cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
SHORT INTEGUMENTS 2 Promotes Growth During Arabidopsis Reproductive Development

The short integuments 2 (sin2) mutation arrests cell division during integument development of the Arabidopsis ovule and also has subtle pleiotropic effects on both sepal and pistil morphology. Genetic interactions between sin2 and other ovule mutations show that cell division, directionality of growth, and cell expansion represent at least partially independent processes during integument development. Double-mutant analyses also reveal that SIN2 shares functional redundancy with HUELLENLOS in ovule primordium outgrowth and proximal-distal patterning and with TSO1 in promotion of normal morphological development of the four whorls of primary floral organs. All of these observations are consistent with SIN2 being a promoter of growth and cell division during reproductive development, with a primary role in these processes during integument development. On the basis of the floral pleiotropic effects observed in a majority of ovule mutants, including sin2, we postulate a relationship between ovule genes and the evolutionary origin of some processes regulating flower morphology.
Analysis of heterogeneous catalytic reactions by nonlinear estimation

Integral conversion catalytic data have been studied by nonlinear estimation to determine whether the Langmuir-Hinshelwood heterogeneous catalytic models are more valid than the simpler homogeneous noncatalytic forms, and whether it is possible to discriminate among models. The experimental system chosen for this study was the vapor phase dehydration of ethanol. Data for a similar hypothetical catalytic system were also generated and analyzed to highlight the effects arising in the ethanol dehydration case. Nonlinear estimation is shown to be a valuable adjunct in the study of reaction kinetics and mechanism. For the hypothetical system, the correct model was found to provide the best fit to the data. Linear regression, coupled with the usual criterion that models are acceptable if all parameter estimates are positive, did not provide this discrimination. For the experimental system of ethanol dehydration, as corroborated by the hypothetical system, such problems as degeneracy of the heterogeneous rate equations and comparatively large errors in measurement are shown to be obscuring factors in determining the best model. When these effects are involved, it is doubtful that the Langmuir-Hinshelwood equations are more warranted than the simpler homogeneous forms.
Evaluation of the mutant selection window for fluoroquinolones against Neisseria gonorrhoeae

Objectives The availability of antimicrobials that may be used for the treatment of infections caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae has been limited by the emergence of antimicrobial resistance, particularly fluoroquinolone resistance. Few data exist regarding the pharmacodynamics of fluoroquinolone resistance selection in N. gonorrhoeae. Methods We used mutant prevention concentration (MPC) testing to define the risk of fluoroquinolone resistance induction in N. gonorrhoeae by ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin and moxifloxacin in a wild-type isolate (ATCC 49226) and its corresponding gyrA mutant (m-49226). Results MIC/MPC values (mg/L) of ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin and moxifloxacin for ATCC 49226 were 0.0078/0.03125, 0.0078/0.125 and 0.0156/0.0625, respectively. The MIC of all fluoroquinolones for m-49226 was 0.125 mg/L; MPCs of ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin and moxifloxacin for this isolate were 4, 0.5 and 0.25 mg/L, respectively. Concentrations of all agents are predicted to exceed the MPC for ATCC 49226 for the entire dosage interval, while concentrations of moxifloxacin alone will exceed the MPC for m-49226. The hierarchy of tested agents with respect to %T(MSW) [percentage of the dosage interval that concentrations fall within the mutant selection window (MSW)] for m-49226 was ciprofloxacin > levofloxacin > moxifloxacin. Multiple-dose fluoroquinolone regimens are predicted to achieve superior pharmacodynamics in comparison with single-dose regimens for m-49226, with increased AUC/MPC values and a reduced %T(MSW). Conclusions Evaluation of the use of moxifloxacin against N. gonorrhoeae is warranted, as is use of multiple-dose fluoroquinolone regimens.
Dispersed interferometry for infrared exoplanet velocimetry

The TEDI (TripleSpec - Exoplanet Discovery Instrument) is the first instrument dedicated to the near infrared radial velocity search for planetary companions to low-mass stars. The TEDI uses Externally Dispersed Interferometry (EDI), a combination of interferometry and multichannel dispersive spectroscopy. We have joined a white-light interferometer with the Cornell TripleSpec (0.9 - 2.4 μm) spectrograph at the Palomar Observatory 200" telescope and begun an experimental program to establish both the experimental and analytical techniques required for precision IR velocimetry and the Doppler-search for planets orbiting low mass stars and brown dwarfs.
Identification and Temperature Regulation of Legionella pneumophila Genes Involved in Type IV Pilus Biogenesis and Type II Protein Secretion

Previously, we had isolated by transposon mutagenesis a Legionella pneumophila mutant that appeared defective for intracellular iron acquisition. While sequencing in the proximity of the mini-Tn10 insertion, we found a locus that had a predicted protein product with strong similarity to PilB from Pseudomonas aeruginosa. PilB is a component of the type II secretory pathway, which is required for the assembly of type IV pili. Consequently, the locus was cloned and sequenced. Within this 4-kb region were three genes that appeared to be organized in an operon and encoded homologs of P. aeruginosa PilB, PilC, and PilD, proteins essential for pilus production and type II protein secretion. Northern blot analysis identified a transcript large enough to include all three genes and showed a substantial increase in expression of this operon when L. pneumophila was grown at 30°C as opposed to 37°C. The latter observation was then correlated with an increase in piliation when bacteria were grown at the lower temperature. Southern hybridization analysis indicated that the pilB locus was conserved within L. pneumophila serogroups and other Legionella species. These data represent the first isolation of type II secretory genes from an intracellular parasite and indicate that the legionellae express temperature-regulated type IV pili.
EXAM: An Environment for Access Control Policy Analysis and Management

As distributed collaborative applications and architectures are adopting policy-based solutions for tasks such as access control, network security and data privacy, the management and consolidation of a large number of policies is becoming a crucial component of such solutions. In large-scale distributed collaborative applications like Web services, there is need for analyzing policy interaction and performing policy integration. In this demonstration, we present EXAM, a comprehensive environment for policy analysis and management, which can be used to perform a variety of functions such as policy property analyses, policy similarity analysis, policy integration. Our work focuses on analysis of access control policies written in XACML (Extensible Access Control Markup Language) [5]. We consider XACML policies because XACML is a rich language able to represent many policies of interest to real world applications and is gaining widespread adoption in the industry.
Monolithic optical time shift network for phased arrays

The monolithic architecture described is an approach to the problem of integrating the functionality of an optical time shift network into a single component part. The silicon-based waveguide and light modulator are easily fabricated on a single substrate. This substrate provides the framework for mounting the GaAs sources and detectors (of the radar system) to complete the hybrid part. The architecture lends itself readily to expansion to up to 11 bits of true time delay. The basic architecture for the fully integrated optical time shift network is shown. >
Familial Clustering of Chronic Kidney Disease

The incidence and prevalence rates of most forms of chronic kidney disease (CKD) had steadily been increasing for the past 30 years, although these rates now appear to have reached a plateau. It is clear that an individual's likelihood of developing progressive CKD results from complex interactions between multiple genetic and environmental factors. Familial clustering of CKD and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) is observed among all the common etiologies of nephropathy. This article reviews the epidemiology of the familial clustering of kidney disease, as well as potential environmental and genetic contributors. The related impact of familial clustering of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and the impact of CVD on the current epidemic of ESRD is also discussed. It is imperative that nephrologists and primary care physicians recognize that individuals who have relatives with advanced nephropathy are themselves at high risk for subsequent kidney disease, proteinuria, and atherosclerotic cardiovascular complications. Until kidney failure genes are identified, it is reasonable to use "family history" (FH) as a surrogate marker for risk of future nephropathy. The detection of kidney disease genes holds great promise for detecting novel pathways that initiate renal fibrosis and lead to progressive loss of renal function. These pathways are likely to offer new therapies that may slow or halt development of chronic kidney failure.
Combining ethephon and naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) in one spray to thin ‘Golden Delicious’ apples

Abstract A trial examined the effects of using ethephon or naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) alone or in combination to thin ‘Golden Delicious’ apples. All sprays were applied only at full bloom (FB). A factorial design was used with ethephon sprays of 0, 50, 100, and 200 mg/litre and NAA at 0, 5, 10, and 20 mg/litre with an additional treatment hand thinned just after FB. Ethephon applied alone thinned effectively at 100 or 200 mg/litre. NAA applied alone did not thin at any concentration. The three concentrations of NAA with ethephon at 50 mg/ litre improved thinning over the untreated control but not enough to significantly improve fruit weight and size. Ethephon alone at 100 mg/litre thinned very effectively and as well as any combination with NAA. Fruit weight and size were improved by all treatments using ethephon at 100 mg/litre. There was no advantage using ethephon at 200 mg/litre when compared to 100 mg/litre. Although there was some evidence that the combination of ethephon and NAA at the highest c...
Protease-Activated Delivery and Imaging Systems

Proteolysis has been cited as an important contributor to cancer initiation and progression. But advantage can be taken of tumor-associated proteases to selectively deliver therapeutic or imaging agents. Protease-activated prodrugs, nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems, hydrogels, gene delivery systems, and imaging systems have been described for cancer applications. Activation is modulated by substrates designed for hydrolysis by members of the matrix metalloproteinase family, prostate-specific antigen, hK2, plasmin, urokinase plasminogen activator, legumain, neprilysin/CD10, or cathepsins B, D, or L. The first generation of protease-activated agents has demonstrated proof of principle as well as provided impetus for in vivo applications. One common problem has been a lack of agent stability at nontargeted tissues and organs due to activation by multiple proteases. Second-generation agents may need to incorporate more selective substrates, which can be achieved by consideration of both the sequence specificity and the topological preferences of proteases.
Medical student name tags

Objective To explore how U.S. medical students doing clinical rotations are physically identified to patients via their name tags, and how patients interpret the educational status conveyed by those name tags.
Detection of Ehrlichia Risticii using an Avidin-Biotin-Immunoperoxidase Staining System

An indirect immunoperoxidase procedure using a specific anti- Ehrlichia risticii monoclonal an- tibody and an avidin-biotin-peroxidase staining method was used to detect E. risticii antigen in infected P388D1 murine monocytes. Several different methods of cytological fixation were used, including acetone (15 min), 95% ethanol (15 min), Bouin's fixative (5 hr), and 10% buffered neutral formalin (24 hr). The E. risticii organisms were labeled effectively and identified in cells fixed with acetone and ethanol. However, infected P388D1 cells fixed in 10% formalin or Bouin's fixative required enzymatic digestion with 1.0% trypsin for 15 min at 37 C before positive results were evident. This indirect immunoperoxidase avidin-biotin staining procedure proved to be a sensitive assay for the detection of intracellular E. risticii and may be an effective diagnostic procedure for formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue. Potomac horse fever (PHF), also known as equine monocytic ehrlichiosis or equine ehrlichial colitis, has emerged as an important equine disease since the first reported case. 8 The causative agent, Ehrlichia risticii, is a rickettsial organism and obligate intracellular par- asite. 6,13 Although mice can be experimentally infected with E. risticii, 7 horses are the only apparent animals that develop clinical disease with natural exposure. The clinical presentation of PHF varies, but most affected horses have anorexia, depression, and fever followed in many cases by diarrhea and severe dehy- dration. 17 Laminitis is also a common sequela to the disease, possibly related to endotoxemia. Although E. risticii is a systemic infection, lesions are usually con- fined to the alimentary system, varying from colonic and cecal mucosal hyperemia to extensive u1ceration. 1
The interrelationship between APC/C and Plk1 activities in centriole disengagement

Mother-daughter centriole disengagement, the necessary first step in centriole duplication, involves Plk1 activity in early mitosis and separase activity after APC/C activity mediates securin degradation. Plk1 activity is thought to be essential and sufficient for centriole disengagement with separase activity playing a supporting but non-essential role. In separase null cells, however, centriole disengagement is substantially delayed. The ability of APC/C activity alone to mediate centriole disengagement has not been directly tested. We investigate the interrelationship between Plk1 and APC/C activities in disengaging centrioles in S or G2 HeLa and RPE1 cells, cell types that do not reduplicate centrioles when arrested in S phase. Knockdown of the interphase APC/C inhibitor Emi1 leads to centriole disengagement and reduplication of the mother centrioles, though this is slow. Strong inhibition of Plk1 activity, if any, during S does not block centriole disengagement and mother centriole reduplication in Emi1 depleted cells. Centriole disengagement depends on APC/C-Cdh1 activity, not APC/C-Cdc20 activity. Also, Plk1 and APC/C-Cdh1 activities can independently promote centriole disengagement in G2 arrested cells. Thus, Plk1 and APC/C-Cdh1 activities are independent but slow pathways for centriole disengagement. By having two slow mechanisms for disengagement working together, the cell ensures that centrioles will not prematurely separate in late G2 or early mitosis, thereby risking multipolar spindle assembly, but rather disengage in a timely fashion only late in mitosis.
Vocal development in dystonic rats

Vocal production, which requires the generation and integration of laryngeal and respiratory motor patterns, can be impaired in dystonia, a disorder believed due to dysfunction of sensorimotor pathways in the central nervous system. Herein, we analyze vocal and respiratory abnormalities in the dystonic (dt) rat, a well-characterized model of generalized dystonia. The dt rat is a recessive mutant with haploinsufficiency of Atcay which encodes the neuronally restricted protein caytaxin. Olivocerebellar functional abnormalities are central to the dt rat's truncal and appendicular dystonia and could also contribute to vocal and respiratory abnormalities in this model system. Differences in vocal repertoire composition were found between homozygote and wild-type dt rat pups developing after 3 weeks of life. Those spectro-temporal differences were not paralleled by differences in vocal activity or maximum lung pressures during quiet breathing and vocalization. However, breathing rhythm was slower in homozygote pups. This slower breathing rhythm persisted into adulthood. Given that cerebellectomy eliminates truncal and appendicular dystonia in the dt rat, we hypothesize that the altered breathing patterns stem either from a disturbance in the maturation of respiratory pattern generators or from deficient extracerebellar caytaxin expression affecting normal respiratory pattern generation. The altered breathing rhythm associated with vocal changes in the murine model resembles aspects of vocal dysfunction that are seen in humans with sporadic dystonia.
The Sorediate Corticolous Species of Caloplaca in North and Central America

This paper is a study of the sorediate corticolous species of Caloplaca in North and Central America with notes on similar species from other parts of the world. Of the 22 described sorediate species studied, 13 occur within the study area. The most common and widespread species in this group are C. chrysophthalma and C. microphyllina. Apothecia are often lacking on these sorediate species, in contrast to the isidiate species. A key, color photographs, and distribution maps are provided. Two new species are described as C. alaskensis and C. persimilis. Caloplaca granularis and Caloplaca ulcerosa are reported for the first time from North America. Several lectotypes are designated.
Exceptional cosmetic surgeries on S3

Abstract This paper concerns the truly cosmetic surgery conjecture. We prove that the slope of an exceptional truly cosmetic surgery on a hyperbolic knot in S 3 must be ±1 and the surgery must be toroidal but not Seifert fibred. As a consequence we show that there are no exceptional truly cosmetic surgeries on certain types of hyperbolic knots in S 3 . We also give some properties of Heegaard Floer correction terms and torsion invariants for exceptional cosmetic surgeries on S 3 .
Social problems that limit participation in recreation activities among rural residents

ABSTRACTRural residents are often impacted by social problems within their communities that can negatively affect their health and recreation participation. The purpose of this paper was to examine community leaders’ perceptions of the challenges to implementing recreation programs for residents living in a Western rural community in the United States that promote positive health and well-being. Semi-structured interviews with community leaders were used to examine the study’s purpose. The findings indicated that not having affordable recreation opportunities, racial tensions and a heightened sense of apathy affected the recreation patterns of community residents. However, the community leaders felt that addressing these social problems could improve the recreation opportunities and the health of the residents.
Precise Mossbauer milliprobe determination of ferric iron in rock-forming minerals and limitations of electron microprobe analysis

For estimations of P-T conditions of igneous and metamorphic rocks, Fe 31 in coexisting minerals is either assumed to be zero or is calculated from electron microprobe analyses (EMPA) based upon stoichiometry and charge balance. Geothermobarometers that involve Fe 21 -Mg 21 exchange can be significantly affected by either neglecting Fe 31 or using incorrect values. Ratios of Fe 31
Abnormal Stock Performance of Late Filing Firms: Additional Investigation

This paper examines whether the previously observed future under performance of the portfolio of the late 10-K filing firms exists in post EDGAR period and any reasons for the observed under-performance. I find that there is some evidence of under-performance of the portfolio of the late filing firms. I further find that in post-EDGAR period, the late filing firms have higher de-listing probabilities and that the observed under-performance is driven by the future negative stock performance of the sample of the de-listed late filing firms. I conclude that, in post-EDGAR period the market generally correctly values late filing firms.
Atomic-Resolution Chemical Analysis at 100 Kv in the Scanning Transmission Electron Microscope

In a 100 kV VG HB501 UX dedicated scanning transmission electron microscope, the 2.2 A probe size allows the atomic structure to be observed with compositional sensitivity in the Z-contrast image. As this image requires only the high-angle scattering, it can be used to position the probe for simultaneous electron energy loss spectroscopy. Energy loss signals in the core loss region of the spectrum (>300 eV) are sufficiently localized that the spatial resolution is limited only by the probe. The electronic structure of the material at the interface can thus be determined on the same scale as the changes in composition, and atomic structure can be observed in the image, allowing the structure and chemical bonding at interfaces and boundaries to be characterized at the atomic level.
Use of antimicrobial agents in patients with cardiovascular disease

Antimicrobial agents are widely utilized in the prevention and treatment of infection in patients with cardiovascular diseases. Knowledge of spectrum of activity, pharmacology, adverse effect and toxicity profile, and emergence of resistant pathogens is critical to the appropriate use of these agents. The following review will emphasize the safe, effective use of antimicrobial drugs in the cardiovascular patient.
Non-random feeding enhances the contribution of oceanic zooplankton to the diet of the planktivorous coral reef fish Dascyllus flavicaudus

Combining gut content analysis and sampling of ambient zooplankton, we examine departures from random feeding in a planktivorous coral reef fish and explore the effects of apparent non-random feeding behavior on the relative contribution of oceanic versus reef-associated zooplankton to fish diet. The planktivorous damselfish Dascyllus flavicaudus appears to exhibit strong positive electivity for oceanic copepods including Candacia spp. and copepods from the families Oncaeidae and Corycaeidae and consistent negative electivity for cyclopoid copepods (Oithonidae). In total, prey taxa categorized as oceanic in origin contributed 10–76 % of total zooplankton biomass in fish guts. The summed contribution of oceanic prey taxa to fish diet was significantly higher than expected under a model of random feeding based on the availability of oceanic versus reef-associated prey as sampled by zooplankton net tows. The feeding behavior of D. flavicaudus appears to be visibility-selective rather than or in addition to size-selective, as electivity across prey taxa could not be explained by differences in prey size alone.
Guggul for hypercholesterolemia.

The mukul myrrh tree ( Commiphora mukul ), a native of India, secretes the substance guggul (also known as guggulu or guggulipid) when its bark is injured. Guggul has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years to treat arthritis and obesity. Guggul extracts were first used in Asia to
A photoactivatable Src homology 2 (SH2) domain

Src homology 2 (SH2) domains bind specifically to phosphotyrosine-containing motifs. As a regulatory module of intracellular signaling cascades, the SH2 domain plays important roles in the signal transduction of receptor tyrosine kinase pathways. In this work, we reported the construction of a photoactivatable SH2 domain through the combination of protein engineering and genetic incorporation of photo-caged unnatural amino acids. Significantly enhanced recognition of a phosphotyrosine-containing peptide substrate by the engineered SH2 domain mutant was observed after light-induced removal of the photo-caging group. Optical activation allows the control of protein and/or cellular function with temporal and spatial resolution. This photoactivatable SH2 domain could potentially be applied to the study of tyrosine phsophorylation-associated biological processes.
Chapter 19 Immunologic disorders of the endocrine system

Autoimmune thyroid disease is one of the most common immunologic disorders of the endocrine system. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis was the first of these diseases to be identified as an autoimmune disorder. This disease manifests by lymphocytic infiltration of the thyroid gland with progressive glandular destruction. A hallmark of Hashimoto’s disease is serum autoantibodies against thyroid antigens including thyroglobulin and microsomal antigen (now known to be the thyroid peroxidase). In addition, cellular sensitization to thyroid extracts is demonstrated by lymphocytic proliferation to thyroid membrane extracts. Clinically, these patients have goiter and local adenopathy, which is sometimes tender. The patient can progress to hypothyroidism due to chronic inflammatory destruction of the thyroid gland. These individuals need thyroid hormone replacement. On occasion, however, hyperthyroidism is seen either from the breakdown and release of thyroid hormone or from stimulating antibodies, as in Graves’ disease.
The Gendered Subject/Object in Popular Culture

An important form of unofficial education about difference occurs through popular culture representations of cultural stereotypes and gendered characters. Recent images in popular culture reinforced myths of western superiority through the reproduction of ethnocentric characters. Gendered difference has been imagined and portrayed in popular movies, television, magazines, and news media. In Chapter 6, the author analyzes a selection of American and global popular media with a focus on the representation of race and gender. The primary focus is on the films created by and for western audiences that involve characters from other geographies, including some films that portray more complex and challenging ideas of difference. Most popular films rely on easily identifiable cultural stereotypes that reinforce the audience’s preconceived notions. Films that feature complex representations of people who cross traditional borders or who cannot be identified as belonging to a certain culture generally are small, independent features that are not destined for a wide audience. These films challenge and/or intensify the unequal relationships of power that remain from the colonial era through their representations of difference.
Decision Models Regarding Electronic Health Records

Some of the most theoretically proven models in technology management that deal with user’s adoption of information technologies are theory of reasoned action (TRA), technology acceptance model (TAM), theory of planned behavior (TPB), and their modifications and extensions. The framework of user acceptance of information technology is at the heart of TAM. TAM is a robust and powerful predictive model (King & He, 2006). It is used by researchers in technology, psychology, social sciences, healthcare, and others (Choi & Totten, 2012; Dulcic, Pavlic, & Silic, 2012; Kukafka et al., 2003; Legris, Ingham, & Collerette, 2003).
An Introduction to Many-Valued and Fuzzy Logic: Review of Classical First-Order Logic

The language of classical first-order logic First-order logic (sometimes called predicate logic ) includes all of the connectives of propositional logic. Unlike propositional logic, however, first-order logic analyzes simple sentences into terms and predicates. We use uppercase roman letters as predicates , lowercase roman letters a through t as ( individual) constants , and lowercase roman letters u through z as ( individual) variables . Predicates, constants, and variables may be augmented with subscripts if necessary, thus guaranteeing an infinite supply of each. Constants function like names in English, and variables function like pronouns. Together constants and variables count as terms . Predicates have arities , where an arity is the number of terms to which a predicate applies. In English, for example, the arity of the predicate runs in John runs is 1 – it combines with a single term, John in this case – while the arity of the predicate loves in John loves Sue is 2 – it combines with two terms. Atomic formulas are formed by writing predicates in initial position followed by an appropriate number of terms (determined by the predicate's arity). John runs and John loves Sue might thus be symbolized as Rj and Ljs . There are two standard quantifiers in first-order logic, the universal and the existential quantifiers. We'll use ∀ as the universal quantifier symbol and ∃ as the existential quantifier symbol.
Plant Cell Physiology

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the physiological aspects of plant cell. Plant cells and animal cells are connected evolutionarily, sharing a common ancestor, but separated by over half a billion years of evolution. Throughout the plant's life, new cells are typically produced in localized regions of relatively high mitotic activity called meristems. Morphological and physiological specialization of plant cells occurs primarily through modifications of the cell wall and plastids. Consisting of cellulose microfibrils embedded in a polysaccharide and protein matrix, the cell wall of plants both supports and protects the protoplast. Cell walls provide a physical barrier to insects and microbial pathogens and also allow plants to take up water. Plant cell division cannot occur without the formation of a new cell wall, which also determines the morphology of the cell during growth and differentiation. The other important structures of the plant cell, such as endomembrane systems, vacuoles, lipid bodies, plastids, microbodies, glyoxysomes, peroxisomes, cytoskeleton, and plasmodesmata are discussed. The discussion on cell-to-cell communication in plants includes intercellular transport via plasmodesmata, plant hormones, defensive signals, and interactions between plants and other organisms. Plant cells maintain a substantial resting potential across their plasma membrane, mainly through electrogenic, proton-translocating ATPases. This primary active transport mechanism drives most of the other secondary transport systems in plasma membrane. Plants can perceive subtle changes in light quality and quantity through at least two different kinds of photoreceptors—phytochrome and a blue-light photoreceptor.
Classroom experiments: Teaching specific topics or promoting the economic way of thinking?

ABSTRACTThe authors' data contain inter- and intra-class variations in experiments to which students in a principles of microeconomics course were exposed. These variations allowed the estimation of the effect on student achievement from the experimental treatment generally, as well as effects associated with participation in specific experiments. The authors find that students exposed to the experimental treatment enjoyed significantly higher positive learning gains than those in the no-experiment control group. The productivity experiment was associated with significantly more positive learning, the minimum wage experiment with less negative learning, and the externality experiment with less positive learning. The authors further find that some experiments affect student learning on the demonstrated topics, while others affect student learning on unrelated topics.
Multiple Myeloma with Secretory and Non-Secretory Biclonal Gammopathy

Abstract Abstract 5092 Multiple myeloma (MM) accounts for 10 % of hematological malignancies. MM with biclonal gammopathy are rare and seen in 1 % of all MM cases. In 99% of the MM cases, paraproteins are secreted in the serum and/or urine, in the remaining 1% the paraproteins are synthesized but not secreted. Only 2 % of patients are younger than 40 years of age. We report a 36 year old African American female who presented with diffuse lytic lesions. Serum electrophoresis (SPEP) revealed IgG kappa M protein of 3.8 g/dl and a IgG Kappa M spike of 2.6 mg/dl. Free light chains (SFLC) revealed elevated free kappa chains of 500 mg/dl, elevated free lambda chains of 928 mg/dl and K/L ratio of 0.55. Urine protein UPEP showed an M spike of IgG kappa and free kappa light chains. The B2 microglobulin was 26.8 mg/dl. Patient's recent T10 Bone biopsy done at outside hospital had a near complete replacement of the marrow by plasma cells which were biclonal plasma cells by IHC, one kappa restricted and one lambda restricted. Since the IFE showed only a single IgG kappa M protein spike, the lambda plasma clone was apparently non-secretory. Treatment was started with cyclophosphamide, bortezomib and dexamethasone. After 22 days of treatment, the M protein has decreased 1.39 mg/dl. A repeat SFLC also shows further decline in free kappa light chains. As the IFE showed one gamma M spike and bone biopsy had two clonal plasma cells it was concluded that one of the neoplasms is nonsecretory. Although the elevated lambda free light chain in the serum is now does point towards a second plasma cell neoplasm. Biclonal gammopathy is rare and accounts for 1% of all MM cases. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of a biclonal, secretory and nonsecretory, gammopathy Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Quantification of Changes in Light and Temperature Associated with Invasive Amur Honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii)

Biological invasion by nonnative species is considered one of the major threats to the global environment. Amur honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii) is a shrub introduced from Asia which has become invasive in Eastern deciduous forests of North America. An interesting aspect of the life-history of Amur honeysuckle is its extended leaf phenology. It leafs out earlier in the spring than most native shrubs and understory trees and loses its leaves later in the fall. Thus, Amur honeysuckle has the potential to alter the natural light environment and possibly impact native species, particularly spring ephemerals which are dependent on high light levels prior to canopy leaf-out. We tested the hypothesis that light levels are lower in sites with Amur honeysuckle relative to sites with native forest understory and quantified differences between sites. We found that light levels were significantly lower under Amur honeysuckle compared to natural understory, with the greatest reduction occurring during spring. Temperature at ground level was also lower under Amur honeysuckle than under the natural understory during spring. The extended leaf phenology of Amur honeysuckle alters both temperature and light intensity, which may increase both its success as an invader and its impact on native species.
Coming Up Empty in the People's Republic

Exploring new grounds of personal growth in academia, an American professor goes to China for what he thinks would be a month-long enjoyable introductory visit that would pave the way to a four-month research related sojourn. After three weeks of boredom and frustrated plans, he decides to take initiative in his own hands... and gets much more than he bargained for.
Finding Anna: Anna’s Influence on Early Jacobean Theatre and Her Legacy

This chapter examines Anna’s influence on the arts both through her patronage of Jacobean artists and through oblique representations of her in the works of artists such as Shakespeare. In particular, it examines representations of Anna as a fecund queen, bringing life and progeny to a throne that had but recently been occupied by a powerful virgin queen. Her fecundity brings hope for the future, but it also brings the unruly aspects of female sexual desire to the foreground. As the chapter comes to an end, it will return to the discussion of early modern witchcraft, teasing out parallels between Anna and Frances Howard, whose connection to adultery, murder and the occult make her the very embodiment of the dangers of female sexuality and power.
Fusion of microwave and infrared data for enhancing its spatial resolution

The images acquired by microwave sensors are blurry and of low-resolution. On the other hand, the images obtained using infrared/visible sensors are of sufficiently high-resolution. In this paper, we develop a data fusion methodology and apply it to enhance resolution of a microwave image using the data from a collocated infrared/visible sensor. Such an approach takes advantage of the spatial resolution of the infrared instrument and the sensing accuracy of the microwave instrument. We tested our method using precipitation scenes captured with the Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit (AMSU) microwave instrument and the Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR).
pyomo.dae : a modeling and automatic discretization framework for optimization with differential and algebraic equations

We describe pyomo.dae, an open source Python-based modeling framework that enables high-level abstract specification of optimization problems with differential and algebraic equations. The pyomo.dae framework is integrated with the Pyomo open source algebraic modeling language, and is available at http://www.pyomo.org . One key feature of pyomo.dae is that it does not restrict users to standard, predefined forms of differential equations, providing a high degree of modeling flexibility and the ability to express constraints that cannot be easily specified in other modeling frameworks. Other key features of pyomo.dae are the ability to specify optimization problems with high-order differential equations and partial differential equations, defined on restricted domain types, and the ability to automatically transform high-level abstract models into finite-dimensional algebraic problems that can be solved with off-the-shelf solvers. Moreover, pyomo.dae users can leverage existing capabilities of Pyomo to embed differential equation models within stochastic and integer programming models and mathematical programs with equilibrium constraint formulations. Collectively, these features enable the exploration of new modeling concepts, discretization schemes, and the benchmarking of state-of-the-art optimization solvers.
Patient with Lynch syndrome with subsequent development of small bowel adenocarcinoma

Small bowel adenocarcinoma (SBA) is a rare cancer in the general population, but the incidence increases in patients with Lynch syndrome. The present case describes a 57-year-old white woman with a history of colon cancer status posthemicolectomy and diagnosis of Lynch syndrome. Twenty years after her operation, the patient presented with vague abdominal discomfort and constipation, and underwent an exploratory laparotomy which revealed a stage 3A SBA. Genetic testing of the specimen provided evidence of microsatellite instability and faulty DNA repair supporting aetiology of Lynch syndrome. This case is unique in that SBA, if present in patients with Lynch syndrome, is usually a presenting symptom and has not been widely described in literature as an occurrence so many years after. As a result, this case highlights the importance of a low threshold for a thorough evaluation in patients with Lynch syndrome who present with signs of small bowel obstruction.
Challenges in Therapeutic Drug Monitoring of Classical Tricyclic and Newer Antidepressants: Analytical and Pharmacogenetics Considerations

Antidepressants are one of the most frequently prescribed drugs. Due to a narrow therapeutic window, non-compliance issues and problems with empirical dosing, antidepressants, particularly classical tricyclics, are frequently monitored. Immunoassays and chromatographic methods are commonly used for the assays of antidepressants. Immunoassays are easy to perform and provide rapid turnaround time; however, they are not available for all the antidepressants and pose analytical problems due to cross-reactivity issues. Chromatographic methods are more specific than immunoassays and are versatile. They are available for the measurement of all antidepressants; however, they are analytically challenging and not available on a routine basis. For optimal use of therapeutic drug monitoring, knowledge of many other factors, such as age, co-administration of other drugs and pharmacogenetics, is required, particularly in patients who do not respond optimally to the drug therapy. Most antidepressants are metabolized by CYP2D6 and CYP2C19 enzymes (isomers of the cytochrome P450 family of enzymes responsible for the metabolism of the majority of drugs), and some patients show significant variations in these enzymes.
Political attitudes as predictors of the multiple dimensions of mental health stigma.

Background:Mental health (MH) stigma is multidimensional and remains common in the United States and throughout the world. While sociopolitical attitudes such as right-wing authoritarianism (RWA) h...
Circulatory TGF-β1 is signifcantly higher in early stage of pulmonary sarcoidosis

Introduction: The pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis in sarcoidosis is not known. We hypothesized that higher levels of circulatory growth factors are present in early stages of pulmonary sarcoidosis and may be associated with pulmonary fibrosis. Methods: Age and sex-matched subjects with sarcoidosis stage 0-1 (n=18), stage 4-5 (n=13) and healthy controls (n=5) had their serum TGF-β1, FGF, and VEGF levels measured as well as their gene expressions determined in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Results: TGF-β1 levels were significantly higher in patients with stage 0-1 sarcoidosis compared with normal healthy control patients (25,488 vs. 13800 pg/ml, P=0.05). Patients with sarcoidosis stage 4 had a 1.3-fold higher peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) gene expression of TGF-β1 compared with subjects at stage 0-1 (P= 0.041). The serum levels of FGF, and VEGF had a trend towards higher levels in sarcoidosis subjects compared to normal controls. Conclusion: These results suggest that cell growth factors levels are high in early stages of sarcoidosis. These findings should be validated in larger studies. (Sarcoidosis Vasc Diffuse Lung Dis 2018; 35: 213-217).
40 Sentinel lymph node mapping alone compared to more extensive lymphadenectomy in patients with uterine serous carcinoma

Objectives To assess survival among patients with uterine serous carcinoma (USC) who underwent sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping alone, compared with patients who underwent systematic lymphadenectomy (LND). Methods Newly diagnosed USC at our institution between 1/1/1996 and 12/31/2017 were reviewed. Patients were assigned to two cohorts: those who underwent SLN mapping alone (SLN Cohort); and those who underwent systematic [pelvic and paraaortic] LND without SLN mapping (LND Cohort). Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results In total, 245 patients were available for analysis. Of these, 79 (32.2%) underwent only SLN mapping and 166 (67.7%) underwent systematic LND. Patients in the SLN cohort had a median age of 66 years, compared to 68 years in the LND cohort (p>0.05). Median follow-up time was 23 months (range, 1–96) in the SLN cohort and 66 months (range, 4–265) in the LND cohort (p Conclusions SLN mapping alone and systematic pelvic and paraaortic nodal dissection (LND) led to similar survival outcomes in patients with stage I-III USC. In our practice, the SLN mapping algorithm has replaced systematic LND as the primary staging modality in the setting of apparent uterine-confined endometrial serous cancer.
Change points in annual peak streamflows: Method comparisons and historical change points in the United States

Abstract Change-point, or step-trend, detection is an active area of research in statistics and an area of great interest in hydrology because change points may be evidence of natural or anthropogenic changes in climatic, hydrologic, or landscape processes. A common change-point technique is the Pettitt test; however, many change-point methods are now available and testing of methods has been limited. This study investigated eight methods for detecting change points in the location (central tendency, seven methods) and scale (dispersion or spread, one method) of annual peak streamflows, using simulated data with and without change points, and peak-streamflow series from basins with known large additions of reservoir storage. Parametric methods tested, including a Bayesian one, did not perform well, even when transforming peak streamflows to approximate normality by using logarithms. Nonparametric methods other than the Pettitt test allow for more than one change point but have an unacceptable number of false positives. Based on the results of our methods comparisons, we used the Pettitt and the Mood tests to find change points in location and scale, respectively, in thousands of streamgage records in the conterminous United States. Change points in location (median) and scale are abundant, with the changes in median peak streamflow showing regional patterns, as well as a strong increased streamflow signal around 1970. The changes in scale of peak streamflows are dominated more by temporal than spatial patterns; more streamgages had decreases in scale in earlier decades than recent decades and more streamgages had increases in scale occurring in recent decades than earlier decades.
Transformer-less High-Gain DC-DC Converter with SiC Cascode JFETs for High-Voltage Applications

Wide-bandgap (WBG) semiconductor devices bring numerous advantages to power converters due to their inherent superior switching characteristics and high performance under harsh operating conditions. Currently, traditional silicon switching devices are approaching their practical limits in terms of meeting requirements for fast-switching, high-voltage, and high-temperature operations. To overcome the limitations of the existing Si technologies, silicon carbide (SiC) power devices are selected because they exhibit a wider bandgap energy with a lower on-state resistance and therefore are effectively able to improve the power density and increase efficiency of power conversion in high-switching and high-temperature environments. This paper presents an efficient transformer-less high-gain floating boost converter equipped with SiC cascode JFETs for high-voltage applications. The switching energies of both Si and SiC cascode JFET devices are evaluated using a double-pulse test (DPT) technique at different switch currents, gate resistances, and junction temperatures. In addition, the efficiency of the converter design with SiC power devices is investigated and tested at different switching frequencies and input voltages and compared with the Si-based converter. The results reveal that the SiC power devices utilized in the converter significantly reduce the total semiconductor loss and improve overall converter efficiency.
"Would You Please Buy Me a Coffee?": How MicroculturesImpact People's Helpful Actions Toward Robots

Robots sometimes face hardware and algorithmic challenges that exceed their capabilities, e.g., an armless robot pressing an elevator button. Previous work suggests that rather than augmenting the robot capabilities, sometimes robots can simply ask for help. A central contribution of this paper is the discovery of how people's helping behaviors vary within local microcultures, i.e., shared patterns of behaviors and norms linked to local atmospheric conditions and situations. Our methods combine techniques from both social robotics research and ethnography to investigate how people's helping behaviors toward robots vary across six cafes on a single college campus. We deploy a simple robot to request help ordering items, analyzing the 268 interaction instances to find significant variations in both help and care behaviors toward the robot. Microcultural and situational factors influence this help, motivating the inclusion of cultural criteria into the behavioral predictions of human-robot interaction systems.