cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Second law comparison of oxy-fuel combustion and post-combustion carbon dioxide separation

Abstract To define 2nd law efficiency targets for novel separation technologies, a simplified model of a power plant with two forms of CO 2 capture was developed. In this investigation, oxy-fuel combustion and post-combustion CO 2 separation were compared on an exergetic basis. Using exergy balances and black-box models of power plant components, multiple scenarios were run to determine the impact of plant configuration and separation unit efficiency on overall plant performance. Second law efficiency values from the literature were used to set the baseline performance of various CO 2 separation configurations. Assumed advances in 2nd law efficiency were used to determine the potential for overall system performance improvement. It was found that the 2nd law efficiency of air separation must reach a critical value before the thermodynamics of oxy-fuel combustion become favorable. Changes in operating equivalence ratio significantly move the tipping-point between post-combustion and oxy-fuel strategies.
A Comparison of Thrombus Susceptibility for Two Pulsatile 50 CC Left Ventricular Assist Pumps

Approximately 5.7 million Americans are afflicted with heart disease, with a reported 670,000 new cases and 300,000 deaths each year [1]. While the success rate of transplantation procedures continues to improve, organ availability remains limited. Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) function as a bridge to transplant for advanced staged heart failure patients awaiting a donor heart. The devices have also been used, more recently, as a bridge to recovery by helping to unload the native ventricle. Along with pharmacological intervention, LVADs can act to help reverse pathological hypertrophy and recover normal myocardial function [2].Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Fundamental Processes Controlling the Multiple Subpicosecond Laser Pulse Damage Behavior of Dielectric Optical Coatings

The role of native and laser-induced defect states in the multiple-pulse damage behavior of wide gap optical materials is presented. A few examples of experiment and modeling are given to highlight our current understanding.
Progress in Psychoblography

ABSTRACT Progress in psychobiography What is it? Has there been any? And what processes contnbute to it? The issue of progress in psychobiography is pursued from two different perspectives The first section briefly reviews the historical growth of the field, including the range of disciplines involved, the rise of associated professional organizations and publication outlets, and a quantitative analysis of the increase in books, articles, and dissertations in psychobiography The second section argues that progress in psychobiographical understanding can be analyzed into eight component processes, such as the collection of additional evidence, the formulation of fresh interpretations, critical examination of prior explanations, and the application of new theoretical advances These processes are illustrated with an examination of the course of debate about the physical and psychological disturbances of King George III Personality psychology is concerned with the four basic tasks of developing general theories of personality, analyzing individual and group differences, understanding individual persons, and studying selected processes and classes of behavior In that developing a better understanding of individual persons is one of the ultimate objectives of personality psychology, progress in psychobiography is intimately related to progress in personality psychology as a whole
Controlled warfare: how directed-energy weapons will enable the US Military to fight effectively in an urban environment while minimizing collateral damage

US military operations are increasingly conducted within urban environments and with these operations come the risk of increasing the number of civilian casualties and infrastructure damage. The use of non-lethal weaponry, such as directed-energy weapons, is one method for minimizing collateral damage. This method enables US military forces to effectively fight within urban environments through force escalation capabilities. Using a series of historical examples and future scenarios for urban warfare, this article highlights deficiencies affecting military capabilities in military urban operations, addresses the consequences of collateral damage, assesses the effectiveness of directed-energy weapons in military urban operations and encourages further funding, research and integration of non-lethal weaponry, such as directed-energy weapons, within the US military.
On the relation between phenomenal and representational properties

This is a commentary on Block' article article, "On a Confusion About a Concept of Consciousness," BBS (1995) 18:2. We argue that BlockOs charge of fallacy remains ungrounded unless the existence of P-consciousness, as Block construes it, is independently established. How-ever, this depends on establishing the existence of "phenomenal properties" that, according to Block, are essentially not representational, cognitive, or functional. We argue that Block fails to make a case for the existence of P-consciousness so long as he fails to make a case for the existence of phenomenal properties so construed. We conclude by suggesting that phenomenal consciousness can be accounted for in terms of a hybrid set of representational and functional properties.
Chip Package Interaction: An Experiment Study on White Bump Mitigation Using Flat Laminates

Chip-Package Interaction (CPI) related failure risk has increased in organic laminate-based electronic packages fueled in part by certain industry-segments' requirements for larger silicon die size and signal performance. CPI-related stresses increase directly with radial distance from the center of the die, known as distance from the neutral-point (DNP). The resulting risk of local delamination (White Bumps, WBs) in the silicon back-end-of-line (BEOL), fracture of C4 interconnections and failure of underfill and chip ultimately impact electronic package reliability. Named from the notable visible white halo or circle around a C4 in a CSAM (C-Mode Scanning Acoustic Microscopy) image, WBs are the prime indicator of a CPI-related failure event in an organic laminate-based electronic package. Laminate and BEOL design, specifically wiring proximal to the C4 interconnection, are known to influence WB reliability. In this paper we specifically study the effect of laminate and BEOL design on the generation of white bumps. Four different chip designs, some of which are more susceptible to WBs than others are mated with both product-design and "flat" laminates, or laminates consisting of only a core and single copper layer on each side. Our ultimate goal is to highlight the silicon & laminate designs' ability to modulate WB occurrences, to create design ground-rules thereby relaxing the cost and facilitating the development of package assembly solutions. A comprehensive experiment was carried out to achieve these goals. As companion test vehicles to product laminates, four different flat laminate (0-2-0) designs were fabricated with several different core materials to both segregate the effect of laminate wiring design and modulate the overall laminate coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE). Four separate chip designs were used to study the effect of the back end of line design. Thermal stress was induced in the experiment using a high-cooling rate or "hammer" chip-join (HCJ) reflow profile which drives a higher C4 shearing stress than with the nominal profile. The occurrence of WBs was then monitored while the test vehicles were repeatedly subjected to the hammer profile in a controlled hammer thermal cycling (HTC) process. Diagnostic measurements including 3D Surface Metrology and CSAM were performed after each HTC cycle to monitor both laminate warpage and WB occurrence respectively. White Bump evolution was statistically analyzed and correlated to each die design, laminate cross-sectional design and CTE. Results demonstrated the importance of laminate design in that the flat laminates consistently lead to fewer WBs than product laminates. Lower-CTE laminates also result in fewer WBs than product laminates.
A patient with Baller–Gerold syndrome and midline NK/T lymphoma

Three autosomal recessive disorders are associated with mutations in the RECQL4 gene: Rothmund-Thomson syndrome (RTS), Baller-Gerold syndrome (BGS), and RAPADILINO syndrome. BGS is characterized by two major clinical abnormalities: craniosynostosis and preaxial limb anomalies but not cancer development. We performed RECQL4 mutation detection in a patient with BGS and several clinical signs of RTS who developed a midline NK/T-cell lymphoma. Sequencing was used to identify RECQL4 mutations, and RNA analysis was used to examine expression of mRNA in leukocytes. The patient was found to be compound heterozygous for two mutations in exon 15, namely c.[2492_2493delAT] + c.[2506_2518del13bp]. We found that only the allele with 13 bp deletion was expressed in blood leukocytes. Our patient showed severe phenotypic abnormalities, with clinical signs of both BGS and RTS. She developed an extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, which is extremely rare in children of her age and is the first described case of BGS with development of a cancer. This case of a RECQL4-related disorder highlights the significant phenotypic overlap between the classically delineated RECQL4-associated syndromes and questions the need to redefine or combine these clinical entities.
Acoustic emission during irreversible deformation in short fiber reinforced poly(vinyl chloride) composites

Acoustic emission (AE) during irreversible deformation in short glass fiber reinforced poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) composites was studied using a piezoelectric crystal transducer. Compared to the well-coupled composites, many more AE events were observed during tensile deformation in the poorly-coupled composites, presumably due to failure at the fiber-matrix interface. No fiber fracture was detected in the tensile tests for either well-coupled or poorly-coupled composites. Irreversibility of acoustic emission was observed in repeated tensile loading experiments. Unlike PVC, the short fiber composites fractured during stress relaxation at 1 percent elongation. Studies of acoustic emission behavior during stress relaxation indicated that interfacial debonding is a time-dependent process. Relaxation fracture time was strongly increased by chemical coupling at the interface.
Incidence and risk factors of parastomal hernia in patients undergoing radical cystectomy and ileal conduit diversion.

Purpose: We evaluate the incidence and risk factors of parastomal hernia formation in patients undergoing radical cystectomy and ileal conduit urinary diversion.Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the Indiana University cystectomy database between 2001 and 2011, and identified 516 patients who underwent radical cystectomy and ileal conduit diversion. Overall 199 patients had a clinical followup of at least 12 months and all underwent postoperative staging computerized tomography to confirm the presence of parastomal hernia. The incidence of parastomal hernia is reported with correlations made to demographic, patient level and perioperative risk factors.Results: A parastomal hernia developed in 58 patients (29%) at a median followup of 27 months (range 12 to 125). Of these patients 26 (45%) underwent surgical repair due to abdominal discomfort (58%), acute strangulation or obstruction of the small bowel (15%), partial small bowel obstructions (15%) and elective repair for other intra-abdomin...
Continuous-wave ultraviolet laser action and optical properties of pyrolyzed Nd/sup 3+/:/spl delta/-Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/

Summary from only given. We report on continuous-wave (cw) laser action near 405 nm from the /sup 2/F/sub 5/2/ upper level of pyrolyzed Nd/sup 3+/:/spl delta/-Al/sub 2/O/sub 3/ for the first time. Key aspects of our results are the use of electrical pumping to achieve laser action in a dielectric host, and cw operation without any external feedback structure.
Endothelial GTPCH in eNOS Uncoupling and Atherosclerosis

Nitric oxide (NO) produced from endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) has antiatherosclerotic properties, including inhibition of cell growth, leukocyte adhesion, and platelet adherence and aggregation.1 NO bioavailability is decreased in various cardiovascular diseases such as hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis attributable to reduced NO synthesis and increased NO consumption by reactive oxygen species (ROS).2 A critical determinant of eNOS activity is its cofactor tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4),3,4 which facilitates electron transfer from the eNOS reductase domain and maintains the heme prosthetic group in its redox active form.5 Moreover, BH4 promotes and stabilizes eNOS protein monomers into the active homodimeric form of the enzyme.6 BH4 bioavailability in the vasculature appears to be regulated by the following (Figure): (1) a de novo pathway using the rate-limiting enzyme GTP-cyclohydrolase I (GTPCH); (2) a salvage pathway from the synthetic pterin, sepiapterin, which is metabolized to BH4 by sepiapterin reductase (SR) and endothelial dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR); and (3) oxidative degradation of BH4 to dihydrobiopterin (BH2) that is inactive for eNOS cofactor function.7,8 When BH4 levels are inadequate, the enzymatic reduction of molecular oxygen by eNOS is no longer coupled to L-arginine oxidation, resulting in generation of superoxide rather than NO. This phenomenon is referred as “eNOS uncoupling” and contributes to vascular oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction.5 Possible role of endothelial GTPCH in eNOS uncoupling and atherosclerosis. BH4 is synthesized de novo from guanosine triphosphate (GTP). The first and rate-limiting step in the de novo synthetic pathway is the enzyme GTP-cyclohydrolase I (GTPCH). Alternatively, BH4 synthesis can occur via the salvage pathway from the synthetic pterin, sepiapterin, which is metabolized to dihydrobiopterin (BH2) by sepiapterin reductase (SR) and to BH4 by dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR). Superoxide derived from NADPH oxidase reacts with NO to form peroxynitrite, thereby inducing oxidative degradation of BH4. This may contribute …
Appreciation and desire: The male nude in the photography of Robert Mapplethorpe

The representations of male bodies in Robert Mapplethorpe's nudes invite viewers to assume divergent and potentially contesting receptive stances. These different responses are enabled by the structural ambiguities of the photographs themselves. Mapplethorpe's male nudes appropriate past images and associations that evoke the canonical, classical genre of the nude as well as the artist's past work to present his models simultaneously as formal objects of appreciation and erotic objects of desire. These differing yet concurrent depictions entail corresponding degrees of distance and intimacy on the part of the viewer. In this light, Mapplethorpe's male nudes elucidate how textual ambiguity invites different modes of reception. The tensions in the photographs do not resolve themselves, nor do they offer the viewer synthetic clues.
Groupwise morphometric analysis based on high dimensional clustering

In this paper, we propose an efficient groupwise morphometric analysis to characterize morphological variations between healthy and pathological states. The proposed framework extends the work of Baloch [4] in which a manifold for each anatomy was constructed by collecting lossless [transformation, residual] descriptors with various transformation parameters, and the optimal set of transformation parameters was estimated individually by minimizing group variance. However, full parameter exploration is not desired as it can result in transformation leading to inaccurate anatomical models. In addition, a single fixed template introduces a priori bias to subsequent statistical analysis. In order to overcome these limitations, we use an affinity propagation clustering method to find the spatially close cluster center for each subject. Then, a subject is normalized to the template via the cluster center to restrict our analysis only to those descriptors that reflect reasonable warps. In addition, a mean template is selected by finding a cluster center that minimizes the sum of pairwise shape distance to reduce the fixed template bias. Our method is applied to 2D synthetic data and 3D real Cardiac MR Images. Experimental results show improvement in quantifying and localizing shape changes.
An optimal routing policy for mesh-connected topologies

We present a new routing policy, called maximum shortest paths (MP) routing policy, within the class of shortest-path routing policies for mesh-connected topologies which include popular 2-D and 3-D meshes, 2-D and 3-D tori, and n-dimensional hypercubes (n-cubes). In this policy, the routing message is always forwarded to a neighbor from which there exists a maximum number of shortest paths to the destination. An optimal routing defined in this paper is the one that maximizes the probability of reaching the destination from a given source without delays at intermediate nodes. We show that the MP routing policy is equivalent to the e-cube routing in n-cubes which is optimal, and it is also equivalent to the Badr and Podar's zig-zag (Z/sup 2/) routing policy in 2-D meshes which is also optimal. We prove that the Z/sup 2/ routing policy is not optimal in any N/spl times/N torus, where N is an even number larger than four. A routing algorithm is proposed to implement the MP routing policy in 2-D tori and if is proved to be at least suboptimal (optimal for some cases). Our approach is the first attempt to address optimal routing in the torus network which is still an open problem.
Requirements for Diagnosis of Malaria at Different Levels of the Laboratory Network in Africa

The rapid increase of resistance to cheap, reliable antimalarials, the increasing cost of effective drugs, and the low specificity of clinical diagnosis has increased the need for more reliable diagnostic methods for malaria. The most commonly used and most reliable remains microscopic examination of stained blood smears, but this technique requires skilled personnel, precision instruments, and ideally a source of electricity. Microscopy has the advantage of enabling the examiner to identify the species, stage, and density of an infection. An alternative to microscopy is the rapid diagnostic test (RDT), which uses a labeled monoclonal antibody to detect circulating parasitic antigens. This test is most commonly used to detect Plasmodium falciparum infections and is available in a plastic cassette format. Both microscopy and RDTs should be available at all levels of laboratory service in endemic areas, but in peripheral laboratories with minimally trained staff, the RDT may be a more practical diagnostic method.
Pole Placement by Linear Quadratic Modification for Continuous Time Systems

This paper bridges the gap between linear quadratic solution and pole placement providing a simple criterion sucht that the resulting optimal gain places the closed loop eigenvalues at desired locations. The method has the capability of shifting both the real and imaginary parts of the open loop poles to any desired positions in the s-plane.
ANAPHYLAXIS AND FOOD HYPERSENSITIVITY

In their classic studies of anaphylaxis, Portier and Richet described the rapid death of several dogs that they were attempting to immunize against the toxic sting of the sea anemone. 36,53 Because this reaction represented the opposite of their intended prophylaxis, they coined the term anaphylaxis, or without or against protection. From these studies, they concluded that anaphylaxis required a latent period for sensitization and re-exposure to the sensitizing material. Shortly thereafter, Schlossman reported a patient who developed acute shock after the ingestion of cow's milk. 2 The first series of modern-day descriptions of food anaphylaxis in humans was published in 1969 by Goldbert et al. 18 They described 10 cases of anaphylaxis following the ingestion of various foods, including different legumes, fish, and milk.
The Difference Between “Significant” and “Not Significant” is not Itself Statistically Significant

It is common to summarize statistical comparisons by declarations of statistical significance or nonsignificance. Here we discuss one problem with such declarations, namely that changes in statistical significance are often not themselves statistically significant. By this, we are not merely making the commonplace observation that any particular threshold is arbitrary—for example, only a small change is required to move an estimate from a 5.1% significance level to 4.9%, thus moving it into statistical significance. Rather, we are pointing out that even large changes in significance levels can correspond to small, nonsignificant changes in the underlying quantities.The error we describe is conceptually different from other oft-cited problems—that statistical significance is not the same as practical importance, that dichotomization into significant and nonsignificant results encourages the dismissal of observed differences in favor of the usually less interesting null hypothesis of no difference, and that...
Gene transcription of neuroglobin is upregulated by hypoxia and anoxia in the brain of the anoxia-tolerant turtle Trachemys scripta.

Neuroglobin is a heme protein expressed in the vertebrate brain in mammals, fishes, and birds. The physiological role of neuroglobin is not completely understood but possibilities include serving as an intracellular oxygen-carrier or oxygen-sensor, as a terminal oxidase to regenerate NAD+ under anaerobic conditions, or involvement in NO or ROS metabolism. As the vertebrate nervous system is particularly sensitive to hypoxia, an intracellular protein that helps sustain cellular respiration would aid hypoxic survival. However, the regulation of Neuroglobin (Ngb) under conditions of varying oxygen is controversial. This study examines the regulation of Ngb in an anoxia-tolerant vertebrate under conditions of hypoxia and anoxia. The freshwater turtle Trachemys scripta can withstand complete anoxia for days, and adaptations that permit neuronal survival have been extensively examined. Turtle neuroglobin specific primers were employed in RT-PCR for determining the regulation of neuroglobin mRNA expression in turtles placed in normoxia, hypoxia (4 h), anoxia (1 and 4 h), and anoxia–reoxygenation. Whole brain expression of neuroglobin is strongly upregulated by hypoxia and post-anoxic–reoxygenation in T. scripta, with a lesser degree of upregulation at 1 and 4 h anoxia. Our data implicate neurglobin in mediating brain anoxic survival.
“Plausible insofar as it is intelligible”: Quine on underdetermination

Quine’s thesis of underdetermination is significantly weaker than it has been taken to be in the recent literature, for the following reasons: (i) it does not hold for all theories, but only for some global theories, (ii) it does not require the existence of empirically equivalent yet logically incompatible theories, (iii) it does not rule out the possibility that all perceived rivalry between empirically equivalent theories might be merely apparent and eliminable through translation, (iv) it is not a fundamental thesis within Quine’s philosophy, and (v) it does not carry with it the anti-realistic consequences often associated with the thesis in recent debates. The paper analyzes Quine’s views on the matter and the changes they underwent over the years. A conjecture is put forth about why Quine’s thesis has been so widely misrepresented: Quine’s writings up to 1975 tackled primarily the formulation and justification of the thesis, but afterwards were concerned mostly with the question whether empirically equivalent rivals to the theory we hold are to be considered true also. When this latter discussion is read without bearing in mind Quine’s earlier formulation and justification of the thesis, his thesis seems to have stronger epistemic consequences than it actually does. A careful reading of his later writings shows, however, that the formulation of the thesis remained unchanged after 1975, and that his mature and considered views supported only a very mitigated version of the thesis.
Fluid Shear Stress Activates Proline-Rich Tyrosine Kinase via Reactive Oxygen Species–Dependent Pathway

Objective— Fluid shear stress (flow) modulates endothelial cell (EC) function via specific signal transduction events. Previously, we showed that flow-mediated tyrosine phosphorylation of p130 Crk-associated substrate (Cas) required calcium-dependent c-Src activation. Because flow increases reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in ECs and because H 2 O 2 increases tyrosine phosphorylation of proline-rich tyrosine kinase (PYK2), we hypothesized that flow may activate PYK2 via ROS. Methods and Results— Exposure of bovine aortic ECs to flow stimulated PYK2 phosphorylation rapidly, with a peak at 2 minutes. The activation of PYK2 and phosphorylation of Cas induced by flow were inhibited by pretreatment with the antioxidant N -acetylcysteine. Flow-induced PYK2 phosphorylation was inhibited by BAPTA-AM, an intracellular calcium chelator. Bovine aortic ECs transfected with kinase-inactive PYK2 showed attenuated flow-stimulated Cas tyrosine phosphorylation. Although flow-induced Cas phosphorylation was inhibited by kinase-inactive Src, PYK2 activation induced by flow was not inhibited by overexpression of kinase-inactive Src. Conclusions— These results show a redox-sensitive pathway for flow-mediated activation of nonreceptor tyrosine kinase activity that requires ROS and intracellular calcium, but not Src kinase.
New yield-aware mask strategies

In this paper, we provide new yield-aware mask strategies to mitigate emerging variability and defectivity challenges. To address variability, we analyze CD variability with respect to reticle size, and its impact on parametric yield. With a cost model that incorporates mask, wafer, and processing cost considering throughput, yield, and manufacturing volume, we assess various reticle strategies (e.g., single layer reticle (SLR), multiple layer reticle (MLR), and small and large size) considering field-size dependent parametric yield. To address defectivity, we compare parametric yield due to EUV mask blank defects for various reticle strategies in conjunction with reticle floorplan optimizations such as shifting of the mask pattern within a mask blank to avoid defects being superposed by performance-critical patterns of a design.
Spotted in the News: Using Media Reports to Examine Leopard Distribution, Depredation, and Management Practices outside Protected Areas in Southern India

There is increasing evidence of large carnivore presence outside protected areas, globally. Although this spells conservation success through population recoveries, it makes carnivore persistence in human-use landscapes tenuous. The widespread distribution of leopards in certain regions of India typifies this problem. We obtained information on leopard-human interactions at a regional scale in Karnataka State, India, based on systematic surveys of local media reports. We applied an innovative occupancy modelling approach to map their distribution patterns and identify hotspots of livestock/human depredation. We also evaluated management responses like removals of ‘problem’ leopards through capture and translocations. Leopards occupied around 84,000 km2 or 47% of the State’s geographic area, outside designated national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. Their presence was facilitated by extent of vegetative cover- including irrigated croplands, rocky escarpments, and prey base in the form of feral and free-ranging dogs. Higher probabilities of livestock/human attacks by leopards were associated with similar ecological features as well as with capture/removals of leopards. Of the 56 cases of leopard removals reported, 91% did not involve human attacks, but followed livestock predation or only leopard sightings. The lack of knowledge on leopard ecology in human-use areas has resulted in unscientific interventions, which could aggravate the problem rather than mitigating it. Our results establish the presence of resident, breeding leopards in human-use areas. We therefore propose a shift in management focus, from current reactive practices like removal and translocation of leopards, to proactive measures that ensure safety of human lives and livelihoods.
The information age: challenges and opportunities for control and engineering

The proliferation of computational resources and data networks has enabled the conception and solution of information management problems of an unprecedented scale. These technologies expose vulnerabilities that may be exploited through happenstance or design. The engineering problems encountered in the design of networked data systems and software are familiar in the controls community: resource allocation and management, distributed decision-making, time-delay systems, discrete-event and hybrid systems analysis and design, detection and identification, stability, robustness and reliability, and large-scale systems.
Two-Step Delivery: Exploiting the Partition Coefficient Concept to Increase Intratumoral Paclitaxel Concentrations In vivo Using Responsive Nanoparticles

Drug dose, high local target tissue concentration, and prolonged duration of exposure are essential criteria in achieving optimal drug performance. However, systemically delivered drugs often fail to effectively address these factors with only fractions of the injected dose reaching the target tissue. This is especially evident in the treatment of peritoneal cancers, including mesothelioma, ovarian, and pancreatic cancer, which regularly employ regimens of intravenous and/or intraperitoneal chemotherapy (e.g., gemcitabine, cisplatin, pemetrexed, and paclitaxel) with limited results. Here, we show that a "two-step" nanoparticle (NP) delivery system may address this limitation. This two-step approach involves the separate administration of NP and drug where, first, the NP localizes to tumor. Second, subsequent administration of drug then rapidly concentrates into the NP already stationed within the target tissue. This two-step method results in a greater than 5-fold increase in intratumoral drug concentrations compared to conventional "drug-alone" administration. These results suggest that this unique two-step delivery may provide a novel method for increasing drug concentrations in target tissues.
Identification of promoter sequences in the 5' untranslated region of the baboon apolipoprotein(a) gene

Like humans, baboons possess apolipoprotein[a] (apo[a]), a unique protein component of the atherogenic lipoprotein [a] (Lp[a]) particle. Baboon apo[a] also exhibits extensive variation with respect to size and serum levels. In this report, we have cloned the 5' flanking region of the baboon apo[a] gene (I isoform) and performed promoter mapping studies to identify sequences that control apo[a] transcription. The sequence of the baboon apo[a] 5' flanking region is similar to the human gene, and contains two Alu repeats that distinguish the apo[a] gene from plasminogen and other apo[a]-like genes. The transcription start site for the baboon apo[a]gene is located 85 bp upstream from the major start site for the human apo[a] gene. For promoter mapping studies, we constructed two sets of deletion clones (5' to 3' and 3' to 5') in luciferase reporter plasmids for transfection of hepatic cell lines (HepG2 and HUh7). These experiments showed that the 5' untranslated region (5' UTR) contains a positive promoter element with 85% identity to the consensus binding site for hepatocyte nuclear factor 1 alpha (HNF-1 alpha), and a negative element that is functional in HepG2 cells, but not Huh7 cells. Transfection assays with HeLa cells showed that the positive promoter element acts in an hepatocyte-specific manner. We also cloned the 5' flanking region from a baboon carrying a null allele that produced no detectable hepatic transcripts or serum isoforms in vivo. Surprisingly, the 5' flanking regions of the null allele possessed a promoter that was functional in transfection assays. We conclude that the baboon apo[a] gene 5'UTR contains hepatocyte-specific promoter elements, but that other unknown sequences must influence apo[a] expression in vivo.
Mobile Home Mania? Protecting Procedurally Fair Arbitration in a Consumer Microcosm

Consumers' lack of warranty remedies prompted Congress to enact the 2000 Manufactured Housing Improvement Act (MHIA). Under the Act, the Office of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) must develop a program for resolving MH warranty disputes by the end of 2005. This article provides input regarding that program. It also calls for broader protection of procedural fairness in arbitration of disputes regarding warranties for mobile or manufactured homes (referred to in the article as MHs for ease of reference). Although HUD's program aims to create a process for resolving warranty disputes among manufacturers, dealers and installers, this article proposes that Congress expand the MHIA to require minimum fairness standards for arbitration of MH consumer claims. More importantly, perhaps, the article suggests arbitration reforms that may be appropriate not only in the MH microcosm, but also in other uneven bargaining contexts.
Stinking Stones and Rocks of Gold: Phosphate, Fertilizer, and Industrialization in Postbellum South Carolina. By Shepherd W. McKinley. (Gainesville, FL: University Press of Florida, 2014. Pp. xi, 230. $69.95.)

In this study, the author argues that the history of postbellum Southern industrialization has been both poorly researched and considerably misunderstood. He does not argue that it has been ignored...
Comprehensive multidisciplinary pain center approach to the treatment of low back pain.

The primary objective of our program is full function. Other objectives include relief or decrease in pain with the abolition of pain medication, elimination of assistive devices, low or zero disability rating, job satisfaction with return to work and leisure activities without limitations, independence from the health care system, prevention of reinjury, and optimum wellness. The intense, multidisciplinary program described involves a full-time multidisciplinary staff, complete patient involvement, weight control, physical restoration and conditioning, home program maintenance, pacing, body mechanics, energy-saving techniques, reinjury prevention education, pain control and elimination, drug detoxification, behavioral modification, biofeedback, relaxation, imagery, individual and group therapy, family therapy, assertiveness training, stress management, coping skills, vocational counseling, job planning/development/simulation, achievement of maximal function, immediate return to work at discharge, and follow-up care. It is possible to return 86% of these patients to full function and work; they may have some residual pain, which should eventually remit. The 14% who fail are hardcore patients with major behavioral problems, although, to be fair, there are still unanswered questions to resolve. These people have problems that cannot be eliminated within the limit of time with which we have to work with the patient. Lastly, these patients can be disturbed and dangerous, as evidenced by the headline of "A Former Patient Shoots, Kills, New York Neurosurgeon, Self, Wife."
Classical conditioning of aggression a developmental study

Two groups of rats were classically conditioned to fight to previously neutral stimuli. A 2 ma. shock served as the unconditioned stimulus. Subjects in one group were begun at age 34 days and those in the other were begun at age 90 days. Subjects in both groups showed development of consistent conditioned fighting in the course of the study. There were no significant differences in the acquisition rate or asymptotic level of fighting of the two groups.
A brief history and review of modern casting techniques in early onset scoliosis

Abstract Purpose Body casts have a long history in the treatment of spinal deformity. Currently the use of body casts is limited to early onset scoliosis. Here, we aim to provide a brief narrative of the evolution of cast application for the management of spinal deformity. Methods A history of cast application is provided with a brief review of the orthopedic literature. The current indications for cast application and the authors’ preferred technique are described. Results Serial casting is an effective treatment method for early onset scoliosis. It may be definitive for most idiopathic curves or used to delay surgical intervention in more severe idiopathic, syndromic and even congenital curves. Conclusions Surgeons who treat children with early onset scoliosis should familiarize themselves with serial cast application techniques.
Detection of Minimal Residual Disease in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia with Monoclonal Antibodies Specific for CD5, CD10, CD19, and ROR1.

ROR1 is an oncofetal protein expressed in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). We generated a monoclonal antibody (mAb) specific for ROR1 (4A5) and used this to stain blood or marrow cells from patients with CLL and other adults. We found that 4A5 reacted with the CLL cells of all patients examined and also with some cells that had an immunophenotype of B lymphocyte precursors (BLP) (CD10+, CD19+, CD20-variable, dim CD45+, surface immunoglobulin-negative). 4A5 showed no reactivity with other blood or marrow cells. We speculated that this mAb could be used to detect CLL cells in blood or marrow of patients after therapy, providing a means with which to assess minimal residual disease (MRD). For this purpose, we evaluated a four-color combination of mAbs using CD10-FITC, CD19-PE, CD5-PerCP-Cy5.5, and 4A5-Alexa-647. MRD detection limits were established through reconstitution studies in which we made serial dilutions of CLL cells into normal blood or marrow samples. MRD was measured by whole blood lysis and acquisition of 100,000 events using a FACSCalibur and a gating strategy designed to exclude CD5-negative, CD10-positive, and 4A5-negative B lymphocytes (CD19+). CLL cells stained with 4A5 had a mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of 31 (N=100) and a MFI ratio (MFIR) relative to that of isotype control stained CLL cells of more than 10:1. On average, 94% of the CLL cells in each sample had higher fluorescence intensity when stained with 4A5-Alexa-647 than when stained with an isotype-control mAb (range 88–98%). Marrow samples (N=9) from adults with diagnoses other than CLL and that had 1–10% BLP had CD5− negative, CD10+, CD19+ cells that reacted with the 4A5-Alexa 647. These cells in such samples had a MFI of 19 and a MFIR relative to that of isotype-control-stained BLP of 6.3. On average, 48% of such cells in each sample had higher fluorescence intensity when stained with 4A5-Alexa-647 than when stained with an isotype-control mAb (range 18–79%). Four color flow cytometric analysis with CD10, CD19, CD5, and 4A5 detected CLL cells present at less than 0.1% in reconstituted blood or marrow samples, including marrow with 3–5% BLP. Background was between 0.01% and 0.1% with whole blood (marrow) lysis when we acquired a total of 100,000 flow-cytometric events. These data indicate that anti-ROR1 mAbs can be used with mAbs specific for CD10, CD19, and CD5 for sensitive detection of MRD in CLL.
RISK STRATIFICATION OF CHILDREN UNDERGOING VALVE-SPARING REPAIR OF TETRALOGY OF FALLOT

Background: Patient-based determinants of pulmonary valve (PV) function post valve-sparing repair (VSR) of tetralogy of Fallot (ToF) are unknown. We developed a risk score for structural valve deterioration (SVD) in patients undergoing VSR of ToF. Methods: All patients who underwent VSR of ToF at <
A minimum CR2 binding domain of C3D enhances immunity following vaccination

The degradation product of the third (C3) complement component, C3d, links innate and adaptive immunity, and the covalent attachment of C3d to an antigen enhances antigen-specific immune responses. C3d has been hypothesized to enhance immunity by direct interaction with complement receptor 2 (CR2/CD21) on immune cells. However, the domains on C3d important for CR2 binding have been controversial, with various studies reaching contradictory conclusions. In addition, the concept of B-cell activation via CR2 by C3d has been questioned, since mice lacking CR2 still elicit C3d-enhanced immunity following vaccination. Therefore, the goal of this study was to determine if a peptide representing one of the proposed CR2 binding domains of C3d could substitute for the entire protein and enhance antigen-specific immunity. Mice (BALB/c) were vaccinated with the HIV-1 gp120 envelope glycoprotein (Envgp120) alone or fused to multiple copies of the murine C3d or a twenty-eight amino-acid peptide (P28) containing a minimum CR2 binding domain. Each immunogen was expressed from DNA plasmid in vivo or injected as purified recombinant protein. The fusion of the P28 peptide to Envgp120 enhanced both humoral and cell-mediated immune responses with similar efficiency as Envgp120 conjugated to C3d. The fusion of C3d or P28 to Envgp120 elicited higher-titer anti-Env specific antibody, enhanced avidity maturation of the elicited antibody, and elicited higher numbers of IFN-γ and IL-4 secreting cells compared to Envgp120 immunizations. This CR2-binding domain specific 28 amino acid peptide can substitute for the entire C3d molecule and enhance immunity. These results indicate that the adjuvant properties of C3d are associated with CR2 interaction.
Insulin auto-antigenicity in type 1 diabetes (Reply)

Wilson discusses the avidity of the lymph-node T-cell clones we described1 that recognize the insulin A1–15 fragment. He questions whether large enough concentrations of insulin would be available in situ for antigenic stimulation of T cells2, given the amount of peptide required to stimulate the clones and their degree of responsiveness.
Theories of Knowledge and Theories of Everything

There are four types of information an agent can have concerning the state of the universe: information acquired via observation, via control, via prediction, or via retrodiction, i.e., memory. Each of these four types of information appear to rely on a different kind of physical device (e.g., an observation device, a control device, etc.). However it turns out that there is some mathematical structure that is common to those four types of devices. Any device that possesses that structure is known as an “inference device” (ID). Here I review some of the properties of IDs, including their relation with Turing machines, and (more loosely) quantum mechanics. I also review the bounds on the joint information about the physical universe that can be held by any set of IDs. These bounds constrain the possible mathematical structure of any universe that contains agents with information concerning that universe in which they are embedded.
The limits of housing revitalization as a platform for improving residents’ economic well-being: lessons from the U.S.

Thirty years ago, the United States faced a crisis with its public housing stock. This paper reviews what the evidence shows about the successes and failures of 20 years of public housing transform...
Vegans in the Interregnum: The Cultural Moment of an Enmeshed Theory

In this essay, Wright traces her historical and personal understanding of vegan studies as it emerged—unnamed—somewhere around 2003, when she was working on a doctoral dissertation on the works of South African novelist J. M. Coetzee. She then furthers the trajectory of vegan theory as a mode of politically engaged scholarly inquiry via a theoretical inquiry into the often-overt focus on veganism, tacit fear of politicized eating, and animal bodies that played a role in the 2016 US presidential election of Donald J. Trump.
Adipocyte-specific Repression of PPAR-gamma by NCoR Contributes to Scleroderma Skin Fibrosis

A pivotal role for adipose tissue homeostasis in systemic sclerosis (SSc) skin fibrosis is increasingly recognized. The nuclear receptor PPAR-γ is the master regulator of adipogenesis. Peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) has antifibrotic effects by blocking transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and is dysregulated in SSc. To unravel the impact of dysregulated PPAR-γ in SSc, we focused on nuclear corepressor (NCoR), which negatively regulates PPAR-γ activity and suppresses adipogenesis. An NCoR-regulated gene signature was measured in the SSc skin transcriptome. Experimental skin fibrosis was examined in mice with adipocyte-specific NCoR ablation. SSc skin biopsies demonstrated deregulated NCoR signaling. A 43-gene NCoR gene signature showed strong positive correlation with PPAR-γ signaling (R = 0.919, p < 0.0001), whereas negative correlations with TGF-β signaling (R = − 0.796, p < 0.0001) and the modified Rodnan skin score (R = − 0.49, p = 0.004) were found. Mice with adipocyte-specific NCoR ablation demonstrated significant protection from experimental skin fibrosis and inflammation. The protective effects were mediated primarily through endogenous PPAR-γ. Our results implicate, for the first time, to our knowledge, deregulated NCoR/PPAR-γ pathways in SSc, and they support a role of adipocyte modulation of skin fibrosis. Pharmacologic restoration of NCoR/PPAR-γ signaling may represent a novel strategy to control skin fibrosis in SSc.
Anomalies of Amino Acid Metabolism

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the anomalies of amino-acid metabolism. All metabolic anomalies can be regarded as anomalies of amino acid metabolism. Except in the newborn infant, free hydroxyproline is present in the blood and urine in such small amounts as to be detectable only in trace amounts or not at all, even by the most sensitive column chromatographic procedures. Albinism is a common inborn metabolic error, and its incidence varies from 1:5,000 to 1:25,000. It is seen in all races and in many species of animals. It is a hereditary disorder of melanin formation caused by a deficiency of the enzyme tyrosinase in the melanocytes of the skin, hair, and eyes. Alcaptonuria is caused by the absence of homogentisic acid oxidase, an enzyme normally present in the liver and the kidney that converts homogentisic acid to maleyl acetoacetate—a step in the further degradation of tyrosine. The characteristic features of familial dysautonomia are reduced or absent tear formation during crying, excessive perspiration on excitement, transient blotching of the skin, cold hands and feet, poor motor coordination, difficulty in swallowing, relative indifference to pain, and a striking emotional lability.