cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Implementation of Digital Electronic Arithmetics and its application in image processing

In this paper we introduce new algorithm implementations of a new parametric image processing framework that will accurately process images and speed up computation for addition, subtraction, and multiplication. Its potential applications include computer graphics, digital signal processing and other multimedia applications. This Parameterized Digital Electronic Arithmetic (PDEA) model replaces linear operations with non-linear ones. The implementation of a parameterized model is presented. We also present the design of arithmetic circuits including parallel counters, adders and multipliers based in two high performance threshold logic gate implementations that we have developed. We will also explore new microprocessor architectures to take advantage of arithmetic. The experiments executed have shown that the algorithm provides faster and better enhancements from those described in the literature. The FPGA chips used is Spartan 3E from Xilinix. The critical length in the circuit implemented on the FPGA had the minimum period for the proposed subsystem is 10.209ns (maximum frequency 97.957MHz). Maximum power consumed is 2.4mW using 32nm process and we used parallelism and reuse of the Hardware components to accomplish and speed up the process.
Numerical solution of nonisothermal rate equations and analysis of solutions by the Reich—Stivala method

Abstract Values of α have been obtained from the rate equation by solving it numerically using a fourth order Runge—Kutta method for several values of n in the range 0–2. In each case, the solutions have been analyzed by the iterative method of Reich and Stivala. Calculated values of n and E were found to be virtually identical to those used in the differential equation.
The opto-cryo-mechanical design of the short wavelength camera for the CCAT Observatory

The CCAT observatory is a 25-m class Gregorian telescope designed for submillimeter observations that will be deployed at Cerro Chajnantor (~5600 m) in the high Atacama Desert region of Chile. The Short Wavelength Camera (SWCam) for CCAT is an integral part of the observatory, enabling the study of star formation at high and low redshifts. SWCam will be a facility instrument, available at first light and operating in the telluric windows at wavelengths of 350, 450, and 850 μm. In order to trace the large curvature of the CCAT focal plane, and to suit the available instrument space, SWCam is divided into seven sub-cameras, each configured to a particular telluric window. A fully refractive optical design in each sub-camera will produce diffraction-limited images. The material of choice for the optical elements is silicon, due to its excellent transmission in the submillimeter and its high index of refraction, enabling thin lenses of a given power. The cryostat’s vacuum windows double as the sub-cameras’ field lenses and are ~30 cm in diameter. The other lenses are mounted at 4 K. The sub-cameras will share a single cryostat providing thermal intercepts at 80, 15, 4, 1 and 0.1 K, with cooling provided by pulse tube cryocoolers and a dilution refrigerator. The use of the intermediate temperature stage at 15 K minimizes the load at 4 K and reduces operating costs. We discuss our design requirements, specifications, key elements and expected performance of the optical, thermal and mechanical design for the short wavelength camera for CCAT.
Theory of the low-temperature Seebeck coefficient in dilute alloys

The Seebeck coefficient in dilute alloys at low temperatures is investigated in a simple model in which free electrons are scattered by a random array of fixed impurities and interact with longitudinal Debye phonons through a Fr\"ohlich Hamiltonian. As has been shown by Vilenkin, the wave-number dependence of the Fourier-transformed impurity potential removes the near cancellation of several contributions due to the electron-phonon renormalizations discussed by Vilenkin and Taylor. The net electron-phonon enhancement of the Seebeck coefficient is found to be close to the usual mass-enhancement ratio in the case of a screened Coulomb potential.
Improvement Strategy for Mature Plant Breeding Programs

In mature plant breeding programs an elite core germplasm forms the backbone of the breeding effort, confronting the breeder with the challenge of maintaining germplasm diversity as genetic distance between the elite core germplasm and donor germplasm widens. This research assessed the effects on grain yield of transferring genes from two-row barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) cultivars to a six-row gene pool. We conducted three cycles of recurrent-type breeding, beginning with crosses involving five two-row donor parents. The crossing scheme led to progenies with theoretical proportions of two-row germplasm of 25 to 50% in Cycle 1, 12.5 to 25% in Cycle 2 and 6.25 to 12.5% in Cycle 3. In Cycle 1, yield of the six-row progeny across the five populations ranged from 86 to 97% of the respective six-row parent. Kernel weight of the six-row progeny was also low in Cycle 1. In Cycle 2, grain yield improved to 99% of the check mean and kernel weight improved to 102% of the check mean. In Cycle 3, sets of lines representing three populations yielded from 112 to 119% of the check mean in 1997 and 1998 and individual lines surpassed Stander', the highest yielding check in both 1997 to 1998. The highest yielding lines in each cycle were derived from populations having the highest theoretical percentage of adapted recurrent parent germplasm, that is, when six-row gene combinations were predominately left intact. Results from the three breeding cycles support the proposition that a strategy that maintains favorable gene combinations while introgressing relatively small amounts of donor germplasm can lead to incremental yield gains.
Approximating the outage capacity of asymmetric 2×2 dual-polarized MIMO at high SNR

We present an outage probability analysis for asymmetric dual-polarized channels, where the elements of the channel gain matric are represented by independent nonidentical complex Gaussian distributions. We apply a moment generating function method to derive statistics associated with the determinant of the desired asymmetric random matrices. Using a two-step distribution model to characterize the mutual information we provide outage capacity approximates for various asymmetric channel realizations that are parameterized by the co-polarized power ratio, the cross-polarization discrimination ratio, and sub-channel Rician K-factors. Deriving an exact outage capacity formulation is made difficult by the inherent asymmetry of the model. The Lognormal and the Gamma distributions are assumed for mutual information exponent and the Weibull and Normal distributions are used to represent the mutual information. Contrary to current notions regarding the use of Gaussian approximations for mutual information, more accurate results are obtained using the Weibull distribution. We also show that partially-correlated channel gains typical of dual-polarized antennas negligibly impact the outage probabilities reported for the uncorrelated cases.
Mueller matrix imaging of GaAs/AlGaAs self-imaging beamsplitting waveguides

Imaging polarimetry is a novel method of characterizing the polarization effects of optoelectronic devices. From the Mueller matrix image, any polarization property of a device can be determined. High resolution polarization images of the outcoupling faces of several self-imaging GaAs/AlGaAs waveguide beamsplitters were made in the Mueller matrix imaging polarimeter at the University of Alabama in Huntsville. Interesting polarization states of the device modes (TE and TM), the magnitude of linear retardance varied significantly across a device. Polarization losses were also observed to vary across the faces of the devices. These effects could not have been observed by simply measuring the crosstalk between the TE and TM modes. The results of this study could lead to the detection of defect mechanisms in optoelectronic devices through Mueller matrix measurements.
GC headspace analysis of intermediates in the sol-gel synthesis of magnesium silicates

Abstract The first stage reactions associated with the sol-gel synthesis of amorphous precursors for magnesium silicates such as forsterite and enstatite were examined. Gas chromatographic (GC) analysis of the headspace of a mixture of Mg(OMe)2 and Si(OEt)4 in methanol revealed that transesterification had occurred to form Si(OMe)4, as the major product, and Si(OMe)3(OEt); a Mg:Si molar ratio as low as 0.03 in a 0.2M solution would cause this exchange within 3.5 h. Mg(OMe)2 induced catalytic alkoxide exchange in the mixed alcohol alkoxide solutions of TMOS in ethanol and TBOS in methanol as well. A minimum of 0.0012 mol Mg(OMe)2 per mol TEOS was needed to form the exchange series of TEOS, Si(OMe)(OEt)3, Si(OMe)2(OEt)2, Si(OMe)3(OEt), and TMOS within 1.5 h. The exchange was an equilibrium reaction that depended on solvent composition, and favored methoxy substitution. Other compounds found to catalyze the transesterification of the TEOS in methanol were NaOMe, LiOMe, Ca(OMe)2, HCl, and NH4OH; the alkoxides were the most effective.
SINGLET--TRIPLET MIXING IN THE n = 3 STATES OF HELIUM.

We have measured the energy-independent ratio of the proton apparent-excitation cross sections between corresponding triplet and singlet states of helium for the $n=3$ level. In the Russell-Saunders description of the states of helium, proton excitation of triplet states is forbidden; i. e., $\ensuremath{\Delta}S=1$ transitions are not allowed (Wigner spin rule). However, the spin-orbit interaction for the two electrons in helium mixes the spin states. Thus, there is a small singlet component in the triplet-state wave function. The square of the small singlet-triplet mixing parameter $\ensuremath{\gamma}(3^{3}X)$ is equal to the ratio of the proton excitation cross sections to corresponding triplet and singlet states, i. e., ${\ensuremath{\gamma}}^{2}(3^{3}X)=\frac{{\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{\mathrm{p}}(3^{3}X)}{{\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{\mathrm{p}}(3^{1}X)}$. The symbol $X$ refers to the orbital angular momentum states $S$, $P$, or $D$. If we designate the ratio of the proton apparent-excitation cross sections $\frac{{Q}_{\mathrm{p}}(3^{3}X)}{{Q}_{\mathrm{p}}(3^{1}X)}$ by ${\ensuremath{\beta}}^{2}(3^{3}X)$, then ${\ensuremath{\beta}}^{2}(3^{3}X)={\ensuremath{\gamma}}^{2}(3^{3}X)+(\mathrm{cascade}\mathrm{contributions}$. Our results for ${\ensuremath{\beta}}^{2}(3^{3}X)$ for the $n=3$ states of helium are as follows: ${\ensuremath{\beta}}^{2}(3^{3}S)=0\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.0002$, ${\ensuremath{\beta}}^{2}(3^{3}P)=0.0028\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.0007$, and ${\ensuremath{\beta}}^{2}(3^{3}D)=0.06\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.014$.
Cardiovascular risk in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Compared with normal cycling women of similar age, women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have an adverse lipid profile and an increased prevalence of Type II diabetes and hypertension. These woman also appear to have greater subclinical atherosclerotic disease, as demonstrated by greater carotid intimamedia wall thickness and higher levels of coronary calcification. Given the high prevalence of PCOS in the female population, this condition may potentially account for a significant proportion of the atherosclerotic heart disease observed in younger women. This article reviews the issues and uncertainties surrounding the PCOS-CHD association.
Comparison of Columns for the Analytical High Speed Countercurrent Chromatograph

Abstract Use of a high speed countercurrent chromatograph (CCC) for analytical-scale separations is described. Separations are reported for columns of 0.85, 1.2, and 1.6 mm internal diameter. The effect of varying the experimental conditions was also investigated. It was found necessary to modify the CCC for the 0.85 and 1.2 mm i.d. columns, where no modification was necessary for the 1.6 mm i.d. columns. Carryover of the stationary phase frequently occurred with the 0.85 mm i.d. column, but carryover was not a problem with the 1.2 mm i.d. columns. The solute-to-solvent ratios of the eluates obtained with the 1.2 mm i.d. columns were higher than those obtained with the larger-bore columns. The 1.6 mm i.d. columns, however, proved to be better suited for preparative separations as faster flow rates were possible, which led to faster separations.
Assessment of atmospheric impacts of large-scale copper-nickel development in Northeastern Minnesota

This paper describes a regional assessment of the atmospheric impacts that could result from large-scale Cu-Ni development in northeastern Minnesota. The assessment included defining present air quality of the region, investigating the quantity and quality of emissions from model Cu-Ni complexes, and assessing future air quality based on expected regional growth both with and without Cu-Ni development. Present air quality in northeastern Minnesota is typical of rural remote areas. Regional sources contribute perhaps 15% of the total atmospheric S in the region. Under present air regulations, some restrictions to development of the Cu-Ni complex in the region may be likely due to particulate emissions and SO2 emissions.
Automated estimation of individual conifer tree height and crown diameter via two-dimensional spatial wavelet analysis of lidar data

We describe and evaluate a new analysis technique, spatial wavelet analysis (SWA), to automatically estimate the location, height, and crown diameter of individual trees within mixed conifer open canopy stands from light detection and ranging (lidar) data. Two-dimensional Mexican hat wavelets, over a range of likely tree crown diameters, were convolved with lidar canopy height models. Identification of local maxima within the resultant wavelet transformation image then allowed determination of the location, height, and crown diameters of individual trees. In this analysis, which focused solely on individual trees within open canopy forests, 30 trees incorporating seven dominant North American tree species were assessed. Two-dimensional (2D) wavelet-derived estimates were well correlated with field measures of tree height (r = 0.97) and crown diameter (r = 0.86). The 2D wavelet-derived estimates compared favorably with estimates derived using an established method that uses variable window filters (VWF) to estimate the same variables but relies on a priori knowledge of the tree height - crown diameter relationship. The 2D spatial wavelet analysis presented herein could potentially allow automated, large-scale, remote estimation of timber board feet, foliar biomass, canopy volume, and aboveground carbon, although further research testing the limitations of the method in a variety of forest types with increasing canopy closures is warranted.
Efficient execution of read-only transactions in replicated multiversion databases

Multiple versions of data are used in database systems to increase concurrency. The higher concurrency results since read-only transactions can be executed without any concurrency control overhead and, therefore, read-only transactions do not interfere with the execution of update transactions. Availability of data in a distributed environment is improved by data replication. We propose a protocol for managing data in a replicated multiversion environment, where execution of read-only transactions or queries becomes completely independent of the underlying concurrency control and replica control mechanisms, and the data availability for read-only transactions increases significantly since they can be executed as long as any one copy of the object is available in the system. In order to validate the feasibility of our approach, we developed a simple prototype to measure the performance improvement in the response times of queries. The results clearly establish the viability of the approach as a useful paradigm for the design of efficient and fault-tolerant distributed database systems. >
The Importation of Wild Ungulates into Latin America, with Remarks on Their Environmental Effects

A preliminary survey of thirteen Latin American nations indicated that both the number and rate of importations of wild hoofed animals from Europe, Asia, and Africa, has increased rapidly in recent years. This is especially true for Mexico, Argentina, and Chile. In nearly every instance reported, the original stock of hoofed game was held under fence and no importer intended that animals should escape from his control. From these and other instances around the world, it seems that eventual escapes of captive ungulates held under normal ranching conditions are a virtual certainty. As the full effects of imported species on the plants and animals in their new environment cannot be predicted with certainty, guideline principles to govern species introductions are sorely needed.
Determinants for Activation of the Atypical AGC Kinase Greatwall during M Phase Entry

The atypical AGC kinase Greatwall (Gwl) mediates a pathway that prevents the precocious removal of phosphorylations added to target proteins by M phase-promoting factor (MPF); Gwl is thus essential for M phase entry and maintenance. Gwl itself is activated by M phase-specific phosphorylations that are investigated here. Many phosphorylations are nonessential, being located within a long nonconserved region, any part of which can be deleted without effect. Using mass spectrometry and mutagenesis, we have identified 3 phosphorylation sites (phosphosites) critical to Gwl activation (pT193, pT206, and pS883 in Xenopus laevis) located in evolutionarily conserved domains that differentiate Gwl from related kinases. We propose a model in which the initiating event for Gwl activation is phosphorylation by MPF of the proline-directed sites T193 and T206 in the presumptive activation loop. After this priming step, Gwl can intramolecularly phosphorylate its C-terminal tail at pS883; this site probably plays a role similar to that of the tail/Z motif of other AGC kinases. These events largely (but not completely) explain the full activation of Gwl at M phase.
Common Variants of Cytochrome P450 4F2 Exhibit Altered Vitamin E-ω-Hydroxylase Specific Activity

Human cytochrome P450 4F2 (CYP4F2) catalyzes the ω-hydroxylation of the side chain of tocopherols (TOH) and tocotrienols (T3), the first step in their catabolism to polar metabolites excreted in urine. CYP4F2, in conjunction with α-TOH transfer protein, results in the conserved phenotype of selective retention of α-TOH. The purpose of this work was to determine the functional consequences of 2 common genetic variants in the human CYP4F2 gene on vitamin E-ω-hydroxylase specific activity using the 6 major dietary TOH and T3 as substrate. CYP4F2-mediated ω-hydroxylase specific activity was measured in microsomal preparations from insect cells that express wild-type or polymorphic variants of the human CYP4F2 protein. The W12G variant exhibited a greater enzyme specific activity (pmol product · min(-1) · pmol CYP4F2(-1)) compared with wild-type enzyme for both TOH and T3, 230-275% of wild-type toward α, γ, and δ-TOH and 350% of wild-type toward α, γ, and δ-T3. In contrast, the V433M variant had lower enzyme specific activity toward TOH (42-66% of wild type) but was without a significant effect on the metabolism of T3. Because CYP4F2 is the only enzyme currently shown to metabolize vitamin E in humans, the observed substrate-dependent alterations in enzyme activity associated with these genetic variants may result in alterations in vitamin E status in individuals carrying these mutations and constitute a source of variability in vitamin E status.
Exposure to Maternal Depression and Marital Conflict: Gender Differences in Children's Later Mental Health Symptoms

ABSTRACT Objective To investigate effects of the timing of initial exposure to maternal depression and marital conflict on kindergarten children's mental health symptoms. Method For 406 families (of 570 originally recruited), mothers reported on major depression and marital conflict on multiple occasions in the child's infancy and toddler/preschool periods. Mothers and teachers completed the MacArthur Health and Behavior Questionnaire when children were in kindergarten. Results Children evidenced co-occurring internalizing and externalizing symptoms, although the mix was more toward internalizing for girls and externalizing for boys. Symptoms were more severe among children exposed to either adversity, and these effects were additive. Boys exposed to maternal depression in infancy had a preponderance of internalizing behaviors, but if subsequently exposed to marital conflict, the mix toward externalizing behaviors increased to match levels of clinic-referred children. For girls, the preponderance of internalizing symptoms increased to match levels of clinic-referred children when initial exposure to marital conflict occurred in the toddler/preschool period. Conclusions It is important to consider both adversities across developmental periods, to distinguish the symptom severity from directionality, and to consider child gender. Prevention and intervention efforts that consider these findings are warranted.
Endocrine disrupting chemicals in indoor and outdoor air.

The past 50 years have seen rapid development of new building materials, furnishings, and consumer products and a corresponding explosion in new chemicals in the built environment. While exposure levels are largely undocumented, they are likely to have increased as a wider variety of chemicals came into use, people began spending more time indoors, and air exchange rates decreased to improve energy efficiency. As a result of weak regulatory requirements for chemical safety testing, only limited toxicity data are available for these chemicals. Over the past 15 years, some chemical classes commonly used in building materials, furnishings, and consumer products have been shown to be endocrine disrupting chemicals – that is they interfere with the action of endogenous hormones. These include PCBs, used in electrical equipment, caulking, paints and surface coatings; chlorinated and brominated flame retardants, used in electronics, furniture, and textiles; pesticides, used to control insects, weeds, and other pests in agriculture, lawn maintenance, and the built environment; phthalates, used in vinyl, plastics, fragrances, and other products; alkylphenols, used in detergents, pesticide formulations, and polystyrene plastics; and parabens, used to preserve products like lotions and sunscreens. This paper summarizes reported indoor and outdoor air concentrations, chemical use and sources, and toxicity data for each of these chemical classes. While industrial and transportation-related pollutants have been shown to migrate indoors from outdoor sources, it is expected that indoor sources predominate for these consumer product chemicals; and some studies have identified indoor sources as the predominant factor influencing outdoor ambient air concentrations in densely populated areas. Mechanisms of action, adverse effects, and dose–response relationships for many of these chemicals are poorly understood and no systematic screening of common chemicals for endocrine disrupting effects is currently underway, so questions remain as to the health impacts of these exposures.
Evolving black hole-neutron star binaries in general relativity using pseudospectral and finite difference methods

We present a code for solving the coupled Einstein-hydrodynamics equations to evolve relativistic, self-gravitating fluids. The Einstein field equations are solved in generalized harmonic coordinates on one grid using pseudospectral methods, while the fluids are evolved on another grid using shock-capturing finite difference or finite volume techniques. We show that the code accurately evolves equilibrium stars and accretion flows. Then we simulate an equal-mass nonspinning black hole-neutron star binary, evolving through the final four orbits of inspiral, through the merger, to the final stationary black hole. The gravitational waveform can be reliably extracted from the simulation.
The Restriction Factors of Human Immunodeficiency Virus

Cellular proteins called "restriction factors" can serve as powerful blockades to HIV replication, but the virus possesses elaborate strategies to circumvent these barriers. First, we discuss general hallmarks of a restriction factor. Second, we review how the viral Vif protein protects the viral genome from lethal levels of cDNA deamination by promoting APOBEC3 protein degradation; how the viral Vpu, Env, and Nef proteins facilitate internalization and degradation of the virus-tethering protein BST-2/tetherin; and how the viral Vpx protein prevents the premature termination of reverse transcription by degrading the dNTPase SAMHD1. These HIV restriction and counter-restriction mechanisms suggest strategies for new therapeutic interventions.
A Ferroxidase Encoded by FOX1 Contributes to Iron Assimilation under Conditions of Poor Iron Nutrition in Chlamydomonas

When the abundance of the FOX1 gene product is reduced, Chlamydomonas cells grow poorly in iron-deficient medium, but not in iron-replete medium, suggesting that FOX1-dependent iron uptake is a high-affinity pathway. Alternative pathways for iron assimilation, such as those involving ZIP family transporters IRT1 and IRT2, may be operational.
Proteome Analysis of Coinfection of Epithelial Cells with Filifactor alocis and Porphyromonas gingivalis Shows Modulation of Pathogen and Host Regulatory Pathways

Changes in periodontal status are associated with shifts in the composition of the bacterial community in the periodontal pocket. The relative abundances of several newly recognized microbial species, including Filifactor alocis, as-yet-unculturable organisms, and other fastidious organisms have raised questions on their impact on disease development. We have previously reported that the virulence attributes of F. alocis are enhanced in coculture with Porphyromonas gingivalis. We have evaluated the proteome of host cells and F. alocis during a polymicrobial infection. Coinfection of epithelial cells with F. alocis and P. gingivalis strains showed approximately 20% to 30% more proteins than a monoinfection. Unlike F. alocis ATCC 35896, the D-62D strain expressed more proteins during coculture with P. gingivalis W83 than with P. gingivalis 33277. Proteins designated microbial surface component-recognizing adhesion matrix molecules (MSCRAMMs) and cell wall anchor proteins were highly upregulated during the polymicrobial infection. Ultrastructural analysis of the epithelial cells showed formation of membrane microdomains only during coinfection. The proteome profile of epithelial cells showed proteins related to cytoskeletal organization and gene expression and epigenetic modification to be in high abundance. Modulation of proteins involved in apoptotic and cell signaling pathways was noted during coinfection. The enhanced virulence potential of F. alocis may be related to the differential expression levels of several putative virulence factors and their effects on specific host cell pathways.
Estimation of Pavement and Bridge Damage Costs Caused by Overweight Trucks

This study adopted a damage quantification framework to estimate bridge and pavement damage caused by overweight trucks. The framework was applied to estimate unit overweight truck damage costs for the highway system maintained by the South Carolina Department of Transportation. The analysis revealed that pavement and bridge damage increased significantly when trucks were above legal weight limits. Tradeoffs between the most common overweight truck fee types were estimated to examine their relative efficacy. The study found the axle-based damage cost recovery fee for the additional per trip damage cost above the legal weight limit for an overweight truck loaded up to the maximum overweight limit. The fee varied between $14 and $165 per trip, depending on the type of overweight truck. The flat damage cost recovery fee was $55 per trip for all overweight trucks (about two times the current flat damage fee in South Carolina). The study revealed that ignoring the axle distribution in the flat damage cost reco...
Has the evolution of complexity in the amphibian papilla influenced anuran speciation rates

For anurans, increasing complexity of the inner ear has been correlated with speciation rates. The evolution of a complex amphibian papilla (AP) is thought to have facilitated speciation by extending the range of frequencies over which mating calls may diverge. Although this example has been proposed to represent a key innovation, the mechanism by which the AP is thought to promote speciation makes the questionable assumption that anurans generally use the AP for detection of their mating calls. This study uses mating calls from 852 species to test this assumption. Surprisingly, the calls of most species are not detected by the AP but by a second organ, the basilar papilla (BP). This refutes the role of AP complexity in facilitating call divergence and hence, speciation. Future research into the evolution of acoustically mediated reproductive isolation should focus instead on the BP as it may play a more critical role in anuran speciation.
Synthesis and Bacterial Mutagenicity of Oxidized Derivatives of-Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons

Abstract A series of oxidized derivatives of nitrophenanthrene and nitrobenz[a]anthracene were synthesized and their mutagenicities in Salmonella typhimurium TA98, TA98NR, TA98/1,8-DNP6, TA100, and TA100NR were determined. These compounds exhibited markedly different mutagenicities. Orientation of the nitro group is an important structural feature for correlation with mutagenic potency.
Alternation of factors limiting Phytoplankton production in the Cape Fear River estuary

Phytoplankton nutrient limitation experiments were performed from 1994 to 1996 at three stations in the Cape Fear River Estuary, a riverine system originating in the North Carolina piedmont. Nutrient addition bioassays were conducted by spiking triplicate cubitainers with various nutrient combinations and determining algal response by analyzing chlorophyll a production and 14C uptake daily for 3 d. Ambient chlorophyll a, nutrient concentration, and associated physical data were collected throughout the estuary as well. At a turbid, nutrient-rich oligohaline station, significant responses to nutrient additions were rare, with light the likely principal factor limiting phytoplankton production. During summer at a mesohaline station, phytoplankton community displayed significant nitrogen (N) limitation, while both phosphorus (P) and N were occasionally limiting in spring with some N+P co-limitation. Light was apparently limiting during fall and winter when the water was turid and nutrient-rich, as well as during other months of heavy rainfall and runoff. A polyhaline station in the lower estuary had clearer water and displayed significant responses to nutrient additions during all enrichment experiments. At this site N limitation occurred in summer and fall, and P limitation (with strong N+P co-limitation) occurred in winter and spring. The data suggest there are two patterns controlling phytoplankton productivity in the Cape Fear system: 1) a longitudinal pattern of decreasing light limitation and increasing nutrient sensitivity along the salinity gradient, and 2) a seasonal alternation of N limitation, light limitation, and P limitation in the middle-to-lower estuary. Statistical analyses indicated upper watershed precipitation events led to increased flow, turbidity, light attenuation, and nutrient loading, and decreased chlorophyll a and nutrient limitation potential in the estuary. Periods of low rainfall and river flow led to reduced estuarine turbidity, higher chlorophyll a, lower ambient nutrients, and more pronounced nutrient limitation.
Chondrocyte response to growth factors is modulated by p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibition.

Inhibitors of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) diminish inflammatory arthritis in experimental animals. This may be effected by diminishing the production of inflammatory mediators, but this kinase is also part of the IL-1 signal pathway in articular chondrocytes. We determined the effect of p38 MAPK inhibition on proliferative and synthetic responses of lapine chondrocytes, cartilage, and synovial fibroblasts under basal and IL-1-activated conditions.
The Weakly Nonlinear Dynamics of a Planetary Green Mode and Atmospheric Vacillation

Abstract Cold season atmospheric observations of vacillation point to a wave-mean flow interaction of baroclinic, planetary waves with their mean flow, and the observational data show that wave 2 is the largest contributor to the energetics and the heat flux. To verify this hypothesis we present a weakly nonlinear analysis of the evolution of a single, most unstable Green mode interacting with mean zonal flow in the presence of internal and Ekman layer dissipations, the former being larger than the latter. The derived amplitude equations for the wave and the mean fields transform into a Lorenz set of equations that admits stable, finite amplitude wave gates. No stable limit cycle or aperiodic solutions were found in the realistic parameter ranges that typify atmospheric winter conditions. When the system is disturbed away from these gable states, there is a monotonic or vacillators approach to equilibrium. Damped vacillation occurs when the internal dissipative time scale is longer than the efolding time ...
Echimyopus dasypus Fain et al. (Acari: Astigmatina: Echimyopodidae) from a nine-banded armadillo, Dasypus novemcinctus L. (Mammalia: Dasypodidae), in Florida, USA

Abstract We collected parasitic deutonymphs of Echimyopus dasypus Fain et al. from a wild-caught nine-banded armadillo, Dasypus novemcinctus L., for the first time within the United States of America, although this mite was previously found in England on armadillos imported from Florida. The new specimens came from a free-ranging animal captured in Hendry County, Florida, in 2004.
The Multidimensional Roles of Traditional Food in the Ethiopian and Eritrean Diasporas in the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area

This paper explores and describes the multidimensional and central roles the cultural, social, psychological, and economic aspects-- of traditional Ethiopian and Eritrean food, such as the flatbread (Injera) and the coffee ceremony (Bun/a) among the Ethiopian and Eritrean diasporas in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. This area is a second home or home to one of the biggest communities of Ethiopian and Eritrean origins (more than one hundred thousand immigrants), adding to cultural diversity and visible entrepreneurial vibrancy of places like the U-Street and Adams-Morgan neighborhoods. / This paper is based on anthropological ethnographic fieldwork using participant observation and un-structured interviews conducted in the summer of 2011 at homes, traditional restaurants, coffee shops, and public gatherings during ritual ceremonies of both the Ethiopian and Eritrean diasporas in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. This paper argues that the traditional Ethiopian and Eritrean food (Injera) and coffee (Bun/a) ceremonies perform central and positive roles in the cultural, social, psychological and economic lives of the Ethiopian and Eritrean diasporas and their host communities. Special attention is given to the dynamics of gender roles and age play in the preparation and consumption of traditional food (Injera) and coffee (Bun/a). /
Intellectual Seriousness and the First Amendment's Protection of Free Speech for Students

Constitutional protection of student speech has been a mixed blessing. There is still something quite inspiring about the notion that young people have worthwhile thoughts to share, and that the Constitution guarantees their right to do so. At the same time, courts have struggled to figure out what limits on student expression should be permitted, and much of the litigation has involved student speech that is disappointingly mindless. The Supreme Court’s seminal ruling in Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District concerned students who wore armbands to express a serious message about an important national issue. Judges and school officials understandably may struggle to keep a straight face when asked to apply the same legal standards to claims that the First Amendment entitles a student to wear a shirt expressing his interest in “Coed Naked Band” or being a “Redneck sports fan.” Treating the intellectual seriousness of a student's expression as a significant factor in the constitutional analysis would make the right to free expression stronger in those situations where student speech truly makes a valuable contribution to a school’s ultimate goal of training young thinkers. It would encourage students who want to communicate controversial messages to do the work necessary to establish that they have a sincere understanding of the issues involved and are not just eager to complain and defy school authorities. And it would simultaneously help to shift responsibility for application of student speech rights away from federal judges and toward school teachers and administrators. In all of these ways, it would ultimately solidify the constitutional protection of student speech and help to fulfill the noble promise of decisions like Tinker.
Loss of p53-mediated cell-cycle arrest, senescence and apoptosis promotes genomic instability and premature aging

// Tongyuan Li 1,2 , Xiangyu Liu 1,2 , Le Jiang 1,2 , James Manfredi 3 , Shan Zha 1,2,4 and Wei Gu 1,2 1 Institute for Cancer Genetics, and Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA 2 Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA 3 Department of Oncological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA 4 Department of Pediatrics, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA Correspondence to: Wei Gu, email: // Keywords : p53, acetylation, ferroptosis, tumor suppression, genomic instability Received : January 15, 2016 Accepted: February 18, 2016 Published: March 02, 2016 Abstract Although p53-mediated cell cycle arrest, senescence and apoptosis are well accepted as major tumor suppression mechanisms, the loss of these functions does not directly lead to tumorigenesis, suggesting that the precise roles of these canonical activities of p53 need to be redefined. Here, we report that the cells derived from the mutant mice expressing p53 3KR , an acetylation-defective mutant that fails to induce cell-cycle arrest, senescence and apoptosis, exhibit high levels of aneuploidy upon DNA damage. Moreover, the embryonic lethality caused by the deficiency of XRCC4, a key DNA double strand break repair factor, can be fully rescued in the p53 3KR/3KR background. Notably, despite high levels of genomic instability, p53 3KR/3KR XRCC4 -/- mice, unlike p53 -/- XRCC4 -/- mice, are not succumbed to pro-B-cell lymphomas. Nevertheless, p53 3KR/3KR XRCC4 -/- mice display aging-like phenotypes including testicular atrophy, kyphosis, and premature death. Further analyses demonstrate that SLC7A11 is downregulated and that p53-mediated ferroptosis is significantly induced in spleens and testis of p53 3KR/3KR XRCC4 -/- mice. These results demonstrate that the direct role of p53-mediated cell cycle arrest, senescence and apoptosis is to control genomic stability in vivo . Our study not only validates the importance of ferroptosis in p53-mediated tumor suppression in vivo but also reveals that the combination of genomic instability and activation of ferroptosis may promote aging-associated phenotypes.
A vibrational spectroscopic study of the oxidation of pyrite by ferric iron

The step-wise oxidation of the disulfide group during pyrite oxidation by ferric iron was investigated using in situ attenuated total reflectance (ATR) Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Pyrite oxidation by ferric iron was investigated at pH 2.0, in the dark, and with both ultraviolet and visible wavelength illumination. We concluded that the spectra collected during pyrite oxidation are consistent with the existence of more than a single sulfur species at the pyrite surface. Exact assignment of all of the sulfur species was not realistic. However, the assignment of sulfate in an outer-sphere complex and thiosulfate in a monodentate complex was possible. The presence of multiple sulfur species at the pyrite surface directly confirms the step-wise oxidation of the disulfide group, and the presence of sulfate suggests that this species is the surface release group. Photochemical experiments verify an increase in the rate of pyrite oxidation with illumination and suggest that either the mechanism or the rate of sulfur oxidation is affected by illumination.
Theory and Practice of Cross-cultural Communication

The world today is towards economic globalization and cultural diversity in the direction of development, international business development into a new trend. Transnational development to bring a good opportunity also brings great challenges, especially information and communication barriers caused by cultural differences, how to effectively eliminate communication barriers, and promote cross-cultural communication management has become an important task of enterprise management. To effectively adopt strategies to address barriers to cross-cultural communication, in order to lay the foundation for successful business management.
Transfusion support of hematology and oncology patients: The role of recombinant hematopoietic growth factors

Recombinant DNA technology has made more than a dozen human cytokines available to treat patients with hematologic and oncologic disorders. These small glycoproteins mediate cell growth and differentiation and regulate complex cellular networks by autocrine, paracrine, and endocrine mechanisms. Direct infusions of hematopoietic cytokines can decrease the requirement for transfusion in many patients with hematologic disorders and malignancies and permit more aggressive myelosuppressive therapy. Stimulation of blood donors with cytokines may enhance collection of a variety of transfusion components from granulocytes to peripheral blood progenitor cells. Using combinations of recombinant growth factors can effect ex vivo cell expansion and differentiation. Such cellular components are currently being studied in immunotherapy of cancer, in molecular approaches to inherited and acquired genetic abnormalities, and in bone marrow transplantation. In the future, this technology may be applied to producing transfusion components.
Chapter 20 – Fish and Fish Oil for Cardiovascular Disease in Diabetes

Diabetes is associated with premature death, primarily through cardiovascular disease (CVD). Data from preclinical and ecological studies suggest fish and fish oil may reduce diabetes incidence and CVD development. Metaanalyses of prospective cohort studies have shown that fish and fish oils may be protective against the development of type 2 diabetes in Asian populations, yet not necessarily in Western ones. For CVD risk, metaanalyses of randomized controlled trials indicate a significant triglyceride lowering effect for fish and fish oil, and possibly a tendency to raise LDL by a small amount. Recent studies with type 2 diabetics indicate that fish and fish oil may improve endothelial function. Some of the heterogeneity in the results with fish and fish oil in diabetes may be explained by substantial variation in the experimental design, including choice of study population, amount of fish, and fish oil administered as well as continually improving standards of care.
Uncertainty and Communication in Organizations

Uncertainty is a constant experience for individuals in organizational settings, not only for newcomers joining an organization but for established members as well as they face changes in their organizational situation. At the interpersonal level, individuals cope with different types of uncertainty including work requirements, relationships to others, and organizational issues among others. They manage the uncertainty by seeking information through a variety of strategies, such as direct requests or observation, and from a variety of internal (e.g., peers and supervisors) and external sources (e.g., family and friends). Reducing uncertainty leads to various positive outcomes like more job clarity and satisfaction. Recent developments suggest managing uncertainty does not always mean reducing it and is sometimes accomplished without seeking information. Competing motives also may inhibit information seeking when facing uncertainty. At the organizational level, leaders making decisions also face uncertainty as they cope with uncertainty from stakeholders and the environment. Keywords: applied communication; group communication; organizational communication; socialization/assimilation; uncertainty management
Opioid Safety: We Are Not There Yet

Opioids are highly effective in acute pain control; however, their use for the treatment of chronic non-cancer pain is controversial. Chronic opioid use is associated with several side effects that include and are not limited to tolerance, dependence, and hyperalgesia. Opioid prescription drug overdose is at a national epidemic status in the USA. It is estimated that a prescription drug overdose death occurs every 19 min. Several national and state interventions have been implemented to address the staggering statistics of increased deaths due to opioid overdose. The recently released Center of Disease Control (CDC) practice guidelines are designed to improve physician patient communication and avoid opioid prescription drug overdose. In this chapter, we will review some of the recent guidelines for opioid prescribing and the current efforts in place to address this epidemic.
Current Status of Immunofluorescent Methodology for Salmonellae 1

The fluorescent antibody (FA) method for detecting salmonellae in food and feed samples is now an official method of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists. The need for a rapid screening method for detecting these pathogenic microorganisms in suspect products led to development of the FA method. A brief history of the development of the FA test, its evaluation by various investigators and its use by food laboratories are described in this report. Advantages and disadvantages of the method are discussed with suggestions for improvement of the technique.
The Levinthal Problem in Amyloid Aggregation: Identification of Good Coordinates in a Flat Reaction Space

Successful protein folding in physiological timescales requires a biased free energy landscape to restrict the otherwise prohibitive search space. The existence of this bias is a necessary outcome of evolution since sequences that fold slowly do not contribute to the fitness of the organism. In contrast, the evolutionary pressure for efficient folding pathways is not present in the formation of pathological aggregates. Accordingly, the measured growth rates for amyloid fibrils are much slower than might be expected for the formation of beta sheets. Analytic theory shows that fibril growth rates are consistent with a random search over the alignments of intermolecular H-bonds and that solution conditions that accelerate this search (i.e. weakening bonds) can increase aggregation rates. This theory identifies two reaction coordinates, the alignment between molecules and the number of formed H-bonds, which we use to devise a novel Markov State Model to simulate fibril growth in atomistic detail. This model is used to simulate the growth of beta amyloid (16-22) and three mutants. The simulations qualitatively capture the non-additive effects of the mutations, but interestingly there is no obvious trend to the mutation effects in the lifetimes of the molecular alignments or individual H-bonds. Instead, the changes in the growth rate emerge from the accumulation of many small perturbations over a large ensemble of trajectories. We conclude with a discussion of theory development with an eye towards the simulation of very slow processes like fibril nucleation.