cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Self-Transformations of African American Achievers

Ethnographic case studies of three African American student achievers attending desegregated urban high schools are analyzed in terms of theories in the new cultural pluralism in educational anthropology. The achievers are described as they sought to transform their “multiple selves” as Black persons, as women and men, and as members of social classes in transition between the “multiple worlds” of their families, schooling, and peers. They accomplished their self-transformations through the use of contrasting strategies of self-negation, self-fragmentation, and self-synthesis that were adapted in response to conflicting cultural expectations. This investigation offers crucial insights into the nature and consequences of the identity work of African American youths in urban educational contexts.
Bovine leukemia virus transmembrane protein gp30 physically associates with the down-regulatory phosphatase SHP-1.

Abstract In B lymphocytes, the down-regulatory phosphatase SHP-1 associates with CD22 and CD32b (also known as FcγRIIB) and acts as a critical negative regulator of B-cell receptor signaling. Bovine leukemia virus, a retrovirus of the HTLV/BLV group, causes persistently increased numbers of peripheral blood B lymphocytes, known as persistent lymphocytosis (PL) and, in some animals, progression to B-cell leukemia and/or lymphoma. Here, we show that SHP-1 associates with the bovine leukemia virus transmembrane protein, gp30. This interaction is either direct or indirect. The interaction is dependent on tyrosine phosphorylation, and the interaction increases after cell stimulation with sodium pervanadate. The gp30–SHP-1 interaction is seen in all of the BLV-infected, PL animals tested, but is not seen in uninfected animals or in most BLV-infected, non-PL animals, which do not express significant quantities of gp30. However, one BLV-infected, non-PL animal expressed large quantities of gp30, yet no gp30–SHP-1 interaction was detected, suggesting that there may be other factors in cells from the PL animals that facilitate the gp30–SHP-1 interaction. The association of gp30 and SHP-1 suggests the hypothesis that gp30 may act as a decoy to sequester SHP-1, resulting in up-regulation of B-cell receptor signaling. The implication of this could be a novel mechanism of viral activation of lymphocytes by removal of a down-regulatory phosphatase.
Leflunomide and Malononitrilamides

Leflunomide is a new immunomodulatory drug that is effective in experimental models of autoimmune diseases and in allo or xenotransplantation. In a phase II clinical trial, leflunomide showed high tolerability and efficacy in patients with advanced rheumatoid arthritis. The immunomodulatory activity of leflunomide is attributed to its primary metabolite A77 1726, which is a malononitrilamide. The in vitro and in vivo mechanisms of action of this class of compounds are not defined completely. Several malononitrilamide analogues and A77 1726 inhibit T- and B-cell proliferation, suppress immunoglobulin production, and interfere with cell adhesion. Although no central molecular mechanism of action has been proposed to explain all the effects of the malononitrilamides, the inhibition of de novo pyrimidine biosynthesis and of cytokine- and growth factor receptor-associated tyrosine kinase activity are leading hypotheses for the effects of A77 1726 on T- and B-cell proliferation and function. Leflunomide is effective when administered in daily dosages of 10 mg and 25 mg to patients with active rheumatoid arthritis. The improved efficacy of a 25 mg dose is associated with a higher incidence of adverse effects (gastrointestinal symptoms, weight loss, allergic reactions, skin rash, and reversible alopecia). Because of the long plasma half-life of A77 1726 (11 to 16 days), loading doses are necessary to achieve steady state concentrations. Phase III randomized, placebo-controlled trials that use daily dosages of 10 mg or 20 mg are under way in the United States and Europe to confirm and extend the results of the phase II study. Malononitrilamide analogues of A77 1726 are being evaluated for immunosuppressive efficacy in preclinical models of transplantation. If these analogues show efficacies and therapeutic indexes that are similar to leflunomide in these models and that have shorter half-lives than A77 1726 in phase I trials, the preclinical and phase I data will be used to select the analogues for phase II trials in organ transplant recipients.
Hierarchy of Polymorphic Variation and Desensitization Permutations Relative to β1- and β2-Adrenergic Receptor Signaling

Abstract Agonist-promoted desensitization of G-protein-coupled receptors results in partial uncoupling of receptor from cognate G-protein, a process that provides for rapid adaptation to the signaling environment. This property plays important roles in physiologic and pathologic processes as well as therapeutic efficacy. However, coupling is also influenced by polymorphic variation, but therelative impact of these two mechanisms on signal transduction is not known. To determine this we utilized recombinant cells expressing the human β1-adrenergic receptor (β1AR) or a gain-of-function polymorphic variant (β1AR-Arg389), and the β2-adrenergic receptor (β2AR) or a loss-of-function polymorphic receptor (β2AR-Ile164). Adenylyl cyclase activities were determined with multiple permutations of the possible states of the receptor: genotype, basal, or agonist stimulated and with or without agonist pre-exposure. For the β1AR, the enhanced function of the Arg389 receptor underwent less agonist-promoted desensitization compared with its allelic counterpart. Indeed, the effect of polymorphic variation on absolute adenylyl cyclase activities was such that desensitized β1AR-Arg389 signaling was equivalent to non-desensitized wild-type β1AR; that is, the genetic component had as much impact as desensitization on receptor coupling. In contrast, the enhanced signaling of wild-type β2AR underwent less desensitization compared with β2AR-Ile164, thus the heterogeneity in absolute signaling was markedly broadened by this polymorphism. Inverse agonist function was not affected by polymorphisms of either subtype. A general model is proposed whereby up to 10 levels of signaling by G-protein-coupled receptors can be present based on the influences of desensitization and genetic variation on coupling.
Validation of a qPCR assay for the detection of Ictalurid herpesvirus‐2 (IcHV‐2) in fish tissues and cell culture supernatants

Ictalurid herpesvirus-2 (IcHV-2) is a pathogen of cultured black bullhead, Ameiurus melas (Rafinesque), and has been shown to produce high mortality in experimental exposures of channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus (Rafinesque). During acute infections, the virus grows readily in cell cultures but produces a cytopathic effect (CPE) similar to that of Ictalurid herpesvirus-1 (IcHV-1) and the channel catfish reovirus. We have developed a quantitative PCR assay that can be used to detect IcHV-2 in fish tissues and cell culture supernatants. The assay does not amplify other fish herpesviruses tested or host DNA. It is quantitative over a range of eight logs, and the limit of detection is <10 copies per reaction. In replicate assays carried out on different days, the coefficient of variability was 10%. The best organs for the detection of acute IcHV-2 infections by our assay are the spleen and kidney. This assay should be useful for the diagnosis of IcHV-2 disease, the identification of syncytial CPEs in cell cultures, and for the detection of latent infections in carrier fish.
Tunneling boundary condition and topology change.

In this paper the tunneling boundary condition is reexamined in terms of the Morse function. The use of this function permits one, on the one hand, to describe the shape of the singularity when topology change is allowed, and, on the other hand, to define, in the same situation, a slicing procedure which allows one to define the boundary of superspace so that the tunneling wave function of the Universe which results is defined unambiguously. \textcopyright{} 1995 The American Physical Society.
On synthesizing discrete fractional Brownian motion with applications to image processing

Abstract This paper evaluates the following four methods for synthesizing discrete fractional Brownian motion (dfBm): sampled fBm, displaced interpolation, spectral synthesis, and Karhunen–Loeve-like wavelet expansion with respect to the following questions: Does the candidate dfBm have the correct second-order statistics? Does the candidate dfBm have the correct fractal dimension? To estimate the fractal dimension we apply spectral linear regression, multiresolution energy analysis, and maximum likelihood estimation. Running an estimation routine on synthesized data raises the final question: How do the assumptions of the estimation method interact with the assumptions of the synthesis method to produce the results of the various trials? Our main conclusions relative to these questions are: (1) Sampled fBm is the only one of the four methods which has the correct second-order statistics, but only spectral synthesis produces a stationary signal. (2) The fractal dimension of signals produced by sampled fBm, displaced interpolation, and spectral synthesis can be estimated with reasonable accuracy. On the other hand, the wavelet signals are only slightly sensitive to the input values ofH. (3) Analysis routines which make assumptions not made by the synthesis routine generally yield poor estimates ofH, whereas a match of assumptions generally produces good estimates.
Adrenocorticotropin and melanocyte-stimulating hormone in the brain.

We employed several ACTH immunoassays using antisera with affinities for differing regions of the molecule as well as an ACTH bioassay to further study the distribution and character of ACTH in rat, cat, and monkey brain. Acid extracts of brain tissues were examined for N-terminal and midportion ACTH concentrations and MSH content. In each species, ACTH concentrations were greatest in the hypothalamus, with lesser concentrations in more peripheral regions. Hypophysectomy, dexamethasone suppression, or adrenalectomy had only minor effects on ACTH content and distribution. In all species, the concentrations of N-terminal ACTH immunoreactivity were several times greater than those of midportion immunoreactivity. aMSH was present in low concentrations and could account for only a small fraction of N-terminal immunoreactivity. ACTH bioactivity was present only in central areas and correlated well with midportion immunoreactivity. A sample of larger molecular weight ACTH (31,000 daltons) reacted approximately 1...
Fitness Effects of Replichore Imbalance in Salmonella enterica

A fitness cost due to imbalanced replichores has been proposed to provoke chromosome rearrangements in Salmonella enterica serovars. To determine the impact of replichore imbalance on fitness, the relative fitness of isogenic Salmonella strains containing transposon-held duplications of various sizes and at various chromosomal locations was determined. Although duplication of certain genes influenced fitness, a replichore imbalance of up to 16° did not affect fitness.
The significance of the frontier in Antarctic history: how the US West has shaped the geopolitics of the far south

This paper argues that the experience of westward expansion and the myth of the frontier in the USA have shaped geopolitical thinking in Antarctica over the course of the twentieth century. In the early twentieth century, individual US adventures were inspired by western expansionism and drew upon the idea of the frontier to win funding and support for their Antarctic expeditions. The 1924 Hughes Doctrine and the US reservation of its rights to the entire continent have clear echoes of the nineteenth century Monroe Doctrine and the idea of manifest destiny. By the mid-twentieth century, the idea of Antarctica as a scientific frontier began to have significant geopolitical implications. More recently, the contested experiences of resource exploitation and natural park creation in the US West have influenced international thinking about conservation and preservation in Antarctica. By highlighting a number of connections between the history of the US West and the geopolitics of Antarctica, this paper does no...
Enhancing provider effectiveness in treating pregnant women with addictions

Prenatal care providers can play an important role in identifying, intervening in, and making referrals for substance abuse problems among pregnant women. Although studies suggest that most addicted persons who need treatment do not receive it, innovative methods such as the one described here can help increase the number of pregnant women who engage in treatment, with likely benefits to the client, her unborn baby, and other children whom she may parent. A qualitative study of the implementation of an innovative model to prevent and treat substance abuse among pregnant women is presented. The study took place in a prenatal clinic staffed by nurse-midwives in a dense suburb serving a population largely covered by Medical Assistance. Results indicate that education, training, and structural changes in care delivery led to changes in the attitudes and behaviors of nurse-midwives toward pregnant addicted women and increased their effectiveness.
Mutations in the Human Cytomegalovirus UL27 Gene That Confer Resistance to Maribavir

Previous drug selection experiments resulted in the isolation of a human cytomegalovirus (CMV) UL97 phosphotransferase mutant resistant to the benzimidazole compound maribavir (1263W94), reflecting the anti-UL97 effect of this drug. Three other CMV strains were plaque purified during these experiments. These strains showed lower-grade resistance to maribavir than the UL97 mutant. Extensive DNA sequence analyses showed no changes from the baseline strain AD169 in UL97, the genes involved in DNA replication, and most structural proteins. However, changes were identified in UL27 where each strain contained a different mutation (R233S, W362R, or a combination of A406V and a stop at codon 415). The mutation at codon 415 is predicted to truncate the expressed UL27 protein by 193 codons (32% of UL27) with a loss of nuclear localization. The expression of full-length UL27 as a green fluorescent fusion protein in uninfected fibroblasts resulted in nuclear and nucleolar fluorescence, whereas cytoplasmic localization was observed when codons 1 to 415 were similarly expressed. Viable UL27 deletion mutants were created by recombination and showed slight growth attenuation and maribavir resistance in cell culture. Marker transfer experiments confirmed that UL27 mutations conferred maribavir resistance. The UL27 sequence was well conserved in a sample of 16 diverse clinical isolates. Mutation in UL27, a betaherpesvirus-specific early gene of unknown biological function, may adapt the virus for growth in the absence of UL97 activity.
Texture tile considerations for raster graphics

As a technique for rendering texture in images, texture tiles meet the subjective criterion of visual acceptability. A texture tile is a digital array of stored texture information that is replicated on a surface within an image. The purpose is to give the surface a textured appearance. The repetitive pattern inherent in the tiling approach can be suppressed. A texture tile must not exhibit macropatterns to avoid this problem. Properties that the mapping algorithm must include are oriented toward controlling aliasing. The tile is stored and accessed at several different levels-of-detail. The accessing technique is based on the size of the footprint the sample projects onto the surface to be textured. Aliasing is further controlled by a combination of increased sampling per pixel and filtering. Several textured images are presented, produced by the texture tile technique. These images show the realistic effect that is added by texture tiles.
Laser Spectroscopy of Negative Ion Beams

The availability of intense tunable and fixed frequency lasers has made it possible to investigate photon-ion interactions in crossed beam experiments. The short wavelength limitations of current lasers result in the greatest variety of applications having been made to studies of photon interactions with negative ions. Two major experimental approaches have been developed: fixed frequency laser negative ion photoelectron spectroscopy and tunable laser photode-tachment/photodissociation spectroscopy. The former approach is best suited for determination of electron affinities and structural properties of ions and free radicals, while the latter method provides highly accurate electron affinities and dynamical information on electron-molecule interactions. It is also possible to determine the internal energy content of negative ions. The experimental techniques and their limitations will be discussed in the form of several case studies: OH , C2 and the transition metals. Finally an attempt will be made to ascertain promising avenues for new investigations in this field.
Bronchial Brush Biopsy: A Valuable Diagnostic Technique in the Presurgical Evaluation of Indeterminate Lung Densities

Abstract Bronchial brush biopsies were performed in 125 patients with midlung and peripheral lung lesions suspected of being malignant. Prior bronchoscopic examination in 86 of the patients had yielded negative visual and cytological results. The remaining 39 patients had negative results on sputum cytology. Of the 125 patients, 50 underwent biopsy using a nonmobile technique as described by Fennessy and associates [1-5] and 75 were studied using a new, mobile catheter to direct the brush to the lesion. In the 75 patients in whom a controlled-tip catheter was used for biopsy, a positive or highly suspicious cytological report was obtained in 82% of those with lung cancer, which is 10% above the figure obtained using premolded, fixed catheters. Those patients with cells positive for malignancy all had malignant lung tumors. Complications were negligible. It was concluded that bronchial brush biopsy is a valuable diagnostic procedure in the presurgical evaluation of indeterminate lung densities. The mobile catheter system is rapid, safe, and accurate. Access to peripheral lung lesions is greatly improved over that possible with a nonmobile system.
Anticonvulsant property of substituted 5‐aryltetrazol‐2‐ylacetylcarbamides

Eight 1-(5-aryltetrazool-2-ylacetyl)3-substituted carbamides were synthesized as possible anticonvulsants. The anticonvulsant activity possessed by these substituted tetrazolylacetylcarbamides was reflected by their ability to provide 10-50% protection against pentylenetetrazol(1,5-pentamethylenetetrazol)-induced convulsions in mice. These substituted tetrazolylacetylcarbamides possessed low monoamine oxidase inhibitory activity, and the degree of enzyme inhibition ranged from 22-47% at a final concentration of 1 mmole using kynuramine as the substrate.
Inequality Regimes Gender, Class, and Race in Organizations

In this article, the author addresses two feminist issues: first, how to conceptualize intersectionality, the mutual reproduction of class, gender, and racial relations of inequality, and second, how to identify barriers to creating equality in work organizations. She develops one answer to both issues, suggesting the idea of “inequality regimes” as an analytic approach to understanding the creation of inequalities in work organizations. Inequality regimes are the interlocked practices and processes that result in continuing inequalities in all work organizations. Work organizations are critical locations for the investigation of the continuous creation of complex inequalities because much societal inequality originates in such organizations. Work organizations are also the target for many attempts to alter patterns of inequality: The study of change efforts and the oppositions they engender are often opportunities to observe frequently invisible aspects of the reproduction of inequalities. The concept of...
Primary care physician PSA screening practices before and after the final U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendation.

Abstract Objectives In May 2012, United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) finalized its recommendation against prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening in all men. We aimed to assess trends in PSA screening frequency amongst primary care physicians (PCPs) surrounding the May 2012 USPSTF recommendation. Methods and materials The electronic data warehouse was used to identify men aged between 40 and 79 years with no history of prostate cancer or urology visit who were evaluated by an internal medicine or family practice physician between 2007 and 2012. Analyses were directed toward PSA testing within 6-month time period from June to November, with particular focus on the 2011 (pre-USPSTF recommendation) and 2012 (post-USPSTF recommendation) cohorts. The primary outcome measure was proportion of men with at least 1 PSA test during the 6-month pre- and post-USPSTF recommendation periods. Results A total of 112,221 men met inclusion criteria. There was a significant decrease in screening frequency between the 2011 and 2012 cohorts (8.6% vs. 7.6%, P = 0.0001; adjusted odds ratio 0.89, 95% confidence interval 0.83–0.95). This decrease was most evident amongst patients aged 40 to 49 years (5.6% vs. 4.6%, P = 0.004) and 70 to 79 years (7.9% vs. 6.2%, P = 0.01). A significant decrease was also observed in patients with highest previous PSA value Conclusions Since the USPSTF recommendation was finalized, there is evidence of continuing decreases in PSA testing by PCPs. PCPs may be shifting toward more selective screening practices, as decreases in screening are most pronounced in the youngest and oldest patients and in those with history of PSA values
Interleukin1β Genetic Polymorphisms Interact with Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids to Modulate Risk of the Metabolic Syndrome

Chronic inflammation has been identified as an important component of the metabolic syndrome (MetS). Therefore, environmental and genetic factors contributing to the variation of inflammatory responses could affect individuals' susceptibility to MetS. We investigated the association between common IL1beta genetic polymorphisms, inflammation, and the MetS, and the modulation of diet-related variables (i.e., erythrocyte membrane fatty acid composition) in a white U.S. population. IL1beta single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) (-1473G > C, -511G > A, -31T > C, 3966C > T, 6054G > A), clinical and biochemical measurements were characterized in a total of 1120 subjects (540 males and 580 females) participating in the Genetics of Lipid Lowering Drugs and Diet Network (GOLDN) Study. The 6054 G > A SNP was significantly associated with plasma C-reactive protein (P = 0.054), adiponectin (P = 0.021), and the prevalence of MetS (P = 0.004). Moreover, there was a significant interaction between the 6054G > A SNP and erythrocyte membrane (n-3) PUFA (P = 0.019). Among subjects with low (n-3) PUFA content (below the median), the 6054 G allele was associated with increased risk of the MetS (OR = 3.29, 95%CI = 1.49-7.26 for GG and OR = 1.95, 95%CI = 0.85-4.46 for GA, P < 0.001) compared with the AA genotype, but there were no significant genotype associations among subjects with high (n-3) PUFA content (above the median). Further analyses supported a significant haplotype global effect on the MetS (P = 0.017) among subjects with low (n-3) PUFA content. These results suggested that IL1beta genetic variants were associated with measures of chronic inflammation and the MetS risk, and that genetic influences were more evident among subjects with low (n-3) PUFA intake.
A ubiquitous membrane fusion protein alpha SNAP: a potential therapeutic target for cancer, diabetes and neurological disorders?

Alpha soluble NSF attachment protein (αSNAP) is a ubiquitous and indispensable component of membrane fusion machinery. Deletion of αSNAP is embryonically lethal. Yet, there is accumulating evidence that milder alterations in expression levels of αSNAP may be associated with a number of specific pathological conditions, such as several neurological disorders, Type 2 diabetes and aggressive neuroendocrine tumours. Here, the authors review the evidence available for animal models and for humans, and discuss possible therapeutic approaches that may target αSNAP.
Pathways to Cultural Awareness: Cultural Therapy with Teachers and Students

Pathways to Cultural Awareness: Cultural Therapy with Teachers and Students. George Spindler and Louise Spindler eds. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press, Inc. 1994. 337 pp.
Sequence Variations in 185/333 Messages from the Purple Sea Urchin Suggest Posttranscriptional Modifications to Increase Immune Diversity

The 185/333 gene family is highly expressed in two subsets of immune cells in the purple sea urchin in response to immune challenges. The genes encode a surprisingly diverse set of transcripts, which is a function of the variable presence or absence of blocks of shared sequences, known as elements that generate element patterns. Diversity is also the result of a significant level of point mutations. Together, variable element patterns and single nucleotide polymorphisms result in many unique transcripts. The 185/333 genes only have two exons, with the variable element patterns encoded entirely within the second exon. The diversity of the gene family may be the result of frequent recombination among the 185/333 genes that generates a mosaic distribution of element sequences among the genes. A comparative analysis of the sequences for the genes and messages from individual sea urchins indicates that these two sequence sets have largely different nucleotide sequences and appear to use different element patterns. Furthermore, the nucleotide substitution patterns between genes and messages reveal a strong bias toward transitions, particularly cytidine to uridine conversions. These data are consistent with cytidine deaminase activity and may represent a novel form of immunological diversification in an invertebrate immune response system.
An analysis of recurrence relations in Fortran Do-loops for vector processing

Analyzes the recurrences from the breakability of the dependence links. The major findings include: (1) The node splitting algorithm cannot be used directly to break an essential antidependence link, of which the source variable that results in antidependence is itself the sink variable of another true dependence. (2) A sink variable renaming technique, which can reposition an undesired antidependence and/or output dependence link, is capable of breaking an antidependence and/or output-dependence link. (3) For recurrences connected by only true dependences, a dynamic dependence concept and the derived technique are powerful in terms of parallelism exploitation. (4) By the employment of global dependence testing, link-breaking strategy, Tarjan's depth-first search algorithm, and a topological sorting, an algorithm for resolving a general multistatement recurrence is proposed. >
Learning for efficient retrieval of structured data with noisy queries

Increasingly large collections of structured data necessitate the development of efficient, noise-tolerant retrieval tools. In this work, we consider this issue and describe an approach to learn a similarity function that is not only accurate, but that also increases the effectiveness of retrieval data structures. We present an algorithm that uses functional gradient boosting to maximize both retrieval accuracy and the retrieval efficiency of vantage point trees. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach on two datasets, including a moderately sized real-world dataset of folk music.
Etiology and Management of Therapy-Related Myeloid Leukemia

The diagnosis of therapy-related myeloid leukemia (t-MDS/t-AML) identifies a group of high-risk patients with multiple and varied poor prognostic features. These neoplasms are thought to be the direct consequence of mutational events induced by cytotoxic therapy. Their outcomes have historically been poor compared with those of people who develop acute myeloid leukemia (AML) de novo. The question arises whether a diagnosis of t-AML per se indicates a poor prognosis, or whether their bad outcomes result from other clinical and biologic characteristics. Because of lingering damage from prior cytotoxic therapy and, in some cases, the persistence of their primary disorder, patients with t-AML are often poor candidates for intensive AML therapy. The spectrum of cytogenetic abnormalities in t-AML is similar to de novo AML, but the frequency of unfavorable cytogenetics, such as a complex karyotype or deletion or loss of chromosomes 5 and/or 7, is higher in t-AML. Survival varies according to cytogenetic risk group, with better outcomes observed in patients with t-AML with favorable-risk karyotypes. Treatment recommendations should be based on performance status and karyotype. Patients with t-AML should be enrolled on front-line chemotherapy trials, appropriate for de novo AML patients with similar disease characteristics. Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation can cure some patients with t-AML. Most important , the molecular and genetic differences that appear to determine the phenotype and the outcome of these patients need to be investigated further.
Fractal analysis of fluidized particle behavior in liquid-solid fluidized beds

Liquid-solid fluidized beds have been adopted widely for catalytic liquid-phase reactions, separation and recovery of materials with ion exchange resin, adsorption, sedimentation, and wastewater treatment. Recent works on multiphase flow systems have indicated that the concept of fractional Brownian motion (fBm), which can be characterized by the Hurst exponent, H, may be applicable to the analysis of liquid-solid fluidized beds. The model based on this concept has been proposed by Mandelbrot and van Ness to identify the long-term correlation in a time series, which is self-affine. It has been postulated that the rescaled range (R/S) analysis can be a means of estimating H for a given time series. In this work, pressure fluctuations in a liquid-solid fluidized bed have been examined by resorting to the R/S analysis; the effects of fluidized particle size, axial position, and liquid flow rate on the Hurst exponent, H, or the local fractal dimension, d[sub FL], have been examined. The results have revealed that the pressure fluctuations in the bed, exhibiting long-term correlation, essentially reflect the behavior of fluidized particles, and thus, these particles can be considered to undergo fractional Brownian motion.
Dual regulation of the glycogen phosphorylase 2 gene Dictyostelium discoideum: the effects of DIF-1, cAMP, NH3 and adenosine

Cell differentiation in Dictyostelium results in the formation of two cell types, stalk and spore cells. The stalk cells undergo programmed cell death, whereas spore cells retain viability. The current evidence suggests that stalk cell differentiation is induced by Differentiation Inducing Factor (DIF), while spore cell differentiation occurs in response to cAMP. We have discovered the first developmentally regulated Dictyostelium gene, the glycogen phosphorylase gene 2 (gp2) gene, that can be induced by both DIF-1 and cAMP, suggesting the possibility of a new group of developmentally regulated genes that have DIF-1 and cAMP dual responsiveness. The gp2 gene was found to be expressed in both prestalk/stalk cells and prespore/spore cells. The DIF-1 competence of the gp2 gene required uninterrupted development, whereas the cAMP-competence for the gene required only starvation. Both DIF-1 and cAMP induction of the gene could be inhibited by NH3, a factor that is thought to act as a developmental signal in Dictyostelium. Another developmental signal, adenosine, was found to repress the DIF-1 induction of the gp2 gene. Two introns in the gp2 gene were examined for their involvement in the regulation of the gene, but no regulatory function was detected. A model for the regulation of the gp2 gene during the development is proposed.
How Do Changes to the Railroad Causeway in Utah’s Great Salt Lake Affect Water and Salt Flow?

Managing terminal lake elevation and salinity are emerging problems worldwide. We contribute to terminal lake management research by quantitatively assessing water and salt flow for Utah’s Great Salt Lake. In 1959, Union Pacific Railroad constructed a rock-filled causeway across the Great Salt Lake, separating the lake into a north and south arm. Flow between the two arms was limited to two 4.6 meter wide rectangular culverts installed during construction, an 88 meter opening (referred to locally as a breach) installed in 1984, and the semi porous material of the causeway. A salinity gradient developed between the two arms of the lake over time because the south arm receives approximately 95% of the incoming streamflow entering Great Salt Lake. The north arm is often at, or near, salinity saturation, averaging 317 g/L since 1966, while the south is considerably less saline, averaging 142 g/L since 1966. Ecological and industrial uses of the lake are dependent on long-term salinity remaining within physiological and economic thresholds, although optimal salinity varies for the ecosystem and between diverse stakeholders. In 2013, Union Pacific Railroad closed causeway culverts amid structural safety concerns and proposed to replace them with a bridge, offering four different bridge designs. As of summer 2015, no bridge design has been decided upon. We investigated the effect that each of the proposed bridge designs would have on north and south arm Great Salt Lake elevation and salinity by updating and applying US Geological Survey’s Great Salt Lake Fortran Model. Overall, we found that salinity is sensitive to bridge size and depth, with larger designs increasing salinity in the south arm and decreasing salinity in the north arm. This research illustrates that flow modifications within terminal lakes cannot be separated from lake salinity, ecology, management, and economic uses.
An Effective Strategy for Stabilizing Minimal Coiled Coil Mimetics

Coiled coils are a major motif in proteins and orchestrate multimerization of various complexes important for biological processes. Inhibition of coiled coil-mediated interactions has significant biomedical potential. However, general approaches that afford short peptides with defined coiled coil conformation remain elusive. We evaluated several strategies to stabilize minimal helical bundles, with the dimer motif as the initial focus. A stable dimeric scaffold was realized in a synthetic sequence by replacing an interhelical ionic bond with a covalent bond. Application of this strategy to a more challenging native protein–protein interaction (PPI) suggested that an additional constraint, a disulfide bond at the internal a/d′ position along with a linker at the e/e′ position, is required for enhanced conformational stability. We anticipate the coiled coil stabilization methodology described herein to yield new classes of modulators for PPIs.
International Speedway Corporation

This case introduces students to financial-statement analysis using publicly available accounting data. International Speedway Corporation (ISC) is a highly profitable company in a fast-growing industry. The business context is unique as there are only two main industry players (ISC and Speedway Motorsports). Revenues are highly dependent on decisions made by the privately held NASCAR. The case discusses basic profitability and risk analysis and highlights the valuable analysis information contained in the company's MD&A. Issues in the case include segment reporting, related party transactions, and comparisons with industry peers.
Distributed cognition and social brains: reductions in mushroom body investment accompanied the origins of sociality in wasps (Hymenoptera: Vespidae)

The social brain hypothesis assumes the evolution of social behaviour changes animals' ecological environments, and predicts evolutionary shifts in social structure will be associated with changes in brain investment. Most social brain models to date assume social behaviour imposes additional cognitive challenges to animals, favouring the evolution of increased brain investment. Here, we present a modification of social brain models, which we term the distributed cognition hypothesis. Distributed cognition models assume group members can rely on social communication instead of individual cognition; these models predict reduced brain investment in social species. To test this hypothesis, we compared brain investment among 29 species of wasps (Vespidae family), including solitary species and social species with a wide range of social attributes (i.e. differences in colony size, mode of colony founding and degree of queen/worker caste differentiation). We compared species means of relative size of mushroom body (MB) calyces and the antennal to optic lobe ratio, as measures of brain investment in central processing and peripheral sensory processing, respectively. In support of distributed cognition predictions, and in contrast to patterns seen among vertebrates, MB investment decreased from solitary to social species. Among social species, differences in colony founding, colony size and caste differentiation were not associated with brain investment differences. Peripheral lobe investment did not covary with social structure. These patterns suggest the strongest changes in brain investment--a reduction in central processing brain regions--accompanied the evolutionary origins of eusociality in Vespidae.
Effect of Temperature on Development of the Oriental Fruit Fly in Hawaiian Fruits

Pineapple and papaya fruits were subjected to induced oviposition by gravid Dacus dorsalis Hendel, females. After the flies oviposited the fruits were stated at 46°, 55°, and 80°F. After varying lengths of time in storage, pupal recoveries were recorded. A definite correlation between temperature and incidence of pupae was noted. Temperatures of 46°F limited development of D. dorsalis in pineapples, whereas in fruits stored at 55°F and above, very low pupal recoveries were observed. Papaya seems to be an excellent host for this fly, as fairly high pupal recoveries were made at all temperatures in these tests. This study also confirms previous observations that pineapples can support an infestation of D. dorsalis . Papayas stored at 46°F and above and pineapples stored above 55° may possibly support development of immature stages of D. dorsalis . This may be due to extension of the period of development because of exposure to low temperatures.
Infantile fibrosarcoma: beware the small biopsy

Aims Infantile fibrosarcoma (IF) is a rare neoplasm occurring in infants Methods The pathology database was searched from 2000–2014 and pathology reports, slides and clinical history were reviewed. Results Six cases were found. All patients were 10/10HPF in 3/4 cases; Ki67 index was >20% in 4/6 cases; 3/5 cases were translocation positive. Conclusion IF may be confused clinically with a vascular neoplasm. The diagnosis may be difficult on a small biopsy due to sampling error. The prevalence of high grade features contrast with the low grade behaviour of this tumour.
Distribution and Particle Size of Type A Botulinum Toxin in Body Fluids of Intravenously Injected Rabbits.

SummaryIn rabbits which were given type A botulinum toxin intravenously, and which died rapidly of acute poisoning the toxin was found in lymph and plasma with no tendency to diffuse into erythrocytes. Ratio of toxin in lymph to plasma ranged between 1:6 to 1:12. Sedimentation coefficients of the toxin in these body fluids were similar and had the dimensions of a protein. The particle size was decreased in relation to crystalline toxin, was similar to toxin in lymph from rats given toxin intraduodenally, but was not sufficiently smaller to warrant the assumption of complete dissociation of toxin from the hemagglutinin present in crystalline toxin.Toxin was absent from fetal blood, but appeared in small quantities in urine and bile. Cerebrospinal fluid was free of toxin except for a small amount at death. In the normal eye none or only a small quantity of toxin appears in the intraocular fluid. By experimental reduction of intraocular pressure toxin in intraocular fluid tends to approach concentrations pre...
Microbial succession in an inflated lunar/Mars analog habitat during a 30-day human occupation

For potential future human missions to the Moon or Mars and sustained presence in the International Space Station, a safe enclosed habitat environment for astronauts is required. Potential microbial contamination of closed habitats presents a risk for crewmembers due to reduced human immune response during long-term confinement. To make future habitat designs safer for crewmembers, lessons learned from characterizing analogous habitats is very critical. One of the key issues is that how human presence influences the accumulation of microorganisms in the closed habitat. Molecular technologies, along with traditional microbiological methods, were utilized to catalog microbial succession during a 30-day human occupation of a simulated inflatable lunar/Mars habitat. Surface samples were collected at different time points to capture the complete spectrum of viable and potential opportunistic pathogenic bacterial population. Traditional cultivation, propidium monoazide (PMA)–quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) assays were employed to estimate the cultivable, viable, and metabolically active microbial population, respectively. Next-generation sequencing was used to elucidate the microbial dynamics and community profiles at different locations of the habitat during varying time points. Statistical analyses confirm that occupation time has a strong influence on bacterial community profiles. The Day 0 samples (before human occupation) have a very different microbial diversity compared to the later three time points. Members of Proteobacteria (esp. Oxalobacteraceae and Caulobacteraceae) and Firmicutes (esp. Bacillaceae) were most abundant before human occupation (Day 0), while other members of Firmicutes (Clostridiales) and Actinobacteria (esp. Corynebacteriaceae) were abundant during the 30-day occupation. Treatment of samples with PMA (a DNA-intercalating dye for selective detection of viable microbial population) had a significant effect on the microbial diversity compared to non-PMA-treated samples. Statistical analyses revealed a significant difference in community structure of samples over time, particularly of the bacteriomes existing before human occupation of the habitat (Day 0 sampling) and after occupation (Day 13, Day 20, and Day 30 samplings). Actinobacteria (mainly Corynebacteriaceae) and Firmicutes (mainly Clostridiales Incertae Sedis XI and Staphylococcaceae) were shown to increase over the occupation time period. The results of this study revealed a strong relationship between human presence and succession of microbial diversity in a closed habitat. Consequently, it is necessary to develop methods and tools for effective maintenance of a closed system to enable safe human habitation in enclosed environments on Earth and beyond.
Open System Architecture for Condition-Based Maintenance

This paper presents the key technologies(e.g.architecture,model construction,algorithm integration, standard communication protocol) in the design of the open CBM platform.Then this research focuses on equipment condition data collection and data analysis.Finally specific suggestions are porposed as for the condition-based maintenance of electrical equipments.
Microbial Survey of Pennsylvania Surface Water Used for Irrigating Produce Crops

ABSTRACT Recent produce-associated foodborne illness outbreaks have been attributed to contaminated irrigation water. This study examined microbial levels in Pennsylvania surface waters used for irrigation, relationships between microbial indicator organisms and water physicochemical characteristics, and the potential use of indicators for predicting the presence of human pathogens. A total of 153 samples taken from surface water sources used for irrigation in southeastern Pennsylvania were collected from 39 farms over a 2-year period. Samples were analyzed for six microbial indicator organisms (aerobic plate count, Enterobacteriaceae, coliform, fecal coliforms, Escherichia coli, and enterococci), two human pathogens (Salmonella and E. coli O157), and seven physical and environmental characteristics (pH, conductivity, turbidity, air and water temperature, and sampling day and 3-day-accumulated precipitation levels). Indicator populations were highly variable and not predicted by water and environmental ch...
Testing and characterization of the TESS CCDs

The Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) is an Explorer-class mission dedicated to finding planets around bright, nearby stars so that more detailed follow-up studies can be done. TESS is due to launch in 2017 and careful characterization of the detectors will need to be completed on ground before then to ensure that the cameras will be within their photometric requirement of 60ppm/hr. TESS will fly MITLincoln Laboratories CCID-80s as the main scientific detector for its four cameras. They are 100μm deep depletion devices which have low dark current noise levels and can operate at low light levels at room temperature. They also each have a frame store region, which reduces smearing during readout and allows for near continuous integration. This paper describes the hardware and methodology that were developed for testing and characterizing individual CCID-80s. A dark system with no stimuli was used to measure the dark current. Fe55 and Cd109 X-ray sources were used to establish gain at low signal levels and its temperature dependence. An LED system that generates a programmable series of pulses was used in conjunction with an integrating sphere to measure pixel response non-uniformity (PRNU) and gain at higher signal levels. The same LED system was used with a pinhole system to evaluate the linearity and charge conservation capability of the CCID-80s.
Efficiency of biomarker screening for enriched metastatic colorectal cancer trials: The ATTACC program experience.

450 Background: Incorporation of multiple enrichment biomarkers into prospective clinical trials for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) has been proposed or initiated by NSABP, EORTC, NCI Colon Task Force, and UK MRC. The feasibility of large scale screening efforts in mCRC has not been previously assessed. Methods: Patients (pts) with 5-FU refractory mCRC at MD Anderson Cancer Center were offered screening in the Assessment of Targeted Therapies Against Colorectal Cancer (ATTACC) program to identify eligibility for companion clinical trials with a therapy targeted to an aberration detected in the patient. Results: Between 8/2010 and 8/2013, 400 heavily pretreated mCRC pts were enrolled onto ATTACC for screening and allocation onto 10 separate Phase I or II companion trials based on banked FFPE tumor testing by IHC, gene sequencing, and CpG island methylation phenotype (CIMP) assay. Outside tissue was obtained with a median of 6 calendar days (8% had insufficient tumor). IHC, sequencing, and CIMP results...
Modeling methodology for physics teachers

Scientific practice involves the construction, validation and application of scientific models, so science instruction should be designed to engage students in making and using models. Scientific models are coherent units of structured knowledge. They are used to organize factual information into coherent wholes, often by the coordinated use of general laws or principles. Therefore, the structure of scientific knowledge can be made more explicit for students by organizing course content around a small number of basic models. The ability of students to make and use models depends on the representational tools at their command. Students learn transferable modeling skills by applying given models to a variety of situations to describe, explain, or predict physical events or to design experiments. These ideas have been incorporated into a methodology for physics teaching and a course for training teachers.