cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Ascension of Christ and Pentecost

D LUKE invent the ascension? Why is the Christian feast of Pentecost referred to only by Luke in the NT? How are these two early Christian events recounted by him to be understood in relation to the resurrection of Christ? These modern questions are occasioned by the annual liturgical celebration of the Ascension between two feasts inherited by the Christian community from the Palestinian Jewish calendar and "baptized": Passover celebrated as paschal Easter and Weeks celebrated as Pentecost. The article of the Creed of Nicaea and Constantinople recited by Christians every Sunday includes the affirmation "He ascended into heaven," but only rarely does one reflect on the implications of such an affirmation. Furthermore, the way in which modern Christians think about the ascension of Christ and about the Pentecostexperience often gives rise to problems in the understanding of the NT texts that treat of these two early Christian events. Hence it may be worthwhile to try once again to sort out what the NT itself has to say about the ascension of Christ and about Pentecost to deepen our theological understanding of them, for the two events are not only intimately connected but are also related to the resurrection, the heart of Christian faith.
Reactivity of a novel Fe(III) carboxymethylenecyclam complex towards dioxygen and superoxide

Abstract The synthesis and physico-chemical characterization of a novel Fe(III) low-spin (V/Δ = 0.648), macrocyclic complex, [FeIIIL-(Cl−)]Cl having the pentadentate ligand N-carboxymethylene-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane, AcOH[14]aneN4, is reported. It has been shown that the complex undergoes a reversible one-electron reduction ( E 1 2 = −0.19±0.01 V versus NHE in DMSO/Bu4NBF4 solution) forming the Fe(II) complex which reacts rapidly with dioxygen, if present. Under aerobic conditions, the electrochemical response of [FeIIIL(Cl−)]+ indicates the production of an Fe(III) μ-peroxo dimer. On the basis of stopped-flow kinetics analysis in aqueous solution, it has been demonstrated that the Fe(III) complex accelerates dismutation of the superoxide radical, k = 3.0±1.0×107 M−1 s−1; 21.0 °C; pH = 8.1. Moreover, ESR studies on potassium superoxide in DMSO show that the radical is rapidly removed by [FeIIIL(Cl−)]+. In the course of this reaction, a new ferric low-spin form of the Fe(III) complex with lower g anisotropy (V/Δ = 0.332; gx = 2.331, gy = 2.192, gz = 1.989) has been found.
A pulse height analyzer with automatic differential deadtime correction

A 4096-channel pulse height analyzer is described that features automatic differential deadtime correction of spectra at input rates up to 5 × 104/s.
Editor's Choice: Lessons on Disability and the Rights of Students:

The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the American with Disabilities Act of 1990 form the basis for this discussion of students with disabilities and the role played by community college faculty in promoting their success. After asserting the need to foster self-awareness in one's perceptions of those with disabilities, the author defines practices that ensure receptive classroom environments with examples of effective attitudes, behaviors, and language.
Gender Representation in Trials

Abstract The perception is that women have been understudied relative to men. It has been sufficient to cause Congress to enact legislation to require that a clinical trial must be “designed and carried out in a manner sufficient to provide for a valid analysis of whether the variables being studied in the trial affect women … differently than other subjects in the trial.” We looked for evidence as to whether the perception has a basis in fact by looking at measures of gender-based research effort. Clinical trials, published between 1966 and 1998 in U.S. journals and indexed in MEDLINE, were classified by gender. Reports of trials n = 724 appearing in five widely circulated medical journals (Annals of Internal Medicine, British Medical Journal, Journal of the American Medical Association, Lancet, and New England Journal of Medicine) in 1985, 1990, and 1995 were retrieved and read to obtain counts of the numbers of males and females represented in trials published in those journals. For reports of trials published in U.S. journals n = 100,455 , the percent involving males and females, males only, females only, and those where gender was not specified were 55.2%, 12.2%, 11.2%, and 21.4%, respectively. Counts of males and females represented in the reports of trials appearing in the five aforementioned journals were 355,624 and 550,743, respectively. We did not find evidence of systematic effort bias against females. Control Clin Trials 2000;21:462–475
Some anatomical and physiological potato tuber characteristics and their relationship to hollow heart

The inception site of hollow heart (HH) and possible relationships between HH and physiological or anatomical characteristics of tubers were investigated. Scanning electron micrographs revealed cells at the site of HH inception were physically rather than enzymatically degraded. Transmission electron micrographs of tuber pith cells from non hollow (NH) tubers showed cell wall and cytoplasm width varied among cultivars but were not related to HH resistance. Water potential of NH tuber tissues at the pith, bud, center and stem end of 3 cultivars and one selection varying in resistance to HH was determined. Although the water potential gradually became less negative as tubers advanced in maturity, no differences were found in water potential between pith cells in various parts of tubers or among cultivars. Tuber pith cells increased in size concomitant with tuber growth. In all tubers pith cells were largest in the center and stem end and smallest in the bud end, but differences in mean pith cell size among cultivars were not related to HH susceptibility. However, within a cultivar the bud, center, and stem end pith cells of HH tubers were all smaller than the corresponding pith cells from similarly sized NH tubers.
Validity issues in international assessments

Abstract The development of valid measures of educational achievement is always a challenge. The development of valid measures for international assessments poses special problems since curricula can vary considerably from country to country. In addition, developers of international assessments must decide to what extent such measures should reflect a country’s intended curriculum and to what extend it should reflect a country’s implemented curriculum. Also, to what extent should international assessments make use of novel testing procedures, e.g., performance assessment, that are not part of a country’s usual testing practice.
Measuring sex-role stereotypes: Attitudes among Hong Kong Chinese adolescents and the development of the Chinese sex-role inventory

A cross-cultural study of adolescent sex-role stereotypes illustrates possible methodological solutions to problems in measuring sex-role identification. A study was conducted with a sample of Hong Kong Chinese adolescents to develop a rating scale that would (1) define the sex-role stereotypes held by adolescents in Hong Kong and (2) serve as a measure of identification with sex-role stereotypes valid for use with Hong Kong samples. The Chinese Sex-Role Inventory (CSRI) was constructed, therefore, following the procedures of Bem in the creation of the Bem Sex Role Inventory. Creation of the CSRI illustrates the feasibility and value of using such procedures in research with adolescents in any society.
Molecular characterization of a homolog of the ferric-uptake regulator, Fur, from the marine bacterium Marinobacter algicola DG893.

Full length recombinant iron regulatory protein, Fur, has been isolated and characterized from the algal-associated marine bacterium Marinobacter algicola DG893. Under nondenaturing conditions the Fur protein behaves on size exclusion chromatography as a dimer while it is monomeric under SDS PAGE conditions. ICP-MS and fluorescence quenching experiments show that Mb-Fur binds a single metal ion (Zn, Mn, or Co) per monomer. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays were used to probe the interaction of Mb-Fur with the purported Fur box in the promoter region upstream of the vibrioferrin biosynthetic operon. Interaction of Mb-Fur with a 100 bp DNA fragment containing the Fur box in the presence of 10 µM Mn, Co or Zn(II) resulted in decreased migration of DNA on a 7.5 % polyacrylamide gel. In the absence of the Fur protein or the metal, no interaction is seen. The presence of EDTA in the binding, loading or running buffers also abolished all activity demonstrating the importance of the metal in formation of the promoter-repressor complex. Based on a high degree of similarity between Mb-Fur and its homolog from Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) whose X-ray structure is known we developed a structural model for the former which suggested that only one of the several metal binding sites found in other Fur’s would be functional. This is consistent with the single metal binding stoichiometry we observed. Since the purported metal binding site was one that has been described as “structural” rather than “functional” in PA and yet the monometallic Mb-Fur retains DNA Fur box binding ability it reopens the question of which site is which, or if different species have adapted the sites for different purposes.
Isolation of a tumour virus from a chicken submitted to a poultry diagnostic laboratory--Esh sarcoma virus.

CONCURRENT with sarcoma 13 virus investigations many other varieties of avian tumours are collected from the Poultry Diagnostic Laboratory at New Bolton Center. A portion of each tumour is preserved for histopathological examination and the remainder is stored at −65° C for future virus extraction.
Phase transitions of inulin–waxy maize starch systems in limited moisture environments

The moisture sorption isotherms of gelatinized and native waxy maize starch (WMS, constituted by 98% amylopectin) were determined, fitted to the GAB model and compared to the moisture sorption properties of inulin. Crystallinity of native and gelatinized WMS was assessed by X-ray diffraction. The glass transition temperature (Tg) of gelatinized WMS was measured by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) as a function of moisture content. At 25 8C, Tg occurred at a moisture content of approximately 28% (d.b.). The experimental data were fitted to the Gordon– Taylor equation. Concentrated mixed samples of inulin and WMS presented two individual Tgs, which corresponded to those of the individual components, indicating that no interactions or plasticizing effects existed between them. It was concluded that phase separation had occurred; accordingly, the degree and nature of the phase separation still need to be addressed. q 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
A morphogenetic analysis of facial growth

Abstract This study is an analysis of facial growth patterns based on known remodeling changes that occur in the various bones and parts of bones in the human face. Serial cephalometric tracings were used to correlate these remodeling changes with successive growth stages. The results of the study provide an account of the actual changes that take place in the facial skeleton during craniofacial growth. The standard system of cephalometric superimposition using fixed reference landmarks provides, in contrast, a picture of apparent growth movements due to the forward thrust (displacement) of the maxilla and mandible away from the cranial base. A more meaningful and complete understanding of over-all facial growth is gained when both systems are used, one supplementing the other. Each component area in the frontal and nasal bones, the maxilla, the zygoma, and the mandible are considered separately. Regional growth movements are described, and relationships are analyzed. A correlation is presented between characteristic age changes that take place in the topographic features of the face and the corresponding remodeling changes that accompany over-all facial growth.
Transcript mutations of the α regulatory subunit of protein kinase A and up-regulation of the RNA-editing gene transcript in lupus T lymphocytes

Summary Background Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disorder characterised by diverse dysfunctions of immune effector cells, including proliferation and cytotoxicity. In T cells from patients with SLE, activity of type 1 protein kinase A isozymes is greatly reduced because of decreased expression of the α and β regulatory subunits (RIα and RIβ). We aimed to identify a molecular mechanism or mechanisms for this isozyme deficiency by assessing occurrence of mutations in transcripts of the RIα subunit in patients with SLE. Methods We cloned and sequenced cDNA of RIα and corresponding genomic DNA of the coding region to detect sequence changes from eight patients with SLE and six healthy controls. Because transcript editing is regulated by adenosine deaminases that act on RNA ( ADAR ), we quantified expression of ADAR1 transcripts in SLE and control T cells by competitive PCR. Findings Sequence analyses of cDNA showed heterogeneous transcript mutations, including deletions, transitions, and transversions. We identified 1·22×10 −3 /bp transcript mutations in SLE T cells—a frequency 7·5 times higher than that in control T cells. By contrast, we identified no genomic mutations. Two hotspots were identified in the RIα subunit transcripts from SLE T cells, one located adjacent to a pseudosubstrate site of the RIα subunit and the other a component of the cAMP binding A domain. ADAR1 mRNA content was 3·5 times higher in SLE cells than in control T cells (p=0·001). Interpretation An RNA-editing enzyme could be converting adenosine to inosine within double-stranded regions of RNA, resulting in transcript mutations. This process could be one mechanism resulting in mutations in the RIα subunit of type 1 protein kinase A.
A retrospective comparison of two drug regimens RHE2/RH10 and RHZ2/RH10 in the treatment of tuberculous mediastinal lymphadenopathy

Abstract A retrospective radiographic comparison of two regimens, RHE2/RH10 ( n =32) and RHZ2/RH10 ( n =37), used in the treatment of tuberculous mediastinal lymphadenopathy is reported. The two groups did not differ in age, pretreatment or post-treatment values. The rate of improvement in serial radiographs was compared between the two groups, each patient acting as his own control. There was no difference in the incidence of initial gland enlargement at 1 month, but at 2 months RHZ2/RH10 had less enlargement (0.05> P >0.01). The rate of improvement was faster in the RHZ2/RH10 group from 2–7 months' treatment, being significantly better than RHE2/RH10 at 2 ( P =0.003), 5 (0.01> P ) and 7 months (0.02> P ). Pyrazinamide (25–40 mg/kg) appears to be superior to ethambutol 15 mg/kg for the initial 2 months of treatment of tuberculous mediastinal lymphadenopathy. The findings may be applicable to peripheral tuberculous lymphadenopathy.
Points to Ponder: Gesture and Language in Math Talk

With the introduction of Common Core State Standards, mathematical learning and problem solving in the academic environment is more linguistically demanding. Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) can...
Timing of Drip Irrigation Initiation Affects Irrigation Water Use Efficiency and Yield of Bell Pepper under Plastic Mulch

ADDITIONAL INDEX WORDS. Capsicum annuum, leaf water potential, soil moisture, water stress, withholding irrigation SUMMARY. Field studies were conducted in 2003 and 2004 to determine effects of withholding irrigation on pepper (Capsicum annuum) plant height, leaf chlorophyll content, yield, and irrigation water use efficiency. Irrigation treatments were initiated at pepper transplanting (S0), after transplant establishment (S1), at first flower (S2), at first fruit (S3), or at fruit ripening (S4). The control treatment received only enough water to apply fertigation (FT). Withholding irrigation did not affect pepper plant height except FT treatment, but increased leaf chlorophyll content. Withholding irrigation until S4 saved 50% and 41% of irrigation water in 2003 and 2004, respectively, without affecting fruit yield compared with the treatment where irrigation started at transplanting. However, yield in the FT treatment was significantly reduced. Irrigation water use efficiency (pepper yield per unit area per millimeter of water applied) was maximum at S4 (59.1 kgha –1 per millimeter) and S3 (24.1 kgha –1 per millimeter) in 2003 and 2004, respectively. Similar trends in response of pepper to the irrigation treatments were observed in 2003 and 2004 even though there were large differences in rainfall, and pepper yield between years. This suggests that withholding irrigation until first fruit may help to maintain pepper yield while reducing irrigation costs. However, it is important to have adequate soil moisture at transplanting to insure adequate transplant establishment.
An Index Theorem for Band-Dominated Operators with Slowly Oscillating Coefficients (after Deundyak and Shteinberg)

We provide a proof of an index theorem for band-dominated operators with slowly oscillating coefficients. The statement is essentially the same as the main result of the announcement of Deundyak and Shteinberg (Funct Anal Appl 19(4):321–323, 1985), but our methods are very different from those hinted at there. The index theorem we prove can also be seen as a partial generalization to higher dimensions of the main result of the article of Rabinovich et al. (Integr Equ Oper Theory 49:221–238, 2004).
Intergenerational Stories and the “Othering” of Samoan Youth in Schools

Through a critical cultural assets model, the authors use the methodological practices of collaboration, community site visits, document analysis, and interviews with cultural insiders to explore schools’ continued rejection of academic belonging for people from “othered” communities. They explore the case of Samoan youth—a marginalized cultural group—to contest the shared belief that school-based citizenry is an educational impossibility. Interview data with Samoan elders is analyzed using Consensual Qualitative Research methods (Hill et al. in Couns Psychol 24(4):517–572, 1997). They present themes of cultural capacities and academic disconnection to imagine a school context for the integration of cultural assets for “othered” youth (Kliewer and Biklen in Teach Coll Rec 109(12):2579–2600, 2007; Kliewer et al. American Educ Res Assoc J 3(2):163–192, 2006).
Reduced-Order Nonlinear Unsteady Aerodynamic Modeling Using a Surrogate-Based Recurrence Framework

A reduced-order nonlinear unsteady aerodynamic modeling approach suitable for analyzing pitching/plunging airfoils subject to fixed or time-varying freestream Mach numbers is described. The reduced-order model uses kriging surrogates to account for flow nonlinearities and recurrence solutions to account for time-history effects associated with unsteadiness. The resulting surrogate-based recurrence framework generates time-domain predictionsofunsteadylift,moment,anddragthataccuratelyapproximate computational fluiddynamicssolutions, but at a fraction of the computational cost. Results corresponding to transonic conditions demonstrate that the surrogate-based recurrence framework can mimic computational fluid dynamics predictions of unsteady aerodynamic responses when flow nonlinearities are present. For an unsteady aerodynamic modeling problem considered in this study, an accurate reduced-order model was generated by the surrogate-based recurrence framework approach with significantly fewer computational fluid dynamics evaluations compared to results reported in the literature for a similar problem in which a proper-orthogonal-decomposition-based approach was applied. Furthermore, the results show that the surrogate-based approach can accurately model time-varying freestream Mach number effects and is therefore applicable to rotary-wing applications in addition to fixed-wing applications.
Evaluating the impact of Undetected Disk Errors in RAID systems

Despite the reliability of modern disks, recent studies have made it clear that a new class of faults, UndetectedDisk Errors (UDEs) also known as silent data corruption events, become a real challenge as storage capacity scales. While RAID systems have proven effective in protecting data from traditional disk failures, silent data corruption events remain a significant problem unaddressed by RAID. We present a fault model for UDEs, and a hybrid framework for simulating UDEs in large-scale systems. The framework combines a multi-resolution discrete event simulator with numerical solvers. Our implementation enables us to model arbitrary storage systems and workloads and estimate the rate of undetected data corruptions. We present results for several systems and workloads, from gigascale to petascale. These results indicate that corruption from UDEs is a significant problem in the absence of protection schemes and that such schemes dramatically decrease the rate of undetected data corruption.
A family of ADP-ribosylation factor effectors that can alter membrane transport through the trans-Golgi.

A family of three structurally related proteins were cloned from human cDNA libraries by their ability to interact preferentially with the activated form of human ADP-ribosylation factor 3 (ARF3) in two-hybrid assays. The specific and GTP-dependent binding was later confirmed through direct protein binding of recombinant proteins. The three proteins share large (’300 residues) domains at their N termini that are 60 ‐70% identical to each other and a shorter (73 residues) domain at their C termini with 70% homology to the C-terminal “ear” domain of g-adaptin. Although GGA1 is found predominantly as a soluble protein by cell fractionation, all three proteins were found to localize to the trans-Golgi network (TGN) by indirect immunofluorescence. The binding of GGAs to TGN was sensitive to brefeldin A, consistent with this being an ARF-dependent event. Thus, these proteins have been named Golgi-localizing, g-adaptin ear homology domain, ARF-binding proteins, or GGAs. The finding that overexpression of GGAs was sufficient to alter the distribution of markers of the TGN (TGN38 and mannose 6-phosphate receptors) led us to propose that GGAs are effectors for ARFs that function in the regulation of membrane traffic through the TGN.
Power-aware branch prediction: characterization and design

This uses Wattch and the SPEC 2000 integer and floating-point benchmarks to explore the role of branch predictor organization in power/energy/performance trade offs for processor design. Even though the direction predictor by itself represents less than 1 percent of the processor's total power dissipation, prediction accuracy is nevertheless a powerful lever on processor behavior and program execution time. A thorough study of branch predictor organizations shows that, as a general rule, to reduce overall energy consumption in the processor, it is worthwhile to spend more power in the branch predictor if this results in more accurate predictions that improve running time. This not only improves performance, but can also improve the energy-delay product by up to 20 percent. Three techniques, however, can reduce power dissipation without harming accuracy. Banking reduces the portion of the branch predictor that is active at any one time. A new on-chip structure, the prediction probe detector (PPD), uses predecode bits to entirely eliminate unnecessary predictor and branch target buffer (BTB) accesses. Despite the extra power that must be spent accessing it, the PPD reduces local predictor power and energy dissipation by about 31 percent and overall processor power and energy dissipation by 3 percent. These savings can be further improved by using profiling to annotate branches, identifying those that are highly biased and do not require static prediction. Finally, we explore the effectiveness of a previously proposed technique, pipeline gating, and find that, even with adaptive control based on recent predictor accuracy, pipeline gating yields little or no energy savings.
Adolescent Intermittent Alcohol Exposure: Dysregulation of Thrombospondins and Synapse Formation are Associated with Decreased Neuronal Density in the Adult Hippocampus.

Background Adolescent intermittent alcohol exposure (AIE) has profound effects on neuronal function. We have previously shown that AIE causes aberrant hippocampal structure and function that persists into adulthood. However, the possible contributions of astrocytes and their signaling factors remain largely unexplored. We investigated the acute and enduring effects of AIE on astrocytic reactivity and signaling on synaptic expression in the hippocampus, including the impact of the thrombospondin (TSP) family of astrocyte-secreted synaptogenic factors and their neuronal receptor, alpha2delta-1 (α2δ-1). Our hypothesis is that some of the influences of AIE on neuronal function may be secondary to direct effects on astrocytes. Methods We conducted Western blot analysis on TSPs 1 to 4 and α2δ-1 from whole hippocampal lysates 24 hours after the 4th and 10th doses of AIE, then 24 days after the last dose (in adulthood). We used immunohistochemistry to assess astrocyte reactivity (i.e., morphology) and synaptogenesis (i.e., colocalization of pre- and postsynaptic puncta). Results Adolescent AIE reduced α2δ-1 expression, and colocalized pre- and postsynaptic puncta after the fourth ethanol (EtOH) dose. By the 10th dose, increased TSP2 levels were accompanied by an increase in colocalized pre- and postsynaptic puncta, while α2δ-1 returned to control levels. Twenty-four days after the last EtOH dose (i.e., adulthood), TSP2, TSP4, and α2δ-1 expression were all elevated. Astrocyte reactivity, indicated by increased astrocytic volume and area, was also observed at that time. Conclusions Repeated EtOH exposure during adolescence results in long-term changes in specific astrocyte signaling proteins and their neuronal synaptogenic receptor. Continued signaling by these traditionally developmental factors in adulthood may represent a compensatory mechanism whereby astrocytes reopen the synaptogenic window and repair lost connectivity, and consequently contribute to the enduring maladaptive structural and functional abnormalities previously observed in the hippocampus after AIE.
Treatment Failure Among Infected Periprosthetic Total Hip Arthroplasty Patients

Two-stage revision has been shown to be the most successful treatment in eradicating deep infection following total hiparthroplasty. We identified 62 patients treated by a two-stage revision. We defined "successful revision" as negative intraoperative cultures and no further infection-related procedure. We defined "eradication of infection" on the basis of negative cultures and clinical diagnosis at least one year after 2 nd stage procedure. After a mean follow up of 2.7 years, eradication of the infection was documented in 91.1%, and a successful two-stage revision in 85.7% of patients. We observed no association between higher pre-reimplantation levels of ESR and C-reactive protein and lower likelihood of successful two-stage revision. We found an association between a history of another previous infected prosthetic joint and a failed 2 nd stage procedure. Failure to achieve eradication of infection and successful two-stage revision occurs infrequently. Patients with prior history of a previous prosthetic joint infection are at higher risk of failure.
Improving JPEG2000's perceptual performance with weights based on both contrast sensitivity and standard deviation

The JPEG2000 standard includes a perceptual weighting method based on the contrast sensitivity function (CSF). Recent literature shows that perceptual methods based on subband standard deviation are also effective in image compression. We present two new perceptual weighting methods that combine information from both the human contrast sensitivity function as well as the standard deviation within a subband or code-block. We compare these two new sets of perceptual weights to the JPEG2000 CSF weights. The results indicate that our new weights performed better than the JPEG2000 CSF weights for high frequency images. Weights based solely on subband standard deviation are shown to perform worse than JPEG2000 CSF weights for all images at all compression ratios.
Hospitality and Tourism Education in the International Classroom: A Case Study

This article describes a case study of a six-week long international collaborative learning project using technology in hospitality and tourism classes. University students in the United States partnered with students in Mexico to better understand sustainability practices in hotels via video conferences and online group projects. The case study summarizes students’ perceptions of the educational experience via observations, surveys, and student reflections. Students’ experiences were primarily positive; however, communication and technological issues were present. Overall, the project produced encouraging results and recommendations are made to assist with future applications of this type of project in hospitality and tourism education.
Causality and cosmic inflation

In the context of inflationary models with a pre-inflationary stage, in which the Einstein equations are obeyed, the null energy condition is satisfied, and spacetime topology is trivial, we argue that homogeneity on super-Hubble scales must be assumed as an initial condition. Models in which inflation arises from field dynamics in a Friedmann-Robertson-Walker background fall into this class but models in which inflation originates at the Planck epoch may evade this conclusion. Our arguments rest on causality and general relativistic constraints on the structure of spacetime. We discuss modifications to existing scenarios that may avoid the need for initial large-scale homogeneity.
The Alcohol Dehydrogenase Kinetics Laboratory: Enhanced Data Analysis and Student-Designed Mini-Projects

A highly instructive, wide-ranging laboratory project in which students study the effects of various parameters on the enzymatic activity of alcohol dehydrogenase has been adapted for the upper-division biochemistry and physical biochemistry laboratory. Our two main goals were to provide enhanced data analysis, featuring nonlinear regression, and also to give students experience in experimental design. Students use appropriate kinetic and thermodynamic equations to fit their data from Michaelis–Menten plots, enzyme activity pH profiles, inhibitor and denaturant concentration profiles, and temperature-dependence plots. Experiments at the end of this project are designed and implemented by student pairs, thus preparing them for independent research.
Immunological responses to Candida albicans. I. Mouse-thigh lesion as a model for experimental candidiasis.

A mouse-thigh lesion model for experimental candidiasis is described. A standard inoculum of 5 × 10 8 yeast cells of Candida albicans , injected into the thigh muscle of C57BL/Ks mice, produced an easily measured thigh lesion that was self-limiting by 4 to 6 weeks, permitting a study of immunological responses to the infection. Examination of the histopathology of the lesion reveals that the cellular infiltrate is predominately granulocytic, and gives little evidence for an active, specific, cell-mediated immune response. Images
E-mail Contact between Constituents and State Legislators

There has been much discussion about how the use of technology has changed the way in which we do business. With the introduction of eBay and other Internet shopping sites and the adoption and prolific use of e-mail by citi? zens to correspond with family, friends, and government officials, we have entered a new era in interpersonal relations and communi? cation. This phenomenon raises many ques? tions about how public officials will use this technology to serve the people. Do govern? ment agencies and legislatures have the abil? ity to stay abreast of these advancements? Will certain segments of the population lose their ability to influence and/or benefit from the political system? Will the utilization of electronic communication result in higher de? mands on legislators for constituency service? Dahl (1989) predicted that telecommuni? cations technology would change the demo? cratic process. A more recent study, com? missioned by the Twentieth Century Fund, suggested that computer technology will sig? nificantly alter the way in which Americans communicate with their elected representa? tives (Grossman 1995). Anecdotal evidence indicates that constituent-representative re? lations have been affected by new technol? ogy. For example, several states report that when controversial legislation has been un? der discussion, legislators have been deluged by e-mail messages (Boulard 1998). How? ever, there has been little systematic analysis of how e-mail is being used in the public
Transferring Smart E-Learning Strategies into Online Graduate Courses

This study is designed to increase understanding of how learner-centered instruction and emerging technologies can be applied to improve online courses and increase student satisfaction and performance at the higher education level. The research questions examine predictors of student achievement, persistence, and satisfaction in online learning and investigate what strategies are most effective at building learner success and optimal online learning contexts. Three models for systematic design of online learning courses are considered. Two of these models are used in a reflective data analysis process that uses data from three recent online courses as test cases. Analysis of results shows that an integrated use of the two models featured provides a useful design approach to support on-going innovation and systemic analysis of online course implementation. Recommendations for expanding upon this research are provided.
Design and optimization of a novel bio-loom to weave melt-spun absorbable polymers for bone tissue engineering.

Bone graft procedures are currently among the most common surgical procedures performed worldwide, but due to high risk of complication and lack of viable donor tissue, there exists a need to develop alternatives for bone defect healing. Tissue engineering, for example, combining biocompatible scaffolds with mesenchymal stem cells to achieve new bone growth, is a possible solution. Recent work has highlighted the potential for woven polymer meshes to serve as bone tissue engineering scaffolds; since, scaffolds can be iteratively designed by adjusting weave settings, material types, and mesh parameters. However, there are a number of material and system challenges preventing the implementation of such a tissue engineering strategy. Fiber compliance, tensile strength, brittleness, cross-sectional geometry, and size present specific challenges for using traditional textile weaving methods. In the current work, two potential scaffold materials, melt-spun poly-l-lactide, and poly-l-lactide-co-e-caprolactone, were investigated. An automated bio-loom was engineered and built to weave these materials. The bio-loom was used to successfully demonstrate the weaving of these difficult-to-handle fiber types into various mesh configurations and material combinations. The dobby-loom design, adapted with an air jet weft placement system, warp tension control system, and automated collection spool, provides minimal damage to the polymer fibers while overcoming the physical constraints presented by the inherent material structure. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 105B: 1342-1351, 2017.
An asymptomatic mutation complicating severe chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN): a case for personalised medicine and a zebrafish model of CIPN.

Targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) identified a novel loss of function mutation in GARS, a gene linked to Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease (CMT), in a paediatric acute lymphoblastic leukaemia patient with severe chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) due to vincristine. The patient was clinically asymptomatic, and lacked a family history of neuropathy. The effect of the mutation was modelled in a zebrafish knockdown system that recapitulated the symptoms of the patient both prior to and after treatment with vincristine. Confocal microscopy of pre- and post-synaptic markers revealed that the GARS knockdown results in changes to peripheral motor neurons, acetylcholine receptors and their co-localisation in neuromuscular junctions (NMJs), whereas a sensitive and reproducible stimulus–response assay demonstrated that the changes correlating with the GARS mutation in themselves fail to produce peripheral neuropathy symptoms. However, with vincristine treatment the GARS knockdown exacerbates decreased stimulus response and NMJ lesions. We propose that there is substantial benefit in the use of a targeted NGS screen of cancer patients who are to be treated with microtubule targeting agents for deleterious mutations in CMT linked genes, and for the screening in zebrafish of reagents that might inhibit CIPN. Studying a young cancer patient’s DNA in a zebrafish model helped reveal why she experienced a severe complication of chemotherapy. The 12-year-old girl developed back pain, muscle weakness and other symptoms of nerve damage after receiving two doses of a chemotherapy drug called vincristine to treat her acute lymphoblastic leukemia. To determine the cause of the problem, a team led by Michael Holloway from the Warren Alpert Medical School at Brown University, USA, sequenced 15 genes linked to Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, the most common hereditary explanation for this kind of nerve damage. They found a novel mutation in a gene called GARS. The researchers knocked down this gene’s function in zebrafish, and saw no obvious signs of disease until they added vincristine and observed disruption of neuromuscular junctions.
The chemical and physical stability of a 1: 1 mixture of propofol and methohexital.

Anesthetic drugs are frequently mixed or coadministered to optimize anesthetic effects while minimizing adverse effects. Methohexital advantages include its low cost and rapid onset, while propofol provides improved airway anesthesia and extremely rapid clearance from the plasma. Therefore, a mixture of these agents might well be superior to either drug given alone. We wished to determine whether a mixture of methohexital and propofol is chemically and physically stable. A 1:1 mixture of propofol 10 mg/ml and methohexital was prepared. At times varying from 0 to 48 hours, mixtures with an internal standard of thymol kept at room temperature were thrice extracted with a 2:1 v/v mixture of diethyl ether:pentane, dried under nitrogen, and treated overnight with bis-trimethylsilyl-trifluoroacetamide. The resultant derivatives were transferred to microsample vials and analyzed by GC-MS. Drug stability was quantified by electronic integration of peak areas representing characteristic ions for each drug. For each sample, the peak area of the methohexital ion (m/z 239) or propofol ion (m/z 235) relative to the corresponding thymol ion (m/z 207) served as an index of the concentration of the drug in the sample. At times varying from 0 to 48 hours, mixtures without thymol were used to determine mean droplet size of the particles. This was accomplished using both an Accusizer and a Nicomp 370 Particle Sizer. One way ANOVA tested for significant changes in drug concentrations and mean particle size as a function of time. There was no significant breakdown of propofol or methohexital when combined in a 1:1 mixture and allowed to stand for 48 hours, nor was there an increase in particle size suggestive of emulsion instability. We concluded that a 1:1 mixture of propofol and methohexital was stable up to 48 hours after mixing.
Teaching Biology with Extended Analogies

Abstract All teachers hope that students learn to apply and analyze, rather than simply memorize or parrot back, the teacher's words. One method of encouraging the development of students' higher-level thinking skills is to give learners practice in identifying appropriate analogies for biological concepts, and in forming their own. Analogies focus on the larger concepts we are trying to teach, rather than specific biological details or actual biological examples. They are fun to practice in class, and this practice prepares students for similar test questions.
The New Renaissance Artificers: Harnessing the Power of Creativity in the Engineering Classroom

Creativity and interdisciplinary have been identified as critical skills for twenty-first century engineering education. The National Academy of Engineers termed our future engineering graduates as renaissance engineers. Changes for transformative learning in engineering education are taking place slowly across universities. To prepare the renaissance engineers of the future we look to the past, where renaissance artificers embraced art, technology, and science. This phenomenon was not isolated, but rather the supremely creative culmination of a long process. We are challenged to open the door to our students to an education that combines art, technology, and science as united phenomena which transform our classrooms into workshops and studios bursting with activity. Attempts to harness the power of creativity in the engineering classroom are more widespread than formal literature indicates. Creative faculty find ways to let our students take risks, collaborate, and create. We have been serenaded by students with songs about the virtues of thermodynamic principles. We have watched examples of scientific events played out in films. We have read poems penned by students that lyrically explain the four laws of thermodynamics. Through their innovative DNA, our students find beauty is truth in art and in engineering.
Emerging Technologies for Reduced Carbon Footprint

Abstract In Chapter 13, “CO2 Capture and Storage,” precombustion, oxy-fuel combustion, and various postcombustion technologies (some of which are in the development stage) were discussed. This chapter focuses on emerging technologies that show promise in reducing the carbon footprint during power generation using coal. Technologies that are discussed include the chemical looping processes, specifically chemical looping combustion, chemical looping gasification, and calcium looping; and hybrid renewable/fossil fuel processes such as solar-coal (pulverized coal) combustion, solar-coal gasification, and solar hybrid coal-to-liquids polygeneration.
Assessing the Influence of a Fitbit Physical Activity Monitor on the Exercise Practices of Emergency Medicine Residents: A Pilot Study.

Background: Targeted interventions have improved physical activity and wellness of medical residents. However, no exercise interventions have focused on emergency medicine residents. Objective: This study aimed to measure the effectiveness of a wearable device for tracking physical activity on the exercise habits and wellness of this population, while also measuring barriers to adoption and continued use. Methods: This pre-post cohort study enrolled 30 emergency medicine residents. Study duration was 6 months. Statistical comparisons were conducted for the primary end point and secondary exercise end points with nonparametric tests. Descriptive statistics were provided for subjective responses. Results: The physical activity tracker did not increase the overall self-reported median number of days of physical activity per week within this population: baseline 2.5 days (interquartile range, IQR, 1.9) versus 2.8 days (IQR 1.5) at 1 month (P=.36). There was a significant increase in physical activity from baseline to 1 month among residents with median weekly physical activity level below that recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at study start, that is, 1.5 days (IQR 0.9) versus 2.4 days (IQR 1.2; P=.04), to 2.0 days (IQR 2.0; P=.04) at 6 months. More than half (60%, 18/30) of participants reported a benefit to their overall wellness, and 53% (16/30) reported a benefit to their physical activity. Overall continued use of the device was 67% (20/30) at 1 month and 33% (10/30) at 6 months. Conclusions: The wearable physical activity tracker did not change the overall physical activity levels among this population of emergency medicine residents. However, there was an improvement in physical activity among the residents with the lowest preintervention physical activity. Subjective improvements in overall wellness and physical activity were noted among the entire study population. [JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2017;5(1):e2]
Market Segmentation and Foreign Share Discount in China

In this paper, I formulate and test a one-period capital asset pricing model under ownership restrictions to explain the price differentials between the classes of shares that can be bought by Chinese citizens and by foreign investors, respectively. I find that time-series variability in the spread between domestic and foreign share returns is consistent with differences in risk exposures and expected risk premium, thus supporting the hypothesis of effective market segmentation and price discrimination. I also find that cross-sectional differences between domestic and foreign share returns are correlated with individual shares'; market betas. The result further supports the price discrimination hypothesis.
Infrastructure Circuits for Lifetime Improvement of Ultra-Low Power IoT Devices

An ultra-low power (ULP), energy-harvesting system-on-chip, that can operate in various application scenarios, is needed for enabling the trillions of Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices. However, energy from the ambient sources is little and system power consumption is high. Circuits and system development require an optimal use of available energy. In this paper, we present circuits that can improve the energy utilization in an IoT device by providing improvements at critical points of the flow of harvested energy. A boost converter circuit, that can harvest energy from 10-mV input voltage and a few nanowatt of input power, makes more harvested energy available for the IoT device. A single-inductor-multiple-output buck-boost converter provides high-efficiency and low-voltage power management solution to put most of the harvested energy for system use. A real time clock and ULP bandgap reference circuit significantly reduce the standby power consumption. The proposed ULP circuits are developed in 130-nm CMOS technology. The combined effects of these circuits and the system design technique can improve the life-time of an example IoT device by over four times in higher power consumption mode and over 70 times in ULP mode.
Combinational hardware Trojan detection using logic implications

This paper provides a proof-of-concept demonstration of the potential benefit of using logical implications for detection of combinational hardware trojans. Using logic simulation, valid logic implications are selected and added to to the checker circuitry to detect payload delivery by a combinational hardware trojan. Using combinational circuits from the ISCAS benchmark suite, and a modest hardware budget for the checker, simulation results show that the probability of a trojan escaping detection using our approach was only 16%.
Social Desirability and the Interpretation of Uncertainty Terms in Self‐Report Questions

Summary Uncertainty terms (e.g., possible) are words that are not fixed and hence open to interpretation. This research examined the role of social desirability in how these words are interpreted in self-report questions. Participants in Experiments 1 (N = 96; MTurk workers) and 2 (N = 96; college students) judged trait (N = 48) and behavior (N = 36) items endorsed by a hypothetical individual to be more likely if they were lower in social desirability. In Experiments 3 (N = 97) and 4 (N = 97) college student participants interpreted four different uncertainty terms (likely, possible, unlikely, and pretty sure) as indicating greater certainty when they referred to socially undesirable (relative to socially desirable) traits (N = 36) and behaviors (N = 24). These results suggest that participants may interpret self-report items differently, depending on the social desirability of the content.