cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The 2020 Electoral End Game — Finding a Peaceful Transition of Power in a Political Question World

The playing field for 2020 election disputes is not level because the incumbent-candidate is already in office. The incumbent-candidate is already asserting election irregularities that could leave the election undecided at Inauguration Day. One potential path is that the Supreme Court declares some outcome-determinative election law issue to be a Political Question. This Essay uses this scenario to examine the dynamics of election disputes remaining open and accompanying threats to the rule of law. This Essay develops a solution that yields a peaceful transfer of power under law, even without final, dispositive court rulings. First, the House can provide a fair and legitimate path to resolution of an electoral Political Question. Intensive hearings in the House in the form of a trial-like proceeding could resolve interference and fraud disputes, as a political matter. This would be far different from the 1876 Electoral Commission. It would take advantage of: (1) live broadcast of proceeding and (2) public opinion of, interest in, and attention to actual trials. Second, it is true that the challenger and his allies would need to force such a trial, as a political matter. They can do this using the unilateral power of the House to determine disputed House elections. The by-member-majority in the House could decline to seat various State delegations. For the same States as the incumbent-candidate claims are in dispute for the Electoral College, the House would assert that all House elections are in dispute. In the likely alignment of the 177th Congress, this would prevent both candidates from being able to obtain a by-State majority in any House election of the President. This will have strong legal and political effects to reduce incumbent advantage. This two-part solution also helps solve the threat to the rule-of-law arising from un-elected government officials having to decide overtly who is President. A fair trial in the House is the only way to air the same facts to the public and those government officials. With very limited time from Election Day to Electoral Count Day, the challenger would need to push forward immediately with a House trial-like proceeding. This would require far more even than the House put into impeachment, including pre-election preparation. There are additional major benefits. A trial-type hearing would provide the opportunity to give the public a unified, understandable narrative of disputes that will otherwise appear as a morass of necessary-but-technical state-by-state litigation. Furthermore, it could help the Supreme Court with its legitimacy concerns arising from another Bush v. Gore decision. It would also help with the legitimacy of any 1876-type negotiated resolution.
Justice Kennedy on Dignity

Appeals to dignity are a staple of political and legal discourse in the United States, as they are in other countries. Dignity is invoked frequently in judicial decisions in the United States, including in numerous opinions of the United States Supreme Court. References to dignity by Justices of the Supreme Court are both interesting and, for some, puzzling, because there is no mention of dignity in the Federal Constitution at all. In modern times perhaps no Justice has invoked dignity more frequently and more substantively than Justice Anthony Kennedy. Kennedy is said to have “penciled in” dignity as a constitutional value. This article will assert and defend the thesis that what Kennedy “penciled in” is a constitutional norm of dignity as integrity. In Kennedy’s constitutional jurisprudence, the concept of dignity is enlisted to defend and affirm the integrity of a person, from the most basic (physical integrity) to the most reflective (social integrity) aspects of personhood. Kennedy views humiliation as the extension of cruelty from the physical to the psychological realm of suffering. Dignity is meant to guard against cruelty in all of its dimensions. Viewed this way, dignity is an existential value, invoked to defend the threshold conditions (privileges and immunities) that are necessary for a person to exist as an integral whole. The article develops and defends its thesis through a systematic and detailed examination of all of Justice Kennedy’s opinions which invoke dignity, both on the Supreme Court and on the Ninth Circuit where he served before his elevation to the Supreme Court. The article will also examine his speeches and testimonies to the extent that they shed light on his understanding of what dignity entails. The article shall occasionally refer to opinions of other Justices of the Supreme Court, such as Justice Brennan, and those of constitutional courts of other countries, such as the German Constitutional Court, for purposes of clarifying Justice Kennedy’s view of dignity and the norm of dignity as integrity.
The Sustainability Liability: Potential Negative Effects of Ethicality on Product Preference

Manufacturers are increasingly producing and promoting sustainable products (i.e., products that have a positive social and/or environmental impact). However, relatively little is known about how product sustainability impacts consumers’ preferences. We propose that sustainability may not always be an asset, even if most consumers care about social and environmental issues. The degree to which sustainability enhances preference depends on the type of benefit that consumers most value for the product category in question. In our research, we demonstrate that consumers associate higher product ethicality with gentleness-related attributes and lower product ethicality with strength-related attributes. As a consequence of these associations, the positive effect of product sustainability on consumer preferences is reduced when strength-related attributes are valued, sometimes even resulting in preferences for less sustainable product alternatives (i.e., the “sustainability liability”). On the other hand, when gentleness-related attributes are valued, sustainability enhances preference. In addition, we show that the potential negative impact of sustainability on product preferences can be attenuated using explicit cues about product strength.
Does surgery provide a survival advantage in non-disseminated poorly differentiated gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms?

Abstract Background Attributable to the high likelihood of developing distant metastatic disease, resection of poorly differentiated gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms is generally contraindicated. Some patients with no distant metastatic disease will nonetheless undergo surgical resection and their outcomes are not known. We aimed to determine whether surgery confers survival advantage over systemic therapy alone for patients with non-metastatic poorly differentiated gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms. Methods We performed a retrospective cohort study (2000–2012) of adults in the California Cancer Registry who had poorly differentiated gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (World Health Organization Grade 3) and no clinical evidence of distant metastasis (M0). Patients who underwent surgery were compared with those managed non-operatively. The adjusted Cox proportional hazards model was used to assess the risk of death. Results Among 2,245 patients (45% female, 21% pancreatic, 79% gastrointestinal), 1,549 (69%) were treated with surgery, and 696 (31%) received either systemic therapy or palliative measures alone. Median survival was 31 months after surgery versus 9 months after non-operative therapy (log-rank test, P Conclusion While poorly differentiated gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms carries a poor prognosis, for patients with no evidence of metastatic disease, resection appears to confer significant improvement in long-term survival. Although caution and an individualized approach in treating poorly differentiated gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms is advised, future guidelines might reflect this survival advantage.
The Rate of Surplus Value in Brazil, 1996–2016:

This paper estimates the Brazilian economy’s rate of surplus value as well as its underlying determinants, i.e., wage rate and labor productivity between 1996 and 2016. In addition, it builds a the...
Suggested Absence of Horizontal Transfer of Retrotransposons between Humans and Domestic Mammal Species

Transposable element sequences are usually vertically inherited but have also spread across taxa via horizontal transfer. Previous investigations of ancient horizontal transfer of transposons have compared consensus sequences, but this method resists detection of recent single or low copy number transfer events. The relationship between humans and domesticated animals represents an opportunity for potential horizontal transfer due to the consistent shared proximity and exposure to parasitic insects, which have been identified as plausible transfer vectors. The relatively short period of extended human–animal contact (tens of thousands of years or less) makes horizontal transfer of transposons between them unlikely. However, the availability of high-quality reference genomes allows individual element comparisons to detect low copy number events. Using pairwise all-versus-all megablast searches of the complete suite of retrotransposons of thirteen domestic animals against human, we searched a total of 27,949,823 individual TEs. Based on manual comparisons of stringently filtered BLAST search results for evidence of vertical inheritance, no plausible instances of HTT were identified. These results indicate that significant recent HTT between humans and domesticated animals has not occurred despite the close proximity, either due to the short timescale, inhospitable recipient genomes, a failure of vector activity, or other factors.
Elementary school teachers' acceptability of school reform: Contribution of belief congruence, self-efficacy, and professional development

Abstract This study examined the influence of four variables on teachers' ratings of acceptability of a state-mandated school reform initiative, Response to Intervention (RTI). A total of 209 teachers (4KGrade 5) completed measures of belief congruence, self-efficacy, years of teaching experience, and professional development. Regression analyses revealed that pedagogical beliefs congruent with RTI, self-efficacy, and professional development contribute to teachers' acceptability of RTI; teaching experience, however, was not a significant predictor. The full model explained 50% of the variance in acceptability ratings. Results underscore the importance of teacher beliefs, self-efficacy, and professional development in promoting positive attitudes toward school reform.
Analysis of gene expression of secreted factors associated with breast cancer metastases in breast cancer subtypes

Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease, having multiple subtypes with different malignant phenotypes. The triple-negative breast cancer, or basal breast cancer, is highly aggressive, metastatic, and difficult to treat. Previously, we identified that key molecules (IL6, CSF2, CCL5, VEGFA, and VEGFC) secreted by tumor cells and stromal cells in basal breast cancer can promote metastasis. It remains to assess whether these molecules function similarly in other subtypes of breast cancer. Here, we characterize the relative gene expression of the five secreted molecules and their associated receptors (GP130, GMRA, GMRB, CCR5, VEGFR2, NRP1, VEGFR3, NRP2) in the basal, HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2) positive, luminal A, and luminal B subtypes using high throughput data from tumor samples in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Molecular Taxonomy of Breast Cancer International Consortium (METABRIC). IL6 and CCL5 gene expression are basal breast cancer specific, whereas high gene expression of GP130 was observed in luminal A/B. VEGFA/C and CSF2 mRNA are overexpressed in HER2 positive breast cancer, with VEGFA and CSF2 also overexpressed in basal breast cancer. Further study of the specific protein function of these factors within their associated cancer subtypes may yield personalized biomarkers and treatment modalities.
Numerical calculation of concentration distribution and dimensional change for constant-rate diffusion of a solute into a Solvent’s surface

Modified coordinate systems, such as have been utilized in the determination of mutual diffusion coefficients where volume changes occur, have been utilized in solving for concentration distributions and dimensional changes resulting from diffusion of a solute into a substrate solvent’s surface. Developed equations have been solved, utilizing simple explicit finite difference methods, for two example cases. In both examples the diffusion coefficient was assumed a function of concentration, surface flux was assumed constant, and temperature was assumed constant. Aluminum was assumed to be diffused into a copper substrate. The ξY coordinate, containing an equal number of mols of the substrate component per increment, was found to be convenient for the case of a flat plate or cylindrical substrate. Results have been presented graphically. This treatment is applicable to single-phase systems wherein the arrival rate of solute atoms at the substrate surface, either by ionic transport in high-temperature electrodiffusion cells or from the vapor phase, is equal to the diffusion rate into the surface.
Duration of Untreated Psychosis and Premorbid Functioning: Relationship with Treatment Response and Treatment-Resistant Schizophrenia

Up to 30% of patients with schizophrenia continue to manifest residual moderate to severe positive symptoms, despite two or more adequate trials of antipsychotic drugs, excluding clozapine. Such patie
Mitosis and Motor Proteins in the Filamentous Ascomycete, Nectria haematococca, and Some Related Fungi

Among filamentous fungi, mitosis has been studied in-depth in just a few species. The mitotic apparatuses in the ascomycetous Fusarium spp. are the most clearly and readily visualized in vivo within this group; fluorescent labeling is unnecessary. This superior cytological tractability has enabled detailed studies and revealing experiments that have led the way toward a more complete understanding of fungal mitosis. Some of the most important discoveries include the role of half-spindles in development of the bipolar spindle, the existence of true kinetochores in fungi, the unorthodox chromosome configurations and movements comprising metaphase and anaphase A, the attachment of astral microtubules to the plasmalemma, the role of the astral pulling force in elongating the spindle, an inwardly directed force within the spindle, and microtubule cross-bridging in both spindle and asters. Recent research has focused on the roles of microtubuleassociated motor proteins in Fusarium solani f. sp. pisi (anamorph of Nectria haematococca). Cytoplasmic dynein was shown to be involved in the development and/or maintenance of mitotic asters and necessary for motility and functionality of the interphase spindle pole body. The inwardly directed force within the anaphase spindle was shown to be produced by a kinesin-related protein, NhKRP1. Because of its superior cytological tractability, the considerable and unique knowledge we have of many aspects of its mitosis, and its genetic tractability, Fusarium solani f. sp. pisi is a good choice for further investigations of mitosis in filamentous fungi.
THE CENTRIFUGAL FLUIDIZED BED.

— Drying food pieces in a centrifugal fluidized bed with relatively high air flows may be self-limiting, even when only partial drying is desired. Rate increases obtained in early stages of drying may be more than offset through rate-retarding effects of a skin-like layer of collapsed surface tissue which forms on the pieces. This skin layer becomes increasingly resistant to heat and moisture transfer. Rate data and piece temperature patterns for potato, apple and carrot confirm visual observations that skin barriers 0.2–1.0 mm thick form in the first 8–10 min of drying with high air velocities and moderate temperatures. When air temperatures were 250°F with velocities of 15 fps, 1.2-cm cubes of potato could be blanched in only 6 min, suggesting a procedure for blanching some types of food products without leaching.
Fenestrated ASD Closure in a Child with Idiopathic Pulmonary Hypertension and Exercise Desaturation

Pulmonary arterial hypertension is a progressive disorder that may result in right heart failure and death. Atrial level shunts in the presence of pulmonary hypertension may allow right-to-left mixing with maintenance of cardiac output and improved survival. However, excessive mixing at the atrial level can cause undue systemic desaturation, increased fatigue and decreased exercise tolerance even in the presence of adequate cardiac output. A 5½-year-old was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension, a large atrial septal defect and right-to-left shunting. Medical therapy over an 18-month period was successful in decreasing pulmonary artery pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance. However, because of the size and position of the intracardiac defect, symptoms of fatigue, and severe systemic desaturation with only minor activities persisted. Fenestrated surgical closure of the defect was thus undertaken to decrease the degree of atrial mixing, but still allow atrial decompression if necessary. Subsequent hemodynamic evaluation has demonstrated continued improvement, and all previous symptoms have resolved. Repeated echocardiography has confirmed patency of the atrial fenestration with left-to-right atrial flow.
Curriculum Design and Bar Passage: New York Law School's Experience

Many NYLS graduates taking the NY bar exam passed below the state rate. This article describes how improvements in bar passage rates were achieved through the implementation of a comprehensive curriculum program. The article further addresses how the law school grappled with the problem of low-performing students by improving test scores, addressing academic rigor and capacity to practice law.
Effects of abnormal lighting on the development of zebrafish visual behavior

Studies across several species have demonstrated that the developing visual system is influenced by environmental conditions. This study examined the effects of abnormal lighting environments on zebrafish visual behavior. Zebrafish were raised under different lighting conditions from fertilization to 6 days postfertilization (dpf). These conditions included a normal light/dark cycle, constant dark, constant light, as well as exposure to various lighting cycles with intense light. Visual acuity was tested using the optomotor response to black and white vertical stripes of various widths. The results showed that visual acuity of the normal fish improved with age. In addition, fish raised in constant light had significantly lower visual acuity than fish raised under normal lighting conditions. Subjects raised in constant dark showed somewhat lower visual acuity than normal subjects when tested at 12-14 dpf, but the deficits were not as severe as those found in fish raised in constant light. Intense light rearing did not have any substantial effects on visual development, unless it was constant. In conclusion, under normal conditions, zebrafish visual acuity improves with age, supporting previous work on zebrafish development. In addition, zebrafish visual behavior is altered by abnormal lighting conditions; the most severe decrements occur when raised under constant light.
Curriculum design factors for constructing serious educational game: A learning objective centric approach

Educators and trainers face similar challenges in teaching specialized, rapidly evolving knowledge that often requires quick and cost-effective updates, working towards increased student time-on-task, and encouraging broad, active participation. The pedagogical potential for serious educational games to enhance the learning experience is recognized; however the development of games remains time consuming, expensive, and requiring substantial expertise from educators, game developers, and software engineers. New approaches are needed to effectively support instructors and trainers, typically experts in educational content, and enable them to rapidly and inexpensively deploy customized games. This short paper highlights the challenging and complex research issues in developing SEGs from a learning objective centric perspective, emphasizing the importance of closely establishing a connection between in-game activities and intended learning outcomes. It then presents initial work on a semi-automated, interactive approach that addresses the issue of developing a complex educational game design infrastructure for instructors.
Expression and Function of Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate Receptors in the Heart

Calcium is a second messenger that is essential for the control of a variety of cellular functions. In the heart, calcium plays an integral role in many cellular processes including muscle contraction, gene expression, and cell death. The inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (IP3R) is a calcium channel that is ubiquitously expressed throughout the body. There are three IP3R isoforms encoded by separate genes. All three IP3R isoforms are expressed in the heart, with IP3R-2 reported to being most predominant with regards to both expression levels and functional significance. The role of IP3R signaling in the heart has been controversial in part due to its low expression level compared to other calcium channels. However, several groups have shown that IP3R-2 may play a key role in the progression of hypertrophy and apoptosis. The functional roles of IP3R-1 and IP3R-3 in the heart are essentially unexplored despite measureable expression levels. We hypothesize that all three IP3R isoforms can contribute to calcium transients and cardiac stress induced by endothelin-1 (ET-1). As our models we used embryonic mouse ventricular cardiomyocytes and the H9C2 cell line. Contrary to previous reports, we found that there is similar level of expression of all three IP3Rs in mouse ventricular cardiomyocytes and H9C2 cells. We next treated H9C2 cells with ET-1 for up to 96 hours and compared RNA and protein levels to controls. We found that was similar protein and RNA levels of all three IP3R isoforms in H9C2 cells after 48, 72 and 96 hours treatment with ET-1. These results demonstrate that all three IP3R isoforms are expressed in the heart at similar levels. Our results also suggest that ET-1 does not significantly affect IP3R expression levels, with possible significance for cardiac hypertrophy.
From rookie to all-star: professional development in a graphic design social networking site

Communities of practice have traditionally supported learning and knowledge exchange within a professional field. However, little work to date has examined how individuals use social network functionality for professional development in these types of communities. We present a qualitative investigation into how the social transparency provided by SNS functionality influences two important components of professional activity: social learning and professional identity development. We focus on activity within Dribbble, a social media enabled community of practice for graphic designers. Through a series of interviews with novice and experienced Dribbble users who work within and outside of traditional organizations, we identified ways they leverage social media features for learning and skill development. We find that benefits of the site are dependent on extensive social capital development activities in order to garner attention for posted work. Our results inform the design of online social settings for professional development.
SOME TOPOLOGIES ON THE SET OF LATTICE REGULAR MEASURES

We consider the general setting of A.D. Alexandroff, namely, an arbitrary set X and an arbitrary lattice of subsets of X, ℒ. 𝒜(ℒ) denotes the algebra of subsets of X generated by ℒ and MR(ℒ) the set of all lattice regular, (finitely additive) measures on 𝒜(ℒ).
GroEL-substrate interactions: molding the fold, or folding the mold?

These two studies provide many new insights while raising numerous new questions. The mode of binding observed in the SBP peptide–GroEL structure is difficult to reconcile straightforwardly with binding to any preformed supersecondary or domain structure, such as β sheets, that may be present late in a folding pathway. Can GroEL recognize a flat hydrophobic surface such as that presented by a β sheet, or only individual strands or β hairpins? It is possible that the binding sites of multiple apical domains are combined to present more extensive binding surfaces, which could recognize larger features such as surfaces of partially formed β sheets. In focusing on the binding of a peptide model, we might be missing the full extent of the substrate-binding site. The view we have of a model peptide bound to GroEL might reflect a more unfolded form of bound substrate. It is possible that molten globule-like substrates bind initially through larger surfaces, but become less folded by structural rearrangement. If the more unfolded chains bind with higher affinity in the manner illustrated by the SBP-GroEL complex, this could explain the driving force behind GroEL's unfolding activity. As noted above, no helical substrate bound to GroEL has yet been seen at atomic resolution. Do helices exploit a new mode of binding? Could the folding of αβ proteins be facilitated by induction of helices upon GroEL binding (1xBrazil, B.T, Cleland, J.L, McDowell, R.S, Skelton, N.J, Paris, K, and Horowitz, P.M. J. Biol. Chem. 1997; 272: 5105–5111Crossref | PubMed | Scopus (27)See all References, 14xPreuss, M, Hutchinson, J.P, and Miller, A.D. Biochemistry. 1999; 38: 10272–10286Crossref | PubMed | Scopus (21)See all References) and stabilization of the sheets by binding to multiple apical domains together, which then could lead to a productive union of the two regions upon substrate release? This type of model invokes a much more active and structurally specific role for the chaperonin than previously envisioned. Future work should be aimed at addressing these important mechanistic issues.
Processing of Bulk Alumina Ceramics Using Laser Engineered Net Shaping

Application of rapid prototyping (RP) in ceramics manufacturing is motivated by advances in engineering ceramics where attaining complex shapes using traditional processing is difficult. Laser Engineered Net Shaping (LENS™), a commercial RP process, is used to fabricate dense, net-shaped structures of α-Al 2 O 3 . Shapes such as cylinder, cube, and gear have been fabricated successfully with 10-25 mm section sizes. As-processed structures show anisotropy in mechanical properties with a high compressive strength normal to the build direction and columnar grains along the build direction. Heat treatment did not alter strength and anisotropy, but increased the grain size from 6 to 200 μm and hardness from 1550 to 1700 Hv.
Anti-kappa/lambda immunobead for detection of human B lymphocytes.

Several methods were compared for quantitating the B lymphocytes in human peripheral blood. REC rosette assays including sheep and bovine red blood cells, and immunobead rosette assays including beads coated with anti-KA and trivalent anti-GAM antibodies respectively were investigated. The anti-KA bead assay proved to be simpler, faster, higher in reproducibility, and appeared to be more accurate than any of the other assays.
Spectral unmixing of three-algae mixtures using hyperspectral images

A hyperspectral imaging system has been used to acquire hyperspectral data representing various combinations of three pure algal mixtures in liquid media. Geometric and linear spectral unmixing methods have been applied to identify the ratiometric combinations of the algae in the mixtures. For the geometric method, two local spectral slopes have been identified as spectral features. Average feature values for each class of algae are used as vertices of a triangle, and then compared to the test features to predict algal ratios in the test mixture. The results are compared to those from classic linear spectral unmixing. In the two independent data sets prepared, the introduced geometric method produced more favorable results than the classical spectral unmixing method.
Dynamic stiffness formulation and free vibration analysis of a three-layered sandwich beam

Abstract A dynamic stiffness theory of a three-layered sandwich beam is developed and subsequently used to investigate its free vibration characteristics. This is based on an imposed displacement field so that the top and bottom layers behave like Rayleigh beams, whilst the central layer behaves like a Timoshenko beam. Using Hamilton’s principle the governing differential equations of motion of the sandwich beam are derived for the general case when the properties of each layer are dissimilar. For harmonic oscillation the solutions of these equations are found in exact analytical form, taking full advantage of the application of symbolic computation, which has also been used to obtain the amplitudes of axial force, shear force and bending moment in explicit analytical forms. The boundary conditions for responses and loads at both ends of the freely vibrating sandwich beam are then imposed to formulate the dynamic stiffness matrix, which relates harmonically varying loads to harmonically varying responses at the ends. Using the Wittrick–Williams algorithm the natural frequencies and mode shapes of some representative problems are obtained and discussed. The important degenerate case of a symmetric sandwich beam is also investigated.
Hydrodynamically Developing Dual-Wall-Driven Microchannel Flow

The developing flow field in a parallel plate microchannel, induced by wall motion, has been modeled numerically. The flow is driven in this scenario not by an applied pressure gradient, but by the movement of the walls in the axial direction at a constant speed. This type of flow simulates the physical driving mechanism that exists in electro-osmotically generated flow with large channel diameter-to-Debye length ratios. The results are general, however, for any microscale flow induced by wall motion and resulting viscous pumping. The dynamics of the developing flow field were explored for channel length-to-hydraulic diameter ratios (aspect ratio) of 5, 10, and 20 at ten Reynolds numbers, Re (based on the wall velocity), below Re < 2000. The results show that far from the inlet the maximum fluid velocity occurs at the walls, as is expected, and the minimum velocity occurs at the channel center. Near the channel inlet, however, the centerline velocity is not a minimum but reaches a local maximum due to a resulting pressure imbalance generated by the wall motion. The ratio of the centerline velocity to wall velocity depends on the axial distance from the channel inlet, the Reynolds number and the channel aspect ratio. As the aspect ratio increases, the centerline velocity tends to approach the wall velocity far downstream from the inlet. Increases in the Reynolds number have the opposite effect on the centerline velocity. The hydrodynamic developing region, defined by that section of the channel where the wall shear stress is changing, also depends on the channel aspect ratio and Re. In general it is found that the developing region is significantly shorter than for pressure-driven flow at the same Re.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
An Investigation of the Use of Microwave Radiation for Pulmonary Diagnostics

This communication describes a new technique in which penetrating microwave radiation is used for the diagnosis and monitoring of pathological cardiopulmonary conditions, such as pulmonary edema. Edema causes changes in the electromagnetic characteristics of the lung tissue, which in turn produces a change in the reflected and transmitted microwave radiation. Both the amplitude and phase changes of the microwave signals are measured.
A viral regulator of glycoprotein complexes contributes to human cytomegalovirus cell tropism

Viral glycoproteins mediate entry of enveloped viruses into cells and thus play crucial roles in infection. In herpesviruses, a complex of two viral glycoproteins, gH and gL (gH/gL), regulates membrane fusion events and influences virion cell tropism. Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) gH/gL can be incorporated into two different protein complexes: a glycoprotein O (gO)-containing complex known as gH/gL/gO, and a complex containing UL128, UL130, and UL131 known as gH/gL/UL128-131. Variability in the relative abundance of the complexes in the virion envelope correlates with differences in cell tropism exhibited between strains of HCMV. Nonetheless, the mechanisms underlying such variability have remained unclear. We have identified a viral protein encoded by the UL148 ORF (UL148) that influences the ratio of gH/gL/gO to gH/gL/UL128-131 and the cell tropism of HCMV virions. A mutant disrupted for UL148 showed defects in gH/gL/gO maturation and enhanced infectivity for epithelial cells. Accordingly, reintroduction of UL148 into an HCMV strain that lacked the gene resulted in decreased levels of gH/gL/UL128-131 on virions and, correspondingly, decreased infectivity for epithelial cells. UL148 localized to the endoplasmic reticulum, but not to the cytoplasmic sites of virion envelopment. Coimmunoprecipitation results indicated that gH, gL, UL130, and UL131 associate with UL148, but that gO and UL128 do not. Taken together, the findings suggest that UL148 modulates HCMV tropism by regulating the composition of alternative gH/gL complexes.
AN ALTERNATIVE MODEL OF THE REPRODUCTIVE RATE OF HIV INFECTION Formulation, Evaluation, and Implications for Risk Reduction Interventions

The future course of the HIVlAIDS epidemic depends on the ratio of secondary to primary infections early in the epidemic. If this ratio, here called the reproductive rate of infection, exceeds unity then the epidemic can be expected to flourish ; otherwise it will eventually abate. Estimates of the reproductive rate of HIV infection, obtained via a Bernoulli process model of the sexual transmission of HIV, indicate that decreasing the infectivity of the virus, through the consistent use of condoms, for example, is more effective at reducing the reproductive rate of infection than is limiting the number of sexual partners, regardless of the initial prevalence of
Computer simulation of fluid mixtures

Abstract Molecular-scale computer simulations can contribute to the development of correlations for properties of fluid mixtures. This point is illustrated here by sample results from three problems: (1) determination of the excess Gibbs free energy for fluid mixtures, (2) determination of inter- and intramolecular structure in fluids of short-chain molecules, and (3) tests of the fundamental hypothesis of group contribution methods for correlating thermodynamic properties.
Human Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma in Culture Provides a Model Relating Growth Dynamics, Endocrine Cell Differentiation, and Tumor Progression*

Abstract We used an unique model, human medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) in culture (the TT line), to study features of neuroendocrine-related biochemistry in relationship to growth, differentiation, and tumor progression. Tumor tissues from patients with virulent MTC contain a very heterogeneous distribution of cells staining for calcitonin (CT) and have a high ratio of intracellular L-dopa decarboxylase activity (DDC) to CT. We found, in a culture line of MTC derived from a patient with virulent disease, that the degree of the inverse relationship between DDC and CT and the heterogeneous cellular distribution of CT probably relate to the rate of cellular growth and the biochemical set of individual cell clones. During exponential growth of the parent TT cell line, intracellular DDC and CT varied. DDC increased by 70% and CT decreased by 40%. Single time-point measurements in 54 cell clones or highly enriched cell populations revealed a more dramatic variability for CT (15-fold) than for DDC (5-fold). D...
Further Limitations in the Equity Theory Approach: A Reply to Samuel

My suggestion that equity theory only applies to "limited" resource situations has been criticized by Samuel (1978). In this paper, equity theory is examined in regard to situations involving limited and unlimited resources. Consistent with the earlier suggestion, it is concluded that equity theory is inappropriate when resources are unlimited and that it may not apply to certain cases involving limited resources.
Optical Properties of Nanostructured Optical Materials

The optical properties of nanoscale composite materials are often quite different from the properties of the constituent materials from which the composite is constructed. The formation of composite materials thus constitutes a means for engineering new materials with desired optical properties. In this paper we review theories and models that have been devised for relating the linear and nonlinear optical properties of composite materials to those of the constituent materials and to the morphology of the composite structure, and we review experimental studies aimed at validating these models. Morphologies that are explicitly discussed include those of Maxwell Garnett and of Bruggeman, layered structures, and fractal structures.
On periodicities in metabolizing systems.

Following a previous study by A. Weinberg, the author investigates periodical diffusion phenomena produced in a spherical cell by a simple coupled set of chemical reactions. The general solution even for a spherical cell does not possess spherical symmetry. It is found that periodic oscillations are possible with a frequency spectrum determined by a set of “eigenvalues”. However, these oscillations are all damped even if the system of coupled reactions which is responsible for them has non-damped solutions. Therefore, although very complex and highly asymmetrical configurations of concentrations may be thus produced in the cell, none of those configurations, except some possible centrally symmetric ones, is lasting.
Emission of blue light from hydrogenated amorphous silicon carbide

THE development of new electroluminescent materials is of current technological interest for use in flat-screen full-colour displays1. For such applications, amorphous inorganic semiconductors appear particularly promising, in view of the ease with which uniform films with good mechanical and electronic properties can be deposited over large areas2. Luminescence has been reported1 in the red-green part of the spectrum from amorphous silicon carbide prepared from gas-phase mixtures of silane and a carbon-containing species (usually methane or ethylene). But it is not possible to achieve blue luminescence by this approach. Here we show that the use of an aromatic species—xylene—as the source of carbon during deposition results in a form of amorphous silicon carbide that exhibits strong blue luminescence. The underlying structure of this material seems to be an unusual combination of an inorganic silicon carbide lattice with a substantial 'organic' π-conjugated carbon system, the latter dominating the emission properties. Moreover, the material can be readily doped with an electron acceptor in a manner similar to organic semiconductors3, and might therefore find applications as a conductivity- or colour-based chemical sensor.
The nitrogen requirement of the weanling kitten

1. The nitrogen requirement of the weanling kitten was determined in a series of three experiments. In each experiment, diets were formulated to provide the growing kitten with the essential amino acids at or above the level of requirement. Expt 1 utilized a 4 x 4 balanced Latin square design with two groups of kittens (four male and four female). The crystalline L-amino acid diets were presented at four levels of dietary crude protein (N x 6.25) of 140, 160, 180 and 200 g/kg diet. The design for Expts 2 and 3 was a 6 x 6 balanced Latin square. For each of these experiments, groups of six male and six female kittens were assigned to diets. The six levels of dietary crude protein were 120, 140, 160, 180,200 and 220 g/kg diet; dietary N was supplied by crystalline L-amino acids for Expt 2 and casein plus a supplementary amino acid mix for Expt 3. Food intake, weight gain and N retention were determined in each experiment. 2. A sigmoidal model y = P1+ P2/[1 +e(p3+p4. z)] was fitted to the response of weight gain and N retention to dietary N. The calculated requirement (95% of the upper asymptote, P1 +P2) for these experiments varied from 170 to 230 g protein/kg diet with the majority of these values falling between 180 and 200 g protein/kg. 3. On the basis of these three experiments, the kitten’s requirement for dietary crude protein is between 180 and 200 g/kg diet (28.8-32.0 gN/kg) for purified diets which provide a calculated 21 MJ metabolizable energy/kg diet.
No-core shell-model calculations with starting-energy-independent multivalued effective interactions

Large-space no-core shell-model calculations have been performed for $^{3}\mathrm{H}$, $^{4}\mathrm{He}$, $^{5}\mathrm{He}$, $^{6}\mathrm{Li}$, and $^{6}\mathrm{He}$, using a starting-energy-independent two-body effective interaction derived by application of the Lee-Suzuki similarity transformation. This transformation can be performed by direct calculation or by different iteration procedures, which are described. A possible way of reducing the auxiliary potential influence on the two-body effective interaction has also been introduced. The many-body effects have been partially taken into account by employing the recently introduced multivalued effective interaction approach. Dependence of the $^{5}\mathrm{He}$ energy levels on the harmonic-oscillator frequency as well as on the size of the model space has been studied. The Reid 93 nucleon-nucleon potential has been used in the study, but results have also been obtained using the Nijmegen II potential for comparison. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.
“That the science of cartography is limited”: Historiography, gender, and nationality in Eavan Boland's “writing in a time of violence”

(2000). “That the science of cartography is limited”: Historiography, gender, and nationality in Eavan Boland's “writing in a time of violence”. Women's Studies: Vol. 29, Irish Women Writing, pp. 495-517.
A multichannel, high linearity current digitizer for digital subtraction angiography

An experiment studying the application of synchrotron radiation for transvenous coronary angiography requires special electronics to read out a 600-element Si(Li) detector. To obtain high image quality, the electronic system must digitize the current in all 600 elements every 2 ms with a dynamic range of 40000 and a maximum nonlinearity of 0.02%. Each channel of electronics contains a current-to-voltage amplifier with computer-controlled gain and offset followed by a voltage-to-frequency converter used in the reciprocal counting mode. A high-speed digital readout method using a lookup table, digital multiplier and direct memory interface was developed. The entire system has been designed to have a low cost per channel and to be easily expanded by 1200 signal channels. >
Impact of globalization on U.S. wage inequality: Implications for policy

Abstract This paper uses a computable general equilibrium model to consider whether globalization can explain declining relative wages of unskilled workers in the U.S. since the late 1970s. Most of the increase in wage inequality results from changes in the structure of production, part of which could be explained by outsourcing, which involves unskilled-intensive parts of the production process moving to low-income countries. Halting globalization would do little to offset the rising inequality that has already occurred, unless U.S. firms could be induced to move outsourced production back home, which would do much more damage than trade restrictions alone.
Synthesis and Enzyme-Specific Activation of Carbohydrate−Geldanamycin Conjugates with Potent Anticancer Activity

Geldanamycin (GA) is a potent anticancer antibiotic that inhibits Hsp90. Its potential clinical utility is hampered by its severe toxicity. To alleviate this problem, we synthesized a series of carbohydrate-geldanamycin conjugates for enzyme-specific activation to increase tumor selectivity. The conjugation was carried out at the C-17-position of GA. Their anticancer activity was tested in a number of cancer cell lines. The enzyme-specific activation of these conjugates was evaluated with beta-galactosidase and beta-glucosidase. Evidently, glycosylation of C-17-position converted GA to an inactive prodrug before enzyme cleavage. Glucose-GA, as positive control, showed anticancer activity with IC(50) of 70.2-380.9 nM in various cancer cells by beta-glucosidase activation inside of the tumor cells, which was confirmed by 3-fold inhibition using beta-glucosidase specific inhibitor [2,5-dihydroxymethy-3,4-dihydroxypyrrolidine (DMDP)]. Compared to glucose-GA, galactose- and lactose-GA conjugates exhibited much less activity with IC(50) greater than 8000-25 000 nM. However, when galactose- and lactose-GA were incubated with beta-galactosidase in the cells, their anticancer activity was enhanced by 3- to 40-fold. The results suggest that GA can be inactivated by glycosylation of C-17-position and reactivated for anticancer activity by beta-galactosidase. Therefore, galactose-GA can be exploited in antibody-directed enzyme prodrug therapy (ADEPT) with beta-galactosidase for enzyme-specific activation in tumors to increase tumor selectivity.
Inhibition by chloroquine of UV repair in E. coli B.

SummaryThe 4-aminoquinoline, chloroquine, has been shown to decrease survival of E. coli B when placed in the plating medium after UV irradiation; and to inhibit “dark repair” or “liquid holding repair” of UV damage in cell suspensions.This and similar drugs should prove useful in elucidating the mechanism and biological role of mutation repair.
Adsorption and Reaction of CO2 and SO2 at a Water Surface

The orientation and hydrogen bonding of water molecules in the vapor/water interfacial region in the presence of SO2 and CO2 gas are examined using vibrational sum-frequency spectroscopy (VSFS) to gain insight into the adsorption and reactions of these gases in atmospheric aerosols. The results show that an SO2 surface complex forms when the water surface is exposed to an atmosphere of SO2 gas. Reaction of SO2 with interfacial water leads to other spectral changes that are examined by studying the VSF spectra and surface tension isotherms of several salts added to the aqueous phase, specifically NaHSO3, NaHCO3, Na2SO3, Na2CO3, Na2SO4, and NaHSO4. The results are compared with similar studies of CO2 adsorption and reaction at the surface. A weakly bound surface complex is not observed with CO2.
Cooperation and Doing the Best One Can

That one ought morally to do the best one can is a view that enjoys a rich history of support.1 Its most famous incarnation is act utilitarianism, according to which one ought to produce the most favorable balance of pleasure over pain that one can. Act utilitarianism is traditionally seen to be an amalgamation of hedonism (the view that the only thing that is intrinsically good [bad] is a state of pleasure [pain]) and consequentialism (the view that one ought to produce the most favorable balance of intrinsic goodness over intrinsic badness that one can). It is the consequentialist aspect of act utilitarianism that renders it a version of the thesis that one ought to do the best one can.
Threshold behavior of multiple photon dissociation of SF6

Abstract Multiple photon dissociation of SF 6 by a short pulse of a CO 2 laser has been investigated by simultaneous measurements of the average number of photons absorbed per molecule 〈 n 〉 and chemiluminescence intensities which result from the dissociated F atoms. A criterion for the dissociation threshold which is independent of laser wavelength is found to be 〈 n 〉 = 16 ± 3 photons per molecule. A thermal distribution of the excited molecules is shown to be inconsistent with the behavior just above threshold.
Tropology and Narration

Book reviewed in this article: Figural Realism: Studies in the Mimesis Effect, by Hayden White.