cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
LONG LIVE TRADITIONAL TEXTBOOK PROBLEMS!?—CONSTRAINTS ON FACULTY USE OF RESEARCH-BASED PROBLEMS IN INTRODUCTORY COURSES

Though many research-based problem types have been shown effective in promoting students’ conceptual understanding and scientific abilities, the extent of their use in actual classrooms remains unclear. We interviewed and surveyed 16 physics and engineering faculty members at a large US Midwest research university to investigate how university instructors value and use different types of problems in teaching their introductory courses. Most of these instructors valued traditional textbook problems as a useful building block and used them frequently. They also valued non-traditional problems but seldom used them in their introductory courses. The divergence between value and use in part is due to limited resources and experience, time constraints, student reactions, and personal preferences. It is, however, also due to the fact that the beliefs held by some instructors regarding the nature of problem solving deviate from commonly accepted views in educational research. Although on average instructors were hesitant to reduce more than 20 % of course content for research-based materials, they showed great interest in collaborating with educational researchers at a more personal level to increase the use of non-traditional problems in teaching. Our study indicates that instructors need not only research-based problems suitable for their introductory classes, but also assistance in how to effectively implement these problems.
Evidence for inhibition of exodus of small neutral amino acids from non-brain tissues in hyperphenylalaninaemic rats.

The mechanism of the depletion of several plasma amino acids in PKU has remained unexplained. In the present study, a statistically significant decrease in the plasma concentration of several amino acids was observed 2 h after the intraperitoneal injection of Phe to weanling rats. The pattern was very similar to the one observed in PKU patients. Statistically significant increases in the distribution ratios liver/plasma and, mainly, muscle/plasma ratios accompanied in most of the cases the corresponding decreases in plasma concentrations. Equimolar injection under the same conditions of the non-insulinogenic transport system L analogue, the a(±) isomer of the 2-amino-norbornane-2-carboxylic acid, produced, in a parallel effect to Phe, statistically significant increases in the distribution ratios of Ala and Gly, and probably of Pro in muscle, as well as of Ala in liver. These results seem to indicate that the high intracellular Phe attained inhibits the exodus of small neutral amino acids through system L, causing their depletion in plasma and ultimately in the brain. This effect may be additive to the inhibition by Phe of the entry of bulky neutral amino acids at the level of the blood-brain barrier. Further study is needed to assess the relevance of these effects to PKU.
Cardiac Arrest during Total Hip Arthroplasty in a Patient on an Angiotensin Receptor Antagonist

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) and angiotensin receptor antagonists (ARA) are effective and well-tolerated first-line drugs in the therapy of hypertension and, therefore, are frequently encountered in the perioperative setting. Hemodynamic compensation for volume depletion seen in the perioperative period is normally mediated by the renin–angiotensin system, which is blocked by ACEI/ARA. These drugs may contribute to severe hypotension during anesthesia induction and may have contributed to the cardiac arrest seen in this patient. Additional factors such as increased intra-abdominal pressures and respiratory obstructive episodes leading to diminished venous return, as well diuretic use and the fasting state, common in the perioperative orthopedic patient, are likely to have contributed as well. Medication use may be an easily modifiable risk factor for severe hypotension and possible cardiac arrest in the perioperative setting.
Examination of immune parameters and host resistance mechanisms in B6C3F1 mice following adult exposure to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin.

Adult female B6C3F1 mice were given a single ip dose of 0, 0.1, 1.0, or 10.0 μg/kg 2,3,7,8‐tetrachlorodibenzo‐p‐dioxin (TCDD) and examined for immune function and host resistance 7–10 d later. Exposure to TCDD resulted in a significant dose‐related decrease in induction of both IgM and IgC antibody‐forming cells. This suppression was noted for both T‐dependent and T‐independent antigens. TCDD at a dosage of 10 μg/kg was shown to suppress production of antibody to viral hemagglutinin. In contrast, TCDD exposure had no significant effect on natural killer cell function, production of Interferon, or various parameters of macrophage function. Assessment of host resistance revealed a significant increase in susceptibility to fatal infection with influenza virus, but no significant alteration in susceptibility to infection with the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes.
Continuous kinetics of cracking reactions: Thermolysis and pyrolysis

The objective of this work is to illustrate several features of continuous-mixture kinetics for thermolytic and pyrolytic reactions. Cracking (bond scission) reactions occur during thermal decomposition (thermolytic) processes such as pyrolysis. We consider pyrolysis to be thermal decomposition of a solid material in contact with a gas. Such thermolysis usually results in a complex mixture of many products, which can often be described as a continuous function (frequency distribution) of a property, such as molecular weight. A population balance equation governs how the molecular-weight distribution (MWD) evolves in time and space. Continuous kinetics theories require the formulation of (1) a stoichiometric coefficient expression that shows how the products of scission are distributed, and (2) an expression for the rate coefficient indicating how the size of the cracking molecule affects the rate. This approach is herein applied to a pyrolytic reaction that yields tar with a measurable MWD and where char and gaseous products are lost from the reactor.
Simulation of wind farm operations and maintenance using discrete event system specification

Wind farms provide a source of clean and renewable energy. However, unlike many industries where machines are operated under more or less static conditions, wind turbines suffer from stochastic loading due to the hourly or seasonal variation of wind speed and direction. The stochastic loading of wind turbines makes their degradation or failure prediction rather complex. This in turn makes the decision-making process of when and what type of maintenance action to undertake very challenging. This paper uses the discrete event system specification (DEVS) to develop a simulation model for wind farm operations and maintenance. The DEVS methodology1 provides a formal modeling and simulation framework based on dynamical systems theory and allows for hierarchical and modular model construction. We report on implementation results based on historical data that provide useful insights into wind farm operations under two different maintenance strategies, scheduled maintenance and condition-based maintenance. The results show that condition-based maintenance enables more wind power generation by reducing wind turbine failure rates and thus increasing wind turbine available.
Precautions in the use of yeast extract mannitol medium for evaluation of legume seed toxicity to Rhizobium

Abstract Toxicity of clover seeds to rhizobia has been reported. Yeast extract medium and a defined medium were used to test whether the growth medium was involved in the toxic response. Complete inhibition of four Rhizobium trifolii strains by subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L.), arrowleaf clover (T. risiculosum Savi.), and red clover (T. pratense L.) seeds consistently occurred on yeast extract amended agar but not on a defined medium. The toxic response probably involved a reaction between tannic acid from seeds and iron in the medium. Addition of 200 μM FeEDTA to yeast extract medium alleviated the growth inhibition response of rhizobia to all seeds tested.
Early aortic valve closure in combined idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis and discrete subaortic stenosis

Abstract A patient with idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis (90 mm Hg resting intraventricular gradient) and discrete subaortic stenosis was found to have two separate systolic closing movements of the aortic valve on M mode echocardiography, each movement being associated with a separate systolic ejection murmur. The first closing movement occurred early in systole and was attributed to alterations in flow across the discrete stenosis. The second closing movement coincided with a later systolic murmur and systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve. This case supports the concept that timing of early closing movements of the aortic valve is useful in the diagnosis of subvalvular obstruction.
Design of TiAlV β phase for transformation toughening of γ-titanium aluminide

Abstract A thermodynamic analysis is developed to determine the chemical composition of the TiAlV β phase for dispersed phase transformation toughening of γ-titanium aluminide. The analysis takes into account the fact that maximum transformation toughening is associated with an optimum level of thermodynamic stability of the β phase with respect to martensitic transformation and with a large positive value of teh β phase → martensite transformation volume change. In addition, to prevent deleteriouss interfacial reactions, the two phases β and γ are required to be in chemical equilibrium. Available thermodynamic and lattice parameter data are used to determine a range of chemical compositions of the β phase which ensures maximum transformation toughening. It is found that this range is sufficiently close to the β −( β + γ ) phase boundary and hence guarantees chemical compatibility between the two phases.
The gross morphology and histochemistry of respiratory muscles in bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus

Most mammals possess stamina because their locomotor and respiratory (i.e. ventilatory) systems are mechanically coupled. These systems are decoupled, however, in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) as they swim on a breath-hold. Locomotion and ventilation appear to be coupled only during their brief surfacing event, when they respire explosively (up to 90% of total lung volume in approximately 0.3s) (Ridgway et al., 1969). The predominantly slow-twitch fiber profile of their diaphragm (Dearolf, 2003) suggests that this muscle does not likely power their rapid ventilatory event. Based upon Bramble’s (1989) biomechanical model of locomotor-respiratory coupling in galloping mammals, I hypothesized that muscles located within the cranial-cervical and lumbo-pelvic units, which act upon the thoracic unit, function to power ventilation in bottlenose dolphins. I also hypothesized that these muscles would be composed predominantly of fast-twitch fibers to facilitate the bottlenose dolphin’s rapid ventilation. The gross morphology (n=6) of cranio-cervical (sternomastoid, sternohyoid, scalenes), thoracic (intercostals), and lumbo-pelvic (rectus abdominis, abdominal obliques, hypaxialis) muscles and the fiber-type profiles (n=6) of selected muscles (sternohyoid, sternomastoid, and rectus abdominis) of bottlenose dolphins were investigated. Physical manipulations of excised thoracic units were carried out to investigate potential actions of these muscles. Results suggest that the cranio-cervical muscles act to draw the sternum and associated ribs cranio-dorsally, which flares the ribs laterally, and increases thoracic cavity volume required for inspiration. The thoracic muscles physically link the ribs to create a single functional unit; these muscles can also act to control the size of the intercostal space. The lumbo-pelvic muscles act to draw the sternum and caudal ribs caudally, which decreases the volume of the thoracic and abdominal cavities required for expiration. All muscles investigated were composed predominantly of fast-twitch fibers (range 72-88% by area) and appear histochemically poised for rapid contraction. These combined results suggest that dolphins utilize muscles, similar to those used by galloping mammals, to power their explosive ventilation. However, the mechanisms that permit dolphins to selectively couple and uncouple their locomotor and ventilatory systems, depending upon whether they are respiring at the surface or swimming on a breath-hold, remain unknown.
Behavior of Leontopithecus rosalia (Golden-lion marmoset) and related species: A review

Abstract Perhaps the most interesting behavior exhibited by marmosets is the formation of permanent pair bonds and the resultant equal dominance of both the male and the female in the family situation. Behavior patterns are stereotyped and it is relatively simple to establish daily behavioral repertoires for the different species. Scent marking behavior is an effective means of sexual and social communication. Its full significance to sexual behavior is yet to be known. Other forms of communication include tactile, visual and acoustic signalling. Fraternal, chimeric twinning is common in marmosets. The marmoset father assumes responsibility for carrying and caring for the infants, when the mother decides to relinquish the infants to him. After that time, she receives the infants only to feed them. A typical day for a L. rosalia family might include the following: (1) The activity begins at dawn; (2) The marmosets forage and exercise; (3) The animals sun and groom themselves and each other at the tops of trees; (4) The family moves to the lower branches of the trees and rests during the warmest part of the day; (5) The marmosets forage and play in the early afternoon; (6) The animals take short rests and forage until sundown; and (7) The marmoset family beds down together, when the sun sets. Very little is known concerning the social and sexual behaviors of the New World monkey L. rosalia in its natural habitat. In order to ensure the perpetuation of this endangered species, more must be learned about its behavior patterns and reproductive physiology. These studies can be made most easily in captive situations at the present time. Because breeding problems exist in captivity for this species, the number of animals available for study is limited. The reason or reasons causing breeding failure between captive born mates is not defined. The following aspects of L. rosalia behavior and physiology must be reconsidered and studied more closely in order to solve the existing breeding difficulties: the maturation, growth and social development, in infants; the length of the estrus cycle and its behavioral correlates; the formation of pair bonds; the production of pheromones; and the onset and offset of pregnancy.
Performance of the generalized minimum residual (GMRES) iterative solution for the magnetic field integral equation

[1] The paper discusses a generalized minimum residual (GMRES) iterative solution of the magnetic field integral equation (MFIE) applied to frequency domain scattering problems at medium and high frequencies. First, the performance of the original MFIE is studied, for the perfectly electrically conducting (PEC) sphere. It is shown that the residual error and the solution error do not correlate with each other. Whereas the solution error has already reached a limiting value or even increases, the residual error continues to decrease very fast, typically exponentially. Second, the MFIE is combined with the normal projection of the primary integral equation for the surface magnetic field. Such a technique does not increase the computational complexity of the MFIE. At the same time, it gives a termination criterion for GMRES iterations since the residual error of the combined equation has a typical saturation behavior. In the saturation zone, the residual error and the solution error have approximately the same small value (a typical relative RMS error for the sphere is 1%). A very similar saturation behavior of the residual error has been observed for other tested PEC scatterers including a cube, a cylinder, and a sphere with one segment cut off (the so-called cat eye) at different frequencies.
Adult autoimmune enteropathy: Mayo Clinic Rochester experience.

Background & Aims: Autoimmune enteropathy is a rare cause of intractable diarrhea associated with circulating gut autoantibodies and a predisposition to autoimmunity. It is rarely observed in adults, with only 11 cases reported to date. Methods: Fifteen adults with autoimmune enteropathy were identified at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, from May 2001–June 2006. The demographic, clinical, and treatment data were abstracted from their records. Results: The study population was 87% white, 47% female, with median age of 55 years (interquartile range, 42–67 years). All patients had protracted diarrhea, weight loss, and malnutrition. Celiac disease was excluded by lack of response to gluten-free diet or absence of the celiac disease susceptibility HLA genotypes. Fourteen patients were tested for gut epithelial cell antibodies, and 93% were positive for anti-enterocyte and/or anti–goblet cell antibodies. Predisposition to autoimmune diseases was noted in 80%, as indicated by a variety of circulating autoantibodies. Small intestinal histopathologic findings included subtotal villous atrophy and lymphoplasmacytic infiltration in the lamina propria with relatively few surface intraepithelial lymphocytes. T-cell receptor gene rearrangement studies were negative in all cases. Immunosuppressive therapy was required in 93% of cases. Clinical improvement was noted in 60% after 1–8 weeks of steroid therapy. Conclusions: Autoimmune enteropathy is a heterogeneous disease and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of malabsorption and small bowel villous atrophy. The presence of gut epithelial cell antibodies can help confirm the diagnosis. No single agent is unequivocally effective in inducing remission, and immunosuppressive therapy is required in most cases.
Shape control using sidewall imaging

As gate widths shrink below 0.18 micrometer, the SPC (Statistical Process Control) based CD (Critical Dimension) control in lithography process becomes more difficult. Increasing requirements of a shrinking process window have called on the need for advanced CD control using a closed-loop feedback mechanism. This concept has been gaining momentum and shows promising advantages in shortening the time of feedback control. However, the current closed-loop feedback links only the average CD of a lot and the exposure dose (E), leaving out another critical lithography parameter -- stepper, or scanner, defocus (F). Up until now, F has been assumed constant while E has been shown to have one-to-one correlation with CD. Such an assumption is justified for feature sizes larger than 0.25 micrometer with a usable DOF (Depth Of Focus) of more than 1 micrometer. For 0.25 micrometer and below technologies, stepper defocus induces rapid feature profile, as well as CD, changes. Therefore, one parameter (exposure dose versus CD) feedback is not adequate enough to control CD in photolithography and a two-parameter (exposure dose and stepper defocus versus CD) feedback is needed. For stepper defocus variation, resist feature shape needs to be monitored in-line. We will present an innovative way of shape monitoring through sidewall imaging. The scanning beam is bent up to 5 degrees, so that a feature can be viewed from a tilted angle. Such tilted view greatly enhances edge resolution. Shape monitoring applications based on sidewall imaging will be presented. With both CD and shape are monitored in photolithography process, two critical parameters, i.e., exposure dose and defocus, can be easily controlled. Such shape control mechanism provides the base for two-parameter feedback loop.© (2000) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Thoracic spine fracture in a football player A case report

Compression fractures of the thoracic spine are less common than injuries to the cervical, thoracolumbar, or lumbar regions because of the inherent stability and geometry of the thoracic spinal region. This injury may be difficult to detect acutely because of the lack of localizing symptoms. An appropriate index of suspicion should be present when examining a player experiencing acute back pain associated with localized spinal tenderness. Early recognition and appropriate treatment are needed to maximize the patient's chances of return to normal function while avoiding further injury from lack of recognition of the injury or too early return to play. Language: en
Linearly configured embedded fiber-optic acoustic sensor

A linearly configured fiber-optic acoustic sensor has been developed by embedding a single-mode fiber in a polyurethane cylindrical layer. The acoustic sensitivity was studied in the range of 0.75-10 KHz and was found to be frequency independent and significantly higher than that of a free suspended fiber or a solid mandrel fiber sensor. A comparison is mace between this sensor and air-backed fiber-optic mandrel sensors. >
“Collective Monitoring, Collective Defense”: Science, Earthquakes, and Politics in Communist China

This paper examines the earthquake monitoring and prediction program, called “collective monitoring, collective defense,” in communist China during the Cultural Revolution, a period of political upheavals and natural disasters. Guided by their scientific and political ideas, the Chinese developed approaches to earthquake monitoring and prediction that emphasized mass participation, everyday knowledge, and observations of macro-seismic phenomena. The paper explains the ideas, practices, and epistemology of the program within the political context of the Cultural Revolution. It also suggests possibilities for comparative analysis of science, state, and natural disasters. The paper redefines the concept of “citizen science” and argues that the concept provides a useful comparative perspective on the intimate relationship between science and the macropolitics of modern state and society.
Single-base mismatch detection based on charge transduction through DNA

High-throughput DNA sensors capable of detecting single-base mismatches are required for the routine screening of genetic mutations and disease. A new strategy for the electrochemical detection of single-base mismatches in DNA has been developed based upon charge transport through DNA films. Double-helical DNA films on gold surfaces have been prepared and used to detect DNA mismatches electrochemically. The signals obtained from redox-active intercalators bound to DNA-modified gold surfaces display a marked sensitivity to the presence of base mismatches within the immobilized duplexes. Differential mismatch detection was accomplished irrespective of DNA sequence composition and mismatch identity. Single-base changes in sequences hybridized at the electrode surface are also detected accurately. Coupling the redox reactions of intercalated species to electrocatalytic processes in solution considerably increases the sensitivity of this assay. Reporting on the electronic structure of DNA, as opposed to the hybridization energetics of single-stranded oligonucleotides, electrochemical sensors based on charge transport may offer fundamental advantages in both scope and sensitivity.
DocuDesk: An interactive surface for creating and rehydrating many-to-many linkages among paper and digital documents

Knowledge workers often undertake tasks that involve a variety of information artifacts, including both paper and digital documents. In this paper, we first summarize findings from a study that illustrate some of the challenges of managing tasks that include both paper and digital content. We then introduce DocuDesk, a prototype interactive desk that demonstrates interaction techniques for establishing many-to-many linkages among paper and digital documents which can be used to quickly ldquorehydraterdquo task state.
Glucose deprivation increases tau phosphorylation via P38 mitogen-activated protein kinase.

Alterations of glucose metabolism have been observed in Alzheimer's disease (AD) brain. Previous studies showed that glucose deprivation increases amyloidogenesis via a BACE‐1‐dependent mechanism. However, no data are available on the effect that this condition may have on tau phosphorylation. In this study, we exposed neuronal cells to a glucose‐free medium and investigated the effect on tau phosphorylation. Compared with controls, cells incubated in the absence of glucose had a significant increase in tau phosphorylation at epitopes Ser202/Thr205 and Ser404, which was associated with a selective activation of the P38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase. Pharmacological inhibition of this kinase prevented the increase in tau phosphorylation, while fluorescence studies revealed its co‐localization with phosphorylated tau. The activation of P38 was secondary to the action of the apoptosis signal‐regulating kinase 1, as its down‐regulation prevented it. Finally, glucose deprivation induced cell apoptosis, which was associated with a significant increase in both caspase 3 and caspase 12 active forms. Taken together, our studies reveal a new mechanism whereby glucose deprivation can modulate AD pathogenesis by influencing tau phosphorylation and suggest that this pathway may be a new therapeutic target for AD.
Sustainability of a Targeted Intervention Package: First Step to Success in Oregon.

Variables affecting the sustained implementation of evidence-based practices are receiving increased attention. A descriptive analysis of the variables associated with sustained implementation of First Step to Success (FSS), a targeted intervention for young students at risk for behavior disorders, is provided. Measures based on a conceptual model of sustainability were used with personnel from 29 schools from 13 Oregon school districts to describe variables that promote the sustainability of FSS. Results indicate that 28% of the school districts continued to implement FSS up to 10 years after initial implementation. Six critical features were perceived by school personnel to promote sustainability: (a) dedicated resources, (b) training and orientation activities, (c) district-level coordination, (d) selection of students who are a good fit for the intervention, (e) highly qualified coaches, and (f) administrative support. Clinical relevance and future directions for research addressing sustainability are presented.
Antimicrobial resistance in the nasopharyngeal flora of children with acute maxillary sinusitis and maxillary sinusitis recurring after amoxicillin therapy

Objective: To investigate the antimicrobial susceptibility of the organisms isolated from the nasopharynx of children who present with acute maxillary sinusitis (AMS) or maxillary sinusitis that recurred (RMS) after amoxicillin therapy. Methods: Analysis of nasopharyngeal cultures obtained from 70 patients, 42 with AMS and 28 with RMS. Results: Thirty-eight potentially pathogenic organisms were recovered in 36 (86%) of the children from the AMS group, and 40 were isolated from 26 (93%) of the children from the RMS group. The organisms isolated were Streptococcus pneumoniae (21 isolates), Haemophilus influenzae non-type b (17), Moraxella catar- rhalis (15), Streptococcus pyogenes (13) and Staphylococcus aureus (12). Resistance to the eight antimicro- bial agents used was found in 34 instances in the AMS group compared to 93 instances in the RMS group (P < 0.005). The difference between AMS and RMS was significant with S. pneumoniae resistance to amoxicillin (P < 0.0025), to co-amoxiclav (P < 0.0025), to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (P < 0.05), to cefixime (P < 0.05), and to azithromycin (P < 0.05), and for H. influenzae to amoxicillin (P < 0.025).
Nonparametric localized feature selection via a dirichlet process mixture of generalized dirichlet distributions

In this paper, we propose a novel Bayesian nonparametric statistical approach of simultaneous clustering and localized feature selection for unsupervised learning. The proposed model is based on a mixture of Dirichlet processes with generalized Dirichlet (GD) distributions, which can also be seen as an infinite GD mixture model. Due to the nature of Bayesian nonparametric approach, the problems of overfitting and underfitting are prevented. Moreover, the determination of the number of clusters is sidestepped by assuming an infinite number of clusters. In our approach, the model parameters and the local feature saliency are estimated simultaneously by variational inference. We report experimental results of applying our model to two challenging clustering problems involving web pages and tissue samples which contain gene expressions.
Differential Expression of Borrelia burgdorferi Genes during Erythema Migrans and Lyme Arthritis

Borrelia burgdorferi, the agent of Lyme disease, selectively expresses genes in the arthropod vector and mammalian host. Specific B. burgdorferi gene expression during human infection was examined in tissue specimens, using RNA ‐ polymerase chain reaction, from 3 patients with Lyme disease. ospA was investigated because OspA is down-regulated by B. burgdorferi in ticks during engorgement and is a vaccine candidate in phase III clinical trials. p35 and p37 were also assessed because these genes are induced by spirochetes during murine Lyme borreliosis and play roles in protective immunity. p35 and p37 mRNA were detected in erythema migrans biopsy specimens from 2 patients and in the synovium of 1 patient with Lyme arthritis. ospA mRNA was not identified in any of these tissues. These data show that ospA is repressed while p35 and p37 are induced in human infection; these results are the first direct demonstration of differential B. burgdorferi gene expression during Lyme disease.
Teaching Ph.D. Students To Teach Political Science: The Emory TATTO Program.

Until fairly recently, political science graduate students at Emory University received little formal training before entering the classroom. This changed in the fall of 1991, when the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences inaugurated the Teaching Assistant Training and Teaching Opportunity (TATTO) program. Participation in TATTO is meant to prepare graduate students to enter the professoriate as competent and confident teachers. The
Role of Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus C-Terminal LANA Chromosome Binding in Episome Persistence

Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) LANA is an 1,162-amino-acid protein that tethers terminal repeat (TR) DNA to mitotic chromosomes to mediate episome persistence in dividing cells. C-terminal LANA self-associates to bind TR DNA. LANA contains independent N- and C-terminal chromosome binding regions. N-terminal LANA binds histones H2A/H2B to attach to chromosomes, and this binding is essential for episome persistence. We now investigate the role of C-terminal chromosome binding in LANA function. Alanine substitutions for LANA residues (1068)LKK(1070) and (1125)SHP(1127) severely impaired chromosome binding but did not reduce the other C-terminal LANA functions of self-association or DNA binding. The (1068)LKK(1070) and (1125)SHP(1127) substitutions did not reduce LANA's inhibition of RB1-induced growth arrest, transactivation of the CDK2 promoter, or C-terminal LANA's inhibition of p53 activation of the BAX promoter. When N-terminal LANA was wild type, the (1068)LKK(1070) and (1125)SHP(1127) substitutions also did not reduce LANA chromosome association or episome persistence. However, when N-terminal LANA binding to chromosomes was modestly diminished, the substitutions in (1068)LKK(1070) and (1125)SHP(1127) dramatically reduced both LANA chromosome association and episome persistence. These data suggest a model in which N- and C-terminal LANA cooperatively associates with chromosomes to mediate full-length LANA chromosome binding and viral persistence.
Hysterectomy at Parturition and Ovarian Function in the Monkey (M. mulatta)

ConclusionSupravaginal hysterectomy in the macaque at the time of parturition causes no tleviation from the normal pattern in the resumption of ovarian activity as demonstrated by the study of vaginal desquamation.
Synthesis and investigation of [B20H17O(CH2)5]3–, a novel solvent complex of the [B20H18]4– ion.

Reaction of the [trans-B20H18]2– ion with the n-butoxide ion, formed in situ from reaction of n-butanol and NaH, in tetrahydropyran (THP) produces in good yield an unexpected and isolable solvent-coordinated polyhedral borane anion, [ae-B20H17O(CH2)5]3–. The anticipated product of nucleophilic attack, [ae-B20H17On-Bu]4–, is not observed under the reaction conditions. The solvent-coordinated product is also formed in the presence of either ethoxide or carbamate ion but is not observed if the ethoxide or carbamate ion is not present in stoichiometric amounts. In the presence of the n-butanethiol anion, the coordinated THP ring undergoes a ring-opening reaction, yielding the [ae-B20H17O(CH2)5Sn-Bu]4– anion. Ring opening is also observed in the presence of the ethoxide ion in refluxing THP. Isolation of the previously proposed analogous solvent-coordinated tetrahydrofuran (THF) product, [ae-B20H17O(CH2)4]3–, was unsuccessful; however, the product resulting from ring opening of THF by the n-butanethiol anion i...
Time-related recurrence rates in patients with upper tract transitional cell carcinoma

AbstractDisagreement exists about the necessity and frequency of contrast medium imaging of the upper urinary tract in patients with transitional cell carcinoma. During a 10-year period 39 patients were treated for upper urinary tract transitional cell carcinoma. There were 3 contralateral recurrences in 33 patients treated by nephroureterectomy for the initial lesion. Of 4 patients treated initially by segmental ureterectomy or partial renal pelvectomy 1 had an ipsilateral recurrence 3 years later. Two patients with bilateral upper tract transitional cell carcinoma were treated by simple nephrectomy combined with simultaneous contralateral segmental ureterectomy or renal pelvectomy. Both patients had no evidence of recurrent tumor after 4 years of followup. Of the 39 patients with upper tract transitional cell carcinoma 6 had multiple bladder tumors or carcinoma in situ documented on biopsy before the development of an upper tract tumor. The interval between the treatment for the last bladder tumor or ca...
Teaching as Changing Behavior1

The clinical dietitian should have certain goals in mind in assisting patients to change food habits. The author offers some “how-to-doit” steps which will be helpful in planning learning experiences for patients.
Expressionist: An Authoring Tool for In-Game Text Generation

We present Expressionist, an authoring tool for in-game text generation that combines the raw generative power of context-free grammars (CFGs) with the expressive power of free-text markup. Specifically, authors use the tool to define CFGs whose nonterminal symbols may be annotated using arbitrary author-defined tagsets. Any content generated by the CFG comes packaged with explicit metadata in the form of the markup attributed to all the symbols that were expanded to produce the content. Expressionist has already been utilized in two released games and it is currently being used in two ongoing projects. In this paper, we describe the tool and discuss these usage examples in a series of case studies. Expressionist is planned for release in late 2016.
The Study of Evil and Violence Without Girard

A critique of the usefulness of Girard for the study of religious violence and the demonization of the Other
Exploring Athletic Training Educators' Development as Teachers

Context: Little research is available on how athletic training educators develop their instructional styles over the course of their careers and what influences their teaching practices. Understand...
Agile Software Development

Plan-driven methods are those that begin with the solicitation and documentation of a set of requirements that is as complete as possible. Based on these requirements, one can then formulate a plan of development. Usually, the more complete the requirements, the better the plan. Some examples of plandriven methods are various waterfall approaches and others such as the Personal Software Process (PSP) (2, 3) and the Rational Unified Process (RUP) (4, 5). An underlying assumption in plan-driven processes is that the requirements are relatively stable. On the other hand, iterative methods, such as spiral model-based approaches (6, 7), evolutionary processes described in Refs. (8, 11), and recently agile approaches (12) count on change and recognize that the only constant is change. The question is only of the degree and the impact of the change. Beginning in the mid-1990s, practitioners began finding the rate of change in software requirements increasing well beyond the capabilities of classic development methodologies (1, 13). The software industry, software technology, and customer expectations were moving very quickly, and customers were becoming increasingly less able to fully state their needs up front. As a result, agile methodologies and practices emerged as an explicit attempt to more formally embrace higher rates of requirements change. In this chapter, we provide background information on agile principles and an overview of three agile methodologies. Keywords: ahile mainfesto; extreme prohramming; softwere engineering
Reference After 5 PM: A Reference Librarian’s Experience Working Atypical Hours at a Large Research Library

Reference services continue to change and evolve in the academic library. Students need reference support outside the normal 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. business hours in an academic library. The author works these later shifts and has found success in helping students. This success is due to the author’s collaboration and relationship building with not only students but also library employees and other departments to support a robust and active reference service on Sundays and after 5:00 p.m. This paper explores the author’s first semester providing reference services during the fall 2016 semester.
Deformity and Clinical Outcomes Following Operative Correction of Charcot Foot: A New Classification With Implications for Treatment:

Background:The historic treatment of Charcot foot arthropathy has been immobilization during the active phase of the disease process, followed by accommodative bracing of the acquired deformity. Evidence derived from modern patient-reported outcomes investigations has convinced many surgeons to attempt operative correction of the acquired deformity with a goal of improving quality of life.Methods:Over a 12-year period, 214 patients (9 bilateral) underwent reconstruction of the acquired deformity associated with midtarsal Charcot foot arthropathy. Over time, 3 patterns of deformity were observed based on weight-bearing pattern, relationship of the forefoot to the hindfoot, and integrity of the talocalcaneal joint. A valgus deformity pattern was present in 138, varus in 48, and dislocation of the talocalcaneal joint in 37. A consistent operative strategy was employed. Surgery included percutaneous tendon-Achilles lengthening, resection of infection when present, attempted correction of the structural deform...
Peli1 modulates the subcellular localization and activity of Mdmx

Mdm2 and Mdmx, both major repressors of p53 in human cancers, are predominantly localized to the nucleus and cytoplasm, respectively. The mechanism by which subcellular localization of Mdmx is regulated remains unclear. In this study, we identify the E3 ligase Peli1 as a major binding partner and regulator of Mdmx in human cells. Peli1 bound Mdmx in vitro and in vivo and promoted high levels of ubiquitination of Mdmx. Peli1-mediated ubiquitination was degradation-independent, promoting cytoplasmic localization of Mdmx which in turn resulted in p53 activation. Consistent with this, knockdown or knockout Peli1 in human cancer cells induced nuclear localization of Mdmx and suppressed p53 activity. Myc-induced tumorigenesis was accelerated in Peli1-null mice and associated with downregulation of p53 function. Clinical samples of human cutaneous melanoma had decreased Peli1 expression which was associated with poor overall survival. Together, these results demonstrate that Peli1 acts as a critical factor for the Mdmx-p53 axis by modulating the subcellular localization and activity of Mdmx, thus revealing a novel mechanism of Mdmx deregulation in human cancers.
Newt cells secrete extracellular vesicles with therapeutic bioactivity in mammalian cardiomyocytes

Newts can regenerate amputated limbs and cardiac tissue, unlike mammals which lack broad regenerative capacity. Several signaling pathways involved in cell proliferation, differentiation and survival during newt tissue regeneration have been elucidated, however the factors that coordinate signaling between cells, as well as the conservation of these factors in other animals, are not well defined. Here we report that media conditioned by newt limb explant cells (A1 cells) protect mammalian cardiomyocytes from oxidative stress-induced apoptosis. The cytoprotective effect of A1-conditioned media was negated by exposing A1 cells to GW4869, which suppresses the generation of extracellular vesicles (EVs). A1-EVs are similar in diameter (~100-150 nm), structure, and share several membrane surface and cargo proteins with mammalian exosomes. However, isolated A1-EVs contain significantly higher levels of both RNA and protein per particle than mammalian EVs. Additionally, numerous cargo RNAs and proteins are unique to A1-EVs. Of particular note, A1-EVs contain numerous mRNAs encoding nuclear receptors, membrane ligands, as well as transcription factors. Mammalian cardiomyocytes treated with A1-EVs showed increased expression of genes in the PI3K/AKT pathway, a pivotal player in survival signaling. We conclude that newt cells secrete EVs with diverse, distinctive RNA and protein contents. Despite ~300 million years of evolutionary divergence between newts and mammals, newt EVs confer cytoprotective effects on mammalian cardiomyocytes.
Natural Adhesion System Leads to Synthetic Adhesives

Nature has developed multi-functional geometric structures, and surface textures with excellent tribological characteristics, such as feet of geckos. Geckos have extraordinary abilities to climb walls and even upside down on the ceiling. Studies have revealed that hierarchical structure of gecko’s feet can bear the weight of two humans and this strong adhesion force is mainly generated by weak van der Waals force. This paper reviews the mechanisms and the forces responsible for gecko’s adhesion, and the effect of humidity on adhesion against different hydrophobic/hydrophilic surfaces. The excellent adhesive and frictional properties of gecko adhesion system have inspired many researchers to develop gecko-inspired synthetic adhesives. In this paper, recent development of gecko-inspired synthetic adhesives has been presented in terms of various fabrication methods, different tip structures, and the effect of counter surface roughness as well as design criteria to avoid bunching of nano-structures. The application of synthetic adhesives is also discussed for wall climbing robots and novel applications in the field of space, biomedical and sports accessories.
TISSUE-SPECIFIC METHYLATION PATTERNS IN BOVINE SATELLITE DNA

Publisher Summary This chapter describes a study in which bovine satellite DNA was prepared from various tissues and analyzed with regard to cytosine methylation. Restriction analysis with methylation-sensitive endonucleases and base analysis by high-performance liquid chromatography indicated that tissue-specific differences in methylation occur within this major satellite fraction. Results of this type, comparing DNA from bull sperm and calf thymus, had been reported earlier. The satellite fragment from sperm, in marked contrast to that from thymus, is essentially free of methylation, suggesting the action of an initiation-type methylase early in development. A more detailed study of satellite methylation in different tissues is currently being performed by Southern blotting and hybridization using a cloned satellite 1 fragment from calf thymus.
Preventing Lethal Prostate Cancer With Diet, Supplements, and Rx: Heart Healthy Continues to Be Prostate Healthy and "First Do No Harm" Part II

To discuss the overall and latest observations of the effect of diet, lifestyle, supplements, and some prescription heart healthy medications for prostate cancer prevention. The concept of maximizing heart health to prevent aggressive prostate cancer continues to be solidified with the addition of more prospective observational and randomized controlled trial data. Heart healthy is prostate healthy, but heart unhealthy is prostate unhealthy. The primary goal of reducing the risk of all-cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD) morbidity and mortality also allows for maximizing prostate cancer prevention. The obesity epidemic in children and adults along with recent diverse research has only strengthened the nexus between heart and prostate health. Greater dietary adherence toward a variety of healthy foods is associated with a graded improved probability of CVD and potentially aggressive cancer risk reduction. Preventing prostate cancer via dietary supplements should encourage a “first do no harm”, or less is more approach until future evidence can reverse the concerning trend that more supplementation has resulted in either no impact or an increased risk of prostate cancer. Supplements to reduce side effects of some cancer treatments appear to have more encouraging data. Medications that improve heart health including statins, aspirin, and metformin (S.A.M.), and specific beta-blocker medications are primarily generic or low-cost and should continue to garner research interest. A watershed moment in medical education has arrived where the past perception of a diverse number of trees seemingly separated by vast distances, in reality, now appear to exist within the same forest.
Little race or gender bias in an experiment of initial review of NIH R01 grant proposals

Many granting agencies allow reviewers to know the identity of a proposal's principal investigator (PI), which opens the possibility that reviewers discriminate on the basis of PI race and gender. We investigated this experimentally with 48 NIH R01 grant proposals, representing a broad range of NIH-funded science. We modified PI names to create separate white male, white female, black male and black female versions of each proposal, and 412 scientists each submitted initial reviews for 3 proposals. We find little to no race or gender bias in initial R01 evaluations, and additionally find that any bias that might have been present must be negligible in size. This conclusion was robust to a wide array of statistical model specifications. Pragmatically, important bias may be present in other aspects of the granting process, but our evidence suggests that it is not present in the initial round of R01 reviews.
It is tough to be a Liberian refugee in Staten Island, NY: the importance of context for second generation African immigrant youth

This long-term ethnographic study about the Liberian refugee community in Staten Island, NY shows that their integration and identity formation are not only influenced by race, but also by the cont...