cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract P5-05-02: Thyroid hormone replacement therapy shortens survival in hormone receptor positive early stage breast cancers

Purpose A majority of breast cancer (BC) patients have clinical or subclinical thyroid disease as compared to a minority of unaffected women. This comorbidity has been recognized for over a century. We hypothesized that thyroid hormone (TH) promotes breast carcinogenesis and growth, and may reduce survival for patients on long term TH replacement therapy (THRT). We sought to validate these findings in a study of BC patients and investigate mechanisms of hormonal interaction using model systems. Methods Over 800 consecutively diagnosed lymph node (LN) negative, mostly chemo-naive invasive BC patients from 1976 to 1993 at were evaluated. Clinical and outcomes data were derived from medical records (10.2 year median follow up). Primary tumors from surgery (typically mastectomy with node dissection) were analyzed for receptors and biomarkers. Univariate and multivariate statistical methods were used. In vivo and in vitro studies were performed using immortalized human BC cell lines and patient derived xenograft(PDX) models. Results LN- THRTvs. non-THRT BC patients showed nosignificantdifferencesinclinical,histologic or prognosticdata. THRT was significantly associated with a higher relativerisk(RR)ofrecurrence2.376fold(p Conclusion We show statistically significant interactions between THRT at the time of BC diagnosis, early relapse and shortened survival in SR+ (but not SR-) Stage I BC patients. Invitro and in vivo BC models confirm these deleterious interactions. Mechanistically we observe co-localization of the cognate receptors and activation of ER, with downstream upregulation of cell cycle and hormone regulated genes. These interactions are blocked by ICI, whereas Tam fails to block and may in fact enhance tumorigenesis. Citation Format: Wahdan-Alaswad RS, Edgerton SM, Salem HS, Liu B, Thor AD. Thyroid hormone replacement therapy shortens survival in hormone receptor positive early stage breast cancers [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-05-02.
Laue Photography from Protein Crystals

The recent advent of intense, polychromatic, pulsed synchrotron x-ray sources has prompted a re-examination of the Laue diffraction technique, particularly as applied to crystals of proteins and other macromolecules. This article reviews briefly the main aspects of the Laue technique, and how it may be applied to the general area of time-resolved crystallography. Applications have as their goal the elucidation of the structure of short-lived intermediates in such processes as enzymatic catalysis, ligand binding and release, and protein folding and unfolding. Knowledge of the structure of such intermediates is critical to a full understanding of molecular mechanisms of action, yet they are inaccessible to conventional x-ray techniques since their lifetimes are typically very much less than one second.
Assessment of the in vitro toxicity of the disinfection byproduct 2,6-dichloro-1,4-benzoquinone and its transformed derivatives.

Abstract An emerging class of unregulated disinfection byproducts, halobenzoquinones (HBQs), has gained recent interest following suggestions of enhanced toxicity compared to regulated disinfection byproducts. While the kinetics of HBQ hydrolysis in water have been well characterized, the stability of HBQs in cell culture media, a critical parameter when evaluating toxicity in vitro, has been overlooked. The objective of this study was: (1) to contrast the stability of a prevalent HBQ, 2,6-dichloro-1,4-benzoquinone (DCBQ), in cell culture media and water, and (2) to evaluate the cytotoxicity of parent and transformed DCBQ compounds as well as the ability of these compounds to generate intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) in normal human colon cells (CCD 841 CoN) and human liver cancer cells (HepG2). The half-life of DCBQ in cell media was found to be less than 40 min, compared to 7.2 h in water at pH 7. DCBQ induced a concentration-dependent decrease in cell viability and increase in ROS production in both cell lines. The parent DCBQ compound was found to induce significantly greater cytotoxicity compared to transformed DCBQ products. We demonstrate that the study design used by most published studies (i.e., extended exposure periods) has led to a potential underestimation of the cytotoxicity of HBQs by evaluating the toxicological profile primarily of transformed HBQs, rather than corresponding parent compounds. Future in vitro toxicological studies should account for HBQ stability in media to evaluate the acute cytotoxicity of parent HBQs.
Influence of Fiber Property Variation on Composite Failure Mechanisms

This paper deals with the energy released when a fiber fails, and the local mechanisms available for energy absorption. This process is examined analytically for a linear elastic material, and the advantage of a controlled interfacial failure process is clearly indicated. Experimental observations of individual carbon fibers, having similar strain energy densities but different interfacial response, are presented. Gross fracture of tension specimens containing high fiber content is shown to correlate well with observations of individual fiber failure mechanisms. Conclusions are presented based on the analysis and experimental results.
Combination Therapy in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Gleaning a Practical Approach from the Randomized Trials

In the past decade, combination therapy in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) has evolved from something PAH practitioners felt almost compelled to do, notwithstanding the absence of data, to a strategy proven by well-conducted randomized clinical trials. Whereas in the past, PAH treatment was limited to parenteral epoprostenol; today multiple drugs administrable either parenterally, inhaled, or orally have expanded the options for treating PAH patients. The SERIPHIN, AMBITION, and GRIPHON trials and emerging findings in FREEDOM-EV confirm the validity of a combined-therapy approach. Data from these trials in which either combined therapy was planned or an agent was added to background therapy have demonstrated significant reduction in the progression of disease and are on the cusp of demonstrating survival benefit. Combination therapy may be started simultaneously in some cases, but in many cases a stepped approach to initiating a second, or third, agent is better tolerated. Trials of all the specific combinations of drugs may not be possible, but a continuing trend toward treating PAH with multiple agents is likely. Currently, Food and Drug Administration-approved agents are predominantly pulmonary vasodilators acting through different pathways, with minimal impact on progression of the proliferative pulmonary arteriopathy that is the key pathologic finding in PAH. It is to be hoped that treatment strategies that result in halting progression and substantial reversal of pulmonary arteriolar obstruction will soon be discovered and available.
Evaluation of HIV/AIDS Education Program.

A questionnaire designed to measure knowledge and attitudes about HIV/AIDS was administered prior to a three-hour training program, as a pretest, and immediately following the training, as a post-t...
Impact of Vibrational Nonequilibrium on the Supersonic Mode in Hypersonic Boundary Layers

The supersonic mode in hypersonic boundary layers has recently been shown to achieve a larger peak growth rate than the traditional second mode in particular circumstances relevant to free flight. ...
Distinct capabilities of different Gammaproteobacterial strains on utilizing small peptides in seawater.

Proteins and peptides account for 20–75% of marine biota biomass, of which a major fraction is metabolized by bacteria, thus deciphering interactions between bacteria and peptides is important in understanding marine carbon and nitrogen cycling. To better understand capabilities of different bacterial strains on peptide decomposition, four Gammaproteobacteria (Pseudoalteromonas atlantica, Alteromonas sp., Marinobacterium jannaschii, Amphritea japonica) were incubated in autoclaved seawater amended with tetrapeptide alanine-valine-phenylalanine-alanine (AVFA), a fragment of RuBisCO. While AVFA was decomposed greatly by Pseudoalteromonas atlantica and Alteromonas sp, it remained nearly intact in the Marinobacterium jannaschii and Amphritea japonica incubations. Pseudoalteromonas and Alteromonas decomposed AVFA mainly through extracellular hydrolysis pathway, releasing 71–85% of the AVFA as hydrolysis products to the surrounding seawater. Overall, this study showed that Gammaproteobacterial strains differ greatly in their capabilities of metabolizing peptides physiologically, providing insights into interactions of bacteria and labile organic matter in marine environments.
Overpublication as a symptom of audit culture: A comment on Phaf (2020):

Phaf suggests that, in order to address overpublication, academics should read more and publish less. Although many academics would like to take this advice, doing so is complicated by the audit cu...
T cells in SSc skin lesions: knowing your enemy.

New research suggests that cytotoxic T cells are dominant in the lesional skin of patients with early diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (SSc) and contribute to vasculopathy and tissue fibrosis. Could therapeutic strategies that prevent T cell activation and cytotoxicity therefore present an option to potentially halt progression of SSc?
Bioinspired Sensors and Actuators Based on Stimuli-Responsive Hydrogels for Underwater Soft Robotics

Various active soft materials have been developed for sensors and actuators inspired by the powerful, dexterous, and adaptive biological muscles found in octopus arms and elephant trunks. Stimuli-responsive hydrogels, a class of water-loaded polymers, exhibit large volume change and actuation strain upon environmental cues, enabling them to absorb and release water up to more than 90% of their total weight. These tissue-like, multifunctional, and multi-responsive hydrogels exhibit attractive sensing and actuation capabilities, qualifying them as potential candidates for artificial muscles used in next-generation underwater soft robotics. This chapter introduces a variety of stimuli-responsive hydrogels that can serve as soft sensors for local environment and strain monitoring, and as powerful actuators capable of rapidly generating high force. Furthermore, these materials can be designed towards self-sensing actuation as a step towards mimicking biological local adaptation and intelligence. Three primary approaches have been taken to engineer materials that closely resemble naturally occurring muscles. Firstly, adaptive coloration in artificial skins has been utilized to mimic the camouflage and environmental detection capabilities of artificial muscle tissue. Secondly, to better approach the high work density of natural muscles, the exerted force and deformation speed of the artificial muscles were significantly enhanced by controlling the storing-releasing mechanism of the hydrogels’ elastic energy. Thirdly, in an effort to approach biological intelligence, hydrogels have been designed to serve as simultaneous sensors and actuators, enabling self-monitoring soft robots and underwater swimming robots with fully self-regulated motion, shape tracking, and propulsion. These recent progresses demonstrate the versatility of smart soft materials and their potential for producing autonomous soft robots with self-diagnostic capability, built-in feedback control, and higher level of autonomy.
A cysteine-based redox switch regulates millisecond dynamics of protein disulfide isomerase and controls enzyme activity

Abstract Cysteine residues provide enzymes involved in signaling and metabolism with an allosteric mechanism to quickly respond to changes in the surrounding redox environment. Yet how thiol modifications impact enzyme structure and dynamics is poorly understood. Here, we apply single-molecule Forster resonance energy transfer (smFRET) to study redox-dependent conformational dynamics of a highly flexible oxidoreductase, protein disulfide isomerase (PDI), in solution. We demonstrate that PDI toggles in the millisecond timescale between two major conformational ensembles, “open” and “closed”, that differ ∼20A in length due to relocation of the two catalytic domains, whose equilibrium distribution is modulated by the redox state. While reduced PDI predominantly populates the open ensemble, oxidized PDI visits both ensembles with similar probability. We provide evidence that i) transition from the open to the closed ensemble requires loss of free thiols, not disulfide bonding, as previously thought, and ii) exposure to small molecules that alkylate the catalytic cysteines and mutation of cysteines in the N-terminal active site shift PDI to the closed conformation. Finally, using mutational and kinetic analyses, we show that the fraction of open ensemble at equilibrium positively correlates with the reductase activity of PDI. This work forms the basis of a new dynamic mechanism of PDI regulation by a cysteine-based redox switch in which thiol-controlled equilibrium distribution of the open/closed ensembles dictates function.
Plasma assisted ammonia combustion: Simultaneous NOx reduction and flame enhancement

Abstract This work reports that plasma can simultaneously reduce NOx emission and extend the lean blowoff limits of ammonia flames. The results show dramatic differences from similar work using hydrocarbon fuels in which plasma promoted NOx emission. Therefore, this work could lay the foundation of plasma application in practical ammonia combustion.
A Deep-Learning-based Link Adaptation Design for eMBB/URLLC Multiplexing in 5G NR

URLLC is an important use case in 5G NR that targets at 1-ms level delay-sensitive applications. For fast transmission of URLLC traffic, a promising mechanism is to multiplex URLLC traffic into a channel occupied by eMBB service through preemptive puncturing. Although preemptive puncturing can offer transmission resource to URLLC on demand, it will adversely affect throughput and link reliability performance of eMBB service. To mitigate such an adverse impact, a possible approach is to employ link adaptation (LA) through MCS selection for eMBB users. In this paper, we study the problem of maximizing eMBB throughput through MCS selection while ensuring link reliability requirement for eMBB users. We present DELUXE – the first successful design and implementation based on deep learning to address this problem. DELUXE involves a novel mapping method to compress high-dimensional eMBB transmission information into a low-dimensional representation with minimal information loss, a learning method to learn and predict the block-error rate (BLER) under each MCS, and a fast calibration method to compensate errors in BLER predictions. For proof of concept, we implement DELUXE through a link-level 5G NR simulator. Extensive experimental results show that DELUXE can successfully maintain the desired link reliability for eMBB while striving for spectral efficiency. In addition, our implementation can meet the real-time requirement (< 125 μs) in 5G NR.
Stochastic Deep Unfolding for Imaging Inverse Problems

Deep unfolding networks are rapidly gaining attention for solving imaging inverse problems. However, the computational and memory complexity of existing deep unfolding networks scales with the size of the full measurement set, limiting their applicability to certain large-scale imaging inverse problems. We propose SCRED-Net as a novel methodology that introduces a stochastic approximation to the unfolded regularization by denoising (RED) algorithm. Our method uses only a subset of measurements within each cascade block, making it scalable to a large number of measurements for efficient end-to-end training. We present numerical results showing the effectiveness of SCRED-Net on intensity diffraction tomography (IDT) and sparse-view computed tomography (CT). Our results show that SCRED-Net matches the performance of a batch deep unfolding network at a fraction of training and operational complexity.
Better Together? CEO Identity and Firm Productivity

This paper analyzes the relationship between CEO quality and firm productivity in the private sector using top-manager/CEO job transitions. Using a matched employer-employee data set, I attempt to disentangle the role of the CEO type (identity) from that of the firm in revenue productivity and evaluate the existence and relevance of match complementarities between CEO and firm types. I present a proxy measure of CEO quality that takes advantage of differential patterns of CEO mobility throughout their careers to circumvent endogenous CEO job mobility. I find that a one-standard-deviation increase in CEO quality results in a 5% increase in firm production. Higher quality CEOs are more likely to hold a higher education degree, have a larger experience as a manager, invest in innovation, and less likely to work in a family firm. More strikingly, results indicate that CEO-firm complementarities represent about half of the CEO’s impact on firm revenue productivity. The issue of CEO impact is of significant practical importance to firms and policymakers alike, as it can partly explain the rise in wage inequality.
Epidemiology and Etiology of Glioblastoma

Much recent work has described the epidemiology of glioblastoma (GB), the most common and most aggressive primary brain malignancy. This chapter reviews the basic epidemiology of GB, including incidence data for the United States and survival data in the context of surgical, chemotherapeutic, and radiation-based treatment. We review the important role that molecular markers play in prognosis for patients with GB. We then provide a broad overview of demographic, behavioral, environmental, and genetic factors that contribute to risk of these tumors.
A Simple Instrument to Measure the Thermal Transport Properties of the Human Skin

The evaluation of the skin thermal properties is relevant for many applications ranging from clinical dermatology to cosmetology. We introduce a simple passive device, capable of rapidly measuring skin thermal parameters using transient surface temperature measurements. Thanks to the development of an analytic thermodynamic skin model, tissue thermal diffusivity can be extracted from experimental data. For validation purposes, the thermal response of the apparatus has been modelled using a layered finite-element 3D model of the skin in thermal contact with a metallic measuring tip. Simplified 1D analytical and semi-analytical models have also been developed with the intent of modelling the thermal properties of the skin surface. The simplified models can be used to fit the thermal response measured by the device and to extract the thermal diffusivity in real time.
Organization of the Genes Encoding Phycoerythrin and the Two Differentially Expressed Phycocyanins in the Cyanobacterium Pseudanabaena PCC 7409

Pseudanabaena PCC 7409 is a filamentous, non-heterocystous cyanobacterium which exhibits light wavelength-mediated control of phycobiliprotein gene expression. This phenomenon is known as complementary chromatic adaptation (for reviews, see 1, 2, and 3). As in other cyanobacteria, phycobilisomes are the major light-harvesting antennae for Photosystem II in Pseudanabaena PCC 7409. Previous studies have shown that the phycobiliprotein composition of the phycobilisomes of this cyanobacterium can vary significantly and is dependent upon the light wavelength employed for cell growth (4, 5). When cells are grown in green light (wavelengths predominantly shorter than 590 nm), the phycobilisomes contain allophycocyanin : phycocyanin : phycoerythrin in the approximate molar ratio 1:1:3 (4). When Pseudanabaena PCC 7409 cells are grown in red light (wavelengths longer than 590 nm), the phycobilisomes contain no phycoerythrin and contain allophycocyanin : phycocyanin in the approximate molar ratio 1:3.5. Pseudanabaena PCC 7409 is denoted as a “Type III” chromatic adapter because of its ability to differentially control the rate of synthesis of both phycocyanin and phycoerythrin as a function of light wavelength (6).
Abstract 15972: Fibronectin is Essential for Mesendoderm Induction During Cardiac Differentiation of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells

Extracellular matrix (ECM) plays important roles in development, and we have previously demonstrated a matrix sandwich protocol for efficient cardiac differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs). The purpose of the present study was to identify the key ECM proteins required to initiate cardiogenic differentiation of hPSCs and define their mechanism of action. We tested purified ECM proteins including human laminin (LN111, LN521), fibronectin (FN) and collagen IV in the matrix sandwich protocol, and found FN promoted efficient cardiac differentiation. To determine if FN is essential for the early stages of cardiogenesis we tested three FN blockers: FUD peptide that binds the N-terminal 70-kDa fragment of FN, anti-human FN antibody clone10 which recognizes FN domain III2, and anti-human FN antibody clone 3E3 that binds on the cell attachment domain. All three blockers showed concentration-dependent inhibition of cardiac differentiation of hPSCs when added at day 0 for 24 hours, measured by flow cytometry for cTnT+ cells in the Matrigel/Matrigel (bottom/overlay) and FN/FN sandwich culture as well as in the small molecule GiWi protocol. Furthermore, clone10 showed significant inhibition of cardiac differentiation even in the absence of adding exogenous FN due to the robust endogenous expression of FN by the hPSCs. Gene expression analysis with qRT-PCR demonstrated that blocking FN by clone10 caused a significant suppression of gene expression related to: 1) epithelial to mesenchymal transition, e.g. SNAIL1, SNAIL2, GSC, VIM, CDH2 and FN1; 2) Mesendoderm e.g. T, MIXL1, SOX17 and precardiac mesoderm of MESP1; 3) Cardiac transcription factors ISL1 and NKX2.5. To investigate the cellular signaling activated by FN, we tested a blocking antibody (clone P5D2) to the major FN receptor, integrin β1, and found that P5D2 produced a concentration-dependent inhibition of cardiogenesis in multiple hPSC lines. Furthermore, the integrin-linked kinase (ILK) inhibitor, Cpd22, inhibited cardiac differentiation in a concentration-dependent fashion as well when added on day 0. We conclude that FN, acting via integrin β1-activated ILK signaling, is essential to mesendoderm formation enabling cardiogenesis of hPSCs.
Immunologic Specificity and Molecular Structure1

Publisher Summary This chapter formulates the basic concepts for understanding immunologic specificity and stresses the probable importance of apolar interactions in the antigen-antibody reactions. The notion of specificity was nurtured by the commonsense observations made over many centuries that individuals acquired immunity against a particular disease, for example, smallpox, following recovery from that disease. The intensive study of the chemical nature of the combining region of the antibody molecule has begun only very recently. The chapter discusses the aspects of the specific interaction, such as the complementary relationship, the affinity of the specific complex, the contribution of apolar (hydrophobic) interaction, the contribution of columbic interactions, the contributions of hydrogen bonding and the London dispersion force, the steric factor, and the size of the antibody-combining region. It also emphasizes the induction and purification of high-affinity antibody because only with such antibody the interactions reveal their full significance. In this connection the use of relatively large haptenic groups attached to a single kind of protein side chain will provide important advantages. In this way also it may be possible to ascertain the upper limits of the affinity of antigen and antibody and thereby, provide the quantitative basis for elucidating many biological immune processes. The chapter also presents the general considerations of immunologic specificity and molecular structure such as the molecular (organic) crystal as a mode, the haptenic group as a molecular probe, complex formation as the basic process, the free energy of the specific interaction, and intermolecular forces in specific reactions.
The role of stewardship in leadership: Applying the contingency theory of leadership to relationship cultivation practices of public relations practitioners

Purpose – Using the contingency theory's classification of leaders, the purpose of this paper is to examine how the categories of public relations leaders incorporate relationship building tactics into their public relations programming and explore how this categorization of leaders corresponds with existing public relations role theory. Design/methodology/approach – A survey (n=539) of public relations practitioners in the USA was carried out using established scales for the contingency theory of leadership and public relations role theory. Findings – The contingency theory of leadership accurately describes the leadership styles enacted by the industry. An individual's use of stewardship strategies during public relations programming was successfully able to predict leadership orientation. Originality/value – The results strengthen the argument posed the contingency theory of accommodation in public relations that environmental factors have strong implications on industry practices. One's leadership tra...
LEAD TOXICITY: INTERACTIONS BETWEEN LEAD (Pb), ZINC (Zn) AND CALCIUM (Ca) IN BONE ORGAN CULTURE

LEAD TOXICITY: INTERACTIONS BETWEEN LEAD (Pb), ZINC (Zn) AND CALCIUM (Ca) IN BONE ORGAN CULTURE
Regional Economic Analysis of Houston

This paper analyzes Houston Metropolitan Region's economic performance during the great recession from a regional economic and public policy perspective. Using labor and economic output data in shift-share analysis, our analysis focuses on sub-regional and sectoral components of this region’s much discussed success story. Through a series of questions relating to both pre- and post-recession time periods, the paper explores recent changes to the region's economic structure from a socioeconomic perspective. The paper derives policy lessons for other metropolitan regions around the country, in particular those that face similar sets of challenges as Houston.
Style and Methodologies, on Noel Carroll's Engaging the Moving Image

Noel Carroll _Engaging the Moving Image_ New Haven and London: Yale University Press, 2003 ISBN: 0300091958 448 pp.
Tracking deformable objects in geospatial applications

In this paper we describe a novel approach for change detection of moving deformable objects. We assume that each object is represented as a closed polygon (convex or concave). First, we use differential snakes to track the object outline between two different frames. Next, we examine the geometric properties (area moments and principal axes) of these two polygons and we estimate their changes (translation, rotation, area expanded or contracted). Additionally, using results from invariant moments theory we compute a similarity index among different instances of an object's history. This information is used to update geospatial databases and to support complex analysis. Experimental results on real imagery illustrate the capabilities of our approach.
Gastric secretion and motility after vagotomy in dogs.

To study the changes in gastric secretion and motility after vagotomy, seven dogs were observed before and at intervals to one year after this operation. Methods: After thorough training and preoperative tests, seven mongrel dogs weighing from ten to eighteen pounds were sUbjected to transthoracic vagotomy. Three to five centimeters of the vagi were removed just above the diaphragm. One, three, six, nine and twelve months later tests were repeated. All studies were performed after a twenty-four hour fast. Gastric amilysis was performed after 1.0 mgm of histamine subcutaneously, after 2.0 mgm of urecholine subcutaneously and after 20 U of insulin intravenously. Titration was with 0.1 normal sodium hydroxide using Topfer's reagent and phenolphthalein as indicators. Gastric motility was recorded on a kymograph by a bromoform manometer connected to a Levine tube on the end of which was a rubber balloon. The 12tter was passed into the stomach and inflated with 250 cubic centimeters of air. Resting gastric motility and response to 2.0 mgm of urecholine subcutaneously and to 20 U of insulin intravenously were recorded. Emptying time was observed fluoroscopically after passage of 50 cubic centimeters of barium and water mixture into the stomach through a Levine tube. Results: The changes in free and total acid secretion are shown in figures 1, 2 and 3, and in the emptying time in table 1. By the method employed, the changes in intragastric pressure representing motility preoperatively showed waves from one to four centimeters of bromoform in height occurring at the rate of three to six per minute. After vagotomy, very small irregular waves were noted in most records, occasionally reaching the height of the preoperative test waves but infrequently attaining the same rate. In only nine of a total of sixty-three records were no waves seen. A few records showed large 8 to 20 centimeter waves, spaced at intervals of several minutes. Before and after operation, urecholine caused prompt increase in height and frequency of waves, with rapid increase in tone (height of lowest point of waves from base line). The maximum response was reached in from five to eight minutes. Occasionally the test was terminated at this point by the dog retching with breaking or expulsion of the balloon.
70 - Liquefaction Mechanisms and Induced Ground Failure

This chapter reviews mechanisms controlling liquefaction, subsequent soil deformation, and methods of analysis commonly applied in engineering practice. Field and laboratory tests indicate that liquefaction and subsequent ground deformation comprise complex phenomena that are difficult to model either physically or analytically. Thus, empirical procedures have become the standard of practice for evaluation of liquefaction resistance, prediction of ground deformation, and design of remedial measures. The formal definition of soil liquefaction is “the transformation of a granular soil from a solid state to liquefied state as a consequence of increased pore water pressure and reduced effective stress.” With the soil in a liquefied and softened condition, ground deformations occur readily in response to static or dynamic loading. The amount of deformation is a function of loading conditions, amplitudes and frequencies of seismic waves, the thickness and extent of the liquefied layer, the relative density and permeability of the liquefied sediment, and the permeability of surrounding sediment layers. Only when liquefaction leads to large ground deformation or ground failure is it hazardous to constructed works. Liquefaction may lead to any one of several forms of ground failure, depending on surface loads, site geometry, and the depth, thickness, and extent of the liquefied layer. Ground failures are divided into two general categories depending on whether induced ground movements are primarily lateral or vertical. Damage occurs when liquefaction leads to intolerable ground displacements or ground failure. Failure types include flow failure, inertially induced embankment deformation, lateral spread, loss of bearing strength, and ground settlement.
Applications of boundary integral equation methods in 3D electromagnetic scattering

This paper is concerned with the application of boundary integral equation method to the electromagnetic scattering of a perfect conductor in the three dimensional space. A collocation method is employed for the magnetic field integral equation and error estimates are derived. Far-field patterns and radar cross sections are computed for various wave numbers in the case of sphere. Numerical experiments are compared to those ontained from the Mie series method in order to verify the predicted theoretical results.
Does Cluster Membership Enhance Financial Performance

This paper reports upon the profitability of firms that locate their headquarters in same-industry geographic concentrations or clusters and those that opt to maintain headquarters in other locations. While the preponderance of the theoretical and descriptive literature emphasizes the potential benefits associated with clustering, some papers suggest that clustering should not be beneficial, at least for particular types of firms in particular circumstances. This empirical study, which examines a sample of more than 4000 Compustat firms from 86 different industries, compares the profitability of firms in industry clusters and firms in other locations. The sample is partitioned into small and large firms to account for expected differences in profitability, in general, and the possible differential impact of geographic clustering. The results show that for smaller firms, the profitability of cluster members tends to be considerably lower than for firms that opt not to join clusters. For the subsample of larger firms, the results are mixed depending upon the measure of profitability. The results imply that smaller firms should carefully evaluate the decision to locate in industry clusters.
A study of temperature field in a GaN heterostructure field-effect transistor

This paper presents a three-dimensional finite element based heat transfer model for a Gallium Nitride-based Heterostructure Field-Effect Transistor (henceforth referred to as GaN HFET). Analyses were carried out to study the distribution of temperature in the HFET under steady-state conditions for two different steady-current inputs. Two different substrates for the HFET, sapphire and silicon carbide (SiC), were studied. The paper discusses the effect of using a heat sink and also that of using reasonable contact resistances on the substrate side of the HFET, on the temperature profile. In all cases, the gate region of the HFET was found to attain the highest temperature. Subsequent experiments to validate the results of the computational analysis were carried out at the Oakridge National Laboratories, Knoxville, and are also presented in this paper.
Delirium in older persons.

The prevalence of delirium increases sharply with age, and about 20 percent of older patients have delirium at the time of hospital admission for any reason. This review summarizes the clinical manifestations of and risk factors for delirium and the evaluation of patients with this condition. It includes an update on the current understanding of the pathogenesis of delirium and provides guidance regarding practical measures to prevent this common complication.
Resistance of Human βB2-crystallin to in vivo Modification

Post-translational modifications and/or structural changes induced by modifications are likely causes of the decrease in crystallin solubility associated with aging and the development of cataract. Characterization of human lens crystallins by mass spectrometry has demonstrated that βB2-crystallin undergoes less modification than any of the other crystallins. As the lens ages, βB2-crystallin retains its hydrophilic N-terminus while the hydrophilic C-termini of α-crystallins and large portions of the N-termini of βA3/A1 and βB1 are truncated. The hydrophilic terminal regions of crystallins contribute to their solubility. Furthermore, deamidation and disulfide bond formation, other modifications that may affect solubility by altering conformation, are less extensive in βB2 than in the other crystallins. This resistance to modification results in higher levels of βB2 compared with the other crystallins in the water-soluble fraction of older lenses. The solubility of βB2 and its propensity to form non-covalent associations with less soluble β-crystallins may contribute to the solubility of the other β-crystallins. A current hypothesis is that the chaperone-like properties of α-crystallins contribute to lens crystallin solubility, particularly in younger lenses. In older lenses, where most of the α-crystallins have become water-insoluble, βB2-crystallins may play a dominant role in lens crystallin solubility.
Oxidative mechanisms of IL-4-induced IL-6 expression in vascular endothelium.

The present study is designed to investigate the effects of interleukin-4 (IL-4) on expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6), as well as to examine the role of distinct sources of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in this process. Real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) showed that IL-4 significantly up-regulated the mRNA and protein expression of IL-6 in human aortic endothelial cells (HAEC) and C57BL/6 mice. Dihydroethidium (DHE) and dichlorofluorescein (DCF) fluorescence staining demonstrated that IL-4 significantly increased ROS generation in HAEC. A significant and dose-dependent inhibition of IL-4-induced IL-6 expression was observed in HAEC pre-treated with antioxidants, such as pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), indicating that IL-4-induced IL-6 expression is mediated via an ROS-dependent mechanism. Additionally, pharmacological inhibitor of NADPH oxidase (NOX) significantly attenuated IL-4-induced ROS generation and IL-6 expression in HAEC. Furthermore, the disruption of NOX gene dramatically and significantly reduced IL-4-induced IL-6 expression in NOX knockout mice (B6.129S6-Cybbtm1Din/J). In contrast, overexpression of IL-6 in IL-4-activated HAEC was not affected by inhibiting other ROS generating pathways, such as xanthine oxidase, arachidonic acid metabolism, and the mitochondrial electron transport chain. These results demonstrate that IL-4 up-regulates IL-6 expression in vascular endothelium through NOX-mediated ROS generation.
DETERMINATION OF TRANSFER FUNCTIONS OF MCP-200 ALLOY USING 6 MV PHOTON BEAM FOR BEAM INTENSITY MODULATION

Transfer functions of MCP-200 alloy were determined for beam intensity modulation. 6 MV Photon beam, obtained from linear accelerator, is attenuated by blocks of MCP-200 alloy with different thicknesses placed at a distance of one meter from the source. The attenuated beam was allowed to fall on photographic film and optical densities were measured. Films were scanned and profiles were obtained for different thicknesses of the alloy and in the absence of any attenuator. Transfer functions were obtained theoretically as well as analytically by fitting the experimental results into theoretical data. The whole work was completed using optimum dose units and found to be 30 cGy.
High Direct Estimate of the Mutation Rate in the Mitochondrial Genome of Caenorhabditis elegans

Mutations in the mitochondrial genome have been implicated in numerous human genetic disorders and offer important data for phylogenetic, forensic, and population genetic studies. Using a long-term series of Caenorhabditis elegans mutation accumulation lines, we performed a wide-scale screen for mutations in the mitochondrial genome that revealed a mutation rate that is two orders of magnitude higher than previous indirect estimates, a highly biased mutational spectrum, multiple mutations affecting coding function, as well as mutational hotspots at homopolymeric nucleotide stretches.
Optimization study of the effects of bowl geometry, spray targeting, and swirl ratio for a heavy-duty diesel engine operated at low and high load:

AbstractOptimization tools are used to recommend low-emission engine combustion chamber designs, spray targeting, and swirl ratio levels for a heavy-duty diesel engine operated at low load and high load. A non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA II) was coupled with the KIVA computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code, as well as with an automated grid generation technique to conduct the multi-objective optimizations with goals of low emissions and improved fuel economy. The study identifies the aspects of the combustion and pollution formation that are affected by mixing, and offers guidance for better matching of the piston geometry with the spray plume geometry for enhanced mixing. By comparing the optimal results of low-load and high-load cases, the study reveals that different injection strategies and matching of the piston geometry with the spray plume are needed for different operating conditions. A non-parametric regression analysis tool was also used to post-process the optimized results in ord...
Biogenic amines in silage, 3: The occurrence of six biogenic amines in farm-scale grass and maize silages

Concentrations of putrescine (PUT), cadaverine (CAD), spermidine (SPD), spermine (SPM), histamine (HIS) and tyramine (TYR) in 53 grass silages and 54 maize silages were determined using an HPLC method. Concentrations of all amines excluding SPD in grass silages decreased significantly with increasing dry matter (DM) contents and decreasing acetic acid concentrations. The mean concentrations were 1310, 642, 414, 139, 120 and 33.6 mg/kg for TYR, CAD, PUT, SPM, HIS and SPD respectively in grass silages of 20-30% DM. The maximal values found were twice to five times higher than the mean values. The effect of increasing DM on the amines concentrations was not evident in maize silages. The mean concentrations, regardless of the DM content, were surprisingly high: 435, 388, 341, 71.7, 25.1 and 5.4 mg/kg for TYR, PUT, CAD, HIS, SPD and SPM. The maximal values in maize silages were three times to ten times higher than the mean values. Considering that maize silage forms the great proportion of the diets of cattle during long-term winter feeding, further toxicological and physiological research should be carried out.
TEM imaging of thick, multi-layer AlN film deposited on oxide

High resolution TEM imaging was performed of a two layer 1.50 ± 0.09μm thick AlN film deposited using the Tegal AMS 2004 S-gun magnetron sputter system on 565nm of thermal oxide. The AlN film was deposited in two depositions, with vacuum broken in between. Process induced faults and dislocations are observed at both the AlN-substrate interface and at the film location where vacuum was broken, but irregularities are generally resolved within 5nm. Additional roughness and stacking faults are observed in the last 6nm of film deposition. Bright field imaging of the film shows a distinct line of discontinuity at the film location where vacuum was broken between depositions; however, the grain structure of the film remains largely continuous across the discontinuity. A film deposited under the same conditions as the measured sample, but deposited in one deposition, had comparable stress (<50 MPa), thickness, and grain size properties. Increased XRD rocking curve FWHM values for the two deposition film (1.29+/-0.01°) as compared with the single deposition film (0.97+/-0.01°) is likely due to the stacking irregularities introduced at the location where vacuum was broken.
Error immunity techniques for nanomagnetic logic

Nanomagnetic logic (NML) is an alternative to electron charge-based information processing for energy efficient computing applications. However, experiments indicate that nanomagnets are susceptible to thermal and lithographic noise, resulting in logical errors during signal transmission and computation. Here, we study the origins of errors in nanomagnetic logic and present a technique for reducing error rates based on anisotropy engineering. Using photoelectron emission microscopy (PEEM), we verify the functionality and error-immunity properties of anisotropy-engineered nanomagnets in NML applications.
L-Functions for Jacobi Forms of Arbitrary Degree

A finite number ofL-functions are associated to every Jacobi cusp form of degreen. TheseL-functions are infinite series constructed with the Fourier coefficients of the form and a variables in ℂn. It is proved that eachL-function has an integral representation, admits a holomorphic continuation to the whole space ℂn, and the row vector formed with them satisfies a particular matrix functional equation.
Posttreatment factors influencing outcome of adolescent chemical dependency treatment

Abstract A sample of 144 adolescents in inpatient chemical dependency treatment completed questionnaires designed to determine pre and post environmental, psychological, and problem severity influences on the outcome of treatment. Results of regression analyses indicate that the posttreatment psychosocial environment measures and pretreatment problem severity indicators consistently made significant contributions to short term treatment outcome.
The Third Factor of the WISC-III: It's (Probably) Not Freedom From Distractibility

ABSTRACT Objective This study examined the ecological validity, construct validity, and diagnostic utility of the third factor of the WISC-III, heuristically labeled “Freedom From Distractibility” (FFD). Method A sample of 200 children, aged 6 to 11 years, with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) completed the WISC-III, the Wide Range Achievement Test-Revised, and the Test of Variables of Attention. Objective parent and teacher report measures of attention and hyperactivity were completed. Results Mean FFD scores were significantly lower than other WISC-III factor scores. The diagnostic utility of FFD is limited, however, as the majority of these children did not show a significant relative weakness on this index. Correlational analyses failed to support the concurrent, ecological, or construct validity of the FFD. FFD scores were not correlated with a measure of sustained visual attention. Findings suggest that among children with ADHD, a low FFD score may be associated with the presence of a learning disability or poor academic performance. This finding was maintained after level of general intelligence was statistically controlled. Conclusions Clinicians and researchers should not view FFD as a reliable or valid index of attention or as a diagnostic screening measure for identifying children with ADHD.
Comparison of McCarthy General Cognitive Index and WISC-R IQ for educable mentally retarded, learning disabled, and normal children.

The relationship between the McCarthy General Cognitive Index and the WISC-R Full Scale IQ was examined for 20 educable mentally retarded, 20 learning disabled, and 20 normal children aged 6 to 8½ yr. Selection of children was conducted so that the three groups would be comparable with res pea to age, sex, and race. The mean McCarthy Indexes for the retarded and learning disabled samples were significantly lower than the mean WISC-R Full Scale IQs. When the Index and Full Scale IQ were converted to a common metric and compared, the mean index for the retarded and learning disabled samples remained lower than the Full Scale IQs, although the differences were nonsignificant. The measures correlated significantly for all three samples and ranged from .51 to .82.
Sonic Boom Predictions Using a Solution-Adaptive Full-Potential Code

The TranAir full-potential code, which utilizes a solution-adaptive, unstructured Cartesian grid, was used to compute near-field pressure signatures of three generic geometries: (1) a cone-cylinder; (2) a low aspect ratio rectangular wing; and (3) a delta-wing/body. Pressure signatures computed by TranAir are extrapolated to near- and midfield distances using a quasilinear extrapolation technique. Results are compared with wind-tunnel data and, where possible, with extrapolated wind-tunnel data and Whitham-method results. In general, extrapolated TranAir data is in good agreement with experimental and Whitham-method pressure signatures, but peak pressures are slightly underpredicted. It is felt that data computed too close to the model caused some of the discrepancies. The flowfield grid structure was also found to be an important issue in obtaining accurate off-body data. Results were encouraging enough to proceed with the application of TranAir to conceptual configurations in support of the NASA high speed research program (HSRP).