cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Vaccines Expressing the Innate Immune Modulator EAT-2 Elicit Potent Effector Memory T Lymphocyte Responses despite Pre-Existing Vaccine Immunity

The mixed results from recent vaccine clinical trials targeting HIV-1 justify the need to enhance the potency of HIV-1 vaccine platforms in general. Use of first-generation recombinant adenovirus serotype 5 (rAd5) platforms failed to protect vaccinees from HIV-1 infection. One hypothesis is that the rAd5-based vaccine failed due to the presence of pre-existing Ad5 immunity in many vaccines. We recently confirmed that EAT-2-expressing rAd5 vectors uniquely activate the innate immune system and improve cellular immune responses against rAd5-expressed Ags, inclusive of HIV/Gag. In this study, we report that use of the rAd5-EAT-2 vaccine can also induce potent cellular immune responses to HIV-1 Ags despite the presence of Ad5-specific immunity. Compared to controls expressing a mutant SH2 domain form of EAT-2, Ad5 immune mice vaccinated with an rAd5-wild-type EAT-2 HIV/Gag-specific vaccine formulation significantly facilitated the induction of several arms of the innate immune system. These responses positively correlated with an improved ability of the vaccine to induce stronger effector memory T cell-biased, cellular immune responses to a coexpressed Ag despite pre-existing anti-Ad5 immunity. Moreover, inclusion of EAT-2 in the vaccine mixture improves the generation of polyfunctional cytolytic CD8(+) T cell responses as characterized by enhanced production of IFN-γ, TNF-α, cytotoxic degranulation, and increased in vivo cytolytic activity. These data suggest a new approach whereby inclusion of EAT-2 expression in stringent human vaccination applications can provide a more effective vaccine against HIV-1 specifically in Ad5 immune subjects.
Infrared spectroscopic measurements of tropospheric trace gases.

Absorption features of several trace gases have been detected in 0.017-cm-resolution infrared spectra recorded over surface-level paths of 0.5 and 1.5 km at the National Solar Observatory on Kitt Peak, near Tucson, Arizona. Measurements of O3, HCOOH, NH3, and H2CO are briefly discussed.
Integrating experiments and simulations to estimate uncertainty in lattice strain measurements

The investigation of lattice strains has proven to be a viable method for probing the crystal level stress state in deforming polycrystalline samples. Building on the recent availability of high-ra...
Activation of the SV40 late promoter: Direct effects of T antigen in the absence of viral DNA replication

We have examined the activation of the SV40 late promoter by inserting the late promoter and the viral origin of replication into chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) transient expression vectors. Very little late promoter activity was detected in CV-1 cells, compared with high activity in COS cells, in which replication occurs due to endogenous T antigen. Nonreplicative counterparts of these plasmids, containing a mutated origin of replication, produced significantly more late promoter activity in COS cells than any of the plasmids in CV-1 cells. When plasmids were cotransfected into CV-1 cells with a plasmid that supplies T antigen, the nonreplicative plasmid displayed 30% of the activity of the replicative plasmid. Using mutant T antigens unable to replicate viral DNA, late promoter activation occurred only with mutant T antigens that retain DNA binding activity. These results demonstrate that T antigen can substantially stimulate late promoter activity directly and independent of viral DNA replication.
Child maltreatment and allostatic load: Consequences for physical and mental health in children from low-income families

Child maltreatment and biomarkers of allostatic load were investigated in relation to child health problems and psychological symptomatology. Participants attended a summer research day camp and included 137 maltreated and 110 nonmaltreated low-income children, who were aged 8 to 10 years (M = 9.42) and racially and ethnically diverse; 52% were male. Measurements obtained included salivary cortisol and dehydroepiandosterone, body mass index, waist-hip ratio, and blood pressure; these indicators provided a composite index of allostatic load. Child self-report and camp adult-rater reports of child symptomatology were obtained; mothers provided information on health problems. The results indicated that higher allostatic load and child maltreatment status independently predicted poorer health outcomes and greater behavior problems. Moderation effects indicated that allostatic load was related to somatic complaints, attention problems, and thought problems only among maltreated children. Risks associated with high waist-hip ratio, low morning cortisol, and high morning dehydroepiandosterone also were related to depressive symptoms only for maltreated children. The results support an allostatic load conceptualization of the impact of high environmental stress and child abuse and neglect on child health and behavioral outcomes and have important implications for long-term physical and mental health.
Relationship between Glycosyl Hydrolase Inventory and Growth Physiology of the Hyperthermophile Pyrococcus furiosus on Carbohydrate-Based Media

Utilization of a range of carbohydrates for growth by the hyperthermophile Pyrococcus furiosus was investigated by examining the spectrum of glycosyl hydrolases produced by this microorganism and the thermal labilities of various saccharides. Previously, P. furiosus had been found to grow in batch cultures on several α-linked carbohydrates and cellobiose but not on glucose or other β-linked sugars. Although P. furiosus was not able to grow on any nonglucan carbohydrate or any form of cellulose in this study (growth on oat spelt arabinoxylan was attributed to glucan contamination of this substrate), significant growth at 98°C occurred on β-1,3- and β-1,3–β-1,4-linked glucans. Oligosaccharides generated by digestion with a recombinant laminarinase derived from P. furiosus were the compounds that were most effective in stimulating growth of the microorganism. In several cases, periodic addition of β-glucan substrates to fed-batch cultures limited adverse thermochemical modifications of the carbohydrates (i.e., Maillard reactions and caramelization) and led to significant increases (as much as two- to threefold) in the cell yields. While glucose had only a marginally positive effect on growth in batch culture, the final cell densities nearly tripled when glucose was added by the fed-batch procedure. Nonenzymatic browning reactions were found to be significant at 98°C for saccharides with degrees of polymerization (DP) ranging from 1 to 6; glucose was the most labile compound on a mass basis and the least labile compound on a molar basis. This suggests that for DP of 2 or greater protection of the nonreducing monosaccharide component may be a factor in substrate availability. For P. furiosus, carbohydrate utilization patterns were found to reflect the distribution of the glycosyl hydrolases which are known to be produced by this microorganism.
To kill a kangaroo: understanding the decision to pursue high-risk/high-gain resources

In this paper, we attempt to understand hunter–gatherer foraging decisions about prey that vary in both the mean and variance of energy return using an expected utility framework. We show that for skewed distributions of energetic returns, the standard linear variance discounting (LVD) model for risk-sensitive foraging can produce quite misleading results. In addition to creating difficulties for the LVD model, the skewed distributions characteristic of hunting returns create challenges for estimating probability distribution functions required for expected utility. We present a solution using a two-component finite mixture model for foraging returns. We then use detailed foraging returns data based on focal follows of individual hunters in Western Australia hunting for high-risk/high-gain (hill kangaroo) and relatively low-risk/low-gain (sand monitor) prey. Using probability densities for the two resources estimated from the mixture models, combined with theoretically sensible utility curves characterized by diminishing marginal utility for the highest returns, we find that the expected utility of the sand monitors greatly exceeds that of kangaroos despite the fact that the mean energy return for kangaroos is nearly twice as large as that for sand monitors. We conclude that the decision to hunt hill kangaroos does not arise simply as part of an energetic utility-maximization strategy and that additional social, political or symbolic benefits must accrue to hunters of this highly variable prey.
Common criteria requirements modeling and its uses for quality of information assurance (QoIA)

The Common Criteria for Information Technology Security Evaluation (CCITSE), usually referred to as the Common Criteria (CC), establishes a level of trustworthiness and confidence that should be placed in the security functions of products or systems and the assurance measures applied to them. CC achieves this by evaluating the product or system conformance with a common set of requirements set forth by it. To engineer a product that meets the information assurance goals of CC, a structured and comprehensive methodology is required to drive the activities undertaken in all the stages of the software requirements engineering (RE) process. Such a methodology is inevitable to understand and attain the Quality of Information Assurance (QoIA). As an effort in this direction, we focus on the use of object-oriented ontology modeling as an effective way of representing and enforcing the given common set of requirements established by CC. Our methodology leverages novel techniques from software requirement engineering and knowledge engineering. This paper also describes how this methodology can effectively realize CC-related requirements of the target systems and help evaluate such systems for conformance to the certification and accreditation (C&A) process.
Educating and empowering consumers to avoid bankruptcy

The US has the highest consumer bankruptcy rate in the world and Utah is the state with the highest rate. Bankruptcy filings are rising rapidly due to uninsured medical expenses, job loss, family break-up and rising consumer and mortgage debt burdens. Lending standards are extremely lax among mainstream creditors while predatory and sub-prime lending are growing. Utah State University Extension is addressing this problem by creating a new Extension educator position to focus on financial education and by training county Extension educators to mount an extensive consumer education campaign. The ‘Take Charge of Your Money’ programme, developed by the Extension specialist, is being taught throughout the state by satellite distance education. Each educator is being trained to use the PowerPay debt reduction software developed by two Utah Extension educators. As part of the emphasis on empowerment, consumers are being taught to make their own decisions on debt load rather than accepting credit because it is available. Heavy dependence of lenders on credit scores mean consumers are taking on debt that they do not have the cash flow to repay. Grant money available from the state was used to provide training for an Extension bankruptcy prevention team and to provide funding for laptop computers for PowerPay so educators can take the programme to the citizens at county fairs and other public events. While it is too soon to measure the results of the programme, Utah State University's Cooperative Extension project is an example of an aggressive response to the highest bankruptcy rate in the nation. The bankruptcy prevention team is an example of the power of the Extension Service to extend the resources of the university to improve the quality of life for the citizens of the state.
Image-based techniques for digitizing environments and artifacts

We present an overview of techniques for generating photoreal computer graphics models of real-world places and objects. Our group's early efforts in modeling scenes involved the development of Faqade, an interactive photogrammetric modeling system that uses geometric primitives to model the scene, and projective texture mapping to produce the scene appearance properties. Subsequent work has produced techniques to model the incident illumination within scenes, which we have shown to be useful for realistically adding computer-generated objects to image-based models. More recently, our work has focussed on recovering lighting-independent models of scenes and objects, capturing how each point on an object reflects light. Our latest work combines three-dimensional range scans, digital photographs, and incident illumination measurements to produce lighting-independent models of complex objects and environments.
A Hidden Markov Model-Based Map-Matching Algorithm for Wheelchair Navigation

Application of map-matching techniques to GPS positions can provide accurate vehicle location information in challenging situations. The Hidden Markov Model (HMM) is a statistical model that is well known for providing solutions to temporal recognition applications such as text and speech recognition. This paper introduces a novel map-matching algorithm based on HMM for GPS-based wheelchair navigation. Given GPS positions, a hidden Markov chain model is established by using both geometric data and the topology of sidewalk segments. The map-matching algorithm employs the Viterbi algorithm to estimate correct sidewalk segments as hidden states in a HMM in order to match GPS trajectory on the corresponding segment sequence. The HMM-based map-matching algorithm was validated on a campus sidewalk network for wheelchair navigation. The results show an improvement in tracking a wheelchair in dense urban conditions both in accuracy and in computational time.
An Empirical Comparison of Task Sequences for Immersive Virtual Environments

System control - the issuing of commands - is a critical, but largely unexplored task in 3D user interfaces (3DUIs) for immersive virtual environments (IVEs). The task sequence (the order of operations in a system control task) is an important aspect of the design of a system control interface (SCI), because it affects the way the user must think about accomplishing the task. Most command line interfaces are based on the action-object task sequence (e.g. "rm foo.txt"). Most graphical user interfaces (GUIs) are based on the object-action task sequence (e.g. click on an icon then select "delete" from a pop-up menu). An SCI for an IVE should be transparent and induce minimal cognitive load, but it is not clear which task sequences support this goal. We designed an experiment using an interior design application context to determine the cognitive loads induced by various task sequences in IVEs. By subtracting the expected time for a user to complete the task from the total time, we have estimated the cognitive time, dependent only on task sequence. Our experiment showed that task sequence has a significant effect on the cognitive loads induced in IVEs. The object-action sequence and similar task sequences induce smaller cognitive loads than those induced by the action-object sequence. These results can be used to create guidelines for creating 3DUIs for IVEs
Characterization of continuous electrophoretic separations in narrow channels coupled to small bore capillaries

Continuous electrophoretic separations in narrow channels have been carried out by coupling conventional capillary zone electrophoresis to open channel structures with rectangular cross sections. Presented here is an examination of the results of continuous separations conducted under various experimental conditions. The characterization is conducted using analysis of both continuous and plug injections of material into the channel, and the parameters used to analyze the separation are lateral dispersion, longitudinal dispersion, and signal intensity. Longitudinal dispersion indicates the amount of band broadening in the direction parallel to channel flow and, therefore, determines the spatial resolution of the separation. Lateral dispersion corresponds to band broadening perpendicular to channel flow and affects the accuracy with which the time of sample introduction into the channel can be determined. The results from these experiments indicate that (a) a cooled channel system provides better results when longer analyses are conducted, (b) a capillary step rate yielding a band introduction angle of 45 degrees relative to the direction of flow in the channel provides the best compromise between longitudinal and lateral dispersions (this value typically equals 0.9 s/25-μm step for the system used in this research), (c) a capillary to channel linear velocity ratio of 3 to 5 yields improved signals relative to lower ratios due to more sample introduced (velocity ratios above this may lead to loss of spatial resolution), and (4) fast channel flows yield more symmetrically shaped bands than do slower flows due to more efficient transfer of material from the capillary-channel junction into the channel. Detection limits of 41 μM are obtained with a linear range from 0.12 mM to 1.9 mM for laser induced fluorescence detection.
The mechanism of internal rotation and its application to malrotation.

Abstract We have proposed a theory of internal rotation which states that this mechanism in all its variations is explained by the combined multiple effects of the musculoskeletal pelvis acting on both poles of the presenting part. These effects are both positive and negative. The positive effects represent tangential forces derived from the levator muscles and the sloping planes of the pelvis covered by the coccygeus and obturator muscles. The negative effects are derived from the resistances of the lower sacrum, the ischial spines, and the upper forepelvis. The application of this theory to some of the more common problems of malrotation is discussed.
International portfolio flows with growth shocks

This paper investigates the impacts of level and growth rate productivity shocks on the cyclical dynamics of gross portfolio flows between two economies using an endogenous portfolio choice problem within a DSGE framework. We find that the level shocks yield procyclical gross equity flows, while the growth rate shocks produce countercyclical flows. These dynamics cannot be replicated by only employing persistent shocks to the level of productivity.
Figure analysis: A teaching technique to promote visual literacy and active Learning

Learning often improves when active learning techniques are used in place of traditional lectures. For many of these techniques, however, students are expected to apply concepts that they have already grasped. A challenge, therefore, is how to incorporate active learning into the classroom of courses with heavy content, such as molecular-based biology courses. An additional challenge is that visual literacy is often overlooked in undergraduate science education. To address both of these challenges, a technique called figure analysis was developed and implemented in three different levels of undergraduate biology courses. Here, students learn content while gaining practice in interpreting visual information by discussing figures with their peers. Student groups also make connections between new and previously learned concepts on their own while in class. The instructor summarizes the material for the class only after students grapple with it in small groups. Students reported a preference for learning by figure analysis over traditional lecture, and female students in particular reported increased confidence in their analytical abilities. There is not a technology requirement for this technique; therefore, it may be utilized both in classrooms and in nontraditional spaces. Additionally, the amount of preparation required is comparable to that of a traditional lecture. © 2016 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 44(4):336-344, 2016.
Antibiotic precautions in athletes.

Context:Antibiotics are the mainstay of treatment for bacterial infections in patients of all ages. Athletes who maximally train are at risk for illness and various infections. Routinely used antib...
Water relationships in the Florida mouse.

Several aspects of water relationships were studied in the Florida mouse, Peromyscus floridanus , a species occurring in dry woodland habitats in peninsular Florida. Ad libitum food and water consumption of animals in the laboratory over three months averaged 0.09 g and 0.11 cc/g body weight/day, as compared to 0.15 g and 0.20 cc for freshly trapped animals. Field animals maintained weight on a 53% reduction of normal water intake, but weight losses occurred below this level. Some individuals appeared to stabilize body weight at reductions down to 11% of their normal water consumption. Deaths occurred at 15% of normal intake. Food consumption declined with increasing water restriction. The Florida mouse cannot survive indefinitely on dry food without water or succulent food supplements. Under conditions of total water deprivation, field animals lost an average of 27.6% of their weight before death and survived an average of 3.6 days. Corresponding values for laboratory animals were 36.6% and 6.1 days. Two mice survived on 0.35 m NaCl solution, although most animals died on 0.30 m. The lethal threshold for NaCl in this species does not appear to be modifiable by acclimation. Food consumption decreased with increasing NaCl concentration. In weight-relative normal water consumption and ability to stabilize weight at low water intake, P. floridanus agrees more with Peromyscus inhabiting arid western regions than those of more moist habitats. However, behavioral adaptations are probably of greater importance than physiological ones in permitting the Florida mouse to inhabit relatively xeric environments.
Comprehensive evaluation of waterflooding effect in low permeability reservoirs

This paper addresses the complexity of waterflooding characteristics in low permeability reservoirs,the methods and principles applied in former evaluations of waterflooding in medium and high permeability reservoirs,and evaluates indices of 10 aspects in waterflooding for low permeability reservoirs by using fuzzy multistage comprehensive method,including the degree of water drive reserve control,the degree of produced reserve by water drive,water cut,water escalating rate,water storage rate,water injection rate,recoverable reserves,the degree of energy preservationand utilization,oil recovery rate,and composite decline rate of annual oil production.This provides a scientific evaluation method for waterflooding in low permeability reservoirs.
Speciation of inorganic arsenic in water samples by nanometer titanium dioxide adsorption/separation coupled with atomic fluorescence spectrometry

Objective:To establish a novel,reliable and precise method for the speciation analysis of inorganic arsenic in water samples.Methods: Based on the fact that nanometer titanium dioxide shows different adsorption ability to As(III) and As(V) in different pH conditions,As(III) and As(V) can be separated and determined by adjusting pH conditions.Results: It was found that As(III) could be adsorbed quantitatively on nanometer TiO2 in the pH range of 1-12 while As(V) could not be adsorbed at pH12.Adjusting sample pH to 12 with concentrated NaOH,adsorbed As(III) by the nanometer TiO2 could be desorbed completely with 40 g/L NaOH solution,then As(III) was obtained.As(V) was obtained by difference of total As and As(III).Conclusion: Speciation of inorganic arsenic by nanometer TiO2 adsorption/separation coupled with atomic fluorescence spectrometry in water samples can give us satisfactory results.
Application of Temperature Cycle Based ALT Technology in Electronic Products

In order to shorten testing time of ALT and enhance its application in engineering,this paper recommended a new approach to conduct ALT for electronic products based on temperature cycle.Accelerated factor and test profile were determined through analyzing product′s failure modes and excitation stresses,and according to similar products′experience data to establish the regression relation between field usage years and testing time in development phase.With this method,reliability can be verified in less time than conventional ALT,and reliability measurements such as average life can be evaluated using Chi-Square.At last,an engineering example of a power supply was presented to demonstrate the practicality of this approach.
Molecular Pathology of Barrett’s Metaplasia and Esophageal Adenocarcinoma

Barrett’s metaplasia (BM), also called Barrett’s esophagus, is a condition in which the normal squamous lining of the esophagus is replaced to variable extent by columnar epithelium containing intestinal-type goblet cells. It is generally believed to be a complication of chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), with obesity, smoking, and alcohol considered contributing factors. Persons with BM have a significantly increased risk for the development of esophageal adenocarcinoma that has been on the rise in the USA and Western Europe since the 1970s and is associated with poor survival. Early detection and surgical resection, when the tumor is still at an early stage, offer the best chance for survival. Understanding the molecular basis of this disease is essential to developing effective prevention and treatment strategies. In this chapter, we review the molecular changes that occur during the progression from normal squamous epithelium to BM and eventually to adenocarcinoma. We also discuss clinical relevance of some of the most common molecular markers.
P(═O)H to P–OH Tautomerism: A Theoretical and Experimental Study

Phosphinylidene compounds R1R2P(O)H are important functionalities in organophosphorus chemistry and display prototropic tautomerism. Quantifying the tautomerization rate is paramount to understanding these compounds’ tautomerization behavior, which may impact their reactivities in various reactions. We report a combined theoretical and experimental study of the initial tautomerization rate of a range of phosphinylidene compounds. Initial tautomerization rates are found to decrease in the order H3PO2 > Ph2P(O)H > (PhO)2P(O)H > PhP(O) (OAlk)H > AlkP(O)(OAlk)H ≈ (AlkO)2P(O)H, where “Alk” denotes an alkyl substituent. The combination of computational investigations with experimental validation establishes a quantitative measure for the reactivity of various phosphorus compounds, as well as an accurate predictive tool.
Atelectasis and pneumonia in acute spinal cord injury.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the high incidence of atelectasis or pneumonia (A/P) in the left lung of acute spinal cord injured (SCI) patients. The study group consisted of 46 consecutive motor complete (Frankel A or B) SCI patients admitted within 48 hours of injury. The ages of the patients ranged from 15 to 72 years. Neurologic levels ranged from C3 to T11. There were 19 high-level quadriplegic patients (HLQ; C3-C5), 11 low-level quadriplegic patients (LLQ; C6-C8), and 16 paraplegic patients (Para; T1-T11). The patients were followed during the first 30 days postinjury for radiographic evidence of A/P lasting more than three days. The time of onset, duration, and location of A/P was determined. Fifty percent (23 of 46) of the patients developed A/P in the first 30 days after their spinal cord injury. The incidence was higher in the HLQ than in the LLQ and Para (74% vs 33%; p less than 0.02 using the Fischer exact test). There was a preponderance (4:1 ratio) of left-sided involvement for A/P in this population (p = 0.01 using the two-tailed binomial test). Sixteen patients had left-sided A/P, four patients had right-sided A/P, and three patients had bilateral findings. There was no relationship between level of injury and side of involvement. The high incidence of left-sided pulmonary involvement in the acute SCI patient may be due to the tendency to retain secretions in this period combined with the increased difficulty of clearing secretions from the left lung.
Coordinated Regulation of Adipose Tissue Macrophages by Cellular and Nutritional Signals

The current epidemic of obesity is fueling a global rise in non-communicable diseases, including type 2 diabetes mellitus, atherothrombotic disease, and cancer. Obesity is associated with systemic inflammation, with various fat-derived inflammatory factors being implicated in the pathophysiology of insulin resistance. The infiltration of various types of inflammatory cells into adipose tissue seems to be an important mechanism whereby nutrient excess contributes to systemic insulin resistance. In particular, adipose tissue macrophages are abundant in obese adipose tissue, and may be the source of the majority of fat-derived circulating inflammatory factors. This review examines recent studies exploring mechanisms whereby cellular and nutritional signals mediate macrophage recruitment to adipose tissue and their pro-inflammatory activation.
Lineage-Specific Expression of Mouse Abcg2 during Hematopoiesis Is Regulated by Alternative Use of Multiple Leader Exons and Promoters.

Abstract ABCG2 encodes a transmembrane transporter associated with multi-drug resistance in various cancer cells. ABCG2 is also highly expressed in hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and is down-regulated in most committed progenitors, while expression is sharply up-regulated during erythroid differentiation and significant levels of protein expression are detected on mature red blood cells. The expression of ABCG2 in these hematopoietic cells likely reflects a protective role against both endogenous and exogenous toxins. The mechanisms for regulation of ABCG2 expression in hematopoietic cells are poorly understood. We have recently identified three novel leader exons (termed E1a, E1b and E1c) located in the 5′ untranslated region (5′-UTR) of mouse Abcg2 mRNA by EST database searches and reverse-transcription PCR (RT-PCR). In genomic DNA, the distance of these noncoding exons from exon 2, which contains the translation start codon, is 58.5 kb for E1a, 15.0 kb for E1b and 5.1 kb for E1c. In a mouse erythroid cell line (MEL), RT-PCR analysis showed that the transcript containing E1b exon was the only isoform detected. Furthermore, in primary Ter119+ erythroid cells from mouse bone marrow (BM), real time PCR showed that expression levels of the E1b-containing transcript were at least 100 fold greater than those of the E1a transcript. For comparison, cDNA was isolated from c-Kit+, Sca-1+, Lin- (KSL) BM cells, a population devoid of erythroid cells but highly enriched for repopulating HSCs. Real-time PCR showed that the E1a-containing transcript was the major expressed isoform in KSL cells, while the E1b transcript was present at significantly lower levels. The differential expression pattern of Abcg2 mRNA isoforms in HSCs and erythroid cells indicates that at least 2 different promoters control Abcg2 transcription during hematopoiesis. We also analyzed the human EST database and found 3 different ESTs all containing exon 2, similar to mouse Abcg2 gene. RT-PCR analysis of cDNA derived from human placenta and BM mononuclear cells showed expression of all 3 isoforms, which was confirmed by plasmid cloning and sequencing. These results indicate that the human ABCG2 locus also has three leader exons which are alternatively used and give rise to three isoforms of ABCG2 mRNA that differ in their 5′-UTR. We are currently defining the expression pattern of these isoforms in different human hematopoietic cell subpopulations. In summary, our data show the expression of Abcg2 during hematopoiesis is regulated at the level of transcription by alternative use of multiple noncoding leader exons in lineage-specific manner. Functional analysis of different putative promoter regions is underway and should provide a better understanding of the developmental regulation of Abcg2 expression in hematopoiesis.
Förster resonance energy transfer: Role of diffusion of fluorophore orientation and separation in observed shifts of FRET efficiency.

Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET) is a widely used single-molecule technique for measuring nanoscale distances from changes in the non-radiative transfer of energy between donor and acceptor fluorophores. For macromolecules and complexes this observed transfer efficiency is used to infer changes in molecular conformation under differing experimental conditions. However, sometimes shifts are observed in the FRET efficiency even when there is strong experimental evidence that the molecular conformational state is unchanged. We investigate ways in which such discrepancies can arise from kinetic effects. We show that significant shifts can arise from the interplay between excitation kinetics, orientation diffusion of fluorophores, separation diffusion of fluorophores, and non-emitting quenching.
Critical Reflexivity beyond the Classroom: Social Work Students' Perspectives of Communities in Kwazulu-Natal

Social work students are expected to adopt a critical reflexive approach in dealing with the development challenges facing communities in contemporary South Africa. As an epistemological position that merges postmodernist thinking with the radical humanist goals of structural social work theory, the concept of critical reflexivity is often conflated with critical reflective competencies in the application of learning. Using qualitative methodology, the authors present 74 studentsâ€™ experiences of profiling communities in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Three themes emerged from the data distilled through profile reports and interviews: reflexivity and conceptualising community in practice, reflexivity in community profiling, and reflexivity and community needs. The authors conclude that a critically reflexive stance is fundamental for students to adopt in community work practice, and to recognise how their own social and cultural influences contribute to the process of knowledge creation and the promotion of social justice and human rights in communities.
Locating and Tracking BLE Beacons with Smartphones

We present a smartphone-based application, called LocBLE, for enabling users to estimate the location of nearby Bluetooth low energy (BLE) beacons. In contrast to existing BLE beacon-based proximity applications that can only show coarse-grained (immediate, near, and far) distance estimation, LocBLE's fine-grained estimation can enhance human-environment interactions. LocBLE has three salient features in estimating location from BLE beacon signals. First, it is adaptive to dynamic signal propagation environments by learning the environmental changes directly from the received signal strength (RSS). Second, it performs sensor-fusion for location estimation by utilizing motion sensor data and RSS readings from a smartphone. Finally, LocBLE improves location tracking accuracy with novel on-line calibration on a set of beacons nearby. We have built a prototype of LocBLE on smartphones and evaluated it on commodity proximity-enabled beacons. Our experimental results demonstrate that LocBLE achieves an average of 1.8m and 1.2m accuracies in locating indoor and outdoor BLE beacons, respectively.
Development of Sexual Risk in Minority Youth: Risk and Protective Factors in Early Adolescence:

The current special issue highlights a number of culturally relevant variables that relate to sexual risk in early adolescents from minority race or ethnic backgrounds. Each of the four studies in ...
Antimicrobial and Antifouling Strategies for Polymeric Medical Devices

Hospital-acquired infections arising from implanted polymeric medical devices continue to pose a significant challenge for medical professionals and patients. Often times, these infections arise from biofilm accumulation on the device, which is difficult to eradicate and usually requires antibiotic treatment and device removal. In response, significant efforts have been made to design functional polymeric devices or coatings that possess antimicrobial or antifouling properties that limit biofilm formation and subsequent infection by inhibiting or eliminating bacteria near the device surface or by limiting the initial attachment of proteins and bacteria. In this Viewpoint, we highlight the magnitude of device-associated infections, the role of biofilm formation in human pathogenesis, and recent advances in antimicrobial and antifouling polymers, as well as current strategies employed in commercial devices for preventing infection.
Transverse and Lateral Heterogeneity in Membrane Fluidity in Thylakoids, Galactolipid Vesicles, and an Oxygen evolving Photosystem II Preparation

There has recently been considerable interest in the lateral heterogeneity of the thylakoid membrane (1,2). This lateral separation of photosystems I and II requires some form of relatively long distance electron transport between the two photosystems. Anderson (1,) has proposed that plastoquinone could act as the electron shuttle between the two isolated photosystems. It is now thought by some, that PQ resides between the two galactolipid leaflets, where overall membrane fluidity is maximal. To test this model we have probed the membrane fluidity with a variety of spin labels in hope of documenting the increased fluidity at the membrane interior. We also hoped to examine the influence of intrinsic proteins on lipid order and immobilization.
Fluorogenic RNA Aptamers: A Nano-platform for Fabrication of Simple and Combinatorial Logic Gates

RNA aptamers that bind non-fluorescent dyes and activate their fluorescence are highly sensitive, nonperturbing, and convenient probes in the field of synthetic biology. These RNA molecules, referred to as light-up aptamers, operate as molecular nanoswitches that alter folding and fluorescence function in response to ligand binding, which is important in biosensing and molecular computing. Herein, we demonstrate a conceptually new generation of smart RNA nano-devices based on malachite green (MG)-binding RNA aptamer, which fluorescence output controlled by addition of short DNA oligonucleotides inputs. Four types of RNA switches possessing AND, OR, NAND, and NOR Boolean logic functions were created in modular form, allowing MG dye binding affinity to be changed by altering 3D conformation of the RNA aptamer. It is essential to develop higher-level logic circuits for the production of multi-task nanodevices for data processing, typically requiring combinatorial logic gates. Therefore, we further designed and synthetized higher-level half adder logic circuit by "in parallel" integration of two logic gates XOR and AND within a single RNA nanoparticle. The design utilizes fluorescence emissions from two different RNA aptamers: MG-binding RNA aptamer (AND gate) and Broccoli RNA aptamer that binds DFHBI dye (XOR gate). All computationally designed RNA devices were synthesized and experimentally tested in vitro. The ability to design smart nanodevices based on RNA binding aptamers offers a new route to engineer "label-free" ligand-sensing regulatory circuits, nucleic acid detection systems, and gene control elements.
The AFLOW Library of Crystallographic Prototypes: Part 1

Abstract An easily available resource of common crystal structures is essential for researchers, teachers, and students. For many years this was provided by the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory's Crystal Lattice Structures web page, which contained nearly 300 crystal structures, including a majority of those which were given Strukturbericht designations. This article presents the updated version of the database, now including 288 standardized structures in 92 space groups. Similar to what was available on the web page before, we present a complete description of each structure, including the formulas for the primitive vectors, all of the basis vectors, and the AFLOW commands to generate the standardized cells. We also present a brief discussion of crystal systems, space groups, primitive and conventional lattices, Wyckoff positions, Pearson symbols and Strukturbericht designations. The web version of this database is located at http://aflow.org/CrystalDatabase .
Extraction of co-expressed discriminative features of schizophrenia in imaging epigenetics framework

Integration of imaging and non-imaging data has been a heated topic in biomedicine. While functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) can serve as endo-phenotype for mental disorders, many recent researches have confirmed the essential role played by epigenetic factors in the progress of various mental diseases including Schizophrenia(SZ), which fosters an emerging branch imaging epigenetics. In this study, we focus on the integration of fMRI and DNA methylation to have a deeper understanding of SZ: we applied a model combining Lasso with Canonical Correlation Analysis (CCA) for joint DNA methylation and fMRI analysis of 184 subjects (80 patients,104 healthy controls). In the model, the regression term focuses on extracting the discriminative features associated with the disease, while the CCA term incorporates the co-expression among extracted features.We succeeded in
Test based safety-critical software reliability estimation using Bayesian method and flow network structure:

System safety is closely related to system reliability. Safety requirements many times are translated to reliability requirements. Nowadays, software systems exist in many engineering systems. Howe...
Seeing Black and White

1. Introduction 2. The Classic Period 3. The Katz Period 4. The Gestalt Period 5. The Contrast Period 6. The Computational Period 7. Computational Models 8. Illumination Perception 9. The Anchoring Problem 10. Errors in Lightness 11. An Anchoring Model of Errors 12. Theories of Lightness 13. Concluding Thoughts Glossary Bibliography
Damage performance of fused silica debris shield at the National Ignition Facility

The final optics in the National Ignition Facility (NIF) are protected from target debris by sacrificial (disposable) debris shields (DDS) comprised of 3-mm thick Borofloat. While relatively inexpensive, Borofloat has been found to have bulk inclusions which, under UV illumination, damage, grow, and occasional erupt though the surface of the DDS. We have shown previously that debris generated from Input Surface Bulk Eruptions (ISBE) are a significant source of damage on NIF. Inclusion-free fused silica debris shield (FSDS) have been installed in between the DDS and the final optics on some NIF beam lines to test their efficacy in mitigating damage initiation. We will show results of the damage performance of the FSDS and its role in protecting the final optics. These results will help in our economic analysis of the potential benefits of using FSDS to protect NIF final optics.
Visual Outcomes in Presumed Congenital Foveal Toxoplasmosis.

Purpose Congenital macular lesions attributed to toxoplasmosis may limit potential visual acuity. The appearance and location of these scars may cause physicians to overlook associated amblyopia. This study reviews the visual outcomes and benefits of amblyopia therapy in children with foveal toxoplasmosis scars. Design Retrospective observational case series. Methods S etting : Single center. P atient Population : Children with presumed foveal toxoplasmosis scars who underwent amblyopia treatment. M ain Outcome Measure : Charts were reviewed for amblyopia treatment, fundus photographs, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and visual acuity. Results Median age at presentation was 2.8 years and median follow-up was 6.2 years. Occlusion therapy was undertaken in 9 patients. Median duration of occlusion therapy was 1.7 years. Six patients improved with occlusion therapy (average 4.6 lines gained on optotype acuity). Final visual acuity ranged from 20/25 to 20/250, with 6 of 8 patients better than 20/80. OCT confirmed macular scars in 5 patients, with varying degrees of foveal architecture disruption. Conclusion Despite the striking appearance of the lesions in patients with presumed foveal toxoplasmosis, visual potential may be better than expected. The appearance of the lesions is not always predictive of visual outcome. A trial of occlusion therapy to treat amblyopia should be initiated in these patients to ensure that they reach their maximal visual potential.
Complications of Percutaneous Needle Biopsy

The larger the needle used for a percutaneous breast procedure, the greater the trauma and the higher the rate of complications. Therefore, vacuum-assisted biopsies are more likely to cause complications than core-needle biopsies and fine-needle aspirations. The ubiquity of ultrasound (US) systems and US’s reputation for safety tend to give patients the impression that US-guided interventions themselves are without risks. However, although US-guided biopsies are considered minimally invasive procedures, the risks of complications are not nil and should not be ignored or downplayed by the physician seeking the patient’s informed consent. After a US-guided breast biopsy, patients should be given post-biopsy care instructions and a phone number to call in case of complication or questions.
The anatomy of abscission zones is diverse among grass species.

PREMISE Abscission zones (AZ) are specialized cell layers that separate plant parts at the organ junction upon developmental or environmental signals. Fruit or seed abscission has been well studied in model species because of its crucial role for seed dispersal. Previous work showed that AZ localization differs among species of Poaceae and that AZ formation is histologically and genetically distinct in three distantly related grass species, refuting the idea of a broadly conserved module. However, whether AZ structure is consistent within subfamilies is unknown. METHODS Eleven species were selected from six subfamilies of Poaceae, and their AZ was investigated using paraffin-embedded, stained material. Observations were added from the literature for an additional six species. Data were recorded on AZ location and whether cells in the AZ were distinguishable by size or lignification. Characteristics of the AZ were mapped on the phylogeny using maximum likelihood. RESULTS Abscission zone anatomy and histology vary among species, and characteristics of the AZ do not correlate with phylogeny. Twelve of the seventeen studied species have an AZ in which the cells are significantly smaller than surrounding cells. Of these, eight have differential lignification. Differential lignification is often associated with differential cell size, but not vice versa. CONCLUSIONS Neither smaller cells in the AZ nor differential lignification between the AZ and surrounding cells is required for abscission, although differential cell size and lignification are often correlated. Abscission zone anatomy does not correlate with phylogeny, suggesting its rapid change over evolutionary time.
Could Old Be the New Cool? Shifting Aesthetics of the Aging Body

We often think of “cool” as an imperative of youth. But what does it mean to think of “cool” in relation to the aging body? This essay engages the shifting aesthetics of aging bodies asking what this view of the self and identity signals and in what contexts? In philosophy and political theory aging is rarely studied in terms of views of the self, experience, or aesthetics; more frequently we see aging in terms of demographics, workers past their prime, or in a framework of decline. I argue that there is an emerging “cool” aesthetics of aging bodies that is not simply about chasing youth. These aesthetics revolve in particular around what aging bodies wear, or do not wear. That is, fashion in terms of clothing, accessories, dress, and ways to augment assisting tools (canes for example) has an outsized role in the aesthetics of the aging body. Although who ages well and how, and who can dress well and how, are shaped by nation, gender, class, religion, and other social identity categories, aging is an identity still undertheorized in fashion and political philosophy.