cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mail-In Ballots & The Dormant Presidential Electors Clause

Crisis often begets crisis, and the COVID-19 pandemic has proven to be no exception. With rising concerns over crowding at the polls, many states have opted to allow voters to use mail-in ballots to vote in the general election. The Trump administration, nevertheless, has been proactively enacting policy changes to hamper the U.S. Postal Service’s (“USPS”) ability to effectively handle the rise in mail-in voting. Some states have sued the administration in response, raising a variety of claims in their lawsuits. One of the lesser discussed claims, though, is that the Executive’s actions violate Article II, § 1, cl. 2, otherwise known as the “Presidential Electors Clause.” This clause confers onto the states the exclusive power to appoint their electors “in such Manner as the Legislature thereof may direct.” Thus, the Presidential Electors Clause is unique in that it provides states one of their few enumerated constitutional powers—it is a power that may not be preempted by federal action. But when the federal government uses its own powers, such as the Executive’s delegated authority over USPS, to undermine a state’s chosen manner of appointing its electors, such as popular vote by mail-in ballots, a conflict of powers arises. This Essay attempts to resolve this conflict of power, ultimately concluding that within the Presidential Electors Clause exists an implied obligation on the federal government to not deliberately undermine a state’s choice to use mail-in ballots in a Presidential election—what this Essay calls the “Dormant Presidential Electors Clause.”
Phycobilins as potent food bioactive broad-spectrum inhibitor compounds against Mpro and PLpro of SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses: A preliminary Study

In the twenty first century, we have witnessed three corona virus outbreaks; SARS in 2003, MERS in 2012 and ongoing pandemic COVID-19. To prevent outbreaks by novel mutant strains, we need broad-spectrum antiviral agents that are effective against wide array of coronaviruses. In this study, we scientifically investigated potent food bioactive broad-spectrum antiviral compounds by targeting Mpro and PLpro proteases of CoVs using in silico and in vitro approaches. The results revealed that phycocyanobilin (PCB) showed potential inhibitor activity against both proteases. PCB had best binding affinity to Mpro and PLpro with IC50 values of 71 micromolar and 62 micromolar concentration, respectively. In addition, in silico studies of Mpro and PLpro enzymes of other human and animal CoVs indicated broad spectrum inhibitor activity of the PCB. Like PCB, other phycobilins such as phycourobilin (PUB), Phycoerythrobilin (PEB) and Phycoviolobilin (PVB) showed similar binding affinity to SARS-CoV-2 Mpro and PLpro.
Multiobjective Maximization of Monotone Submodular Functions with Cardinality Constraint

We consider the problem of multiobjective maximization of monotone submodular functions subject to cardinality constraint, often formulated as max|A|=k mini∈{1,…,m} fi(A). Although it is widely kno...
Regulation of Kv11.1 Isoform Expression by Polyadenylate Binding Protein Nuclear 1

The Kv11.1 voltage-gated potassium channel, encoded by the KCNH2 gene, conducts the rapidly activating delayed rectifier current in the heart. KCNH2 pre-mRNA undergoes alternative polyadenylation to generate two C-terminal Kv11.1 isoforms in the heart. Utilization of a poly(A) signal in exon 15 produces the full-length, functional Kv11.1a isoform, while intron 9 polyadenylation generates the C-terminally truncated, nonfunctional Kv11.1a-USO isoform. The relative expression of Kv11.1a and Kv11.1a-USO isoforms plays an important role in the regulation of Kv11.1 channel function. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that the RNA polyadenylate binding protein nuclear 1 (PABPN1) interacts with a unique 22 nt adenosine stretch adjacent to the intron 9 poly(A) signal and regulates KCNH2 pre-mRNA alternative polyadenylation and the relative expression of Kv11.1a C-terminal isoforms. We showed that PABPN1 inhibited intron 9 poly(A) activity using luciferase reporter assays, tandem poly(A) reporter assays, and RNA pulldown assays. We also showed that PABPN1 increased the relative expression level of the functional Kv11.1a isoform using RNase protection assays, immunoblot analyses, and patch clamp recordings. Our present findings suggest a novel role for the RNA-binding protein PABPN1 in the regulation of functional and nonfunctional Kv11.1 isoform expression.
Tongue muscle contractile, fatigue, and fiber type properties in rats.

For the individual tongue muscles, relatively little quantification of uniaxial force, fatigue, and fiber type-specific properties has been documented. Here, we assessed uniaxial-specific force gen...
Edge Statistics for Lozenge Tilings of Polygons, II: Airy Line Ensemble

We consider uniformly random lozenge tilings of simply connected polygons subject to a technical assumption on their limit shape. We show that the edge statistics around any point on the arctic boundary, that is not a cusp or tangency location, converge to the Airy line ensemble. Our proof proceeds by locally comparing these edge statistics with those for a random tiling of a hexagon, which are well understood. To realize this comparison, we require a nearly optimal concentration estimate for the tiling height function, which we establish by exhibiting a certain Markov chain on the set of all tilings that preserves such concentration estimates under its dynamics.
Identifying the neurophysiological effects of memory-enhancing amygdala stimulation using interpretable machine learning

Abstract Background Direct electrical stimulation of the amygdala can enhance declarative memory for specific events. An unanswered question is what underlying neurophysiological changes are induced by amygdala stimulation. Objective To leverage interpretable machine learning to identify the neurophysiological processes underlying amygdala-mediated memory, and to develop more efficient neuromodulation technologies. Method Patients with treatment-resistant epilepsy and depth electrodes placed in the hippocampus and amygdala performed a recognition memory task for neutral images of objects. During the encoding phase, 160 images were shown to patients. Half of the images were followed by brief low-amplitude amygdala stimulation. For local field potentials (LFPs) recorded from key medial temporal lobe structures, feature vectors were calculated by taking the average spectral power in canonical frequency bands, before and after stimulation, to train a logistic regression classification model with elastic net regularization to differentiate brain states. Results Classifying the neural states at the time of encoding based on images subsequently remembered versus not-remembered showed that theta and slow-gamma power in the hippocampus were the most important features predicting subsequent memory performance. Classifying the post-image neural states at the time of encoding based on stimulated versus unstimulated trials showed that amygdala stimulation led to increased gamma power in the hippocampus. Conclusion Amygdala stimulation induced pro-memory states in the hippocampus to enhance subsequent memory performance. Interpretable machine learning provides an effective tool for investigating the neurophysiological effects of brain stimulation.
Treatment of Vascular Myelopathies

This article reviews the treatment of vascular myelopathies of various causes, with an emphasis on the treatment and prevention of the most common non-traumatic etiologies: ischemia secondary to open and endovascular interventions for treatment of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms and spontaneous (non-periprocedural) spinal cord ischemia and infarction. Acute vascular myelopathies can present as sudden or rapid onset of paraplegia or quadriplegia. In such cases, spine MRI allows rapid and reliable exclusion of compressive or hemorrhagic lesions and may identify acute spinal cord ischemia; thus, it should be the preferred radiological technique for the evaluation of patients with suspected acute vascular myelopathy. Pressure-based protocols have improved the safety of intra- and post-procedural prophylactic and therapeutic cerebrospinal fluid drainage during thoracic aortic procedures, including open and endovascular treatment of thoracic aortic aneurysms and aortic valve replacements. Increasingly sophisticated and staged endovascular approaches to treat aortic aneurysms have greatly reduced the risk of spinal cord infarction and may not require prophylactic drainage in some cases. Spontaneous spinal cord infarction is less common, and acute treatment remains experimental. Acute myelopathies may be caused by various forms of vascular disease, and some of those causes can be treatable. Emergency MRI is often necessary to guide therapeutic interventions.
Distance to Care, Rural Dwelling Status, and Patterns of Care Utilization in Adult Congenital Heart Disease.

Many patients with adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) do not receive guideline-directed care. While distance to an ACHD center has been identified as a potential barrier to care, the impact of distance on care location is not well understood. The Oregon All Payer All Claims database was queried to identify subjects 18-65 years who had a health encounter from 2010 to 2015 with an International Classification of Diseases-9 code consistent with ACHD. Residence area was classified using metropolitan statistical areas and driving distance was queried from Google Maps. Utilization rates and percentages were calculated and odds ratios were estimated using negative binomial and logistic regression. Of 10,199 identified individuals, 52.4% lived 4 h. Increased distance from the ACHD center was associated with a lower rate of ACHD-specific follow-up [ 4 h: 5.0%, adjusted OR 0.32 (0.22, 0.48)], but with more inpatient, emergency room, and outpatient visits overall. Those who more lived more than 4 h from the ACHD center had less inpatient visits at urban hospitals (55.5% vs. 93.9% in those < 1 h) and the ACHD center (6.2% vs. 18.2%) and more inpatient admissions at rural or critical access hospitals (25.5% vs. 1.9%). Distance from the ACHD center was associated with a decreased probability of ACHD follow-up but higher health service use overall. Further work is needed to identify strategies to improve access to specialized ACHD care for all individuals with ACHD.
The Human Image in Postmodern America

Being Human Collectively and Individually Psychology's Founding Fathers and the Human Image Collective Theorizing in the Third Millennium A Missing Link in the Human Image The Self Takes Over Biology and Behaviour Values at Every Turn The Human Image in a Postmodern America.
The Enclave of the Eccentricity of Ordinary Life

The principle of the compossibility 1 operative in music, science, painting, sculpture, poetry, architecture on the Baroque formulation of consciousness does not necessarily signify that, for instance, music has an extra-musical meaning, or that painting has an extra-painting meaning, or even that science has an extrascientific meaning (although all of that may indeed be the case, e.g., technology in the case of science, moral instruction in the case of the arts2), or that the one must necessarily entail the other (which in no way rules our their often quite obvious mutual influence). Nor is this to deny that music, science, painting, sculpture, poetry, architecture have a reference to what is going on in theatre, church, court, society required by the listener, viewer, participant, actor on the social, political and religious scene.
Belief, Credence, and Pragmatic Encroachment1

This paper compares two alternative explanations of pragmatic encroachment on knowledge (i.e., the claim that whether an agent knows that p can depend on pragmatic factors). After reviewing the evidence for such pragmatic encroachment, we ask how it is best explained, assuming it obtains. Several authors have recently argued that the best explanation is provided by a particular account of belief, which we call pragmatic credal reductivism. On this view, what it is for an agent to believe a proposition is for her credence in this proposition to be above a certain threshold, a threshold that varies depending on pragmatic factors. We show that while this account of belief can provide an elegant explanation of pragmatic encroachment on knowledge, it is not alone in doing so, for an alternative account of belief, which we call the reasoning disposition account, can do so as well. And the latter account, we argue, is far more plausible than pragmatic credal reductivism, since it accords far better with a number of claims about belief that are very hard to deny.
Transboundary hydro‐politics and climate change rhetoric: an emerging hydro‐security complex in the lake chad basin

The likelihood of conflict and consequent need for cooperation are soaring with increasing pressures on scarce and often exploited water resources in shared hydrologic units. Questions of equitable water allocation and distributions of social-ecological costs and benefits—who gets what, how much, and why—are important for fostering cooperation and managing conflict in transboundary water management. Hydropolitics is an analytic tool for understanding how power shapes water claims and uses in transboundary hydrologic units. Through the lens of hydropolitics, I show how various forms of power explain water claims and uses by riparian nations within the Lake Chad Basin (LCB). I explain how rhetoric, including the rhetoric of climate change, mask local human-driven causes of social-ecological degradation, thereby misappropriating agency and responsibility for sustainable water management within the LCB. I show that water is a security issue within the basin and closely related to other regional security issues, and argue that the inter-linkages of security issues, together with the differential evolution of state capabilities, may facilitate the emergence of a hydro-security complex within the basin. A more nuanced understanding of hydropolitics, including rhetoric and hydrosecurity, is necessary for sustainable transbounadry water management and water use security. WIREs Water 2015, 2:37–45. doi: 10.1002/wat2.1057 For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website. Conflict of interest: The authors have declared no conflicts of interest for this article.
A mutation in the Glut2 glucose transporter gene of a diabetic patient abolishes transport activity.

Glut2, the facilitative glucose transporter isoform expressed in pancreatic beta cells, is believed to play a role in glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. Two polymorphisms that result in amino acid substitutions have been reported in the human Glut2 gene (Tanizawa, Y., Riggs, A. C., Chiu, K. C., Janssen, R. C., Bell, D. S. H., Go, R. P. C., Roseman, J. M., Acton, R. T., and Permutt, M. A. (1994) Diabetologia 37, 420-427). A threonine 110–>isoleucine substitution was present at equal frequency in diabetic and control populations, and a valine 197–>isoleucine substitution was discovered in a single allele of a patient with non-insulin-dependent diabetes. The effect of these amino acid changes on glucose transport activity was tested by expression of the mutant proteins in Xenopus oocytes. The polymorphism at threonine 110 had no effect on the expression of Glut2 protein or the uptake of 2-deoxyglucose. Remarkably, however, the highly conservative valine 197–>isoleucine amino acid change abolished transport activity of the Glut2 transporter expressed in Xenopus oocytes. This represents the first known dysfunctional mutation in a human facilitative glucose transporter protein. The presence of this mutation in a diabetic patient suggests that defects in Glut2 expression may be causally involved in the pathogenesis of non-insulin-dependent diabetes.
Interaction Between Histidyl Transfer Ribonucleic Acid and the First Enzyme for Histidine Biosynthesis of Salmonella typhimurium

Abstract Previous studies showed that the enzyme (phosphoribosyltransferase) which catalyzes the first step of the histidine pathway in Salmonella typhimurium plays a role in regulation of the histidine operon. Since histidyl transfer ribonucleic acid (His-tRNA) is required for repression of the histidine operon, we considered the possibility that the role of phosphoribosyltransferase might be realized through an interaction with His-tRNA. One prediction inherent in this idea is that the enzyme should interact with His-tRNA in vitro. Evidence is presented for such an interaction. Binding of 3H-His-tRNA to purified phosphoribosyltransferase was tested on Sephadex columns and on nitrocellulose filters. The enzyme was found to have a high affinity for tRNA. Comparing the binding of 3H-His-tRNA with that of tRNA aminoacylated with other 3H-amino acids disclosed that the binding of the histidyl species of tRNA is favored over that of other species and is dependent upon magnesium-ion concentration.
Radiohalogenated nonnatural amino acids as PET and SPECT tumor imaging agents.

Radiohalogenated α-amino acids are a diverse and useful class tumor imaging agents suitable for positron emission tomography and single photon emission computed tomography. These tracers target the increased rates of amino acid transport exhibited by many tumor cells. The most established clinical use for radiolabeled amino acids is imaging primary and recurrent gliomas, and there is growing evidence that they may also be useful for other oncologic applications, including neuroendocrine tumors and prostate cancer. This review focuses on the synthesis, radiolabeling, and preclinical evaluation of three series of nonnatural radiohalogenated amino acids: alicyclic, α,α-dialkyl, and 1H-[1,2,3]triazole amino acids which target system L, system A, and cationic amino acid transport systems, respectively. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Med Res Rev., 32, No. 4, 868-905, 2012
A summary of communication middleware requirements for advanced shipboard computing systems

Command and control computing systems are being compelled by market forces to migrate from embedded military computing plants into new baselines of commercial computing technologies. The paper discusses communication middleware requirements that enable cost effective development of complex applications that comprise such systems. For seven years, the High Performance Distributed Computing project (HiPer-D) has developed and instrumented large scale prototype implementations of critical real time aspects of this computing class for the US Navy using commercial workstations and communication middleware based on the Isis Software Developer Kit. Lessons learned from the continuing development of HiPer-D shipboard prototype applications using various distributed programming methods has yielded a suite of functional requirements that provide the key enabling middleware characteristics described in the paper. Identification of this demanding combination of requirements forms a basis for product evaluation and selection to fulfill some or all of the middleware needs for command and control and other shipboard systems. These criteria will be used to support product selections for future HiPer-D implementations and to mitigate the development risk of middleware in command and control systems in general.
LIGHT, DARKNESS, AND AFRICAN SALVATION: VELÁZQUEZ'S SUPPER AT EMMAUS

This study locates Velazquez's Supper at Emmaus (c. 1617/18) within early seventeenth-century debates on the Christian conversion of Seville's African slaves. Through a careful analysis of writings by Sevillian clerics, the essay argues that Velazquez gave pictorial form to discourse on African spiritual ‘illumination’ and developing theories of skin colour. Treatises by Seville's ecclesiastics also provide crucial insight into the original, elite audience for whom Velazquez surely constructed his African subject. In Supper at Emmaus, Velazquez presented his male beholder with one possession encompassed within another: a female slave in a painting by Seville's most promising young artist.
MODELS FOR REACTOR FUEL ELEMENTS WHICH CONSIDER VOID DEPLOYMENT.

Abstract Models for the composite fuel element behavior that are based on end-of-life performance (FIGRO), steady-state behavior (DEFORM), and pseudo-transient behavior (CYGRO), have been developed. The driving potential for the fuel element deformations in these models is the fission-induced swelling behavior of the fuel material. Theoretical models for the swelling behavior of the fuel material have received extensive study. Computer programs based on the system models incorporate some of the proposed swelling models into their methods of evaluating fuel element performance. Models for interactions between the fabricated voids and the fission induced gas bubbles have not been incorporated into these programs. Quantitative evaluations of microscopic void distributions can be obtained from micrographic studies on fuel materials from prototypical fuel element irradiations. These quantitative evaluations would provide the information required to evaluate and to validify the models for internal void redistribution.
Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopic evaluation of brain tumor metabolism

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the neuroimaging method of choice for the noninvasive monitoring of patients with brain tumors due to the enormous amount of information it yields regarding the morphologic features of the lesion and surrounding parenchyma. Over the past decade, proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS), which uses the same technology as MRI and can be performed during a routine clinical imaging examination, has been used to glean information about the metabolic status of the brain. Accurate interpretation of 1H-MRS data from individual patients requires an understanding of the various techniques for acquiring the data, the physiologic basis of the metabolic signatures obtained from different types of tumors, and the specificity of the technique. This review covers the basic physics of 1H-MRS, the spectral and physiological characteristics of the metabolites that are typically measured in various types of brain tumors, and the clinical utility of 1H-MRS with respect to diagnosis, therapeutic planning, and the assessment of response to treatment.
Regulation of Phospholipase C Beta - Rac1 Cytoskeletal Pathways by Gamma Synuclein

The breast cancer specific gene protein 1 also known as γ-synuclein is undetectable in normal or benign breast lesions, but it is highly expressed in infiltrating breast cancer. The precise role of γ-synuclein in malignancies is not well known. We investigated whether γ-synuclein might affect activity of phospholipase Cβ2 (PLCβ2). PLCβ2 is also absent in normal breast tissue, but it is highly expressed in breast tumors where it is correlated with the progression and migration of the tumor. Expression of PLCβ2 is highly correlated with expression of g-synuclein. We found that γ-synuclein binds PLCβ2 in vitro with high affinity, Kd = 23 +/- 3 nM. PLCβ2 is activated by heterotrimeric G protein and by members of Rho family of GTPases (in particular Rac1), which are critical regulators of cytoskeletal remodeling, cell adhesion and motility. γ-synuclein alters binding between Rac1 and PLCβ2. This observations and activity measurements suggests that γ-synuclein mediates cell motility and invasiveness through Rac1-PLCβ2 pathway.
Is there an association between cataract surgery and age-related macular degeneration? Data from three population-based studies

Abstract Purpose To determine whether cataract surgery is associated with an increased prevalence of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in three independent population-based data sets. Design Cross-sectional study. Methods Data were used from the Salisbury Eye Evaluation (2,520 subjects from Salisbury, Maryland, aged 65 to 84 years), the Proyecto VER (4,774 Hispanic subjects from Arizona aged 40 years and older), and the Baltimore Eye Survey (4,396 subjects from Baltimore, Maryland, aged 40 and older). The main outcome measure was AMD as determined by retinal photographs or clinical examination. Results A history of cataract surgery was associated with an increased prevalence of late AMD in all three data sets after adjusting for age, race, sex, and smoking, but odds ratios (OR) were not individually statistically significant. The OR for the combined analysis was 1.7 (95% confidence interval: 1.1–2.6). Having a severe cataract in the eye was also associated with a slightly higher prevalence of late AMD, although the combined OR was not statistically significant (OR = 1.4; 95% confidence interval, 0.8%–2.4). Overall, increasing time since cataract surgery was not associated with late AMD. Conclusions A history of cataract surgery may be associated with an increased prevalence of late AMD. However, having a severe cataract in the eye may also be associated with a higher prevalence of late AMD. Additional research is needed to investigate whether a causal relationship exists between cataract surgery and AMD or whether this relationship is due to residual confounding or bias.
Tracking the origins of lice, haemosporidian parasites and feather mites of the Galápagos flycatcher (Myiarchus magnirostris)

Aim To discover the origins of the lice, haemosporidian parasites and feather mites found on or in Galapagos flycatchers (Myiarchus magnirostris), by testing whether they colonized the islands with the ancestors of M. magnirostris or if they were acquired by M. magnirostris after its arrival in the Galapagos Islands. Location The Galapagos Islands (Ecuador) and north-western Costa Rica. Methods We collected lice, feather mites and blood samples from M. magnirostris on seven of the Galapagos Islands (n = 254), and from its continental sister species, M. tyrannulus, in Costa Rica (n = 74), and identified them to species level using traditional taxonomy and DNA sequencing. Results The blood parasites from the two bird species were different: Plasmodium was found only in M. tyrannulus, while a few individuals of M. magnirostris were infected by Haemoproteus multipigmentatus from Galapagos doves (Zenaida galapagoensis). Myiarchus tyrannulus was parasitized by three louse species, two of which (Ricinus marginatus and Menacanthus distinctus) were also found on Myiarchus magnirostris. We also collected one louse specimen from M. magnirostris, which was identified as Brueelia interposita, a species commonly found on finches and yellow warblers from the Galapagos, but never recorded on M. tyrannulus. The richness of mite species was lower for M. magnirostris than for M. tyrannulus; all mite species or genera from M. magnirostris were also sampled on M. tyrannulus, but M. tyrannulus had two additional mite species. Main conclusions Our results revealed that two of the louse and three of the mite species we found on M. magnirostris are likely to have come to the archipelago with these birds’ colonizing ancestors, but that one louse and one haemosporidian species were acquired from the Galapagos bird community after the arrival of the M. magnirostris lineage. We also confirmed that, for closely related hosts, island mite richness was lower than on the continent.
A practical method for modeling solids using semiempirical methods

Abstract Although many chemicals are solids, most quantum mechanical methods are limited to discrete systems and polymers. This is a direct result of the difficulties associated with constructing a suitable Fock matrix for solids. By means of a simple approximation, the semiempirical NDDO methods have been extended to allow the Fock matrix for solids to be constructed. The resulting methods can readily be applied to many different types of solids. Examples of the application of the method to solids of different crystal forms are presented.
Activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ inhibits differentiation of preosteoblasts

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-gamma) is critical for phenotype determination at early differentiation stages of mesenchymal cells. Activation of this nuclear receptor inhibits gene expression in part by antagonizing the activities of several transcription factors. In this study we examined inhibitory mechanisms of osteoblast differentiation markers by activating PPAR-gamma. Our data indicate that the PPAR-gamma natural ligand 15d-PGJ2 dose-dependently inhibits expression of alkaline phosphatase and mineral deposition by primary stromal cells and by cell lines such as ST2 and MC3T3-E1. We next show that PPAR-gamma nuclear translocation coincides with duration and doses of ligand addition, indicating that 15d-PGJ2-activated PPAR-gamma rapidly translocates to the nuclear component where it exerts its biological effects. Further examination of downstream osteogenic signaling pathways induced by beta-glycerophosphate and ascorbic acid reveals that induction of osteoblast differentiation by these agents involves activation of the transcription factors Cbfa1 and NF-kappaB. The former is critical for osteoblast differentiation. To test whether inhibition of alkaline phosphatase expression and mineral deposition by activated PPAR-gamma reflects attenuation of transcriptional activity, we performed DNA protein-binding assays for NF-kappaB and Cbfa1. Our findings indicate that 15d-PGJ2-induced PPAR-gamma abrogates beta-glycerophosphate-activated Cbfa1 and NF-kappaB. These findings were consistent in primary and stromal cell lines, ST2 and MC3T3-E1. Thus activation of PPAR-gamma by 15d-PGJ2 inhibits DNA-binding activity of the transcription factors Cbfa1 and NF-kappaB, leading to diminished expression of osteoblast/stromal differentiation markers.
UTILIZATION and LIMITATIONS OF PHASE TRANSFORMATIONS and MICROSTRUCTURES IN ALLOY DESIGN FOR STRENGTH and TOUGHNESS

The development and characterization of microstructures resulting from phase transformations in martensitic steels and spinodal systems are outlined and discussed in relation to improvements in ambient temperature strength and toughness. Spinodals and martensites can both have dislocated, fine-grained microstructures when formed under appropriate conditions. In martensitic steels, the importance of retained-austenite morphology and stability on toughness at high strengths is emphasized. A method is described for improving the strength of low-carbon steels by developing duplex fine-grained structures of ferrite and martensite. It is suggested that coarsened spinodal alloys have good work-hardening strengthening potential if the discontinuous growth problem at grain boundaries can be overcome. Some ideas for the utilization of multiple phase transformations are also presented.
Antigen-antibody mediated desensitization of human lung fragments in vitro

Abstract Human lung fragments incubated with atopic serum and specific antigen exhibited marked inhibition of mediator release upon subsequent antigen challenge. Under the conditions resulting in desensitization, mediators were not released into the sensitizing diffusate, the total tissue histamine stores were not diminished, and added histamine was not significantly metabolized. Incubation of lung fragments, atopio serum, and antigen in a calcium-free 5 mM ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) buffer resulted in blockade of desensitization. Thus the presence of antigen during passive sensitization does not result in mediator release, yet renders target cells unable to respond to subsequent antigen challenge.
Spectrophotometric assays for L-lysine α-oxidase and γ-glutamylamine cyclotransferase

A new assay for l-lysine alpha-oxidase is described. In this assay, the oxidized product generated from l-lysine is reacted with semicarbazide to form alpha-keto-epsilon-aminocaproate semicarbazone. Formation of the alpha-keto acid semicarbazone is continuously monitored spectrophotometrically at 248 nm (epsilon 10,160 +/- 240 M(-1) cm(-1)). The method was adapted to provide a new assay for gamma-glutamylamine cyclotransferase. This enzyme catalyzes the conversion of many l-gamma-glutamylamines to 5-oxo-l-proline and free amine. A biologically important substrate is N(epsilon)-(gamma-l-glutamyl)-l-lysine, which is converted to 5-oxo-l-proline and l-lysine by the action of gamma-glutamylamine cyclotransferase. The l-lysine generated from N(epsilon)-(gamma-l-glutamyl)-l-lysine in an endpoint assay is converted to alpha-keto epsilon-aminocaproate semicarbazone in the presence of semicarbazide, excess l-lysine alpha-oxidase, and catalase. The methods were applied to the determination of gamma-glutamylamine cyclotransferase activity of partially purified preparations of the bovine kidney enzyme and to detect gamma-glutamylamine cyclotransferase activity in rat kidney and liver homogenates.
The Asia Pacific Academic Consortium for Public Heath (APACPH) the first ten years, from 1984 to 1994.

In January of 1984, five deans of schools of public health from Asia and the Pacific came together on the island of Kauai in Hawaii to formally establish the Consortium. The Consortium owes its cohesive strength through those first ten years of operation, to the dedicated faculty members in the fields of public health and community medicine whose overarching desire has been to seek representation of academic public health in the health decision making process affecting the positive promotion of health. By 1994 the Consortium found itself recognized on a world wide basis in the field of global health with what was described as having: "A great potential for extending the effectiveness of community and public health". "The author, a founding Dean feels that the Consortium's commitment is to shape rather than to await the future of health status improvement for the citizens of the Asia-Pacific region. Asia Pac J Public Health 2005; 17(2): 66-70.
T-cell regulation of IgG subclass expression by mitogen-induced plasma cells: soluble factors versus the T cells.

The human IgG subclasses expressed by plasma cells generated from circulating B cells in response to soluble T-cell factors were examined by immunofluorescence using subclass-specific monoclonal antibodies. Soluble T-cell factors were induced by a mixed lymphocyte reaction, pokeweed mitogen (PWM), or phytohemagglutinin. The distribution of IgG subclasses expressed by plasma cells induced by these factors was IgG2> 5%, IgG1<25%, IgG3<1%, and IgG4<1%. On the other hand, IgG1 was dominant when B cells were cultured with T cells and PWM: IgG1 ∼70%, IgG2 ∼20%, IgG3 ∼8%, and IgG4 ∼1%. The addition of different amounts of the T-cell factors to B cells in culture did not alter the predominance of IgG2 plasma-cell differentiation. These results suggest that T cells and their soluble factors may preferentially enhance terminal differentiation of different IgG B-cell subpopulations. In contrast, the ratio of IgA1 to IgA2 plasma-cell responses was ∼1.5 to 1 regardless of whether the B-cell precursors were induced by T-cell factors or by the T cells plus PWM.
The adrenal cortex of the pantothenic acid deficient rat: modification of the lesion by ACTH and cortisone treatment.

INTRODUCTION MANY workers have observed the adrenal lesion accompanying pantothenic acid deficiency in rats (Daft and Sebrell, 1939; Nelson, 1939; Ashburn, 1940; Deane and McKibbin, 1946). Briefly the lesion consists of congestion of the inner cortical zones with hemorrhage, necrosis, fibrosis, hemosiderin deposition and calcification. The medulla and zona glomerulosa are rarely involved. However, the mechanisms involved in the development of this lesion have received little attention. Adrenal cortical extract, desoxycorticosterone and anterior pituitary extract failed to modify the adrenal lesion in pantothenic acid deficient weanling rats (Mushett and Unna, 1941). Unpublished experiments of a similar type in our own laboratory were likewise unsuccessful. In the course of these experiments it occurred to us that two things might be needed—first, larger doses of more highly purified hormone preparations and, second, a more uniformly severe deficiency state in our rats. The latter became available with the...
GABAA receptor α4 subunit in DBA/2J and C57BL/6J mice

Abstract GABA A receptors are chloride channels in the brain activated by binding of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Several important classes of drugs, including alcohol and certain antiepileptic drugs, modulate the actions of GABA. We report the sequence and expression of α4 subunits of GABA A receptors in two inbred strains of mice, DBA/2J and C57BL/6J, which differ in susceptibility to seizures and to behavioral effects of alcohol. We find no differences between the two strains in cDNA sequence, or in levels of α4 mRNA in whole brains of the two strains at 21 days of age, when DBA/2J are most susceptible to audiogenic seizures. We also describe the pattern of developmental expression and brain regional distribution of this subunit in mice, finding the highest developmental expression at about 14 days of age in whole brains, and the highest regional levels in hippocampus and basal forebrain (including thalamus) in adults.
Sensory sensitivity to external stimuli in Tourette syndrome patients.

Lastly, we assessed one aspect of processing: the perception of intensity. When subjects rated the intensity of near-threshold tactile and olfactory stimuli, there was a surprising difference: Tourette patients more frequently used the lowest range of the scale compared with healthy volunteers. Future research is necessary to define the anatomical and physiological basis of the patients’ experience of heightened sensitivity.
On the computation of central and noncentral Beta probabilities

A new method for evaluating the incomplete beta distribution functionI x(p,q), is presented in this article. This method reduces both parameters simultaneously. A comparison on the IBM 3090 VMI CMS is made to compare the new approach with the one by Bosten and Battiste (1974), which is currently used by IMSL (IMSL, 1987). Results show that the absolute difference is at most 10-7 in double precision. For the comparison of cpu time, the new approach is twice as fast for (p,q) within 200, and about 10 to 50% faster for (p,q) between 200 and 300. Comparison is also made when the IBM optimization complier option is applied. It appears that this new approach performs consistently better for (p,q): less than 500 and the values of x from 0 to 1. Finally, some computational aspects are discussed for evaluating noncentral beta and noncentral F probabilities.
Spontaneous subclavian artery dissection: a pain in the neck diagnosis

Isolated subclavian artery dissection is a very rare condition in the absence of trauma or procedures. A 36-year-old woman with a history significant for uncontrolled hypertension presented with a sudden onset of left shoulder and neck pain that woke the patient from sleep. A CT angiogram of the chest revealed a left subclavian artery dissection. The patient was admitted to the hospital for blood pressure control.
Nutrition in patients undergoing orthotopic liver transplant.

Thirteen patients with severe liver disease had nutritional assessment in the weeks prior to orthotopic liver transplantation. Parameters measured included height and weight, upper arm anthropometry, delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity, total lymphocyte count, serum levels of albumin and transferrin, and plasma amino acids. Weight, when expressed as a percentage of ideal body weight, was greater than 85%, considered the normal lower limit, in all but two patients. However, mean triceps skinfold and arm muscle circumference were 49 ± 25 and 78 ± 9% standard, respectively. Mean serum albumin was 2.7 ± 0.6 g/dl and although mean serum transferrin level was 184 ± 86, eight patients had levels less than normal. Seven patients were anergic to Multitest CMI (58%) and 12 patients had depressed total lymphocyte count. All these later measurements in the aggregate support a diagnosis of protein-calorie malnutrition. High preoperative levels of amino acids, especially aspartate, phenylalanine, tyrosine, and methionin...
“Welded in a single mass”: Memory and Community in London’s Concert Halls during the First World War

Despite the intense economic and psychological hardships faced by British civilians during the First World War, attendance at artistic performances in London throughout the course of the conflict remained steady. Furthermore, although many spheres of artistic engagement banned any works originating from a German source, classical music concert promoters maintained the hegemony of the canonic German repertoire rather than shifting toward an entirely British—and therefore overtly patriotic—repertory. Contemporary debate about the ethics of listening to German music varied during the War, providing the basis for a discussion of ideas of nostalgia, patriotism, communal memorialization, and political embodiment.
Cell Cycle–Dependent Polar Localization of an Essential Bacterial Histidine Kinase that Controls DNA Replication and Cell Division

The master CtrA response regulator functions in Caulobacter to repress replication initiation in different phases of the cell cycle. Here, we identify an essential histidine kinase, CckA, that is responsible for CtrA activation by phosphorylation. Although CckA is present throughout the cell cycle, it moves to a cell pole in S phase, and upon cell division it disperses. Removal of the membrane-spanning region of CckA results in loss of polar localization and cell death. We propose that polar CckA functions to activate CtrA just after the initiation of DNA replication, thereby preventing premature reinitiations of chromosome replication. Thus, dynamic changes in cellular location of critical signal proteins provide a novel mechanism for the control of the prokaryote cell cycle.
Formation of diastereomeric benzo[a]pyrene diol epoxide-guanine adducts in p53 gene-derived DNA sequences

G --> T transversion mutations in the p53 tumor suppressor gene are characteristic of smoking-related lung tumors, suggesting that these genetic changes may result from exposure to tobacco carcinogens. It has been previously demonstrated that the diol epoxide metabolites of bay region polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons present in tobacco smoke, e.g., benzo[a]pyrene diol epoxide (BPDE), preferentially bind to the most frequently mutated guanine nucleotides within p53 codons 157, 158, 248, and 273 [Denissenko, M. F., Pao, A., Tang, M., and Pfeifer, G. P. (1996) Science 274, 430-432]. However, the methodology used in that work (ligation-mediated polymerase chain reaction in combination with the UvrABC endonuclease incision assay) cannot establish the chemical structures and stereochemical identities of BPDE-guanine lesions. In the present study, we employ a stable isotope-labeling HPLC-MS/MS approach [Tretyakova, N., Matter, B., Jones, R., and Shallop, A. (2002) Biochemistry 41, 9535-9544] to analyze the formation of diastereomeric N(2)-BPDE-dG lesions within double-stranded oligodeoxynucleotides representing p53 lung cancer mutational hotspots and their surrounding DNA sequences. (15)N-labeled dG was placed at defined positions within DNA duplexes containing 5-methylcytosine at all physiologically methylated sites, followed by (+/-)-anti-BPDE treatment and enzymatic hydrolysis of the adducted DNA to 2'-deoxynucleosides. Capillary HPLC-ESI(+)-MS/MS was used to establish the amounts of (-)-trans-N(2)-BPDE-dG, (+)-cis-N(2)-BPDE-dG, (-)-cis-N(2)-BPDE-dG, and (+)-trans-N(2)-BPDE-dG originating from the (15)N-labeled bases. We found that all four N(2)-BPDE-dG diastereomers were formed preferentially at the methylated CG dinucleotides, including the frequently mutated p53 codons 157, 158, 245, 248, and 273. The contributions of individual diastereomers to the total adducts number at a given site varied between 70.8 and 92.9% for (+)-trans-N(2)-BPDE-dG, 5.6 and 16.7% for (-)-trans-N(2)-BPDE-dG, 2.1 and 8.5% for (-)-cis-N(2)-BPDE-dG, and 0.5 and 8.3% for (+)-cis-N(2)-BPDE-dG. The relative yields of the minor N(2)-BPDE-dG stereoisomers were elevated at the sites of inefficient adduction, while the major (+)-trans-BPDE lesion was even more dominant at the frequently adducted sites. The introduction of 5-methyl groups at adjacent cytosine bases increased the yields of N(2)-BPDE-dG diastereomers, probably a result of favorable hydrophobic interactions between BPDE and 5-methylcytosine. The targeted formation of N(2)-BPDE-dG at (Me)CG dinucleotides within the p53 gene is consistent with the high prevalence of G --> T transversions at these sites in smoking-induced lung cancer.
Thumb strength affected by carpal tunnel syndrome.

UNLABELLED We examined the effects of carpal tunnel syndrome on thumb strength in multiple directions to test the hypothesis that a force deficit would be most severe in directions associated with abduction. Twelve right-handed women with carpal tunnel syndrome in the right hand, and 12 age-matched, gender-matched, right-handed control subjects were included. Thumb strength was measured in all directions in the transverse plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the thumb. Force envelopes, the boundary of maximal force magnitude, were constructed using the directional forces. The force envelope or envelope area did not differ between the control subjects and the patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. The percentage contributions of force quadrant to the envelope area did not differ between the patients and the control subjects. Our results support the concept that thumb strength is relatively preserved with carpal tunnel syndrome, and failed to support the traditional belief that carpal tunnel syndrome preferentially impairs thumb abduction strength. The data suggest the commonly used testing of thumb abduction strength may not be an effective means to evaluate the existence or severity of carpal tunnel syndrome. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Diagnostic study, Level III (study of nonconsecutive patients; without consistently applied "gold" standard). See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Transdiscal L5-S1 screws for the treatment of adult spondylolisthesis.

Purpose The aim of the study was to evaluate clinical and radiographic outcome of patients treated with a modified Grob technique analysing the advantages related to increased mechanical stability.
Use and assessment of a rigorous approach to CS1

We have developed and implemented a "rigor-first" approach to CS1 instruction, in which we introduce rigorous techniques for understanding algorithms alongside associated programming skills. This core material is developed through a number of engaging problems from more advanced courses in computer science and other natural sciences. These principles are continued in CS2, and the two courses form our "3-2-1" first-year sequence: three programming paradigms and two models of program execution are explored on a single platform. This article discusses the design of our CS1 course, its role in the computer science curriculum, and our experiences with it. Preliminary assessment suggests this approach has merit in our curriculum.
Producing any desired far-field mean irradiance pattern using a partially-coherent Schell-model source

A new technique is presented to produce any desired mean far-field irradiance pattern using a partially-coherent Schell-model source. The new method differs from similar approaches in the literature by requiring only phase control. This permits the proposed approach to be easily implemented in the laboratory using a single spatial light modulator. The analytical development of the phase-only method is presented and discussed. Simulation and experimental results are presented to validate the proposed method. Applications for the new technique include free-space optical communications, material processing/manufacture, and particle trapping.