cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Massive Dirac fermions in a ferromagnetic kagome metal

The kagome lattice is a two-dimensional network of corner-sharing triangles that is known to host exotic quantum magnetic states. Theoretical work has predicted that kagome lattices may also host Dirac electronic states that could lead to topological and Chern insulating phases, but these states have so far not been detected in experiments. Here we study the d-electron kagome metal Fe3Sn2, which is designed to support bulk massive Dirac fermions in the presence of ferromagnetic order. We observe a temperature-independent intrinsic anomalous Hall conductivity that persists above room temperature, which is suggestive of prominent Berry curvature from the time-reversal-symmetry-breaking electronic bands of the kagome plane. Using angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy, we observe a pair of quasi-two-dimensional Dirac cones near the Fermi level with a mass gap of 30 millielectronvolts, which correspond to massive Dirac fermions that generate Berry-curvature-induced Hall conductivity. We show that this behaviour is a consequence of the underlying symmetry properties of the bilayer kagome lattice in the ferromagnetic state and the atomic spin-orbit coupling. This work provides evidence for a ferromagnetic kagome metal and an example of emergent topological electronic properties in a correlated electron system. Our results provide insight into the recent discoveries of exotic electronic behaviour in kagome-lattice antiferromagnets and may enable lattice-model realizations of fractional topological quantum states.
The significant screwdriver: care, domestic masculinity, and interaction design

HCI is increasingly recognizing its accountability to stakeholders beyond individual end users. The field now acknowledges that interaction designs participate in social formations, exerting political force whether or not designers intend them to. Inspired by the commitment to social issues common to the arts, architecture, and the humanities, we present the Significant Screwdriver, a research through design pro-ject that explicitly seeks to transgress social norms regarding the gendered division of labour in the do-mestic sphere in hopes of yielding insights or orientations toward improving the quality of domestic life.
Interfacial Self-Assembly of Colloidal Nanoparticles in Dual-Droplet Inkjet Printing

Author(s): Al-Milaji, Karam Nashwan; Secondo, Ray Richard; Ng, Tse Nga; Kinsey, Nathaniel; Zhao, Hong
An optimization approach for equitable bicycle share station siting

Abstract Bicycle share systems are becoming an increasingly popular feature of many urban areas across the United States. While these systems aim to increase transit mode options as well as overall bicycle ridership, bike share programs also face challenges and criticisms related to density and inequitable distribution of services. Key factors in the success of bicycle share include high station density as well as services that reach a variety of neighborhoods, though many current systems do not reach low-income areas. Equitable station distribution therefore appears to be a complex problem to address. We propose utilizing spatial analytics, including GIS and spatial optimization, to help site bicycle share stations across an urban region. Specifically we seek to apply a covering model to assess how many bicycle stations are needed, and where they should be located, so no user would have to travel too far for access. The city of Phoenix, Arizona, is used as a case study to illustrate the coverage and access tradeoffs possible through different investment strategies. Accordingly, for a given investment level, the set of stations is identified that provides the best access to the designated bike path network for the greatest number of potential users. Further, tradeoff options that differentially favor either network or population coverage are possible, and can be identified and evaluated through the proposed analytical framework.
Cyanobacterial production of plant essential oils

Synechocystis (a cyanobacterium) was employed as an alternative host for the production of plant essential oil constituents. β-Phellandrene synthase (PHLS) genes from different plants, when expressed in Synechocystis, enabled synthesis of variable monoterpene hydrocarbon blends, converting Synechocystis into a cell factory that photosynthesized and released useful products. Monoterpene synthases are secondary metabolism enzymes that catalyze the generation of essential oil constituents in terrestrial plants. Essential oils, including monoterpene hydrocarbons, are of interest for their commercial application and value. Therefore, heterologous expression of monoterpene synthases for high-capacity essential oil production in photosynthetic microorganism transformants is of current interest. In the present work, the cyanobacterium Synechocystsis PCC 6803 was employed as an alternative host for the production of plant essential oil constituents. As a case study, β-phellandrene synthase (PHLS) genes from different plants were heterologously expressed in Synechocystis. Genomic integration of individual PHLS-encoding sequences endowed Synechocystis with constitutive monoterpene hydrocarbons generation, occurring concomitant with photosynthesis and cell growth. Specifically, the β-phellandrene synthase from Lavandula angustifolia (lavender), Solanum lycopersicum (tomato), Pinus banksiana (pine), Picea sitchensis (Sitka spruce) and Abies grandis (grand fir) were active in Synechocystis transformants but, instead of a single product, they generated a blend of terpene hydrocarbons comprising β-phellandrene, α-phellandrene, β-myrcene, β-pinene, and δ-carene with variable percentage ratios ranging from 90% in different product combinations and proportions. Our results suggested that PHLS enzyme conformation and function depends on the cytosolic environment in which they reside, with the biochemical properties of the latter causing catalytic deviations from the products naturally observed in the corresponding gene-encoding plants, giving rise to the terpene hydrocarbon blends described in this work. These findings may have commercial application in the generation of designer essential oil blends and will further assist the development of heterologous cyanobacterial platforms for the generation of desired monoterpene hydrocarbon products.
Multimode fiber based spectrometer

A multi-mode fiber functions as a high-resolution, low-loss spectrometer. Wavelength-dependent speckle patterns are used for spectrum recovery. Record-high resolution and extremely broad range of operation are achieved.
Picosecond Laser Studies of Electron-Hole Interactions and Double Proton Transfer

I would like to discuss some of our preliminary results on electron-hole interactions in liquids and excited state double proton transfer.
Academic and Labor Market Success: The Impact of Student Employment, Abilities, and Preferences

This paper models the university-to-work transition in a stochastic dynamic environment, where students may study and work simultaneously. Student employment decisions depend on academic achievement, labor market opportunities, and expectations about the future. Estimation of the structural model using a unique panel data set with exogenous variation in study grant threshold levels reveals that some student employment has a positive impact on academic achievement, while too much has a negative impact. Abilities and preferences are important determinants of academic success. Students with higher academic abilities have significantly lower dropout rates, while students with higher consumption value of university attendance tend to have a higher probability of graduating, but spend longer time to graduation. These academic outcomes are not easily amendable by tilting study grants towards students who work less.
Aneurysms of persistent trigeminal arteries. Report of two cases.

Two cases of asymptomatic aneurysm of a primitive trigeminal artery, discovered incidentally at angiography for other reasons, are presented.
Assessing the effect of patient to provider language discordance on depression screening utilizing the Patient Health Questionnaire: an epidemiology study.

Background As depression screening becomes a standard in primary care, the question remains of how effective and equitable screening can be implemented to avoid cultural and language-related disparities. Methods In this retrospective cohort study, rates of depression screening were compared for 3626 adult patients at a family medicine residency-based health centre in Pennsylvania, USA. The PHQ-2/PHQ-9 modality was verbally administered by nursing staff at the time of patient intake as part of a universal screening initiative. Chi-square analysis was used to determine the univariate associations of performed depression screening with variables of language, ethnicity, gender and number of office visits. A binary logistic regression was then performed to measure whether univariate associations remain significant after correction for other variables. Results Chi-square analysis revealed significant differences in screening based on univariate associations of language, gender and number of office visits. No significant difference was found for age or ethnicity. Binary logistic regression revealed the following odds ratio of being screened for depression for each variable: Spanish language (OR = 0.694, CI = 0.559 to 0.862), female gender (OR = 1.155, CI = 1.005 to 1.328) and office visit frequency of three or more office visits per year (OR = 2.103, CI = 1.835 to 2.410). Conclusions Spanish-speaking adults were significantly less likely to be screened for depression than their English-speaking counterparts. Women were more likely to be screened than men, and the odds of screening increased with more frequent exposure to the office. Future studies should be directed at validating these findings in multiple clinical settings.
Effects of manufacturing parameters on performance of fluidic oscillators for aerodynamic flow control

An investigation is conducted into the effects of dimensional variation, material selection, and manufacturing process on the performance characteristics of a self-oscillating fluidic oscillator. M...
Quantum Joule expansion of one-dimensional systems

We investigate the Joule expansion of nonintegrable quantum systems that contain bosons or spinless fermions in one-dimensional lattices. A barrier initially confines the particles to be in half of the system in a thermal state described by the canonical ensemble and is removed at time $t=0$. We investigate the properties of the time-evolved density matrix, the diagonal ensemble density matrix, and the corresponding canonical ensemble density matrix with an effective temperature determined by the total energy conservation using exact diagonalization. The weights for the diagonal ensemble and the canonical ensemble match well for high initial temperatures that correspond to negative effective final temperatures after the expansion. At long times after the barrier is removed, the time-evolved R\'enyi entropy of subsystems bigger than half can equilibrate to the thermal entropy with exponentially small fluctuations. The time-evolved reduced density matrix at long times can be approximated by a thermal density matrix for small subsystems. Few-body observables, like the momentum distribution function, can be approximated by a thermal expectation of the canonical ensemble with strongly suppressed fluctuations. The negative effective temperatures for finite systems go to non-negative temperatures in the thermodynamic limit for bosons, but there is a true thermodynamic effect for fermions, which is confirmed by finite-temperature density matrix renormalization group calculations. We propose the Joule expansion as a way to dynamically create negative temperature states for fermion systems with repulsive interactions.
Fiber Transfer and the Influence of Fabric Softener

This paper reports an investigation of the influence of fabric softener on fiber transfer, using a relatively new fiber transfer abrasion tester. Nine medium-weight apparel fabrics were evaluated with and without fabric softener. Fiber transfer from these fabrics was evaluated in terms of the total number of fibers transferred, as well as the number, mean length, and length distribution of transferred fibers ≥2 mm long. Conclusions were obtained regarding the direct effect of fabric softener on fiber transfer, as well as its interactive effects with fiber denier, fabric weave, knit type, and fabric thread count. In addition, conclusions were obtained regarding mechanisms of transfer from the fabrics.
El Fetiche De La Sexualidad Masculina: Ocho Errores Comunes (The Fetish of Male Sexuality: Eight Common Errors; in Spanish)

The French philosopher Simone de Beauvoir writes in The Second Sex that “biological facts [provide] one of the keys to the understanding of woman.” Yet, she quickly adds, “I deny that they establish for her a fixed and inevitable destiny” (1970 [1949]:29). This revolutionary thesis that detached female bodies from female destinies has been a cornerstone of feminism and women’s studies for several decades, sometimes captured in the aphorism that biology is not destiny. Since The Second Sex, our understanding of the biological facts have become more complex (see, for example, Anne Fausto-Sterling’s Sexing the Body [2000]). Some hallowed truths about bodies have been more difficult to dislodge than others. This chapter examines the notion of men’s sexual destiny, a topic widely taken for granted in the popular imagination yet sadly and oddly seldom examined by feminist and gender studies scholars.
Balloon Post-dilation During Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement for patients with aortic stenosis has become a good alternative for patients with any increased risk for surgical aortic valve replacement, and trials evaluating this treatment for patients at standard risk for surgery have completed enrollment and are now in follow-up. Optimizing the procedural results of TAVR gains increasing importance when treating patients who have expected long-term survival. Balloon post-dilation of the stent valve during the procedure can be used to optimize the immediate performance of transcatheter valves, reducing paravalvular regurgitation. Balloon post-dilation can also be used to improve the systolic performance of the new valve, a situation most commonly encountered with treating patients with bioprosthetic valve dysfunction using TAVR valve in valve techniques.
Interactive Learning (iLEARN) Tool: An eLearning Portal Designed Using MOODLE for Cagayan State University in the Philippines

Interactive Learning (iLEARN) portal was designed using MOODLE to enable students and teachers to exchange knowledge not only inside the classroom but even online - anytime and anywhere. The main purpose is to help educators to create online courses which bring teachers and students to collaborate and interact online. With this e-learning platform, teachers can deliver their lessons, administer examinations and manage scores and grades of students online. On the part of the students, they can submit their requirements online, download resources, took exams and monitor their progress based on the grades given by their teachers. The platform was stored in a server powered by Ubuntu Linux Server 14.04 LTS where Apache as webserver, MySQL as the backend database and PHP as the parser. As a result, the said platform makes instruction process faster and accessible and upgrades teachers' methods and strategies in teaching and enhanced students' learning performance.
Organizational Structure, Voluntary Disclosure, and Investment Efficiency

An important role of corporate disclosure is to improve the efficiency of capital allocation, and a key part of this process is firms’ internal allocation of capital across their multiple projects. This paper examines the effect of internal capital allocation on firms’ disclosure incentives and how these incentives affect internal capital allocation and investment efficiency. I identify conditions under which the multi-project firm that can perform internal capital allocation withholds more information than a group of stand-alone firms. Under these conditions, I show that the investment efficiency of the multi-project firm is higher than that of a group of stand-alone firms. The results suggest that corporate disclosure and internal capital allocation are substitutes in improving investment efficiency. This provides one explanation for why a multi-divisional structure may be preferred, although the structure appears inefficient.
Real price appreciation forecast tool: Two delivered log market price cycles in the Puget Sound markets of western Washington, USA, from 1992 through 2019

Abstract Delivered log prices represent stochastic values exchanged in competitive marketplaces, responsive to unfolding macroeconomic forces operating through shifts in supply and demand. Major market disruption events, experienced as price appreciation or devaluation, shape into predictable cycles to balance at market price equilibrium. Monthly delivered log price records of a single grade/sort in the United States of America, Washington state's Puget Sound, from January 1989 through October 2019, are considered. The price series is analyzed during two market disruption and recovery events, reveal characteristics of a Markov-chain of order following a random-walk with ultimate return to base price levels. The Real Price Appreciation Forecast tool is guided by commodity real price disruption event severity in terms of how significant the price change is and how long it takes for the price disruption to initially peak or trough. The path of real price recovery to stable market equilibrium levels is predicted through the Real Price Appreciation Forecast tool presented in this manuscript. Within this price forecasting analysis, shocks, white noise, and other short-duration market events are viewed as peripheral factors when observing the ultimate market real equilibrium price level. The Real Price Appreciation Forecast tool gives the practitioner a mathematical model to analyze delivered log market data to predict the equilibrium price range shaped by the Markov-chain of order random-walk.
SOCIOECONOMIC BARRIERS TO PRENATAL DIAGNOSIS OF CRITICAL CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE

Prenatal diagnosis of critical congenital heart disease (CCHD) can lead to safe delivery planning, as well as reduce neonatal morbidity and mortality. There is wide regional variation in the prenatal diagnosis rates of CCHD, and the reasons for this variation are poorly understood. We analyzed the
Disinhibition of somatostatin interneurons confers resilience to stress in male but not female mice

Chronic stress represents a vulnerability factor for anxiety and depressive disorders and has been widely used to model aspects of these disorders in rodents. Disinhibition of somatostatin (SST)-positive GABAergic interneurons in mice by deletion of γ2 GABAA receptors selectively from these cells (SSTCre:γ2f/f mice) has been shown to result in behavioral and biochemical changes that mimic the responses to antidepressant doses of ketamine. Here we explored the extent to which SSTCre:γ2f/f mice exhibit resilience to unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS). We found that male SSTCre:γ2f/f mice are resilient to UCMS-induced (i) reductions in weight gain, (ii) reductions in SST-immuno-positive cells in medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), (iii) increases in phosphorylation of eukaryotic elongation factor 2 (eEF2) in mPFC, and (iv) increased anxiety in a novelty suppressed feeding test. Female SSTCre:γ2f/f mice were resilient to UCMS-induced reductions in SST-immuno-positive cells indistinguishably from males. However, in contrast to males, they showed no UCMS effects on weight gain independent of genotype. Moreover, in mPFC of female γ2f/f control mice, UCMS resulted in paradoxically reduced p-EF2 levels without stress effects in the SSTCre:γ2f/f mutants. Lastly, female SSTCre:γ2f/f mice showed increased rather than reduced UCMS induced anxiety compared to γ2f/f controls. Thus, disinhibition of SST interneurons results in behavioral resilience to UCMS selectively in male mice, along with cellular resilience of SST neurons to UCMS independent of sex. Thus, mechanisms underlying vulnerability and resilience to stress are sex specific and map to mPFC rather than hippocampus but appear unrelated to changes in expression of SST as a marker of corresponding interneurons.
Alternative Access for Mechanical Circulatory Support

Technological advancements and the development of shock teams and protocols have led to increasing utilization of mechanical circulatory support (MCS) devices. These large-bore devices are used to ...
Clinical exome sequencing in the diagnosis of pediatric neuromuscular disease.

Background The diagnosis of uncommon pediatric neuromuscular disease (NMD) is challenging due to genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity, yet is important to guide treatment, prognosis, and recurrence risk. Patients with diagnostically challenging presentations typically undergo extensive testing with variable molecular diagnostic yield. Given the advancement in next generation sequencing (NGS), we investigated the value of clinical whole exome sequencing (ES) in uncommon pediatric NMD. Methods A retrospective cohort study of 106 pediatric NMD patients with a combination of ES, chromosomal microarray (CMA), and candidate gene testing was completed at a large tertiary referral center. Results A molecular diagnosis was achieved in 37/79 (46%) patients with ES, 4/44 (9%) patients with CMA, and 15/74 (20%) patients with candidate gene testing. In 2/79 (3%) patients, a dual molecular diagnosis explaining the neuromuscular disease process was identified. A total of 42 patients (53%) who received ES remained without a molecular diagnosis at the conclusion of the study. Conclusions Due to NGS, molecular diagnostic yield of rare neurological diseases is at an all-time high. We show that ES has a higher diagnostic rate compared to other genetic tests in a complex pediatric neuromuscular disease cohort and should be considered early in the diagnostic journey for select NMD patients with challenging presentations in which a clinical diagnosis is not evident.
Determinants of Missed Games Following Concussions in the National Football League

Concussions in the National Football League (NFL) are a rising topic of concern and debate. With the implementation of new protocols, NFL players are required to be removed from play and must follow specific processes before full return to play after sustaining a concussion. While concussion severity is the primary determinant of time-off, it is possible that other factors associated with player value influence time-off as well. The purpose of this study is to examine determinants of NFL games missed after a concussion. NFL concussion data from 2012 to 2015 were used in conjunction with player salary, position, previous concussions, average plays per game, and season during which the concussion occurred. Results indicate that quarterbacks and players who sustained multiple concussions missed more games, while players involved in more plays per game miss less games, providing evidence that player health and value are determinants of time-off after a concussion. Additionally, the number of games missed has increased each year, which could be the result of NFL efforts to increase safety and increased media attention.
Understanding the Roles and Contributions of Neighborhood Organizations in Civic Governance

An area of ongoing debate is whether neighborhood organizations contribute to civic governance by enabling citizen influence in government, mobilizing constituents, and improving policy outcomes through localized knowledge, community organizing, and civic engagement. This article presents the findings of a study to understand the roles and contributions of neighborhood organizations in civic governance. The research design consisted of an exploratory and qualitative case study of individual interviews with 46 board presidents who described the roles of their neighborhood organizations within communities, in relationship to a city, and whether, and to what extent, they contributed to civic governance. Study participants characterized their neighborhood organizations’ roles according to three core themes: developing community and improving the neighborhood, educating and engaging citizens, and representing and advocating for the neighborhood. The findings reveal significant resource limitations that constrain civic engagement and participation capacities. Thus, as a result of the findings, I contend that there are several opportunities to strengthen their roles and contributions in civic governance.
Stability and Control Analysis for Series-Input/Parallel-Output Cell Balancing System for Electric Vehicle Battery Packs

Battery management implement cell balancing algorithms to equalize state of charge of series-connected cells in a battery pack. Balancing strategies range from passive, where a simple resistive circuit is used to drain current from the battery cell, to active, where sophisticated control schemes and advanced circuitry may be employed. Recent development of active balancing control strategies for a modular cell-balancing architecture utilize low-voltage bypass DC-DC converters and a shared low-voltage dc bus. Although these systems show promise in preliminary experiments, questions remain over the inherent stability properties of the architecture. This letter presents a stability analysis for an $N$ -cell battery module and provides insight for design of embedded controllers.
Alternatives to heparin anticoagulation for cardiopulmonary bypass and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation

Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) are both mechanical circulatory support technologies that augment the native heart and/or lung function. They involve drainage and reinfusion of blood while performing extracorporeal gas exchange. 1 In both devices, contact between patient blood and the non-endothelialized surface of the circuit triggers an inflammatory response and pro-coagulation cascade. 2–5 As a result, prophylactic anticoagulation is integral to prevent catastrophic thrombosis of the circuitry. In rare instances, there exist contraindications to heparin use, necessitating alternative management strategies. 6 In this review, we will examine heparin contraindications in mechanical circulatory support and summarize alternative approaches to anticoagulation in these circumstances.
Reconfigurable Flight Control Design using a Robust Servo LQR and Radial Basis Function Neural Networks

This viewgraph presentation reviews the use of a Robust Servo Linear Quadratic Regulator (LQR) and a Radial Basis Function (RBF) Neural Network in reconfigurable flight control designs in adaptation to a aircraft part failure. The method uses a robust LQR servomechanism design with model Reference adaptive control, and RBF neural networks. During the failure the LQR servomechanism behaved well, and using the neural networks improved the tracking.
The Measurement of Real Effective Exchange Rates: A Survey and Applications to East Asia

The theoretical bases for different definitions of the real exchange rate are discussed. Alternative means of calculating "effective" exchange rates are presented. Some of the empirical characteristics of these series are examined in the context of several Pacific Rim countries. The use of real effective exchange rates is presented in several context, including (i) evaluating exchange rate overvaluation, (ii) relating real exchange rates to productivity differentials, (iii) estimating the relative price responsiveness of trade flows, and (iv) assessing the impact of competitive devaluation.
Conceptualizing/re-conceptualizing Africa : the construction of African historical identity

Introduction, Maghan Keita I. State and Ethnicity in Precolonial Northern Nigeria, Lamont DeHaven King II. Of Nubians and Nabateans: Implications of Research on Neglected Dimensions of Ancient World History, Jesse Benjamin III. Portuguese Conceptual Categories and the "Other": Encounter on the Swahili Coast, Jeremy Prestholdt IV. Writes of Passage: The Cape of Good Hope in Late Seventeenth-Century Narratives of Travel to Asia, Robert Launay V. Taiwan and Africa: Taipei's Continuing Search for International Recognition, Richard J. Payne and Cassandra R. Veney Notes on Contributors Index of Authors Index of Subjects
Natural IgM Is Produced by CD5− Plasma Cells That Occupy a Distinct Survival Niche in Bone Marrow

Natural IgM is constitutively present in the serum, where it aids in the early control of viral and bacterial expansions. Natural IgM also plays a significant role in the prevention of autoimmune disease by promoting the clearance of cellular debris. Nevertheless, the origins of natural IgM have not been precisely defined. Previous studies focused on the role of CD5 + B1 cells in the production of natural IgM, but we show in this article that a discrete population of CD5 − IgM plasmablasts and plasma cells in the bone marrow (BM) produces the majority of serum IgM in resting mice. These Ab-secreting cells (ASC) originate from peritoneal cavity–resident cells, because transfer of peritoneal cells completely restores serum IgM and the specific compartment of BM ASC in Rag1-deficient mice. We show that BM natural IgM ASC arise from a fetal-lineage progenitor that is neither B1a nor B1b, and that this IgM ASC compartment contains a substantial fraction of long-lived plasma cells that do not occupy the IgG plasma cell survival niche in the BM; instead, they are supported by IL-5. In summary, we identified the primary source of natural IgM and showed that these ASC are maintained long-term in a unique survival niche within the BM.
Direct growth of layered intercalation compounds via single step one-pot in situ synthesis

A single step one-pot in situ synthesis method was developed to directly grow layered intercalation compounds. This methdology is expected to be applicable to a wide range of layered materials.
Design of a new dual-band balun

In this paper, a novel dual-band balun with flexible frequency ratios will be presented. The proposed 3-port balun is based on a 4-port structure with the 4th port terminated as an open end. Baluns transform unbalanced input signals to balanced output signals or vice versa. They have become very useful and needed in various applications such as balanced mixers, frequency multipliers, push-pull amplifiers, and antennas.
Inflammatory prostaglandin E2 signaling in a mouse model of Alzheimer disease

Objective There is significant evidence for a central role of inflammation in the development of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Epidemiological studies indicate that chronic use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) reduces the risk of developing AD in healthy aging populations. As NSAIDs inhibit the enzymatic activity of the inflammatory cyclooxygenases COX-1 and COX-2, these findings suggest that downstream prostaglandin signaling pathways function in the pre-clinical development of AD. Here, we investigate the function of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) signaling through its EP3 receptor in the neuroinflammatory response to Aβ peptide.
The regulatory treatment of asset securitisation: The Basel Securitisation Framework explained

This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the gradual evolution of the supervisory policy adopted by the Basel Committee for the regulatory treatment of asset securitisation. The pathology of the new “securitisation framework” is carefully highlighted to facilitate a general understanding of what constitutes the current state of computing adequate capital requirements for securitised credit exposures. Although a simplified sensitivity analysis of the varying levels of capital charges depending on the security design of asset securitisation transactions is incorporated, the author does not engage in a profound analysis of the benefits and drawbacks implicated in the new securitisation framework.
Self-Awareness and Attitude Change: Seeing Oneself on the Central Route to Persuasion:

On the basis of the elaboration likelihood model and self-awareness theory, it was reasoned that self-awareness should stimulate thoughtful resistance to attacks on personally important attitudes. In Experiment 1, mirror-induced self-awareness increased resistance to a message that was counterattitudinal, personally important, and based on direct experience, but it failed to increase resistance to a message that lacked those qualities. In Experiment 2, self-aware subjects showed greater resistance to weak persuasive arguments than to strong arguments, unlike subjects who were not made self-aware. These results support the view of self-awareness as a cause of biased central route processing and (hence) of selective, judicious resistance to persuasion.
Longitudinal changes in lung function during the first three years of premature infants with moderate to severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease of prematurely born infants following prolonged mechanical ventilation and oxygen therapy. Developmental changes in pulmonary function of children with BPD during their early years have been difficult to study. We longitudinally studied maximal expiratory flow-volume curves by the forced deflation technique in 11 infants who had previous tracheostomy with moderate to severe BPD. Patients were classified into: those who were mechanically ventilated for less than 5 months (Group A), and those who were ventilated for 10 or more months (Group B). At 6 months of age, forced vital capacity (FVC) was 28.1 and 25.5 mL/kg in Group A and B, respectively, significantly less than normal (41.8 mL/kg). The maximum expiratory flow at 25% FVC (MEF25) at 6 months of age was 6.9 and 8.1 mL · kg−1 · s−1 in Group A and B, respectively, (predicted value, 39.2 mL · kg−1 · s−1). FVC reached the normal range by 12 months of age in Group A, but remained lower until 36 months of age in Group B. MEF25 gradually increased in Group A, reaching 18.0 mL · kg−1 · s−1 at 36 months of age, whereas in Group B it was severely decreased at the same age (3.5 mL · kg−1 · s−1). More than 75% of the patients had airway hyperreactivity at all ages. We have demonstrated that in patients with moderate to severe BPD, vital capacity is moderately decreased, but catches up to normal levels by 36 months of age. In contrast, severe lower airway obstruction persists in all infants, although in those with moderate BPD gradual improvement is seen. These findings suggest that in BPD neither obstruction of the smaller intrathoracic airways nor bronchial hyperreactivity resolves during the first 3 years of life.Pediatr Pulmonol. 1991; 11 :&14.
Atomic carbon in Orion

Orion Molecular Cloud region investigations have detected interstellar C I 3PI-3P0 emission and provided information concerning relative C I and CO abundances. Attention is given to problems which have arisen concerning the excessive C I abundance observed, by contrast to current chemical models. In addition to considering explanations for that excess which invoke the presence of internal UV, shocks, or high electron abundances, it is noted that the chemical models indicate the significance of time-dependent effects for the cases of cloud lifetime shorter than one million years, or of the periodic rejuvenation of cloud components by a chemical or physical process. On the basis of the lack of C I in the Orion plateau, the present evidence argues against the relevance of an internal shock mechanism.
Improved gene expression upon transfer of the adenosine deaminase minigene outside the transcriptional unit of a retroviral vector.

Abstract This study describes a type of retroviral vector called double-copy (DC) vector that was designed to improve the expression of transduced genes. The unique feature of DC vectors is that the transduced gene is inserted within the U3 region of the 3' long terminal repeat (LTR). Consequently, in the infected cell the gene is duplicated and transferred to the 5' LTR. The important result is that in its new position the gene is placed outside the retroviral transcriptional unit, eliminating or at least reducing the negative effects of the retroviral transcriptional unit. The utility of the DC vector design was tested by using a 2.1-kilobase-pair (kbp)-long adenosine deaminase (ADA; EC 3.5.4.4) minigene that was inserted into the 3' LTR of the N2 retroviral vector, generating a 2.7-kbp-long chimeric LTR. DNA blot analysis was used to show that the chimeric LTR was faithfully duplicated in cells infected with the corresponding virus, generating two copies of the ADA minigene, one copy in each LTR. Insertion of the ADA minigene into the 3' LTR of the N2 vector led to a 10- to 20-fold increase in ADA transcripts and human ADA isozyme synthesized in NIH 3T3 cells as compared to cells harboring the same vector in which the ADA minigene was inserted between the two LTRs. A similar increase in ADA expression was observed in two human lymphoid cell lines tested, HUT 78 and Raji. These results are consistent with previous observations that upstream promoters exert an inhibitory effect on promoters placed downstream and bear out the predictions used in the design of DC vectors. The use of DC vectors may contribute to the solution of the problems encountered in expressing retrovirally transduced genes in cultured cells and, in particular, when introduced into the live animal.
A measure of international managers’ mindset

Purpose – This paper aims to identifying managerial mindset by constructing a cognitive or integrative geocentrim index. Going international is either an extension of successful domestic business operations or a requirement for remaining competitive. It is imperative for firms to be a part of the international market. Therefore, firms should want to know how internationalized are their operations. To gain such knowledge requires measuring the degree of internationalization, which, in turn, is related to “managerial mindset”. Design/methodology/approach – Based on literature review, four dimensions of integrative geocentrism were identified, which also dealt with content validity of the index. A questionnaire was constructed reflecting these dimensions. The sample of 59 managers, whose jobs were involved in international business, completed the questionnaire. Reliability was established using Cronbach’s alpha. Findings – The construction of this index was an attempt in providing an objective way of measuri...
Use of hypothalamic releasing hormones to evaluate the reproductive endocrine status of rams

Pituitary and testicular responses to exogenous gonadotrophic hormone releasing hormone (GnRH, 5 ng/kg body weight) and thyrotrophin releasing hormone (TRH, 50 ng/kg body weight) were assessed in four breeds of ram (n = 5/breed) maintained under alternating short (8L:16D) and long (16L:8D) photoperiods each of 12 weeks duration. The amplitudes of LH responses (ΔLH) to a single injection of GnRH were higher (P < 0.01) after 12 weeks of 16L:8D (9.8 ± 1.2 ng/ml, mean ± SEM for all rams) compared with responses after 12 weeks of 8L:16D (5.7 ± 0.8 ng/ml). Plasma testosterone concentrations were higher (P < 0.01) after 12 weeks of 8L:16D (7.2 ± 1.0 ng/ml) than after 16L:8D (0.7 ± 0.1 ng/ml) and the amplitudes of testosterone responses after injection of GnRH were also greater (P < 0.01) under 8L:16D (14.3 ± 1.3 ng/ml) than under 16L:8D (4.6 ± 0.3 ng/ml). Prolactin concentrations were elevated under 16L:8D (166 ± 31 ng/ml) and suppressed under 8L:16D (15 ± 2 ng/ml) and the areas under the prolactin response curves were likewise greater (P < 0.01) under 16L:8D (83 ± 9, arbitrary units) than under 8L:16D (24 ± 5). The results indicate that hypothalamic releasing hormones can be used to obtain information on the endocrine status of rams. The acute testosterone response to GnRH injection is of particular interest since it not only reflects testosterone secretory capacity, but it also provides an index of prevailing LH secretion based on the absolute dependence of steroidogenesis on gonadotrophin support.
Statistical interpretation of discontinuity contour diagrams

Abstract The stability of rock foundations and slopes is known to be controlled by discontinuities (weakness) in the rock masses. The data which are to be collected in such media for the stability analysis are (1) the orientation, (2) the mechanical properties of the discontinuity surfaces, and (3) location of major discontinuities. In this article, a method is proposed for the determination of discontinuities based on geological data collected in the field that can be used in stability analysis with several statistical confidence limits. This method is a procedure for the interpretation of contour diagrams in structural geology, taking the theory of probability into account. The method provides a useful approach to obtain the probable occurrence of rock blocks with a computed factor of safety and as a function of two proposed distribution indices.
Transverse Relaxation in Proton NMR. Separate Measurement of Decay Rates of In-phase and Antiphase Coherences

The first 1H NMR measurements are reported that allow on to compare T2 decay rates under free precession with T1p decay rare of spin-locked in-phase and antiphase coherence. Measurements were make for the cyclic undecapeptide cyclosporin A and for the self-complementary duplex B-DNA docecamer d(CGCGAATTCGCG)2. [on SciFinder (R)]
The R146N and R249Q Myosin Mutations Disrupt Motor Function and Myofibrillar Structure and cause Cardiomyopathy in Drosophila

Numerous myosin-based myopathies have been identified without a detailed understanding of their molecular basis. To pursue mechanistic investigations, we generated transgenic Drosophila expressing the R146N or R249Q myosin mutations that cause hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in humans. Our studies show severely compromised flight ability in homozygotes, with an age-dependent worsening of muscle function and myofibrillar disarray in the indirect flight muscle ultrastructure. The R146N mutation caused an increase in basal Ca-ATPase and Mg-ATPase activities, with a significant decrease in actin motility. Semi-automated optical heartbeat analysis performed using high-speed movies of semi-intact mutant heterozygous hearts indicated restrictive cardiac physiology and diastolic dysfunction. Based upon molecular modeling, we predict 1) the R146N mutation alters ionic interaction of the N-terminal motor domain with E774 of the lever arm, resulting in failure of the lever arm to cock prior to the power-stroke; and 2) the R249Q mutation disrupts electrostatic interaction with D262 of the central β-sheet domain, interrupting communication between the ATP-binding and actin-binding sites. Thus, the models imply that these conserved charge interactions are critical for myosin function. To test these predictions, lines expressing R146E, E774R, R249D and D262R mutations, as well as putative suppressor lines R146E+E774R and R249D+D262R, will be studied using an integrative biochemical, biophysical and physiological approach. Transgenic Drosophila expressing either R146E or R249D myosin revealed more severe phenotypes relative to cardiomyopathy mutations. Both homozygous mutants displayed flightless phenotypes and highly compromised myofibrillar ultrastructure, with the R146E mutants showing increased basal Ca-ATPase and Mg-ATPase activities, and no actin motility. Heterozygotes present with severe restricted cardiac physiology and diastolic dysfunction. Overall our studies indicate that the Drosophila is a valuable tool to test significant myosin interactions during health and disease. Supported by NIH R01GM32443 to SIB.
Aiding Consumer Nutrition Decisions: Comparison of a Graphical Nutrient Density Labeling Format with the Current Food Labeling System

Providing consumers with usable nutrition information requires an effective labeling for mat. This study involved consumers in a supermarket setting. Our objective was to determine whether they could, without previous instruction, make as effective nutrition decisions when using a graphic format based on nutrient density as when using the current labeling format. The questionnaire completed by each participating consumer included items regarding demographic data and shopping preferences, and questions evaluating nutrition knowledge and the ability of the shopper to utilize two nutrition labeling formats in making nutrition decisions. Six supermarkets were selected from one large Utah chain as sites for the survey. The nutrient density format produced the greatest percentage of correct responses. The dif ference was particularly evident when our data were analyzed for overall correct responses. Participants who were high school graduates or had family incomes between $4,000–$7,999 made more correct responses when utilizing the nutrient density format than when confronted with the other format. The nutrient density presentation also took less time for participants to complete. The graphical nutrient density format evaluated in our study is more effective than the current labeling format in assisting consumers to make valid nutritional decisions.
Human p53 expressed in baculovirus-infected Sf9 cells displays a two-dimensional isoform pattern identical to wild-type p53 from human cells.

Abstract Baculovirus expression of human p53 protein, a nuclear cell cycle regulator, was examined in Sf9 cells and compared to native p53 synthesized in primary human cells. Maximum expression of the recombinant p53 protein occurred 48 h postinfection. De novo synthesis of the protein was evident for only 2 days postinfection; however, in pulse–chase studies, 30% of the synthesized protein remained stable up to 5 days. Seventy-seven percent of immunoprecipitated, [ 35 S]methionine-labeled, recombinant p53 protein resided in the cytoplasm of Sf9 cells, while 15% localized to the nucleus and 8% was released extracellularly. Separation of modified p53 protein, by charge and molecular weight, was accomplished by two-dimensional PAGE, and the electrophoretic pattern of the recombinant protein was identical to the wild-type protein from primary human mammary epithelial cells, indicating that the posttranslational modifications of the recombinant protein in this system are similar to those in primary human cells. Eleven isoforms focused between p I 5.75 and p I 6.5. The recombinant p53 isoforms were phosphorylated by 32 P-labeling. Phosphatase digestion of immunoprecipitated p53 effectively removed phosphorous groups from the recombinant protein, reducing the number of isoforms from 11 to 2, demonstrating that phosphorylation is the major posttranslational event in the recombinant protein.