cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Short‐term solubility of eight alloys circulating in mercury at room temperature

Because mercury is a dense liquid at room temperature, it has found application in particle-accelerator targets with high energy-deposition rates such as proton spallation targets. Such targets usually require an active heat-removal system to remove the energy deposited by the particle beam, energy deposition rates that can be as much as several megawatts Ž. Weeks, 1996 . Solid targets generally require a water-cooling system that can introduce significant complexities into the system. However, a mercury target has several advantages over a solid target, one of which is that the mercury itself can be circulated to remove the deposited heat. Although the service lifetime of a mercury target container may be limited by corrosion or erosion caused by the flowing mercury, the present authors found it difficult to retrieve clear guidance from the literature for our application on the compatibility of various alloys with circulating mercury and even less guidance on the effects of radiation. Although one approach to a potential mercury incompatibility problem could be to schedule periodic removal of a target assembly for examination and possible replacement, it would be useful to have experimental evidence of the performance of a material under representative conditions prior to actual service. In order to be useful for application in a mercury-wetted environment, a material should form no solid alloys with Ž. mercury Weeks, 1967 . Since nickel is known to form intermetallic compounds with mercury as well as with lead and bismuth, it has been recommended that austenitic steels or other alloys with more than a trace of nickel be avoided for Ž. use with mercury Weeks, 1997 . Also, chromium is soluble in heavy liquid metals. Therefore, chromium depletion at surface grain boundaries of seasoned steels can be a concern when in contact with mercury. In spite of these concerns, the Spallation Neutron Source project under construction at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory is using 316L Stainless Steel for the mercury target container, and no such difficulties have been observed in laboratory and proton irradiation experiments with 316L Stainless Steel vessels containing mercury Ž. National Spallation Neutron Source, 1997; Haines, 2002 . The muon collider project is also proposing to use mercury Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to G. A. Greene. for their production target in the configuration of a free jet; in very limited tests conducted to date, no mercury incompatŽ. ibility issues have been encountered Simos et al., 2001 . Although the potential exists for the mercury to become saturated with an alloying constituent, it has been suggested that the soluble components could precipitate or plate out in the cold sections of a flowing loop, thereby promoting the continued dissolution process. It has been suggested that molybdenum, tantalum, or carbide coatings may protect underlying Ž. alloys from corrosion by mercury Weeks, 1997 ; however, the subject of coatings is beyond the present scope.
A Square-Root Nyquist (M) Filter Design for Digital Communication Systems

Designing matched transmit and receive filters whose combination satisfies the Nyquist condition is a classical problem in digital communication systems. In this correspondence, we propose a novel method for designing such filters. The proposed method is based on a cost function whose minimization leads to designs that can strike a balance between the stopband attenuation, the residual intersymbol interference (ISI), robust sensitivity to timing jitter, and/or reduced peak-to-average power ratio (PAR). An iterative algorithm for optimizing the proposed cost function is suggested and its excellent performance is shown by presenting a variety of design examples. Compared to the published works, the proposed method offers the following unique advantages. By introducing a symmetry in the filter coefficients, filters with reduced computational complexity can be designed. We also introduce a design parameter that allows one to strike a balance between the PAR and other features of the desired filter.
SourceRank: relevance and trust assessment for deep web sources based on inter-source agreement

One immediate challenge in searching the deep web databases is source selection - i.e. selecting the most relevant web databases for answering a given query. The existing database selection methods (both text and relational) assess the source quality based on the query-similarity-based relevance assessment. When applied to the deep web these methods have two deficiencies. First is that the methods are agnostic to the correctness (trustworthiness) of the sources. Secondly, the query based relevance does not consider the importance of the results. These two considerations are essential for the open collections like the deep web. Since a number of sources provide answers to any query, we conjuncture that the agreements between these answers are likely to be helpful in assessing the importance and the trustworthiness of the sources. We compute the agreement between the sources as the agreement of the answers returned. While computing the agreement, we also measure and compensate for possible collusion between the sources. This adjusted agreement is modeled as a graph with sources at the vertices. On this agreement graph, a quality score of a source that we call SourceRank, is calculated as the stationary visit probability of a random walk. We evaluate SourceRank in multiple domains, including sources in Google Base, with sizes up to 675 sources. We demonstrate that the SourceRank tracks source corruption. Further, our relevance evaluations show that SourceRank improves precision by 22-60% over the Google Base and the other baseline methods. SourceRank has been implemented in a system called Factal.
Determination of meprobamate in tablets by NMR.

A rapid NMR procedure was developed for the analysis of meprobamate tablets with malonic acid as internal standard. An average error of 0.9 percent was obtained on seven synthetic mixtures. The NMR spectrum, in addition, provided a very specific means of identification for meprobamate.
Closing the Gap: Proficiency vs. Perception

The gaps that exist between a student’s self-perceived computer skills, their actual computer skills, and the computer skills deemed important in business pose an interesting challenge for business schools, today, and for the foreseeable future. One strategy for managing these literacy gaps is developing curriculum that better tailors content to the evolving literacy of students. In an effort to operationalize this strategy, we have undertaken a study to measure the magnitude of the literacy gaps and the effectiveness of an introductory computer course required in our undergraduate business program. This paper presents the initial results of that study.
A review of seagrass economic valuations: Gaps and progress in valuation approaches

Abstract Multiple studies have documented the ecologically important role that seagrasses play in estuarine and marine ecosystems. Unfortunately, economic valuations of these systems have not been as widespread. To date, most techniques rely on mechanisms that do not incorporate the actual ecological drivers behind the economic service, but rather rely on proxy measures to derive value. In this manuscript we review the many values that seagrasses have that result in economic services, and the valuation techniques used to estimate their monetary value. We present a conceptual framework linking seagrass ecosystems to the economic services they provide, showing the areas where novel valuation approaches are most lacking. We conclude that indirect methods used to valuate seagrass ecosystems underestimate the economic value of their services, and that more derivative-based models linking ecological structure and function to all associated economic services are essential for accurate estimations of their dollar value.
Hole scattering in p-type wurtzite gallium nitride

We investigate acoustic phonon scattering processes for holes in wurtzite gallium nitride. Using a six-band Rashba-Sheka-Pikus Hamiltonian description of the valence bands of gallium nitride, total scattering rates are calculated by numerical integration over final states. An examination of the interband and intraband processes shows strong scattering rate anisotropy between holes moving parallel to and perpendicular to the hexagonal plane. Results are given for inelastic acoustic deformation potential and piezoelectric scattering processes involving both longitudinal and transverse acoustic phonon absorption.
Every Man a Socrates? Tocqueville and the Conceit of Modernity

Tocqueville provides a compelling portrait of the American and indeed the democratic mind that still rings true in many respects. The principal features of this portrait constitute a coherent if problematic creed, which I call popular Socratism. This creed embraces intellectual independence, the vindication of self-interest, and a commitment to knowing what is useful to know. Such principles should add up to intellectual rigor and vigor and above all to freedom of mind, as they did in Socrates. Yet somehow they do not. Why not? The answer is complex, but its core can be simply (if strangely) expressed: unlike original Socratism, popular Socratism entails the forgetting of eternity. What if anything can be done? Tocqueville looks to religion and classical learning to counter the worst failings of popular Socratism. I follow him in this but conclude by considering what he does not—namely, whether a popular Socratism could be a genuine Socratism.
The Amount of Paraffin-Embedded Tissue Needed for DNA Molecular Analysis: A Rapid Extraction Procedure

This report describes a nondestructive method for estimating whether a formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue block will yield sufficient DNA for molecular analysis. A rapid DNA extraction procedure is also described.
Analysis of cases with oral children's newer antiepileptic drugs overdose

Objective To investigate the adverse drug reactions characteristics of cases with children' s newer antiepileptic drugs( AEDs) overdose,and to promote medication safety. Methods The main clinical manifestation,laboratory indexes,therapeutic process and prognosis following oxcarbazepine and lamotrigine overdose were reviewed in this study with two example cases and relative reports. Results and Conclusion The main clinical manifestation of patients following oxcarbazepine and lamotrigine overdose respectively observed in this study was abdominal discomfort as vomiting and stomachache,however somnolence and respiratory depression were relatively slighter than traditional AEDs( such as carbamazepine and phenobarbital). After taking symptomatic treatment in time,both of the two poisoning cases had good prognosis.Clinician should be careful of the differential diagnosis and strengthen therapeutic drug monitoring.
Early Repolarization in Athletes: A Review.

Early repolarization (ER) on ECG was initially described in 1936 and has been considered a benign ECG finding for more than half a century.1,2 However, in 2008, a seminal study by Haissaguerre et al3 challenged this view by demonstrating an association between ER and an increased risk of idiopathic ventricular fibrillation (VF). To reconcile these apparently contradictory views, as well as to better understand the potential implication of ER in athletes, it is necessary to first understand the semantic confusion that has arisen around the term ER.4 The original definition of ER is based on ≥0.1-mV concave ST-segment elevation (STE), with or without accompanying J waves (defined as a deflection after the QRS that seems as a late delta wave or a small secondary R wave), in ≥2 anterolateral leads (Figure 1A and 1B). This ECG pattern is present in 1% to 2% of the general population, with a higher prevalence in young athletes and blacks. Historically, it has chiefly constituted a benign differential diagnosis to STE myocardial infarction and pericarditis.5 In fact, several large recent studies have confirmed that this type of ER carries no negative prognostic implications in the general population.6,7 Indeed, because ER is so common in young athletes, some have even considered it an ECG sign of good health.2 For the purpose of this review, we will refer to this type of ER as benign ER. Figure 1. Examples of the original benign and new malignant definitions of early repolarization. A and B , Original definition based on ST-segment elevation (STE), with or without J waves. New definition, based on J-wave slurring ( C ) and notching ( D ) followed by a horizontal or downsloping ST segment. Reprinted from Perez et al4 with permission of the publisher. The emerging definition …
Regulation of PCNA Mono-Ubiqutination by FANCD2 and Rad51 in Response to Hydroxyurea.

Abstract 2377 FANCD2 is a key player in FA pathway. It has been shown that FANCD2 can interact with PCNA and with Rad18, the ubiquitin ligase responsible for PCNA mono-ubiquitination. The mono-ubiquitination of PCNA is very important for its function in translesion synthesis. We found that in response to DNA damage agent hyxdroxyurea (HU) the interaction of FANCD2 with Rad18 or Rad51, and the interaction of Rad51 with Rad18 or PCNA was enhanced. FANCD2 is required for increased interaction between Rad51 and Rad18 indicating that FANCD2, Rad51 and Rad18 form a complex in response to HU. Rad18 was required for PCNA mono-ubiquitination in response to HU. FANCD2 deficient cells failed to enhance the interaction between Rad18 and Rad51. Furthermore, PCNA mono-ubiquitination was impaired in FANCD2 deficient cells in response to HU. FANCD2 mono-ubiquitination deficient mutant partially rescued PCNA mono-ubiquitination. The partial mono-ubiquitination of PCNA in response to HU in FANCA deficient mutant confirmed the role of non-ubiquitinated FANCD2 in PCNA mono-ubiquitination. The normal mono-ubiquitination of PCNA in FANCJ deficient mutant confirmed that the effect of FANCD2 in PCNA mon-ubiquitination is not due to FA pathway deficiency. Rad51 was also involved in regulating PCNA mono-ubiquitination in response to HU. Rad51 siRNA knock down cells showed decreased PCNA mono-ubiquitination in response to HU. The role of Rad51 in regulating PCNA mono-ubiquitination did not require BRCA1, indicating that this function is independent of HR. More importantly FANCD2 deficient cells were hypersensitive to HU, whereas FANCD2 mono-ubiquitination deficient mutant cells, FANCD2 corrected cells, FANCA deficient cells and FANCJ deficient cells were not hypersensitive to HU. Our data indicate that FANCD2 plays an important role in PCNA mono-ubiquitination and translesion synthesis partially in a mono-ubiquitination independent manner. Rad51 also plays an important role in PCNA mono-ubiquitination and translesion synthesis in a HR independent fashion. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Characteristics of a wingtip vortex from an oscillating winglet

Initial perturbations in the wingtip vortices can potentially lead to instabilities that significantly reduce their lifetime in the wake of an aircraft. An active winglet capable of oscillating about its point of attachment to the main wing-section is developed using piezoelectric macro fiber composite, to actively perturb the vortex at its onset. Resonance characteristics of the actuated winglet oscillations are evaluated at different excitation levels and aerodynamic loading. Mean near-field characteristics of the vortex, developing from a stationary and an oscillating winglet, are investigated with the help of stereoscopic particle image velocimetry. Results show that the amplitude of winglet oscillations increases linearly with input excitation, to a highest attainable value of nearly four times the airfoil thickness at the winglet tip. The vortex developing from a winglet is stretched along its axis, having an elliptical core with non-uniform vorticity distribution. Actuation leads to spatial oscillations of the vortex core together with a reduction in the mean peak vorticity levels. The amplitude of the actuated core oscillations remains constant in the investigated region of the wake.
An Interactive Points of Interest Guidance System

In this paper we propose an intelligent user interface for a Point-of-Interest (POI) recommendation system. Our approach solves many challenges, such as learning from passive data, sequential real-time recommendations, Inferring the user's propensity to listen to a recommendation, and minimizing recommendation fatigue. We demonstrate our approach on a real world POI data set from Flicker.
TlSbS2: a Semiconductor for Hard Radiation Detection

We report the quasi-2D semiconductor compound TlSbS2 as a new hard radiation detection material. This compound crystallizes in the triclinic P-1 space group, with a direct bandgap of 1.67 eV and high chemical stability. Thanks to its congruent melting at 484 °C, 1 cm-sized single crystals were grown from stoichiometric melts by the Bridgman method. The device exhibits a high resistivity of >1010 Ω·cm, and responds to 22.4 keV Ag X-rays and 5.5 MeV a-particles from 241Am at room temperature. Power-dependent photoluminescence spectra at 17 K reveal that the near-band emission bands peaked at 1.61 and 1.53 eV can be ascribed to donor–acceptor pair recombination. The mobility-lifetime product for electrons along the perpendicular direction with respect to the (0k0) cleavage planes was estimated as 2.4 × 10–6 cm2·V–1, based on spectral response against a-particles. Drift mobility measurements based on a time-of-flight technique using a-particle response reveals an electron mobility of 13.2 ± 2.6 cm2·V–1·s–1. E...
Delineation of microwave ablated hepatocellular carcinomass using electrode displacement elastography

An effective imaging modality to delineate ablated regions after microwave ablation (MWA) therapy is crucial to yield successful treatment outcomes. Ultrasound B-mode imaging is widely used to guide the ablation antenna placement. However, the image quality suffers from relatively low imaging contrast due to the similar echogenicity between the ablated and surrounding tissue. In this study, we applied a quasi-static ultrasound elastography technique, referred to as electrode displacement elastography (EDE), to delineate the thermally ablated regions for patients diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and treated with minimally invasive MWA procedures. Under our approved institutional review board (IRB) protocol, EDE was used for monitoring MWA on fifty-one patients. MWA was performed using a NeuWave Certus 140 system, with a typical setting of 65 W and 5 minutes. Ultrasound B-mode and radiofrequency (RF) data loops for EDE were acquired using a Siemens Acuson S2000 system and a 6C1 HD transducer. RF data loops were acquired simultaneously with a manual perturbation of the ablation antenna performed by a physician. EDE strain images were generated with a 2D cross-correlation based displacement tracking algorithm with a kernel size of 1.35 mm × 3.29 mm along the axial and lateral direction. Ablation area, contrast and contrast to noise ratio (CNR) of EDE strain and ultrasound B-mode images were compared. Delineable ablation regions were obtained using EDE for 45 patients, with a success rate of 88.2%. The area of the ablation region in EDE images was 13.3 ± 5.0 cm2, when compared to 7.7 ± 3.2 cm2 with B-mode images. Contrast and CNR obtained with EDE was on the order of 236% and 102%, respectively, significantly higher than values measured in B-mode images (p <0.001). This study showed that thermally ablated regions were delineated in EDE strain images with enhanced detectability. Potential application of EDE for real-time monitoring of the MWA procedure may improve the treatment outcome.
Social support and one-year outcomes for women participating in prison-based substance abuse treatment programming

AbstractIn recent decades, the number of women under criminal justice supervision has increased considerably, many of whom are serving time for drug offenses. Furthermore, women in prison are more likely than their non-institutionalized counterparts to suffer from a substance abuse disorder. While there is a growing body of research concerning women offenders’ drug abuse and treatment needs, few studies have examined the substance abuse treatment outcomes of women in the criminal justice system. Using data from Outcome Evaluation of the Forever Free Substance Abuse Treatment Program, this study compared women’s self-reported drug use twelve months after participation in high-intensity (n = 101) and low-intensity (n = 81) prison-based substance abuse treatment programming (N = 182). Women who perceived high levels of emotional social support were less likely to report substance use at 12-month follow-up. Furthermore, perceptions of emotional social support and treatment intensity interacted in their associ...
A Two Decade Examination of Historical Race/Ethnicity Disparities in Academic Achievement by Poverty Status

Research on achievement gaps by race/ethnicity and poverty status typically focuses on each gap separately, and recent syntheses suggest the poverty gap is growing while racial/ethnic gaps are narrowing. In this study, we used time-varying effect modeling to examine the interaction of race/ethnicity and poverty gaps in math and reading achievement from 1986–2005 for poor and non-poor White, Black, and Hispanic students in three age groups (5–6, 9–10, and 13–14). We found that across this twenty-year period, the gaps between poor White students and their poor Black and Hispanic peers grew, while the gap between non-poor Whites and Hispanics narrowed. We conclude that understanding the nature of achievement gaps requires simultaneous examination of race/ethnicity and income.
Electrical characterization of the temperature dependence in CdTe/CdS heterojunctions deposited in-situ by pulsed laser deposition

The I-V and C-V characteristics of CdTe/CdS heterojunctions deposited in-situ by Pulsed Laser Deposition (PLD) were evaluated. In-situ deposition enables the study of the CdTe/CdS interface by avoiding potential impurities at the surface and interface as a consequence of exposure to air. The I-V and C-V characteristics of the resulting junctions were obtained at different temperatures, ranging from room temperature to 150 °C, where the saturation current (from 10−8 to 10−4 A/cm2), ideality factor (between 1 and 2), series resistance (from 102 to 105 Ω), built-in potential (0.66–0.7 V), rectification factor (∼106), and carrier concentration (∼1016 cm−3) were obtained. The current–voltage temperature dependence study indicates that thermionic emission is the main transport mechanism at the CdTe/CdS interface. This study also demonstrated that the built-in potential (Vbi) calculated using a thermionic emission model is more accurate than that calculated using C-V extrapolation since C-V plots showed a Vbi sh...
The effect of music on arousal, enjoyment, and cognitive performance:

The present study examined the relationship between arousal and cognitive performance after musical experience via different music activities. Participants performed four musical tasks as music act...
Welfare Gains from Trade in Multi-Sector Models: The Role of Aggregation and Income Elasticities

Sectoral heterogeneity has been shown to affect country-level welfare gains from trade that can be calculated by sector-specific trade elasticities and home expenditure shares. However, empirical analyses of multi-sector models are restricted to a limited number of countries and sectors, mostly due to the lack of data on sector-specific home expenditure shares. This paper first proposes a solution to this limitation by changing the way that foreign products are aggregated at the destination country, where "unbiased" multi-sector welfare gains can be captured by using country-specific trade elasticity measures. Second, the restrictive assumption of unitary importer-income elasticity is relaxed, and it is shown that the trade elasticity in the calculation of welfare gains is replaced by the newly-introduced welfare elasticity, a function of trade and income elasticities. Empirical evidence suggests that equal percentage changes in home expenditure shares result in unequal gains across countries depending on their elasticity measures.
Causes of Corneal Neovascularization

A wide variety of disorders of the cornea culminate in angiogenesis and a considerable amount of information has accumulated about the circumstances under which newly formed blood vessels sprout and extend centripetally into the cornea. In man corneal neovascularization complicates numerous infections (including trachoma, herpes simplex keratitis, leishmaniasis and onchocerciasis), immunologic processes (Stevens-Johnson’s syndrome, graft rejection), alkali burns, as well as traumatic, inflammatory, toxic and nutritional deficiency states and the wearing of some contact lenses (11,104,130,184,190,273,388,638,645). It is noteworthy that corneal vascularization is relatively uncommon in fungal keratitis (184).
Organization of the thyroid hormone receptor in chromatin.

Publisher Summary This chapter explains the organization of the thyroid hormone receptor in chromatin. The thyroid hormone nuclear receptor can be extracted from chromatin by high ionic strength buffer conditions. The modulation of receptor levels could occur by several mechanisms. These include (1) an increase in receptor degradation, (2) a decrease in the rate of receptor synthesis, (3) an alteration in the conformational state of the receptor such that it no longer recognizes the ligand, and (4) modification in the structure of chromatin such that the newly synthesized receptor does not associate. The standard techniques used to quantitate the rate of synthesis or degradation of a protein involve radioactive amino acid incorporation followed by selective isolation of the peptide with specific antiserum, identification by gel electrophoresis, or a combination of both procedures. If the peptide is present in low abundance, then it may be technically difficult to quantitate synthetic and/or degradation rates using this approach even if highly purified antisera is used. DNA in chromatin is organized into repeating subunits referred to as nucleosomes. This repeating subunit structure can be identified in the extended chromatin by electron microscopy in which the nucleosome particles appear to be connected by strands of linker DNA.
Trophic ecology of the neustonic cnidarian Velella velella in the northern California Current during an extensive bloom year: insights from gut contents and stable isotope analysis

Aggregations of the neustonic hydrozoan Velella velella occur periodically in the northern California Current. Despite the regular occurrence of notable bloom events in this productive upwelling zone, little is known about their trophic ecology. We used gut content and stable isotope analyses (SIA) to elucidate V. velella prey selectivity and trophic niche to address their potential impacts on the marine ecosystem. The dominant prey items ingested by V. velella colonies were non-motile prey including cladocerans and northern anchovy (Engraulis mordax) eggs, though copepods were also common in gut contents. Removal rates of northern anchovy eggs could be magnified in bloom years and in areas of high spawning biomass. Stable isotope analysis revealed differences in isotopic niche width and overlap among V. velella based on latitudinal gradients and to a lesser extent on V. velella size and demonstrates the need for continued work to fully understand the trophic ecology of this unique neustonic organism.
Auditor style and common disclosure deficiencies : evidence from SEC comment letters

Policies and procedures that centralize decision-making within an audit firm create auditor style effects. Prior research suggests this style increases financial statement comparability, implicitly making financial statements more useful. However, a potential hazard of auditor style is the propagation of decision errors. We examine the association between auditor style and common disclosure deficiencies among audit clients. We measure auditor style as the presence of a common auditor and use disclosure issues identified through the SEC’s filing review process to measure the occurrence of common disclosure deficiencies. We find that auditor style is associated with common disclosure deficiencies among Big 4 clientele. We also find that clients with the same auditor converge in deficiencies as tenure increases and some evidence that clients assume the deficiencies of a subsequent auditor. These results provide the first evidence that auditor style has potential costs in the form of common disclosure deficiencies.
Chapter 96 – Human Male Genital Tract Immunity and Experimental Models

This chapter discusses the immunoanatomy of the human male urogenital tract, the naturally occurring immune responses, changes in genital tract immune profiles with disease, the effects of androgens on immunity, and the genital tract vaccination studies, with prospects for future research. The human male genital tract consists of a single contiguous duct, lined with a mucosal epithelium. The structure of the epithelium varies between its compartments. In the human, the rete testis is found in the posterior portion of the testis within the mediastinum. The mucosal surface of the rete testis is composed of a simple cuboidal or columnar epithelium. Experimental studies using T-cell receptor repertoire analysis show that a majority of mucosal T cells obtained from the male genital tract share characteristics with blood T cells. The epithelium of the rete testis can express the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II antigens, molecules required for antigen presentation to CD4 + T cells, and the polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (pIgR) that is responsible for transporting IgA and IgM across mucosal surfaces. Few lymphocytes and plasma cells reside in the normal human testis. This suggests that under normal conditions the testis is not capable of classical cellular or secretory immune responses.
An online global database of Hemiptera-Phytoplasma-Plant biological interactions.

Background Phytoplasmas are phloem-limited plant pathogenic bacteria in the class Mollicutes transmitted by sap-feeding insect vectors of the Order Hemiptera. Vectors still have not yet been identified for about half of the 33 known phytoplasma groups and this has greatly hindered efforts to control the spread of diseases affecting important crops. Extensive gaps of knowledge on actual phytoplasma vectors and on the plant disease epidemiology prevent our understanding of the basic underlying biological mechanisms that facilitate interactions between insects, phytoplasmas and their host plants. New information This paper presents a complete online database of Hemiptera-Phytoplasma-Plant (HPP) biological interactions worldwide, searchable via an online interface. The raw data are available through Zenodo at https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.2532738. The online database search interface was created using the 3I software (Dmitriev 2006) which enhances data usability by providing a customised web interface (http://trivellone.speciesfile.org/) that provides an overview of the recorded biological interactions and ability to discover particular interactions by searching for one or more phytoplasma, insect or plant taxa. The database will facilitate synthesis of all available and relevant data on the observed associations between phytoplasmas and their insect and plant hosts and will provide useful data to generate and test ecological and evolutionary hypotheses.
L-arginine depletion by PEG-arginase I, a new potential therapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia

6580 Background: Advances in therapies have resulted in an overall complete remission rate of approximately 85% for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). In contrast, the overall remission ...
The genomics of invasion: characterization of red lionfish (Pterois volitans) populations from the native and introduced ranges

Invasive species are one of the greatest threats to global biodiversity and ecosystem health, and population genetics provides promising tools for understanding the evolutionary process of successful invaders. The well-documented introduction of the red lionfish (Pterois volitans) to the western Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean has decimated native fauna due to the invader’s voracious predation and growth rate. We tested whether our samples were within the region of the source of invasion into the Atlantic and Caribbean and investigated whether hybridization in the native or introduced range was responsible for the success of this invasive species. We used a reduced representation sequencing method to generate over 50,000 single nucleotide polymorphisms and sequence data from two mitochondrial DNA genes to analyze the population patterns. We found one location in the southeastern Pacific that was genetically similar to one location the southwestern Atlantic and evidence of the subsequent spread south to the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean, which supports previous findings. Within the native range, we found genetic divergences commensurate with distinct species and evidence of hybridization. We found limited structure within the introduced range and no evidence of Pterois miles or hybrids within this range. Finally, we found signatures of selection between the native and introduced range that may be a result of the introduction. Overall, this study of the red lionfish showed the pattern of introduction and suggested a deeper sampling of genomic data from individuals within the native range may reveal hybridization between species as the source of the aggressive invasion.
Stereoselective organozinc addition reactions to 1,2-dihydropyrans for the assembly of complex pyran structures.

Nucleophilic addition of organozincs to 1,2-dihydropyranyl acetates represents a new, broadly defined method for the stereocontrolled synthesis of α-substituted pyrans. The products obtained from this process are versatile materials that can be used to construct C-glycosides and other functionalized pyran structures of import. The occurrence of pyranyl groups in both natural products and therapeutically active agents confers added value to the studies described herein.
International Capital Budgeting and Valuation: Review and Proposed Approach

For cross-border valuation to be consistent with the International CAPM (ICAPM), translating projected cash flows across currencies should account for a currency risk premium and the economic interaction between the cash flows and exchange rates. The conventional translation method, based on the traditional interest rate parity condition, ignores these items and is thus not consistent with the ICAPM. Using the constant perpetual growth model and empirical data from 12/31/1998 to 6/30/2020, this study illustrates the conventional translation method’s potentially substantial valuation error if risk and expected return are based on the ICAPM.
Clinical analysis and classification of placental abruption

To investigate the diagnosis, treatment, and maternal and fetal outcomes of placental abruption.We recruited 585 cases of placental abruption from the Women and Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Xi...
Inverse Scattering Transform and Solitons for Square Matrix Nonlinear Schrödinger Equations with Mixed Sign Reductions and Nonzero Boundary Conditions

The inverse scattering transform (IST) with nonzero boundary conditions at infinity is developed for a class of 2 × 2 matrix nonlinear Schrodinger-type systems whose reductions include two equation...
Born Perfect: Assessing Free Speech Challenges to Sexual Orientation Conversion Therapy Bans

This legal analysis paper was written as the final project for Professor Nadine Strossen's upper level First Amendment seminar at New York Law School during the spring 2019 semester. The thirty-page paper addresses the timely question of whether state laws banning “gay conversion therapy” can be successfully challenged on First Amendment/free speech grounds. The paper also considers two Circuit Court opinions that both reached the conclusion that such bans are constitutional, but under different levels of scrutiny and judicial review. Since the paper was submitted, three of the cases mentioned within have been updated by the courts. In September 2019, New York City Council proposed repealing the city's highly restrictive conversion therapy ban in order to moot a First Amendment challenge brought against it in the Southern District of New York (in Schwartz v. City of New York). Also in September, the District Court for the District of Maryland dismissed a First Amendment challenge brought to that state's conversion therapy ban (in Doyle v. Hogan). Finally, in early October, the District Court for the Middle District of Florida (in Vazzo v. City of Tampa) struck down Tampa's conversion therapy ban, not on First Amendment grounds but because it was preempted by state power to regulate the medical profession.For these reasons, the paper has already been rendered a bit out of date. Because the law surrounding this issue is in constant flux and because of other concurrent developments in laws affecting LGBT communities, such as the Supreme Court's consideration of Title VII protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity, I plan to revise this paper soon and offer it for publication.
Rapid cost decrease of renewables and storage accelerates the decarbonization of China’s power system

The costs for solar photovoltaics, wind, and battery storage have dropped markedly since 2010, however, many recent studies and reports around the world have not adequately captured such dramatic decrease. Those costs are projected to decline further in the near future, bringing new prospects for the widespread penetration of renewables and extensive power-sector decarbonization that previous policy discussions did not fully consider. Here we show if cost trends for renewables continue, 62% of China's electricity could come from non-fossil sources by 2030 at a cost that is 11% lower than achieved through a business-as-usual approach. Further, China's power sector could cut half of its 2015 carbon emissions at a cost about 6% lower compared to business-as-usual conditions.
Biodegradable, Hygienic, and Compostable Tableware from Hybrid Sugarcane and Bamboo Fibers as Plastic Alternative

Summary In this study, we developed a pathway to valorize sugarcane bagasse left from sugar production to food-related end products through pulp molding, which represents a sustainable material and clean manufacturing. The sugarcane bagasse from the sugar industry is naturally safe for food-related applications. The produced tableware is fully biodegradable, renewable, and environmentally friendly. We also developed a hybrid fiber strategy that long bamboo fibers were blended with short sugarcane fibers, which formed abundant physical interwinding in the obtained tableware with superior performances as required for food containers, including high tensile strength, superior oil stability, excellent hydrophobicity, and low heavy metal content. Of note, our tableware was mostly biodegraded under natural conditions within 60 days, which is largely shorter than the degradation time for synthetic plastics. Moreover, in comparison with polystyrene production, pulp molding produced much less CO2 emission. The tableware made from biomass thus represents an eco-friendly, low cost, and biodegradable alternative to synthetic plastics for food packaging.
O-pH preliminary report: first-in-human clinical testing of oral biofilm pH using a non-contact optical probe

Measuring the activity of oral-bacteria in plaque, the sticky biofilm on enamel, can provide the presently lacking oral feedback to patients. We have developed O-pH, optical pH monitor that measures pH in the range of 4-7.5 and tested in vivo on 25 pediatric subjects (10-18 years) with high caries risk, 18 of these subjects had a dental cleaning within last two months and 7 didn’t have a cleaning in over 2 months. The average pH after a sugar rinse from regions of biofilm associated with caries was 5.8 and 0.5 units lower than the biofilm of sound enamel.
Evaluating the sensitivity of paleoclimate results using different approaches of leaf morphotype resolution: A case study using the Eocene Florissant paleoflora, central Colorado

Abstract We tested the sensitivity of paleoclimate estimates to different resolutions of leaf morphotype distinction by grouping one paleofloral collection three ways and comparing the results. We examined the different morphotype resolutions using a recently collected Eocene (34 Ma) fossil leaf assemblage from Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument Collection Site 9 (CS-9, Florissant, Colorado), an exposure that yields one of the most diverse sets of dicotyledonous angiosperm (‘dicot’) morphotypes yet analyzed from a single site within this well-studied formation. We grouped this collection using what are herein referred to as ‘Splitter’ (number of morphotypes n = 129), ‘Intermediate’ (n = 96), and ‘Lumper’ (n = 53) morphotyping approaches, which differed in their degree of delineating foliar morphotypes. Leaf Margin Analysis (LMA) and Leaf Area Analysis (LAA) were used to obtain paleotemperature and paleoprecipitation estimates from the morphotype datasets and Climate Leaf Analysis Multivariate Program (CLAMP) was employed to examine further parameters. We perform an additional paleoclimatic analysis of CS-9 in which we divide the site into three stratigraphic sections, and finally we perform an analysis on sample collections above and below a volcanic event horizon within CS-9. Whole collection results across the three morphotype resolutions indicate a mean annual temperature between 10.8 and 12.5 °C, and annual precipitation between 61.8 and 130.7 cm at the time of deposition. The ‘Splitter,’ ‘Intermediate,’ and ‘Lumper’ approaches provide very similar estimates by all methods of analysis and suggest that morphotype resolution specificity has very little effect on climatic results using these leaf physiognomic techniques.
Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) as rescue therapy for endoscopic glue migration and bleeding gastric varices

Gastric variceal (GV) bleeding is an important and fatal complication for cirrhotic patients which has historically been controlled with sclerosants and band ligation. Cyanoacrylate glue therapy has emerged as a more favorable option with bleeding control of up to 90% and low complication rates; however, several reports show possible ectopic systemic glue migration, most commonly into the portomesenteric system and leading to portal hypertension. To decompress portal pressures and mitigate future complications, transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) placement may be a viable rescue therapy. We present two cases of TIPS placement for an 18-year-old and 51-year-old male in the setting of endoscopic glue migration into the portomesenteric system that demonstrate feasibility and success in temporizing acute variceal bleeding. Both cases demonstrated decompressing portovenous pressures but may result in need for re-intervention.
Evaluation of Roundness Parameters in Use for Sand

AbstractParticle granulometry plays an important role in the engineering behavior of many sands. However, the evaluation of particle shape and size has historically been a tedious and labor-intensi...
Evaluation of Egyptian Foreign Trade with the Most Important Partners in Light of the Change in the Exchange Rate

Both exports and imports are one of the important strategic axes of Egypt's economic development plan, Exports are an important source for foreign exchange, and imports are a source of goods that domestic production cannot cover. And According to the direct correlation and the impact of both exports and imports on the Egyptian economy, and According to the importance of the continuous and periodic evaluation of foreign trade to highlight the most important effects of the surrounding changes on it, The research problem is based on an assessment of Egyptian trade with the most important partners in light of the exchange rate change and in the form of the following question: Are exports and imports between Egypt and its most important partners reaching their desired levels? Does the exchange rate have an effect on it? So that the objective is to compare the actual situation with the forecast for both exports and imports, whether at the country level or for the average years for the two periods (2013-2015, 2017-2019) (Before and after exchange rate change). The research was based on data for 20 countries in the case of exports, 33 states in the case of imports as the most important business partners with Egypt, the gravity model has been used with the use of the estimation method for mixed data and the use of the Hausman test to prefer between the two random and fixed effects models.
Impact of epigenetics on human health and possible tool for remediation

Epigenetics is a colossal subject and beyond the scope of being covered in a single issue. It provides a constructive regulatory regime over the information possessed within the genome. Alterations lead to various diseased outcome. In this special thematic issue “Epigenetics and Chromatin Dynamics: Role in health and disease”, we have emphasized some of the aspects that will help our understanding about how epigenetic regulation drives various molecular functions with special emphasis on disease development (initiation, progression and outcomes). A collection of twelve review articles discusses on covalent modification of the genome, molecular interactome of the epigenetic species, epi-mutagenesis to epi-therapeutics.
Self Ia-recognizing T cells undergo an ordered series of interactions with Ia-bearing substrate cells of defined function during their development: a model.

A four-step scheme of cell interactions between self la-recognizing T cells in the helper T cell lineage and la-bearing substrate cells is proposed. The first interaction, with a veto cell, clears the repertoire of helper T cells specific for self Ia, or self antigens in association with self Ia. The second interaction, between helper T cells and Ia on thymic epithelium expands self Ia-recognizing T cells; T cell diotopes displayed on the epithelial cell surface may play the role of an internal antigenic image for this expansion. The third interaction occurs between antigen-presenting cell Ia plus nominal antigen and virgin Lyl T cells, leading to T cell activation and expansion. The fourth interaction involves B cells binding specific antigen via their Ig receptor and displaying self Ia, and this antigen-Ia complex is recognized by helper T cells, causing B cell proliferation and differentiation to antibody secretion. A regulatory pathway, involving suppressor T cells that recognize activated helper T cells via self Ia bound to the anti-self Ia receptor on the T cell surface, is also proposed. This model permits any or all of the proposed mechanisms of Ir gene ac tion, and is compatible with one or two site models of T cell receptors. Its main predictions are that Ia density is carefully regulated in substrate cells to allow both self tolerance and self recognition, in an ordered scheme of development.