cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
WSU ROAR and ROAR Online! Program Description and COVID-19 Response

Washington State University, Responsibility Opportunity Advocacy and Respect (WSU ROAR) is an inclusive 2-year residential postsecondary education program for students with intellectual and develop...
Maximum-Power-per-Ampere Variable Frequency Modulation for Dual Active Bridge Converters in Battery Balancing Application

Varying the operating frequency helps dual-active bridge topologies increase the system efficiency since the soft-switching is regained at low-load condition. This paper proposes a conduction-loss-based variable frequency modulation (VFM) that decouples the phase shift from the frequency control that conventional VFM applies. The power losses for the shared-bus battery balancing topology are elaborated as switching frequency varies. The results show that increasing the operating frequency within reasonable boundaries can benefit not only the switching loss but also the conduction losses. The switching loss is nearly constant, whereas the conduction losses decrease significantly. A factor of output power and transformer current, namely power-per-ampere, is derived as a function of operating conditions and phase shift independent of switching frequency. The operating setpoints are selected to minimize the factor using both online and offline optimizations. The proposed control strategy outperforms constant frequency modulation by up to 30% below 30% rated power. Furthermore, compared with conventional VFM, the proposed method improves the efficiency of the system under test by 1.5% below 50% normalized power, with significantly less computational resources needed.
Yap/Taz inhibit goblet cell fate to maintain lung epithelial homeostasis.

Summary Proper lung function relies on the precise balance of specialized epithelial cells that coordinate to maintain homeostasis. Herein, we describe essential roles for the transcriptional regulators YAP/TAZ in maintaining lung epithelial homeostasis, reporting that conditional deletion of Yap and Wwtr1/Taz in the lung epithelium of adult mice results in severe defects, including alveolar disorganization and the development of airway mucin hypersecretion. Through in vivo lineage tracing and in vitro molecular experiments, we reveal that reduced YAP/TAZ activity promotes intrinsic goblet transdifferentiation of secretory airway epithelial cells. Global gene expression and chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq) analyses suggest that YAP/TAZ act cooperatively with TEA domain (TEAD) transcription factors and the NuRD complex to suppress the goblet cell fate program, directly repressing the SPDEF gene. Collectively, our study identifies YAP/TAZ as critical factors in lung epithelial homeostasis and offers molecular insight into the mechanisms promoting goblet cell differentiation, which is a hallmark of many lung diseases.
Association of Vaping and Respiratory Health among Youth in the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study Wave 3.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the association of electronic nicotine product (ENP) use and its respiratory manifestations in a nationally representative sample of adolescents in the US. Cross-sectional evidence from 9750 adolescents in wave 3 (October 2015–October 2016) of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) survey was used. Adjusting for demographics, lifetime number of cigarettes and cigars used, home rules about tobacco use, and tobacco used by other household members, we used logistic regression models to examine associations between ENP use and its respiratory manifestations in the past year. Among 9750 adolescents, 12% (n = 1105) used ENP in the past year. Compared to non-users, past-year ENP-users had 37% higher odds of wheezing in general (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) = 1.37, 95% Confidence interval (CI): 1.11–1.71, p = 0.005) and higher odds of wheezing 4–12 times or >12 times per year versus no wheezing (AOR = 1.57, 95% CI: 1.01–2.46, p = 0.05 and AOR = 2.58, 95% CI: 1.04–6.41, p = 0.04, respectively). Additionally, odds of dry cough at night were 23% higher among ENP-users than among non-users (AOR = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.04–1.46, p = 0.02). There was no association between past-year ENP use and exercise-induced wheezing or asthma diagnosis. Among those with asthma, there was no evidence of an association between ENP use and long-acting inhaler or quick-relief inhaler use. ENP use among adolescents is associated with increased frequency of wheezing and dry cough. Early recognition of pulmonary clinical manifestations among young ENP users should be critical considerations in regulatory and prevention efforts to protect public health, and clinical efforts to prevent progression to serious pulmonary complications.
Structure and bacterial receptor activity of a human salivary proline-rich glycoprotein

Using an overlay technique, we previously showed that the Gram-negative periodontal pathogen Fusobacterium nucleatum binds to a glycoprotein of Mr 89,000 (Prakobphol, A., Murray, P., and Fischer, S.J. (1987) Anal. Biochem. 164, 5-11) in the parotid saliva of some individuals. We now show that deglycosylation of the purified glycoprotein results in loss of receptor activity. Amino acid analysis of the protein core showed predominantly proline, glycine, and glutamic acid/glutamine, a characteristic of proline-rich glycoproteins (PRG). The amino terminus contained repeating sequences of Ser-Gln-Gly-Pro-Pro-Pro-Arg-Pro-Gly-Lys-Pro-Glu-Gly-Pro-Pro-Pro- Gln-Gly that had significant compositional and sequence homology to that encoded by exon 3 of the PRB3 gene. We analyzed the PRG oligosaccharides by a combination of mass spectrometry techniques and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Twenty-seven highly fucosylated structures were identified. The most abundant was as follows (where Fuc is fucose). (formula; see text) To understand the structural basis of F. nucleatum binding, we screened glycolipids and neoglycolipids carrying carbohydrate structures related to those of the PRG for receptor activity; components with unsubstituted terminal lactosamine residues best supported adherence. Neoglycolipids constructed from PRG oligosaccharides were also receptors. Treatment with beta-galactosidase, but not alpha-fucosidase, abolished binding, suggesting that unsubstituted lactosamine units, including the 6-antenna of the major oligosaccharide, mediate F. nucleatum adherence.
Becoming solution-focused : Some beginning thoughts

Summary This preliminary paper addresses how therapists, students, and professionals go about the business of learning to accept the concepts and philosophy of becoming brief, solution-focused therapists. What is it that “clicks” for them to make that paradigmatic shift? This paper is a beginning exploration to this overarching question as we research therapists' experiences in moving from one model of therapy into the solution-focused approach. We incorporate an open dialogue between ourselves as we begin the process of exploring how individuals become solution-focused therapists. This paper is offered as a starting point. We hope to continue to collect data from a wide variety of individuals as they reflect on their personal journeys in becoming brief, solution-focused therapists.
Transport simulation of ITER startup

The present International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) reference configurations are provided by the technology phase, in which the plasma current is maintained noninductively at a subignition density, and the physics phase, which is ignited but requires inductive maintenance of the current. The WHIST 1.5-D transport code is used to evaluate the volt-second requirements of both configurations. A slow current ramp (60-80 s) is required for fixed-radius startup in the ITER to avoid hollow current density profiles. Reaching the operating point requires about 203 V-s for the technology phase (18 MA), and about 270 V-s for the physics phase (22 MA). The resistive losses can be reduced with expanding-radius startup. >
The abduction of geographic information science: transporting spatial reasoning to the realm of purpose and design

People intuitively understand that function and purpose are critical parts of what human-configured entities are about, but these notions have proved difficult to capture formally. Even though most geographical landscapes bear traces of human purposes, visibly expressed in the spatial configurations meant to serve these purposes, the capability of GIS to represent means-ends relationships and to support associated reasoning and queries is currently quite limited. This is because spatial thinking as examined and codified in geographic information science is overwhelmingly of the descriptive, analytic kind that underlies traditional science, where notions of means and ends play a negligible role. This paper argues for the need to expand the reach of formalized spatial thinking to also encompass the normative, synthetic kinds of reasoning characterizing planning, engineering and the design sciences in general. Key elements in a more comprehensive approach to spatial thinking would be the inclusion of abductive modes of inference along with the deductive and inductive ones, and the development of an expanded geographic ontology that integrates analysis and synthesis, form and function, landscape and purpose, description and design.
Measles, mumps and rubella virus vaccines prepared from virus produced by unit process

Abstract Vaccines against measles (Moraten—ATTENUVAX), mumps (Jeryl Lynn) and rubella (HPV-77 duck) were produced from virus grown by a new unit process method employing titanium discs in stainless steel tanks for support of cell growth. The yields of virus and the clinical findings in tests of the vaccine were comparable to those obtained when conventional bottle cell culture methods were employed.
Production of isotopic disequilibrium in igneous rocks by crustal contamination — an example from a Laramide volcanic center in Montana, U.S.A.

Abstract A sample from the margin of an epizonal intrusion in Montana contains a mineral assemblage that was not in isotopic equilibrium at the time of crystallization. The data are modeled as the result of mixing of a cumulate assemblage and a granitic melt derived from local crustal rocks. The mineral assemblage of pyroxene and plagioclase with biotite, apatite and magnetite, crystallized from mafic magmas now represented by diorites in the center of the intrusion. Cumulus biotite was apparently unaffected by introduction of granitic melt and retains I Sr (0.7046) indistinguishable from that of uncontaminated rocks (0.7045–0.7047). Feldspars that crystallized from the granitic melt have I Sr ∼ 0.710. Cumulus pyroxene reacted with granitic melt to form hornblende that dominates the dioritic part of the hybrid. Radiogenic Sr from the melt was incorporated in the hornblende so it has I Sr (0.7065) higher than that of uncontaminated rocks. The granitic melt that reacted with the cumulates was locally derived and retained the isotopic composition of immediate wall rocks. Isotopic compositions of other crustal melts also reflect local, not regional, crustal compositions. In areas where melt extraction is an important mechanism of contamination, the nature of all crustal lithologies must be considered. Even volumetrically minor crustal lithologies may be important contaminants if they can yield large amounts of granitic melt, so that felsic rocks constituting only a small fraction of the basement may be potent contaminants. On the other hand, mafic rocks that dominate the basement are less viable contaminants if they can produce only small amounts of granitic melt.
High-Throughput Screening Normalized to Biological Response Application to Antiviral Drug Discovery

The process of conducting cell-based phenotypic screens can result in data sets from small libraries or portions of large libraries, making accurate hit picking from multiple data sets important for efficient drug discovery. Here, we describe a screen design and data analysis approach that allow for normalization not only between quadrants and plates but also between screens or batches in a robust, quantitative fashion, enabling hit selection from multiple data sets. We independently screened the MicroSource Spectrum and NCI Diversity Set II libraries using a cell-based phenotypic high-throughput screening (HTS) assay that uses an interferon-stimulated response element (ISRE)-driven luciferase-reporter assay to identify interferon (IFN) signal enhancers. Inclusion of a per-plate, per-quadrant IFN dose-response standard curve enabled conversion of ISRE activity to effective IFN concentrations. We identified 45 hits based on a combined z score ≥2.5 from the two libraries, and 25 of 35 available hits were validated in a compound concentration-response assay when tested using fresh compound. The results provide a basis for further analysis of chemical structure in relation to biological function. Together, the results establish an HTS method that can be extended to screening for any class of compounds that influence a quantifiable biological response for which a standard is available.
Difference method for wave analysis of the split hopkinson pressure bar with a viscoelastic specimen

Abstract This paper presents an original method, using finite difference approximations, for describing stress-wave propagation in a split Hopkinson pressure bar with a viscoelastic specimen. The difference scheme for the elastic bar is briefly reviewed, and the schemes for the viscoelastic bar and interface boundaries are derived in detail. An experiment with a split Hopkinson pressure bar is described, and the experimental data obtained are subjected to conventional analysis and to wave analysis by the difference method. A method of obtaining the complex moduli of the viscoelastic specimen by parameter conversion is also demonstrated.
Heuristics or general learning processes

The concept of heuristics implies that the rules governing choice behavior may vary with ecological constraints. Behavior analysis, in contrast, seeks general principles that transcend specific situations. To the extent that search is successful, the concept of heuristics is unlikely to play a significant role in the analysis of animal behavior.
Biochemical Analysis of Yeast Gα Mutants That Enhance Adaptation to Pheromone

The mating-specific heterotrimeric G(alpha) protein of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Gpa1, negatively regulates activation of the pheromone response pathway both by sequestering G(beta)gamma and by triggering an adaptive response through an as yet unknown mechanism. Previous genetic studies identified mutant alleles of GPA1 that downregulate the pheromone response independently of the pheromone receptor (GPA1E364K), or through a receptor-dependent mechanism (GPA1N388D). To further our understanding of the mechanism of action of these mutant alleles, their corresponding proteins were purified and subjected to biochemical analysis. The receptor-dependent activity of Gpa1N388D was further analyzed using yeast strains expressing constitutively active receptor (Ste2) mutants, and C-terminal truncation mutant forms of Gpa1. A combination of G(alpha) affinity chromatography, GTP binding/hydrolysis studies, and genetic analysis allowed us to assign a distinct mechanism of action to each of these mutant proteins.
Facial injuries by potato gun: Spuds as scuds

Potato guns are weapons that can launch a projectile by pneumatic or combustion mechanisms at up to 400 miles an hour (643.7 km/h) for distances up to 300 yards (274.3 m). These devices are easy to make and not subject to regulation. They come in many different shapes and sizes, from as small as the palm of your hand to the size of a small cannon. Instructions for the construction of potato guns are widely available on the Internet.
Estimation of liquid film mass transfer coefficients for randomly packed absorption columns

Empirical and theoretical correlations, published since 1940 are reported which predict liquid film mass transfer coefficients in packed columns. Brief comments on the usefulness of the equations are given together with the range of operating variables, where available. Dimensional constants in the empirical correlations have been recalculated for the cases where the original values were not in SI units.
Oxidation of Halides by Peroxidases and Their Subsequent Reductions

The iodide oxidase activity and iodide-dependent pseudocatalatic activity of lignin peroxidase H2, an extracellular enzyme of the white rot fungus Phanerochaete chrysosporium, was inhibited by EDTA. The inhibition of iodide oxidase activity by EDTA was reversed at higher concentrations of iodide. Similar results were observed with a number of peroxidases. On further investigation, it was found that EDTA was decarboxylated in a reaction mixture containing a peroxidase, iodide, H2O2, and EDTA. EDTA was also decarboxylated by hypoiodite, a possible intermediate during oxidation of iodide by peroxidases. Iodide-dependent pseudocatalatic activity was increased with an increase in the concentration of H2O2 and inhibited at higher concentrations of iodide. EDTA was also oxidized by horseradish peroxidase, lactoperoxidase, and myeloperoxidase using iodide or bromide as a mediator. However, only myeloperoxidase was able to decarboxylate EDTA using chloride as a mediator. It is proposed that halide is oxidized to hypohalite by peroxidases. The hypohalite is then reduced by EDTA, H2O2, or halide. Reduction is associated with the decarboxylation of EDTA, oxidation of H2O2 to molecular oxygen, or oxidation of halide.
Effects of elevated testicular temperature on morphology characteristics of ejaculated spermatozoa in the bovine

Abstract A mild thermal insult to the testes was studied with respect to ejaculated sperm motility and morphology. A 48-h scrotal insulation was administered to 6 young Holstein bulls whose semen was collected by artificial vagina twice in succession at 3-d intervals for 7 wk. For assessment of results, collection days were grouped in the follwing way: Period 1 (control) = Days -6, -3 and 0, where Day 0 = initiation of scrotal insulation after semen collection; Period 2 = Days 3, 6 and 9 (spermatozoa presumed to be in the epididymis or rete testes during scrotal insulation); and Period 3 = Days 12 and 15 through 39 (spermatozoa presumed to be in spermatogenesis during scrotal insulation). Daily sperm output per collection day was 5.3±0.7 × 109 and did not differ across the experimental periods. Moreover, Periods 1 and 2 did not differ in the mean percentage of motility or in the mean percentage of abnormal spermatozoa (69.1±2.5 and 19.6±5.7%, respectively, for Period 1). Morphological change was first noted on Day 12 (47.5±27.4% abnormal) and peaked on Day 18 (86.3±24.3%). Motility depression began on Day 12 and reached a nadir on Day 15 (42.0±9.8%). Bulls varied in the type of abnormal spermatozoa produced and in magnitude of response; however, specific abnormalities appeared in ejaculates in a predictable chronological sequence following scrotal insulation (Day 0). The sequence was: tailless, (Days12 to 15); diadem, (Day 18); pyriform and nuclear vacuoles, (Day 21); knobbed acrosome, (Day 27); and Dag defect, (Day 30).
Elementary inverse, energy velocity, and a generalized Sommerfeld theorem

We will do three things: Show how to infer elementarily from timedomain precursors some frequency-domain information. Second, make observations on energy velocity that may be surprising. Third, generalize Sommerfeld's theorem about the speed of light.
Lords and order: Credible rulers and state failure

Why do states fail? Why do failed states persist without collapsing into complete anarchy? This paper argues that in response to insurgency or weakened state capacity, the best way for rulers to sustain their rule may be, paradoxically, to reduce the amount of political protection they provide to clients or citizens. This behavior recognizes and helps explain a puzzling feature of failed states, namely that central government often functions even when political disorder prevails. To evaluate this argument, the paper analyzes the case of King Stephen’s reign in medieval England. In response to a challenge to his succession, King Stephen dramatically decentralized government, a decision which has long puzzled historians. In addition, although far removed historically from contemporary cases, the reign of King Stephen exhibits just those characteristics of modern, failed states: insurgency, civil war, territorial fragmentation, increasing disorder and violence (even between adherents of the same side of the ...
The Three-Circuit Transformer

Three electrical circuits which are separate and independent of each other, except that they are magnetically coupled by lines of force which interlink with the conductors in each circuit, can be represented by an equivalent circuit which has been developed from well-known fundamental equations. There are two distinct types of the three-circuit transformer which depend upon the relative directions of the fluxes flowing in the mutual paths in the magnetic circuit. Any arrangement of three coupled circuits will have the characteristics of either one type or the other. It is therefore important to study the magnetic circuits to determine the paths for the flux which interlink with the conductors in each of the electrical circuits. There are stray fluxes which interlink with the conductors in only one circuit and mutual fluxes which interlink with the conductors in two circuits. It may also be that there are mutual fluxes that interlink with the conductors in all three circuits. A problem of each type of transformer has been considered. In Case I the coils in each circuit, or the cores on which they are mounted, are disposed parallel to each other or arranged in the form of a Y in which case it is practically impossible to have a mutual flux thread through all three coils.
Chromatolytic neurons in Werdnig-Hoffmann disease contain phosphorylated neurofilaments.

Two cases of Werdnig-Hoffman disease are described. Chromatolytic neurons were found within the ventral horns of the spinal cord as well as in dorsal root ganglia, Clarke's column, cranial nerve nuclei and thalamus. Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated ohosphorylated neurofilament antigen within the cytoplasm of the chromatolytic neurons. This finding suggests that a defect in slow axonal transport or in the regulation of neurofilament phosphorylation may play a role in the pathogenesis of this disorder.
Primary biliary cirrhosis: associations with class II major histocompatibility complex antigens.

Tissue injury in primary biliary cirrhosis is thought to be mediated by immune mechanisms. Various Class II antigens of the major histocompatibility complex are associated with autoimmune diseases and their differing clinical manifestations. Thus, the aim of this study was to examine the relationship between primary biliary cirrhosis, its clinical manifestations and serologically defined Class II antigens (HLA-DR and HLA-DQ). Typing for these antigens was performed in 114 primary biliary cirrhotic patients and 171 controls by lymphocytotoxicity. There was a 6-fold increase in the frequency of HLA-DRw8 in primary biliary cirrhosis as compared to controls [30.1 vs. 4.7% (p < 0.0001)]. In contrast, HLA-DR5 had a decreased frequency in primary biliary cirrhosis as compared to controls [9.8 vs. 25.2% (p < 0.02)]. We examined the relationship between Class II antigens and the following prognostic indicators in primary biliary cirrhosis: serum bilirubin; 24-hr urine copper; serum albumin; prothrombin time; platelet count; ascites, and histologic stage (I to IV). Patients who are positive for HLA-DRw52 (n = 82) had a 2-fold increase in serum bilirubin compared to those who are negative (n = 32) for this antigen (p < 0.05). Conversely, patients who are positive for HLA-DR2 had less than half the serum bilirubin values of those negative for this antigen (p < 0.02). In conclusion, we found different Class II antigens to be associated with a prognostic indicator in primary biliary cirrhosis (serum bilirubin), while HLA-DRw8 is strongly associated with the disease itself. These data suggest that determining Class II antigens may be important in predicting the course and clinical expression of primary biliary cirrhosis.
A high throughput, noncontact system for screening silicon wafers predisposed to breakage during solar cell production

We describe a non-contact, on-line system for screening wafers that are likely to break during solar cell/module fabrication. The wafers are transported on a conveyor belt under a light source, which illuminates the wafers with a specific light distribution. Each wafer undergoes a dynamic thermal stress whose magnitude mimics the highest stress the wafer will experience during cell/module fabrication. As a result of the stress, the weak wafers break, leaving only the wafers that are strong enough to survive the production processes. We will describe the mechanism of wafer breakage, introduce the wafer system, and discuss the results of the time-temperature (t-T) profile of wafers with and without microcracks.
Finding objects for assisting blind people

Computer vision technology has been widely used for blind assistance, such as navigation and way finding. However, few camera-based systems are developed for helping blind or visually impaired people to find daily necessities. In this paper, we propose a prototype system of blind-assistant object finding by camera-based network and matching-based recognition. We collect a dataset of daily necessities and apply Speeded-Up Robust Features and Scale Invariant Feature Transform feature descriptors to perform object recognition. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of our prototype system.
HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors in kidney transplant recipients receiving tacrolimus: statins not associated with improved patient or graft survival

The beneficial effects of early statin use in kidney transplant recipients, especially those on tacrolimus-based immunosuppression, are not well established. We evaluated the predictors of statin use following kidney transplantation and examined its association with patient and allograft survival. We examined 615 consecutive patients who underwent kidney transplant at our institution between January 1998 and January 2002. Statin use was assessed at baseline and 3, 6, 9, and 12 months following kidney transplant. Patients were followed for allograft and patient survival. 36% of the 615 kidney transplant recipients were treated with statin treatment. Statin use increased over the course of the study period. Older age, elevated body mass index, higher triglyceride levels, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, history of myocardial infarction were associated with higher rates of statin use; elevated alkaline phosphatase levels and CMV IgG seropositivity were associated with less statin use. Older age, elevated BMI and hypercholesterolemia remained significant predictors of increased statin use after accounting for covariates using multiple regression. The early use of statins was not associated with improvements in unadjusted patient survival [HR 0.99; 95%CI 0.72-1.37] or graft survival [HR 0.97; 95% CI 0.76-1.24]. The risks of death and graft survival were not consistently reduced with exposure to statin using either adjusted models or propensity scores in Cox Proportional Hazards models. In a kidney transplant population primarily receiving tacrolimus-based immunosuppression, early statin use was not associated with significantly improved graft or patient survival.
A Note on the Derivation of Fisher's Transformation of the Correlation Coefficient

Abstract Fisher's transformation of the bivariate-normal correlation coefficient is usually derived as a variance-stabilizing transformation and its normalizing property is then demonstrated by the reduced skewness of the distribution resulting from the transformation. In this note the transformation is derived as a normalizing transformation that incorporates variance stabilization. Some additional remarks are made on the transformation and its uses.
Signalling properties of lysophosphatidic acid

Abstract Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is the simplest natural phospholipid, primarily known as a membrane component and metabolic intermediate. However, a remarkable variety of biological effects of this compound have come to light, seemingly pointing to an additional role for LPA as a signalling molecule. In this review . Marcel Durieux and Kevin Lynch integrate the recent information that indicates that LPA could be an intercellular messenger, possibly acting through a G protein-coupled receptor, and with a role in cell growth and motility .
Identification of sesame seed allergens by 2-dimensional proteomics and Edman sequencing: seed storage proteins as common food allergens.

Abstract Background: Sesame seed allergy is becoming increasingly prevalent, probably because of its use in international fast-food and bakery products. Despite this fact, few studies have focused on the identification of its major allergenic proteins. Objective: The aim of this study was to identify allergenic proteins of sesame seeds (Sesamum indicum) . Methods: Extracted sesame seed proteins were separated by means of SDS-PAGE and 2-dimensional (2-D) PAGE. Immunolabeling was performed with individual patient sera from 20 patients with sesame seed allergy. Selected proteins were further analyzed by means of Edman sequencing. Results: IgE-binding proteins were identified at 78, 52, 45, 34, 32, 29, 25, 20, 9, and 7 kd. Analyzing internal sequences, the protein at 45 kd, which was recognized by 75% of the patients, was found to be a 7S vicilin-type globulin, a seed storage protein of sesame and named Ses i 3. The protein at 7 kd was found to be a 2S albumin, another seed storage protein of sesame and named Ses i 2. Seed storage proteins are known food allergens in peanut, walnut, Brazil nut, and soybean. Interestingly, one known IgE-binding epitope of the peanut allergen Ara h 1 has 80% homology with the corresponding area of Ses i 3. The different amino acids were previously shown not to be critical for IgE binding in Ara h 1. In addition, the proteins at 78 and 34 kd were found to be homologous to the embryonic abundant protein and the seed maturation protein of soybeans, respectively. Conclusion: The identification of 4 sesame seed allergens is the first step toward generating recombinant allergens for use in future immunotherapeutic approaches. In addition, the detection of conserved IgE binding epitopes in common food allergens might be a useful tool for predicting cross-reactivity to certain foods. (J Allergy Clin Immunol 2002;110:154-9.)
High-affinity CD25-binding IL-2 mutants potently stimulate persistent T cell growth.

We have used directed evolution to construct IL-2 mutants that bind the IL-2 α receptor subunit (IL-2Rα, CD25) with affinities comparable to that of the IL-15−IL-15 α receptor subunit (IL-15Rα) int...
Tritiated water measurements of water flux in nestling and adult zebra finches (Poephila guttata).

Abstract 1. 1. Total body water volume (TBWV) and daily water turnover rates (WTR) were measured in nestling and adult zebra finches using tritiated water (TOH). 2. 2. TBWV and daily WTR increased with age up to 13 days post hatching. 3. 3. TBWV and WTR approached adult levels after 13 days of age. WTR varied among ages and nest mates. All nestlings turned over at least 50% of their body water pool per day. 4. 4. The WTR data for adult birds are consistent with natural history data suggesting zebra finches are dependent on water for breeding and survival.
PRIMITIVE TRIANGULAR UHF ALGEBRAS

Abstract We prove that a large class of triangular UHF algebras are primitive. We use two avenues to obtain our results: a direct approach in which we explicitly construct a faithful, algebraically irreducible representation of the algebra on a separable Hilbert space, as well as an indirect, algebraic approach which utilizes the prime ideal structure of the algebra. Using these results, we completely characterize the primitive ideal spaces of all lexicographic algebras: An ideal there is primitive if and only if it is closed prime. Specializing on the algebrasA( Q , ν), we obtain a complete classification of their algebraic isomorphisms and epimorphisms through the use of a new invariant involving the primitive ideal space. Finally, we characterize the primitive ideal spaces of Z -analytic and order-preserving algebras, and obtain information about their epimorphisms.
Current trends in student retention: A literature review

Abstract Associate degree nursing programs must work to find ways to keep students accepted into the nursing programs progressing in the programs. Various factors that have a direct effect on retention rates have been identified, including preadmission testing, English as a Second Language students, cultural diversity, and grade point average/American College Test scores The challenge educators' face is keeping the accepted students enrolled and progressing in the program.
Early Medieval Missionary Activity: A Comparative Study of Eastern and Western Methods*

One of the more fascinating problems connected with the history of the early Middle Ages is the persistence of similarities and the emergence of differences in the ideas and institutions of the eastern and western remnants of the Roman Empire. Equally intriguing is the related problem of the origins and the nature of the differences which characterize the Slavic and Germanic groups that fell under the influence of the Greeks and the Latins during the early Middle Ages. This paper will attempt to throw some light, on these problems by examining the field of missionary history. It will try to compare the methods employed by the eastern and western missionaries to convert the Slavic and Germanic groups living on the borders of Christendom in the period from about A.D. 600 to 900. Such a comparison might be revealing. It will permit one to see wherein the Greeks and the Latins acted alike or differently as each attacked the same problem. It will also allow one to detect some of the formative forces implanted in the Slavic and Germanic worlds as each underwent the fundamental experience of adopting a new religion.
Do not sell marriage short: Reply to strober

This paper explains why marriage market conditions may affect the participation of women in the labor force. In particular, it is claimed that changes in cohort size affect marriage market conditions and therefore women's labor-force participation. The paper also indicates how a theory of labor and marriage based on market analysis can possibly help women's causes. The paper first addresses theoretical issues raised by Strober. It then responds to her critique of empirical work.
Linearized Euler predictions of unsteady aerodynamic loads in cascades

A linearized Euler solver for calculating unsteady flows in turbomachinery blade rows due to both incident gusts and vibratory blade motion is presented. Using the linearized Euler technique, one decomposes the flow into a mean (or steady) flow plus an unsteady, harmonically varying, small-disturbance flow. Linear variable coefficient equations describe the small-disturbance behavior of the flow and are solved using a pseudotime time-marching Lax-Wendroff scheme. For the blade-motion problem, a harmonically deforming computational grid that conforms to the motion of vibrating blades eliminates large error producing mean flow gradient terms that would otherwise appear in the unsteady flow tangency boundary condition
Social approval of suicide and suicide rates.

were calculated. For men, the Spearman rhos were 0.14, 0.03, -0.09 and 0.71, respectively, for the four reasons. For women, the Spearman rhos were 0.60, 0.60, 0.51, and 0.37, respectively. Although none of these correlations was statistically significant, seven of the eight were positive (binomial p = .035), suggesting that the social groups who approve more of suicide may also have higher suicide rates.
An isolate of brome mosaic virus specifically supports the replication of a defective form of its RNA 3

In one German isolate of brome mosaic virus, a defective form of RNA 3 was detected in addition to intact RNA 3. It was propagated only in barley, but was lost in Chenopodium quinoa and depended for its replication on the RNAs of the virus isolate from which it was derived. It did not induce any change of the symptoms produced in barley.
Applying CUDA Architecture to Accelerate Full Search Block Matching Algorithm for High Performance Motion Estimation in Video Encoding

This work presents a parallel GPU-based solution for the Motion Estimation (ME) process in a video encoding system. We propose a way to partition the steps of Full Search block matching algorithm in the CUDA architecture. A comparison among the performance achieved by this solution with a theoretical model and two other implementations (sequential and parallel using OpenMP library) is made as well. We obtained a O(n^2/log^2n) speed-up which fits the proposed theoretical model considering different search areas. It represents up to 600x gain compared to the serial implementation, and 66x compared to the parallel OpenMP implementation.
Experimental infection of reindeer with bovine viral diarrhea virus

Two 8-month reindeer ( Rangifer tarandus ) and a 1-month-old Hereford-Holstein calf ( Bos taurus ) were inoculated intranasally with the Singer (cytopathogenic) strain of bovine viral diarrhea (BVD) virus. Clinical signs in reindeer included loose stools containing blood and mucus, and transient laminitis or coronitis. Signs in the calf were limited to bloody mucus in the stool and lesions in the nasal mucosa. Antibody titers to BVD virus in the reindeer were intermittent, and titers in the calf persisted from days 14 to 63 post-inoculation (PI). Viremia was detected on PI day 4 in one reindeer, days 3-7 in the other, and days 2-7 in the calf. Bovine viral diarrhea virus was isolated from the lung of the calf at necropsy (PI day 63).
The role of bismuth in the SOHIO process

The Standard Oil of Ohio Company (SOHIO) process is the oxidation/ammoxidation of propene over bismuth/molybdate catalysts. Studies in the heterogeneous systems show that bismuth is involved in the rate-determining hydrogen abstraction from propene in both cases, and may be involved in later steps of the process as well. Model studies support the intervention of bismuth(III) in the rate-determining step and molybdenum(VI) in later steps. Few model studies with bismuth-containing compounds have been reported.
Irreversible-intramolecular-reaction kinetics in polymeric liquids

We calculate irreversible-intrapolymeric-reaction rates k(t) as a function of reactive group location along the backbone using renormalization group methods. In unentangled melts k(t) is of diffusion-controlled (DC) form for cyclization (case 1) and for one end and one internal group (case 2), with logarithmic corrections for two internal groups (case 3). In dilute solutions excluded-volume repulsions dominate for good solvents; for sufficiently long chains k(t) obeys mean-field theory ("law of mass action", LMA) and case i is governed by the i-th correlation hole exponent of des Cloizeaux (i = 1,2,3). Theta solvents are marginal (on the DC/LMA boundary) and k(t) collects logarithmic corrections in time and molecular weight.
Finding the Fittest Fold: Using the Evolutionary Record to Design New Proteins

For many years, the holy grail of protein engineering has been the design of artificial amino acid sequences that fold into stable proteins with desired functions. In the current issue of Nature, two papers from the Ranganathan group (Russ et al., 2005; Socolich et al., 2005) report remarkable success in the design of artificial WW domains. Their method, termed statistical coupling analysis (Lockless and Ranganathan, 1999), does not use structural or physicochemical information but instead extracts information about essential patterns of amino acids from the evolutionary record.
Dynamics of fluid flow inside carbon nanotubes

The dynamics of fluid flow through nanomachines is different from in other systems in that the flow is granular (no continuum assumption) and that the `walls' move. We have performed molecular dynamics simulations of the flow of helium and argon inside carbon (graphite) nanotubes of several sizes. The fluid was started at some initial velocity; fluid particles were allowed to recycle axially through the tube via minimum image boundary conditions. Argon slowed down more quickly than helium. In addition, the behaviour of the fluid strongly depended on the rigidity of the tube; a dynamic tube slowed down the fluid far more quickly than one in which the tube was held frozen. It also depended on the fluid density and tube diameter. It did not, however, depend on the tube length, because fluid flow tended to prevent the development of strong longitudinal modes, whose behaviour is length dependent.
Salicylate-mediated increase in urate removal during hemodialysis: Evidence for urate binding to protein in vivo

Abstract The binding of urate to plasma proteins was estimated by an in vitro technique before and after the administration of aspirin to ten patients undergoing intermittent hemodialysis for chronic renal insufficiency. Six of these patients did not have any detectable binding of urate to plasma proteins in vitro either before or after aspirin administration. Aspirin did not have any effect on the removal of urate during hemodialysis in these six subjects. Four patients exhibited binding of urate to plasma proteins in vitro, which was markedly reduced by the administration of aspirin. In these four subjects, the rate of removal of urate during hemodialysis on five different occasions was significantly increased by the administration of aspirin. This increase in the removal of urate is best explained by an aspirin-mediated release of urate from protein-binding sites in vivo. While previous studies have demonstrated that urate binding to plasma proteins occurs in vitro, this study provides the first evidence to suggest that such binding may also occur in vivo.
Entrainment and task co-representation effects for discrete and continuous action sequences

A large body of work has established an influence of other people's actions on our own actions. For example, actors entrain to the movements of others, in studies that typically employ continuous movements. Likewise, studies on co-representation have shown that people automatically co-represent a co-actor's task, in studies that typically employ discrete actions. Here we examined entrainment and co-representation within a single task paradigm. Participants sat next to a confederate while simultaneously moving their right hand back and forth between two targets. We crossed whether or not the participant and the confederate moved over an obstacle and manipulated whether participants generated discrete or continuous movement sequences, while varying the space between the actors and whether the actors could see each other's movements. Participants moved higher when the confederate cleared an obstacle than when he did not. For continuous movements, this effect depended on the availability of visual information, as would be expected on the basis of entrainment. In contrast, the co-actor's task modulated the height of discrete movements, regardless of the availability of visual information, which is consistent with co-representation. Space did not have an effect. These results provide new insights into the interplay between co-representation and entrainment for discrete- and continuous-action tasks.
An ab initio molecular orbital study of Li2O2 and LiO2H

Abstract An ab initio molecular orbital study, using a Gaussian basis set, of the geometries of Li2O2 and LiO2H is presented. Consistent with the experimental data available, Li2O2 is found to have a rhombic structure; the O-Li-O configuration in LiO2H is found to form an acute triangle. The bonding in these species is discussed to terms of Mulliken population analyses.
SU-E-T-184: LINAC Commissioning Measurements Utilizing the Cylindrical Arc Check Phantom.

Purpose: New devices for IMRT and VMAT QA are continually becoming available. Despite the availability of these devices they are underutilized for routine mechanical QA. In this work we take advantage of the cylindrical geometry of the Arc Check phantom to perform tests that are an integral part of commissioning and routine QA. Methods: The Arc Check is a cylindrical phantom with a diameter of 26.59cm and a 1386 diode array arranged on a cylindrical plane. Owing to its cylindrical design it is capable of measuring entry and exit radiation. For this experiment the Arc Check was set up using the mechanical pointer at 86.7cm SSD. The device was leveled using its inclinometer and was properly rotated to align with the lasers and cross‐hair. With the phantom set up at the expected isocenter of the LINAC, 100MUs with a 10×10 field were delivered at different gantry angles, couch and collimator rotations. Each delivery was recorded individually and for each one the radiation center at the entry and exit levels of the detector were estimated. That provided the path of the radiation center through the device. The radiation path was reconstructed for each rotation individually and the coincidence of the mechanical and radiation isocenter was evaluated. Results: A procedure and MATLAB routine were developed that accepted as input the text files that are the output of the Arc Check measurement and geometrically reconstructed in 3‐dimensions the isocenter and radiation central axis for each rotation. The coincidence of the radiation and mechanical isocenter was verified. Conclusions: This work demonstrates that by utilizing the geometry of a commercially available device multiple mechanical LINAC tests that are part of routine QA can be evaluated in one single setup.
The circannual variations of some of the hormones of the woodchuck (Marmotamonax)

Abstract 1. 1. The excretion of 17-keto steroids, 17-hydroxy steroids and total urinary estrogens of the woodchuck ( Marmota monax ) were measured for a period of 1 year. 2. 2. The results of the analyses were compared to the overall activity of the animal and to the metabolism of lipid and protein. 3. 3. It is thought that the androgenic, glucocorticoid and estrogenic hormones are involved in the mechanism for arousal. 4. 4. The urinary epinephrine, norepinephrine and vanilmandelic acid excretion rates were followed in the woodchuck ( M. monax ) for a period of 1 year. 5. 5. The lowest values were recorded in the early phases of hibernation with increases occurring just prior to arousal and on into the summer months. 6. 6. It is thought that the levels of epinephrine and norepinephrine assist in the preparation of the woodchuck for arousal.