cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Forward and Reverse Genetic Analysis of Microtubule Motors in Chlamydomonas

The ability to integrate biochemical, cell biological, and genetic approaches makes Chlamydomonas reinhardtii the premier model organism for studies of the eukaryotic flagellum and its associated molecular motors. Hundreds of motility mutations have been identified in Chlamydomonas, including many that affect dyneins and kinesins. These mutations have yielded much information on the structure and function of the motors as well as the roles of individual subunits within the motors. The development of insertional mutagenesis has opened the door to powerful new approaches for genetic analysis in Chlamydomonas. Insertional mutants are created by transforming cells with DNAcontaining selectable markers. The DNA is randomly integrated throughout the genome and usually deletes part of the chromosome at the site of insertion, thereby creating mutations that are marked by the integrated DNA. These mutations can be used for forward genetic approaches where one characterizes a mutant phenotype and then clones the relevant gene using the integrated DNA as a tag. The insertional mutants also may be used in a reverse genetic approach in which mutants lacking a gene of interest are identified by DNA hybridization. We describe methods to generate and characterize insertional mutants, using mutations that affect the outer dynein arm as examples.
Structural and functional characteristics of muscle from diabetic rodent small intestine

After 30 days of streptozotocin-induced diabetes, the small intestine from untreated diabetic, insulin-treated diabetic, and nondiabetic rodents was excised in toto and measured. Despite a net loss in body weight, the diabetic animals showed a near twofold increase in small intestinal weight. This was characterized by a 148% increase in mucosal mass as well as a 39% increase in intestinal smooth muscle mass (P less than 0.05, respectively). The diabetic intestine was significantly longer and had a greater diameter and surface area. Diabetes significantly increased mucosal mass per unit surface area but produced an insignificant decrease in smooth muscle mass per unit surface area. Insulin treatment of the diabetic animals prevented the increase in total mucosal mass and mucosal mass per unit surface area. Insulin treatment also prevented the increase in smooth muscle mass, but reduced smooth muscle mass per unit surface area to a level significantly less than that found in nondiabetic intestine. In vitro dose-response studies of circular and longitudinal small intestinal muscle from the diabetic animals showed normal tension development and sensitivity to both bethanechol chloride and physostigmine. These observations show that the diabetic state produces alterations in not only mucosal but also smooth muscle mass in the small intestine. However, despite these morphological changes, diabetic intestinal smooth muscle retains its sensitivity to cholinergic stimulation and its capacity for tension generation.
Ground reaction forces and knee mechanics in the weight acceptance phase of a dance leap take-off and landing

Abstract Aesthetic constraints allow dancers fewer technique modifications than other athletes to negotiate the demands of leaping. We examined vertical ground reaction force and knee mechanics during a saut de chat performed by healthy dancers. It was hypothesized that vertical ground reaction force during landing would exceed that of take-off, resulting in greater knee extensor moments and greater knee angular stiffness. Twelve dancers (six males, six females; age 18.9 ± 1.2 years, mass 59.2 ± 9.5 kg, height 1.68 ± 0.08 m, dance training 8.9 ± 5.1 years) with no history of low back pain or lower extremity pathology participated in the study. Saut de chat data were captured using an eight-camera Vicon system and AMTI force platforms. Peak ground reaction force was 26% greater during the landing phase, but did not result in increased peak knee extensor moments. Taking into account the 67% greater knee angular displacement during landing, this resulted in less knee angular stiffness during landing. In conc...
A Comparison of Seven Microbiological Sampling Procedures for Hard-Cooked Eggs

Abstract Seven microbiological sampling methods for hard-cooked eggs were evaluated and compared. Fresh eggs within 24 h of opposition were cooked at 98 C for 22 min in water and then cooled in 31 C water. Eggs were dipped for 10 min in a physiological saline solution (.85% saline) 10 C cooler than the eggs and containing known numbers of bacteria. Eggs were then stored for 4 days at 6 C and sampled using one of seven rinse or blend procedures on whole eggs, shell, shelled egg contents, or shelled egg contents plus shell. Highest recoveries were made from the peeled egg plus shell rinse, shell rinse, whole egg blend, and shell blend. Lowest recoveries were found with the whole egg rinse, the peeled egg rinse, and the peeled egg blend. These results indicate that significant numbers of organisms are associated with the inner and outer shell surfaces as well as the egg contents surface (albumen). Satisfactory recoveries can be made with the peeled egg plus shell rinse or the whole egg blend. Whole egg rinsing of hard-cooked eggs does not appear to be satisfactory.
Gamma-hydroxybutyric aciduria: A biochemist's education from a heritable disorder of GABA metabolism

In keeping with the theme of the 41st Annual Symposium (Metabolic Encephalopathies), the current report provides an overview of a quarter century of research investigating a rare inborn error of GABA metabolism, succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase (SSADH) deficiency (also referred to as gamma-hydroxybutyric aciduria). The clinical phenotype, treatment challenges, pathomechanistic concepts, as well as metabolic, enzymatic and molecular characteristics, of the disorder are summarized. In addition, important features of a recently developed murine model are presented, with discussion of how this model has broadened thinking about, and treatment approaches to, the clinical disease. In addition, a brief scientific history of the author is provided, and an account of how serendipitous circumstances brought him together with other colleagues to begin delineating the aetiological mechanisms in SSADH deficiency. The evolution of research on SSADH deficiency re-establishes the classical approach beginning at clinical characterization, evolving to enzyme and metabolite identification as well as molecular characterization, and eventually to model development and preclinical treatment approaches. This scientific evolution admirably supports the life and ideals of Dr George Komrower, in whose honour this lecture is named.
Generalized value decomposition and structured multiattribute auctions

Multiattribute auction mechanisms generally either remain agnostic about traders' preferences, or presume highly restrictive forms, such as full additivity. Real preferences often exhibit dependencies among attributes, yet may possess some structure that can be usefully exploited to streamline communication and simplify operation of a multiattribute auction. We develop such a structure using the theory of measurable value functions, a cardinal utility representation based on an underlying order over preference differences. A set of local conditional independence relations over such differences supports a generalized additive preference representation, which decomposes utility across overlapping clusters of related attributes. We introduce an iterative auction mechanism that maintains prices on local clusters of attributes rather than the full space of joint configurations. When traders' preferencesare consistent with the auction's generalized additive structure, the mechanism produces approximately optimal allocations, atapproximate VCG prices.
Creation of a Uterine Scar Endometrioma after Uterine Perforation at the Time of a Dilation and Evaucation

Nonovarian endometriomas typically present as a slow-growing, painful abdominal mass in or around the site of a previous surgery. There can be considerable variation, however, because some masses grow rapidly and are not associated with pain whereas others cause patients significant discomfort and associated symptoms. The case of a 31-year-old woman, gravida 3 para 2, who had development of a uterine scar endometrioma after perforation during a dilation and evacuation, is examined. This is an unusual case considering the rate of uterine perforation at the time of gynecologic procedures and the lack of data related to the creation of nonovarian endometriomas.
Learning small gallery size for prediction of recognition performance on large populations

This paper addresses the estimation of a small gallery size that can generate the optimal error estimate and its confidence on a large population (relative to the size of the gallery) which is one of the fundamental problems encountered in performance prediction for object recognition. It uses a generalized two-dimensional prediction model that combines a hypergeometric probability distribution model with a binomial model and also considers the data distortion problem in large populations. Learning is incorporated in the prediction process in order to find the optimal small gallery size and to improve the prediction. The Chernoff and Chebychev inequalities are used as a guide to obtain the small gallery size. During the prediction, the expectation-maximization (EM) algorithm is used to learn the match score and the non-match score distributions that are represented as a mixture of Gaussians. The optimal size of the small gallery is learned by comparing it with the sizes obtained by the statistical approaches and at the same time the upper and lower bounds for the prediction on large populations are obtained. Results for the prediction are presented for the NIST-4 fingerprint database.
Parametric Mesh Deformation and Sensitivity Analysis for Design of a Joined-Wing Aircraft

*† ‡ # + § New processes that enable a state-of-the-art MDO framework for future air vehicles were explored in this paper. First, a unified technique for defining a high-quality geometry and associated Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) mesh for a candidate configuration was developed. This method was designed to augment an existing framework-oriented tool for high-fidelity analysis of air vehicle configurations developed at the Air Force Research Laboratory that accounts for system nonlinearities and vehicle flexibility. Second, the mesh generation technique was generalized to account for geometries that deform under the influence of either static or dynamic airloads. Fidelity of the deformation was found to be high, and found to be sufficient for CFD computations. Third, the concept of parametric shape functions was proposed to represent characteristic structural deformations in a fashion consistent with the geometry/mesh definition. As demonstrated with example problems, these functions analytically related the primary structural variables (defined in a generalized manner) to the aerodynamic mesh. The relation produced the grid sensitivity expression resulting from fluid/structure coupling. The significance of this quantity for enforcing conservation of energy during an aeroelastic interaction was discussed.
Use of neural networks for prediction of graft failure following liver transplantation

Liver transplantation is a well-established therapeutic option for patients with end-stage liver disease. However, up to 20% of transplanted livers fail to have adequate function initially, and at least half of those will eventually fail. Accurate, early prediction of outcome may ameliorate this situation by encouraging retransplantation before the patient's condition becomes irreversible. In this study, clinical information was gathered prospectively for 295 patients who underwent liver transplantation at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, and was divided into sets. The feedforward, fully connected neural networks had 7 or 8 inputs, a single hidden layer consisting of 3 nodes and a single output node (failure=1, success=0). The networks were trained with data from a randomly selected subset of 240 patients while the remaining 55 patients made up the test set. The network was trained using a standard backpropagation algorithm. Training was assessed by testing the ability of the network to correctly predict the outcome of the 55 patients in the test set. The accuracy of prediction by the neural network improved each day and so by day 5, 98% of the graft survivors in the test set were correctly predicted while 88% of graft failures in the test set were correctly predicted. >
Molecular Steps in the Immune Signaling Pathway Evoked by Plant Elicitor Peptides: Ca2+-Dependent Protein Kinases, Nitric Oxide, and Reactive Oxygen Species Are Downstream from the Early Ca2+ Signal

Endogenous plant elicitor peptides (Peps) can act to facilitate immune signaling and pathogen defense responses. Binding of these peptides to the Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) plasma membrane-localized Pep receptors (PEPRs) leads to cytosolic Ca2+ elevation, an early event in a signaling cascade that activates immune responses. This immune response includes the amplification of signaling evoked by direct perception of pathogen-associated molecular patterns by plant cells under assault. Work included in this report further characterizes the Pep immune response and identifies new molecular steps in the signal transduction cascade. The PEPR coreceptor BRASSINOSTEROID-INSENSITIVE1 Associated Kinase1 contributes to generation of the Pep-activated Ca2+ signal and leads to increased defense gene expression and resistance to a virulent bacterial pathogen. Ca2+-dependent protein kinases (CPKs) decode the Ca2+ signal, also facilitating defense gene expression and enhanced resistance to the pathogen. Nitric oxide and reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase-dependent reactive oxygen species generation (due to the function of Respiratory Burst Oxidase Homolog proteins D and F) are also involved downstream from the Ca2+ signal in the Pep immune defense signal transduction cascade, as is the case with BRASSINOSTEROID-INSENSITIVE1 Associated Kinase1 and CPK5, CPK6, and CPK11. These steps of the pathogen defense response are required for maximal Pep immune activation that limits growth of a virulent bacterial pathogen in the plant. We find a synergism between function of the PEPR and Flagellin Sensing2 receptors in terms of both nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species generation. Presented results are also consistent with the involvement of the secondary messenger cyclic GMP and a cyclic GMP-activated Ca2+-conducting channel in the Pep immune signaling pathway.
An Analysis of Human Motion Detection Systems Use During Elder Exercise Routines

Human motion analysis provides motion pattern and body pose estimations. This study integrates computer-vision techniques and explores a markerless human motion analysis system. Using human-computer interaction (HCI) methods and goals, researchers use a computer interface to provide feedback about range of motion to users. A total of 35 adults aged 65 and older perform three exercises in a public gym while human motion capture methods are used. Following exercises, participants are shown processed human motion images captured during exercises on a customized interface. Standardized questionnaires are used to elicit responses from users during interactions with the interface. A matrix of HCI goals (effectiveness, efficiency, and user satisfaction) and emerging themes are used to describe interactions. Sixteen users state the interface would be useful, but not necessarily for safety purposes. Users want better image quality, when expectations are matched satisfaction increases, and unclear meaning of motion measures decreases satisfaction.
Measuring emittance using beam position monitors

The Los Alamos Advanced Free-Electron Laser uses a high charge (greater than 1 nC), low-emittance (normalized rms emittance less than 5/spl pi/ mm mrad), photoinjector-driven accelerator. The high brightness achieved is due, in large part, to the rapid acceleration of the electrons to relativistic velocities. As a result, the beam does not have time to thermalize its distribution, and its transverse profile is, in general, non-Gaussian, This, coupled with the very-high brightness, makes it difficult to measure the transverse emittance. Techniques used must be able to withstand the rigors of very-intense electron beams and not be reliant on Gaussian assumptions. Beam position monitors are ideal for this. They are not susceptible to beam damage, and it has been shown previously that they can be used to measure the transverse emittance of a beam with a Gaussian profile. However, this Gaussian restriction is not necessary, and, in fact, a transverse emittance measurement using beam position monitors is independent of the beam's distribution. >
EVIDENCE FOR MICRONUTRIENT LIMITATION OF BIOLOGICAL SOIL CRUSTS: IMPORTANCE TO ARID-LANDS RESTORATION

Desertification is a global problem, costly to national economies and human societies. Restoration of biological soil crusts (BSCs) may have an important role to play in the reversal of desertification due to their ability to decrease erosion and enhance soil fertility. To determine if there is evidence that lower fertility may hinder BSC recolonization, we investigated the hypothesis that BSC abundance is driven by soil nutrient concentrations. At a regional scale (north and central Colorado Plateau, USA), moss and lichen cover and richness are correlated with a complex water–nutrient availability gradient and have approximately six-fold higher cover and approximately two-fold higher species richness on sandy soils than on shale-derived soils. At a microscale, mosses and lichens are overrepresented in microhabitats under the north sides of shrub canopies, where water and nutrients are more available. At two spatial scales, and at the individual species and community levels, our data are consistent with t...
Classifying G Protein-Coupled Receptors with Multiple Physicochemical Properties

Automated annotation of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) has been an intriguing topic because of the important role of GPCRs in pharmaceutical research. The diverse nature of GPCRs results in the lack of overall sequence homolog among members, making the classification of GPCRs a challenging task. In this paper, we propose a new method to classify GPCRs based on only their primary sequences. We extract feature vectors from protein sequences based on various physicochemical properties and use the support vector machine (SVM) for the classification. When features derived from multiple properties are used together, we obtain the accuracy of 97.61% on GPCR Level I subfamily classification and 99.94% on GPCR superfamily recognition in double cross-validation tests. The results compare favorably with those reported in previous publications.
X-Band Polarimetric Radar Measurements of Rainfall

Abstract A combined polarimetric estimator for rainfall rate (R) retrievals from polarimetric radar measurements at X band is proposed. This estimator uses the horizontal polarization radar reflectivity Ze, differential reflectivity ZDR, and specific differential phase shift KDP, and it intrinsically accounts for changes in how drop oblateness increases with size. Because this estimator uses power measurements (i.e., Ze and ZDR), a procedure for correcting these measurements for effects of partial attenuation and differential attenuation using the differential phase measurement is suggested. An altitude correction for estimates of rainfall rates is also suggested. The proposed combined polarimetric estimator that uses KDP, ZDR, and Ze, an estimator that uses KDP alone for equilibrium drop shapes, and different Ze–R relations were applied to the 15 rain events observed with the NOAA X-band transportable polarimetric radar during the eight-week field campaign at the NASA Wallops Island facility in Virginia....
Lipofibromas of the median nerve: Long-term follow-up of four cases

Four cases of lipofibromatous infiltration of the median nerve with long-term follow-up (average 11 years) are reported. Progressive compromise of median nerve function has been noted. Initial treatment considerations should be directed toward biopsy and alleviation of the compression neuropathy. The role of microsurgical debulking procedures remains unclear at this time.
Addiction as an amoral condition? The case remains unproven.

Steven Hyman (2007) has given us a thoughtful precis of one intractable problem in neurobiology. His article deserves appreciation for the virtues of: 1) conceptually wedding nature and nurture; 2)...
Coping with RC(L) interconnect design headaches

Physical interconnect effects have a dominant impact on today's deep submicron IC designs. In this tutorial paper we will describe the technology trends which have brought about this interconnect dominance, then consider some of the modeling and analysis approximations available for both pre- and post-layout interconnect design. This coverage will not be an exhaustive summary, but one that is primarily focused on moment-based analysis techniques, from the Elmore delay, to the more recent advances in moment-matching approximations, and the corresponding nonlinear driver/load interfaces. Future modeling, analysis, and design challenges will be considered throughout this paper.
Languages of Wider Communication

World language and international language have tended to be employed interchangeably; insofar as there is a distinction, it resides in the condition that a world language encompasses the entire globe, while international languages may serve clusters of nations. English has today assumed the position of a world language. The languages Arabic, Swahili, and French play a vital role as international languages, which serve the purpose of maintaining supranational economic, cultural, and, within certain limitations, ethnic zones. Languages of wider communication such as Hindi and Bahasa Indonesia provide a mutually intelligible medium for speakers in multilingual societies.
A Proposed Algorithm for the Pharmacotherapy of Impulsive Aggression

A rational algorithm for effective pharmacotherapy for impulsive aggression takes into account five factors: sufficiently defined and characterized aggressive behavior; availability of agents studied by trials of sufficient quality; risks, side effects, and contraindications; severity of aggressive outbursts; and co-occurring mental and medical conditions. Clinicians in forensic and correctional treatment centers, indeed in any treatment setting, should be able to optimize their effectiveness in treating impulsive aggression by using methods that consider these five factors.
An Experimental Investigation of a Vortex Flow Cascade

A new type of compressor cascade, called the vortex flow cascade (shortly VFC), has been developed in the paper. The VFC is made up of the normal compressor cascade (shortly NCC) with NACA-65-0010 profile and vortex generator. Experiments are conducted for researching the effects of a large scale streamwise control vortex on the flow structure inside cascade passage. The results are encouraging. Based on the present investigation the vortical flow pattern and loss mechanism of VFC have been discussed.Copyright © 1988 by ASME
Medical waivers for atopic conditions did not affect attrition among U.S. military academy cadets.

ABSTRACTBackground: Atopic conditions account for approximately 35% of medical disqualifications among West Point applicants each year. There are limited outcome data concerning the utility of the atopic disqualification standards in predicting military success. Methods: Cadets entering the United States Military Academy (USMA) from 2001–2004 were selected as the cohort for this study. They were classified as exposed (medical waiver for an atopic condition) and unexposed (no medical waiver) and followed throughout their enrollment at the USMA. The outcome measures were attrition from school and frequency of clinic visits. Results: After adjusting for gender and age, waiver status was not associated with attrition (OR = 1.02) but was associated with an increased odds of being a high clinic user (OR = 1.37). Time-to-event analysis found an equal risk of attrition between the groups over time (HR = 1.03). Conclusion: Relaxing atopic disqualification standards will not increase the drop-out rate from the USMA...
Single Layer Potentials and the Cauchy-Kowalewski Theorem

(1973). Single Layer Potentials and the Cauchy-Kowalewski Theorem. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 80, No. 1, pp. 61-64.
Primary Care Physicians’ Beliefs and Practices Regarding E-Cigarette Use by Patients Who Smoke: A Qualitative Assessment

We explored primary care physicians’ (PCPs’) beliefs and practices about e-cigarettes. Cross-sectional, semi-structured interviews with PCPs in 2014 were conducted and audio-recorded. Participants were 15 general internal and family medicine physicians practicing in two settings in Virginia, USA. Interview recordings were transcribed, and the content analyzed using the Constant Comparative Method to identify key themes regarding PCPs’ reported current practices and beliefs. Five themes were identified: (1) existing clinic processes do not include mechanisms to screen for noncombustible tobacco products (such as e-cigarettes); (2) e-cigarette discussions are becoming commonplace with patients initiating the discussions and seeking physician guidance regarding e-cigarette use; (3) a lack of knowledge regarding the potential harms and benefits of e-cigarettes, yet a willingness to support their patients’ desire to use e-cigarettes (4) believing e-cigarettes are a safer alternative to smoking combustible tobacco products; and (5) abandoning concerns regarding the potential harms of e-cigarettes in the context of highly addicted patients and those with extensive comorbidities. Despite acknowledging limited knowledge regarding e-cigarettes, findings suggest that some PCPs are currently recommending e-cigarettes to their patients for smoking cessation and relative harm reduction, often personalizing recommendations based on the patient’s perceived addiction level and current health status. Physicians need to be informed about the evolving evidence regarding the risks and benefits of e-cigarettes.
Results Analysis of Monitoring Health Quality of Glasses in Changshu City during 2005—2008

[Objective]To understand the health quality of glasses after implementation of GB 10810.1-2005,and provide evidence for further monitoring and supervision.[Methods]During 2005—2008,health quality monitoring of glasses was performed on all the glasses distribution units,for twice a year in urban areas and once a year in rural areas.For each unit,10 myopic lenses were sampled,and 0~5 presbyopic lenses were sampled depending on the stocking.Japan made TOPCON CL-2500 Auto Lensometer and digimatic calipers were used.[Results]The qualified rate of sampled myopic lenses was about 95%,urban units were significantly better than rural units(P0.01),except for no significant difference in 2007.The qualified rate of presbyopic lenses in urban units was reducing annually,that for rural units was on the contrary.The qualified rate of presbyopic lenses in urban units was significantly higher than that in rural units in 2005—2007(P0.01,P0.05),the differences in other years were not significant.[Conclusion] The general quality of myopic lenses on offer is good in this city,but a potential risk exists in the quality of presbyopic lenses.
Structure and location of branch point singularities for Stokes waves on deep water

The Stokes wave is a finite-amplitude periodic gravity wave propagating with constant velocity in an inviscid fluid. The complex analytical structure of the Stokes wave is analysed using a conformal mapping of a free fluid surface of the Stokes wave onto the real axis with the fluid domain mapped onto the lower complex half-plane. There is one square root branch point per spatial period of the Stokes wave located in the upper complex half-plane at a distance from the real axis. The increase of Stokes wave height results in approaching zero with the limiting Stokes wave formation at . The limiting Stokes wave has a power-law singularity forming a radians angle on the crest which is qualitatively different from the square root singularity valid for arbitrary small but non-zero , making the limit of zero highly non-trivial. That limit is addressed by crossing a branch cut of a square root into the second and subsequently higher sheets of the Riemann surface to find coupled square root singularities at distances from the real axis at each sheet. The number of sheets is infinite and the analytical continuation of the Stokes wave into all of these sheets is found together with the series expansion in half-integer powers at singular points within each sheet. It is conjectured that a non-limiting Stokes wave at the leading order consists of an infinite number of nested square root singularities which also implies the existence in the third and higher sheets of additional square root singularities away from the real and imaginary axes. These nested square roots form a power-law singularity of the limiting Stokes wave as vanishes.
Policosanol to Manage Dyslipidemia in Older Adults

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on policosanol (Saccharum officinarum), a dietary supplement that is widely used in Latin America for management of dyslipidemia in older people. Policosanol consists of fatty alcohols derived from plant wax and is used to promote cardiovascular health as well as reducing hypertriglyceridemia. The primary effect of policosanol is to reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol as well as triglycerides. It presents current information on the pharmacological properties of policosanol, its mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, efficacy and toxicity. It gives a review of recent research, highlighting studies done on older adults. The majority of the studies were conducted by the same team of researchers from Cuba and several recent studies conducted outside the Caribbean have failed to replicate the findings of the Cuban team. The use of policosanol as an effective alternative to lipid lowering agents remains unclear and further studies are required to describe its efficacy as compared to statins and confirm its potential pleiotropic effects. It concludes that there are conflicting reports on the effectiveness of policosanol to normalize dyslipidemia.
Communication Theory and the Disciplines

Communication theory, like the communication discipline itself, has a long history but a short past. This entry traces the range of contributions to communication theory, some influential and others neglected, from the disciplines beyond communication studies. The treatment is divided into three disciplinary categories: (1) the social sciences; (2) cognate fields (like film studies) whose domains overlap with communication; and (3) the humanities. The entry concludes that, despite the many influential theories imported over the last 60 years, a great many have failed to register in our traditions. The line dividing influence from indifference, in other words, has remained strikingly arbitrary. Keywords: communication theory; knowledge; mass communication theory; media theory; models of communication
Klinefelter Syndrome with Poor Risk Extragonadal Germ Cell Tumor

Germ cell tumors are the most common malignancy in men aged 15-35 years old, with a small percentage presenting in an extragonadal location. These tumors are seldom identified in the gastrointestinal tract. There is increased risk of extragonadal germ cell tumors (EGCT) in men with Klinefelter syndrome (KS). We report a rare case of a 37-year-old male with KS and EGCT discovered in the duodenum and pelvis. After treatment with Bleomycin-Etoposide-Cisplatin (BEP), he developed growing teratoma syndrome (GTS) and myelodysplasia. Despite surgical excision of the pelvic growing teratoma, he unfortunately died secondary to complications of severe bone marrow suppression.
Roots, Logarithms, and Normal Forms

Corollary 2 in Chapter 12 is crucial for the construction of some important structures for real numbers, such as general roots and logarithms. These are introduced in this chapter. We also discuss musical applications to pitch theory.
Abortion Once Again: a response to Feser, Goodwin, Mosquito, Sadowsky, Vance and Watkins

Only a libertarian would think to base an analysis of the abortion controversy on private property rights. The present paper does just that. On that basis, it concludes that evictionism is the only policy compatible with libertarianism. This essay then uses this analysis to criticize the views on this subject of five scholars associated with this political philosophy: Feser, Goodwin, Mosquito, Sadowsky, Vance and Watkins.
Believing the best: on doxastic partiality in friendship

Some philosophers argue that friendship can normatively require us to have certain beliefs about our friends that epistemic norms would prohibit. On this view, we ought to exhibit some degree of doxastic partiality toward our friends, by having certain generally favorable beliefs and doxastic dispositions that concern our friends that we would not have concerning relevantly similar non-friends. Can friendship genuinely make these normative demands on our beliefs, in ways that would conflict with what we epistemically ought to believe? On a widely influential evidentialist approach to thinking about epistemic norms, friendship cannot normatively require things of our beliefs, because friendship cannot generate reasons for belief. And this is due, in part, to the alleged fact that we are incapable of forming beliefs directly in response to, or on the basis of, non-epistemic reasons. In this paper, I argue that this evidentialist response to alleged cases of conflict between friendship and epistemic norms fails. Instead, I argue that friendship cannot generate reasons for belief due to an underappreciated feature of friendship: that being a good friend constitutively involves forming attitudes about one’s friends that are appropriately responsive to the features that one’s friends have that appear to warrant those attitudes. I argue that this feature of friendship helps explain why friendship cannot give us reasons to have beliefs that are doxastically partial.
The implications of rejecting free will: An empirical analysis

While skeptical arguments concerning free will have been a common element of philosophical discourse for thousands of years, one could make the case that such arguments have never been more numerou...
Creating a Vision for Education Leadership.

Author(s): Martin, Daniel R.; Ankel, Felix; Hemphill, Robin R.; Heron, Sheryl; Khandelwal, Sorabh; Merritt, Christopher; Westergaard, Mary; Santen, Sally A.
Highly efficient all-optical beam modulation utilizing thermo-optic effects.

Suspensions of plasmonic nanoparticles can diffract optical beams due to the combination of thermal lensing and self-phase modulation. Here, we demonstrate extremely efficient optical continuous wave (CW) beam switching across the visible range in optimized suspensions of 5-nm Au and Ag nanoparticles in non-polar solvents, such as hexane and decane. On-axis modulation of greater than 30 dB is achieved at incident beam intensities as low as 100 W/cm2 with response times under 200 μs, at initial solution transparency above 70%. No evidence of laser-induced degradation is observed for the highest intensities used. Numerical modeling of experimental data reveals thermo-optic coefficients of up to −1.3 × 10−3 /K, which, to our knowledge, is the highest observed to date in such nanoparticle suspensions.
The Transition of Zebrafish Functional Genetics From Random Mutagenesis to Targeted Integration

Abstract The zebrafish is a popular animal model for the study of various aspects of health and disease due to its high fecundity, rapid embryonic development, relatively low maintenance costs, and increasing genetic malleability. In light of the high genetic tractability of zebrafish and the constant developments observed in the field of genetic engineering, this chapter reviews some of the major random and targeted gene-editing methods employed in the generation of a variety of mutant and transgenic fish lines to better understand genotype-phenotype relationships. Furthermore, this chapter proposes a novel zebrafish larvae mutagenesis and genotyping approach by coupling targeted integrations with mutagenic gene-break transposon vectors containing fluorescent reporters.
Research on Behavior Characteristics of Charging User of Electric Vehicles

It is difficult to find the characteristics of electric vehicle users through charging transaction data. However, these characteristics are very important for charging station operators to improve the service quality of their operation and maintenance. This paper uses the K-means clustering model to study the transaction data of the charging stations in northern Hebei from October 2016 to September 2017. It finds three types of users: high-speed primary users, high-speed secondary users, and urban users; Based on this, four types of users are further drilled out: play users, cross-city office users, pass users, and urban residents users. Based on these user characteristics, corresponding operational strategies, charging station planning and construction suggestions are proposed.
Assessing the effects of benefits and institutional influences on the continued use of environmentally munificent bypass systems in long-haul trucking

Commercial truck driving is an essential part of the national supply chain but one that adversely affects the environment. The purpose of this study is to determine the influence of the potential environmental benefits, among other factors, on continued use of bypass systems that can be discontinued at any time by a driver. The results from our study show that (1) economic benefits and industry pressures positively influence drivers' use of bypass systems but (2) the environmental benefits of the technology do not, even though system vendors and state transportation agencies emphasize these benefits of the technology. Based on these findings, we conclude that sustainable information systems can be a viable option in a business context if usage leads to economic benefits. Our results and conclusions support the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's differentiation of public policy versus business perspectives on sustainable technology.
RNA interference in cryptococcus neoformans

RNA interference (RNAi) is an experimental technique used to suppress individual gene expression in eukaryotic cells in a sequence-dependent manner. The process relies on double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) to target complementary messenger RNA for degradation. Here, we describe two plasmid-based strategies we have developed for RNAi in Cryptococcus neoformans. The pFrame vector utilizes the ACT1 promoter to enable the constitutive synthesis of hairpin RNA (hpRNA), the stem of which constitutes the dsRNA trigger. The pIBB103 vector relies on convergent, inducible GAL7 promoters to independently drive the synthesis of the sense and antisense strands of the interfering sequence; these strands anneal to form the initiating dsRNA molecule. Both vectors are designed to co-silence a "sentinel" gene with an easily scored phenotype to help identify clones in which RNAi is most effective. We provide guidelines for selecting a suitable interfering sequence to trigger RNAi in C. neoformans and describe the steps for subcloning into either vector, transforming C. neoformans by electroporation, screening clones for RNAi-related phenotypes, and evaluating the efficacy and specificity of gene silencing by RNAi.
Secondary Oxygen Exchange Reactions During the Partial Oxidation of Methane

Abstract In order to better understand the reaction pathway during the partial oxidation of methane, O-exchange with O 2 and CO 2 over V 2 O 5 /SiO 2 was examined using isotopic transient techniques. It was found that, during the partial oxidation reaction, the O-exchange capability of the V 2 O 5 /SiO 2 catalyst increased significantly. Secondary exchange reactions of CO 2 with the V 2 O 5 /SiO 2 were demonstrated. It was also shown that the CO 2 species exchanging with the catalyst were in equilibrium and that the rate of O-exchange with O 2 was much lower than with CO 2 . This resulted in an apparently higher contribution of lattice oxygen for O-exchange with CO 2 during the partial oxidation reaction. Thus, the identification of the origin of the O-species involved in the formation of a particular product is greatly complicated by the presence of secondary exchange reactions.
OSHA and elongate mineral particles

The United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) was established to provide guidance to protect workers from hazards in the workplace. After broadly adopting extant health and safety standards, OSHA promulgated an expanded standard for regulation of asbestos. This standard provided for regulation of six named minerals and practices to be followed. Since the initial establishment of asbestos regulation by OSHA, other elongate particles have been considered for evaluation. This discussion describes the evolution of the OSHA regulations for asbestos, what they cover and how other materials might be regulated if they are found to pose a health risk.
Classroom Management Actions of Beginning Urban Teachers

This descriptive, mixed methods study of one interim certification program explores first year urban teachers’ classroom management actions. This study investigates what strategies teachers impleme...
Assessing Demand for Intercollegiate Athletic Departments: An Investigation of Multimedia Rights Agreements

Traditionally, attendance has been the prevailing measure of demand in the intercollegiate athletics industry. However, new sources have emerged, including television ratings and revenue from broad...
Optical engineering of polymer materials and composites for simultaneous color and thermal management

Sustainable architecture requires development of new materials with tailored optical, mechanical, and thermal properties to provide both aesthetic appeal and energy-saving functionalities. Polymers and polymer-based composites emerge as promising lightweight and conformable materials whose optical spectra can be engineered to achieve both goals. Here, we report on the development of new types of organic-inorganic films composed of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene with a variety of organic and inorganic nano- and micro-scale inclusions. The films simultaneously provide ultra-light weight, conformability, either visual coloring or transparency on demand, and passive thermal management via both conduction and radiation. The lightweight semi-crystalline polymer matrix yields thermal conductivity exceeding that of many metals, allowing for the lateral heat spreading and hot spots mitigation in the cases of partial illumination of films by sunlight. It also yields excellent broadband transparency, allowing for the opportunities to shape the spectral response of composite materials via targeted addition of inclusions with tailored optical spectra. We demonstrate a variety of dark- and bright-colored composite samples that exhibit reduced temperatures under direct illumination by sunlight, and outline strategies for materials design to further improve material performance.
Alternative Polyadenylation Modifies Target Sites of MicroRNAs with Clinical Potential for Breast Cancer Progression

Abstract Background Alternative polyadenylation (APA) is a post-transcriptional mechanism that contributes to transcriptomic diversity. APA causes shortening or lengthening of the 3ʹ-untranslated region (3ʹ-UTR) associated with prognosis and drug sensitivity in cancer. We recently identified a trans mechanism of 3ʹ-UTR shortening that disrupts microRNA (miRNA) target sites for tumorigenesis. However, due to confounding interactions between APA events and miRNA target site modifications, it is challenging to identify which miRNAs contribute to tumorigenesis through APA events. Methods To identify miRNAs affected by APA events, we developed Probabilistic Inference of MicroRNATarget Site Modification through APA (PRIMATA-APA), a mathematical model that globally estimates significance of the APA-mediated target site modification for each miRNA. Results PRIMATA-APA identified that global APA events in TCGA breast tumor samples significantly modify target sites of particular miRNAs (tamoMiRNAs). TamoMiRNAs are enriched for miRNA biomarkers known for breast cancer etiology and treatments and their target genes are enriched in cancer-associated pathways such as “growth factor” and “signaling” pathways. As tamoMiRNAs are evolutionary more conserved and bind more genes than other miRNAs, APA events should effectively regulate the cancer-associated pathways. Moreover, the significant correlation between 3ʹ-UTR usage and gene expression through miRNAs that are associated with the 3ʹ-UTR usage suggests that APA events heavily contribute to miRNA-derived interpatient tumor heterogeneity. Conclusions Due to the high impact of APA trans effect on miRNA target site modification in cancer, we integrated miRNA target site modification and miRNA expression level profile, resulting in a systematic understanding of miRNA function for breast cancer.
Fairies on the schoolyard: curriculum as inclusive conversation

ABSTRACTWhat does it mean for curriculum to be inclusive? This paper builds upon assertions that standardised, pre-determined curriculum marginalises students. This is especially harmful for studen...
A quantitative method for measuring the gastrointestinal absorption of iron.

A simple test is proposed for evaluating the gastrointestinal absorption of iron. It begins with an oral dose of 50 µg. of stable iron labeled with 1 µc. of Fe59, to which about 300 mg. of ascorbic acid are added. Feces are assayed for Fe59 until any single stool contains less than 1 per cent of the dose. Absorption is determined on the assumption that all unrecovered Fe59 has been absorbed. The test was designed to minimize handling of stools by assaying whole specimens, and this process has the added virtue of increasing statistical accuracy of the measurement of radioactivity. The main advantage of the procedure using a 50 µg. dose is that with it one obtains a normal value for absorption which is about one-half of the dose. This permits measurement of either increased or decreased iron absorption. With our standard test method, 19 normal women absorbed an average of 62 per cent of the dose and 22 normal men absorbed 40 per cent. In addition to this sex difference, not explained by the difference in their blood hemoglobin levels, there seemed to be a tendency toward reduced absorption with greater age. Preliminary results of this test in patients with hypochromic anemia and steatorrhea are reported. Increased absorption of iron followed the administration of ascorbic acid whether the iron was in the ferric or the ferrous form. The concept that ferrous iron is better absorbed by man requires re-evaluation.