cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A new space-time differentially coded DS-CDMA transceiver system for reliable communications

In this work, we present a new space-time differentially coded transceiver system for DS-CDMA applications. The proposed solution allows us to embed transmit diversity into the space-time-frequency (STF) domain in a simple yet effective way. It also enables a simple scheme for differential detection and data separation at the receiver without channel state information (CSI). Simulation results in comparison with other existing approaches demonstrate significant bit-error-rate (BER) performance improvement over a wide range of system parameters, such as signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and near-far ratio (NFR).
Development of Na+-K+-ATPase in neonatal rat brain synaptosomes after perinatal protein malnutrition.

Extract: Four protein dietary groups of rats were used in this study, namely: 27% casein diet fed throughout gestation and lactation (group C-C); 27% gestation, 10% lactation (group C-D); 10% gestation, 27% lactation (group D-C); 10% throughout gestation and lactation (group D-D). Mean body weight of group D-D at weaning was 19 g compared with 59 g for group C-C. The specific activity of Na+-K+-ATPase in isolated synaptosomes from cerebral and cerebellar tissues increases throughout the lactation period. At 1 and 7 days of age no differences in Na+-K+-ATPase activity are noted in the brain regions of Groups C-C and D-D. At 14 and 21 days, however, the specific Na+-K+-ATPase activity was significantly reduced in isolated synaptosomes from both brain regions of the protein-deprived group. ATPase activity in cerebellar synaptosomes from dietary exchange groups (C-D and D-C) developed to the same extent as that of the control group (C-C) after 21 days of lactation. ATPase activity in the cerebral synaptosomes of the dietary exchange group (C-D) did not develop to the same extent as that in the control group (C-C) and the other dietary exchange group (D-C). Speculation: Na+-K+-activated ATPase plays a fundamental role in synaptic transmission and possibly in transport of neurotransmitters. Synaptosomal ATPase activity increased rapidly in the neonatal rat brain. Inadequate protein nutrition during the fetal and neonatal development period could retard enzyme expression and alter behavior patterns. Rehabilitative value of administering augmented diets would depend upon the neonatal age and the region of the brain examined. Cerebellar hyperplasia ceases before cerebral hyperplasia; therefore, selected lesions and behavior abnormalities may develop.
How To Maximize the Safety of Coronary and Pulmonary Angiography in Patients Receiving Thrombolytic Therapy

Patients who receive thrombolytic therapy in close temporal relationship to undergoing coronary or pulmonary angiography are at high risk of developing hemorrhagic complications, particularly at the vascular access site. A single-wall percutaneous puncture technique, use of a sheath for vascular access, use of a pigtail catheter for pulmonary angiography, avoidance of a temporary pacing catheter, and shortening the duration of thrombolytic therapy will decrease these complications. However, to maximize the safety of thrombolytic therapy, invasive vascular procedures should be avoided whenever possible.
Coordination-Free Ground-Fault Detection for Mine Distribution Systems

A ground-fault relaying scheme is presented that is intended to eliminate the need for time-delay relays for ground-fault detection on mine electrical distribution systems. The concept is based on pilot-relaying logic, and existing ground-check and grounding conductors are used to convey ground-fault information between adjacent relay units. The new scheme should not add any additional work during the installation of mine power systems and should minimize the expertise needed for power-system operation. To illustrate this concept, the design and development of the new relaying system is presented. The performance of a prototype relay during laboratory simulations is also given. Although the work is projected at underground coal mining, the relay appears feasible for any extensive radial distribution system.
Organizational newcomers: Temporary and regular employees, same‐sex and mixed‐sex superior‐subordinate dyads, supervisor influence techniques, subordinates communication satisfaction, and leader‐member exchange

This study examined the relationship between newly hired employees’ characteristics (i.e., temporary vs. regular employee, superior‐subordinate gender‐dyad combinations), supervisors initial tactics of influence, subordinate communication satisfaction, and quality of leader‐member exchange. Results from 148 (71 temporary) new hires indicated (a) employee characteristics were not significantly related to the leader‐member exchange, (b) supervisors initial use of prosocial influence tactics were significantly and positively related to the quality of leader‐member exchange, and (c) subordinates’ satisfaction with communication was significantly and positively related to the quality of leader‐member exchange.
The effect of fiber volume fraction on filament wound composite pressure vessel strength

This paper is a continuation of previous research reported in Ref. [1]. The previous paper discussed the relationship between fiber volume fraction in filament wound composite vessels and failure pressure. This research included a design of experiment investigation of manufacturing and design variables that affect composite vessel quality and strength. Statistical analysis of the data shows that composite vessel strength was affected by the manufacturing and design variables. In general, it was found that the laminate stacking sequence, winding tension, winding-tension gradient, winding time, and the interaction between winding-tension gradient and winding time significantly affected composite strength. The mechanism responsible for increases in composite strength was related to the strong correlation between fiber volume fraction in the composite and vessel strength. Cylinders with high-fiber volume in the hoop layers tended to deliver high-fiber strength. This paper further examines the relationship between fiber volume fraction and fiber strain to failure. Data from unidirectional strand tests and additional vessel tests are presented. A computer program that is based on the thermokinetics of the resin and processing conditions is used to calculate the fiber volume fraction distribution in the filament wound vessel. The strand's strength-versus-fiber volume data together with the computer program are used to predict composite vessel burst pressure. In general, good agreement with experimental data is observed.
Laser-induced fluorescence, mass spectrometric, and modeling studies of neat and NH3-doped H2/N2O/Ar flames

Abstract A combined experimental and modeling study of neat and NH 3 -doped (Φ = 1), 30 Torr flames is reported. The major species concentrations are measured by molecular beam mass spectrometry (MB/MS), whereas the minor species OH, NH, and O-atom concentrations are measured by laser-induced fluorescence (LIF). The species NO is measured both by LIF and MB/MS, and O 2 by MB/MS. The flame temperatures are measured both by OH and NH LIF and by thin wire thermometry. The flames are modeled with PREMIX using the temperature profiles and several detailed chemical mechanisms as input. The mechanisms include the GRI 2.11, SSLA, and their derivatives. The SSLA mechanism was developed previously in our laboratory from a critical literature review. Calculations using all the mechanisms predict fairly well the profiles of the major species for both neat and doped flames. However, both the SSLA and GRI 2.11 calculations fail to predict the postflame O 2 concentration in the neat flame, the drop in the O 2 concentration with the addition of NH 3 , and the NH 3 decay in the doped flame. Sensitivity analyses suggest refinements to the SSLA and GRI 2.11 mechanisms. The experimental results are predicted rather well using a modified SSLA mechanism in which the NH + NO = N 2 O + H reaction rate is decreased and the N 2 O + M = N 2 + O + M reaction rate and/or H 2 O third body efficiency is increased to the limit of their uncertainty. Rate analyses performed on the modeled calculations reveal the reactions important to NO, O 2 , NH, OH, and O-atom production and consumption and NH 3 consumption. These reactions are presented and discussed.
Efficiency Indices for Second‐Order Designs

Design efficiencies are studied for inferences regarding the coefficients of second-order models. Subspaces of parameters are identified wherein each of two designs dominates the other locally, or the two designs are equally efficient. Both Fisher efficiency in estimation and Pitman efficiency in hypothesis testing are considered. Eight small second-order designs in k=3 regressor variables are screened using a four-part efficiency index. Of these, the central composite, Box-Behnken, small composite, and hybrid H310 and H311 B designs are found to be generally superior and roughly comparable. Detailed comparisons among these five designs are then undertaken. This work provides further tools for use in design evaluation, requiring only basic matrix operations independently of experimental data.
A Novel Psychophysical Procedure for Bitter Taste Assessment in Rats

A persistent problem with attempts to examine bitter taste mechanisms has been the lack of adequate behavioral methodology providing data which parallels that obtained from physiological investigations. We developed a brief contact procedure to assess the ability of rats to detect the presence of a weak bitter compound dissolved in a strong sucrose solution. Male Fischer 344 rats were trained to drink immediately to multiple 10-s presentations of acetaminophen (2, 8, 32, 128 mM), chlorpheniramine maleate (1, 3, 9, 27 mM) L-tryptophan (13.5, 27, 54, 108 mM), pseudoephedrine hydrochloride (1, 4, 16, 64 mM) and quinine hydrochloride (0.008, 0.04, 0.2, 1.0 mM) dissolved in 0.8 M sucrose. The number of licks to sucrose and water were also measured. A microcomputer controlled stimulus presentations and measured the animal's licks of each solution during each 10-s presentation. The responses to the bitter+sucrose mixture were significantly decreased at most concentrations with increasing levels of the bitter component. This was true for all five bitter-tasting compounds, but over different concentration ranges relatively unique to each compound. The present study is the first to characterize the sensory effects of acetaminophen, pseudoephedrine, and chlorpheniramine maleate, all purported to taste bitter to humans. These results demonstrate rats' acute ability to discriminate by taste not only the presence but the concentration of a dilute bitter compound dissolved in a strong sucrose solution.
Electrokinetic pumping using traveling wave high voltages

Charge separation near a liquid/solid interface is explored by electrokinetic pumping of Freon TF and transformer oil using high-voltage traveling waves. Fluid-head-displacement measurements show strong dependencies on peak voltage amplitude (1.0-2.5 kV), frequency (0.1-20 Hz), and liquid conductivity (10/sup -13/-10/sup -9/ S/m). For any conductivity, reverse pumping (opposite to the traveling wave direction) occurs when the ratio of the voltage to the frequency is small, but switches to forward pumping when the ratio is large. The greatest displacement occurs when the dielectric relaxation and charge migration times are comparable. Preliminary measurements of average volume charge density, by sampling a portion of the liquid, relate net positive charge to forward pumping and net negative charge to reverse pumping. A charge transport analysis coupled to viscous dominated flow describes some features of the pumping. >
Stress Reduction for Family Caregivers: Effects of Adult Day Care Use

Objectives. This study reports the findings of an evaluation of the psychological benefits of use of adult day care by family caregivers assisting a relative with dementia. Methods. The study used a quasi-experimental design in which caregivers in the treatment group used substantial amounts of services, whereas caregivers in a control group did not use day care at any point during the evaluation and only small amounts of other respite services. The evaluation was guided by the stress process model of caregiving which distinguishes between appraisals of primary stressors and well-being. Results. Results after 3 months of day care use showed that the treatment group had significantly lower scores than the control group on two of the three measures of primary appraisals (overload and strain) and two of the three measures of well-being (depression and anger). Findings at one year showed that the treatment group had significantly lower scores on overload and depression than the control group. Discussion. These results demonstrate that use of adult day care by caregivers of dementia patients results in lower levels of caregiving-related stress and better psychological well-being when compared to that of controls.
Ectotherm Thermal Stress and Specialization Across Altitude and Latitude

Synopsis Gradients of air temperature, radiation, and other climatic factors change systematically but differently with altitude and latitude. We explore how these factors combine to produce altitudinal and latitudinal patterns of body temperature, thermal stress, and seasonal overlap that differ markedly from patterns based solely on air temperature. We use biophysical models to estimate body temperature as a function of an organism’s phenotype and environmental conditions (air and surface temperatures and radiation). Using grasshoppers as a case study, we compare mean body temperatures and the incidence of thermal extremes along altitudinal gradients both under past and current climates. Organisms at high elevation can experience frequent thermal stress despite generally cooler air temperatures due to high levels of solar radiation. Incidences of thermal stress have increased more rapidly than have increases in mean conditions due to recent climate change. Increases in air temperature have coincided with shifts in cloudiness and solar radiation, which can exacerbate shifts in body temperature. We compare altitudinal thermal gradients and their seasonality between tropical and temperate mountains to ask whether mountain passes pose a greater physiological barrier in the tropics (Janzen’s hypothesis). We find that considering body temperature rather than air temperature generally increases the amount of overlap in thermal conditions along gradients in elevation and thus decreases the physiological barrier posed by tropical mountains. Our analysis highlights the limitations of predicting thermal stress based solely on air temperatures, and the importance of considering how phenotypes influence body temperatures.
Dysphagia Following Prolonged Endotracheal Intubation: Is There A Rule of Thumb?

Prolonged endotracheal intubation is a common iatrogenic cause of swallowing disorders. Clinicians frequently seek a decision-making algorithm to determine appropriate timing of assessment, predict...
Use of fast fourier transform analysis of atrial electrograms for rapid characterization of atrial activation-implications for delineating possible mechanisms of atrial tachyarrhythmias.

Introduction: Different analysis techniques have been developed to help understand and characterize the mechanisms responsible for atrial arrhythmias. We tested the hypothesis that Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) analysis of recorded atrial electrograms (AEGs) will rapidly and accurately identify regular and irregular patterns of atrial activation, and, thereby, may provide evidence suggestive of underlying mechanisms of atrial tachyarrhythmias. Methods and Results: During induced atrial tachyarrhythmias in both the canine sterile pericarditis model and canine rapid ventricular pacing-induced congestive heart failure model; 380–404 AEGs were recorded simultaneously from epicardial electrodes on both atria. From AEGs, atrial activation sequences were determined during atrial flutter (AFL), focal atrial tachycardia (AT), and atrial fibrillation (AF). Four-second recording segments of each AEG were subjected to FFT analysis. Frequencies found during FFT analyses in all studies precisely corresponded to the cycle lengths of the AEGs. In AFL and AT, one dominant frequency peak was found throughout both atria. In AF due to multiple unstable reentry circuits, multiple and broad frequency peaks were found in both atria. In AF due to a stable rapid rhythm (driver) in the left atrium with fibrillatory conduction to the rest of the atria, one dominant frequency peak in areas with 1:1 conduction from the driver, and multiple and/or broad frequency peaks in areas with fibrillatory conduction produced by the driver were found. Computation time for all FFT analyses took <5 minutes. Conclusion: FFT analysis accurately and rapidly identifies global atrial activation patterns during AFL, AT, and AF, thereby assisting in determining arrhythmia mechanisms.
Amino Acid Bioavailability from Whole-Wheat Flour Bread and Extracted Wheat Flour Bread by Humans

Lysine has been established as being the first limiting amino acid in wheat as it is for most cereal grains for meeting protein nutritional needs of humans. Therefore, it would seem reasonable that wheat cultivar providing grain containing lysine at highest levels per unit of protein would also be of highest protein nutritional quality. Amino acid proportionality patterns are not the same in all fractions of the wheat kernel and these fractions are not equally digestible by the human. Because of the poor digestibility of the bran-germ layers in comparison to the endosperm fraction, lysine contents of the endosperm layer are probably far more important in determining protein quality than are the bran-germ layers. Therefore, extracted wheat flour lysine content is a much better predictor of protein quality for the human than is the lysine content of whole wheat flour regardless of which type of flour is actually to be consumed. Data collected in this laboratory comparing protein quality evaluations of whole and extracted flours from several wheat cultivars using chemical, small animal, adult human and adolescent human assays support this conclusion.
Multi-parameter Minimum Spanning Trees

A framework for solving certain multidimensional parametric search problems in randomized linear time is presented, along with its application to optimization on matroids, including parametric minimum spanning trees on planar and dense graphs.
A probabilistic approach to the design of microelectrode layouts for neural signal transducers

Neural signal transducers consisting of arrays of microelectrodes fabricated on a substrate are considered. The geometries and spacings of the microelectrodes have a major impact on the characteristics of the neural signals that are obtained. The design of microelectrode layouts that maximize the probability of obtaining easily detectable neural spikes is discussed. It is shown that a selectivity-noise tradeoff exists. A computer simulation is used to quantify this tradeoff. >
Some factors that influence the acquisition of complex, stereotyped, response sequences in pigeons.

Two pigeons were required to peck six to nine illuminated response keys. A response on any one of the keys darkened that key. When each key had been darkened, a reinforcer was delivered. No specific sequence of key pecking was ever required. The keys were presented in various matrices: three by two, three by three, horizontal rows, and vertical columns. The keys either presented the same stimulus, white light; or each key presented a different stimulus, a color or form. The results indicated that although there were 720 to 362,880 different sequences that would produce reinforcement, each bird developed a particular, stereotyped sequence that dominated its behavior. Variability among the birds across phases yielded less than 60 sequences, .0001 to 6 percent of the possible sequences. The data suggest that a reinforcement contingency that includes “free choice” of response sequence will produce stereotypical response sequences that function as complex “units” of behavior.
A Useful Roadmap Through the World of Algae, Protozoa, and Fungi

Review of : Eukaryotic Microbes; Moselio Schaechter; (2012) . Academic Press, San Diego, CA. 479 pages.
Scheduling approaches for random job shop flexible manufacturing systems

This research examines the influences that scheduling schemes and the degree of routeing flexibility have on random, job shop flexible manufacturing systems within a static environment. The first factor in the experiment includes three scheduling schemes. Two of these schemes are off-line schemes which schedule many operations prior to actual production. The first of the off-line schemes establishes an overall optimal solution, and the second off-line scheme decomposes the problem into a loading subproblem and a resulting scheduling subproblem and finds optimal solutions to both subproblems. The third scheme uses control policies and dispatching rules to establish a schedule in a real-time mode. The number of alternative machine options (i.e., the degree of routeing flexibility) is a second factor in the experiment and includes eleven levels. In addition, the effects of interaction between scheduling and routeing flexibility on performance are explored.
Object-Level Semantic Change Interpretation for Multi-band Remotely Sensed Imagery

We propose a method for object-level change interpretation which we apply to remotely-sensed multispectral imagery. The method employs a model-based change description determined by a previously-developed change understanding system [3] in which object change is expressed by estimated model parameters. In this work, object change is interpreted using a physical description of the model parameter changes and the evaluation of object change model probabilities and error objects. Experiments are performed on multispectral ASTER imagery to analyze the proposed change interpretation mechanisms.
Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) Nuclear Antigen 1 Colocalizes with Cellular Replication Foci in the Absence of EBV Plasmids

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) EBNA-1 is the only EBV-encoded protein that is essential for the once-per-cell-cycle replication and maintenance of EBV plasmids in latently infected cells. EBNA-1 binds to the oriP region of latent EBV plasmids and cellular metaphase chromosomes. In the absence of oriP-containing plasmids, EBNA-1 was highly colocalized with cellular DNA replication foci that were identified by immunostaining S-phase cells for proliferating cell nuclear antigen and replication protein A (RP-A) in combination with DNA short pulse-labeling. For the association of EBNA-1 with the cellular replication focus areas, the EBNA-1 regions of amino acids (aa) 8 to 94 and/or aa 315 to 410, but not the RP-A-interacting carboxy-terminal region, were necessary. These results suggest a new aspect of latent virus-cell interactions.
A Rapid Hard-Mast Index From Acorn Presence– Absence Tallies

Abstract We used 21 years of acorn data from visual surveys of oak (Quercus spp.) trees (n = 20,113) conducted in western North Carolina, USA, to develop predictive equations for hard-mast indices (HMIs) based on the proportion of trees bearing acorns (PBA). We calculated PBA using visual estimates of the percentage of oak crown with acorns (PCA), assigning acorn presence if PCA ≥ 33.5%. The proportion of trees bearing acorns and average PCA were highly correlated, and PBA alone was a successful predictor of HMIs. Precise estimates of PBA (therefore HMIs) at a 95% confidence level required 139–385 sample trees for each oak subgroup or spatial scale of interest, and the sample size required varied with the true PBA. Substituting this faster, simpler visual survey method for others involving labor-intensive counts of twigs and acorns means that more trees can be sampled (if needed) with less time and effort for improved PBA (therefore HMI) precision. We offer a reliable method for predicting HMIs that are c...
Sol-Gel Synthesis of Rare Earth Aluminate Films as Buffer Layers for High Tc Superconducting Films

Cubic rare-earth aluminate perovskites of the general form REAIO3 have been identified as possible buffer layers for high current carrying cuprate superconductors deposited on roll-textured metals. This paper describes on-going research to develop solution routes which would avoid the use of slow and costly vacuum processing. Our research plan includes the development of an appropriate solution chemistry, studies of the crystallization behavior of powders under reducing and oxidizing conditions, deposition of polycrystalline films on silver substrates, deposition of epitaxial films on single-crystal oxide substrates, and deposition on roll textured nickel. The method is illustrated with the example of PrAlO3.
Polymerization. VIII. The Action of Metalating Reagents on Rubber

Abstract When metalating agents act on natural or Alfin rubber, gel is formed. The amount of gel increases with the activity of the metalating agent and the severity of the conditions under which it is used. Metallic sodium or potassium does not cause gel to form in natural rubber. Under very severe conditions these metals metalate the highly active hydrocarbons, fluorene, triphenylmethane and diphenylmethane, in fair to poor amounts, depending on the hydrocarbon, but they metalate toluene only slightly, even under highly favorable conditions.
Valuing Marine Biodiversity in the Gulf of Mexico: Evidence from the Proposed Boundary Expansion of the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary

ABSTRACT Ecological diversity is especially high in the Gulf of Mexico, and multiple Gulf of Mexico resources imply complex management challenges. Yet, relatively little is known about social values of marine biodiversity in the Gulf of Mexico. This article uses results from a stated preference survey of nationally representative households to quantify economic values. The specific assessment scenario involves a current policy proposal to expand the boundaries of the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary. Willingness to pay estimates range from $35–$107 per household. Respondent characteristics are related to willingness to pay in ways consistent with economic intuition and theory. We conclude with aggregate willingness to pay calculations, and results suggest that total social benefits of marine reserve expansion in the Gulf region are large. JEL Codes: Q22, Q28, Q51.
Biocomputing nanoplatforms as therapeutics and diagnostics

Biocomputing nanoplatforms are designed to detect and integrate single or multiple inputs under defined algorithms, such as Boolean logic gates, and generate functionally useful outputs, such as delivery of therapeutics or release of optically detectable signals. Using sensing modules composed of small molecules, polymers, nucleic acids, or proteins/peptides, nanoplatforms have been programmed to detect and process extrinsic stimuli, such as magnetic fields or light, or intrinsic stimuli, such as nucleic acids, enzymes, or pH. Stimulus detection can be transduced by the nanomaterial via three different mechanisms: system assembly, system disassembly, or system transformation. The increasingly sophisticated suite of biocomputing nanoplatforms may be invaluable for a multitude of applications, including medical diagnostics, biomedical imaging, environmental monitoring, and delivery of therapeutics to target cell populations.
Nonstandard coarse spaces and Schwarz methods for elliptic problems with discontinuous coefficients using non-conforming elements

Two-level domain decomposition methods are developed for a simple nonconforming approximation of second order elliptic problems. A bound is established for the condition number of these iterative methods, that grows only logarithmically with the number of degrees of freedom in each subregion. This bound holds for two and three dimensions and is independent of jumps in the value of the coefficients and number of subregions. We introduce face coarse spaces, and isomorphisms to map between conforming and nonconforming spaces.
Blocking the PAH2 domain of Sin3A inhibits tumorigenesis and confers retinoid sensitivity in triple negative breast cancer

// Nidhi Bansal 1 , Almudena Bosch 1, * , Boris Leibovitch 1, * , Lutecia Pereira 2 , Elena Cubedo 2 , Jianshi Yu 3 , Keely Pierzchalski 3 , Jace W. Jones 3 , Melissa Fishel 1 , Maureen Kane 3 , Arthur Zelent 2 , Samuel Waxman 1 , Eduardo Farias 1 1 The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA 2 Division of Hemato-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA 3 Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland, School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, MD, USA * These authors contributed equally to this work Correspondence to: Samuel Waxman, email: Samuel.waxman@mssm.edu Eduardo Farias, email: Eduardo.farias@mssm.edu Keywords: Sin3A, SID decoys, triple negative breast cancer, retinoids, metastases Received: March 11, 2016 Accepted: May 05, 2016 Published: June 07, 2016 ABSTRACT Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) frequently relapses locally, regionally or as systemic metastases. Development of targeted therapy that offers significant survival benefit in TNBC is an unmet clinical need. We have previously reported that blocking interactions between PAH2 domain of chromatin regulator Sin3A and the Sin3 interaction domain (SID) containing proteins by SID decoys result in EMT reversal, and re-expression of genes associated with differentiation. Here we report a novel and therapeutically relevant combinatorial use of SID decoys. SID decoys activate RARα/β pathways that are enhanced in combination with RARα-selective agonist AM80 to induce morphogenesis and inhibit tumorsphere formation. These findings correlate with inhibition of mammary hyperplasia and a significant increase in tumor-free survival in MMTV-Myc oncomice treated with a small molecule mimetic of SID (C16). Further, in two well-established mouse TNBC models we show that treatment with C16-AM80 combination has marked anti-tumor effects, prevents lung metastases and seeding of tumor cells to bone marrow. This correlated to a remarkable 100% increase in disease-free survival with a possibility of “cure” in mice bearing a TNBC-like tumor. Targeting Sin3A by C16 alone or in combination with AM80 may thus be a promising adjuvant therapy for treating or preventing metastatic TNBC.
Sex-biased dispersal in eastern chipmunks, Tamias striatus

I investigated the effect of male mate competition and inbreeding avoidance on natal dispersal of chipmunks by longitudinally monitoring known individuals from 1986 to 1990. Natal males exhibited greater absolute and effective dispersal distances but dispersed at the same proportion as natal females. Recruitment of juvenile males was negatively affected by density of resident males, but there was no evidence of local mate competition among male kin. Analysis of the spatial distribution of neighbors showed that natal males settled farther from their mothers than did their female siblings and farther than unrelated juvenile males. In addition, mothers apparently tolerated daughters as close neighbors and occasionally shared den sites with grandprogeny. Sexually mature males were never neighbors of their mothers and were never observed at maternal mating bouts. Males may disperse to improve reproductive opportunities by avoiding competition with resident males, and by increasing access to unrelated females. Maternal tolerance of daughters but not sons may result in the close affiliation between mothers and daughters, and indirectly contribute to dispersal of natal males. Hence male-biased dispersal could be a consequence of mate competition and maternal avoidance of incestuous matings.
High-pressure behavior of the polymorphs of FeOOH

The high-pressure structural and electronic behavior of α-, β-, and γ-FeOOH were studied in situ using a combination of synchrotron X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray emission spectroscopy (XES). We monitored α-FeOOH by XES as a function of pressure up to 85 GPa and observed an electronic spin transition that began at approximately 50 GPa, which is consistent with previous results. In the γ-FeOOH sample, we see the initiation of a spin transition at 35 GPa that remains incomplete up to 65 GPa. β-FeOOH does not show any indication of a spin transition up to 65 GPa. Analysis of the high-pressure XRD data shows that neither β-FeOOH nor γ-FeOOH transform to new crystal structures, and both amorphize above 20 GPa. Comparing our EOS results for the β and γ phases with recently published data on the α and e phases, we found that β-FeOOH exhibits distinct behavior from the other three polymorphs, as it is significantly less compressible and does not undergo a spin transition. A systematic examination of these iron hydroxide polymorphs as a function of pressure can provide insight into the relationship between electronic spin transitions and structural transitions in these OH- and Fe 3+ -bearing phases that may have implications on our understanding of the water content and oxidation state of the mantle.
Storytelling and telling history. Towards a grammar of narratives for Cultural Heritage dissemination in the Digital Era

Abstract The paper represents an attempt to set up a theoretical framework for storytelling approach applied to Cultural Heritage. After a general analysis and a narrative theory review, the first topic addressed is the long-lasting problem of harmonizing freedom of narration (human creativity) and the constraints of scientific reliability: a debate which is at least 150 years old, but become particularly important in the digital era. Then, it will be set a classification of storytelling elements (arena, characters) inspired on similar ones shaped in the domain of semantics for literature, in order to create a working tool suitable for virtual museums and historical dissemination in a broad sense.
Investigating Transport Properties with Multi-Scale Computable Mesh Models from Heterogeneous Structural Datasets

Individual modeling techniques are often applicable in limited spatial-temporal domains leading to gaps in our biological modeling capabilities. To bridge these gaps, new methodological solutions to integrate levels of resolution are necessary. Mesh models can represent spatial data across all size scales, furthermore, they can be used with various levels of simulation resolution. Thus mesh structures provide an ideal integrative platform for multi-scale modeling. In this work, we describe a workflow to convert structural datasets, such as those from electron microscopy or x-ray crystallography, into mesh models suitable for modeling. To ensure that resultant meshes are “compute quality” we employ a redesigned version of GAMer (Geometry-preserving Adaptive MeshER), a mesh generation tool that produces and refines high-quality simplex meshes. GAMer is available as a stand-alone package or it can be accessed as a plug-in to 3D-modeling software Blender. To improve the robustness of mesh generation, we have implemented automated detection and resolution of many common mesh defects. Drastic improvements in structural biology methods have lead to an abundance of structural datasets ranging from protein structures to sub-cellular images. The development of an integrative multi-scale meshing platform can yield important new biological insight into the effects of physiology and anatomy on function. These multi-scale models will provide new opportunities for drug discovery and have an impact on human health and longevity.
The combined effects of reactant kinetics and enzyme stability explain the temperature dependence of metabolic rates

A mechanistic understanding of the response of metabolic rate to temperature is essential for understanding thermal ecology and metabolic adaptation. Although the Arrhenius equation has been used to describe the effects of temperature on reaction rates and metabolic traits, it does not adequately describe two aspects of the thermal performance curve (TPC) for metabolic rate-that metabolic rate is a unimodal function of temperature often with maximal values in the biologically relevant temperature range and that activation energies are temperature dependent. We show that the temperature dependence of metabolic rate in ectotherms is well described by an enzyme-assisted Arrhenius (EAAR) model that accounts for the temperature-dependent contribution of enzymes to decreasing the activation energy required for reactions to occur. The model is mechanistically derived using the thermodynamic rules that govern protein stability. We contrast our model with other unimodal functions that also can be used to describe the temperature dependence of metabolic rate to show how the EAAR model provides an important advance over previous work. We fit the EAAR model to metabolic rate data for a variety of taxa to demonstrate the model's utility in describing metabolic rate TPCs while revealing significant differences in thermodynamic properties across species and acclimation temperatures. Our model advances our ability to understand the metabolic and ecological consequences of increases in the mean and variance of temperature associated with global climate change. In addition, the model suggests avenues by which organisms can acclimate and adapt to changing thermal environments. Furthermore, the parameters in the EAAR model generate links between organismal level performance and underlying molecular processes that can be tested for in future work.
Pattern of ocular involvement in myasthenia gravis with MuSK antibodies

Background Myasthenia gravis (MG) with antibodies to the muscle-specific kinase (MuSK) has a characteristic phenotype. Ocular manifestations have not been systematically evaluated. Objective To investigate the features of extrinsic ocular muscle involvement in patients with MuSK-MG. Methods We retrospectively evaluated the prevalence, time of onset, clinical pattern and outcome of ocular symptoms in 82 patients with a clinical follow-up ≥2 years. Results Ocular manifestations were observed in 79 patients (96.4%) and were the presenting symptoms in 48 (58.5%). Intermittent diplopia with subtle ophthalmoparesis was the most common complaint, ptosis was generally symmetrical and conjugated gaze paresis occurred in 35% of the patients. Ocular manifestations responded well to prednisone and partially to symptomatic treatment. A few patients developed chronic symmetrical ophthalmoparesis, associated with persistent weakness in other muscle groups. All patients with ocular presentation progressed to generalised disease, though weakness spread to other muscle groups was considerably delayed in a few cases. Conclusions In MG with antibodies to MuSK, ocular manifestations were as frequent as in other disease subtypes. Symmetrical ophthalmoparesis with conjugated gaze limitation was rather common and associated with low functional disability. A proportion of these patients developed chronic eye muscle paresis.
Yoga to Enhance Self Efficacy: An Intervention for At-risk Youth.

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE Yoga has demonstrated effectiveness in improving self-management in a variety of disease states however little is known about the impact of yoga as a health promotion intervention for adolescent females in an urban school based environment. This pilot study was conducted to determine if yoga could improve the self-efficacy and body core tone in at-risk adolescent female participants. METHOD A quasi-experimental design was employed, with data collection at baselin e , end of program, and 1 month post-program. Fifteen participants ages 11–14 were recruited. Yoga was practiced twice weekly for eight weeks. Self-efficacy was measured using a standardized tool, the Self-Efficacy Questionnaire for Children (SEQ-C). Improvements in flexibility and core body tone were also examined. The researchers collected data on adverse childhood events using the Adverse Childhood Event (ACEs) scale. RESULTS Fifteen participants were successfully recruited and 14 (87%) were retained through the duration of the project. Based on the small sample size, non-parametric tests were used (Freidman's test). Although there were no significant improvements in total SEQ-C, there were significant improvements in SEQ-C social subscale ( p = 0.028). Significant improvements were also identified in waist circumference ( p = 0.001) and in flexibility ( p = 0.034). CONCLUSIONS Participant attendance/dose did not correlate to any of the outcomes, however with the physical and emotional improvements noted, it is assumed that any level of attendance was beneficial. Improvements in the social subscale of the SEQ-C could be the result of belonging to a group and strengthening healthy relationships.
Collaborative Librarianship: New Light on a Brilliant Concept

Libraries around the world have enjoyed a remarkable history of working together. The present contexts of collaboration in other sectors of society, of a growing literature on collaborative management theory and practice, of the Colorado experience in library collaboration, constitute fertile soil that nurtures new initiatives in collaboration. No Brief Candle provides perspectives on the importance of collaboration for libraries of the 21st century. The new journal, Collaborative Librarianship, builds on the great traditions of the past and seeks to promote library networking, cooperation and partnerships in new ways. Readers are invited to participate in this new venture.
PCR Amplification: Capabilities and Cautions

Detection of minute amounts of biological material from crime scene evidence is possible due to DNA amplification via the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Using multiplex PCR, specific regions of the human genome are simultaneously targeted with sequence-specific oligonucleotide PCR primers and copied with a DNA polymerase and deoxynucleotide triphosphate building blocks. Depending on the reaction efficiency, close to a billion copies of each specific region of the genome can be generated in a matter of a few hours by subjecting the DNA sample to approximately 30 cycles of heating and cooling that permit the replication process to occur. PCR inhibitors, if they are not removed or overcome with buffer additives, can limit the efficiency of the amplification reaction. The PCR amplification process both amplifies the number of molecules and incorporates fluorescently-labeled primers into the PCR products that enable multi-color fluorescence detection. In order to protect samples from contamination by post-PCR products, pre- and post-PCR steps are typically segregated in different laboratory space. Contamination of PCR consumables (tubes and other plastic-ware) can be a concern due to the high sensitivity of the technique.
Nail Psoriasis: A Review of Treatment Options:

Nail psoriasis is often found in patients with plaque psoriasis and can greatly impact quality of life. This is particularly true in more severe cases, as it affects the structure and function of the patient's nail. Treatment for nail psoriasis is often challenging, involving topical medications, injections, and systematic therapies. This article aims to give an overview of the varied clinical presentations of nail psoriasis and the current treatments available for patients with this condition. Risks and efficacies of these treatments will be evaluated to determine the best treatment protocols.
Effect of dimethyl sulfoxide on blood-brain barrier integrity following middle cerebral artery occlusion in the rat.

Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is widely used as a solvent for other drugs, i.e., for the protein kinase C activator phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and the V1a receptor-antagonist SR49059, to reduce brain edema. We studied the effect of DMSO on blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity following middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and the consequences on brain edema development.
What is Energy

This chapter provides an overview of energy. Energy is the capacity to do work. Energy appears in many forms. Fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, or gas, contain energy in the form of chemical energy. Burning releases the stored energy in the form of heat energy. Nuclear energy is contained in the form of bonding forces within the parts of the nucleus of an atom. Heat or thermal energy can be transformed into mechanical energy. By using the expansive property of gases or steam, gas or steam turbines transform the thermal energy into pressure or velocity. These are forms of mechanical energy. Elevation over a base level is another form of energy, which is called potential energy. A compressed spring contains elastic energy. When released, the spring vibrates, setting the molecules of the spring into relative motion. Electric energy occurs rarely in nature; it manifests itself in the form of lightning. The conversion of energy from one form to another is governed by some of the most fundamental laws of physics. These laws are called the first and second laws of thermodynamics.
Tofacitinib for the treatment of lichen planopilaris: A case series.

Lichen planopilaris (LPP) is an inflammatory cicatricial alopecia for which many different therapies are attempted with varying success. The Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor, tofacitinib, has been shown to be effective in treating the noncicatricial alopecia, alopecia areata. As in alopecia areata, upregulation of interferon and JAK signaling may play a role in LPP. We retrospectively reviewed the cases of 10 patients with recalcitrant LPP who were treated with oral tofacitinib. Patients received oral tofacitinib 5 mg twice or three times daily for 2-19 months as either monotherapy or adjunctive therapy to other ongoing treatments including intralesional triamcinolone, hydroxychloroquine, and tacrolimus ointment. Eight patients had clinical improvement in LPP with tofacitinib as either monotherapy (4/10) or adjunctive therapy (4/10). LPP Activity Index (LPPAI) before and after treatment was measured in seven patients and was significantly different (6.22 before treatment, 3.08 after treatment; p value = .0014). Reduction in LPPAI ranged from 30 to 94%. One patient complained of 10 pound (4.5 kg) weight gain after 12 months on tofacitinib. No other adverse effects were reported. Treatment with oral tofacitinib either as monotherapy or adjunctive therapy can lead to measurable improvement in recalcitrant LPP.
The Microbial Metabolite Butyrate Stimulates Bone Formation via T Regulatory Cell-Mediated Regulation of WNT10B Expression.

Summary Nutritional supplementation with probiotics can prevent pathologic bone loss. Here we examined the impact of supplementation with Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) on bone homeostasis in eugonadic young mice. Micro-computed tomography revealed that LGG increased trabecular bone volume in mice, which was due to increased bone formation. Butyrate produced in the gut following LGG ingestion, or butyrate fed directly to germ-free mice, induced the expansion of intestinal and bone marrow (BM) regulatory T (Treg) cells. Interaction of BM CD8+ T cells with Treg cells resulted in increased secretion of Wnt10b, a bone anabolic Wnt ligand. Mechanistically, Treg cells promoted the assembly of a NFAT1-SMAD3 transcription complex in CD8+ cells, which drove expression of Wnt10b. Reducing Treg cell numbers, or reconstitution of TCRβ−/− mice with CD8+ T cells from Wnt10b−/− mice, prevented butyrate-induced bone formation and bone mass acquisition. Thus, butyrate concentrations regulate bone anabolism via Treg cell-mediated regulation of CD8+ T cell Wnt10b production.
Recent changes in the American Joint Commission Cancer staging of human papilloma virus related oropharyngeal cancer: validating the present and envisioning the future.

The dramatically increasing incidence of human papilloma virus (HPV) related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) continues to capture the scientific and clinical interest of the head and neck oncologic world. While the oncologic potential of HPV has been recognized for decades in a variety of anatomical subsites, most notably the cervix, the dramatic rise in the incidence of oropharyngeal cancers related to HPV is a somewhat more recent development.