cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Rational Problems Associated with the Development of Cellular Approaches in Controlling HIV Spread

The priority in elucidation of the problems associated with HIV infection has been mainly determined by experimental feasibility rather than by its importance. Molecular biologists have rapidly produced an impressive body of knowledge about the structure of HIV, but this understanding is not sufficient to explain complex biological effects accompanying viral pathogenesis. Physicians, fourteen years into the epidemic have been left with a confused mixture of AZT, CD4 counts, false promises of vaccines, morbidity charts and nothing else. Immunologists, in their turn, disappointed by the results of their own narrow scope of inquiries for a direct explanation of the pathological effect of the virus, started to look for alternative concepts such as self-inflicted immunopathology mediated through the capacity of HIV to mimic host antigens and to trigger autoimmune responses. Although this idea was proposed even before HIV was implicated as a cause of AIDS, mainstream research has been oriented toward goals that were easier to grasp. As a result, little progress has been made to adopt the viral ‘kamikaze’ phenomenon to the development of a meaningful therapeutic strategy.
Kinetics of Algal Growth in Austere Media

Man the builder has become man the destroyer. In his ever expanding quest for progress and power he has succeeded in adversely affecting his environment. One of the paramount effects of man’s despoliation of the environment has been the accelerated ageing of natural bodies of water. This eutrophication has evidenced itself in the proliferation of nuisance algal growths. Previous investigations have indicated that nitrogen and phosphorus can be the primary cause of this imbalance in the aquatic ecosystem.
Microelectromechanical Systems and Packaging

Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology enables us to create different sensing and actuating devices integrated with microelectronic, optoelectronic, radiofrequency (RF), thermal, and mechanical devices for advanced microsystems. In all these systems that demand low cost and small size, MEMS packaging is usually a major consideration. The relationship between MEMS and packaging, however, is not limited to packaging of MEMS devices. MEMS devices can in fact be used to enhance packaging technologies for microelectronic, optoelectronic, and RF systems. In addition, packaging technologies can be applied to fabricate MEMS devices. Therefore, packaging and MEMS technologies are essential to integrate sensors and actuators with other components on a single system platform. There is a great opportunity to apply MEMS and packaging technologies to develop fully integrated micro/nanosystems for smartphones, wearable electronics, and Internet of Things (IoT).
Neural Basis of Motivation Lateralizes with Motor Control

According to decades of research on affective motivation in the human brain, approach motivational states are subserved by the left hemisphere and avoidance states by the right hemisphere. Here we show that hemispheric specialization for motivation reverses with handedness. This covariation provides initial support for the Sword and Shield Hypothesis, according to which hemispheric laterality of affective motivation is causally linked to motor control for the dominant and non-dominant hands.
ReMapping the City: Palimpsest, Place, and Identity in Art Education Research

The built environment has a long history of study within the field of art education as the site of material and visual culture that is reflective of, and constructed by, cultural values, traditions, and norms. As our understanding of place is challenged by postmodern theories of culture and identity, art education research and curriculum must consider methodologies that document and account for multiple narratives and viewpoints of place. Drawing on a visual ethnographic study of Panama City, Panama, I examine the figurative concept of the palimpsest as a means to analyze the ways in which built environments embody social, cultural, and historical narratives of place, highlighting the involuted relations between material, visual, cultural, and social experience. I discuss the implications of visual and arts-based methods in terms of the ways in which they might address postcolonial and postmodern concerns with such issues as hybridity, representation, and identity.
TOWARD PRACTICAL DEVICES

This chapter discusses the characteristics of an ideal discrete bistable optical device, fundamental limitations, prospects of improving present devices by identifying giant nonlinearities, and utilization of the full power of optics by parallel processing. The characteristics of an ideal discrete bistable optical device are easily enumerated: (1) the device should be small, that is, of characteristic dimension of a micrometer, so that millions of them can be placed in a small volume; (2) it should be fast so that high-speed operations can be accomplished and the picosecond-pulse advantages of all-optical systems utilized; (3) it should be operable at room temperature to eliminate cryogenics and to increase its range of applicability, and finally, (4) it should be integratable to permit large numbers of interconnections insensitive to external perturbations. The use of bistable devices for two-dimensional image processing has different requirements. Large distortion-free devices are needed, but response times as slow as 1 ms are acceptable for some parallel-processing applications. Hybrid devices such as liquid-crystal light valves may be satisfactory for such applications if the cost can be made reasonable, but two-dimensional intrinsic devices may switch faster and be cheaper to construct.
Future Crises, William James, John Dewey, Edward Singer, C. West Churchman

This chapter employs a central feature of Singer’s philosophy as a broad guide in thinking about future crises.
Algorithmic Fairness and Economics

We develop an economic perspective on algorithmic fairness and the surrounding empirical, theoretical and policy issues. Our perspective draws from clear parallels between algorithms and issues in economics of discrimination, crime, personnel and technological innovation; as well as more subtle connections to environmental economics, product safety regulation, behavioral economics and economics of information. We highlight the distinction between biased algorithmic predictions and biased algorithmic objectives. We conclude by discussing economic issues in policy policy and managerial practices around reducing algorithmic unfairness.
Abstract 2111: Increased heme influx dictates tumorigenic functions of non-small cell lung cancer cells

Heme, iron protoporphyrin IX, is a central metabolic and signaling molecule that regulates diverse molecular and cellular processes relating to oxygen utilization and metabolism. Heme serves as a cofactor or a prosthetic group for complexes II, III, and IV in electron transport chain. Hence, it has a direct role in oxidative phosphorylation and energy generation in cells. Most human cells can synthesize and uptake heme from circulation. A number of epidemiological studies have shown that high heme intake is associated with an increased risk of cancer, including lung cancer. Our lab has previously shown that an array of non-small cell lung cancer cells (NSCLCs) exhibit high heme synthesis and uptake. This increased heme flux correlates with an enhanced oxygen consumption and ATP production. NSCLCs also exhibited significantly elevated levels of hemoproteins and mitochondrial biogenesis proteins compared to normal lung cell lines. Expression levels of these proteins correlate with increased oxygen consumption and the total heme content of NSCLCs suggesting a possible role of heme in energy metabolism and mitochondrial biogenesis. In order to assess the involvement of heme in tumorigenicity of the NSCLC cell lines, we overexpressed heme synthesis enzyme, ALAS1 or heme transporters, HCP1 or HRG1 using lentivirus system. NSCLC cell lines A549 and H1299 were infected with a lentivirus carrying ALAS1 or HCP1 or HRG1 plasmid. Stable clones were obtained with antibiotic selection and checked for overexpression with western-blots. Cells overexpressing ALAS1, HCP1 and HRG1 showed significantly higher rates of heme influx as well as intensified oxygen consumption and ATP formation compared to eGFP controls. Tumorigenic properties such as invasion, migration and colony formation were also found to be significantly increased in these cell lines compared to their eGFP counterparts. Subcutaneous xenografts generated with overexpression cell lines also showed significantly high tumor growth rates and mass compared to eGFP controls. Our data from both in vitro and in vivo experiments show that heme directly improves the tumorigenic properties of NSCLC cells by substantially improving the respiration rates and energy metabolism. Citation Format: Sagar Shashikant Sohoni, Poorva Ghosh, Li Zhang. Increased heme influx dictates tumorigenic functions of non-small cell lung cancer cells [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 2111.
Cyclin A Is a Target Gene of Activated CREB Downstream of GM-CSF Signaling That Regulates Normal and Malignant Myelopoiesis.

Abstract Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor stimulates the proliferation and survival of myeloid progenitor cells in vitro and in vivo. Primary AML blast cells express high affinity GM-CSF receptors. We previously reported that the basic leucine zipper transcription factor, CREB (cAMP Responsive Element Binding Protein), is phosphorylated at serine 133 in response to GM-CSF stimulation through a MEKK- and pp90RSK-dependent pathway. CREB protein and mRNA levels are elevated in the bone marrow of over 60% of AML patients at diagnosis. Furthermore, CREB is activated in primary AML blast cells that overexpress CREB. CREB overexpression in myeloid leukemia cell lines results in increased cell proliferation and survival, and decreased myeloid cell differentiation. Cells overexpressing CREB have increased numbers of cells in S phase in Brdu incorporation experiments in comparison to control cells. In addition, myeloid progenitor cells from CREB transgenic mice proliferate more and are growth-factor independent compared to cells from littermate controls. In colony assays, progenitor cells from CREB overexpressing mice are immortalized and acquire a blast-like phenotype. To understand the downstream pathways that regulate CREB-induced proliferation and survival in normal myeloid and leukemic cells, we examined the expression of two known CREB target genes, BCL-2 and Cyclin A, in CREB overexpressing myeloid leukemia cell lines. Cyclin A, but not BCL-2, was upregulated in cells overexpressing CREB compared to control cells. Cyclin A regulates G1 to S transition through activation of the cyclin-dependent kinase, CDK2. Myeloid progenitor cells from transgenic mice that overexpress CREB also overexpressed Cyclin A. We next investigated Cyclin A expression in primary blast cells from AML patients. Cyclin A protein levels were elevated in bone marrow from AML patients in which CREB was overexpressed but not in normal bone marrow. CREB has been shown to directly bind the CRE in the cyclin A promoter and increase transcription of cyclin A upon activation in response to growth factor stimulation. To study the possibility of cyclin A upregulation downstream of CREB, we examined transcriptional activation of Cyclin A in CREB overexpressing cells. A luciferase reporter construct containing the cyclin A promoter with the CRE was transfected into NFS60 cells that overexpressed CREB. A 4-fold increase in relative luciferase activity was observed in CREB overexpressing cells compared to control cells (p
Assessment of tool wear and microstructural alteration of the cutting tools in conventional and sustainable slot milling of Ti-6Al-4V alloy

This research presents both qualitative and quantitative analyses of tool wear during slot milling of Ti-6Al-4V alloy under conventional flood coolant and sustainable dry and minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) machining conditions. The microstructures of the cutting tools near the cutting edges have been analyzed for understanding the effectiveness of tool coating and the influence of tool wear and machining conditions on the tool microstructure. The abrasion wear was measured using maximum flank wear (VBmax) and the length over which the flank wear occurred. The chipping wear was measured using the surface area of the material chipped off from the cutting edge or tool nose. In addition, the correlations between the abrasion and chipping wear with plastic failure were investigated. It was found that the average magnitudes of VBmax and length were lower in MQL machining. The calculations of the surface area of chipped materials indicate comparatively lower chipping wear in MQL machining. Both the abrasion and chipping wear occurred along with plastic failure, indicating correlations among those wear mechanisms. It turned out that the TiAlN-coating was more effective in the reduction of tool wear under dry machining conditions. Delamination wear was observed under flood and MQL conditions, illustrating the effectiveness of coated tools under dry machining conditions. The microstructural analysis of the worn-out uncoated tools indicates plastic deformation and grain refinement underneath the tool wear, whereas this effect is less severe in coated tools. Conclusively, sustainable dry machining with TiAlN-coated tools and MQL machining resulted lesser tool wear, indicating the effectiveness of sustainable machining processes for Ti-6Al-4V alloy.
Assessing the Influence of Physical Factors and Human-Related Disturbances on Forested Wetland Communities in Georgia

Forested wetlands act as buffers between human civilization and aquatic ecosystems, providing numerous services. Due to widespread human influence, most existing forested wetlands are secondary forests. This study investigated 3 forested wetlands in the Oconee basin in middle Georgia to assess the influence of physical factors and anthropogenic disturbances on the tree composition. Our analyses revealed that the northernmost wetland had experienced the most recent major anthropogenic disturbance based on the dominance of an early successional species. The southernmost site, a floodplain forest, was the most diverse due to the short flooding durations that support a larger suite of species. The middle site was the least diverse but had the largest trees and total basal area.
Dynamic MRI is reliable for evaluation of the lumbosacral spine in healthy dogs

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is commonly used to diagnose degenerative lumbosacral stenosis; however, studies show limited correlation between imaging and clinical signs. The purpose of this prospective observer agreement study was to use dynamic MRI of the lumbosacral (LS) spine of healthy dogs to determine reliable reference ranges. Twenty-two healthy large breed dogs were prospectively enrolled. MRI of the LS spine was performed in T2-weighted, T1-weighted, and T2-weighted SPACE sequences in neutral, flexed, and extended positions. Four observers performed image analyses. Measurements included LS angle, vertebral canal height and area, and LS foraminal areas. Ordinal categorical assessment of loss of fat signal in the foramina, LS compression, intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration, spondylosis, and IVD protrusion was also performed. The majority of values were significantly larger in flexion versus neutral position, and significantly smaller in extension versus neutral position (P .5) except for the L7:LS vertebral canal area ratio (ICC ≤ .03). Intraobserver agreement was high (rho > .5) for all measurements except for the mid-L6:LS vertebral canal height ratio (rho = .38). There was poor interobserver agreement for loss of fat signal in the foramina and evidence of compression. This study provides the groundwork for future studies using dynamic MRI to evaluate dogs with signs of clinical LS disease.
Picking Up the Torch: Our Mission as the New FIT & EC Section Editors.

The young do not know enough to be prudent, and therefore they attempt the impossible, and achieve it, generation after generation.—Pearl S. Buck (American writer and novelist) ([1][1]) When Dr. Fuster started the Fellows-in-Training (FIT) & Early Career (EC) professionals’ section of the
Genetic Control of Prolificacy and Related Traits in the Golden Glow Maize Population

The open-pollinated maize (Zea mays subsp. mays) population Golden Glow [GG(MP)] provides excellent material for the study of morphological and genetic changes associated with selection for prolificacy. Late generations of the GG(MP), when planted at low densities, resemble the architecture of teosinte (Z. mays subsp. parviglumis), the ancestor of maize. Our objectives were (i) to identify molecular markers linked to chromosomal regions that influenced prolificacy and related morphological traits, (ii) to determine whether genes previously shown to influence branching patterns in maize were associated with quantitative trait loci (QTLs) influencing these traits, and (iii) to determine whether epistatic interactions among putative QTLs influenced prolificacy and correlated traits. A mapping population was developed from the cross of inbred A679 and a highly prolific S₁ plant from Cycle 23 of GG(MP). Simple sequence repeat (SSR) and amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers were combined for the linkage map construction. Thirty-three QTLs were found for 14 of the 16 traits analyzed. A region located on Linkage Group 1 (LG 1) shared similarities with the pattern of development suggested for the teosinte branched1 (tb1) mutant. This suggests that genetic control of prolificacy and associated traits in GG(MP) may resemble the genetic changes underlying branching morphology that occurred during maize domestication. No evidence for additive-by-additive epistatic interactions was found.
A typology for magnetic field generator technologies

This paper identifies different methodologies used to design suitable magnetic field generators (MFG) with adjustable characteristics. Variations in parameters, such as pulse frequency and amplitude elicit distinct responses. Assessing the differences between design parameters and experimental observations of magnetic field generators is essential for various applications. The use of magnetic field generator-based techniques is first studied in applications related to optical transmission, transcranial magnetic stimulation devices and magnetic resonance. Decades of research and technological advancement are associated with these methods. The associated nomenclature for describing and characterizing these methods are introduced and discussed. Finally, the paper presents possible future framework and design considerations in functionality where new MFGs are expected to play a key role in the future.
Crossed Eyes: Domain Adaptation for Gaze-Based Mind Wandering Models

The effectiveness of user interfaces are limited by the tendency for the human mind to wander. Intelligent user interfaces can combat this by detecting when mind wandering occurs and attempting to regain user attention through a variety of intervention strategies. However, collecting data to build mind wandering detection models can be expensive, especially considering the variety of media available and potential differences in mind wandering across them. We explored the possibility of using eye gaze to build cross-domain models of mind wandering where models trained on data from users in one domain are used for different users in another domain. We built supervised classification models using a dataset of 132 users whose mind wandering reports were collected in response to thought-probes while they completed tasks from seven different domains for six minutes each (five domains are investigated here: Illustrated Text, Narrative Film, Video Lecture, Naturalistic Scene, and Reading Text). We used global eye gaze features to build within- and cross- domain models using 5-fold user-independent cross validation. The best performing within-domain models yielded AUROCs ranging from .57 to .72, which were comparable for the cross-domain models (AUROCs of .56 to .68). Models built from coarse-grained locality features capturing the spatial distribution of gaze resulted in slightly better transfer on average (transfer ratios of .61 vs .54 for global models) due to improved performance in certain domains. Instance-based and feature-level domain adaptation did not result in any improvements in transfer. We found that seven gaze features likely contributed to transfer as they were among the top ten features for at least four domains. Our results indicate that gaze features are suitable for domain adaptation from similar domains, but more research is needed to improve domain adaptation between more dissimilar domains.
Design of semiconducting electrides via electron-metal hybridization: the case of Sc2C

Electrides are exotic materials that have electrons present in well-defined lattice sites. The existence of Y2C and Gd2C as 2D electrides inspired us to examine other trivalent metal carbides, including Sc2C and Al2C. It has been proposed that design rules for electride materials include the need for an electropositive cation adjacent to the electride site, but the effect of cation electronegativity on electronic structure in electride materials is not yet known. Here, we examine trivalent metal carbides with varying degrees of electronegativity and experimentally synthesize a 2D electride, Sc2C, containing the most electronegative metal yet found neighboring the electride site. Further, we find that higher electronegativity of the cation drives greater hybridization between metal and electride orbitals. Our calculations predict that Sc2C is a small band gap semiconductor with a band gap of 0.305 eV, with an experimental conductivity of 1.62 S/cm at room temperature. This is the first 2D electride material to exhibit semiconducting behavior, and we propose that electronegativity of the cation drives the change in band structure.
Foundations of aggregation in deductive databases

As a foundation for providing semantics for aggregation within recursion, the structure of subsets of partially ordered domains is studied. We argue that the underlying cause of many of the difficulties encountered in extending deductive database semantics to include aggregation is that set construction does not preserve the structure of the underlying domain very well. We study a binary relation ⊏ that is stronger than the standard ⊂, contrasting its properties on domains with differing amounts of structure. An analogous ≻ is defined that is more appropriate than R[ for minimization problems.
Clinical classification of borderline cases in the family study of essential tremor: an analysis of phenotypic features.

Background: In genetic research on essential tremor (ET), certain individuals may be particularly challenging to categorize diagnostically. Methods: In the Family Study of Essential Tremor (>200 enrollees), 28 participants with borderline clinical findings who did not meet strict criteria for ET were assigned final diagnoses of ET. We scrutinized the clinical features of these cases and the sensitivity/specificity of certain features that best separated them from 19 unaffected individuals. Results: Borderline ET cases differed from unaffected individuals in eight features: total tremor score, at least one kinetic tremor rating ≥1.5, at least one kinetic tremor rating ≥1.5 in the dominant arm, tremor rating during spiral drawing ≥1.5, higher spiral axis score, head tremor, complaint of tremor, and comment on tremor by others. The combination of at least one kinetic tremor rating ≥1.5 in the dominant arm and the presence of at least three of the remaining seven features predicted the clinician‐assigned diagnosis in 88.6% of borderline ET vs. unaffected individuals (sensitivity 84.6%, specificity 94.4%). Discussion: In a family study, a small number of clinical features characterized borderline ET, and a particular combination of these separated the majority of these borderline cases from normals. These analyses may help researchers minimize diagnostic misclassification.
Executive Pay and the Credit Crisis of 2008 (A)

The credit crisis of 2008 placed compensation practices at publicly traded firms in the United States under scrutiny. This case examines perceived excessive pay and severance packages at several firms implicated in the credit crisis of 2008, the executive compensation provisions in the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act, and discusses the implications for compensation committees at public companies.
SOLUBILIZATION OF THE CONJUGATION INHIBITOR FROM ESCHERICHIA COLI CELL WALL.

Schwartz, Gabriel H. (National Institute of Arthritis and Metabolic Diseases, Bethesda, Md.), Donald Eiler, and Milton Kern. Solubilization of the conjugation inhibitor from Escherichia coli cell wall. J. Bacteriol. 89:89–94. 1965.—Conjugation between F− and HfrC strains of Escherichia coli is inhibited by the presence of cell wall derived from either strain. The inhibitor can be solubilized from such cell walls or whole cells by treatment with periodate. The soluble material is relatively acid-labile and alkali-stable, nondialyzable, nonsedimentable at 100,000 × g (1 hr), partially sedimented after 3 hr at 100,000 × g, sensitive to small changes in ionic strength, neutralized by cationic reagents, and is insensitive to proteinases, nucleases, lipases, and carbohydrases. The soluble inhibitor derived from male and female cells is indistinguishable by all the criteria tested.
Transcriptional Controlling Elements in the Immunoglobulin and T Cell Receptor Loci

Publisher Summary The proteins that fulfill the function of identifying foreign molecular structures for the humoral response are immunoglobulins (Igs) and for the cellular response are T cell receptors (TCRs). Because both Igs and TCRs carry out antigen recognition, it is not surprising that the structure of Ig and TCR proteins and the structure, organization, and rearrangement of the genes that encode them are quite similar. Ig molecules are secreted and recognize soluble antigens, while TCR molecules remain on the T cell surface in close association with other membrane proteins and recognize cellular antigens, many more Ig molecules are synthesized by terminally differentiated B cells than TCR molecules are synthesized by mature T cells. The chapter presents overviews of the various ways in which Ig and TCR genes are regulated during development. However, the detailed portions of the review in the chapter is limited to transcriptional regulation, and it focuses on cis-acting DNA elements and trans-acting cellular proteins, which are required to regulate transcription of Ig and TCR genes. Transcriptional enhancers, which were first discovered in animal viruses, are defined functionally as cis-acting DNA sequences, which activate transcription-initiation in an orientation- and distance-independent manner. In cases in which the difference in transcriptional activity has been quantitated, it seems that the preference is not absolute, because the low levels of transcription are observed in some non-B cell lines. The chapter discusses several models that may explain its B cell-specific activity in immunoglobulin genes.
A differential form of the Kramers-Kronig relation for determining a Lorentz-type of refractive index

The integral forms of the Kramers-Kronig (KK) relations that relate the real and imaginary parts, n′ and n″, of a refractive index require the integral to be conducted over the full spectrum. In this paper, we derive a differential form of the KK relation that removes the need for knowing n″ at all frequencies (ω) in order to calculate n′, which is more useful in measurements. Moreover, we show that, in a finite frequency range, our differential form of the KK relation can more accurately generate a resonant effective n′ for an artificial medium composed of a periodic structure than do the integral forms of the KK relations, making use of n″ as obtained from a full-wave simulation.
Metabolism of gastrin and cholecystokinin by endopeptidase 24.11 from the pig stomach

The purpose of this investigation is to examine the metabolism and inactivation of human and porcine gastrin 17 (nonsulfated) (G-17) and cholecystokinin octapeptide (sulfated) (CCK-8) by gastric endopeptidase 24.11. Endopeptidase 24.11 was isolated by immunoaffinity chromatography using a monoclonal antibody to the kidney enzyme. Peptides were incubated with endopeptidase 24.11. The digests were either fractionated by reverse-phase high-pressure liquid chromatography and the products identified by amino acid analysis or they were used for bioassays. Digests of human gastrin were assayed for stimulation of acid secretion in the anesthetized rat, and cholecystokinin digests were assayed for the stimulation of amylase secretion from isolated rat pancreatic acini. Human G-17 was degraded by cleavage of the Trp4-Leu5,Ala11-Tyr12,Gly13-Trp14,Trp14 -Met15, and Asp16-Phe17-NH2 bonds, and the fragments (1-16), (1-13), (1-11), (1-4), (5-11), (5-13), (12-13), (12-14), (14-16), and (17-NH2) were identified. Porcine G-17 was degraded by hydrolysis of the Ala11-Tyr12,Gly13-Trp14, and Asp16-Phe17-NH2 bonds producing (1-16), (1-13), (1-11), (12-13), (14-16), and (17-NH2) fragments. CCK-8 was degraded by hydrolysis of the Gly4-Trp5 and Asp7-Phe8-NH2 bonds, and the fragments (1-7), (1-4), (5-7), (5-8), and (8-NH2) were identified. There was a progressive decline in the biological activity with incubation time.
Grouts for bonded post-tensioning in corrosive environments

Problems with corrosion of prestressing steel in post-tensioned structures due to inadequate grouting have become more apparent in recent years. To improve grouting practices, a series of fresh property tests, accelerated corrosion tests, simulated field tests, and long-term corrosion tests were used in this study to develop optimum grouts for post-tensioning. Grouts possessing adequate workability and bleed resistance were tested in an accelerated corrosion test to evaluate relative corrosion protection properties. This paper focuses on the accelerated corrosion test results. The most promising of these grouts were then tested for placeability under simulated field conditions. A fly ash grout and a thixotropic grout are recommended from this testing program. Fluidity, bleed, and corrosion resistance data was also acquired for a number of different combinations of pozzolans and admixtures.
An aerosol challenge mouse model for Moraxella catarrhalis

A simple, reproducible, and non-invasive mouse pulmonary clearance model for Moraxella catarrhalis via aerosol challenge was established. All of eight tested strains could be inoculated into mice at more than 10(5) colony-forming units (CFU)/lung with a challenge concentration of 1x10(9)-6x10(9) CFU/ml in a nebulizer. The number of bacteria retained at 6 h postchallenge was more than 10(4) CFU/lung while at 24 h postchallenge, approximate 10(3) CFU/ml or less remained in the lungs. A maximum of 100 mice could be challenged per aerosol exposure. The number of bacteria inoculated in the lungs could be adjusted by the bacterial challenge concentration, the exposure time, and the negative pressure. Lung tissue sections revealed that bacteria were evenly distributed in the lungs. Passive immunization significantly enhanced pulmonary clearance of the homologous strain in this model. These data indicate that this model will be useful for evaluating M. catarrhalis vaccine candidates and studying roles of immunity against M. catarrhalis.
Crystallization and preliminary X‐ray analysis of human Brn‐5 transcription factor in complex with DNA

The Brn-5 protein plays an important role in the control of cellular development and belongs to a class of transcription factors that usually contain two domains: the POU homeodomain (POUHD) and the POU-specific domain (POUS). Since high-quality crystals suitable for crystallographic studies of the proteins of this class are difficult to obtain, all the known structural information available is for POUHD and/or POUS. This paper describes several critical steps that allowed the production of high-quality crystals of the full-length Brn-5 protein complexed with its cognate DNA.
Evidence That the BLOC-1 Protein Dysbindin Modulates Dopamine D2 Receptor Internalization and Signaling But Not D1 Internalization

The schizophrenia susceptibility gene dystrobrevin-binding protein 1 (DTNBP1) encodes dysbindin, which along with its binding partner Muted is an essential component of the biogenesis of lysosome-related organelles complex 1 (BLOC-1). Dysbindin expression is reduced in schizophrenic brain tissue, but the molecular mechanisms by which this contributes to pathogenesis and symptomatology are unknown. We studied the effects of transfection of DTNBP1 siRNA on cell surface levels of dopamine D2 receptor (DRD2) in human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells and in rat primary cortical neurons. DTNBP1 siRNA decreased dysbindin protein, increased cell surface DRD2 and blocked dopamine-induced DRD2 internalization. MUTED siRNA produced similar effects. In contrast, decreased dysbindin did not change dopamine D1 receptor (DRD1) levels, or its basal or dopamine-induced internalization. The DRD2 agonist quinpirole reduced phosphorylation of CREB (cAMP response element-binding protein) in dysbindin downregulated cells, demonstrating enhanced intracellular signaling caused by the upregulation of DRD2. This is the first demonstration of a schizophrenia susceptibility gene exerting a functional effect on DRD2 signaling, a pathway that has long been implicated in the illness. We propose a molecular mechanism for pathogenesis in which risk alleles in DTNBP1, or other factors that also downregulate dysbindin, compromise the ability of BLOC-1 to traffic DRD2 toward degradation, but has little effect on DRD1 trafficking. Impaired trafficking of DRD2 decreases dopamine-induced internalization, and with more receptors retained on the cell surface, dopamine stimulation produces excess intracellular signaling. Such an increase in DRD2 signaling relative to DRD1 would contribute to the imbalances in dopaminergic neurotransmission characteristic of schizophrenia.
Preoperative stress testing in high-risk vascular surgery and its association with gender

Abstract Background: Despite significant improvement in anesthetic and surgical techniques, the incidence of perioperative myocardial infarction (PMI) and all-cause mortality from any cardiac event during high-risk vascular surgery (abdominal aortic or infrainguinal revascularization procedures) remains high. In addition, there are significant health care costs associated with the management of PMI. Objectives: The aim of this analysis was to investigate the utility of routine preoperative myocardial stress testing prior to high-risk vascular surgery and the interventions performed based on the results of the testing. The outcome after surgery, based on sex of the patients, was also examined. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on consecutive adult patients who had a positive dipyridamole-thallium stress test prior to high-risk vascular surgery in a university hospital (tertiary care center) between July 2001 and August 2004. The patients' preoperative demographic characteristics, perioperative record, and postoperative course in the hospital were analyzed. Combined major adverse outcome was defined as any incidence of MI, congestive heart failure, arrhythmias, renal failure, or death. Results: Of a total of 503 patients, 160 had a positive stress test prior to high-risk vascular surgery (111 men, 49 women; mean [SD] age, 68 [11] and 70 [12] years, respectively). Men with a positive stress test who had either coronary intervention or perioperative β-blockade prior to surgery had a significant decrease in the incidence of combined major adverse outcomes ( P = 0.02). Conversely, women did not have a significant improvement in outcome with either of the preoperative strategies. Using logistic regression, only age and conservative management in men were found to be predictors of adverse outcomes. Conclusions: In this small retrospective study, men with positive stress tests had fewer adverse events with either preoperative coronary revascularization or perioperative administration of β-adrenergic blocking drugs, compared with men who received no intervention. There were no significant differences in adverse outcomes between women with positive stress tests who received either treatment compared with those who did not receive any treatment.
A MÖSSBAUER STUDY OF THE FRACTURE SURFACE AND THE INFLUENCE OF RETAINED AUSTENITE ON THE FRACTURE TOUGHNESS OF FE-9NI-0.1C STEEL

The effect of retained austenite on the fracture toughness of Fi-9Ni-O.1C steel was investigated using Mossbauer effect scattering, instrumented impact tests, and metallographic techniques. The results indicate that the presence of retained austenite increases the fracture toughness by an amount proportional to the volume fraction of austenite. Examination of a sample after fracture at 77 Kusing Mossbauer effect scattering revealed that the austenite within 300 pm of the fracture surface had been transformed to martensite during the fracture. The improved fracture toughness of this steel may be attributed to the energy dissipated in the mechanically induced austenite-martensite phase transformation.
Statistical Methods for Determining Prognosis in Severe Head Injury

Determining the prognostic significance of clinical factors for patients with severe head injury can lead to an improved understanding of the pathophysiology of head injury and to improvement in therapy. A technique known as the sequential Bayes method has been used previously for the purpose of pro
Quantitative correlation of wear debris morphology: grouping and classification

Considerable interest has been expressed in the quantitative analysis of wear debris to minimize the subjectivity of visual assessment of debris morphology. Recent works involve the quantification of wear debris morphology using numerical parameters. In this paper, more comprehensive quantitative analysis of wear debris is performed: wear debris morphology is quantified with numerical parameters and, furthermore, quantitative correlation is performed to demonstrate how specific statistical data analysis techniques can be applied to carry out grouping and classification of debris. Grouping and classification are multivariate statistical techniques that can be used to find out morphological groups of wear debris and to classify wear debris into the predefined wear conditions, respectively. It is shown that statistical data analysis can provide systematic quantitative correlation of wear debris without subjective individual judgment.
CCCTC-Binding Factor and the Transcription Factor T-bet Orchestrate T Helper 1 Cell-Specific Structure and Function at the Interferon-γ Locus

How cell type-specific differences in chromatin conformation are achieved and their contribution to gene expression are incompletely understood. Here we identify a cryptic upstream orchestrator of interferon-gamma (IFNG) transcription, which is embedded within the human IL26 gene, compromised of a single CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF) binding site and retained in all mammals, even surviving near-complete evolutionary deletion of the equivalent gene encoding IL-26 in rodents. CTCF and cohesins occupy this element in vivo in a cell type-nonspecific manner. This element is juxtaposed to two other sites located within the first intron and downstream of Ifng, where CTCF, cohesins, and the transcription factor T-bet bind in a T helper 1 (Th1) cell-specific manner. These interactions, close proximity of other elements within the locus to each other and to the gene encoding interferon-gamma, and robust murine Ifng expression are dependent on CTCF and T-bet. The results demonstrate that cooperation between architectural (CTCF) and transcriptional enhancing (T-bet) factors and the elements to which they bind is required for proper Th1 cell-specific expression of Ifng.
New Class of Fiber Characterization Techniques Based on Spatial Gating of Nonlinearity

We present a technique based on spatially controlled gating of the fiber nonlinearity. The proposed method is capable of characterizing spatial variations of zero dispersion wavelength (ZDW) in low-dispersive nonlinear fibers with meter-scale resolution.
The QCD compton process up to tevatron energies

We investigate the QCD Compton effect γq→gq by using Monte Carlo, methods to simulate complete three jet events for photon-nucleon interactions. This process provides unique possibilities for jet studies because the incoming photon transfers its entire energy to the final state gluon and quark jets. We present a number of predictions for photons in the range of energies presently available up to Tevatron energies and find that the QCD Compton effect will dominate over vector meson dominance at large gluon transverse momenta.
Laparoscopic sacral colpopexy with Gynemesh as graft material--experience and results.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of Prolene (Ethicon, Inc., Johnson and Johnson, Somerville, NJ) graft for sacral colpopexy and ease of use laparoscopically. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis (Canadian Task Force classification II-1). SETTING: Academic university hospital. PATIENTS: Seventy-four patients with recurrent prolapse of the apex or severe uterine prolapse (stage II-IV). INTERVENTIONS: Seventy-four patients with recurrent prolapse of the apex or severe uterine prolapse (stage II-IV) underwent laparoscopic sacral colpopexy or cervicopexy with Gynemesh (Ethicon, Inc.) used as the graft material. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Seventy-four patients, from March 2003 through March 2006, underwent a sacropexy. Fifty-one patients had recurrent apical prolapse, 22 patients had uterovaginal prolapse stage III or IV, and 1 patient had uterovaginal prolapse stage II and insisted on retaining the uterus. Fifty-two patients also had a concurrent sling procedure performed for incontinence. Intraoperative and postoperative complications included 1 middle sacral bleed managed by suturing in the middle sacral region and 1 postoperative cervical abscess requiring reoperation and removal of the graft at 10 days. All patients were evaluated at 2 weeks and 6 weeks after surgery, and pelvic examination was performed. They were then followed up biannually. Median age was 63 years (range 48-76 years), and median body mass index was 35 (range 24-41). Laparoscopic sacral colpopexy or cervico or uteropexy was performed successfully in 72 patients. Median blood loss was less than 25 mL (range 25-150 mL), and the median hospital stay was 1 day (range 1-2 days). One surgery was terminated because of dense rectosigmoid adhesions to the cuff requiring a laparotomy and partial sigmoid resection because of redundancy and postdissection trauma to the sigmoid. Another procedure was completed as a Prolift (Johnson and Johnson) procedure because of finding of a prior Mersilene (Phillips Sumika Polypropylene Co., Houston, TX) mesh that was densely adherent to the pelvic contents. Seventy patients are extremely happy and satisfied with the surgery. Postoperative recovery has been uneventful, and subjective and objective cure is 97% and 100%, respectively. One patient with sacrouteropexy still has stage I prolapse of her cervix, but it feels well supported. There have been no cases of colpopexy graft exposure or recurrence with a median follow-up of 24 months (range 9-36 months). The patient with cervical abscess and graft removal has also healed with no recurrance of her prolapse. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic sacral colpopexy or cervicopexy is a safe and effective procedure with excellent results. Gynemesh (Ethicon, Inc.), a wide-pore polypropelene mesh seems to be an excellent graft material with low risk for graft infection (1.4%) or erosion.
Discriminable spatial patterns of activation for faces and bodies in the fusiform gyrus.

Functional neuroimaging studies consistently report that the visual perception of faces and bodies strongly activates regions within ventral occipitotemporal cortex (VOTC) and, in particular, within the mid-lateral fusiform gyrus. One unresolved issue is the degree to which face and bodies activate discrete or overlapping cortical regions within this region. Here, we examined VOTC activity to faces and bodies at high spatial resolution, using univariate and multivariate analysis approaches sensitive to differences in both the strength and spatial pattern of activation. Faces and bodies evoked substantially overlapping activations in the fusiform gyrus when each was compared to the control category of houses. No discrete regions of activation for faces and bodies in the fusiform gyrus survived a direct statistical comparison using standard univariate statistics. However, multi-voxel pattern analysis differentiated faces and bodies in regions where univariate analysis found no significant difference in the strength of activation. Using a whole-brain multivariate searchlight approach, we also found that extensive regions in VOTC beyond those defined as fusiform face and body areas using standard criteria where the spatial pattern of activation discriminated faces and bodies. These findings provide insights into the spatial distribution of face- and body-specific activations in VOTC and the identification of functionally specialized regions.
Microwave bridge reflectometer

A form of the microwave reflectometer which yields a reflection-coefficient angle as well as modulus is discussed and its analysis presented.A simple compensation method is described whereby the measurement errors due to imperfect performance of the directional couplers can partially be eliminated and partially be allowed for.Finally, the measurement accuracy obtainable from this reflectometer system is shown to be approximately that obtainable from the conventional slotted waveguide section, and hence the system provides an alternative to the slotted section at the millimetre wavelengths.
Resonantly enhanced tunneling and transport of ultracold atoms on tilted optical lattices

We investigate the resonantly enhanced tunneling dynamics of ultracold bosons loaded on a tilted one-dimensional optical lattice, which can be used to simulate a chain of Ising spins and associated quantum phase transitions. The center-of-mass motion after a sudden tilt both at commensurate and incommensurate fillings is obtained via analytic, time-dependent exact diagonalization and density-matrix renormalization-group methods. We identify a maximum in the amplitude of the center-of-mass oscillations at the quantum critical point of the effective spin system. For the dynamics of incommensurate systems, which cannot be mapped to a spin model, we develop an analytical approach in which the time evolution is obtained by projecting onto resonant families of small clusters. We compare the results of this approach at low fillings to the exact time evolution and find good agreement even at filling factors as large as 2/3. Using this projection onto small clusters, we propose a controllable transport scheme applicable in the context of Atomtronic devices on optical lattices (``slinky scheme'').
Lysine and arginine residues do not increase the helicity of alanine-rich peptide helices.

The helix-disfavoring, versusalanine, propagation values of lysine (0.8) and arginine (1.0) residues placed centrally in an (Ala)9 unit have been measured by 13C NMR.