cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Field validation of self-regenerating reversible ion exchange-membrane (RIX-M) process to prevent sulfate and silica fouling

Abstract Desalination of brackish water and municipal wastewater will be integral to water resource resiliency during uncertain climate conditions. Higher efficiency and higher recovery than conventional desalination is achievable if biofouling and inorganic scaling can be avoided on membranes or heating surfaces. Temporary hardness is well addressed through acid and antiscalant dosing, but permanent sulfate hardness lacks selective removal techniques that do not require external chemicals or produce large volumes of sludge. Self-regenerating reversible ion exchange-membrane (RIX-M) processes have been proposed using a tunable anion exchange blend to remove silica and sulfate selectively from influent water with efficient regeneration via brine reject. A 2.5GPM RIX-M process was tested at the US Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) Brackish Groundwater National Desalination Research Facility (BGNDRF, Alamogordo, NM). High sulfate-containing brackish groundwater was desalinated at high recovery (80%) without membrane fouling through selective sulfate removal and regeneration via desalination brine reject, without external chemical addition. Ten treatment-regeneration cycles were performed without degradation in system performance. High efficiency silica removal from complex groundwater backgrounds at BGNDRF was also achieved across varying water chemistries. RIX-M offers a new pre-treatment opportunity to protect RO membranes from sulfate and silica fouling without dosing anti-scalants, while attaining high recovery.
Black-Box Modeling of Rotating Detonation Combustors and Their Injector Plena Coupling

The phenomenon of onset time after ignition in atmospheric and backpressurized rotating detonation combustors is dealt with in the current Paper. By altering the airflow and fuel flow rates, plenum...
Roles of regulatory T cells and Th17 cells in pathogenesis of Henoch-Schonlein purpura nephritis in children

Henoch-schonlein purpura nephritis (HSPN)is the most common pediatric secondary renal glomerular disease.It could play an important role in the pathogenesis and progression of HSPN that regulatory T cells decline in the children and that the differentiation of Th17 cells are maybe not able to be effectively inhibited,leading to the insufficient immunosuppressive effect and the Th17 cells overexpression.We could further study the correlation among HPSN and the quantity and functional imbalance of Th17 cells and regulatory T cells to provide more theoretical basis for clinical treatment of HSPN. Key words: Henoch-Schonlein purpura nephritis; Children; Th17 ; Regulatory T cell
How China’s image affects Chinese products in a partisan-motivated US market:

By proposing a dual-perspective model of attitude formation related to Chinese products, the survey of 592 adults investigated how Americans’ evaluation and purchase intention of Chinese products c...
John B. Little, 5 October 1929-24 May 2020.

On Sunday 24 May 2020, the radiation sciences community lost Professor John Bertram Little, whose pioneering contributions have shaped every aspect of research on the biological effects of radiatio...
Health Information Preferences and Curability Beliefs Among Patients With Advanced Cancer

Abstract Context Accurate prognostic understanding is associated with increased advance care planning, symptom control, and patient autonomy in oncology. The impact of prognostic understanding on patients' health information preferences (HIPs) and prognostic information preferences is unknown and has important implications for health care communication. Objectives The present study characterized the HIPs of patients with advanced cancer; examined differences in HIPs between patients with varying curability beliefs; and identified differences in the characteristics and psychological well-being of patients with varying curability beliefs. Methods This cross-sectional study used a secondary data analysis of baseline data (prerandomization) for patients enrolled in a large randomized controlled psychotherapy trial. 206 participants were recruited from outpatient clinics at a single facility. Inclusion criteria included: 18 years and older; English speaking, Stage IV solid tumor cancer, and Distress Thermometer score of ≥4. Results Most participants preferred as many details as possible about their diagnosis and treatment (69.4%; n = 143), and the likely outcome of their disease (72.3%; n = 149). Most participants accurately described their cancer as unlikely curable or incurable (62.6%; n = 129). There were no significant differences in HIPs based on level of prognostic understanding. Poorer prognostic understanding was associated with religiosity and better quality of life and existential well-being. Conclusion In the present study, prognostic understanding (i.e., curability beliefs) was not associated with HIPs. Therefore, oncology clinicians must individually and interatively evaluate patients' interest and preferences for receiving information. Future research should further clarify preferences for the framing and content of prognostic information from providers and improve the measurement of prognostic understanding to facilitate patient-centered end-of-life care.
Socio-Political Naturalism and the History of Republican Thought: Cicero contra Aristotle

Recent scholarship on republicanism often looks back to Aristotle as the Greco-Roman epitome of the history of republican theory. This article contends that Aristotle offers a poor model in compari...
Plant disease prediction using classification algorithms

This paper investigates the capability of six existing classification algorithms (Artificial Neural Network, Naive Bayes, k-Nearest Neighbor, Support Vector Machine, Decision Tree and Random Forest) in classifying and predicting diseases in soybean and mushroom datasets using datasets with numerical or categorical attributes. While many similar studies have been conducted on datasets of images to predict plant diseases, the main objective of this study is to suggest classification methods that can be used for disease classification and prediction in datasets that contain raw measurements instead of images. A fungus and a plant dataset, which had many differences, were chosen so that the findings in this paper could be applied to future research for disease prediction and classification in a variety of datasets which contain raw measurements. A key difference between the two datasets, other than one being a fungus and one being a plant, is that the mushroom dataset is balanced and only contained two classes while the soybean dataset is imbalanced and contained eighteen classes. All six algorithms performed well on the mushroom dataset, while the Artificial Neural Network and k-Nearest Neighbor algorithms performed best on the soybean dataset. The findings of this paper can be applied to future research on disease classification and prediction in a variety of dataset types such as fungi, plants, humans, and animals.
Sexual Minority Status and Marijuana Initiation during Adulthood: A Longitudinal Study Using Nationally Representative Data

Sexual minorities (i.e. individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, and bisexual) are at increased risk for marijuana use. However, little is known about initiation during adulthood. This study exami...
Three-minute method for amino acid analysis by UHPLC and high-resolution quadrupole orbitrap mass spectrometry

Amino acid analysis is a powerful bioanalytical technique for many biomedical research endeavors, including cancer, emergency medicine, nutrition and neuroscience research. In the present study, we present a 3 min analytical method for underivatized amino acid analysis that employs ultra high-performance liquid chromatography and high-resolution quadrupole orbitrap mass spectrometry. This method has demonstrated linearity (mM to nM range), reproducibility (intra-day <5 %, inter-day <20 %), sensitivity (low fmol) and selectivity. Here, we illustrate the rapidity and accuracy of the method through comparison with conventional liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry methods. We further demonstrate the robustness and sensitivity of this method on a diverse range of biological matrices. Using this method we were able to selectively discriminate murine pancreatic cancer cells with and without knocked down expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α; plasma, lymph and bronchioalveolar lavage fluid samples from control versus hemorrhaged rats; and muscle tissue samples harvested from rats subjected to both low-fat and high-fat diets. Furthermore, we were able to exploit the sensitivity of the method to detect and quantify the release of glutamate from sparsely isolated murine taste buds. Spiked in light or heavy standards (13C6-arginine, 13C6-lysine, 13C 5 15 N2-glutamine) or xenometabolites (5-fluorouracil) were used to determine coefficients of variation, confirm linearity of relative quantitation in four different matrices, and overcome matrix effects for absolute quantitation. The presented method enables high-throughput analysis of low-abundance samples requiring only one percent of the material extracted from 100,000 cells, 10 µl of biological fluid, or 2 mg of muscle tissue.
Form Follows Function: A Model for Clinical Supervision of Genetic Counseling Students

Supervision plays a vital role in genetic counselor training, yet models describing genetic counseling supervision processes and outcomes are lacking. This paper describes a proposed supervision model intended to provide a framework to promote comprehensive and consistent clinical supervision training for genetic counseling students. Based on the principle “form follows function,” the model reflects and reinforces McCarthy Veach et al.’s empirically derived model of genetic counseling practice – the “Reciprocal Engagement Model” (REM). The REM consists of mutually interactive educational, relational, and psychosocial components. The Reciprocal Engagement Model of Supervision (REM-S) has similar components and corresponding tenets, goals, and outcomes. The 5 REM-S tenets are: Learning and applying genetic information are key; Relationship is integral to genetic counseling supervision; Student autonomy must be supported; Students are capable; and Student emotions matter. The REM-S outcomes are: Student understands and applies information to independently provide effective services, develop professionally, and engage in self-reflective practice. The 16 REM-S goals are informed by the REM of genetic counseling practice and supported by prior literature. A review of models in medicine and psychology confirms the REM-S contains supervision elements common in healthcare fields, while remaining unique to genetic counseling. The REM-S shows promise for enhancing genetic counselor supervision training and practice and for promoting research on clinical supervision. The REM-S is presented in detail along with specific examples and training and research suggestions.
Lyapunov revisited: For Alexander Ostrowski, on the occasion of his 90th birthday Submitted by W. Gautschi

Abstract A simple proof of a generalization of a theorem of Lyapunov is given, together with an application.
Retrosplenial Cortex and Long-Term Memory: Molecules to Behavior

The retrosplenial cortex (RSC) is reciprocally connected with the hippocampus and various parahippocampal cortical regions, suggesting that RSC is well-positioned to contribute to hippocampal-dependent memory. Consistent with this, substantial behavioral evidence indicates that RSC is essential for consolidating and/or retrieving contextual and spatial memories. In addition, there is growing evidence that RSC neurons undergo activity-dependent plastic changes during memory formation and retrieval. In this paper we review both the behavioral and cellular/molecular data and posit that the RSC has a particularly important role in the storage and retrieval of spatial and contextual memories perhaps due its involvement in binding together multiple cues in the environment. We identify remaining questions and avenues for future research that take advantage of emerging methods to selectively manipulate RSC neurons both spatially and temporally and to image the RSC in awake, behaving animals.
A test for negative frequency-dependent mating success as a function of male colour pattern in the bluefin killifish

Rare male mating advantage (a form of negative frequency dependence) is frequently proposed as a mechanism for the maintenance of genetic variation within populations. This hypothesis is attractive for systems with pronounced male colour polymorphism because it can maintain particularly high levels of variation. We tested for negative frequency-dependent mating success between yellow and red male colour patterns in bluefin killifish, Lucania goodei. Lucania goodei populations harbour substantial colour pattern polymorphism, and a large proportion of this variation has a genetic basis. We established outdoor mesocosms with red and yellow males in three different ratios: yellow rare (one yellow ♂ : five red ♂), even (three yellow ♂ : three red ♂), and red rare (five yellow ♂ : one red ♂). We obtained eggs and used microsatellites to determine paternity. By contrast to expectations, we found no support for a rare male mating advantage. Red males had slightly higher spawning success than yellow males, particularly in replicates with large clutches and when red males were rare. However, yellow males did not have higher mating success when rare. We discuss alternative mechanisms for the maintenance of the polymorphism as well as the potential reasons for the lack of a rare male mating advantage. © 2009 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2009, 98, 489–500.
Disorders of Water Balance: Hyponatremia

Where Nae + and Ke + are total exchangeable quantities of these cations, and TBW is total body water. Therefore, hyponatremia can develop by an increase in total body water, a decrease in Na+ and K+ or a combination of both. Hyponatremia is a condition of water excess relative to Na+. In a normal individual, hyponatremia does not develop unless water intake is greater than renal excretion. A defect in renal water excretion in the presence of normal water intake is a prerequisite for the development of hyponatremia. This defect in water excretion is due to high circulating levels of antidiuretic hormone (ADH). With retention of water, hyponatremic patients are unable to lower their urine osmolality < 100 mOsm/kg H2O with the exception of those with psychogenic polydipsia and reset osmostat.
The "War on Terror" is Over--Now What? Restoring the Four Freedoms as a Foundation for Peace and Security

This article observes that the "Global War on Terror" as an organizing concept has been abandoned and proposes that the Obama Administration restore FDR's Four Freedoms in its place.
Enzyme Kinetics: Steady State

The kinetics of enzyme-catalysed reactions can be analysed in terms of steady state models if the substrate concentrations are more than an order of magnitude higher than the enzyme level. Such analysis yields Michaelis constants, maximum velocities and useful information on reaction mechanisms. Thus when there are two or more substrates, the number of terms in the denominator of the rate equation tells the type of mechanism. A sequential mechanism has a constant term plus ones in the concentration of each substrate and one including both concentrations. A ping pong mechanism has no constant term in the denominator. An ordered sequential mechanism where the binding of the first substrate is at equilibrium lacks a denominator term in the concentration of the second substrate. Other types of steady state studies include the use of inhibitors, determination of pH profiles and the effect of isotopic substitutions on the rates. Key Concepts: As long as substrate concentrations are more than an order of magnitude greater than the enzyme level, the reaction will be in a steady state. Steady state rate equations are simple ratios of a numerator that is a function of substrate concentrations and a maximum velocity divided by a denominator that represents the distribution of the enzyme among all possible forms that are present in the steady state. Steady state kinetic studies enable one to distinguish kinetic mechanisms and can also give information on rate limiting steps and in favorable cases, chemical mechanism. Keywords: enzyme kinetics; steady state; initial velocities; rate equations; kinetic constants
Swarm dispersion via potential fields, leader election, and counting hops

We examine how robots using only laser range data and the ability to communicate within a certain radius may disperse in a complex unknown environment. We demonstrate an algorithm which attempts to maximize coverage while minimizing loss of connectivity during deployment. We demonstrate using Player/Stage that this algorithm can reliably achieve significant coverage over a variety of environments.
Integrated learning with incorrect and incomplete theories

Abstract This paper discusses incorrect and incomplete theories in integrating empirical and explanation-based learning techniques. The paper focuses on OCCAM, a program which is unique among explanation-based learning systems in that it has the capability to acquire via empirical means the knowledge needed for explanation-based learning. Two major extensions to OCCAM are reported: • The ability to revise a schema formed by explanation-based learning when it becomes apparent that the underlying domain theory was incorrect. • The ability to use empirical learning techniques to acquire a new rule to complete an explanation. These extensions address the issue of utilizing incorrect and incomplete theories in an integrated learning system.
Calcium enhances Acanthamoeba polyphaga binding to extracellular matrix proteins.

PURPOSE To characterize better the ameba-host interactions that may be involved with the pathogenesis of Acanthamoeba keratitis, the role of calcium (Ca2+) on the binding of Acanthamoeba polyphaga to extracellular matrix proteins was examined in vitro. METHODS The binding of a metabolically labeled A. polyphaga (CDC:0187:1) isolate from a case of human keratitis to collagen type IV, laminin, and fibronectin was assessed through a range of calcium concentrations in the external fluid. Binding to collagen IV was studied in detail, with and without other divalent cations and calcium channel modulators. RESULTS Calcium increased binding in a dose-dependent manner, with significant effects at 0.1 to 1.0 microM and near-maximal effects at 1 to 100 microM, depending upon the matrix protein. Magnesium alone had no effect on ameba binding to collagen IV but suppressed the action of calcium. Strontium enhanced ameba binding, with maximal effect at 100 microM. The calcium channel antagonists nifedipine and diltiazem-HCl and a calcium channel activator, Bay-K8644, had no effect on the action of calcium. However, the inorganic calcium antagonists, lanthanum and cobalt, suppressed the effect of calcium. CONCLUSION Low concentrations of calcium enhance the adhesion of A. polyphaga to extracellular matrix proteins. It remains uncertain whether calcium acts intracellularly or at the cell surface.
Modification of Amino Groups

This unit describes group-specific modifications of amino groups. These reactions remain valid tools for early-stage evaluation of structure-function relationships, but are now valued even more for their applications in the preparation of bioconjugates, affinity columns, biosensors, and tagged macromolecules. Protocols are provided here for reaction of amino groups with succinimidyl esters and isothiocyanates. These methods are broadly useful for the stable coupling to proteins of groups with useful, non-native functional properties. These include biotin for detection or recovery, fluorescent groups for biophysics or cytochemistry, cross-linking reagents for making bioconjugates, or metal-chelators that permit proteins to be loaded with radioisotopes for medical imaging or antitumor therapy. These applications require accurate product characterization, which preferably is performed by mass spectrometry, as described in this unit as a support procedure. A protocol employing succinic or acetic anhydrides to change the charge state of protein amino groups is provided here, as is a procedure for reductive alkylation that leaves their charge unaltered but converts primary amines to secondary or tertiary amines.
Mid-Cervical Spinal Neuron Activity during Intermittent Hypoxia

The cervical spinal cord contains a complex propriospinal network, and cervical spinal interneurons show both inspiratory- and expiratory-related discharge patterns. However, the role of cervical i...
One-Year Experience with the Institution of a Critical Airway Team at an Academic Medical Center

Abstract Background At our institution, there were a number of adverse patient events related to an unstable airway that led to the formation of a designated critical airway response team (CAT). It was hoped that this would improve patient outcomes in such matters. Objective Our aim was to evaluate the impact of the creation of the CAT. Methods A review of the activations of the CAT for 1 year was conducted. Results We reviewed 51 CAT activations, the majority (71%) occurred in the emergency department (ED) and the most common reasons for activation were angioedema (41%) and epiglottitis (12%). Fiber optic intubation was the most common method used to secure the airway, 22% of the cases were transported to the operating room for management. Only one surgical airway was required and no adverse outcome related to the airway occurred in the studied group. Conclusions The creation of a critical airway has been considered a success in terms of patient management at our institution. It has been most commonly used in the management of life-threatening angioedema in the ED.
Mathematical Models of Socio-Economic Systems: An Example

This paper uses a specific example of a relatively simple socio-economic system to demonstrate a methodology for developing state models of socio-economic systems in terms of the structural features of the system. Numerical values of the parameters in the resulting model are either determined from past records of the organization or are obtainable from surveys. A computer solution is presented to indicate the general nature of the performance characteristics that can be simulated with such a model.
Biochemical Studies of the in vitro Acrosome Reaction Inducing Activity of Bovine Serum Albumin

Summary It is known that the acrosome reaction, a fusion, vesiculation and loss of sperm head membranes essential for fertilization can be induced in hamster sperm by incubation with bovine serum albumin (BSA) and a low molecular weight motility factor. The present report describes biochemical studies of the in vitro acrosome reaction-inducing activity of BSA. Phase contrast microscopy was used to detect the acrosome reactions of motile hamster sperm. Sperm preincubated for several hours with motility factor and a BSA poor in acrosome reaction-inducing activity underwent a relatively high percentage of acrosome reactions 15–40 min after addition of a BSA high in acrosome reaction-inducing activity. Charcoal treatment at acid pH reduced the fatty acid content of BSA and improved the acrosome reaction-inducing ability of BSA several fold. When the charcoal-treated BSA was refatted with palmitic acid or oleic acid, the increased acrosome reaction-inducing activity was lost. Pepsin hydrolysis of a BSA purified to immunoelectrophoretic homogeneity and reduced in fatty acid content by TCA-ethanol treatment destroyed the ability of that BSA to form a precipitate with rabbit anti-BSA. However, the pepsin hydrolysate was as efficient in the induction of the acrosome reaction as the unhydrolyzed control if a small amount of BSA poor in acrosome reaction-reducing activity was present to sustain sperm viability. Most of the acrosome reaction-inducing activity of the hydrolysate was retained after dialysis and ultrafiltration with an Amicon PM-30 membrane. These results suggest that albumin does indeed play a role in the induction of the hamster sperm acrosome reaction rather than just in capacitation. The results also indicate that the intact albumin molecule is not necessary for the acrosome reaction-inducing activity; and that the ligand content of albumin can influence its effectiveness in the induction of the acrosome reaction.
Evaluating clinical skills of radiation oncology residents: parts I and II.

The purposes of this article are to: (1) underscore both the importance and the difficulty of assessing clinical skills at the graduate level, (2) review both old and new assessment methods of clinical skills in an attempt to familiarize educators with current views on evaluation modalities, and (3) assess the state of clinical-skills assessment specifically in radiation oncology. A series of articles published in The Lancet in 1995, entitled “Examining the Examiner,” was used as a starting point. We then conducted an extensive literature search (using MEDLINE) to find publications that examined different examination methods, old and new, that apply to the education of radiation oncology residents. Concepts critical to understanding any discussion of clinical skills evaluation methods are also reviewed. Results: Part I of the article provides an introduction critical to understanding the objectives of clinical-skills evaluation. Also, three older, well-established methods of clinical skills evaluation (ward evaluation, oral examination, and multiple-choice questions) are assessed. In Part II, the objective structured clinical examination (OSCE), the standardized patient (SP), and the patient management problem (PMP), all born of recent innovations in the field, are discussed. Part II concludes with a review of how the issues presented in both parts are relevant to the assessment of the radiation oncology resident. All evaluation methods that can be applied to the education of radiation oncology residents have perceived advantages and shortcomings. With the proper administration of many of these (save, perhaps, the PMP), any perceived difficulties in evaluating the clinical skills of radiation oncology residents may be addressed and diminished. Suggestions offered that are worthy of further discussion, debate, and study include establishment of a standardized “ward” examination, a formative oral examination to accompany the ACR In-Training examination, and the possible revision of the American Board of Radiology oral examination. An in-depth appraisal on the feasibility of using newer evaluation methods (OSCE, SP, etc.) is also needed. Int. J. Cancer (Radiat. Oncol. Invest.) 90, 1–12 (2000). © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Highly durable thermal barrier coatings made by the solution precursor plasma spray process

Abstract The solution precursor plasma spray (SPPS) process offers the prospect of depositing highly durable thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) of low thermal conductivity. In this study, a Taguchi design of experiments was employed to optimize the SPPS process. The spallation life of SPPS TBCs on a MCrAlY bond coated Ni-base superalloy substrate deposited under the optimized processing conditions was demonstrated to be more than 2.5 times of that of a conventional plasma sprayed TBC with the same substrate and bond coat. The superior durability of SPPS TBCs is associated with their novel microstructures, which include: (i) a ceramic matrix containing micrometer and nanometer porosity, (ii) the presence of very fine splats (0.5 to 5-μm diameters), (iii) through-thickness cracks, and (iv) improved ceramic to bond coat adhesion. The failure of SPPS TBCs occurs within the ceramic top coat, near the ceramic/bond coat interface. Buckling spallation is the failure mode observed for all tested samples. It was also demonstrated that the SPPS process is capable of depositing thick (>2 mm) and durable TBCs.
Groundwater flow beneath Late Weichselian glacier ice in Nordfjord, Norway

Basal water pressure and water flow patterns are significant factors in controlling the behavior of an ice sheet, because they influence ice-sheet thickness, stability and extent. Water produced by basal melting may infiltrate the subsurface, or occur as sheet or channelized flow at the ice/bed interface. We examine subglacial groundwater conditions along a flowline of the Scandinavian ice sheet through Nordfjord, in the western fjords region of southern Norway, using a steady-state, two- dimensional groundwater-flow model. Meltwater input to the groundwater model is calculated by a two-dimensional, time-dependent, thermomechanically coupled ice-flow model oriented along the same flowline. Model results show that the subglacial sediments could not have transmitted all the meltwater out of the fjord during times of ice advance and when the ice sheet was at its maximum position at the edge of the continental shelf. In order for pore-water pressures to remain below the overburden pressure of the overlying ice, other paths of subglacial drainage are necessary to remove excess water. During times of retreat, the subglacial aquifer is incapable of transmitting all the meltwater that was probably generated. Pulses of meltwater reaching the bed could explain non- climatically driven margin readvances during the overall retreat phase.
Ancestral Genes Can Control the Ability of Horizontally Acquired Loci to Confer New Traits

Horizontally acquired genes typically function as autonomous units conferring new abilities when introduced into different species. However, we reasoned that proteins preexisting in an organism might constrain the functionality of a horizontally acquired gene product if it operates on an ancestral pathway. Here, we determine how the horizontally acquired pmrD gene product activates the ancestral PmrA/PmrB two-component system in Salmonella enterica but not in the closely related bacterium Escherichia coli. The Salmonella PmrD protein binds to the phosphorylated PmrA protein (PmrA-P), protecting it from dephosphorylation by the PmrB protein. This results in transcription of PmrA-dependent genes, including those conferring polymyxin B resistance. We now report that the E. coli PmrD protein can activate the PmrA/PmrB system in Salmonella even though it cannot do it in E. coli, suggesting that these two species differ in an additional component controlling PmrA-P levels. We establish that the E. coli PmrB displays higher phosphatase activity towards PmrA-P than the Salmonella PmrB, and we identified a PmrB subdomain responsible for this property. Replacement of the E. coli pmrB gene with the Salmonella homolog was sufficient to render E. coli resistant to polymyxin B under PmrD-inducing conditions. Our findings provide a singular example whereby quantitative differences in the biochemical activities of orthologous ancestral proteins dictate the ability of a horizontally acquired gene product to confer species-specific traits. And they suggest that horizontally acquired genes can potentiate selection at ancestral loci.
Associations between human herpesvirus-6, human papillomavirus and cervical cancer

Cervical cancer (CxCa) is the second most common cancer among women globally. Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is thought to be a necessary, but not sufficient, causal factor in CxCa development. Why some women are able to clear HPV infection with no adverse effects, whereas others develop cancer, remains unclear. HHV-6 has demonstrated transformative abilities and has been shown to be present in the genital tract. However, based on the current evidence, we cannot conclude that HHV-6 is a co-factor in HPV-associated carcinogenesis. Nonetheless, future research is warranted because of several crucial gaps in the literature.
Microfabricated Chip for Calibration of Field Instruments

Accurate, periodic calibration is required to operate IMS, GC, and portal security systems with maximum efficiency, surety, and operator confidence. To this end, we are presently developing a microfabricated device for on-demand calibration of fieldable contraband detection instruments. Using robotically-assisted picoliter dispensing methods, precise nanogram or larger amounts of calibration compound(s) are placed on micron-sized bridge structures. Resistively heating these structures delivers precisely quantified low-levels of calibration compounds to the detector systems. This provides reliable calibration for identification and quantification of explosives, narcotics, and other contraband.
A logic-based mechanism for integrity maintenance of engineering databases

The semantics of engineering data can be represented in terms of constraints and can be maintained via constraint checking and enforcement. Conventional databases (e.g. Relational Databases) are inadequate for maintaining engineering data semantics because they have no effective means for representing and checking/enforcing constrains. As an extension of relational databases, deductive databases overcome this inadequacy by enabling constraint representation and checking. However, they too lack the constraint enforcement ability. a logic-based mechanism for enforcing constrainst in deductive databases is presented in this paper. The mechanism is composed of two operators: a truth enforcement operator and a falsity enforcement operator. The mechanics of these operators and their use for integrity enfocement are described herein.
Hidden Dragons Asian American Women and Sport

In this research, the authors take a multicultural feminist approach to examining Asian American women’s participation in sport during the high school years. Data come from the nationally represent...
Coupling neurotrophins to cell migration through selective guanine nucleotide exchange factor activation

Myelinating glia provide an insulating sheath around axons that is required for the rapid propagation of axon potentials and normal function of the central and peripheral nervous systems. Myelinated nerve fibers develop in a series of stages. Axons initially grow out largely devoid of glia; they stimulate the generation of immature, premyelinating Schwann cells that migrate along the axon, resulting in a full complement of these glial cells along the length of the nerve fiber. Subsequently, Schwann cells differentiate and elaborate a myelin sheath. This developmental sequence and the intimate apposition of Schwann cells with nerve fibers suggest bidirectional signaling between these cell types mediated by cell adhesion molecules and growth factors and their cognate receptors. The actions of one class of growth factor, the neurotrophins, have been particularly well characterized for effects on premyelinating Schawnn cells. In a body of work spanning the past four years, Shooter and colleagues (1, 2) have demonstrated that locally produced neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) promotes Schwann cell migration by activating the TrkC receptor tyrosine kinase. In contrast, the related neurotrophin, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), binds the unrelated p75 receptor to inhibit Schwann cell migration and promote differentiation and myelination (2, 3). A mechanism by which the p75 receptor inhibits Schwann cell migration was previously elucidated by the studies of Yamiuchi et al. (2), whereby p75 couples to the guanine exchange factor Vav2 to activate the RhoA GTPase. A study in a recent issue of PNAS (4) reveals that TrkC promotes Schwann cell migration by using the guanine exchange factor Dbs to activate the Cdc42 GTPase. Collectively, these observations suggest that BDNF and NT3 mediate opposing actions on Schwann cell migration through binding to different receptors, by coupling these receptors to the recruitment of distinct guanine exchange factors, and by the selective activation of …
Viewing Rome from the Roman Empires

Twelfth-century German and Byzantine emperors vied with each other—and with the popes in Rome—for imperial status, each of the three seeing himself as the legitimate heir of ancient Roman imperium. From the court at Constantinople, historians Anna Komnene and John Kinnamos leveled a venomous critique against the west, surveying Rome through the lens of religious disputes, Crusade, and the hated Latin presence in the East. The Byzantine narratives have left a gritty view of their contemporary Rome, a violent and cruel city of illicit popes and anti-popes, anarchy, and barbarism. The Peutinger map, by contrast, seems but an innocent relic of the past, a map of the inhabited world as known to the pagan Romans. Typically considered an ancient Roman artifact and product of Roman culture, the surviving map actually dates from the very end of the long twelfth century. Produced in Swabia, it continued the anti-papal assault as a fresh salvo in a long-lived Battle of the Maps between Church and secular imperium. This display map, like its lost prototype, advertised the supreme authority of Roman imperial power with claims much more venerable than those of the papacy. Its visual narrative implicitly contradicted the power of papal Rome by foregrounding ancient Rome as the centerpiece of an intricately connected oikoumene, a world that should be ruled by Rome’s German heirs. For Germans as for Byzantines, Rome still mattered. Even while assailing a resurgent imperial papacy, neither secular emperor nor their courts could ignore the power exercised by pagan Rome and papal Rome over twelfth-century imaginations.
ELECTRICAL FIELDS, CALCIUM GRADIENTS, AND CELL GROWTH

Summary We have outlined the evidence that fucoid eggs and pollen tubes drive an electric current through themselves as they grow, alter (or initiate) their growth in response to an applied electrical field, and develop a calcium gradient during their growth with the region of highest calcium concentration being the growing point. New data have been presented to support the notion that it is this calcium gradient that is essential in the polarization process. The fucoid egg (a free-living cell) would not normally be subjected to an externally imposed electrical field. The fact that an imposed field can mimic the endogenous current must be viewed as somewhat fortuitous, since the effects of the imposed field on the membrane and the cytoplasm must be quite different from those of the endogenous field. The case of the growing neurite is quite different; we imagine that it might well be exposed to a field during normal neurogenesis. The following intriguing possibility is raised. Might the exogenous electrical field interact with an endogenous electrical field in the growing neurite? If so, the analogy between neurite extension and plant tip growth could be very close indeed. Our preliminary evidence that the neurites curve in response to a calcium ionophore gradient adds to the suspicion that these processes are similar. The idea is that the small voltage gradient sensed by a neurite would be amplified by the neurite's production of its own current which would involve local calcium entry. We are encouraged to attempt to suitably scale down the vibrating probe in an effort to measure such self-generated currents. Our finding that the muscle cells form their long axes at right angles to an electric field was made accidently and does not easily fit into the scheme that has been suggested for fucoid egg, pollen, and nerve. It may be that the field affects the orientation of a transverse tubule system which is somehow caused to form parallel to the field with the result that the long axis forms perpendicular to the field, but this is purely speculative at this point. Finally, we should emphasize that our notion that an epithelially generated current may play a role in the orientation of nerves and muscle in embryonic Xenopus is not an exclusive one. We envision that such currents are only crude, initial controls and that other, subtler controls (such as local chemical gradients) will undoubtedly be involved in the finer control of these processes.
The effects of silage feeding on some sensory and health attributes of cow's milk: A review

Silage has been the prevailing type of preserved forage for cattle feeding in many countries. Carry-over of some components from silage to cow’s milk has been thus of concern. Silage is a richer source of available provitamins A, other carotenoids and tocopherols than hay due to higher losses of these compounds during forage field-drying and hay storage. Ensiled grasses and legume forages contain higher levels of carotenoids and tocopherols than maize silage. Numerous terpenes are carried-over to milk and cheeses from grazed multifloral pastures or from hay, while silages are a poorer source of these flavour-affecting compounds. Data on alcohols, acids, esters, aldehydes and ketones in silage and especially information on their carry-over to milk are insufficient. Milk can gain a bad smell from a stable atmosphere if silage, particularly of poor quality, is fed. Red clover silage feeding can cause considerable levels of estrogenic equol in milk. Deoxynivalenol and zearalenone are the main mycotoxins formed in silage. Their content is reduced by the activity of both some lactic acid bacteria in silage and rumen microflora. The excretion of the mycotoxins in milk is generally low. Silages can be a pool of the undesirable bacteria Bacillus cereus, Clostridium tyrobutyricum and Listeria monocytogenes. Milk contamination with these bacteria can be decreased by the prevention of silage deacidification following air access, and by improving the dairy farm environment, cow hygiene and by sanitary milk harvesting.
Comparing causes of system failure

Abstract System failure has many different causes. This presentation identifies and illustrates these causes. An attempt is made to assess their relative importance. Major topics considered are the loss of fault coverage due to imperfect implementation information or because the failure modes are not accurately represented by the single-stuck fault assumption. New temporary failure characterizations derived from laboratory experiments, simulation and system data are also presented.
Application of cylindrical hypervapotron for cooling of DIII-D ECH dummy loads

An application of the cylindrical HV to cool dummy loads of electron cyclotron heating (ECH) systems of the DIII-D fusion machine is presented. These devices are subjected to heat fluxes of several hundred W/cm2 and can be cooled by water. Analysis shows that HV cooling can handle the heat fluxes without exceeding temperature limits. The cylindrical HV may also be used for cooling of fusion diverters.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Critical Hip-Hop Language Pedagogies: Combat, Consciousness, and the Cultural Politics of Communication.

This article addresses two long-standing tensions in the education of linguistically marginalized youth: (a) the cultural tension, or cultural combat, that such students engage in as they form their linguistic identities, and (b) the tensions between the development of critical language pedagogies and the lack of their broader implementation due to disinterested and discriminatory teachers. This article presents critical Hip-hop language pedagogies (CHHLPs) as a holistic approach aimed at both students and teachers, incorporating theory and practice, so that innovative approaches might be implemented. After situating CHHLPs within critical language studies, the article argues that educators are obligated to present the current sociolinguistic reality to students who are subjugated in mainstream institutions. To this end, several pedagogical approaches are presented and discussed. The article concludes with a vision for critical, reflexive pedagogies and a call to mobilize the full body of language, social...
Hybrid-tee coupled oscillators

When two oscillators are coupled by a hybrid tee, if properly adjusted, combined power is greater than the sum of individual maximum power. For example, at 7 GHz, when two reflex klystrons, of 1.4 W and 1.2 W respectively, are combined, 3.4 W output is produced.
Analysis of DNA-RNA hybridization data using the Scatchard plot.

Abstract DNA-RNA hybridization experiments, especially in eukaryotic systems, are complicated by such factors as large genome size and the difficulty of separating RNA fractions. Current analytical methods can lead to erroneous conclusions since heterogeneity is often obscured and data in the most useful concentration ranges are not readily obtainable. Some of these difficulties can be overcome by using a Scatchard plot which is superior to other methods in preventing common misinterpretations of data resulting from heterogeneous RNA samples or non-specific reaction.
Unusual course of a ciliary body melanoma.

A 37-year-old white woman was first examined by an ophthalmologist in December, 1960, for a pig­ mented lesion of the sclera (Fig. 1) which had re­ mained unchanged for the preceding 10 years. The scleral lesion was grey, 4 mm in diameter, and lo­ cated 5 mm posterior to the superior limbus in the vertical meridian. The lesion was neither elevated nor vascularized. On gonioscopic examination, a tu­ mor mass was detected in the angle in a position corresponding to the location of the scleral lesion (Fig. 2). The ciliary body was unremarkable, and the visual acuity and intraocular pressure were nor­ mal. The pupil was of normal size and shape and dilated normally. Examination in 1961 demonstrated no change in the findings. In 1962, the scleral lesion was slightly elevated and had increased to a diame­ ter of 10 mm. At this time, a smooth, slightly ele­ vated ciliary body tumor was noted which corre­ sponded to the site of the scleral lesion. There was no further change until 1969, when progressive growth of the ciliary body and angle tumor became obvious (Figs. 3 and 4). The extrascleral extension at this time measured 5 mm in diameter. The appar­ ent decrease in size since 1962 was attributed to loss of pigment. The patient was referred to the Uni­ versity of California, San Francisco, for consulta­ tion and the eye was enucleated on October 23, 1969.
Looking Just Like It Doesn’t: Perception and Illusion in Scientific Visualization

Scientific visualization, particularly of fluid flow, maps abstract characteristics of the data onto geometric structures that can be represented visually. The characteristics of those structures, in turn, are inferred by their perceived shape, color, surface properties, motion, etc. Virtual reality (VR) technology has the potential for enhancing the ability to discern subtle properties of those structures by recruiting a richer set of sensory tools such as stereopsis, positional interaction, and expanded peripheral vision. However, the perceived VR environment derives from several illusions created by the interaction between the display hardware and our sensory and cognitive systems. Understanding how one assigns properties to objects in that virtual world is critical for generating valid inferences about the underlying data. It also provides fascinating insight into our own role as a measuring device.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Antigen processing and presentation in transplantation

For many years the direct stimulation of T cells in response to donor MHC antigens expressed on donor antigen-presenting cells has been the focus of transplantation immunology. Indirect recognition in response to peptides of donor antigens presented by self MHC molecules on recipient antigen-presenting cells has not generally been considered an important feature of graft rejection. Recent evidence suggests that indirect responses may be more important than previously considered and the new emphasis on indirect pathways in allograft rejection has raised new issues, many of which are unresolved.