cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
In vitro investigation of the mutagenic potential of Aloe vera extracts

A 2-year cancer bioassay in rodents with a preparation of Aloe vera whole leaf extract administered in drinking water showed clear evidence of carcinogenic activity. To provide insight into the identity and mechanisms associated with mutagenic components of the Aloe vera extracts, we used the mouse lymphoma assay to evaluate the mutagenicity of the Aloe vera whole leaf extract (WLE) and Aloe vera decolorized whole leaf extract (WLD). The WLD extract was obtained by subjecting WLE to activated carbon-adsorption. HPLC analysis indicated that the decolorization process removed many components from the WLE extract, including anthraquinones. Both WLE and WLD extracts showed cytotoxic and mutagenic effects in mouse lymphoma cells but in different concentration ranges, and WLD induced about 3-fold higher levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species than WLE. Molecular analysis of mutant colonies from cells treated with WLE and WLD revealed that the primary type of damage from both treatments was largely due to chromosome mutations (deletions and/or mitotic recombination). The fact that the samples were mutagenic at different concentrations suggests that while some mutagenic components of WLE were removed by activated carbon filtration, components with pro-oxidant activity and mutagenic activity remained. The results demonstrate the utility of the mouse lymphoma assay as a tool to characterize the mutagenic activity of fractionated complex botanical mixtures to identify bioactive components.
A forgotten pioneer

Edwin F. Northrup should be given reference as an early rocket pioneer and particularly recognized as the pioneer who did the original research behind the application of electromagnetic propulsion to space transport.
Patterns of carbon monoxide in the middle atmosphere and effects of solar variability

Abstract We determine the spatial-time patterns of zonally averaged carbon monoxide (CO) in the middle atmosphere by applying Principle Component Analysis to the CO data obtained from the Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) measurements on the Aura satellite in 2004–2012. The first two principal components characterize more than 90% of the CO variability. Both principal components are localized in the low thermosphere near the mesopause. The first principal component is asymmetric relative to the poles. It has opposite signs in the Northern and Southern Hemisphere at mid to high latitudes and strongly oscillates with an annual periodicity. The second principal component has the same sign in both hemispheres and oscillates mainly with a semi-annual frequency. Both principal components are modulated by the 11-year solar cycle and display short-term variations. To test possible correlations of these variations with the short term solar ultraviolet (UV) variability we use the simultaneous measurements of the UV solar radiance from the Solar-Stellar Irradiance Comparison Experiment (SOLSTICE) on the Solar Radiation and Climate Experiment (SORCE) satellite to investigate the correlation between CO in the middle atmosphere and solar UV in 2004–2012. Using a wavelet coherence technique a weak, intermittent 27-day signal is detected in high-frequency parts of the CO principal components.
Effect of sodium sulfite on mast cell degranulation and oxidant stress.

Background Sulfur dioxide is 1 of 6 environmental pollutants monitored by the Environmental Protection Agency. Its ability to induce bronchoconstriction is well documented. It is highly soluble, initially forming sulfite ions in solution. Sulfur oxides are important constituents of other pollutants, such as diesel exhaust and fine particulates. Objective To investigate the cellular responses of sulfite on cultured mast cells (rat basophilic leukemia [RBL-2H3] cells) and human peripheral blood basophils. Methods Sulfite-induced mast cell degranulation and intracellular production of reactive oxygen species were evaluated in the presence and absence of antioxidants and inhibitors of redox metabolism. Degranulation was determined using β-hexosaminidase, serotonin, and histamine release assays. Induction of intracellular reactive oxygen species generation was determined using the redox-sensitive dye 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescein diacetate. Results Sodium sulfite induced degranulation and the generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species in RBL-2H3 cells. These responses were inhibited by the free radical scavenger tetramethylthiourea and the flavoenzyme inhibitor diphenyliodinium but not by depletion of extracellular calcium. Peripheral blood basophils also showed histamine release after exposure to sodium sulfite Conclusions Sulfite, the aqueous ion of sulfur dioxide, induces cellular activation, leading to degranulation in mast cells through a non-IgE-dependent pathway. The response also differs from IgE-mediated degranulation in that it is insensitive to the influx of extracellular calcium. The putative pathway seems to rely on activation of the reduced form of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase complex, leading to intracellular oxidative stress.
Connector model for describing many-body interactions at surfaces

First-principles calculations based on density-functional theory indicate that high-order many-body interactions are significant in Al clusters on Al(110) and Al(100). The large number of many-body interactions renders a full-lattice-gas approach ineffective for such systems. To simplify the description of adsorbate interactions, we utilize two different schemes. First, we find effective parameters for Al adatom interactions using the leave-one-out cross-validation method. Second, we propose the connector model, which is based on additive single-atom connector units. The central idea of the connector model is to combine groups of many-body interactions into important structural units (e.g., step edges) that have a single interaction energy. We find that the connector model is more accurate and efficient in representing high-order many-body interactions than the traditional lattice-gas approach and it may be suitable for describing a variety of surface phenomena such as thin-film and crystal growth, adsorption, phase transitions, and catalysis at surfaces.
A Hollow-Cathode Transient Plasma Process for Thin Film Growth

We have developed a vapor deposition method that produces a highly ionized transient plasma plume of metallic species in the presence of a low-pressure inert or reactive gas glow discharge. In this process, a transient electrical discharge is formed in a hollow-cathode by a pulse-forming network (PFN) which is triggered by a pulsed CO 2 laser. Current pulses with peak currents of 100 kA and pulse widths of about 20 ms have been produced by the PFN. The effect of the PFN power input and the ambient gas pressure on the evaporated material yield is presented. These experiments also showed a higher evaporation rate of carbon in a nitrogen ambient than in an Ar ambient. Carbon films, with rates of deposition exceeding 18A per pulse that are uniform over a large area, have been deposited. The ionic content of the plasma, spatial distribution of ions, and plume expansion dynamics have been investigated by time-of-flight ion probe measurements and optical emission spectroscopy and are presented.
High power tests of a multimode X-band rf distribution system

We present a multimode X-band rf pulse compression system suitable for the Next Linear Collider (NLC). The NLC main linacs operate at 11.424 GHz. A single NLC rf unit is required which produce 400 ns pulses with 600 MW of peak power. Each rf unit should power approximately 5 meters of accelerator structures. These rf units consist of two 75 MW klystrons and a dual-moded resonant delay line pulse compression system that produce a flat output pulse. The pulse compression system components are all over moded and most components are design to operate with two modes at the same time. This approach allows increasing the power handling capabilities of the system while maintain a compact inexpensive system. We detail the design of this system and present experimental cold test results. The high power testing of the system is verified using four 50-MW solenoid focused klystrons. These Klystrons should be able to push the system beyond NLC requirements.
III-V Compound Semiconductor Superlattices For Infrared Photodetector Applications

This paper reviews recent developments in photodetector technology based on III-V compound superlattices. Of particular interest is the relatively unexplored InAsSb system, in which strained-layer superlattices are required to obtain very small bandgaps (predicted to be as low as 0.1 eV). Progress in the growth of these materials by both molecular beam epitaxy and metal-organic chemical vapor deposition is summarized. Experimental results for a variety of superlattice photodetector structures are presented, along with a discussion of processing technologies that are important for fabricating photodetector arrays.
C-terminal flap endonuclease (rad27) mutations: lethal interactions with a DNA ligase I mutation (cdc9-p) and suppression by proliferating cell nuclear antigen (POL30) in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

During lagging-strand DNA replication in eukaryotic cells primers are removed from Okazaki fragments by the flap endonuclease and DNA ligase I joins nascent fragments. Both enzymes are brought to the replication fork by the sliding clamp proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). To understand the relationship among these three components, we have carried out a synthetic lethal screen with cdc9-p, a DNA ligase mutation with two substitutions (F43A/F44A) in its PCNA interaction domain. We recovered the flap endonuclease mutation rad27-K325* with a stop codon at residue 325. We created two additional rad27 alleles, rad27-A358* with a stop codon at residue 358 and rad27-pX8 with substitutions of all eight residues of the PCNA interaction domain. rad27-pX8 is temperature lethal and rad27-A358* grows slowly in combination with cdc9-p. Tests of mutation avoidance, DNA repair, and compatibility with DNA repair mutations showed that rad27-K325* confers severe phenotypes similar to rad27Δ, rad27-A358* confers mild phenotypes, and rad27-pX8 confers phenotypes intermediate between the other two alleles. High-copy expression of POL30 (PCNA) suppresses the canavanine mutation rate of all the rad27 alleles, including rad27Δ. These studies show the importance of the C terminus of the flap endonuclease in DNA replication and repair and, by virtue of the initial screen, show that this portion of the enzyme helps coordinate the entry of DNA ligase during Okazaki fragment maturation.
Applying perceptual and adaptive learning techniques for teaching introductory histopathology.

Background: Medical students are expected to master the ability to interpret histopathologic images, a difficult and time-consuming process. A major problem is the issue of transferring information learned from one example of a particular pathology to a new example. Recent advances in cognitive science have identified new approaches to address this problem. Methods: We adapted a new approach for enhancing pattern recognition of basic pathologic processes in skin histopathology images that utilizes perceptual learning techniques, allowing learners to see relevant structure in novel cases along with adaptive learning algorithms that space and sequence different categories (e.g. diagnoses) that appear during a learning session based on each learner's accuracy and response time (RT). We developed a perceptual and adaptive learning module (PALM) that utilized 261 unique images of cell injury, inflammation, neoplasia, or normal histology at low and high magnification. Accuracy and RT were tracked and integrated into a Score that reflected students rapid recognition of the pathologies and pre- and post-tests were given to assess the effectiveness. Results: Accuracy, RT and Scores significantly improved from the pre- to post-test with Scores showing much greater improvement than accuracy alone. Delayed post-tests with previously unseen cases, given after 6-7 weeks, showed a decline in accuracy relative to the post-test for 1 st -year students, but not significantly so for 2 nd -year students. However, the delayed post-test scores maintained a significant and large improvement relative to those of the pre-test for both 1 st and 2 nd year students suggesting good retention of pattern recognition. Student evaluations were very favorable. Conclusion: A web-based learning module based on the principles of cognitive science showed an evidence for improved recognition of histopathology patterns by medical students.
Faecal androgen concentrations in adult male spotted hyaenas, Crocuta crocuta, reflect interactions with socially dominant females

Androgens influence many physiological processes in male vertebrates and have been linked to variation in aggression and reproductive behaviour in many species. This study examined relationships between social behaviour and androgens excreted by adult male spotted hyaenas. In this species, males rarely direct reproductive aggression towards other males, but they actively court females that are socially dominant to them. We tested whether intersexual interactions were associated with elevated androgens in adult males. We combined behavioural data collected over 7 years from one large clan in Kenya with analysis of faecal androgens (fA) to determine which of the following were the best predictors of fA concentrations in males: social rank, tenure in the clan, courtship, association with females in particular reproductive states, reproductive aggression among males or nonreproductive aggression among males. We found no systematic influence of age or social status on fA in either adult natal or immigrant males. Concentrations of fA were greater in immigrants when they courted females than at other times, and greater fA concentrations were also associated with male–male aggression involving defence of a female but not with male–male aggression occurring in other contexts. fA concentrations in immigrants were also positively correlated with degree of association with females near the time of conception, but not with lactating females. These findings suggest that androgen concentrations in immigrant male hyaenas are more related to interactions with attractive females than to competitive male interactions. The most important challenge to adult males may be interacting with attractive females to which males are socially subordinate.
An 11-μm-Thick Glycocalyx?: It's All in the Technique!

The endothelial glycocalyx is composed of glycoproteins, proteoglycans, and glycosaminoglycans within a high-water-content meshwork overlying the endothelial cells lining blood vessels. This structure maintains the integrity of vascular permeability, protects endothelial cells against leukocytes and red blood cells, and regulates vascular flow and function.1,2 The preservation of the thickness of the glycocalyx is now thought to be an important aspect mediating vascular health; hence, a decrease in thickness may play a role in chronic vascular disease.3 Recently, there has been a discussion in the literature regarding the discrepancy of the glycocalyx measurements in vitro and in vivo.4 Most often, researchers have used traditional transmission electron microscopy (TEM) methods to preserve in vitro glycocalyx, resulting in measurements of less than 100 nm.5 By comparison, recent in vivo imaging studies have demonstrated a much thicker glycocalyx of 8.9 μm.6 To improve on the accuracy of in vitro measurement, researchers are now pursuing additional methodologies to better preserve the hydrated native and gel-like state of the glycocalyx. In this month's issue of Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology , Ebong et al7 present a cryofixation technique termed rapid freezing and freeze substitution (RF/FS) and report on the preservation and measurement of an 11-μm-thick glycocalyx. See accompanying article on page 1908 The cyrotechnique method used by Ebong et al7 is not new, as it was developed back in the 1950s for improved morphological and histochemical preservation of tissues examined by light microscopy.8 Rapid freezing is thought to …
Rateless unequal error protection codes for the additive white Gaussian noise channel

Unequal error protection (UEP) and rateless coding are both methods used to combat channel uncertainty. With a rateless code, the code rate automatically adapts to the channel quality through the use of incremental redundancy. However, a rateless code lacks the ability to differentiate priorities and all bits suffer the same long delay in poor channel conditions.
Escape From Machiavellianism? Thomist Themes in Twentieth Century Political Realism

Political realism is often seen as vulnerable to the “Machiavellian temptation,” that is, to the bracketing out of moral principles in the conduct of statecraft. In this article, I explore the use of Thomist themes in the writings of Martin Wight (1913–1972), a seminal figure of the so-called English School of international relations theory. Scholars have commented on the Christian realist roots of the English School, but it is little noted that Wight's most famous essay, “Western Values in International Relations,” uses the language of Thomism. By exploring the use of Thomist concepts in Wight's thought and the parallels to be found in the thought of his contemporary, Thomist political philosopher Jacques Maritain, I show how he seeks to escape the realist temptation to Machiavellianism. I then go on to sketch out the possible shortcomings of this approach.
Tracking Wetland Restoration : Do Mitigation Sites Follow Desired Trajectories?

Hypothetical models in the scientific literature suggest that ecosystem restoration and creation sites follow a smooth path of development (called a trajectory), rapidly matching natural reference sites (the target). Multi-million-dollar mitigation agreements have been based on the expectation that damages to habitat will be compensated within 5‐10 years, and monitoring periods have been set accordingly. Our San Diego Bay study site, the Sweetwater Marsh National Wildlife Refuge, has one of the longest and most detailed records of habitat development at a mitigation site: data on soil organic matter, soil nitrogen, plant growth, and plant canopies for up to 10 years from a 12-year-old site. High interannual variation and lack of directional changes indicate little chance that targets will be reached in the near future. Other papers perpetuate the trajectory model, despite data that corroborate our findings. After reviewing “trajectory models” and presenting our comprehensive data for the first time, we suggest alternative management and mitigation policies.
The Way to a Human’s Heart Is Through the Stomach Visceral Endoderm-Like Cells Drive Human Embryonic Stem Cells to a Cardiac Fate

Heart failure due to myocardial infarction is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in developed countries.1 While that point needs no reiteration for the Circulation audience, its corollary does: that heart failure, in essence, is a myocyte-deficiency disease. Cell death, whether from acute infarction alone or from sustained sporadic losses in chronic heart failure, is not matched by sufficient cell replacement. Adult cardiac muscle cells have long lost much if not all of their capacity for proliferative growth, and differences in interpretation hinge on shadings between “none” and “almost none.”2,3 What cell replacement does occur occurs by other means, including the recruitment of undifferentiated progenitor cells—eg, from their niche in bone marrow through the circulation to the injured myocardium.4 See p 2733 Advances in fundamental molecular and cellular biology have paved the way for development of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine as a new therapeutic paradigm, in effect, the Regeneration Superhighway. Among such advances, so-called stem cells have been greeted with greatest enthusiasm, as well as religious and political alarm. Replacing dead cardiac muscle cells with living ones to preserve pump function is a goal of indisputable merit. But which cells have this capacity to transform from something that isn’t a cardiac myocyte into something that is? Among the potential sources, why has controversy arisen for some? Which can be propagated and expanded best in tissue culture? How faithful is their differentiation, compared with “real” cardiac muscle cells? And, what governs their conversion? The concept of “stemness” embraces two properties, which much coexist for a cell to be a stem …
Controlled Assembly of Monodisperse ε-Cobalt-Based Nanocrystals

General synthetic routes to monodisperse c-cobalt (β-Mn type phase) nanocrystals (e-Co) and controlled assembly of these nanocrystals are presented in this paper. The e-Co particles are obtained by superhydride reduction of cobalt chloride (anhydrous or hexahydrate) in a high temperature solution phase (200°C) in the presence of a combination of long chain diol, oleic acid and trialkylphosphine. Monodisperse nanocrystals are isolated by size selective precipitation. As synthesized cobalt particles are each a single crystal with a complex cubic structure related to the beta phase of elemental manganese (β-Mn). Self-assembly of these uniform cobalt particles on solid substrates is induced by evaporation of the carrier solvent producing 2-D and 3-D magnetic superlattices. Annealing of assembled e-Co nanocrystal arrays converts them to the hcp cobalt crystal arrays. The inter-particle distance can be adjusted by selected thermal treatments or by chemical ligand exchange. This control over particle dimensions, crystallinity and assembly offers a model system for the study of ultra-high density recording media.
The prostate-specific membrane antigen: Lessons and current clinical implications from 20 years of research

Abstract Objective Despite a multitude of detection and treatment advances in the past 2 decades, prostate cancer remains the second leading cause of deaths due to cancer among men in the United States. Technological evolution and expanding knowledge of tumor biomarkers have invigorated exploration in prostate cancer therapeutics. Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) was one of the first prostate cancer biomarkers successfully cloned. Since then, it has been characterized as the prototypical cell-surface marker for prostate cancer and has been the subject of intense clinical inquiry. In this article, we review the relevant research in PSMA on the 20th anniversary of its cloning. Methods and materials A PubMed search using the keywords “prostate-specific membrane antigen” or “glutamate carboxypeptidase II” provided 1019 results. An additional 3 abstracts were included from scientific meetings. Articles were vetted by title and abstract with emphasis placed on those with clinically relevant findings. Results Sixty articles were selected for inclusion. PSMA was discovered and cloned in 1993. Its structure and function were further delineated in the ensuing decade. Consensus sites of expression in normal physiology are prostate, kidney, nervous system, and small intestine. PSMA has been implicated in the neovasculature of several tumors including urothelial and renal cell carcinomas. In prostate cancer, expression of PSMA is directly related to the Gleason grade. PSMA has been tested both in imaging and therapeutics in a number of prostate cancer clinical trials. Several recent approaches to target PSMA include the use of small molecule inhibitors, PSMA-based immunotherapy, RNA aptamer conjugates, and PSMA-targeted prodrug therapy. Future study of PSMA in prostate cancer might focus on its intracellular functions and possible role in tumor neurogenesis. Conclusions Twenty years from its discovery, PSMA represents a viable biomarker and treatment target in prostate cancer. Research to delineate its precise role in prostate carcinogenesis and within the therapeutic armamentarium for patients with prostate cancer remains encouraging.
Testing models of sub-slab anisotropy using a global compilation of source-side shear wave splitting data

Recently, a number of source-side shear wave splitting measurements that directly constrain anisotropy in the upper mantle beneath subducting slabs have been published. Such measurements have yielded an observational foundation on which to base our understanding of the dynamics of the sub-slab mantle. Here we compile measurements from recent studies of source-side splitting beneath slabs that employ identical measurement and processing techniques. We use this compilation to test the predictions of a number of recently proposed conceptual models for the dynamics of the sub-slab mantle, including those that invoke three-dimensional return flow beneath slabs, strong radial anisotropy in suboceanic asthenosphere that is entrained via subduction, and a model based on the correlation between sub-slab splitting behavior and the age of the subducting lithosphere. We find that a model in which fast splitting directions are determined by slab age matches the observations better than either the 3-D return flow or radial anisotropic models. Based on this observation, we propose that the sub-slab mantle is characterized by two distinct anisotropic and mantle flow regimes. Beneath younger lithosphere ( 95 Ma), the entrained layer is thin and effectively serves as decoupling layer; the dynamics of the sub-slab region beneath old lithosphere is therefore dominated by three-dimensional return flow. This variation in the amount of mechanical coupling may be facilitated by the onset of small-scale convection beneath older lithosphere.
Evidence for the adaptive evolution of the carbon fixation gene rbcL during diversification in temperature tolerance of a clade of hot spring cyanobacteria

Determining the molecular basis of enzyme adaptation is central to understanding the evolution of environmental tolerance but is complicated by the fact that not all amino acid differences between ecologically divergent taxa are adaptive. Analysing patterns of nucleotide sequence evolution can potentially guide the investigation of protein adaptation by identifying candidate codon sites on which diversifying selection has been operating. Here, I test whether there is evidence for molecular adaptation of the carbon fixation gene rbcL for a clade of hot spring cyanobacteria in the genus Synechococcus that has diverged in thermotolerance. Amino acid replacements during Synechococcus radiation have resulted in an increase in the number of hydrophobic residues in the RbcLs of more thermotolerant strains. A similar increase in hydrophobicity has been observed for many thermostable proteins. Maximum likelihood models which allow for heterogeneity among codon sites in the ratio of nonsynonymous to synonymous nucleotide substitutions estimated a class of amino acid sites as a target of positive selection. Depending on the model, a single amino acid site that interacts with a flexible element involved in the opening and closing of the active site was estimated with either low or moderate support to be a member of this class. Site-directed mutagenesis approaches are being explored in order to directly test its adaptive significance.
Comprehensive vertical sample-based KNN/LSVM classification for gene expression analysis

Classification analysis of microarray gene expression data has been widely used to uncover biological features and to distinguish closely related cell types that often appear in the diagnosis of cancer. However, the number of dimensions of gene expression data is often very high, e.g., in the hundreds or thousands. Accurate and efficient classification of such high-dimensional data remains a contemporary challenge. In this paper, we propose a comprehensive vertical sample-based KNN/LSVM classification approach with weights optimized by genetic algorithms for high-dimensional data. Experiments on common gene expression datasets demonstrated that our approach can achieve high accuracy and efficiency at the same time. The improvement of speed is mainly related to the vertical data representation, P-tree, and its optimized logical algebra. The high accuracy is due to the combination of a KNN majority voting approach and a local support vector machine approach that makes optimal decisions at the local level. As a result, our approach could be a powerful tool for high-dimensional gene expression data analysis.
Characteristics of Escherichia coli Serotypes in the Yanomama, a Primitive Indian Tribe of South America

From stool samples of isolated subjects from members of the Yanomama tribe of South America, 432 isolates of Escherichia coli were obtained from 72 individuals. Two hundred and four of these strains were typable with a standard panel of 147 O antisera; included in the above were eight enteropathogenic strains. From the untypable strains, antisera were produced, and 13 serologically distinct O serotypes were identified. These data substantiate the ubiquity of known strains of E. coli as microhabitants of man's internal environment. The finding of 13 new O serotypes suggests that, in efforts to understand the ecosystem of primitive man, the internal milieu must also be investigated.
Antennas and Transmission Lines

Antennas and transmission lines used in long-distance point-to-point radio communication are described. Long wavelengths (3000 to 23,000 meters) were used exclusively in the early days of transoceanic communication, and are still used for specific services. The design parameters of long-wave transmitting antennas are briefly mentioned. This is followed by a description of some of the directive antennas used for reception of long waves to reduce the effects of atmospherics and interference. The discovery in 1924 that portions of the short-wave spectrum (10 to 100 meters) could be used for long-distance transmission during daylight as well as at night, completely revolutionized longdistance radio communication. The development of arrays and long wire types of antennas for short-wave transmission and reception are described. The radiation of undesired sidelobes from long wire types of antennas is discussed and means which have been used to reduce these side lobes are described. The parameters which enter into the design of open-wire and coaxial transmission lines are briefly presented. Finally, trends which may tend to reduce the extreme congestion of the short-wave spectrum are mentioned.
Ruling on "ministerial exception" has limits

The Supreme Court of the United States, in its Hosanna-Tabor Evangelical Lutheran Church and School v. EEOC opinion, upheld the ?ministerial exception? that the U.S. circuit courts had long recognized. Basically, this exception states that churches cannot be sued over employment decisions regarding those whom the church hires to ?preach their beliefs, teach their faith and carry out their mission.?
Problem Solving in Naive Users

Unix Tutor is a menu interface to UNIX being developed at the University of Pittsburgh as a training aid for new users. This paper compares mental models currently supported by the interface and those used by novices by examining subject logs from experiments. The paper concludes that Unix Tutor provides good support for consistent aspects of the operating system but fails to support models novices need to deal with inconsistencies. Design enhancements are suggested for resolving this problem.
Weldability and weld performance of candidate nickel based superalloys for advanced ultrasupercritical fossil power plants Part II: weldability and cross-weld creep performance

Fossil fuel will continue to be the major source of energy for the foreseeable future. To meet the demand for clean and affordable energy, an increase in the operating efficiency of fossil fired power plants is necessary. There are several initiatives worldwide to achieve efficiencies >45%HHV (higher heating value) through an increase in steam temperature (700–760°C) and pressure (27.6–34.5 MPa). Realising this goal requires materials with excellent creep rupture properties and corrosion resistance at elevated temperatures. Two previous papers addressed the welding and weldability of ferritic and austenitic stainless steels. Welding and weldability of nickel based alloys will be discussed in a two-part paper. In this paper, the primary focus will be on the behaviour of candidate nickel based alloys that are being proposed in advanced ultrasupercritical power plants and with regard to weldability (Part I) and cross-weld creep performance (Part II).
Multi-level voltage control partitioning based on multi-objective modularity

A definition of electrical distance for measuring the coupling degree of var source control and an index of multi-objective modularity for evaluating the partitioning quality are proposed,based on which,a tristage method of multi-level network partitioning is developed. In the coarsening stage,the dimensionality of clustering data is reduced to lower the problem scale;in the partitioning stage,an optimal scheme considering both intra-regional controllability and inter-regional decoupling performance is obtained by the agglomerative clustering based on the multi-objective modularity index;and in the refining stage,the boundary nodes are adjusted to further optimize the partitioning scheme. The connectivity among sub-regions is guaranteed in the calculation process. Case study shows that,the high-quality partitioning scheme proposed by the developed method is applicable to the network partitioning of large-scale system for voltage control,verifying its correctness and feasibility.
Primary mitochondrial disorders and liver disease

线粒体疾病是一种重要的遗传代谢性疾病,日益受到临床的重视.常累及多个器官及系统,肝脏是最常受累的器官之一.线粒体肝病可分为原发性和继发性线粒体肝病.原发性线粒体肝病占多数,常见于儿童,尤其是婴幼儿阶段,成人相对较少.本文将主要介绍儿童原发性线粒体功能缺陷所致的肝脏疾病. 关键词：线粒体;肝疾病;儿童
Besonderheiten und Trends des Social Media Marketing in China

Im Grunde genommen brauchen deutsche Unternehmen bei der Planung und Umsetzung des Social Media Marketing in China nicht vollig umzudenken. Die grundsachliche Vorgehensweise unterscheidet sich vom Prinzip her nicht. Wichtig ist es fur deutsche Unternehmen in China, die chinesische Social-Media-Landschaft zu verstehen, die kulturellen Unterschiede, die Gepflogenheiten, Bedurfnisse und Vorlieben der chinesischen Konsumenten sowie die gesetzlichen Rahmenbedingungen etc. zu erkennen und diese bei Social-Media-Kampagnen zu berucksichtigen. In diesem Kapitel wird auf die Themen Sprachbarriere und kulturelle Unterschiede, unterschiedliches Rechtssystem und dessen Wahrnehmung, den Stellenwert von Marken und Prominenten, die Altersstruktur der chinesischen Social-Media-Nutzer sowie die regionale Ungleichheit bezuglich des Social Media Marketing in China eingegangen. Am Ende des Kapitels werden die Trends des Social Media Marketing in China aufgezeigt.
Antireflective coating for KDP crystals

Crystals of potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KDP) are widely used for harmonic generation of high-power pulsed lasers. To reduce reflective losses, the crystals are typically mounted in cells containing Index matching fluid with durable AR coatings on the cell windows. This complex arrangement has several disadvantages for the large aperture Nd:glass lasers currently used for fusion research, the most important of which are the risk of laser-induced degradation of the index-matching fluid and the generation of intensity-dependent phase aberrations on the pulse due to the nonlinear refractive index of the window material.
Polydactyly in the Southwest

ABSTRACTRecorded instances of human figures, hands and feet with extra digits occur in rock art in the Southwest, either as six fingers or six toes. This has raised the question of whether or not this was a deliberate exaggeration by the artists or actual representation of Polydactyly. Recent findings in skeletal material from Pueblo Bonito and Sand Canyon confirm that Polydactyly did exist among the Anasazi of the prehistoric Southwest, and findings from Las Humanas at Gran Quivira show that Polydactyly was also present in the early historic period.
The cost of irrigation sources and water treatment in greenhouse production

Uncertainty about the cost of water treatment is a potential barrier to adoption of irrigation treatment and recycling. The objective of this study was to estimate the cost of irrigation-water filtration and sanitation based on a survey of 11 greenhouse operations. Screen filtration of ebb-and-flood irrigation water cost ($0.02–$0.17 per 1000 gal) less than filtration using synthetic fiber rolls ($0.08–$2.97 per 1000 gal). Technologies to control pathogens and biofilm ranged between $0.07 per 1000 gal for chlorine gas to $1.00 per 1000 gal for a copper ionization system. Irrigation water sources ranged in cost from $0.02 per 1000 gal for pond water to $6.43 per 1000 gal for municipal water. Sanitation increased this cost by $0.07–$1.00, and water-soluble fertilizers added $3.80. Case studies of three growers illustrated that water quality issues such as equipment clogging or plant pathogens can increase production cost, and in many cases, water treatment and recirculation provide economic savings. Our analysis emphasizes that the cost and quality of the initial water source, the cost of production losses from quality issues, and the cost of treatment should all be considered to make informed decisions on irrigation water sources and system design.
Fewer Revisions in Abdominal-based Free Flaps than Latissimus Dorsi Breast Reconstruction after Radiation

The most commonly chosen flaps for delayed breast reconstruction after postmastectomy radiation therapy (PMRT) are abdominal-based free flaps (ABFFs) and pedicled latissimus dorsi (LD) musculocutaneous flaps. The short-and long-term advantages and disadvantages of delayed ABFFs versus LD flaps after PMRT remain unclear. We hypothesized that after PMRT, ABFFs would result in fewer postoperative complications and a lower incidence of revision surgery than LD flaps. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed a prospectively maintained database of consecutive patients who underwent unilateral, delayed breast reconstruction after PMRT using ABFFs or pedicled LD flaps with implants at the MD Anderson Cancer Center between January 1, 2001, and December 31, 2011. We compared outcomes and additional surgeries required between the 2 groups. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression modeling analyzed the relationships between patient and reconstruction characteristics and postoperative outcomes. RESULTS A total of 139 consecutive patients' breast reconstructions were evaluated: 101 ABFFs (72.7%) versus 38 LDs (27.3%). Average follow-up was similar for ABFF and LD reconstructions. Although ABFF and LD reconstructions experienced similar rates of overall (30.7% vs 23.7%, respectively; P = 0.53), donor-site (8.91% vs 5.13%, respectively; P = 0.48), and flap (20.7% vs 17.9%, respectively; P = 0.37) complications, the LD reconstructions required more additional surgeries (92.1% vs 67.3%; P < 0.001). Furthermore, LDs required more revision surgeries more than 1 year after reconstruction (37.1% vs 14.7%; P = 0.02). CONCLUSION Although early complication rates were similar for both types of reconstructions, ABFFs seem to have the advantage of providing a more durable result that required fewer revision surgeries in the long term.
Local state-feedback stabilization of nonlinear fuzzy systems with measurement errors in the state

This paper deals with the local state-feedback control design problems for continuous-time Takagi-Sugeno (T-S) fuzzy systems with the measurement errors in the state. The state-feedback controller is designed in such a way that the closed-loop system is locally asymptotically stable. The stability is guaranteed to be robust against the measurement errors in the state. In addition, an inner estimation of the domain of attraction (DA) is obtained as a sublevel set of the obtained quadratic Lyapunov function. The design procedure is formulated as optimizations subject to linear matrix inequalities (LMIs).
Dynamics and Control of Hybrid Gas Electric Vehicles

A hybrid automobile is one that has two or more major sources of propulsion power. Most hybrid vehicles currently available to consumers are gas-electric hybrids. They have both gasoline engines and electric motors and can be powered by either power source or both sources at the same time.
Influence of autism on fathering style among Black American fathers: a narrative inquiry

Attention to Black men's fathering styles, especially those who have children with autism, has been largely overlooked. This study presents the narratives of six Black American fathers of individuals with autism and how autism influences their fathering practice. Results suggest fathering individuals with autism can yield greater patience in fathering practice, amidst some normative challenges associated with the diagnosis. Family therapists serving Black families and fathers of children with autism can enhance the therapeutic alliance by acknowledging cultural influences on fathering and family practices. Recommendations for clinical practice and research are shared. Practitioner points Autism influences family systems in unique ways across racial groups that can require family therapy There is little scholarship about how children's autism diagnoses influences Black fathers and families Children's autism influence on Black fathers can yield changes in fathering practice, including increased patience Culturally responsive practice includes acknowledging cultural influences on fathering style and personal growth as a consequence of autism
PAN-AFRICANISM AND EDUCATION : AN EXPLORATORY STUDY OF AFRICAN CENTERED SCHOOLS IN CAMEROON AND SOUTH AFRICA

â€œUmuntu Ngumuntu Ngabantuâ€ translates into a person is a person because of people. There is an idea of unity in this frequently used Zulu proverb that is posted boldly next to the Afrocentric logo on the African Union International School (AUIS) website in Midrand South, Africa. All these words are factors within Pan-Africanism, and AUIS is more than an international school in South Africa, but it is one of two schools created by the African Centered Educational Foundation (ACE). The other school is called the African American Academy in Douala, Cameroon. Under the auspice of ACE, both schools share a very special mission implied within its vision that includes an education for the African Renaissance. Through a content analysis, this paper will illustrate how the African Centered Education Foundation represents Pan-Africanism through the institutionalization of African Centered Education illustrated by their technological media (school websites, facebook, online articles), educational tools (brochures, teacher evaluations, lesson plans, teacherâ€™s introduction package), and their African diaspora volunteer teacher program.
Completing Public Reason by Reasoning Publicly

This is the substantially revised version of a previously posted draft essay in which I revisit my earlier argument to the effect that contrary to Rawls's own characterization public reason incomplete with respect to an important range of political status questions that concern constitutional essentials or basic justice. I clarify and expand on my 1999 argument and, with James Boettcher, endorse a revised conception of public reason cut free of Rawls's idea that reasonable political liberalisms must be complete but still rooted in the value of reciprocity and a commitment to the goods of stability of the right sort, democratic self-governance, and civic friendship.
Controlled Evaluation of the Impacts of Surface Coatings on Silver Nanoparticle Dissolution Rates.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are increasingly being incorporated into a range of consumer products and as such there is significant potential for the environmental release of either the AgNPs themselves or Ag+ ions. When AgNPs are exposed to environmental systems, the engineered surface coating can potentially be displaced or covered by naturally abundant macromolecules. These capping agents, either engineered or incidental, potentially block reactants from surface sites and can alter nanoparticle transformation rates. We studied how surface functionalization affects the dissolution of uniform arrays of AgNPs fabricated by nanosphere lithography (NSL). Bovine serum albumin (BSA) and two molecular weights of thiolated polyethylene glycol (PEG; 1000 and 5000 Da) were tested as model capping agents. Dissolution experiments were conducted in air-saturated phosphate buffer containing 550 mM NaCl. Tapping-mode atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to measure changes in AgNP height over time. The measured disso...
Updated Retrospective Single-Center Comparative Analysis of Peripheral Nerve Block Complications Using Landmark Peripheral Nerve Stimulation Versus Ultrasound Guidance as a Primary Means of Nerve Localization

OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to perform an updated analysis of complications associated with upper and lower extremity peripheral nerve blocks (PNBs) performed with ultrasound (US) guidance versus the landmark approach. METHODS We conducted a single-center retrospective cohort analysis to compare the incidence of PNB complications between the techniques. The primary outcome was local anesthetic systemic toxicity (LAST), whereas the secondary outcomes included short- and long-term nerve injuries. The current query included cases performed between 2012 and 2015. A combined analysis included data extending to 2006. The Statistical examination relied on the χ2 test. RESULTS During this 4-year period, we performed 7789 US-guided and 498 landmark-guided blocks with no statistically significant difference in the incidence of nerve injury or LAST between the groups. Our 10-year analysis, however, revealed a significant increase (P < .01) in the rate of LAST with the landmark technique: 7 of 5932 versus 0 of 16,858 cases. The combined data also revealed a significant increase (P < .01) in short-term injuries associated with the landmark approach (30 of 5932 versus 33 of 16,858) but no significant difference in the incidence of long-term injuries. CONCLUSIONS Our analysis supports a conclusion that the use of US guidance during PNBs leads to a significant reduction in the incidence of LAST, adding to growing evidence from similar investigations. The impact of US on the incidence of nerve injuries remains unclear, considering that the nature of transient deficits is thought to be multifactorial, and the frequency of lasting injuries did not differ significantly in this study.
Aminoglycoside Antibiotics Inhibit the Phosphatidylinositol Cascade in Renal Proximal Tubular Cells: Possible Role in Toxicity

A growing body of evidence supports the conclusion that aminoglycoside antibiotics (AG) interact with phosphoinositides. For example AG have been shown to bind to phosphoinositides in model membranes (1–5) by a mechanism best explained by an electrostatic interaction (3,5). The strong avidity of these drugs for phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) (1,5,6) has led to the hypothesis that PIP2 serves as the biological receptor for these agents (6–8). AG have been shown to induce a phosphatidylinositol (PI)-enriched phospholipidosis in rat renal cortex (9,10) and in cells grown in culture (11,12), a phenomenon which may be related to the observation that AG have the capacity to inhibit a PI-specific phospholipase C (13–15). Moreover, neomycin has been shown to block the hydrolysis of PIP2 and the generation of inositol trisphosphate (IP3) in response to agonist stimulation in vitro (16,17) and to depress the synthesis and turnover of (32P]PIP2 in vitro and in vivo (1,18,19) . These observations indicate that AG have the potential to perturb the PI cascade, which serves as the transmembrane signal transducing mechanism for a number of agonists (20). Inhibition of the PI cascade by AG might cause profound derangements in the regulation of a number of intracellular processes and thereby contribute to the toxicity of these agents.