cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Naturally Occurring Adenines within mRNA Coding Sequences Affect Ribosome Binding and Expression in Escherichia coli

Translation initiation requires the precise positioning of a ribosome at the start codon. The major signals of bacterial mRNA that direct the ribosome to a translational start site are the Shine-Dalgarno (SD) sequence within the untranslated leader and the start codon. Evidence for the presence of many non-SD-led genes in prokaryotes provides a motive for studying additional interactions between ribosomes and mRNA that contribute to translation initiation. A high incidence of adenines has been reported downstream of the start codon for many Escherichia coli genes, and addition of downstream adenine-rich sequences increases expression from several genes in E. coli. Here we describe site-directed mutagenesis of the E. coli aroL, pncB, and cysJ coding sequences that was used to assess the contribution of naturally occurring adenines to in vivo expression and in vitro ribosome binding from mRNAs with different SD-containing untranslated leaders. Base substitutions that decreased the downstream adenines by one or two nucleotides decreased expression significantly from aroL-, pncB-, and cysJ-lacZ fusions; mutations that increased downstream adenines by one or two nucleotides increased expression significantly from aroL- and cysJ-lacZ fusions. Using primer extension inhibition (toeprint) and filter binding assays to measure ribosome binding, the changes in in vivo expression correlated closely with changes in in vitro ribosome binding strength. Our data are consistent with a model in which downstream adenines influence expression through their effects on the mRNA-ribosome association rate and the amount of ternary complex formed. This work provides evidence that adenine-rich sequence motifs might serve as a general enhancer of E. coli translation.
Corrosion behavior of Pd-Cu and Pd-Co alloys in synthetic saliva.

Pd-based alloys are major alternatives to gold-based alloys for PFM applications. In electrolytes simulating oral fluids, these alloys exhibit electrode behavior similar to passivity of active metals, i.e., a potential region of almost constant current density up to a critical potential, above which the current increases. The objective of this study was to correlate the electrode behavior with the results of solution analyses and changes in the surface composition of the alloys. Binary alloys Pd-15 wt% Cu and Pd-19 wt% Co, as well as the pure components, were examined. Corrosion potentials vs. time, potentiodynamic anodic polarization curves, polarization resistances vs. time, and potentiostatic anodic charges were measured with synthetic saliva used as the electrolyte. The concentrations of Pd, Cu, and Co in the solution after various exposures were determined by atomic absorption. The surfaces of the alloys were examined by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy before and after the exposures. The results show that selective dissolution of the less-noble components occurred on the surfaces of both alloys for all the exposures, leaving the surfaces highly enriched in Pd. This enrichment contributed to the potential changes and the passive-type behavior. Copper dissolved more than cobalt at longer exposures and higher potentials, in spite of its higher nobility. Dissolution of cobalt seemed to be limited by the formation of a surface film, which may be related to the transition character of this element.
AN EXPERIMENTAL APPLICATION OF A TRAIT-BASED PERSONALITY MODEL TO THE SIMULATION OF MILITARY DECISION-MAKING

Due to the uncertainties inherent in military operations and the variations in human personalities, military command and control behavior rarely conforms strictly to doctrine. (Of course, the degree of conformity to doctrine may vary.) In a military simulation with automated commanders, models of command behavior and decisionmaking that follow doctrine precisely and exhibit no variations are therefore unrealistic. Automated commanders that exhibit doctrinal behavior are essential for training, especially at the introductory levels, but are not sufficient for the full range of purposes the simulation may be applied to, such as advanced training and mission rehearsal. Simulation users may seek an automated commander that realistically models the effects of the fog of war and the difficulty of making doctrinal decisions under stressful conditions. Such realism in simulation could better prepare trainees for expected encounters on the battlefield.
microRNA Regulation of Inflammatory Responses

The mammalian inflammatory response is a rapid and complex physiological reaction to noxious stimuli including microbial pathogens. Although inflammation plays a valuable role in combating infection, its dysregulation often occurs in people and can cause a variety of pathologies, ranging from chronic inflammation, to autoimmunity, to cancer. In recent years, our understanding of both the cellular and molecular networks that regulate inflammation has improved dramatically. Although much of the focus has been on the study of protein regulators of inflammation, recent evidence also points to a critical role for a specific class of noncoding RNAs, called microRNAs (miRNAs), in managing certain features of the inflammatory process. In this review, we discuss recent advances in our understanding of miRNAs and their connection to inflammatory responses. Additionally, we consider the link between perturbations in miRNA levels and the onset of human inflammatory diseases.
Attracting Quality Adult Learners to the Marketing Classroom

This paper presents the results of an exploratory study on why adult learners decide not to participate in college business programs. The primary objective was to better understand how administrators and marketing educators can attract and retain this important target market. Results indicate that lack of time and energy was the main barrier for these prospects. Child care responsibilities and limited course offerings were the second and third leading barriers.
Bilingual Education Enhances Third Language Acquisition: Evidence from Catalonia.

Studies on the acquisition of a third language (L3) in a bilingual context have shown that literacy in two languages facilitates the acquisition of a third (Cenoz & Valencia, 1994; Swain, Lapkin, Rowen, & Hart, 1990). The present study seeks to contribute to this line of research by comparing the acquisition of English as an L3 by Catalan/Spanish bilingual high school students in an immersion program with the acquisition of English by Spanish monolinguals. Data from 201 participants were submitted to a hierarchical multiple regression analysis, rendering results that show that bilingualism indeed has a positive effect on the acquisition of an L3. The evidence is discussed from a cognitive perspective.
Treatment of high-grade anal dysplasia in high-risk patients: outcome at an urban community health centre.

Human immunodeficiency (HIV)-infected patients and men who have sex with men (MSM) have a higher rate of high-grade anal intraepithelial neoplasia (HGAIN), a likely precursor to anal cancer. This retrospective study describes the outcome of treating MSM with incident biopsy-proven HGAIN in an urban community health setting with access to outpatient ablation or operative treatment. The main outcome was freedom from HGAIN at follow-up. 153 met inclusion criteria; 86 (56%) were HIV-infected. Eighty (52%) received outpatient ablation, 49(61%) had a follow-up within 9 months. Among those, 26 (53%) were free of high-grade disease, 19 (39%) had high-grade disease; and 4 (8%) had unknown grading. In a logistic regression model, a lower extent of anal disease (1 quadrant vs. 2,3, or 4 quadrants) was significantly associated with a lower probability of high-grade disease (p-value 0.04.) HGAIN could be managed in a community health setting; however, systems are needed to ensure follow-up care.
Reduced incidence of intraoperative myocardial infarction during coronary bypass surgery with use of intracoronary shunt technique

Intraoperative myocardial infarction is a recognized complication of aortocoronary bypass surgery. One major cause of such infarction may be interruption of coronary blood flow, particularly in patients with poor coronary collateral circulation. In 30 patients use of an intracoronary shunt made it possible to limit the period of coronary occlusion during graft construction to a few minutes. Use of this shunt was associated with a reduced incidence of intraoperative myocardial infarction (as judged by the appearance of new Q waves) when these patients were compared with 50 patients operated on without this procedure (6 of 50 [12 percent] versus 0 of 30). The incidence of postoperative persistent S-T segment elevation was reduced from 21 of 50 (42 percent) to 5 of 30 (17 percent). Except for use of the shunt, the surgical technique was identical in the two groups of patients.
Dynamics and patterns of the shrinking of Arab lands in Palestine

Abstract This paper seeks to sketch a number of geographical patterns pertaining to the ongoing process of confiscation of Palestinian-Arab land in Israel and the 1967 occupied territories. It points out a geographical pattern and process of “enclaving” and “exclaving”, a form of spatial apartheid and exclusionary zoning which was adopted during the pre-state period of Jewish settlement and has continued down to the present day. The centrality of land possession and its transfer to Jewish national and state ownership is shared by almost all political classes in Israel. Even during key points in peace negotiations over the past several years, land confiscation never ceased nor was interrupted. The present paper employs the term “shrinking” to underscore that land confiscation is a continuous process in Palestine/Israel. This of course has both political and social ramifications for the type of state Israel seeks to be, declaring its desire to live in peace and harmony with its own Palestinian citizens and Palestinians elsewhere once a peace deal has been reached. Seen from the perspective of land, its control and use, this paper argues that there is no other alternative in achieving peaceful resolution between Jews in Israel and Palestinians except a return to square one: redefining a new geography for Palestinian villages and towns in Israel and for those many hundreds of villages which were demolished and have since been obliterated.
Simultaneous determination of plasma and urinary carcinoembryonic antigen levels.

The results of simultaneous plasma and urinary CEA levels in 14 patients are described. The aim was to determine whether urinary CEA derived from plasma or arose independently in the urinary tract. The method of reductio ad absurdum is followed. It is assumed that CEA in the urine is derived from plasma, and CEA clearance values for each patient are calculated. These varied widely from zero to a theoretical infinity. On this basis and from previous experimental evidence, it is concluded that urine is independent of plasma CEA. The finding, however, in some individuals of “anti-CEA” -like factor(s) distorting urinary CEA determinations makes for some reservations about the safety of the conclusion. It is, however, certain that with the presently available technology, present urinary and plasma CEA values cannot be correlated.
A predictive model for copper partitioning to suspended particulate matter in river waters.

Abstract A chemical equilibrium-based predictive model expressing Cu partitioning as a function of aqueous and solid phase characteristics was developed. The model takes into account only the most important factors that govern Cu partitioning, and therefore results in a relatively simple formulation. It assumes particulate organic carbon (POC) and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) binding sites play the most important role in solid and aqueous phases. The model formulation assumed one-surface site and two dissolved organic matter (DOM) sites, and included the “solids effect”. Proton effects were considered for both the particle surface sites and the DOM. The model was calibrated with data for samples collected from the Susquehanna River, and validated with White Clay Creek and Delaware River samples. Copper partitioning in natural water systems with different pH, and concentrations of alkalinity, DOC, POC, total suspended solids (TSS), and total copper was predicted reasonably well.
Inhibition of RNA Synthesis and Auxin-Induced Cell Wall Extensibility and Growth by Actinomycin D

A linear stress strain analyzer was used to determine the effects of inhibitors of RNA and protein synthesis on auxin-induced increases in cell wall extensibility. With etiolated soybean hypocotyl, maize mesocotyl and Avena coleoptile sections and light-grown pea internode sections, inhibition of RNA synthesis resulted in inhibition of auxin-induced extensibility changes and cell expansion. The results with both actinomycin D and cycloheximide support an earlier conclusion that unstable cell constituents, presumably enzymes, are essential for cell wall loosening induced by auxin as well as for cell elongation.
Design of a multiprocessor DSP chip for flexible information processing

Architecture and custom circuit design of a multiprocessor chip for digital signal processing (DSP) and digital image processing have been developed. Mappings of digital image processing and neural network algorithms are presented. The processor design supports the execution of key signal processing functions. The processing elements can be connected in a 1D linear ring or 2D systolic mesh array. A microprogrammed controller is used to enhance the processor performance. Each processor occupies 4.1 mm/sup 2/ by using an industrial-scale 0.5- mu m CMOS technology from TRW Inc. Sixty-four processing elements can be implemented in a 1.5-cm*1.8-cm chip and achieve 2.56 billion calculations per second. >
X‐ray gas in the galaxy cluster Abell 2029: conformal gravity versus dark matter

Conformal gravity has a weak-field limit that augments the Newtonian potential -GM/R by a linear potential γc 2 R/2. Mannheim has shown that an appropriate choice of y enables a satisfying fit to the flat rotation curves of large spiral galaxies and simultaneously to the rising rotation curves of low surface brightness galaxies, without invoking dark matter. Here, we extend to larger scales the comparison of Newtonian and conformal gravity by analysis of X-ray gas in the Abell 2029 galaxy cluster. The Newtonian analysis yields a mass profile rising roughly as M α R 2 from 10 10 M ⊙ at 2kpc to 10 14 M ⊙ at 200kpc, and this can be interpreted as the profile of an extensive dark matter halo that dominates the cluster potential. In conformal gravity, the potential is non-uniform inside a spherical shell, so that both interior and exterior mass distributions must be taken into account. We derive the conformal gravity potential both inside and outside a spherical shell, enabling the evaluation of potentials for spherically symmetric mass distributions. A conformal gravity analysis of X-ray gas in Abell 2029 then yields a total mass profile that rises from 10 10 M ⊙ at 2kpc to 1.4 x 10 12 M ⊙ at 30 kpc, and then remains roughly constant out to 300 kpc. With this mass profile, conformal gravity is able to bind the X-ray gas with no need for dark matter. However, integrating the X-ray gas density profile gives a baryon mass of 10 13 M ⊙ inside 200 kpc, nearly 10 times more than what is required to hold the hot gas in hydrostatic equilibrium. This discrepancy may rule out conformal gravity unless there is a significant breakdown of hydrostatic equilibrium in the outskirts of the potential well. The required velocities, V ∼ 2000 km s -1 , may be observable via Doppler profiles in high-resolution X-ray spectroscopy. It is also possible that the mass distribution outside the cluster significantly reduces conformal gravity in the cluster outskirts. Our approximate treatment of this effect suggests that it is negligible, but a more sophisticated analysis might yield a different conclusion.
Computer science curriculum assessment

In this paper, we describe a comprehensive computer science curriculum assessment and improvement process that has been implemented at Northwest Missouri State University.
Classical swine fever virus inhibits nitric oxide production in infected macrophages.

Classical swine fever virus (CSFV)–macrophage interactions during infection were analysed by examining macrophage transcriptional responses via microarray. Eleven genes had increased mRNA levels (>2.5-fold, P<0.05) in infected cell cultures, including arginase-1, an inhibitor of nitric oxide production, phosphoinositide 3-kinase, chemokine receptor 4 and interleukin-1β. Lower levels of nitric oxide and increased arginase activity were found in CSFV-infected macrophages. These changes in gene expression in macrophages suggest viral modulation of host expression to suppress nitric oxide production.
Nelfinavir Mesylate: A Protease Inhibitor

OBJECTIVE:To review the clinical pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, efficacy, adverse effects, drug interactions, and dosage guidelines of nelfinavir mesylate.DATA SOURCE:A MEDLINE search restricted to English-language literature from January 1966 to February 1998 and an extensive review of journals was conducted to prepare this article. MeSH headings included protease inhibitors, nelfinavir mesylate, and AG1343. Abstracts presented at meetings and data submitted to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) were also reviewed.DATA EXTRACTION:The data on efficacy, pharmacokinetics, adverse effects, and drug interactions were obtained from in vitro studies, as well as open-label and controlled trials.DATA SYNTHESIS:Nelfinavir inhibits HIV protease enzyme resulting in formation of immature and noninfectious virions. In combination with nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, nelfinavir is effective in reducing the viral load below the quantifiable limit (<500 copies/mL) and increasing the mean CD4+ cell count...
Finding similar questions in large question and answer archives

There has recently been a significant increase in the number of community-based question and answer services on the Web where people answer other peoples' questions. These services rapidly build up large archives of questions and answers, and these archives are a valuable linguistic resource. One of the major tasks in a question and answer service is to find questions in the archive that a semantically similar to a user's question. This enables high quality answers from the archive to be retrieved and removes the time lag associated with a community-based system. In this paper, we discuss methods for question retrieval that are based on using the similarity between answers in the archive to estimate probabilities for a translation-based retrieval model. We show that with this model it is possible to find semantically similar questions with relatively little word overlap.
The evolution of human running: effects of changes in lower-limb length on locomotor economy.

Previous studies have differed in expectations about whether long limbs should increase or decrease the energetic cost of locomotion. It has recently been shown that relatively longer lower limbs (relative to body mass) reduce the energetic cost of human walking. Here we report on whether a relationship exists between limb length and cost for human running. Subjects whose measured lower-limb lengths were relatively long or short for their mass (as judged by deviations from predicted values based on a regression of lower-limb length on body mass) were selected. Eighteen human subjects rested in a seated position and ran on a treadmill at 2.68 m s � 1 while their expired gases were collected and analyzed; stride length was determined from videotapes. We found significant negative relationships between relative lower-limb length and two measures of cost. The partial correlation between net cost of transport and lower-limb length controlling for body mass was r ¼� 0.69 (p ¼ 0.002). The partial correlation between the gross cost of locomotion at 2.68 m s � 1 and lower-limb length controlling for body mass was r ¼� 0.61 (p ¼0.009). Thus, subjects with relatively longer lower limbs tend to have lower locomotor costs than those with relatively shorter lower limbs, similar to the results found for human walking. Contrary to general expectation, a linear relationship between stride length and lower-limb length was not found. 2007 Published by Elsevier Ltd.
Using the Juvenile Offender Parent Questionnaire (JOPQ) as a Risk and Needs Assessment: A Prospective Study

This study is an investigation of the potential utility of a parent self-report instrument, the Juvenile Offender Parent Questionnaire (JOPQ). Based on the ecological model of child development, this instrument is designed to measure several parental constructs related to child behavior problems and delinquency. Findings suggest that specific parenting profiles are related to subsequent greater likelihood of recidivism and to specific offenses. Furthermore, the use of the JOPQ as an instrument to assess the needs of parents and the prevention of recidivism is supported.
EVALUATION OF A MULTIPLE-SPECIES APPROACH TO MONITORING SPECIES AT THE ECOREGIONAL SCALE

Monitoring is required of land managers and conservation practitioners to assess the success of management actions. ''Shortcuts'' are sought to reduce monitoring costs, most often consisting of the selection of a small number of species that are closely monitored to represent the status of many associated species and environmental correlates. Assumptions associated with such shortcuts have been challenged, yet alternative ap- proaches remain scant. We evaluated an approach that departs significantly from the ap- proach of selecting a few representative species. We explored two primary assertions: (1) that a coordinated multiple-species monitoring effort that collects presence-absence data on a broad range of species is a robust alternative to a few intensive single-species efforts, and (2) that the vertebrate species expected to be detected using this approach are numerous and diverse enough to represent all vertebrate species. We simulated monitoring the ver- tebrate species pool on an existing sample grid across the 7 million ha of public lands in the Sierra Nevada (USA) ecoregion. Based on the use of eight standard presence-absence protocols, we estimated the number of vertebrate species (excluding fish) with an adequate number of sample points within their range to detect $20% relative change in the proportion of points with detections between two points in time. We estimated that adequate detections would be obtained for 76% of the 465 vertebrate species, including 83% of all birds, 76% of all mammals, 65% of all reptiles, and 44% of all amphibians. Detection adequacy varied among life-history and ecological groups, but .50% of the species were adequately detected in every group with the exception of three groups: rare species, endemic species, and species of concern (33%, 24%, and 47% of associated species adequately detected, respectively). A multiple-species monitoring approach represents an effective and feasible alternative to the challenges of large-scale monitoring needs by targeting the most basic of population
Remapping Los Angeles, or, Taking the Risk of Class in Postmodern Urban Theory

Los Angeles is an oft-cited example where recent political, economic, technological, and demographic changes are all seen as leading to urban restruc- turing, including restructuring of class relations. Shaped like an hourglass-with well-paid white professionals and producer service workers at the top, low-paid non-union immigrants and consumer service workers at the bottom, and a squeezed middle-the new class structure is manifest in the city as spatial polar- ization, a central feature of postmodern urbanism. With this restructuring has come a decline of class-based politics. Progressive political response ranges from a nor- mative reassertion of class-based politics to their abandonment in favor of "new" post-class identities and struggles. This paper presents a middle ground between reassertion versus abandonment of class-based politics based on a threefold rethinking of the concept of class in this literature. An alternative "mapping" is pre- sented, using U.S. census data for Los Angeles, siting a variety of class relations (capitalist, independent, feudal, communal) as spatially ubiquitous rather than polarized across the landscape. Each of these relations is understood as one in the contradictory ensemble of class and nonclass positions people occupy, complexly conditioning their identities and struggles. The paper concludes with a discussion of class relations and struggles in two seemingly polarized urban places, Malibu and Fontana, highlighting some political implications of this alternative mapping.
Simple Database Construction Using Local Sources of Data

With the increased accessibility of information in our society, databases have become a common way to organize and distribute data. To best understand how information is organized in a database, students need to see firsthand how they are constructed. Construction of three simple databases using a spreadsheet is described here and basic summary statistics are provided for each. Recommendations for building simple databases using a computer spreadsheet and the statistical analysis of its data are given. Introduction: As in the above quote, information is truly all around us. Many of the informed decisions scientists, government officials, industrial analysts and others in our society make revolve around summarizing information amassed in large sets of data or databases. In biology, this information can range from human health (Kaiser, 2002) and genetic data (FIDD, 1999) to species descriptions (e.g., Guiry & Nic Dhonncha, 2002) to quantitative limnological data (e.g., NODC, 2001). Readily amenable to manipulation by computer and highly organized, databases and statistics are excellent tools for analyzing and summarizing quantitative measurements and are important for scientific interpretation/explanations of natural phenomena (NRC, 1996, p. 118).
What Risks Remain: Maritime Activity and the New Calculus of Risk in the North American Arctic

Conditions in the Arctic are changing rapidly and maritime activity has risen sharply in recent years. Although ice-free periods within the Northwest Passage could eventually hold great promise for shortening shipping routes between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, the area remains hazardous for the time being. Weather remains challenging; ice dynamics remain poorly understood; dense, multi-year pack ice drifts into potential sea-lanes; first-responder capacity is low; and information useful to mariners is comparatively scarce. The uptick in maritime activity has been met with calls for a policy response to mitigate risk to human life, livelihoods, and the environment. This paper uses the literature of systems-risk assessment to consider the best course of action under uncertainty. With different elements of risk reduction falling to different policy agents, this paper explores the roles that different entities can play. Ultimately this paper concludes that characterizing the area as experiencing an “Arctic Gold Rush” is inappropriate, at least in the short term. Extractive resource companies have all but abandoned hopes for drilling anytime soon, and shipping companies rely more on reliability than the shortest distance between two points when route planning. With development interest faltering for the time being, this paper ultimately concludes that the best policy is one of investment in information. Rather than aggressive new regulatory interventions and expensive enhancements of physical infrastructure, for now at least the focus should be on research and communications. Better maritime communications technology, remote sensing, and physical science hold great promise and respond to an immediate need.
Finite Dimensional Causal Functionals of Brownian Motion

This paper deals with a study of scalar nonanticipating functionals α of Brownian motion t → b(t) and in particular considers those that are finite dimensional.
Belief and Contestation in India: The Case of the Taj Mahal

Of all the buildings in the world, the Taj Mahal is one of the most famous. It is renowned for its beauty, and, for many, it is a symbol of romantic love. Yet surprisingly the Taj Mahal is increasingly becoming a highly contested site. Recent challenges include questioning its Muslim Mughal patronage, its function as a royal tomb, and even its 17 th -century date of construction. This probably sounds to you like scholarship as usual, but before I address the uncritical nature of these claims, I’d like to think about the larger issue of religious belief and contestation of religious sites in South Asia. That may help contextualize the case of the Taj Mahal.
The alpha 1-antitrypsin gene and emphysema

alpha 1-Antitrypsin (alpha 1-AT) is the major endogenous inhibitor of neutrophil elastase. Individuals with alpha 1-AT deficiency are susceptible to premature development of emphysema. Thus a greater understanding of this serine proteinase inhibitor (serpin) has been a major objective of research on the pathogenesis of emphysema. In this article, we review recent literature on the alpha 1-AT gene and its relationship to other members of the serpin supergene family, particularly as it pertains to the function of alpha 1-AT. We also discuss the current literature on biosynthesis of alpha 1-AT and how its synthesis may be tightly regulated by the net balance of neutrophil elastase and alpha 1-AT at sites of inflammation/tissue injury. The net functional activity of alpha 1-AT in complex biological fluids is also affected by interaction with other enzymes, inhibitors, matrix proteins, and endogenous oxidants. Finally, we discuss the pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, and treatment of injury to the lung associated with deficiency variants of the alpha 1-AT gene.
Ion partitioning among soil and plant components under drip, furrow, and sprinkler irrigation regimes: field and modeling assessments.

Soil and water resources can be severely degraded by salinity when total salt input exceeds output in irrigated agriculture. This study was conducted to examine partitioning of Ca 2+ , Na + , and Cl - between soil and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] plants under different irrigation regimes with both field and modeling assessments. In drip and sprinkler treatments, the irrigation water was salinized with NaCl and CaCl 2 salts to simulate a Cl - and Na + dominant saline drainage water. In the furrow irrigation treatment, the soil was salinized, prior to planting, with NaCI and CaCl 2 salts to simulate a Cl - and Na + dominant saline soil. A total of 756 soil and 864 plant samples were collected and analyzed for the salt ions to obtain ion partitioning and mass balance assessments. Modeling of salt ion uptake by plants and distribution in the soil profile was performed with a two-dimensional solute transport model for the three irrigation regimes. Results indicated that about 20% of the applied Ca 2+ was recovered in harvested soybean biomass in all treatments. Plant uptake of either Na + or Cl - was less than 0.5% in the drip and furrow, and about 2% in the sprinkler irrigation treatment. Significant increases in soil salinity were found in the sprinkler plot that received the highest cumulative amount of salts. Simulated ion distributions in the soil were comparable with the measurements. Compared with the total seasonal salt input, mass balances between 65 and 108% were obtained. Most salt inputs accumulate in the soil, and need to be removed periodically to prevent soil salinization.
Containment and Evasion in Stochastic Point Data

Given two disjoint and finite point sets \(A\) and \(B\) in \(\mathrm{I\! R}^d\), we say that \(B\) is contained in \(A\) if all the points of \(B\) lie within the convex hull of \(A\), and that \(B\) evades \(A\) if no point of \(B\) lies inside the convex hull of \(A\). We investigate the containment and evasion problems of this type when the set \(A\) is stochastic, meaning each of its points \(a_i\) is present with an independent probability \(\pi (a_i)\). Our model is motivated by situations in which there is uncertainty about the set \(A\), for instance, due to randomized strategy of an adversarial agent or scheduling of monitoring sensors. Our main results include the following: (1) we can compute the exact probability of containment or evasion in two dimensions in worst-case \(O(n^4 + m^2)\) time and \(O(n^2 + m^2)\) space, where \(n = | A | \) and \(m = | B | \), and (2) we prove that these problems are #P-hard in 3 or higher dimensions.
67 GHz microwave sparkplug coaxial connector development

67 GHz microwave coaxial connector or known as the 1.85-mm connector is developed for mode-free performance up to 67 GHz. It consists of a few precise machined connector parts stacked up against glass metal seal (GMS), which is soldered down to microcircuit housing body. Possibility of reworking damaged GMS is limited by reliability concerns on the brittle solder-gold IMC layers, resulting in high disposal .This paper details the challenges of designing a new 1.85 mm microwave sparkplug coaxial connector, as an alternative replacement for existing non-reworkable connector. New sparkplug connector features, design considerations, material selections, electromagnetic simulation studies and RF measurement verifications will be discussed in this paper.
A novel homozygous VPS45 p.P468L mutation leading to severe congenital neutropenia with myelofibrosis

VPS45-associated severe congenital neutropenia (SCN) is a rare disorder characterized by life-threating infections, neutropenia, neutrophil and platelet dysfunction, poor response to filgrastim, and myelofibrosis with extramedullary hematopoiesis. We present a patient with SCN due to a homozygous c.1403C>T (p.P468L) mutation in VPS45, critical regulator of SNARE-dependent membrane fusion. Structural modeling indicates that P468, like the T224 and E238 residues affected by previously reported mutations, cluster in a VPS45 "hinge" region, indicating its critical role in membrane fusion and VPS45-associated SCN. Bone marrow transplantation, complicated by early graft failure rescued with stem cell boost, led to resolution of the hematopoietic phenotype.
City of the Dead and Song of the Night

In the early 1980s Gao Xingjian 高行健 established himself quickly as one of the most innovative critics and playwrights of the People's Republic of China. Because he soon attracted the attention of t...
Logic: A Contested Term

Logic is typically characterized as a (or the) theory of inference; but that characterization is a biased and restrictive one. Once we understand a logic, instead, as a theory of the logos—that is, of meaningful discourse: of what makes discourse the vehicle of meaning—we open up a field of possible ways of reasoning and arguing that do not reduce to inferences. It is within this field that the present book moves.
Mechanical pre-stressing a transducer through a negative DC biasing field

This paper provides a qualitative study with regards to feasibility of using a negative DC biasing approach to apply a mechanical compressive stress to a transducer's piezoelectric ceramic stack instead using a stress bolt. A typical underwater Tonpilz longitudinal-type transducer is made up of four major parts, a piezoelectric ceramic drive element that is sandwiched between two masses, a tail mass, a radiating head mass and a stress bolt. The stress bolt that passes through the ceramic stack and connects the head mass to the tail mass keeps the transducer parts together and keeps the ceramic element under a constant compressional stress. The compressive stress prevents the ceramic from going into tension and fracturing when driven under high AC drive conditions that exceed its low tensile strength. The typical compressive stresses applied by the stress bolt are 3000 to 6000 psi. When the transducer element lateral dimensions are small, compared with acoustic wavelength, there is little or no room for a stress bolt. An alternative method of applying a compressive preload without the stress bolt is achieved by applying a negative DC electric field across the piezoelectric ceramic stack which in turn causes the piezoelectric ceramic element to contract, resulting in an internal compressive stress. The plausible of this method will be discussed.
Critically Mediterranean: An Introduction

The Introduction to Critically Mediterranean outlines what happens to the field of Mediterranean studies when the focus shifts to the modern and contemporary periods. It describes how the sea’s memorial density reveals the fundamental tensions underlying most historically bound investigations of the Mediterranean in modernity. The Mediterranean mobilized by the Introduction is posited in performative terms: the sea as a medium through which to negotiate subjects’ imagined relations to the world around them. Drawing on the work of Francois Hartog and Giorgio Agamben, the Introduction provides a review of philosophical considerations of time, temporality, periodicity, and contemporaneity. It outlines the bearings of the discipline of Mediterranean studies, exposes the plurality of Mediterranean times, and describes how a critical Mediterranean may be narrated. It concludes with the argument that the Mediterranean, marked by crisis in the time-space of modernity, exceeds teleological historical narrative, and generates alternative narrative and poetic modes of engagement with time from within modern and contemporary cultural production.
Convenient synthesis of N-substituted β-lactam-4-carboxylates

Abstract When simple β-amino esters were treated with cyanate ion, dihydrouracils were formed. However, the presence of the α-carboxylate group in aspartic ester substrates hinders the formation of the pyrimidine ring. Instead, treatment of aspartic esters with carbonate bases yields N-substituted β-lactam-4-carboxylates in excellent yields, representing a green, convenient, and efficient synthesis of these biologically interesting molecules.
Typesetting THz Waveforms

We demonstrate generation of temporally shaped THz waveforms in LiNbO3 by spatially shaping femtosecond excitation pulses with a spatial light modulator. The generated THz waveforms are approximately proportional to the first spatial derivative of the excitation beam profile.
Long Non-Coding RNA-Mediated Regulation of the Interferon Response: A New Perspective on a Familiar Theme

The interferon (IFN) response is a critical and ubiquitous component of the innate immune response to pathogens. Detailed studies in the last decades have elucidated the function of a large number of proteins that mediate the complex signaling pathways and gene expression programs involved in the interferon response. The recent discovery of the long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) as a new category of cellular effectors has led to studies aiming to understand the role of these transcripts in the IFN response. Several high throughput studies have shown that a large number of lncRNAs are differentially expressed following IFN stimulation and/or viral infections. In-depth study of a very small fraction of the identified lncRNAs has revealed critical roles for this class of transcripts in the regulation of multiple steps of the IFN response, and pointed to the presence of an extensive RNA-mediated regulatory network during the antiviral response. As the vast majority of the identified potential regulatory lncRNAs remain unstudied, it is highly likely that future studies will reveal a completely new perspective on the regulation of the IFN response, with lncRNA- and protein-mediated regulatory networks coordinating the duration, magnitude, and character of this aspect of the innate immune response. In addition to providing a more complete picture of the IFN response, these studies will likely identify new therapeutic targets that in the long term may impact the therapeutic options available against microbial infections and diseases of the immune system.
Chemical Inhibition of Pre-mRNA Splicing in Living Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Summary The spliceosome mediates precursor mRNA splicing in eukaryotes, including the model organism Saccharomyces cerevisiae (yeast). Despite decades of study, no chemical inhibitors of yeast splicing in vivo are available. We have developed a system to efficiently inhibit splicing and block proliferation in living yeast cells using compounds that target the human spliceosome protein SF3B1. Potent inhibition is observed in yeast expressing a chimeric protein containing portions of human SF3B1. However, only a single point mutation in the yeast homolog of SF3B1 is needed for selective inhibition of splicing by pladienolide B, herboxidiene, or meayamycin in liquid culture. Mutations that enable inhibition also improve splicing of branch sites containing mismatches between the intron and small nuclear RNA—suggesting a link between inhibitor sensitivity and usage of weak branch sites in humans. This approach provides powerful new tools for manipulating splicing in live yeast and studies of spliceosome inhibitors.
The use, effectiveness, and hazards associated with police use of force: the unique case of weaponless physical force

Many studies have been conducted on police use of force. However, relatively few have examined the most common type of force used by the police: physical force. In this study, we analyze use of for...
Śūnya and Pūrṇa

Being and Nothingness, Fullness and Void, Plenitude and Vacuity, and One and the Zero are some of the categories metaphysicians use to describe Ultimate Reality. In Vedāntic Philosophy, Brahman is the Ultimate Reality which is Pūrṇa, Being, Fullness, and the One. In Mādhyamika Buddhism, Ultimate Reality is Śūnya, Nothingness and Void. Scholarly studies generally maintain that (a) Pūrṇa and Śūnya are ultimately the same or (b) they are different. Without taking sides on these positions, I would like to point the crisscrossing of the concepts and arguments used in both of these schools in their conceptions of Ultimate Reality. (e.g., both Brahman and Śūnya are infinite, unknowable, and silence, Brahman is advaita, and Śūnya is advaya).
The Relationship of Perceived Social Support with Well-Being in Adults with Visual Impairments:

The relationship between perceived social support and multiple indicators of well-being in adults with visual impairments was investigated. The results included significant correlation of social su...
Serious chemistry on set: the molecular structure of film investment in China

Using the case of the Mainland Chinese film industry, this paper argues that the competing features that attract commercial capital investment and drive state centralization create a molecular stru...
Water Quality Avoidance Behavior: Bridging the Gap between Perception and Reality

Water quality remains a significant issue and a source of serious health concern in the developing world. This paper investigates the water averting behavior at the household level by using a prima...
Vancomycin volume of distribution estimation in adults with class III obesity.

PURPOSE To compare methods of estimating vancomycin volume of distribution (V) in adults with class III obesity. METHODS A retrospective, multicenter pharmacokinetic analysis of adults treated with vancomycin and monitored through measurement of peak and trough concentrations was performed. Individual pharmacokinetic parameter estimates were obtained via maximum a posteriori Bayesian analysis. The relationship between V and body weight was assessed using linear regression. Mean bias and root-mean-square error (RMSE) were calculated to assess the precision of multiple methods of estimating V. RESULTS Of 241 patients included in the study sample, 159 (66.0%) had a body mass index (BMI) of 40.0-49.9 kg/m2, and 82 (34.0%) had a BMI of ≥50.0 kg/m2. The median (5th, 95th percentile) weight of patients was 136 (103, 204) kg, and baseline characteristics were similar between BMI groups. The mean ± S.D. V was lower in patients with a BMI of 40.0-49.9 kg/m2 than in those with a BMI of ≥50.0 kg/m2 (72.4 ± 19.6 L versus 79.3 ± 20.6 L, p = 0.009); however, body size poorly predicted V in regression analyses (R2 < 0.20). A fixed estimate of V (75 L) and use of a weight-based value (0.52 L/kg by total body weight [TBW]) yielded similar bias and error in this population. CONCLUSION Results of the largest analysis of vancomycin V in class III obesity to date indicated that use of a fixed V value (75 L) and use of a TBW-based estimate (0.52 L/kg) for estimation of vancomycin V in patients with a BMI of ≥40.0 kg/m2 have similar bias. Two postdistribution vancomycin concentrations are needed to accurately determine patient-specific pharmacokinetic parameters, estimate area under the curve, and improve the precision of vancomycin dosing in this patient population.
A 58-Year-Old Man with Hypercapnic Respiratory Failure

A 58-year-old man with a past medical history of myocardial infarction and systolic congestive heart failure presented with 2 weeks of worsening shortness of breath. He also reported 2 years of mild progressive proximal limb weakness. He was intubated due to hypercapnic respiratory failure. He underwent a muscle biopsy which showed a myopathy with presence of autophagic vacuoles, sarcoplasmic globular inclusions, and increased glycogen accumulation. The dried blood spot assay showed reduced acid α-1,4-glucosidase (GAA) activity. The subsequent GAA gene test revealed compound heterozygous mutations. He was diagnosed with late-onset Pompe disease. He received enzyme replacement therapy with improvement of his limb and respiratory muscle weakness.
Carbonation of geothermal grouts — Part 1: CO2 attack at 150°C

Abstract The normal practice of adding fine silica to portland cement grouts for geothermal wells to overcome strength regression due to the increased temperature has been shown to result in a greater rate of carbonation of the hardened grout. Carbonation is controlled not by permeability but by calcium hydroxide content at 150°C. It is concluded that the optimum silica addition for geothermal fluids which contain high levels of CO2, is about 15–20% to obtain the longest life, although actual lifetimes will have to be determined by downhole exposure.
'Turning Hearts to Break Off the Yoke of Oppression': The Travels and Sufferings of Christopher Meidel, c. 1659-c. 1715

This study of Christopher Meidel, a Norwegian Quaker writer imprisoned both in England and on the Continent for his beliefs and actions, explores the life of a convert to Quakerism and his missionary zeal in the early eighteenth century. From Meidel's quite tempestuous career we receive insights into the issues Friends faced in Augustan England in adapting to life in a country whose inter-church relations were largely governed by the 1689 Toleration Act, and its insistence that recipients of toleration were to respect the rights of other religionists. In England and Wales, although not censured by Friends, Meidel's activities were nevertheless in contrast to the increasingly respectable nature of the Society. This study questions whether his provocative behaviour was a return to the testimony of the first Friends. On the Continent, Meidel was warmly welcomed in some towns and cities, but also seen in others as a potential troublemaker and consequently imprisoned. Only the intervention ofleading Friends and of Prince George ofDenmark saved him from a lengthy term of incarceration. Undaunted by his trials, Meidel continued his proselytising in the early eighteenth century, and his career offers a fascinating insight into the continuing determination of missionary Quakers and their commitment to their beliefs.