cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and photophysical properties of luminescent rhenium(I) and manganese(I) polypyridine complexes containing pendant 1,3,4-oxadiazole/triarylamine assemblies

Abstract A strongly absorbing and significantly luminescing diimine ligand, N,N′-diphenyl-p-(benzyl-1,3,4-oxadiazole)-2,2′-bipyridine (DPO-bpy), incorporating π-conjugated oxadiazole linkage units and remote triphenylamine groups has been synthesized and characterized, as have the corresponding mononuclear metal complexes, fac-(DPO-bpy)Re(CO)3Cl and fac-(DPO-bpy)Mn(CO)3Br. The rhenium complex was structurally characterized via X-ray crystallography. The nature of the emitting state of each of the complexes was elucidated via transient DC photoconductivity (TDCP), a technique that reports on the sign and magnitude of the difference in dipole moments between the emissive state and ground state. The TDCP signal is negative for the Re complex and is consistent with emission from a metal-to-ligand charge-transfer state. On the other hand, the TDCP signals for the Mn complex and for the free ligand are positive, with the complex yielding the larger value. The TDCP results, as well as extended Huckel calculations, support an intraligand charge-transfer assignment for the emissive states of both the Mn complex and the free ligand, with the former displaying a significantly higher emission quantum yield.
A quantitative nonimmunogenic transgene product for evaluating vectors in nonhuman primates.

The success of gene therapy depends on safe, effective vectors to transfer genetic information. We have developed a means to quantitatively assess efficacy of gene transfer vectors by using a biologically inert, secreted reporter molecule, the beta chain of chorionic gonadotropin (β-CG). Using an isogenic beta chain subunit of CG in a recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vector, overall gene transfer of rhesus macaque muscle is demonstrated over time by measuring the serum concentration of β-CG. Endogenous levels of gonadotropins are not detectable in healthy, nonpregnant primates as confirmed by the inability to detect serum levels of β-CG prior to vector administration. The serum concentration of β-CG also provides a measure for the transfer efficiency in liver and/or muscle in immunodeficient mice using recombinant adenovirus and rAAV vectors. No biological effect was observed in animals tested. Assaying for the serum level of β-CG serves as a surrogate quantitative marker of gene transfer without interfering with the biology of the host or transduction process.
Expression, localization and interaction of SNARE proteins in Arabidopsis are selectively altered by the dark

A method to detect binary interactions among SNAREs, membrane proteins mediating vesicle fusion, in Arabidopsis cells was established. In this method, a pair of recombinant SNAREs is first expressed within Arabidopsis protoplasts at levels similar to their endogenous proteins in 96-well plates. Changes of the interaction are then detected by luminescence. Here, we report that the interaction of SYP122 and VAMP721, a SNARE pair mediating exocytosis, is enhanced when Arabidopsis protoplasts are incubated in the dark. Microscopic observation of plants expressing GFP-SYP122 by the syp122 promoter suggests SYP122 is expressed in the root tip when the seedlings are grown in the dark but not in the light. In the identical dark-grown condition, the subcellular localization of SYP111/KNOLLE, specifically expressed in dividing cells, is altered. Together with our previous report, we hypothesize that expression, localization, and interaction of SNAREs are selectively altered by light conditions to regulate cargo tra...
Inferring the relative three-dimensional positions of two moving points.

We show that four orthographic projections of two rigidly linked points are compatible with at most four interpretations of the relative three-dimensional positions of the points if the points rotate about a fixed axis—even when the points as a system undergo arbitrary rigid translations. A fifth view (projection) yields a unique interpretation and makes zero the probability that randomly chosen image points will receive a three-dimensional interpretation. Assuming that the points rotate at a constant angular velocity, instead of adding a fifth view, also yields a unique interpretation and makes zero the probability that randomly chosen image points will receive a three-dimensional interpretation.
Cysteamine ophthalmic solution 0.44% for the treatment of corneal cystine crystals in cystinosis

Cystinosis is a rare autosomal recessive disease caused by abnormal accumulation of the amino acid cystine within lysosomes of various cells throughout the body, leading to multiple organ damage. Corneal cystine crystals are an ocular manifestation of cystinosis. Untreated, these corneal deposits worsen with time, often resulting in photophobia, ocular discomfort, blurred vision, and in severe cases, recurrent epithelial erosions, and band keratopathy. Oral cysteamine stabilizes renal and other systemic functions in these patients, but has no effect on cystine crystal accumulation in the cornea, due to the absence of a direct blood supply to the cornea. Cysteamine ophthalmic solution 0.44% reduces corneal cystine crystal deposition, helps clear existing crystals and is currently the only US FDA-approved therapy for the treatment of the corneal crystal involvement of cystinosis.
Antibiotic Resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae

Pneumococci were once among the most highly penicillin-susceptible bacteria. However, reports of multidrug-resistant strains have been published since the late 1970s. The rapid spread of resistant clones and the emergence of new variants of resistance mechanisms call for effective surveillance systems and collaboration among clinicians, scientists, the pharmaceutical industry, and regulatory and public health agencies.
Glucocorticoid regulation and glycosylation of mouse intestinal type IIb Na-Pi cotransporter during ontogeny

We sought to characterize expression of an apically expressed intestinal Na-Pi cotransporter (Na-Pi-IIb) during mouse ontogeny and to assess the effects of methylprednisolone (MP) treatment. In con...
Localized Corrosion of Aluminum Alloys—A Review

Abstract Localized corrosion, which usually appears as pitting, crevice corrosion (CC), or certain aspects of stress corrosion cracking (SCC), is a multi-step process. This review is organized by a consideration of the four steps involved in localized corrosion: (1) adsorption of the reactive anion on the oxide covered aluminum; (2) chemical reaction of the adsorbed anion with the aluminum ion in the aluminum oxide lattice or the precipitated aluminum hydroxide; (3) thinning of the oxide by dissolution; and (4) direct attack of the exposed metal by the anion, perhaps assisted by an anodic potential. The experimental work reported in the literature is evaluated within this framework.
Assessing the effect of snow/water obstructions on the measurement of tree seedlings in a large-scale temperate forest inventory

National-scale forest inventories have endeavoured to include holistic measurements of forest health inclusive of attributes such as downed dead wood and tree regeneration that occur in the forest understory. Inventories may require year-round measurement of inventory plots with some of these measurements being affected by seasonal obstructions (e.g. snowpacks and seasonal flooding). In order to assess the potential effects that snow/water obstructions may have on the measurement/analysis of forest seedlings across large scales, the differences in seedling abundance between two inventory measurements (~5-year remeasurement period) and as affected by snow/water depth was ascertained using a repeated forest inventory across the eastern US. Results indicate that there is a general trend of decreasing seedling density over time (-33.16 seedlings ha-1 year-1) in the eastern US, with snow/water depths in excess of 15 cm significantly affecting resulting estimates of seedling abundance. Although snow/water obstruction to seedling measurement occurred on ~9 per cent of inventory plots across the eastern US, snow was a much more common situation occurring on nearly 50 per cent of plots (at time 1, 2 or both) at high latitudes (>45°). Given the statistically significant effect of snow/water on seedling abundance estimates, tree regeneration assessments should not include observations obstructed by snow/water depths that exceed minimum seedling heights. Furthermore, seedling abundance inventories may mitigate the influence of measurement obstructions bysampling only during the summeror incorporating climate information into their sampling logistics.
The nesistor&#8212;A semiconductor negative resistance device

A semiconductor device similar in principle to the injecting-drain-field-effect transistor, having wide ranges of controllable negative resistance which can be used in counting, flip-flop, amplifying, and oscillator circuits, is described. The negative resistance arises from the modulation of the current between two ohmic contacts of circular symmetry, on a flat semiconductor wafer, by the effect of the collection of minority carriers on the pinching potential of a collector electrode. Families of negative resistance, of either the shunt or series type, are obtainable depending upon the mode of operation. Power gains of 60 and thermal dissipation of 1/4 watt have been achieved in liquid cooled units the size of high-frequency transistors. An improved sandwich-type base tab for mounting semiconductor wafers is shown. A theoretical analysis of the operation of the device permits prediction of the effect of various physical parameters upon the static electrical characteristics.
Meeting the electricity industry human resource needs: the universities' role

This is a summary of the presentation on the panel titled "Issues and Challenges in Power Engineering Careers" at the 2005 IEEE/PES GM in San Francisco, CA.
What may we conclude about global tropospheric temperature trends

[1] Three realizations of the atmospheric temperature representing the layer from the surface to about 18 km generated from microwave emissions were published in 2003. Their 1979–2002 linear trends were stated as +0.24 ± 0.02, +0.12 ± 0.02 and +0.03 ± 0.05°C decade−1. Because the upper portion of this layer includes the stratosphere, the opportunity to utilize radiosonde measurements as an independent assessor of these trend values is diminished. However, the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) also produces a lower tropospheric temperature (LT) product (0–8 km, trend of +0.08°C decade−1) for which radiosondes are much more suitable. Comparisons of this UAH product with radiosonde-simulated layer temperatures show no significant difference in LT trends, lending support for the least positive trend of the three deeper layer values (+0.03 ± 0.05°C decade−1) as it was constructed in the same manner as LT.
Sources of azimuthal asymmetries in ionized metal physical vapour deposition processes

The ionized metal physical vapour deposition (IMPVD) process is being developed to produce metal seed layers and diffusion barriers in deep contacts and vias for microelectronics fabrication. An IMPVD reactor is typically an antenna excited system where transmission line effects may produce asymmetric ion fluxes to the target and hence an asymmetric distribution of sputtered metal species in the reactor. A possible result is a non-uniform metal deposition on the wafer. In this paper, a three-dimensional model for an IMPVD reactor is employed to examine the consequences of asymmetric excitation and irregular sputter tracks on species' densities and fluxes. It was found that for typical conditions for Al IMPVD severe asymmetries in electron temperature and electron density profiles produced by a poorly optimized antenna are not reflected in the metal fluxes to the substrate. The metal species have improved symmetry due to charge exchange of the buffer gas ions to the metal and the higher mobility of the metal ions relative to the buffer gas ions. The symmetry and uniformity of the metal species above the wafer significantly improve when increasing the aspect ratio of the plasma region or increasing the pressure due to there being more diffusional transport. However, this improvement is accompanied by a decrease in the magnitude of metal fluxes to the wafer. Irregular sputter tracks combined with rotation of the target were also investigated.
A requirements negotiation model based on multi-criteria analysis

Many software projects have failed because their requirements were poorly negotiated among stakeholders. Requirements negotiation is more critical than other factors such as tools, process maturity, and design methods. The WinWin negotiation model successfully supports general requirements negotiation. However, making decisions to evaluate alternatives is still an ad-hoc process. This paper presents a systematic model, called Multi-Criteria Preference Analysis Requirements Negotiation (MPARN) to assist stakeholders to evaluate, negotiate and agree upon alternatives among stakeholders using multi-criteria preference analysis techniques.
On the design of 1xN multimode interference coupler for photonic integrated circuits

We derive an analytical relation for the maximum number of output channels for high performance (power transmission and uniformity) multimode interference (MMI) based 1xN optical beam splitters. Eigenvalue-expansion based simulation results confirm the analytical relation.
The Structure of Efficient Demodulators for Multidimensional Phase Modulated Signals

The structure of optimum receivers for multilink diversity reception of analog, nonlinear modulated signals is outlined. The receivers are optimum in the sense that they are maximum a posteriori probability estimates (an unconditional maximum-likelihood estimate) of the signal over a finite time interval. For the single link case, Youla has developed a pair of integral equations which specify the optimum estimator. For the multiple-signal, multiple-link case, the corresponding two matrix integral equations have been developed by Thomas and Wong. In both cases, the authors treat the AM case in detail and indicate that the equations for the PM case suggest mechanization schemes. This paper is, in essence, a study of the multidimensional implementation schemes and some of their ramifications. Several useful modulation schemes are discussed. For the multilink PM case with additive white Gaussian noise, we show that the optimum demodulator reduces to a generalized maximal-ratio combiner cascaded with an optimum one-dimensional demodulator. The optimum one-dimensional demodulator contains a nonrealizable filter in the feedback loop. By replacing the loop with an iterative structure the nonrealizability is eliminated. Next, a common multiple-carrier modulation scheme PM_{n}/PM is discussed. The optimum demodulators are shown. Once again, these loops contain nonrealizable filters. Here it is also possible to replace the feedback structure with an iterative structure to eliminate the nonrealizability. Alternately, one can use realizable filters and have a suboptimal demodulation scheme. In currently used demodulation schemes, the threshold of the main carrier is a primary system limitation. A heuristic explanation of the apparent threshold improvement of these suboptimum demodulators is given. An extension of the analytical development from no-memory modulation schemes such as PM to integral modulation schemes such as FM requires some justification. However, in most modulation schemes, the modulation waveforms are passed through pre-emphasis networks before being modulated onto the carrier. For this case, we show that our estimators are essentially optimum for the multilink FM, and FM,/FM case.
URBANIZATION, SECULARIZATION, AND BIRTH SPACING: A CASE STUDY OF AN HISTORICAL FERTILITY TRANSITION

This article presents an analysis of the effect that urban secularization of religious pronatalism had upon established birth spacing behavior over the course of the fertility transition in the population of 19th century Utah. A model of variance in birth intervals attributable to age at marriage age of childbearing termination and completed family size over the duration of childbearing thus defined is presented. The simple analytical model achieves a reasonable fit for birth interval data. In addition the model demonstrates the relative dependence of birth intervals upon the fertility achieved over the duration of childbearing rather than upon deliberate control over the beginning or ending of the childbearing interval. Variations in age at marriage become more important in explaining birth intervals than do variation in age at last birth. The model is elaborated by incorporating 5 specific hypotheses concerning the effects of urbanism secularization and their interaction upon interbirth intervals. 2 principal conclusions were derived. 1) Birth interval differentials among subcohorts defined by religiosity and urbanism are generally consistent with fertility effects of traditional urbanism and secularization perspectives. 2) There is however no consistent evidence that this frontier population was as heterogeneous in the secularization of traditional pronatalism as is often the case in either European or 3rd world settings. Although a pattern of urban secularization is found uniformity of social and behavioral changes suggestsa that relatively homogeneous demographic behavior was produced on the frontier by the largely external locus of secularizing influences in the mainstream eastern American community.
The Political Liberal Case Against the Estate Tax

L'A. substitue aux theories liberales de l'impot sur le revenu une approche politique et interpretative de la justice economique qui propose un nouveau systeme d'imposition fonde sur l'idee d'une taxe progressive sur la consommation s'inspirant des normes inchoatives des pratiques actuelles
Maxillofacial Rehabilitation of a Microstomic Patient After Resection of Nose, Lip, and Maxilla

Few published reports have addressed the issues related to upper lip reconstruction. The present clinical report describes the maxillofacial rehabilitation of an edentulous patient who had been diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the nasal septum and contiguous structures. The patient underwent total rhinectomy, anterior maxillectomy, and maxillary lip resection. Her maxillary lip was reconstructed with a bilateral cheek advancement flap, which allowed primary closure of the lip and aided in maintaining function of the orbicularis oris muscle. Microstomia was anticipated and was a consequence of this procedure. During primary resection, and before chemoradiotherapy, dental implants were successfully placed in the maxilla. These implants helped to retain a maxillary obturator prosthesis, which, in turn, helped to retain a silicone nasal prosthesis that restored the nasal defect. An intranasal acrylic resin framework with magnets aided in connecting the extraoral prosthesis with the intraoral prosthesis. The surgical and prosthodontic advantages of a cheek advancement flap and the treatment challenges in a microstomic patient are discussed.
An approach to associative retrieval through the theory of fuzzy sets

The theory of fuzzy sets is used to provide a rigorous formulation of the problem of associative retrieval. This formulation suggests the idea of using fuzzy clustering to organize data for retrieval.
Computational investigations of low-discrepancy point-sets.

The quasi-Monte Carlo method of integration offers an attractive solution to the problem of evaluating integrals in a large number of dimensions; however, the associated error bounds are difficult to obtain theoretically. Since these bounds are associated with the L2 discrepancy of the set of points used in the integration. Numerical calculations of the L2 discrepancy for several types of quasi-Monte Carlo formulae are presented.
A fast n-dimensional ray-shooting algorithm for grasping force optimization

We present an efficient algorithm for solving the ray-shooting problem on high dimensional sets. Our algorithm computes the intersection of the boundary of a compact convex set with a ray emanating from an interior point of the set and represents the intersection point as a convex combination of a set of affinely independent points. We use our intersection algorithm to compute two types of optimal grasping forces, where either the sum or the maximum of normal force components is minimized. In our simulation, the algorithm converges well and performs the computations in tens of milliseconds on a laptop.
Radiometric Detection of Haemophilus Influenzae in Cerebrospinal Fluid Specimens

The investigation demonstrates the usefulness of a radiometric urease test in the rapid detection of Haemophilus influenzae in cerebrospinal fluid specimens. The test is simple and economical to perform and results are obtained within a one hour incubation period.
A SOA Service Governance Approach to u-Healthcare System with Mobility Capability

Ubiquitous systems emphasize in designing services to the users anywhere and anytime regardless of users' locations. Existing mobile systems usually have problems that they lack S.C.A.L.E. (Scalability, Connectivity, Adaptability, Liability, and Ease-of-use) design factors that a typical ubiquitous system must support. To design these factors in a mobile system is very expensive during system set-up, reconfiguration and modification stages as there are no proper and efficient solutions available. In addition, the current mobile systems lack security, privacy and wireless accessibility features so that they are prevented from expanding widely. The paper explores potential methods and approaches to successfully design and implement various challenging aspects of Service Governance of Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) in a wireless mobile infrastructure environment. Applying Service Governance of Service Oriented Architecture helps to make services more secure, reusable, interoperable, and available, and imposes all the features a ubiquitous mobile system should have. A prototype system uSG-Health was developed using the approach.
Moving horizon filter for monotonic trends

This paper presents a novel approach for constrained state estimation from noisy measurements. The optimal trending algorithms described in this paper assume that the trended system variables have the property of monotonicity. This assumption describes systems with accumulating mechanical damage. The performance variables of such a system can only get worse with time, and their behavior is best described by monotonic regression. Unlike a standard Kalman filter problem, where the process disturbances are assumed to be gaussian, this paper considers a random walk model driven by a one-sided exponentially distributed noise. The main contribution of this paper is in studying recursive implementation of the monotonic regression algorithms. We consider a moving horizon approach where the problem size is fixed even as more measurements become available with time. This enables us to perform efficient online optimization, making embeded implementation of the estimation computationally feasible.
Making Milestones: Development and Implementation of a Formal Socioeconomic Curriculum in a Neurosurgical Residency Training Program.

BACKGROUND Improved training in the socioeconomic aspects of medicine is a priority of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education and the American Board of Neurological Surgeons. There is evidence that young neurosurgeons feel ill equipped in these areas and that additional education would improve patient care. OBJECTIVE To present our experience with the introduction of a succinct but formal socioeconomic training course to the residency curriculum at our institution. METHODS A monthly series of twelve 1-hour interactive modules was designed to address the pertinent Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education-American Board of Neurological Surgeons outcomes-based educational milestones. Slide-based lectures provided a comprehensive overview of social, legal, and business issues, and a monthly forum for open discussion allowed residents to draw on their applied experience. Residents took a 20-question pre- and postcourse knowledge assessment, as well as feedback surveys at 6 and 12 months. RESULTS Residents were able to participate in the lectures, with an overall attendance rate of 91%. Residents felt that the course goals and objectives were well defined and communicated (4.88/5) and rated highly the content, quality, and relevance of the lectures (4.94/5). Performance on the knowledge assessment improved from 58% to 66%. CONCLUSION Our experience demonstrates the feasibility of including a formal socioeconomic course in neurosurgical residency training with positive resident feedback and achievement of outcomes-based milestones. Extension to a 2-year curriculum cycle may allow the course to cover more material without compromising other residency training goals. Online modules should also be explored to allow for wider and more flexible participation. ABBREVIATIONS ABNS, American Board of Neurological SurgeonsACGME, Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education.
An Interactive Graphical Tool for Fatigue Design in Steel Structures

AbstractDesign of members in steel structures for fatigue loading is highly heuristics, and consequently, is normally performed manually. This paper describes an interactive graphical computer tool for the design of steel members for repeated loading and fatigue, according to the widely-used American Institute of Steel Construction design specifications. The software can be used as a self-tutoring tool for teaching the design of steel members for repeated loadings and fatigue. The advantage of such an educational computer program is that the user can design different types of members and details, trying out various options within a few minutes.
History of Immunology: Paul Ehrlich: The Founding of Pediatric Immunology

In 1892-93, Paul Ehrlich published a series of experiments on the passive transfer of maternal antibody to fetus and newborn that deserve to be better known. He pointed out the importance of mother's milk to neonatal well-being. He was the first to define the difference between active and passive immunity. He was the first to demonstrate immune elimination of antigen and to explain the significance of each phase of the kinetics of the anamnestic antibody response. We point out how elegant were these early experiments and how far in advance of their times.
Ferroelectric zirconate ceramics

A new class of ferroelectric ceramics was revealed in a study of mixtures of lead zirconate and up to 40 mol percent barium zirconate. These compositions were prepared from pure zirconium oxide, lead monoxide and barium carbonate mixed in the desired stoichiometric proportions and calcined in covered platinum crucibles at 1050°C. The calcined product was pulverized and compressed in the form of discs which were sintered at temperatures ranging from 1300°C to 1400°C. This was done in air with lead, oxide vapor in equilibrium with molten lead oxide.
Hardware/Software Isolation and Protection Architecture for Transparent Security Enforcement in Networked Devices

We present an integrated hardware/software architectureto enforce security in networked workstations andembedded devices such as printers and microscopes. Thesedevices are usually connected to the Internet without protection, so they are exposed to attack. Our solution operatesas an intermediate isolation and protection module (IPM) between the network and the device to be protected. TheIPM can be implemented as a dedicated IP on a system-onchip, or as a separate chip to analyze incoming and outgoingtraffic for malicious activities, in a transparent way to thedevice under protection. Security enforcement is performedin two stages. A deep packet inspection module is used inthe first stage to detect and drop packets originating fromknown blacklisted domains or carrying malware patterns, simultaneously important features from protocol-conformingpackets are extracted and sent to a binary classifier for furtherprocessing and decision making. The second stage uses a binaryclassifier to make decisions on seemingly protocol-conformingpackets. We designed and implemented a prototype of theIPM as a system-on-FPGA, with packet filtering and analysisaccelerated in hardware, and binary classification and decisionmaking in software. The IPM operates at high-speed witha very small footprint, suitable for embedded devices withfewer resources. Evaluation of our prototype using the 1999Knowledge Discovery in Databases (KDD Cup 1999 dataset) benchmarks shows a high detection rate on various distributeddenial-of-service (DDoS) attacks such as Neptune DoS (99.3%),Smurf DoS (100%), and Teardrop DoS (98.90%).
Unspeakable things translated: Langston Hughes’s poems in post-World War II Germanies

ABSTRACTTranslators negotiate relative distances and proximities within a fluid space that simultaneously separates and connects languages. In this essay, I examine mid-twentieth-century German-language translations of Langston Hughes’s poetry as they straddle the transnational and translinguistic area of the Atlantic Ocean in an attempt to break the silences that the post-war tabooization of the word Rasse (race) had produced. Hughes’s German translators, I argue, used this transarea to create a discursive space within which to address, albeit stealthily, the racialization not of Jews but of “persons of color.” In these translations, we can glimpse the beginnings of a critique of domestic racisms which still awaits full exploration.
Failure to detect evidence of human T-lymphotropic virus (HTLV) type I and type II in blood donors with isolated gag antibodies to HTLV-I/II.

Of the 267,650 blood donations from members of the US armed forces, 72 (0.027%) were serologically confirmed to be positive for human T- lymphotropic virus type I/II (HTLVpos) and 379 (0.14%) were Western blot (WB)-indeterminate with banding pattern restricted to the proteins encoded by the gag gene only (HTLVind). To determine whether these apparently healthy HTLVind blood donors are infected with HTLV-I or HTLV-II, coded specimens from randomly selected military blood donors (n = 73) were tested for antibodies to HTLV by WB and radioimmunoprecipitation assay (RIPA) using HTLV-I (MT-2) antigens, by enzyme immunoassay using synthetic peptides representing the immunodominant epitopes of HTLV, and for sequences of proviral HTLV DNA by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Of the 73 HTLVind donors, none showed presence of env reactivity by HTLV WB and RIPA. Minimal reactivity was observed with synthetic immunodominant motifs derived from the env protein of HTLV-I (Env-1(191–214) and Env-5(242–257)) or HTLV-II (Env-2(187–209) and Env-20(85–102)) and gag protein (Gag-1a(102– 117) and Gag-10(364–385)). A peptide corresponding to the endogenous retroviral sequence with structural homologies to the gag protein of HTLVs (RTVLgag) reacted with antibodies not only in HTLVpos (88%) and HTLVind (42% to 66%) specimens, but also reacted with normal control subjects (60%). Furthermore, none of the 73 HTLVind specimens demonstrated presence of the HTLV genome when amplified with primers for the pol and tax/rex region. Six to 23 months from the initial test, 27 subjects still gave indeterminate WB patterns, and 13 of these repeat specimens were still negative for the presence of HTLV genome. We conclude that individuals at low risk for HTLV infection who have HTLVind WB reactivity are rarely, if ever, infected with HTLV-I or HTLV- II.
A J-integral approach in characterizing the mechanics of a horizontal crack embedded in a cantilever beam under an end transverse force

Abstract For a cantilever beam with an embedded sharp crack and subjected to an end transverse force, the J-integral approach was employed in developing analytical estimates of the energy release rate made available to the left and right crack tip. Finite element studies also revealed that mode II conditions dominate the tip regions of such a crack (Fang and Charalambides, 2015). Thus, analytical estimates of the mode II stress intensity factor dominating each of the crack tip regions are also obtained. The analytical energy release rate predictions are compared to 2-D finite elements for a broad range of crack depths and crack center location along the beam axis. Using energy considerations, rotary spring stiffness estimates employed in Charalambides and Fang (2016a,b) in the development of a four-beam model obtained. The outcomes of the methodology used in this work provide strong encouragement in extending the method to heterogeneous composite laminates containing delamination cracks and subjected to a combination of applied loadings. Given the predominately mode II nature of the crack considered, the solutions developed herein may be used in characterizing mode II interface fracture for bonded homogeneous layered beams.
Association Between Baseline Corticothalamic-Mediated Inhibitory Control and Smoking Relapse Vulnerability.

Importance Tobacco use disorder is associated with dysregulated neurocognitive function in the right inferior frontal gyrus (IFG)—one node in a corticothalamic inhibitory control (IC) network. Objective To examine associations between IC neural circuitry structure and function and lapse/relapse vulnerability in 2 independent studies of adult smokers. Design, Setting, and Participants In study 1, treatment-seeking smokers (n = 81) completed an IC task during functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) before making a quit attempt and then were followed up for 10 weeks after their quit date. In study 2, a separate group of smokers (n = 26) performed the same IC task during fMRI, followed by completing a laboratory-based smoking relapse analog task. Study 1 was performed at Duke University Medical Center between 2008 and 2012; study 2 was conducted at the Medical University of South Carolina between 2013 and 2016. Main Outcomes and Measures Associations between corticothalamic-mediated IC, gray-matter volume, and smoking lapse/relapse. Results Of the 81 study participants in study 1 (cessation study), 45 were women (56%), with mean (SD) age, 38.4 (10.2) years. In study 1, smoking relapse was associated with less gray-matter volume (F1,74 = 28.32; familywise errorPthreshold = 0.03), greater IC task-related blood oxygenation level–dependent (BOLD) response in the right IFG (F1,78 = 14.87) and thalamus (F1,78 = 14.97) (P Conclusions and Relevance In these 2 studies, baseline differences in corticothalamic circuitry function were associated with mediated IC and smoking relapse vulnerability. These findings warrant further examination of interventions for augmenting corticothalamic neurotransmission and enhancing IC during the course of tobacco use disorder treatment.
Abstract 205: Tissue Transglutaminase as a Novel Pathogenic Factor and Therapeutic Target for Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia (PE) is a prevalent life-threatening complication of pregnancy featuring hypertension, placental abnormality, and renal damage. The condition is associated with the presence of agonistic autoantibodies (AT1-AA) capable of activating the major angiotensin receptor, AT1R, and believed to contribute to disease pathogenesis. Tissue transglutaminase (tTG), a prominent member of a family of enzymes that crosslink proteins by catalyzing the formation of inter- or intra-molecular e-(γ-glutamyl)- lysine isopeptide bonds, is known to interact with G protein-coupled receptors and contribute to hypertension. Thus, we hypothesize that AT1-AA may function via tTG to crosslink AT1R and contribute to pathophyhsiology of PE. To test this hypothesis, using immunoprecipation with anti-tTG antibody, we successfully pulled down more AT1R from human trophoblast (HTR) cells treated with IgG from PE women than IgG from normotensive (NT) women, thereby providing initial evidence for the promotional effect of AT1-AA on tTG and AT1R interaction. Subsequently, we measured tTG and its modification on AT1R in both NT and PE placentas. We found increased levels of tissue transglutaminase (∼2 folds), e-(γ-glutamyl)- lysine isopeptides (∼2 folds), and AT1R with e-(γ-glutamyl)- lysine isopeptide bonds at the microvillous membrane of PE placentas, indicating that tTG-induced AT1 receptor modification is elevated in PE placenta. Finally, in an effort to determine the role of elevated tTG in AT1-AA-induced PE in vivo, we treated PE-IgG injected pregnant mice with cystamine, a potent tTG inhibitor. Compared with PE-IgG injected mice, less AT1 receptor with e-(γ-glutamyl)- lysine isopeptide bonds was found in the placental labyrinth zone of PE-IgG injected mice treated with cystamine. Moreover, cystamine treatment significantly attenuated key features associated with PE including hypertension (from 159.5±5.6 to 132.6±2.7 mm Hg) and proteinuria (from 106.5±37.8 to 38.5±6.9 ng albumin/mg creatine) in the PE-IgG-injected pregnant mice as well. Taken together, here we report a previously unrecognized role of tTG in the pathogenesis of PE by crosslinking AT1Rs and suggest a novel therapeutics for the disease.
Oncologic Applications of Magnetic Resonance Guided Focused Ultrasound

Focused ultrasound (FUS) is a noninvasive thermal therapy that utilizes energy generated from ultrasound waves to ablate a small target area. The ability of FUS to heat tumors to ablative temperatures in a very precise manner, thereby sparing surrounding tissues, has been equated to surgery with the advantages of reduced tissue trauma and recovery time. FUS may also be used to induce moderate temperature hyperthermia to enhance effects of radiation, chemotherapy, and potentially immunotherapy. The combination of magnetic resonance guidance with FUS (MRgFUS) provides the ability to plan, monitor, and steer treatments in near real-time, further contributing to the safety and effectiveness profile of FUS. Regulatory clearance for noninvasive palliative treatment of bone metastases has been realized. Additional palliative and curative treatments for a wide range of oncologic conditions including prostate, breast, gynecologic, gastrointestinal and brain cancers, and soft tissue tumors are in active development. This chapter provides an overview of MRgFUS including biological effects and physical parameters description. A comprehensive review of all currently approved and evolving oncological applications of MRgFUS then follows. Finally, an overview is provided of wide ranging leading edge research helping to define future applications for the field including the role of MRgFUS in multimodality cancer therapy.
The Transportation Revolution in Industrializing Britain: A Survey

Between 1700 and 1870 Britain's transport sector improved dramatically. This paper surveys the literature on Britain’s transport revolution and examines its contribution to economic growth during the Industrial Revolution. It reviews the important infrastructural and technological developments, documents the evolution of transport markets, and examines the developmental effects of transport. The most striking finding is that freight charges decreased by 95 percent in real terms from 1700 to 1870 implying an annual TFP of more than 2 percent. The broader conclusion is that transport improvements were major factor in raising the standard of living in Britain and were as significant as other innovations. At the same time, Britain's history shows that many transport improvements were difficult to implement because they required financial innovation and involved taxation and vexing property rights issues.
Regular and Semisimplicial CW Complexes

In this chapter we will study two special kinds of CW complexes. Regular complexes, the first topic, are interesting because they are very useful in homological calculations. As we shall see in Chapter V, they share with simplicial complexes the virtue of allowing a relatively easy calculation of the “algebraic boundary” of a cell. At the same time, they share with more general CW complexes the advantage that often a space can be represented as a regular CW complex with many fewer cells than in a simplicial decomposition. A regular CW complex can be subdivided into a simplicial complex: in this sense it is a simplicial complex in which the simplexes are more efficiently combined into closed cells. For example, the ⊗ product of any two regular complexes is again a regular complex. If they are simplicial complexes, then the cells of the product complex are subdivided (in a nonunique way) to give the standard product simplicial complex.
Perceived discrimination and mental health among older African Americans: the role of psychological well-being.

Objectives: Examine the effect of perceived discrimination (both racial and non-racial) on the mental health of older African Americans and explore the buffering role of psychological well-being (p...
Cerebellar volume as an imaging marker of development in infants with tuberous sclerosis complex.

Objective In this cohort analysis, we studied 1-year-old infants with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), correlating volumes of cerebellar structures with neurodevelopmental measures. Methods We analyzed data from a prospective biomarker study in infants with TSC (ClinicalTrials.govNCT01780441). We included participants aged 12 months with an identified mutation of TSC1 or TSC2 . Using MRI segmentation performed with the PSTAPLE algorithm, we measured relative volumes (structure volume divided by intracranial contents volume) of the following structures: right/left cerebellar white matter, right/left cerebellar exterior, vermal lobules I–V, vermal lobules VI–VII, and vermal lobules VIII–X. We correlated relative volumes to Mullen Scales of Early Learning (MSEL) scores. Results There were 70 participants (mean age 1.03 [0.11] years): n = 11 had a TSC1 mutation; n = 59 had a TSC2 mutation. For patients with TSC2 mutation, for every percentage increase in total cerebellar volume, there was an approximate 10-point increase in MSEL composite score (β = 10.47 [95% confidence interval 5.67, 15.27], p TSC1 mutation, the relationship between cerebellar volume and MSEL composite score was not statistically significant (β = −10.88 [95% confidence interval −22.16, 0.41], p = 0.06). For patients with TSC2 mutation, there were positive slopes when regressing expressive language and visual reception skills with volumes of nearly all cerebellar structures ( p ≤ 0.29); there were also positive slopes when regressing receptive language skills, gross motor skills, and fine motor skills with volumes of cerebellar right/left exterior ( p ≤ 0.014). Conclusions Cerebellar volume loss—perhaps reflecting Purkinje cell degeneration—may predict neurodevelopmental severity in patients with TSC2 mutations.
TECHNICAL AND SCALE EFFICIENCIES OF U.S. GRASS-FED BEEF PRODUCTION: WHOLE-FARM AND ENTERPRISE ANALYSES

A stochastic production frontier approach was used to estimate input distance functions for U.S. grass-fed beef (GFB) production. Average technical efficiencies of 0.84 and 0.79 were found for U.S. GFB whole farms and enterprises, respectively. Producer education level, experience, farm size, annual net farm income from the GFB operation, annual net household income from off-farm sources, and regional differences are the efficiency drivers of U.S. GFB farms. Increasing returns to scale were found for U.S. GFB farms. Our results suggest that U.S. GFB farms can be scale efficient if the optimal size of the operation is greater than approximately 100 GFB animals.
Detecting and Characterizing Bot-Like Behavior on Twitter

Social media is becoming a platform of choice for people to voice their opinion on topics of discussion. To evaluate these opinions, it is important to have an accurate assessment of who is saying what. Unfortunately, social media are also the home of bots which makes the assessment difficult. Bots are computer programs designed to mimic human behavior online in social networks. They are used to pursue a variety of goals, including, but not limited to, spreading information, and influencing targets.
High-Affinity Binding is Essential for Enhancement of Intestinal Fe2+ and Ca2+ Uptake by Bile Salts

Abstract Both calcium and iron are bound with high affinity by premicellar bile salts having cholanic ring 7-OH and/or 12-OH groups, forming soluble cation-bile salt complexes. The authors of the current study recently showed that premicellar taurocholate markedly enhances intestinal iron and calcium uptake. However, the relationship of high-affinity binding to the observed uptake enhancement was unknown. In the current study, this relationship was examined by studying taurodehydrocholate (TDHC) binding and intestinal uptake of both cations. Ca 2+ binding was measured by noting depression of [Ca 2+ ]activity in solutions containing constant total Ca concentrations (1 mmol/L) and varying [TDHC](0.5–50 mmol/L). Fe 2+ binding was assessed by equilibrium dialysis studies of 59 FeSO 4 (0.179–1.79 mmol/L) and TDHC (0.5–50 mmol/L). Effects of TDHC on intestinal Fe 2+ and Ca 2+ uptake were measured in isolated perfused intestinal segments in vivo in seven and eight Spraque-Dawley rats, respectively. TDHC, lacking ring OH groups, did not bind either cation with high affinity and had no effect on their intestinal uptake. These results suggest that high-affinity binding is essential for bile salt-induced enhancement of intestinal Fe 2+ and Ca 2+ uptake.
Intensive/Extensive Research

Intensive and extensive have specific meanings within the philosophy of science known as critical realism. Intensive research investigates causal relationships among phenomena in order to discover the mechanisms that cause an event to take place. Extensive investigations seek to discover how common or widespread a phenomenon is; that is, to uncover empirical regularities. This article places intensive and extensive at the heart of critical realist methodology. It begins with a brief discussion of the terms’ origins, then moves on to a thorough explication of intensive and extensive in critical realist methodology and method. Ontology is treated succinctly. Geographers’ engagements with critical realism – with intensive and extensive particularly – have advanced theoretical understandings of place and space over the past 25 years. Intensive realist studies reinvigorated a new regional geography. Current treatments of critical realism in geography are less likely than earlier ones to be explicit about intensive and extensive research. Critical realism has been taken up by other disciplines, including education and nursing where geographers may make important contributions, drawing particularly on intensive and extensive.
The Interpretation of Dreams

Freud’s main point about dreams was expressed in the title of his book: Dreams can be interpreted in a way that makes emotional sense even though they may appear to be meaningless and to be about trivial events. Nowhere in Freud’s work, however, is the contradiction between his insights about the power of emotions and his theoretical neglect of them clearer than in his work on dreams. As Richard Jones (1974) points out, there are, for example, really two distinct books in Freud’s The Interpretation of Dreams (1900). One book, in six chapters, is about the interpretation of dreams into their emotional content. The last chapter (Chapter 7) of The Interpretation of Dreams is another book on the theory of dreams, in which emotions are hardly mentioned.