cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract #LB-119: Expression and Function of PAX5 Transcription Factor and Regulation of c-MET in SCLC -Potential for Novel Biomarkers and Therapeutics

Lung cancer still remains one of the leading causes of all cancer related deaths. Prognosis in patients with non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is better compared to those with small cell lung cancer (SCLC), however the overall survival rate is still very low (17%). A plethora of molecular changes due to various genomic alterations are known to contribute to the development and spread of lung cancers, for instance mutations in p53, RB, Ras, several receptor and non-receptor tyrosine kinases are known to contribute to the variety of phenotypes seen in lung cancer. In this regard, we examined the role of PAX5 transcription factor in SCLC lung cancer. PAX5 is a nuclear transcription factor required for B cell development and its expression was evaluated in upper aerodigestive malignancies and pancreatic cancer by immunoblotting. PAX5 protein expression was relatively high in small cell lung cancer (SCLC, 11/12), however its expression was not detected in non-SCLC (NSCLC, n=13), mesothelioma (n=7), pancreatic (n=6), esophageal (n=6) and head and neck cancer cell lines (n=12). In comparison, PAX8 and PAX3 expression was absent or non-detectable in SCLC cell lines, however PAX8 was expressed in most of the NSCLC cell lines (13/13) tested and also frequently in all the other cell lines . We also detected frequent expression of PAX2 and PAX9 protein in the various cell lines. Utilizing neuroendocrine tumor samples, we found that the frequency as well as the average intensity of expression of PAX5 increased from pulmonary carcinoid (9%, moderate and strong PAX5 expression, n=44), to large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNC, 27% n=11) to SCLC (33%, n=76). FISH analysis revealed no translocations of PAX5 gene, but polyploidy in some SCLC tumor tissues (6 /37). We determined that PAX5 could regulate the transcription of c-Met using luciferase coupled reporter and ChIP analysis. In addition the phospho-c-Met and PAX5 were both localized to the same intra-nuclear compartment in HGF treated SCLC cells and interacted with each other. Finally, we determined the therapeutic translational potential of PAX5 using PAX5 knockdown SCLC cells in conjunction with Topoisomerase 1 (SN38) and c-Met (SU11274) inhibitors. Loss of endogenous PAX5 significantly decreased the viability of SCLC cells, especially when combined with SN38 or SU11274 and maximum effect was seen when both inhibitors were used. We therefore propose that PAX5 could be an important regulator of c-MET transcription and a potential target for therapy in SCLC. Citation Information: In: Proc Am Assoc Cancer Res; 2009 Apr 18-22; Denver, CO. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; 2009. Abstract nr LB-119.
Mining-induced displacement and resettlement: The case of rutile mining communities in Sierra Leone

Abstract This study examines mining-induced displacement and resettlement (MIDR) in rutile mining communities in Sierra Leone, drawing from mining and resettlement literature and utilizing political ecology and the impoverishment risk and reconstruction (IRR) model. Data for this paper was primarily obtained from semi-structured interviews of sixty participants in Kanga and Madina Villages in Bonthe District, Sierra Leone in May and December 2016. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and thematically analyzed. The findings of this study show that the execution of MIDR has primarily contributed to sustained social and economic impoverishment rather than improved the socioeconomic condition of resettled communities. Sustained impoverishment included loss of land-based resources with an adverse impact on the local livelihoods, joblessness and marginalization of the affected persons with reference to compensation for lost property. Such outcomes have reinforced unequal power relations over the processes surrounding involuntary displacement and the resettlement of displaced communities, to the disadvantage of relocated communities. Nevertheless, close examination of the resettlement effect on local actors revealed that chiefs, who are the traditional leaders, derived substantial socioeconomic benefits during resettlement, unlike women and youths who faced social and economic impoverishment. This study calls for the inclusion and active involvement of landowners in determining the modality for compensation for lost trees and crops, which may include a new policy wherein affected persons will receive an annual payment for economic trees until the rehabilitation of mined-out areas. It also underscores the need to formulate legislation that ensures the provision of alternative livelihoods for relocated persons, which would potentially enhance the reconstruction of affected communities.
Can the regular presence of speech and language therapy (SALT) make a difference to best practice on a neonatal unit

Abstract Since 2009 the recommendations for speech and language therapy (SALT) staffing levels on neonatal units specified an ‘access to’ model, leading to a wide discrepancy in delivery of services across the UK. A comparative quality improvement project (QIP) was delivered in 2017–2018 to determine if regular integrated presence versus historical ‘access to’ SALT service could influence best practice on a level 2 neonatal unit. Provision of 0.4wte Band 7 SALT to a 18 bed unit over 7 months was agreed. Findings showed a quantifiable increase in referral rates, patterns, and SALT initial assessment response times during QIP. A range of best practice developmental and therapeutic SALT interventions was recorded during QIP, previously not achievable with historical ‘access to’ model. This QIP could be used to provide evidence of the justified need for regular presence and integrated SALT on a neonatal unit.
Turkey’s new foreign policy: Davutoglu, the AKP and the pursuit of regional order

The twists and turns of Turkey’s foreign policy has attracted a great deal of attention over the period of nearly fifteen years since the Justice and Development Party (AKP) rose to power in the au...
DigiVoice: Voice Biomarker Featurization and Analysis Pipeline.

In recent years, data-driven models have enabled significant advances in medicine. Simultaneously, voice has shown potential for analysis in precision medicine as a biomarker for screening illnesses. There has been a growing trend to pursue voice data to understand neuropsychiatric diseases. In this paper, we present DigiVoice, a comprehensive feature extraction and analysis pipeline for voice data. DigiVoice supports raw .WAV files and text transcriptions in order to analyze the entire content of voice. DigiVoice supports feature extraction including acoustic, natural language, linguistic complexity, and semantic coherence features. DigiVoice also supports machine learning capabilities including data visualization, feature selection, feature transformation, and modeling. To our knowledge, DigiVoice provides the most comprehensive voice feature set for data analysis to date. With DigiVoice, we plan to accelerate research to correlate voice biomarkers with illness to enable data-driven treatment. We have worked closely with our industry partner, NeuroLex Laboratories, to make voice computing open source and accessible. DigiVoice enables researchers to leverage our technology across the domains of voice computing and precision medicine without domain-specific expertise. Our work allows any researchers to use voice as a biomarker in their past, current, or future studies.
Constraining fault interpretation through tomographic velocity gradients: application to northern Cascadia

Abstract. Spatial gradients of tomographic velocities are seldom used in interpretation of subsurface fault structures. This study shows that spatial velocity gradients can be used effectively in identifying subsurface discontinuities in the horizontal and vertical directions. Three-dimensional velocity models constructed through tomographic inversion of active source and/or earthquake traveltime data are generally built from an initial 1-D velocity model that varies only with depth. Regularized tomographic inversion algorithms impose constraints on the roughness of the model that help to stabilize the inversion process. Final velocity models obtained from regularized tomographic inversions have smooth three-dimensional structures that are required by the data. Final velocity models are usually analyzed and interpreted either as a perturbation velocity model or as an absolute velocity model. Compared to perturbation velocity model, absolute velocity models have an advantage of providing constraints on lithology. Both velocity models lack the ability to provide sharp constraints on subsurface faults. An interpretational approach utilizing spatial velocity gradients applied to northern Cascadia shows that subsurface faults that are not clearly interpretable from velocity model plots can be identified by sharp contrasts in velocity gradient plots. This interpretation resulted in inferring the locations of the Tacoma, Seattle, Southern Whidbey Island, and Darrington Devil's Mountain faults much more clearly. The Coast Range Boundary fault, previously hypothesized on the basis of sedimentological and tectonic observations, is inferred clearly from the gradient plots. Many of the fault locations imaged from gradient data correlate with earthquake hypocenters, indicating their seismogenic nature.
Solubility and Diffusivity of Oxygen in Ionic Liquids

The solubility of O2 was measured gravimetrically in 16 ionic liquids (ILs) containing piperidinium, pyrrolidinium, ammonium, tetrahydrothiophenium, methyltriazabicyclodecene, or guanidinium cation...
Method to Regioselectively Iodine-Tag Free-Phenolic Aromatic End-Groups in Lignin for 1H–13C-HSQC NMR Analysis

Phenolic end-groups on lignin molecules are important sites for continued lignification, their influence over lignin molecular properties, their ability to enhance lignin degradation, and their pot...
Wearing Your Heart on Your Sleeve: the Future of Cardiac Rhythm Monitoring

This review describes the novel category of wearable ECG monitors and identifies where patients, healthcare providers, and device manufacturers should focus efforts to maximize the clinical benefit of these devices. Notable wearable ECG monitors include the AliveCor Kardia devices, Apple Watch Series 4, and several others. The most common use case is monitoring for atrial fibrillation. The available evidence validates the ability of the Kardia devices and Apple Watch to distinguish atrial fibrillation from sinus rhythm. Key questions for manufacturers include how to calibrate each device’s algorithms and streamline workflows for healthcare providers. Wearable ECG monitors are currently most useful to detect atrial fibrillation. Further study is needed to demonstrate whether wearable ECG monitors improve patient outcomes, and to expand their use into other indications. Device manufacturers and healthcare providers must work together to establish new workflows to process and act on wearable ECG data.
Does childhood victimization predict specific adolescent offending? An analysis of generality versus specificity in the victim-offender overlap.

Abstract Background A large body of research has examined the relationship between victimization and future offending, with results suggesting that crime victims are at higher risk of future criminal behavior—known as the victim-offender overlap. Prior studies have primarily examined the relationship between general victimization (e.g., violent victimization, sexual abuse, and more) and general offending (e.g., violence, sexual offending, and drug use), and focused on adult populations. Objective The goal of the present study is to expand on prior literature by examining if specific forms of childhood victimization increase the risk of specific and analogous forms of offending among delinquent youth. Method Based upon a population of 64,329 high-risk youth offenders in Florida, this study evaluates the specificity of the overlap among youth who were physically abused, sexually abused, or witnessed illegal substance use at home during childhood to determine if these forms of victimization increased the risk of violence, sexual offending, and drug use, respectively, when assessed in multivariate logistic regression models. Results Results provide considerable support for specificity in the victim-offender overlap, as hypothesized. Specifically, experiencing physical abuse (OR = 1.55, p Conclusion This study provided novel evidence for specificity in the victim-offender overlap, even after controlling for confounding variables. Practical implications for early intervention and crime prevention are discussed, as well as implications for future research. Highlighting the importance of specificity in the victimization and adverse childhood experience (ACE) paradigms.
Il ruolo dell’improvvisazione e della narrazione nelle scienze sociali, nell’arte e nella creatività.

Il concetto di improvvisazione e diventato sempre piu diffuso nel discorso della teoria organizzazionale. Questo saggio esplora molti aspetti dell’improvvisazione nel contesto delle attivita musicali, organizzazionali e quotidiane, al fine di sollevare alcune delle questioni filosofiche e pratiche importanti nell’ambito di questo interesse emergente. Si creano connessioni tra il concetto modernista di organizzazione e la ricerca degli studiosi, e gli approcci post-moderni o basati sulla complessita che mettono in luce la creativita come una condizione emergente della relazione tra ordine e disordine. Il saggio si chiude suggerendo che lo studio dell’improvvisazione richiede una profonda immersione nella inter-soggettivita, nelle emozioni, nel tempo, nell’estetica, nell’esibizione e nella creativita sociale, aspetti che tradizionalmente non sono mai stati il fulcro degli studi organizzazionali e di management o delle scienze sociali in generale. Il saggio suggerisce anche che la pratica stessa delle scienze sociali dovrebbe riflettere su questi aspetti e provare a farli propri. Parole chiavi : estetica, complessita, creativita, disordine, improvvisazione, ordine, teoria organizzazionale, scienze sociali The role of improvisation and storytelling in the social sciences, art and creativity The concept of improvisation has become increasingly popular in organizational theory. This paper explores several aspects of improvisation, in the context of musical, organizational, and everyday activities, in order to address some of the philosophical and practical issues relevant to this emerging interest. Connections are made between the modernist concept of organization and scholarly inquiry, and postmodern or complexity-based approaches that stress creativity as an emergent property of the relationship between order and disorder. It concludes by suggesting that the study of improvisation demands a profound immersion in (inter-) subjectivity, emotions, time, aesthetics, performance, and social creativity, none of which have traditionally been the focus of organization and management studies, or the social sciences in general. It also suggests that the practice of social sciences itself should reflect upon and attempt to incorporate these elements. Keywords: estetica, complessita, creativita, disordine, improvvisazione, ordine, teoria organizzazionale, scienze sociali
Relationships between sleep, exercise timing, and chronotype in young adults

To examine the relationships between exercise timing, chronotype, sleep, and mood, college students (N = 909, 19.6 ± 1.4 years, 38% female) completed questionnaires immediately after exercising. Ev...
Silica depleted rice hull ash (SDRHA), an agricultural waste, as a high-performance hybrid lithium-ion capacitor

Rice hull ash (RHA, an agricultural waste) produced during combustion of rice hulls to generate electricity consists (following dilute acid leaching) of high surface area SiO2 (80–90 wt%) and 10–20 wt% carbon (80 m2 g−1 total). RHA SiO2 is easily extracted by distillation (spirosiloxane) producing SDRHA, which offers an opportunity to develop “green” hybrid lithium-ion capacitors (LICs) electrodes. SDRHA consists of 50–65 wt% SiO2 with the remainder carbon with a specific surface area of ≈220 m2 g−1. SDRHA microstructure presents a highly irregular and disordered nanocomposite composed of nanosilica closely connected via graphene layers enhancing Li-ion mobility during charge/discharge process. SDRHA electrochemical properties were assessed by assembling Li/SDRHA half-cells and LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2 (NMC622)-SDRHA full-cells. The half-cell delivered a high specific capacity of 250 mA h g−1 at 0.5C and retained a capacity of 200 mA h g−1 at 2C for 400 h. In contrast to the poor cycle performance of NMC based batteries at high C-rates, the hybrid full-cell demonstrated a high specific capacitance of 200 F g−1 at 4C. In addition, both the half and full hybrid cells demonstrate excellent coulombic efficiencies (∼100%). These results suggest that low cost and environmentally friendly SDRHA, may serve as a potential alternative electrode material for LICs.
Reforming Conforming Loan Limits: The Impact on Thrift Earnings and Taxpayer Outlays

In recent years, the conforming loan limit has risen rapidly (62 percent between 1985 and 1989 versus a 10 percent rise in the price of a constant-quality new house) and has assumed significant importance to homebuyers and portfolio lenders. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have become the price setters for comforming FRMs, and the yield being set appears to be 30 basis points below what it would otherwise be. The lower yield raises the old issue of overinvestment in housing, but its most important effect is on thrifts who now earn 30 basis points less on FRM investments under the conforming limit and who have difficulty originating ARMs. Moreover, given other thrift problems, taxpayers will apparently end up directly funding the interest income lost owing to low yields on conforming FRMs. In this article we calculate the impact on thrift interest income of two redefinitions of conforming loans: making all refinancings nonconforming and lowering the loand limit to the loan ceiling for FHA/VA loans (which was, in fact, the conforming limit prior to 1975). Each of these redefinitions makes sense from a public policy perspective. Thrifts would have earned nearly $700 million more in 1987 had both redefinitions been in place at the start of 1986. This would have amounted to a 23 percent increase in the industry net operating income (income excluding profits or losses from the sale of assets) and a corresponding increase in return to equity. By the early 1990s, the income gain from these changes, had they been put in place in early 1986, would likely be over a billion dollars—certainly a noticeable saving for taxpayers.
Development of a Compartmental Model to Investigate the Influence of Inflammation on Predictions of Vitamin A Total Body Stores by Retinol Isotope Dilution in Theoretical Humans

Background Inflammation, both acute and chronic, is associated with reductions in the synthesis of retinol-binding protein (RBP) and the concentration of retinol in plasma. Consequently, it is currently recommended that the retinol isotope dilution (RID) method not be used to estimate vitamin A total body stores (TBS) in subjects with inflammation. Objectives To apply compartmental analysis to study the effects of inflammation on hepatic apo-RBP input, plasma retinol pool size, and RID-predicted TBS in theoretical subjects with known steady state values for these parameters. Methods We selected 6 previously generated hypothetical subjects who ingested a dose of stable isotope-labeled vitamin A (day 0). Starting with each subject's published steady state model for retinol tracer kinetics, we developed a parallel model for unlabeled retinol and RBP that incorporated links between these entities and tied liver retinol secretion to RBP availability. Then we perturbed the steady state model by initiating chronic or acute inflammation on day 0 or acute inflammation on day 3 or 9 and simulating results for RBP, plasma retinol, and TBS. Results Chronic inflammation led to substantial reductions in RID-predicted TBS for at least 2 weeks after tracer administration. In contrast, acute inflammation induced on day 0 or 3 resulted in less dramatic impacts on TBS (37% or 20% reduction, respectively, from steady state levels, with levels rebounding by 14 days). When inflammation was induced 9 days after administration of the tracer, the effects on predicted TBS were minimal. Overall, for acute inflammation initiated at 0, 3, or 9 days, accurate predictions of TBS were obtained by 2 weeks. Conclusions Compartmental analysis can be applied in the novel way described here to study the influence of perturbations such as inflammation on predictions of vitamin A status using RID. Such an approach has potential value for studying other perturbations and different nutrients.
The Philosophy of Community and the Environmental Ethic

The “specialness” of our involvements in environmental organizations result from our pursuit of collective imperfect duty. This is reviewed here with reference to some recent contributions: Gillroy’s “Justice from Autonomy” and also Habermas’ “discourse ethics.” These involvements are explained as necessary for society’s processes and environmental decisions to be “fair and reasoned.” As inputs to these processes, the inspirational aspects of the “sacredness of nature,” as expressed in the classic American environmental literature of Emerson, Thoreau, Muir, Leopold, and Douglas are examined as a motivating foundation for natural preservation in the public domain. These inspirational and sacred aspects support Gillroy’s notion of the “intrinsic value of nature.”
Evolution of Micro-Discharge Dynamics in A2-Dimensional Packed Bed Reactor

Plasma enhanced packed bed reactors (PBRs) are important technologies for ozone generation, dry-reforming of methane, plasma catalysis, and plasma-aided combustion. A typical PBR consists of a plasma source resembling a dielectric-barrier-discharge filled with a dielectric aggregate. The micro-discharges that form in and around the porous dielectric media or dielectric aggregate are poorly understood, which makes it difficult to optimize these devices for specific applications. In particular, characterizing the evolution of microdischarges is important to developing scaling laws.
Pressing the Play Button: What Drives the Intention to Play Social Mobile Games?

Due to the penetration of the Internet, social mobile games have become one of the most popular entertaining virtual activities and hence, created a new market for online social networking. In this project, the authors examine the factors that drive consumers' intentions to play social mobile games and spread positive word-of-mouth about the games. Expanding the Uses and Gratifications Theory, a research model is developed to test six factors, including perceived entertainment, social interaction, pass time, game popularity, usability, and trust. The research model was tested with 387 responses from online participants using SmartPLS. The results revealed that four factors-perceived entertainment, game popularity, usability and trust-significantly influenced both intentions to play social mobile games and spread positive word-of-mouth. Social interaction was found to influence intention to spread word-of-mouth only. Practical implications and theoretical contributions of the study findings are discussed in the context of social mobile networking.
Immunochemical Studies of Escherichia coli Succinic Thiokinase EFFECTS OF SULFHYDRYL REAGENTS AND OTHER TREATMENTS ON THE ENZYME

Abstract Reaction of Escherichia coli succinic thiokinase [succinate:coenzyme A ligase (adenosine diphosphate) (EC 6.2.1.5)] with antiserum to the enzyme was monitored by microcomplement fixation analysis. Changes in the enzyme induced by heating, exposure to extremes of pH, treatment with urea, and incubation with p-mercuribenzoate (p-MB), 5,5'-dithiobis(2-nitrobenzoic acid) (DTNB) and iodoacetamide were assayed by this technique. Horizontal shifts in the complement fixation curves obtained as a result of most of these treatments have been shown to be related quantitatively to the loss of enzymatic activity, except at low residual succinic thiokinase activities. Although enzymatic activity was almost completely lost in the case of the iodoacetamide-treated enzyme, the quaternary structure of the protein appeared to be maintained for a significant period of time. Vertical decreases in the complement fixation curves were interpreted to indicate dissociation into subunits. DTNB and p-MB titration of the enzyme have resulted in different vertical shifts of the complement fixation curves, and the plots of enzyme inactivation versus number of sulfhydryl groups titrated are different for these reagents. Titration of succinic thiokinase with DTNB in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate yielded 16 to 18 moles of sulfhydryl groups per 140,000 g of protein, in contradiction to previously published data.
Some Thoughts on the Damage Estimates Presented in the Stern Review

This brief note reviews some of the underlying structure behind the estimates of the costs that could be associated with future climate change that were prepared for the Stern Review (2006). Section 1 accomplishes this task, and notes explicitly the sensitivity of the estimates to not only the range of possible sources of climate impacts now included in the calculations, but also assumptions about the utility discount rate. The second section responds to the comparison of these estimates to the economic cost limiting the emission of greenhouse gases. Finally, Section 3 offers some thoughts about context. In summary, there are many questions raised about how the Stern Review computes aggregate economic impacts and evaluates global mitigation costs, and a few are raised here. The basic conclusion that we need mitigation and we need it now is, however, undeniable.
The Effect of Sedation on the Accuracy and Treatment Outcomes for Diagnostic Injections: A Randomized, Controlled, Crossover Study

Background and Objective Diagnostic injections are used to diagnose myriad pain conditions, but are characterized by a high false-positive rate. One potential cause of inaccurate diagnostic blocks is the use of sedation. We sought to determine the effect of sedation on the validity of diagnostic injections. Design Randomized, crossover study in which 73 patients were allocated to receive a diagnostic sacroiliac joint or sympathetic nerve block performed either with or without sedation using midazolam and fentanyl. Those who obtained equivocal relief, good relief lasting less than 3 months, or who were otherwise deemed good candidates for a repeat injection, received a subsequent crossover injection within 3 months (N = 46). Setting and Patients A tertiary care teaching hospital and a military treatment facility. Results In the primary crossover analysis, blocks performed with sedation resulted in a larger mean reduction in pain diary score than those done without sedation (1.2 [2.6]; P = 0.006), less procedure-related pain (difference in means 2.3 [2.5]; P 50% pain relief on their pain diaries (70% vs. 54%; P = 0.039). The increased pain reduction was not accompanied by increased satisfaction (sedation mean 3.9 [1.1] vs. 3.7 [1.3]; P = 0.26). Similar findings were observed for the parallel group (N = 73) and omnibus (all sedation vs. no sedation blocks, N = 110) analyses. No differences in outcomes were noted between the use and non-use of sedation at 1-month. Conclusions The use of sedation during diagnostic injections may increase the rate of false-positive blocks and lead to misdiagnoses and unnecessary procedures, but has no effect on satisfaction or outcomes at 1-month.
Observations on the rare earths—LXXVI(1): The stabilities of the trans-1,2-diaminocyclohexane-N,N′-tetraacetic acid chelates of the tri-positive ions

Abstract Interaction between trans -1,2-diaminocyclohexane-N,N′ tetra-acetic acid 4 DCTA or H 4 Z) and tripositive rare-earth metal ions has been investigated. The formation constants of the hydrogen chelates (LnHZ) and of the normal chelates (LnZ − ) have been evaluated at 20°C, 30°C and 40°C and an ionic strength of 0·10(KNO 3 ), the former by a titration technique and the latter by a mercury indicator-electrode technique. Enthalpy and entropy changes characterizing the formation of the normal chelates have been calculated at 25°C. These and functions of the partial molal entropy of the normal chelates have been compared with corresponding values for related chelating agents. The significance of a configurational entropy contribution is particularly apparent for the complexes of this somewhat sterically limited ligand.
Representing Radcliffe: Perceptions and Consequences of Social Class

Using retrospective data from a sample of women who graduated from Radcliffe College in 1964, this paper examines the perceptions (what women notice) and consequences (how it makes them feel) of social class during college in these women's lives. The majority of women acknowledged that social class was salient at Radcliffe by stating so directly, by noticing members of different class groups, and/or by mentioning their own class backgrounds. In addition, women consistently perceived two markers of social class: exclusivity and the differences between public and private high school graduates. Surprisingly, there were no differences by social class background in the rates of these perceptions; social class indicators were equally apparent to women from different social class backgrounds. However, most commonly among women from working-class backgrounds, there were psychological consequences of social class that were manifested in feeling bad about themselves. In order to understand the psychology of social class most fully, it seems important to distinguish between perception and consequence in the psychological study of social class, and to pay attention to the impact not only of people's backgrounds, but of social class cues in the environments in which they operate.
Patterson and molecular-replacement techniques

The Patterson function is a phaseless Fourier synthesis of diffraction intensities that corresponds to an autocorrelation of electron densities in a crystal cell. Prominent non-origin peaks in a Patterson function represent interatomic vectors; deconvolution of this information can be used to locate heavy atoms, known structures or structural fragments. Interpretation of Patterson maps lies at the foundation of most macromolecular structure elucidation processes, both in determining the position of heavy atoms and/or anomalous scatterers for the isomorphous replacement and anomalous scattering methods, and in determining the orientation and position of a homologous protein model for the molecular-replacement method. The molecular-replacement method also encompasses the use of noncrystallographic redundancy within a crystal or between crystal forms to phase and refine crystal structures. Applications of Patterson and molecular-replacement techniques to structure determination including Patterson interpretation methods, rotation functions, translation functions, symmetry averaging, density modification and phase extension are discussed.
Attenuation smear: a 'paradoxical' increase in counts due to attenuation artifact.

Background: Attenuation is a well recognized cause of reconstruction artifacts in SPECT imaging. Occasionally, we have noted an increase in activity extending from the apical septal portion of the ventricle in women with significant breast attenuation. Although the idea that attenuation can produce an increase in activity on the reconstructed images seems paradoxical at first, it is consistent with the process of filtered back projection. Methods: We filled a cardiac phantom with 1 mCi of Technetium-99m, placed it in a water filled anthropomorphic torso phantom and imaged it over a 180° orbit. Next, a breast phantom designed to simulate a significant degree of breast attenuation was placed on the torso phantom and imaging was repeated. The images were reconstructed first using conventional filtered back projection then with maximum likelihood. Results: When the phantoms with and without breast attenuation were reconstructed using filtered back projection and compared, the phantom with breast attenuation had a large ‘smear’ of activity extending anteriorly from the apical septal wall which was very similar to the abnormalities previously noted in clinical images; the phantom without breast attenuation had no such defect. This artifact was significantly less prominent when the images were reconstructed using the maximum likelihood technique. Conclusions: Attenuation artifact can also produce a seemingly paradoxical increase in counts on the reconstructed image but this phenomenon is consistent with the workings of filtered back projection.
On the Continuity of Gelfond-Lifschitz Operator and Other Applications of Proof-Theory in ASP

Using a characterization of stable models of logic programs P assatisfying valuations of a suitably chosen propositional theory,called the set of reduced defining equations rΦ P , we showthat the finitary character of that theory rΦ P is equivalentto a certain continuity property of the Gelfond-Lifschitz operator${\mathit{GL}}_P$ associated with the program P. The introductionof the formula rΦ P leads to a double-backtracking algorithmfor computation of stable models by reduction to satisfiability ofsuitably chosen propositional theories. This algorithm does not usethe reduction via loop-formulas as proposed in [1] or its extensionproposed in [2]. Finally, we discuss possible extensions oftechniques proposed in this paper to the context of cardinalityconstraints.
Safety Comparison of Laminated Glass and Acrylic Glazing in Front Camper Windows

Children riding on the bed over the cab in campers can be injured in forward force collisions from striking the glazing material and/or being ejected through the opening. The two types of glazing commonly used are acrylic and laminated. A comparison of the performance of the two types of glazing in simulated forward force collisions at velocities up to 30 mph showed the acrylic material to pose threats of neck and back injury and the laminated material to result in lacerations. Ejections occurred with the acrylic that were not present with the laminated windshields when correct glazing techniques were used. With poor installation procedures, ejections occurred in both types of glazing materials. Among the five injury criteria considered, laminated glass was substantially better in two of the criteria (neck extension and ejection), slightly better in two of the criteria (lumbar extension and concussion potential) and the acrylic was superior in terms of facial laceration potential.
Run-Time Reconfiguration Management for Adaptive High-Performance Computing Systems

Adaptive Computing Systems (ACS) built from configurable logic processors such as FPGAs offer a very high performance in implementing a wide range of applications. However, their programming model is mostly a hardware paradigm, instead of software paradigm, which makes them difficult to program by application scientists. They also suffer from portability and scalability problems. Furthermore, the performance of these run-time reconfigurable systems is limited by the cost of reconfiguration overhead.
Solution structure of the HIV gp120 C5 Domain

In HIV the viral envelope protein is processed by a host cell protease to form gp120 and gp41. The C1 and C5 domains of gp120 are thought to directly interact with gp41 but are largely missing from the available X-ray structure. Biophysical studies of the HIV gp120 C5 domain (residues 489–511 of HIV-1 strain HXB2), which corresponds to the carboxy terminal region of gp120, have been undertaken. CD studies of the C5 domain suggest that it is unstructured in aqueous solutions but partially helical in trifluoroethanol/aqueous and hexafluoroisopropanol/aqueous buffers. The solution structure of the C5 peptide in 40% trifluoroethanol/aqueous buffer was determined by NMR spectroscopy. The resulting structure is a turn helix structural motif, consistent with the CD results. Fluorescence titration experiments suggest that HIV C5 forms a 1 : 1 complex with the HIV gp41 ectodomain in the presence of cosolvent with an apparent Kd of ≈ 1.0 µm. The absence of complex formation in the absence of cosolvent indicates that formation of the turn-helix structural motif of C5 is necessary for complex formation. Examination of the C5 structure provides insight into the interaction between gp120 and gp41 and provides a possible target site for future drug therapies designed to disrupt the gp120/gp41 complex. In addition, the C5 structure lends insight into the site of HIV envelope protein maturation by the host enzymes furin and PC7, which provides other possible targets for drug therapies.
Some effects of magnesium loading in patients with thyroid disorders.

The effects of 1.0 Gm. of Mg++ administered intravenously twice daily were studied in 1 euthyroid patient, 2 patients with primary myxedema and 2 patients with hyperthyroidism. There was no change in the basal metabolic rate in either the euthyroid or the hyperthyroid patients; magnesium given for three clays following an injection of tsriiodothyronine (T3) in the hypothyroid patients did not block the calorigenic effect of T3. No consistent alterations of the urinary excretion of nitrogen or phosphorus were noted and the phosphaturic effect of T3 was not inhibited by magnesium. Variable amounts of magnesium were retained by each patient. In all 5 patients, a marked increase in urinary calcium excretion followed infusion of magnesium; in 4 patients, the serum calcium level was normal or low, whereas in the fifth patient it was elevated. These studies do not appear to indicate any consistent antagonistic effect of magnesium on the peripheral functions of thyroid hormone in man; further studies are necessar...
A CD8 DE loop peptide analog prevents graft-versus-host disease in a multiple minor histocompatibility antigen-mismatched bone marrow transplantation model

Abstract Donor CD8+ T cells can be potent mediators of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation to either major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I-or multiple minor histocompatibility antigen-mismatched recipients. To develop small molecular inhibitors of CD8+ T-cell activity, theoretical structural analysis of the human CD8α molecule was previously used to identify potential functional surface epitopes that interact with the MHC class I molecule. The DE loop (p71–78) was identified as such a target region, and a panel of synthetic cyclized peptide mimics of this region were tested for their inhibitory effects on cytotoxic T lymphocyte activity in human cell-mediated lympholysis assays. Peptide 1109 (CKRLGDTFVC) was most effective at inhibiting specific target cell lysis. Accordingly, studies were conducted to determine whether there was sufficient cross-species homology in the DE loop region and its nonpolymorphic interactive site on the β2-microglobulin domain of the MHC class I molecule to allow similar inhibition of murine CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocyte activity. On the basis of strong in vitro inhibitory activity of 1109 in the murine system, the capacity of the peptide to inhibit in vivo CD8+ T-cell effector functions in skin and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation models was examined. In the C57BL/6 anti-bm1 skin allograft rejection model, across an MHC class I barrier, a single injection of 1109 at the time of transplantation significantly prolonged graft survival. Moreover, 1109 administered at the time of transplantation in the multiple minor histocompatibility antigen-disparate B10.BR→CBA GVHD model significantly prolonged the survival of lethally irradiated mice that underwent transplantation with donor bone marrow cells and CD8+ T cells. Histopathologic analysis confirmed that mice treated with the synthetic peptide exhibited diminution of epithelial target cell injury. Specificity of the peptide effect was evidenced by draining lymph node cells from B10.BR mice that had been challenged with CBA lymphocytes and simultaneously treated with 1109. These cells could not generate secondary proliferative responses in vitro upon stimulation with CBA splenocytes but could respond to third-party C57BL/6 stimulation. Thus, the 1109 peptide has potential application in the prevention of CD8-mediated GVHD development.
On the Long-Time H2-Stability of the Implicit Euler Scheme for the 2D Magnetohydrodynamics Equations

Pursuing our work in Tone (Asymptot. Analysis 51:231---245, 2007) and Tone and Wirosoetisno (SIAM J. Number. Analysis 44:29---40, 2006), we consider in this article the two-dimensional magnetohydrodynamics equations, we discretize these equations in time using the implicit Euler scheme and with the aid of the classical and uniform discrete Gronwall lemma, we prove that the scheme is H 2-uniformly stable in time.
Rethinking deprivations of liberty: possible contributions from therapeutic and ecological jurisprudence.

In place of the police and parens patriae powers, this article proposes three distinct justifactory models for government-sponsored deprivations of liberty. The punishment model authorizes deprivation of liberty as a sanction for blameworthy behavior. The prevention model authorizes deprivation of liberty to prevent harm, either through deterrence or restraint. The protection model authorizes liberty deprivation to ensure autonomous decisionmaking. The article compares these models to the purposes traditionally advanced as justification for punishment, and explores their strengths and weaknesses. Using therapeutic jurisprudence and ecological jurisprudence as organizing frameworks, it then describes a range of empirical issues raised by each of the models.
A BINARY CONFLICT ASCENDING PRICE (BICAP) MECHANISM FOR THE DECENTRALIZED ALLOCATION OF THE RIGHT TO USE RAILROAD TRACKS.

The questions posed for study are motivated by controversies over how Sweden might change from a centralized system of railroad management to a decentralized system. The central rail administration, Banverket, will retain ownership and maintenance responsibility of the tracks, but will sell access to the tracks to private firms. The questions are about the mechanism that might accomplish this task. Parties to the controversy have claimed that the technical aspects of networks will, as a matter of principle, preclude the operation of any decentralized method. This paper explores the properties of a mechanism developed as a challenge to that claim. The mechanism is examined in the context of a testbed experimental environment that contains many potential problem causing elements. In the tests performed the mechanism operated to efficiently allocate access to the network and it did so for behavioral reasons that are understandable in terms of theory. The paper closes with suggestions for further study of environments that might present additional challenges to a mechanism.
Security Analysis of Stealth Transmission over a public Fiber-Optical Network

We analyze the security performance of stealth communications over a public fiber-optical network. We examine system's vulnerability against various eavesdropping strategies and construct a metric to evaluate the level of security in the stealth transmission.
Astrocytic CX43 hemichannels and gap junctions play a crucial role in development of chronic neuropathic pain following spinal cord injury

Chronic neuropathic pain is a frequent consequence of spinal cord injury (SCI). Yet despite recent advances, upstream releasing mechanisms and effective therapeutic options remain elusive. Previous studies have demonstrated that SCI results in excessive ATP release to the peritraumatic regions and that purinergic signaling, among glial cells, likely plays an essential role in facilitating inflammatory responses and nociceptive sensitization. We sought to assess the role of connexin 43 (Cx43) as a mediator of CNS inflammation and chronic pain. To determine the extent of Cx43 involvement in chronic pain, a weight-drop SCI was performed on transgenic mice with Cx43/Cx30 deletions. SCI induced robust and persistent neuropathic pain including heat hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia in wild-type control mice, which developed after 4 weeks and was maintained after 8 weeks. Notably, SCI-induced heat hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia were prevented in transgenic mice with Cx43/Cx30 deletions, but fully developed in transgenic mice with only Cx30 deletion. SCI-induced gliosis, detected as upregulation of glial fibrillary acidic protein in the spinal cord astrocytes at different stages of the injury, was also reduced in the knockout mice with Cx43/Cx30 deletions, when compared with littermate controls. In comparison, a standard regimen of post-SCI treatment of minocycline attenuated neuropathic pain to a significantly lesser degree than Cx43 deletion. These findings suggest Cx43 is critically linked to the development of central neuropathic pain following acute SCI. Since Cx43/Cx30 is expressed by astrocytes, these findings also support an important role of astrocytes in the development of chronic pain.
Time-dependent inhibition of immune complex-induced lung injury by catalase: relationship to alterations in macrophage and neutrophil matrix metalloproteinase elaboration.

Abstract Rats were subjected to acute lung injury by the intra-alveolar formation of IgG immune complexes of bovine serum albumin (BSA) and anti-BSA. In this model of injury, complement activation occurs and large numbers of neutrophils invade the interstitium and alveolar space. In the present study, animals were treated with intratracheal catalase concomitantly with anti-BSA or after a lag period of 5–120 min. Catalase treatment at time-zero or at 5 min post injury failed to prevent lung injury as indicated by permeability change, histological features, and neutrophil influx. However, treatment after a delay of 15–30 min (but not 120 min) afforded substantial protection. Consistent with past findings [19] , lung injury was accompanied by an accumulation of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid. There was a strong correlation between inhibition of injury and reduction in MMP-9 levels. In vitro studies conducted in parallel revealed that unstimulated alveolar macrophages did not produce measurable MMP-9, while there was a large induction following exposure to the same immune complexes that initiated injury in vivo. MMP-2 was also slightly upregulated under the same conditions. Concomitant treatment with catalase greatly inhibited MMP-9 production by macrophages in response to immune complexes, but this treatment had little effect on basal production of either MMP-9 or MMP-2 by macrophage. The same concentration of catalase that suppressed MMP-9 elaboration also inhibited the production of tumor necrosis factor α. In contrast, when neutrophils were treated with catalase and then exposed to immune complexes, the antioxidant failed to prevent the release of either MMP-2 or MMP-9. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that antioxidant treatment interferes with elaboration of MMPs by alveolar macrophages. Protection against lung injury is correlated with reduction in MMP levels in the BAL fluid.