cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Water -energy -carbon nexus approach for sustainable large-scale drinking water treatment operation

Abstract Sustainability of energy and water are inextricably linked with each other. Over-utilization/degradation of these resources may occur due to changing climate, growing population, and increasing pollution including carbon emissions due to the burning of fossil fuels. Drinking water treatment is essential for safeguarding public health; however, it is an energy-intensive process. The purpose of the current study is to study the energy -water -carbon nexus of a large-scale drinking water treatment plant (DWTP) that treats 1 Mm3 of raw Colorado River water per day by using direct filtration process and utilizes fossil fuel as energy source. Energy consumption of each treatment process was determined and then validated against DWTP data. Energy intensity was found for the processes of ozonation (19.6 Wh m−3), coagulation (1.3 Wh m−3), flocculation (1.22 Wh m−3), filtration (1.24 Wh m−3), the sodium hypochlorite generation system (31.7 Wh m−3), chlorination feed pumps (1.27 Wh m−3), and residual management (0.07 Wh m−3). Further, a modeling study was conducted to offset the energy consumption of the DWTP and thus reduce carbon emissions, by utilizing PV system, considering both the existing land-holdings of the plant and cost-effectiveness of the PV system. Comparison of PV system performance and the effects of incentives and electric rates on cost effectiveness were analyzed for the locations of Nevada, New York and Massachusetts. Net reduction in carbon emissions was estimated in the range of 980–11000 and 480–5200 metric tons CO₂eq year−1, by using PV with and without battery storage, respectively.
Addressing challenges in prescribing for vulnerable unsheltered homeless populations with mental illness

Background: Homeless individuals face an undue burden of both medical and psychiatric comorbidity, with the unsheltered homeless constituting a particularly vulnerable subpopulation. Homeless indiv...
The Role of Artificial Neuron Networks in Intelligent Agriculture (Case Study: Greenhouse)

The cultivation under cover of fruits, vegetables, and floral species has developed from the traditional greenhouse to the agro-industrial greenhouse which is currently known for its modernity and its high level of automation (heating, misting system, air conditioning, control, regulation and command, supervision computer, etc.). New techniques have emerged, including the use of devices to control and regulate climatic variables in the greenhouse (temperature, humidity, CO2 concentration, etc.). In addition, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) such as neural networks and/or fuzzy logic. Currently, the climate computer offers multiple services and makes it possible to solve problems relating to regulation, control, and commands. The main motivation in choosing an order by AI is to improve the performance of internal climate management, to move towards a control-command strategy to achieve a homogeneous calculation structure through a mathematical model of the process to be controlled, usable on the one hand for the synthesis of the controller and on the other hand by the simulation of the performances of the system. It is from this state, that begins this research work in this area include modelization an intelligent controller by the use of fuzzy logic.
Maintaining cultural identity: A systematic mixed studies review of cultural influences on the self-care of African immigrants living with non-communicable disease.

Aim To understand and identify cultural factors influencing the self-care practices of African immigrants living with chronic illness in countries outside Africa. Background The influence of cultural factors on self-care is relatively unexplored in African immigrants with non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Design Systematic Mixed Studies review. Data sources PubMed, Psych Info, Embase, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Anthropology Plus and Sociological Abstract computerized databases. No limit was placed on publication date. Review methods Results-based convergent design was used. The Mixed Method Appraisal Tool was used to evaluate the studies. Quantitative studies were synthesized narratively while qualitative studies were synthesized using thematic synthesis. Results We identified 251 articles and nine fulfilled our inclusion criteria. The studies were published between 2006 and 2019, with six qualitative and three quantitative studies. Studies were conducted in the United States, Australia, Sweden, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Most studies examined the influence of culture on self-care of diabetes (n = 6), while the rest focused on hypertension (n = 3). Findings highlight that cultural norms and practices, non-Western approaches to interpreting and managing illness, cultural connotations of health behaviours and structural challenges influencing self-care. Cultural food preferences made adherence to prescribed diets challenging. Family support facilitated self-care. Maintaining cultural identity was both a driver and constraint to engaging in self-care. Conclusion The complex interplay of cultural and structural factors influences the willingness of Africans who have immigrated to a developed country to follow recommended self-care practices. Considering these cultural norms and structural barriers can help to explain the self-care behaviours of African immigrant populations. Impact Clinicians and policymakers who account for structural factors and integrate cultural factors into care facilities, treatment protocols and policy can be influential in promoting self-care in African immigrant populations.
The role of short-term and long-term water level and wave variability in coastal carbon budgets

Summary We investigated soil organic carbon dynamics at three freshwater coastal sites in the Laurentian Great Lakes using a simple carbon budget box model. Long-term carbon budgets (1939–2018) were developed using aerial photography and then compared to short-term carbon export (2018–2019) developed using drone data. This study puts forth a refined coastal carbon budget model that advances previous model iterations by: (1) examining spatial variability in carbon budgets, (2) including a temporally dynamic carbon inventory term, and (3) updating the erosional term. Half of the initial carbon stock of the combined sites was lost in the 80-year study period, which is severely imbalanced with the age of those coastal habitats (400–2000 cal years BP). Major periods of carbon loss corresponded to periods of elevated water level. Short-term loss of carbon during 2018–2019 corresponded to northeasterly extreme wave events during a period of above-average water level.
Foraging Habits of Green Sea Turtles (Chelonia mydas) in the Northwestern Gulf of Mexico

Knowledge of green turtle (Chelonia mydas) foraging ecology in the northwestern Gulf of Mexico (GOM) is critical as populations begin to recover from heavy harvesting in prior centuries. We present a comprehensive long-term assessment of green turtle diets from carcasses salvaged from 1987–2014 along the Texas coast. Digestive tract contents were examined from 420 green turtles, ranging in size from 7.3 to 86.0 cm in straight carapace length (SCLmax). Green turtles as small as 16.2 cm SCLmax recruit from the oceanic environment to nearshore foraging habitat in the northwestern GOM and consume macroalgae principally. A successive shift in diet and habitat to inshore seagrasses was evident by the seagrass-dominated diet of turtles larger than 30 cm SCLmax. Animal matter remained a frequently ingested diet item suggesting these immature green turtles are better classified as omnivores. The overall evidence indicates that Texas' recovering green turtle assemblage is exhibiting foraging plasticity within seagrass meadows changing species composition and density.
Cytoskeletal regulation guides neuronal trafficking to effectively supply the synapse.

The development and proper function of the brain requires the formation of highly complex neuronal circuitry. These circuits are shaped from synaptic connections between neurons and must be maintained over a lifetime. The formation and continued maintenance of synapses requires accurate trafficking of presynaptic and postsynaptic components along the axon and dendrite, respectively, necessitating deliberate and specialized delivery strategies to replenish essential synaptic components. Maintenance of synaptic transmission also requires readily accessible energy stores, produced in part by localized mitochondria, that are tightly regulated with activity level. In this review, we focus on recent developments in our understanding of the cytoskeletal environment of axons and dendrites, examining how local regulation of cytoskeletal dynamics and organelle trafficking promotes synapse-specific delivery and plasticity. These new insights shed light on the complex and coordinated role that cytoskeletal elements play in establishing and maintaining neuronal circuitry.
From the classroom to the field: developing cross-cultural skills in conservation

This article describes the chronological experience of an Indonesian conservator, a graduate of the University of Melbourne’s Master of Cultural Materials Conservation. It reviews the lessons learn...
LOCOM: A logistic regression model for testing differentialabundance in compositional microbiome data with false discovery rate control

Motivation: Compositional analysis is based on the premise that a relatively small proportion of taxa are "differentially abundant", while the ratios of the relative abundances of the remaining taxa remain unchanged. Most existing methods of compositional analysis such as ANCOM or ANCOM-BC use log-transformed data, but log-transformation of data with pervasive zero counts is problematic, and these methods cannot always control the false discovery rate (FDR). Further, high-throughput microbiome data such as 16S amplicon or metagenomic sequencing are subject to experimental biases that are introduced in every step of the experimental workflow. McLaren, Willis and Callahan [1] have recently proposed a model for how these biases affect relative abundance data. Methods: Motivated by [1], we show that the (log) odds ratios in a logistic regression comparing counts in two taxa are invariant to experimental biases. With this motivation, we propose LOCOM, a robust logistic regression approach to compositional analysis, that does not require pseudocounts. We use a Firth bias-corrected estimating function to account for sparse data. Inference is based on permutation to account for overdispersion and small sample sizes. Traits can be either binary or continuous, and adjustment for continuous and/or discrete confounding covariates is supported. Results: Our simulations indicate that LOCOM always preserved FDR and had much improved sensitivity over existing methods. In contrast, ANCOM often had inflated FDR; ANCOM-BC largely controlled FDR but still had modest inflation occasionally; ALDEx2 generally had low sensitivity. LOCOM and ANCOM were robust to experimental biases in every situation, while ANCOM-BC and ALDEx2 had elevated FDR when biases at causal and non-causal taxa were differentially distributed. The flexibility of our method for a variety of microbiome studies is illustrated by the analysis of data from two microbiome studies. Availability and implementation: Our R package LOCOM is available on GitHub at https://github.com/yijuanhu/LOCOM in formats appropriate for Macintosh or Windows.
Report of a rare testicular teratoid Wilms Tumor in an adult patient.

Abstract Although primarily a pediatric disease, nephroblastomas (also known as Wilms tumor) occur in adults at a rate of less than 0.2 cases per million per year. Rarer still are teratoid Wilms tumors, which arise from teratomas and therefore can be extrarenal. We describe the sixth recorded case of a testicular teratoid Wilms tumor in an adult patient with accompanying histological images of the specimen. Following the case, there is a brief discussion of the current literature.
Sleep in human and cultural evolution

Abstract This chapter examines human sleep patterns and habits throughout history and across cultures. Starting with ancient history, and moving through middle ages, the age of enlightenment, and the modern era, we examine historical evidence of typical sleep schedules during each period along with sleep arrangements and beddings. The chapter then discusses how sleep patterns and environments have changed with the industrial revolution in the 19th centuries, followed by the technological advancements in the 20th and 21st centuries and their impact on sleep duration and quality, leading to an epidemic of sleep deprivation and poor sleep quality in the United States. The second part of the chapter focuses on cultural variations in sleep habits and environments, including typical sleeping arrangements, bedroom sharing, sleep schedules, napping, and sleep rituals in different cultures around the world.
Towards a Dyadic Computational Model of Rapport Management for Human-Virtual Agent Interaction

Rapport has been identified as an important function of human interaction, but to our knowledge no model exists of building and maintaining rapport between humans and conversational agents over the long-term that operates at the level of the dyad. In this paper we leverage existing literature and a corpus of peer tutoring data to develop a framework able to explain how humans in dyadic interactions build, maintain, and destroy rapport through the use of specific conversational strategies that function to fulfill specific social goals, and that are instantiated in particular verbal and nonverbal behaviors. We demonstrate its functionality using examples from our experimental data.
Palliative Options in Patients with Stage 4 Rectal Cancer

Twenty to 30% of patients with rectal cancer will present with unresectable disease. Although chemotherapy is the primary treatment modality for patients with asymptomatic unresectable rectal cancer, half of all these patients may require a palliative procedure at some point due to obstruction, perforation, bleeding and/or pain. The surgeon is critical to the multidisciplinary team and will provide guidance as to the appropriate treatment strategy. Thus, it is imperative that a surgeon who commonly treats these patients to have knowledge of all treatment modalities available. The aim of this chapter is enhance the reader’s knowlege of palliative strategies for patients with stage 4 rectal cancer.
Binding of cellular repressor protein or the IE2 protein to a cis-acting negative regulatory element upstream of a human cytomegalovirus early promoter.

We have previously shown that the human cytomegalovirus early UL4 promoter has upstream negative and positive cis-acting regulatory elements. In the absence of the upstream negative regulatory region, the positive element confers strong transcriptional activity. The positive element contains a CCAAT box dyad symmetry and binds the cellular transcription factor NF-Y. The effect of the negative regulatory element is negated by the viral IE2 protein (L. Huang, C.L. Malone, and M.F. Stinski, J. Virol. 68:2108, 1994). We investigated the binding of cellular or viral IE2 protein to the negative regulatory region. The major cis-acting negative regulatory element was located between -168 and -134 bp relative to the transcription start site. This element could be transferred to a heterologous promoter, and it functioned in either orientation. Mutational analysis demonstrated that a core DNA sequence in the cis-acting negative regulatory element, 5'-GTTTGGAATCGTT-3', was required for the binding of either a cellular repressor protein(s) or the viral IE2 protein. The cellular DNA binding activity was present in both nonpermissive HeLa and permissive human fibroblast cells but more abundant in HeLa cells. Binding of the cellular repressor protein to the upstream cis-acting negative regulatory element correlates with repression of transcription from the early UL4 promoter. Binding of the viral IE2 protein correlates with negation of the repressive effect.
Carbon dioxide and room air insufflation of the colon: Effects on colonic blood flow and intraluminal pressure in the dog

The potential advantages of carbon dioxide over room air to insufflate the bowel during colonoscopy include its nonexplosive nature and rapid absorption. To evaluate whether this rapid absorption would minimize any reduction in colonic blood flow resulting from the distention, we measured inferior mesenteric artery flow before, during, and after insufflation of the canine colon with room air and carbon dioxide under conditions of transient and constant elevations of intraluminal pressures. Intraluminal pressures remained elevated for briefer periods after carbon dioxide administration, and blood flow was far less compromised. At lower levels of transient (40 mm Hg) and constant (60 to 70 mm Hg) intraluminal pressure elevation, colonic blood flow was actually increased. Because it is nonexplosive and rapidly absorbable and interferes only minimally with colonic blood flow, carbon dioxide is the preferable agent to use during colonoscopy, especially in patients with suspected or proven colon ischemia in whom prolonged distention and diminished blood flow are to be avoided.
SU-E-I-27: Estimating KERMA Area Product for CT Localizer Images

Purpose: To estimate the free-in-air KERMA-Area Product (KAP) incident on patients due to CT localizer scans for common CT exams. Methods: In-plane beam intensity profiles were measured in localizer acquisition mode using OSLs for a 64 slice MDCT scanner (Lightspeed VCT, GE Medical Systems, Waukesha WI). The z-axis beam width was measured as a function of distance from isocenter. The beam profile and width were used to calculate a weighted average air KERMA per unit mAs as a function of intercepted x-axis beam width for objects symmetric about the localizer centerline.Patient areas were measured using manually drawn regions and divided by localizer length to determine average width. Data were collected for 50 head exams (lateral localizer only), 15 head/neck exams, 50 chest exams, and 50 abdomen/pelvis exams. Mean patient widths and acquisition techniques were used to calculate the weighted average free-in-air KERMA, which was multiplied by the patient area to estimate KAP. Results: Scan technique was 120 kV tube voltage, 10 mA current, and table speed of 10 cm/s. The mean ± standard deviation values of KAP were 120 ± 11.6, 469 ± 62.6, 518 ± 45, and 763 ± 93 mGycm{sup 2} for head, head/neck, chest, and abdomen/pelvis exams,more » respectively. For studies with AP and lateral localizers, the AP/lateral area ratio was 1.20, 1.33, and 1.24 for the head/neck, chest, and abdomen/pelvis exams, respectively. However, the AP/lateral KAP ratios were 1.12, 1.08, and 1.07, respectively. Conclusion: Calculation of KAP in CT localizers is complicated by the non-uniform intensity profile and z-axis beam width. KAP values are similar to those for simple radiographic exams such as a chest radiograph and represent a small fraction of the x-ray exposure at CT. However, as CT doses are reduced the localizer contribution will be a more significant fraction of the total exposure.« less
Potential-Induced Degradation (PID): Incomplete Recovery of Shunt Resistance and Quantum Efficiency Losses

Potential-induced degradation (PID), specifically PID leading to shunts (PID-s), has recently been identified as one of the major field durability issues of photovoltaic (PV) modules. The industry is attempting to address this issue at the module/cell production level by modifying the cell, glass, and/or encapsulant properties, as well as at the system level through the application of reverse potential at night. However, there is a lingering question on the full recovery of the cells through the reverse potential application technique. The results obtained in this study indicate that the near-full recovery of efficiency at high irradiance levels can be achieved, but the full recovery of efficiency at low irradiance levels, shunt resistance, and quantum efficiency (QE) at low wavelengths could not be achieved. The wavelength-dependent QE response after PID and recovery has been modeled based on experimental data. We address the challenge in measuring accurate QE of shunted cells and the input impedance of traditional QE test equipment. A new very low impedance method minimizes, but does not totally eliminate, the scaling error in the QE system data for solar cells that have very low shunt resistances. We also evaluate previously proposed models on the effects of sodium experimentally and through simulation.
Hip Fractures among the Elderly: Factors Associated with In-Hospital Mortality

Factors associated with mortality were examined for 27,370 hip fracture patients aged 65 years or older in Maryland hospitals, using discharge data for 1979-1988. Variables of interest included sociodemography, principal medical and injury diagnoses, E-code, year, disposition, and hospital. For both white males and white females, the hip fracture rate doubled with each 5-year increment in age. The overall proportion who died during hospitalization was 4.9% (n = 1,339). After multivariate adjustment, there remained a substantially increased risk of death for males. The relative odds (RO) of dying for males versus females were 1.6. Other factors associated with high relative odds of dying during hospitalization included the diagnosis of septicemia (RO = 12.3), pneumonia/influenza (RO = 4.9), and digestive system disorder (RO = 3.6). The RO of dying doubled in the presence of cardiac, neoplastic, or cerebrovascular disease. Patients with diagnoses of nervous system or mental disorder, hypertension, anemia, musculoskeletal system disease, or urinary tract infection were at decreased risk of dying. Results of the study suggest that the prevention or early diagnosis and treatment of serious infections in the elderly patient with a hip fracture remain an important challenge to clinicians.
Leiomyosarcoma of the vena cava with atrial extension: Long-term survival following resection and caval replacement without circulatory arrest

This is a case report of a primary vena cava sarcoma extending to the atrium in a young woman, which was resected. Cardiopulmonary bypass was used, and the cava replaced with ringed Gore-Tex. She remains alive and well more than 3 years after the surgery with no evidence of recurrence.
Double-blind placebo-controlled evaluation of propafenone in suppressing ventricular ectopic activity

The effectiveness of oral propafenone in treating ventricular premature complexes (VPCs) was assessed with a single-blind dose-ranging trial followed by a double-blind, randomized, crossover comparison of propafenone and placebo. Patients subsequently were treated with propafenone for up to 24 months. During dose ranging, the average of individual percent suppressions was 83 % at the largest dose (300 mg/8 hours). During the double-blind trial, the effectiveness of propafenone was confirmed, with 7 of 12 patients achieving ≥80 % reduction in VPCs (p
INTERCHAIN INTERACTIONS IN ONE-DIMENSIONAL PERIODIC SYSTEMS : AN ANALYSIS OF SECOND-ORDER EFFECTS CAUSING DEFORMATION

The role of second‐order perturbations in interchain interactions of one‐dimensional electronic systems is examined. The general features of such interchain interactions are deduced from a simple two‐chain model. From a perturbation‐theoretic analysis, the second‐order term originating from two different bands near the Fermi level leads to an important out‐of‐phase coupling of charge‐density‐waves on neighboring chains. The preferred distortion is predicted for various electron counts, using a transition‐density analysis. Specific geometrical conclusions are derived for polyacene systems.
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone causes transcriptional stimulation followed by desensitization of the glycoprotein hormone alpha promoter in transfected alpha T3 gonadotrope cells.

Pulsatile GnRH regulates the biosynthesis and secretion of gonadotropins. Continuous administration of GnRH is known to desensitize gonadotropin secretion, but its effects on gonadotropin gene expression are less well characterized. We used a cell line of gonadotrope lineage (alpha T3 cells) to examine GnRH regulation of glycoprotein hormone alpha-subunit gene transcription. The alpha-subunit promoter, linked to a luciferase reporter gene (alpha LUC), was stably transfected into alpha T3 cells. Treatment with GnRH stimulated alpha LUC activity 3-fold. Stimulation of alpha LUC by GnRH was transient, with maximal activity after 6 h of treatment, followed by a return to baseline after 24 h. Stimulation of alpha-promoter activity by GnRH was inhibited entirely by a 10-fold molar excess of antide, a GnRH antagonist. Antide partially blocked GnRH stimulation even when added 4 h after GnRH, suggesting that a brief exposure to GnRH is not sufficient for maximal transcriptional stimulation. alpha LUC activity was ...
pH-sensitive poly(histidine)-PEG/DSPE-PEG co-polymer micelles for cytosolic drug delivery.

Abstract To introduce pH sensitivity into the DSPE-PEG-based micellar system and achieve the quick intracellular drug release in response to the acidity in endosomes, a mixed polymeric micelle was developed based on three grafted copolymers, including 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine-polyethylene glycol-2000(DSPE-PEG2000), antinucleosome antibody (mAb 2C5)-modified DSPE-PEG3400 (DSPE-PEG3400-2C5), and poly(ethylene glycol)-coupled poly( l -histidine) (PHIS-PEG2000). The structure of PHIS-PEG2000 was confirmed by 1H NMR spectroscopy. The mixed micelles with the diameter ranging from 110 to 135 nm were prepared using a dialysis method against pH 7.6 PBS. Paclitaxel (PCT) was used as a model drug, the encapsulation efficiency and loading content of PCT were 88% and 5%, respectively. The mixed micelles composed with 50wt% of PHIS-PEG2000 showed the desired pH-dependent drug release property with much faster drug release than micelles without PHIS-PEG2000. At pH around 5.5, about 75–95% of the loaded drug was released within 2 h. The MTT assay showed PCT-loaded mixed micelles had higher cytotoxicity at pH 5.8 than that at pH 7.4. Further modification of the mixed micelles with anti-cancer nucleosome-specific monoclonal antibody 2C5 significantly increased their cellular uptake efficiency and cytotoxicity. Thus, the low pH in endosomes could trigger the PCT release from the pH-sensitive mixed micelles after 2C5-mediated endocytosis. The results of this study suggest that the mixed micelles (DSPE-PEG2000/DSPE-PEG3400-2C5/PHIS-PEG2000) could enhance the tumor cell-specific internalization and trigger the quick drug release, resulting in the improved anti-cancer efficacy.
Library services for pharmacy and health sciences students: Results of a survey

L'enquete realisee aupres des etudiants du Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (Boston) a permis d'evaluer les services offerts par la bibliotheque de l'etablissement. Les etudiants etaient amenes a se prononcer sur leur utilisation de la bibliotheque et a exprimer leur satisfaction concernant les modules de culture de l'information (soit par ordinateur, soit face a un bibliothecaire instructeur), l'amenagement et les equipements de la bibliotheque et enfin les services offerts. Les resultats indiquent la prevalence des ressources electroniques, les limitations des collections, la meconnaissance des services proposes, la surestimation de l'instruction bibliographique en ligne, l'inadequation des equipements et le manque de technologies et de multimedia.
Purification of High Molecular Mass Species of Calf Thymus Terminal Deoxymjcleotidyltransferase

Abstract We have developed a simplified column chromatographic procedure for the simultaneous purification of two high molecular mass forms (58 kd and 45 kd) and a standard two subunit 44 kd from of terminal deoxynucl eot idyl transferase (TdT) from calf thymus chromatin. The procedure involves hlgh salt extraction of the chromatin fraction followed by successive chromatographles on phosphocel lulose, DEAE sephadex, and hydroxylapatite matrices. While all 3 species of TdT comigrate throughout these steps, separatlon of Individual species is achieved on a single stranded DNA agarose colunin. The combined yield of the 45 kd and 58 kd TdTs is quite high (∼8 mg/500g tlssue), 45 kd being the major species (∼60%) and the 58 kd constituting about 30%. The 44 kd species containlng two subunits usually represents under 10% of the total. All the three forms of TdT showed similar specific activlty and preference for purine deoxynucleoslde triphosphates (dNTPs). The Km for individual dNTP with all three species of Td...
Undergraduate computer graphics using Java 3D

This workshop will introduce Java 3D as a tool for teaching graphics programming at the undergraduate level. Similar to the evolution of programming languages, a computer graphics course based entirely on high-level features of available graphics programming packages has become feasible and offers distinct advantages over traditional approaches. Such a course will be accessible to a wide range of students and will be more effective in introducing the fundamental graphics concepts and applications such as modeling, transformation, rendering, and animation. Java 3D, a high-level object-oriented 3D API integrated with Java, is an ideal tool for such a course. The workshop will explore the features and limitations of Java 3D in teaching introductory computer graphics.
pp125FAK in Human Melanocytes and Melanoma: Expression and Phosphorylation

Focal adhesion kinase (pp125FAK) is a nonreceptor tyrosine kinase which colocalizes with integrins to focal contacts, sites where multiple proteins interact to regulate the assembly of the actin cytoskeleton. Autophosphorylation and activation of pp125FAK occur after integrin clustering or cell adhesion to ligands through cognate integrin receptors and are postulated to mediate integrin signaling events. In this report we examined pp125FAK expression and phosphorylation in normal human melanocytes, an adherent human metastatic melanoma cell line (SKMEL28), and a nonadherent human metastatic melanoma cell line (SKMEL1). We show that SKMEL28 cells express constitutively phosphorylated pp125FAK and that pp125FAK phosphorylation in melanocytes is induced by phorbol esters and growth factors present in melanocyte growth medium. Focal adhesion kinase phosphorylation could be enhanced by b1 integrin-activating antibodies in human melanocytes, but not in SKMEL28 cells. In contrast with SKMEL28 cells, constitutive phosphorylation of pp125FAK was not observed in SKMEL1 cells, and incubation with activating b1 integrin antibodies had no effect on pp125FAK phosphorylation. Absence of pp125FAK phosphorylation in SKMEL1 cells was not due to lack of expression of pp125FAK, as shown by immunoprecipitation of the pp125FAK protein from cell lysates. However, b1 integrin expression was significantly less in SKMEL1 cells than in human melanocytes and SKMEL28 cells. This study further supports the importance of integrins in pp125FAK-mediated signaling and indicates that transformation-related changes in pp125FAK phosphorylation exist in human melanocytes and melanoma cells.
The origin and evolution and comparative physiology of gravity sensing organs

This introduction to the Topical Meeting on Gravity Sensing Organs specifically addresses the topic's specific descriptors: origin, evolution, and comparative physiology.
Dynamics and Control of Bridge Cranes Transporting Distributed-Mass Payloads

The large-amplitude and lightly-damped oscillation of crane payloads is detrimental to safe and efficient operation. The problem is further complicated when the payload creates a double-pendulum effect. Previous researches have shown that single-mode oscillations can be greatly reduced by properly shaping the inputs to the crane motors. This paper builds on previous developments by thoroughly describing the double-pendulum dynamic effects as a function of payload parameters and the crane configuration. Furthermore, an input-shaping control method is developed to suppress double-pendulum oscillations created by a payload with distributed-mass properties. Experiments performed on a 10-ton industrial bridge crane verify the effectiveness of the method. A critical aspect of the testing was human operator studies, wherein numerous operators utilized the input-shaping controller to perform manipulation tasks. The performance improvements provided by the input-shaping controller, as well as operator learning effects, are reported.
The ShakeOut Scenario: Meeting the Needs for Construction Aggregates, Asphalt, and Concrete:

Abstract An Mw 7.8 earthquake as described in the ShakeOut Scenario would cause significant damage to buildings and infrastructure. Over 6 million tons of newly mined aggregate would be used for emergency repairs and for reconstruction in the five years following the event. This aggregate would be applied mostly in the form of concrete for buildings and bridges, asphalt or concrete for pavement, and unbound gravel for applications such as base course that goes under highway pavement and backfilling for foundations and pipelines. There are over 450 aggregate, concrete, and asphalt plants in the affected area, some of which would be heavily damaged. Meeting the increased demand for construction materials would require readily available permitted reserves, functioning production facilities, a supply of cement and asphalt, a source of water, gas, and electricity, and a trained workforce. Prudent advance preparations would facilitate a timely emergency response and reconstruction following such an earthquake.
The mediating effects of attitudes toward homosexuality between secure attachment and disclosure outcomes among gay men.

ABSTRACT Past research has found that a stronger secure attachment style, developed in childhood, enhances one's ability to acknowledge negative feelings, cope with negative life events, and develop satisfying social relationships. Because an integral part of the “coming out” process for gay men is the ability to seek support from the gay community in order to reevaluate negative beliefs toward homosexuality, a gay man's attachment style may strongly impact this critical stage of his life. Results demonstrated that men who more strongly endorsed a secure attachment style reported more positive attitudes toward their own homosexuality, and that these more positive attitudes could mediate the relation between more secure attachment style, greater levels of self-disclosure regarding their homosexuality, and greater self-esteem. Implications of these data for internalized homophobia, the coming-out process, and effective social functioning are discussed.
Observed decadal midlatitude and tropical Atlantic climate variability

Two common indicators of Atlantic climate variability, viz., the North Atlantic oscillation (NAO) and the cross-intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) sea surface temperature (SST) gradient, are examined for their frequency characteristics and, midlatitude-tropical links. SST anomalies north and south of the ITCZ are found to be uncorrelated on all time scales, while the sea level pressure (SLP) fluctuations associated with the NAO display a coherent seesaw between Iceland and the Azores. This out-of-phase relationship spans a broad range of time scales, but is particularly strong in the 5–10 year period band. Strong, broadband coherence between the NAO and the tropical Atlantic cross-ITCZ SST difference is found in the 8–20 year period band, suggesting a significant midlatitude-tropical interaction. Moreover, tropical Atlantic SSTs on both sides of the ITCZ, separately, exhibit significant coherence with the NAO index and SLP variability over Iceland and the Azores. Based on these findings we hypothesize that the tropical Atlantic (TA) ocean-atmosphere interaction is affecting North Atlantic climate variability.
Infrared transmitting glasses based on hafnium fluoride

Abstract The synthesis and properties of glasses in the systems HfF4/1bBaF2/1bThF4, HfF4/1bZrF4/1bBaF2/1bThF4 and HfF4/1bBaF2/1bLaF3 are reported. The glasses have higher densities and better glass formation tendencies than those in which ZrF4 is the major network forming constituent. Optical measurements indicate that the HfF4 based glasses transmit longer wavelengths in the IR than ZrF4 based glasses. It is suggested that any increase in scattering loss in going from ZrF4 to HfF4 will be offset by the lower multiphonon losses in the latter.
Informational social support and online health information seeking

We explored processes involving social support, web use, and healthy eating.Informational support positively predicted web use.Informational support positively predicted favorable perceptions of web resources.Web use mediated the relationship between support and healthy eating intentions.Web use mediated the association between perceptions and healthy eating intentions. This study explores the nature of the relationship between informational social support and components of online health information seeking and how this process influences college students' healthy eating intentions. Results showed that social support was positively associated with online information seeking and more favorable impressions of nutrition/healthy diet information on the web. In addition, although social support was not associated with healthy eating intentions, all three information-seeking measures significantly predicted this outcome - even after controlling for numerous health-related factors. Additional mediation tests showed that social support had an indirect impact on healthy eating intentions through use as well as through a multi-step process involving perceptions of online resources. Overall, these results suggest that by raising health consciousness, informational support may trigger online health information seeking leading to healthier lifestyle intentions.
Perceptual Organization and Apparent Brightness in Subjective Contour Figures

According to a number of theories subjective contours arise from brightness contrast and/or assimilation. The apparent brightness gradients generated by these effects are assumed to give rise to the perception of contours delineating the gradients. A study is reported in which naive observers were shown a subjective contour display and asked to report what they saw. They were then asked to judge whether the center or the surround of the display appeared brighter. Subjects whose reports indicated that they had seen the subjective contour figure showed an overwhelming preference for the center of the display being brighter than the surround. However, subjects who did not see the subjective contour figure did not differ significantly in their selection of the center over the surround. This finding presents difficulties for any theory which derives subjective contours from the apparent brightness difference.
Woman pullers: pimping and sex trafficking in a Mexican Border City

Much has been written about sex trafficking in the past decade, although empirical studies have remained few. Even less research has been done on those who make a living by facilitating the movement of women and children in the sex industry. This paper is based on a three-year study in Tijuana, Mexico, in which 92 sex trade facilitators were interviewed. Findings suggest a far more complex social process than portrayed by the anti-trafficking literature. Men and women of diverse backgrounds developed niches in Tijuana’s sex industry, by bringing women into contact with customers. This business appeared to be dominated by Mexican entrepreneurs, with no evidence of any systematic collaborations with either local criminal organizations or foreign traffickers. There appeared to be no shortage of women willing to work in the sex industry, suggesting limited prospect for coerced prostitution. Still, a small number of pimps reported using “persuasion” to recruit women of particular types from interior Mexico. Commissions or referral fees were the most common form of income received by pimps for their services, and the rules on how money was to be made and split between sex workers and venue owners appeared well established. While a few respondents could sustain a livelihood through pimping, the majority held other jobs.
Ultrastructure of honey bee, Apis mellifera, sperm with special emphasis on the acrosomal complex following high-pressure freezing fixation

. The ultrastructure of ejaculated sperm of the honey bee, Apis mellifera L., was studied after sperm were processed by using a high-pressure freezing fixation and freezing substitution method. The electron micrographs of samples processed by this method clearly revealed previously unobserved or unresolved fine details, particularly those in the acrosomal complex. The present study demonstrates that the acrosomal complex of honey bee sperm consists of an anterior tubular acicular apex, an enlarged spherical region, and the elongated acrosomal proper. Internally, the structures of acrosomal complex confirm the general description of the tri-layer model; having an extra-acrosomal layer, an acrosome vesicle, and a central acrosomal rod located in a subacrosomal cavity. The acrosomal rod terminates anteriorly with an electron dense corpuscle in an ensheathing cap at the spherical region. The electron micrographs also show the presence of a centriolar adjunct and a structure possibly of a centriolar or basal body origin. The chemical and functional aspects of these ultrastructures remain unknown.
Temporal Order in Dirty Driven Periodic Media.

We consider the nonequilibrium steady states of a driven charge density wave in the presence of impurities and noise. In three dimensions at strong drive, a dynamical phase transition into a temporally periodic state with quasi-long-range translational order is predicted. In two dimensions, impurity induced phase slips are argued to destroy the "moving solid" phase. Implications for narrow band noise measurements and relevance to other driven periodic media, e.g., vortex lattices, are discussed.
John Breakwell, the restricted problem, and halo orbits

Abstract This Note is based on a presentation made at the special session “Tribute to John Breakwell” of the 42nd IAF Congress (Montreal, 7–11 October 1991) recalling the outstanding achievements of J. V. Breakwell in theoretical Celestial Mechanics. The study of spacecraft oscillating about the Earth-Moon translunar L 2 libration point for a communication satellite to service the backside of the moon led to the concept of halo orbits which gained credibility with the launch of ISEE-3 on 12 August 1978 and subsequent insertion of the vehicle into an orbit about the Sun-Earth libration point L 1 . The investigation was expanded to search for complete families of solutions, in particular also near L 3 . The contribution of the authors (R. W. Farquhar and K. C. Howell) is mentioned.
The Relationship Between Hospital Volume and Outcome in Bariatric Surgery at Academic Medical Centers

In an effort to improve the quality of surgical care for bariatric patients, the American Society for Bariatric Surgery (ASBS) recently proposed categorization of certain bariatric surgical practices into “Centers of Excellence” for bariatric surgery. The Centers of Excellence program was initiated to educate the public and third-party payers about bariatric surgery centers that provide a comprehensive, standardized, and predictable structure along with a long-term commitment to the treatment of morbidly obese patients. Criteria for becoming a center of excellence include a threshold volume of bariatric surgical cases per year, operative outcomes, and the presence of a multidisciplinary commitment to management of the morbidly obese (Table 1). Bariatric centers that perform a threshold of 125 cases per year with acceptable results, provide long-term follow-up care, and have a mutidisciplinary approach for management of morbidly obese patients would be categorized as “centers of excellence.” This concept was viewed with skepticism by some ASBS members as an effort to enhance regionalization of practice and reinforce referral to established centers. Furthermore, the validity of the hypothesis that high surgical volume in bariatric surgery equates to better operative outcomes and improved quality of care was questioned. TABLE 1. Proposed Criteria for Becoming a Center of Excellence According to the American Society for Bariatric Surgery The relationship between volume and outcome has been established in several complex abdominal operations including esophagectomy and pancreatectomy, but few studies have examined the volume–outcome relationship in patients undergoing bariatric surgery.1–5 Bariatric surgery, particularly Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, is a complex operation performed in a high-risk population with many comorbid conditions. Optimal outcomes in bariatric surgery often depend on the presence of an experienced surgical team working in the context of a well-structured multidisciplinary program. A dedicated surgical team often includes well-trained surgeons, bariatric surgical coordinators, dedicated anesthesiologists, nutritionists, and mental health specialists. A well-structured program includes a hospital facility capable of handling the morbidly obese and the presence of appropriate consultative and critical care staff, experienced nursing staff, perioperative clinical pathways, organized support group, and a clinic system in place for long-term follow-up of patients. The objective of this study was to determine the volume–outcome relationship in patients who underwent bariatric surgery by using a national administrative database of academic medical centers and teaching hospitals.
Identifying Obstacles to Community Climate Protection Planning

A growing number of US municipalities are making plans and adopting policies to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in their communities. In this paper we explore some of the obstacles that munic...
A guerra para tornar-se humano: Tornar-se humano em tempo de guerra

Ha um poema escrito em 1990 por uma escritora filipina, Joi Barrios, intitulado “Ang Pagiging Babae Ay Pamumuhay sa Panahon ng Digma” – Ser uma Mulher e Viver em Tempo de Guerra. O poema se refere a epoca em que o povo filipino presenciava o trafico de mulheres, apoiado pelo Estado, juntamente com a venda de outros recursos naturais nacionais – nosso povo, nossa terra e sua riqueza orgânica – sob um regime repressivo e autoritario e seus sucessores. Esse tempo de guerra, que durou mais de 30 anos, e continua nos dias de hoje, assistiu a prisao, tortura e matanca de milhares de pessoas que se opunham aos regimes que o instituiam, regimes apoiados pelo know-how financeiro, politico e militar dos Estados Unidos, do Banco Mundial e do FMI. Barrios escreve:
An anti-bulimia group for adolescent girls

In this paper we discuss our group work with adolescent girls struggling with bulimia nervosa. We initially began by utilizing a psychoeducational format, but our interest in the work of Michael White and David Epston led us to devise an anti-bulimia group where participants are encouraged to externalize the bulimia, resist its influence in their lives, and empower themselves through recognizing their own competence and resourcefulness in the process of recovery. An additional emphasis was on how the practices of the bulimia are related to broader, sociocultural issues affecting adolescent girls and their relationships to themselves, their bodies, and to others. Group process issues are discussed, and we make recommendations for further work in this area.