cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Human Bone Morphogenetic Protein (hBMP)

Human bone morphogenetic protein (hBMP) was chemically extracted from demineralized gelatinized cortical bone matrix by means of a CaCl2 X urea inorganic-organic solvent mixture, differential precipitation in guanidine hydrochloride, and preparative gel electrophoresis. hBMP is isolated in quantities of 1 mg/kg of wet weight of fresh bone, and has the amino-acid composition of an acidic polypeptide. The mol wt is 17 to 18 k-Da (kilodaltons). Implants of the isolated 17-kDa protein are very rapidly adsorbed and produce a smaller volume of bone than protein fractions consisting of 24-, 17-, and 14-kDa proteins. Since the isolated 24- and 14-kDA components lack hBMP activity, the kinetics of the bone morphogenetic processes including the function of other proteins as carrier molecules, await investigation.
Phytoplankton dynamics within 37 Antarctic coastal polynya systems

[1] Antarctic coastal polynyas are areas of reduced sea ice cover within the ice pack and their associated surface waters are noted for sustaining enhanced levels of biological production during the spring and summer. Here we present satellite-based estimates of interannual changes in the areal extent, phytoplankton abundance, and primary productivity within 37 Antarctic coastal polynya systems over five annual cycles (1997 to 2002). The largest polynya studied was located in the Ross Sea (396,500 km2) while the smallest was located in the West Lazarev Sea (1040 km2). Most polynyas attained maximum areal extents in February of less than 20,000 km2. Mean polynya chlorophyll a from 1 September to 31 March ranged from 0.16 to 2.2 mg m−3, averaging 0.69 mg m−3. Daily production averaged 0.09 to 0.76 g C m−2 d−1. Mean annual primary production ranged from 18 to 161 g C m−2 yr−1, with most coastal polynyas exhibiting annual rates of production between 20 and 80 g C m−2. Total production (the product of the open water area and the spatial mean daily primary production rate) varied by 2 orders of magnitude, from 0.03 to 48 Tg C yr−1. Taken together, the Ross Sea, Ronne Ice Shelf, Prydz Bay, and Amundsen Sea polynyas are responsible for >75% of total polynya production. In eastern Antarctica, where 91% of all Adelie penguin colonies are associated with a coastal polynya, the magnitude of annual production in polynyas explained 65% of the variance in penguin colony size.
β-Elimination of phosphate and subsequent addition of pyridoxamine as a method for identifying and sequencing peptides containing phosphoseryl residues

Peptides containing phosphoseryl residues can be modified by removal of the phosphate groups via β-elimination followed by addition of pyridoxamine to the resulting dehydroalanyl residue. Peptides containing the modified residues can be detected at nanomole levels by monitoring absorbance at 328 nm or at picomole levels by monitoring fluorescence. Photolysis of the modified peptide converts the pyridoxamino adduct to a form which can be readily identified after Edman degradation.
Personality and eating habit variables as predictors of severity of binge eating and weight

The present study investigated several personality and eating habit variables as predictors of the severity of binge eating and weight deviation. Subjects were 120 normal weight and overweight undergraduate women selected to vary along predetermined dimensions of weight and severity of binge eating. After providing relevant demographic and life history data, they completed a series of self-report questionnaires. Results of a canonical analysis support the independence of binge eating and weight. Two stepwise multiple regressions indicated that anorexic-like eating attitudes, dissatisfaction with body image, and poor self-image were significant predictors of the severity of binge eating while none of the measures was a significant predictor of weight deviation. The amount of stress experienced in the past year was found to be the only significant demographic/historical predictor of binge eating. These findings are discussed with respect to their implications for current understanding of the binge eating phenomenon.
The adaptive consumer: shifting attitudes, behavior change and CSA membership renewal

A qualitative study was conducted with a subset of a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) membership base in Wisconsin, USA to examine attitude and behavior change associated with membership. Changes that were examined included: modified eating or cooking habits, increased consideration of food seasonality and associated consumer preferences for seasonal products, and an enhanced appreciation for farming. Although this study investigated ‘spillover’ attitude or behavior changes (e.g. reduced driving or increased use of environmentally friendly cleaning products), none were observed. This study indicates that attitude and behavior changes are generated by the structural elements of CSA including exposure to the farm, interactions with the farmer, and the constraints imposed by a pre-selected bundle of vegetables. There was no indication that changes occur due to the development and enforcement of social norms within the CSA membership base. Community, in the context of this CSA, is expressed primarily as a conceptual community of interest. Our results suggest that demonstrated attitude and behavior change increases the likelihood that a consumer will renew their CSA membership.
Using Oxygen Isotope Sclerochronology to Evaluate the Role of Small Islands Among the Guale (AD 1325 to 1700) of the Georgia Coast, USA

ABSTRACT In this article, we present the results of sequential oxygen isotope analysis performed on hard clam, Mercenaria spp. (n = 5) and eastern oyster, Crassostrea virginica (n = 13) valves excavated from Pumpkin Hammock (9MC350). These data are used to evaluate Guale models of settlement and subsistence along the Georgia coast during the late pre-Contact and early Colonial eras (ca. AD 1325 to 1700). Season of collection data indicate shells were collected and deposited on the island during all four seasons, suggesting year-round occupation of the site. In addition, oxygen isotope values imply the Guale exploited mollusks from habitats over a wide range of salinity. We interpret this to signify that the Guale ranged broadly over the coastal landscape and that they were able to exploit these distant resources due to their use of watercraft. Finally, we place these findings within the broader context of the changing social landscape during the late pre-Contact and Colonial eras of the Georgia coast.
The generation and characterization of potentially therapeutic Aβ antibodies in mice: differences according to strain and immunization protocol

Abstract Previous studies have shown that in various mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), amyloid β-protein (Aβ) antibodies generated by Aβ peptide immunization resulted in the prevention of Aβ plaque formation in brains of young mice, decreased Aβ plaque burdens in older mice and improved cognition. The purpose of this study was to optimize Aβ immunization protocols for future trials in transgenic mouse models of AD. The timing and titers of Aβ antibody production, as well as epitope(s) and imunoglobulin isotypes, were compared between two different mouse strains (C57BL/6 and B6D2F1) and five treatment protocols: (1) chronic Aβ nasal administration, (2) repeated Aβ intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection, (3) one i.p. injection followed by chronic Aβ nasal administration, (4) chronic and concurrent Aβ nasal administration + Aβ i.p. injection, and (5) untreated controls. B6D2F1 mice generated Aβ antibodies earlier and in higher quantities than the C57BL/6 mice, indicating that B6D2F1 mice are more responsive to Aβ immunization. For both strains, mice that received the combination of Aβ nasal + Aβ i.p. injection showed the highest antibody titers. Epitope mapping experiments indicated that the mouse anti-Aβ antibodies recognize residues within Aβ1-15. Immunoglobulin isotyping demonstrated that the Aβ antibodies are of the Th-2 anti-inflammatory type, IgG1 and IgG2b, with a few IgM. Currently there is no effective therapy for Alzheimer’s disease; thus if Aβ immunization proves effective, it would be a significant step in the prevention and/or treatment of this devastating disease.
The kinetics of droplet migration in solids in an accelerational field

Abstract The kinetics of brine droplet motion in a KC1 crystal exposed to an accelerational field 50 000 times gravity were studied as a function of droplet size. The droplet velocity was found to decrease with decreasing droplet size, falling to zero below a critical droplet size. This behaviour indicates that the rate of droplet migration is controlled by the kinetics of deposition and dissolution at the solid-liquid interfaces of the droplet. From this experiment the critical undersaturation necessary to produce any KC1 dissolution was found to be two-tenths of a part per million. Finally, in moving droplets, it was established that the velocity of the dissolving interface increases linearly with the undersaturation at this interface.
Heat transfer and fluid flow in porous fuel elements and thermal shields

Abstract The heat-transfer and fluid-flow problem in porous nuclear fuel elements and thermal shields is investigated. Porous fuel elements of flat-plate and hollow-cylindrical types are compared to conventional surface-cooled nonporous fuel elements. The comparison shows that porous elements result in much lower fuel temperatures for the same specific power or much higher specific powers for the same temperatures. The study also indicates that porous materials subjected to radiation operate at much lower temperatures and temperature gradients than nonporous materials when used as thermal shields.
A scheme for protecting one-qubit information against erasure error

We propose a scheme for protecting one-qubit information against one erasure. The scheme operates essentially by distributing quantum information over four qubits. Two versions of the method are considered: one of them is based on two spatially separated pairs of qubits, and the other is based on one pair of qubits and two spatially separated qubits.
Assembly of the Bacteriophage T4 Replication Machine Requires the Acidic Carboxy Terminus of Gene 32 Protein

The acidic carboxy-terminal 89-amino acid fragment of bacteriophage T4 gene 32 protein was expressed in Escherichia coli to high levels from an inducible plasmid construct. Infection of induced cells by wild-type T4 phage results in impaired phage DNA synthesis. The time at which DNA synthesis begins and the diminution in DNA synthesis rates correlate with the amount of carboxy-terminal peptide that accumulates intracellularly prior to infection. Correspondingly, when induced cells are infected with viable phage containing a small deletion near the carboxy-terminus of 32 protein (delta PR201), the inhibition of phage DNA synthesis was much more severe. The mutant 32 protein competes less well against overproduced wild-type acid peptide than does wild-type 32 protein. The purified acid peptide, when used as the attached ligand for affinity chromatography, binds several T4 proteins from phage-infected cells, including 43 protein (T4 DNA polymerase), Dda protein (a DNA helicase), and UvsX protein (a Rec-like recombination protein). Furthermore, at 50- to 100-fold molar excess of acid peptide over intact 32 protein, phage DNA synthesis was specifically inhibited at the initiation step in an in vitro 5-protein DNA replication experiment. We propose that one or more phage replication proteins are titrated as non-productive protein-protein complexes at a site away from the DNA template. This implies that the carboxy-terminal domain of 32 protein is involved in an obligate step of replication machine assembly when the protein is properly attached to ssDNA in the vicinity of a primer-template junction. The assembly defect we observe is strikingly similar to the repression, or "squelching", of the activity of certain eukaryotic transcriptional activators.
Characterizing the Atmospheres of Hot Jupiters: From Spectra to Multi-Color Maps

We present new observations of the emission spectrum of the hot Jupiter TrES-4 designed to test the theory that the presence of temperature inversions in the atmospheres of these planets are correlated with the amount of radiation received by the planet. Our observations reveal that TrES-4 has an emission spectrum similar to that of HD 209458b, which requires the presence of an inversion layer high in the atmosphere and water emission bands in order to explain the observed features, providing additional support for that theory. We also present new observations of the thermal phase curve of HD 189733b at 24 μm, which we combine with our previous observations at 8 μm to examine how circulation in this planet’s atmosphere varies as a function of depth. We discuss the relationship between the strength of the day-night circulation on both planets and their other observable properties, in particular their emission spectra.
The TRPC Class of Ion Channels: A Critical Review of Their Roles in Slow, Sustained Increases in Intracellular Ca2+ Concentrations*

The realization that there exists a multimembered family of cation channels with structural similarity to Drosophila's Trp channel emerged during the second half of the 1990s. In mammals, depending on the species, the TRP family counts 29 or 30 members which has been subdivided into 6 subfamilies on the basis of sequence similarity. TRP channels are nonselective monovalent cation channels, most of which also allow passage of Ca2+. Many members of each of these families, but not all, are involved in sensory signal transduction. The C-type (for canonical or classical) subfamily, differs from the other TRP subfamilies in that it fulfills two different types of function: membrane depolarization, resembling sensory transduction TRPs, and mediation of sustained increases in intracellular Ca2+. The mechanism(s) by which the C-class of TRP channels—the TRPCs—are activated is poorly understood and their role in mediating intracellular Ca2+ increases is being questioned. Both of these questions—mechanism of activat...
GIS applications in land management: the loss of high quality land to development in Central Mississippi from 1987-2002

The socio-economic trends and history of Central Mississippi reveal a major rural influence based upon a dependence on agricultural activities as part of the economic engine driving the state's economy. Yet, in the last several years, the amount of agricultural land in the counties continues to decline. Similar changes in other variables associated with agricultural land use and the continuity of farming in the state have also been changing. Indeed, under the pressure of urban growth, some farmers are forced to use less productive soils or have abandoned the agricultural business. Considering the gravity of the problem and the implications for sustainable development, public concern has increased in the state of Mississippi that urbanization and other factors may be eroding potential farmland. Given the effects of the current trends on the future capacity to produce food items, there are concerns that the growing incidence of farmland loss may also erode the basis for sustainable use of agricultural land, biodiversity and protection of the state's ecological treasures. Notwithstanding the gravity of these trends, no major effort in the literature has aimed at documenting the incidence of agricultural land loss and the linkages to urbanization in the region of Central Mississippi. What changes have taken place in the size of agricultural land within the counties and what factors are responsible for it? This paper examines the issue of farmland loss in Central Mississippi with a focus at the county level between 1987 and 2002 from a temporal-spatial perspective. In terms of methodology, the paper uses a mixed scale approach based upon the existing literature. Data were drawn from the United States Census databases of Population and Agriculture. This information is analyzed with basic descriptive statistics and GIS with particular attention to the spatial trends at the county level. Results indicate that the counties under consideration have experienced considerable change in the amount of agricultural land and other variables associated with the use of farmland, due to urbanization. With the types of changes occurring, instituting effective policies anchored in sustainability, community participation, and growth management will go a long way in addressing the situation. Other strategies for farmland protection based upon land information inventory and mapping in the region, are also recommended. The paper stands as an update of the existing literature and offers a valuable tool for decision makers within the domain of natural resources management.
Perinatal outcome with the modified biophysical profile

Objective : Our purpose was to evaluate Perinatal outcomes in high-risk pregnancies monitored with a modified biophysical profile. Study Design : All non-insulin-dependent patients referred for antepartum fetal surveillance received a modified biophysical profile biweekly. A modified biophysical profile is a combination of a nonstress test and an amniotic fluid index. Patients with a singleton gestation and intact membranes were entered into a protocol of randomized backup testing for an abnormal modified biophysical profile. Those patients having a nonreactive fetal heart rate, significant variable decelerations late decelerations, or an amniotic fluid index ≤ 5.0 cm received either a contraction stress test or a biophysical profile immediately. Once randomized, a patient received the same backup test, when indicated with subsequent testing. Results : A total of 2774 Patients had 17,429 tests with an uncorrected perinatal mortality rate of 2.9 per 1000. The overall incidence of an adverse perinatal outcome i.e., perinatal death or nursery death before infant hospital discharge, cesarean delivery for fetal distress within the first 2 hours of labor, 5-minute AP9ar score p p p Conclusion : The modified biophysical profile is an excellent means of fetal surveillance and identifies a group of patients at increased risk for adverse Perinatal outcome and small-for-gestational-age infants. There does not appear to be a significant benefit with the contraction stress test compared with the biophysical profile as a backup test. Further, the contraction stress test is associated with a higher rate of intervention for an abnormal test than is the biophysical profile.
Information rate of a waveguide

We calculate the communication capacity of a broadband electromagnetic waveguide as a function of its spatial dimensions and input power. We analyze the two cases in which either all the available modes or only a single directional mode are employed. The results are compared with those for the free-space bosonic channel.
Backstepping Based Nonlinear Ammonia Surface Coverage Ratio Control for Diesel Engine Selective Catalytic Reduction Systems

This paper presents an ammonia surface coverage ratio control approach based on the backstepping concept for diesel engine selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems. SCR models with multiple cells connected in cascade provide more accurate representations of the actual SCR system dynamics by considering the spatial distribution. Control of SCR system ammonia coverage ratio is critically important and effective in terms of ensuring low tailpipe NOx and ammonia emissions. However, such a task is also very challenging primarily due to the nonlinearities of the SCR dynamics and limited ammonia injection control authority. Grounded in the understanding of the SCR nonlinear dynamic characteristics, a backstepping-based nonlinear control law is then proposed to regulate the ammonia surface coverage ratio of the last SCR cell in order to tightly control the tailpipe NOx and ammonia emissions. Lyapunov-based analyses show the stability of the designed control law. FTP75 test cycle simulation results based on a full-vehicle (including engine, chassis, and aftertreatment systems) model illustrated that, compared with a conventional PID controller, the nonlinear backstepping control law can more appropriately handle the SCR system dynamics and exhibits superior ammonia coverage ratio control capability.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
An ICA with reference approach in identification of genetic variation and associated brain networks

To address the statistical challenges associated with genome-wide association studies, we present an independent component analysis (ICA) with reference approach to target a specific genetic variation and associated brain networks. First, a small set of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are empirically chosen to reflect a feature of interest and these SNPs are used as a reference when applying ICA to a full genomic SNP array. After extracting the genetic component maximally representing the characteristics of the reference, we test its association with brain networks in functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data. The method was evaluated on both real and simulated datasets. Simulation demonstrates that ICA with reference can extract a specific genetic factor, even when the variance accounted for by such a factor is so small that a regular ICA fails. Our real data application from 48 schizophrenia patients (SZs) and 40 healthy controls (HCs) include 300K SNPs and fMRI images in an auditory oddball task. Using SNPs with allelic frequency difference in two groups as a reference, we extracted a genetic component that maximally differentiates patients from controls (p 4 × 10 −17 < ), and discovered a brain functional network that was significantly associated with this genetic component (p < 1 × 10 −4 ). The regions in the functional network mainly locate in the thalamus, anterior and posterior cingulate gyri. The contributing SNPs in the genetic factor mainly fall into two clusters centered at chromosome 7q21 and chromosome 5q35. The findings from the schizophrenia application are in concordance with previous knowledge about brain regions and gene function. All together, the results suggest that the ICA with reference can be particularly useful to explore the whole genome to find a specific factor of interest and further study its effect on brain.
A space-fed phased array for surveillance from space

A space-fed radar antenna called a venetian blind is proposed for all-weather wide-area surveillance from space. Radar requirements for tasked and untasked operation are discussed, and the process of selecting the venetian blind concept, which can support both, is described. In its untasked form (essentially a space-fed passive lens), it achieves off-axis squint angles of many beamwidths with negligible performance degradation. It is inherently insensitive to mechanical distortion and is a first step in the evolution to the more complex tasked system antenna. The antenna lens consists of easily manufactured slats with microstrip dipole radiating elements and matching networks on a dielectric substrate. Phase control is achieved with low-loss delay lines in the passive lens or active transmit/receive modules if electronic scan is desired. >
The biomechanics of running.

This review article summarizes the current literature regarding the analysis of running gait. It is compared to walking and sprinting. The current state of knowledge is presented as it fits in the context of the history of analysis of movement. The characteristics of the gait cycle and its relationship to potential and kinetic energy interactions are reviewed. The timing of electromyographic activity is provided. Kinematic and kinetic data (including center of pressure measurements, raw force plate data, joint moments, and joint powers) and the impact of changes in velocity on these findings is presented. The status of shoewear literature, alterations in movement strategies, the role of biarticular muscles, and the springlike function of tendons are addressed. This type of information can provide insight into injury mechanisms and training strategies. © 1998 Elsevier Science B.V.
Short-term single-blind fluvoxamine treatment of pathological gambling

Objective:The authors’ goal was to assess the efficacy and tolerability of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor fluvoxamine in the treatment of pathological gambling. Method:Sixteen patients with pathological gambling entered an 8-week placebo lead-in phase, and 10 of these patients completed an 8-week single-blind fluvoxamine trial.Results:Seven of the 10 patients who completed the fluvoxamine trial were judged treatment responders at the end of the study: 1) they had greater than 25% decreases in their gambling behavior scores on the pathological gambling modification of the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale, and 2) their clinician-rated Clinical Global Impression scores for gambling severity were very much improved or much improved. Fluvoxamine treatment resulted in gambling abstinence in seven of the 10 patients.Conclusions:Findings from this preliminary study suggest that fluvoxamine may be effective in reducing the urge to gamble. Randomized placebo-controlled and maintenance trials are re...
Fluid-Structure Interaction Using Nonconforming Finite Element Methods

Direct numerical solution of the highly nonlinear equations governing even the most simplified models of fluid-structure interaction requires that both the flow field and the domain shape be determined as part of the solution since neither is known a priori. To accomplish this, previous algorithms have decoupled the solid and fluid mechanics, solving for each separately and converging iteratively to a solution which satisfies both. In this paper, we describe a nonconforming finite element method which solves the problem of interaction between a viscous incompressible fluid and a structure whose deformation defines the interface between the two simultaneously. A general methodology is described for the model 2D problem and the algorithm is validated computationally for a one-dimensional example.
Orthogonal Polynomials on the Unit Circle with Verblunsky Coefficients defined by the Skew-Shift

I give an example of a family of orthogonal polynomials on the unit circle with Verblunsky coefficients given by the skew-shift for which the associated measures are supported on the entire unit circle and almost every Aleksandrov measure is pure point. Furthermore, I show in the case of the two-dimensional skew-shift that the zeros of para-orthogonal polynomials obey the same statistics as an appropriate irrational rotation. The proof is based on an analysis of the associated CMV matrices.
Efficient stimulus independent timing abstraction model based on a new concept of circuit block transparency

We have developed a new timing abstraction model for digital circuit blocks that is stimulus independent, port based, supports designs with level triggered latches, and can be input into commercial STA (Static Timing Analysis) tools. The model is based on an extension of the concept of latch transparency to circuit block transparency introduced in this paper. It was implemented, tested and is being used in conjunction with transistor level STA for microprocessor designs with tens of millions of transistors. The STA simulation times are significantly shorter than with gray box timing models, which can decrease the overall chip timing verification time. The model can also be used in the intellectual property encapsulation domain.
Adhesion of polymer-inorganic interfaces by nanoindentation

Nanoindentation combined with atomic force microscopy was applied to measure the fracture toughness of polystyrene/glass interfaces. Film delamination occurs when the inelastic penetration depth approximately equals or exceeds the film thickness. The delamination size was accurately measured using atomic force microscopy. Using multilayer indentation and annular-plate analyses, the interfacial fracture toughness was then assessed. The values obtained from the two analyses are in good agreement with the fracture toughness of the interface being approximately 350 mJ/m2. By appropriate fracture surface characterization, it was shown that fracture occurs along the polystyrene/glass interface. Crack arrest marks were observed, and their possible cause discussed. On the basis of the morphology of the fracture surface, the fracture toughness was also evaluated using a process zone analysis. The result agrees well with those obtained from the other two analyses.
Jet-Spike Bifurcation in High-Speed Flows

In recent plasma injection experiments, counterflow jet interaction has been identified as one of the mechanisms that significantly reduces the drag. There is a sudden change of the dynamic state from an oscillatory to nearly steady motion of this jet-shock interaction which depends on the relative magnitude of injection and the stagnation pressure. The shock-wave bifurcation associated with a counterflow jet from a hemispherical cylinder is investigated by a side-by-side experimental and computational effort. Shock-wave bifurcation has been discovered by the present experiments over the entire range of tested conditions in the Mach 6 wind tunnel. This oscillatory motion is sustained by the upstream propagation of selectively amplified frequencies from the free-shear layer to the Mach disk through the embedded subsonic domain. The breakdown of this feedback loop occurs when a higher injecting jet pressure creates a supersonic zone separating the interconnecting embedded subsonic domains
Raman spectroscopy in liquids at high pressure

Abstract The pressure dependence of the reorientational correlation function for chloroform has been measured by analysis of the Raman 3019 cm − 1 A 1 CH stretching lineshape at 1, 1000, and 2000 bar and 23°C. These reorientational correlation functions were obtained using the method of spectral Fourier deconvolution introduced by Bratos. The results are compared to the correlation times obtained from the NMR deuteron T 1 relaxation times for CDCl 3 and those calculated from high pressure viscosity measurements.
The Effects of Career Origins on Subsequent Socioeconomic Attainments.

The fundamental contention of this article is that the institutional environment encompassing a worker's career origins has important and long-lasting effects on subsequent career developments. Empirically, we demonstrate that industry of first job after school is a significant and strong predictor of earnings and occupational SEI for workers late in their careers. This finding holds despite controls for a number of relevant human capital and other variables, including current job industry. The final section of this article explores the ways in which organizational structures of first jobs exert their effects and finds that first job industry growth rates and product market characteristics are important predictors of subsequent earnings. In conclusion, we argue that these results support the relevance of institutional environments in shaping long-term career developments, but that the ways in which institutions affect careers are complex and only poorly understood.
The Prevalence and Nature of Glycan Alterations on Specific Proteins in Pancreatic Cancer Patients Revealed Using Antibody-Lectin Sandwich Arrays

Changes to the glycan structures of proteins secreted by cancer cells are known to be functionally important and to have potential diagnostic value. However, an exploration of the population variation and prevalence of glycan alterations on specific proteins has been lacking because of limitations in conventional glycobiology methods. Here we report the use of a previously developed antibody-lectin sandwich array method to characterize both the protein and glycan levels of specific mucins and carcinoembryonic antigen-related proteins captured from the sera of pancreatic cancer patients (n = 23) and control subjects (n = 23). The MUC16 protein was frequently elevated in the cancer patients (65% of the patients) but showed no glycan alterations, whereas the MUC1 and MUC5AC proteins were less frequently elevated (30 and 35%, respectively) and showed highly prevalent (up to 65%) and distinct glycan alterations. The most frequent glycan elevations involved the Thomsen-Friedenreich antigen, fucose, and Lewis antigens. An unexpected increase in the exposure of α-linked mannose also was observed on MUC1 and MUC5ac, indicating possible N-glycan modifications. Because glycan alterations occurred independently from the protein levels, improved identification of the cancer samples was achieved using glycan measurements on specific proteins relative to using the core protein measurements. The most significant elevation was the cancer antigen 19-9 on MUC1, occurring in 19 of 23 (87%) of the cancer patients and one of 23 (4%) of the control subjects. This work gives insight into the prevalence and protein carriers of glycan alterations in pancreatic cancer and points to the potential of using glycan measurements on specific proteins for highly effective biomarkers.
Effects of river control structures on the juvenile migration of Macrobrachium ohione

Summary Macrobrachium ohione is an amphidromous species (i.e. lives and breeds in fresh water with larval development in estuarine, brackish or coastal waters) that has experienced population declines in the Mississippi River (MR) System, possibly due to extensive human modification (e.g. wing dikes, levees, channelisation and dams). Old River Control (ORC) is a complex of locks and dams in Louisiana that separates and controls the volume of water that flows into the Atchafalaya River (AR) from the MR. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that ORC impedes or prevents movement of juvenile M. ohione from the AR into the MR. Juvenile migrants were sampled using unbaited traps placed in the channels leading into and out of the river control structures. Variables such as location (above or below structure), water temperature and channel discharge were documented to determine their effects on juvenile migration. Migrant densities were significantly affected by the interaction between trap location and channel discharge. The densities of juveniles in the channels leading into the structures (downstream) were greater than those leading out of the structures (upstream). In addition, the densities of juveniles were consistently greater in the channels where channel discharge was the greatest. These results suggest that upstream juvenile migration is impeded by the structures, reducing the recruitment of shrimps from the AR into the MR. As a possible solution to allow shrimps to bypass the river control structures, this study tested the hypothesis that M. ohione juveniles are able climb up structures, a behaviour observed in several amphidromous species. A laboratory experiment tested the climbing ability of juvenile migrants (i.e. number of individuals on the ramp) and climbing performance (i.e. number of individuals that completed the climb) when presenting the shrimps for 1 h with a 1.5 m ramp at various ramp angles (30°, 40°, 60°) and water velocities (0, 45, 65, 140 cm s−1). Most shrimps were observed climbing when water velocity was 65 and 140 cm s−1. Climbing performance was also influenced by the angle of the ramp, with the greater number of shrimps climbing at inclinations of 30° and 40°. Our results suggest that the installation of shrimp ladders and migratory conduits at river control structures could contribute to the restoration of M. ohione populations in the upper MR.
Methemoglobinemia: A Case Study

Methemoglobinemia is a life-threatening condition that can be congenital or acquired. It is characterized by the inability of hemoglobin to carry oxygen because the ferrous part of the heme molecule has been oxidized to a ferric state. Acquired methemoglobinemia is due to medications or chemicals that cause the rate of methemoglobin formation to exceed its rate of reduction. 1-9 These chemicals and drugs include nitrites, aniline, dapsone, phenazopyridine, and topical anesthetics such as benzocaine and lidocaine. 2-9
Sulindac sulfide inhibits colon cancer cell growth and downregulates specificity protein transcription factors

Specificity protein (Sp) transcription factors play pivotal roles in maintaining the phenotypes of many cancers. We hypothesized that the antineoplastic effects of sulindac and its metabolites were due, in part, to targeting downregulation of Sp transcription factors. The functional effects of sulindac, sulindac sulfone and sulindac sulfide on colon cancer cell proliferation were determined by cell counting. Effects of these compounds on expression of Sp1, Sp3, Sp4 and pro-oncogenic Sp-regulated genes were determined by western blot analysis of whole cell lysates and in transient transfection assays using GC-rich constructs. Sulindac and its metabolites inhibited RKO and SW480 colon cancer cell growth and the order of growth inhibitory potency was sulindac sulfide > > sulindac sulfone > sulindac. Treatment of SW480 and RKO cells with sulindac sulfide downregulated expression of Sp1, Sp3 and Sp4 proteins. Sulindac sulfide also decreased expression of several Sp-regulated genes that are critical for cancer cell survival, proliferation and angiogenesis and these include survivin, bcl-2, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), cyclin D1, p65 subunit of NFκB and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Sulindac sulfide also induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) and decreased the level of microRNA-27a in colon cancer cells, which resulted in the upregulation of the Sp-repressor ZBTB10 and this resulted in downregulation of Sp proteins. The results suggest that the cancer chemotherapeutic effects of sulindac in colon cancer cells are due, in part, to its metabolite sulindac sulfide which downregulates Sp transcription factors and Sp-regulated pro-oncogenic gene products.
Communication and exchange between information visualization and industrial design

Our daily activities now heavily rely on data, and sometimes are even controlled by them. Integrating InfoVis into people's daily lives can help them to access, explore, understand, and utilize the vast variance of data. This paper aims to explore and discuss the idea exchange between the traditional domain of industrial design and the novel field of InfoVis. There are three potential approaches. Extending InfoVis into a product design can fill up the small screen on the product and make the product more user friendly. Appling the 3D form of industrial design to InfoVis can bring it to the physical world and enhance the information qualify in our lives. We also argue that there could be a harmonious combination of industrial design and InfoVis that integrate the benefits from both. To understand this hybrid domain, we introduce some preliminary research explorations that covers both the industrial design and InfoVis, along with our education practices, including our assessment framework, research outcomes, education approaches, and student design projects.
Abstracts of Other Papers and Posters Presented at the Symposium

The faecal pellets of chitons are shed in the forms of spheroid, ovoid or ellipsoid with no surface sculpturings. They are quite simple in external characteristics, but show to some extent generic or specific differences in proportion of length to breadth of the pellets. Clear-cut distinction is demonstrated between the pellets shed b carnivorous mopalids and those of debris feeding chiton groups.
Phase II trial of weekly docetaxel and gemcitabine as first line therapy for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer

17076 Background: A platinum doublet has been the standard treatment for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and good performance status. This treatment results in almost a do...
Affective Forecasting: Teaching a Useful, Accessible, and Humbling Area of Research

All students, from college freshmen to advanced graduate students, have asked themselves, “Will this decision make me happy?” The vast majority of them have been wrong. Affective forecasting, the p...
Reproducibility of a 5-repetition maximum strength test in older adults

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Multiple repetition maximum (M-RM) strength tests are suitable alternatives to the 1repetition maximum (1-RM) strength test, particularly in the elderly. In comparison to the 1-RM strength test the research about the reproducibility of M-RM strength tests is very limited, leading to a lack of standardized test protocols for M-RM strength tests. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the test-retest reproducibility of a 5-repetition maximum (5-RM) strength test in older adults. METHODS: After a short preparation session, 28 healthy elderly people older than 60 years (14 men, 14 women) and with at least 3 months strength training experience passed a 5-RM strength test. The test included exercises for the upper body, namely bench press and seated row, and were performed twice within 7 days on the same day of the week at the same time of the day. RESULTS: Significant differences between test and retest ( p 0.90; p< 0.001) was found for the total sample as well as for both sub-samples (men, women). The coefficients of variation were very low and ranged between 0.7 and 2.8%. The high test-retest reproducibility was also demonstrated by the narrow limits of agreements, the very little standard errors of measurements and the minimal smallest real differences. CONCLUSION: The present study confirms the reproducibility of the 5-RM strength test for upper body exercises in older adults with strength training experience. The 5-RM strength test is a reliable and simple measurement and can be used in sports practice for theoretical and practical purposes.
Surveillance of viral diarrhea in Dongguan in 2012

Objective To understand the prevalence of rotavirus and norovirus infection among infectious viral diarrhea in Dongguan city. Methods The feces samples were collected from infectious diarrhea patients in Dongguan People's Hospital, Gaobu Hospital and Liaobu Hospital. Rotavirus was detected by ELISA, norpvoris was detected by realtime RT-PCR.Results Totally 831 samples were detected and the positive rates of norovirus and rotavirus were 17.57% and 15.64%.Rotavirus infection had obvious seasonality,with peak in autumn and winter; Norovirus had no obvious seasonality, and the GenogroupⅡwas predominant in this study. The infection rates in age group of 0~3 years were significantly higher than those in age groups of 3 years. Conclusion Viral diarrhea could occur all the year round, and the infection rate in winter is higher.People in all age group could be infected. It is necessary to strengthen the surveillance of viral diarrhea, especially in infants and young children.
Ultraviolet Satellite Measurements of Volcanic Ash

Abstract Ultraviolet (UV) remote sensing of volcanic ash and other absorbing aerosols from space began with the launch of the first Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer (TOMS) instrument in 1978. Subsequent UV satellite missions (TOMS, GOME, SCIAMACHY, OMI, GOME-2, OMPS) have extended UV ash measurements to the present, generating a unique multidecadal record. A UV Aerosol Index (UVAI) based on two near-UV wavelengths, equally applicable to multispectral (TOMS, DSCOVR) or hyperspectral (GOME, SCIAMACHY, OMI, GOME-2, OMPS) instruments, has been used to derive a unique absorbing aerosol climatology across multiple UV satellite missions. Advantages of UV ash measurements relative to infrared (IR) techniques include the ability to detect ash at any altitude (assuming no clouds), above clouds, and over bright surfaces, where visible and IR techniques may fail. Disadvantages include the daytime-only restriction and nonspecificity to silicate ash, since UV measurements are sensitive to any UV-absorbing aerosol, including smoke, desert dust, and pollution. However, simultaneous retrieval of sulfur dioxide (SO2) abundance and UVAI provides robust discrimination of volcanic clouds. Although the UVAI is only semiquantitative, it has proved successful at detecting and tracking volcanic ash clouds from many volcanic eruptions since 1978. NASA A-Train measurements since 2006 (eg, CALIOP) have provided much improved constraints on volcanic ash altitude, and also permit identification of aerosol type through sensor synergy. Quantitative UV retrievals of ash optical depth, effective particle size, and ash column mass are possible and require assumptions of ash refractive index, particle size distribution, and ash layer altitude. The lack of extensive ash refractive index data in the UV–visible and the effects of ash particle shape on retrievals introduce significant uncertainty in the retrieved parameters, although limited validation against IR ash retrievals has been successful. In this contribution, we review UV ash detection and retrieval techniques and provide examples of volcanic eruptions detected in the ∼37 year data record.
Revisiting the Definition of a Virtual Manipulative

In 2002, Moyer, Bolyard and Spikell defined a virtual manipulative as an “an interactive, Web-based visual representation of a dynamic object that presents opportunities for constructing mathematical knowledge” (p. 373). The purpose of this chapter is to revisit, clarify and update the definition of a virtual manipulative. After clarifying what a virtual manipulative is and what it is not, we propose an updated definition for virtual manipulative: an interactive, technology-enabled visual representation of a dynamic mathematical object, including all of the programmable features that allow it to be manipulated, that presents opportunities for constructing mathematical knowledge. The chapter describes the characteristics of five of the most common virtual manipulative environments in use in education: single-representation, multi-representation, tutorial, gaming and simulation.
Constrained optimization and distributed computation based car following control of a connected and autonomous vehicle platoon

Abstract Motivated by the advancement in connected and autonomous vehicle technologies, this paper develops a novel car-following control scheme for a platoon of connected and autonomous vehicles on a straight highway. The platoon is modeled as an interconnected multi-agent dynamical system subject to physical and safety constraints, and it uses the global information structure such that each vehicle shares information with all the other vehicles. A constrained optimization based control scheme is proposed to ensure an entire platoon’s transient traffic smoothness and asymptotic dynamic performance. By exploiting the solution properties of the underlying optimization problem and using primal-dual formulation, this paper develops dual based distributed algorithms to compute optimal solutions with proven convergence. Furthermore, the asymptotic stability of the unconstrained linear closed-loop system is established. These stability analysis results provide a principle to select penalty weights in the underlying optimization problem to achieve the desired closed-loop performance for both the transient and the asymptotic dynamics. Extensive numerical simulations are conducted to validate the efficiency of the proposed algorithms.