any of them could contain significant intensities of the wavelengths required for efficient tryptophan-sensitized monomerization of pyrimidine dimers. We thus conclude that tryptophan-sensitized monomerization cannot account for the disappearance of pyrimidine dimers from DNA in cells or cell extracts exposed to photoreactivating light.« less
Commentary: the chronic hepatitis C virus treatment satisfaction (HCVTSat) instrument

We read with great interest the article by Szeinbach et al. in which the development of the chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment satisfaction (HCVTSat) instrument is described. There is a high prevalence of depression and anxiety in HCV, and this depression is accompanied by an increased risk of adverse experience with illness. Interferon-based therapy can add substantially to this mental health burden, which compounds the pre-existing effect of HCV on quality of life including fear of the disease or effects of treatment as well as socio-economic ramifications. 4 While instruments to assess ‘functional status’ during and following HCV treatment exist, there remains a need to develop and validate patient-centred surveys focused on quality of life, expectations and experienced or perceived issues with HCV therapy. Assessing satisfaction might bridge gaps to earlier adoption of treatment by patients, instead of waiting for the development of cirrhosis which can occur in 20% of patients. The questionnaire used has been developed from the patient’s perspective, and focuses on HCV therapy perception using valid techniques. These types of tools are necessary for forming a therapeutic alliance between patient and clinician by fostering understanding of patient-related concerns. The 10-question instrument, however, was based on predominantly Caucasian, tertiary-care patients, three-quarters of whom were insured. Furthermore, only 21% of patients were undergoing treatment, and influence of HCV genotype was not studied. As a result, further work is needed to make this truly representative of the current HCV patient population. However, this paper introduces a relatively easy method to measure patient-perceived treatment satisfaction in HCV. As options for treatment evolve, especially in the era of direct-acting anti-virals, patient-centred instruments will be important to understand the factors involved in influencing therapy selection, and may potentially prevent therapy dropouts.
Bacteriophage 5′ untranslated regions for control of plastid transgene expression

Expression of foreign proteins from transgenes incorporated into plastid genomes requires regulatory sequences that can be recognized by the plastid transcription and translation machinery. Translation signals harbored by the 5' untranslated region (UTR) of plastid transcripts can profoundly affect the level of accumulation of proteins expressed from chimeric transgenes. Both endogenous 5' UTRs and the bacteriophage T7 gene 10 (T7g10) 5' UTR have been found to be effective in combination with particular coding regions to mediate high-level expression of foreign proteins. We investigated whether two other bacteriophage 5' UTRs could be utilized in plastid transgenes by fusing them to the aadA (aminoglycoside-3'-adenyltransferase) coding region that is commonly used as a selectable marker in plastid transformation. Transplastomic plants containing either the T7g1.3 or T4g23 5' UTRs fused to Myc-epitope-tagged aadA were successfully obtained, demonstrating the ability of these 5' UTRs to regulate gene expression in plastids. Placing the Thermobifida fusca cel6A gene under the control of the T7g1.3 or T4g23 5' UTRs, along with a tetC downstream box, resulted in poor expression of the cellulase in contrast with high-level accumulation while using the T7g10 5' UTR. However, transplastomic plants with the bacteriophage 5' UTRs controlling the aadA coding region exhibited fewer undesired recombinant species than plants containing the same marker gene regulated by the Nicotiana tabacum psbA 5' UTR. Furthermore, expression of the T7g1.3 and T4g23 5' UTR::aadA fusions downstream of the cel6A gene provided sufficient spectinomycin resistance to allow selection of homoplasmic transgenic plants and had no effect on Cel6A accumulation.
Having a Part Twice Over

I argue that it is intuitive and useful to think about composition in the light of the familiar functionalist distinction between role and occupant. This involves factoring the standard notion of parthood into two related notions: being a parthood slot and occupying a parthood slot. One thing is part of another just in case it fills one of that thing's parthood slots. This move opens room to rethink mereology in various ways, and, in particular, to see the mereological structure of a composite as potentially outreaching the individual entities that are its parts. I sketch one formal system that allows things to have individual entities as parts multiple times over. This is particularly useful to David Armstrong, given Lewis's charge that his structural universals must do exactly that. I close by reflecting upon the nature and point of formal mereology.
Carbon nanotube AFM probes for microlithography process control

The use of carbon nanotubes (CNT) as probes for atomic force microscopy (AFM) has been studied worldwide for more than a decade; however, the industries have not widely accepted CNT probes in their day-to-day operation. In this work, we present a series of studies on the metrology performance of CNT probes in semiconductor industry. A total of 54 CNT probes were studied for tip geometry, and 11 probes were tested on production wafers from a variety of IC manufacturers. Five out of the 11 probes were further evaluated for tip lifetime in semiconductor manufacturing environments. Statistical measurement data and tip shape characterization results provide insights on the applications of CNT probes in microlithography process control. The recent advancements in AFM scan algorithms that enable the control and use of CNT probes were also discussed in this paper. Sidewall measurement data using tilted CNT probes, and the AFM image of a CNT probe showing a comparable resolution to that of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were presented for the first time. The combination of advanced AFM system and CNT probes has proven to perform challenging metrology in 65 nm node and beyond.
Characterization of LRF-like immunoreactivity in the frog sympathetic ganglia: Non-identity with LRF decapeptide

Abstract A substance resembling luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LRF) has previously been demonstrated in preganglionic elements of the bullfrog, where it is released upon nerve stimulation and produces a slow excitatory post-synaptic potential (slow EPSP) of the principal ganglion cells (1). This LRF-like immunoreactive substance (IR-LRF) has been characterized immunologically employing several antisera specific for LRF and by high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). The IR-LRF of the sympathetic ganglia is recognized by LRF antiserum R-42 but not by several other LRF antisera (IJ-29, 185 and WP-1) in a radioimmunoassay (RIA). Reverse-phase HPLC allows the separation of sympathetic ganglion (SG) IR-LRF from LRF decapeptide. In contrast, frog brain contains IR-LRF which is identical to LRF decapeptide on the basis of its immunological characteristics and co-chromatography with LRF decapeptide using reverse-phase HPLC. The IR-LRF of frog SG may be structurally related to LRF decapeptide.
Arteriovenous hemangioma (arteriovenous shunt). A clinicopathological and histochemical study.

Sixty-nine patients with predominantly asymplomatic solitary angiomatous lesions were studied. Lips and perioral skin were the usual location, and the lesion occurred almost exclusively in adults. The essential histopathologic features are multiple dilated vascular channels located in the corium or submucosa and without significant epidermal participation. Anastomosing vascular spaces are lined by endothelial cells and thin-walled veins contrast sharply with arteries showing thick fibromuscular walls. The pathogenesis of these peculiar hemangiomas is unknown, but they probably represent hamartomas with numerous arteriovenous shunts and arise from the subpapillary vascular plexus. Simple surgical excision is curative and represents the treatment of choice. The term of arteriovenous hemangioma is proposed for this clinicopathologic entity and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of other acquired benign hemangiomas and vascular lesions occurring in middle-aged patients.
Etch pit development and growth on GaAs(110)

We used scanning tunneling microscopy to study etch pits that are formed at 650 K after exposure of GaAs(110) to ${\mathrm{Br}}_{2}$ at lower temperature. Dual bias imaging reveals that 80% of the pits that are one to two rows wide correspond to pairwise removal of Ga and As from surface lattice sites. These pits tend to grow along [11\ifmmode\bar\else\textasciimacron\fi{}0] and have ends that are equally likely to be bounded by either Ga or As atoms. In addition, there is etching across adjacent rows. The resulting pits cross several zigzag rows and have kinked [11\ifmmode\bar\else\textasciimacron\fi{}0] sides and irregular ends. When these pits grow larger, they increasingly exhibit kinked 〈11\ifmmode\bar\else\textasciimacron\fi{}2〉 boundaries and hexagonal appearances. Rebonding of As atoms at pit boundaries to exposed second-layer As atoms was observed, and an analysis of the pit boundaries indicates that there are equal numbers of As and Ga terminations. We suggest that etching along [11\ifmmode\bar\else\textasciimacron\fi{}0] involves removal of a Ga atom that was either a pit boundary atom or next to a rebonded As boundary atom and that such processes are equally accessible.
Inhibition by gamma-hexachlorocyclohexane of acetylcholine-stimulated phosphatidylinositol synthesis in cerebral cortex slices and of phosphatidic acid-inositol transferase in cerebral cortex particulate fractions.

— 1 γ-Hexachlorocyclohexane inhibits the ACh-stimulated synthesis of phosphatidylinositol in guinea pig cerebral cortex slices, as measured either by the incorporation of [2-3H]inositol or of 32P. Phosphatidylinositol synthesis in the control slices is not inhibited. 2 The synthesis of phosphatidylinositol from CDP-diglyceride in cerebral cortex microsomal preparations is inhibited by γ-hexachlorocyclohexane. The incorporation of [2-3H]inositol into lipid in the absence of added cytidine nucleotide in these preparations is not inhibited. 3 δ-Hexachlorocyclohexane profoundly inhibits phosphatide synthesis and phosphate metabolism in cerebral cortex slices both in the presence and absence of ACh. This isomer also inhibits the exchange reaction for the incorporation of [2-3H]inositol into lipid in the microsomal preparations. 4 α-, and β-Hexachlorocyclohexanes do not inhibit either ACh-stimulated or control synthesis of phosphatidylinositol in cerebral cortex slices; nor do they inhibit the exchange reaction for [2-3H]inositol incorporation into lipid in the microsomal preparations. 5 The specific effects of γ-hexachlorocyclohexane are taken as providing evidence that ACh-stimulated phosphatidylinositol synthesis in cerebral cortex slices probably involves the CDP-diglyceride pathway. The possibility is discussed that the primary action of ACh in this system is to cause an increased activity of diglyceride kinase to provide phosphatidic acid for this pathway.
A fast TDC for the CPLEAR experiment at CERN

Abstract A fast time-to-digital converter, FTDC, based on a time-to-voltage converter and a fast successive-approximation ADC, is described. Results of tests of 64 FTDC cards within the experiment's data acquisition system are presented. Circuit design techniques useful to future applications are discussed.
Modeling the Dependence of the Gate Current on Ge Content in Ultrathin Gate Dielectric Pmos Devices with Poly-Si1−Gex Gate Material

The performance of CMOS devices improves due to the addition of Ge in their poly-Si gate material. The presence of Ge in the gate increases the current drive due to the reduction of the flatband voltage. The change in the flatband voltage is due to a shift in the valence-band energy level in the gate. This shift results in a change in the barrier height for electrons tunneling from the gate. Thus, the presence of Ge in the gate increases the tunneling current in the gate. This increase may result in a limitation in the use of SiGe gates in future generations of MOSFETs with ultrathin gate dielectrics. The purpose of this work is to investigate the effect of Ge content on the tunneling current in CMOS devices with ultrathin gate dielectrics.
Incorporation of the B18R Gene of Vaccinia Virus Into an Oncolytic Herpes Simplex Virus Improves Antitumor Activity

Interferon (IFN) antiviral defense mechanism plays a critical role in controlling virus infection. It thus represents a formidable hurdle for virotherapy. Despite the reported ability of herpes simplex virus (HSV) to counteract this defense, the duration and extent of HSV infection in vivo is still largely dictated by host's IFN activity status. Because the HSV genes that have been reported to block IFN activity mainly act intracellularly, we hypothesized that their inhibitory effect could be enhanced by exploiting a gene whose product acts extracellularly. The B18R gene from vaccinia virus encodes a secreted decoy receptor with a broad antagonizing effect against type I IFNs. We therefore cloned B18R into an HSV-1–based oncolytic virus to generate Synco-B18R. In the presence of increased IFN levels in vitro, Synco-B18R largely retained its oncolytic effect, whereas the tumor-killing ability of the parental virus, Synco-2D, was severely compromised. When injected intratumorally in vivo, Synco-B18R showed significantly greater oncolytic activity than Synco-2D. Our results suggest that incorporation of the vaccinia virus B18R gene can safely potentiate the antitumor effect of an oncolytic HSV, and that similar strategies may be useful with other types of oncolytic viruses.
Steady-State of an Enzymatic Reaction is Dependent on the Density of Reactant

The post-translational modification of proteins is controlled by the relative activities of two opposing enzymes. For example, the extent of phosphorylation of tyrosine residues reflects the balance of a kinase and a phosphatase enzyme. The present article uses as a model system a self-assembled monolayer that presents a peptide that can be phosphorylated by Abl kinase and subsequently dephosphorylated by Lambda phosphatase. Treatment of monolayers with a reaction mixture containing both enzymes reveals that the steady-state level of peptide phosphorylation is dependent on the density of the peptide. Using identical reaction mixtures, surfaces that presented the substrate at high density led to a phosphorylated peptide at steady-state, whereas surfaces that presented the substrate at low density led to unphosphorylated peptide at steady-state. This dependence owes to an autocatalytic phosphorylation reaction that operates at high densities of substrate. This work provides an example of an interfacial reac...
Real generator-coordinate method and center-of-mass motion☆

Abstract A simple method for calculating generator-coordinate kernels free of spurious center-of-mass effects is proposed. Our method is more general than most methods previously proposed, and is valid for both specific distortion and multi-channel calculations. As an illustrative example, 3He + 3He elastic scattering is studied with realistic cluster wave functions.
National Values and Economic Growth

Using data on economic values and attitudes for various nations from the World Value Study, I show that the strength of values associated with market success does not appear to have a significant impact on the rate of economic growth in a sample of developing and developed market economies. I also show that such values do not seem related to the economic system and have an ambiguous relation to the overall level of economic development. These negative results suggest that, contrary to common belief, knowledge about such values does not seem very useful in helping us understand economic growth or differences in levels of economic development or economic systems in various countries.
Foreign exchange option prices as predictors of equilibrium forward exchange rates

Abstract This study investigates empirically the efficiency of the forward foreign exchange market by using exchange rates implied from currency option prices to signal trading strategies in 30-day forward contracts. The proportional deviation between implied and simultaneously observed exchange rates is found to be a direct and statistically significant determinant of subsequent returns on forward contract holdings. However, an ex-ante trading rule test reveals that the additional information impounded in currency option prices is insufficient to generate statistically economic profits.
Comparing Four Instructional Techniques for Promoting Robust Knowledge

Robust knowledge serves as a common instructional target in academic settings. Past research identifying characteristics of experts’ knowledge across many domains can help clarify the features of robust knowledge as well as ways of assessing it. We review the expertise literature and identify three key features of robust knowledge (deep, connected, and coherent) and four means of assessing these features (perception, memory, problem solving, and transfer). Focusing on the domains of math and science learning, we examine how four instructional techniques—practice, worked examples, analogical comparison, and self-explanation—can promote key features of robust knowledge and how those features can be assessed. We conclude by discussing the implications of this framework for theory and practice.
Coulometric titration with quinquevalent uranium determination of vanadium(v)

Abstract Variadium(V) has been determined by reduction with generated uranium(V) with an accuracy of about ± 0.3%. Amounts as small as 15 μg were successfully titrated. The suggested ph range is 1–2.5. Iron(III) is reduced simultaneuosly with vanadium(V).
Improved United Atom Force Field for Poly(dimethylsiloxane)

We develop a new united atom force field for computer simulations of poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) melts. The model is based on an explicit atom, class II potential studied previously. The effects of partial charges on the intermolecular structure are found to be stronger in the united atom model than in the explicit atom model, due to the lack of explicit hydrogen atoms. By adjusting the partial charges of the united atom force field, we obtain reasonable agreement with the results of the explicit atom model for the intermolecular structure, the pressure, and the chain dimensions in the melt.
Genetic thrombophilia and hypertensive complications of pregnancy

Abstract Objective: To assess the frequency of genetic thrombophilia in patients with a history of hypertensive complications. Study design: We did a retrospective study of women referred for consultation with a history of severe preeclampsia, eclampsia, or HELLP syndrome (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count) from January 1998 to May 2000. Patients were tested for factor V Leiden (FVL), methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), and prothrombin G (ProG) mutations. Maternal demographics were collected. Prevalence data adjusted to match the ethnic origin of the study population were used for comparison. Results: Fifty-four patients were evaluated. The median age, gravidity, and parity were 31.5 years (range, 18–52), 3 (range, 1–8), and 1 (range, 1–3). Of the patients, 46% were Caucasian, 36% African-American, 16% Hispanic, and 2% Asian. There were complications from HELLP syndrome and eclampsia in 17% and 5% of cases, respectively. Prevalence OR (CI) P FVL 10.2% 7.7 (1.3–44.3) ProG 0% — NS MTHFR 32.1% — NS Conclusions: The prevalence of ProG and MTHFR were not higher than in controls. The increased frequency of the Leiden mutation suggests that a thromboembolic pathophysiology is important in preeclampsia. In a referral population, evaluation of the FVL mutation may be helpful for selection of women who potentially may benefit from anticoagulation treatment.