cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Modulation of SIV and HIV DNA Vaccine Immunity by Fas-FasL Signaling

Signaling through the Fas/Apo-1/CD95 death receptor is known to affect virus-specific cell-mediated immune (CMI) responses. We tested whether modulating the Fas-apoptotic pathway can enhance immune responses to DNA vaccination or lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) infection. Mice were electroporated with plasmids expressing a variety of pro- or anti-apoptotic molecules related to Fas signaling and then either LCMV-infected or injected with plasmid DNA expressing SIV or HIV antigens. Whereas Fas or FasL knockout mice had improved CMI, down-regulation of Fas or FasL by shRNA or antibody failed to improve CMI and was accompanied by increases in regulatory T cells (Treg). Two “adjuvant” plasmids were discovered that significantly enhanced plasmid immunizations. The adjuvant effects of Fas-associated death domain (FADD) and of cellular FLICE-inhibitory protein (cFLIP) were consistently accompanied by increased effector memory T lymphocytes and increased T cell proliferation. This adjuvant effect was also observed when comparing murine infections with LCMV-Armstrong and its persisting variant LCMV-Clone 13. LCMV-Armstrong was cleared in 100% of mice nine days after infection, while LCMV-Clone 13 persisted in all mice. However, half of the mice pre-electroporated with FADD or cFLIP plasmids were able to clear LCMV-Clone 13 by day nine, and, in the case of cFLIP, increased viral clearance was accompanied by higher CMI. Our studies imply that molecules in the Fas pathway are likely to affect a number of events in addition to the apoptosis of cells involved in immunity.
Americanization and Australia

Americanization and Australia is a collection of essays exploring the negotiation of influence and power involved in Americanization abroad. Offering a diverse response by specialists in several fields, this book is an investigation of identity politics.
Migrant Civil Society: New Voices in the Struggle Over Community Development

ABSTRACT:Port-of-entry immigrant neighborhoods have long been a feature of the American city. Dense cross-border networks are reshaping port-of-entry immigrant neighborhoods and creating “transnational communities” where forces of global economic restructuring and practices of everyday life combine into a distinctive form of urbanization. Yet immigration has also created tensions and conflicts. Lack of affordable housing, inadequate access to quality schools, substandard employment, and unmet basic needs are among the problems facing large segments of society. Their resolution has been rendered more problematic by questions concerning the immigration status of many residents. The lack of recourse for undocumented immigrants to the state has meant that the task of resolving these social problems has been displaced onto civil society. This article considers the role of nonprofit, community organizations and social movement organizations—part of an emergent migrant civil society—in responding to a variety of...
Impact of energy cost and water resource availability on agriculture and ground water quality in California

Abstract This paper discusses the simultaneous effects of water scarcity and energy price increases on farm-level decisions such as water-related technology substitution and cropping patterns, and on groundwater quantity and quality, and farm income. A dynamic model is used. The model maximizes lomg-run private profits by incorporating dynamic relationships of water level and quality in aquifer, with management and technology change. The model is applied on a regional scale to conditions in Kern Country, California. This region has been hit by a six-year drought, and faces a proposed increase in electricity rates for agricultural-class customers. The simulation results suggest that over time, given the changes in water availability and energy prices, the proportion of groundwater in irrigation water will increase, cropping patterns will consist of higher shares of salt-tolerant crops, more energy and water saving pumping and irrigation equipment will replace existing technologies, agricultural net income will drop significantly, the level of groundwater in the aquifer will drop, and its quality will degrade. In extreme scenarios, agriculture may cease in locations depending heavily on groundwater.
A technique for proximal first metatarsal osteotomy for hallux valgus repair.

Multiple surgical procedures and first metatarsal osteotomy techniques have been described for the repair of hallux valgus deformities. Mild deformities can be corrected by soft-tissue procedures alone or with distal osteotomies. Deformities with larger 1-2 intermetatarsal angles require more proximal first metatarsal osteotomies. Commonly described proximal osteotomies include the crescentic (1), long oblique (2, 3), triplanar (4), closing wedge (5), and proximal chevron (6). Although all of these procedures have been reported to have clinical and radiographic success, each has certain technical difficulties. The crescentic osteotomy is susceptible to dorsiflexion (1, 6–9). In addition, screw fixation is not perpendicular to the osteotomy and may be apt to cross into the first metatarsocuneiform joint. Long oblique osteotomies may slide proximally and shorten (8). The triplanar osteotomy is technically difficult and may split the first metatarsal (10). Collapse of the metatarsal fragments leading to loss of height has also been reported (11). Resecting the preferred amount of bone can be difficult with closing wedge osteotomies, and aggressive resection can lead to shortening (5, 12). The proximal chevron and crescentic osteotomies are difficult to fix with screw fixation (6, 13) and have decreased strength as compared with the other aforementioned proximal osteotomies (8, 14). We present a technique for proximal metatarsal osteotomy for repair of significant hallux valgus deformity. This technique is not technically difficult, does not allow shortening, and provides solid screw fixation.
On the Linear Separability of the Safe and Unsafe State Subsets of Single-Unit Resource Allocation Systems

The main purpose of this correspondence is to demonstrate, through a counter-example, that, contrary to what was published recently in [1], the states belonging to the safe and unsafe subspaces of a single-unit resource allocation system (SU-RAS) might not be linearly separable. In addition, we identify a particular sub-class of SU-RAS for which the aforementioned property is guaranteed.
Oriented Si and Ge Nanocrystals Formed in Al2O3 by Ion Implantation and Annealing

Ion implantation followed by thermal annealing in a reducing atmosphere has been used to create a high density of oriented Si and Ge nanocrystals in (0001) Al2O3. Both types of nanocrystals are three-dimensionally aligned with respect to the Al2O3 matrix, but the orientational relationships are different, and the two types of nanocrystals have different shapes in Al2O3. Implantation of Si and Ge in fused silica also produces nanocrystals, but in this case, the nanocrystals are randomly oriented relative to each other.
Induced electrostatic charge in poleward motion of chromosomes during mitosis

Abstract Previously, I have proposed a model for post-attachment chromosome motions based on electrostatics and assumptions regarding net charge on kinetochores (KCs) and the pericentriolar material of centrosomes. The present work shows that given the electric dipole nature of tubulin, layered water associated with electric charge, and the dynamic instability of microtubules, it is possible to account for these motions within a comprehensive model based on electrostatics without making any assumptions regarding net charge on these structures—a minimal assumptions comprehensive model. Tubulin microtubule (MT) subunits are electric dipolar structures that can induce charge on a KC or centrosome matrix through the reduced permittivity of layered cytoplasmic water. Thus, prometaphase post-attachment, metaphase, and anaphase-A poleward (P) motions can be explained by nanoscale electrostatic MT dissassembly forces acting at KCs and centrosomes. With the increase in intracellular free calcium concentration at the onset of anaphase, the probability of MT disassembly is increased significantly, allowing P-directed nanoscale electrostatic MT disassembly forces acting at KCs and centrosomes to dominate and anaphase-A motion ensues. Anaphase-B motion is due to electrostatic repulsion between like-charged free ends of polar MTs originating from opposite poles.
Estimation of p{x > y} based on progressively truncated versions of the wilcqxon-mann-whitney statistics

Stochastic processes related to some generalized U-statistics (with especial emphasis on the Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney (WMW-) statistic), under progressive right censoring, are considered for prediction purposes. Their weak convergence results are incorporated in the study of the asymptotic properties of the predictors. The form of the estimable parameter as a function of the truncation point is studied for the WMW case for some typical distributions and the theoretical results are supplemented by simulated ones.
Raccoon rabies in space and time.

Rabies is the only pathogen to play a role in a Disney movie. While defending the children who costar in the 1957 film against a rabid coyote, the canine hero of “Old Yeller” is bitten and acquires the infection. Eventually, Old Yeller becomes rabid and moves on to the great casting kennel in the sky, and a younger understudy then helps to placate the mortified children. If Disney were to remake the film, they might have to replace canine rabies with raccoon rabies, which is now the major strain of rabies in the United States; more than 85% of the rabies cases currently recorded in the United States are reported from raccoons. Most of these are from a strain of rabies that continues to expand its geographical distribution. This rabies strain was given a new lease on life in 1976, when Jimmy Carter was elected to the United States presidency. As several members of Carter's cabinet and personal staff missed going “‘coon hunting” over the weekend, they had some raccoons imported into Virginia from Georgia (1). The strain of rabies that came with these raccoons initiated an outbreak of rabies in the local raccoon population that has been steadily expanding ever since, predominantly in a northeasterly direction (2). The annual United States budget to control rabies is $300 million; a further $15 million is spent annually on postexposure prophylactic treatment of the 18,000 to 20,000 people who are exposed each year (3, 4).
Sedimentology, diagenesis, and stratigraphic occurrence of giant ooids in the Ediacaran Rainstorm Member, Johnnie Formation, Death Valley region, California

The Rainstorm Member of the late Neoproterozoic Johnnie Formation contains several distinctive features of possibly regional to global significance—the Johnnie Oolite, an incised valley with a carbonate breccia fill, and an enigmatic bed of giant ooids (the Rainstorm giant ooids). Although the Johnnie Oolite and the incised valley occur in most Johnnie Formation outcrops scattered throughout the Death Valley region, the giant ooids have only been observed in one area, restricted to the southern Nopah Range. If these giant ooids were deposited as part of the Rainstorm Member, they would represent the youngest known occurrence of Neoproterozoic giant ooids and the only such unit deposited after the last Precambrian glaciation (the Gaskiers). However, since the giant ooid bed is associated with the incised valley fill, it could simply be a large block of oolite derived from the stratigraphically lower Beck Spring Dolomite, known to contain giant ooids. This study uses mapping, petrography, and isotope geochemistry to compare giant ooids from the Rainstorm Member and the Beck Spring Dolomite, with the goal of determining the provenance of the Rainstorm giant ooids. All lines of evidence suggest that the Rainstorm giant ooids form a unit distinctly different from those of the Beck Spring Dolomite. Carbon isotope values from the ooid bed indicate that it was probably deposited after the Shuram δ^(13)C excursion, making this the youngest known Precambrian giant ooid unit. The most plausible explanation for this bed is that it is a raft derived from a so far unobserved pre-incision Rainstorm Member giant ooid bed, which would also have been the source of many of the giant ooid clasts in the incision breccia.
Does Organizational Structure Matter? Investigation Centralization, Case Clearances, and Robberies:

This study examines the reorganization of robbery detectives from a decentralized to centralized model in one large department, with the purpose of understanding whether organizational structure affects robbery clearance. Time-series regression models (Auto-Regressive, Integrated, Moving Average) demonstrate that the percentage of investigation-eligible robberies cleared by arrest increased and reported robberies decreased subsequent to the reorganization. Additionally, interviews indicated organizational changes in case processing with respect to information collection and use, cooperation among detectives and other police, and the police–prosecutor interface. The organization of robbery detectives appears to be important to case clearances and crime reduction. A more comprehensive research program on police investigations is recommended to fully assess the costs and benefits of detective configurations.
Three new species of Dasylirion (Nolinaceae) from Mexico and a clarification of the D. longissimum complex

Three new species ofDasylirion and a new variety ofD. longissimum Lem. from the mountains of northern Mexico are described and illustrated. Two of the new species are from northwestern Mexico:D. gentryi, with large, rosecolored fruits and glossy, non-waxy leaves; andD. sereke, characterized by roundish fruits with an unusuall large style.Dasylirion miquihuanense is a new species from northeastern Mexico with narrow, strictly upright leaves and widely separated marginal prickles. TheDasylirion longissimum complex consists of two species,D. quadrangulatum S. Wats andD. longissimum Lem., characterized by narrow, quadrangulate leaves with reduced or absents marginal prickles. Distinguishing features of these two species, which have often been confused, are presented andD. longissimum var.treleasei, characterized by small flowers and fruits, is described.
Low-temperature crosslinking of anion exchange membranes

This paper reports crosslinked anion exchange membranes using a low temperature olefin metathesis crosslinking scheme. Styrene-based block and random copolymers bearing benzyl chloride or benzyl trimethyl quaternary ammonium chloride groups were synthesized by reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. The crosslinked AEMs were prepared from styrene-based block copolymers with alkene pendant groups through crosslinking metathesis via Grubbs 2nd generation catalyst. The covalent crosslinking afforded robust mechanical properties in dry materials and low water uptake and small dimensional change for the hydrated membranes, even at high ion exchange capacity (IEC). The crosslinked membranes showed good conductivity when in contact with liquid water, but had lower conductivity than samples of uncrosslinked AEMs under relative humidity hydration conditions. The morphologies of crosslinked AEMs as investigated by SAXS showed correlation with their conductivity values.
Reprogramming the human cancer cell nucleus.

Background The human cancer cell nucleus contains 46 or more chromosomes, each bearing portions of the human genome. During the initiation and progression of the neoplastic state, chromosome portions can be duplicated, deleted, translocated or inverted, and these lesions often aggravate the rate of progression and metastasis of the cells. During gene transcription, two or more chromosomes can form gene clusters at specific gene sites, and such clusters regulate the rate of gene transcription and replication. Gene clusters are often sensitive to the immediate effects of ligand microRNAs (miRNAs) and other transcribed ultra-conserved noncoding RNAs (T-UCRs). Recent studies have reported 481 species of T-UCRs within human neuroblastoma cells, mostly from intragenic exon and/or intron sequences within the Ref-seq genome, but 37% were found transcribed from noncoding intergenic sites in the neoplastic cell genome [1]. In 237 of the 481 T-UCRs, intra-nuclear functions were completely independent of those within coding and other nuclear RNAs, and were increased in neuroblastomas of an aggressive type. Most of the TUCRs could be found in linked regions of 4 major gene clusters, associated with the 4 nuclear processes of neoplastic proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation, and patient survival. Similar T-UCR RNA patterns in normal human fibroblast BJ cells were also observed [1]. Earlier observations had demonstrated a specific deficiency of let-7 RNA microRNA species within human lung and breast neoplasms, that was reversed by the addition of let-7 RNA species to the neoplastic cells in culture [2,3].
Olfaction in Parkinson's disease and related disorders

Olfactory dysfunction is an early 'pre-clinical' sign of Parkinson's disease (PD). The present review is a comprehensive and up-to-date assessment of such dysfunction in PD and related disorders. The olfactory bulb is implicated in the dysfunction, since only those syndromes with olfactory bulb pathology exhibit significant smell loss. The role of dopamine in the production of olfactory system pathology is enigmatic, as overexpression of dopaminergic cells within the bulb's glomerular layer is a common feature of PD and most animal models of PD. Damage to cholinergic, serotonergic, and noradrenergic systems is likely involved, since such damage is most marked in those diseases with the most smell loss. When compromised, these systems, which regulate microglial activity, can influence the induction of localized brain inflammation, oxidative damage, and cytosolic disruption of cellular processes. In monogenetic forms of PD, olfactory dysfunction is rarely observed in asymptomatic gene carriers, but is present in many of those that exhibit the motor phenotype. This suggests that such gene-related influences on olfaction, when present, take time to develop and depend upon additional factors, such as those from aging, other genes, formation of α-synuclein- and tau-related pathology, or lowered thresholds to oxidative stress from toxic insults. The limited data available suggest that the physiological determinants of the early changes in PD-related olfactory function are likely multifactorial and may include the same determinants as those responsible for a number of other non-motor symptoms of PD, such as dysautonomia and sleep disturbances.
Suprabasal Induction of Ornithine Decarboxylase in Adult Mouse Skin Is Sufficient to Activate Keratinocytes

To study the effects of de novo induction of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity in adult, quiescent skin, we generated transgenic mice in which the suprabasal expression of an inducible form of the ODC protein fused to a modified estrogen receptor ligand-binding domain (ODCER) is driven by an involucrin promoter. After topical treatment with the inducing agent 4-hydroxytamoxifen (4OHT), ODC activity and putrescine levels were dramatically increased in the epidermis but not in the dermis of transgenic mice. 4OHT treatment stimulated both proliferation as measured by bromodeoxyuridine incorporation in basal epidermal cells and differentiation shown by increased expression of differentiation markers. Furthermore, induction of ODC activity did not rescue primary epidermal keratinocyte cultures isolated from ODCER2 mice from a calcium-triggered DNA synthesis block, as measured by [ 3 H]thymidine incorporation. In vivo induction of epidermal ODC enzyme activity significantly stimulated the vascularization of ODCER transgenic skin. Increased expression of interleukin-1β and keratin 6, markers of keratinocyte activation seen in wound healing, was also observed in 4OHT-treated transgenic skin. These results suggest that de novo suprabasal induction of ODC activity in adult mouse skin activates keratinocytes and stimulates vascularization in the dermal layer in a manner similar to skin undergoing wound healing.
The measurement of the range-energy relation and straggling of α particles in air using a solid state detector

Abstract The energy loss of α-particles has been studied with a surface barrier detector making use of its much higher resolution than that of ion chambers used in the older work. The range-energy relation has been redetermined with 210Po α-particles. The mean range was found to be 3.835 ± 0.010 cm, which is in agreement with previous work. The semiconductor detector made it possible to measure energy straggling over the whole energy range. The range straggling parameter was derived and good agreement was found with the quantum mechanical theory of straggling which takes into account the effect of electron binding.
Teachers' Sense of Efficacy and Their Beliefs about Managing Students.

Abstract Teachers' sense of efficacy, the belief that they can have a positive effect on student learning, appears to be related to teachers' classroom management approaches. Some of these findings have been established, however, with a definition that inappropriately combines two separate dimensions of the construct, general and personal teaching efficacy. In this study we examined the relationships between each dimension of efficacy and several measures of teachers' orientations toward management, control, and student motivation. For the 55 religious school teachers studied, the greater the teacher's sense of personal efficacy, the more humanistic the teacher's pupil control orientation. The stronger the teacher's belief that teaching can be successful, even with difficult and unmotivated students (general teaching efficacy), the more humanistic the teacher's pupil control orientation and the more the teacher supported student autonomy in solving classroom problems. Teachers who believed that students must be controlled and cannot be trusted were also more likely to believe that extrinsic rewards are necessary to motivate the students. These results are discussed in terms of possible contextual effects on the relationships between management beliefs and efficacy and the possible connections between sense of efficacy, class management, and student achievement.
Preparation and properties of substituted ammonium hexafluorotitanates

Abstract Methods for the preparation of ammonium-type hexafluorotitanates are described. Solubilities, infra-red spectra and X-ray powder diffraction patterns are reported. Thermal decomposition of some of these materials occurs on sublimation and the products obtained are reported. These decomposition products are substituted ammonium fluorides and bifluorides, some of which are not previously described.
The pseudotransition zone in long segment Hirschsprung's disease.

Two cases of Hirschsprung's disease with pseudotransition zones are presented. The location and appearance of the transition zone, transverse contractions proximal to the radiographic transition zone, and a delayed film aid in distinguishing a false transition zone from a true transition zone.
Use of growth factors with antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis C

Interferon (IFN)-based regimens for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection have become increasingly effective and are able to eradicate virus in more than one half of treated individuals. Treatment strategies are complex and involve self-administration of injectable IFN and oral ribavirin medication, frequent office visits, and laboratory testing. Current therapies have significant side effects that may impair performance and quality of life (QOL), necessitating dose reductions or interruption of therapy. As a consequence of these dose reductions or treatment interruptions, patients may not achieve a sustained virologic response (SVR). Recent data suggest that aggressive management of side effects may improve QOL and therefore patient adherence to therapy. Use of antidepressant and anxiolytic medications and off-label use of hemopoietic stem cell growth factors are increasing in the daily management of HCV therapy. Although these therapies may improve QOL, prevent dose reductions, and increase the number of patients completing therapy, there are no data available to definitively show that such tactics are associated with improvement in SVR rates in individual patients.
Eye-safe lidar as an undergraduate research experience

Agnes Scott College and the Georgia Institute of Technology are jointly developing an eye safe atmospheric lidar as a unique hands-on research experience for undergraduates, primarily undergraduate women. Students from both institutions will construct the lidar under the supervision of Agnes Scott and Georgia Tech faculty members. The engineering challenges of making lidar accessible and appropriate for undergraduates are described. The project is intended to serve as a model for other schools.
Laminar boundary layer on a cone near a plane of symmetry.

The three-dimensional laminar boundary layer near the planes of symmetry of a cone with either outflow or inflow is studied in supersonic and hypersonic flow. Solutions are presented for a variety of values of three parameters, namely those of cross flow, external Mach number, and wall enthalpy ratio. Also asymptotic solutions for ranges of pertinent similarity variables are developed and used in numerical analyses so as to assure exponential behavior as the similarity variables approach infinity. Of special interest in the results is the existence for outflow, i.e., for the windward plane of symmetry, of a new solution branch and for inflow of four solution branches. The physical significance of the new solutions is discussed.
The Diagnostic Value of BAC for Identifying Alcohol-Related Problems among DWI Offenders: Another Look

The present study examines the association between breath alcohol concentration (BAC) at arrest and problem drinking for a sample of 1,283 male DWI offenders in the US Army. The results indicated a moderate but statistically significant association between BAC at arrest and DSM-III diagnosis. BAC's ability to indicate problem drinking was also compared with the diagnostic ability of three well-known, paper-and-pencil instruments designed for that purpose. BAC performed as well in identifying problems with alcohol as did the MAST, the MacAndrew Scale of the MMPI, and the Vaillant.
Photoion angular distributions in dissociative photoionization of H 2 at 304 Å

Photoionization of H2 by 304-Å radiation can produce the 2pσu, 2pπu, and 2sσg repulsive states of H2+. The angular distributions of energetic (> 2 eV) protons from these states have been measured relative to the incident unpolarized light beam using a rotatable hemispherical electrostatic analyzer. Axial-recoil conditions apply in this situation, so that the photofragment angular distribution would be sin2θ for pure Σ→Σ electronic transitions and 1 + cos2θ for pure Σ→Π electronic transitions. However, unlike photodissociation processes forming neutral products, the present process also involves the ejection of photoelectrons with alternative symmetries, each associated with one of the above characteristic photoion angular distributions. Consequently, measurement of the net photoion angular distribution in dissociative photoionization yields the branching ratio between the alternative (degenerate) channels available to the photoelectron. This type of information cannot be deduced by observing the photoelectron itself. The present results indicate that the formation of the 2pσu state H2+ at 304 Å is accompanied by ejection of photoelectrons with significant d-wave character.
Characterization of lymphocyte subpopulations in human cord blood using the immunogold staining technique.

Lymphocyte subpopulations in human cord blood have been examined using monoclonal antibodies, visualized with immunogold. The proportions of T11, T4, T8, and B1, cells in cord blood are very similar to values in adult peripheral blood. Some evidence of lymphocyte immaturity in cord blood is suggested by the presence of 12% CALLA-positive cells and the sum of T4 and T8 cells significantly exceeding the number of T11 cells; however, there were no TdT-positive cells. The presence of CALLA-positive lymphocytes in normal cord blood should be borne in mind when investigating blood smears from neonates for congenital leukemia.
On Iterated Tests of Hypotheses

Abstract The problem of iterated tests of hypotheses has been treated from the standpoint of multiple decision theory. Under the assumption that there is a UMP test (not necessarily similar) for each component hypothesis, a procedure has been developed which ensures an upper bound for various probabilities of misclassification and which maximizes the probabilities of correct classification in some class.
A variance component approach to dichotomous trait linkage analysis using a threshold model

We developed and utilized a multipoint variance components method to test for linkage between a disease trait and markers on chromosome 5 in the simulated data provided in GAW10 Problem 2. We demonstrated that the discrete trait variance components method recovers unbiased estimates of quantitative trait locus (QTL) location and reasonable estimates of effect size. We also showed that dichotomization of (a continuous trait such as) Q1 diminished the power to detect linkage compared to direct analysis of Q1, and that extended pedigree analyses provided superior power to detect linkage compared to those in nuclear families.
Pseudoatom version of the rigid-muffin-tin approximation

The electron-phonon coupling parameter ($\ensuremath{\lambda}$) is calculated for the metals K, Al, Cu, and Nb using the rigid-muffin-tin approximation but with the Fermi energy as an adjustable parameter and phase shifts obtained by fitting the Fermi-surface dimensions. A pseudoatom muffin-tin potential is obtained by making a suitable choice of the Fermi-energy parameter. In simple metals the choice is defined in terms of the screening constraint. In transition metals an arbitrary choice (half the "band-structure" value) is suggested. For the simple metals $\ensuremath{\lambda}$ changes by a factor of 3 or more over the range of Fermi energies considered but agrees well with experimental estimates at the pseudoatom value. In niobium the shift leaves the average value of $\ensuremath{\lambda}$ essentially unaltered but changes the anisotropy so as to better match the experimental anisotropy. Provided the same criteria are used for determining the Fermi-energy parameter, very similar results are obtained using a scaling procedure suggested by Butler and based on the atomic-sphere approximation.
How to fit program footprint curves

A footprint is the volume of data accessed in a time window. A complete characterization requires summarizing all footprints in all execution windows. A concise summary is the footprint curve, which gives the average footprint in windows of different lengths. The footprint curve contains information from all footprints. It can be measured in time O(n) for a trace of length n, which is fast enough for most benchmarks.In this paper, we outline a study on footprint curves. We propose four curve fitting methods based on the real data observed in SPEC benchmark programs.
Probabilistic Design Approach for Cyclic Fatigue Life Prediction of Microelectronic Interconnects

Deterministic approaches may predict the life of solder joint interconnects used in microelectronic devices far different from the test results and field environment. This difference is caused by uncertainties introduced in finite element and damage modeling with different random variables such as material properties, geometry, damage model constants, and many others. This paper presents a methodology to include these uncertainties in the life prediction approach for solder joint materials. The approach is implemented in predicting the life of ball grid array Pb-free solder joints under thermo-mechanical cyclic loading using the energy partitioning (E-P) damage model. The sensitivity of the finite element results to uncertainties in elastic and inelastic material properties are investigated using this probabilistic approach. In addition final life prediction sensitivity to uncertainties in damage model constants are studied and compared with the effect of uncertainties in material properties. The analyses show that from material properties, creep coefficient and activation energy are two factors that have significant effect in fluctuating the prediction results. Coefficient of thermal expansion was also found to have a strong effect. When compared with the damage model constants, material properties are found to have a negligible effect suggesting a more cautious use of the damage models and constants. Damage model exponents show a more significant effect than damage model coefficients.
Synthesis and characterization of lipooligosaccharide-based conjugates as vaccine candidates for Moraxella (Branhamella) catarrhalis

Moraxella (Branhamella) catarrhalis is an important cause of otitis media and sinusitis in children and of lower respiratory tract infections in adults. Lipooligosaccharide (LOS) is a major surface antigen of the bacterium and elicits bactericidal antibodies. Treatment of the LOS from strain ATCC 25238 with anhydrous hydrazine reduced its toxicity 20,000-fold, as assayed in the Limulus amebocyte lysate (LAL) test. The detoxified LOS (dLOS) was coupled to tetanus toxoid (TT) or high-molecular-weight proteins (HMP) from nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae through a linker of adipic acid dihydrazide to form dLOS-TT or dLOS-HMP. The molar ratios of dLOS to TT and HMP conjugates were 19:1 and 31:1, respectively. The antigenicity of the two conjugates was similar to that of the LOS, as determined by double immunodiffusion. Subcutaneous or intramuscular injection of both conjugates elicited a 50- to 100-fold rise in the geometric mean of immunoglobulin G (IgG) to the homologous LOS in mice after three injections and a 350- to 700-fold rise of anti-LOS IgG in rabbits after two injections. The immunogenicity of the conjugate was enhanced by formulation with monophosphoryl lipid A plus trehalose dimycolate. In rabbits, conjugate-induced antisera had complement-mediated bactericidal activity against the homologous strain and heterologous strains of M. catarrhalis. These results indicate that a detoxified LOS-protein conjugate is a candidate for immunization against M. catarrhalis diseases.
Conformable Patch Antenna Array for Energy Harvesting

Carbon nanotube (CNT) has emerged as potential candidate for replacement of conventional metal patch in antenna application. The principal objective of our research is to develop nanostructured flexible patch antenna array for multi- frequency operation in industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) band. Patch antenna design using CNT on flexible cotton sheets has been simulated with cotton as a substrate and CNT as conductive patch and ground plane. Due to high conformability and conductivity of CNT all antenna parameters like VSWR, return loss, gain and radiation pattern obtained using FEKO EMSS software meet design criteria. Our simulated antenna design shows a return loss less than -10 dB and VSWR less than 2 at 2.06 GHz, 2.38 GHz and 2.49 GHz. We have also simulated a versatile and conformable antenna design where the whole geometry is rolled up like patch array on cylindrical surface. Conformability to curved surfaces and integration with the structure brings about a unique antenna design. An inset fed square patch array is also proposed for RF energy harvesting operating in the 2.45 GHz ISM band that can harvest and store energy from the surrounding environment. Simulation result shows that dc voltage of 0.215 V can be achieved at -6 dbm received energy level at 2.45 GHz IEEE 802.11b band. This would correspond to potential working distance of 10m.
The Permanent Truth in the Idea of Natural Religion: The Dudleian Lecture for 1960

The idea of natural religion is one of those arresting ideas which never get fully defined but which nevertheless excite reflection and even controversy whenever they appear. The history of its life within the Christian tradition is a case in point; the idea has been taken as a foundation to be built upon, and it has been rejected as a combination of concepts involving the same sort of contradiction to be found in the notion of a round square. Natural religion has been appealed to as a touchstone of rationality and it has been attacked as illegitimate if not actually blasphemous. An idea capable of producing such reactions cannot be ignored.
QGRS Mapper: a web-based server for predicting G-quadruplexes in nucleotide sequences

The quadruplex structures formed by guanine-rich nucleic acid sequences have received significant attention recently because of growing evidence for their role in important biological processes and as therapeutic targets. G-quadruplex DNA has been suggested to regulate DNA replication and may control cellular proliferation. Sequences capable of forming G-quadruplexes in the RNA have been shown to play significant roles in regulation of polyadenylation and splicing events in mammalian transcripts. Whether quadruplex structure directly plays a role in regulating RNA processing requires investigation. Computational approaches to study G-quadruplexes allow detailed analysis of mammalian genomes. There are no known easily accessible user-friendly tools that can compute G-quadruplexes in the nucleotide sequences. We have developed a web-based server, QGRS Mapper, that predicts quadruplex forming G-rich sequences (QGRS) in nucleotide sequences. It is a user-friendly application that provides many options for defining and studying G-quadruplexes. It performs analysis of the user provided genomic sequences, e.g. promoter and telomeric regions, as well as RNA sequences. It is also useful for predicting G-quadruplex structures in oligonucleotides. The program provides options to search and retrieve desired gene/nucleotide sequence entries from NCBI databases for mapping G-quadruplexes in the context of RNA processing sites. This feature is very useful for investigating the functional relevance of G-quadruplex structure, in particular its role in regulating the gene expression by alternative processing. In addition to providing data on composition and locations of QGRS relative to the processing sites in the pre-mRNA sequence, QGRS Mapper features interactive graphic representation of the data. The user can also use the graphics module to visualize QGRS distribution patterns among all the alternative RNA products of a gene simultaneously on a single screen. QGRS Mapper can be accessed at http://bioinformatics.ramapo.edu/QGRS/.
Insights into plant biomass conversion from the genome of the anaerobic thermophilic bacterium Caldicellulosiruptor bescii DSM 6725.

Caldicellulosiruptor bescii DSM 6725 utilizes various polysaccharides and grows efficiently on untreated high-lignin grasses and hardwood at an optimum temperature of 80C. It is a promising anaerobic bacterium for studying high-temperature biomass conversion. Its genome contains 2666 protein- coding sequences organized into 1209 operons. Expression of 2196 genes (83%) was confirmed ex- perimentally. At least 322 genes appear to have been obtained by lateral gene transfer (LGT). Putative functions were assigned to 364 conserved/hypothetical protein (C/HP) genes. The genome contains 171 and 88 genes related to carbo- hydrate transport and utilization, respectively. Growth on cellulose led to the up-regulation of 32 carbohydrate-active (CAZy), 61 sugar transport, 25 transcription factor and 234 C/HP genes. Some C/HPs were overproduced on cellulose or xylan, suggesting their involvement in polysaccharide conversion. A unique feature of the genome is en- richment with genes encoding multi-modular, multi-functional CAZy proteins organized into one large cluster, the products of which are proposed to act synergistically on different components of plant cell walls and to aid the ability of C. bescii to convert plant biomass. The high duplication of CAZy domains coupled with the ability to acquire foreign genes by LGT may have allowed the bacterium to rapidly adapt to changing plant biomass-rich environments.
CO 2 detection at 2 μm using quartz enhanced photoacoustic spectroscopy

Sensitive carbon dioxide detection and analysis of the CO 2 relaxation process is performed using quartz enhanced photoacoustic spectroscopy and a diode laser operating at 2μm as the spectroscopic source. Sensor performance and optimization will be reported.
Theory of the Diode Voltmeter

The current-voltage characteristic of a diode can be expressed at low currents by an equation of the form i = GekE. An analysis based on this relation shows that the rectification efficiency and input resistance of the usual form of gridleak-condenser diode circuit can be conveniently expressed entirely in terms of the grid-leak resistance R 1 , the amplitude of the impressed alternating voltage E, a single parameter k of the tube, and an adjustable constant b. k is determined by the cathode temperature, and is constant, for a given tube, as long as the heater voltage is unchanged. b is equal to k times the voltage which exists across R 1 in the absence of an impressed alternating voltage, and can be adjusted to any value within a wide range by the use of a suitable bias battery. It is shown that large values of b give higher efficiencies of rectification, but that, if b is of the order of 100 or more, the effciency is practically as high as can be obtained, and is nearly independent of b. The various components of alternating current flowing through the diode are given by A n = 2A 0 f n (kE), in which A n is the amplitude of the nth harmonic of the impressed frequency and A 0 is the direct current through the diode, which last can be separately computed. f n = I n (kE)/I 0 (kE). I n (x) is the nth order Bessel's function of a pure imaginary argument.
Similarity solution of thermal boundary layers for laminar narrow axisymmetric jets

Abstract In this work, the similarity equation describing the thermal boundary layers of laminar narrow axisymmetric jets is derived based on boundary layer assumptions. The equation is solved exactly. Some properties of the thermal jet are discussed. By introducing new-defined non-dimensional coordinates, the similarity solution results in a “universal” format. The results can also be applied in the boundary layer problem of species diffusion.
Performance analysis of a new bandwidth balancing mechanism under the presence of erasure nodes

The no-slot-wasting bandwidth balancing (NSW BWB) recently proposed for dual-bus architectures provides throughput fairness and arbitrary bandwidth distribution without wasting channel slots. The performance of two variations of NSW BWB in the presence of erasure nodes and under one or multiple priority classes of traffic is studied by simulation. For both variations, the effect of the erasure mode locations on the throughputs of the various stations, as well as priority classes of traffic, is examined, and the performance of NSW BWB is compared with the corresponding performance of the bandwidth-balancing mechanism of the distributed queue dual bus. The simulation results reveal some very interesting properties for the first of the two NSW BWB variations that are used to derive analytic estimates of its throughput performance in the general case of arbitrary number of stations and arbitrary location of erasure nodes. >
Arsenic Induces NAD(P)H-quinone Oxidoreductase I by Disrupting the Nrf2·Keap1·Cul3 Complex and Recruiting Nrf2·Maf to the Antioxidant Response Element Enhancer

The ubiquitous toxic metalloid arsenic elicits pleiotropic adverse and adaptive responses in mammalian species. The biological targets of arsenic are largely unknown at present. We analyzed the signaling pathway for induction of detoxification gene NAD(P)H-quinone oxidoreductase (Nqo1) by arsenic. Genetic and biochemical evidence revealed that induction required cap 'n' collar basic leucine zipper transcription factor Nrf2 and the antioxidant response element (ARE) of Nqo1. Arsenic stabilized Nrf2 protein, extending the t(1/2) of Nrf2 from 21 to 200 min by inhibiting the Keap1 x Cul3-dependent ubiquitination and proteasomal turnover of Nrf2. Arsenic markedly inhibited the ubiquitination of Nrf2 but did not disrupt the Nrf2 x Keap1 x Cul3 association in the cytoplasm. In the nucleus, arsenic, but not phenolic antioxidant tert-butylhydroquinone, dissociated Nrf2 from Keap1 and Cul3 followed by dimerization of Nrf2 with a Maf protein (Maf G/Maf K). Chromatin immunoprecipitation demonstrated that Nrf2 and Maf associated with the endogenous Nqo1 ARE enhancer constitutively. Arsenic substantially increased the ARE occupancy by Nrf2 and Maf. In addition, Keap1 was shown to be ubiquitinated in the cytoplasm and deubiquitinated in the nucleus in the presence of arsenic without changing the protein level, implicating nuclear-cytoplasmic recycling of Keap1. Our data reveal that arsenic activates the Nrf2/Keap1 signaling pathway through a distinct mechanism from that by antioxidants and suggest an "on-switch" model of Nqo1 transcription in which the binding of Nrf2 x Maf to ARE controls both the basal and inducible expression of Nqo1.
Fibrinolytic Activity of Arterial Tissues

Arterial tissues were studied for plasminogen activator to demonstrate the possible relationship of its deficiency within the arterial wall to atherosclerosis. Activator was found primarily within the adventitia. The enzyme seemed to appear in fetuses at about the 2,000-Gm. stage of development. Different arteries showed varying activity, with the basilar artery showing least activity; the coronary and renal arteries showing the greatest activity; and the aortic arch; abdominal aorta, and pulmonary arteries falling between. The coronary arteries of females and the aortie arches of females under 60 years of age showed greater activity than those of comparable males. The degree of atherosclerotic in volvement of the coronahes or aorta could not be correlated with the level of plasminogen activator.
Evolution of transversus abdominis plane infiltration techniques for postsurgical analgesia following abdominal surgeries

Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) infiltration is a regional anesthesia technique that has been demonstrated to be effective for management of postsurgical pain after abdominal surgery. There are several different clinical variations in the approaches used for achieving analgesia via TAP infiltration, and methods for identification of the TAP have evolved considerably since the landmark-guided technique was first described in 2001. There are many factors that impact the analgesic outcomes following TAP infiltration, and the various nuances of this technique have led to debate regarding procedural classification of TAP infiltration. Based on our current understanding of fascial and neuronal anatomy of the anterior abdominal wall, as well as available evidence from studies assessing local anesthetic spread and cutaneous sensory block following TAP infiltration, it is clear that TAP infiltration techniques are appropriately classified as field blocks. While the objective of peripheral nerve block and TAP infiltration are similar in that both approaches block sensory response in order to achieve analgesia, the technical components of the two procedures are different. Unlike peripheral nerve block, which involves identification or stimulation of a specific nerve or nerve plexus, followed by administration of a local anesthetic in close proximity, TAP infiltration involves administration and spread of local anesthetic within an anatomical plane of the surgical site.
Regulation of excitatory input to inhibitory interneurons of the dentate gyrus during hypoxia.

Doherty, J. and R. Dingledine. Regulation of excitatory input to inhibitory interneurons of the dentate gyrus during hypoxia. J. Neurophysiol. 77: 393–404, 1997. The role of metabotropic glutamate ...