cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Examining the Relationship Between HBCU Faculty Online Education, Innovativeness and Attitudes Towards Computers

Historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) are the most popular institutions of higher educations for minority students in the United States (Bracey, 2017). Online education has drawn attention to HBCUs because of demographic and social shifts, student needs and global conversations in academia. The recent COVID-19 pandemic has pressured faculty to move their courses to online or remote teaching formats. This article examines whether significant relationships exist among the variables: levels of innovativeness, attitudes toward online education, attitudes toward computers, and various demographic characteristics of full-time and part time faculty members employed at one HBCU. Based on 110 participants in this study, results indicated a significant relationship between Rogers' (2003) innovation of online teaching and faculty attitude toward computers.
Outside the Box: Contextualizing User Experience Challenges in Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and Paramedic Workflows

Paramedics and Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) often serve dual roles in their communities as both emergency medical providers and firefighters. Therefore, the demands and needs of these providers are different than those working directly in a hospital emergency room or medical office. Medics are required to treat a patient in less than ideal conditions where seconds can mean the difference between life and death. The goal of this work is to better understand how research informing technology for the emergency room (ER) can be linked to improving the user experience of EMTs and paramedics in the field. Through a review of relevant literature, we capture lessons learned in conveying information quickly, linking necessary information from disparate sources, and giving these providers accurate information to successfully treat and transport patients during prehospital care.
Child Welfare Caseworker and Trainer Perspectives on Initial Implementation of a Trauma-Informed Practice Approach

Children involved in the foster care system are at risk of experiencing traumatic events, which can lead to negative outcomes for youth. Child welfare service providers are tasked with providing trauma-responsive services to youth in foster care; yet, the trauma-related needs of youth are often under-identified and undertreated. This study’s purpose was to examine the initial implementation of a trauma-responsive approach from the perspective of frontline child welfare workers and trainers. We sought to further knowledge on how the competency drivers of staff selection/hiring, training, coaching, and fidelity facilitate or inhibit initial implementation. We conducted focus groups with workers (n = 28) and semi-structured interviews with trainers (n = 6) implementing a new trauma-responsive assessment and case planning approach. Transcripts were coded and analyzed using thematic analysis. Using competency drivers as a guide, several facilitators and barriers were identified. Overall, workers and trainers identified each of the four competency drivers as key to the uptake of the new practice approach. Our findings highlight the need for agencies implementing new practices to provide critical supports to frontline workers during implementation, such as specialized support positions and mechanisms for structure and accountability, and emphasize the importance of post-training support (e.g., coaching).
Electrophilic and Drug-Induced Stimulation of NOTCH3 N-terminal Fragment Oligomerization in Cerebrovascular Pathology.

Small vessel disease is a prevalent age-related condition linked to increased risk of dementia and stroke. We investigate the most commonly inherited form, CADASIL, caused by cysteine-involving mutations in NOTCH3. Recent studies highlight accumulation of NOTCH3 N-terminal fragmentation product (NTF) in disease. In vitro, NTF is capable of both spontaneous and catecholamine-enhanced cysteine-mediated oligomerization. Despite well-characterized genetic influence on CADASIL, environmental effects, including medication usage, on disease remain unclear. We studied effects of assorted electrophilic compounds and drugs on NTF oligomerization by SDS-PAGE and dynamic light scattering. We then examined direct proton pump inhibitor–NTF binding with antibodies designed against proton pump inhibitor–labeled proteins and mass spectrometry. Finally, we used monoclonal NTF antibodies with Proximity Ligation Assay to identify NTF oligomers in 3 CADASIL and 2 age-matched control brains. We identified enhancement of NTF oligomerization by two electrophilic cysteine-modifying compounds, N-ethylmaleimide and iodoacetamide, and an electrophilic compound capable of oxidizing cysteines, ferric chloride. Electrophilic clinical drugs (fenoldopam, omeprazole, tenatoprazole, lansoprazole, and rabeprazole) also promoted oligomerization, and we identified direct omeprazole-NTF and tenatoprazole-NTF complexes. Additionally, we provide novel evidence of NTF multimers in human CADASIL brains. A broad array of electrophilic chemicals, including clinically relevant drugs, influences oligomerization of a pathological CADASIL protein, providing mechanistic insight into disease protein oligomerization. We posit that environmental influences, which may include usage of electrophilic drugs, may affect CADASIL presentations.
‘Pope’ of Back-Parlour ‘Ambiguities and Illusions’, 1877–1899

In 1877, Richard Congreve entered a secret plot to undermine the leadership of the international Positivist movement. After one of his co-conspirators exposed his ill-fated ambitions, Congreve severed all connections to the Society and his closest followers. He relaunched his Church of Humanity. But rather than kindling an atmosphere of brotherly love, he proceeded to publish polemics ‘in the name of Humanity’ on crises in Eastern Europe, China, Zululand, the Transvaal, Egypt, and Uganda. Congreve’s co-religionists felt that such utterances stunted true worship of ‘the Great Being’ or ‘Humanity’. This chapter argues, however, that Congreve instead intended to forge a proletarian church of anti-imperialism. He expected from his ‘congregation’ a full commitment to ‘public duty’, as social reformers seeking to realise Comte’s utopia, the Republique occidentale.
Design and Control of the Ball Wheel Drive Mechanism for a Robust Omnidirectional Wheeled Mobile Platform

This paper discusses design and control of a new ball wheel drive mechanism for a robust omnidirectional wheeled mobile platform. This platform is designed for use in the highway maintenance and construction area, which is a generally an unstructured and congested environment. The proposed ball wheel mechanism can move in all directions on the plane, instantaneously and isotropically. Other novel features include: active regulation of traction drive contact pressure and an optimally controlled reconfigurable drive system.
Gene Acquisition and Loss in the Phylogenetic Lineages of the Invasive Escherichia coli

Shigella and enteroinvasive Escherichia coli (EIEC) are a class of enteric pathogens that have evolved the ability to invade epithelial cells and cause severe intestinal illness. In a study on evolutionary analysis of Shigella at the DNA sequence level, the nucleotide sequence of 7,160 bp representing eight housekeeping loci from four regions of the genome was determined. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of three marker loci was used to screen for SHI-4, which appeared to be widespread among the clonal groups. Since the isolates used in a study on molecular epidemiology of the Shigella island 4 (SHI-4) PAI were selected on the basis of resistance to multiple antibiotics, it is possible that the actual distribution of these loci among Shigella and EIEC may be different in a randomly sampled collection of strains. Other reports of gene acquisition stem from comparisons of available genome sequences. In contrast to gene acquisition, there is growing evidence that gene loss has been important in the adaptive radiation of Shigella and EIEC. Both gene acquisition and loss have played a major role in the adaptation of these radiations; selection has favored both the establishment of certain virulence factors in particular lineages and the independent deletion of antivirulence functions.
Enzymatic hydrolysis of N-substituted aminoacyl transfer ribonucleic acid in yeast.

Abstract An N-substituted aminoacyl transfer RNA hydrolase (ribonuclease free) has been isolated, purified 230-fold, and crystallized from yeast supernatant. The purified enzyme is activated by 10-3 and 10-2 m MgCl2 and strongly inhibited by 10-1 m MgCl2. The hydrolase is also strongly inhibited by 10-2 m ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, and the inhibition can be completely overcome with 10-2 m MgCl2. The yeast hydrolase is competitively inhibited by uncharged yeast tRNA. Purified yeast ribosomal RNA does not inhibit the enzyme. The hydrolase does not show a strict species specificity since the tRNA of both yeast and Escherichia coli can be used to form substrate. N-Acetyl-valyl-adenosine is not a substrate for the hydrolase and N-acetyl-valyl-oligonucleotide is hydrolyzed very slowly. Although the free aminoacyl-tRNAs tested are resistant or very slowly hydrolyzed, the derivatives N-acetylaminoacyl-tRNA, N-benzoyl-glycyl-glycyl-phenylalanyl-tRNA, and N-benzoyl-glycyl-glycyl-glycyl-phenylalanyl-tRNA are all readily hydrolyzed by the purified enzyme. Yeast oligolysyl-tRNA is very slowly hydrolyzed by the enzyme. N-Substituted amino acids and tRNAs are the products of hydrolysis of N-substituted aminoacyl-tRNAs. Enzymatically deacylated tRNAs can be recharged with their corresponding amino acids.
Common themes across social media research

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to summarize the contribution of the theme issue on the current and future impact of social media on hospitality and tourism. The authors reviewed the papers looking for common themes among the papers. Once identified, the contributions of the papers to the themes were identified and synthesized into an overview of the theme, including implications for practitioners and researchers. Design/methodology/approach – This is a review of the literature which included the articles within this issue and external literature that provided additional insight into the themes. Findings – Five common themes were identified: the importance of user-generated content, regional variances of social media use, the importance of identity, the growing use of mobile access and the importance of measurement. Each of these areas is discussed with new material added to enhance the original discussions within the articles in this issue. Originality/value – This summary paper provides a glimpse...
Abstract 2544: Identification of immune signatures predicting for clinical outcome measured by flow-cytometry and immunogenetic analysis of PBMCs from breast cancer patients treated with docetaxel alone or docetaxel plus vaccine

Proceedings: AACR Annual Meeting 2014; April 5-9, 2014; San Diego, CA Background: Therapeutic vaccination is emerging as a potential treatment to prolong cancer patient survival. However, there are not markers available to identify patients that could benefit from this treatment. The aim of this retrospective study was to identify PBMC immune cell subsets and immunogenetic signatures of metastatic breast cancer patients that, before treatment, could predict for clinical outcome. Methods: We applied multi-color flow-cytometry analysis of PBMCs harvested prior to treatment from metastatic breast cancer patients (n=43) enrolled in a randomized phase II trial of docetaxel alone or docetaxel + vaccine (PANVACTM-V and PANVACTM-F). The frequency of more than 200 immune sub-populations was measured using an LSR-II (BD Biosciences) and analyzed by FlowJo (TreeStar). A peripheral immunoscore was calculated based on the correlation of each subset with PFS. From the same PBMC samples, gene expression analyses were performed using GeneChip Human Gene 1.0 ST Arrays (Affymetrix). Data set were analysed using Partek Genomic Suite and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis software. Results: The flow-cytometry analysis showed that, in the vaccine plus docetaxel arm, 10 immune subsets from PBMCs at baseline correlated with PFS; these cell subsets were used for the calculation of the peripheral immunoscore. Patients with a peripheral immunoscore above the median showed a longer PFS compare to patients with a peripheral immunoscore below the median only in the docetaxel plus vaccine arm but not in the docetaxel alone. The survival prediction analysis based on gene expression identified 7 genes that best distinguish (p 0.05) with PFS in patients treated with docetaxel alone. Conclusions: The calculation of a peripheral immunoscore by flow-cytometry and associated gene expression analysis of PBMCs before treatment, could be used for the identification of a specific immune signature of cancer patients that will most likely benefit from vaccine immunotherapy. Larger prospective trials are necessary to validate and confirm the potential application of these methods to other patient populations treated with immunotherapy. Citation Format: Italia Grenga, Maria Libera Ascierto, Renee N. Donahue, James L. Gulley, Christopher R. Heery, Ravi A. Madan, Jeffrey Schlom, Ena Wang, Benedetto Farsaci. Identification of immune signatures predicting for clinical outcome measured by flow-cytometry and immunogenetic analysis of PBMCs from breast cancer patients treated with docetaxel alone or docetaxel plus vaccine. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 2544. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-2544
Pattern formation by particles settling in viscous flows

Results are reported of several simulations of the motions of small objects in two-dimensional cellular flows performed to study the evolution of the distributions of particle flows over time in processes such as sedimentation. Stream functions are defined in the form of a Hamiltonian system for the particle motions, with inertial and particle acceleration being neglected. Conditions are found for which the particles will become trapped in an oscillatory motion or the particle orbits attain an oscillary motion. Various simulation images are provided to illustrate the usefulness of the technique for modeling fractal swarms.
Quality of information-aware real-time traffic flow analysis and reporting

In this paper we present a framework for Quality of Information (QoI)-aware networking. QoI quantifies how useful a piece of information is for a given query or application. Herein, we present a general QoI model, as well as a specific example instantiation that carries throughout the rest of the paper. In this model, we focus on the tradeoffs between precision and accuracy. As a motivating example, we look at traffic video analysis. We present simple algorithms for deriving various traffic metrics from video, such as vehicle count and average speed. We implement these algorithms both on a desktop workstation and less-capable mobile device. We then show how QoI-awareness enables end devices to make intelligent decisions about how to process queries and form responses, such that huge bandwidth savings are realized.
Online ad intrusiveness

In spite of the large extent and variety of on-line ads, their effects on users are largely unknown. Although the diversity of ads on the web is staggering, and new types spring up all the time, their properties can be abstracted to a relatively small number of important generic features. These characteristics include whether they obscure content and whether users have the control to remove them. These factors were tested in a laboratory study and results will be shared with participants at the conference.
BEHAVIORAL AND BIOCHEMICAL DEFECTS IN TEMPERATURE-SENSITIVE ACETYLCHOLINESTERASE MUTANTS OF DROSOPHILA MELANOGASTER

Temperature-sensitive (ts) mutants of the Ace gene, which codes for acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in Drosophila melanogaster, were analyzed for defects in viability, behavior and function of the enzyme. The use of heat-sensitive and cold-sensitive mutations permited the function of AChE in the nervous system to be analyzed temporally. All ts mutations were lethal, or nearly so, when animals expressing them were subjected to restrictive temperatures during late embryonic and very early larval stages. Heat treatments to Ace-ts mid- and late larvae had little effect on the behavior of these animals or on the viability or behavior of the eventual adults. Heat-sensitive mutants exposed to nonpermissive temperatures as pupae, by contrast, had severe defects in phototaxis and locomotor activity as adults. AChE extracted from adult ts mutants that had developed at a permissive temperature were abnormally heat labile, and they had reduced substrate affinity when assayed at restrictive temperatures. However, enzyme activity did not decline during exposure of heat-sensitive adults to high temperatures even though such treatments caused decrements in phototaxis (29°) and, eventually, cessation of movement (31°). The cold-sensitive mutant also produced readily detectable levels of AChE when exposed to a restrictive temperature during the early developmental stage when this mutation causes almost complete lethality. We suggest that the relationship among the genetic, biochemical and neurobiological defects in these mutants may involve more than merely temperature-sensitive catalytic functions.
The Essential Elements of Cooperative Learning.

A LMOST 10 years ago, I worked in a school district with a science teacher who was using an instructional technique she called TGT. When the other teachers in the district found out that TGT stood for Teams Games and Tournaments, they wondered what in the world she was doing playing games with her science students. Some even questioned her sanity. We didn't know at the time that she had been the only science teacher in the district selected to undergo training in cooperative learning at Johns Hopkins University. For that matter, we didn't even know what cooperative learning was. Now, a decade later, most teachers at least know what cooperative learning is. Many even use cooperative learning methods in their own classrooms. I have used it in teaching high school and college biology students for the last several years and have found these methods to be an excellent addition to more traditional instructional techniques. Cooperative learning has not revolutionized education and probably never will, but teachers are finding that it can be an effective classroom tool. Cooperative learning has been defined as a classroom learning environment in which students work on academic tasks in small, heterogeneous groups (Parker 1985). There has been a great deal of research completed in the area of cooperative learning, and there can be little doubt about these techniques' effectiveness in improving academic achievement (Brophy 1986, Parker 1985, Slavin 1984). As the research evidence has mounted, cooperative learning proponents have developed a series of techniques that may be described as elements of cooperative learning. The elements to be addressed in this paper include:
Tec Kinase Signaling in T Cells Is Regulated by Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase and the Tec Pleckstrin Homology Domain

Tec, the prototypical member of the Tec family of tyrosine kinases, is abundantly expressed in T cells and other hemopoietic cell types. Although the functions of Itk and Txk have recently been investigated, little is known about the role of Tec in T cells. Using antisense oligonucleotide treatment to deplete Tec protein from primary T cells, we demonstrate that Tec plays a role in TCR signaling leading to IL-2 gene induction. Interestingly, Tec kinases are the only known family of tyrosine kinases containing a pleckstrin homology (PH) domain. Using several PH domain mutants overexpressed in Jurkat T cells, we show that the Tec PH domain is required for Tec-mediated IL-2 gene induction and TCR-mediated Tec tyrosine phosphorylation. Furthermore, we show that Tec colocalizes with the TCR after TCR cross-linking, and that both the Tec PH and Src homology (SH) 2 domains play a role in this association. Wortmannin, a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitor, abolishes Tec-mediated IL-2 gene induction and Tec tyrosine phosphorylation, and partially suppresses Tec colocalization with the activated TCR. Thus, our data implicate the Tec kinase PH domain and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase in Tec signaling downstream of the TCR.
Role of polyamines in the growth of hormone-responsive and - resistant human breast cancer cells in nude mice

Recent in vitro data suggest that at least some hormone-independent breast cancer cells exhibit increased polyamine biosynthesis and resistance to antipolyamine therapy. To address this issue under conditions of in vivo growth, we tested the antiproliferative effect of the polyamine synthetic inhibitor alpha-difluoromethyl-ornithine (DFMO) on hormone-dependent (MCF-7) and -independent (MDA-MB-231, BT-20) breast cancer cell lines growing in nude mice. We observed that DFMO significantly inhibited the growth of established tumors to a similar extent in all cell lines, even though tumor regression was only observed with MCF-7 cells. DFMO, while inhibiting E2-supported MCF-7 breast cancer growth, did not inhibit E2-stimulated progesterone receptor synthesis. Cellular levels of polyamines were highest in MCF-7 cells and lowest in the BT-20 cell line. Tumor content of spermidine was similarly suppressed by DFMO treatment in the 3 cell lines, while the spermine level was unaffected. Cellular putrescine levels were suppressed in MCF-7 and BT-20 cells. Administration of DFMO prior to implantation of fragments of MCF-7 or MDA-MB-231 tumors in nude mice significantly inhibited tumor development to a similar extent. The action of DFMO seemed to be predominantly tumoristatic since new tumors develop in some mice upon discontinuation of the drug. We conclude that the hormone-independent breast cancer cell lines tested do not exhibit increased polyamine biosynthesis or resistance to antipolyamine therapy when grown in vivo in nude mice.
Effects of chronic ethanol ingestion on glucose homeostasis in males and females

Abstract Liver glycogen levels were decreased about 61% in both males and females after chronic ethanol ingestion. In contrast, blood glucose concentration was decreased only in males. In an attempt to explain these data, six enzymes involved with the metabolism of glucose and glycogen were measured. Sex differences were found in the effects of ethanol on the activities of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, UDPG- pyrophosphorylase and phosphoglucomutase. Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and UDPG-pyrophosphorylase were decreased by ethanol in males 42 and 62%, respectively. Females were not changed. Phosphoglucomutase was decreased 29% in females, and males were not changed. Glucose-6-phosphatase was increased and hexokinase and phosphorylase a were decreased about the same extent in both sexes by ethanol. The data suggest that both sexes have been altered in such a manner as to keep liver glucose in the unphosphorylated form and thus readily available to other tissues; however, the mechanism appears to be different between the sexes. The decrease in liver glycogen may be explained by an increased utilization of glucose by peripherial tissues; however, the lack of change in blood glucose in females argues against this.
Transport of salt and suspended sediments in a curving channel of a coastal plain estuary: Satilla River, GA

Abstract This study describes the transport of salt and suspended sediment in a curving reach of a shallow mesotidal coastal plain estuary. Circulation data revealed a subtidal upstream bottom flow during neap tide, indicating the presence of a gravitational circulation mode throughout the channel. During spring tide, landward bottom flow weakened considerably at the upstream end of the channel and changed to seaward in the middle and downstream areas of the reach, suggesting the importance of tidal pumping. Salt flux near-bottom was landward at both ends of the channel during neap tide. At spring, however, the salt flux diverged along the bottom of the thalweg suggesting that tidal pumping caused a transfer of salt vertically and laterally into the intertidal zone. Thus, landward flux of salt is maintained even in the presence of subtidal seaward flow along the bottom at the downstream end of the channel. Landward bottom stress is greater than seaward stress, preferentially transporting suspended sediments upstream. Compared with salt, however, the weight of the suspended sediments causes less upward transfer of sediments into the intertidal zone. Flood flow carried more suspended sediments landward at the upstream end compared with the downstream end. We speculate that secondary flow in the curving channel picks up increasing amounts of suspended sediments along the sides during flood and adds them to the axial flow in the thalweg. Since the landward flow along the bottom of the thalweg weakens and even reverses during spring tide, there appears to be a complex re-circulation system for sediments re-suspended in curving channels that complicates the picture of a net transport of sediments landward.
Rethinking downstream regulation: California's opportunity to engage households in reducing greenhouse gases

With the passage of the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 (AB32), California has begun an ambitious journey to reduce in-state GHG emissions to 1990 levels by 2020. Under the direction of executive order S-20-06, a mandated Market Advisory Committee (MAC) charged with studying market-based mechanisms to reduce GHG emissions, including cap and trade systems, has recommended taking an “upstream” approach to GHG emissions regulation, arguing that upstream regulation will reduce administrative costs because there are fewer agents. In this paper, we argue that, the total costs to society of a GHG cap and trade scheme can be minimized though downstream regulation, rather than the widely proposed upstream approach. We propose a household carbon trading system with four major components: a state allocation to households, household-to-household trading, households to utility company credit transfers, and utility companies to government credit transfers. The proposed system can also be considered more equitable than carbon taxes and upstream cap and trade systems to control GHG emissions from residential energy use and is consistent with AB32.
Implementation, Interpretation, and Analysis of a Suboptimal Boundary Finding Algorithm

This paper presents a suboptimal boundary estimation algorithm for noisy images which is based upon an optimal maximum likelihood problem formulation. Both the maximum likelihood formulation and the resulting algorithm are described in detail, and computational results are given. In addition, the potential power of the likelihood formulation is demonstrated through the presentation of three simple but insightful analyses of algorithm performance. These analyses are based on a technique we have developed for comparing the accuracies of different boundary finding algorithms. This technique also helps in understanding the interplay of object shape and data models in the relative performances of boundary finders. Some of the algorithm design considerations resulting from the use of our analysis technique are new and, at first, surprising. Our technique appears to be the only one developed for comparing the accuracies of different boundary finding algorithms.
Hybrid Electrophoretic Deposition with Anodization Process for Superhydrophilic Surfaces to Enhance Critical Heat Flux

Superhydrophilic surfaces with hydrophobic layers were successfully produced in order to enhance critical heat flux (CHF) and reduce boiling inception temperatures (BIT). The novel surfaces were fabricated by a hybrid electrophoretic deposition (EPD) method coupled with a break down anodization (BDA) process. With the BDA process, microporous superhydrophilic surfaces were created on titanium substrates. Subsequently, nanoporous hydrophobic layers were deposited with EPD on the superhydrophilic surfaces. The hydrophobic layers provide numerous nucleation sites, lowering BIT while the superhydrophilic layers prevent film boiling, resulting in increased CHF. The resulting surfaces exhibit higher CHF with lower BIT than untreated titanium surfaces .
Can dual blockade of the renin-angiotensin system reduce progression of kidney disease beyond monotherapy?

It is well-accepted that therapies directed at the renin–angiotensin system (RAS) reduce the progression of chronic kidney disease. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and the angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) are currently available to interrupt this cascade. Their positive actions result from better blood pressure control, a reduction in glomerular capillary pressure and a decrease in proteinuria. Blockade of the RAS may also reduce renal scarring by blunting direct pro-fibrotic effects of angiotensin II and aldosterone. Although these drugs successfully reduce urinary protein excretion and improve renal survival, a significant number of patients continue to progress to end stage renal disease. It is possible, however, that dual blockade of the RAS with an ACE inhibitor and an ARB might offer further benefit beyond using either agent alone. Optimally, the goal should be to completely halt the progression of kidney disease. With these concepts in mind, this paper will review the RAS and its...
Extraction of U(VI) and Th(IV) into a highly hindered (GO)2 PO(OH) extractant from an aqueous nitrate phase

Abstract The extraction of U(VI) and Th(IV) from an aqueous nitrate phase into a highly sterically hindered extractant, bis (2, 6-dimethyl-4-heptyl) phosphoric acid, (C9H19O)2 PO (OH), HD(DIBM) P, in n-heptane and benzene “carrier” diluents was studied. The extraction stoichiometries and the corresponding expression for the distribution ratio, K, in terms of the formality, F of HD(DIBM)P in the organic phase, hydrogen concentration [H+] and nitrate ion concentration [NO3−] in the aqueous phase, and Ks for a 1.00F (HNO3+NaNO3) aqueous phase are U(VI): OU 2+ 2A + 2( HY 2 0 ⇌ UO 2 (H 2 Y 4 ) O +2H + A K= K s F 2 [H + ] 2 Th(IV): Th 4+ A 2No − 3 A +2(HY) 2 0 ⇌Th(No 3 ) 2 (H 2 Y 4 ) o +2H + A K= K s [NO − 3 ] 2 F 2 [H + ] 2 where (HY)2 represents the dimer of HD(DIBM) P. The formulation of the extracted species does not imply any particular structure. The second power nitrate ion dependency established in the tracer studies of the extraction of Th(IV) from 1.00F (HNO3+NaNO3) into HD(DIBM)P was confirmed by gross analysis of the organic phase in a macro thorium extraction experiment. The K sNO 3 − K sCl − is ∼105 for the extraction of Th(IV). Comparison of the formation of thorium complexes containing inorganic anions as part of the extracted entity in various extraction systems is discussed.
Toxicity of cholesterol oxides on cultured neuroretinal cells

PURPOSE. By using nerve growth factor-differentiated PC12 cells as a model for sympathetic neurons, we have recently shown that cholesterol oxides are toxic to cells of neural origin. Since lipid metabolism is known to be involved in some pathological conditions associated with the visual system, we sought to extend this line of research by studying the potential cytotoxicity of cholesterol oxides on primary cultures derived from neuroretinas. METHODS. Dissociated cultures derived from neuroretinas of 1-day-old Sprague-Dawley rats were used in this series of studies. Immunohistochemical staining was used to identify neuronal and glial cell types in these cultures. MTT assay was used to determine the cytotoxicity of cholesterol oxides, including 7-beta-OH-, 7-keto-, 19-OH-, 22(R)-OH-, 22(S)-OH- and 25-OH-cholesterol. RESULTS. Among the cholesterol oxides tested, 7-beta-OH- and 7-keto-cholesterol were the most effective in causing cell death, such that 20 µg/ml (50 µM) of these agents killed approximately 8...
Mechanism for the protective effect of resveratrol against oxidative stress-induced neuronal death

Oxidative stress can induce cytotoxicity in neurons, which plays an important role in the etiology of neuronal damage and degeneration. This study sought to determine the cellular and biochemical mechanisms underlying resveratrol's protective effect against oxidative neuronal death. Cultured HT22 cells, an immortalized mouse hippocampal neuronal cell line, were used as an in vitro model, and oxidative stress and neurotoxicity were induced in these neuronal cells by exposure to high concentrations of glutamate. Resveratrol strongly protected HT22 cells from glutamate-induced oxidative cell death. Resveratrol's neuroprotective effect was independent of its direct radical scavenging property, but instead was dependent on its ability to selectively induce the expression of mitochondrial superoxide dismutase (SOD2) and, subsequently, reduce mitochondrial oxidative stress and damage. The induction of mitochondrial SOD2 by resveratrol was mediated through the activation of the PI3K/Akt and GSK-3β/β-catenin signaling pathways. Taken together, the results of this study show that up-regulation of mitochondrial SOD2 by resveratrol represents an important mechanism for its protection of neuronal cells against oxidative cytotoxicity resulting from mitochondrial oxidative stress.
The Seasonal and Subtidal Variability in the Source Region of the Delaware Coastal Current

Current meter data obtained off the mouth of Delaware Bay in the spring and autumn of 1984 are used to characterize the seasonal and subtidal variability in the source region of the Delaware coastal current. There are several major features of the coastal current which are common between the two seasons. At the mooring site the structure of the mean current indicates estuarine outflow from surface-to-bottom. The magnitude of the mean flow decreases and the direction of the mean flow veers further downshelf to the south and SSW with increasing depth. The water column is not vertically well-mixed, and a surface-to-bottom salinity difference of about 2 exists for both seasons. Local wind does not appear to be the dominant factor responsible for producing the subtidal current fluctuations, especially at very low frequencies (<0·1 cycles day−1). The current vectors are only coherent with the clockwise rotating part of the wind vector. In addition to these major features which occur in both seasons, there are major differences as well. The magnitude of the mean flow decreases by a factor of two and the mean salinity increases by about 2 from spring to autumn, probably in response to the seasonal cycle in the Delaware River discharge. During autumn, the subtidal currents show coherent fluctuations throughout the water column, and these currents are essentially rectilinear and aligned in the same direction. During spring, the current variance along the semiminor axis is more significant and there is an appreciable difference in the principal axis direction between the surface and the bottom. In spring, the current and salinity show coherent fluctuations at frequencies lower than 0·1 cycles day−1. These low frequency fluctuations are apparently caused by earlier river discharge events. The lag between the major river discharge events and the very low-frequency variations in salinity is about 3 weeks. In autumn, the current and salinity are significantly coherent at subtidal frequencies higher than 0·2 cycles day−1. The intratidal salinity variability is substantially larger in spring than in autumn. The strength of the buoyant outflow in spring produces an enhanced horizontal salinity gradient, which in turn results in an increase in the intratidal salinity variability relative to that in autumn. This result suggests that the tidal variability in salinity can be strongly influenced by the non-linear interactions with the subtidal variability in the Delaware coastal current.
Validation of a synoptic solar wind model

[1] We present a validation of a three-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic model for the solar corona and the inner heliosphere. We compare the results of the model with long-term satellite data at 1 AU for a 1 year period during solar minimum and another year period of solar maximum. Overall, the model predicts rather well the magnitude of the magnetohydrodynamical variables for solar minimum conditions. For solar maximum conditions, the magnitude of the magnetic field predicted by the model is too low. This result is consistent with the assumption that during solar maximum, a significant portion of the heliospheric open magnetic flux is not captured by the magnetogram input and the potential field approximation.
An unusual application of a cros hearing aid

This paper describes the use of the CROS hearing aid principle on cases of congenital atresia. This young girl has had several operations which attempted to create a canal and tympanum, but the canal persisted in closing. A bone vibrator eyeglass hearing aid was fitted but was largely unsuccessful. Having a 50 db air-conduction loss was handicapping to this youngster, but the usual head worn hearing aid could not be fitted because of the lack of any canal, causing feedback. She refused a body type aid. The solution is this case was a CROS behind-the-ear hearing aid. She enjoys about a 25 db useful gain from this fitting.
Rapid test to detect agents that damage human DNA.

PERHAPS the most successful screening test to detect potential mutagens and/or carcinogens is that of Ames et al.1, using Salmonella. Attempts to use mammalian cells have generally involved measuring some cellular response to DNA damage, for example, induction of DNA repair2; if the response implies that an agent has damaged the DNA, the agent is considered to be a potential mutagen and/or carcinogen. An early response to DNA damage in human cells is inhibition of DNA synthesis. But certain non-DNA-damaging agents also inhibit DNA synthesis. I show here that DNA-damaging and non-DNA-damaging agents can be distinguished by the changes in the rates of DNA synthesis after treatment: with a DNA-damaging agent, the rate of DNA synthesis continues to decrease, but with a non-DNA-damaging agent the rate of DNA synthesis increases after treatment.
Interactive simulation of network pumping policies on a computer-based graphics system

This paper is concerned with the development of a computer-based graphics system for interactive simulation of pumping policies on water supply networks. The method evaluates various strategies which are input to the computer via a light-pen graphics facility, and displays to the operator the cost of the input strategy based on a mathematical model of the pumping tariff which is developed. The method has been used for policy analysis on a pressure zone of a network in the United Kingdom, and the calculations implemented on a Fortran-based minicomputer graphics system.
The Pacemaker Syndrome — A Matter of Definition

Pacemaker syndrome is an iatrogenic disease that is often underdiagnosed. We propose that pacemaker syndrome represents the clinical consequences of suboptimal atrioventricular (AV) synchrony or AV dyssynchrony, regardless of the pacing mode. Clinicians implanting and programming pacemakers should attempt to optimize AV synchrony to prevent the occurrence of pacemaker syndrome.
Surveillance of hazardous substance emergency events: identifying areas for public health prevention

The Hazardous Substances Emergency Events Surveillance (HSEES) system is a comprehensive, state-based surveillance system of hazardous substance releases and public health consequences. Maintained by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) since 1990, the system captures information on acute releases of hazardous substances that need to be cleaned up or neutralized according to federal, state, or local law. Information about threatened releases that result in public health action such as evacuation is also included. Of the 39,766 events reported to HSEES for 1996--2001, 8% resulted in deaths or injuries. Funded through a competitive program announcement, 15 states currently participate in HSEES. State coordinators actively collect data from multiple sources after an eligible event occurs and enter data about the event into a standardized ATSDR-provided web-based system. The information in HSEES describes the distribution and characteristics of hazardous substances emergencies and the morbidity and mortality experienced by employees, responders, and the general public as the result of hazardous substances releases. Analysis of HSEES data helps identify risk factors associated with hazardous substances releases. For example, although events in which chlorine was released account for only 1.6% of all events, they were 3.52 times more likely to result in injuries. Knowledge of these factors is useful in planning public safety interventions and can impact the formulation of guidelines and policies to help reduce the number of events (primary prevention) and the morbidity and mortality associated with these events (secondary prevention). Utilizing state-specific analyses of HSEES data, participating states have been able to develop prevention outreach activities such as awareness training of first responders, primary prevention of spills, and secondary prevention of related injuries and deaths caused by ammonia, chlorine, and mercury. Specific examples involving ammonia, chlorine, and mercury releases will be presented in detail.
Combined radiotherapy, surgery and chemotherapy in carcinoma of the bladder.

A 5-year experience in 109 patients with cancer of the bladder treated by combination radiotherapy, surgery and chemotherapy is reviewed. This combined therapy did not improve the poor outlook for patients with invasive (stages C or D) tumors. The study reveals that, when the bladder is preserved in stage B carcinoma by partial cystectomy or endoscopic excision, postoperative radiotherapy should be added to bring the total dosage to a full therapeutic level. In large bulky Stage A tumors preoperative radiotherapy seems to be distinctly valuable in reducing tumor size and clarifying the extent of pathology. It thus aids in the selection of the surgical approach to the tumors. More definitive biopsies could be done after the preoperative radiation. In such patients preoperative radiation make technically possible partial cystectomy or endoscopic resection rather than total cystectomy. In these stage A tumors, when the bladder is preserved, postoperative instillations of Thio-TEPA into the bladder is used to supplement the preoperative radiotherapy.
Atomic volume contraction in intermetallic hydride formers: A valuable new clue☆

Abstract Recent calculations of individual atomic volumes for rare earth intermetallics suitable for hydrogen storage provide valuable new clues in the search for new hydrogen storage materials and give new insights into factors which are important in hydride formation. Polyhedral atomic volumes (PAVs) calculated for good rare earth hydride formers involving a small transition element (nickel) show that the rare earth (RE) volume undergoes a large contraction (35–40%) as the partial coordination number coefficient for RE-Ni bonds approaches a value of unity (where only RE-Ni bonds exist for the RE). This volume contraction is primarily due to two effects: (1) an RE bonding electron rehybridization and (2) a size difference effect in which bonding electrons are attracted to the bond axis. This rare earth PAV contraction in LaNi 5 and its alloys is substantially reversed as they are fully hydrided. Lanthanum regains 95% of its elemental volume. Similar effects are discussed in detail for TiFe and TiCu hydrides. These considerations then suggest that intermetallic hydride formers are searched for among transition metal compounds which demonstrate a large volume contraction during compound formation.
Optical Micro-Tomographic Study of Babesia microti-Parasite Infected Red Blood Cells

The morphological, biochemical and mechanical alteration of host red blood cells due to parasitization by Babesia microti infection are investigated using a laser holographic micro-tomography, as noninvasive and label-free optical technique.
Time–space radiometric normalization of TM/ETM+ images for land cover change detection

A novel approach to image radiometric normalization for change detection is presented. The approach referred to as stratified relative radiometric normalization SRRN uses a time-series of imagery to stratify the landscape for localized radiometric normalization. The goal is to improve the detection accuracy of abrupt land cover changes human-induced, natural disaster, etc. while decreasing false detection of natural vegetation changes that are not of interest. These vegetation changes may be associated with such phenomena as phenology, growth and stress e.g. drought, which occur at varying spatial and temporal scales, depending on landscape position, vegetation type, season, precipitation history and historic episodes of local disturbance. The SRRN approach was tested for a study area on the Californian border between the USA and Mexico using Landsat Thematic Mapper and Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus satellite imagery. Change products were generated from imagery radiometrically normalized using the SRRN procedure and with imagery normalized using a traditional empirical line technique. Reference data derived from high spatial resolution airborne imagery were utilized to validate the two change products. The SRRN procedure provided several benefits and was found to improve the overall accuracy of detecting abrupt land cover changes by nearly 20%.
Unbalanced Hadamard matrices and finite projective planes of even order

By an unbalanced Hadamard matrix we mean a matrix H,, = (hii) such that (i) hii = l/fi or -I/fi, (ii) H, is orthogonal, and (iii) the number of positive entries exceeds the number of negative entries in each row. In particular it is well-known that the dimension n must be an even perfect square if the number of positive entries is the same in each row. It is easy to show that the number of positive entries is 2t’ + t in this case. It is this case which is of interest to us, and we accordingly agree that n = 4t2 and omit future reference to the dimensionality of II. An elementary proof of these statements appears in [7]. By a finite projective plane of order 2t we mean a collection of 4t2 + 2t + 1 objects called points divided into subclasses called lines such that each subclass contains 2t + 1 points, and any two subclasses have precisely one point in common. Thus two lines define a point, and the dual, two points determine a line, also holds. An extensive literature has grown up on this subject since the topic was first explored in [8]. The leading theorems about finite projective planes concern the question of existence of such planes. We have the classic result: if the order is a prime or a power of prime, the geometry exists established in [I]. We also have the now celebrated Bruck-Ryser theorem [5] stating that, if the order s = 1 or 2 (4) and if the decomposition of s contains a prime of the form 4k + 3 to an odd power, then the finite projective plane fails to exist. Despite strenuous efforts and much computer time, no further progress has been made with this fundamental question. As a result, two schools have arisen, one faction believing that finite projective planes exist in all cases not excluded by the Bruck-Ryser conditions while others conjecture that such planes exist only if s is a power of a prime or a prime. The former position was somewhat strengthened by the remarkable discovery