cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dictyostelium ribosomal protein genes and the elongation factor 1B gene show coordinate developmental regulation which is under post-transcriptional control.

Abstract Starvation for amino acids initiates the developmental program in the cellular slime mold, Dictyostelium discoideum [19, 20]. One of the earliest developmental events is the decline in ribosomal protein synthesis [2, 17, 29, 30]. The ribosomal protein mRNAs are excluded from polysomes with 20 min to 1 h following the removal of nutrients, and their mRNA levels decline sharply at about 9 h into the 24-h developmental cycle [28, 31, 35, 36]. It has been generally assumed that the decline in r-protein mRNA levels during late development reflected a decline in the transcription rate [12, 32, 43]. Here we demonstrate that this is not the case. The transcription rates of three ribosomal protein genes, rpL11, rpL23 and rpS9 as well as an elongation factor 1B gene have been determined during growth and development in Dictyostelium. Throughout growth and develoment the transcription rate of the ribosomal protein genes remains relatively constant at 0.2%–0.5% of the rate of rRNA transcription while the elongation factor 1B gene is transcribed at 0.4%–0.6% of the rRNA rate. This low but constant transcription rate is in contrast to a spore coat protein gene Psp D , which is transcribed at 6% of the rRNA rate in late developing cells. The elongation factor 1B gene appears to be co-regulated with the ribosomal protein genes both in terms of its transcription rate and mRNA accumulation. Dictyostelium has been a popular model for understanding signal transduction and the growth to differentiation transition, thus it is of significance that the regulation of ribosome biosynthesis in Dictyostelium resembles that of higher eukaryotes in being regulated largely at the post-transcriptional level in response to starvation as opposed to yeasts where the regulation is largely transcriptional [27].
Attitudes Toward Divorce and Their Relationship With Psychosocial Factors Among Social Work Students

This study aimed to explore attitudes toward divorce and their relationship with general satisfaction with life, spiritual beliefs, parental bonding, and depressive symptomatology among a sample of 210 social work students from two different universities in Florida. Results indicated that the majority of students had favorable attitudes toward divorce overall, perceiving divorce as a solution to unhappy marriage. Participants also reported strong feelings regarding marital obligation and the effect of divorce on children and society. Attitudes toward divorce were associated with spiritual beliefs and parental bonding.
Stability and rheological behavior of concentrated monodisperse food emulsifier coated microbubble suspensions.

Nearly monodispersed populations of microbubbles were produced using flow focusing with a food grade emulsifier. The microbubbles produced by this technique have diameters in the range of 120–200 μm. The flow focusing device uses metered streams of air and liquid to produce a jet that periodically pinches to make individual microbubbles. The size of the microbubbles can be controlled by changing the relative flow rates of the gas and the liquid. The emulsifier consists of a mixture of monoglycerides, diglycerides and sodium stearoyl lactylate in combination with polyethylene glycol (PEG)-40 stearate. The emulsifier forms a thin shell that stabilizes the microbubbles. The microbubbles are stable over time with their sizes remaining roughly constant over 2 h. Such stability allows suspensions of microbubbles to be formed and their rheological properties tested. The sizes of the microbubbles are also monitored off-line while testing, examining the effect of shearing on the bubble sizes, as well as their stability over time. These results show that the microbubble suspensions are viscoelastic and exhibit power law behavior. The relationship between the air fraction of the suspension and fluid viscosity is determined.
Search for quarks produced with large transverse momentum in 400-GeV proton-nucleus collisions

We have searched for charge-$\frac{1}{3}$ and charge-$\frac{2}{3}$ particles produced with large ${p}_{\ensuremath{\perp}}$ in 400-GeV proton-Cu collisions. At ${p}_{\ensuremath{\perp}}=6.15$ GeV/c, 4.9 \ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{} ${10}^{4}$ positive and 1.5 \ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{} ${10}^{4}$ negative unit-charge particles provided the normalization; no fractionally charged particles were found. The 90%-confidence-level upper limits for the invariant production cross sections per nucleon for positive and negative charge-$\frac{1}{3}$ particles are 5.1 \ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{} ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}39}$ and 8.8 \ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{} ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}39}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$ Ge${\mathrm{V}}^{\ensuremath{-}2}$, respectively; for charge-$\frac{2}{3}$ particles the respective limits are 1.3 \ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{} ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}39}$ and 2.2 \ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{} ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}39}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{2}$ Ge${\mathrm{V}}^{\ensuremath{-}2}$.
Cardiac MyBP-C Regulates the Rate and Force of Contraction in Mammalian Myocardium

Cardiac myosin-binding protein-C (cMyBP-C) is a thick filament-associated protein that seems to contribute to the regulation of cardiac contraction through interactions with either myosin or actin or both. Several studies over the past several years have suggested that the interactions of cardiac myosin-binding protein-C with its binding partners vary with its phosphorylation state, binding predominantly to myosin when dephosphorylated and to actin when it is phosphorylated by protein kinase A or other kinases. Here, we summarize evidence suggesting that phosphorylation of cardiac myosin binding protein-C is a key regulator of the kinetics and amplitude of cardiac contraction during β-adrenergic stimulation and increased stimulus frequency. We propose a model for these effects via a phosphorylation-dependent regulation of the kinetics and extent of cooperative recruitment of cross bridges to the thin filament: phosphorylation of cardiac myosin binding protein-C accelerates cross bridge binding to actin, thereby accelerating recruitment and increasing the amplitude of the cardiac twitch. In contrast, enhanced lusitropy as a result of phosphorylation seems to be caused by a direct effect of phosphorylation to accelerate cross-bridge detachment rate. Depression or elimination of one or both of these processes in a disease, such as end-stage heart failure, seems to contribute to the systolic and diastolic dysfunction that characterizes the disease.
Length of Life Following Various Types of Strangulation Obstruction in Dogs.

ConclusionsAlthough the length of bowel involved is of importance in shortening the survival period following strangulation cbstructions, the type of obstruction is of greater significance.
Hormesis at the National Toxicology Program (NTP): Evidence of Hormetic Dose Responses in NTP Dose-Range Studies:

The National Toxicology Program (NTP) dose-ranging studies typically employ five dosages and a concurrent control and are conducted for 2- and 13-week exposure periods. Because five doses are employed it suggested the possibilities of the occurrence of sub-NOAEL doses in many of these bioassays and of evaluating the occurrence of hormesis within the NTP bioassay. As a result, 59 environmentally relevant agents in the NTP toxicity database were assessed for their capacity to affect hormetic dose responses for growth as measured by change in weight gain. Hormetic effects were observed with 51 (88%) of the 58 agents evaluated. When considered by species, hormetic effects were observed in 48% (98/205) of bioassays involving mice and 14% (29/204) of bioassays involving rats. Hormetic effects were seen in a comparable fashion between males and females of both mice (i.e., 47 male and 51 female) and rats (13 male and 16 female rats). These observations represent a new finding within the NTP bioassay database that have potential implications for issues relating to study design and endpoint measured, as well as underlying biological mechanisms that affect efficiency of nutrient utilization under conditions of low-level toxicant exposure.
Frege, Carnap, and Explication: ‘Our Concern Here Is to Arrive at a Concept of Number Usable for the Purpose of Science’

This paper argues that Carnap both did not view and should not have viewed Frege's project in the foundations of mathematics as misguided metaphysics. The reason for this is that Frege's project was to give an explication of number in a very Carnapian sense — something that was not lost on Carnap. Furthermore, Frege gives pragmatic justification for the basic features of his system, especially where there are ontological considerations. It will be argued that even on the question of the independent existence of abstract objects, Frege and Carnap held remarkably similar views. I close with a discussion of why, despite all this, Frege would not accept the principle of tolerance.
Sintering Characteristics of Rare‐Earth Oxides

The sinterability of europium, samarium, gadolinium, and dysprosium pure oxides was investigated at various temperatures under both oxidizing and reducing conditions as well as hot pressing. Data are presented on the density, grain size, thermal expansion, resistance to water corrosion, and the microhardness of these oxides. Photomicrographs showing grain growth and microstructure are included. The results indicate that dysprosium oxide is the most stable of the four oxides investigated. It sinters with small grain size, is similar to alumina in coefficient of thermal expansion, and does not undergo a phase transformation.
Multi-query SQL progress indicators

Recently, progress indicators have been proposed for SQL queries in RDBMSs. All previously proposed progress indicators consider each query in isolation, ignoring the impact simultaneously running queries have on each other’s performance. In this paper, we explore a multi-query progress indicator, which explicitly considers concurrently running queries and even queries predicted to arrive in the future when producing its estimates. We demonstrate that multi-query progress indicators can provide more accurate estimates than single-query progress indicators. Moreover, we extend the use of progress indicators beyond being a GUI tool and show how to apply multi-query progress indicators to workload management. We report on an initial implementation of a multi-query progress indicator in PostgreSQL and experiments with its use both for estimating remaining query execution time and for workload management.
Service-oriented science: scaling the application and impact of eResearch (Abstract)

The importance of service-oriented architecture for science is widely recognized. Increasingly, scientific communities are making information tools accessible as services that clients can access over the network, without knowledge of their internal workings. In this way, tools formerly accessible only to the specialist can be made available to all. Equally importantly, new value-added services can be constructed that integrate other services to automate useful tasks. The value of such service-oriented science has been demonstrated in disciplines as diverse as astronomy, biology, and fusion science. The mechanisms required to achieve these goals are provided, in part, by grid infrastructure. I review the mechanisms that have been developed to date for grid infrastructure and experience gained implementing these mechanisms, for example within the open source Globus Toolkit version 4. I present a range of dynamic service deployment scenarios, in which for example the TeraGrid and Open Science Grid are used to host services for science communities. I discuss how these scenarios demonstrate the potential for scaling service-oriented science
Synthesis of α,α-disubstituted 4-phosphonophenylalanine analogues as conformationally-constrained phosphotyrosyl mimetics

Abstract Syntheses of N-Boc (S)-4-(diethylphosphono)-(α-methyl)phenylalanine [Boc-(α-Me)Phe(4-PO3Et2)-OH] ( 9 ) and N-Boc (S)-2-amino-6-(diethylphosphono)tetralin-2-carboxylic acid [Boc-Atc(6-PO3Et2)-OH] ( 18 ) are reported as conformationally-constrained phosphotyrosyl mimetics suitably protected for peptide synthesis. Both syntheses proceeded through chiral arylhalides that are converted to arylphosphonates by palladium-catalyzed cross coupling with diethylphosphite. These amino acid analogues may be useful in the study of cellular signal transduction processes.
Should reflectance confocal microscopy be the gold standard for basal cell carcinoma diagnosis

Reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) is a novel application of scanning confocal microscopy that generates high spatiotemporal resolution images of the superficial layers of the skin in real time, performed by directly applying a confocal scanning head to the skin. Illumination is provided by infrared laser sources that generate low energy, high penetrance photons. Different structures provide high contrast in the skin, most notably melanin-containing cells and structures, for example, melanocytes and melanosomes, among others [1]. Although penetration should still be improved (current setups enable depths of less than 0.3 mm) RCM is a powerful diagnostic tool owing to its high reproducibility and high resolution, which is comparable to that of conventional histology [2]. Arguably, its most important feature is that it is a bona fide noninvasive technique that permits iterative analytical sampling over time without affecting the area under evaluation. In recent years, RCM has experienced a manifold increase in the number of studies and publications [2,3]. These efforts have yielded a relatively clear and complete picture of the skin under physio logical conditions. They have also described the most important RCM features of a number of skin diseases, most notably epidermoid (squamous) carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and melanoma [3]. In this article, I will focus on the most recent findings regarding the imaging and diagnosis of BCC using RCM, provide a brief state-of-the-art regarding BCC microscopic-level diagnosis using RCM and provide insight into current research to improve the use of RCM for diagnosis and evaluation of its therapeutic response.
Survey of Enhanced Information Systems

A survey of companies thought to be using enhanced systems was undertaken in late 1990. A rich body of information was collected about a variety of projects. It is evident from the survey results that many companies are employing these systems for operational and strategic purposes, and they are planning even more elaborate projects for the future. Most of the information collected from the survey is reported in Chapter 12.
Chromatographic determination of impurity binding affinities on biomineral crystals

The feasibility and utility of a chromatographic approach for evaluating crystal growth modifiers were demonstrated. Relative binding affinities of impurity molecules on calcite and calcium oxalate monohydrate crystals were dependent upon the type and number of functional groups and their stereochemistry. Equilibrium constants and adsorption energies were calculated for several molecules on calcite and were found to be in agreement with values determined using aqueous suspensions of crystalline powders. Adsorption onto calcite was found to be driven by entropic changes and likely follows an ion-exchange mechanism.
Bioidentical Hormones for Menopausal Therapy

'Bioidentical hormones' is a term created by the lay media to refer to chemicals derived from plants that are modified to be structurally identical to endogenous human hormones. These compounds include estradiol, estrone, estriol, progesterone, testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone when prescribed for menopausal women. Patients assume bioidentical hormones are natural and safer than synthetic hormones with regard to the risk of developing breast cancer and other diseases, but there is little evidence to support this belief. Proponents of this therapy also support the use of salivary hormone measurements to adjust doses of these hormones instead of adjustment based on improvement or lack of improvement in menopausal symptoms. In this review, the rationale behind the use of bioidentical hormones is discussed, along with the evidence supporting the use of compounded and FDA-approved bioidentical products.
Increased prevalence of autoimmune phenomena and greater risk for alloreactivity in female heart transplant recipients

Background The influence of sex on alloreactivity and graft outcome after heart transplantation was evaluated. Methods and Results A retrospective review of 520 consecutive recipients of a primary cardiac allograft between 1992 and 2000 at a single center was performed. The influence of sex on alloreactivity, acute rejection, transplant-related coronary artery disease, and survival was determined. Statistical methods included logistic regression analysis and Kaplan-Meier actuarial survival analysis. Female recipients had an increased prevalence before transplant of idiopathic cardiomyopathy, antinuclear antibodies, and HLA-B8, DR3 haplotypes. After transplant, female sex predicted shorter duration to a first rejection, higher cumulative rejection frequency, and earlier posttransplant production of anti-HLA antibodies. Female recipients had higher early mortality rates ( Conclusions Females undergoing cardiac transplantation are more likely to manifest features of an underlying autoimmune state. This may predispose to a higher posttransplant risk of allograft rejection and requirement for increased immunosuppression. Earlier diagnosis and management of alloreactivity in female recipients before development of acute rejection and the use of more focused and less globally immunosuppressive agents during established rejections may have a significant effect on the clinical outcome of female cardiac allograft recipients.
The Effects of Medications on Myocardial Perfusion

Antianginal and lipid-lowering medications may modify the results of stress myocardial perfusion imaging. Several studies have shown the beneficial potential of these agents in suppressing myocardial ischemia in patients with known coronary artery disease. The effects of nitrates, calcium-channel blockers, beta-blockers, and statins on myocardial perfusion imaging are likely attributable to changes in myocardial blood flow and myocardial oxygen supply-demand ratio. This comprehensive review examines relevant experimental and clinical published data. Technical issues in image interpretation specific to myocardial perfusion imaging and implications of use of cardiac medications to results of myocardial perfusion imaging are discussed.
Atomic layer deposition of MnO using Bis(ethylcyclopentadienyl)manganese and H2O

Abstract Manganese oxide (MnO) atomic layer deposition (ALD) was accomplished using sequential exposures of bis(ethylcyclopentadienyl)manganese (Mn(CpEt) 2 ) and H 2 O. Rutherford backscattering analysis revealed a nearly 1:1 atomic ratio for Mn:O in the MnO ALD films. X-ray diffraction determined that the films were crystalline and consistent with the cubic phase of MnO. Quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) measurements monitored the mass deposition rate during MnO ALD and verified self-limiting reactions for each reactant. Extremely efficient reactions were observed that required reactant exposures of only 3 × 10 4 L (1 L = 1.33 × 10 − 4 Pa s). X-ray reflectivity (XRR) studies were used to confirm the QCM measurements and determine the film density and film thicknesses. The MnO ALD film density was 5.23 g/cm 3 . The growth per cycle was investigated from 100–300 °C. The largest MnO ALD growth per cycle was 1.2 A/cycle at 100 °C and the growth per cycle decreased at higher temperatures. Transmission electron microscopy images observed the conformality of MnO films on ZrO 2 nanoparticles and confirmed the growth per cycle observed by the XRR studies. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to study the –CpEt⁎ and –OH⁎ surface species during MnO ALD and also monitored the bulk vibrational modes of the growing MnO films. The results allowed a growth mechanism to be established for MnO ALD using Mn(CpEt) 2 and H 2 O. Only 54% of the Mn sites are observed to retain the –CpEt⁎ surface species after the Mn(CpEt) 2 exposure. Efficient MnO ALD using Mn(CpEt) 2 and H 2 O should be useful for a variety of applications where metal oxides are required that can easily change their oxidation states.
Assessing the benefits of alternative ozone standards on agriculture: The role of response information

The results of this analysis suggest that the benefits of imposing more stringent ozone regulations in the Corn Belt (from 0.12 to 0.08 ppm hourly maximum) are approximately $0.7 billion. Conversely, relaxation in present standards from 0.12 to 0.16 ppm may result in losses of benefits in excess of $2.0 billion. These estimates exceed some regional benefits estimates reported elsewhere. Such an increase in magnitude of benefits may be partially attributable to the scope of the sector model used here (including livestock) and the availability of more realistic (accurate) response data on ozone impacts. 23 references, 5 tables.
A Predictor Observer for Seeker Delay in the Missile Homing Loop

Abstract In this work, we employ a classical predictor observer for linear feedback systems to stabilize a well-known missile guidance law degraded by an optical seeker measurement delay in the near-collision course of a missile-target intercept engagement. In the framework of a canonical, planar intercept missile guidance problem, coupled with a delay in the measurement of the missile-to-target line-of-sight angle, we tailor the general formula for the predictor observer to the guidance law. We then use numerical simulations to evaluate the performance of the delaycompensated guidance law. The results indicate that for the scenario considered, the predictor observer is able to stabilize the guidance kinematics for realistic values of the measurement delay, thus encouraging further feasibility studies for using this approach in practice.
A CONJOINT ANALYSIS OF ONLINE CONSUMER SATISFACTION 1

The ability to measure the level of customer satisfaction with online shopping is essential in gauging the success and failure of e-commerce. To do so, Internet businesses must be able to determine and understand the values of their existing and potential customers. Hence, it is important for IS researchers to develop and validate a diverse array of metrics to comprehensively capture the attitudes and feelings of online customers. What factors make online shopping appealing to customers? What customer values take priority over others? This study’s purpose is to answer these questions, examining the role of several technology, shopping, and product factors on online customer satisfaction. This is done using a conjoint analysis of consumer preferences based on data collected from 188 young consumers. Results indicate that the three most important attributes to consumers for online satisfaction are privacy (technology factor), merchandising (product factor), and convenience (shopping factor). These are followed by trust, delivery, usability, product customization, product quality, and security. Implications of these findings are discussed and suggestions for future research are provided.
Native American women and men: Migration and urbanization

Bahr, Diana Meyers. From Mission to Metropolis: Cupeno Indian Women in Los Angeles. Norman, OK: University of Oklahoma Press, 1993. xii + 184 pp. including afterword, endnotes, and index. $24.95 cloth. Boyer, Ruth McDonald and Narcissus Duffy Gayton. Apache Mothers and Daughters: Four Generations of a Family. Norman, OK: University of Oklahoma Press, 1992. xx + 393 pp. including endnotes, bibliography, and index. $24.95 cloth. Weibel‐Orlando, Joan. Indian Country, L.A. Urbana and Chicago, IL: University of Illinois Press, 1991. xii + 354 pp. including appendix, bibliography and index. $34.95 cloth.
Microstrip directional couplers with ideal performance via single-element compensation

Microstrip directional couplers suffer from poor directivity because of inhomogeneous dielectric, i.e., partly dielectric substrate, partly air. It is possible to compensate for this poor performance by introducing a single lumped capacitor or inductor at the edges or center of the coupled region. No attempt at a theoretical design of these couplers has been made in the literature. This paper fills the void by presenting an accurate approach to the design of microstrip directional couplers with ideal match or high directivity of both, using a single capacitive of inductive compensation. The method is valid for tight and loosely coupled structures. The method is validated via design and experimental results.
Transannular [6 + 4] and Ambimodal Cycloaddition in the Biosynthesis of Heronamide A

The transannular [6 + 4] cycloaddition proposed as a step in the biosynthesis of heronamide A has been modeled using density functional theory. The proposed cycloaddition is highly stereoselective, affording a single product. The reaction proceeds through an ambimodal transition state that directly leads to a [4 + 2] adduct in addition to the observed [6 + 4] adduct. Interconversion of these adducts is possible via a facile Cope rearrangement. The [6 + 4] adduct is thermodynamically more stable than the [4 + 2] adduct by 5.2 kcal mol–1 due to a combination of the ring and steric strain in the [4 + 2] product. The results strongly support the plausibility of the proposed transannular [6 + 4] cycloaddition in the biogenesis of heronamide A and may provide insights to designing substrates that selectively undergo [6 + 4] cycloaddition to form unbridged 10-membered rings.
Becoming More Christian: Bearing Mutual Witness with Muslims:

Frederick Buechner observes that “all theology, like all fiction, is at its heart autobiography.” In this article, I reflect on my own experience as one Baptist whose adult journey in Christian discipleship has taken place in the frequent company of Muslims. I seek to make sense of how God has led me from ignorance and fear to understanding and collaboration with my Muslim neighbors. My experience is only one example of the “mutual witness” that is possible between Muslims and Christians as we attend together to the work of God in the world—in history, politics, culture, and in each other.
Antarctic sea-ice thickness and volume estimates from ice charts between 1995 and 1998

This work evaluates two distinct calculations of central tendency for sea-ice thickness and quantifies the impact such calculations have on ice volume for the Southern Ocean. The first calculation, area-weighted average thickness, is computed from polygonal ice features and then upscaled to regions. The second calculation, integrated thickness, is a measure of the central value of thickness categories tracked across different scales and subsequently summed to chosen regions. Both methods yield the same result from one scale to the next, but subsequent scales develop diverging solutions when distributions are strongly non-Gaussian. Data for this evaluation are sea-ice stage-of-development records from US National Ice Center ice charts from 1995 to 1998, as proxy records of ice thickness. Results show regionally integrated thickness exceeds area-weighted average thickness by as much as 60% in summer with as few as five bins in thickness distribution. Year-round, the difference between the two calculations yields volume differences consistently >10%. The largest discrepancies arise due to bimodal distributions which are common in ice charts based on current subjective-analysis protocols. We recommend that integrated distribution be used for regional-scale sea-ice thickness and volume estimates from ice charts and encourage similar testing of other large-scale thickness data archives.
Ambient Air Pollution and 16-Year Weight Change in African-American Women

Introduction Substantial research has been dedicated to understanding the reasons for the dramatic rise in obesity rates in the U.S. in the last 2 decades. Animal studies and epidemiologic studies in children have suggested that air pollution might contribute to weight gain. This study investigates the association between ambient air pollution and weight gain over 16 years of follow-up (1995−2011) in a large cohort of African-American women in the U.S. Methods This study assessed associations of fine particulate matter, ozone, and nitrogen dioxide with weight gain using a linear random effects model. All analyses were conducted in 2015. Results There was no statistically significant association between weight change and fine particulate matter (mean weight change over 16 years per interquartile range [2.9 μg/m 3 ], 0.12 kg; 95% CI=−0.10, 0.35) and ozone (0.16 kg per interquartile range [6.7 ppb]; 95% CI=−0.11, 0.43). There was a small decrease in weight associated with nitrogen dioxide (−0.50 per interquartile range [9.7 ppb]; 95% CI=−0.77, −0.23). Conclusions The results do not provide support for an association of air pollution with weight gain in African-American adult women.
Ventral Penile Approach in Unitary Component Penile Prosthesis Placement

We report the results of a series of 79 patients who underwent placement of a unitary component penile prosthesis via a ventral penile skin incision in conjunction with distal ventral corporotomies. This approach facilitates the placement of semirigid and inflatable devices, and eliminates potential pitfalls of other incisions by limiting corporotomy length, avoiding dissection around neurovascular structures and allowing a multilayered closure with nonoverlapping suture lines.
Quantum pressure and chemical bonding: Influence of magnetic fields on electron localization

Chemical bonding is the central concept of chemistry that has been used to explain the properties of molecules and solids as well as chemical processes. In recent years, considerable progress has been made toward a simple and yet fundamental understanding of this concept for isolated systems. Here we propose the quantum pressure to study electron localization in molecules and solids as well as the influence of an external magnetic field. A high pressure indicates chemical bonding and electron localization, while a low pressure indicates intershell region and electron delocalization. We find that electrons become more localized between nuclei when exposed to a magnetic field. We demonstrate that our quantum pressure not only can reveal electronic shell structure of atoms, but also can be used to visualize chemical bonding in molecules and solids, significantly extending the applicability of this tool to wide-ranging problems.
Photobiology and Noncalcemic Actions of Vitamin D

This chapter focuses on the photobiological and noncalcemic actions of Vitamin D. When human skin is exposed to sunlight, a photochemical process occurs that is essential for the maintenance of calcium homeostasis and a healthy skeleton. During exposure to sunlight, the ultraviolet B portion of the solar spectrum photolyzes 7-dehydrocholesterol (the precursor cholesterol; provitamin D 3 ) to previtamin D 3 . Once formed, previtamin D 3 undergoes an internal isomerization of its three double bonds to form a more thermodynamically stable, 5,6-cis-triene and is transformed in vitamin D 3 . 7-Dehydrocholesterol is found principally in the cell membrane and within the membrane, the hydrophobic side chain of 7-dehydrocholesterol is aligned with the hydrophobic chains of the fatty acids and cholesterol, thereby restraining the confirmation of previtamin D 3 when it is formed. Thus, when 7-dehydrocholesterol is exposed to sunlight, 7- dehydrocholesterol is photolyzed to the s-cis, s-cis conformer of previtamin D 3 . 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 was found to decrease cellular proliferative activity, reduce c-myc-mRNA, and induce the expression of monocyte-specific cell surface antigen 63D 3 . This suggests the possibility of using 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 or one of its analogs as an antiproliferative agent for the treatment of some leukemias and other malignant disorders. Most cells and tissues in the human body possess VDR and are therefore potential target tissues for 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 . Although there is very strong evidence in vitro and in vivo that 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 can have a wide range of noncalcemic activities that affect the function of the immune system, skin, gonads, prostate gland, brain, skeletal and smooth muscle, and pancreas, the true physiologic function of 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 is not well understood.
Constraints on 5D anti-de Sitter embeddings

We show that the embedding of either a static or a time dependent maximally three-symmetric brane with a nonzero spatial curvature k into a noncompactified 5D anti\char21{}de Sitter bulk does not yield exponential suppression of the geometry away from the brane. The implications of this result for brane-localized gravity are discussed.
Impact of Anchor Placement and Anchor Selection on Localization Accuracy

Localization of wireless devices in wireless networks is important because the location of wireless devices is a critical input for many higher‐level networking tasks. Both the placement and the selection of anchors can affect the accuracy of location estimation significantly, and consequently impact the widespread deployment of location‐based services (LBSs). This chapter investigates the problems of anchor placement and anchor selection. It discusses how the geometric layout of the anchors affects the localization performance. Different approaches that include heuristic search methods, acute triangular‐based deployment, adaptive beacon placement, and optimal placement solutions via the maximum lambda and minimum error (maxL‐minE) algorithm are discussed. The chapter studies how smartly selected anchors can achieve comparable or better localization results as compared with using all the available anchors. A variety of effective strategies are investigated, including a joint clustering technique, entropy‐based information gain, convex hull selection, and smart selection in the presence of high density of anchors.
Seismic Refraction and Reflection Measurements at “Byrd” Station, Antarctica *

Seismic refraction and reflection shooting was carried out along three profiles about 10 km long, angled 60° to one another, near “Byrd” station, Antarctica, during the 1970–71 field season. No dependence of velocity upon azimuth was found, but velocities at 200 or 300 m depth were slightly greater than at a site 30 km away where measurements were made in 1958. The difference can probably be attributed to different ice fabrics arising from a 50% difference in snow accumulation rates at the two sites. The velocity depth and density–velocity functions at the two sites are also significantly different, but close agreement was found at each site between the depths to significant changes in the velocity gradient and the depths of fundamental change in the densification process. Such agreement may permit density–depth curves, and consequently accumulation rates, to be measured by seismic refraction shooting alone. The reflection shooting on a common reflection-point profile led to a good determination of mean velocity through the ice as a function of angle of incidence. The results agree closely with similar measurements at the 1958 site, and with an anisotropic model based on glaciological and sonic logging observations in the deep drill hole. The mean vertical velocity of 3.90–3.93 km/s through the solid ice is about 2% higher than has commonly been used for determinations of ice thickness from seismic reflection shooting.
Doubling the sensitivity of multiphoton frequency-domain fluorescence lifetime images

We demonstrate super-sensitive multiphoton frequency-domain fluorescence lifetime images using the recently developed DC&1ω method by showing a two-fold improvement in imaging sensitivity compared to the conventional 1ω phase fluorometry.
The Syria Trojan Women: Rethinking the public with therapeutic theater

Therapeutic theater projects with Syrian refugees in Jordan and Lebanon work at the intersection of the public and the private, facilitating individual healings while also promoting new group identities. The playing space becomes an open discursive field in which varied understandings of the self become platforms for new understandings of the nation. In the process, these artists/refugees trouble the boundaries between the private and the public, potentially creating a new public sphere that is not only revolutionary in its critique of entrenched political power but in its reformulation of the idea of the public itself. This article examines one such project, The Syria Trojan Woman, directed by Omar Abu Saada. The article places this work in the context of Abu Saada’s work in applied theater in Syria prior to the uprising and within the larger context of Syrian political theater. Applied theater, an umbrella term designating performance valued as efficacious as well as aesthetic, has had a brief and diffi...
Fe–V sulfur clusters studied through photoelectron spectroscopy and density functional theory

Iron-vanadium sulfur cluster anions are studied by photoelectron spectroscopy (PES) at 3.492 eV (355 nm) and 4.661 eV (266 nm) photon energies, and by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The structural properties, relative energies of different structural isomers, and the calculated first vertical detachment energies (VDEs) of different structural isomers for cluster anions FeVS1-3- and FemVnSm+n- (m + n = 3, 4; m > 0, n > 0) are investigated at a BPW91/TZVP theory level. The experimental first VDEs for these Fe-V sulfur clusters are reported. The most probable ground state structures and spin multiplicities for these clusters are tentatively assigned by comparing their theoretical and experiment first VDE values. For FeVS1-3- clusters, their first VDEs are generally observed to increase with the number of sulfur atoms from 1.45 eV to 2.86 eV. The NBO/HOMOs of the ground state of FeVS1-3- clusters are localized in a p orbital on a S atom; the partial charge distribution on the NBO/HOMO localized site of each cluster anion is responsible for the trend of their first VDEs. A less negative localized charge distribution is correlated with a higher first VDE. Structure and steric effect differences for FemVnSm+n- (m + n = 3, m > 0, n > 0) clusters are suggested to be responsible for their different first VDEs and properties. Two types of structural isomers are identified for FemVnSm+n- (m + n = 4, m > 0, n > 0) clusters: a tower structure isomer and a cubic structure isomer. The first VDEs for tower like isomers are generally higher than those for cubic like isomers of FemVnSm+n- (m + n = 4, m > 0, n > 0) clusters. Their first VDEs are can be understood through: (1) NBO/HOMO distributions, (2) structures (steric effects), and (3) partial charge numbers on the NBO/HOMO's localized sites. EBEs for excited state transitions for all Fe-V sulfur clusters are calculated employing OVGF and TDDFT approaches at the TZVP level. The OVGF approach for these Fe/V/S cluster anions is better for the higher transition energies than the TDDTF approach. The experimental and theoretical results for these Fe/V/S cluster anions are compared with their related pure iron sulfur cluster anions. Properties of the NBO/HOMO are essential for understanding and estimating the different first VDEs for Fe/V/S, and comparing them to those of the pure Fe/S cluster anions.
Optimized chemical coverage and data quality for non-targeted screening applications using liquid chromatography/high-resolution mass spectrometry.

Abstract Non-targeted small molecule screening methods are used to analyze samples for potential compounds of interest without focusing on specific molecular species. There is great interest in these methods for metabolomic, environmental, forensic, and food safety applications, among others, to determine compounds that are responsible for a particular disease state or the presence of a harmful compound. In order for non-targeted analyses to become standardized and routine, best practices for sample preparation, data collection, and data analysis must be determined. This work focuses on optimizing specific aspects of a non-targeted workflow that utilizes high-resolution mass spectrometry using an Orbitrap instrument coupled to liquid chromatography. Sample preparation, liquid chromatography gradient length, and mass spectrometry resolving power and ionization modes were investigated to determine optimal conditions for detecting and extracting compounds from the data that cover broad molecular and polarity ranges. Infant rice cereal, orange juice, and yogurt with spiked standards were analyzed; food is inherently challenging to analyze due in part to sample complexity and diversity. Of the conditions tested, optimal conditions included a generic sample extraction using acetonitrile, water, and formic acid, a 25 min chromatographic gradient, collecting data in both positive and negative ion modes, and using 70 k resolving power. There are of course tradeoffs associated with each of these options that will be described in detail so that the appropriate conditions can be chosen for the desired application.
A call for epidemiological research on myeloid-derived suppressor cells in ovarian cancer: a review of the existing immunological evidence and suggestions for moving forward

Recently, there have been encouraging findings suggesting that myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) may be a good target for studying immune suppression in ovarian cancer. MDSCs are an abundance of immature myeloid cells that have demonstrated the ability to decrease tumor-infiltrating immune cells, increase the accrual of tumor-associated macrophages and regulatory T cells, as well as secrete various pro-inflammatory mediators and growth stimulating cytokines. Most studies on this topic utilized murine models, but there are limited reports in human subjects which have important limitations. With the majority of ovarian cancer patients presenting with distant metastases and a corresponding 5-year relative survival rate of < 30%, continued efforts are obligatory toward identifying potential prognostic factors. Given the difficulty of studying exposures in this patient population, as well as the existing immunologic characteristics of this cancer, there is growing interest in further identifying genetic and immunologic associations with patient survival. Furthermore, prognostic factors that may necessitate therapeutic intervention may significantly alter disease outlook. In this review paper, we address the current literature on MDSCs and their immunosuppressive behavior in ovarian cancer patients. While the previous studies on these cells in ovarian cancer have demonstrated some potential prognostic significance, there are many limitations to such studies including small sample sizes, inconsistent staging and histology, as well as inconsistent surface markers for the identification of MDSCs. Additionally, such studies include minimal patient characteristics involved with the clinical course of ovarian cancer. Here, we have proposed improving on studies analyzing MDSCs as a potential prognostic factor in ovarian cancer patients, as well as further identifying the potential of this novel prognostic factor in future care, through the use of a comprehensive epidemiologic model.
A 0.3-to-1.3GHz Multi-Branch Receiver with Modulated Mixer Clocks for Concurrent Dual-Carrier Reception and Rapid Compressive-Sampling Spectrum Scanning

A flexible RF receiver is introduced that uniquely uses CW-modulated clocks for the down-conversion mixers in its mixer-first and low-noise transconductance branches, thereby enabling tuned matching and reception concurrently at two RF carriers. Turning off the modulation reverts the receiver back to single-carrier operation, whereas using PN sequences to modulate the mixer clocks enables rapid, wideband compressive-sampling spectrum scanning. All three functions are accomplished within a single unified architecture. A prototype of the multi-branch modulated-mixer-clock receiver was developed in 65nm CMOS and operates from 0.3 to 1.3GHz. For single-carrier reception, the receiver delivers 15MHz RF bandwidth, 42dB conversion gain, 3.3dB NF, +3.3dBm B1dB, and +12.2dBm OB-IIP3. Concurrent dual-carrier reception at 500MHz and 900MHz offers −8.4dBm B1dB and <6dB NF. In rapid CS spectrum scanning mode, the receiver achieves 66dB dynamic range with −75dBm sensitivity over a 630MHz RF span within 0.71us and consumes 18.5nJ per detected signal.
The Sugarcane Borer (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) Infests Rice at Low Population Levels in Florida

The sugarcane borer, Diatraea saccharalis (F.), rice stalk borer, Chilo plejadellus Zincken, and Mexican rice borer, Eoreuma loftini (Dyar), are stem borers (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) that infest rice (Oryza sativa L.) in the southern United States. A 2-yr study was conducted to determine stem borer injury, infestation, and parasitism levels in Florida. Thirty commercial rice fields were selected during the 2017 and 2018 growing seasons throughout the rice production region in southern Florida. Sampling for stem borer injury and infestations was conducted in each field between the milk and early maturation stages by observing plants at 10 locations, with three 1-m2 quadrats per location. In addition, monitoring for E. loftini adults was conducted using one pheromone trap adjacent to each field. In 2017, the number of rice tillers exhibiting stem borer injury averaged 0.024 tillers/m2 and infestation levels averaged 0.008 stem borers/m2, with only D. saccharalis being observed. In 2018, injury and infestation levels averaged 0.062 injured tillers/m2 and 0.023 D. saccharalis larvae or pupae/m2, respectively. The solitary parasitoid Alabagrus stigma Brulle (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) parasitized 33 and 40% of the collected D. saccharalis in 2017 and 2018, respectively. In addition, pheromone traps did not capture E. loftini adults. This study shows that D. saccharalis infests rice in Florida but at relatively low levels not threatening production and that rice fields are habitats for D. saccharalis parasitoids. This study also suggests that C. plejadellus and E. loftini do not occur in southern Florida.
A Systematic Framework for the synthesis of operable process intensification systems – Reactive separation systems

Abstract In this work, we propose a systematic framework to synthesize process intensification systems with guaranteed operability, safety, and control performances accounting for both steady-state design and dynamic operation. A step-wise procedure is outlined which synergizes: (i) phenomena-based process synthesis with the Generalized Modular Representation Framework to derive novel intensified design configurations, (ii) flexibility and risk analysis for evaluation of operability and inherent safety performances at conceptual design stage, (iii) explicit/multi-parametric model predictive control following the PAROC (PARametric Optimisation and Control) framework to ensure dynamic operation under uncertainty, and (iv) simultaneous design and control via dynamic optimization to close the loop for the design of verifiable, operable, and optimal intensified systems. The proposed framework is demonstrated through a reactive separation case study for methyl tert-butyl ether production. Multiple process solutions are generated to showcase the trade-offs between economic and operational performances.