cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The HTLV-1 Tax protein: Revealing mechanisms of transcriptional activation through histone acetylation and nucleosome disassembly

The human T-cell leukemia virus, type-1 (HTLV-1)-encoded Tax protein is required for high-level transcription of the virus. Tax function is strictly dependent upon the phosphorylated form of the cellular transcription factor CREB (pCREB), and together they bind novel cAMP response elements located within the viral promoter. The DNA-bound Tax/pCREB complex recruits the cellular coactivators CBP/p300, which are essential for viral gene expression. The coactivators, via their histone acetyltransferase activity, function to promote changes in chromatin architecture that are permissive to transcriptional activation. Tax expression in vivo recruits p300 to the HTLV-1 promoter and correlates with depletion of nucleosomes from the integrated provirus. We recently developed a novel in vitro, chromatin-based experimental system that recapitulates the eviction of nucleosomes from the HTLV-1 promoter observed in vivo. These assays establish the essential function of Tax/pCREB recruitment of CBP/p300, and concomitant histone acetylation, in the nucleosome disassembly process. These observations are of particular significance, as Tax mediates disassembly of the full nucleosome octamer independent of transcriptional activity and ATP utilization. Instead, nucleosome eviction is absolutely dependent upon acetyl CoA and the histone chaperone Nap1. In this review, we will discuss HTLV-1, Tax transactivation, and our recent findings that uncover the critical role of Tax in promoting chromatin transitions that accompany activation of viral transcription. We will describe the phenomenon of acetylation-dependent promoter nucleosome disassembly and the emerging view that the formation of nucleosome-free promoter regions may represent a general prerequisite for transcriptional activation in eukaryotes.
Effects of invasive Africanized honey bees (Apis mellifera scutellata) on native stingless bee populations (Meliponinae) and traditional Mayan beekeeping in central Quintana Roo, Mexico

OF THE THESIS EFFECTS OF INVASIVE AFRICANIZED HONEY BEES (APIS MELLIFERA SCUTELLA TA) ON NATIVE STINGLESS BEE POPULATIONS (MELIPONINAE) AND TRADITIONAL MAYAN BEEKEEPING IN CENTRAL QUINTANA ROO, MEXICO by Christine Elizabeth Cairns Florida International University, 2002 Miami, Florida Professor David Bray, Major Professor The Maya of the Yucatan region have a long history of keeping the native stingless bees (subfamily Meliponinae). However, market forces in the last two decades have driven the Maya to favor the use of invasive Africanized honey bees (Apis mellifera scutellata) for producing large quantities of high quality honey which has an international market. Furthermore, the native bees traditionally used by the Maya are now disappearing, along with the practice of keeping them. An interdisciplinary approach was taken in order to determine the social factors behind the decrease in stingless beekeeping and the ecological driving forces behind their disappearance from the wild. Social research methods included participant observation with stingless beekeepers, Apis beekeepers, and marketing intermediaries. Ecological research methods included point observations of commonly known melliferous and polliniferous plants along transects in three communities with different degrees of human induced ecosystem disturbance. The stingless bee species most important to the Maya, Melipona beecheii, has become extremely rare, and this has caused a breakdown of stingless beekeeping tradition, compounded with the pressure of the market economy, which fuels Apis beekeeping and has lessened the influence of
Renormalization Scheme Dependence and the Problem of Theoretical Uncertainties in Next-Next-to-Leading Order QCD Predictions

Renormalization scheme uncertainties in the next-next-to-leading order QCD predictions are discussed. To obtain an estimate of these uncertainties it is proposed to compare predictions in all schemes that do not have unnaturally large expansion coefficients. A concrete prescription for eliminating the unnatural schemes is given, based on the requirement that large cancellations in the expression for the characteristic renormalization scheme invariant should be avoided. As an example the QCD corrections to the Bjorken sum rule are considered. The importance of the next-next-to-leading order corrections for a proper evaluation of perturbative QCD predictions is emphasized.
Partitioning locomotor energy use among and within muscles. Muscle blood flow as a measure of muscle oxygen consumption.

SUMMARY Linking the mechanics and energetics of locomotion in vertebrates has been hampered by a lack of information regarding the energy use of individual skeletal muscles in vivo. Here, we present a review of the available data concerning the relationship between the rates of skeletal muscle blood flow and oxygen consumption (VO2). In active muscle, during aerobically supported exercise, there is a linear relationship between these variables, irrespective of the muscle fiber type and intensity of exercise through most of the aerobic exercise range. We conclude that the rate of blood flow is the best available indicator of aerobic metabolic rate in multiple individual muscles or regions of muscles during locomotion. The practical considerations of using the injectable microsphere technique to measure muscle blood flow in this context are discussed.
MOSE: Live Migration Based On-the-Fly Software Emulation

Software emulation has been proven useful in many scenarios, such as software testing, malware analysis, and intrusion response. However, fine-grained software emulation (e.g., at the instruction level) incurs considerable execution overhead (about 8x performance degradation), which hampers its use in production settings. In this paper, we propose MOSE (Live Migration based On-the-fly Software Emulation) that combines the performance advantages of hardware virtualization and the fine-grained analysis capability (comprehensiveness) of whole-system software emulation. Namely, a system can run as normal on a hardware-virtualized platform at near native speed, but when needed, it can be live-migrated to an emulator, not necessarily running on the same physical system, for in-depth analysis and triage; when the analysis is complete, the virtual machine can be migrated back to benefit from full hardware-virtualization again. In this way, the performance degradation is only experienced during analysis and triage. To demonstrate this new capability, we built a proof of concept on-the-fly software emulation system, based on QEMU/KVM and DECAF, the Dynamic Executable Code Analysis Framework. We also perform three case studies: automated kernel panic triage, live-patching a security vulnerability, and on-demand symbolic execution, to illustrate on-demand instruction level analysis.
The gender effects of the new Boston Marathon qualification standards

In 2011, the Boston Athletic Association tightened the standards to qualify for the Boston Marathon from 2013 onwards. By simply deducting five minutes and eliminating grace periods, the BAA failed to address differences between female and male qualifying times. Given public outcry and claims of unfairness, our paper tests whether the new standards had unequal gender effects on qualification. Using data on 1.42 million finishers over six years, we find that male qualifying decreased by 5% under the new standards while female qualifying only decreased by 2%, though these effects vary across age divisions.
Licofelone down-regulates lypoxygenases LOX-5, LOX-12, and vasculoendothelial growth factor (VEGF) in metastatic prostate cancer cells.

Fifth AACR International Conference on Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research, Nov 12-15, 2006 A87 Metabolism of arachidonic acid by either the cyclooxygenase (COX) or the lipoxygenase (LOX) pathways generates eicosanoids involved in tumor promotion, progression and metastasis of cancer. It has been pointed out that inhibition of one of the biosynthetic ways, either COX or LOX alone may not modulate the carcinogenesis metabolism of AA. Hence, both COX and LOX pathways need to be targeted simultaneously. Earlier studies indicate that licofelone (ML-3000) is a potent inhibitor of cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (5-LOX) enzymes in human and bovine thrombocytes and granulocytes in vitro. Most importantly, it was shown to exert analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects in several animal models of arthritis. Based on these concepts, in the present study, we tested for the first time the efficacy of licofelone, a novel inhibitor of COX /LOX enzymes, in a dose dependent manner, against metastatic prostate cancer. To determine the chemopreventive efficacy and cell growth inhibition by licofelone, we used 59R cells derived from metastatic prostate cancer of the transgenic adenocarcinoma of the mouse prostate (TRAMP).We also compared the effects of licofelone in cells derived from human benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) which exhibits increased androgen responsiveness. Phase contrast microscopic observation of cells treated with licofelone revealed a dose dependent effect against cancer cell growth. An IC50 at10μM was observed within 48 h in 59R cells. Fewer adherent and more floating cells were recorded at doses of 30, 40 and 50 μM concentrations. A moderate inhibition of cell growth was observed with BPH cells at 10μM after 48h. Apoptotic cells were visualized by annexine V staining and confirmed with DAPI staining. Semi-quantification revealed the appearance of early apoptotic cells (65%) at 48 h with 10μM concentration. Western blot analysis of the total protein indicated a marked inhibition of COX-2, LOX-5 and vasculoendothelial growth factor (VEGF) by licofelone in 59R cells. As the base level expression of COX-2 protein in BPH cells was not much higher than the licofelone treated cells, at this point we conclude that there is no significant change. It is also important to mention here that we did not see significant changes on COX-1 protein expression in the licofelone treated cells. Further, licofelone reduced the level of PGE2 very effectively (P<0.005) and the level of PGE2 in 59R cell lysate in comparison to that in the cell culture medium was significantly lower. Real time RT-PCR analysis using specific primers for COX-2, PGE2, LOX-5, LOX-12and VEGFshowed reduced mRNA expression with licofelone compared to the untreated control. Overall, our preliminary findings indicate a promising role for licofelone against metastatic prostate cancer which lies in its ability inhibiting key enzymes involved in the AA metabolism and to induce anti-inflammatory effects.
Incorporating Ecology into Marketing Strategy: The Case of Air Pollution:

A gasoline that claimed to reduce automotive emissions was introduced in a high air pollution area. This article reports the results of a study, completed six weeks after the introduction of the ne...
Apo2L/TRAIL differentially modulates the apoptotic effects of sulindac and a COX-2 selective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent in Bax-deficient cells.

The nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are believed to mediate their anticancer effects by inducing apoptosis but the molecular mechanisms of their apoptotic effects remain largely unknown. Here we report that two different NSAIDs, sulindac sulfide and SC-′236 engage the death receptor 5 (DR5) and mitochondrial pathways to mediate apoptosis in human colon cancer cells. We show that sulindac sulfide and SC-′236-induced apoptosis is coupled with upregulation of DR5, caspase 8 activation and Bid cleavage. Thus, a cross talk appears to exist between the DR5 and mitochondrial pathways during apoptosis induced by these NSAIDs. We further show that sulindac sulfide and SC-′236-induced DR5 upregulation occurs independent of the COX inhibitory effects of these NSAIDs. Using Bax-proficient (Bax+/−) and Bax-deficient (Bax−/−) HCT116 human colon cancer cells, we further demonstrate that Apo2L/TRAIL differentially modulates the apoptotic effects of sulindac sulfide and SC-′236. For example, sulindac sulfide upregulates DR5 in both Bax-deficient and proficient cells, but Apo2L/TRAIL efficiently potentiates sulindac sulfide-induced apoptosis as well as activation of caspase-8, -9 and -3 only in Bax-proficient cells. SC-′236 also upregulates DR5 in both Bax-proficient and Bax-deficient cells but Apo2L/TRAIL potentiates SC-′236-mediated apoptosis and caspases-8 and -3 activation in both Bax-proficient and Bax-deficient cells. Further, in Bax-deficient cells, neither sulindac sulfide nor SC-′236 in combination with Apo2L/TRAIL effectively promotes the release of cytochrome c from mitochondria into cytosol and caspase-9 activation. Collectively, our results suggest that unlike sulindac sulfide, SC-′236 in combination with Apo2L/TRAIL can overcome Bax deficiency to induce apoptosis. These results have important clinical implications in that the tumors harboring Bax mutations are likely to develop resistance to sulindac but not to SC-′236-like NSAIDs. In conclusion, the data presented herein form the basis of future in-depth studies to further explore the utility of Apo2L/TRAIL and NSAIDs, in combination, as a novel cancer preventive/therapeutic strategy.
Clinical Status and Optimal Use of the Cardioprotectant, Dexrazoxane

Anthracycline antibiotic use is limited by cardiac toxicity. The risk factors are cumulative dose, radiation to the chest and mediastinum, age, and preexisting myocardial impairment. Dexrazoxane (Zinecard) can prevent
Sertraline demonstrates fungicidal activity in vitro for Coccidioides immitis.

ABSTRACTCoccidioidomycosis causes substantial morbidity in endemic areas. Disseminated coccidioidomycosis is an AIDS defining condition and treatment often requires lifelong antifungal therapy. Sertraline, a widely used serotonin-reuptake inhibitor anti-depressant, has demonstrated activity against Candida and Cryptococcus sp. both in vitro and in vivo. To evaluate if sertraline has activity against Coccidioides, the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal fungicidal concentration (MFC) of sertraline for four clinical isolates of C. immitis were determined. Sertraline was observed to have an MIC range of 4–8 µg/ml and MFC also of 4–8 µg/ml for Coccidioides. These MIC and MFC results for C. immitis are similar to those reported for Cryptococcus sp. suggesting sertraline may potentially have utility for the treatment of coccidioidomycosis.
Dual buck based power decoupling circuit for single phase inverter/rectifier

Single phase rectifiers and inverters are inherently subject to double-line frequency ripple power, at both the ac and dc sides, which has adverse effects on the overall system performance. Normally a bulky capacitor is placed at the dc side of the circuit to prevent this ripple power ripple from reaching the dc source. This approach results in low power density and reliability issues. As a result, active power decoupling methods have been proposed such that the total capacitance required can be orders of magnitude smaller. This paper proposed a new power decoupling circuit, which is composed of two separate buck converters operating in each half cycle and two split dc-link capacitors. The dc link capacitors can be used to store ripple power while supporting transient power to the main output. The capacitance needed is reduced largely by allowing high voltage fluctuation on capacitors, while the dc link voltage can be controlled with small fluctuation. The dc link capacitors can be fully charged and discharged with full energy utilization. The added power decoupling module does not need dead time, and totally eliminates the shoot through concerns, which could enhance the system reliability. Another advantage of the proposed power decoupling method is that its control is independent with that of the main power stage. Modulation and control strategy are proposed for the power decoupling circuit. The operating principles together with parameters design are discussed in detail. Both simulation and experimental results prove the effectiveness of this method.
Management of Dysrhythmias Associated With Acute Myocardial Infarction: Second of Two Parts

Deciding how to treat a disturbance of cardiac rhythm can be especially difficult if the patient is already in the coronary care unit, having had an acute myocardial infarction. While there is still disagreement about how some forms of rhythm disturbance are best treated, a degree of uniformity is evolving from the aggregate clinical experience.
Angiotensin Receptor Blockers Reduce Cardiovascular Events, Including the Risk of Myocardial Infarction.

Opposing Viewpoint, see p 2088 More than a decade ago, the 15 245–patient VALUE trial (Valsartan Antihypertensive Long-Term Use Evaluation),1 designed to show “that for the same level of blood-pressure (BP) control, valsartan-based treatment would be superior to amlodipine-based treatment in reduction of cardiac morbidity and mortality,” unexpectedly fell short in that myocardial infarction (MI) was 19% more common in the valsartan arm than in the amlodipine arm. Because renin-angiotensin system inhibitors, specifically ACEIs, previously were documented to have cardioprotective properties, failure in doing so in VALUE was blamed on valsartan and the ARBs as a class. An accompanying editorial stating that ARBs “may increase MI—and patients may need to be told”2 caused a tempest in the teapot and led to extensive scrutiny of outcome data with this drug class. Subsequently, a number of investigators have proposed the concept of an “MI paradox” associated with ARBs. There was little question that at the time, in 2004, the editorialists had a point. However, many more solid randomized trials have been completed with results published since then that gradually but relentlessly challenged the above point of view.3 In the following, we analyze in aggregate the evidence of the comparative efficacy and safety of ACEIs and ARBs. When we look at experimental data and cardiac surrogate end points such as regression of left …
School Integration Matters: Research-based Strategies to Advance Equity, edited by Erica Frankenberg, Liliana M. Garces, and Megan Hopkins, New York, NY, Teachers College Press, 2016, 244 pp., $38.95 (paperback), ISBN-13: 978-0-80775-755-0

In School Integration Matters: Research-based Strategies to Advance Equity, the editors and chapter writers examine the historical significance of integration efforts, contemporary arguments for ad...
Dynamic cycling of t-SNARE acylation regulates platelet exocytosis

Platelets regulate vascular integrity by secreting a host of molecules that promote hemostasis and its sequelae. Given the importance of platelet exocytosis, it is critical to understand how it is controlled. The t-SNAREs, SNAP-23 and syntaxin-11, lack classical transmembrane domains (TMDs), yet both are associated with platelet membranes and redistributed into cholesterol-dependent lipid rafts when platelets are activated. Using metabolic labeling and hydroxylamine (HA)/HCl treatment, we showed that both contain thioester-linked acyl groups. Mass spectrometry mapping further showed that syntaxin-11 was modified on cysteine 275, 279, 280, 282, 283, and 285, and SNAP-23 was modified on cysteine 79, 80, 83, 85, and 87. Interestingly, metabolic labeling studies showed incorporation of [3H]palmitate into the t-SNAREs increased although the protein levels were unchanged, suggesting that acylation turns over on the two t-SNAREs in resting platelets. Exogenously added fatty acids did compete with [3H]palmitate for t-SNARE labeling. To determine the effects of acylation, we measured aggregation, ADP/ATP release, as well as P-selectin exposure in platelets treated with the acyltransferase inhibitor cerulenin or the thioesterase inhibitor palmostatin B. We found that cerulenin pretreatment inhibited t-SNARE acylation and platelet function in a dose- and time-dependent manner whereas palmostatin B had no detectable effect. Interestingly, pretreatment with palmostatin B blocked the inhibitory effects of cerulenin, suggesting that maintaining the acylation state is important for platelet function. Thus, our work shows that t-SNARE acylation is actively cycling in platelets and suggests that the enzymes regulating protein acylation could be potential targets to control platelet exocytosis in vivo.
Practice, Advocacy, and Outreach: Perspectives on Addiction Services

This chapter addresses the concepts of practice, advocacy, and outreach as they pertain to addiction and/or substance abuse. There are many different ways that each of these concepts can be viewed. For the purpose of this chapter, definitions for each concept are provided to explain of how each is viewed. The terms addiction, substance dependence, and substance abuse are used interchangeably, as are substance abuse care and substance abuse treatment and client(s), patient(s), and individual(s) with an addiction.
The Teachings of Jesus and Piaget'S Concept of Mature Moral Judgment

The teachings of Jesus represent the highest level of moral judgment possible and thus become the criterion by which all views of morality must be appraised. A comparison of Jesus’ words and Piaget...
Effect of interstitial palladium on plasmon-driven charge transfer in nanoparticle dimers

Capacitive plasmon coupling between noble metal nanoparticles (NPs) is characterized by an increasing red-shift of the bonding dipolar plasmon mode (BDP) in the classical electromagnetic coupling regime. This model breaks down at short separations where plasmon-driven charge transfer induces a gap current between the NPs with a magnitude and separation dependence that can be modulated if molecules are present in the gap. Here, we use gap contained DNA as a scaffold for the growth of palladium (Pd) NPs in the gap between two gold NPs and investigate the effect of increasing Pd NP concentration on the BDP mode. Consistent with enhanced plasmon-driven charge transfer, the integration of discrete Pd NPs depolarizes the capacitive BDP mode over longer interparticle separations than is possible in only DNA-linked Au NPs. High Pd NP densities in the gap increases the gap conductance and induces the transition from capacitive to conductive coupling. Plasmon coupling between nanoparticles may depend not only on interparticle gap distance, but also on gap conductance. Here, the authors modify the gap conductance—and thus the plasmon response—between gold nanoparticle dimers by growing varying amounts of palladium nanoparticles in the gap.
Bureaucratic reputation in the eyes of citizens: an analysis of US federal agencies:

Bureaucratic reputation has been defined as a set of beliefs about a public organization’s capacities, roles, and obligations that are embedded in a network of multiple audiences (Carpenter, 2010)....
Dual antiplatelet and oral anticoagulant therapy: increasing use and precautions for a hazardous combination.

The prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in the U.S. is projected to reach nearly 8 million individuals by 2020 ([1][1]). Stroke prevention in AF is the most common indication for warfarin. Approximately one-third of these individuals will also have coronary artery disease. Overall, the number of
The Biosynthesis of Unusual Polyamides Containing Glutamic Acid

A study of the effect of culture time and the availability of nutrients on the production and molecular weight of bacterially derived γ-polyglutamic acid (γ-PGA) has been carried out. The introduction of additional nutrients after a 3 day culture period improved polymer production (in γ-PGA g/L) and gave polymer of higher molecular weight relative to control samples. Modification of the product polyamides by synthesis of the corresponding ethyl and propyl esters has been carried out. Characterization of these products by NMR spectroscopy and thermal analysis is reported.
VACCINATIONS | Bacterial, for Pneumonia

Bacterial respiratory infections are a major cause of morbidity and mortality around the world. The multiple serotypes of common bacterial pathogens have made vaccine development a challenge and have limited the effectiveness of vaccines for preventing serious illness in adults. However, very effective vaccines have been developed for the strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Hemophilus influenzae which mainly affect children, and these vaccines have greatly decreased the incidence of serious invasive illness due to these pathogens in younger age groups. The commonly used vaccines against Bordatella pertussis have also had a profound impact on reducing morbidity and mortality from whooping cough, although it is recognized now that protection with this vaccine is not life-long, although clinical illness in previously vaccinated individuals is usually quite mild. The future refinement of these vaccines holds continued promise for prevention of even more deaths due to common respiratory pathogens.
Scale distortion from pressure baselines as a source of inaccuracy in triple-isotope measurements.

RATIONALE Isotope ratio measurements have become extremely precise in recent years, with many approaching parts-per-million (ppm) levels of precision. However, seemingly innocuous errors in signal baselines, which exist only when gas enters the instrument, might lead to significant errors. These "pressure-baseline" (PBL) offsets may have a variety of origins, such as incoherent scattering of the analyte, isobaric interferences, or electron ablation from the walls of the flight tube. They are probably present in all but ultra-high-resolution instruments, but their importance for high-precision measurements has not been investigated. METHODS We derive the governing equations for the PBL effect. We compare the oxygen triple-isotope composition of gases on three different mass spectrometers before and after applying a correction for PBLs to determine their effects. We also compare the composition of atmospheric O2 with that of several standard minerals (San-Carlos Olivine and UWG-2) on two high-precision mass spectrometers and compare those results with the differences reported in the literature. RESULTS We find that PBLs lead to stretching or compression of isotopic variations. The scale distortion is non-mass-dependent, affecting the accuracy of triple-isotope covariations. The governing equations suggest that linear stretching corrections using traditional isotopic delta values (e.g., δ18 O) are rigorous for PBL-induced errors in pure gases. When the reference and sample gases are not comparable in composition or purity, however, a different correction scheme may be required. These non-mass-dependent errors are systematic and may have influenced previous measurements of triple-isotope covariations in natural materials. CONCLUSIONS Accurate measurements of isotopic variations are essential to biogeochemistry and for testing theoretical models of isotope effects. PBLs are probably ubiquitous, contributing to the interlaboratory disagreements in triple-isotope compositions of materials differing greatly in δ18 O values. Moreover, they may lead to inaccurate determination of triple-isotope compositions and fractionation factors, which has implications for isotopic studies in hydrology and biogeochemistry.
Activists, Non-activists, and Allies: Civic Engagement and Student Types at MSIs

Higher education institutions across the country aim to contribute to students’ ability to become active citizens. Civic engagement has long been an emphasis of higher education and has become a focal point from innovations such as the Carnegie Foundation’s elective classification for community engagement and service-learning (Saltmarsh & Zlotkowski, 2011). Researchers have demonstrated that foundational values of democratic engagement including inclusiveness, relationships between students who engaged in cross-racial interactions, co-curricular activities and diversity experiences are related to higher levels of civic awareness and engagement (Bowman, 2011; Hurtado & DeAngelo, 2012). Furthermore, students who participated in protests were more likely to have complex thinking about democracy and awareness of global problems. Civic engagement is embedded in the history of minority student groups on college campuses, with their influence on increased access and resources, as well as their fight for more inclusive and productive campus environments (Abrego, 2008; Borjian, 2018; Gasman, Spencer & Orphan, 2015). Although civic engagement has been examined across various student groups, there is limited research on the impact of civic engagement at minority-serving institutions. The study uses a large-scale, cross-sectional approach to analyze college students’ participation in civic engagement activities at 24 minority-serving institutions from 2013 to 2017 using data from the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE). Aspects of civic engagement examined include students’ participation in events that address social or political issues, frequency of interactions with diverse others, participation in leadership and service-learning activities, and perceptions of their institution’s contribution to their growth in areas such as becoming an informed and active citizen. Additionally, researchers explored students’ ability to resolve conflicts that involve bias and prejudice and contribute to the well-being of their community; how frequently students inform themselves of state, national, or global issues; and how they may organize others around a cause. The data led to the creation of three types of student activists. The results have implications for student affairs professionals, administrators, and faculty to redefine how students participate in civic engagement activities, to shape civic education experiences on their campus, and to help students learn how to find and use their voices.
Painted Bunting (Passerina ciris) caught in the web of a giant lichen orb-weaver spider (Araneus bicentenarius)

ABSTRACT Orb-weaver spiders weave large webs that are capable of entrapping various species of birds. We report a case of a male Painted Bunting (Passerina ciris) caught in the web of a giant liche...
Lateral flow assay ruler for quantitative and rapid point-of-care testing

Lateral flow assay (LFA) is a well-established platform for point-of-care (POC) testing due to its low cost and user friendliness. Conventional LFAs provide qualitative or semi-quantitative results and require dedicated instruments for quantitative detection. Here, we developed an "LFA ruler" for quantitative and rapid readout of LFA results, using a 3D printed strip cassette and a simple, inexpensive microfluidic chip. Platinum nanoparticles are used as signal amplification reporters, which catalyze the generation of oxygen to push ink advancement in the microfluidic channel. The concentration of the target is linearly correlated with the ink advancement distance. The entire assay can be completed within 30 minutes without external instruments and complicated operations. We demonstrated quantitative prostate specific antigen testing using the LFA ruler, with a limit of detection of 0.54 ng mL-1, linear range of 0-12 ng mL-1, and high correlation with a clinical gold standard assay. The LFA ruler achieves low cost, quantitative, sensitive and rapid detection, which has great potential in POC testing and can be extended to quantify other disease biomarkers.
(367) Low Dose Naltrexone for Neuropathic Pain Related to an Electrical Burn Injury: A Case Study

A 36- year old male with a past history significant for bipolar disorder, depression, and PTSD presented to UW Pain Clinic for management of ongoing pain related to an electrical burn injury (4.5%) to the left hand and flank sustained in August 2016. He underwent a skin graft for the burn six months later and has experienced difficulties with his pain since. During the consult, the patient described his pain as a burning, tingling sensation over the left flank and hand. He also experiences sharp muscle cramps in that area which are made significantly worse in cold temperatures. His described pain upon initial presentation was an 8-9/10. Prior to the consult, the patient was prescribed several medications for muscle spasms and neuropathic pain including baclofen, LyricaO, TopamaxO, CymbaltaO, and topical pain creams without significant benefit. Patient then underwent a trial of IV lidocaine infusion however this treatment likewise did not provide any significant pain relief. Considering the lack of success with the previous attempted treatment regimens, patient was prescribed Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN). Within 8 weeks, the patient reported meaningful pain relief compared to the previous unsuccessful treatments with continued progress reported during subsequent visits. In this case, LDN provided effective relief for neuropathic burn related pain where previous conventional modalities failed. Potential explanations include direct pharmacological effects of LDN and/or its synergistic effects with the patient's other medications that continued to be prescribed. This case provides the opportunity to further explore the use and benefits of LDN for neuropathic pain in patients, particularly those with burn related injuries who do not favorably respond to conventional medication therapies.
STEM Education Enrichment in NYC

This research discusses the enhanced three-tiered structure used in the NEST project model which has been designed to recruit and retain interns and scholars to become qualified STEM teachers. Based on existing program data and external program evaluations through surveys and interviews from the existing NSF Noyce Scholarship Phase I program, several key findings were used to enrich the design of the NEST project. Several improvements were implemented from the current model.
Alcohol in Traumatic Brain Injury: Toxic or Therapeutic?

Abstract Background Alcohol (EtOH) poses a challenge in traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) given its metabolic and neurologic impact. Studies have had opposing results regarding mortality and complication rates in the intoxicated TBI patient. We hypothesized that trauma mechanism, brain injury severity, and blood alcohol concentration (BAC) would influence the impact of EtOH on mortality in TBI. Methods We performed a single-institution retrospective review of consecutive adult trauma patients tested for EtOH and a diagnosis of TBI. The primary outcome was mortality, and secondary outcomes included infectious complications. The primary analysis included univariate and multivariate regression comparing mortality between intoxicated and sober patients, at different values of BAC, different brain injury severities, and among mechanisms of trauma. Results Admission EtOH was assessed in 583 patients with TBI, with 256 testing positive for EtOH and 327 testing negative. Overall, EtOH was associated with lower mortality on univariate analysis (4.7% versus 8.9%, P = 0.05) but not on multivariate analysis (P = 0.21). There was no effect of EtOH on mortality when patients were stratified by brain injury severity or among penetrating trauma victims. However, EtOH was associated with lower overall infectious complications on univariate and multivariate regression. Finally, EtOH was predictive of mortality with an area under the receiver operator characteristic curve of 0.83. Conclusions We found that EtOH is not associated with mortality in the patient with TBI, suggesting no causative effect. However, EtOH showed some predictability of mortality based on a receiver operator characteristic analysis. Interestingly, EtOH was associated with lower infectious complications, suggesting an immunomodulatory effect of EtOH in TBI.
Corticotrophins, corticosteroids, and prostaglandins

Abstract This is a review of current literature published between January 2018 and January 2019 including any publications regarding adverse effects related to corticotrophins, corticosteroids, and prostaglandins. The following medications are included: corticotrophins, glucocorticoids, and the following prostaglandins alprostadil (PGE1), epoprostenol (PGI1 analogue), iloprost (PGI2 analogue), misoprostol (PGE1 analogue), and treprostinil (PGI2 analogue).
Using the pup retrieval instinct as reinforcement for efficient auditory learning in mice.

Abstract There is growing interest in the mechanisms for natural sensory learning in pro-social contexts. Studies using a maternal model of social behavior in the mouse have provided new insight into the auditory processing of behaviorally relevant pup vocalizations, which are used as communication signals to elicit pup retrieval behavior by adult females. Whether neural and behavioral plasticity in response to these vocalizations reflect auditory associative learning linking the sounds to pups, versus simply a change in maternal responsiveness to evolved vocal signals, remains an open question. Here we describe a T-maze paradigm to track auditory learning as we pair an initially neutral, non-ethological stimulus with delivery of a pup for retrieval, which is intrinsically reinforcing for rodents. • Training is rapid and completely appetitive. • Over a period of 7 × 50-minute daily training sessions, animals increasingly use the sound to guide their arm choice for pup retrieval, with an increase in performance from chance to an average of ~80% on day 7. • This pairing method establishes a newly-formed sensory association using a natural maternal behavioral response, and lays a solid foundation for studies into the neurochemical and circuit mechanisms that mediate auditory associative learning in natural social contexts.
First light from tidal disruption events

When a star comes too close to a supermassive black hole, it gets torn apart by strong tidal forces in a tidal disruption event, or TDE. Half of the elongated stream of debris comes back to the stellar pericenter where relativistic apsidal precession induces a self-crossing shock. As a result, the gas gets launched into an outflow that can experience additional interactions, leading to the formation of an accretion disc. We carry out the first radiation-hydrodynamics simulations of this process, making use of the same injection procedure to treat the self-crossing shock as in our previous adiabatic study (Bonnerot & Lu 2020). Two sets of realistic parameters of the problem are considered that correspond to different strengths of this initial interaction. In both cases, we find that the injected matter has its trajectories promptly circularized by secondary shocks taking place near the black hole. However, the generated internal energy efficiently diffuses away in the form of radiation, which results in a thin vertical profile of the formed disc. The diffusing photons promptly irradiate the surrounding debris until they emerge with a bolometric luminosity of $L\approx 10^{44} \, \rm erg\, s^{-1}$. Towards the self-crossing shock, diffusion is however slowed that results in a shallower luminosity increase, with a potentially significant component in the optical band. Matter launched to large distances continuously gains energy through radiation pressure, which can cause a significant fraction to become unbound. This work provides direct insight into the origin of the early emission from TDEs, which is accessed by a rapidly increasing number of observations.
Examining the Intersection of Ethics and Adoption

Ethics are implicitly embedded in nearly every aspect of adoption. They are at the heart of our professional practice – including, but not exclusive to, educators, medical practitioners, lawyers, m...
Thermal conductivity studies on composites of poly(phenylene ether)/polyamide with hollow glass beads (HGB)

Thermally insulating polymer composites are in focus due to the growing industrial demand for sustainable and energy efficient materials. Polymers are intrinsically poor thermal conductors and this property is further enhanced by the addition of insulating fillers in the polymer matrix. Rigid hollow glass beads (HGB) containing polymeric composites are expected to have low thermal conductivities and have additional properties, such as sound proofing, light weight and improved mechanical properties. Four different types of HGB with varying crush strengths, particle size/distributions and densities were evaluated in poly(phenylene ether/polyamide (PPE/PA66) blend to further reduce the blend’s intrinsic thermal conductivity. The results showed that the reduction in thermal conductivity was dependent on density and extent of breakage of HGB during processing. Amongst all the evaluated HGB, S38XHS grade of HGB could significantly reduce the thermal conductivity of PPE/PA66 blend.
Intermediary role of lung alveolar type 1 cells in epithelial repair upon Sendai virus infection

The lung epithelium forms the first barrier against respiratory pathogens and noxious chemicals; however, little is known about how >90% of this barrier - made of alveolar type 1 (AT1) cells - responds to injury, in contrast to our accumulating knowledge of epithelial progenitor and stem cells whose importance lies in their ability to restore the barrier. Using Sendai virus to model natural infection in mice, we combine 3D imaging, lineage-tracing, and single-cell genomics to show that AT1 cells have an intermediary role by persisting in areas depleted of alveolar type 2 (AT2) cells, mounting an interferon response, and receding from invading airway cells. Sendai virus infection mobilizes airway cells to form alveolar SOX2+ clusters without differentiating into AT1 or AT2 cells, as shown in influenza models. Intriguingly, large AT2-cell-depleted areas remain covered by AT1 cells, which we name "AT2-less regions", and are replaced by SOX2+ clusters spreading both basally and luminally around AT1 cell extensions. AT2 cell proliferation and differentiation are largely confined to topologically distal regions - the end of airspace that could be in the periphery or middle of the lung - and form de novo alveolar surface, with limited contribution to in situ repair of AT2-less regions. Time course single-cell RNA-seq and AT1-cell interactome analyses suggest enhanced recognition of AT1 cells by immune cells and altered growth signals. Our comprehensive spatiotemporal and genome-wide study highlights the hitherto unappreciated role of AT1 cells during Sendai virus infection and possibly other injury-repair processes.
Beer Style Advocacy: Strengthening the Relationship Between Consumers’ Satisfaction and Repurchase Intention

This study tested the commitment consistency principle by examining a model of consumers’ willingness to advocate for their preferred beer style which mediates the relationship between quality or s...
Prenatal choline supplementation during mouse pregnancy has differential effects in alcohol-exposed fetal organs.

Background Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) are preventable adverse outcomes consequent to prenatal alcohol exposure. Supplemental choline confers neuroprotection to the alcohol-exposed offspring, but its actions outside the brain are unclear. We previously reported that prenatal exposure of mice to 4.5 g/kg of alcohol decreased placental weight in females only, but decreased body weight and liver-to-body weight ratio and increased brain-to-body weight ratio in both sexes. Here we test the hypotheses that a lower alcohol dose will elicit similar outcomes, and that concurrent choline treatment will mitigate these outcomes. Methods Pregnant C57BL/6J mice were gavaged with alcohol (3 g/kg; Alc) or maltodextrin (MD) from embryonic day (E) 8.5-17.5. Some also received a subcutaneous injection of 100 mg/kg choline chloride (Alc + Cho, MD + Cho). Outcomes were evaluated on E17.5. Results Alc dams had lower gestational weight gain than MD; this was normalized by choline. In males, Alc decreased placental weight whereas choline increased placental efficiency, and Alc + Cho (vs. MD) tended to further reduce placental weight and increase efficiency. Despite no significant alcohol effects on these measures, choline increased fetal body weight but not brain weight, thus reducing brain-to-body weight ratio in both sexes. This ratio was also lower in the Alc + Cho (vs. MD) fetuses. Alc reduced liver weight and the liver-to-body weight ratio; choline did not improve these. Placental weight and efficiency correlated with litter size, whereas placental efficiency correlated with fetal morphometric measurements. Conclusions Choline prevents an alcohol-induced reduction in gestational weight gain and fetal body weight and corrects fetal brain sparing, consistent with clinical findings of improvements in alcohol-exposed children born to mothers receiving choline supplementation. Importantly, we show that choline enhances placental efficiency in the alcohol-exposed offspring but does not normalize fetal liver growth. Our findings support choline supplementation during pregnancy to mitigate the severity of FASD and emphasize the need to examine choline's actions in different organ systems.
The Impacts of VLJs on Tennessee Airports: A Case Study

In an effort to determine the level of preparedness among Tennessee general aviation (GA) airports for accommodating and servicing Very Light Jets (VLJs), a survey was conducted to determine if managers of Tennessee’s GA airports feel their operations are adequately prepared to support the anticipated increase in aircraft movements and on-demand services related to the introduction of this new class of aircraft. The study investigated the perceptions of airport executives concerning the emerging VLJ market, and efforts undertaken to both prepare and promote general aviation airports in Tennessee as viable destinations for the VLJ operator. The paper highlights the VLJ movement (including the background of VLJ development), discusses the projected benefits of VLJs to local Tennessee communities not serviced by commercial air carrier service, and presents results of the survey. The study concludes by presenting several practical recommendations that governmental leaders and airport managers may use to justify improvements and expansion projects aimed at marketing general aviation airports across the state of Tennessee as important destinations for VLJs.
Entry from Lunar and Planetary Missions

In recent years, space technology has progressed from that required for small unmanned earth-orbital satellites and manned earth-orbital spacecraft to unmanned planetary probes and unmanned lunar-landing devices. Firm national commitments have been made for a manned lunar landing within the next several years. With the completion of the design, ground test, and preliminary flight test of the Apollo spacecraft, new emphasis is being placed on missions leading to greater utility of earth-orbital systems. Of particular interest are increased payload, extended mission duration, and more operational flexibility. Concurrently, extensive effort is being expended to examine the factors involved in extending the initial lunar-landing capability of early Apollo flights to lunar exploration, planetary flyby, and, finally, planetary landing. It is with the latter missions that this chapter is concerned, since these missions may require the use of new design concepts. In defining the problems associated with flights to the planets and developing their solutions, it is useful to exploit the technology already gained from contemporary earth-orbital entry vehicles.