cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
No Significant Association of Epstein-Barr Virus Infection with Invasive Breast Carcinoma

We studied 48 cases of invasive breast carcinoma for evidence of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which is associated with many human malignancies. In situ hybridization studies to detect the presence of EBV-encoded small nonpolyadenylated RNA (EBER)-1 were performed in paraffin sections. Immunohistochemical studies to detect EBV nuclear antigen (EBNA)-1, latent membrane protein (LMP)-1, and the transactivating immediate-early BZLF1 (ZEBRA) protein were also performed in paraffin sections. The presence of EBV genomic DNA was studied by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification using sets of primers flanking the EBNA-4 and the EBV-LMP-1 genes in frozen tissues. Southern blot analysis using a probe flanking the EBV terminal repeat region was then attempted in cases that were PCR-positive. Five of 48 cases (10%) of breast carcinoma showed focal EBER-positive tumor cells. Twelve cases (25%) were positive for EBNA-1 by immunohistochemistry, all but one different from the EBER-positive cases. None of the cases were positive for LMP-1 or ZEBRA protein by immunohistochemistry. PCR studies for EBNA-4 and LMP-1 were each positive in five cases (including three cases in common). However, Southern blot studies successfully performed in all but one of the PCR-positive cases were completely negative. The identification of EBV by any methodology was not correlated with tumor size, grade, or lymph node status. This study demonstrated evidence of EBV infection in tissues involved by invasive breast carcinomas in a significant subset of cases. However, the lack of localization of EBV infection to a significant population of the tumor cells in any case, the negativity by Southern blot hybridization, and the lack of expression of multiple antigens in any case strongly argue against a significant role for EBV in the pathogenesis of breast carcinoma.
Crime Rates and Legal Sanctions

Certainty and severity of punishment for crime are indexed for the states of the U.S., and are related to crime rates. Strong and consistent negative associations are observed between certainty of punishment and crime rates, while a negative association is observed between severity of punishment and crime rates only for homicide. Variations in crime rates by different degrees of certainty and severity of punishment are examined. The observed patterns are discussed and possible explanations are offered. It is concluded that sociologists must take the idea of deterrence seriously and seek to clarify the relationship between various characteristics of reaction to deviance and rates of deviance.
Complete-Angle Projection Diffuse Fluorescence Molecular Tomography with Early Photons

In this work we demonstrate diffuse fluorescence tomography using early transmitted photons and complete-angle projection. We describe instrumentation and reconstruction algorithms and show preliminary images of complex fluorescent phantoms and of mice with implanted fluorophores
Reversed Doppler effect in photonic crystals.

Nonrelativistic reversed Doppler shifts have never been observed in nature and have only been speculated to occur in pathological systems with simultaneously negative effective permittivity and permeability. This Letter presents a different, new physical phenomenon that leads to a nonrelativistic reversed Doppler shift in light. It arises when light is reflected from a moving shock wave propagating through a photonic crystal. In addition to reflection of a single frequency, multiple discrete reflected frequencies or a 10 GHz periodic modulation can also be observed when a single carrier frequency of wavelength $1\text{ }\ensuremath{\mu}\mathrm{m}$ is incident.
Excimer laser (308 nm) based transmyocardial laser revascularization: effects of the lasing parameters on myocardial histology.

Background and Objective The effect of the excimer laser (308 nm) parameters on transmyocardial revascularization (TMR) channels is not well defined. This study investigates the influence of the pulse repetition rate, the size of the delivery catheter and its advancement speed on the morphology of TMR channels in vivo. Study Design/Materials and Methods Myocardial ablation was performed in a porcine model (N = 27) using multifiber catheters of 1.0 and 1.4 mm in diameter. The catheters were advanced into the myocardium at different speeds (1.27 and 2.54 mm/sec) while ablating at various repetition rates (10–;80 Hz). The radiant exposure was kept at 35 mJ/mm2 throughout the experiments. The channel histology was quantified by digital microscopy. Results The channel cross-sectional area and the extent of the thermal damage decrease as the catheter advancement speed exceeds the ablation speed and vice versa. Within the parameters tested, advancement speed of about 1.3 mm/sec and pulse repetition rates of 40 Hz produce channels of size comparable to the catheter's diameter with moderate thermomechanical damage. Conclusions The repetition rate, catheter size, and catheter advancement speed are closely intertwined and crucial to the histological outcome of excimer laser based TMR. Lasers Surg. Med. 29:85–91, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Technical considerations in knot construction, part III. knot asymmetry

Abstract Lactomer TM and the Polyglactin 910 TM are coated synthetic braided absorbable sutures commonly used for dermal wound closure. Biomechanical performance tests demonstrated superior performance characteristics of the Lactomer TM sutures. Using narrow diameter sutures, the Lactomer TM sutures exhibited superior knot holding forces over the Polyglactin 910 TM sutures. Moreover, knot security could be reliably achieved with asymmetric and symmetric knots using the Lactomer TM sutures.
Quantum well intersubband THz lasers and detectors

This paper presents modeling and simulation results on Si- based quantum-well intersubband THz detectors and THz lasers (tasers) in the 3 to 10 THz range where the intersubband transition energy is 12 to 41 meV. The incoherent cryogenically cooled (4 K to 20 K) quantum well terahertz detector (QWTD) consists of p-type Si 0.9 Ge 0.1 QWs with Si barriers on an Si substrate, or of p-Si 0.85 Ge 0.15 /Si on a relaxed Si 0.97 Ge 0.03 buffer on Si. The QWTD senses THz radiation at normal incidence (the XY polarization on the HH1 to LH1 transition) or at edge- illumination (the Z polarization on the HH1 to HH2 transition). Resonant-cavity enhancement, coupling to Si THz waveguides, and integration with SiGe transistor preamplifiers appear feasible for QWTDs. The quantum staircase taser is a simplified far-infrared version of the quantum cascade laser in which each superlattice transfer region is replaced by a thin tunnel-barrier layer. We have adapted to group IV the III-V idea of Sun, Lu, and Khurgin; the `inverted mass taser'. On a Si 0.81 Ge 0.19 substrate, we find that an inverted effective mass exists in LH1 at k g equals 0.013 angstroms -1 in 9-nm single- wells of Si 0.7 Ge 0.3 with 5-nm Si barriers. Selective electrical injection of holes into LH1 at T equals 77 K is postulated. This offers local-in-k-space LH1-HH1 population inversion and tasing at 7.2 THz. Since the taser emission is XY-polarized, the active MQW staircase (a set of identical square QWs) is suitable for insertion into a vertical cavity surface-emitting taser. The VCSET would have resonator thickness of (lambda) /2n equals 6 micrometers , and Bragg mirrors constructed from SiO 2 /Si multilayers.
Evasion of the human innate immune system by dengue virus

Dengue virus is a worldwide health problem, with billions of people at risk annually. Dengue virus causes a spectrum of diseases, namely dengue fever, dengue hemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome with the latter two being linked to death. Understanding how dengue is able to evade the immune system and cause enhanced severity of disease is the main topics of interest in the Fernandez-Sesma laboratory at Mount Sinai School of Medicine. Using primary human immune cells, our group investigates the contribution of dengue virus-specific proteins to the evasion of innate immunity by this virus and the host factors that the virus interacts with in order to evade immune recognition and to establish infection in humans. Here, we review recent findings from our group as well as published data from other groups regarding immune modulation by dengue virus.
Insights into heparin-induced thrombocytopenia.

Summary Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is characterized by the presence of an antibody which can activate platelets in the presence of heparin. The in vitro Ca2+ mobilization induced by purified IgG from patients with HIT was evaluated to elucidate the platelet activation mechanism in this syndrome. HIT-IgG induced platelet activation in a heparin-dependent manner. This activation was inhibited by high viscosity, consistent with a previously documented cell-cell-mediated mechanism. We found that F(ab')2 fragments from an anti-GPIIb/IIIa monoclonal antibody in some cases, and dextran sulphate or salmon sperm DNA in all cases, could substitute for heparin, suggesting that heparin exposes a neo-antigen on the platelet surface rather than serving as the primary antigen in the process. Furthermore, heparin, dextran sulphate and salmon sperm DNA all augmented the platelet activation induced by aggregated IgG, suggesting an additional charge shielding effect. These data suggest the following mechanism for platelet activation in HIT: heparin binds to the platelet surface, exposing a neoantigen which elicits an antibody response in some patients. Antibody binding in the presence of heparin leads to platelet activation through Fc receptor mediated platelet-platelet interaction, a process augmented by the charge shielding effect of heparin.
A Bayesian Bioeconometric Model of Invasive Species Control: The Case of the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid

In this article we evaluate a US Forest Service plan to mitigate damages from an invasive insect on public, forested land. We develop a dynamic model of infestation and control to explicitly account for biological interactions, baseline conditions, and uncertainty, thus creating a more complete picture of policy impacts than a static cost benefit analysis could provide. We combine the results of the dynamic model with an empirical study of nonmarket forest benefits to create a bioeconomic model of ecosystem management. Estimating the empirical model in a Bayesian framework allows us to treat the economic coefficients of the dynamic model as random variables. We specify distributions for the biological parameters and examine the effects of both biological and economic uncertainty on the predictive distribution of net benefits. We find that the net benefits of the program are positive, and that uncertainty in the biological model contributes substantially more to the variance of our estimate than does uncertainty over the valuation of the resource.
The Effects Of Atmospheric Ions On Visual Parameters

With the advancement of long duration of manned space flight and prolonged submergence of the nuclear powered submarine, research on the effects of atmospheric contaminants on human visual performance has been increased. Atmospheric ions could cause changes in efficiency of visual performance. The present paper is concerned with systematic review of articles on the effect of atmospheric ions on visual performances. In general, exposure to certain amount of negative ions enhance certain aspects of visual parameters such as brightness discrimination and motion detection, while certain amounts of positive ions deteriorate most visual performances. The need for the control of air ions in maintaining optimal environmental conditions has been suggested in this paper.© (1970) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Remote Control and Communication System for Rescue and Detection Robot with Intrinsic Safety in Coal Mine

The technologies of wireless mesh network are adopted and a new remote control and communication system for intrinsically safe robot is proposed, which is helpful for rescue and detection in coal mine, not only achieves real-time monitoring of CO, CO2, CH4, O2 and temperature under assumed disaster area, selecting obstacle crossing modes for robot body, remotely sensing the states of motion and walking distance, remotely controlling gas detection and sampling device, monitoring environmental noise/video and other interactive functions. This paper focused on the principle of its architecture, software implementation ways of remote control system and analysis of its data flow. The system has the advantages of superior range for wireless controlling and more visual data than other similar systems, which is verified by experiments and has practical value.
The Fisk-Vanderbilt Masters-to-PhD Bridge Program: A Model for Broadening Participation of Underrepresented Groups in the Physical Sciences through Effective Partnerships with Minority-Serving Institutions

We describe the Fisk-Vanderbilt Masters-to-PhD Bridge program as a successful model for effective partnerships with minority-serving institutions toward significantly broadening the participation o...
Agronomic and Seed Traits of Soybean Lines with Low–Phytate Phosphorus

and only individuals homozygous for the two recessive alleles have LP. About 75% of the total P in conventional soybean [Glycine max The influence of LP on the agronomic and seed traits (L.) Merr.] seed is phytate P, which cannot be readily digested by of soybean lines homozygous for pha1 and pha2 is not nonruminant livestock, such as swine and poultry. The phytate P in known. Meis et al. (2003) compared LP soybean lines soybean lines homozygous for the recessive alleles pha1 and pha2 is reduced to about 25% of the total P. The objective of this study was homozygous for the mips allele with NP lines with the to determine the influence of low phytate (LP) on agronomic and Mips allele and observed that the mips lines had signifiseed traits of soybean. Three populations were developed by crossing cantly less seedling emergence, particularly when the three cultivars with normal phytate (NP) to the LP line CX1834-1-6. seed was produced in semitropical locations. The objecFrom each population, 10 LP and 10 NP lines were selected and tive of our study was to evaluate the agronomic and grown in replicated tests at three Iowa environments during 2003. seedtraitsofLPlineswiththepha1pha1pha2pha2genoThemeantotalPoftheLPandNPlineswasnotsignificantlydifferent, type in comparison with NP lines from the same singlebut the mean phytate P, inorganic P, and other P were significantly cross populations. different for the two types of lines in the three populations. The mean seedling emergence of the LP lines was 45% compared with 68% for MATERIALS AND METHODS the NP lines. The mean differences between the LP and NP lines for the other agronomic and seed traits were not significant in one or Three single-cross populations were developed by crossing moreofthepopulations.Onthebasisoftheseresults,reducedseedling a LP line to three high-yielding NP parents. The LP line emergence will be a major factor to consider in the development of CX1834-1-6 with the genotype pha1pha1pha2pha2 was obcommercially viable cultivars with the pha1pha1pha2pha2 genotype tained from J.R. Wilcox, USDA-ARS and Purdue University. for LP. It was selected from a population developed by crossing Athow (Wilcox and Abney, 1997) to the mutant line M1531-4-6-14. M153-1-4-6-14 was obtained by treating the breeding line CX1515-4 with ethyl methanesulfonate (Wilcox et al.,
On spanning subgraphs of a connected bridgeless graph and their application to DT-graphs

The graphs considered are connected and bridgeless. For such graphs the existence of two types of connected spanning subgraphs is proved. Applying these results to a connected bridgeless DT-graph (i.e., every line is incident to a point of degree two), G, one obtains the existence of specific Hamiltonian cycles and Hamiltonian paths in G2. In addition it is proved that the square of a connected bridgeless DT-graph is Hamiltonian connected.
Growth of Rhodopseudomonas capsulata under anaerobic dark conditions with dimethyl sulfoxide.

Abstract The photosynthetic bacterium, Rhodopseudomonas capsulata , could be cultured anaerobically in the absence of light on a synthetic medium with glucose as the carbon source only when dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) was added. The extent of growth was proportional to both DMSO and glucose concentrations. Optimal growth was achieved with 20 m m DMSO and 0.25% glucose. Under the best conditions, cells divided with a doubling time of 12 h. Pyruvate also supported the anaerobic dark growth of R. capsulata when DMSO was present. R. capsulata, R. sphaeroides , and R. palustris strains were all able to grow under anaerobic dark conditions with DMSO. Experiments using [ 14 C]DMSO showed that more than 95% of the 14 C was converted by cultures of R. capsulata to a volatile compound, identified as dimethyl sulfide (DMS) by gas chromatography, thus demonstrating that DMSO was being reduced to DMS during growth. These results indicate that R. capsulata requires a terminal electron acceptor for anaerobic dark growth and that DMSO can serve that function.
Concordance and diagnostic accuracy of vasodilator stress cardiac MRI and 320-detector row coronary CTA.

Vasodilator stress cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) detects ischemia whereas coronary CT angiography (CTA) detects atherosclerosis. The purpose of this study was to determine concordance and accuracy of vasodilator stress CMR and coronary CTA in the same subjects. We studied 151 consecutive subjects referred to detect or exclude suspected obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients without known disease or recurrent stenosis or ischemia in patients with previously treated CAD. Vasodilator stress CMR was performed on a 1.5 T scanner. CTA was performed on a 320-detector row system. Subjects were followed for cardiovascular events and downstream diagnostic testing. Subjects averaged 56 ± 12 years (60 % male), and 62 % had intermediate pre-test probability for obstructive CAD. Follow-up averaged 450 ± 115 days and was 100 % complete. CMR and CTA agreed in 92 % of cases (κ 0.81, p < 0.001). The event-free survival was 97 % for non-ischemic and 39 % for ischemic CMR (p < 0.0001). The event-free survival was 99 % for non-obstructive and 36 % for obstructive CTA (p < 0.0001). Using a reference standard including quantitative invasive angiography or major cardiovascular events, CMR and CTA had respective sensitivities of 93 and 98 %; specificities of 96 and 96 %; positive predictive values of 91 and 91 %; negative predictive values of 97 and 99 %; and accuracies of 95 and 97 %. Non-ischemic vasodilator stress CMR or non-obstructive coronary CTA were highly concordant and each confer an excellent prognosis. CMR and CTA are both accurate for assessment of obstructive CAD in a predominantly intermediate risk population.
An Indicator Response Surface Method for Simulation-Based Reliability Analysis

An accurate and efficient Monte Carlo simulation method is presented for limit-state-based reliability analysis at both component and system levels, using a response surface approximation of the failure indicator function. The cross-validated moving least squares method is used to construct the response surface of the indicator function, based on an optimum symmetric Latin hypercube sampling technique. The proposed method can handle problems with complicated limit state(s). Also, it can easily handle implicit, highly nonlinear limit-state functions, with variables of any statistical distributions and correlations. The method appears to be particularly efficient for multiple limit state and multiple design point problems. Three structural reliability examples are used to highlight its superior accuracy and efficiency over traditional reliability methods.
Use of acid reduction therapy and medical costs among medically versus surgically managed GERD patients: 30-month updated results

Use of acid reduction therapy and medical costs among medically versus surgically managed GERD patients: 30-month updated results
Transcriptional regulator of programmed cell death encoded by Caenorhabditis elegans gene ces-2

The ces (for cell-death specification) genes of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans control the cell-death fate of individual cell types and are candidates for being the regulators of an evolutionarily conserved general pathway of programmed cell death. Here we present what we believe is the first molecular characterization of a ces gene. We cloned the gene ces-2, which is required to activate programmed cell death in the sister cells of the serotoninergic neurosecretory motor (NSM) neurons, and found that ces-2 encodes a basic region leucine-zipper (bZIP) transcription factor. The CES-2 protein is most similar to members of the PAR (proline- and acid-rich) subfamily of bZIP proteins and has DNA-binding specificity like that of PAR-family proteins. An oncogenic form of the mammalian PAR-family protein, hepatic leukaemia factor (HLF), is reported to effect programmed cell death in mammalian cells. On the basis of these observations, we suggest that some CES-2/PAR family transcription factors are evolutionary conserved regulators of programmed cell death.
Cell Division in Staphylococci: A Clue to the Three-Dimensional Structure of Peptidoglycan

The composition of the monomeric unit of staphylococcal peptidoglycan has been known since the late 1960s. However, the three-dimensional structure of this macromolecule has been unclear. Staphylococci divide with expansion of a central cross wall into a peripheral hemisphere under conditions that suggest that additional monomers are not introduced, but rather that the shape of existing monomers is changed. The monomeric unit can be divided into a glycan chain piece, a connecting peptide, and a peptide chain piece, which define a solid parallelogram. In the proposed model, appropriate change in the angle of the glycan chain with respect to the peptide chain doubles the surface, as required to deform cross wall into peripheral wall. Furthermore, cross wall peptidoglycan is synthesized in a spiral, which becomes deformed into a spiral to form peripheral wall, and the glycan chain is twisted with two disaccharide units per turn. Insights from the model can be applied to other peptidoglycans and can help explain the mechanism for start of cell division, the functions of various penicillin-binding proteins, the method of resistance to methicillin, and the occurrence of osmotically growth-dependent bacteria.
The potential energy of interaction between dissimilar electrical double layers

Abstract An equation is derived to evaluate the potential energy of interaction between the electrical double layers on two dissimilar spherical particles, one of which is characterized by a constant surface potential and the other by a constant surface charge density. The analysis is based on the Debye—Huckel approximation and the Derjaguin integration method. The results are compared with those for the situations where (a) both particles maintain a constant surface potential and (b) both particles maintain a constant surface charge density during double layer interaction. Some circumstances in which the mixed case is important are discussed. An evaluation of the validity of the Debye—Huckel approximation for spherical double layers is included.
Effect of Added Methionine and Lysine on the Performance of Chicks Fed Different Alfalfa Protein Concentrates

Experiments were conducted to determine the limiting amino acids in chick diets containing 40% spray-dried heat coagulated alfalfa protein concentrate (APC) and 40% spray-dried fermented alfalfa protein concentrate (FAPC). Significant improvements in chick gains were observed when methionine (met) was supplemented to the 40% APC (82 vs. 119 g) and 40% FAPC (72 vs. 95 g) diets. Feed efficiency (gain/feed) was also improved by met supplementation (.233 vs. .343) to APC and (.236 vs. .299) in FAPC diets. Supplementation of lysine (lys) alone did not improve the gain in body weight in either APC or FAPC, but the addition of lysine improved the feed efficiency of chicks fed the FAPC + Met (.323).
A chemically defined medium for cephalosporin C production by Paecilomyces persicinus.

A chemically defined medium was developed for the biosynthesis of cephalosporin C by Paecilomyces persicinus Nicot strain P-10. Glucose served as the major carbon source and nitrogen was supplied by five amino acids, l-arginine, l-aspartic acid, l-glutamic acid, glycine and dl-methionine. Omission of any of the first four diminished or prevented production of cephalosporin C; omission of methionine did not. Methionine is not critical for the production of cephalosporin C in this defined medium. Production of the antibiotic was affected by the concentrations of inorganic salts employed. Biotin was required for growth and cephalosporin C synthesis. The addition of l-lysine precursors to the medium did not influence cephalosporin C levels and l-lysine itself inhibited antibiotic production. Known precursors of β-lactam antibiotics as well as oleic acid did not affect biosynthesis of cephalosporin C. Chemical changes occurring in the defined medium revealed that glucose was efficiently utilized after 96 hours incubation whereas total soluble nitrogen levels increased following an initial sharp decrease. Mycelial weight and cephalosporin C production were both maximal after 96 hours incubation. Mycelial nitrogen was highest after 48 hours incubation whereas mycelial lipid levels were greatest after 72 hours.
Enhanced donor-specific alloreactivity occurs independently of immunosuppression in children with early liver rejection.

To determine whether early acute cellular rejection (ACR) is associated with sub-optimal immunosuppression in children with liver transplants (LTx). Methods: Twenty-five children with primary LTx after pre-transplant rabbit anti-thymocyte globulin (rATG), and steroid-free tacrolimus (TAC) were evaluated. Mitogen-stimulated T- and B-cell responses and mixed lymphocyte response to donor and third-party antigens were performed at several time points between two consecutive TAC doses. TAC concentrations (C) associated with half-maximal effect (EC50) on lymphocytes was determined by pharmacodynamic equations. Results: Mean age was 7.2 ± 6.2 years, mean time to lymphocyte function studies was 25 ± 19 days. Acute rejection occurred at a mean interval of 31 ± 19 days after LTx. Rejectors (n = 16) demonstrated significantly higher EC50 of TAC for the intra-cellular IFN-γ in T cells (p = 0.005) and its CD8+ sub-population (p = 0.027) as well as the co-stimulatory/activation receptor CD54 on B cells (p = 0.0001). The response of recipient lymphocytes to donor antigen was significantly higher in rejectors, compared with non-rejectors (p = 0.015). The patient groups demonstrated no differences in third-party MLR, or in C of TAC. Conclusions: Independent of the amount of immunosuppressant, ACR of liver allografts in children is associated with enhanced donor-specific alloreactivity. This is accompanied by a cytotoxic T-cell sub-population with increased requirement for TAC.
streptococcal Pyrogenic Exotoxins A (spea) And C (spec) Stimulate The Production Of Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase (inos) Protein In Raw 264.7 Macrophages

Streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxins A (SpeA) and C (SpeC) are members of a family of superantigens produced by group A streptococci that appear to play a key role in the pathogenesis of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. Since it is known that nitric oxide (NO) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) are largely responsible for the shock and multiple organ dysfunction of Gram-negative sepsis, we hypothesized that SpeA and/or SpeC could trigger the production of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and/or TNF by murine macrophages. We exposed RAW 264.7 macrophages to increasing concentrations of SpeA or SpeC alone and in combination with recombinant murine interferon-gamma (rIFN gamma) for 16-24 h. We found that both SpeA and SpeC triggered iNOS production in the presence of low concentrations of rIFN gamma, while neither provoked iNOS accumulation in the absence of rIFN gamma. Neither SpeA nor SpeC (with or without rIFN gamma) reproducibly induced TNF production by these murine macrophages. These data indicate that two streptococcal exotoxins up-regulate iNOS production by murine macrophages and suggest that nitric oxide production may play an important role in the pathogenesis of streptococcal toxic shock syndrome.
On the influence of single and multiple peak overloads on fatigue crack propagation in 7075-T6511 aluminum

Abstract The phenomenon of fatigue crack retardation due to variable amplitude loading spectra was studied in 7075-T6511 aluminum alloy. Selected precracked compact tension specimens were subjected to single and multiple peak applications of overload stress intensity values and subsequently cycled at lower stress intensities. Detailed characteristics of the fatigue crack propagation process were measured directly on the fracture surfaces using electron microscopy replicating techniques. The degree of retardation was shown to depend strongly on: 1. A. The relative amplitudes of the peak stress intensity ( ΔK 2 ΔK 1 ) 2. B. The number of stress applications N2 at the peak stress intensity (ΔK2) 3. C. The magnitude of the constant amplitude crack growth rate at the lower stress intensity range ( da dn ) ΔK1 4. D. The number of fatigue cycles N3 at the lower stress intensity level after the last peak stress is applied. A comparison was made between the experimentally observed magnitude of retardation and that predicted using: (1) a model where the retardation is proportional to the ratio of peak stress plastic zone size to secondary stress plastic zone size and (2) an effective stress intensity model. It appears that no present model can accurately predict many of the complex features of the cycle by cycle crack growth behavior experimentally observed. For example, immediately following the last application of the high stress, the crack growth rate at the lower stress levels was accelerated over the value normally observed at constant amplitude cycling (at that same lower stress level). After a period of several cycles, the retardation increased. This is the previously reported delayed retardation effect. After further cycling the crack growth rate slowly increased to what would normally be observed had the peak stress not been applied.
Weight status and depression: Moderating role of fat talk between female friends

This study examined whether engagement in fat talk would moderate the association between weight status (body mass index) and depression between female friends. Individuals' body mass index was significantly related to their own (actor effect) and friend's (partner effect) depression. For low-fat-talk friends, higher actor's body mass index was associated with higher actor's depression, but not for high-fat-talk friends. For high-fat-talk friends, higher actor's body mass index was associated with higher partner's depression, but not for low-fat-talk friends. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
An innovative method of teaching digital system design in an undergraduate electrical and computer engineering curriculum

In this paper, we present an innovative method of teaching digital system design in an undergraduate electrical and computer engineering curriculum. We present a project-based approach to teaching digital system design as opposed to the traditional method that uses conventional classroom lectures with short laboratory exercises. In our approach, students are exposed to a series of industrial-like, semester-long projects that cover fundamental topics in digital system design such as combinational circuit design, sequential circuit design, state machine design, etc. These projects are carried out in groups, thereby developing the students' abilities to work in teams. We present evidence that this project approach offers benefits such as increased student interest and better retention. Currently, 62 percent of our senior design projects are directly related to the concepts presented in this innovative course.
Synchronization of passively mode-locked erbium-doped fiber lasers and its application to optical communication networks

We synchronized two passively mode-locked erbium-doped fiber lasers using a phase lock loop with a large dynamic range and bandwidth, which is realized by using a novel acoustooptic-modulator-grating scheme. Cross-correlation of the two lasers shows the interlaser jitter is under 2 ps (same as the laser pulse width) for period as long as hours. To prove the quality of phase locking, we apply synchronized lasers in two all-optical network applications, one of which requires the lasers to have the same wavelength and the second requires the lasers to be at different wavelengths. In the single wavelength application, the synchronized lasers drive a cascade of two low-birefringence, polarization maintaining, optical logic gates with switching timing window of 4 and 5 ps, respectively. We obtain nonlinear transmission of /spl sim/50% at a switching energy of 8 pJ and contrast ratio of 16 dB, which are comparable performance as that obtained using a single laser. In the different wavelength application, we use 0.8 ps pulses to switch 2 ps pulses in a two-wavelength nonlinear optical loop mirror demultiplexer with timing window of 5.5 ps. Stable switching is reached at a efficiency as high as 90% at switching energy of 0.8 pJ, and a contrast ratio of 20 dB. Excellent agreement is found between the experimental data and the simulated results, which exclude the timing jitter.
Differential Effects of Sucrose and Auxin on Localized Phosphate Deficiency-Induced Modulation of Different Traits of Root System Architecture in Arabidopsis

Phosphorus, one of the essential elements for plants, is often a limiting nutrient in soils. Low phosphate (Pi) availability induces sugar-dependent systemic expression of genes and modulates the root system architecture (RSA). Here, we present the differential effects of sucrose (Suc) and auxin on the Pi deficiency responses of the primary and lateral roots of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). Inhibition of primary root growth and loss of meristematic activity were evident in seedlings grown under Pi deficiency with or without Suc. Although auxin supplementation also inhibited primary root growth, loss of meristematic activity was observed specifically under Pi deficiency with or without Suc. The results suggested that Suc and auxin do not influence the mechanism involved in localized Pi sensing that regulates growth of the primary root and therefore delineates it from sugar-dependent systemic Pi starvation responses. However, the interaction between Pi and Suc was evident on the development of the lateral roots and root hairs in the seedlings grown under varying levels of Pi and Suc. Although the Pi+ Suc− condition suppressed lateral root development, induction of few laterals under the Pi− Suc− condition point to increased sensitivity of the roots to auxin during Pi deprivation. This was supported by expression analyses of DR5∷uidA, root basipetal transport assay of auxin, and RSA of the pgp19 mutant exhibiting reduced auxin transport. A significant increase in the number of lateral roots under the Pi− Suc− condition in the chalcone synthase mutant (tt4-2) indicated a potential role for flavonoids in auxin-mediated Pi deficiency-induced modulation of RSA. The study thus demonstrated differential roles of Suc and auxin in the developmental responses of ontogenetically distinct root traits during Pi deprivation. In addition, lack of cross talk between local and systemic Pi sensing as revealed by the seedlings grown under either the Pi− Suc− condition or in the heterogenous Pi environment highlighted the coexistence of Suc-independent and Suc-dependent regulatory mechanisms that constitute Pi starvation responses.
The Effects of Idealized Fitness Images on Anxiety, Depression and Global Mood States in College Age Males and Females:

The primary purpose of this investigation was to quantify the effects of fitness media exposure on psychological affect utilizing the Solomon 4-group design. Volunteers were counterbalanced and randomly assigned to 30 minutes of viewing either a fitness or control magazine. State anxiety (STAI), tension, depression, anger vigor, fatigue, confusion, and global mood (POMS) were measured. Results indicate that pre-test sensitization was not a significant factor when testing the psychological factors in this investigation. Additionally, the outcomes associated with viewing ultra-fit images in popular media are not a benign experience and merit further examination.
On the average cost optimality equation and the structure of optimal policies for partially observable Markov decision processes

We consider partially observable Markov decision processes with finite or countably infinite (core) state and observation spaces and finite action set. Following a standard approach, an equivalent completely observed problem is formulated, with the same finite action set but with anuncountable state space, namely the space of probability distributions on the original core state space. By developing a suitable theoretical framework, it is shown that some characteristics induced in the original problem due to the countability of the spaces involved are reflected onto the equivalent problem. Sufficient conditions are then derived for solutions to the average cost optimality equation to exist. We illustrate these results in the context of machine replacement problems. Structural properties for average cost optimal policies are obtained for a two state replacement problem; these are similar to results available for discount optimal policies. The set of assumptions used compares favorably to others currently available.
Measurement of Staphylococcal Enterotoxin B in Serum and Culture Supernatant with a Capture Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay

Staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) is a select agent because it is a potent mitogen that elicits life-threatening polyclonal T-cell proliferation and cytokine production at very low concentrations. Efforts are in progress to develop therapeutic reagents and vaccines that neutralize or prevent the devastating effects of this toxin. Because of its rapid binding to in vivo receptors, this toxin is difficult to detect in serum. This rapid binding also constitutes a major challenge for the development of effective therapeutic reagents that can neutralize the effects of the toxin in vivo. We have developed a highly sensitive capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay that detects SEB in body fluids at very low levels. With this assay, the peak levels of SEB in serum and renal clearance can be measured in mice. After either oral ingestion or nasal inhalation of SEB by mice, this assay documents the transcytosis of SEB across the mucosal membranes into serum within 2 h. Furthermore, this assay was used to compare the SEB levels in different murine models for SEB-induced lethal shock and demonstrated that the coadministration of toxin-enhancing chemicals, such as d-galactosamine and lipopolysaccharide, can alter the peak serum SEB levels. Hence, this assay is a potentially useful tool for the study of the pharmacokinetics of SEB and the effects of potential therapeutic reagents on serum SEB levels.
Origin of phenotypes: Genes and transcripts

While the concept of a gene has been helpful in defining the relationship of a portion of a genome to a phenotype, this traditional term may not be as useful as it once was. Currently, "gene" has come to refer principally to a genomic region producing a polyadenylated mRNA that encodes a protein. However, the recent emergence of a large collection of unannotated transcripts with apparently little protein coding capacity, collectively called transcripts of unknown function (TUFs), has begun to blur the physical boundaries and genomic organization of genic regions with noncoding transcripts often overlapping protein-coding genes on the same (sense) and opposite strand (antisense). Moreover, they are often located in intergenic regions, making the genic portions of the human genome an interleaved network of both annotated polyadenylated and nonpolyadenylated transcripts, including splice variants with novel 5' ends extending hundreds of kilobases. This complex transcriptional organization and other recently observed features of genomes argue for the reconsideration of the term "gene" and suggests that transcripts may be used to define the operational unit of a genome.
Books for Adolescents

This department provides adolescent literature reviews, and provides a valuable resource for literature selection in- and outside the classroom.
Total Parenteral Nutrition–Associated Lamina Propria Inflammation in Mice Is Mediated by a MyD88-Dependent Mechanism

Enteral nutrient deprivation via total parenteral nutrition (TPN) administration leads to local mucosal inflammatory responses, but the underlying mechanisms are unknown. Wild-type (WT) and MyD88(-/-) mice underwent jugular vein cannulation. One group received TPN without chow, and controls received standard chow. After 7 d, we harvested intestinal mucosally associated bacteria and isolated small-bowel lamina propria (LP) cells. Bacterial populations were analyzed using 454 pyrosequencing. LP cells were analyzed using quantitative PCR and multicolor flow cytometry. WT, control mucosally associated microbiota were Firmicutes-dominant, whereas WT TPN mice were Proteobacteria-domiant. Similar changes were observed in MyD88(-/-) mice with TPN administration. UniFrac analysis showed divergent small bowel and colonic bacterial communities in controls, merging toward similar microbiota (but distinct from controls) with TPN. The percentage of LP T regulatory cells significantly decreased with TPN in WT mice. F4/80(+)CD11b(+)CD11c(dull/-) macrophage-derived proinflammatory cytokines significantly increased with TPN. These proinflammatory immunologic changes were significantly abrogated in MyD88(-/-) TPN mice. Thus, TPN administration is associated with significant expansion of Proteobacteria within the intestinal microbiota and increased proinflammatory LP cytokines. Additionally, MyD88 signaling blockade abrogated decline in epithelial cell proliferation and epithelial barrier function loss.
Labor induction with a prenatal diagnosis of fetal macrosomia

Since our institution has a low cesarean rate (14%), it was our hypothesis that the rate of cesarean delivery in patients who underwent induction for macrosomia would be similar to the cesarean rate in patients with similar birth weights who entered labor spontaneously. A retrospective analysis of cases seen from December 1993 to July 1995 revealed 53 nondiabetic patients who underwent induction for fetal macrosomia. These study patients were matched to the next nondiabetic patient delivering a child of equal or greater birth weight who entered labor spontaneously. Maternal demographics, labor characteristics, and neonatal outcome data were reviewed. There were no differences between the induction and spontaneous labor groups in maternal age, gestational age, rate of nulliparity, incidence of shoulder dystocia, Apgar scores, or vaginal birth after prior cesarean delivery. The cesarean delivery rate was higher in the induction group when compared to the spontaneous labor group (36% vs. 17%, P < 0.05) despite a lower birth weight in the induction group (4,102 +/- 374 g vs. 349 g, P < 0.05). Regional analgesia was administered more frequently in the induction group (38% vs. 53%, P < 0.05). An increased risk of cesarean delivery was observed in subjects undergoing induction for the indication of fetal macrosomia. These data support a plan of expectant management when fetal macrosomia is suspected.
An improved possibilistic C-Means algorithm with finite rejection and robust scale estimation

We propose an improved Possibilistic C-Means (PCM) algorithm called the New Possibilistic C-Means algorithm (NPCM). The NPCM solves the problems associated with the traditional PCM, namely the extreme dependence on a good initialization and an accurate estimate of scale. The connection between the PCM and M-, and W-estimators is exploited to robustify the PCM memberships by forcing finite rejection of the outliers and by integrating a dynamic and robust scale estimation scheme in the alternative optimization process of the PCM objective function. We further extend the algorithm to the case of multivariate Gaussian clusters where we propose a new 50% breakdown scheme to estimate the covariance matrices. The initialization scheme is also refined to yield better prototype estimates. The resulting algorithm is proved to be superior in performance to the hard, fuzzy, and original possibilistic clustering algorithms.
Es política la justicia como equidad

The article analyzes whether the conception of justice as fairness, set forth by Rawls in Political Liberalism , is a genuine political conception. It first examines the issue of reasonableness of comprehensive doctrines and then goes on to inquire whether the two-step argument affects the structural integrity of political liberalism. The paper concludes that J. Rawls fails in his attempt to justify liberalism indepen -
Effect of thermocouple wire size and attachment method on measurement of thermal characteristics of electronic packages

During thermal characterization and testing of electronic equipment, the temperature of electronic components has to be measured. Thermocouples are commonly used for this purpose. The presence of a thermocouple on the surface of the component causes a local distortion of the temperature field and introduces errors in the measured temperature. This paper reviews the effect of thermocouple size and attachment method on the measurement of surface temperature to determine the thermal characteristics of plastic quad flat pack (PQFP) and tape ball grid array (TBGA) packages. Various size ANSI type T thermocouples were used. The methods of attachment included thermally conductive epoxy, nonthermally conductive epoxy, aluminum tape, and polyimide tape. Thermocouple wire size and attachment method can have a significant effect on the measurement of surface temperature and thermal characterization parameters. Small size and low thermal conductivity thermocouple wires are better to minimize errors due to heat losses through the wires. Using tapes and non-thermally conductive epoxy to attach thermocouples results in larger errors.
Evidence for the importance of intermolecular coupling in the OD band's vibrational structure in deeply supercooled liquid D2O

Abstract We present the Raman spectrum of pure liquid D 2 O at −27.0°C, 17°C lower than any previously reported Raman spectrum of liquid D 2 O. The liquid's OD stretch band at −27.0°C displays a prominent feature which is clearly analogous to the ν 1 in-phase mode in D 2 O ice Ih providing strong evidence that the structure of cold liquid D 2 O's OD band is principally due to strong intermolecular coupling. Deeply supercooled liquid D 2 O displays this ν 1 in-phase feature more clearly than deeply supercooled liquid H 2 O due to the smaller disparity in the D O mass ratio compared to that of H O which enhances this coupling.