cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Internet and American Political Campaigns

This article provides an overview of major research findings regarding the Internet and American Political Campaigns. This is still a nascent subfield, but the research community has come to general agreement on five key points: (1) at the mass behavioral level, the Internet has not changed fundamental participatory inequalities, (2) we have seen an increase in small donor activity, and these donations tend to flow toward polarizing candidates, (3) for political campaign operations, “mundane mobilization tools” carry the largest impacts, (4) with political campaigns, the new focus on data analytics and the “culture of testing” is substantially changing resource expenditures and work routines, and (5) there is currently a clear partisan divide between how Democrats and Republicans employ digital technology for campaigning. The article also discusses the methodological challenges that separate Internet-related research from many of the more established fields of campaign finance-related research. It concludes by posing a set of research questions for the 2014 and 2016 election cycles which will likely prove fruitful.
Atomic Resolution Mechanism of Cd44-Hyaluronan Protein-Carbohydrate Binding

All-atom explicit-solvent molecular dynamics simulations with advanced sampling methods were applied to completely determine, at atomic resolution, the mechanism of binding of the protein CD44 with the glycosaminoglycan carbohydrate hyaluronan. The results include descriptions of: formation of the protein-carbohydrate complex from separate protein and carbohydrate; conformational switching at the binding site to enhance binding affinity; additional binding affinity enhancement through an order-to-disorder transition in the protein; and inhibition of binding by glycosylation of CD44. These computational results are discussed in the context of and illuminate existing experimental data.
Modeling and representing materials in the wild

Our everyday life brings us in contact with a rich range of materials that contribute to both the utility and aesthetics of our environment. Human beings are very good at using subtle distinctions in appearance to distinguish between materials (e.g., silk vs. cotton, laminate vs. granite). Capturing these visually important, yet subtle, distinctions is critical for applications in many domains: in virtual and augmented reality fueled by the advent of devices like Google Glass, in virtual prototyping for industrial design, in ecommerce and retail, in textile design and prototyping, in interior design and remodeling, and in games and movies.Understanding how humans perceive materials can drive better graphics and vision algorithms for material recognition and understanding, and material reproduction. As a first step towards achieving this goal, it is useful to collect information about the vast range of materials that we encounter in our daily lives. We introduce two new crowdsourced databases of material annotations to drive better material-driven exploration. OpenSurfaces is a rich, labeled database consisting of thousands of examples of surfaces segmented from consumer photographs of interiors, and annotated with material parameters, texture information, and contextual information. IIW (Intrinsic Images in theWild) is a database of pairwise material annotations of points in images that is useful for decomposing images in the wild into material and lighting layers. Together these databases can drive various material-based applications like surface retexturing, intrinsic image decomposition, intelligent material-based image browsing, and material design.
Fast Code Design for Overloaded Code-Division Multiplexing Systems

We consider the problem of designing binary antipodal code sequences (signatures) for overloaded code-division multiplexing (CDM) systems where the number of concurrent users/signals is greater than the code length. Our goal is to provide an overloaded code that can be constructed and decoded quickly and, more importantly, provide satisfactory recovery performance in conjunction with decoder design specifics. We first introduce a fast and practical method for constructing a code set by operating the Kronecker product with two smaller codes. Under such construction, a fast two-stage maximum-likelihood (ML) detection scheme can dramatically reduce the computational complexity of the ML decoder and make CDM systems practically implementable. To improve the performance in terms of bit error rate, we propose hierarchical criteria for code design, which aims at reducing the cross-correlation of code while maintaining a uniquely decodable (errorless) code property. Simulation studies illustrate that the proposed code design can provide satisfactory performance with low-complexity two-stage ML detection.
A prototype electrochemical chromatographic column for use with proteins.

We developed electrochemical hardware and media targeted for protein chromatography. Two types of stationary phases were investigated. The first comprised gold-plated stainless 316L beads coated with a self-assembled monolayer of 6-mercaptohexan-1-ol and was expected to behave like an ion-exchange resin in the presence of an electric field. The second stationary phase comprised the first stationary phase with further functionalization with immobilized heme moieties and was expected to behave like an immobilized metal affinity resin. We tested the apparatus with both stationary phases using ribonuclease A as a model protein and applied potentials from −0.3 to +0.3 V versus the saturated calomel electrode. Despite low binding capacities, we demonstrated that protein retention on both stationary phases could be controlled with an applied potential. The greatest extent of electromodulation was achieved with the mercaptohexanol-based ion-exchange media.
ITM2A is induced during thymocyte selection and T cell activation and causes downregulation of CD8 when overexpressed in CD4(+)CD8(+) double positive thymocytes.

To identify novel genes that are involved in positive selection of thymocytes, we performed polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based subtractive hybridization between selecting and nonselecting thymi. OT-1 T cell receptor (TCR) transgenic thymocytes on a recombination activating gene (RAG) null background are efficiently selected into the CD8 lineage in H-2b mice (RAG-2−/−OT-1, selecting thymi), but are not selected on a transporter associated with antigen processing (TAP) null background (RAG-2−/−TAP-1−/−OT-1, nonselecting thymi). We report here our studies of one gene, ITM2A, whose expression is dramatically higher in T cells in the selecting thymus. The expression pattern of ITM2A in thymocyte subsets correlates with upregulation during positive selection. In addition, ITM2A expression is higher in the thymus than in either the spleen or lymph nodes, but can be upregulated in peripheral T cells upon activation. ITM2A expression was also induced in RAG-2−/− thymocytes in vivo upon CD3 cross-linking. We demonstrate that ITM2A is a type II membrane glycoprotein that exists as two species with apparent Mr of 45 and 43 kD and appears to localize primarily to large cytoplasmic vesicles and the Golgi apparatus, but is also expressed on the cell surface. Expression on the surface of EL4 cells increases with activation by phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) and ionomycin. Finally, overexpression of ITM2A under control of the lck proximal promoter in mice results in partial downregulation of CD8 in CD4+CD8+ double positive (DP) thymocytes, and a corresponding increase in the number of CD4+CD8lo thymocytes. Possible roles for this novel activation marker in thymocyte development are discussed.
Semi-analytical solutions for two-dimensional elastic capsules in Stokes flow

Elastic capsules occur in nature in the form of cells and vesicles and are manufactured for biomedical applications. They are widely modelled, but there are few analytical results. In this paper, complex variable techniques are used to derive semi-analytical solutions for the steady-state response and time-dependent evolution of two-dimensional elastic capsules with an inviscid interior in Stokes flow. This provides a complete picture of the steady response of initially circular capsules in linear strain and shear flows as a function of the capillary number Ca. The analysis is complemented by spectrally accurate numerical computations of the time-dependent evolution. An imposed nonlinear strain that models the far-field velocity in Taylor’s four-roller mill is found to lead to cusped steady shapes at a critical capillary number Cac for Hookean capsules. Numerical simulation of the time-dependent evolution for Ca > Cac shows the development of finite-time cusp singularities. The dynamics immediately prior to cusp formation are asymptotically self-similar, and the similarity exponents are predicted analytically and confirmed numerically. This is compelling evidence of finite-time singularity formation in fluid flow with elastic interfaces.
Insights into the Structure, Solvation, and Mechanism of ArsC Arsenate Reductase, a Novel Arsenic Detoxification Enzyme

Abstract Background: In Escherichia coli bearing the plasmid R773, resistance to arsenite, arsenate, antimonite, and tellurite is conferred by the arsRDABC plasmid operon that codes for an ATP-dependent anion pump. The product of the arsC gene, arsenate reductase (ArsC), is required to efficiently catalyze the reduction of arsenate to arsenite prior to extrusion. Results: Here, we report the first X-ray crystal structures of ArsC at 1.65 A and of ArsC complexed with arsenate and arsenite at 1.26 A resolution. The overall fold is unique. The native structure shows sulfate and sulfite ions binding in the active site as analogs of arsenate and arsenite. The covalent adduct of arsenate with Cys-12 in the active site of ArsC, which was analyzed in a difference map, shows tetrahedral geometry with a sulfur-arsenic distance of 2.18 A. However, the corresponding adduct with arsenite binds as a hitherto unseen thiarsahydroxy adduct. Finally, the number of bound waters (385) in this highly ordered crystal structure approaches twice the number expected at this resolution for a structure of 138 ordered residues. Conclusions: Structural information from the adduct of ArsC with its substrate (arsenate) and with its product (arsenite) together with functional information from mutational and biochemical studies on ArsC suggest a plausible mechanism for the reaction. The exceptionally well-defined water structure indicates that this crystal system has precise long-range order within the crystal and that the upper limit for the number of bound waters in crystal structures is underestimated by the structures in the Protein Data Bank.
The Prestige cervical disc replacement.

Abstract Background context Anterior cervical discectomy and arthrodesis is the preferred treatment for a large number of patients with symptomatic cervical spondylosis. This management strategy is successful for the majority of patients, and the short-term results are very good. There is the potential to further improve patient outcome and the long-term success rate. Purpose The purpose of this report is to review the rationale for cervical arthroplasty and describe the development of the Prestige cervical disc replacement (Medtronic Sofamor Danek, Inc., Memphis, TN). Study design/setting This report reviews the literature concerning the need for cervical arthroplasty and details the basic and clinical work on the Prestige cervical disc replacement. Methods The key publications concerning the shortcomings of cervical arthrodesis and the clinical and basic studies on the Prestige cervical disc implant are discussed. New long-term clinical data on the Prestige device are reported. Results Cervical arthrodesis perturbs normal cervical spinal biomechanics and appears to be associated with accelerated degeneration of the adjacent segments. The Prestige cervical disc replacement is successful in preserving normal spinal motion, both experimentally and clinically. The device is durable, and the clinical outcomes have been excellent. Conclusions The Prestige cervical disc replacement is an effective means of reconstructing the cervical spine after anterior discectomy. It preserves normal motion and may decrease the incidence of adjacent segment disease.
Laying down new tracks: three mechanisms to incorporate scholarly activity into the medical school curriculum.

The role of physician is quickly changing as the new fleet of doctors comes into service. It's becoming increasingly rare to find doctors that solely devote their time to patient care, still scribb...
Dynamic interfacial tensions in acidic crude oil/caustic systems. Part II: Role of dynamic effects in alkaline flooding for enhanced oil recovery

A model for caustic propagation in a core during continuous injection is combined with the considerations of interfacial reactions proposed in Part I in order to examine the role of dynamic effects in continuous alkaline flooding. Axial dispersion of caustic and its reversible uptake by the reservoir rock are taken into account. From this model, the interfacial tension between an isolated oil globule and the surrounding flood water can be predicted as a function of time using the knowledge of the kinetics of interfacial reactions, the rock adsorption equilibria, and the longitudinal dispersion coefficient.
An evaluation of seven methods of testing in vitro susceptibility of clinical yeast isolates to fluconazole

Summary. Four commercially available in vitro test systems (Candifast®, E-test, Mycototal® and spiral-gradient end point method), agar diffusion with 25–μg fluconazole paper test discs and 15–μg test tablets and agar dilution were compared with the microbroth dilution method for fluconazole susceptibility testing of 145 clinical isolates. In addition, the culture media provided or recommended by the manufacturers of the test systems were compared with high-resolution (HR) antifungal test medium. With all currently available culture media, growth problems (inhibition or delayed growth of the clinical isolates) occurred with solid or semisolid media. With minor improvements, HR medium demonstrated the most reproducible and comparable results (supplementation with asparagine and deletion of sodium hydrogen carbonate). The best correlation with microdilution was obtained by the agar dilution method (> 95% concordance) followed by the spiral-gradient end point method (85%), Candifast® (83%), Mycototal® (81%) and the E-test (78%). Regression analysis demonstrated good correlation between agar diffusion and micro-/agar dilution (r>0.9). Zusammenfassung. Vier im Handel erhaltli-che In-vitro-Testsyteme (Candifast®, E-test, Mycototal®, Spiral-Gradient Endpunkt Methode), Agardiffusion mit 25–μg-Fluconazol-Papier-testblattchen und 15–μg-Testtabletten und die Agardilution wurden mit der Mikrobouillon-Verdunnungsmethode zur Empfindlichkeitsprufung von Fluconazol, durch Testung von 145 klinischen Hefe-Isolaten verglichen. Zusatzlich wurden die von den Herstellern der Testsysteme gelieferten oder empfohlenen Kulturmedien mit dem “High Resolution (HR)” Medium zur Testung von Antimykotika in bezug auf Eignung fur die verschiedenen Methoden verglichen. Mit allen derzeit erhaltlichen Kulturmedien traten Wachstumsprobleme (Wachstumshemmung oder verzogertes Wachstum der klinischen Isolate) mit den festen oder halbfesten Kulturmedien auf. Mit geringfugigen Verbesserungen (Supplementierung mit Asparagin und Weglassen von Natriumhydro-gencarbonat) zeigten sich mit dem HR-Medium die am besten reproduzier- und vergleichbaren Ergebnisse. Die beste Korrelation zur Mikro-dilution wurde mit der Agardilution erhalten (> 95%Ubereinstimmung), gefolgt von der Spiral-Gradient-Endpunkt-Methode (85%), Candifast® (83%), Mycototal® (81%) und dem E-Test (78%). Die Regressionsanalyse zeigte eine gute Uberein-stimmung zwischen der Agardiffusion und Mikro-/Agardilution (r>0.9).
An 8-b 1.3-MHz successive-approximation A/D converter

A novel successive-approximation analog-to-digital (A/D) converter is described. It combines a string of equal-valued polysilicon resistors and a set of ratioed capacitors in a unique circuit configuration so that high sampling rate is achieved. The comparator is realized by a chopper-stabilized amplifier to reduce the effect of the offset voltages of MOS amplifiers. The converter performs an 8-b monotonic conversion with a differential nonlinearity less than 1 LSB in 0.77 mu s. The die area is 3750 mil/sup 2/. This conversion technique can also be utilized in a pipelined A/D converter and enables it to achieve high speed. >
Geometry coding and VRML

The virtual-reality modeling language (VRML) is rapidly becoming the standard file format for transmitting three-dimensional (3-D) virtual worlds across the Internet. Static and dynamic descriptions of 3-D objects, multimedia content, and a variety of hyperlinks can be represented in VRML files. Both VRML browsers and authoring tools for the creations of VRML files are widely available for several different platforms. In this paper, we describe the topologically assisted geometric compression technology included in our proposal for the VRML compressed binary format. This technology produces significant reduction of file sizes and, subsequently, of the time required for transmission of such filed across the Internet. Compression ratios of 50:1 or more are achieved for large models. The proposal also includes a binary encoding to create compact, rapidly parsable binary VRML files. The proposal is currently being evaluated by the Compressed Binary Format Working Group of the VRML consortium as a possible extension of the VRML standard. In the topologically assisted compression scheme, a polyhedron is represented using two interlocking trees: a spanning tree of vertices and a spanning tree of triangles. The connectivity information represented in other compact schemes, such as triangular strips and generalized triangular meshes, can be directly derived from this representation. Connectivity information for large models is compressed with storage requirements approaching one bit per triangle. A variable-length, optionally lossy compression technique is used for vertex positions, normals, colors, and texture coordinates. The format supports all VRML property binding conventions.
The regulatory function of self-conscious emotion: insights from patients with orbitofrontal damage.

Although once considered disruptive, self-conscious emotions are now theorized to be fundamentally involved in the regulation of social behavior. The present study examined the social regulation function of self-conscious emotions by comparing healthy participants with a neuropsychological population— patients with orbitofrontal lesions— characterized by selective regulatory deficits. Orbitofrontal patients and healthy controls participated in a series of tasks designed to assess their social regulation and self-conscious emotions. Another task assessed the ability to infer others’ emotional states, an appraisal process involved in self-conscious emotion. Consistent with the theory that self-conscious emotions are important for regulating social behavior, the findings show that deficient behavioral regulation is associated with inappropriate self-conscious emotions that reinforce maladaptive behavior. Additionally, deficient behavioral regulation is associated with impairments in interpreting the self-conscious emotions of others.
Examination of Methods for Formosan Subterranean Termite (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) Feces Recovery

Chemical assay of undigested food from ter mite fecal material has been reported for Formo san subterranean termites (Coptotermes formosa nus Shiraki) and other species (Itakura et al. 1995; Hyodo et al. 1999; Mishra & Sen-Sarma 1979; Katsumata et al. 2007). Unlike drywood termites, which produce solid fecal pellets with a conspicuous appearance (Lewis et al. 2010), sub terranean termites produce liquid feces (Gouge et al. 2001) that is potentially difficult to recognize and obtain. The current study describes the out come of attempts at recovery of C. formosanus fe ces from laboratory arenas in which no food had been placed, and from arenas containing filter pa per or wood. Termites used for this study were collected at Audubon Park, New Orleans, LA. Arenas without food were maintained and processed 2 different ways. For the first set of arenas, 18 groups of approximately 50 workers that had been fed southern yellow pine (Pinus sp.) for at least 72 h were transferred to pre-weighed bowls shaped from aluminum foil. Bowls con taining termites were placed in polystyrene boxes (32 cm x 25 cm x 10 cm) (Tri-State Plas tics, Latonia, KY) lined with saturated paper towels. The boxes were covered and maintained
LEFT-RIGHT ASYMMETRY IN ANIMAL DEVELOPMENT

Most animal species exhibit left-right asymmetry in their body plans and show a strong bias for one handedness over the other. The mechanism of handedness choice, recognized as an intriguing problem over a century ago, is still a mystery. However, from recent advances in understanding when and how asymmetry arises in both invertebrates and vertebrates, developmental pathways for establishment and maintenance of left-right differences are beginning to take shape, and speculations can be made on the initial choice mechanism.
531 Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance (MGUS) Does Not Predict Cardiac Amyloid Type

negative rejection and to assess for a possible new rejection category. Methods and Materials: We evaluated 892 pts transplanted from 1994 to 2009 and identified 19 with cardiac dysfunction and negative biopsy for cellular rejection and AMR. A 2:1 control group of heart transplant pts without AMR and matched for age, sex, time from transplant, served as controls. The following outcomes were assessed: subsequent 3-year survival, freedom from cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV, stenosis 30%), and freedom from non-fatal major adverse cardiac events (NFMACE: myocardial infarction, heart failure, percutaneous coronary intervention, defibrillator, stroke, or new peripheral vascular disease). Results: Biopsy-negative rejection occurred on average 43 38 months post transplant. Treatment included high dose corticosteroids, anti-thymocyte globulin, and/or intravenous immune globulin. Mean LVEF was 26 8% and improved to 48 8% in all patients alive (13/19 pts) at 1 year (4 pts died and 2 were retransplanted). Subsequent 3-year survival was significantly lower in the biopsy-negative group compared to controls (47% vs. 92%, p 0.001). The biopsy-negative group also demonstrated significantly lower subsequent freedom from CAV (63% vs. 87%, p 0.032) and lower freedom from NF-MACE (74% vs. 97%, p 0.005). Conclusions: Biopsy negative rejection with cardiac dysfunction has poor outcome and represents a possible new category for rejection. Isolation of biomarkers and search for underlying mechanism may further characterize this form of rejection. A new category of biopsy negative rejection should be considered for the ISHLT biopsy grading scale.
A hybrid collision detection approach for the haptic rendering of deformable tools

There are strict time constraints with regard to the update rates for applications incorporating the sense of touch. Therefore, it is essential to employ efficient algorithms for haptic rendering to ensure stable and realistic force feedback is perceived. A major part in any haptic rendering algorithm is the collision detection between the virtual representation of the haptic interface and the objects in the scene. The first part of this paper describes an efficient collision detection algorithm, which is derived from spatial partitioning and bounding volume hierarchy approaches. The pair of closest points is obtained between two polygonal models which may be nonconvex. The second part of the paper describes a haptic rendering algorithm that allows three-dimensional polygonal objects to represent deformable tools in the virtual environment
Experimental evaluation of two forms of manipulator adaptive control

Insights into the relative performance capabilities and improvement potential of adaptive manipulator controls are gained through the experimental evaluation of two adaptive control techniques on a six degree of freedom manipulator. A modified model reference adaptive control algorithm is presented which allows greater trajectory tracking accuracy. Results are compared to the experimental implementation of a previously developed algorithm utilizing a different adaptive form. The impact of adaptation and the relative performance of each algorithm is exposed.
Modeling dynamic understory photosynthesis of contrasting species in ambient and elevated carbon dioxide

Dynamic responses of understory plants to sunflecks have been extensively studied, but how much differences in dynamic light responses affect daily photosynthesis (A day) is still the subject of active research. Recent models of dynamic photosynthesis have provided a quantitative tool that allows the critical assessment of the importance of these sunfleck responses on A day. Here we used a dynamic photosynthesis model to assess differences in four species that were growing in ambient and elevated CO2. We hypothesized that Liriodendron tulipifera, a species with rapid photosynthetic induction gain and slow induction loss, would have the least limitations to sunfleck photosynthesis relative to the other three species (Acer rubrum, Cornus florida, Liquidambar styraciflua). As a consequence, L. tulipifera should have the highest A day in an understory environment, despite being the least shade tolerant of the species tested. We further hypothesized that daily photosynthetic enhancement by elevated CO2 would differ from enhancement levels observed during light-saturated, steady-state measurements. Both hypotheses were supported by the model results under conditions of low daily photosynthetic photon flux density (PFD; <3% of the above-canopy PFD). However, under moderate PFD (10-20% of the above-canopy PFD), differences in dynamic sunfleck responses had no direct impact on A day for any of the species, since stomatal and photosynthetic induction limitations to sunfleck photosynthesis were small. Thus, the relative species ranking in A day under moderate PFD closely matched their rankings in steady-state measurements of light-saturated photosynthesis. Similarly, under elevated CO2, enhancement of modeled A day over A day at ambient CO2 matched the enhancement measured under light saturation. Thus, the effects of species-specific differences in dynamic sunfleck responses, and differences in elevated CO2 responses of daily photosynthesis, are most important in marginal light environments.
Studies of latent catalyst systems for pot-life enhancement of underfills

Underfill encapsulant is the material used in flip-chip devices that fills the gap between the IC chip and the organic board, and encapsulates the solder interconnects. This underfill material can dramatically enhance the reliability of flip-chip devices as compared to nonunderfilled devices. Current underfill encapsulants generally consist of epoxy resin, anhydride hardener, catalyst, silica filler, and other additives to enhance the adhesion, flow, etc. Underfill properties that are mainly determined by the catalyst include pot-life, cure speed, and cure temperature. Long pot-life and fast cure at relatively low temperature (/spl sim/150/spl deg/C) are desired, such that it requires the catalyst to be latent at room temperature, but able to catalyze the epoxy curing efficiently at desired temperature. Currently, the pot-life of commercial underfills is normally less than 1 day. The underfills must be put in the freezer at -40/spl deg/C for storage and in dry ice for shipping. The goal of this work was to test various catalyst systems that have the potential to enhance the pot-life of the underfill without adversely affecting its curing. The viscosities of the underfill with various catalysts were measured periodically by using a stress-controlled rheometer in order to establish their viscosity-time relationships. The curing of the underfills was studied using DSC. The pot-life and curing data of the underfill mixed with each of these catalysts are presented in this paper.
Selective cerebral perfusion: real-time evidence of brain oxygen and energy metabolism preservation

Background Deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA) is commonly used for complex cardiac operations in children, often with selective cerebral perfusion (SCP). Little data exist concerning the real-time effects of DHCA with or without SCP on cerebral metabolism. Our objective was to better define these effects, focusing on brain oxygenation and energy metabolism. Methods Piglets undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass were assigned to either 60 minutes of DHCA at 18°C (n = 9) or DHCA with SCP at 18°C (n = 8), using pH-stat management. SCP was administered at 10 mL/kg/min. A cerebral microdialysis catheter was implanted into the cortex for monitoring of cellular ischemia and energy stores. Cerebral oxygen tension and intracranial pressure also were monitored. After DHCA with or without SCP, animals were recovered for 4 hours off cardiopulmonary bypass. Results With SCP, brain oxygen tension was preserved in contrast to DHCA alone ( p p p p p p p Conclusions Selective cerebral perfusion preserves cerebral oxygenation and attenuates derangements in cerebral metabolism associated with DHCA. Cerebral microdialysis provides real-time metabolic feedback that correlates with changes in brain tissue oxygenation. This model enables further study and refinement of strategies aiming to limit brain injury in children requiring complex cardiac operations.
Approximate linear realizations of given dimension via Ho's algorithm

Ho's Algorithm generates exact realizations of finite-dimensional linear systems, given exact data. We discuss here a variant of the algorithm that generates approximate realizations of specified dimension from approximate data.
PINK1 phosphorylates ubiquitin to activate Parkin E3 ubiquitin ligase activity

PINK1 kinase activates the E3 ubiquitin ligase Parkin to induce selective autophagy of damaged mitochondria. However, it has been unclear how PINK1 activates and recruits Parkin to mitochondria. Although PINK1 phosphorylates Parkin, other PINK1 substrates appear to activate Parkin, as the mutation of all serine and threonine residues conserved between Drosophila and human, including Parkin S65, did not wholly impair Parkin translocation to mitochondria. Using mass spectrometry, we discovered that endogenous PINK1 phosphorylated ubiquitin at serine 65, homologous to the site phosphorylated by PINK1 in Parkin’s ubiquitin-like domain. Recombinant TcPINK1 directly phosphorylated ubiquitin and phospho-ubiquitin activated Parkin E3 ubiquitin ligase activity in cell-free assays. In cells, the phosphomimetic ubiquitin mutant S65D bound and activated Parkin. Furthermore, expression of ubiquitin S65A, a mutant that cannot be phosphorylated by PINK1, inhibited Parkin translocation to damaged mitochondria. These results explain a feed-forward mechanism of PINK1-mediated initiation of Parkin E3 ligase activity.
Piracy on the High Speeds: A Test of Social Learning Theory on Digital Piracy among College Students

This study assesses factors that affect Internet piracy among college students. Specifically, the study asks the question: Are social learning theories predictive of piracy behaviors? Data used in this study were collected from 587 undergraduate college students enrolled in two higher education institutions. Path analysis as part of structural equation modeling (SEM) is used to test several models for different types of Internet piracy. The results show that variables from social learning theories, such as peer involvement and parental support, are strongly related to Internet piracy. Using three differing types of Internet-based digital piracy, the differences and similarities in findings will be compared. Implications for future research and potentially more effective prevention strategies are also discussed.
Multiple roles for TGFβ receptor type II in regulating the pancreatic response in acute pancreatitis

In their recent publication in Journal of Pathology, Grabliauskaite and Sapanora and their colleagues in Zurich use a conditional ablation of the TGFβ type II receptor (TBRII) to analyse its specific role in pancreatic epithelial cells in response to a caerulein-induced model of acute pancreatitis. These experiments help to clarify some confusion that has existed in the literature stemming from the use of a dominant-negative transgenic TBRII mouse. The results point to a central role for TBRII in acinar cells in mitigating the overall response of the pancreas to the damage and inflammation of acute pancreatitis.
Hepatitis C virus upregulates B-cell receptor signaling: a novel mechanism for HCV-associated B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders

B-cell receptor (BCR) signaling is essential for the development of B cells and has a critical role in B-cell neoplasia. Increasing evidence indicates an association between chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and B-cell lymphoma, however, the mechanisms by which HCV causes B-cell lymphoproliferative disorder are still unclear. Herein, we demonstrate the expression of HCV viral proteins in B cells of HCV-infected patients and show that HCV upregulates BCR signaling in human primary B cells. HCV nonstructural protein NS3/4A interacts with CHK2 and downregulates its activity, modulating HuR posttranscriptional regulation of a network of target mRNAs associated with B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders. Interestingly, the BCR signaling pathway was found to have the largest number of transcripts with increased association with HuR and was upregulated by NS3/4A. Our study reveals a previously unidentified role of NS3/4A in regulation of host BCR signaling during HCV infection, contributing to a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying HCV-associated B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders.
Integrating Cadaver Exome Sequencing Into a First-Year Medical Student Curriculum

This Viewpoint discusses the values of teaching genetics in the first year of medical school.
Trends and determinants of discretionary salt use: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003-2012.

Objective To examine temporal trends and determinants of discretionary salt use in the USA. Design Multiple logistic regression was used to assess temporal trends in discretionary salt use at the table and during home cooking/preparation, adjusting for demographic characteristics, using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003–2012. Prevalence and determinants of discretionary salt use in 2009–2012 were also examined. Setting Participants answered salt use questions after completing a 24 h dietary recall in a mobile examination centre. Subjects Nationally representative sample of non-institutionalized US children and adults, aged ≥2 years. Results From 2003 to 2012, the proportion of the population who reported using salt ‘very often’ declined; from 18 % to 12 % for use at the table ( P P Conclusions While most people reported using salt during home cooking/preparation, a minority reported use at the table. Reported ‘very often’ discretionary salt use has declined. That discretionary salt use is less common among those at risk of CVD suggests awareness of messages to limit Na intake.
Developing Laws and Severity Diagnosis of Partial Discharge Defects on Oil-paper Insulation

In order to research the developing processes and law of the partial discharge defects on the insulation paper in transformers,a sphere-plate model and an inter-turn model were structured.Based on the two models,the changing processes of the narrow frequency band pulse current signals in the pulse rate,the pulse average and maximum amplitudes,the discharge capacity per second,the cumulative total discharge capacity,and the distribution of pulse phase were experimentally studied by the constant-voltage method.From the results,it is concluded that during the developing processes of the defects,the accumulative total discharge capacity,the discharge capacity per second,the pulse initial phase,and the pulse rate shows exponential or liner trends in their changings.Plus,the accumulative total discharge capacity and some other parameters changed in a stable trend and followed consistent rules,so they are capable to characterize the severity of the defects.Consequently two expressions of the severity of partial discharge defects are put forward: the breakdown probability method and the remaining life method.
Building teacher and school capacity to teach to ambitious standards in high-poverty schools

Abstract The present study examines the experience of two high-poverty schools that participated in a district professional development (PD) initiative designed to support teachers in meeting the goals of the Common Core State Standards. A small group of teachers from each school attended PD, learned collaborative planning and inquiry practices, and were expected to lead this work at their school. Key findings suggest that job-embedded support from experts and direction from the principal, rather than the leadership of teachers, were essential for translating learning from PD into changes in instruction and collaboration. Implications for developing capacity in high-poverty schools are discussed.
Study on effect of pertusis control applying vaccine immunization in Hainan Province

Objective To evaluate the effect of immunization of chidren with vaccine for control of pertussis through analysis of infecting status of pertussis in the last 50 years and survey of pertussis antibody of people in 2002 in Hainan Methods According to the procedure of EPI,3 times of Diphtheria Tetanus Pertussia (DTP) vaccine was inoculated for basic immunization and 1 time of DTP vaccine as strengthen immunization to children of 3～24 months old Collected data of pertussis epidemic situation since 1951 and counted and analyzed the data as different period of using vaccine The relationship between morbidity rates of pertussis and immuniation rates of DTP vaccine in different year was analyzed The immunization effect was evaluated combining with epidemic situation and antibody level Results The morbidity and mortality rates were fallen down greatly after applying DTP vaccine The average morbidity rate yearly of natural infection period and cold chain operation period was respectively 78 51/1×10 5 and 0 43/1×10 5 The epidemic season was changed There was negative relationship and significant difference between immunization rate and morbidity rate The positive rates of pertussis antibody and GMT were obviously different in people who had full course immunization and no immunization history Conclusion Using DTP vaccine could control epidemic situation of pertussis effectively So children could obtain high immunizaion level to form secure immunization barrier
Carlyle, Chartism and Reform in Transcendental America

Thomas Carlyle's influence on American Romanticism and transcendentalism was challenged by his 1839 book Chartism. Chartism was a turning point for his influence in America; it occasioned the first serious questioning of his ideas by American progressives and set the stage for many transcendentalists to move away from the world of ideas and toward more concerted efforts at reform and social change. This article examines the effects of Chartism in the progressive circles of the Cincinnati-based journal The Western Messenger and its aftereffects in transcendental New England.
Sensing Hydrogen Gas from Atmospheric Pressure to a Hundred Parts per Million with Nanogaps Fabricated Using a Single-Step Bending Deformation

The widespread use of H2 gas as an energy carrier will necessitate the development of inexpensive, easily manufactured sensors which reliably monitor gas levels where H2 is used, transported, and stored. Nanogap sensors transduce the volume expansion which accompanies hydrogen uptake by palladium-based metal-hydrides into an electrical signal through the closure of nanogaps which allows a previously interrupted current to flow. While this break-junction design offers numerous functionalities, limitations still exist in terms of fabricating nanogap sensors responsive to a wide range of partial pressures. Here, we invoke a detection strategy where up to 10 000 nanogaps of various widths act in concert to provide an overall analog signal which continuously varies as the H2 partial pressure is varied from a hundred parts per million to 1 atm. The sensor is fabricated by mechanically coupling an AuPd film to a support consisting of polyimide, an adhesive, and a steel backing which, when bent, forms parallel cr...
Abstract 13122: Hax1 Mediates Hippo Pathway to Enhance Therapeutic Effect of Sca1+ Cardiac Stem Cell Against Myocardial Ischemia

Background: The Hippo pathway can regulate the fate and metabolic function of stem/progenitor cells through a kinase cascade that impinges on the transcription of growth-regulatory genes. This stud...
Assessing the impacts of future urban development patterns and climate changes on total suspended sediment loading in surface waters using geoinformatics

Water pollution is a major global issue that has profound impact on sustainable development of our society. In this paper, land cover change trajectories of the study area over the last three decades are developed using Landsat data. Then historic land-cover and land-use change (LCLUC) patterns are used to estimate, calibrate and validate key drivers of land use change. Future likelihood of land-cover/land-use for 2021 and 2031 are simulated using state-of-art image processing techniques based on the driving factors of land use change integrated with Land Change Modeler. Hypothetical scenarios of LCLUC including a) low density of new urbanization growth and open land with vegetation cover, b) normal urbanization and, c) highly development of commercial/urban land use and impervious surfaces, are constructed during the simulations. The Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) is employed to generate total suspended sediment with the various combinations of three hypothetical scenarios mentioned above and climate change scenarios projected for 2021 and 2031. The future climate patterns for the periods of 2011-2021 and 2021-2031 are generated from the intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Spatial Report for scenarios A1B, B1, and A2. A total of 19 SWAT models are generated, one for 2011, nine for 2021 and 2031 respectively. The results are then used to compare and identify the impacts of combined land use and climate change on surface water quality, to answer and confirm the hypothesis that urban sprawl developing patterns in the greater St. Louis region have significant impacts on surface water quality in specific way.
A Screen for Regulators of Globin Switching in the Zebrafish Embryo

Abstract 826 The switching of the globin genes involves critical transcriptional regulators such as BCL11A, EKLF and SOX6, and the induction of fetal globin has been shown to ameliorate the symptoms of diseases such as sickle cell anemia. Recently, there has been interest in driving iPS cells to produce mature red cells that express adult globin genes in an attempt to make these cells therapeutically useful. Here, to understand hemoglobin switching and the molecular pathways that allow the establishment of an adult fate in embryonic tissues, we utilized a screening approach in the zebrafish model. The concept of the screen is to find transcription factors that are expressed in a stage-specific manner, and manipulate the expression of these genes to alter the cell fate of embryonic erythroid cells. In order to generate a candidate list of genes, microarray analysis was performed on murine yolk sac, fetal liver and adult derived red blood cells and red blood cell precursors, which express unique sets of globin genes. Pair-wise comparison of these populations yielded 879 unique differentially regulated genes. GO term analysis was used to narrow the list to 49 transcription factors. We focused on the transcription factors that might increase adult globin expression in the embryo based on their differential expression in the microarrays. Morpholinos were used to knock down these 24 genes by individually injecting each into one-cell stage embryos, allowing the embryos to reach 24 hpf and performing in situ hybridization for the adult globin gene αa1. The number of adult globin positive cells present in each embryo was counted for a clutch control group, which on average has 2–4 positive cells per embryo, and three doses of morpholino. We identified 4 genes, Tcf7l2, Ncoa1, Hif1al and E2F5, the knock down of which results in a significant increase in the number of adult globin positive cells in at least one dose of morpholino (control [n=53, mean=6.34], 6ng [n=56, mean=15.07], p= Disclosures: Zon:Fate Therapeutics: Founder Other.
Chest Wall Trauma

Chest wall trauma is common, and contributes significantly to morbidity and mortality of trauma patients. Early identification of major chest wall and concomitant intrathoracic injuries is critical. Generalized management of multiple rib fractures and flail chest consists of adequate pain control (including locoregional modalities); management of pulmonary dysfunction by invasive and noninvasive means; and, in some cases, surgical fixation. Multiple studies have shown that patients with flail chest have substantial benefit (decreased ventilator and intensive care unit days, improved pulmonary function, and improved long-term functional outcome) when they undergo surgery compared with nonoperative management.
The Emotional, Cognitive, Physiological, and Performance Effects of Variable Time Delay in Robotic Teleoperation

The effects of intermittent and variable time delay were investigated to understand the cognitive and physical consequences of gaps between an input from an operator and the corresponding feedback response from the system. Time delay has been shown to disrupt task performance in various areas including psychology and telerobotics. Previous research in multiple domains has focused on the performance effects of time delay and overcoming technological limitations that cause time delay. However, robotics researchers have yet to study the effects of variable time delay on specific operator emotions, usability, and physiological activation in teleoperations. This study investigates the influence of variable time delay not only on task performance, but also operator emotions, physiological arousal, cognitive workload, and usability in teleoperation. Time delay was manipulated by introducing lag into the system feedback. Participants were asked to navigate a remote-control robot vehicle through mazes of differing levels of task complexity in a remote location and simultaneously identify targets. Results showed that operator frustration, anger, and workload increased while usability and task performance decreased when intermittent and variable feedback lag was introduced to a robotic navigation task. The effect of the variable time delay was greater than the effect of task complexity. Furthermore, results suggest that the effects are of time delay and task complexity are additive. A better understanding of the emotional experiences of human operators and the corresponding physiological signals is of crucial importance to designing affect-aware robotic systems that have the ability to appropriately mitigate negative operator emotional states.