cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Association Between Intentional Purchase of Local Food Products and Diet Quality Among Adults in Puerto Rico (P04-148-19)

Adults in Puerto Rico have a high prevalence of poor diet quality, behavior that, in other United States territories, has previously been associated with increased access to imported food products. These trends raise the question of whether consumption of local food, which accounts for only 15% of the Puerto Rican food environment, may contribute to healthy dietary intake. We aimed to investigate the association between purposefully purchasing local foods (PPLF) and diet quality in Puerto Rico. The Puerto Rico Assessment of Diet, Lifestyle, and Diseases (PRADLAD) is a 2015 cross-sectional study of 380 adults (35–75y) sampled in San Juan. To assess PPLF, participants were asked, ‘How often do you purposely purchase foods from Puerto Rico (like fruits, vegetables, meat and other products that are produced here rather than being imported)? ’ Diet was assessed through a culturally-adapted food frequency questionnaire, and diet quality was defined using the Alternative Healthy Eating Index-2010 (AHEI). Statistical analysis was conducted among participants with valid dietary data (n = 248). Multivariable generalized linear models tested the association between PPLF and AHEI, adjusted for relevant sociodemographic and behavioral factors. Nearly a third (33.9%) of participants reported never/sometimes, 33.5% reported often, and 30.6% reported always PPLF. As compared to never/sometimes PPLF, fully-adjusted mean AHEI scores were 3.56 (P = 0.0383) points higher among those often PPLF and 9.34 (P < 0.0001) points higher among those always PPLF. Compared to never/sometimes PPLF, those who always PPLF had higher fully-adjusted mean component scores for vegetables (P < 0.0001), fruits (P = 0.0002), whole grain (P = 0.0391), nuts and legumes (P = 0.034), trans fat (P = 0.0003), and long-chain (Ω-3) fats (P = 0.002). Adults in Puerto Rico who intentionally purchase local products had significantly higher diet quality, especially regarding plant-based foods and healthy fats intake. These findings point to possible dietary benefits associated with improving local food availability. Further research on the Puerto Rican food environment is needed, including potential poor diet quality associated with imported products. Private anonymous donations, Dry Bean Health Research Program Incentive Award, and institutional funds.
Accuracy of energy dispersive x-ray composition analysis of YBCO films on yttrium-containing substrates as compared to Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy

We address the accuracy of Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) composition analysis of YBa2Cu3O\(_{7 - x} \) (YBCO) thin films. YBCO films deposited on yttrium stabilized zirconia (YSZ) and strontium titanate (STO) substrates were analyzed by EDS and Rutherford Backscattering Spectrometry (RBS) to determine their compositions. The YSZ substrates used in this work contained a common element, yttrium; therefore, EDS intensities of yttrium signals resulting from the film alone were calculated using EDS results of blank YSZ substrates. The EDS compositions of all the elements were obtained using the proportionality factor, k calculated from RBS data from a standard film deposited on silicon and the intensity ratios of the respective standard obtained from EDS. The film thickness was found to be an important factor to consider when choosing the optimum accelerating voltage for the EDS analysis. For films having comparable thickness to that of the standard (∼0.8 μm), we found 25 kV was the optimum accelerating voltage for the EDS analysis that obtained compositions in good agreement with the RBS data. For films having half the thickness of the standard film, EDS composition analyses were unreliable quantitatively and were best qualitatively at 15 kV.
Effects of Granulocyte Colony Stimulating Factor (G-CSF) On Monosomy 7 Aneuploidy and T Cell Subsets in Healthy Donors.

Abstract 3147 Poster Board III-84 Recent reports of chromosomal and immunological abnormalities in healthy donors receiving granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) have raised concerns among hematologists that this popular cytokine may promote genomic instability or alter immune surveillance (Pampilon D et al Transfusion 2008; 48(7):1495-501). We previously reported that G-CSF altered the Th1:Th2 ratio in healthy individuals following short-term administration (Blood 2000 Apr 1;95(7):2269-74), but reported no new karyotypic abnormities after in vitro culture of bone marrow mononuclear cells with pharmacological doses of G-CSF (Proc Natl Acad Sci 2006 Sep 26;103(39):14483-8). There is no systematic study of the long-term effects of administering granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) to healthy individuals. We examined CD34 cells of 10 healthy stem cell donors after they had received 10 mcg/kg G-CSF for 4 days; fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) was the method employed to monitor chromosomal changes. We also studied 37 healthy granulocyte donors who received G-CSF (5ug/Kg x 1 day) and dexamethosone for up to 42 times (median= 15; range 6-42) using FISH to examine chromosomes 7 and 8 and flow cytometry to define their T cell subsets. FISH did not detect chromosomal abnormalities in the CD34 cells of 10 donors mobilized with G-CSF; neither could monosomy 7 cells be isolated after culturing cells in media with 400 ng/mL G-CSF (previously shown to support outgrowth of monosomy 7 cells) for two weeks. Furthermore, FISH did not detect aneuploidy in the 37 regular granulocyte donors. Evaluation of T cell subsets by flow cytometry demonstrated similar percentages of CD4+ T cells in 18 granulocyte donors as compared to 23 untreated controls (57.5% vs 56.5%). However, donors had increased numbers of CD4+TNFαa+ Th1 T cells and decreased CD4+IL-6+ Th2 T cells (4.2% vs 1.6%, P= 0.0003 and 11% vs. 35%, P=0.04 respectively), while the donor Th2 subset expressed significantly more IL-6 per cell (P Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Do Changes in Language Context Affect Visual Memory in Bilinguals

Language is often present when people are encoding visual memories. For bilinguals, this language context can have different forms (i.e., Language A, Language B, or both Language A and B), and can change over the course of events. The current study examined whether a change in language context during a visual event or between visual events affects a bilingual’s ability to remember visual information. English-Spanish bilinguals and control participants encoded three lists of novel shapes amid different task-irrelevant language contexts. Following each list, participants completed a free recall test in which they drew the novel shapes they remembered. Results indicated that a change in language context between events, but not during events, affected visual memory. Specifically, the switch in language context between the second and third event (such as an English context in list 2 switching to a Spanish context in list 3) produced a reliable memory advantage for the English-Spanish bilinguals (relative to the control participants). The results offer preliminary evidence that task-irrelevant language context can influence a bilingual’s ability to remember non-linguistic information, as well as further evidence for context effects and multi-sensory effects in memory.
Substrate recognition by the Pseudomonas aeruginosa EF-Tu–modifying methyltransferase EftM

The opportunistic bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a leading cause of serious infections in individuals with cystic fibrosis, compromised immune systems, or severe burns. P. aeruginosa adhesion to host epithelial cells is enhanced by surface-exposed translation elongation factor EF-Tu carrying a Lys-5 trimethylation, incorporated by the methyltransferase EftM. Thus, the EF-Tu modification by EftM may represent a target to prevent P. aeruginosa infections in vulnerable individuals. Here, we extend our understanding of EftM activity by defining the molecular mechanism by which it recognizes EF-Tu. Acting on the observation that EftM can bind to EF-Tu lacking its N-terminal peptide (encompassing the Lys-5 target site), we generated an EftM homology model and used it in protein/protein docking studies to predict EftM/EF-Tu interactions. Using site-directed mutagenesis of residues in both proteins, coupled with binding and methyltransferase activity assays, we experimentally validated the predicted protein/protein interface. We also show that EftM cannot methylate the isolated N-terminal EF-Tu peptide and that binding-induced conformational changes in EftM are likely needed to enable placement of the first 5–6 amino acids of EF-Tu into a conserved peptide-binding channel in EftM. In this channel, a group of residues that are highly conserved in EftM proteins position the N-terminal sequence to facilitate Lys-5 modification. Our findings reveal that EftM employs molecular strategies for substrate recognition common among both class I (Rossmann fold) and class II (SET domain) methyltransferases and pave the way for studies seeking a deeper understanding of EftM's mechanism of action on EF-Tu.
An Experiment in Teaching with Design Thinking

This paper presents an experiment in teaching undergraduates with design thinking, a problem-solving methodology. Students participated in a design thinking project—designing games related to course subject—in two different undergraduate courses over a four-year period. The project was modified over time based on observations of students’ behavior and their academic performance with the goal of improving students’ experience of design thinking. These modifications included the introduction of a formal method of creative ideation, evaluating the designs of existing games, and peer feedback on the games designed by students. Some evidence emerged that these changes improved students’ reactions to design thinking but did not impair their ability to acquire course-specific domain knowledge.
Abstract WP206: Cognitive Functioning Predicts Engagement in Inpatient Stroke Rehabilitation

Introduction: Patient engagement during inpatient stroke rehabilitation (ISR) is critical to long-term outcomes. Cognitive deficits have demonstrated impact on engagement in rehabilitation. Here, w...
The Autobiography of Malcolm X: A Mythic Paradigm:

Malcolm's place in history looms obscurely ahead of us. His autobiography, while universally acknowledged as a compelling and extraordinary work, shares in the obscurity of Malcolm's essential being. Efforts to understand it have been hampered by comparisons with such standard literary works as Franklin's Autobiography, or the personal narratives of religious leaders like Jonathan Edwards. The Autobiography does not involve the further delineation of such well-known paths of development. It is not like Franklin's Autobiography because the static concept of the individual and his progressive, predictable growth is absent from Malcolm X's book. It is about a spiritual experience, but does not share the
Chapter 2 – Evaluating tools

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses a number of preparatory steps that are necessary to achieve a sound plant location. Sound site location activity for an industry requires a firm to develop a portfolio of facts in respect to its location requirements. The more professionally a firm analyzes its site needs, the more likely it is to find a profitable match. There are many alternate considerations to be analyzed in the plant location process. These include evaluating the cost of new equipment versus used equipment, the cost of automated equipment against the cost of labor displaced, and the cost of training labor weighed against paying higher wages in a skilled labor area. In short, the varying costs for equipment, plant facilities, plant operations, transportation, and personnel training can be computed, first on a localized basis, and then for alternate sites. By establishing these costs and calculating them for potential sites, costs can be assigned a rank. Costs can be used as an analytical tool for site selection. This provides an organized methodology for presenting facts to management. This chapter elaborates different yardsticks for selecting a plant location. The chapter also discusses about analysis of existing operations, evaluation factors, and plant shutdown/closing decisions.
In the Name of Silence and Destruction

This chapter explores the figure of Luis Martin-Santos and its relevance in the twenty-first century. After a brief review of the most significant critique on his fictional works, it proposes a new resonance for them that goes beyond their rejection of Francoism based on a patriarchal lens reading wherein hegemonic masculinity is the key factor for this new understanding.
Diesel and welding aerosols in an underground mine.

Abstract Researchers from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) conducted a study in an isolated zone of an underground mine to characterize aerosols generated by: (1) a diesel-powered personnel carrier vehicle operated over a simulated light-duty cycle and (2) the simulated repair of existing equipment using manual metal arc welding (MMAW). Both the diesel-powered vehicle and MMAW process contributed to concentrations of nano and ultrafine aerosols in the mine air. The welding process also contributed to aerosols with electrical mobility and aerodynamic mobility count median diameters of approximately 140 and 480 nm, respectively. The welding particles collected on the filters contained carbon, iron, manganese, calcium, and aluminum.
Cellular Mechanisms of Rejection of Optic and Sciatic Nerve Transplants: An Observational Study.

Author(s): Yonar, Merve; Uehara, Mayuko; Banouni, Naima; Kasinath, Vivek; Li, Xiaofei; Jiang, Liwei; Zhao, Jing; Bei, Fengfeng; Shin, Su Ryon; Cetrulo, Curtis L; Annabi, Nasim; Abdi, Reza | Abstract: BackgroundOrgan transplantation is a standard therapeutic strategy for irreversible organ damage, but the utility of nerve transplantation remains generally unexplored, despite its potential benefit to a large patient population. Here, we aimed to establish a feasible preclinical mouse model for understanding the cellular mechanisms behind the rejection of peripheral and optic nerves.MethodsWe performed syngenic and allogenic transplantation of optic and sciatic nerves in mice by inserting the nerve grafts inside the kidney capsule, and we assessed the allografts for signs of rejection through 14 d following transplantation. Then, we assessed the efficacy of CTLA4 Ig, Rapamycin, and anti-CD3 antibody in suppressing immune cell infiltration of the nerve allografts.ResultsBy 3 d posttransplantation, both sciatic and optic nerves transplanted from BALB/c mice into C57BL/6J recipients contained immune cell infiltrates, which included more CD11b+ macrophages than CD3+ T cells or B220+ B cells. Ex vivo immunogenicity assays demonstrated that sciatic nerves demonstrated higher alloreactivity in comparison with optic nerves. Interestingly, optic nerves contained higher populations of anti-inflammatory PD-L1+ cells than sciatic nerves. Treatment with anti-CD3 antibody reduced immune cell infiltrates in the optic nerve allograft, but exerted no significant effect in the sciatic nerve allograft.ConclusionsThese findings establish the feasibility of a preclinical allogenic nerve transplantation model and provide the basis for future testing of directed, high-intensity immunosuppression in these mice.
Combined Pneumatic and Enzymatic Vitreolysis for Severe Cases of Vitreomacular Traction.

PURPOSE To evaluate the efficacy of combined pneumatic and enzymatic vitreolysis for treatment of severe cases of vitreomacular traction (VMT). METHODS We analyzed a retrospective, consecutive series of five patients diagnosed with severe VMT refractory to pneumatic vitreolysis (PV) who then received an additional ocriplasmin injection while their gas bubble from PV was still present between February 2015 to February 2019. VMT release was confirmed using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT). RESULTS Four out of 5 patients treated with combined pneumatic and enzymatic vitreolysis achieved VMT release by day 28, and all cases eventually achieved complete VMT release. In addition to having VMT refractory to PV, patient characteristics included broad adhesion diameter (>1500 μm, n=1), presence of epiretinal membrane (n=2), age > 65 years (n=4), and pseudophakia (n=1). Visual acuity (VA) improved by 3 or more lines at 6 months in both of the patients with initial vision worse than 20/50 on an ETDRS chart but not in those whose vision was already fairly good (i.e. VA > 20/60). None of the patients experienced the following complications after receiving this combined treatment: retinal tears or detachments, vitreous floaters, and ellipsoid zone changes. CONCLUSION Sequential, combined pneumatic and enzymatic vitreolysis resulted in VMT release in all 5 cases (4 cases by 28 days) and may be a potentially useful alternative to surgical intervention for refractory VMT cases.
A convergent approach toward fidaxomicin: Syntheses of the fully glycosylated northern and southern fragments

Abstract Efficient approaches that enable the synthesis of analogs of natural product antibiotics are needed to keep up with the emergence of multiply-resistant strains of pathogenic organisms. One promising candidate in this area is fidaxomicin, which boasts impressive in vitro anti-tubercular activity but has poor systemic bioavailability. We designed a flexible synthetic route to this target to enable the exploration of new chemical space and the future development of analogs with superior pharmacokinetics. We developed a robust approach to each of the key macrocyclic and sugar fragments, their union via stereoselective glycosylation, and a convergent late-stage macrolide formation with fully glycosylated fragments. Although we were able to demonstrate that the final Suzuki cross-coupling and ring-closing metathesis steps enabled macrocycle formation in the presence of the northern resorcylic rhamnoside and southern novioside sugars, these final steps were hampered by poor yields and the formation of the unwanted Z-macrocycle as the major stereoisomer.
A targeted phylogenetic approach helps explain New World functional diversity patterns of two eudicot lineages

AIM: Large‐scale functional diversity studies typically examine isolated traits, often without phylogenetic context. Here, we integrate data from five life‐history traits with phylogeny and occurrence records to assess: (a) correlated latitudinal gradients of trait combinations; (b) which traits show phylogenetic conservatism and (c) quantitative, clade‐specific differences in trait syndromes, illustrating the phylogenetic scale of observable variation in ecological strategies. LOCATION: The Americas. TAXON: Ericales (Asterids) and Fabales (Rosids). METHODS: We used publicly available trait data sets on height, seed mass, wood density, leaf mass per area (LMA) and growth form, an open‐source phylogeny, and georeferenced occurrence records to investigate functional diversity patterns. We employed phylogenetic generalized least squares and phylogenetic principal components analyses (pPCA) to assess correlated trait evolution and quantify the trait syndrome, respectively. We employed the InfoMap Ecoregions web app to cluster species by bioregions. We used standard statistical tests and randomization simulations to assess statistical significance of results. RESULTS: Ericales and Fabales exhibited a biogeographically consistent, phylogenetically conserved trait syndrome. Moving poleward, species exhibited progressively smaller trait values and more herbaceous and shrubby growth forms (except for LMA, which showed no consistent pattern). We quantified latitudinal variation in this trait syndrome using pPCA, and provide evidence for correlated trait evolution. MAIN CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate a functional trait syndrome involving height, seed mass, wood density and growth form, but not LMA. Functional trait values showed consistent latitudinal patterns and evidence of correlated evolution, suggesting an underlying ecological strategy. Furthermore, the two clades showed quantitative differences in the manifestation of this trait syndrome. Variation in the syndrome was best observed among species from con‐ordinal families. We interpret this trait syndrome as a strategy of resource acquisition in which habitats with relatively greater soil nutrient content and a shorter growing season favour shorter stature, lower seed mass and wood density, and shrubby or herbaceous growth form.
MLCAD Today and Tomorrow: Learning, Optimization and Scaling

The scaling imperative challenges us to always do better and faster, with less resources. The semiconductor industry has looked to machine learning (ML) as a design-based lever for scaling that will reduce design costs and design schedules while improving quality of results. As a result, in recent years Machine Learning for CAD (MLCAD) has dominated the conversation at leading conferences. Numerous ML-based enhancements and their benefits have been highlighted by EDA vendors and their customers. With this as backdrop, this talk will offer some thoughts on future directions for MLCAD.First, MLCAD lies on a road to "self-driving IC design tools and flows" that make design ideation and design space exploration both accurate and accessible. Eventually, MLCAD (ML for CAD) will lead us to MLDA (ML-enabled Design Automation). But for this to happen, researchers and practitioners will need to deliver (i) human-quality prediction, evaluation and decision-making with no humans; (ii) design tools and flows that never require iteration and never fail; (iii) modeling of design processes that continually improves; and more.Second, the trajectory of MLCAD will need to keep three concepts in foreground: Learning, Optimization and Scaling. "Learning" seems obvious from "ML", but it brings open questions about data and models, ranging from statistics to standards, sharing and openness. "Optimization" is the essence of CAD, and brings open questions about both synergies and boundaries with learning. "Scaling" is how practical realization of Learning and Optimization will satisfy the needs of design within an ever-tighter box of compute, schedule and other resources. Finally, there is a meta-question of how the MLCAD community will itself learn, optimize, and scale.
Laparoscopic/Robotic Treatment of the Small Bowel Lesions

Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has been proven feasible and safe for gastrointestinal surgery. Since its introduction, robotic surgery has not been as widely adopted for small bowel as for other procedures, due to difficulty in working in multiple abdominal quadrants and lack of tactile feedback.
Optics for Engineers

Introduction Why Optics? History Optical Engineering Electromagnetics Background Wavelength, Frequency, Power, and Photons Energy Levels and Transitions Macroscopic Effects Basic Concepts of Imaging Overview of the Book Problems Basic Geometric Optics Snell's Law Imaging with a Single Interface Reflection Refraction Simple Lens Prisms Reflective Systems Problems Matrix Optics Matrix Optics Concepts Interpreting the Results The Thick Lens Again Examples Problems Stops, Pupils, and Windows Aperture Stop Field Stop Image-Space Example Locating and Identifying Pupils and Windows Examples Problems Aberrations Exact Ray Tracing Ellipsoidal Mirror Seidel Aberrations and OPL Spherical Aberration for a Thin Lens Chromatic Aberration Design Issues Lens Design Problems Polarized Light Fundamentals of Polarized Light Behavior of Polarizing Devices Interaction with Materials Fresnel Reflection and Transmission Physics of Polarizing Devices Jones Vectors and Matrices Partial Polarization Problems Interference Mach-Zehnder Interferometer Doppler Laser Radar Resolving Ambiguities Michelson Interferometer Fabry-Perot Interferometer Beamsplitter Thin Films Problems Diffraction Physics of Diffraction Fresnel-Kirchhoff Integral Paraxial Approximation Fraunhofer Diffraction Equations Some Useful Fraunhofer Patterns Resolution of an Imaging System Diffraction Grating Fresnel Diffraction Problems Gaussian Beams Equations for Gaussian Beams Gaussian Beam Propagation Six Questions Gaussian Beam Propagation Collins Chart Stable Laser Cavity Design Hermite-Gaussian Modes Problems Coherence Definitions Discrete Frequencies Temporal Coherence Spatial Coherence Controlling Coherence Summary Problems Fourier Optics Coherent Imaging Incoherent Imaging Systems Characterizing an Optical System Problems Radiometry and Photometry Basic Radiometry Spectral Radiometry Photometry and Colorimetry Instrumentation Blackbody Radiation Problems Optical Detection Photons Photon Statistics Detector Noise Photon Detectors Thermal Detectors Array Detectors Nonlinear Optics Wave Equations Phase Matching Nonlinear Processes Appendix A Notation and Drawings for Geometric Optics Appendix B Solid Angle Appendix C Matrix Mathematics Appendix D Light Propagation in Biological Tissue Appendix E Useful Matrices Appendix F Numerical Constants and Conversion Factors Appendix G Solutions to Chapter Problems References Index
Superradiant Effects in Photon Echo Decays -The Superradiant Echo

Photon echo decays in molecular solids are profoundly influenced by intermolecular interactions. For example, in organic mixed molecular crystals the echo decay is strongly dependent on the impurity concentration.1–4,8 Previous theories2–4 deal mostly with the effect of static dipole-dipole coupling on the echo decay. In this paper, we study the combined effect of dipole-dipole coupling and superradiance,5–7 on the photon echo.
Assessing preferential flow by simultaneously injecting nanoparticle and chemical tracers

[1] The exact manner in which preferential (e.g., much faster than average) flow occurs in the subsurface through small fractures or permeable connected pathways of other kinds is important to many processes but is difficult to determine, because most chemical tracers diffuse quickly enough from small flow channels that they appear to move more uniformly through the rock than they actually do. We show how preferential flow can be assessed by injecting 2 to 5 nm carbon particles (C-Dots) and an inert KBr chemical tracer at different flow rates into a permeable core channel that is surrounded by a less permeable matrix in laboratory apparatus of three different designs. When the KBr tracer has a long enough transit through the system to diffuse into the matrix, but the C-Dot tracer does not, the C-Dot tracer arrives first and the KBr tracer later, and the separation measures the degree of preferential flow. Tracer sequestration in the matrix can be estimated with a Peclet number, and this is useful for experiment design. A model is used to determine the best fitting core and matrix dispersion parameters and refine estimates of the core and matrix porosities. Almost the same parameter values explain all experiments. The methods demonstrated in the laboratory can be applied to field tests. If nanoparticles can be designed that do not stick while flowing through the subsurface, the methods presented here could be used to determine the degree of fracture control in natural environments, and this capability would have very wide ranging value and applicability.
Algebraic number theory

Another concept of abstract algebra that emerged from the old algebra of equations was that of ring, which arose from attempts to find integer solutions of equations. The first steps towards the ring concept were taken by Euler (1770b), who discovered equations whose integer solutions are most easily found with the help of irrational or imaginary numbers. Gauss realized that these auxiliary numbers work because they behave like integers. In particular, they admit a concept of “prime” for which unique prime factorization holds. In the 1840s and 1850s the idea of “algebraic integers” was pushed further by various mathematicians, and it reached maturity when Dedekind (1871) defined the concept of algebraic integer in a number field of finite degree. By this time, considerable experience with number fields had been acquired, and Kummer had noticed that such fields do not always admit unique prime factorization. Kummer found a way around this difficulty by introducing new objects that he called ideal numbers (in analogy with “ideal” objects in geometry, such as points at infinity). Dedekind replaced Kummer’s undefined “ideal numbers” by concrete sets of numbers that he called ideals. He was then able to restore unique prime factorization by proving that it holds for ideals. Ring theory as we know it today is largely the result of building a general setting for Dedekind’s theory of ideals. It owes its existence to Emmy Noether, who used to say that “it’s already in Dedekind.”
The activating system of chitin synthetase from Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Purification and properties of an inhibitor of the activating factor.

Abstract The protein inhibitor of the yeast protease which activates chitin synthetase zymogen has been purified from Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The protein appears to be homogeneous by disc gel electrophoresis and gel electrofocusing. The molecular weight of the inhibitor, as determined by gel filtration in the presence of 6 m guanidine hydrochloride, is estimated to be about 8500, with no evidence for the existence of subunits. Amino acid analysis shows the absence of cysteine, methionine, arginine, and tryptophan. The NH2-terminal residue is threonine. Comparison of the inhibitors from S. cerevisiae and Saccharomyces carlsbergensis revealed that both proteins are of equivalent molecular size but differ substantially in electrical charge.
Conspicuous Consumption as Routine Expenditure and its Place in the Social Provisioning Process

The article utilizes the framework of social provisioning to argue that conspicuous consumption is an essential process of capitalism, and should be explored as a routine practice rather than an exceptional behavior. The objectives are: 1) to discuss conspicuous consumption as a process within a heterodox social provisioning framework; and 2) to emphasize the need for formulating theoretical concepts and discussions that are consistent with heterodox frameworks such as social provisioning.
Activation of a voltage-dependent chloride current in human neutrophils by phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine. The role of protein kinase C.

Calcium-activated, voltage-independent Cl- currents have been demonstrated in human neutrophils (Krause, K.-H., and Welsh, M.J. (1990) J. Clin. Invest. 85, 491-498). The activation is mediated by calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase and not by protein kinase C (PKC) (Schumann, M., Gardner, A.P., and Raffin, T.A. (1993) J. Biol. Chem. 268, 2134-2140). It is not known whether there are Ca(2+)-independent, voltage-dependent Cl- currents in these cells. Using K(+)-free solutions and patch-clamp recordings from human neutrophils, we separated the whole cell Cl- current. Base-line Cl- currents of unstimulated cells were small and displayed time and voltage independence; some showed voltage dependence. With a Ca(2+)-free pipette solution, bath-administered 1 microM phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) or 0.1 microM N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP) for 10 s induced augmented Cl- currents with voltage- and time-dependent outwardly rectifying properties. The threshold voltage of tail Cl- current activation was -69 mV. With a pipette solution containing 0.1 mM Ca2+, bath-administered 0.1 microM fMLP, 1 microM PMA, or 1 microM Ca2+ ionophore A23187 for 30 s induced augmented Cl- currents with voltage-independent properties. With intracellular application of 5 microM PKC inhibitor PKC(19-36), voltage-dependent Cl- currents were no longer activated by PMA or fMLP. Similar application of 5 microM PKC noninhibitory analog [Glu27]PKC(19-36) did not block PMA (or fMLP)-induced Cl- currents. These results indicate that, in addition to Ca(2+)-activated Cl- currents, human neutrophils have voltage-dependent Cl- currents which are regulated by PKC.
Effectiveness of Geosciences Exploration Summer Program (GeoX) for Increasing Awareness and Knowledge of Geosciences

Summer research experiences are an increasingly popular means of increasing awareness of, and developing interest in, the geosciences and other science, technology, engineering, and math programs. ...
Optimization of IC Engine Design for Reduced Emissions using CFD Modeling

Recent advances in computer CPU speed and engine model development make the use of multidimensional modeling increasingly attractive for engine designers and researchers seeking methods to reduce pollutant emissions, without sacrificing engine performance. Much progress has been made in engine submodel development in recent years, and modeling has been used to help explain aspects of engine performance and pollutant emissions trends. Factors including injection timing, injection pressure, injection rate-shape, combustion chamber design, boost pressure and EGR can now be explored computationally. A new development is the use of detailed models to help optimize engine design. With such a large number of engine parameters to investigate, it has been necessary to introduce efficient computational methodologies for the analysis of engine design configurations. Genetic-Algorithm-based (GA) search techniques have been demonstrated to be able to successfully follow a family of designs through a large search space to an optimum design. The GA method is applied together with multidimensional modeling in the present study to specify optimum injection rate-shape profiles for multiple injections in a heavy-duty diesel engine over a wide range of speeds and loads. In addition, related optimization studies are reviewed, including optimization of multiple injections with variations in EGR and boost pressure, optimization of intake flow swirl and tumble parameters for variable valve actuation applications, and optimization of the piston bowl geometry for a HSDI diesel engine.
Ramped hybrid encoding for improved ultrashort echo time imaging

Purpose We propose a new acquisition to minimize the per-excitation encoding duration and improve the imaging capability for short T2* species. Methods In the proposed ramped hybrid encoding (RHE) technique, gradients are applied before the radiofrequency (RF) pulse as in pointwise encoding time reduction with radial acquisition (PETRA) and zero echo time (ZTE) imaging. However, in RHE, gradients are rapidly ramped after RF excitation to the maximum amplitude to minimize encoding duration. To acquire central k-space data not measured during RF deadtime, RHE uses a hybrid encoding scheme similar to PETRA. A new gradient calibration method based on single-point imaging was developed to estimate the k-space trajectory and enable robust and high quality reconstruction. Results RHE enables a shorter per-excitation encoding time and provides the highest spatial resolution among ultrashort T2* imaging methods. In phantom and in vivo experiments, RHE exhibited robust imaging with negligible chemical shift or blurriness caused by T2* decay and unwanted slice selection. Conclusion RHE allows the shortest per-excitation encoding time for ultrashort T2* imaging, which alleviates the impact of fast T2* decay occurring during encoding, and enables improved spatial resolution. Magn Reson Med, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
THE ROAD TO REGENERATIVE LIVER THERAPIES: THE TRIUMPHS, TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS

The liver is one of the few organs that possess a high capacity to regenerate after liver failure or liver damage. The parenchymal cells of the liver, hepatocytes, contribute to the majority of the regeneration process. Thus, hepatocyte transplantation presents an alternative method to treating liver damage. However, shortage of hepatocytes and difficulties in maintaining primary hepatocytes still remain key obstacles that researchers must overcome before hepatocyte transplantation can be used in clinical practice. The unique properties of pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have provided an alternative approach to generating enough functional hepatocytes for cellular therapy. In this review, we will present a brief overview on the current state of hepatocyte differentiation from PSCs and iPSCs. Studies of liver regenerative processes using different cell sources (adult liver stem cells, hepatoblasts, hepatic progenitor cells, etc.) will be described in detail as well as how this knowledge can be applied towards optimizing culture conditions for the maintenance and differentiation of these cells towards hepatocytes. As the outlook of stem cell-derived therapy begins to look more plausible, researchers will need to address the challenges we must overcome in order to translate stem cell research to clinical applications.
Pre-Steady-State Kinetic Analysis of the Incorporation of Anti-HIV Nucleotide Analogs Catalyzed by Human X- and Y-Family DNA Polymerases

Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) are an important class of antiviral drugs used to manage infections by human immunodeficiency virus, which causes AIDS. Unfortunately, these drugs cause unwanted side effects, and the molecular basis of NRTI toxicity is not fully understood. Putative routes of NRTI toxicity include the inhibition of human nuclear and mitochondrial DNA polymerases. A strong correlation between mitochondrial toxicity and NRTI incorporation catalyzed by human mitochondrial DNA polymerase has been established both in vitro and in vivo. However, it remains to be determined whether NRTIs are substrates for the recently discovered human X- and Y-family DNA polymerases, which participate in DNA repair and DNA lesion bypass in vivo. Using pre-steady-state kinetic techniques, we measured the substrate specificity constants for human DNA polymerases β, λ, η, ι, κ, and Rev1 incorporating the active, 5′-phosphorylated forms of tenofovir, lamivudine, emtricitabine, and zidovudine. For the six enzymes, all of the drug analogs were incorporated less efficiently (40- to >110,000-fold) than the corresponding natural nucleotides, usually due to a weaker binding affinity and a slower rate of incorporation for the incoming nucleotide analog. In general, the 5′-triphosphate forms of lamivudine and zidovudine were better substrates than emtricitabine and tenofovir for the six human enzymes, although the substrate specificity profile depended on the DNA polymerase. Our kinetic results suggest NRTI insertion catalyzed by human X- and Y-family DNA polymerases is a potential mechanism of NRTI drug toxicity, and we have established a structure-function relationship for designing improved NRTIs.
Ochratoxin A and Dietary Protein. 1. Effects on Body Weight, Feed Conversion, Relative Organ Weight, and Mortality in Three-Week-Old Broilers

Abstract An experiment with a completely randomized 3 × 4 factorial design was used to study the effects of ochratoxin A (0, 2, and 4 mg/kg) and protein (14, 18, 22, and 26%) in three-wk-old broilers. The diets were based on ground yellow corn and dehulled soybean meal. Four hundred and eighty Hubbard × Hubbard broilers were randomly placed in battery brooders, with 10 birds per pen. Each treatment was replicated four times. Body weight increased with rising levels of protein, and decreased with rising levels of ochratoxin A (OA). The efficiency of feed utilization was improved in broilers fed 22 and 26% protein, compared with broilers fed 14 and 18% protein. The efficiency of feed utilization was lower for the birds fed 4 mg/kg of OA, compared with broilers fed 0 and 2 mg/kg of OA, respectively. Using OA increased the relative weight of the liver, kidney, spleen, pancreas, proventriculus, gizzard, and heart and also significantly decreased the relative weight of the bursa of fabricius. A significant interaction between OA and protein was seen in terms of the relative weight of the liver, pancreas, and gizzard, indicating that the rising protein levels spared the OA effect on those organs. Mortality was highest among the broilers fed 4 mg/kg of OA. Protein regression coefficients (beta's) were positive with respect to 21-day body weight and were negative for the feed:gain ratio and mortality, suggesting that protein provided beneficial effects.
An 1804 Slaving Contract Signed in Arabic Script From the Upper Guinea Coast

Few slaving agreements contracted between African sellers and American purchasers appear to have survived. They were rarely committed to paper, were destroyed after commitments were fulfilled, or were removed from business records kept by slave traders. The contract discussed here is of considerable interest as a document which, although brief, records important information and offers intriguing insights concerning African-European and African-African relationships in Guinea-Conakry at the turn of the nineteenth century. The slaving contract is dated 15 November 1804, and apparently was negotiated aboard the merchant ship Charlotte of Bristol, Rhode Island, Jonathan Sabens, master, anchored at the Iles de Los archipelago. Nov. th[ursday] 15-1804 Shipe Charlotte fortay days after date I Promas to pay Jno. Sabens or orde[r] nin[e] hundard and ni[ne]ty five Bars to be Pade in Rice and Slave Say fore tun of Rice at nity Bars par tun the Remandr in Slaves at one hundard and Twenty Bars par Slave. [signed in Arabic] Fadmod [Fendan Modu Dumbuya] [signed in Arabic] Muhammad Sa'ab shokr Mohammed Sakib Fana/Ta/ Mohammed Shabaan (the month before Ramadan) Respecting the American traders involved, the Charlotte was jointly owned by George D'Wolf and Jonathan Sabens of Bristol, Rhode Island. Captain Jonathan Sabens was an experienced mariner, involved in at least three previous slaving voyages, including one as master of the Charlotte . Members of the D'Wolf family were associated with numerous slaving voyages to west Africa and continued to invest in slaving ventures long after Rhode Island made the trade illegal in 1787.
Droplet Evaporation and Chemical Reaction in a Single Multi-Component Droplet to Synthesis Mixed-Oxide Film Using Spray Pyrolysis Method

This paper describes mathematical modeling of transport and chemical reaction phenomena in a single droplet on a heated substrate deposited by spray pyrolysis. The droplet contains mixed salt solution which reacts on the heated substrate to produce mixed oxides and water residue. The water is subsequently evaporated, leaving a thin film of the mixed oxides for sensor application. The droplet, containing solvent and precursors is modeled using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) technique. The variety of stages is predicted of the evolution of droplet morphology associated with surface energy and evaporation. The transient distribution is also predicted of the concentration of various species in the droplet.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Piecewise Planar and Compact Floorplan Reconstruction from Images

This paper presents a system to reconstruct piecewise planar and compact floorplans from images, which are then converted to high quality texture-mapped models for free- viewpoint visualization. There are two main challenges in image-based floorplan reconstruction. The first is the lack of 3D information that can be extracted from images by Structure from Motion and Multi-View Stereo, as indoor scenes abound with non-diffuse and homogeneous surfaces plus clutter. The second challenge is the need of a sophisti- cated regularization technique that enforces piecewise pla- narity, to suppress clutter and yield high quality texture mapped models. Our technical contributions are twofold. First, we propose a novel structure classification technique to classify each pixel to three regions (floor, ceiling, and wall), which provide 3D cues even from a single image. Second, we cast floorplan reconstruction as a shortest path problem on a specially crafted graph, which enables us to enforce piecewise planarity. Besides producing compact piecewise planar models, this formulation allows us to di- rectly control the number of vertices (i.e., density) of the output mesh. We evaluate our system on real indoor scenes, and show that our texture mapped mesh models provide compelling free-viewpoint visualization experiences, when compared against the state-of-the-art and ground truth.
Fecal short-chain fatty acid concentrations and effect on ileal pouch function

Random stool samples were obtained from 14 ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) patients 43 ± 5 (mean ± SEM) months after surgery, and the concentrations of individual short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were determined by gas liquid chromatography. Stool frequency was determined from a diary recorded for 15 days prior to stool sampling. The frequency, amplitude, and duration of phasic contractions (PCs) within the pouch following infusion of a physiologic concentration of SCFAs and normal saline randomly into the pouch of six IPAA patients were determined manometrically. The mean total SCFA concentration after IPAA did not differ significantly from normal stools (83 ± 20 mM after IPAA vs. 97 ± 10 mM for controls; P > 0.05). In the IPAA patients, regression analysis demonstrated an inverse relationship between stools per day and total SCFA concentration (r = 0.73; P < 0.001). Moreover, no change in frequency (3.0 ± 0.9 vs. 3.2 ± 0.8 PCs/30 minutes), amplitude (26 ± 5 vs. 25 ± 4 mmHg), or duration (23 ± 3 vs. 26 ± 2 seconds) of PCs was found after SCFA infusion compared with saline control (P >0.1). These findings demonstrate that SCFAs are present in ileal pouch effluent and that stool frequency may be related to fecal SCFA concentration. Also, the normal contractile response of the terminal ileum to SCFAs does not occur in the ileal pouch.
Questioning patriotism: Rejoinder to Viroli

Abstract The tradition of republican patriotism articulated by Maurizio Viroli only seems to avoid the naturalizing dangers inherent in the discourse of nationalism, whether in its so‐called civic or ethnic modes. Rousseau's comment that he wishes the patrie to be experienced as “la mere commune des citoyens” reflects the republican patriot's desire to find a home in the patria. This sentiment originated in Rome and comes down to us primarily in texts written in the immediate aftermath of the Republic's demise, a period characterized by widespread physical uprooting. The sentiment of republican patriotism can thus be seen as a nostalgic reaction to a sense of personal and political deracination and loss. In their yearning for a political home, at least, republican patriots like Rousseau share the rhetoric and desire of nationalists, and that similarity should cause us concern.
A comparison of two methods for estimating sensible heat flux in oceanic extratropical synoptic-scale systems

The advective method for estimating the sensible flux from the ocean to the atmosphere, devised by Bullock & Johnson (1972) for use in data-sparse oceanic regions, is compared with the bulk aerodynamic method. The results from a case study over the North Atlantic indicate that the method of Bullock & Johnson approximates the spatial distribution obtained by the aerodynamic method but underestimates the magnitude of the sensible heat flux. DOI: 10.1111/j.2153-3490.1977.tb00728.x
Measuring Violence: Vicarious Trauma Among Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners

Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANEs) are now commonplace in the continuum of care for victims of sexual violence in the United States. The presence of SANE programs has increased precision in the use of rape kits, improved patient care, and increased the effectiveness of expert court testimony. However, SANEs are exposed to a working environment that demands a professional response to devastating acts of trauma and violence perpetrated towards adults and children. This exploratory article presents the rates of vicarious trauma found among the SANE sample as reported through the 17-item Secondary Traumatic Stress Scale to understand the extent of secondary victimization among these service providers. By placing vicarious trauma within the context of sexual violence victimization, we expose a hidden "site" of violence and call for expanding our definition of "victim" of gender-based violence.