cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Vif Proteins from Diverse Primate Lentiviral Lineages Use the Same Binding Site in APOBEC3G

APOBEC3G (A3G) is a cytidine deaminase that restricts human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and other lentiviruses. Most of these viruses encode a Vif protein that directly binds A3G and leads to its proteasomal degradation. Both Vif proteins of HIV-1 and African green monkey simian immunodeficiency virus (SIVagm) bind residue 128 of A3G. However, this position does not control the A3G degradation by Vif variants derived from HIV-2 and SIVmac, which both originated from SIV of sooty mangabey monkeys (SIVsmm), suggesting that the A3G binding site for Vif proteins of the SIVsmm/HIV-2 lineage differs from that of HIV-1. To map the SIVsmm Vif binding site of A3G, we performed immunoprecipitations of individual A3G domains, Vif/A3G degradation assays and a detailed mutational analysis of human A3G. We show that A3G residue 129, but not the adjacent position 128, confers susceptibility to degradation by SIVsmm Vif. An artificial A3G mutant, the P129D mutant, was resistant to degradation by diverse Vifs from HIV-1, HIV-2, SIVagm, and chimpanzee SIV (SIVcpz), suggesting a conserved lentiviral Vif binding site. Gorilla A3G naturally contains a glutamine (Q) at position 129, which makes its A3G resistant to Vifs from diverse lineages. We speculate that gorilla A3G serves as a barrier against SIVcpz strains. In summary, we show that Vif proteins from distinct lineages bind to the same A3G loop, which includes positions 128 and 129. The multiple adaptations within this loop among diverse primates underscore the importance of counteracting A3G in lentiviral evolution.
Is essential tremor predominantly a kinetic or a postural tremor? A clinical and electrophysiological study

Both postural and kinetic tremors may occur in essential tremor (ET), however the relative contribution of each is not clear. ET has been variably defined with respect to kinetic and postural tremors. To examine the relative severity of postural and kinetic tremors in ET, 50 ET cases from a clinic and 55 from a community underwent a videotaped tremor examination. Kinetic and postural tremors were rated using a validated clinical rating scale (score range, 0-3). Thirty-one cases also underwent accelerometry to precisely quantify tremor amplitude. In clinic cases, the mean postural tremor rating was 1.25 (S.D., 0.89). The mean kinetic tremor rating was 52% higher (1.90; S.D., 0.57; P < 0.001). The community cases had similar characteristics. Sixty percent of the 105 cases had postural tremor ratings scoring 0 or 1 (no tremor or low amplitude, intermittent tremor). In clinic cases, the mean amplitude of postural tremor during tremor analysis was 0.51 mm (S.D., 0.66 mm), and the mean amplitude of kinetic tremor was 2.91 mm (S.D., 2.11 mm; P < 0.01). Similar values were obtained for community cases. These quantitative data suggest that kinetic tremor is more severe than postural tremor in ET. The majority of cases had mild or absent postural tremor. Despite this, ET is defined only as a postural tremor in many studies. Our data argue for a more consistent inclusion of kinetic tremor in diagnostic criteria for ET.
Scaling detection method for watermarked MPEG content

In this paper, a method that provides robustness against scaling for watermarked MPEG content is described. We focus on a watermarking method that uses a pseudo-random sequence of block patterns and a tiled structure. Detection of the watermark information is based on a cross-correlation between the watermarked content and the watermark pattern. To make the watermark robust against scaling, the change needs to be detected, and it is applied to the detecting watermark pattern. Basically the scaling change is detected by observing the auto-correlation peaks generated by the tiled structure. However, for compressed domain watermark detection, a more sophisticated procedure is required, where an image is divided into 8 /spl times/ 8-pixel blocks and transformed into DCT domain. We have developed a new correlation method, which only requires block-wise inner product calculations in DCT domain before correlation calculations are taking place. Then the correlation calculations are done in the complex domain and the phase of the peak correlation allows for precise scaling parameter detection. Since the cross-correlation for watermark detection is also done in the DCT domain, the proposed method has the advantages of easy implementation and detection performance.
Thriving Systems Theory: An Emergent Information Systems Design Theory

Thriving Systems Theory is an emergent design quality framework encompassing both traditional objective metrics and the subjective, aesthetics. It draws theories of design quality in physical architecture originated by Christopher Alexander, the patriarch of design patterns, into the domain of models and information systems. Thriving Systems Theory's fifteen choice properties is an extended taxonomy of systems design characteristics that explicate the experience of satisfaction realized between observer and artifact. The properties also denote design actions that shape that experience. This paper summarizes the synthesis of Thriving Systems Theory, its applicability to information systems, its conformance to the anatomy of a design theory, and the ongoing efforts to demonstrate its contribution to the advancement of design practice.
Efficiency-Revenue Optimality Tradeoffs in Dynamic Spectrum Allocation

This paper proposes an auction mechanism for dynamic spectrum allocation that balances between two conflicting objectives: revenue and efficiency. The spectrum resources are allocated by FCC (i.e., the auctioneer) with the objective of maximizing revenue while also increasing efficiency or social welfare. Unfortunately, revenue and efficiency are often not aligned with one another. Truthful mechanisms, such as Vickrey-Clarke-Groves (VCG), are shown to be efficient in terms of social welfare, but poor in terms of revenue generation. On the other hand, mechanisms, such as uniform-price, can generate higher revenues than VCG, but less efficient. We show that the incorporation of adequate reservation price to the uniform-price auction mechanism gives enough incentives to spectrum buyers to be truthful, thus providing a good balance between efficiency and revenue. We investigate the impact of reservation price not only on the revenue and efficiency, but also on the spectrum utilization. Simulation results show that the proposed auction mechanism maximizes revenue while also increasing efficiency and spectrum utilization.
Myocardial Revascularization Before Abdominal Aortic Aneurysmorrhaphy: Effect of Coronary Angioplasty

Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) has assumed an increasing role in the preoperative preparation of patients with an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). The influence of this modality on perioperative morbidity and long-term outcome has not been substantiated. To determine the effect of PTCA, we analyzed a cohort of 2,452 patients who underwent repair of an AAA between 1980 and 1990 at our institution. We compared the cardiac morbidity, mortality, and survival of patients who had preoperative coronary revascularization by PTCA or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). The overall perioperative mortality for the 2,452 patients was 2.9%. Preoperative coronary revascularization was necessary in 100 patients (4.1%)—86 had CABG and 14 had PTCA. Of these 100 patients, 95% had cardiac symptoms. Patients selected for PTCA, in comparison with CABG, had significantly less three-vessel disease but no significant differences in cardiac history or ejection fraction. During the study period, the use of PTCA increased significantly. The perioperative rate of myocardial infarction for patients with prior CABG was 5.8% in comparison with 0% for those with prior PTCA. No hospital deaths occurred in either group. The median interval between coronary revascularization and repair of an AAA was 10 days for PTCA and 68 days for CABG. The 3-year survival was not statistically different between CABG (82.8%) and PTCA (92.3%) groups. The rate of late cardiac events (at 3 years) was 56.5% in the PTCA group and 27.3% in the CABG group. We conclude that PTCA as part of a highly selective approach to coronary revascularization before repair of an AAA minimizes cardiac-related events and death. In appropriately selected patients, PTCA is as effective as CABG, but PTCA results in more frequent late cardiac events. Thus, long-term surveillance for coronary restenosis is important.
Effects of herbicides on Behr's metalmark butterfly, a surrogate species for the endangered butterfly, Lange's metalmark.

Abstract Lange's metalmark butterfly, Apodemia mormo langei Comstock, is in danger of extinction due to loss of habitat caused by invasive exotic plants which are eliminating its food, naked stem buckwheat. Herbicides are being used to remove invasive weeds from the dunes; however, little is known about the potential effects of herbicides on butterflies. To address this concern we evaluated potential toxic effects of three herbicides on Behr's metalmark, a close relative of Lange's metalmark. First instars were exposed to recommended field rates of triclopyr, sethoxydim, and imazapyr. Life history parameters were recorded after exposure. These herbicides reduced the number of adults that emerged from pupation (24–36%). Each herbicide has a different mode of action. Therefore, we speculate that effects are due to inert ingredients or indirect effects on food plant quality. If these herbicides act the same in A. mormo langei , they may contribute to the decline of this species.
Epidermal Growth Factor Partially Restores Colonic Ion Transport Responses in Mouse Models of Chronic Colitis

Background & Aims: Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) activation, which plays an important role in regulating intestinal ion transport, can alleviate clinical symptoms such as diarrhea in patients with ulcerative colitis and promote mucosal restitution in animal models of colitis. Here, we investigate whether EGFR can regulate colonic ion transport in the setting of colitis. Methods: Distal colon from control mice and mice with colitis was retained for immunohistochemistry or mounted in Ussing chambers. Ion transport responses across the tissues to the calcium agonist carbachol and the adenosine 3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate agonist forskolin were measured with or without epidermal growth factor (EGF) pretreatment. Results: EGF pretreatment of normal colonic mucosa inhibited ion transport responses to carbachol and forskolin but potentiated the reduced ion transport responses seen in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-treated and mdr1a knockout mouse colon. Ion substitution studies and the sodium transport inhibitor amiloride showed that sodium movement primarily accounted for the potentiating effect of EGF in DSS-treated tissues, despite decreased sodium channel expression. EGF potentiation of transport responses in DSS-treated colon was completely blocked by the cytoskeletal disruptor cytochalasin D and the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitor wortmannin, whereas the novel and conventional protein kinase C isoform inhibitor Go6850 and the extracellular signal–regulated kinase inhibitor PD98059 partially reduced EGF effects. EGFR epithelial distribution and transforming growth factor α expression were also altered in DSS-treated tissues. Conclusions: Chronic inflammation uncovers a potentiating effect of EGFR activation on epithelial electrogenic sodium absorption that would be expected to ameliorate diarrheal symptoms associated with colitis.
Application of Mxcd to Magnetic Thin-Film Sensors

While Magnetic X-ray Circular Dichroism (MXCD) has been applied extensively to the extraction of elemental magnetic moments in various magnetic multilayers, the configuration of actual devices imposes certain constraints on the application of MXCD to devices. Using a set of real, thin-film spin valve devices with varying Cu spacer layer thicknesses, we demonstrate the correlation between MXCD and R-H measurements on those devices as well as the restrictions on the interpretation of MXCD data imposed by both the device topology and the formulation of realistic error estimates.
Frequency estimation using multiple sources and multiple harmonic components

An algorithm similar to a phase-locked loop is proposed for the estimation of the frequency of a periodic signal. It is capable of using harmonic components for improved estimation performance. In a similar manner, multiple signals may also be combined in the algorithm, enabling the estimation of the frequency of a periodic source, given information from multiple sensors that may not all capture the fundamental component of the source signal.
Commune: a shared drawing surface

Careful observation of small-group design sessions suggests that the process of creating, referring to, and using drawings may be as important to the design process as the drawings themselves. Based on studies of the uses of drawing spaces. Commune was developed to allow designers working remotely to share a drawing surface and to engage in many of the interactions available in conventional face-to-face situations. The design of Commune makes marks and 2-dimensional cursor gestures visible simultaneously to all users, allows rapid transitions among drawing, writing, and gesturing, and provides a shared space with actions from multiple users occurring simultaneously. These capabilities support natural uses of the drawing surface during the interaction: the ability to interact on each other's marks, to emphasize talk with marks and gestures, to reference previous illustrations and concepts, and to interweave talk and drawing actions fluidly.
The Entrepreneurial State: Evidence from Taiwan

Duvall and Freeman (1983) propose an explicit theory to explain the entrepreneurial role of the state in developing societies. Their argument illuminates linkages between the benefits that an elite group receives from state entrepreneurial activity and the support that this group provides to the state. In this article the authors examine theoretically and empirically the ability of their theory to explain the evolution of state entrepreneurship in a rapidly industrializing society, Taiwan. Overall, the authors show that the formal theory of Duvall and Freeman holds several features not heretofore explicated but that it is remarkably robust in providing a cogent framework in which to interpret recent Taiwanese economic history. In short, the fit between the model of Duvall and Freeman and the empirical data for Taiwan is quite strong. This suggests that state entrepreneurship is used in developing societies in a countercyclical way in order to help manage the political economy. The authors also explore the...
Significance of genital mycoplasmas in pelvic inflammatory disease: innocent bystander!

Objective: Our objective was to determine the role of Mycoplasma hominis and Ureaplasma urealyticum in pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
Dual radio frequency sources in a magnetized capacitively coupled plasma discharge

Nonlinear interaction of two radio frequency (RF) sources in a magnetized Ar/C/sub 2/F/sub 6/ capacitively coupled plasma discharge is investigated using a computational model. Results show that application of a radial magnetic field enhances charged and neutral species densities in the plasma reactor due to reduction in electron loss to surfaces and trapping of secondary electron emission generated electrons. Amplitude of RF currents at electrodes also increases with magnetic field strength and source frequency for a given RF voltage. Due to nonlinear nature of plasma sheath, higher harmonics of applied frequencies and source interaction generated harmonics can be observed in electrode currents. Application of magnetic field decreases electron mobility and makes the system less nonlinear, which reduces higher harmonics relative to primary components. Magnetic field also tends to make the RF sources more isolated. Increase in source frequency moves the plasma from electrode edge to the center of the chamber, which redistributes current through the electrodes. If frequencies of the two RF sources are commensurate, nonlinear interaction of RF sources generates subharmonics of primary frequencies.
Fundamental Solutions to □ b on Certain Quadrics

The purpose of this article is to expand the number of examples for which the complex Green operator, that is, the fundamental solution to the Kohn Laplacian, can be computed. We use the Lie group structure of quadric submanifolds of ℂn×ℂm and the group Fourier transform to reduce the □b equation to ones that can be solved using modified Hermite functions. We use Mehler’s formula and investigate (1) quadric hypersurfaces, where the eigenvalues of the Levi form are not identical (including possibly zero eigenvalues), and (2) the canonical quadrics in ℂ4 of codimension two.
Factitious Quadriplegia: A Rare New Case and Literature Review

Factitious disorders are characterized by physical or psychological symptoms that a person intentionally produces or feigns to assume the sick role.' For such patients, the behavior typically serves to elicit nurturance, facilitate an illusory sense of being in control, mask a pervasive depression, or confound and thereby displace rage onto doctors and others. 2 In contrast, patients who malinger engage in such disease forgery to accrue external benefits, such as disability payments or opioid medications.' Among the most common factitious signs and symptoms are acute abdominal pain, convulsions, anemia, fever of undetermined origin, hypoglycemia, bleeding, and dermatologic lesions. 3 In contrast, reports of factitious paralysis, especially quadriplegia, have been extremely infrequent, and the prognosis in such cases has typically been poor. 4 We present a case of factitious quadriplegia that lasted several years, which to date has had a favorable outcome.
Abstract W P124: Atherosclerosis Of The Circle Of Willis Is Strongly Associated With Downstream Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy In Parenchymal Arterioles And Capillaries: Possible Mechanism For Atherosclerosis-related Intracranial Hemorrhage

Introduction: Atherosclerosis is highly associated with risk for intracranial hemorrhage. Presumed mechanisms include artery to artery embolization, arteriolar disruption by small vessel atherosclerosis, aberrant angiogenesis in poorly perfused vascular beds, and possible involvement of downstream cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA). Direct associations between atherosclerosis and downstream CAA have been not been supported in most studies, however these results may be confounded by the distinction between highly prevalent meningeal CAA and less frequent parenchymal CAA. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that large vessel intracranial atherosclerosis would be associated with downstream parenchymal, but not meningeal (supplied by extracranial circulation), CAA. Methods: Data were derived from the University of Kentucky brain bank (n=741). Atherosclerosis of the circle of Willis was graded on semiquantitative scale (1=0-25% occlusion; 2=25-50% occlusion; 3=50-75% occlusion; 4=75-100% occlusion). Cases were divided into those with absent (with or without meningeal CAA; n=493) and those with parenchymal CAA (n=248). Standard descriptive and comparative statistics were used for the analysis. Results: Atherosclerosis in the circle of Willis was highly associated with parenchymal (p Conclusions: The strong association seen between severity of atherosclerosis and parenchymal CAA suggests possible shared pathogenesis or perhaps causal development of CAA by high grade atherosclerosis. Further studies exploring this association in animal models would be helpful in clarifying this complex relationship.
The Everyday Stress Resilience Hypothesis: A Reparatory Sensitivity and the Development of Coping and Resilience

Resilience is often associated with extreme trauma or overcoming extraordinary odds. This way of thinking about resilience leaves most of the ontogenetic picture a mystery. In the following review we put forth the Everyday Stress Resilience Hypothesis, in which resilience is analysed from a systems perspective and seen as a process of regulating everyday life stressors. Successful regulation accumulates into regulatory resilience, which emerges during early development from successful coping with the inherent stress in typical interactions. These quotidian stressful events lead to activation of behavioural and physiological systems. Stress that is effectively resolved in the short run and with reiteration over the long term increases children’s, as well as adults’, capacity to cope with more intense stressors. Infants, however, lack the regulatory capacities to take on this task by themselves. Therefore, through communicative and regulatory processes during infant–adult interactions, we demonstrate that the roots of regulatory resilience originate in infants’ relationships with their care givers and that maternal sensitivity can help or hinder the growth of resilience.
Assessing Point Forecast Accuracy by Stochastic Divergence from Zero

We propose and explore several related ways of reducing reliance of point forecast accuracy evaluation on expected loss, E(L(e)), where e is forecast error. Our central approach dispenses with the loss function entirely, instead using a "stochastic error divergence" (SED) accuracy measure based directly on the forecast-error c.d.f., F(e). We explore several variations on the basic theme; interestingly, all point to the primacy of absolute-error loss and its generalizations.
Evaluating the Value of Investment in Building Insulation Retrofits Based on EPAR (Energy Performance Augmented Reality) Models

Accurate quantification of energy cost savings associated with retrofitting poor building envelopes can minimize the financial risk of insulation retrofit investments. However, reliable estimation of the expected monetary savings through improving thermal efficiency is not a trivial task. To overcome this, we present a new infrared thermography-based method together with cost estimation process that evaluates the cost-benefit of insulation retrofit alternatives. Our method relies on collections of thermal and digital images acquired during building diagnostics. These images are used to develop Energy Performance Augmented Reality (EPAR) models that jointly represent actual and expected building thermal performance in 3D. By exploring the performance gaps in the EPAR models, potential thermal defects are detected automatically. Then, based on a point-based measurement of the actual Rvalues of the detected areas along with the degree-days statistics, the amount of energy loss and the expected energy saving cost by retrofitting the detected problems are estimated. Finally, we compare the expected energy saving cost with the cost of retrofitting the detected problems. Our results from several experiments conducted on two existing buildings hold the promise for a reliable diagnostic method that can help minimize the risk of retrofit investments for homeowners. INTRODUCTION Deteriorating conditions of building materials in many existing buildings are adversely influencing their thermal loads and causing an increase in the energy that is required for space conditioning purposes. Thermal loads are the amount of the heating and cooling energy that is required to keep occupants comfortable in a building. These thermal loads –depending on cold and hot weather conditions– are converted into heating and cooling loads and in turn create additional burden on the operation of the HVAC systems. An attractive investment alternative for lowering these thermal loads is to improve thermal resistance of building envelops, particularly by renovating those building defects that are associated with abnormal thermal performance issues. Such retrofit can particularly impede the unnecessary heat transfer that occurs through deteriorating surfaces and help achieve optimal thermal comfort for the occupants at a lower energy cost. Over the past few years, a dominant method for diagnosing building conditions and detecting energy performance problems has been infrared 2234 Construction Research Congress 2014 ©ASCE 2014
Extending Our Understanding of Burnout and Its Associated Factors: Providers and Staff in Primary Care Clinics

Burnout has been identified as an occupational hazard in the helping professions for many years and is often overlooked, as health-care systems strive to improve cost and quality. The Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) and the Areas of Worklife Survey (AWS) are tools for assessing burnout prevalence and its associated factors. We describe how we used them in outpatient clinics to assess burnout for multiple job types. Traditional statistical techniques and seemingly unrelated regression were used to describe the sample and evaluate the association between work life domains and burnout. Of 838 eligible participants, 467 (55.7%) were included for analysis. Burnout prevalence varied across three job categories: providers (37.5%), clinical assistants (24.6%), and other staff (28.0%). It was not related to age, gender, or years of tenure but was lower in part-time workers (24.6%) than in full-time workers (33.9%). Analysis of the AWS subscales identified organizational correlates of burnout. Accurately identifying and defining the operative system factors associated with burnout will make it possible to create successful interventions. Using the MBI and the AWS together can highlight the relationship between system work experiences and burnout.
Syntheses of Cyclotriveratrylene Analogues and Their Long Elusive Triketone Congeners

Although interest in cyclotriveratrylene and its analogues has been significant, limitations in the ability to adjust its structure fully have hampered studies into their complete range of properties. A unique strategy to synthesize a previously unobtainable cyclotriveratrylene analogue and a procedure which adjusts the inner methylene bridges of that material to a triketone is reported. A second triketone synthesis and computational studies indicate the parameters needed for success.
BCR-ABL1+T-Lymphoblastic Leukemia/Lymphoma Is a Rare Type of Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia Blast Crisis and Has a Poor Prognosis

BCR-ABL1 + - lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma (T-LBLL) is rare and may be difficult to distinguish from the also very rare cases of T-lineage blast crisis of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). We report 3 cases of BCR-ABL1 + T-LBLL. In all 3 cases, T lineage was confirmed with an extensive immunophenotyping panel. The first patient was a 64-year-old woman with …
Epidemiological characteristics of hepatitis B in Xi′an City,China in 2004 ~ 2013

Objective To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of hepatitis B(HB)in Xi′an City,Shaanxi Province,China in 2004 ~ 2013,evaluate the epidemic of HB scientifically,and provide a reference for prevention and treatment of HB. Methods Descriptively epidemiological analysis was conducted on the data on epidemic of HB and supplementary immunization with HB vaccine in Xi′an City by using SPSS 19. 0 and Excel 2003 software. Results A total of 71 332 cases of HB were reported during 2004 ~ 2013,with a mean annual incidence of 90. 39 / 100 000. The highest incidence rate of 272. 25 / 100 000 appeared in 2004 while the lowest incidence rate of 41. 70 / 100 000 in 2011. Most of the cases were in scatter. The incidence rates during 2004 ~ 2008 decreased rapidly year by year,with a mean annual decline of 47. 43%. However,the incidence rates during 2009 ~ 2013 decreased slowly,with a mean annual decline of5. 72%. More cases occurred in males than in females,most of which occurred in farmers(23 539 cases,33%). The incidence rates decreased year by year in students,workers and cadres,while increased in farmers. Most of the case appeared in the populations at ages of not less than 20 years(62 564 cases,87. 71%). The incidence rates in various age groups basically decreased year by year,which decreased by 93. 73% in the population at ages of 10 ~ 19 years.Conclusion The increase of HB vaccination coverage played an important role in decrease of incidence of HB in populations at ages of less than 20 years.
Regulation of Thrombin-Induced Lung Endothelial Cell Barrier Disruption by Protein Kinase C Delta.

Protein Kinase C (PKC) plays a significant role in thrombin-induced loss of endothelial cell (EC) barrier integrity; however, the existence of more than 10 isozymes of PKC and tissue–specific isoform expression has limited our understanding of this important second messenger in vascular homeostasis. In this study, we show that PKCδ isoform promotes thrombin-induced loss of human pulmonary artery EC barrier integrity, findings substantiated by PKCδ inhibitory studies (rottlerin), dominant negative PKCδ construct and PKCδ silencing (siRNA). In addition, we identified PKCδ as a signaling mediator upstream of both thrombin-induced MLC phosphorylation and Rho GTPase activation affecting stress fiber formation, cell contraction and loss of EC barrier integrity. Our inhibitor-based studies indicate that thrombin-induced PKCδ activation exerts a positive feedback on Rho GTPase activation and contributes to Rac1 GTPase inhibition. Moreover, PKD (or PKCμ) and CPI-17, two known PKCδ targets, were found to be activated by PKCδ in EC and served as modulators of cytoskeleton rearrangement. These studies clarify the role of PKCδ in EC cytoskeleton regulation, and highlight PKCδ as a therapeutic target in inflammatory lung disorders, characterized by the loss of barrier integrity, such as acute lung injury and sepsis.
Role of Cjun in Gγ-Globin Gene Trans-Activation.

Previous studies from our laboratory demonstrated the role of the G-CRE (Gγ-globin cAMP response element) in drug-mediated fetal hemoglobin induction. The G-CRE located at −1222 to −1229 in the promoter of Gγ-globin gene, contains binding site for trans-factors CREB1, ATF-2 and cJun. We previously demonstrated binding of phosphorylated CREB1 and ATF-2 to this element via p38 MAPK signaling triggered by sodium butyrate (NaB) and trichostatin A (TSA). Electrophoretic mobility shift assays with a probe containing the AC → TG mutation in the G-CRE (TGTGGTCA, m2) abolished trans-factor binding to the G-CRE. Furthermore, Gγ promoter activity was abolished in the PGL3 luciferase reporter vector driven by the Gγ promoter (−1500 to +36) carrying the m2 mutation. (Sangerman et al. Blood 108:3590–9, 2006). Subsequent studies in our laboratory were aimed at understanding the role of trans-factor cJun, an AP-1 family member, as a regulator of Gγ-globin expression via the G-CRE site. In K562 cells treated with 2mM NaB or 0.3μM TSA for 48 hrs, cJun phosphorylation increased 2.8-fold and 6.4-fold respectively by western blot analysis. Chromatin immunoprecipitation studies showed 16-fold chromatin enrichment in the −1225 Gγ-globin region compared to IgG control studies indicative of significant cJun binding in vivo at steady state. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays using cJun monoclonal antibody demonstrated a supershifted DNA-protein complex confirming binding of cJun to the G-CRE probe. To gain evidence for a functional role of cJun, we performed enforced expression studies using the pLen-cJun vector. In a concentration dependent manner, over-expression of cJun increased luciferase activity up to 350-fold in the luciferase reporter plasmid controlled by the Gγ-promoter (−1500 to +36). As predicted from binding studies, the m2 mutation in this promoter abolished the cJunmediated trans-activation confirming that the G-CRE is required to mediate effects of cJun. We are currently investigating the ability of cJun to trans-activate the endogenous Gγ-globin gene in K562 cells. To achieve this goal, K562 stable lines were established with the expression vectors pLen-cJun and empty vector. A complete analysis of the stable lines is in progress. Future investigations to identify other components of the functional CREB1/ATF2/cJun enhanceosome complex bound to the G-CRE will be performed using affinity chromatography and mass spectrometry. This information will be used to develop strategies for fetal hemoglobin induction.
Risk factors for treatment-related adverse events in cancer-bearing dogs receiving piroxicam.

Piroxicam has antitumour effects in dogs with cancer, although side effects may limit its use. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively identify factors predisposing cancer-bearing dogs to adverse events (AEs) following piroxicam therapy. Medical records of dogs presented to the Purdue Veterinary Teaching Hospital between 2005 and 2015 were reviewed, and 137 dogs met the criteria for study inclusion. Toxic effects of piroxicam in these dogs were graded according to an established system. Multivariate logistic regression was used to estimate the extent to which certain factors affected the risk for AEs. Age [odds ratio (OR) 1.250, P = 0.009; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.057–1.479] and concurrent use of gastroprotectant medications (OR 2.612, P = 0.025; 95% CI 1.127–6.056) significantly increased the risk for gastrointestinal AEs. The results of this study may help inform the risk versus benefit calculation for clinicians considering the use of piroxicam to treat dogs with cancer.
Updating, undermining, and perceptual learning

As I head home from work, I’m not sure whether my daughter’s new bike is green, and I’m also not sure whether I’m on drugs that distort my color perception. One thing that I am sure about is that my attitudes towards those possibilities are evidentially independent of one another, in the sense that changing my confidence in one shouldn’t affect my confidence in the other. When I get home and see the bike it looks green, so I increase my confidence that it is green. But something else has changed: now an increase in my confidence that I’m on color-drugs would undermine my confidence that the bike is green. Jonathan Weisberg and Jim Pryor argue that the preceding story is problematic for standard Bayesian accounts of perceptual learning. Due to the ‘rigidity’ of Conditionalization, a negative probabilistic correlation between two propositions cannot be introduced by updating on one of them. Hence if my beliefs about my own color-sobriety start out independent of my beliefs about the color of the bike, then they must remain independent after I have my perceptual experience and update accordingly. Weisberg takes this to be a reason to reject Conditionalization. I argue that this conclusion is too pessimistic: Conditionalization is only part of the Bayesian story of perceptual learning, and the other part needn’t preserve independence. Hence Bayesian accounts of perceptual learning are perfectly consistent with potential underminers for perceptual beliefs.
Modeling of path-dependent multi-axial fatigue damage in aluminum alloys

Abstract This paper presents a comprehensive investigation into non-proportional loading induced multi-axial fatigue damage in aluminum alloys using a recently developed multi-axial fatigue damage parameter. The moment of load path (MLP) based fatigue damage parameter is formulated in a form of an equivalent stress or strain range that measures both the extent of load-path deviation from proportionality within a fatigue cycle and material sensitivity to load-path non-proportionality. The use of such a fatigue damage parameter for correlating a large amount of test data is given in a recent publication by Mei and Dong (2016) for structural steels that were shown very sensitive to non-proportional loading. This study examines another class of materials such as various types of wrought aluminum alloys (including 2000, 5000, 6000 and 7000 series) that are typically viewed as being less sensitive to non-proportional loading. A generalized procedure for extracting material sensitivity parameter from stress-life or strain-life test data under simple multi-axial loading conditions is first presented. After obtaining material sensitivity parameter for each of the wrought aluminum alloys examined in this study, it is found that material sensitivity parameter can be related to material ductility (in terms of percentage of elongation from tensile tests) in an approximately linear manner in both low-cycle and high cycle regimes. An excellent agreement (mostly within a factor of 3) is achieved between model-estimated fatigue lives and test lives for all materials under various non-proportional multi-axial loading conditions considered in this study.
Very Low-Calorie Diets

Very low-calorie diets (VLCDs) have a history of cyclic popularity. Although a VLCD can be a very effective tool for the rapid mobilization of body fat, both the margin of safety and the efficacy of this class of diet are limited by their inherent calorie restriction. The result is a potent weight-management tool that requires close medical monitoring for adequate safe use. This chapter defines the nutrient range of VLCDs, their history, composition, indications, contraindications, effects, side effects, and the appropriate context for their safe use (Table 1).
Potentials for Democratic Development in Timor-Leste: A Critical Modernist Perspective

Having survived four hundred years of Portuguese rule, twenty-seven years of Indonesian military occupation, and decades-long civil strife, Timor-Leste finally joined the world community of nations as the 191st member of the United Nations on May 20 2002. After more than a decade of independence, however; 40 percent of Timor-Leste’s 1.1 million people still live in immense poverty. Despite its location in a rapidly industrializing Southeast Asia, Timor-Leste remains overwhelmed by mass deprivation, political turmoil, and widening inequalities. The question arises as to whether the country is destined toward an inescapable path of underdevelopment that has beset many other countries. This paper suggests that this “fate” can be avoided, that there are potential areas in the country’s current development in which a socially-just, democratic, and modern society can transpire. Such an approach however, will require a shift in paradigmatic thinking away from traditional theories of development to a perspective that is radically participation-centered.
Patterns of Interaction in Webcam Sex Work: A Comparative Analysis of Female and Male Broadcasters

This article explores how gender shapes patterns of interaction in webcam sex work. Analysis of 40 hours of cyberethnographic data shows that workers’ degree of professionalism, rather than their g...
The effect of dietary fat on fatty acid composition, gene expression and vitamin status in pre-ruminant calves

Abstract Dietary saturated (SFA) and unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) alter fatty acid (FA) composition of various tissues, serum, and circulating immune cells. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of dietary SFA and UFA on adipose, liver, serum, polymorphonuclear (PMN) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells’ (PBMC) FA profiles, gene expression of selected inflammatory mediators, and their relation with serum lipid-soluble vitamin in pre-ruminant calves. Twelve Holstein male calves were randomly assigned to one of two treatments. Starting at 3 d of age, six calves received 120 mL palm oil/day (SFA), and six calves received 80 mL flaxseed oil plus 40 mL conjugated linoleic acid/day (UFA). After 50 d, all animals were euthanized and samples were obtained. Fatty acid composition of non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA), neutral lipid (NL), and phospholipids (PL) was analyzed by gas-chromatography. High-performance liquid chromatography was used to detect α-tocopherol and retinol in liver, as well as α-tocopherol, retinol, and β-carotene in serum. In addition, liver and adipose tissue were analyzed for gene expression of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, interferon-γ, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ, TNF-α, retinol binding protein-4, and NF-κB. The PBMC were examined for IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and intercellular adhesion molecule-1; PMN cells were analyzed for caspase-1, IL-8 receptor, and l -selectin ( l -SEL) expression. Data were analyzed using the Proc TTEST of SAS with significance declared at P ≤ 0.05. Results showed that the UFA had greater α-linolenic acid compared to SFA in all three (NEFA, NL, and PL) lipid fractions of liver, adipose and serum, as well as PBMC and PMN. The greater content of α-LA in calves fed UFA resulted in greater eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) in all three lipid fractions of serum, as well as NL and PL in adipose tissue. The UFA however, had lower γ-linolenic acid compared with SFA in all three lipid fractions of liver, as well as NL and PL in serum. Dietary UFA also increased total PUFA in all lipid fractions of serum and adipose. In addition, PBMC and PMN had greater EPA in calves fed UFA. Lipid-soluble vitamins in serum were reduced by dietary UFA. In contrast, UFA resulted in upregulation of l -SEL expression in PMN. This may indicate that UFA elevated the substrate for PUFA biosynthesis, but possibly degraded lipid-soluble vitamins to protect these FA from oxidation. Greater circulating PUFA may influence the migration of PMN from the blood to tissues, affecting overall inflammatory responses.
RUNX1 Is a Candidate Transcriptional Effector in Juvenile Myelomonocytic Leukemia

Juvenile Myelomonocytic Leukemia (JMML) is an aggressive pediatric myeloproliferative neoplasm. Mutations leading to constitutive activation of the non-receptor tyrosine phosphatase Shp2 (PTPN11) and/or RAS signaling are driver events. Yet, the key downstream transcriptional effectors of this aberrant signaling have not been defined. We previously found that Shp2 dephosphorylates the hematopoietic transcription factor RUNX1, leading to its activation. Overexpression of a mutant RUNX1 molecule that mimics constitutive RUNX1 tyrosine dephosphorylation in murine hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells led to massive expansion of myelomonocytic cells and growth under low cytokine conditions. Likewise, RUNX1 is known to be activated by extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK) mediated phosphorylation, which is downstream of activated RAS. To further investigate the role of RUNX1 in JMML, we analyzed gene expression datasets derived from CD34+ cells from JMML patients versus healthy controls. Thirty-four genes were down regulated and 13 were up regulated in the JMML versus control CD34+ cells using a cut-off of a log2-fold change > 0 and false-discovery rate (FDR) adjusted p-value ≤ 0.1. H3K27Ac and K3K4Me1 peaks located between -50 kb 59 of the transcriptional start site (TSS) to +50 kb 39 of the transcriptional end site (TES) of the differentially expressed genes were used to identify putative enhancer elements. DNA-binding factor motif enrichment analysis was then performed at these regions. This revealed a significant enrichment for RUNX DNA consensus binding sequences in the putative enhancer elements (p-value 8.05e-03). There was also significant enrichment for ETS family transcription factors, including Spi1 (PU.1) (p-values 1.94e-06 to 1.21e-03) and for Serum Response Factor (SRF) (p-value 1.11e-04). ETS factors frequently physically and functionally cooperate with RUNX transcription factors. Analysis of the proximal promoters showed only enrichment for ETS factors (p-value 2.42e-04 to 4.02e-03) and BATF::JUN (4.64e-03). Examination of ChIP-seq datasets for RUNX1 and PU.1 in CD34+ cells from healthy controls demonstrated that many of these putative sites are occupied by RUNX1, and some with PU.1. Overall, this data supports a model in which RUNX1 (and likely ETS factors) are important transcriptional effectors of aberrant cell signaling in JMML. Disclosures Loh: Bristol Myers Squibb: Membership on an entity9s Board of Directors or advisory committees; Abbvie: Research Funding.
Mathematical modeling of pollutant formation

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the mathematical modeling of pollutant formation. The combustion processes are complex and the fundamental understanding and the detailed data are lacking. The reasonable mathematical simulations of the actual phenomena will provide an accurate description of the real processes in a manner that is amenable to solution. A real combustion process involves physiochemical phenomena such as fluid mechanics, heat and mass transfer, turbulence, two-phase flow, chemical kinetics, and radiation. A complete quantitative treatment of any individual process can be complex. To model the simultaneous presence of all six requires a judicious matching of physical detail and mathematical tractability. The emphasis on emissions control, in particular the desire for simultaneous elimination of reducing species and oxidizing species, requires new concepts in combustion design. The goals to be considered are high efficiency, reasonable size, and low emissions. To achieve all these goals in new designs, a better understanding of the combustion process is required.
Postglacial history of Lost Trail Pass Bog, Bitterroot Mountains, Montana

Studies of sediment, chronology, fossil pollen and charcoal from cores from Lost Trail Pass Bog (2152 m) provide the first postglacial bog, forest, and fire history for the Bitterroot Mountains. Th...
The effects of plague: model and evidence

In the foregoing article, W. Scheidel builds on earlier work, most notably that of R. P. Duncan-Jones in JRA 9, to offer a model for the predicted effects of the Antonine plague and to argue that the model fits the evidence from Roman Egypt reasonably well within the limits of the quantity and quality of the latter. In his second footnote, he encourages critical response, suggesting that it “may either corroborate or undermine my interpretation.” The following pages are intended as a contribution to that discussion, but with lesser ambitions than either corroborating or undermining the model as a whole. They offer some of both, in fact, but more in the direction of undermining it. There are three reasons for not claiming too much at this point and not offering any general conclusion (as I do not). The first is that I do not have any fixed views on the degree to which the plague was the prime mover behind the changes visible in late 2nd- and 3rd-c. Egypt. In the absence of any concerted attempt to formulate and test other hypotheses about the engines of social and economic change, it is hard to say if the degree of fit of evidence to model is impressive or not. The most obvious counter-candidate is the increased municipalization of Egypt during just this period, especially from A.D. 200 onward. It would be useful to generate a model of economic change from this force and see if it is equally capable of accounting for the evidence.
Effect of tRNA on the Maturation of HIV-1 Reverse Transcriptase

Abstract The mature HIV-1 reverse transcriptase is a heterodimer that comprises 66 kDa (p66) and 51 kDa (p51) subunits. The latter is formed by HIV-1 protease-catalyzed removal of a C-terminal ribonuclease H domain from a p66 subunit. This proteolytic processing is a critical step in virus maturation and essential for viral infectivity. Here, we report that tRNA significantly enhances in vitro processing even at a substoichiometric tRNA:p66/p66 ratio. Other double-stranded RNAs have considerably less pronounced effect. Our data support a model where interaction of p66/p66 with tRNA introduces conformational asymmetry in the two subunits, permitting specific proteolytic processing of one p66 to provide the mature RT p66/p51 heterodimer.