cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Increased levels of nuclear androgen receptors in hyperplastic prostate of aging men

Several publications indicate the dihydrotestosterone content of hyperplastic prostatic tissue from man and dog is increased. There is limited information concerning an abnormality in the androgen receptor content in this disorder. In men, we determined the androgen receptor concentration in cytosol, nuclei, the nuclear matrix, and nuclease solubilized salt extract fractions from benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and normal prostate. Nine BPH cases (age 61 ± 7, mean ± SD) and seven controls (age 29 ± 10.6) were compared. Prostates were obtained during autopsy performed within 12 h after death and frozen at −70°C until analysis. Four grams of tissue were homogenized and centrifuged for separation of nuclei and cytosol. Androgen receptors were estimated with an improved assay procedure. The androgen receptor content per mg of DNA in whole nuclei and in the salt extract fraction (P < 0.01 and <0.05 respectively) was higher in BPH cases than in controls. Cytosol did not show a significant difference. For both groups, receptors were undetectable in the nuclear matrix. We speculate that increased androgen receptor bound to chromatin of hyperplastic tissue may be causally related to the development of BPH in aging man.
TRIGGERING B-PHYSICS WITH CYLINDRICAL PIXEL ARRAYS

Abstract With the intent of studying a first level trigger capability, we performed a Monte Carlo simulation of 1.8 TeV p p interactions traversing three layers of silicon pixel detectors. We determined the efficiency for detection of the secondary vertices of B → π + π − decays while simultaneously rejecting minimum-bias events. The three layers were divided into 24 independent 15° sectors in φ (trial I) and 12 independent 30° sectors in φ (trial II). With the 24 sector arrangement, 78% of the events containing a B → π + π − decay yielded fewer than 140 triplets (one “hit” in each barrel) in any sector. In the 12 sector arrangement only 50% of the B → π + π − events have fewer than 140 triplets per sector. Minimum-bias events produced fewer triplets per sector. Simple linear equations were used to define selection criteria to suppress minimum-bias events by a factor of 100 000 while retaining 7.3% of the B → π + π − events in the 24 φ -sector arrangement and 5.6% of the B → π + π − events in the 12 φ -sector arrangement. The B yield can be increased at the cost of reducing the minimum-bias rejection factor.
Homotopy in Q-polynomial distance-regular graphs

Abstract Let Γ denote a Q-polynomial distance-regular graph with diameter d ⩾3. We show that if the valency is at least three, then the intersection number p 12 3 is at least two; consequently the girth is at most six. We then consider a condition on the dual eigenvalues of Γ that must hold if Γ is the quotient of an antipodal distance-regular graph of diameter D ⩾7; we call Γ a pseudoquotient whenever this condition holds. For our main result, we show that if Γ is not a pseudoquotient, then any cycle in Γ can be ‘decomposed’ into cycles of length at most six. We present this result using homotopy.
Fetal Hemoglobin Restriction to a Few Erythrocytes (F Cells) in Normal Human Adults

During adult life, the quantity of fetal hemoglobin (HbF) present in F cells--that is, rare erythrocytes which are reactive with rabbit antiserum to human HbF during microscopic immunodiffusion--is sufficient to account for all of the small quantity (less than 0.7 percent) of HbF normally present in whole blood. Thus, erythrocytes are normally heterogeneous with respect to the presence of HbF.
Fabrication of Thermoelectric Devices Using Thermal Spray: Application to Vehicle Exhaust Systems

Thermoelectric devices produce electricity directly from heat; they are small, have no moving parts, and are quiet. Commercially available thermoelectric devices, however, are expensive and labor intensive to produce, and come in very limited form factors. This article presents initial results for the use of thermal spray to directly fabricate thermoelectric devices. The target application is automotive exhaust systems and other high-volume heat sources. In this work, FeSi2 and Mg2Si metal silicides were sprayed. Characterization of the Mg2Si deposits indicates that both the thermal conductivity and the Seebeck coefficient are roughly one half the values of bulk Mg2Si. The electrical conductivity, however, is several orders of magnitude lower than bulk measurements in the literature, with likely reasons including impurities in the starting powder, oxidation during spraying, and using an undoped material. FexCo4−xSb12 skutterudite material has also been sprayed; however, not enough powder was available to fabricate samples large enough for characterization. The steps required to fabricate a thermoelectric device are presented, including the formation of the bottom and top metallic layers and the thermoelectric legs using thermal spray and laser micromachining. A technique for bridging the air gap between adjacent thermoelectric elements for the top layer based on a sacrificial filler material has also been demonstrated.
CONTROLLING GROUNDWATER QUALITY WITH ENDOGENOUS REGULATORY INSTRUMENTS

. This research presents a competitive dynamic model that endogenously evaluates the economics of regulatory tax-policy options. This model is then applied to an irrigated corn production area west of Kearney, Nebraska, where the average groundwater contamination level from nitrates is reported to be 8.7 parts per million (ppm). Results indicate that no regulatory policies are necessary for maintaining potable groundwater quality with either a surge-flow irrigation system or a sprinkler irrigation system. In areas where conventional furrow irrigation technology is being used, higher net economic benefits result from the adoption of a variable-tax on nitrogen fertilizer use, followed by a constant-unit tax and a pollution tax.
Investigation of drift gas selectivity in high resolution ion mobility spectrometry with mass spectrometry detection

Recent studies in electrospray ionization (ESI)/ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) have focussed on employing different drift gases to alter separation efficiency for some molecules. This study investigates four structurally similar classes of molecules (cocaine and metabolites, amphetamines, benzodiazepines, and small peptides) to determine the effect of structure on relative mobility changes in four drift gases (helium, nitrogen, argon, carbon dioxide). Collision cross sections were plotted against drift gas polarizability and a linear relationship was found for the nineteen compounds evaluated in the study. Based on the reduced mobility database, all nineteen compounds could be separated in one of the four drift gases, however, the drift gas that provided optimal separation was specific for the two compounds.
Stimulus-reinforcer and response-reinforcer relations in the control of conditioned appetitive headpoking (goal tracking) in rats.

•Experiment I studied ihe effect of several Pavlovian appetitive conditioning procedures on rats' headpoking into a food tray (goal tracking). The procedures included forward delay conditioning, CS-alone extinction, differential condition­ ing, and simultaneous compound conditioned inhibition training. In general. the head poke behaved in all of these treatments much like a Pavlovian CR; however. one couid also say that the headpoke behaved like· an adventitiously reinforced operant for which the CS was an S 0 • Experiment 2. therefore. used the differential-nondifferential technique (E. Gamzu & D. R. Williams. Science, 1971, 171, 923-925), and Experiment 3 used an omission technique (F. D. Sheffield, in W. F. Prokasy. Ed .. Classical conditioning, New York: Appleton­ Century-Crofts. 1965; D: R. Williams & H. Williams. Journal ofthe Experimema/ Analysis of Behavior, 1%9, U, 511-520), to try to separate the role of stimulus­ reinforcer and response-reinforcer relations in controlling the headpoke. These techniques proved inadequate. The results of Expe.riment2 could be given either operant or Pavlovian interpretations. Those of Experiment 3 showed that head­ poking is dominated by response-reinforcer, rather· than by stimulus-reinforcer. relations when the t\VO compete but forced no conclusion about which dominates when the two act together as in acquisition. Implications for pigeon autoshaping are discussed.
The million song dataset challenge

We introduce the Million Song Dataset Challenge: a large-scale, personalized music recommendation challenge, where the goal is to predict the songs that a user will listen to, given both the user's listening history and full information (including meta-data and content analysis) for all songs. We explain the taste profile data, our goals and design choices in creating the challenge, and present baseline results using simple, off-the-shelf recommendation algorithms.
A concrete abstract and other idiosyncracies of technical writing

Describes how to approach the abstract as a thumbnail sketch of a report. Using the same principles of clear and direct writing that apply to the abstract, the author also discusses some features of technical writing that characterize the total document: fluent organizational structure, clear and consistent terminology, and avoidance of specific grammatical pitfalls. >
THE CHARACTERIZATION OF ANTIGENS ISOLATED FROM TRYPANOSOMA RHODESIENSE.

SYNOPSIS. Two blood trypanosome antigens (PR and AG) have been isolated from the serum of infected rats. These antigens are specific for each strain of trypanosome. The AG antigens, detected by agar diffusion techniques, have been extensively purified and are prctein in nature. Those isolated from two different strains differ in their heat sensitivity and in their elution patterns from calcium phosphate gel. The AG antigens are apparently not involved in the protection of mice after immunization with infected rat serum. The PR antigens, not yet detected by agar diffusion techniques, protect mice after immunization. These antigens also appear to be proteins. At least two antigens in the soluble portion of blood trypanosome homogenates are common to the “brucei” group of trypanosomes. These antigens are not involved in determining the serotype of different strains of trypanosomes. Furthermore, there are no biological properties by which the common antigen can at present be characterized. The enzyme hexokinase has also been found to be antigenically similar in both blood and culture trypanosomes. This enzyme, however, has not been detected by agar diffusion techniques. This, therefore, suggested that there are probably numerous antigens common to different strains of T. rhodesiense which have not been detected by this technique.
Assessment of Micro-Fracture Density using Combined Interpretation of NMR Relaxometry and Electromagnetic Logs

Assessment of micro-fracture density in hydrocarbon-bearing reservoirs is of special interest for designing production plans and selecting zones for fracture treatment. NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) T2 (spin-spin relaxation time) distribution has been traditionally considered insensitive to the presence of fractures. However, in a recent publication, we documented a measureable NMR sensitivity to the existence of micro-fractures and proposed a new concept of fracture-pore diffusional coupling. The quantification of micro-fracture density in multipleporosity systems is a challenging issue, and distinguishing fractures from pore space is not possible from NMR T2 measurement alone. However, the inclusion of additional borehole measurements, such as induction logs, enables evaluation of micro-fracture density. In this paper, we introduce a new method to evaluate the porosity associated to micro-fractures and intra-/inter-granular pores in complex formations using combined interpretation of NMR and EM (electromagnetic) measurements. We used a previously-introduced NMR analytical model for fracture-pore coupling to account for micro-fractures in the rock. This model was verified through NMR numerical simulations (using a random walk algorithm) in our previous work. Next, we simulated EM responses in the fluid-bearing fractured media using our previously developed software, Seatem. This program solves the diffusive Maxwell equations, and describes spatial heterogeneity through representation of anomalous diffusion of quasi-free charges generating electromagnetic eddy currents in the fracture network. Finally, these simulations were jointly interpreted to solve for micro-fracture density and intra-/inter-granular porosity. We applied the described technique on synthetic cases devised from pore-scale images of carbonate and organicshale formations. The estimated micro-fracture density was in satisfactory agreement with the actual value. The results showed that assessment of fracture content is possible by combining the NMR analytical model of fracturepore diffusional coupling, and EM simulations. Our introduced method for quantifying micro-fracture density can improve reservoir characterization, and contribute to operational decisions regarding number and location of fracture treatments for enhanced production from tight carbonate and organic-shale formations.
Stability of an elastic rod buckling into a soft wall

The conjugate point theory of the calculus of variations is extended to apply to the buckling of an elastic rod in an external field. We show that the operator approach presented by Manning (Mannin...
High-κ insulating materials for AlGaN/GaN metal insulator semiconductor heterojunction field effect transistors

Abstract High-κ insulating materials (HfO 2 , HfO 2 /Al 2 O 3 , HfAlO x , and HfSiO x ) were deposited by atomic layer deposition (ALD) on AlGaN/GaN to form Metal–Insulator–Semiconductor Heterostructure Field Effect Transistors (MISHFETs) and were electrically and structurally characterized. The objective of this study is to characterize the interface quality and correlate the results with electrical phenomena for each insulating material. Although there are many studies using HfO 2 and Al 2 O 3 on AlGaN, there is limited experimental data using ternary compounds such as HfAlO x or HfSiO x , compared to their binary counterparts. In this work, interface trap density, D it , was extracted by the conductance method using on-chip metal–insulator–semiconductor heterostructure capacitors (MISHCAPs). HfO 2 was measured to have the lowest trap density at low energies on the order of 10 12 cm −2 eV −1 and quickly reduced about one order of magnitude less than the others at higher trap energies. HfO 2 /Al 2 O 3 , HfAlO x , and HfSiO x all had similar trap densities on the order of 10 12 cm −2 eV −1 . Ultra-low gate leakage levels were achieved, especially for HfAlO x on the orders of 10 −12 A/mm. Our studies indicate that HfAlO x provides the best electrical characteristics such as lowest gate leakage current, largest channel carrier density and resistance to self-heating effects without the vulnerability to low crystallization temperatures.
Data Acquisition in PET Imaging

Data acquisition is substantially different in PET than it is in planar nuclear medicine and SPECT. There is an entirely different set of definitions and considerations. The objective of this paper is to provide the reader with the terminology and understanding of how PET data are acquired and organized as well as the issues involved in choosing one approach over another. Sinograms and projection views will be presented as methods of storing and viewing raw PET data. Different approaches to increase axial sampling while maintaining a sufficient number of counts for each reconstructed slice are discussed, as well as the use of sinogram compression or "mashing" to reduce the storage requirements of raw PET data. The differences between 2-dimensional (2D) and 3-dimensional (3D) PET and how storage of raw 3D data may differ from that of 2D data are described. The concept of "Michelograms" as a means of displaying the nature of the axial sampling in both 2D and 3D PET is discussed. After reading this paper, the reader will be able to describe 2 methods used to store and display raw PET data and compare them with methods used in SPECT. The reader will be able to define the terms "span" and "maximum ring difference" and describe how they relate to the axial sampling in 2D and 3D PET. The reader will also be able to list 3 ways in which 3D PET differs from 2D PET.
Distinct and Common Cortical Activations for Multimodal Semantic Categories

If semantic representations are based on particular types of perceptual features, then category knowledge that arises from multimodal sensory experiences should rely on distinct and common sensory brain regions depending on the features involved. Using a similarity-based generation-and-comparison task, we found that semantic categories activated cortical areas associated with taste and smell, biological motion, and visual processing. Fruit names specifically activated medial orbitofrontal regions associated with taste and smell. Labels for body parts and clothing activated lateral temporal occipitoparietal areas associated with perceiving the human body. More generally, visually biased categories activated ventral temporal regions typically ascribed to visual object recognition, whereas functional categories activated lateral frontotemporal areas previously associated with the representation of usage properties. These results indicate that semantic categories that are distinguished by particular perceptual properties rely on distinct cortical regions, whereas semantic categories that rely on similar types of features depend on common brain areas.
Hydrology of Two Small Wetland Basins in Eastern Massachusetts

ABSTRACT: A hydrologic budget was prepared for two geologically different wetland basins in eastern Massachusetts for the 1971 water-year. Water table conditions prevailed at one wetland underlain by peat while an artesian system functioned at the other wetland which was underlain by muck. Hydrologic responses were generally similar at both wetlands, although each functioned differently in detail. Both wetlands exhibited high spring discharges and depressions of low flow. Ground water accounted for an estimated 93% of the total annual discharge from both wetlands; in late summer the peat deposit recharged the regional ground water body. Evapotranspiration in the spring was retarded in probable consequence of the extreme wetness of the wetland soils.
Sensitivity analysis under model perturbation for weighted eigenspace methods

Eigenspace based spectral methods comprise an important class of direction-of-arrival (DOA) estimates. The authors carry out a sensitivity analysis of weighted eigenspace methods (WEM) via a generalized approach using a particular Taylor series expansion of the cost function under model phase and gain perturbation. The multiple signal classification (MUSIC) algorithm is treated as one example of this general weighted eigenspace class of spectral methods. Central to this study is the second order analysis of WEM. General bias and variance expressions for DOA estimates are derived, which are applicable to a variety of DOA estimation algorithms. Concise and accurate bias and variance expressions for MUSIC are derived. These expressions are valid over a wide range of gain and phase errors. Simulation results are included to validate the analytical results. >
New, Fast Numerical Method for Solving Two-Point Boundary-Value Problems

In this Note, we propose a class of sparse aperture interferometric satellite constellations in Earth orbit that can be used to observe astronomical bodies over the full celestial sphere. This observatory is capable of forming high-resolution images in timescales of a few hours, while completely covering the desired region of the wave number (u‐v) plane for a wide range of wavelengths. An optimization procedure is defined that supplies m pixels of resolution with a minimum number of satellites. A lower bound for the minimum number of spacecraft in the constellation is derived, and we show that for the example considered this procedure results in an observatory that is within 0‐2 satellites from this lower bound. The zonal J2 effect is used to scan the observatory across the celestial sphere. Finally, we discuss some practical implementation issues for these observatories.
Numerical isolation of flaws in the lunar theory

The general concept of a numerical study of the lunar motion is examined and a particular case is discussed in greater detail than was possible in an earlier paper. Particular emphasis is placed upon the distinction to be made between model inadequacies and numerical artifacts, since either type of problem may be present in a given study, but the sensitivity to one or the other depends on the methodology used.
Taste signaling elements expressed in gut enteroendocrine cells regulate nutrient-responsive secretion of gut hormones

Many of the receptors and downstream signaling elements involved in taste detection and transduction are also expressed in enteroendocrine cells where they underlie the chemosensory functions of the gut. In one well-known example of gastrointestinal chemosensation (the "incretin effect"), it is known that glucose that is given orally, but not systemically, induces secretion of glucagon-like peptide 1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (the incretin hormones), which in turn regulate appetite, insulin secretion, and gut motility. Duodenal L cells express sweet taste receptors, the taste G protein gustducin, and several other taste transduction elements. Knockout mice that lack gustducin or the sweet taste receptor subunit T1r3 have deficiencies in secretion of glucagon-like peptide 1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide and in the regulation of plasma concentrations of insulin and glucose in response to orally ingested carbohydrate-ie, their incretin effect is dysfunctional. Isolated small intestine and intestinal villi from gustducin null mice displayed markedly defective glucagon-like peptide 1 secretion in response to glucose, indicating that this is a local circuit of sugar detection by intestinal cells followed by hormone secretion from these same cells. Modulating hormone secretion from gut "taste cells" may provide novel treatments for obesity, diabetes, and malabsorption syndromes.
Contra la desigualdad

William Dugger questions the conventional idea that inequality is necessary for economic development through a historical and institutional examination of five of the major systems of inequality currently existing: racism, sexism, classism, jingoism, and antisemitismo It puts forward various reasons to justify that redistribution is not the solution; that inequality is pathological, cumula tive, and social; that it rests on myth and that current economic doctrine is a mythologicalsystem which preserves the status quo and confuses the current economy of collective greed and en based on the power of the large corporations- with an economy of individual initiative, efficiency, and competitive markets. And it shows that laissez faire is impractical because the State always ect:s, even when it follows non-interventionist economic policies. Against the oversimplification of those who defend the dichotomy 'State or market', it opposes the old institutionalist conjunction 'State and market'. As for inequality, it summarizes as follows the central question of our age: "how much inequali ty will the State create and allow in order to preserve the structure of the market system?"
Class III Obesity is Not a Contraindication to Venovenous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Support

Background The use of venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has increased as a bridge to recovery for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) refractory to conventional support. Morbid obesity can pose a significant challenge to obtaining indexed flows, and outcomes in this population are not well described. Methods Patients requiring ECMO for ARDS between January 2009 and November 2012 were retrospectively reviewed. Demographics, ECMO variables, and outcomes were assessed. Morbid obesity and super obesity were defined as a body mass index (BMI) greater than 40 kg/m 2 and greater than 50 kg/m 2 , respectively. Results Fifty-five patients with ARDS were placed on ECMO during the study period. Twelve were morbidly obese with a BMI of 49.0 kg/m 2 (interquartile range [IQR]: 45.4–57.3 kg/m 2 ). Pre-ECMO mechanical ventilatory support and indices of disease severity were similar between the 2 groups, as were cannulation strategy and duration of ECMO support. Nine (75%) morbidly obese patients and 27 (63%) non–morbidly obese patients were successfully weaned from ECMO support, and patient survival to time of discharge was 67% and 58%, respectively. In the subset of super obese patients (n = 6; BMI, 57.3 kg/m 2 [IQR: 51.3–66.5 kg/m 2 ]), recovery and midterm survival was 100%. Conclusions In this review, class III obesity was not associated with poorer outcomes, and based on these data, ECMO support should not be withheld from this patient population.
Quantified Suboptimality of VLSI Layout Heuristics

We show how to quantify the suboptimality of heuristic algorithms for NP-hard problems arising in VLSI layout. Our approach is based on the notion of constructing new scaled instances from an initial problem instance. From the given problem instance, we essentially construct doubled, tripled, etc. instances which have optimum solution costs at most twice, three times, etc. that of the original instance. By executing the heuristic on these scaled instances, and then comparing the growth of solution cost with the growth of instance size, we can measure the scaling suboptimality of the heuristic. We give experimentally determined scaling behavior of several placement and partitioning heuristics; these results suggest that siginificant improvement remains possible over current state-of-the-art methods.
Developing Interactive Andragogical Online Content for Nursing Students

There is currently a shortage of registered nurses. This situation is further complicated by increased demands for nurses who are baccalaureate or masters’ prepared. Online education can facilitate degree completion for working adults. Nursing faculty, however, are not always adequately prepared to teach online. The purpose of this article is to describe the results of a qualitative research study and thematic analysis of methods utilized by nursing faculty currently involved in teaching online courses. Moreover, the article presents the experiences of nursing faculty who discovered creative methods to develop engaging online content based on relevant clinical experiences, and their transformation from teachers to facilitators of adult learning.
Mitigating supply chain disruptions through the assessment of trade-offs among risks, costs and investments in capabilities

Abstract One of the central questions in supply chain design is how to properly invest in supply chain capabilities in order to be more responsive to supply chain disruptions. This new perspective in supply chain design requires an understanding of the relationships among costs, supply chain risk drivers, and investments in supply chain capabilities. In this paper, we develop a multi-objective stochastic model for supply chain design under uncertainty and time-dependency. Sources of risk are modeled as a set of scenarios, and the risk of the system is determined. The objective is to examine the trade-offs among investments in improving supply chain capabilities and reducing supply chain risks, and to minimize cost of supply chain disruptions. Due to the NP-hard nature of the problem, a heuristic algorithm based on a relaxation method is designed to determine an optimal or near-optimal solution. To examine the efficiency of the heuristic algorithm, a numerical example is provided. Our findings suggest that increasing supply chain capabilities can be viewed as a mitigation strategy that enables a firm to reduce the total expected cost of a supply chain subject to disruptions.
Social Movements, Protest, and Policy

The capacity of Latin American social groups to mobilize has excited the imagination of students of the region since the birth of Latin American studies itself. Alongside the cultural turn, many social movement organizations continue to engage directly with politics. Aspirational goals notwithstanding, in order to improve conditions they devote much of their energy to influencing policy. Although scholars have begun to address the policy impact of Latin American social movements, we have limited systematized understanding of the conditions and mechanisms by which social movement protest affects policy outcomes. This essay argues that a policy process approach offers a useful first cut into more systematic analysis of social movements, protest, and their policy consequences in Latin America. Resumen: Movimientos Sociales, Protesta y Politicas de Gobierno La capacidad de movilizacion social que evidencia America Latina ha captado el imaginario de investigadores desde los albores de los estudios latinoamericanos. A pesar del giro cultural sobre el tema, muchos movimientos sociales siguen entablando la politica de forma directa. Amen de sus metas aspiracionales, en pos de mejorar sus condiciones dedican una cantidad apreciable de sus esfuerzos a influenciar politicas de gobierno. Si bien es cierto que una cantidad no menospreciable de investigadores consideran esos impactos aun hace falta conocimiento sistematizado sobre las condiciones y los mecanismos a traves de los cuales la protesta social afecta las politicas del estado. Este ensayo argumenta que enfoques centrados en los procesos de la politica publica ofrecen una buena entrada al analisis mas sistematico sobre los movimientos sociales, protesta, y sus consecuencias para politicas de gobierno.
Insights into epigenetic landscape of recombination-free regions

Genome architecture is shaped by gene-rich and repeat-rich regions also known as euchromatin and heterochromatin, respectively. Under normal conditions, the repeat-containing regions undergo little or no meiotic crossover (CO) recombination. COs within repeats are risky for the genome integrity. Indeed, they can promote non-allelic homologous recombination (NAHR) resulting in deleterious genomic rearrangements associated with diseases in humans. The assembly of heterochromatin is driven by the combinatorial action of many factors including histones, their modifications, and DNA methylation. In this review, we discuss current knowledge dealing with the epigenetic signatures of the major repeat regions where COs are suppressed. Then we describe mutants for epiregulators of heterochromatin in different organisms to find out how chromatin structure influences the CO rate and distribution.
Decreasing Distortion Energies without Strain: Diazo-Selective 1,3-Dipolar Cycloadditions.

The diazo group has attributes that complement those of the azido group for applications in chemical biology. Here, we use computational analyses to provide insights into the chemoselectivity of the diazo group in 1,3-dipolar cycloadditions. Dipole distortion energies are responsible for ∼80% of the overall energetic barrier for these reactions. Here, we show that diazo compounds, unlike azides, provide an opportunity to decrease that barrier substantially without introducing strain into the dipolarophile. The ensuing rate enhancement is due to the greater nucleophilic character of a diazo group compared to that of an azido group, which can accommodate decreased distortion energies without predistortion. The tuning of distortion energies with substituents in a diazo compound or dipolarophile can enhance reactivity and selectivity in a predictable manner. Notably, these advantages of diazo groups are amplified in water. Our findings provide a theoretical framework that can guide the design and application ...
Coherent noise attenuation using Inverse Problems and Prediction Error Filters

Two iterative methods that handle coherent noise effects during the inversion of 2-D prestack data are tested. One method approximates the inverse covariance matrices with PEFs, and the other introduces a coherent noise modeling operator in the objective function. This noise modeling operator is a PEF that has to be estimated before the inversion from a noise model or directly from the data. These two methods lead to Independent, Identically Distributed (IID) residual variables, thus guaranteeing a stable convergence of the inversion schemes and permitting coherent noise filtering/separation.
A Nonlinear Extension of Principal Component Analysis for Clustering and Spatial Differentiation

The limitations in the use of linear principal component analysis (PCA) for identifying morphological features of data sets are discussed. A nonlinear extension of PCA is introduced to provide this capability. It differs from ordinary PCA methods only in that the objective function involves a nonlinear transformation of the principal components. The procedure is shown to be closely related to the exploratory projection pursuit (EPP) algorithm proposed by Friedman (1987), and thus its usefulness in clustering and spatial differentiation applications is apparent. An efficient gradient ascent algorithm is proposed for implementation, based upon the use of a stochastic approximation. The inherent computational advantages in the suggested implementation over other EPP methods are evident, given that EPP methods require the estimation of a density function at every iteration. The nonlinear extension is evaluated by using several well-known datasets, including Fisher’s (1936) Iris data. An industrial application...
Shape Complexes for Metamorhpic Robots

A metamorphic robotic system is an aggregate of identical robot units which can individually detach and reattach in such a way as to change the global shape of the system. We introduce a mathematical framework for defining and analyzing general metamorphic systems. This formal structure combined with ideas from geometric group theory leads to a natural extension of a configuration space for metamorphic systems — the shape complex — which is especially adapted to parallelization. We present an algorithm for optimizing reconfiguration sequences with respect to elapsed time. A universal geometric property of shape complexes — non-positive curvature — is the key to proving convergence to the globally time-optimal solution.
Acts of Disapproval: Skimmington Riding

What Mother Cuxsom describes as ‘a foolish old thing’ plays a critical part in The Mayor of Casterbridge, as Hardy recounts the preparations for the skimmington, the event itself, and its aftermath in the death of Lucetta. Here, as elsewhere in Hardy’s Wessex, the skimmington acts as a public realisation of private fears. Hardy’s characters frequently worry who might be watching, judging or cursing them. Those who had reason to wonder how they were viewed within their community lived with an awareness that the skimmington ride could become a reality at any time. It stood as a ready tool for social censure—a way for neighbours to band together and mockingly denounce those who were supposed to have transgressed the boundaries of public decency in some way.
Innovating for Tomorrow

Our innovation system was shaped by many elements of the American industrial experience. The Web extra at https://youtu.be/_KtbkAexOwM is an audio recording of author David Alan Grier reading his Errant Hashtag column.
CVD graphene ubiquitous high speed electronics on flexible/rigid substrates

Large area graphene [1–3] is an emerging material and prime candidate for future high frequency electronics. In this work, large-area CVD graphene based radio-frequency transistors are integrated on both rigid and mechanically flexible/conformable substrates. The devices incorporate scaled ALD gate-dielectrics and the layout is tailor designed to minimize parasitics producing improved extrinsic >3 GHz regime frequency range and improved circuit performance. Transistors are wired up and RF communication circuit functionality for graphene on flexible substrates is demonstrated for the first time including signal amplification and modulation.
580. In Vivo Analyses of Aptamers and siRNA Therapeutics Against HIV-1 in Humanized Mouse Model

Nucleic acid-based therapeutics are quickly emerging as a strong alternative or co-therapy to the chemical antiviral agents currently used to treat HIV-1/AIDS. Systemic delivery of siRNAs typically requires a carrier to prevent renal clearance, minimize the inflammatory response, and enhance the cellular uptake. This is particularly true for siRNAs against HIV, which require systemic intravenous injection to access the cells and tissues that are sites of HIV infection. Human CCR5 (C-C chemokine receptor type 5), a protein expressed by T-cells and macrophages, is an important coreceptor for macrophage-tropic virus, including HIV-1 R5 isolates. Variations in CCR5 are associated with resistance or susceptibility to HIV-1. As an essential factor for viral entry, CCR5 has represented an attractive cellular target for the treatment of HIV-1. We therefore sought to develop CCR5 directed RNA aptamers to target HIV-1 susceptible cells, and specifically regulate both gene silencing of HIV-1 and the blockage of CCR5 which is required for HIV-1 to enter cells. We have successfully identified several 2’- Fluoropyrimidine modified RNA aptamers directed to human CCR5 and G-3 aptamer has turned out to be the potential candidate for further studies.In order to assess the potential of the aptamer in HIV prophylaxis we transplanted neonatal NOD/SCID/gc null (NSG) mice with human CD34+ HSC cells (1E6 cells/pup). The tissues and peripheral blood was processed and analyzed for expression of HIV-1 permissible cells and cell surface expression of CCR5. An ex vivo HIV-1 protection assay was performed and the culture supernatants were collected for HIV-1 p24 ELISA. The sorted CD4+ T-cells were pre-treated with G-3 aptamer and subsequently were challenged ex vivo by R5 stains (HIV-1 JR-FL or Bal virus) or X4 strains (HIV-1 NL4-3 virus). HIV-1 JR-FL or Bal replication was inhibited in human CD4+ T-cells from humanized mice which showed about 50≈250 nM of IC50. The data indicate that the selected CCR5 aptamer (G-3) inhibits HIV-1 p24 production and provided protection from HIV infection by R5 viruses.In another approach, we have also developed two different RNA aptamers that can be multiplexed with anti-latency and/or cytotoxic siRNAs. One binds with high affinity and specificity to the HIV gp120 protein expressed on the surface of HIV-infected cells, while the other binds to the CD7 receptor on latent CD4+ T cells and macrophages. We are in the process of validating the efficacy of these aptamers in reactivating and eradicating latent infections in the humanized NSG model of HIV-1 infection.
The effect of dual-hemisphere breeding on stallion fertility

Breeding records were analyzed from 24 Thoroughbred stallions that were subjected to dual-hemisphere breeding (DH), including novice (first-year; NOV; n = 11) and experienced (EXP; n = 13) stallions. Fertility variables included seasonal pregnancy rate, pregnancy rate per cycle, and first-cycle pregnancy rate. In addition, values for book size, total number of covers, distribution of mare type (maiden, foaling, and barren) within a stallion's book, cycles per mare, and mare age were examined. Some data were also categorized by mare type (maiden-M, foaling-F, and barren-B). Five separate analyses of the data were performed. For Analyses 1-3, the effects of hemisphere (northern hemisphere [NH] vs. southern hemisphere [SH]) and breeding order (refers to the first [O1] or second [O2] season within the first year of dual-hemisphere breeding) were examined for all stallions (combined group [CG]), NOV stallions only, and EXP stallions only, respectively. Fertility values were generally higher in the SH than the NH (P 0.05). For Analysis 4, fertility of DH breeding seasons was compared to single hemisphere (SIN) breeding seasons within the same 16 stallions and was found to be similar between the two groups (P > 0.05). For Analysis 5, the effect of the number of consecutive DH breeding seasons on fertility was examined and was found to remain unchanged (P > 0.05). In summary, no adverse effects of DH breeding on fertility were detected. Fertility was higher when stallions were bred in the SH, as compared to the NH. Potential reasons for higher fertility achieved in the SH were smaller book sizes and better mare reproductive quality.
Impaired cardiac and skeletal muscle bioenergetics in children, adolescents, and young adults with Barth syndrome

Barth syndrome (BTHS) is an X-linked condition characterized by altered cardiolipin metabolism and cardioskeletal myopathy. We sought to compare cardiac and skeletal muscle bioenergetics in children, adolescents, and young adults with BTHS and unaffected controls and examine their relationships with cardiac function and exercise capacity. Children/adolescents and young adults with BTHS (n = 20) and children/adolescent and young adult control participants (n = 23, total n = 43) underwent 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy (31P-MRS) of the lower extremity (calf) and heart for estimation of skeletal muscle and cardiac bioenergetics. Peak exercise testing (VO2peak) and resting echocardiography were also performed on all participants. Cardiac PCr/ATP ratio was significantly lower in children/adolescents (BTHS: 1.5 ± 0.2 vs. Control: 2.0 ± 0.3, P < 0.01) and adults (BTHS: 1.9 ± 0.2 vs. Control: 2.3 ± 0.2, P < 0.01) with BTHS compared to Control groups. Adults (BTHS: 76.4 ± 31.6 vs. Control: 35.0 ± 7.4 sec, P < 0.01) and children/adolescents (BTHS: 71.5 ± 21.3 vs. Control: 31.4 ± 7.4 sec, P < 0.01) with BTHS had significantly longer calf PCr recovery (τPCr) postexercise compared to controls. Maximal calf ATP production through oxidative phosphorylation (Qmax-lin) was significantly lower in children/adolescents (BTHS: 0.5 ± 0.1 vs. Control: 1.1 ± 0.3 mmol/L per sec, P < 0.01) and adults (BTHS: 0.5 ± 0.2 vs. Control: 1.0 ± 0.2 mmol/L sec, P < 0.01) with BTHS compared to controls. Blunted cardiac and skeletal muscle bioenergetics were associated with lower VO2peak but not resting cardiac function. Cardiac and skeletal muscle bioenergetics are impaired and appear to contribute to exercise intolerance in BTHS.
Smoking Interacts with CHRNA5, a Nicotine Acetylcholine Receptor Subunit Gene, to Influence the Risk of IBD Related Surgery

Background Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic luminal disease with genetic and environmental factors affecting phenotype. This study evaluated the relationship between CHRNA5, a nicotinic receptor subunit gene, and smoking in predicting IBD-related surgery as well as the relationship between CHRNA5 and nicotine dependence. Methods Participants completed a smoking questionnaire and were genotyped for CHRNA5 rs16969968. Demographic and clinical data were obtained from medical records. Wilcoxon, ANOVA, Chi square, and Fisher's exact tests were used for comparisons. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the effect of clinical and genetic predictors on surgery, stratified by disease subtype given paradoxical effects of smoking. Kaplan-Meier curves were used to examine the effect of smoking and genotype on time to surgery. (Significance: P AG > GG; P = 0.08]). Smoking and genotype were not independently associated with surgery in UC or CD. However, interaction between rs16969968 and smoking in predicting surgery was observed for both UC (OR = 2.72; P = 0.05) and CD (OR = 2.88; P = 0.1). CHRNA5 genotype, but not smoking, predicted time to surgery in patients with UC (P = 0.007) but not in patients with CD. The interaction between smoking and genotype was not significantly associated with time to surgery in UC or CD. Conclusions The CHRNA5 rs16969968 A variant interacts with smoking to influence IBD-related surgery. 10.1093/ibd/izx094_video1izx094.video15775248538001.
Direct Stimulation of Cardiogenesis: A New Paradigm for Treating Heart Disease.

Heart failure (HF) is highly prevalent and is associated with substantial mortality and morbidity, despite the many treatment options currently available. We propose a potential new approach to treating heart disease: promoting cardiogenesis from existing cardiac myocytes by inhibiting the Hippo pathway, a stop growth pathway in the heart. HF is the third leading cause of cardiovascular death in the United States. It is a syndrome associated with high mortality, considerable morbidity, and an economic burden that is often relentlessly progressive. The American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology classify HF into 4 stages: stage A, presence of risk factors, but with normal cardiac function and structure; stage B, subclinical changes in left ventricular (LV) structure and function; stage C, clinical HF; and stage D, advanced HF. Coronary artery disease is present in approximately half of patients with new-onset clinical HF and is especially prevalent in patients with a reduced LV ejection fraction. Data from Framingham show a rise in post–myocardial infarction (MI) clinical HF rates between 1971 and 2000, which is primarily due to an increase in HF incidence in the early post-MI period. It has been speculated that because intervention and thrombolytic therapy have improved survival in patients with MI, the population of patients at risk of post-MI HF has grown. Major clinical risk factors for HF include age, male sex, hypertension, electrocardiographic evidence of LV hypertrophy, MI, diabetes mellitus, valvular heart disease, and obesity. …
Carbon Nanopaper: A Platform to High-Performance Multifunctional Composites

Abstract Carbon nanopapers, the macroscopic thin-film assemblies of carbon nanomaterials including carbon nanotubes (CNTs), carbon nanofibers (CNFs), or graphene oxide nanosheets have been recognized as a promising platform to transfer the exceptional mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties of carbon nanomaterials at the nanometer scale to macroscopic engineering applications. This chapter provides an overview of advances in academic and industrial research on carbon nanopapers, with a focus on CNT nanopapers, as well as their nanocomposites, manufacturing, properties, and potential applications in industry.
FOX-7 (1,1-Diamino-2,2-Dinitroethylene)

FOX-7 (1,1-diamino-2,2-dinitroethylene) was first synthesized in 1998 by the FOA Defense Research Establishment (Sweden). Synthesis of the FOX-7 and its structural, spectroscopic, and explosive properties are described in this chapter. The chemical reactivity of FOX-7 towards nucleophilic substitution (transamination), electrophilic substitution, and acid-base properties, thermal behavior (phase transformations and thermal decomposition, molecular structure and physical properties, other energetic molecules that are structurally related to FOX-7 are also summarized in this chapter.
Human Trafficking: Preparing Counselors to Work with Survivors

The global crisis of human trafficking involves the exploitation of people for personal gain and affects millions. Survivors often present with symptoms that are not identifiable to untrained clinicians. In this article, we discuss the importance for counselor training, as well as counselor self-efficacy and competency in addressing the needs of human trafficking survivors.
Immunological Mechanisms in Myocardial Reperfusion Injury

Polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) play a prominent role in the tissue injury associated with ischemia and reperfusion of a number of organs [4]. The adhesion of PMNs to the vascular endothelium is a critical step in PMN-mediated reperfusion injury [4, 5]. Furthermore, recent experimental evidence suggests that a number of adhesion molecules expressed on the surface of the PMNs and the endothelial cell (EC) regulate PMN-EC interactions [1, 17]. PMN-EC interactions occur in a highly orchestrated manner with the expression of distinct families of PMN and EC adhesion molecules at various times during the inflammatory response [17].