cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Electrocatalysis of H2 oxidation on Ru(0001) and Ru(10−10) single crystal surfaces

Abstract The hydrogen oxidation reaction kinetics have been measured as a function of temperature on Ru(0001) and Ru(10−10) surfaces in H 2 SO 4 and HClO 4 solutions by using a rotating disk electrode. The reaction is essentially under kinetic control at temperatures between 25 and 60 °C. It has a pronounced structural sensitivity, having higher rates on a Ru(10−10) than on a Ru(0001) surface. The reaction is strongly inhibited by Ru oxide formation at low overpotentials for hydrogen oxidation, which causes a current peak in the polarization curve and a negligible oxidation current at large overpotentials. The structural dependence appears to be predominantly determined by the properties of the oxidized surfaces of Ru(0001) and Ru(10−10). The kinetics are faster in H 2 SO 4 than in HClO 4 solution due to a slower surface oxidation in the former acid. The apparent electrochemical activation energy for the Ru(0001) surface is about 120 kJ mol −1 , while 80 kJ mol −1 is observed for the Ru(10−10) surface. The exchange current densities of 0.13 and 0.16 mA cm −2 at 40 °C for Ru(0001) and Ru(10−10), respectively have been determined from the linear part of the polarization curves. The origin of the structural effects on the hydrogen oxidation kinetics on Ru surfaces has been discussed. In sharp contrast to hydrogen oxidation, the hydrogen evolution kinetics shows a very small structural dependence.
The First Occupy Chicago Protest

Abstract The Occupy Wall Street protest that has spread to other cities across the United States in the autumn of 2011 bears striking similarities to the American Railway Union's strike against the Pullman Palace Car Company near Chicago in 1894, led by Eugene Debs. That protest movement laid the foundations for progressive reforms in the early twentieth century.
Comparison of coercivity calculations with anisotropy and exchange wells in magneto-optic media

Abstract The calculated coercivity as a function of temperature for both exchange and anisotropy wells was compared to measured values. The well width was set at 10 nm and the well depth was chosen to match the coercivity at 80°C. The observed coercivity varied from 0 to 6800 Oe over a temperature range of 40 to 160° C. It was found that both mechanisms predict the general variation of the coercivity with temperature; however, the exchange well was better overall.
Facial grid transformation: A novel face registration approach for improving facial action unit recognition

Face registration is a major and critical step for face analysis. Existing facial activity recognition systems often employ coarse face alignment based on a few fiducial points such as eyes and extract features from equal-sized grid. Such extracted features are susceptible to variations in face pose, facial deformation, and person-specific geometry. In this work, we propose a novel face registration method named facial grid transformation to improve feature extraction for recognizing facial Action Units (AUs). Based on the transformed grid, novel grid edge features are developed to capture local facial motions related to AUs. Extensive experiments on two well-known AU-coded databases have demonstrated that the proposed method yields significant improvements over the methods based on equal-sized grid on both posed and more importantly, spontaneous facial displays. Furthermore, the proposed method also outperforms the state-of-the-art methods using either coarse alignment or mesh-based face registration.
Situated in school scripts: Contextual early childhood teaching

Abstract This article presents findings from a qualitative case study of a public Montessori magnet school in the United States. It focuses on two teachers' experiences, identifying how their teaching is situated in school scripts, that is; ways of speaking about teaching and learning within particular school micro-cultures. The focal teachers utilized contradicting school scripts for a variety of purposes and to incorporate diverse practices. This article describes the teachers' experiences of and responses to contradicting scripts. Findings suggest that teaching is contextualized in particular school micro-cultures and that school scripts present contradictions that have the potential to be both indoctrinating and transformative forces for teacher preparation and professional growth.
Systemic arterial embolization for hemoptysis.

Most patients in the United States with life-threatening hemoptysis have chronic pulmonary diseases such as cystic fibrosis; in other parts of the world, tuberculosis is more common. In either case, bleeding sites are typically perfused by one or several bronchial arteries. Patients face significant mortality from asphyxiation when massive hemoptysis is untreated; embolization is appropriate in anyone with severe hemoptysis and is commonly life-saving. It should not be restricted to patients with severe hemoptysis only; it may also be appropriate for some patients with mild hemoptysis and coexistent severe respiratory compromise.
Consistency within diversity: Guidelines for programs to honor exemplary teaching

A synthesis of suggestions and cautions about establishing recognition programs takes the form of ten guidelines that apply regardless of program format and context.
Patterns of sheltering and housing in US disasters

The terms “sheltering” and “housing” are used in a variety of unclear and inconsistent ways in the disaster literature. Proposes a differentiation among emergency sheltering, temporary sheltering, temporary housing and permanent housing. Indicates how they are paid differential attention in American disaster planning and gives specific observations about the four patterns, noting especially how they differ from one another. Suggests there will be a future increase in problems in all the patterns, and that it is not yet fully established to what extent these patterns are applicable in all types of societies.
Variability in production and immunoreactivity of in-vitro secreted human thyroglobulin.

SUMMARY We examined basal and bTSH-stimulated human thyreoglobulin (hTg) secretion by autologous normal and abnormal (benign and malignant) human thyroid cell monolayers. Basal and bTSH-stimulated hTg secretion was highly variable and ranged from 50-700 ng/ml/105 cells over a 6 day period. All normal and benign ‘non-functioning’ adenoma cells demonstrated a dose and time related stimulation of hTg secretion in response to bTSH. Comparison of hTG secretion by autologous normal and abnormal cells showed that in six of eight pairs, the normal thyroid cells had a greater output of hTg than the benign adenoma cells in contrast to our previous studies using non-autologous cells. Malignant thyroid cell hTg production was less predictable than that obtained with normal and benign thyroid cells varying from absent to normal responses to bTSH. Characterization studies of the secreted hTg showed no difference between normal, benign and malignant thyroid cell hTg with reference to molecular weight. However, hTg secreted in vitro was non-iodinated and had a marked reduction (up to 200-fold) in immunoreactivity assessed by both polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies to hTg when compared to hTg standard prepared from intact thyroid tissue (which had 4.58 μg iodine/mg). This reduction in hTg immunoreactivity was greatest for hTg secreted by malignant thyroid cells. These data demonstrate the wide variability in the hTg secretory capacity of human thyroid cell monolayers and indicate, when compared to autologous normal cells, that abnormal human thyroid epithelial cells may be relatively deficient in their ability to secrete hTg in vitro. There were also qualitative differences in the immunoreactivity, and iodine content, of in-vitro secreted hTg. These observations suggest that there may be much greater heterogeneity in hTg secreted in vitro than previously realized, perhaps secondary to differences in iodine content and/or degree of glycosylation.
Signaling through the Na/K-ATPase: implications for cardiac fibrosis.

the cardiotonic effects of digitalis have been exploited in clinical practice for many years. However, while the existence of endogenous digitalis-like substances (also called cardiotonic steroids) has been accepted for some time, their exact chemical nature has been only recently demonstrated ([1][
Effects of estrogen and male head coloration on chemosensory investigation of female cloacal pheromones by male broad-headed skinks (Eumeces laticeps)

Indirect experimental evidence suggests that pheromone production and responsiveness to pheromones in a lizard, the broad-headed skink (Eumeces laticeps), are regulated by sex steroid hormones. For study of estrogenic effects on female pheromone levels, tongue flicking by males was recorded in response to chemical samples from the female cloaca, the secretion site of the female sex pheromone. Cloacal chemicals from estrogen-treated females elicited higher tongue flick rates by all males than samples from sham-injected females. Male head coloration is bright orange in the breeding season, but fades to tan outside the breeding season. The availability of males having the full range of head coloration due to asynchronous onset of breeding condition in a laboratory population made it possible to examine the relationship between head coloration and responsiveness to female pheromones. Males with brightly colored heads, presumably reflecting higher underlying androgen levels, performed more tongue flicks in response to cloacal chemicals from estrogen-treated females than did males with tan heads. Male head coloration did not affect responsiveness to cloacal chemicals from sham-injected females.
Electronic properties of tantalum pentoxide polymorphs from first-principles calculations

Tantalum pentoxide (Ta2O5) is extensively studied for its attractive properties in dielectric films, anti-reflection coatings, and resistive switching memory. Although various crystalline structures of tantalum pentoxide have been reported, its structural, electronic, and optical properties still remain a subject of research. We investigate the electronic and optical properties of crystalline and amorphous Ta2O5 structures using first-principles calculations based on density functional theory and the GW method. The calculated band gaps of the crystalline structures are too small to explain the experimental measurements, but the amorphous structure exhibits a strong exciton binding energy and an optical band gap (∼4 eV) in agreement with experiment. We determine the atomic orbitals that constitute the conduction band for each polymorph and analyze the dependence of the band gap on the atomic geometry. Our results establish the connection between the underlying structure and the electronic and optical prope...
Immunological options for the treatment of tuberculosis: Evaluation of novel therapeutic approaches

The emergence of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis strains and the coinfection with HIV, together with advances in immunology, have led to renewed interest regarding ways to exploit the immune responses against Mycobacterium tuberculosis therapeutically. Here we review the fundamentals of tuberculosis therapy in view of the epidemiological and clinical challenges, and explore the experience with immune-based therapies for the treatment of active tuberculosis. These immune-based therapies are discussed here with the aim of assessing their potential use as adjuncts to chemotherapy.
Fulfilling the promise: do MOOCs reach the educationally underserved?

When massive open online courses (MOOCs) began, they held the promise of bringing high-quality, college-level courses from leading academic institutions to people who otherwise would not have access to that type of content. In the ensuing years, it has become clear that the majority of MOOC students are not underserved in terms of educational opportunities; the typical MOOC learner already has a college degree. However, this does not mean that MOOCs are failing to fulfill the promise of democratization. Among the millions of learners who have taken Coursera MOOCs, there are some for whom this is their only way to access a rigorous, college-level course. In this analysis, we present descriptions of three learner populations for whom a MOOC offered an opportunity that they could not have had otherwise. These groups are (1) young people under the age of 18, (2) older adults over 65, and (3) people who reported that they did not have access to higher education opportunities. We compare the demographic charact...
Mining Web functional dependencies for flexible information access

We present an approach to enhancing information access through Web structure mining in contrast to traditional approaches involving usage mining. Specifically, we mine the hardwired hierarchical hyperlink structure of Web sites to identify patterns of term-term co-occurrences we call Web functional dependencies (FDs). Intuitively, a Web FD ‘x → y’ declares that all paths through a site involving a hyperlink labeled x also contain a hyperlink labeled y. The complete set of FDs satisfied by a site help characterize (flexible and expressive) interaction paradigms supported by a site, where a paradigm is the set of explorable sequences therein. We describe algorithms for mining FDs and results from mining several hierarchical Web sites and present several interface designs that can exploit such FDs to provide compelling user experiences. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effectiveness of telaprevir and boceprevir triple therapy for patients with hepatitis C virus infection in a large integrated care setting.

Background In 2011, the FDA approved telaprevir (TVR) and boceprevir (BOC) for use with pegylated interferon and ribavirin to treat hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1. We aimed to evaluate the real-world application, tolerability, and effectiveness of TVR- and BOC-based HCV treatment in a large integrated care setting.
Mechanical enhancement of carbon fiber/epoxy composites by graphite nanoplatelet reinforcement

The epoxy matrix in carbon fiber/epoxy composites was modified with graphite nanoplatelets to improve their mechanical properties. Graphite nanoparticles were mixed and dispersed in the epoxy matrix by sonication, followed by a vacuum assisted wet lay-up process. The composites reinforced with nanoparticles showed enhanced compressive strength and in-plane shear properties. A simple analytical model was used to predict the longitudinal compressive strength, which was in good agreement with experimental results.
Efficient algorithm for "on-the-fly" error analysis of local or distributed serially correlated data.

We describe the Dynamic Distributable Decorrelation Algorithm (DDDA) which efficiently calculates the true statistical error of an expectation value obtained from serially correlated data ''on-the-fly,'' as the calculation progresses. DDDA is an improvement on the Flyvbjerg-Petersen renormalization group blocking method (Flyvberg and Peterson, J Chem Phys 1989, 91, 461). This ''on-the-fly'' determination of statistical quantities allows dynamic termination of Monte Carlo calculations once a specified level of convergence is attained. This is highly desirable when the required precision might take days or months to compute, but cannot be accurately estimated prior to the calculation. Furthermore, DDDA allows for a parallel implementation which requires very low communication, O(log2 N), and can also evaluate the variance of a calculation efficiently ''on-the-fly.'' Quantum Monte Carlo calcu- lations are presented to illustrate ''on-the-fly'' variance calculations for serial and massively parallel Monte Carlo calculations.
Solid-state NMR characterization of conformational plasticity within the transmembrane domain of the influenza A M2 proton channel

Membrane protein function within the membrane interstices is achieved by mechanisms that are not typically available to water-soluble proteins. The whole balance of molecular interactions that stabilize three-dimensional structure in the membrane environment is different from that in an aqueous environment. As a result interhelical interactions are often dominated by non-specific van der Waals interactions permitting dynamics and conformational heterogeneity in these interfaces. Here, solid-state NMR data of the transmembrane domain of the M2 protein from influenza A virus are used to exemplify such conformational plasticity in a tetrameric helical bundle. Such data lead to very high resolution structural restraints that can identify both subtle and substantial structural differences associated with various states of the protein. Spectra from samples using two different preparation protocols, samples prepared in the presence and absence of amantadine, and spectra as a function of pH are used to illustrate conformational plasticity.
Dynamic Localization of Fus3 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Is Necessary To Evoke Appropriate Responses and Avoid Cytotoxic Effects

Cellular responses to many external stimuli are mediated by mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). We investigated whether dynamic intracellular movement contributes to the spatial and temporal characteristics of the responses elicited by a prototypic MAPK, Fus3, in the mating pheromone response pathway in budding yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae). Confining Fus3 in the nucleus, via fusion to a histone H2B, reduced MAPK activation and diminished all responses (pheromone-induced gene expression, cell cycle arrest, projection formation, and mating). Elimination of MAPK phosphatases restored more robust outputs for all responses, indicating that nuclear sequestration impedes full MAPK activation but does not abrogate its functional competence. Restricting Fus3 to the plasma membrane, via fusion to a lipid-modified CCaaX motif, led to MAPK hyperactivation yet severely impaired all response outputs. Fus3-CCaaX also caused aberrant cell morphology and a proliferation defect. Unlike similar phenotypes induced by pathway hyperactivation via upstream components, these deleterious effects were independent of the downstream transcription factor Ste12. Thus, appropriate cellular responses require free subcellular MAPK transit to disseminate MAPK activity optimally because preventing dynamic MAPK movement either markedly impaired signal-dependent activation and/or resulted in improper biological outputs.
Production of dimethylsulfonium propionate and dimethylsulfide by phytoplankton in estuarine and coastal waters

We determined the concentrations of dimethylsulfide (DMS) and its metabolic precursor, dimethylsulfonium propionatc (DMSP), in water and particulate samples obtained along transects through Delaware Bay, Chesapeake Bay (including the Potomac River), and Ochlockonee Bay (Florida). The Delaware and Chesapeake Bay transects extended into the open ocean. In most cases, we observed positive correlations between the concentrations of the biogenic sulfur species and salinity, particularly when the concentrations of the sulfur compounds were normalized to chlorophyll a as a measure of phytoplankton biomass. The normalized concentrations of DMS, dissolved DMSP, and particulate (intracellular) DMSP increased nonlinearly with salinity from estuarine through shelf to oceanic environments. Within each environment, dissolved DMS and dissolved and particulate DMSP correlated more strongly with salinity than with phytoplankton species composition. On the other hand, the sharp increases in Chl a-normalized biogenic sulfur concentrations from the estuarine to the coastal and shelf environments were most strongly correlated with differences in the species composition of the phytoplankton community between environments and appear to reflect differences in DMSP production between oceanic, coccolithophore-dominated communities and estuarine, diatom-dominated communities. The predominant volatile sulfur compound in open ocean waters is dimethylsulfide (DMS) (Andreae 1986), a metabolite first identified in the gaseous emissions of a red alga (Haas 1935). The presence of dissolved DMS in seawater was first observed by Lovelock et al. (1972); subsequent observations have shown that this compound is distributed throughout the surface waters of the global oceans (Barnard et al. 1982; Andreae and Raemdonck 1983). Most of the sulfate aerosol in the atmosphere over the remote oceans is derived from oxidation of DMS transported across the air-sea in
A double-voiced reading of Romans 13:1–7 in light of the imperial cult

Drawing on Mikhail Bakhtin’s theory of double-voicedness and James Scott’s theory of public and hidden transcripts, this essay investigates the colonial context of Romans 13:1–7 with particular attention to the Roman imperial cult. It is my contention that Paul attempts to persuade the audience to resist the imperial cult, whilst negotiating colonial power and authority. It is assumed that colonial discourse is, by nature, a double-voiced discourse in that the public transcript of the dominant and the hidden transcript of the suppressed coexist in a continued state of internal tension and conflict. Seen in this light, Paul as a colonised subject parodies the public transcript of the elites in his own hidden transcript. However, Paul’s doubled-voiced discourse finally turns out to be subversive against the dominant culture by suggesting that ultimate honour, fear, and authority should not be due to the rulers of the Roman Empire but to God.
Autosomic 27 Trisomy in a Standardbred Colt

A 19-month-old Standardbred colt was donated to the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medi- cine with a suspicion of intersexuality. The analgenital distance and penis were normal, and there was no evi- dence of intersexuality, but the colt was bilaterally crypt- orchid. Several aspects of the colt's behavior appeared unusual, including general temperament and behavior described as sympathetically dull and affable. With herd mates, the colt appeared slow to perceive or to learn the usual intraspecies social cues. An atypical gait characterized by intermittent unnatural shuffle of the hind limbs, sliding them along in short rhythmic strides for 3 to 10 seconds at a time was noted at times when a horse might normally transition from a slow walk to a fast walk or a slow trot. Occasionally the colt exhibited slight protrusion of the tongue through the teeth and lips with jaw movements and smacking of the tongue against the teeth as if struggling to retract the tongue to the normal position. Evaluation of the karyotype combined with fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) revealed an abnormal male karyotype showing trisomy of chromosome 27 (65, XY þ 27). The colt was euthanized at 24 months of age, and a necropsy re- vealed no significant abnormalities. This case of trisomy was not associated with developmental abnormalities described in other rare reports of trisomy in horses; however, some features were strikingly similar to that of humans with trisomy 21. FISH was demonstrated to be an excellent method for correct identification of equine chromosomes. b
Achieving Desired Contact State Transitions of Polyhedral Parts with Compliant Motions

A new approach to motion planning to achieve contact state transitions in robotic assembly of polyhedral parts is presented. The contact state of a pair of spatial polyhedra is represented by qualitative contact models, which include Feature Interaction Matrices (FIM’s) representation is adopted. Given the desired contact transition (i.e., the current contact state and the next desired contact state) and the current moving object configuration, we want to generate the compliant motion parameters for the robot system to guide the work piece to the next desired contact state. In this work, optimization method is used to derive the compliant motion parameters. Four motion control conditions are defined to provide constraints; a cost function representing the moving distance is also defined. Minimizing the cost function, the compliant motion parameters can be generated. The method is demonstrated by both translation and rotation examples.
The Effects of the Potassium Channel Opener Minoxidil on Renal Electrolytes Transport in the Loop of Henle

ATP-sensitive potassium channels (K ATP ) in the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle play an important role in apical K + recycling, a mechanism essential for maintaining the activity of the Na/2Cl/K-cotransporter. We have previously demonstrated that inhibition of K ATP decreases Na + and K + absorption in the loop of Henle and induces diuretic and natriuretic effects. In the present study, we used renal clearance and in vivo microperfusion techniques to evaluate the effects of the K ATP opener minoxidil on the urinary excretion and absorption in the loop of Henle of Na + , K + , Ca 2+ , and Mg 2+ . Intravenous injection of minoxidil (1.5 mg/kg) significantly decreased fractional Na + (FENa) and Mg 2+ (FEMg) excretion and urine volume with a moderate decrease in blood pressure (12%) and glomerular filtration rate (15%). Urine volume decreased 63%, and FENa and FEMg decreased 58 and 37%, respectively. In contrast, K + and Ca 2+ excretion did not change significantly. In the microperfusion of the loop of Henle, addition of minoxidil to the perfusion fluid significantly increased fluid ( J v ), Na + ( J Na ), Cl − ( J Cl ), and K + ( J K ) absorption. J v increased 44% (from 8.32 to 11.95 nl/min), J Na increased 14% (from 1.96 to 2.34 nmol/min), J Cl increased 21% (from 1.72 to 2.08 nmol/min), and J K increased 57% (from 35.8 to 56.4 pmol/min). We conclude that the activation of K ATP leads to stimulation of Na/2Cl/K-cotransporter activity and increases the rates of Na + , Cl − , and K + absorption in the loop of Henle, an effect contributing to the antidiuretic and antinatriuretic action of this K channel opener.
Supplementation of broiler drinking water with liquid ammonium polyphosphate.

Abstract 1. In each of two experiments lasting 21 days a commercially available ammonium polyphosphate solution was provided in the drinking water as the sole source of supplemental phosphorus for day‐old broiler chicks housed in batteries. 2. In both experiments, similar daily phosphorus intakes either from dicalcium phosphate in the food or from ammonium polyphosphate in the drinking water supported equivalent responses in body weight gains. The same was true for the tibia ash results in experiment 2. 3. Liquid ammonium polyphosphate, while marketed for addition to diets, appears to be also very effective as a waterborne source of phosphorus for broilers.
Nanoscale germanium MOS Dielectrics-part II: high-/spl kappa/ gate dielectrics

In this paper, atomic layer deposition (ALD) and ultraviolet ozone oxidation (UVO) of zirconium and hafnium oxides are investigated for high-kappa dielectric preparation in Ge MOS devices from the perspectives of thermodynamic stability and electrical characteristics. Prior to performing these deposition processes, various Ge surface preparation schemes have been examined to investigate their effects on the resulting electrical performance of the Ge MOS capacitors. Interfacial layer-free ALD high-kappa growth on Ge could be obtained; yet, insertion of a stable interfacial layer greatly enhanced the electrical characteristics but with a compromise for equivalent dielectric thickness scalability. On the other hand, interfacial layer-free UVO high-kappa growth on Ge was demonstrated with minimal capacitance-voltage hysteresis and sub-1.0-nm capacitance equivalent thickness. Finally, the leakage conduction and scalability of these nanoscale Ge MOS dielectrics are discussed and are shown to outperform their Si counterparts
Variation in Sensitivity to Heat Shock during the Cell-cycle of Chinese Hamster Cells in Vitro

SummaryWhen asynchronous cells were exposed for 4–100 min to heat shocks of 43·5–46·5°c, a sigmoidal relationship between survival and duration of heat treatment was observed. From an Arrhenius plot, an activation energy of 140 800 cal/mole was calculated, which is similar to that reported for the heat denaturation of several proteins.Heating of synchronous cells, obtained by the selective removal of mitotic cells from an asynchronous population, revealed that the mitotic and S phases were the most sensitive, primarily indicated by the smaller shoulders on the survival curves compared with the curve for cells heated in the resistant G1 phase. The mitotic cells failed to complete cytokinesis and appeared in the next division as tetraploid cells. For heat treatments which reduced the survival to only 50 per cent, the mitotic delay was about 11 hours (regardless of the phase heated). These results for heat contrast sharply with results for x-irradiation.
Enhancing spatial resolution for exploitation in hyperspectral imagery

Applications such as target recognition from remote sensed imagery may benefit from the fusion of traditional high resolution panchromatic or color images with multispectral or hyperspectral image cubes. A method for such image fusion proposed by Munechika and evaluated on synthetic imagery by Robinson, Gross and Schott is evaluated here using real imagery. A high-resolution RGB photograph is used to enhance a Hymap image cube for a scene taken over Mobile, Alabama. It is concluded that the spatial information is sharpened significantly, that spectral fidelity is preserved in the sharpening process, and that the fused imagery is likely to be beneficial in target recognition applications.
Chapter 3 – Androgen Receptor

The androgen receptor (AR) is a nuclear receptor that functions as a transcription factor and regulates the development and growth of the prostate. The AR, when bound by a ligand, complexes with DNA at androgen response elements in the promoter region of target genes. The transcriptional regulatory effects of the AR include pathways involved in cell growth and proliferation, cell cycle progression, protein synthesis, and cell death. The AR is the primary target for endocrine therapy of prostate cancer (PCa) and inhibition of AR signaling has significant benefits for patients with PCa. Invariably, PCa become resistant to castration by a variety of mechanisms, which are incompletely understood. Despite the resistance to castration, PCa remain driven by AR signaling. The mechanisms by which PCa achieve castrate resistance is an important and evolving area of research.
Asymmetry in steel welds with dissimilar amounts of sulfur

Abstract During welding of steels containing dissimilar amounts of sulfur, the weld pool is shifted laterally from the original joint interface and rotated at an angle with the interface. The mechanism for this unusual behavior is not known. Here, we show for the first time through comparison of numerically calculated and experimental results that Marangoni convection causes these rotational and translational asymmetries and the reported arc shift is a consequence of asymmetric melting rather than its cause.
Persister mechanisms in Borrelia burgdorferi : implications for improved intervention

There is a typo happened in the reference 1, in which “cec” should be corrected to “cdc”.The correct URL should be “http://www.cdc.gov/lyme/”.
Bioluminescence imaging of period1 gene expression in utero

The use of real-time reporters has accelerated our understanding of gene expression in vivo. This study examined the feasibility of a luciferase-based reporter to image spatiotemporal changes in fetal gene expression in utero. We chose to monitor Period1 (Per1) because it is expressed broadly in the body and plays a role in circadian rhythmicity. Using rats carrying a Per1::luc transgene, we repetitively imaged fetuses in utero throughout gestation. We found that bioluminescence was specific to transgenic pups, increased dramatically on embryonic day 10 (10 days after successful mating), and continued to increase logarithmically until birth. Diurnal fluctuations in Per1 expression were apparent several days prior to birth. These results demonstrate the feasibility of in utero imaging of mammalian gene expression, tracking of fetal gene expression from the same litter, and early detection of mammalian clock gene expression. We conclude that luciferase-based reporters can provide a sensitive, noninvasive measure of in utero gene expression.
cAMP induces hypertrophy and alters DNA methylation in HL-1 cardiomyocytes.

cAMP is a highly regulated secondary messenger involved in many biological processes. Chronic activation of the cAMP pathway by catecholamines results in cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis; however, the mechanism by which elevated cAMP leads to cardiomyopathy is not fully understood. To address this issue, we increased intracellular cAMP levels in HL-1 cardiomyocytes, a cell line derived from adult mouse atrium, using either the stable cAMP analog N6,2′-O-dibutyryladenosine 3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate (DBcAMP) or phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors caffeine and theophylline. Elevated cAMP levels increased cell size and altered expression levels of cardiac genes and micro-RNAs associated with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), including Myh6, Myh7, Myh7b, Tnni3, Anp, Bnp, Gata4, Mef2c, Mef2d, Nfatc1, miR208a, and miR208b. In addition, DBcAMP altered the expression of DNA methyltransferases (Dnmts) and Tet methylcytosine dioxygenases (Tets), enzymes that regulate genomic DNA methylation levels. Changes in expre...
Ultrasound Imaging Techniques for Spatiotemporal Characterization of Composition, Microstructure, and Mechanical Properties in Tissue Engineering

Ultrasound techniques are increasingly being used to quantitatively characterize both native and engineered tissues. This review provides an overview and selected examples of the main techniques used in these applications. Grayscale imaging has been used to characterize extracellular matrix deposition, and quantitative ultrasound imaging based on the integrated backscatter coefficient has been applied to estimating cell concentrations and matrix morphology in tissue engineering. Spectral analysis has been employed to characterize the concentration and spatial distribution of mineral particles in a construct, as well as to monitor mineral deposition by cells over time. Ultrasound techniques have also been used to measure the mechanical properties of native and engineered tissues. Conventional ultrasound elasticity imaging and acoustic radiation force imaging have been applied to detect regions of altered stiffness within tissues. Sonorheometry and monitoring of steady-state excitation and recovery have been used to characterize viscoelastic properties of tissue using a single transducer to both deform and image the sample. Dual-mode ultrasound elastography uses separate ultrasound transducers to produce a more potent deformation force to microscale characterization of viscoelasticity of hydrogel constructs. These ultrasound-based techniques have high potential to impact the field of tissue engineering as they are further developed and their range of applications expands.
Hmm … Hmmm … Excuse Me? A Case Study of Interruptive Caring in a Bilingual Classroom

Drawing from ethnographic research data and couched in critical care research, the author introduces the concept of ‘interruptive caring’ – a critical approach to caring that both transforms deficit-oriented school practices and challenges the underlying ideologies that inform and rationalize the inequitable power imbalances that operate within a school system. The author examines the concept of ‘interruptive caring’ as it emerges in a stand-alone, two-way, dual-language bilingual elementary classroom. The article includes a discussion on the importance of contextualizing interruptive care practices within the larger sociopolitical contexts in which teachers work.
Tc-99m DTPA delayed SPECT imaging of neurofibromatosis.

The author presents a case of neurofibromatosis type 1, which was assessed by Tc-99m DTPA delayed SPECT imaging. There is demonstration of bilateral cervical soft tissue plexiform neurofibromata and involvement of the brachial plexus. The scintigraphic findings are correlated to magnetic resonance imaging examination.
Application of Dimensionality Reduction to a Large-Order Uncertain Dynamic System

This paper investigates dimensionality reduction techniques for linear, time-invariant systems subject to general nonlinear dependencies on uncertain parameters. In the context of this paper, dimensionality reduction refers to simultaneous reductions in both the number of model states and the number of uncertain parameters. Two complementary approaches will be reviewed, one for estimating the total worst case H-infinity norm error associated with both model state and parameter order reductions, and another, which is essentially the inverse problem, that determines the largest allowable parameter bounds for a given total Hinfinity norm error for the dimensionally reduced problem. Application of these methods will be demonstrated on a large-order finite element model of a flexible spacecraft.
A Difference in Cardiodecelerator Action Between Digitoxin and Digitoxigenin.

SummaryThere is a qualitative difference between the circulatory action of digitoxin and that of its aglucone, digitoxigenin. Digitoxigenin causes an immediate and transient cardiodeceleration due to a central stimulation of the vagus. Digitoxin is without effect if administered in equimolar doses under the same experimental conditions. This pharmacological difference between digitoxin and its genin was demonstrated and analyzed with the use of the innervated heart-lung preparation of the dog in which the drugs could be administered into the blood supply to the central nervous system without reaching the heart-lung circuit.
COPPA COMPLIANCE: A Cooperative Inquiry Perspective

This proposal records a cooperative inquiry investigation of possible technological solutions to help facilitate compliance with the mandates of the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act. It details the results of a session conducted by KidsteamUB at the University of Baltimore, and details the possible implications of the findings
Economic Origins of Dictatorship and Democracy: Globalization and Democracy

Introduction In this chapter, we discuss how globalization of the world economy might affect democracy. The framework developed so far shows how the emergence and survival of democracy depends on the distribution of income and, by this channel, factor prices. Globalization, in the form of increased international trade and/or increased financial integration, affects factor prices and income levels, and hence, it may have an important effect on democracy. Many scholars have conjectured the existence of different connections between globalization and democracy, and the recent empirical literature in political science has begun to investigate some of the links. This literature finds significant correlations between democratizations and changes in the international economy. For example, Quinn (1997, 2002) shows that since the 1960s, measures of democracy averaged across countries are highly correlated with measures of capital and current account liberalization. Yet, this literature (Kubota and Milner 2005) has focused on the effects of democracy on international liberalization (seen as a subset of more general liberalization). To discuss the potential effects of globalization on democracy, we distinguish three dimensions of “globalization”: increased international trade (market integration) increased financial integration increased political integration In this chapter, we treat these different facets of globalization as exogenous to a specific country and not amenable to control by politicians.
The Relationships Between Female Adolescents’ Media Use, Indoor Tanning Outcome Expectations, and Behavioral Intentions

Background. Unlike other types of cancer, skin cancer incidence rates are on the rise and adolescent females are particularly likely to tan indoors, a major risk factor. However, little research has examined the role of media use in encouraging or discouraging this dangerous behavior in this population. Aims. To empirically assess the links between media use, indoor tanning-related outcome expectations, and behavioral intentions. Method. A survey of adolescent females (N = 510) ages 15 to 18 in the Southeastern United States assessed demographics, types of media use, and indoor tanning intentions. Results. Significant correlations between media use and indoor tanning outcome expectations were found. Use of interpersonal and social media (i.e., talking on the phone, texting, and online social media) were positively associated with positive outcome expectations about indoor tanning and negatively associated with negative outcome expectations. A path analysis revealed that interpersonal/social media use had ...
From the periphery to prominence: An examination of the changing profile of online students in American higher education

Abstract This study used nationally representative data and employed multinomial logistic regression to examine the changing profile of online students in American higher education. Although online education continues to become an increasingly mainstream mode of instruction, certain student groups may engage disproportionately with computer-mediated instruction. Weighted descriptive statistics revealed that the proportion of postsecondary students who enrolled in online courses increased from 5.9% in 2000 to 32.1% in 2012, with 23.6% of students enrolled in some online courses and 8.5% of students enrolled in fully online programs. Empirical evidence suggested that student characteristics associated with the highest opportunity costs of engaging with residential education—such as being a full-time employee, parent, or married—were more likely to enroll in some online courses and online-only programs. In addition, economically and socially disadvantaged students were typically less likely to engage with online education.
Mitral Regurgitation in Patients With Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy: Implications for Concomitant Valve Procedures.

Abstract Background Incidence and outcome of mitral valve (MV) surgery are unknown in patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM) undergoing extended transaortic septal myectomy. Objectives This study sought to define indications and suitable operative strategy for mitral regurgitation (MR) in patients with HOCM. Methods A total of 2,107 septal myectomy operations performed in adults from January 1993 to May 2014 at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with prior MV operation and apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy were excluded. Overall, 2,004 operations were performed in 1,993 patients. Results Pre-operative MR was grade ≥3 (of 4) in 1,152 operations (57.5%). Systolic anterior motion of mitral leaflets caused the MR in most patients. However, intrinsic MV disease was identified pre-operatively in 99 patients, all of whom had MV surgery (with septal myectomy). In 1,905 operations, no intrinsic MV disease was identified pre-operatively; in 1,830 (96.1%), septal myectomy was performed without a direct MV procedure. For 75 patients, intrinsic MV disease discovered intraoperatively led to concomitant MV repair (86.7%) or replacement (13.3%). After isolated septal myectomy, the percentage of patients with MR grade ≥3 decreased from 54.3% to 1.7% (p = 0.001) on early post-operative echocardiography. Among 174 patients with concomitant MV surgery, late survival was superior with MV repair (n = 133 [76.4%]) versus replacement (10-year survival: 80.0% vs. 55.2%; p = 0.002). Conclusions In most patients with HOCM, MR related to systolic anterior motion of the MV is relieved through adequate myectomy. Concomitant MV surgery is rarely necessary unless intrinsic MV disease is present. When MV procedures are required, repair is preferred because of improved survival compared with replacement.
New approach to achieve high strength powder metallurgy Ti-6Al-4V alloy through accelerated sintering at β-transus temperature and hydrogenation-dehydrogenation treatment

Abstract It is demonstrated that high density powder metallurgy (PM) Ti-6Al-4V alloy, with a finer prior-β grain size, can be achieved by vacuum sintering of TiH2 compacts at the β-transus (1010 °C) temperature, taking advantage of the accelerated self-diffusion. The subsequent refinement of the coarse lamellar microstructure by hydrogenation-dehydrogenation treatment produces a high tensile strength (~ 1130 MPa) and ductile (~ 10%) alloy. The superior tensile strength and ductility result from the nanoscale Widmanstatten structure and the finer prior-β grain size, respectively, created by the two treatments. The results show a promising pathway to make high strength and ductile PM titanium alloys.
The Ford Foundation Symphony Orchestra Program

ABSTRACTFrom 1966 to 1976, the Ford Foundation contributed $80 million to symphony orchestras in the United States and Puerto Rico, with dual missions of improving the financial conditions of North American orchestral musicians and strengthening perceptions of American culture in Europe and Asia. Based on combined contributions of both short- and long-term funds, the Ford Foundation’s program altered the trajectories of many U.S. orchestras by raising musicians’ salaries and helping orchestras develop new fundraising mechanisms. The extraordinary contributions made by the Ford Foundation’s Symphony Orchestra Program should be viewed as part the Foundation’s greater missions of promoting democracy and American exceptionalism.
Social Media and Education in Hernia Repair

The International Hernia Collaboration (IHC) is currently a private vetted-membership Facebook™ group of surgeons, healthcare providers, and industry representatives who are passionately interested in the repair of hernia and optimizing outcomes. The first 3 years have taught us clearly that by embracing closed Facebook™ groups as collaborative forums designed to provide quality improvement, we can more effectively and transparently obtain immediate global feedback that will improve both patient outcomes and the quality of care that surgeons provide to their patients. Groups like this one will help disrupt and evolve the current standards being used today to provide ongoing healthcare education and quality improvement.
P-Tether-Mediated, Iterative SN2′-Cuprate Alkylation Strategy to Skipped Polyol Stereotetrads: Utility of an Oxidative “Function Switch” with Phosphite–Borane Tethers

The development of a P-tether-mediated, iterative SN2′-cuprate alkylation protocol for the formation of 1,3-skipped polyol stereotetrads is reported. This two-directional synthetic strategy builds molecular complexity from simple, readily prepared C2-symmetric dienediols and unites the chemistry of both temporary phosphite–borane tethers and temporary phosphate tethers—through an oxidative “function switch” of the P-tether itself—to generate intermediates that were previously inaccessible via either method alone.
Near-field focusing plates

Using a modulated grating-like surface, referred to as a near-field focusing plate, we experimentally demonstrate focusing well beyond the diffraction limit. The reported near-field plate achieves a resolution of ≈ λ 0 /20 at a frequency of 1.027 GHz, where λ 0 is the free space wavelength. Along with these experimental results, the intrinsic properties of near-field plates are reviewed and a general procedure for designing them is outlined.