cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Perceiving geographical slant

People judged the inclination of hills viewed either out-of-doors or in a computer-simulated virtual environment. Angle judgments were obtained by having people (1) provide verbal estimates, (2) adjust a representation of the hill’s cross-section, and (3) adjust a tilt board with their unseen hand. Geographical slant was greatly overestimated according to the first two measures, but not the third. Apparent slant judgments conformed to ratio scales, thereby enhancing sensitivity to the small inclines that must actually be traversed in everyday experience. It is proposed that the perceived exaggeration of geographical slant preserves the relationship between distal inclination and people’s behavioral potential. Hills are harder to traverse as people become tired; hence, apparent slant increased with fatigue. Visually guided actions must be accommodated to the actual distal properties of the environment; consequently, the tilt board adjustments did not reflect apparent slant overestimations, nor were they influenced by fatigue. Consistent with the fact that steep hills are more difficult to descend than to ascend, these hills appeared steeper when viewed from the top.
Report Calls for “Transdisciplinary” Research and Collaboration Between Academia and Industry

A new report by the American Academy of Arts and Sciences calls for increased integration across academic disciplines and increased coordination between academia and industry to help solve societal problems and maintain the United States' competiveness in science and technology in a global economy.
Comparative analysis of Prx1 and Prx2 expression in mice provides evidence for incomplete compensation

The family of paired-related homeobox genes to which Prx1 and Prx2 belong plays an integral role in limb and craniofacial development, as evidenced by both transgenic mice and in situ hybridization data. However, little is known about protein expression of these homeodomain transcription factors. Recent studies in our lab have established the pattern of Prx1 protein expression during normal mouse embryogenesis. Here we present a comparative analysis of Prx1 and Prx2 protein expression in the developing mouse using a novel anti-Prx2 antibody reagent. Anat Rec 266:1–4, 2002. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Calcium oxide and potassium hydroxide catalysed low temperature methane production from graphite and water Comparison of catalytic mechanisms

An experimental study was carried out to obtain information on the catalytic mechanisms involved in the methanation of graphite using, separately, potassium and calcium as catalysts, and water and/or hydrogen as reactants. The mechanisms for the potassium-catalysed graphite—water reaction appear to be the same in the wide temperature range from 473 to 873 K as indicated by the constant activation energy, 46 kJ mol−1, found for methane production. The intercalation of potassium into the graphite as a possible step in the methane synthesis has been investigated and ruled out. XPS studies indicate the formation of an active form of more positively charged carbon from graphite when graphite is heated at low temperature in the presence of a calcium catalyst and water vapour. The activation energy for this carbon depolymerization reaction is 68.1 kJ mol−1. Methane formation occurs only in the presence of hydrogen due to its reaction with the active carbon with an activation energy of 106.6 kJ mol−1.
Fifteen-year survivorship of a collarless, cemented, normalized femoral stem in primary hybrid total hip arthroplasty with a modified third-generation cement technique

Abstract This prospective review aimed to evaluate 15-year survivorship of the collarless, third-generation cemented, normalized, Omnifit (Osteonics, Allendale, NJ) femoral stem in hybrid total hip arthroplasty (THA). Between January 1986 and June 1990, a single surgeon prospectively implanted 250 consecutive hybrid THAs (215 patients) using a modified third-generation cement technique in selected patients. A Harris-Galante (I or II) (Zimmer, Warsaw, IN) cementless shell with modular polyethylene (4150 resin) liners gamma-sterilized in air were implanted. Kaplan-Meier survivorship of the femoral or acetabular component with mechanical failure (revision for aseptic loosening) as the end-point was 100% ± 0% at 15 years. Wear couple exchange and bone grafting was performed in 1 case (0.4%) for progressive acetabular osteolysis. This report supports femoral component centralization and good cement mantle to ensure durability of the collarless, cemented, normalized femoral stem with a surface roughness of 30–40 microinches.
In situ lamination of starch‐based baked foam packaging with degradable films

A technique for making biodegradable food service packaging comprising a starch–fibre core and a biodegradable film laminate is described. The biodegradable films were made of polylactic acid (PLA), polybutylene succinate/terephthalate (PBST), rubber latex and polybutylene adipate/terephthalate (PBAT). The technique involved an in situ process for laminating a baked foam product in a single step. A critical element of the in situ technique involved using a heat insulating fibre sheet to stabilize heat-sensitive laminate films during the baking/lamination process. The PLA-, PBST- and PBAT-laminated samples were baked for 6min at 120°C. The latex-laminated sample, which was much more heat-stable, did not need the insulating sheet and was baked for 3min at 160°C. Starch-based foam laminated with PLA, PBST or PBAT generally had higher density and greater tensile and flexural strength than the non-laminated control. Starch foam laminated with a rubber latex film had tensile and flexural properties similar to the non-laminated control, due to the low modulus and elasticity of the latex film. The in situ lamination process improved the adhesion of the starch foam core with the fibre sheet, PLA and latex films compared to a post-lamination process. All of the laminate materials provided a low water vapour permeance. The films degraded in a compost mixture but at a much slower rate compared to starch. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fundamental Mössbauer parameters of synthetic Ca-Mg-Fe pyroxenes

Understanding of Fe site occupancy across the Ca-Fe-Mg pyroxene quadrilateral requires knowledge of space groups and appreciation of the diversity of site geometries across Ca-Mg-Fe composition space. Most commonly, site occupancies are measured using some combination of single-crystal structure refinements (SREF) from X-ray diffraction data and Mossbauer spectroscopy for bulk measurements. The vast majority of previous Mossbauer studies have been hampered by the lack of differential recoil-free fraction data that describe how the Fe 2+ and Fe 3+ cations are bonded in the M1 and M2 sites in pyroxene. To remedy this situation, this paper examines 658 Mossbauer spectra acquired from 64 synthetic samples covering the pyroxene quadrilateral in roughly 10 mol% increments, and determines their fundamental Mossbauer parameters as a function of composition. Results show variations in all the Mossbauer parameters studied: center shift (δ), quadrupole splitting (Δ), area, recoil-free fraction ( f ), Mossbauer temperature (Θ M ), and intrinsic isomer shift (δ I ). The most systematic variations with composition are seen for δ and f , while small variations are seen for Δ, Θ M , and δ I . These data are then related to characteristics of the pyroxene crystal structure to examine the relationship between site geometry and recoil-free fraction. In general, smaller bond lengths (e.g., in the M1 site along the enstatite-ferrosilite join) result in higher f values. As Ca is added to the structure and Mg is removed, the f value for M1 increases as the site becomes larger and more regular. Larger sites with lower bond strengths result in lower values of f because the cation is less tightly bound in the crystal structure and thus encounters more recoil. This result is in keeping with theoretical expectations, but has not previously been clearly demonstrated for minerals with experimental data. Values of recoil-free fraction determined in this study will facilitate more accurate determinations of cation site occupancies in pyroxenes from Mossbauer data and lend insights into the geometries of the M1 and M2 sites.
Influence of larval food consumption on the fecundity of the lacewing Chrysoperla carnea

The effects of food consumption on larval growth and development and adult fecundity of the common green lacewing, Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens), were studied on two populations of larvae derived from either a laboratory colony or from field-collected adults. The number of eggs of the Mediterranean flour moth, Anagasta kuehniella (Zeller), provided to individual lacewing larvae was varied to produce three food-supply treatments: low, intermediate, and high. Food-supply was found to influence larval growth and development and adult fecundity. Lacewing larvae provided with an overabundance of moth eggs developed faster than larvae provided with fewer moth eggs than they could have consumed. Adult females that developed from the high feeding treatment had a substantially shorter preoviposition period, a later decline in egg deposition, and a significantly higher fecundity than adults arising from the other feeding classes. Unrestricted feeding by adult lacewings on an artificial diet did not compensate for prior low feeding regimes. The overall performance of the lacewings derived from the laboratory colony was substantially poorer than that of the lacewings derived from field-collected adults. This effect was accentuated when the larvae were given a low food-supply. This overall decrease in vigor is attributed to inbreeding of the laboratory culture over a one year period. These finds are relevant to mass rearing programs for this biological control agent.
Nonlinear Aerodynamic Model Extraction from Flight-Test Data for the S-3B Viking

Applied procedures for nonlinear aerodynamic model development and extraction from flight data for the S-3B Viking aircraft are addressed. The entire analysis procedure, from dynamic flight-test data management to final blending and validation of the upgraded aerodynamic model, was performed within the integrated data evaluation and analysis system developed by Science Applications International Corporation. A variety of parameter identification (PID) techniques were employed to develop a global, fully nonlinear longitudinal and lateral‐directional aerodynamic model. This effort included total aerodynamic coefficient reconstruction, equation error analysis for initial model structure development, and output error analysis for final model tuning. Data available from S-3B PID flight spanned a Mach range of 0.23‐0.60 which covered an adequate range of angle of attack for both nonlinear longitudinal and lateral‐directional analyses. Regions outside the identified model envelope were described by blending with the original S-3B aerodynamic database to create a full envelope model. Aircraft configurations investigated included cruise, maneuver, takeoff, and landing flap settings as well as retracted and extended landing gear. Standard flight-test maneuvers were flown under each configuration and are described. The available data allowed for the successful extraction of component coefficients for aircraft lift, side force, pitching, rolling, and yawing moments resulting in a simulation with high aerodynamic fidelity.
Iron-Dependent Self-Assembly of Recombinant Yeast Frataxin: Implications for Friedreich Ataxia

Frataxin deficiency is the primary cause of Friedreich ataxia (FRDA), an autosomal recessive cardiodegenerative and neurodegenerative disease. Frataxin is a nuclear-encoded mitochondrial protein that is widely conserved among eukaryotes. Genetic inactivation of the yeast frataxin homologue (Yfh1p) results in mitochondrial iron accumulation and hypersensitivity to oxidative stress. Increased iron deposition and evidence of oxidative damage have also been observed in cardiac tissue and cultured fibroblasts from patients with FRDA. These findings indicate that frataxin is essential for mitochondrial iron homeostasis and protection from iron-induced formation of free radicals. The functional mechanism of frataxin, however, is still unknown. We have expressed the mature form of Yfh1p (mYfh1p) in Escherichia coli and have analyzed its function in vitro. Isolated mYfh1p is a soluble monomer (13,783 Da) that contains no iron and shows no significant tendency to self-associate. Aerobic addition of ferrous iron to mYfh1p results in assembly of regular spherical multimers with a molecular mass of ∼1.1 MDa (megadaltons) and a diameter of 13±2 nm. Each multimer consists of ∼60 subunits and can sequester >3,000 atoms of iron. Titration of mYfh1p with increasing iron concentrations supports a stepwise mechanism of multimer assembly. Sequential addition of an iron chelator and a reducing agent results in quantitative iron release with concomitant disassembly of the multimer, indicating that mYfh1p sequesters iron in an available form. In yeast mitochondria, native mYfh1p exists as monomer and a higher-order species with a molecular weight >600,000. After addition of 55Fe to the medium, immunoprecipitates of this species contain >16 atoms of 55Fe per molecule of mYfh1p. We propose that iron-dependent self-assembly of recombinant mYfh1p reflects a physiological role for frataxin in mitochondrial iron sequestration and bioavailability.
Exact diagonalization of the Bohr Hamiltonian for rotational nuclei: Dynamical γ softness and triaxiality

Detailed quantitative predictions are obtained for phonon and multiphonon excitations in well-deformed rotor nuclei within the geometric framework, by exact numerical diagonalization of the Bohr Hamiltonian in an $\mathrm{SO}(5)$ basis. Dynamical $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ deformation is found to significantly influence the predictions through its coupling to the rotational motion. Basic signatures for the onset of rigid triaxial deformation are also obtained.
Simulating a new low Q 6-cell X-band klystron output cavity

X-band klystron research and development has been underway at SLAC for over two decades culminating in the current workhorse X-band RF source, the XL-4. The XL-4 traveling wave output structure consists of 4-cells and will be extended to 6-cells to reduce breakdown and further improve upon the klystron's robustness. Simulations show the gradient can be reduced by roughly 25% and that the cavity is stable. The new output cavity will be cold tested and implemented on an existing XL-4 in the near future.
Ocular herpes simplex virus infections.

Abstract Eye infection with herpes simplex virus is the single most common cause of corneal blindness in the United States and other industrialized countries. It occurs as often in developing countries. Herpetic eye disease presents a unique set of clinical problems, and there is considerable controversy even among knowledgeable ophthalmologists on the management of this disease. Like herpes simplex infections elsewhere, ocular herpetic infections are usually recurrent. While the disease often attacks the epithelial tissues of the lids, conjunctiva, and cornea, it can also involve the connective tissue of the cornea and interior structures of the eye. Most of the herpes isolates from the eye have been type 1, with only a low percentage of type 2 isolates. 1,2
Hormonal correlates of women's mid-cycle preference for the scent of symmetry

Abstract Over a dozen studies now report increases in women's preferences for various male traits at high fertility points in the menstrual cycle — namely, traits that, purportedly, were ancestral indicators of good genetic quality. Very few studies have examined the proximate mediators responsible for these preference shifts. The current study was designed to examine possible proximate mediators of one of the most thoroughly studied preferences shifts: women's mid-cycle preference for the scent of male symmetry. Based on women's cycle length and day of the cycle, we estimated their levels of estrogen, testosterone, progesterone, prolactin, follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone for three separate samples of women. Through regression analyses, we then examined which hormone levels predict cyclically shifting preference for the scent of male symmetry. Progesterone negatively and estrogen positively predicted women's preferences for the scent of symmetry.
DQ current control of a bidirectional, isolated single-stage AC-DC converter

Electric vehicles provide portable energy storage that can be used in Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) applications. In order to source power to the grid, the power electronics on-board these vehicles must be bidirectional. A single stage bidirectional isolated AC-DC converter is discussed. A modulation scheme for this topology is proposed to provide control of real and reactive power. A control scheme is coupled with the modulation and allows the topology to act as an inductive or capacitive or load while sinking or supplying power. The proposed modulation scheme can charge the electric vehicle battery as well as provide ancillary services to the grid. The modulation and control scheme are analyzed and discussed. Simulation and hardware results are presented.
Surgery for Discrete Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis: Actuarial Survival, Hemodynamic Results, and Acquired Aortic Regurgitation

Abstract Discrete membranous subaortic stenosis (DMSS) accounts for 8 to 30% of congenital left ventricular outflow obstruction. The immediate effectiveness of surgical resection of this discrete obstructing membrane has been well documented, but little has appeared regarding late clinical and hemodynamic follow-up. Fifty-three patients with DMSS underwent operation at our institution from 1957 to 1983. Most (78%) were symptomatic, 79% had left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) by electrocardiogram, and 92% had roentgenographic evidence of cardiomegaly preoperatively. Catheterization revealed a mean preoperative left ventricular-aortic gradient of 89 mm Hg. Twenty-eight patients had associated aortic insufficiency (AI) on the initial aortogram. Seven patients acquired AI in the interim between the first and second preoperative catheterization. Our patients have been followed for up to 12 years postoperatively. There have been 2 early and 3 late deaths. (Actuarial analysis revealed 5- and 10-year survival of 95% and 83%, respectively.) Seventy-one percent of the previously symptomatic patients noted relief of their preoperative complaints, and 45% of those with LVH had a regression in voltage. Cardiomegaly as determined by chest roentgenogram decreased in 45%. The left ventricular-aortic gradient fell to an average of 35 mm Hg a year postoperatively. Surgical treatment of congenital subvalvular aortic stenosis is effective in reducing the preoperative symptoms and the left ventricular-aortic gradient. It appears that DMSS causes AI.
Gynecomastia-like lesions in the female breast.

Abstract Context.—Gynecomastia is an abnormal enlargement of the male breast, but the histopathologic abnormalities could theoretically be present in female breasts as well. To my knowledge, however, there have been no reports in the literature to date that have attributed a clinically or radiologically detectable mass in a female breast exclusively to the histopathologic findings seen in gynecomastia. Objective.—The clinical, radiologic, and histopathologic findings of 4 patients with lesions composed exclusively of the findings of gynecomastia, herein termed gynecomastia-like lesions, are presented and compared with those of 3 patients with lesser degrees of these changes, herein termed gynecomastia-like areas, which were incidental accompaniments to other lesions. Setting.—During a 26-month interval, 1242 breast excisions (excluding needle biopsies or aspirates) were examined in a 170-bed, acute-care, community–medical school teaching hospital. Results.—Four patients had gynecomastia-like lesions varyi...
ArcB1, a Homolog of Escherichia coli ArcB, Regulates Dimethyl Sulfoxide Reduction in Shewanella oneidensis MR-1

Shewanella oneidensis is a metal reducer that uses the cyclic AMP receptor protein, CRP, to regulate anaerobic respiration. In addition, ArcA(So) is required for anaerobic growth with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and plays a role in aerobic respiration. The sensor kinase that activates ArcA(So) in S. oneidensis is not known. ArcB1(So), a homolog of the Escherichia coli sensor kinase ArcB(Ec), was identified and found to be required for DMSO reductase gene expression. In combination with HptA, ArcB1(So) complemented an E. coli arcB(Ec) mutant. ArcA(So), ArcB1(So), and HptA appear to constitute a two-component signal transduction system that regulates DMSO reduction in S. oneidensis.
Characterizing Polymer Macrostructures by Identifying and Locating Microstructures Along Their Chains with the Kerr Effect

In this brief report, we demonstrate that Kerr effect measurements, which determine the excess birefringence con- tributed by polymer solutes in dilute solutions observed under a strong electric field, are highly sensitive to and capable of determining their microstructures, as well as their locations along the macromolecular backbone. Specifically, using atactic triblock copolymers with the same overall composition of sty- rene (S) and p-bromostyrene (pBrS) units, but with two differ- ent block arrangements, that is, pBrS90-b-S120-b-pBrS90 (I) and S60-b-pBrS180-b-S60 (II), which are indistinguishable by NMR, we detected a dramatic difference in their molar Kerr constants (mK), in agreement with those previously estimated. Although similar in magnitude, their Kerr constants differ in sign, with mK(II) positive and mK(I) negative. In addition, S/pBrS random and gradient copolymers synthesized by reversible addition- fragmentation chain-transfer (RAFT) polymerization exhibit a heretofore unexpected enhanced enchainment of racemic (r) pBrS-pBrS diads. Comparison of their observed and calculated mKs suggests that the gradient S/pBrS copolymers possess an unanticipated additional gradient in stereosequence that paral- lels their comonomer gradient, that is, as the concentration of pBrs units decreases from one end of the copolymer chain to the other, so does the content of r diads. This conclusion could only be reached by comparison of observed and calculated Kerr effects, which access the global properties of macromole- cules, and not NMR, which is only sensitive to local polymer structural environments, but not to their locations on the co- polymer chains. Molar Kerr constants are characteristic of entire polymer chains and are highly sensitive to their constitu- ent microstructures and their distribution along the chain. They may be used to both identify constituent microstructures and locate them along the polymer chain, thereby enabling, for the first time, characterization of their complete macrostructures. V C 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2013, 51, 735-741
Analytical Lanczos method: quantum eigenstates of anharmonic oscillators in one or more dimensions

Abstract The analytical Lanczos method is a simple method to calculate the eigenstates of quantum-mechanical Hamiltonians of systems with several degrees of freedom. High precision eigenvalues and eigenfunctions are obtained for the anharmonic oscillator, and for two, three and four coupled anharmonic oscillators, by diagonalizing small tridiagonal matrices.
Structural kinematics of 6-revolute-axis robot manipulators

Abstract The complexity of the inverse kinematics problem for 6-revolute-axix robots is highly dependent on the mechanical structure of the robot. The study of the kinematics of 6-revolute-axis manipulators, based on results of previous analyses of 4- and 5-axis manipulators, leads to an efficient inverse kinematics method that reduces the problem to solving a system of two nonlinear equations in two variables. We also show that 6R manipulators with at least two intersecting or parallel joint axes can be solved by a faster one-dimensional technique. The numerical techniques are illustrated by computer simulations.
Mobility in Sixth Graders as Related to Achievement, Adjustment, and Socioeconomic Status.

The present study dealt with the relationship between mobility and academic achievement, classroom adjustment, and socioeconomic status (SES). Mobility was defined as the number of schools a child had attended. The school records of 1,007 sixth-grade students were examined for the above variables. Pearson product moment correlations and Spearman rank order correlations were employed to determine the relationship among these variables. Results indicated mobility to be inversely related to achievement (p <.001), adjustment (p <.001), and SES (p <.05). The implications for use of these data in schools are discussed.
A Unified TCP Enhancement for Wireless Mesh Networks

The recent emergence of wireless mesh networks as a quick and inexpensive way to access the Internet has gained attention in the networking field. While using multiple radios improves network throughput, it undermines TCP's underlying assumptions. When deployed in wireless mesh networks, TCP faces four challenges: transmission errors, packet reordering due to multipath routing, multihop connections and congestion. If not handled properly, they can incorrectly trigger TCP congestion control mechanisms and cause poor performance. In this paper, we propose a new TCP enhancement, named Congestion Coherence, to address these challenges. Simulation results confirm that this enhancement significantly improves TCP performance in wireless mesh networks.
Effect of Timing of Vagal Stimulation on Heart Rate in the Dog

The effects of right vagus nerve stimulation on heart rate were examined in 16 dogs anesthetized with chloralose (60 mg/kg, iv) and urethane (600 mg/kg, iv) after a bilateral cervical vagotomy. Two protocols were followed. In the first, trains of 1, 3, or 5 stimuli, 2 msec each in duration, 10 to 15 v in magnitude, and separated by 10 msec were delivered at predetermined times after "P" wave onset as a single stimulation. In the second, the stimulation was carried out repetitively for 2 minutes at a predetermined frequency. Typically, in the first, the later in the cycle the stimulation occurred, the greater was the prolongation of the included cycle. With one stimulus in the stimulation, a typical P-P interval was 574 msec with a "P" to stimulation delay of 4 msec, and 620 msec when the "P" to stimulation delay was 200 msec. With five stimuli moving the stimulation through a range of 200 msec, the change in P-P interval was 150 msec. There was a functional dependence of the P-P cycle length on the time o...
Audit category knowledge as a precondition to learning from experience

Abstract Prior research indicates that inexperienced auditors lack knowledge of basic auditing categories (e.g. transaction cycles, audit objectives), instead developing this knowledge over time. As a consequence, learning from early experiences may be hampered because these experiences are not stored with respect to the category structures that are needed for important audit decisions. We performed an experiment which demonstrates that: 1. (1) providing transaction cycle and audit objective category knowledge through instruction prior to experience facilitates one particular type of subsequent learning from experience learning of category-level error frequencies), and 2. (2) this learning advantage cannot be duplicated by providing listings and explanations of category memberships after experience. In addition, actual experience consequently has a greater influence on later audit decisions when category knowledge is acquired prior to experience.
Event texture search for critical fluctuations in Pb+Pb collisions

NA44 uses a 512 channel Si pad array covering 1.5 < eta < 3.3 to study charged hadron production in 158 A GeV Pb+Pb collisions at the CERN SPS. We apply a multiresolution analysis, based on a Discrete Wavelet Transformation, to probe the texture of particle distributions event-by-event, by simultaneous localization of features in space and scale. Scanning a broad range of multiplicities, we look for possible critical behaviour in the power spectra of local density fluctuations. The data axe compared with detailed simulations of detector response, using heavy ion event generators, and with a reference sample created via event mixing. An upper limit is set on the probability and magnitude of dynamical fluctuations.
Screening for dementia with the Memory Impairment Screen

Objectives: To validate a sensitive and specific screening test for AD and other dementias, assess its reliability and discriminative validity, and present normative data for its use in various applied settings. Background: To improve discrimination in screening for AD and dementia, we developed the Memory Impairment Screen (MIS), a 4-minute, four-item, delayed free- and cued-recall test of memory impairment. The MIS uses controlled learning to ensure attention, induce specific semantic processing, and optimize encoding specificity to improve detection of dementia. Methods: Equivalent forms of the MIS were given at the beginning and end of the testing session to assess alternate forms reliability. Discriminative validity was assessed in a criterion sample of 483 aged individuals, 50 of whom had dementia according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (3rd ed., revised) criteria. Results: The MIS had good alternate forms reliability, high construct validity for memory impairment, and good discriminative validity in terms of sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value. We present normative data for use in settings with different base rates (prevalences) of AD and dementia. Conclusion: The MIS provides efficient, reliable, and valid screening for AD and other dementias.
Therapeutic CK2 inhibition attenuates diverse prosurvival signaling cascades and decreases cell viability in human breast cancer cells.

// G. Kenneth Gray 1 , Braden C. McFarland 1 , Amber L. Rowse 1 , Sara A. Gibson 1 and Etty N. Benveniste 1 1 Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA Correspondence: Etty N. Benveniste, email: // Keywords : breast cancer, CK2, STAT3, NF-κB Received : June 24, 2014 Accepted : July 22, 2014 Published : July 23, 2014 Abstract Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women worldwide and remains a major cause of mortality, thus necessitating further therapeutic advancements. In breast cancer, numerous cell signaling pathways are aberrantly activated to produce the myriad phenotypes associated with malignancy; such pathways include the PI3K/Akt/mTOR, NF-κB and JAK/STAT cascades. These pathways are highly interconnected, but one prominent lateral enhancer of each is the remarkably promiscuous kinase CK2. CK2 expression has been shown to be elevated in cancer, thus implicating it in tumorigenesis through its effects on oncogenic signaling cascades. In this study, we identify aberrant expression of CK2 subunits in human breast samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas dataset. Additionally, two specific small molecule inhibitors of CK2, CX-4945 and TBB, were used to examine the role of CK2 in two human breast cancer cell lines, MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells. We show that CK2 inhibition attenuates constitutive PI3K/Akt/mTOR, NF-κB and STAT3 activation and inducible NF-κB and JAK/STAT activation and downstream transcriptional activity. CX-4945 treatment caused a range of phenotypic changes in these cell lines, including decreased viability, cell cycle arrest, apoptosis and loss of migratory capacity. Overall, these results demonstrate the tremendous potential of CK2 as a clinical target in breast cancer.
Long-term treatment with lipoteichoic acid from Streptococcus faecalis affects differentiation and expression and cellular distribution of beta 1 integrins in human urothelial cells.

Gram-positive bacteria are recognized pathogens in urinary tract infections. Cellular mechanisms triggered by lipoteichoic acids (LTs), cell well components of gram-positive bacteria, have not been completely defined. We have postulated that infection-induced altered function of progenitors of urothelial cells residing in the basal layer is likely to have long lasting effects on the architecture and function of the urothelium. Our recent studies in vitro showed that treatment of poorly differentiated urothelial cells of basal type with LT from Streptococcus faecalis (LT-2) stimulated rapid proliferation of a subpopulation of progenitors of urothelial cells, supporting this possibility (Elgavish et al., 1996, J. Cell. Physiol., 169:42-51). The hypothesis underlying the present studies was that, following LT-triggered increase in proliferation of progenitors, the rate of differentiation of the resulting progeny was also stimulated. We proposed that this mechanism may allow rapid removal of cells from the injured area and replacement by cells that have not been exposed to infection. To simulate in vitro conditions in the basal layer that inhibit terminal differentiation, cells grew on fibronectin or collagen-coated substrate, in medium containing low Ca2+ (0.2 mM) and low levels of growth factors (0.005% bovine pituitary extract [BPE]). During the last 3 days in culture, cells grew in the same low Ca2+ (0.2 mM) medium, but without BPE, with or without LT-2. In a positive control group, cells grew during their last 3 days in culture in medium without BPE and LT-2 but in which levels levels of Ca2+ were higher (2 mM), a condition known to stimulate differentiation in other cell types. Several lines of evidence supported the possibility that long-term treatment with LT-2 stimulated progression of large colonies (i.e., the progeny resulting from LT-triggered proliferation) to a more differentiated state: (1) the rate of their differentiation, determined by criterion of intense cytokeratin 8 expression, was increased; (2) steady-state level of beta mRNA and expression of beta 1 subunit of integrins at the protein level were inhibited; (3) in contrast to large colonies in control cultures, the entire population of LT-2-treated large colonies contained beta 1 integrins distributed at cell-cell contacts. Raising extracellular Ca2+ concentration to 2 mM induced similar effects, suggesting that LT-2 may act by stimulating an increase in intracellular levels of Ca2+. However, further studies will be needed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the stimulatory effect of LT-2 on proliferation of progenitors of urothelial cells in the basal layer of the urothelium and subsequent differentiation of their progeny. We propose that these processes may have a causative role in the pathological changes that occur in the aftermath of chronic or recurrent suburothelial infection in the urinary bladder.
Bioactivation of the selective estrogen receptor modulator acolbifene to quinone methides.

Although approved for the treatment of hormone-dependent breast cancer as well as for the prevention of breast cancer in high-risk women, the selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) tamoxifen has been associated with an increased risk of endometrial cancer in women. With an understanding of the potential carcinogenic mechanisms of these compounds, SERMs could in principle be designed or selected for use that avoids these problems. Acolbifene (EM-652) is a fourth-generation SERM and the active form of the ester prodrug EM-800. As a pure antagonist of breast tumor development and growth, acolbifene does not stimulate endometrial tissue. However, acolbifene was found in this investigation to form two kinds of quinone methides, either through chemical or through enzymatic oxidation. One was a classical acolbifene quinone methide, which was formed by oxidation at the C-17 methyl group, and the other was a diquinone methide involving the oxidation of two phenol groups. The half-life of the classical quinon...
Gα12 and Gα13 Mediate Differentiation of P19 Mouse Embryonal Carcinoma Cells in Response to Retinoic Acid

Abstract P19 mouse embryonal carcinoma cells can be stimulated to differentiate into endodermal-like, mesodermal-like, and neuronal-like phenotypes in response to specific morphogens. At low concentrations, retinoic acid stimulates P19 embryonal cells to differentiate to cells displaying an endodermal phenotype, whereas at higher concentrations it stimulates differentiation to neuroectoderm. The Gα12 and Gα13 subunits of heterotrimeric G-proteins are expressed in the embryonal P19 cells and stimulated in response to retinoic acid as the cells differentiate to endodermal or neuroectodermal phenotypes. Suppression of the expression of either Gα12 or Gα13 by antisense RNA is shown to promote cell detachment from substratum and apoptosis. Expression of the constitutively active, mutant form of Gα12 (Q229L), in contrast, stimulates loss of the embryonal phenotype. Expression of the constitutively active form of Gα13 (Q226L) stimulates differentiation of the cells from embryonal to endodermal, in the absence of retinoic acid. Thus, both Gα12 and Gα13 are essential to stimulation of cell differentiation by retinoic acid. Deficiency of either Gα12 or Gα13 increases programmed cell death.
A fast frequency sweep algorithm with controlled error and bandwidth for finite-element-based analysis of integrated circuits

Existing fast frequency sweep methods have difficulties in controlling the accuracy and determining the effective bandwidth. In this work, based on the physical understanding of the eigenvalue distribution in integrated circuits, a fast frequency sweep algorithm is developed. In this algorithm, the error and effective bandwidth can be quantitatively analyzed and controlled.
Effect of Water Pressure on Absorbency of Hydroentangled Greige Cotton Non-woven Fabrics

A greige (non-bleached) cotton lint was used to fabricate non-woven fabrics on a Fleissner MiniJet, using different water pressures for the fiber entanglements. The greige cotton and its hydroentangled non-woven fabrics were primarily tested for their hexane extracts (waxes) and water-soluble (sugars) contents using the AATCC TM97 Standard Extraction Test. Tests have shown that a water pressure of 125 Bar or higher almost totally removed the greige cotton’s inherent hydrophobic waxes and water-soluble sugars. This discovery is a significant milestone in the development of greige cotton-based non-wovens because it could change the greige cotton’s native hydrophobic character into a desirable hydrophilic character for many end-uses. In fact, the AATCC Test Method 79-2007 has confirmed that the greige cotton non-wovens fabricated with high water pressure of 125 Bar are absorbent, as indicated by the 1-second time or less it took for the water drop to completely diffuse onto the fabric surface.
Multi-Wavelength Laser Opacity Study of a Hybrid Rocket Plume

An instrumentation system was developed to measure the opacity of a hybrid rocket plume as a function of optical wavelength. The source consisted of collineated beams from two lasers, providing seven wavelengths in a single probe beam. Detection was accomplished with a spectrograph equipped with a photodiode array. Previous work with a two-wavelength system demonstrated the ability to follow the changes in opacity level of a hybrid rocket plume during the various stages of a typical firing cycle. The present work was to investigate the feasibility of using a multiple wavelength system to acquire more detailed information about the particulates present in the hybrid rocket plume. Qualitative analysis of the plume particulates was done by comparison of the relative extinction coefficients of the laser wavelengths with published extinction coefficient curves from Mie scattering theory. While it was found that light level fluctuations in the system prevent definitive conclusions, the data suggests that the particulate matter in the plume may consist of some optically transparent material. This is in contrast to the absorbing, soot-like material that might be expected in a hybrid rocket plume.
Reconstructing asymmetrical reproductive character displacement in a periodical cicada contact zone

Selection against costly reproductive interactions can lead to reproductive character displacement (RCD). We use information from patterns of displacement and inferences about predisplacement character states to investigate causes of RCD in periodical cicadas. The 13-year periodical cicada Magicicada neotredecim exhibits RCD and strong reproductive isolation in sympatry with a closely related 13-year species, Magicicada tredecim. Displacement is asymmetrical, because no corresponding pattern of character displacement exists within M. tredecim. Results from playback and hybridization experiments strongly suggest that sexual interactions between members of these species were possible at initial contact. Given these patterns, we evaluate potential sources of selection for displacement. One possible source is ‘acoustical interference’, or mate-location inefficiencies caused by the presence of heterospecifics. Acoustical interference combined with the species-specificity of song pitch and preference appears to predict the observed asymmetrical pattern of RCD in Magicicada. However, acoustical interference does not appear to be a complete explanation for displacement in Magicicada, because our experiments suggest a significant potential for direct sexual interactions between these species before displacement. Another possible source of selection for displacement is hybrid failure. We evaluate the attractiveness of inferred hybrid mating signals, and we examine the viability of hybrid eggs. Neither of these shows strong evidence of hybrid inferiority. We conclude by presenting a model of hybrid failure related to life cycle differences in Magicicada.
Deepening Intraregional Trade and Investment in South Asia: The Case of the Textiles and Clothing Industry

This paper draws on recent field work within South Asia and an extensive review of secondary data to examine the dynamics of cross border trade and investment in South Asia, exploring the potential for, and obstacles to, such trade through the lens of a sector that is salient throughout South Asia : Textiles and Clothing. Despite the growing competitiveness of this sector in the SAARC region, there is very little regional interlinkage within South Asias textile and clothing industry. Currently less than 4% of SAARCs global T&C exports are traded within the region. There is growing evidence of widespread substitution of South Asia by East Asia as the sourcing hub of fabric and accessories by the regions major clothing exporters. Over 80% of the fabric needs of Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, for example, come from outside the region even though India and Pakistan are net exporters of textiles.
Traditional and New Influenza Vaccines

SUMMARY The challenges in successful vaccination against influenza using conventional approaches lie in their variable efficacy in different age populations, the antigenic variability of the circulating virus, and the production and manufacturing limitations to ensure safe, timely, and adequate supply of vaccine. The conventional influenza vaccine platform is based on stimulating immunity against the major neutralizing antibody target, hemagglutinin (HA), by virus attenuation or inactivation. Improvements to this conventional system have focused primarily on improving production and immunogenicity. Cell culture, reverse genetics, and baculovirus expression technology allow for safe and scalable production, while adjuvants, dose variation, and alternate routes of delivery aim to improve vaccine immunogenicity. Fundamentally different approaches that are currently under development hope to signal new generations of influenza vaccines. Such approaches target nonvariable regions of antigenic proteins, with the idea of stimulating cross-protective antibodies and thus creating a “universal” influenza vaccine. While such approaches have obvious benefits, there are many hurdles yet to clear. Here, we discuss the process and challenges of the current influenza vaccine platform as well as new approaches that are being investigated based on the same antigenic target and newer technologies based on different antigenic targets.
Oligodendrocyte death results in immune-mediated CNS demyelination

Although multiple sclerosis is a common neurological disorder, the origin of the autoimmune response against myelin, which is the characteristic feature of the disease, remains unclear. To investigate whether oligodendrocyte death could cause this autoimmune response, we examined the oligodendrocyte ablation Plp1-CreER(T);ROSA26-eGFP-DTA (DTA) mouse model. Approximately 30 weeks after recovering from oligodendrocyte loss and demyelination, DTA mice develop a fatal secondary disease characterized by extensive myelin and axonal loss. Strikingly, late-onset disease was associated with increased numbers of T lymphocytes in the CNS and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG)-specific T cells in lymphoid organs. Transfer of T cells derived from DTA mice to naive recipients resulted in neurological defects that correlated with CNS white matter inflammation. Furthermore, immune tolerization against MOG ameliorated symptoms. Overall, these data indicate that oligodendrocyte death is sufficient to trigger an adaptive autoimmune response against myelin, suggesting that a similar process can occur in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis.
Obtaining a Temporary Restraining Order

The purpose of a temporary restraining order (TRO) is to prevent immediate and irreparable harm by preserving the status quo, ex parte if necessary, until a formal hearing can be held. Often documents must be obtained and pleadings drafted in a rush to the courthouse before the proverbial axe falls. This article presents a detailed checklist to help lawyers organize what has to be done to obtain a TRO and remind them of what they will need to take with them to court.
Ellipticity Dependence of Nonsequential Double Ionization

Using a classical ensemble method, we predict that nonsequential double ionization (NSDI) probability can be much higher than one would expect from the recollision model [1] for highly elliptical and circular polarization.
The Stress Driven Islands Formation in Epitaxial Films and Solid HE4 Films

We discuss the static and quasi-static problems appearing in the theory of morphological instability of interfaces. The approach has allowed to predict the corrugations in He 4 films and to explain the dislocation-free Stranski-Krastanow pattern of epitaxial growth of thin solid films with the critical film thickness H = σμ/τ 2 (σ is a surface energy, μ- the shear modulus, and τ - the mismatch stress). In this paper we discuss possible morphological patterns of corrugations and their changes which appear in result of the stress driven “rearrangement” destabilization of originally flat interfaces.
On control power optimization using linear matrix inequalities

The advent of Reduced Static Stability (RSS) aircraft has made control sizing a crit3ical element of the aircraft configuration design process. On the one hand, inadequate control power is directly responsible for the loss of various aircraft. On the other hand, to over-size the controls, is to forfeit t,he benefits of RSS, resulting in poorer performance, increased weight, increased cost, increased drag, a.nd increased observability. Therefore, non-heuristic methods are required by which the physical configuration and the accompanying controller can be designed directly from the flying qualities specifica.tions. The optimization of the aircraft surfaces should be done while searching over the set of all controllers, whichtogether the new aircraft configuration, satisfy in closed-loop the flying qualities requirements. This paper presents a method which simultaneously optimizes both the physical configuration and the control system of an aircraft, using performance requirements which can be posed as Linear Matrix Inequalities. Several examples are presented which demonstrate the power and flexibility of this met,hod.
The Dual Phenomenon In Imperfect Fungi

1. When some 900 isolates from 30 genera of imperfect fungi were analyzed by the single-spore series method it was found that more than 50% of them were dual, i.e. were composed of two culturally d...