cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Review of Desalination Technologies for Low-Resource Settings

Desalination has long been thought to be a solution to water scarcity issues in low- and middle-income countries around the world. Desalination plants have been built on many different scales, most commonly using a type of filtration or distillation in order to obtain potable water. Too often, though, large-scale desalination plants are economically and environmentally unfeasible for developing communities. Small-scale desalination plants, therefore, are a more viable solution for communities where resources are scarce and flexibility is key. This paper analyzes several parameters of constructing and maintaining desalination plants, including capital costs, energy costs, pre-treatment, post-treatment, and waste disposal, and compares the relative cost of each method of filtration or distillation. Case studies of small-scale desalination plants in indigenous, urban, and rural communities are examined to draw conclusions about the most effective and achievable types of plants that serve the needs of each type of community most effectively.
Trends in palliative medicine and aggressive care at the end of life for women with gynecologic malignancies: a 15-year single institutional experience

Objectives: For over a decade palliative medicine in conjunction with disease modifying therapy has been recommended for women with metastatic, recurrent and symptomatic malignancies. The objective of this study was to compare the prevalence of palliative care consultations as well as aggressive care at the end of life (ACE) scores between women who died from gynecologic malignancies from 2005-2010 verse 2015-2020 as stratified by timely verses no/untimely consultation. We hypothesize that in the past fifteen years there has been an increase in palliative medicine consultation. Methods: After IRB approval data including patient demographics, histopathology, treatment and metrics of quality palliative care were abstracted from patients who died from gynecologic malignancies between 2005-2010 and 2015-2020 at a tertiary care medical center. Timely palliative consultation was defined as ≥to 30 days before death. Metrics contributing one point each to the ACE scores were 1) admission to ICU within 30 days of death, 2) hospital admission more than 14 days in the last 30 days of life, 3) more than one hospital admission during the past 30 days of life,4) more than one emergency room visit during the last 30 days of life,5) death in an acute care setting, 6) initiation of a new chemotherapy during the last 30 days of life, 7)last chemotherapy within 14 days of death, and 8) hospice admission less than 3 days before death. Data were reported in a descriptive fashion and analyzed using Student's T test, Wilcoxon Scores, and chi-square analysis with Stata 14.2. Results: Of 147 women in 2015-2020 cohort, 59(40%) had timely referral to palliative medicine compared to 18(18%) of the 2005-2010 cohort (p Download : Download high-res image (142KB) Download : Download full-size image Conclusions: There has been an increased consultation frequency and proportion of timely referrals to palliative medicine comparing contemporary to historical deaths from gynecologic malignancies. In both time periods overall ACE scores and some component scores were improved for women who received timely referral to palliative medicine. These data should be interpreted with caution secondary to baseline differences in cohorts who received timely palliative consultation verses untimely/no consultation
Faculty as a Barrier to Dismantling Racism in Social Work Education

Facilitating learning around race and racism is often uncomfortable for faculty as well as students. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to investigate the experiences of undergraduate social work educators who teach about race and racism in social work programs. I employed a qualitative case study design to understand the lived experience of undergraduate social work educators who teach race specific content. I employed a combination of purposive sampling and snowballing methods to identify nine participants from the Southeast region of the United States. Utilizing a Critical Race Theory (CRT) framework to analyze interviews, several key findings emerged revealing faculty as barriers to facilitating learning around anti-racist content in the classroom. These findings were a) their own racial identity; b) insufficient formal preparation around race and racism; c) lack of faculty comfort with anti-racist content; and d) lack of skill in teaching anti-racist content. Recommendations include the implementation of scaffolded antiracist content throughout social work curricula that would be required by the Council on Social Work Education as part of the accreditation process.
Sexual Harassment in the Public Accounting Profession

Federal discrimination laws have defined two distinct types of activity that constitute sexual harassment – "hostile environment" and "quid pro quo." The Civil Rights Act of 1991 and more recent Supreme Court rulings make it easier for workers to win lawsuits claiming they were sexually harassed in the work environment.
Iodohistidine Formation in Ribonuclease A

Abstract Iodination of bovine pancreatic ribonuclease A at 0° and pH 8.5 leads to the formation of 3 iodinated tyrosyl residues and 1 iodinated histidyl residue. The yield of iodinated amino acids is not significantly different at 24°. Carboxymethylation of histidine-119 reduces the total organic iodine from ∼8 to ∼6 g atoms per mole. This decrease is almost entirely accounted for by a lack of iodohistidine formation and suggests that it is this histidyl residue that is iodinated in the native protein. Subtilisin treatment of iodinated RNase A produces iodinated S-protein and uniodinated S-peptide, suggesting that histidine-12 is not iodinated. Phosphate, pyrophosphate, and cytidine monophosphate reduce total iodine incorporation largely by decreasing iodohistidine formation. Enzymatic activity against 2',3'-cyclic CMP is essentially unaffected by the incorporation of 2 g atoms of iodine per mole, but decreases as a function of iodine content with increasing iodination. Preliminary evidence suggests that the initial loss of activity is due primarily to tyrosine iodination.
Censorship or Selection? Academic Library Holdings of the Top Ten Most Challenged Books of 2007.

Academic libraries often serve as the protectors of challenged books. Pressure on public libraries to remove controversial works can and often does result in the restriction of access or removal of the work from those libraries shelves. Academic libraries, however, operate with a stronger sense of academic and intellectual freedom. To analyze how well academic libraries do in acquiring and making available books which appear on the American Library Association‘s Challenged Books list, the list for 2007 was analyzed in WorldCat to determine the number and overall percentage of academic libraries holding the titles. Overall, 29.94% of the libraries holding challenged books were academic libraries.
Society's Moral Right to Punish: A Further Exploration of the Denunciation Theory of Punishment

The commonly identified theories of punishment for lawbreakers are either utilitarian, in that punishment is justified because it leads to a better society by reducing crime, or they are retributive, in that punishment is justified because the convicted criminal is morally deserving of punishment. Neither of these schools of thought presents a completely compelling argument for society's right to inflict punishment on a specific individual. If society does have such a right, however, it should be possible to identify the source of that right. One of the reasons for the failing of these 2 doctrines is that while they may recognize crime's impact on law-abiding society, they do not even attempt to deal with punishment's effect on law-abiding society. Just as punishment may impact potential lawbreakers, it may also impact those who abide by the law. To fully understand society's right to inflict punishment, one must recognize punishment's full impact on all segments of society, not just the potential lawbreakers. Only the denunciation theory of punishment considers punishment's impact on law-abiding society.
The synthesis of ternary acetylides with tellurium: Li2TeC2 and Na2TeC2

The synthesis of ternary acetylides Li2TeC2 and Na2TeC2 is presented as the first example of ternary acetylides with metalloid elements instead of transition metals. The synthesis was carried out by the direct reaction of the corresponding bialkali acetylides with tellurium powder in liquid ammonia. Alternatively, the synthesis of Na2TeC2 was also carried out by the direct reaction of tellurium powder and two equivalents of NaC2H in liquid ammonia leading to Na2TeC2 and acetylene gas through an equilibrium containing the assumed NaTeC2H molecules besides the reactants and the products. The resulting disordered crystalline materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. Implications of these new syntheses on the synthesis of other ternary acetylides with metalloid elements and transition metals are also discussed.
New and rapid functional assay for C1 inhibitor in human plasma

C1 inhibitor (C1-INH) and alpha 2-macroglobulin (alpha 2M) account for over 90% of the inactivation of purified plasma kallikrein by normal human plasma. The rate of kallikrein inactivation is also dependent on the presence of high molecular weight kininogen (HMWK), which forms a reversible complex with kallikrein protecting the active site of the enzyme against inhibitors. By selectively inactivating alpha 2M with methylamine, and eliminating the protective effect of HMWK by dilution, the inactivation of kallikrein by plasma became almost exclusively dependent on C1-INH. Functional C1 inhibitor was assessed by measuring the pseudo-first-order rate constant for the inactivation of kallikrein by diluted methylamine-treated plasma in 29 individuals, including 11 controls, 11 oral contraceptive users, 5 patients with classical hereditary angioedema (HAE), and 2 patients with variant HAE. Over a wide range of concentrations, an excellent correlation (r = 0.90) was observed between functional and antigenic C1-INH among controls, oral contraceptive users, and patients with classical HAE. This new functional assay for C1-INH can be performed in less than 3 hr with commercially available reagents. Therefore, this assay will be helpful for the diagnosis and management of conditions associated with the deficiency of C1-INH, such as HAE.
Retorting and Combustion Processes in Surface Oil-Shale Retorts

Lawrence Livermore's mathematical model for a batch oil-shale retorting process has proved useful in understanding in situ retorting in a bed of oil-shale rubble. This model is based on an improved understanding of the physical and chemical processes involved in retorting. It has since been modified to calculate the retorting of shale moving through a retort, as required for a continuous process in surface equipment. Calculations were made in which the retorting process that releases oil from raw shale is physically separated from the combustion process that recovers energy from spent shale by burning the residual carbon. Calculations were also made with the retorting and combustion processes combined in one unit. Results of the calculations illustrate the advantages and disadvantages of inert-gas and combustion retorts. Temperature control and the efficient use of energy from the nonliquid products of pyrolysis are key problems in surface retorting processes. The amount of gas produced by the combustion of char with air is insufficient to retort shale without steep temperature gradients which, in turn, may make the temperature difficult to control and result in the loss of oil yield. 13 figures, 3 tables.
Self- and informant reports of executive function on the BRIEF-A in MCI and older adults with cognitive complaints.

Abstract Amnestic mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is characterized by impaired episodic memory, although subtle executive problems have been noted on neuropsychological tests. Recent research also has described a group of healthy, non-depressed older adults with significant cognitive complaints (CC) but normal performance on neuropsychological testing. These individuals show structural and functional brain changes intermediate between those seen in MCI and healthy older adults without such complaints (HC). We evaluated executive functions in MCI and CC using the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function—Adult version (BRIEF-A), a newly developed self- and informant report questionnaire in 29 patients with amnestic MCI, 28 CCs, and 30 demographically matched HCs. MCI and CC participants reported significant difficulties with selective aspects of executive functioning relative to HCs despite clinically normal performance on neuropsychological tests of this cognitive domain. Scores were generally in the pattern of MCI > CC > HC, and findings were most pronounced for working memory. Additionally, MCI and CC participants were more likely than their informants to report clinically meaningful executive problems, though informants identified a similar pattern of difficulty overall. Results failed to reveal strong relations between the BRIEF-A and standardized neuropsychological tests of executive function. Overall findings indicate that the BRIEF-A is sensitive to subtle executive changes in MCI and CC and suggest the need for research to determine if executive complaints are predictive of clinical course.
Some interrelationships between constructivist models of learning and current neurobiological theory, with implications for science education

Recent advances in the neurosciences have begun to elucidate how some fundamental mechanisms of nervous system activity can explain human information processing and the acquisition of knowledge. Some of these findings are consistent with a cognitive view of constructivist models of learning and provide additional theoretical support for constructivist applications to science education reform. Current thought at the interface between neurocognitive research and constructivist philosophy is summarized here and discussed in a context of implications for scientific epistemology and conceptual change processes in science education.
Integrals associated with the multiple gamma function

The multiple gamma function Γn(z), defined by a recurrence-functional equation as a generalization of the Euler gamma function, is used in many applications of pure and applied mathematics, and theoretical physics. The theory of the multiple gamma function has been related to certain spectral functions in mathematical physics, to the study of functional determinants of Laplacians of the n-sphere, to Hecke L-functions, to the Selberg zeta function, and to the random matrix theory. There is a wide class of definite integrals and infinite sums appearing in statistical physics (the Potts model) and the lattice theory, which can be computed by means of the Γn(z) function. This paper presents new integral representations for the multiple gamma function and other mathematical functions and constants.
Bone Marrow Injury in Lithographers Exposed to Glycol Ethers and Organic Solvents Used in Multicolor Offset and Ultraviolet Curing Printing Processes

ABSTRACT Prompted by referral of a printer with aplastic anemia, a study of possible marrow toxicity of workplace substances was undertaken. Dermal and respiratory exposures to dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether, ethylene glycol monoethyl ether, and a range of aliphatic, aromatic and halogenated hydrocarbons used for offset and ultraviolet cured multicolor printing were documented. Evaluation of seven co-workers revealed normal peripheral blood pictures, but bone marrow specimens demonstrated clear patterns of injury in three while the others had nonspecific signs of a marrow effect. These changes could not be explained by known risk factors. The authors conclude that further evaluation of possible bone marrow toxicity resulting from exposure to glycol ethers and ultraviolet curing printing processes is warranted. More generally, we have provided data demonstrating that peripheral blood counts may be an insensitive tool for the study of hematologic toxins acting at the bone marrow level.
Applications of binderless zeolite-coated monolithic reactors

Many important industrial processes currently employ synthetic zeolites as catalysts. Fixed and fluidized bed reactors, employed in most commercial applications, use catalyst pellets formed from mixtures of zeolite crystals and binders. However, binders hinder access to the zeolite active sites; thereby reducing catalytic efficiency. This study demonstrates that zeolites synthesized in situ on monolithic substrates offer lower resistance to mass transfer. The controlling mass transfer regime in these reactors is assessed from experimental and theoretical studies of two test reactions in ZSM-5 coated monolithic reactors. Also, the applicability of the monolithic reactor configuration to other zeolite catalyzed processes is discussed.
New dawn for electric rockets.

The article discusses the usage of electric plasma engines in spacecraft. The engines' application of electric and electromagnetic fields to plasma clouds in order to create thrust is described. The prediction that future electric plasma engines will be able to propel spacecraft to greater speeds for the same amount of propellant as conventional chemical fuel-burning rockets is also noted. INSETS: Chemical vs. Electric Rockets;EARLY HISTORY OF ELECTRIC ROCKETS;The Proven Plasma Propulsion Workhorse;The Latest Plasma Engine Contender
Amiodarone-associated hemoptysis.

The manifestations of amiodarone pulmonary toxicity (APT) are generally nonspecific, and a diagnosis requires appropriate clinical history, laboratory testing consistent with toxicity, and exclusion of other disease entities. To our knowledge, hemoptysis associated with APT has not been described before; the following report describes such a case. We suggest that APT should be considered among the differential diagnoses of hemoptysis in a patient receiving amiodarone.
Autogenous regulation by the bacteriophage P22 arc gene product

The immI immunity region of bacteriophage P22 encodes two proteins which negatively regulate the synthesis of antirepressor: the mnt gene product, which acts during lysogeny, and the arc gene product, which acts during the lytic cycle of infection. We have identified the product of the arc gene as a small protein that is present in extracts of cells labelled after infection with P22 arc+ phage but not with either of two arc-amber mutants. The Arc protein is not produced by phages carrying a deletion or point mutation that inactivates the promoter for antirepressor synthesis (Pant), indicating that the arc gene is expressed from Pant. This conclusion is supported by genetic complementation tests, which show that phage that have an inactive Pant promoter cannot provide Arc function in trans to arc− phage. Synthesis of the Arc protein and antirepressor appear to be co-ordinately regulated. Both Arc protein and antirepressor are overproduced during P22 arc-amH1605 infection of a sup+ host which does not restore Arc activity. Therefore, Arc protein negatively regulates its own synthesis, as well as that of antirepressor. In addition, Mnt repressor produced by an established prophage specifically prevents the production of both Arc protein and antirepressor by superinfecting phage.
Theoretical Study of the Substituent and Solvent Effects on the Molecular Structures, Absorption and Emission Spectra of Open-Form Spiropyrans

The effects of substituents and solvents on the molecular structures, excitation energies and emission energies of a series of donor-acceptor substituted spiropyrans were investigated using the density functional methods. Different donor-acceptor pairs lead to alternations of the molecular structures. A relationship between the strengths of donor-acceptor pairs and the structural parameter BLA (bond length alternation) was examined and discussed. The impact on geometrical parameters induced by the solvents is more significant than that caused by the substituents, as indicated by the larger BLA changes. The substituent and solvent effects on the UV absorption and emission spectra of open-form spiropyrans were studied by the TD-DFT method. The absorption maxima of open-form spiropyrans are expected to red shift, and the emission are expected to blue shift as the strengths of donor-acceptor pairs and the polarities of solvents increase. A simple model was adopted to mimic the substituent and solvent effects, in the framework of AM1, employing Sparkles to create an external electric field on the open-form spiropyran, in order to induce a systematical polarization of the molecular equilibrium geometry and the electronic configuration.
Having More Fun with Organized Kissing

Several current issues in economics are centered on scheduling and matching problems, notably including the 2012 Nobel Prize winning work. Such problems usually lie outside the scope of most undergraduate courses. We present a relatively simple problem that can be used to introduce the graph theory needing to teach these interesting but somewhat difficult topics.
Computer–Mediated Negotiated Interaction: An Expanded Model

This study examines task–based, synchronous computer–mediated communication (CMC) among intermediate–level learners of English. The research specifically explores (a) whether learners engage in negotiated interaction when they encounter new lexical items, (b) whether task type has an effect on the amount of negotiation that transpires, and (c) how this computer–mediated negotiation compares to that noted in the face–to–face literature. Fourteen nonnative–nonnative dyads collaboratively completed 4 communicative tasks using ChatNet, a browser–based chat program. Each dyad completed 2 jigsaw and 2 decision–making tasks, which were each “seeded” with 8 target lexical items. The chatscripts reveal that learners do in fact negotiate for meaning in the CMC environment when nonunderstanding occurs. Furthermore, task type was found to have a definite influence on the extent to which learners engaged in negotiation, but not necessarily in the same way that has been observed in the face–to–face literature. Though the negotiation that occurs in the CMC environment proceeds in ways that are roughly similar to face–to–face negotiation, the observed differences call for a new model of computer–mediated negotiation. This new model is presented as a more accurate tool for describing computer–mediated negotiated interaction than those offered to chart face–to–face negotiation episodes.
Device physics: a bug-beating diode.

A diode that emits light at a shorter wavelength than ever before shows huge — albeit destructive — technological promise. But further work is needed to ensure that this promise is fulfilled.
Applications of FTA National Transit Data Base for the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act Management System Requirements

The Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (ISTEA) requires states in conjunction with metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) to develop, establish, and implement several systems to better manage and improve the efficiency of transportation infrastructure. Among other things, the National Highway System Designation Act of 1995 allows states not to implement one or more of the ISTEA management systems. Although the management systems are now optional, FHWA and FTA continue to believe that the management and monitoring of the performance and condition of the multimodal transportation system should remain an important element of statewide and metropolitan planning. How FTA's National Transit Data Base (NTD) can provide an important source of information as agencies develop the ISTEA management systems or similar mechanisms for managing and monitoring transit facilities and equipment is analyzed. NTD, which contains information on the financial and nonfinancial operations, system performance, and equipment of national public transit systems, is used primarily by transit operators and others in the transit industry. How NTD can contribute to development and operations of the Public Transportation Management System as well as the Congestion and other management systems is discussed. Development of applications for ISTEA management systems, or for similar planning tools, broadens applications of NTD beyond its transit customer base to aid states and MPOs. By contributing comprehensive transit data to systems for managing and monitoring condition and performance of multimodal transportation, NTD can improve representation of transit needs and performance in the ISTEA planning process.
Two-step purification procedure for recombinant human asialoerythropoietin expressed in transgenic plants

Asialoerythropoietin (asialo-EPO) is a desialylated form of human glycoprotein hormone erythropoietin (EPO), which has been reported to be neuro-, cardio-, and renoprotective in animal models of organ injuries. Since the current method of production of asialo-EPO from mammalian cell-made recombinant human EPO (rhuEPOM) by enzymatic desialylation is not commercially viable, we and others used plant-based expression systems to produce recombinant human asialo-EPO (asialo-rhuEPOP). Despite achieving high expression levels in plants, its purification from plant extracts has remained a greater challenge, which has prevented studying its tissue-protective effects and translating it into clinical practice. In this study, a procedure was developed to purify asialo-rhuEPOP from transgenic tobacco leaf tissues in two steps: ion-exchange chromatography based on its high pI (8.75) to separate it from acidic plant proteins, and immunoaffinity chromatography to obtain pure asialo-rhuEPOP. Using this process, up to 31% of the asialo-rhuEPOP could be recovered to near homogeneity from plant extracts. This work demonstrates that asialo-rhuEPOP expressed in tobacco plants could be purified in high yield and purity using minimal steps, which might be suitable for scale-up. Furthermore, the ion-exchange chromatography step together with the use of protein-specific antibody column could be used to purify a wide variety of basic recombinant proteins from transgenic leaf tissues.
Mackenzie's Demon with instabilities

MacKenzie's Maxwell Demon, consisting of positively biased thin wires, heats plasma electrons without significantly affecting the plasma potential. Experiments were performed on the Maxwell Demon in a multi-dipole confined filament discharge. It is shown that given adequate bias, the Demon reduces a bi-Maxwellian electron distribution function to a single Maxwellian electron distribution function. It is shown that a small planar electrode can perform identical heating as the Demon, provided that the electrode has the area of approximately three times the Demon's conductive surface area. The instability that limits the Demon's operation is investigated. Time-resolved measurements of changes in global electron temperature, plasma density and plasma potential within a cycle of the instability are considered. It is found that the Demon's instability is a repeating pulsed anode spot. Density measurements indicate that the frequency of the instability is dependent on plasma production and loss rates. The neutral pressure dependence of the anode spot instability is measured and modeled for the first time.
Star formation: Sibling rivalry begins at birth.

High-resolution astronomical observations of a nearby molecular gas cloud have revealed a quadruplet of stars in the act of formation. The system is arguably the youngest multiple star system detected so far. See Letter p.213
Three graveyard shifts as a nurse's aide: lessons of a lifetime.

I was just 18 years old in 1984. Between my freshman and sophomore years of college, I had no prospects, no skills, but lots of motivation to work hard. Pell Grants and loans didn’t cover the costs of a college education; my mom earned less than the cost of my tuition. Financial help from home was simply not an option. At the unemployment office, I learned of a chance to earn $3.35 an hour at a nursing home in a small town in Rhode Island. I thought I had hit the lottery! The third-shift job would allow me to keep my job in the factory, putting jewelry on decorative cards. With both jobs, I figured that I just might be able to earn the $2,500 I needed to return to college in the fall. The nursing home was desperate for help so the fact that I had no patient experience and little experience visiting a nursing home was not a problem. The irony that the name of my new place of employment sounded just like ‘‘desolate’’ did not escape me. Webster’s defines desolate as an adjective meaning ‘‘joyless, disconsolate, and sorrowful or as if through separation from a loved one’’ or ‘‘showing the effects of abandonment and neglect, devoid of warmth, comfort, or hope.’’ As a nursing home between 11 PM and 7 AM in 1984, my new place of employment sure fit the bill. My first night, I learned lessons that influence my thinking to this day. The nursing aides on duty that night took me under their wing. I was shocked, but compliant as I followed directions from the pack to sit for most of the shift with the aides who were smoking, talking, and playing cards. The nurse in charge appeared afraid of the boisterous crowd and did not dare to even look at the crew when she finally ventured out of her office. I tried to make eye contact through the smoke-filled room: ‘‘Do something!’’ my eyes pleaded. Although I had yet to meet a resident, I knew that this was not right. As the head nurse was clearly uncomfortable in her leadership role, chaos ensued. Call lights went unanswered; duties ignored. Finally, an hour before the morning staff arrived, the crew got up, went from room to room, bed to bed, and changed sheets and bed clothing. When the
Does Race Matter? Effects of Idealized Images on African American Women’s Perceptions of Body Esteem

Using the theory of social comparison, this study examines the impact of exposure to advertisements of thin, physically attractive, Caucasian and African American models on the self-evaluations of African American women exhibiting varying levels of self-reported body esteem. As expected, exposure to idealized images of Caucasian models was not related to lowered self-evaluations regardless of the level of body esteem. However, women with low levels of body esteem did report lowered self-satisfaction with body esteem when exposed to physically attractive images of African American models. Results suggest that similarity or ethnicity of the idealized image may have an impact on African Americanwomen’s self-evaluations. Theoretical implications are discussed with respect to future research in the area of racial issues and mass media effects.
Model Simulations Reveal VCAM-1 Augment PAK Activation Rates to Amplify p38 MAPK and VE-Cadherin Phosphorylation

Metastasis is a complex process mediated by both adhesion molecules and chemokine secretion [1]. One important event during cancer metastasis is tumor cell extravasation through the endothelium [1]. In melanoma cancer, tumor cell extravasation is mediated by very late antigen (VLA)-4 molecule adhesion to vascular cell adhesion molecules (VCAM)-1 on endothelial cells [2]. High expression levels of VLA-4 integrin are associated with a marked increase in melanoma extravasation through endothelial layers [2]. The binding of VLA-4 to VCAM -1 induces the activation of downstream mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling cascades, which regulate the vascular endothelial (VE)-cadherin junctions that hold together endothelial cells [2].Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Real gas effects on shock-tube flow nonuniformity

3 Dernetriades, A., "An Experimental Investigation of the Stability of the Hypersonic Laminar Boundary Layer," Memo 43, 1958, Guggenheim Aeronautical Lab., California Institute of Technology. 4 Potter, J. L. and Whitfield, J. D., "Effects of Unit Reynolds Number, Nose Bluntness, and Roughness on Boundary Layer Transition," TR-60-5, 1960, Arnold Engineering Development Center. 5 Nagamatsu, H. T., Graber, B. C., and Sheer, R. E., Jr., "Critical Layer Concept Relative to Hypersonic Boundary Layer Stability/' Rept. 66-C-192, 1966, General Electric Co. 6 Maddalon, D. V. and Henderson, A., Jr., "Boundary-Layer Transition on Sharp Cones at Hypersonic Mach Numbers," AIAA Journal, Vol. 6, No. 3, March 1968, pp. 424-431. 7 Softley, E. J. and Graber, B. C., "Experimental Observation of Transition of the Hypersonic Boundary Layer," AIAA Journal, Vol. 7, No. 2, Feb. 1969, pp. 257-263. 8 Deem, R. E. and Murphy, J. S., "Flat Plate Boundary Layer Transition at Hypersonic Speeds," AIAA Paper 65-128, New York, 1965. 9 Sanator, R. J., DeCarlo, J. P., and Torrillo, D. T., "Hypersonic Boundary-Layer Transition Data for a Cold-Wall Slender Cone," AIAA Journal, Vol. 3, No. 4, April 1965, pp. 758-760. 10 Rouse, H., "A General Stability Index for Flow Near Plane Boundaries," Journal of the Aeronautical Sciences, Vol. 12, No. 4, Oct. 1945, pp. 429-431. 11 Rouse, H., Elementary Mechanics of Fluids, Wiley, New York, 1946, p. 172. 12 Cohen, N. B., "Boundary Layer Similar Solutions and Correlation Equations for Laminar Heat-Transfer Distributions in Equilibrium Air at Velocities up to 41,000 Feet Per Second," TR R-118,1961, NASA. 13 van Driest, D. R. and Blumer, C. B., "Boundary Layer Transition: Freestream Turbulence and Pressure Gradient Effects," AIAA Journal, Vol. 1, No. 6, June 1963, pp. 1303-1306. 14 Iverson, H. W. and Hsu, T.-T., "A Local Reynolds Number to Predict Transition from Laminar to Turbulent Flow," Heat Transfer Thermodynamics and Education, McGraw-Hill, New York, pp. 207-212. BOUNDARY LAYER
Chemically modified tetracyclines inhibit inducible nitric oxide synthase expression and nitric oxide production in cultured rat mesangial cells.

Tetracyclines inhibit matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) and attenuate connective tissue degradation in a wide variety of human and animal disorders. Chemically modified tetracyclines (CMT) have been synthesized in which the antibacterial potency has been eliminated but in which the anti-MMP efficacy is retained. Nitric oxide (NO) modulates MMP synthesis and activity in mesangial cellsin vitro.Therefore, we examined whether CMT inhibit iNOS gene and protein expression and NO production in cultured rat mesangial cells. Mesangial cells were maintained in media containing IFN-γ and LPS for 24–72 h. Test media contained either no further additives or CMT-1, 3, 5, or 8 at concentrations of 1, 2.5, 5, and 10 μg/ml. iNOS gene and protein expression were assessed and NO production was determined by the Griess reaction. Incubation of mesangial cells with CMT-3 and CMT-8 resulted in time- and dose-dependent inhibition of NO production that was maximal at 48 h (<20% of control) and at a drug concentration of 5 μg/ml (P<0.05). Addition of CMT-1 had a modest (40%) inhibitory effect and CMT-5 did not alter NO production. The impact of CMT on NO production was directly related to their potency as collagenase inhibitors. Moreover, CMT-induced changes in NO synthesis were associated with parallel alterations in steady-state iNOS mRNA abundance and protein expression. These agents may be useful to ameliorate NO-dependent glomerular inflammation.
On-shell improved lattice QCD with staggered fermions

By using Symanzik{close_quote}s improvement program, we study on-shell-improved lattice QCD with staggered fermions. We find that there are as many as 15 independent lattice operators of dimension 6 (including both gauge and fermion operators) which must be added to the unimproved action to form an O(a{sup 2})-improved action. Among them, the total number of dimension-6 gauge operators and fermion bilinears is 5. The other ten terms are four-fermion operators. At the tree level and tadpole-improved tree level, all ten four-fermion operators are absent. {copyright} {ital 1997} {ital The American Physical Society}
Evolution of outcomes with the ileal hydraulic valve continent diversion: reevaluation of the Benchekroun catheterizable stoma

Initial reports with limited follow-up suggested that the ileal hydraulic valve was a satisfactory approach to continent urinary diversion that was associated with acceptable early complication rates and uniform efficacy in achieving continence. We sought to evaluate the later outcomes of patients with this form of continent urinary diversion. An average extended follow-up of 5 years was available on 11 patients who had undergone ileal hydraulic valve diversion. Although only 13% of patients had complications requiring surgical revision at 18 months of follow-up, at the 5-year follow-up, 91% had developed complications requiring surgical revision. Of these, 64% entailed major revision of the urinary diversion. The most common late complication was stomal stenosis (73%); calculus formation (36%) and devagination (36%) were also common. Although in some cases, stomal stenosis was successfully managed by superficial revision with skin flaps and grafts, most cases required complete replacement of the efferent limb. Use of the devaginated or stenosed ileal hydraulic valve to construct a flap-valve efferent limb based on the Mitrofanoff principal succeeded in salvaging the continent urinary diversions in these patients. Novel forms of urinary diversion require extended follow-up for accurate assessment of their feasibility and efficacy. Attentive surveillance with surgical revision as necessary in such cases is mandatory for the preservation of continence and renal function.
Hard Wheat Milling and Bread Baking Traits Affected by the Seed-Specific Overexpression of Puroindolines

Grain texture affects many milling characteristics and end-use qualities in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) such as milling yield, flour particle size, and starch damage. In wheat, grain texture is controlled primarily by the two genes puroindoline a (pina) and puroindoline b (pinb) that reside at the Hardness (Ha) locus. Variation in puroindoline activity and abundance is known to influence a variety of milling and baking traits, and the reconstitution of flour with puroindoline A protein (PINA) has been shown to positively affect loaf volume and crumb grain. To investigate which milling and baking traits are affected by the addition of puroindolines in vivo, we transformed the hard red spring wheat cultivar Hi-Line, with genetic constructs driving the expression of pina-D1a, pinb-D1a, or both pina-D1a and pinb-D1a. Transgenic lines exhibited decreased grain hardness and increased puroindoline content. Selected T3 lines were grown in replicated field trials under dry and irrigated conditions. Harvested grain was then milled and baked. Lines transformed with the puroindolines exhibited decreased total flour yields and increased break flour yields, yielding flour with lower protein and ash content. Decreases in loaf volume, mixograph absorption, and crumb grain scores were also observed in transgenic lines having high puroindoline expression. Decreased loaf volume was also observed in whole wheat bakes of transgenic soft wheats vs. normal hard wheat, indicating a direct effect of puroindolines on loaf volume. Puroindoline content did not affect dough mixing times. These results demonstrate that the puroindolines can be used to profoundly influence a variety of milling and bread baking traits in wheat.
Trends in Teen Sexual Behavior

Abstract At least until the last few years, the proportion of teenagers who have had sex rose steadily, and they are more likely to use contraceptives than their earlier counterparts. Underlying this general trend has been an increase in sexual activity among young teens—ages 15 and under—as well as middle-class and white teenagers. Contraceptive use has risen also, probably because of the fear of AIDS and the increased sexual activity among white and middle-class teenagers. Because more teenagers were using contraceptives, the pregnancy rate per 1,000 sexually active teenagers actually declined during the 1980s, even as more teenagers were having sex. Nevertheless, contraceptive use is far from perfect, leading to high levels of abortion, sexually transmitted diseases, and nonmarital births. The challenge for school-based programs is to pursue two simultaneous goals: lower the level of sexual activity and raise the rate of contraceptive use among those who have sex.
GENERIC NAMES OF NORTHERN AND SOUTHERN FUR SEALS (MAMMALIA: OTARIIDAE)

We have resolved a nomenclatural problem discovered during research on the northern fur seal that concerns the correct generic name for this taxon and for fur seals of the Southern Hemisphere. The unfortunate practice by some 19th-century authors to use names in their Latinized form but to date them from their first appearance as French common names led to the use of Arctocepbalus for southern fur seals when the name correctly applies to the northern fur seal, known today as Callorbinus ursinus. However, Arctocepbalus and Callorbinus are antedated by Otoes G. Fischer, 1817, which is the earliest available generic name for the fur seal of the northern Pacific. The earliest available generic name for southern fur seals is Halarctus Gill, 1866. To avoid the confusion that would result from replacing the currently used generic names with those required by strict adherence to the Principle of Priority, we have petitioned the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature to preserve Arctocepbalus and Callorbinus for the southern and northern fur seals, respectively.
Accuracy of MR imaging in the work-up of suspicious breast lesions: a diagnostic meta-analysis.

Rationale and Objectives. The authors performed a systematic, critical review of the literature on magnetic resonance (MR) imaging for primary breast cancer detection in patients with suspicious breast lesions, analyzed MR test performance in the articles meeting study criteria, and used this information to examine the cost-effectiveness of preoperative MR imaging. Materials and Methods. A structured, predefined medline search was conducted to identify potentially relevant, peer-reviewed, English-language references from January 1996 through August 1997 on the diagnostic accuracy of breast MR imaging. This information was supplemented by manually searching bibliographies of the retrieved articles for additional potentially relevant references. All studies were independently abstracted by two reviewers using a prospectively designed worksheet. Abstraction results were analyzed with the summary receiver operating characteristic (ROC) method. Results. Of 41 identified studies, 16 met the inclusion criteria. These studies reported sensitivities ranging from 63% to 100% and specificities ranging from 21% to 100%. Maximum joint sensitivity and specificity of the summary ROC curve was 89% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 82%, 93%). At a sensitivity of 95%, specificity was 67%. When test performance values were applied to a previous cost-effectiveness analysis, the cost-effectiveness of preoperative MR imaging relative to that of excisional biopsy was confirmed, but its cost-effectiveness relative to that of needle core biopsy varied widely. Conclusion. For MR imaging to be a cost-effective alternative to excisional biopsy for diagnosis of suspicious breast lesions, its diagnostic test performance must be equal to or better than the best results in recently published studies.
Semiconducting polymers via the high temperature free radical polymerization of multinitriles

The polymerizability of a variety of mono- and multi- nitriles in the presence of free radical initiators at high temperature is determined by the concentration of available cyano-groups. Mononitriles do not polymerize, but multinitriles do so readily. If alkyl substituents are introduced in a molecule that easily polymerizes, this concentration and the ability to polymerize are lowered; if several or bulky substituents are introduced, the polymerization is completely prevented. Multinitriles containing ester groups undergo decarbomethoxylation in these polymerizations. The polymers are black and highly insoluble. From the few reactions that were attempted on these polymers, we can conclude that the structure is probably not the simple conjugated imine structure proposed by earlier investigators, but more experiments are needed to prove this point. The black polymers had conductivities less than 10−9 Ω−1 but, after heating at 700°C, conductivities in the range from 10−3 to 10−6 Ω−1 are observed.
From genes to behavior in the vestibular system.

Abstract The central nervous system of all vertebrate embryos is derived from a series of conspicuous segments, called neuromeres, that are particularly visible in the midbrain and hindbrain areas, giving rise to the brain stem sensory and motor nuclei. This article focuses on a series of eight embryonic rhombomeric segments whose progeny can be identified in adults by the locations of iteratively homologous reticulospinal neurons and cranial motor nuclei IV through XII. Evidence shows that these rhombomeric units represent domains of gene expression, lineage restriction, and accordingly, individual vestibular neuronal phenotypes with unique oculomotor and spinal projections. Preliminary electrophysiologic and behavioral correlates of a few vestibulo-oculomotor subgroups are used as examples to illustrate the hypothesis that homologous vestibular phenotypes likely exist in all taxa because the genetic prepattern is already well established in primitive vertebrates. Finally, the segmented hindbrain arrangement responsible for the longitudinally arranged column of vestibular subnuclei is placed in perspective with genetic and molecular approaches that will eventually permit a causal reconstruction of the signaling mechanisms responsible for the development of unique vestibular subgroups. (Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 1998;119:263-75.)
The Strategic Role of Listing Price in Marketing Real Estate: Theory and Evidence

The seller of a real estate property and his broker have two primary goals: to sell the properly for as high a price as possible and as quickly as possible. While these are separate objectives, they are closely related through the listing price of the seller. The listing price affects how long it takes to find a buyer (i.e., Time On the Market = TOM), and TOM influences the price that results from the bargaining between the seller and the buyer. This leaves the seller and his agent with an important question: What is the optimal price to be asked for the property? The objective of this research is to provide a theoretical and empirical analysis of the impact of listing price on TOM and the transaction price.
Epidemiology of pediatric forearm fractures in Washington, DC.

Background:Pediatric forearm fractures result in substantial morbidity and costs. Despite the success of public health efforts in the prevention of other injuries, the incidence of pediatric forearm fractures is increasing. Our objective is to characterize the epidemiology of forearm fractures in Wa
The role of motivation in engineering students' ethical decisions

Ethics is a crucial aspect in developing the professional identity of engineers. Moral motivation is an important predictor of ethical behavior, however, it is not easy to assess. We examined the relationship between engineering undergraduates' level of orientation to the people in their environment and their sociopolitical control with their ethical responses to engineering scenarios. Our findings were contrary to our predictions. We discuss our findings in the context of improving ethics education in engineering curricula.