cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Minimal Transgenerational Effect of ZnO Nanomaterials on the Physiology and Nutrient Profile of Phaseolus vulgaris

Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) plants were cultivated in nanoparticle-unamended soil, and their second-generation seeds (S2) were analyzed to determine the transgenerational effects of uncoated nano-ZnO (Z-COTE), coated nano-ZnO (Z-COTE HP1), bulk ZnO, or ionic Zn (ZnCl2) at 0–500 mg kg–1. Antioxidant enzymatic activity was determined in immature seeds, while the yield and nutritional composition of the seeds were measured at the end of the growth cycle. None of the treatments affected seed production, maturation time, Zn accumulation, or the content of sugar, starch, or protein in S2, compared with controls. The accumulation of K, P, S, Mg, Fe, Mn, B, Mo, and Cu in S2 seeds also remained unaffected. However, Z-COTE at 500 mg kg–1 and Z-COTE HP1 at 125 and 500 mg kg–1 reduced Ni in S2 seeds by 60%, 41%, and 74%, respectively, compared with the control. The Zn nanomaterials (NMs) did not impact the activity of ascorbate peroxidase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the seeds. However, ZnCl2 at 500 mg ...
Binder Cumulant for Bond Diluted Ising Model

The fourth order Binder cumulant U and the critical Binder cumulant U* of bond-diluted Ising model on a square lattice are studied using Monte Carlo techniques. The values of the transition temperature Tc obtained from U* for different probabilities of bond dilution p are discussed. When p is no too large (p 0.35, things are not so clear and our results show that the determination of Tc from U is questionable
The Importance of Fission Production/Aerosol Interactions in Reactor Accident Calculations

Including fission product vapor interactions with aerosols in reactor accident calculations can significantly alter the predicted consequences of a given accident. For example, a high-velocity, short residence time accident can transport significant amounts of tellurium outside the reactor vessel on the aerosols rather than having the tellurium reacted on the vessel's metal surfaces. In another scenario, a relatively stagnant situation allows equilibration of the vapor/aerosol interactions and deposition of the aerosols inside the core region. Consequently, most of the fission product vapors remain in the core region with the deposited aerosols. The sorption isotherms of CsOH-Ag, CsOH-Cr/sub 2/O/sub 3/, and CsI-Cr/sub 2/O/sub 3/ can be represented by modified Freundlich isotherm expressions.
Potentiation of myocardial ischemic injury by drug-induced taurine depletion.

The discovery that taurine treatment reverses arrhythmias associated with epinephrine- and digoxin-induced toxicity stimulated research into the myocardial actions of taurine and eventually led to the hypothesis that taurine must have an important physiological function in the heart (10,14, 25,28). Two subsequent lines of evidence have provided the most compelling support for this hypothesis. First, cardiac taurine levels are extremely high and are maintained by an energy-dependent transport process (14,29). Second, exposure of the heart to a medium containing taurine results in a significant change in myocardial energy and calcium metabolism (5–7,15, 18,20,28).
E-Witness: Preserve and Prove Forensic Soundness of Digital Evidence

In this demo we present E-Witness, a system that uses blockchain technology to prove the integrity and spatio-temporal properties of digital evidence captured through a smart-phone. The system consists of a smart-phone application that computes robust hash of pictures or videos taken from the phone camera, a location attestation service and a public blockchain which contains ledger entries to preserve the evidence file's hash and location certificate. The human witness can remain anonymous in this process. An investigator who receives the evidence (by any means) can verify the integrity and spatio-temporal claims of the evidence by querying the blockchain.
Phase 1 Parkinson’s Disease Studies Show the Dopamine D1/D5 Agonist PF-06649751 is Safe and Well Tolerated

There is a need for new therapies in Parkinson’s disease that may help to address known limitations of current options. PF-06649751 is a novel, highly selective dopamine D1/D5 agonist targeted for Parkinson’s disease treatment. The safety, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of PF-06649751 were assessed in single ascending dose and multiple ascending dose clinical trials in patients with Parkinson’s disease. The single ascending dose study (N = 18) was a double-blind, placebo-controlled study with a three-way crossover design consisting of three treatment periods separated by 7-day study drug washout periods. PF-06649751 doses were 0.75 mg, 1.5 mg, 3 mg, 6 mg, and 9 mg. In the open-label multiple ascending dose study, eligible subjects received once-daily doses of PF-06649751 (N = 45) over 21 days, with up-titration to 5 mg, 15 mg, and 25 mg once daily. Pharmacodynamics were assessed by measuring change from baseline in the Movement Disorder Society-sponsored revision of the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS) Part III at different time points post dose. PF-06649751 was safe and well tolerated across studies and in all cohorts. Peak plasma concentrations were attained 1–4 h post dose across both studies, and exposure increased with increasing dose. PF-06649751 demonstrated sustained pharmacodynamic effects compared with placebo, with mean reductions from baseline in the MDS-UPDRS Part III up to 12 h post dose at 9 mg single dose. MDS-UPDRS Part III changes in the open-label multiple dose study on day 22 also demonstrated sustained pharmacodynamic activity. PF-06649751 represents a novel therapeutic candidate for Parkinson’s disease with an initial safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetic profile and potential for efficacy that merits further study in larger clinical trials. These studies are registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02373072, NCT02224664. Pfizer.
Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor Invading the Stomach and Spleen: A Case Report

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors are a rare group of heterogeneous neoplasms. Approximately half have metastasized by the time of diagnosis, most commonly to the liver. We present the case of an 88-year-old female who presented with syncope. Imaging revealed a large pancreatic mass. She was found to have a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor directly invading the stomach and spleen with liver and lymph node metastases. This case demonstrates the rare occurrence of gastric invasion by a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor. J Med Cases. 2018;9(12):406-408 doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/jmc3216
Context Delegation for Context-Based Access Control

The capability to delegate access privileges is an essential component of access control policies. We present an ontology-based context delegation approach for context-based access control. Our approach provides a dynamic and adaptive context delegation capability. The delegation does not cause any change to the underlying access control policy. We use Description logic (DL) and Logic Programming (LP) technologies for modeling contexts, delegation and CBAC privileges. We show how semantic-based techniques can be used to support adaptive and dynamic context delegation for CBAC policies. We provide the formal framework of the approach and show that it is decidable and consistent.
High Performance Attack Estimation in Large-Scale Network Flows

Network based attacks are the major threat to security on the Internet. The volume of traffic and the high variability of the attacks place threat detection squarely in the domain of big data. Conventional approaches are mostly based on signatures. While these are relatively inexpensive computationally, they are inflexible and insensitive to small variations in the attack vector. Therefore we explored the use of machine learning techniques on real flow data. We found that benign traffic could be identified with high accuracy.
Predicting and validating a model of suppressor of IKKepsilon through biophysical characterization

Suppressor of IKKepsilon (SIKE) is a 207 residue protein that is implicated in the TLR3-TANK-binding kinase-1-mediated response to viral infection. SIKE's function in this pathway is unknown, but SIKE forms interactions with two distinct cytoskeletal proteins, α-actinin and tubulin, and SIKE knockout reduces cell migration. As structure informs function and in the absence of solved structural homologs, our studies were directed toward creating a structural model of SIKE through biochemical and biophysical characterization to probe and interrogate SIKE function. Circular dichroism revealed a primarily (73%) helical structure of minimal stability ( =32°C) but reversibly denatured. Limited proteolysis (LP) and chemical modification identified the N-terminal 2/3 of the protein as dynamic and accessible, whereas size exclusion chromatography (SEC) confirmed three homo-oligomeric species. SEC coupled to chemical crosslinking characterized the primary species as dimeric, a secondary hexameric species, and a higher order aggregate/polymer. Fluorescence polarization using intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence contextualized the anisotropy value for the SIKE dimer (molecular weight 51.8 kDa) among proteins of known structure, bovine serum albumin (BSA; 66 kDa), and glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH; 332 kDa). Radii of gyration for BSA and GDH provided exclusionary values for SIKE tertiary and dimeric quaternary models that otherwise conformed to secondary structure, LP, and modification data. Dimeric quaternary models were further culled using acrylamide quenching data of SIKE's single tryptophan that showed a single, protected environment. The low cooperativity of folding and regions of dynamic and potentially disordered structure advance the hypothesis that SIKE forms a conformational ensemble of native states that accommodate SIKE's interactions with multiple, distinct protein-binding partners.
Therapeutic potential of exosomes in rotator cuff tendon healing

Rotator cuff tears are common musculoskeletal injuries that can cause significant pain and disability. While the clinical results of rotator cuff repair can be good, failure of tendon healing remains a significant problem. Molecular mechanisms underlying structural failure following surgical repair remain unclear. Histologically, enhanced inflammation, disorganization of the collagen fibers, calcification, apoptosis and tissue necrosis affect the normal healing process. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have the ability to provide improved healing following rotator cuff repair via the release of mediators from secreted 30–100 nm extracellular vesicles called exosomes. They carry regulatory proteins, mRNA and miRNA and have the ability to increase collagen synthesis and angiogenesis through increased expression of mRNA and release of proangiogenic factors and regulatory proteins that play a major role in proper tissue remodeling and preventing extracellular matrix degradation. Various studies have shown the effect of exosomes on improving outcome of cutaneous wound healing, scar tissue formation, degenerative bone disease and Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. In this article, we critically reviewed the potential role of exosomes in tendon regeneration and propose the novel use of exosomes alone or seeded onto biomaterial matrices to stimulate secretion of favorable cellular factors in accelerating the healing response following rotator cuff repair.
Further Experiences Teaching an FPGA-Based Embedded Systems Class

I describe thirteen years of teaching an embedded systems class at Columbia University that spans three “board eras.” Students now develop Linux systems with custom FPGA-based peripherals.
Biologics Targeting Tumor Necrosis Factor

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is a cytokine which is a key mediator of inflammation. Evidence from animal models of uveitis and observations on patients with uveitis provides strong support for the role of increased TNF activity in the pathogenesis of noninfectious uveitis, which is believed to be immune-mediated. Biologics that target TNF have been in use for the treatment of patients with uveitis since 2001. Five different anti-TNF biologics have been used in patients with chronic or recurrent uveitis refractory to nonbiologic agents. However, to date, only two of these agents, namely, infliximab and adalimumab, have a substantial amount of evidence supporting their clinical efficacy in noninfectious uveitis. Etanercept does not appear to be efficacious in uveitis and is not recommended for the treatment of uveitis. Golimumab and certolizumab currently only have a limited amount of data on their efficacy in treating uveitis, but could potentially be useful. Biologic TNF inhibitors appear to have a good safety profile in the short-term, but the long-term safety profile is not yet fully known. Additional drawbacks regarding the use of biologic TNF inhibitors for the treatment of uveitis include the lack of efficacy data from randomized controlled trials for specific entities of uveitis, high cost, the need for systemic administration, and the failure of some patients to achieve remission.
Maps in Popular Culture

Abstract In popular culture, maps are often used as objects that assist people and organizations by entertaining, providing direction, communicating ideas, and influencing attitudes. Many maps are cartographically precise (real places, real phenomena, and true scales) because science or business requires an accurate portrayal of the world; otherwise, adverse outcomes may arise through incorrect interpretation of mapped messages. Many other maps are stylized, or fictional, depictions of landscapes that are used in supporting cinematic, commercial, political, or playful endeavors. This chapter discusses the use of maps to support these forms of communication. Much of the chapter is devoted to the vehicles (television, movies, etc.) in which maps are delivered in support of popular culture.
Child Labor in Farming Households in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

Child labor is a major issue in many parts of the Global South. This study was conducted in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria to examine the level of involvement of children in arable farming activ...
REPLica: REPL instrumentation for Coq analysis

Proof engineering tools make it easier to develop and maintain large systems verified using interactive theorem provers. Developing useful proof engineering tools hinges on understanding the development processes of proof engineers. This paper breaks down one barrier to achieving that understanding: remotely collecting granular data on proof developments as they happen. We have built a tool called REPLica that instruments Coq’s interaction model in order to collect fine-grained data on proof developments. It is decoupled from the user interface, and designed in a way that generalizes to other interactive theorem provers with similar interaction models. We have used REPLica to collect data over the span of a month from a group of intermediate through expert proof engineers—enough data to reconstruct hundreds of interactive sessions. The data reveals patterns in fixing proofs and in changing programs and specifications useful for the improvement of proof engineering tools. Our experiences conducting this study suggest design considerations both at the level of the study and at the level of the interactive theorem prover that can facilitate future studies of this kind.
Luttinger Revisited—The Renormalization Group Approach

Luttinger's contributions abound in different parts of many-body physics. Here I review the ones that appear when one uses the Renormalization Group (RG) to study the subject: the Luttinger Liquid, Luttinger's Theorem (on the volume of the Fermi surface) and the Kohn–Luttinger Theorem on the superconducting instability of all metals as one approaches absolute zero.
Evaluating Incentive Strategies on Parental Engagement of the PACE Parenting Program

This study evaluated whether various incentive strategies were associated with parental engagement in an 8-week parenting program offered through daycare centers. Parents were randomly assigned to four conditions. The conditions differed in their strategy to recruit and retain parents. The conditions were: (1) program-as-usual, (2) monetary incentive, (3) mindfulness training, and (4) monetary incentive and mindfulness. The sample included 610 parent–child dyads. Results showed no differences between conditions on intentions to enroll, but they did differ on attendance and quality of participation. Specifically, parents in the program-as-usual condition, compared to all other conditions, were more likely to attend at least a session. Parents in the monetary incentive condition were more likely to be rated as more engaged in sessions compared to parents in the program-as-usual condition. However, for participants who attended at least six sessions, results revealed that parents in the mindfulness training condition were significantly more likely to be rated as engaged compared to those in the treatment-as-usual condition. These results highlight the potential tailoring of different recruitment strategies for different stages of the engagement process and reflect the importance of operationalizing “engagement” in more than one way (e.g., attendance versus level of participation).
Safety and Efficacy of a Disposable Vaginal Device for Stress Urinary Incontinence.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of an over-the-counter device for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in females. METHODS A multicenter, interventional, single-arm study involving 5 different sites was conducted including women diagnosed with symptomatic SUI using a self-inserted pessary device. A 1-week baseline period was followed by a 2-week period of wearing the device. The main outcome of our study was to determine if the device was able to reduce at least 50% the number of leakage events and pad weight. RESULTS Across all study sites, 73 subjects were enrolled and 51 completed the study. Efficacy analyses were conducted on the modified intent-to-treat population (n = 48), whereas the safety analysis was conducted on all consented participants. The average pad weight gain was 0.9 g/h at baseline and 0.5 g/h during the treatment phase. The number of leakage episodes per day decreased from 2 at baseline to 0.9 during the treatment phase (P < 0.0001). Seventy-one percent of the study population experienced a more than 50% reduction in leakage volume, leakage episodes, or both. The quality of life scores improved from baseline to posttreatment phase by 4.35 points on average (P < 0.0001). A total of 40 adverse events were recorded, and only 4 subjects withdrew due to adverse events. CONCLUSIONS The self-deployable pessary device evaluated in this study is an alternative option for women seeking an over-the-counter method to manage symptoms of SUI. Further studies are required to determine the long-term effects and compliance using the device.
The Karl Muck Scandal: Classical Music and Xenophobia in World War I America: by Melissa D. Burrage (Eastman Studies in Music, v. 157), Rochester, NY, University of Rochester Press, 2019, 445 pp., $34.95 (hardback), ISBN 978-1-58046-950-0

Just over a century ago, in 1906, the world of high society in Boston extolled German music and musicians. Into that world stepped Dr. Karl Muck, already esteemed in Europe, as conductor of the Bos...
Angular Distribution of γ Radiation Following Direct Nuclear Reaction

The $\ensuremath{\gamma}$-ray angular distributions following the direct reaction ${\mathrm{C}}^{12}(p, {p}^{\ensuremath{'}}{\ensuremath{\gamma}}_{4.43\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}\mathrm{M}\mathrm{e}\mathrm{V}}){\mathrm{C}}^{12}$ have been calculated for the cases of single-particle excitation and collective excitation using Glendenning's optical potential and the surface interaction model. In the case of particle excitation, the effective two-body potential has been assumed to have the form ${V}_{d}(|{\mathrm{r}}_{p}\ensuremath{-}{\mathrm{r}}_{n}|)[{a}_{0}+{a}_{1}\ensuremath{\sigma}(p)\ifmmode\cdot\else\textperiodcentered\fi{}\ensuremath{\sigma}(n)]$. Comparison with experiments at this laboratory for incident proton energies ${E}_{p}=6.69, 8.46, 8.71, \mathrm{and} 9.72$ MeV shows remarkably good fits for $\frac{{a}_{1}}{{a}_{0}}=\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.67$. For the case of collective excitation, the agreement has been found to be poor. The plane-wave Born approximation for the incoming and outgoing waves does not yield satisfactory results for either mechanism.
Social and environmental correlates of rat complaints in Chicago

Abstract Urban rats are widely distributed pests that have negative effects on public health and property. It is crucial to understand their distribution to inform control efforts and address drivers of rat presence. Analysing public rat complaints can help assess urban rat distribution and identify factors supporting rat populations. Both social and environmental factors could promote rat complaints and must be integrated to understand rat distributions. We analysed rat complaints made between 2011 and 2017 in Chicago, a city with growing rat problems and stark wealth inequality. We examined whether rat complaints at the census tract level are associated with factors that could influence rat abundance, rats’ visibility to humans, and the likelihood of people making a complaint. Complaints were significantly positively correlated with anthropogenic factors hypothesized to promote rat abundance (restaurants, older buildings, garbage complaints, and dog waste complaints) or rat visibility (building construction/demolition activity), and factors hypothesized to increase the likelihood of complaining (human population density, more owner-occupied homes); we also found that complaints were highest in the summer. Our results suggest that conflicts between residents and rats are mainly driven by seasonal variation in rat abundance and human activity and could be mitigated with strategies such as securing food waste from residential and commercial sources. Accounting for social factors such as population density, construction and demolition activity, and home ownership versus rental can also help cities more accurately predict blocks at higher risk of rat conflicts.
Minimizing OCT quantification error via a surface-tracking imaging probe.

OCT-based quantitative tissue optical properties imaging is a promising technique for intraoperative brain cancer assessment. The attenuation coefficient analysis relies on the depth-dependent OCT intensity profile, thus sensitive to tissue surface positions relative to the imaging beam focus. However, it is almost impossible to maintain a steady tissue surface during intraoperative imaging due to the patient’s arterial pulsation and breathing, the operator’s motion, and the complex tissue surface geometry of the surgical cavity. In this work, we developed an intraoperative OCT imaging probe with a surface-tracking function to minimize the quantification errors in optical attenuation due to the tissue surface position variations. A compact OCT imaging probe was designed and engineered to have a long working distance of ∼ 41 mm and a large field of view of 4 × 4 mm2 while keeping the probe diameter small (9 mm) to maximize clinical versatility. A piezo-based linear motor was integrated with the imaging probe and controlled based upon real-time feedback of tissue surface position inferred from OCT images. A GPU-assisted parallel processing algorithm was implemented, enabling detection and tracking of tissue surface in real-time and successfully suppressing more than 90% of the typical physiologically induced motion range. The surface-tracking intraoperative OCT imaging probe could maintain a steady beam focus inside the target tissue regardless of the surface geometry or physiological motions and enabled to obtain tissue optical attenuation reliably for assessing brain cancer margins in challenging intraoperative settings.
Circadian clocks and their role in lactation competence.

Abstract Circadian rhythms are 24 h cycles of behavior, physiology and gene expression that function to synchronize processes across the body and coordinate physiology with the external environment. Circadian clocks are central to maintaining homeostasis and regulating coordinated changes in physiology in response to internal and external cues. Orchestrated changes occur in maternal physiology during the periparturient period to support the growth of the fetus and the energetic and nutritional demands of lactation. Discoveries in our lab made over a decade ago led us to hypothesize that the circadian timing system functions to regulate metabolic and mammary specific changes that occur to support a successful lactation. Findings of studies that ensued are summarized, and point to the importance of circadian clocks in the regulation of lactation competence. Disruption of the circadian timing system can negatively affect mammary gland development and differentiation, alter maternal metabolism and impair milk production.
Scale, Model Complexity, and Understanding: Simulation of Settlement Processes in the Glenwood Locality of Southwestern Iowa, 1976 and 2000

One archaeology cant is that greater understanding comes with more data and better analytical tools. Supposedly, the better our culture history of an area, the better our understanding of the cultural processes operating there. Intuitively, this bit of received wisdom, repeated often in the conclusions of numerous archaeology conference papers, seems obvious, but is it true? We contend that it is not always so simple. Although more data and better tools might make for better culture history, they do not always lead to greater understanding, particularly of culture processes. The reason is a matter of scale. Scale is defined here as the ratio between the size of something and a representation of it. By constructing a representation, we build a model of some reality, such as an artifact, feature, or event. Models are abstractions containing what are understood or believed to be the salient features of that reality. A scale of 1:100 is fundamentally the same as a scale of 1:10. Some level of detail is lost at 1:100, but the underlying structure of the model is the same. If the level of detail known about the reality being modeled increases, is the model automatically improved? If more detail is visible in the model, does that make the model more real? Not necessarily, if the principles used to construct the model remain unchanged. Does understanding increase if better analytical tools are applied to the
Glucose metabolism and chick neurogenesis. I. Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity in the embryonic brachial spinal cord.

Abstract Microquantitative procedures were employed for the assay of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity in the developing chick spinal cord. Individual brachial cord homogenate preparations (4.5 days incubation through hatching) maintained a relatively high level of enzymatic activity through 6.5 days (stage 30) with an apparent peak at 4.75 days (stage 26). A marked drop in level of G6DH activity was observed during the eighth day (the level of activity for stage 33 was only 27% that of stage 30). This low level of activity was maintained throughout the remainder of development. Discrete areas of the developing spinal cord were assayed separately: little difference was noted between alar and basal halves; however, enzyme activity in the mantle was consistently higher than in the neural epithelium. Complex fluctuation patterns were observed for the cephalocaudal distribution of G6DH activity in individual spinal cords; a meaningful interpretation of these patterns awaits further investigation. Temporal changes in G6DH activity (whole cord and subdivisions thereof) are discussed in relation to proliferation and cytodifferentiation. The results of this study support an earlier postulate of Burt and Wenger (1961) and suggest that pentose cycle activity is associated with both mitosis and early neuroblastic differentiation.
A New Entropy-Based Performance Index for Stochastic Control System Design

A new entropy-based performance index is proposed and developed for use in the design of stochastic control systems. Starting from a postulate of desired process performance, an entropy measure is shown to naturally quantify the discrepancy between predicted and desired system behavior. The entropy measure utilizes probability density functions to represent parameter uncertainty. By using metric and convexity properties of the entropy measure, a new performance index is proposed for control system design. The new performance index is employed to develop an optimal open-loop control policy to track a reference trajectory. In a second application, a one-step ahead adaptive control policy is developed and its properties are analyzed through a comparison with dual control strategies. It is shown that the optimal control policy yields a controller which is always more aggressive than a cautious controller.
Vector quantization of affine motion models

This paper presents an efficient motion compensation algorithm for low bit rate video coding. The motion field is modelled as a block-segmented affine motion field. Affine motion parameter estimation and quantization are performed in one step by searching a static VQ codebook. The codebook is designed using a GLA-like algorithm to minimize the motion compensation error. Furthermore, variable block size is used to allow more flexible bit allocation between motion coding and prediction error coding. Simulations on various test sequences show 0.8-2.0 dB PSNR gain over H.263 with advanced prediction mode enabled.
Linearized maps for the Davey-Stewartson I equation

Simple equations are derived which express the deformation of the scattering data as a function of the deformation of the potential and vise versa. Applications include the characterization of the higher flows, and computation of the Poisson bracket of scattering data.
The Critical Role of the Cytoskeleton in the Pathogenesis of Giardia

Giardia lamblia is a flagellated parasite of the gut and causes significant morbidity worldwide. Novel druggable targets are sorely needed due to Giardia's prevalence and the growing threat of antibiotic resistance. Giardia's conserved and unique cytoskeletal features, such as its eight flagella and ventral disc, are required for host colonization by facilitating motility, attachment, and cell division. Therapies that target these processes could interfere with trophozoite colonization, reduce the time or severity of the infection, and reduce the number of infectious cysts shed into the environment. This requires vetting and prioritizing critical cellular processes and identifying specific Giardia proteins in those processes as targets. It is time to leverage the wealth of data gathered through genome sequencing and proteomic studies, and new insights on the cytoskeleton of Giardia to design effective new drugs to treat giardiasis.
The Perception of Nonverbal Behavior in Function of Visible Access to One or Both Interactants.

Semiotics, broadly defined, is a method of discourse analysis aimed at discovering the deep meaning of the message. As this is generally achieved through structuralist methodology, a major problem of semiotic theory is the incorporation of external variables and their impact on the message. In the realm of the nonverbal component of discourse, Ekman’s approach, in a strict sense, lies outside semiotic theory which favors the structuralist methodology championed by Birdwhistell. Sensu lato, however, the two opposing approaches to nonverbal research can be reconciled and may indeed be necessary for a complete understanding of the semiotic function in kinesics (von Raffler-Engel 1978).
NIF Ignition Campaign Target Performance and Requirements: Status May 2012

The National Ignition Campaign (NIC) on the National Ignition Facility plans to use an indirectly driven spherical implosion to assemble and ignite a mass of D-T fuel. The NIC is currently in the p...
Suppression of auxin signal transduction by a MAPK cascade in higher plants

The plant hormone auxin activates many early response genes that are thought to be responsible for diverse aspects of plant growth and development1. It has been proposed that auxin signal transduction is mediated by a conserved signalling cascade consisting of three protein kinases: the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), MAPK kinase (MAPKK) and MAPKK kinase (MAPKKK)2. Here we show that a specific plant MAPKKK, NPK1 (ref. 3), activates a MAPK cascade that leads to the suppression of early auxin response gene transcription. A mutation in the kinase domain abolishes NPK1 activity, and the presence of the carboxy-terminal domain diminishes the kinase activity. Moreover, the effects of NPK1 on the activation of a MAPK and the repression of early auxin response gene transcription are specifically eliminated by a MAPK phosphatase4. Transgenic tobacco plants overexpressing the NPK1 kinase domain produced seeds defective in embryo and endosperm development. These results suggest that auxin sensitivity may be balanced by antagonistic signalling pathways that use a distinct MAPK cascade in higher plants.
The Scope and Design of Structured Group Learning Experiences at Community Colleges

This study explores through descriptive analysis the similarities of structured group learning experiences such as first-year seminars, learning communities, orientation, success courses, and accelerated developmental education programs, in terms of their design features and implementation at community colleges. The study takes as its conceptual starting point the hypothesis put forth by Hatch and Bohlig (2013) that such cohort- or group-structured programs designed to equip students with skills, knowledge, and support networks for successful college-going, and which often go by different names, may be in fact better characterized as variations or instances of a more general type of program due to the similarities of their programmatic and curricular structure. This article explores program features beyond curricular design to consider target audience, mandatory status, reported participation rates, program duration, credit-bearing status, and the roles of involved personnel, among other features. Using d...
Research on Youth and Political Conflict: Where Is the Politics? Where Are the Youth?

In this article, I use standards and expectations articulated in the late 1990s by Cairns and Dawes to evaluate research on youth experience with political conflict. The volume and visibility of work on this topic suggest progress in this area, as do research methods and the specification of social ecologies. However, researchers have persistently framed the topic narrowly as the degree to which, and how, exposure to political violence predicts mental and behavioral problems. In this review, I spell out the limits of this approach and articulate the need for taking seriously the political context as well as looking at youth as developing, competent, and engaged individuals. I offer alternative questions for research and design to encourage the field to address these complexities more adequately.
The preparation and properties of poly-α-methylene-β-propiolactone and α-ammoniummethacrylic acid salts

α-Bromomethacrylic acid was reacted with various amines in an attempt to prepare a new series of α-ammoniummethacrylic acid monomers. For amines of relatively low basicity such products were obtained, but they could not be polymerized with a free radical initiator at 70°C. With highly basic amines, a highly crystalline polyester was obtained instead, which presumably resulted from the formation and anionic polymerization of α-methyleneβ-propiolactone
Organotitanate dispersants for BaTiO3 and Al2O3

An alkoxytitanium carboxylate of a branched carboxylic acid was synthesized and its effectiveness as a dispersant for oxide powders determined. The amount of titanate required to produce stable dispersions & nonaqueous media corresponded to monomolecular layer coverage of the oxide particles by the titanate. Low-molecular-weight organotitanate dispersants should prove useful as substitutes for fish oil or polymers in ceramics processing.
Deterrence, utility, and rational choice

The nuclear balance of terror is examined from the perspective of utilitarian ethics. A superpower's decision about whether or not to practice nuclear deterrence against its rival is analyzed as a choice, under conditions of uncertainty, between (i) a smaller risk of bringing about a graver disaster for mankind (i.e., nuclear war), and (ii) a greater risk of bringing about a lesser disaster for mankind (i.e., domination by the rival superpower). It is argued that the expected utility and maximin principles cannot very plausibly be applied to problems with this structure, but that a novel principle of rational choice can be. This principle is defended, and is used to reach the conclusion that nuclear deterrence is, from the utilitarian viewpoint, permissible.
Initial results with slightlymodified kock pouch

Abstract My initial experience with 20 patients undergoing Kock pouch continent urinarydiversion is reviewed. The procedure has been slightly modified from that described by Kock and Skinner. All patients have been followed for at least four months (median, 33 months). There have been no early complications related to the pouch. The most significant problem, incontinence, has occurred in 2 patients (10 &) at three and four months, respectively, after surgery. Only I of these patients required temporary use of an external appliance. Leakage was due, in both cases, to a patulous efferent nipple valve. Both were repaired by plication of the nipple, and no new efferent limbs were constructed. In I patient (5 &) prolapse of the afferent limb associated with reflux and pyelonephritis developed one year post-surgery. Stones have developed in 3 patients (15 &). All patients are currently continent and stone free, and all are pleased with the result.
Galileo on Jupiter approach

Abstract After six years of interplanetary flight, in just two months, on December 7, 1995, Galileo will arrive at Jupiter. In July, Galileo released its Atmospheric Entry Probe on the five-month solo, ballistic flight to Jupiter entry. After Probe release, the Orbiter fired its 400-N main engine for the first time to deflect the Orbiter to its Io flyby aim point, establishing the trajectory for Probe radio relay link acquisition and orbit insertion. The 400-N engine was specifically used for the deflection in order to check it out prior to orbit insertion. Last February, the Galileo Orbiter Command and Data Subsystem (CDS) and Attitude and Articulation Control Subsystem (AACS) computers were completely re-loaded to provide new software capabilities for main engine and relay link autonomous fault protection and for backup Probe data storage on the Orbiter. The execution and results of this complete inflight software change are discussed. The status of the Entry Probe prior to release is described—once released there is no communication link with the Probe until after entry. The operation and performance of the 400-N main engine at the deflection burn is explained in the context of its required use for orbit insertion. Final predictions for the Probe entry conditions, Probe-to-Orbiter radio relay link, and Orbiter insertion performance are given. Overall mission status and spacecraft health are summarized.
Performance of scab resistant potato varieties in western Nebraska

1. Three late varieties, Ontario, Menominee and Cayuga, produced fewer scabby potatoes than any other of the commercial varieties tested during two years in a number of dryland and irrigated tests in western Nebraska. Because of grade inferiorities, due to rough and immature tubers, they are of promise for commercial production on only a limited number of irrigated farms where scab is usually very prevalent. On dryland the same defects occurred, but the yields of US#1-A size potatoes averaged higher than with the commonly grown Triumph. 2. Scab was more prevalent with Yampa and Russet Sebago than with the previously mentioned varieties. However, both appeared of dubious commercial value for irrigation — Yampa, because of hollow heart, growth cracks and sun-greened tubers and Russet Sebago because of immaturity, one aspect of which was spotted russeting. On dryland Yampa tubers were of reasonably good quality with the average production of U.S. # 1 tubers being greater than with any of the other varieties, but Russet Sebago was least productive. 3. Progress appeared to be the most desirable of the varieties in this test for western Nebraska, because the tubers possessed a red skin color with a relatively low incidence of mild types of scab, were free from harvest cracks, and made a pleasing market appearance with good table quality. In fields where scab was very severe Progress, at times, showed less scab than Russet Sebago. 4. Triumph produced a higher percentage of scabby tubers with more scab of severe types than any of the varieties in these tests. 5. The average specific gravity of tubers was higher with all these varieties than with Triumph.
The problem in predicting the suitability of soils for cementitious stabilization

Abstract The suitability of a soil for stabilization, the most appropriate stabilizing agent, and the quantity of agent are determined by the chemical and mineralogical compositions and texture of a soil. Soil classification based upon physical properties, compositional indices and genetic relationships are examined to determine their value for predicting successful stabilization. Chemical and physical properties do not characterize soils uniquely with regard to their response to cementitious stabilizing agents. The grouping of soils in an area according to their origins appears to be a practical solution.
Blistering and degradation of polyurethane coatings under different accelerated weathering tests

An epoxy primer with a high gloss polyurethane topcoat coating system was exposed either only in a QUV chamber or exposed in a QUV chamber and a Prohesion chamber, alternatively, in this study. AFM studies found that micro blisters formed on the coating surface after both exposures. Blisters formed under the QUV exposure developed in their size with increasing exposure time while those formed under the QUV/Prohesion alternating exposure retained their size throughout of the exposure time. The development of blisters caused the increase of surface roughness and the initial gloss loss of the coating. SEM showed that the QUV exposure is more damaging than the QUV/Prohesion alternating exposure.
Sex differences in the relationship of IL-6 signaling to cancer cachexia progression

A devastating aspect of cancer cachexia is severe loss of muscle and fat mass. Though cachexia occurs in both sexes, it is not well-defined in the female. The Apc(Min/+) mouse is genetically predisposed to develop intestinal tumors; circulating IL-6 is a critical regulator of cancer cachexia in the male Apc(Min/+) mouse. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between IL-6 signaling and cachexia progression in the female Apc(Min/+) mouse. Male and female Apc(Min/+) mice were examined during the initiation and progression of cachexia. Another group of females had IL-6 overexpressed between 12 and 14 weeks or 15-18 weeks of age to determine whether IL-6 could induce cachexia. Cachectic female Apc(Min/+) mice lost body weight, muscle mass, and fat mass; increased muscle IL-6 mRNA expression was associated with these changes, but circulating IL-6 levels were not. Circulating IL-6 levels did not correlate with downstream signaling in muscle in the female. Muscle IL-6r mRNA expression and SOCS3 mRNA expression as well as muscle IL-6r protein and STAT3 phosphorylation increased with severe cachexia in both sexes. Muscle SOCS3 protein increased in cachectic females but decreased in cachectic males. IL-6 overexpression did not affect cachexia progression in female Apc(Min/+) mice. Our results indicate that female Apc(Min/+) mice undergo cachexia progression that is at least initially IL-6-independent. Future studies in the female will need to determine mechanisms underlying regulation of IL-6 response and cachexia induction.
Characterization and application of monoclonal antibodies directed to separate epitopes of glutathione-insulin transhydrogenase.

Abstract Five monoclonal antibodies specific for glutathione-insulin transhydrogenase were characterized. None of the monoclonal antibodies cross-reacted with another insulin-degrading enzyme, neutral thiopeptidase. The isotype of four antibodies was IgG1 and of the fifth IgG2b. Affinity studies, competitive binding studies and immunoblot analysis of CNBr and trypsin cleavage products of glutathione-insulin transhydrogenase demonstrated that the four IgG1 antibodies were directed to an epitope of the enzyme which was distinct from the epitope recognized by the IgG2b antibody. Inhibition studies indicated that each monoclonal antibody, when added singly to glutathione-insulin transhydrogenase, was unable to inhibit the insulin-degrading activity of the enzyme. However, when monoclonal antibodies directed against separate epitopes of glutathione-insulin transhydrogenase were presented together (i.e., the IgG2b with any one of the four IgG1 antibodies), a loss in enzymatic activity was noted. Immunoblot analysis of rat organ extracts with the IgG1 antibodies demonstrated one immunoreactive protein band of Mr 56000 in all tissues examined (liver, fat, pancreas and kidney) except the spleen, which demonstrated two immunoreactive protein bands of Mr 56 000 and 51 000. The same immunoblots, when probed with the IgG2b antibody, demonstrated the same immunoreactive protein banding pattern as above plus an additional immunoreactive protein band of Mr 67 000 in all tissues. Studies with spleen extracts from steptozotocin-induced diabetic rats demonstrated that there was a loss of the 51 000 immunoreactive band in diabetes. This 51 000 protein was restored upon insulin treatment of the diabetic rats and nullified upon concomitant administration of cycloheximide or actinomycin D with insulin. Immunoblots of human liver, adipose and skeletal muscle extracts indicated that each monoclonal antibody cross-reacted with the human form of the enzyme which had a molecular weight of Mr 63 000; a second minor immunoreactive band of 67 000 was detected with the IgG2b antibody. The physiological significance of additional molecular forms of the enzyme (i.e., 67 000 and 51 000) remains to be determined.
Laser induced surface damage.

A summary of recent investigations of surface damage of transparent dielectrics is presented. Damage threshold measurements made on Owens-Illinois ED-2 laser glass at normal incidence and at Brewster’s angle are reported. For 30-nsec pulses at normal incidence, exit surface damage thresholds are typically 100 J/cm2 for ED-2 glass. The observed ratio between entrance and exit damage thresholds for the two geometries can be explained by considering the electric field strengths at the surfaces and including interference between incident and reflected light waves. A similar analysis is applied to surface damage that occurs during total internal reflection. Finally the morphology of surface damage of ED-2 laser glass is described, and a model based upon reflections from the laser induced plasma is proposed to explain the observations.
A high-intensity source of 6He atoms for fundamental research

Abstract We have designed and built a lithium target station for the production of 6He atoms for fundamental research. The system relies on the reaction 7Li(2H,3He)6He using a deuteron beam provided by the tandem Van de Graaff accelerator available at the Center for Experimental Nuclear Physics and Astrophysics of the University of Washington, which can reach a maximum intensity and energy of 10 μ A and 18 MeV. The extracted intensity of gaseous 6He atoms was measured to be ∼ 10 9 atoms/s in a low-background experimental area.