cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Theoretical and experimental performance of a high frequency gas micropump

This paper describes theoretical analyses and experimental characterization of high frequency multi-stage micropumps. The MEMS-fabricated micropumps have been developed for use in a highly-integrated micro gas chromatograph system for chemical analysis. Tests are reported on a 20x, two-stage pump and MEMS-fabricated micropumps and the results used to validate the theoretical analyses. Detailed comparisons of the 20x pump performance and unsteady pressure traces show that the theoretical analyses capture the main features of the flow in the pump. These results also provide insights on practical aspects of pump operation that have been incorporated in an improved reduced order model of the pump. Theoretical analyses used in the design of the MEMS-fabricated micropumps are described. A four-stage MEMS-fabricated unit produces a maximum flow of 3 ccm and a maximum pressure of 7000 Pa. These experimental results are compared to the reduced order model results and show standard error in flow and pressure of 0.31 ccm and 43 Pa, respectively, which correspond to 12% of the maximum performance.
Nanofibrous chitosan non-wovens for filtration applications

Abstract Chitosan containing nanofibrous filter media has the advantage of filtering material based on both its size and functionality. They can be potentially applicable in a wide variety of filtration applications ranging from water purification media to air filter media. We have fabricated nanofibrous filter media by electrospinning of chitosan/PEO blend solutions onto a spunbonded non-woven polypropylene substrate. Filter media with varying fiber diameter and filter basis weight were obtained. Heavy metal binding, anti-microbial and physical filtrations efficiencies of these chitosan based filter media were studied and correlated with the surface chemistry and physical characteristics of these nanofibrous filter media. Filtration efficiency of the nanofiber mats was strongly related to the size of the fibers and its surface chitosan content. Hexavalent chromium binding capacities up to 35 mg chromium/g chitosan were exhibited by chitosan based nanofibrous filter media along with a 2–3 log reduction in Escherichia coli bacteria cfu.
The CHADS2 versus the New CHA2DS2-VASc Scoring Systems for Guiding Antithrombotic Treatment of Patients with Atrial Fibrillation: Review of the Literature and Recommendations for Use

The association of atrial fibrillation and resultant thromboembolic stroke is readily recognized in the published literature. However, the identification and weight of other risk factors that increase stroke risk are varied. To predict which patients are at greatest risk for thromboembolic stroke, numerous risk stratification schemas have been developed to guide thromboprophylactic treatment decisions. The well-known CHADS(2) scoring system incorporates risk factors such as congestive heart failure, hypertension, age 75 years or older, diabetes mellitus, and previous stroke or transient ischemic attack. Recently, a novel risk stratification model, CHA2DS2 -VASc, has entered the literature and international guidelines, prompting further review of newly added risk factors-age 65-74 years, presence of vascular disease, and female sex-and the increased allotment of 2 points (vs 1 point in CHADS2) for age 75 years or older. The rationale for CHA2DS2 -VASc, as put forth by its authors, is that other risk assessment models omit important risk factors, have low predictive ability, and categorize too many patients as intermediate risk, leaving the choice of anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapy to the discretion of the clinician. Although CHA2DS2 -VASc readily identifies those patients truly at low risk, it classifies more patients as high risk who would then receive anticoagulation therapy. Therefore, implementation of this risk schema warrants further evaluation, especially when weighing the risk for bleeding and the risk for stroke. This critical review provides practitioners with an understanding of the literature that prompted the inclusion of these new risk factors and increased point allocations, compares and contrasts the risk schemas, and reviews national and international guidelines, thereby equipping the health care provider with the knowledge to aid clinical decision-making.
Photorefractive beamsplitter for free-space optical interconnection systems

A photorefractive beamsplitter (PRBS) is introduced as an alternative to a polarizing beamsplitter (PBS) for coupling optical power into reflective modulators in a free-space optical interconnection (FSOI) system. The PRBS uses a single diffraction grating recorded in a photorefractive material to redirect the incident laser light into the first diffraction order and onto the modulators. Reflected interconnection light not matching the Bragg angle criteria transmits through the beamsplitter uncoupled. Experimental results show that the PRBS provides better uniform transmission for off-axis beams than the currently used PBS.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
A study of microRNAs in silico and in vivo: diagnostic and therapeutic applications in cancer

There is emerging evidence of the production in human tumors of abnormal levels of microRNAs (miRNAs), which have been assigned oncogenic and/or tumor-suppressor functions. While some miRNAs commonly exhibit altered amounts across tumors, more often, different tumor types produce unique patterns of miRNAs, related to their tissue of origin. The role of miRNAs in tumorigenesis underscores their value as mechanism-based therapeutic targets in cancer. Similarly, unique patterns of altered levels of miRNA production provide fingerprints that may serve as molecular biomarkers for tumor diagnosis, classification, prognosis of disease-specific outcomes and prediction of therapeutic responses.
Does an evolutionary perspective help understand environmental degradation

There can be no doubt that humans are the products of organic evolution, and that an understanding of the evolutionary processes that shaped the human lineage provides the ultimate explanation for why we are the way we are. However, this fact does not necessarily mean that evolutionary theory will provide useful insights into human behavior. Evolutionary processes are complex, and past environments are poorly known. Sometimes evolutionary reasoning yields sharp, novel insights, and sometimes it does not.
The system NaClCaCl2H2O: I. The ice liquidus at 1 atm total pressure

Abstract Phase relations in the ice-stable field of the system NaClCaCl 2 H 2 O have been determined under 1 atm total pressure along the NaClH 2 O and CaCl 2 H 2 O binaries and along five pseudobinaries with constant NaCl /( NaC 1+ CaCl 2 ) weight ratios. The results are in excellent agreement with published data along the NaClH 2 O binary but show large discrepancies when compared to previous determinations of the ice liquidus along the CaCl 2 H 2 O binary and in the NaClCaCl 2 H 2 O ternary. Eutectic temperatures and compositions are −21.20°C (±0.01 °) and 23.2 wt% for the NaClH 2 O binary and −49.95°C (±0.15°) and 30.33 wt% for the CaCl 2 H 2 O binary. The minimum temperature reached during our experiments in the ternary system was −34°C; therefore, we do not report isotherms below −35°C or the ternary eutectic temperature. At moderate to high salinities, isotherms cross the ice sub-field at lower total salt concentrations than previously reported. Fluid inclusion salinities determined from previously published freezing-point data may be in error by as much as 2 wt% total salt. In addition, NaCl /( NaCl + CaCl 2 ) weight ratios estimated from hydrohalite- and ice-melting temperatures may be in error by as much as 0.15.
Gene expression profiling of cell lines derived from T-cell malignancies

The expression profiles of eight cell lines derived from T-cell malignancies were compared to CD4-positive T-cells using cDNA microarray technology. Unsupervised hierarchical clustering of 4364 genes demonstrated substantial heterogeneity resulting in four distinct groups. While no genes were found to be uniformly up- or down-regulated across all cell lines, we observed 111 over-expressed genes (greater than two-fold) and 1118 down-regulated genes (greater than two-fold) in the lymphomas as a group when compared to CD4-positive T-cells. These included genes involved in cytokine signaling, cell adhesion, cytoskeletal elements, nuclear transcription factors, and known oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. Quantitative fluorescent reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis demonstrated 70% concordance with the microarray results. While freshly isolated malignant cells may differ in their individual expression patterns relative to established cell lines from the same diagnoses, we feel that the variety of different lymphocytic cell lines that we examined provides a representative picture of the molecular pathogenesis of T-cell malignancies.
The double layer capacity at the interface between iron and acid solutions with and without organic materials

Abstract Double layer capacity, free from faradic components, was measured by the single pulse method for iron-acid solution systems as a function of polarized electrode potential. C-E curves for H2SO4, HCl and HClO4 showed one, two and three peaks respectively. These were interpreted in terms of ion adsorption and desorption, of surface change caused by dissolution of iron, and by hydrogen evolution. Rather large differences of capacity values, depending on the acids, are attributed to differences in adsorbabilities of the anions. The effect of organic additives on the C–E curves is interpreted in terms of their adsorption. It is proposed that the C–E curves show again that classification of corrosion inhibitors in terms of nonionic, cationic, or anionic character is of some value. More important, it is shown that these inhibitors have different efficiencies depending on the anions in solution.
On a Triadic Approach to Connect Microstructural Properties to Social Macrostructural Patterns

Social macrostructures, such as structural balance, ranked clusters and transitivity, are of great importance on account of their abilities to reflect the underlying social psychological processes about the formation and evolution of relationships among people. Here we present a detailed study on examining the existence and evolution of social macrostructures in an empirical online social network, and exploring how they can be explained by network micro structural properties, i.e. nodal in degree and out degree and dyadic feature. We establish the micro-macro linkage by analyzing the network triadic patterns. Based on a novel clustering coefficient based network sampling approach, we show that the distribution of observed triad census in our data is low dimensional and can be greatly explained by network dyadic properties. In a time series analysis, we observe that our network exhibits strong tendencies towards balanced, transitive and clustered social macrostructure given the nodal and dyadic characteristics. Our findings supplement the studies on structural properties of online social network by providing more insights on the relation between network macrostructures and the micro-level social processes that result in them. And they form the basis to understand better how online social media systems change the information and communication fabric of our society.
Yet another look at the reaction CH3 + H + M = CH4 + M

Rate and equilibrium constant parameters for the title system have been evaluated. In general the format used by Baulch et al. (J Phys Chem Ref Data 2005, 34, 757) is compatible with the results. For Ar as the bath gas, the following parameters are suggested: k0 (cm6 molec−2 s−1) = 1.53 × 10−23T−2.17 with Fc = 0.876 exp(−T/1801) + 0.124 exp(−T/33.1). k∞ = 3.5 × 10−10 cm3 molec−1 s−1 as suggested in Baulch et al. (2005). However, since master equation calculations based on a hindered-Gorin transition state along with an exponential-down energy transfer model (Golden et al., J Phys Chem 2003, 107, 11057–11057) have been carried out herein and compared with data, the results can be stored in lookup tables, avoiding errors introduced by universal expressions, or values can be computed on the fly using the parameters for the master equation calculation given in the paper. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 40: 310–319, 2008
Trabecular Bone Mineral and Calculated Structure of Human Bone Specimens Scanned by Peripheral Quantitative Computed Tomography: Relation to Biomechanical Properties

The relationship of cortical bone mineral density (BMD), and geometry to bone strength has been well documented. In this study, we used peripheral quantitative computerized tomography (pQCT) to acquire trabecular BMD and high-resolution images of trabeculae from specimens to determine their relationship with biomechanical properties. Fifty-eight human cubic trabecular bone specimens, including 26 from the vertebral bodies, were scanned in water and air. Trabecular structure was quantitated using software developed with Advanced Visual Systems interfaced on a Sun/Sparc Workstation. BMD was also obtained using a whole-body computerized tomography scanner (QCT). Nondestructive testing of the specimens was performed to assess their elastic modulus. QCT and pQCT measurements of BMD of specimens in water were strongly correlated (r2 = 0.95, p < 0.0001), with a slope (0.96) statistically not significantly different from 1. Strong correlations were found between pQCT measurements of specimens in water and in air, for BMD (r2 = 0.96, p < 0.0001), and for apparent trabecular structural parameters (r2 = 0.89–0.93, p < 0.0001). Correlations were moderate between BMD and apparent trabecular structural parameters (r2 = 0.37–0.64, p < 0.0001). Precision as coefficient of variation (CV) and standardized coefficient of variation (SCV) for these measurements was < 5%. For the vertebral specimens, the correlation was higher between elastic modulus and BMD (r2 = 0.76, p < 0.0001) than between elastic modulus and apparent trabecular structural parameters (r2 = 0.58–0.72, p < 0.0001), while the addition of apparent trabecular nodes and branches to BMD in a multivariate regression model significantly increased the correlation with the elastic modulus (r2 = 0.86, p < 0.01). Thus, pQCT can comparably and reproducibly measure trabecular bone mineral in water or air, and trabecular structure can be quantitated from pQCT images. The combination of volumetric BMD with trabecular structural parameters rather than either alone improves the prediction of biomechanical properties. Such a noninvasive approach may be useful for the preclinical study of osteoporosis.
Interannual variability in the seasonal plankton succession of a shallow, warm-water lake

Common seasonal plankton succession patterns in temperate lakes are well understood, and were described in the popular PEG-model. Seasonal plankton succession in warm-water lakes, however, is not as well known. Recent theory suggests that some lake systems are characteristic of having alternate system-states, where one of the system-states is characterized by dominance of cyanobacteria, and transition between system-states can be abrupt and undeterminable. Lake Somerville, a shallow, well-mixed, warm-water reservoir located in eastern TX, U.S.A., experiences occasional periods of cyanobacteria dominance. To increase our understanding of seasonal plankton dynamics in warm-water systems, we analyzed 14-years of plankton data spanning a 22-year period. During this period, succession dynamics characteristic of those described by the PEG-model were observed, as well as succession dynamics expected during periods of cyanobacteria dominance, i.e., greater accumulated phytoplankton biovolume, low secondary productivity, and low light penetration. In addition to the PEG-model and cyanobacteria type system-states, other states of the system that were intermediate between these were observed. Therefore, we conclude the lake does not behave according to the alternate system-states model. The change from year to year in early-year cyanobacteria dominance was abrupt and non-monotonic during this period. In addition, the early year performance of cyanobacteria appeared to influence the plankton succession trajectory for the remainder of the season. While the magnitude of lake-flushing early in the year accounted for ∼37% of variability in cyanobacteria prevalence, many of the traditional factors impacting cyanobacteria dominance appeared insignificant.
SCHUMPETER'S CONSTRUCTED TYPE —THE ENTREPRENEUR

SUMMARY In this paper it has been argued that a comparison between Schumpeter's entrepreneur type and a charismatic leader developed by Max Weber discloses certain factors that can be utilized to make the Schumpeterian construct a more useful conceptual tool. Both Schumpeter and Weber were faced with very similar analytical problems, In each case it was necessary to explain how the dynamics of change could be encompassed within a functional system. In each case a disturbing force was introduced. Schumpeter called his the entrepreneur—Weber's designation was the charismatic leader. Schumpeter attempted to make the entrepreneur endogenous to the system he was attempting to explain. Weber's type was frankly exogenous to any system. The strength of Schumpeter's position was that he could explain in some measure how the entrepreneur could be nurtured. The weaknesss was that the type never remained completely endogenous to the capitalism to which Schumpeter related it. If the entrepreneur-type is viewed as a sub-type of the Weberian charismatic leader certain analytical advantages can be realized. The Weberian type is a generalized one that may take a number of forms. The Schumpeterian type is specific and is dependent upon certain objective conditions for it to emerge. In this paper it has been argued that the minimum essentials for the emergence of the entrepreneur-type from the more generalized type are the following: (1) accessible resources, (2) large markets, (3) an independent banking system, (4) consumer choice, and (5) calcuable law. There is no plea made for the values that may underlie the attainment of these objective conditions but that merely if charisma is to be channeled into entrepreneurship, rather than any of the other numerous paths it may take, then these conditions as they have been explained must be present. A better understanding of the significance and the usefulness of Weber's type can be gained to the extent that a large variety of other sub-types are constructed and the objective conditions for their operation explored. In this way, it is argued, the significance not only of Weber's type can be better understood but the value of Schumpeter's entrepreneur may be realized both as it stands by itself and as it is supported by a variety of other types. The policy implications of this kind of analysis seem particularly important in a world characterized not only by great change but by a wide variety of conditions that may channel charisma into as wide a variety of directions.
Buwumu: Redefining Black Beauty and Emancipating the Hottentot Venus in the Work of Oforiwaa Aduonum

Black women have been doubly objectified as black, as women; under white supremacy, under patriarchy. It has been the task of black women artists to transform this objectification: to become the subject commenting on the meaning of the object or to become the subject rejecting the object and revealing the real experience of being. (Cliff 142) It is essential that black women have a loud voice in the dialogue. Without the vibrant participation of black women, black people are assured of repeating the same failures that have historically crippled movements for social change. (Nelson 16)
A Comparative Study of Rodent and Burrow Flea Populations.

An area located at Calaveras Dam, Alameda County, California, previously determined to be heavily populated with ground squirrels [Citellus beecheyi (Richardson)], was selected for field study of (1) the correlation between flea populations existing at squirrel burrow openings and of flea populations on the rodent hosts, and of (2) the seasonal species composition of these populations. One portion of this area was set aside for the study of the fleas at the openings of the burrows, and a contiguous and ecologically similar portion was utilized for the study of fleas taken directly from their hosts.Fleas at the burrow openings were collected from pieces of cotton batting placed in each burrow mouth. Thirty burrows were set aside for these studies, divided into 3 groups of 10 burrows each and approximately equally distributed as to direction of exposure, amount of exposure, surrounding cover crop and topography. Collections were made at approximately weekly intervals from April 29, 1940, to October 23, 1940...
Indecisiveness and response to risk in deciding when to decide

When making decisions, people must determine not only what to choose but also when to choose. Do individuals modulate behavior in response to potential risks associated with delay in determining when to choose? The present work provides evidence that at least one group of people—indecisive individuals—do not. Two process-tracing studies simulated a 5-day college-course selection period in which new course alternatives appeared on each day. In a risk-free condition, no risks were associated with delay of decision making over the days. In a risk condition, each day of delay was associated with a risk of loss of existing course alternatives. Unlike decisive individuals, who modulated days of deliberation in response to presence versus absence of risk, indecisive individuals did not. The results illustrate not that indecisive individuals show uniformly increased delay relative to others, but rather that their delay behavior may be more striking in its unresponsiveness to risk. Copyright # 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Circus Music and Drinking Songs

Abstract The histories of circus music and drinking songs in the Unites States are outlined, followed by a bibliography on the topics.
Biochemical and immunological characterizatioin of an H2A variant from the mouse testis

Abstract A histone H2A variant, protein ‘A’. has been isolated and purified from the mouse testis. Amino acid composition analysis and electrophoretic properties indicate it to be apparently similar to H2A - X variant present in the mouse L1210 cells. Specific antibodies against protein ‘A’ have been generated in rabbits and used to study tissue and species distribution in mammals. Protein transfer experiments indicate the presence of antigenically similar proteins in somatic tissues of the mouse. Immunologically similar proteins were also detected in other mammalian testes. The data further indicate that protein A is antigenically distinct from the other members of the H2A family, H2A - 1, H2A - 2 and H2A - Z.
Hotel Room Suicide

The objective of our research was to quantify the increased risk of suicide associated with registering in local hotels/motels. Medical examiner case files of suicide in King County, Washington, were reviewed for years 2002-2004. The incidence of suicide in local residents registering in local hotels/motels was 223/100,000 which is significantly greater than the incidence of suicide in the general population of King County (11.7/100,000 p < 0.0001). Hotel/motel guests from outside Washington had a significantly reduced incidence of suicide (3.9/100,000 p = 0.002). The study results suggest that there is an increased risk of suicide in local residents who register in local hotel rooms.
Viral Hepatitis: 1985 Update

During the past two decades extraordinary advances in hepatitis research have clarified the etiology and natural history of the disease. At least four types of hepatitis have been identified: A, B, D (delta), and non-A, non-B. Hepatitis A virus (HAV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis D virus (HDV) have been characterized. Serologic tests have been developed to detect the antigens and antibodies associated with these three hepatitis infections. As of the present time, the non-A, non-B viral agents have not been identified. Therefore, non-A, non-B hepatitis is diagnosed by excluding other viral causes of hepatitis, such as hepatitis A virus, hepatitis B virus, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), and others. A recent report indicating that non-A, non-B hepatitis may be caused by a retrovirus, if confirmed, may provide a specific marker of this infection. The course of viral hepatitis is variable; it may be an asymptomatic, anteric infection, or it may be an acute illness characterized by fever, malaise, anorexia, nausea, abdominal pain, and jaundice. Most patients recover completely, but occasionally the infection may be complicated by chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and, occasionally, by a fulminant fatal outcome. This review will be devoted predominantly to a discussion of the diagnostic and prophylactic aspects of hepatitis A and hepatitis B viral infections.
Collaboration within the M1 aminopeptidase family promotes reproductive success in Caenorhabditis elegans

Mutations of the puromycin-sensitive aminopeptidase (Psa) orthologs of flies, mice, and plants result in meiotic errors and reduced embryonic viability. Genetic lesions of the Caenorhabditis elegans ortholog of Psa, pam-1, similarly result in dramatic reductions of worm fecundity. The gonads of animals harboring mutant pam-1 alleles display expanded populations of pachytene germinal nuclei and delayed nucleolar disassembly in the developing oocytes, phenotypes that ultimately hinder embryonic viability and overall brood sizes. PAM-1 is a member of the M1 aminopeptidase family and shares a high amount of homology with its M1 paralogs. Comparative analysis of the M1 aminopeptidase family reveals that only nine (including PAM-1) of the 17 annotated M1 aminopeptidases are predicted to be catalytically active. Interestingly, we demonstrate that three of these active M1 paralogs have roles independent of PAM-1 in promoting gametogenesis and fecundity. Simultaneous inhibition of pam-1 and M1 paralogs produces synergistic decreases in overall brood sizes and embryonic viability, exacerbates the germinal phenotypes of pachytene extension and delayed nucleolar disassembly, and unmasks previously hidden phenotypes. Our data suggests that the interdependent functions of multiple M1 aminopeptidases are necessary for reproductive success in C. elegans and lend further credence to the redundant composition of an evolutionarily conserved enzyme family.
Remise en cause des paramètres du post-fordisme au Canada et en Ontario

L’interet que la gauche porte a la reorganisation du travail et aux nouvelles pratiques de gestion est, en grande partie, liee au potentiel que celles-ci renferment pour l’avancement de la democratie industrielle. Plus largement, le type de restructuration economique associee a de tels changements — tantot appelee « a haute valeur ajoutee » tantot « post-fordiste » — pourrait signifier la revitalisation des economies a hauts salaires, comme celle du Canada. De ce point de vue, la competitivite serait maintenant definie en termes de qualite et de capacite d’innovation, plutot qu’en termes de couts salariaux. Il n’y a cependant rien d’automatique en ce qui concerne les bienfaits de la restructuration post-fordiste : les contours du post-fordisme sont et seront dessines a travers des luttes ou les syndicats ont un role important a jouer. Ce texte se veut une evaluation preliminaire de la capacite des syndicats a participer reellement a la definition des parametres de la restructuration post-fordiste au Canada et, plus specifiquement, en Ontario.
Current status of dilatation catheters and guiding systems

New transluminal angioplasty catheters based upon the linear extrusion of the dilating element have been developed to facilitate placement of the dilating balloon within the arterial narrowing. In a multicenter study, the use of linear extrusion catheters has been shown to be safe and effective in adjunctive intraoperative peripheral dilatations. Physical measurements of the frictional forces exerted on the inner arterial surfaces during advancement of 3 angioplasty catheter designs show that the linear extrusion catheter consistently minimizes these forces. The use of a secondary guiding sheath in conjunction with a linear extrusion catheter provides additional directional capability. A secondary guiding sheath with a side port has recently been developed that allows access to difficult-to-cannulate vessels. The favorable results of the clinical studies and research data justify an ongoing evaluation of these concepts in percutaneous dilatation procedures and in intraoperative coronary procedures.
A Cellular Automaton Model of Brain Tumor Treatment and Resistance

We have extended an automaton model of brain tumor growth to study the effects of treatment. By varying three treatment parameters, we can simulate tumors that display clinically plausible survival times. Much of our work is dedicated to heterogeneous tumors with both treatment-sensitive and treatment-resistant cells. First, we investigate two-strain systems in which resistant cells are initialized within predominantly sensitive tumors. We find that when resistant cells are not confined to a particular location, they compete more effectively with the sensitive population. Moreover, in this case, the fraction of resistant cells within the tumor is a less important indicator of patient prognosis when compared to the case in which the resistant cells are scattered throughout the tumor. In additional simulations, we investigate tumors that are initially monoclonal and treatment-sensitive, but that undergo resistance-mutations in response to treatment. Here, the tumors with both very frequent and very infrequent mutations develop with more spherical geometries. Tumors with intermediate mutational responses exhibit multi-lobed geometries, as mutant strains develop at localized points on the tumors’ surfaces.
A comparative study of the ultrastructure and mineralogy of calcified land snail eggs (Pulmonata: Stylommatophora)

This study indicates that eggs containing calcium carbonate crystals occur in at least 36 of the 65 known families of the land snails (class Gastropoda: order Stylommatophora). Eggs from 22 of these families were available for examination. The x-ray diffraction data, available for the first time for 21 of these families, shows that these egg shells are all made of calcite only, or of a combination of calcite with smaller amounts of aragonite. All of the snail (body) shells examined were made of aragonite only. This is the first ultrastructural investigation of these egg shells, and it indicates that the eggs exhibit enough structural diversity to allow identification of parental animals to genus, and often to species level solely on the basis of egg shell ultrastructure. All of the calcified eggs may be divided into two groups: (1) partly calcified, with discrete crystals of CaCo3 dispersed in the jelly layer, and (2) heavily calcified, with a hard, brittle egg shell made of fused crystals of CaCO3 much like an avian egg. Both types of calcified eggs occur in oviparous as well as in ovoviviparous snails. Because of the wide distribution of calcified eggs in the Stylommatophora, and because of the occurrence of heavily calcified eggs in ancient families such as Partulidae, Endodontidae, and Zonitidae, the calcified egg is viewed as a primitive land snail trait associated with terrestrial adaptation. The function of the calcified egg shell, in addition to mechanical support of egg contents, is to supply the developing embryo with enough calcium to form the embryonic shell by the time of hatching.
Dynamic trafficking of STAT5 depends on an unconventional nuclear localization signal

Signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 (STAT5) is crucial for physiological processes that include hematopoiesis, liver metabolism and mammary gland development. However, aberrant continual activity of STAT5 has been causally linked to human leukemias and solid tumor formation. As a regulated transcription factor, precise cellular localization of STAT5 is essential. Conventional nuclear localization signals consist of short stretches of basic amino acids. In this study, we provide evidence that STAT5 nuclear import is dependent on an unconventional nuclear localization signal that functions within the conformation of an extensive coiled-coil domain. Both in vitro binding and in vivo functional assays reveal that STAT5 nuclear import is mediated by the importin-α3/β1 system independently of STAT5 activation by tyrosine phosphorylation. The integrity of the coiled-coil domain is essential for STAT5 transcriptional induction of the β-casein gene following prolactin stimulation as well as its ability to synergize with the glucocorticoid receptor. The glucocorticoid receptor accumulates in the nucleus in response to prolactin and this nuclear import is dependent on STAT5 nuclear import. STAT5 continually shuttles in and out of the nucleus and live cell imaging demonstrates that STAT5 nuclear export is mediated by both chromosome region maintenance 1 (Crm1)-dependent and Crm1-independent pathways. A Crm1-dependent nuclear export signal was identified within the STAT5 N-terminus. These findings provide insight into the fundamental mechanisms that regulate STAT5 nuclear trafficking and cooperation with the glucocorticoid receptor and provide a basis for clinical intervention of STAT5 function in disease.
TRINUCLEOTIDE INSERTIONS, DELETIONS, AND POINT MUTATIONS IN GLUCOSE TRANSPORTERS CONFER K+ UPTAKE IN SACCHAROMYCES CEREVISIAE

Deletion of TRK1 and TRK2 abolishes high-affinity K+ uptake in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, resulting in the inability to grow on typical synthetic growth medium unless it is supplemented with very high concentrations of potassium. Selection for spontaneous suppressors that restored growth of trk1Δ trk2Δ cells on K+-limiting medium led to the isolation of cells with unusual gain-of-function mutations in the glucose transporter genes HXT1 and HXT3 and the glucose/galactose transporter gene GAL2. 86Rb uptake assays demonstrated that the suppressor mutations conferred increased uptake of the ion. In addition to K+, the mutant hexose transporters also conferred permeation of other cations, including Na+. Because the selection strategy required such gain of function, mutations that disrupted transporter maturation or localization to the plasma membrane were avoided. Thus, the importance of specific sites in glucose transport could be independently assessed by testing for the ability of the mutant transporter to restore glucose-dependent growth to cells containing null alleles of all of the known functional glucose transporter genes. Twelve sites, most of which are conserved among eukaryotic hexose transporters, were revealed to be essential for glucose transport. Four of these have previously been shown to be essential for glucose transport by animal or plant transporters. Eight represented sites not previously known to be crucial for glucose uptake. Each suppressor mutant harbored a single mutation that altered an amino acid(s) within or immediately adjacent to a putative transmembrane domain of the transporter. Seven of 38 independent suppressor mutations consisted of in-frame insertions or deletions. The nature of the insertions and deletions revealed a striking DNA template dependency: each insertion generated a trinucleotide repeat, and each deletion involved the removal of a repeated nucleotide sequence.
Elevated Sympathetic Activity Contributes to Hypertension and Salt Sensitivity in Diabetic Obese Zucker Rats

Zucker rats are a useful model in which to define the mechanisms that link obesity to diabetes and associated cardiovascular disease. The present study tests the hypothesis that diabetic obese (compared with nondiabetic lean) Zucker rats are hypertensive and display a further increase in arterial pressure when fed a high salt diet. Male, nondiabetic lean and diabetic obese Zucker rats were chronically instrumented with telemetry probes and fed a basal salt diet for 3 weeks followed by exposure to a high salt diet for 11 days. On the basal diet, obese (vs lean) rats had significantly higher arterial pressures ( approximately 13 mm Hg), and the high salt diet significantly elevated mean arterial pressure (MAP) in obese (but not lean) Zucker rats ( approximately 12 mm Hg). Blockade of the sympathetic nervous system with hexamethonium caused a significantly larger decrease in MAP in obese (vs lean) Zucker rats fed the basal diet (51 vs 33 mm Hg), but the high salt diet did not increase the hexamethonium-induced reduction in arterial pressure in obese rats. Acute blockade of angiotensin receptors with losartan resulted in similar decreases in MAP in both groups on either diet. Acetylcholine-induced vasodilatory capacity of the carotid artery was significantly less in the obese (vs lean) Zucker rats. Together these data indicate that increased sympathetic nervous system activity and decreased vascular reactivity may contribute to elevated arterial pressure in type 2 diabetic, obese Zucker rats, but the sympathetic nervous system does not appear to contribute to the dietary salt-sensitive hypertension in this model.
Peripheral clonal elimination of functional T cells

A major mechanism for generating tolerance in developing T cells is the intrathymic clonal deletion of T cells that have receptors for those self antigens that are presented on hematopoietic cells. The mechanisms of tolerance induction to antigens not expressed in the thymus remain unclear. Tolerance to self antigens can be generated extrathymically through the induction of clonal nonresponsiveness in T cells with self-reactive receptors. A second mechanism of extrathymic tolerance was identified: clonal elimination of mature T cells with self-reactive receptors that had previously displayed functional reactivity.
ON THE COMPATIBILITY OF EPIGRAPHIC, GEOGRAPHIC, AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL DATA, WITH A DROUGHT-BASED EXPLANATION FOR THE CLASSIC MAYA COLLAPSE

The demographic and cultural Collapse of the ancient lowland Maya civilization in the ninth century A.D. has long been of fascination to both scholars and the general public. A large number of hypotheses has been offered to explain this event. Evidence derived from several independent lines of investigation during the 1990s indicates the time of the Maya Collapse was one in which severe drought conditions prevailed over much of the lowlands. Drought is now considered a potential primary causal factor for the Collapse. This paper cites some of the evidence for the presence of drought conditions at the time of the Collapse and then considers the degree to which a drought-based explanation for the Collapse is compatible with what is currently known about the Collapse's occurrence. There are problematic aspects to the temporal and spatial development of the Collapse that suggest that the Terminal Classic-period drought did not constitute a single, overwhelming blow that rendered collapse inevitable. It is suggested, instead, that culture-historical events and ecological factors interplayed with the Terminal Classic-period drought in such a way as to render the Collapse possible.
Induction of (omega-1)-oxidation of monocarboxylic acids by acetylsalicylic acid

Monocarboxylic acids may be oxidized at the omega- and (omega-1)- positions to form dicarboxylic acids (DCAs) and (omega-1)-hydroxy- or (omega-1)-oxoacids. The significance of this pathway under normal conditions is unknown, but DCAs and (omega-1)-hydroxyacids are prominent features of disease states. The stimulation of this pathway has been linked to induction of fatty acid-binding protein and peroxisomal proliferation. In this study, we examined the effect of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) on (omega-1)-oxidation. (Omega-1)-oxidation was assessed in subcellular fractions of rat liver. Rats were fed a normal diet or an ASA-supplemented diet. Products were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and by comparison with the properties of authentic synthetic standards. Doses of ASA that produced relatively low serum concentrations (12-24 mg/dl) resulted in as much as a 20-fold increase in the capacity for (omega-1)-oxidation of medium (C12-C15) and long chain (C16-C20) monocarboxylic acids. Normal rat liver oxidizes monocarboxylic acids to (omega-1)-oxoacids, while liver from ASA-treated rats converts these substrates to (omega-1)-oxodicarboxylic acids and (omega-1)-oxoacids. The formation of oxoacids and oxodicarboxylic acids may be due to different enzymes. The formation of oxodicarboxylic acids appears to be more labile than the formation of oxoacids. These two processes also are differentially induced by ASA and have different substrate specificities. These results demonstrate that ASA is a potent stimulant of (omega-1)-oxidation and induces the formation of products that can be shortened in peroxisomes to key metabolic intermediates.
Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli adherence to intestinal epithelial monolayers diminishes barrier function

The mechanism by which enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) causes diarrhea remains elusive. Several alterations within the host cell have been demonstrated to occur following EPEC attachment including increases in intracellular Ca2+ concentration and rearrangement and phosphorylation of several cytoskeletal proteins. The consequences of these intracellular perturbations on host cell function, however, have not been determined. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of EPEC adherence on intestinal epithelial barrier function. T84 cell monolayers were infected with either wild-type EPEC or a nonadherent isogenic derivative. Transepithelial electrical resistance, a measure of barrier function, decreased 33.5 +/- 6.4% after a 6-h incubation with the wild-type strain. Electron microscopy revealed ultrastructurally normal cells, and lactate dehydrogenase release assays failed to demonstrate cytotoxicity. Dual 22Na+ and [3H]mannitol flux studies localized the permeability defect to tight junctions. In addition, cumulative flux of the paracellular marker mannitol was four- to fivefold greater across monolayers infected with wild-type EPEC. Sequestration of intracellular calcium stores by dantrolene completely abrogated the resistance drop associated with EPEC attachment. These data demonstrate that adherence of EPEC to intestinal epithelial cell monolayers disrupts tight junction barrier function via a calcium-requiring event.
Health Information Systems: What Are the Underlying Links to Enhanced Health Care Delivery?

Health Information Systems: What Are the Underlying Links to Enhanced Health Care Delivery? -
Towards Model Driven Architectures for Human Language Technologies

Developing multi-purpose Human Language Technologies (HLT) pipelines and integrating them into the large scale software environments is a complex software engineering task. One needs to orchestrate a variety of new and legacy Natural Language Processing components, language models, linguistic and encyclopedic knowledge resources. This requires working with a variety of different APIs, data formats and knowledge models. In this paper, we propose to employ the Model Driven Development (MDD) approach to software engineering, which provides rich structural and behavioral modeling capabilities and solid software support for model transformation and code generation. These benefits help to increase development productivity and quality of HLT assets. We show how MDD techniques and tools facilitate working with different data formats, adapting to new languages and domains, managing UIMA type systems, and accessing the external knowledge bases.
Black Retail Enterprise and Racial Segregation in Northern Cities before the “Ghetto”:

Past research indicates that black entrepreneurship in northern cities was unaffected by residential segregation by race until after the formation of the “ghetto.” In the present study, however, an...
Cycloaddition of Biomass-Derived Furans for Catalytic Production of Renewable p-Xylene

A renewable route to p-xylene from biomass-derived dimethylfuran and ethylene is investigated with zeolite catalysts. Cycloaddition of ethylene and 2,5-dimethylfuran and subsequent dehydration to p-xylene has been achieved with 75% selectivity using H–Y zeolite and an aliphatic solvent at 300 °C. Competitive side reactions include hydrolysis of dimethylfuran to 2,5-hexanedione, alkylation of p-xylene, and polymerization of 2,5-hexanedione. The observed reaction rates and computed energy barriers are consistent with a two-step reaction that proceeds through a bicyclic adduct prior to dehydration to p-xylene. Cycloaddition of ethylene and dimethylfuran occurs without a catalytic active site, but the reaction is promoted by confinement within microporous materials. The presence of Bronsted acid sites catalyzes dehydration of the Diels–Alder cycloadduct (to produce p-xylene and water), and this ultimately causes the rate-determining step to be the initial cycloaddition.
Synthesis of a poly(ethylene glycol) galloyl sensitizer tip for an 'all-in-one' photodynamic device.

This paper describes the synthesis of a specialized silica tip for an optical fiber device capable of delivering all components necessary for photodynamic therapy. Oxygen, light and a cleavable tripolyethylene glycol (PEG)-galloyl pheophorbide sensitizer are simultaneously delivered by the silica tip, where the tip was synthesized in six steps. A comparison of synthetic steps to reach PEGylated sensitizers bound to fluorinated silica and a previously reported Teflon/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) nanocomposite ( Ghosh, G. et al. J. Phys. Chem. B 2015, 119, 4155- 4164) was made. The hydrolytic stability of the attached PEGs and the extent to which the PEG groups enhance solubility will also be discussed. The new triPEG-galloyl sensitizer has the potential for use in intraoperative pointsource photodynamic therapy which aims for precision treatment of residual disease. Schematic of the synthesis of a photoactive silica surface. It is composed of fluorinated silica connected to a photo-releasable sensitizer with short-chain PEGs.
Research prospect of Li-ion battery film-forming additives

The research status quo and development prospects in the field of film-forming additives for the Li-ion battery electrolyte in recent years were summed up. The progress in inorganic additives and the new methods used to study the film-forming additives were analyzed,such as the theoretical calculations,molecular design and in situ analytical techniques. The possibility of opening up new areas of film-forming additives was outlined.
Application of the PROFINET in the process bus communication in digital substation

In order to ensure the quality of service of process bus communication in digital substation,a new PROFINET based scheme was put forward.Three communication modes supported by PROFINET was introduced.The process bus communication,which is of mapping comprehensiveness and requirement diversity,was summarized.To ensure the successful application in process bus,the message is divided into three kinds,such as diagnostic data,general GOOSE and highly real-time data,and they should be timesharing set.Moreover,the industrial switch supporting IEEE 1588 and time table is required.The new scheme has many advantages,such as sampled values networking synchronization,greatly simplification of wiring and rapidly recovery for the network failure.