cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Long Terminal Repeat Regions from Exogenous but Not Endogenous Feline Leukemia Viruses Transactivate Cellular Gene Expression

We have previously reported that the long terminal repeat (LTR) region of feline leukemia viruses (FeLVs) can enhance expression of certain cellular genes such as the collagenase IV gene and MCP-1 in trans (S. K. Ghosh and D. V. Faller, J. Virol. 73:4931-4940, 1999). Genomic DNA of all healthy feline species also contains LTR-like sequences that are related to exogenous FeLV LTRs. In this study, we evaluated the cellular gene transactivational potential of these endogenous FeLV LTR sequences. Unlike their exogenous FeLV counterparts, neither nearly full-length endogenous FeLV molecular clones (CFE-6 and CFE-16) nor their isolated LTRs were able to activate collagenase IV gene or MCP-1 expression in transient transfection assays. We had also demonstrated previously that production of an RNA transcript from exogenous FeLV LTRs correlates with their transactivational activity. In the present study, we demonstrate that the endogenous FeLV LTRs do not generate LTR-specific RNA transcripts in the feline embryo fibroblast cell line AH927. Furthermore, infection of AH927 cells by an exogenous FeLV subgroup A virus did not induce production of such LTR-specific transcripts from the endogenous proviral genomes, although the LTR-specific transcripts from the exogenous virus were readily detected. Finally, LTR-specific transcripts were not generated in BALB/3T3 cells transiently transfected with isolated CFE-6 LTR, in contrast to transfections with LTRs from exogenous viruses. Our data thus suggest that the inability of endogenous FeLV LTRs in gene transactivation is not due to cell line specificity or presence of any upstream inhibitory cis-acting element. Endogenous, nonleukemogenic FeLV LTRs, therefore, do not transactivate cellular gene expression, and this property appears to be specific to exogenous, leukemogenic FeLVs.
Immersions of surfaces into surfaces

Abstract IMMERSIONS of a compact surface into another surface are classified up to a “weak” topological conjugacy equivalence. The main theorem of this paper says that two immersions from a compact surface into an open surface are “weakly” conjugate if and only if they are regularly homotopic.
Ground state resonance structure calculated by density functional theory for estimating the dielectric response of the high explosive PETN

We present calculations of ground state resonance structure associated with the high explosive PETN using density functional theory (DFT), which is for the construction of parameterized dielectric response functions for excitation by electromagnetic waves at compatible frequencies. These dielectric functions provide for different of types of analyses concerning the dielectric response of explosives. In particular, these dielectric response functions provide quantitative initial estimates of spectral response features for subsequent adjustment with respect to additional information such as laboratory measurements and other types of theory based calculations. With respect to qualitative analysis, these spectra provide for the molecular level interpretation of response structure. The DFT software NRLMOL was used for the calculations of ground state resonance structure presented here.
X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopic Studies of Carbon Fiber Surfaces. 24. Interfacial Interactions between Polyimide Resin and Electrochemically Oxidized PAN-Based Carbon Fibers

The interfacial interaction between PAN-based IM7 carbon fibers and Avimid K3B, a thermoplastic polyimide resin was investigated using core and valence band X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The extent of interaction between the fiber and the matrix material has a significant effect on the strength of the ultimate composite. The fibers were treated to remove the surface treatment applied to the fibers by the manufacturer by resistive heating in a vacuum. The interaction of the detreated fiber, subjected to subsequent electrochemical treatment, with the resin was compared to the interaction of the commercially surface-treated fiber with the resin. Better interaction between the fiber and matrix was found in the case of the electrochemically surface-treated fiber than with a commercially surface-treated fiber, emphasizing the importance of tailoring the surface treatment to the matrix chemistry. Based on chemical shifts seen in the core region and differences in the valence band region, a reaction sch...
On the renormalized volumes for conformally compact Einstein manifolds

We study the renormalized volume of a conformally compact Einstein manifold. In even dimensions, we derive the analogue of the Chern-Gauss-Bonnet formula incorporating the renormalized volume. When the dimension is odd, we relate the renormalized volume to the conformal primitive of the Q-curvature.
PCBs enhance collagen I expression from human peritoneal fibroblasts

Objective To test the effect of four polychlorinated biphenyl congeners (PCB-77, PCB-105, PCB 153, and PCB 180) on expression of three adhesion markers (transforming growth factor [TGF] β1, vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF], and type I collagen) in normal human peritoneal and adhesion fibroblasts. Design Cell culture study. Settings University research laboratory. Patient(s) Primary cultures of normal peritoneal and adhesion fibroblasts were established from three patients. Intervention(s) Fibroblasts were treated with PCB-77, PCB-105, PCB-153, or PCB-180 at 20 ppm for 24 hours. Total RNA was extracted from each treatment and subjected to real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Main Outcome and Measure(s) The mRNA levels of type I collagen, VEGF, and TGF-β1. Result(s) Normal human peritoneal fibroblasts expressed type I collagen, VEGF, and TGF-β1. Exposure of normal human fibroblasts to PCB-77, PCB-105, PCB-153, or PCB-180 did not affect mRNA levels of β-actin, the housekeeping gene used to normalized RNA levels for the real-time RT-PCR, nor did it affect cell viability as assessed by trypan blue exclusion. The PCB treatments, compared with control, resulted in no significant change for TGF-β1 or VEGF mRNA levels in normal peritoneal and adhesion fibroblasts. In marked contrast, type I collagen mRNA levels were markedly increased in response to the brief 24 hours' exposure to each PCB treatment in both cell types. Conclusion(s) The finding that PCB-77, PCB-105, PCB-153, and PCB-180 increased the expression of type I collagen in human normal peritoneal and adhesion fibroblasts is the first demonstration of involvement of organochlorines in the pathogenesis of tissue fibrosis. This may implicate organochlorine exposure as an etiologic factor in a wide variety of previously unlinked human ailments characterized by fibrosis.
Three shapes of mitochondria in femoral muscle of the cockroach, Leucophaea maderae Fabricius.

Three distinct types of mitochondria as related to shape, position, and size in the femoral muscle of the cockroach, Leucophae maderae, are described. The elongated mitochondria are interposed between the myofibrils and are oriented parallel to the long axis of the fiber. Surface indentations on these mitochondria for surrounding structures indicate their permanent position. The oval mitochondria are situated under the sarcolemma. These organelles have a parallel orientation to the underlying muscle fiber but no alignment with respect to the “sarcomeric repeat” and thereby suggest that this type is mobile. The Y-shaped mitochondria are observed in the intermyofibrillar sarcoplasm. Their paired processes are on each side of the Z-disc and imply that the Y-shaped mitochondria are a sessile type. The cristae in all three categories of mitochondria display a tightly packed and complex arrangement.
Does the Onset Controllability of Diagnostic Labels Affect the Perceived Appropriateness of an Insanity Verdict?1

The present study attempted to look at reactions to an insanity verdict by asking participants to rate the appropriateness of an insanity verdict already handed down by a jury. A sample of 196 adults read a short vignette describing the defendant's crime, a courtappointed psychiatrist's diagnosis, and a jury's verdict (guilty; or not guilty by reason of insanity, NGRI). Using Weiner's (1995) responsibility model, it was predicted and found that an insanity verdict was deemed less appropriate when the defendant was construed to have an onset controllable disorder. Path analyses indicate that onset controllability, responsibility judgments, and affective reactions do not account for the perceived appropriateness of guilty and NGRI verdicts in the same way.
Studies in allergy

Abstract An important question arises as to whether the active substance in the oil is identical in its biologic reactions with that in the watery extract of pollen. The fact that but two-thirds of the cases reactive to watery extract react also to oil indicates either a quantitative or a qualitative difference in the active substance of the two extracts. Tests on passively sensitized areas of skin in normal cases have shown activity to water extract when these sites had been exhausted by the oil extract. Further experiments along these lines are being done.
Adjuvant stereotactic body radiotherapy following transarterial chemoembolization in patients with non-resectable hepatocellular carcinoma tumours of ≥3 cm

Abstract Objectives The optimal locoregional treatment for non‐resectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) of ≥3 cm in diameter is unclear. Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is the initial intervention most commonly performed, but it rarely eradicates HCC. The purpose of this study was to measure survival in HCC patients treated with adjuvant stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) following TACE. Methods A retrospective study of patients with HCC of ≥3 cm was conducted. Outcomes in patients treated with TACE alone ( n = 124) were compared with outcomes in those treated with TACE + SBRT ( n = 37). Results There were no significant baseline differences between the two groups. The pre‐TACE mean number of tumours ( P = 0.57), largest tumour size ( P = 0.09) and total tumour diameter ( P = 0.21) did not differ significantly between the groups. Necrosis of the HCC tumour, measured after the first TACE, did not differ between the groups ( P = 0.69). Local recurrence was significantly decreased in the TACE + SBRT group (10.8%) in comparison with the TACE‐only group (25.8%) ( P = 0.04). After censoring for liver transplantation, overall survival was found to be significantly increased in the TACE + SBRT group compared with the TACE‐only group (33 months and 20 months, respectively; P = 0.02). Conclusions This retrospective study suggests that in patients with HCC tumours of ≥3 cm, treatment with TACE + SBRT provides a survival advantage over treatment with only TACE. Confirmation of this observation requires that the concept be tested in a prospective, randomized clinical trial.
Diabetic postprandial triglyceride-rich lipoproteins increase esterified cholesterol accumulation in THP-1 macrophages

Abstract The risk of cardiovascular disease is increased in subjects with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), although the mechanism remains unclear. To assess whether diabetic postprandial triglyceride (TG)-rich lipoprotein (TGRLP) subfractions (Sf > 400, 100–400, and 20–100) isolated from non-obese, normolipidemic IDDM subjects (n = 14) are potentially more atherogenic than lipoproteins from normal controls (n = 13), we measured cholesteryl ester (CE) synthesis and esterified cholesterol (EC) mass accumulation in THP-1 macrophages incubated with postprandial TGRLP. Diabetic Sf > 400 and Sf 100–400 but not Sf 20–100 significantly increased the mean (±SE) rate (pmol/mg cell protein/24 h) of CE synthesis in THP-1 macrophages compared with normal controls (Sf > 400, 673 ± 26 v 301 ± 64, P 400, 4.9 ± 0.61 v 2.9 ± 0.50, P 400 and Sf 100–400 TGRLP increase CE synthesis and Sf > 400, Sf 100–400, and Sf 20–100 lipoproteins increase EC accumulation in human macrophages compared with normal control lipoproteins. Diabetic Sf 100–400 lipoproteins have abnormal composition and seem to have increased cellular association and degradation compared with normal lipoproteins. Our findings suggest a role for postprandial TGRLP in the increased risk of cardiovascular disease among subjects with IDDM.
Do ϱ,ω, and ø mesons know about QCD perturbation theory?

Abstract We derive a sum rule which is useful for testing QCD predictions for the reaction e + e − → hadrons. We find QCD in quantitative agreement with the data. The vector mesons do know avout QCD perturbation theory.
Techniques for monitoring protein misfolding and aggregation in vitro and in living cells

Protein misfolding and aggregation have been considered important in understanding many neurodegenerative diseases and recombinant biopharmaceutical production. Therefore, various traditional and modern techniques have been utilized to monitor protein aggregation in vitro and in living cells. Fibril formation, morphology and secondary structure content of amyloidogenic proteins in vitro have been monitored by molecular probes, TEM/AFM, and CD/FTIR analyses, respectively. Protein aggregation in living cells has been qualitatively or quantitatively monitored by numerous molecular folding reporters based on either fluorescent protein or enzyme. Aggregation of a target protein is directly correlated to the changes in fluorescence or enzyme activity of the folding reporter fused to the target protein, which allows non-invasive monitoring aggregation of the target protein in living cells. Advances in the techniques used to monitor protein aggregation in vitro and in living cells have greatly facilitated the understanding of the molecular mechanism of amyloidogenic protein aggregation associated with neurodegenerative diseases, optimizing culture conditions to reduce aggregation of biopharmaceuticals expressed in living cells, and screening of small molecule libraries in the search for protein aggregation inhibitors.
Recent developments in variational methods for non-equilibrium flows

Abstract Several recent developments in the field of non-equilibrium thermodynamic processes have occurred which involve the application of variational methods. Some of the earlier work by Glandsdorff and Prigogine has been extended by them and by Hays to apply to a wide range of irreversible processes. In these developments certain restrictive conditions have been assumed in order to arrive at suitable forms for the functional to be minimized. In their earlier development Glansdorff and Prigogine required a very special, inverse-temperature dependence of the thermal conductivity and the viscosity in order to develop their minimum principle. In their most recent work this limitation has been removed through the introduction of fluctuation theory. Recent work by the authors has led to the extension of these methods to include applications to viscous, heat conducting flows with quite general boundary conditions. Particular applications to some simple flows have been made to test the validity of the mathematic as well as the thermodynamic methods.
Estimates of smoking-attributable deaths at ages 15-54, motherless or fatherless youths, and resulting Social Security costs in the United States in 1994.

Background. Deaths of parents often harm their children, taxpayers, and society, for decades. So we estimated the smoking-attributable (SA) counts and percentages (SA%) of U.S. 1994 deaths at child-rearing ages; youths (ages <18) left motherless or fatherless; and resulting Social Security Survivors Insurance taxes. Design. U.S. 1994 age/sex/education-specific total and SA death counts were estimated using death certificate data and standard CDC SAMMEC methods (with added injury mortality), respectively. We separately summed (a) total and (b) SA age/sex/education-specific death counts times their average number of youths per adult (cumulative fertility, adjusted for infant mortality). We then multiplied the SA and total bereft youth counts by their average duration of Survivors Insurance, and calculated the SA cost of youth Survivors Insurance. Results. In 1994, smoking caused an estimated 44,000 male and 19,000 female U.S. deaths at ages 15–54, leaving 31,000 fatherless and 12,000 motherless youths. On December 31, 1994, the SA prevalences [count (SA%)] of fatherless or motherless youths were an estimated 220,000 (17%) and 86,000 (16%), respectively. Resulting Survivors Insurance costs were about $1.4 (sensitivity range: $0.58–3.7) billion in 1994. Conclusions. Smoking causes many U.S. deaths at ages 15–54, youth bereavements, and Survivors Insurance costs. Reductions in smoking may greatly reduce those deaths, bereavements, and taxpayer and societal costs.
Monotonicity properties of cost functions in queueing networks

We establish monotonicity properties of cost functions in queueing networks with blocking, using sample path analysis. For any configuration of queueing stations with general interarrival times and exponentially distributed service times, we show that increasing the initial population and/or the arrival rates increases the expected cost (including blocking penalties for jobs that are rejected) incurred over a finite or an infinite horizon. Routing can be either probabilistic or state dependent. Furthermore, we show that this result also applies to networks with communication-type blocking where no jobs are ever lost. The criticality of the constraint imposed on the service times in demonstrated by a simple counterexample.
Atmospheric oxidation pathways of acetic acid.

One of the most abundant carboxylic acids measured in the atmosphere is acetic acid (CH3C(O)OH), present in rural, urban, and remote marine environments in the low-ppb range. Acetic acid concentrations are not well reproduced in global 3-D atmospheric models because of the poor inventory of sources and sinks to model its global distribution. To understand the complete oxidation of acetic acid in the atmosphere initiated by OH radicals, ab initio calculations are performed to describe in detail the energetics of the reaction potential energy surface (PES). The proposed reaction mechanism suggests that the CH3C(O)OH + OH reaction takes place via three pathways: the addition of OH to the central carbon, the abstraction of a methyl hydrogen, and the abstraction of an acidic hydrogen. The PES is characterized by prereactive H-complexes, transition states, and more interestingly unique radical-mediated isomerization reactions. From the analysis of the energetics, acetic acid atmospheric oxidation will proceed ...
Deriving a Personality Characteristic from Test-Taking Behavior:

Students were asked to indicate how sure they were of items on a test. Whether a student was under- or over-confident in the accuracy of his knowledge was determined by comparing the number of correct items with the degree of confidence expressed. A moderate consistency in this trait was found from one test to another.
Illumination-invariant pattern recognition using fringe-adjusted joint transform correlator and monogenic signal

The joint transform correlator (JTC) technique has shown attractive performance for real-time pattern recognition applications. Among the various JTC techniques proposed in the literature, the fringe-adjusted JTC (FJTC) yields remarkable promise for object recognition, and it has been shown that the FJTC produces a better correlation output than alternate JTCs under varying illumination conditions of the input scene; however, it has been found that the FJTC is not illumination invariant. Therefore, to alleviate this drawback of the FJTC, an illumination-invariant FJTC, based on combination of the fringe-adjusted filter (FAF) and the monogenic signal, is presented. The performance of the FJTC and the proposed local phase based FJTC technique in unknown input-image with varying illumination is investigated and compared. The proposed detection algorithm makes use of the monogenic signal from a two dimensional object region to extract the local phase information for assisting the FJTC robust to illumination effects. Experimental results show that by utilizing the monogenic phase information enables the FAF-based JTC to produce sharper correlation peaks and higher peak-to-clutter ratio compared to alternate JTCs. The proposed technique may be used as a real-time region-ofinterest identifier in wide-area surveillance for automatic object recognition when the target under very dark or bright condition that beyond human vision.
Asthma and infections: Is the risk more profound than previously thought?

In his thoughtful and comprehensive review, Dr Juhn 1 brings to attention potential new and important information about the risks for bacterial infections in patients with asthma and other allergic diseases. The interplay between infections and asthma is of longstanding interest and important, but these factors have been seen primarily as factors that can provoke underlying airway disease. The review by Dr Juhn extends knowledge about infectionasthma interaction and raises the possibility that these patients are also at risk for invasive microbial disease. Although this risk might be rare, it has relevant clinical and public health perspectives of interest and importance to the physician and patient alike.
Adenosinetriphosphatases from thoracic muscle mitochondria of the American cockroach

Abstract 1. 1. Four protein fractions with ATPase activity have been obtained from cockroach thoracic muscle mitochondria. 2. 2. Purifications of forty- to one hundredfold were achieved using ultracentrifugarion, (NH 4 ) 2 SO 4 fractionation and column chromatography on Sephadex and on DEAE cellulose. 3. 3. ATPase IV appears to be specific for purine nucleoside triphosphates, while the other three dephosphorylate purine and pyrimidine nucleoside di- and triphosphates. ATPase I degrades nucleoside monophosphates. Evidence on the cold lability of the four enzymed is also presented. 4. 4. These results are discussed in relation to the ability of insect sarcosomes to degrade ATP.
Visible and long-wavelength photoinitiated cationic polymerization

A new system for efficiently carrying out cationic photopolymerizations with visible and long-wavelength UV light is described. This system is based on the principle that certain onium salt cationic photoinitiators can be reduced by free radicals produced by the hydrogen abstraction reactions of photoexcited ketones. Thus, when camphorquinone, benzil, 2-isopropylthioxanthone, and 2-ethylanthraquinone are irradiated in the presence of a monomer that can serve as a hydrogen donor, the resulting monomer-bound radical rapidly reduces a diaryliodonium salt or a dialkylphenacylsulfonium salt, and the resulting monomer-centered cations initiate the polymerizations of epoxides, vinyl ethers, and heterocyclic compounds. Onium salts with high reduction potentials, such as triarylsulfonium salts, do not undergo sensitization by this new system.
The growth strategy of the Gram‐positive rod

Bacteria grow by enlarging their envelope in such a way that osmotic pressure does not normally cause physical rupture. The strategy of Bacillus subtilis for both cylindrical elongation and pole formation is now substantially defined. Side-wall growth takes place by laying down new peptidoglycan, which is then displaced outwards, stretched and discarded; cross walls are laid down in the absence of stress, and then stretched and bulged outward as the septum is split and the pole is formed.
Mesenchymal progenitor panoply

Lung development relies on temporal and spatial cues to pattern the structures that sustain life through oxygen exchange. Signals from mesenchymal cells that develop into the stromal tissues of the lung are key to this elaborate process ( 1 , 2 ). How the epithelial cells lining the respiratory tract arise from progenitor cells is better understood than the differentiation of mesenchymal progenitor cells. On page 827 of this issue, Kumar et al. ( 3 ) define dynamic niches that regulate multiple mesenchymal progenitor cell pools during mammalian lung development. The study suggests that mesenchymal progenitor cells are diverse and differentiate in response to distinct microenvironmental cues.
Political Contacts: Analyzing the Role of Similarity in Theories of Prejudice

Over the last 50 years, many theories of prejudice reduction in social psychology have embraced the premise that intergroup contact allows people to recognize similarities between themselves, and that this perceived similarity overwhelms the social distance associated with intergroup antipathy. Given the mixed empirical evidence, however, we suggest that the positive effects of perceived similarity have been overemphasized. Although similarity may be sufficient for improved intergroup relations, the relationship between similarity and intergroup relations is far more complex than the literature usually suggests. Moreover, studying difference in intergroup contexts may yield new ways to resolve intergroup conflict and address group inequalities.
A VLIW architecture for logarithmic arithmetic

The Logarithmic Number System (LNS) is an alternative to IEEE-754 standard floating-point arithmetic. LNS multiply, divide and square root are easier than IEEE-754 and naturally belong to the same class of one-cycle-latency instructions like integer addition, subtraction and shifting. LNS addition is harder, requiring several cycles if the integer add determines the clock. Unlike prior LNS Instruction Set Architectures (ISAs), the proposed ISA uses a separate pipelined unit specialized for LNS addition that operates in parallel to a faster LNS-multiply-divide/integer-add unit. Their latencies are different: the former uses four to six cycles; the latter uses only one. The proposed Very Long Instruction Word (VLIW) architecture includes novel LNS increment-multiply and input-conversion instructions that improve performance at very low cost. The ISA overloads a novel comparison flag: LNS-less-than for divide and integer-less-than for subtract. Features of other ISAs are omitted here due to hidden costs of feeding extra operands to the ALUs. The proposed ISA offers multiplication bandwidth equal to (not higher than) that of addition. Also, omitting a multiply-accumulate instruction does not degrade LNS performance at all.
Modelling the effect of GRP78 on anti-oestrogen sensitivity and resistance in breast cancer

Understanding the origins of resistance to anti-oestrogen drugs is of critical importance to many breast cancer patients. Recent experiments show that knockdown of GRP78, a key gene in the unfolded protein response (UPR), can re-sensitize resistant cells to anti-oestrogens, and overexpression of GRP78 in sensitive cells can cause them to become resistant. These results appear to arise from the operation and interaction of three cellular systems: the UPR, autophagy and apoptosis. To determine whether our current mechanistic understanding of these systems is sufficient to explain the experimental results, we built a mathematical model of the three systems and their interactions. We show that the model is capable of reproducing previously published experimental results and some new data gathered specifically for this paper. The model provides us with a tool to better understand the interactions that bring about anti-oestrogen resistance and the effects of GRP78 on both sensitive and resistant breast cancer cells.
Antibiotics and the Social History of the Controlled Clinical Trial, 1950-1970

The histories of antibiotics, controlled clinical trials, and attempts by academics to inculcate an explicitly rational therapeutics among clinicians in the United States were linked during a formative period from 1950 to 1970. Maxwell Finland and Harry Dowling would serve at the epicenter of such efforts in the context of first the broad-spectrum antibiotics, and then, and still more critically, the since-forgotten influx of "fixed-dose combination" antibiotics. With their attention focused less upon individual clinicians than upon pharmaceutical marketers, clinical investigators, the American Medical Association, and the federal government, Finland, Dowling and their supporters would wield the "controlled clinical trial" against the pharmaceutical "testimonial" as a means of ensuring a rational therapeutics. In doing so, they would play an important role in the direction the subsequent Kefauver hearings (1959-1962) would take toward mandating proof of drug efficacy via controlled clinical trials prior to new drug approval. Understanding such a trajectory allows us to better appreciate not only the social history of the controlled clinical trial and the priorities of leaders in infectious disease in the United States during this time, but the consequences of their efforts as well.
RADIAL TRUCK TIRE INFLATION ANALYSIS: THEORY AND EXPERIMENT

The finite element method is a useful tool in the design process to give deformations, strains and stresses in tires when they are loaded. To show this, a geometrically nonlinear, materially homogeneous, and generally orthotropic finite element model is described and used in the inflation analysis of radial truck tires. The element, a linear strain axisymmetric triangle, has three displacement degrees of freedom at each mode in order to correctly model the three-dimensional states of strain and stress present in generally orthotropic structures. Two radial truck tires, a tube-type 10.00R20 and a tubeless 11R22.5, are analyzed both experimentally and analytically for inflation loading. Experimentally, cord forces are measured by cord force transducers, belt edge interply shear strain is measured by a pin rotation technique, sidewall growth is measured by a laser profilometer, and sidewall strains are measured with liquid metal strain gages. These values are compared with those predicted by the finite element model. The model works well for the tube-type 10.00R20 tire and above the mid-sidewall of the tubeless 11R22.5 tire. Further work needs to be done on the lower sidewall and bead area portions of the 11R22.5 tire model. The finite element model and solution procedure for the 11R22.5 radial truck tire is used for current designs. trend predictions. Several tire construction features, belt bias angle, belt end count, body ply end count, and belt skim stock modulus are varied, and their effect on inflation growth, strains and cord forces are predicted. The largest effect on inflation behavior was variation of the belt bias angle. The other features had minor effects. These predicted trends are important in giving the design engineer direction in creating new tire types or modifying current designs.
The possibility of electrical stratification in the Earth as disclosed by surface-measurements of currents and potentials

Early application of electricity to the ground was of interest particularly to telegraphy especially when it was first commercially applied. There was available at that time the Newtonian analysis of sources and sinks in a semi-infinite medium which could be applied directly to ground-contacts. Experiments conducted at that time showed that, while the electrical ground-resistivity was a factor, it was under engineering control. In computing the resistance of a ground-contact, Kennelly [see 1 of “References” at end of paper] equated the conducting surface buried in the ground to that of a hemisphere in a medium having a uniform resistivity, and the values so secured were within the safe limits of operation of telegraph- and cable-lines. Later Ollendorf [2] gave a very much more detailed solution of a large number of different types of ground-contacts for which was computed the current- and potential-distribution in the ground immediately around the ground-electrode. Wenner [3] also gave a classical solution for the measurement of ground-resistivity by using separate current- and potential-contacts to the ground which was good practice for measuring the resistivity of metal conductors.
EXPERIENCE AS CANON: THREE RELIGIOUS TRADITIONS

Abstract The concept of Canon in most religious traditions remains that of a static body of ideas, doctrines, and practices usually codified in a sacred book. Jews and Christians share that classical understanding; we are the people of the Book. This essay examines how Canon becomes embodied in religious communities, how that experience forms the faithful in the tradition, and how that experience modifies the Canon of that tradition. Three specific religious communities are examined: Jewish, Catholic, and Lutheran. Each faith is deeply rooted in the Book, yet each is vibrantly alive with change and renewal. Canon is a lived experience!
G-Protein Inhibition of N- and P/Q-Type Calcium Channels: Distinctive Elementary Mechanisms and Their Functional Impact

Voltage-dependent G-protein inhibition of presynaptic Ca2+ channels is a key mechanism for regulating synaptic efficacy. G-protein βγ subunits produce such inhibition by binding to and shifting channel opening patterns from high to low open probability regimes, known respectively as “willing” and “reluctant” modes of gating. Recent macroscopic electrophysiological data hint that only N-type, but not P/Q-type channels can open in the reluctant mode, a distinction that could enrich the dimensions of synaptic modulation arising from channel inhibition. Here, using high-resolution single-channel recording of recombinant channels, we directly distinguished this core contrast in the prevalence of reluctant openings. Single, inhibited N-type channels manifested relatively infrequent openings of submillisecond duration (reluctant openings), which differed sharply from the high-frequency, millisecond gating events characteristic of uninhibited channels. By contrast, inhibited P/Q-type channels were electrically silent at the single-channel level. The functional impact of the differing inhibitory mechanisms was revealed in macroscopic Ca2+ currents evoked with neuronal action potential waveforms (APWs). Fitting with a change in the manner of opening, inhibition of such N-type currents produced both decreased current amplitude and temporally advanced waveform, effects that would not only reduce synaptic efficacy, but also influence the timing of synaptic transmission. On the other hand, inhibition of P/Q-type currents evoked by APWs showed diminished amplitude without shape alteration, as expected from a simple reduction in the number of functional channels. Variable expression of N- and P/Q-type channels at spatially distinct synapses therefore offers the potential for custom regulation of both synaptic efficacy and synchrony, by G-protein inhibition.
An Inhibitory Action of Large Doses of Oxytocin on Milk Yield in the Lactating Rat

Female rats were isolated from their litters for 10 hr on the ninth day of lactation and then allowed to suckle for 2 hr. Drugs were injected sc following this initial suckling period and milk yield was estimated at the end of a 5-hr isolation period by litter weight gain after 2 hr of suckling. Oxytocin in doses of 1.0 and 10.0 but not 0.3 IU blocked milk yield, whereas 1 IU of lysine vasopressin was ineffective. A partially purified prolactin-inhibiting factor (PIF) also significantly inhibited milk yield, whereas a control fraction was ineffective. The evidence for decreased milk secretion was a low lactose concentration in the glands combined with failure of litter weight gain. The evidence for failure of milk ejection was the gross appearance of the glands plus an increased turbidity of the medium after overnight fixation of glands in formalin. Prolactin partially overcame the blockade of litter weight gain provided oxytocin was given to produce milk ejection. Injection into the third brain ventricle...
Efficient magnetic torque transduction in biological environments using tunable nanomechanical resonators

Electromagnetic interactions with biological systems promise new possibilities in medical applications and synthetic biology. Creating a controlled action in biological systems requires an efficient transduction of the electromagnetic energy to thermal or mechanical biosignals. In this paper, we present the design and optimization for a nano-scale magnetic torque transducer based on a tunable nanomechanical resonator. Operating in the resonance regime allows the presented system to efficiently absorb a large amount of energy from the source. In addition, systems tuned on well separated resonance frequencies may operate simultaneously without any interference. We describe the theoretical model of the system and show the possibility of achieving the resonance in biological settings for a system with reasonable dimensions.
Markers of Human Skeletal Muscle Mitochondrial Biogenesis and Quality Control: Effects of Age and Aerobic Exercise Training

Perturbations in mitochondrial health may foster age-related losses of aerobic capacity (VO2peak) and skeletal muscle size. However, limited data exist regarding mitochondrial dynamics in aging human skeletal muscle and the influence of exercise. The purpose of this study was to examine proteins regulating mitochondrial biogenesis and dynamics, VO2peak, and skeletal muscle size before and after aerobic exercise training in young men (20 ± 1 y) and older men (74 ± 3 y). Exercise-induced skeletal muscle hypertrophy occurred independent of age, whereas the improvement in VO2peak was more pronounced in young men. Aerobic exercise training increased proteins involved with mitochondrial biogenesis, fusion, and fission, independent of age. This is the first study to examine pathways of mitochondrial quality control in aging human skeletal muscle with aerobic exercise training. These data indicate normal aging does not influence proteins associated with mitochondrial health or the ability to respond to aerobic exercise training at the mitochondrial and skeletal muscle levels.
Problem solving, metacognition and composition: The effects of interactive software for first-grade children.

We report an experimental study of the instructional effectiveness of two types of interactive software environments for low SES first-grade students. The first environment consisted of teaching ch...
Implications of the Family and Medical Leave Act for Local Governments: Helping Administrators Understand the Law

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) was enacted in 1993 to help full-time employees balance the conflicting demands of their work and personal lives. Private employers with 50 or more employees...
Tamoxifen promotes superoxide production in platelets by activation of PI3-Kinase and NADPH oxidase pathways

Abstract Background Tamoxifen is a selective estrogen receptor antagonist that is widely used for treatment and prevention of breast cancer. However, tamoxifen use can lead to an increased incidence of thrombotic events. The reason for this adverse event remains unknown. Previous studies showed that tamoxifen and its active metabolite Z-4-hydroxytamoxifen rapidly increased intracellular free calcium ([Ca 2+ ] i ) in human platelets by a non-genomic mechanism that involved the activation of phospholipase C. Platelets play a pivotal role in thrombosis and Ca 2+ elevation is a central event in platelet activation. Therefore the mechanism by which tamoxifen activated Ca 2+ entry into platelets was investigated. Methods [Ca 2+ ] i was measured using the fluorescent indicator fura-2 and reactive oxygen species were measured using lucigenin in isolated human platelets. Results Tamoxifen analogs E-4-hydroxytamoxifen, with weak activity at the nuclear estrogen receptor and Z-4-hydroxytamoxifen, with strong activity at nuclear estrogen receptor, were equally active at increasing [Ca 2+ ] i and synergizing with ADP and thrombin to increase [Ca 2+ ] i in platelets. This result suggests that the effects of tamoxifen and E- and Z-4-hydroxytamoxifen to increase [Ca 2+ ] i are not mediated by the classical genomic estrogen receptor. The effects of tamoxifen to increase [Ca 2+ ] i were strongly inhibited by apocynin and apocynin dimer. This suggests that tamoxifen activates NADPH oxidase which leads to superoxide generation and in turn caused an increase in [Ca 2+ ] i . Free radical scavengers TEMPO and TEMPOL also inhibited tamoxifen-induced [Ca 2+ ] i elevation. Inhibition of phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3-kinase), an upstream effector of NADPH oxidase with wortmannin and LY-294,002 also caused substantial inhibition of tamoxifen-induced elevation of [Ca 2+ ] i . Conclusion Tamoxifen increases [Ca 2+ ] i in human platelets by a non-genomic mechanism. Tamoxifen activates phospholipase Cγ as well as PI3-kinase and NADPH oxidase pathway to generate superoxide which causes the release of Ca 2+ from the endoplasmic reticulum, and promotes Ca 2+ influx into the platelets.
Adsorption of insoluble polysulfides Li2Sx (x = 1, 2) on Li2S surfaces

In lithium–sulfur batteries, the growth of insulating discharge product Li2S film affects the cathode microstructure and the related electron as well as lithium ion transport properties. In this study, chemical reactions of insoluble lithium polysulfides Li2Sx (x = 1, 2) on crystal Li2S substrate are investigated by a first-principles approach. First-principles atomistic thermodynamics predicts that the stoichiometric (111) and (110) surfaces are stable around the operating cell voltage. Li2Sx adsorption is an exothermic reaction with the (110) surface being more active to react with the polysulfides than the stoichiometric (111) surface. There is no obvious charge transfer between the adsorbed molecule and the crystal Li2S substrate. Analysis of the charge density difference suggests that the adsorbate interacts with the substrate via a strong covalent bond. The growth mechanism of thermodynamically stable surfaces is investigated in the present study. It is found that direct Li2S deposition is energetically favored over Li2S2 deposition and reduction process.
Non-contact magnetic actuation test technique to characterize interfacial fatigue fracture of thin films

An innovative fixtureless test technique to study interfacial fatigue fracture in thin film stacks is proposed and implemented. Cyclic non-contact magnetic actuation is employed to supply the fatigue crack driving force along the interface between a released metal thin film cantilever and the supporting substrate. In-situ crack growth measurements with nanometer resolution are possible through electrical resistance monitoring of nano-scale metal traces that are located along the edge of the delaminating interface. Ti/Au nano metal traces are fabricated using electron-beam lithography and characterized to show stable electrical behavior. The fatigue test results were then used to assess the reliability of microcontact springs under fatigue loading for wafer probing applications.
Outcome of Stroke patients without angiographically revealed arterial occlusion within four hours of symptom onset

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Follow-up imaging data from stroke patients without angiographically apparent arterial occlusions at symptom onset are lacking. We reviewed our Emergency Management of Stroke (EMS) trial experience to determine the clinical and imaging outcomes of patients with ischemic stroke who showed no arterial occlusion on angiograms obtained within 4 hours of symptom onset. METHODS: All patients in this report were participants in the EMS trial that was designed to address the safety and potential efficacy of combined IV and intraarterial thrombolytic therapy with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) in patients with acute ischemic stroke. RESULTS: Thirty-five patients were randomized to receive either IV rt-PA (n = 17) or placebo (n = 18), followed by cerebral angiography. No symptomatic arterial occlusion was evident in 10 (29%) of the 34 patients. Eight (80%) of 10 patients without angiographically apparent clot within 4 hours of symptom onset had a new cerebral infarction confirmed on follow-up brain imaging. The median 72-hour infarction volume was 2.4 cc (range, 1–30 cc). Four of the 10 “no-clot” patients had a favorable 3-month outcome as assessed by Barthel Index (score, 95 or 100) and modified Rankin Scale (score, 0 or 1). The six remaining patients had 3-month Rankin Scale scores of 1 (Barthel of 90), 2, 3, 4, or 5. CONCLUSION: Acute ischemic stroke patients with a neurologic deficit but a negative angiogram during the first 4 hours after symptom onset usually develop image-documented cerebral infarction, and approximately half suffer from long-term functional disability. The two most likely explanations for negative angiograms are very early irreversible ischemic damage despite recanalization or ongoing ischemia secondary to clot in non-visible penetrating arterioles or in the microvasculature.
Saving, reusing, and remixing web video: using attitudes and practices to reveal social norms

The growth of online videos has spurred a concomitant increase in the storage, reuse, and remix of this content. As we gain more experience with video content, social norms about ownership have evolved accordingly, spelling out what people think is appropriate use of content that is not necessarily their own. We use a series of three studies, each centering on a different genre of recordings, to probe 634 participants' attitudes toward video storage, reuse, and remix; we also question participants about their own experiences with online video. The results allow us to characterize current practice and emerging social norms and to establish the relationship between the two. Hypotheticals borrowed from legal research are used as the primary vehicle for testing attitudes, and for identifying boundaries between socially acceptable and unacceptable behavior.
Burrow sharing in the desert-adapted torch-tail spiny rat, Trinomys yonenagae

Abstract Among fossorial rodents burrow sharing is an important behavioral attribute that provides the foundation for multiple aspects of social structure. Within the family Echimyidae the torch-tail spiny rat (Trinomys yonenagae) is distinguished from closely related taxa by its tendency to live in burrows in desert habitats. Preliminary field studies have suggested that burrow systems of this species are shared by multiple adults. To test this hypothesis we used livetrapping and radiotelemetry to quantify patterns of burrow use in a population of torch-tail spiny rats located near Ibiraba, Bahia State, Brazil. Examination of our data indicates that 76.2% of 67 burrow systems monitored were occupied by >1 adult, including same-sex pairs, male–female pairs, and multiple adults of both sexes. Spatial overlap among adults captured in the same cluster of burrow entrances was extensive (72.0% ± 27.0% based on 95% minimum convex polygons), with 66.7% of animals resident in the same burrow system using the same...
Inclusive dilepton production at RHIC: a field theory approach based on a non-equilibrium chiral phase transition

Abstract Recently a real time picture of quantum field theory has been developed which allows one to look into the time evolution of a scattering process. We discuss two pictures for discussing non-equilibrium processes, namely the Schrodinger picture and the Heisenberg picture and show that a time-dependent variational method is equivalent to the leading order in large- N approximation in the Heisenberg picture. We then discuss the dynamics of a non-equilibrium chiral phase transition in mean field theory in the O(4) sigma model. We show how the pion spectrum can be enhanced at low momentum because of non-equilibrium effects. We then show how to use Schwinger's CTP formalism to calculate the inclusive dilepton spectrum coming from the pion plasma. We find that a noticeable enhancement occurs in this spectrum, but that there are large numerical uncertainties due to errors connected with the finite times used to do our numerical simulations.
Application of the KVI-R to Assess Current Training Needs of Private Rehabilitation Counselors

The primary purpose of this mixed-methods study was to identify the current training needs of rehabilitation counselors in the private sector. Four hundred twenty-six participants completed the Kno...