cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Analysis of sequence diversity in the Plasmodium falciparum merozoite surface protein-1 (MSP-1)

Immunization with the first identified Plasmodium falciparum merozoite surface protein (MSP-1) protected monkeys from an otherwise fatal infection. The question of whether the high degree of diversity in MSP-1 among parasite clones will be an impediment to its development as a vaccine candidate needs to be resolved. We have aligned all published sequences, identifying errors, resequencing a portion of one parasite clone, and identifying probable duplicate sequences of four pairs of parasite clones. The sequences are displayed in a fashion that facilitates the study of variation and its potentially diverse origins. The original dimorphic sequences described by Tanabe et al. [22] have been modified to include only common sequences throughout the entire gene. The extension of the dimorphic region to the 5′ end of block 3 brings into question the involvement of intragenic crossover as the major mechanism generating allelic diversity. Additional diversity developed from point mutations and recombination in certain regions of the gene. The regions of variability and conservation should serve as a data base for planning vaccine trials.
Antiestrogen binding sites in brain and pituitary of ovariectomized rats.

In addition to interacting with estrogen binding sites in a number of tissues, antiestrogens have recently been shown to interact with a separate, estrogen-non-competable, antiestrogen-specific binding site (AEBS). In order to better understand possible mechanisms by which the antiestrogens may effect behavioral and physiological changes, we have examined AEBS in several areas of the brain and pituitary in adult, ovariectomized rats. Single point binding assays with 2 nM [3H]tamoxifen (TAM) in the presence of saturating amounts (1 μM) E and± 1μM TAM indicated the existence of specific binding to AEBS throughout the brain and pituitary. In most areas of the brain (cortex, cerebellum, amygdala, area postrema/nucleus of the solitary tract region) as well as pituitary, Scatchard analyses revealed the presence of a single AEBS with a dissociation constant (Kd = 1−4 × 10−9M) similar to that previously reported for other tissues. However, in both hypothalamus and preoptic area, an additional, higher affinity site (Kd = 6−9 × 10−11M) was found. Competitive inhibition studies revealed that there was little competition by the potent estrogen agonist, diethylstilbesterol, for AEBS binding. Antiestrogens competed in the following order: tamoxifen ≥ nafoxidine ≫ keoxifene. Additional competitive inhibition studies were run using neurotransmitter antagonists. for binding at the AEBS. Other pharmacological substances, including specific antagonists of the D2 sites, as well as antagonists of the norepinephrine, opiate, histamine, GABA and acetylcholine systems, were ineffective competitors for [3H]TAM binding.
Contact-shifted NMR of spinach ferredoxin: additional resonances and partial assignments.

We have extended the study of the contact-shifted resonances in the nmr spectra of oxidized and reduced spinach ferredoxin to lower magnetic field than reported by others. We have found two resonances not observed previously: one at 37 ppm, corresponding to as many as eight protons, in the oxidized protein; and the other at 43 ppm, corresponding to two protons, in the reduced protein. Assignments are proposed for these resonance and for those previously reported. We conclude that amino acid residues other than cysteine may participate in coordinating the iron atoms. By comparing the line widths in our 60 MHz spectra with those in the published 220 MHz spectra, by evaluating hyperfine coupling constants, and by an independent measurement, of the electron paramagnetic resonance line width at 230” K, we estimate the electronic spin-relaxation time of the reduced protein to be ca. 1 X 10-n sec. With this value for T we determine the dipolar contribution to the line width and hence estimate the distances between the contact-shifted protons and the paramagnetic center.
Fibre-optic-addressed temperature transducers using solid-state fluorescent materials☆

Abstract In this paper, the application of fluorescence monitoring to the determination of temperature is presented. The use of the measurement of the temperature-dependent fluorescence characteristics of a series of materials connected to optical fibres is discussed and comparisons made. Additionally, the application of the integrated fluorescent emission as a reference intensity in an absorption temperature sensor is reported, indicating the usefulness of this technique in a fibre optic thermometer.
The mind, perception and the reflexivity of forgetting in Alfred's Pastoral Care

The verb forgytan is used reflexively six times in the extant Old English corpus, and all six instances are found in King Alfred's translation of Gregory the Great's Regula pastoralis. As the translation adopts from its Latin source the concept of what I call ‘completely reflexive forgetting’ (the forgetting of one's self), it adjusts the concept for an Anglo-Saxon audience by reimagining and reconfiguring the logistics of the mind and its mechanisms of perception. Completely reflexive forgetting is thus imagined as the process by which a ruler ceases to perceive himself from within (as God always does) and begins perceiving himself from without (from the perspective of his subjects), thereby slipping into a perpetually totalizing state of self-concealment.When we forget, something doesn't just slip away from us. Forgetting itself slips into a concealing, and indeed in such a way that we ourselves, along with our relation to what is forgotten, fall into concealment.Martin Heidegger, ‘Aletheia (Heraclitus, Fragment B 16)’
Electrochemical Tuning of Silver Nanoparticles Fabricated by Nanosphere Lithography

An electrochemical method is developed to quantitatively modify and spectroscopically monitor the size and shape of Ag nanotriangles fabricated by nanosphere lithography (NSL) on an indium tin oxide (ITO) electrode surface. AFM and SEM results demonstrate that the preferential order of electrochemical oxidation for a nanotriangle is, surprisingly, bottom edges first, then triangular tips, then out-of-plane height.
Cloning and characterization of multiple glycosyl hydrolase genes from Trichoderma virens.

Trichoderma virens is a widely distributed soil fungus that is parasitic on other soil fungi. The mycoparasitic activity of T. virens is correlated with the production of numerous antifungal activities, including the secretion of a considerable repertoire of fungal cell wall-degrading enzymes. Here, we report the characterization of a diverse set of chitinase and glucanase genes from T. virens. In each case, full-length genomic clones were isolated and characterized, while sequencing of the corresponding cDNA clones and manual annotation provided a basis for establishing gene structure. Based on homology of the deduced amino acid sequences, we have identified three members of the 42Kd endochitinase gene family, two 33Kd exochitinases, two exochitinases with homology to N-acetylglucosaminidases, and three glucanase genes predicted to encode β-1,3- and β-1,6-proteins. The majority of these genes appear to encode signal peptides, suggesting an extracellular location for the corresponding proteins. Despite their overall similarity, the 42Kd class of chitinases can be subdivided, based on the presence of distinct N-terminal domains, suggesting that the proteins may have distinct cellular roles, while Northern blot analysis confirms that these genes possess distinct patterns of gene regulation. Similarly, one of the 33Kd chitinase genes is unique, because it is predicted to encode a protein C-terminus with high homology to the conserved family I cellulose-binding domain. The expression patterns of the chitinase genes were analyzed in both a wild-type strain and a strain disrupted for the major 42Kd chitinase gene of T. virens. The results of these transcript analyses, together with enzymatic assay of the extracellular proteins, suggest interdependent regulation of this important gene family in T. virens.
Vasoactive intestinal peptide augmentation of cholecystokinin-8-stimulated pepsinogen secretion: evidence for dual modulation of chief cell function.

Pepsinogen (PPG) secretion from chief cells (CC) is dually modulated by adenosine 3′: 5′-monophosphate (cAMP) and calcium second messenger systems. Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) stimulates cellular function by elevating intracellular levels of cAMP. In contrast, cholecystokinin-8 (CCK-8) acts by producing a rise in intracellular calcium concentration. Consequently, it was the purpose of this study to test whether VIP (acting through cAMP-mediated systems) could augment CCK-8 (acting through calcium-dependent systems)-stimulated PPG secretion. Collagenase dispersed rabbit isolated gastric glands (IGG) were incubated alone (unstimulated) or with secretagogues for 30 min. VIP in graded doses of 10−11 to 10−7M was used alone or in combination with CCK-8 (10−9M). PPG levels were determined using an assay based on pepsin hydrolysis of [14C]methemoglobin. Results are expressed as percentage of total pepsinogen (within the IGG) secreted above unstimulated levels. VIP alone (10−11 to 10−7) or CCK-8 alone (10−9) did not significantly stimulate PPG secretion (P>0.05). The combination of CCK-8 (10−9M) plus VIP (10−7M) significantly stimulated PPG secretion above unstimulated levels (P < 0.05). Thus, the combination of VIP and CCK-8 produced greater PPG secretion than either secretagogue alone. These data support the hypothesis that secretagogues acting through either cAMP or calcium-mediated systems contribute to the regulation of PPG secretion from CC and that the two second messenger systems act in concert achieving at least additive effects.
Investigation of shape-dependent switching of coupled nanomagnets

This paper presents a magnetic force microscopy study of antiferromagnetic ordering along chains of dipole-coupled single-domain permalloy nanomagnets with a variety of shapes. Magnetization reversal processes occur due to antiferromagnetic coupling between the closely spaced dots when an appropriate external magnetic field is applied. The goal of this study was to investigate the switching properties and correlation lengths as a function of nanomagnet geometry. We have found that certain shapes (due to their stronger stray fields) clearly show stronger interaction than others when the chain is demagnetized. In addition we have seen that the performance of the nanomagnets also depends on the method of demagnetization, and this fact must be taken into account when shape engineering is used to design coupled nanomagnet systems for a given application.
High-throughput one-bead-one-compound approach to peptide-encoded combinatorial libraries: MALDI-MS analysis of single TentaGel beads.

The identification of pharmacologically promising compounds (lead compounds) from combinatorial libraries is frequently limited by the throughput of the analytical technique employed. Fourier transform mass spectrometry (FTMS) offers high sensitivity, mass accuracy (m/Δm > 500 000), and sequencing capabilities. A rapid and efficient method for high-throughput analysis of single beads from peptide-encoded combinatorial libraries with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry is presented. Encoding peptides on single beads are identified and structurally characterized by MALDI time-of-flight (TOF) and ultrahigh-resolution MALDI Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FT-ICR) mass spectrometry. A strategy of on-probe sample preparation is developed to minimize handling of the beads.
The temporomandibular joint disc of Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) and African elephant (Loxodonta africana)

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a synovial articulation between the mandibular head of the condylar process of the mandible and the mandibular fossa of the squamous temporal bone. Extensions of the fibrous capsule into the joint space form a biconcave disc that functions as an articulating surface and divides the joint into dorsal and ventral compartments. The TMJ disc plays a crucial role in normal functioning of the joint, and differences in cranial morphology, mastication patterns, and diet are reflected in the material and biochemical properties of the disc. The purpose of the present case study was to compare the regional histologic differences between two elephant genera and quantify the biochemical and biomechanical properties of the African elephant disc. This study provides a unique insight into the elephant TMJ disc and also provides a comparison between the African and the Asian elephant genera. The results demonstrate several remarkable findings. First, structure-function relationships exist within the elephant TMJ disc. Second, regional variations exist in the elephant TMJ disc, and these are likely to correlate with its functional requirement. Additionally, it is apparent that some properties of the disc vary with the specific anatomy, diet requirement, and jaw motion. Finally, in comparison with the TMJ disc of other species, it is clear that, although the elephant disc is unique, it has properties that transcend and are preserved among the species.
Organizational Scheme for Corrosion-Fatigue Crack Propagation Data.

Abstract A model, proposed earlier, is modified in an attempt to explain a number of curious behaviors of corrosion-fatigue crack propagation (CFCP). The behaviors include effects of load ratio R in air and salt water vs vacuum, and effects of loading frequency at fixed R in these environments. Assumptions of the modeling are reviewed in detail in view of earlier objections to them. The ingredients of CFCP per this model: Poisson contraction, strain hardening, ligament surface attack/annihilation, and stress relaxation are developed and related to conditions of the crack tip locale. In the modeling, a parameter G , for growth rate factor, is developed solely as a function of the form of the ordinary or of the cyclic stress-strain curve. Previous work had developed a G 1 for the ordinary curve, to be associated with the surface attack effect as in stress-corrosion cracking, and one G 2 for the cyclic curve, to be associated with the stress relaxation effect as in fatigue crack propagation (FCP). A hybrid G 2 1 is developed, combining attributes of both, which seems to successfully describe the corrosion induced augmentation of G 2 . Parametric curves of G 2 1 (+G 2 ) correspond well with stage II frequency-dependent growth in CFCP. However, alone they do not explain the frequency-wise stage II threshold shift nor the frequency-independent air-environment FCP rate. It is found that these trends can be represented by loci of constant plastic strain rate, due to crack loading and propagation, relative to the surface annihilation rate. Such loci are determined by comparing growth rate factor maps with strain rate maps, using parametric curves of equal geometric-series spacing. Maps of this sort are used to analyze about a dozen cases of CFCP including two titanium alloys and three steels, with one of the steels of four different tempers. Stress-strain curves of the low strength steels are processed to remove the Luder band effect to facilitate the modeling. The scheme for data organization involves a representation of indexes of the two kinds of parametric curves fitting the data, and the process zone size implied by the fitting. Model predication of load-ratio effects on the fatigue crack growth threshold is in good correspondence with literature data. Comparison of estimated process zone sizes with literature data of microstructural and fractographic size measurements is encouraging.
728 THE MILK MONONUCLEAR PHAGOCYTE IS A MACROPHAGE

Mononuclear phagocytic cells (MM) account for 86±2 (±1 SD) of the 1.8±.2×106/cc milk leukocytes in the first week of lactation. MM were isolated by differential centrifugation and glass adherence and their state of differentiation studied with histochemical immunologic, functional and metabolic assays. 31±9% of glass adherent latex ingesting cells stained for peroxidase activity compared to 100% of similarly selected blood mononuclear phagocytes (BM). 83±9% MM and 97±2 BM formed rosettes with SRBC coated with IgM anti-SRBC and the first four complement components (C3bSRBC). 96±3% MM and 97±2% BM formed rosettes with IgGSRBC. Titration of the IgGSRBC to BM or MM ratio required for cosetting revealed that MM had >4 fold avidity for IgGSRBC than BM. MM spread and elongate on glass more rapidly than BM. This phenomenon, the low peroxidase activity, and high avidity for IgGSRBC of MM all suggest that the MM is a macrophage (MO). IgGSRBC phagocytosis occurred in 85±4% MM and 90±5% BM under similar conditions but C3bSRBC phagocytosis occurred in neither MMnor BM suggesting that the MM is not an activated MO. MM and BM IgGSRBC phagocytosis were completely inhibited by NaF. BM pretreated with cell free human milk (MS) resembled MM in the degree of spreading on glass, number of lysosomes, low level of peroxidase and presence of lipid droplets. Intracellular IgA, previously shown to be released from MM (Pittard et al., Ped. Res., vol. 11, No. 4, 721, 1977) was detected by immunofluorescence both in MM and in BM cultured for 24 hours in MS.
Teachers’ unions and compensation: The impact of collective bargaining on salary schedules and performance pay schemes

Abstract This study examines the impact that collective bargaining has on multiple dimensions of teacher compensation, including average and starting salaries, early and late returns to experience, returns to graduate degrees, and the incidence of different pay for performance schemes. Using data from the School and Staffing Survey (SASS) and a more recent data set, the Teacher Rules, Roles and Rights (TR3), we find that collective bargaining has a significant impact on all aspects of current, qualification-specific salary schedules. Further, we find some evidence that bargaining impacts the design of performance pay plans. Specifically, unions tend to encourage teacher bonuses that are based on additional qualifications or duties, but discourage bonuses that directly reward improved student test scores.
Psychophysically determined user acceptable oral reading speed (UAORS) for an 8-h work day

Abstract Speech input as a form of hands-free input modality has gained popularity over the last decade. At present, there are professions (e.g., medical and legal professionals) who are using this technology (continuous speech) for extended periods of time. Prolonged use of voice-enabled applications might result to voice fatigue and potentially vocal nodules. However, studies providing guidelines on acceptable oral reading speed for an 8-h duration are not available. An experiment using a psychophysical methodology was conducted to determine the user acceptable oral reading speed (UAORS) for an 8-h day. Testing conducted on 10 males indicated that mean speed of 121 words per min could be considered an acceptable oral reading speed for an 8-h day with a 40 dB background noise. A period of 2 h and 20 min of oral reading was also found to be adequate to exert same vocal load as 8 h. Results from this study could be incorporated to set thresholds by designers of speech software in order to prevent vocal fatigue. The acceptable oral reading speed derived in this study could also be used as a guideline for professionals who use their vocal chords for extended periods of time such as teachers, lawyers, clergy, and cheerleaders.
Defining the optimal planning target volume in image-guided stereotactic radiosurgery of brain metastases: results of a randomized trial

Purpose To identify an optimal margin about the gross target volume (GTV) for stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) of brain metastases, minimizing toxicity and local recurrence. Methods and Materials Adult patients with 1 to 3 brain metastases less than 4 cm in greatest dimension, no previous brain radiation therapy, and Karnofsky performance status (KPS) above 70 were eligible for this institutional review board–approved trial. Individual lesions were randomized to 1- or 3- mm uniform expansion of the GTV defined on contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The resulting planning target volume (PTV) was treated to 24, 18, or 15 Gy marginal dose for maximum PTV diameters less than 2, 2 to 2.9, and 3 to 3.9 cm, respectively, using a linear accelerator–based image-guided system. The primary endpoint was local recurrence (LR). Secondary endpoints included neurocognition Mini-Mental State Examination, Trail Making Test Parts A and B, quality of life (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Brain), radionecrosis (RN), need for salvage radiation therapy, distant failure (DF) in the brain, and overall survival (OS). Results Between February 2010 and November 2012, 49 patients with 80 brain metastases were treated. The median age was 61 years, the median KPS was 90, and the predominant histologies were non–small cell lung cancer (25 patients) and melanoma (8). Fifty-five, 19, and 6 lesions were treated to 24, 18, and 15 Gy, respectively. The PTV/GTV ratio, volume receiving 12 Gy or more, and minimum dose to PTV were significantly higher in the 3-mm group (all P P =.76). At a median follow-up time of 32.2 months, 11 patients were alive, with median OS 10.6 months. LR was observed in only 3 lesions (2 in the 1 mm group, P =.51), with 6.7% LR 12 months after SRS. Biopsy-proven RN alone was observed in 6 lesions (5 in the 3-mm group, P =.10). The 12-month DF rate was 45.7%. Three months after SRS, no significant change in neurocognition or quality of life was observed. Conclusions SRS was well tolerated, with low rates of LR and RN in both cohorts. However, given the higher potential risk of RN with a 3-mm margin, a 1-mm GTV expansion is more appropriate.
Allocation in life cycle inventory: partial set of solutions to an ill-posed problem

The primary aim of this paper is to indicate that partitioning allocation methods yields only a small subset of solutions to an ill-posed problem that has potentially infinitely many exact solutions. It will be shown that each of the existing partitioning methods arrives at just one particular solution from among infinitely many solutions of an underdetermined system of linear equations. Some life cycle inventories fall into a class of functions called estimable functions in linear model framework, in which case they are invariant to allocation assumptions. This class of functions unites results described by Heijungs and Frischknecht (Int J Life Cycle Assess 3:321–332, 1998) and Heijungs and Suh (2002, Conjecture 1, p. 91). The inventories for non-estimable functions obtained through allocation are, in fact, derived under a set of additional implicit equality constraints called side conditions, often resulting in inventory results which differ greatly from one allocation to the next. This paper explicates (1) identification of all estimable functions from any given technology matrix and (2) recovery of side conditions imposed on non-estimable functions through partitioning. These methods are illustrated in a simple example, and their relation to least squares techniques for allocation explored by Marvuglia et al. (Int J Life Cycle Assess 15:1020–1040, 2010) ;(Int J Agr Environ Inf Syst 3:51–71, 2012) are discussed. Recommendations are made that may lead to more meaningful ways to obtain additional data or include additional information in life cycle inventories in the future.
Microfluidic device incorporating closed loop feedback control for uniform and tunable production of micro-droplets

Both micro- and nanofluidics are finding increasing use in the growing toolbox of nanotechnology; for the production of nanoparticles, and as micro-reactors for carefully controlled chemical reactions. These laboratories-on-a-chip hold vast potential for industrial application, however, only the most simple are truly starting to emerge as commercially viable, particularly in the area of droplet formation and emulsion creation. In order to automate droplet production with a desired size and dispersity, we have designed a microfluidic-based technology utilizing elementary microchannel geometries in combination with a closed loop feedback system to control the continuous- and dispersed-phase flow rates. Both the device geometry and control system have been optimized to allow for the production of a tunable emulsion. By utilizing discrete linear control theory, the device is able to produce the desired results with little to no prior knowledge of the fluid material properties to be used in either phase. We present our results from initial development using flow-focusing microfluidic geometry for droplet formation, computer-tethered syringe pumps to individually control the continuous and dispersed phase flow rates, a high-speed camera, and a controller and driver system for the optical measurements and pumps, respectively. We will show the efficacy of this technique for Newtonian and viscoelastic liquids, with and without the presence of surfactants. It can be envisioned that through careful control optimization, such a system can be developed to a point that will allow the production of “designer” emulsions with droplets eventually reaching the nanoscale.
DEFENS - Drug Exposure Feedback and Education for Nurses’ Safety: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Three decades of research findings have documented the health effects of handling hazardous drugs. Oncology nurses are vulnerable due to frequent administration of antineoplastics, low adherence to equipment use, reported barriers to use, and perceived low risk of health effects. No interventions have been tested in a controlled, multi-site trial to increase nurses’ use of protective equipment when handling hazardous drugs. The Drug Exposure Feedback and Education for Nurses’ Safety (DEFENS) study will compare the efficacy of education (control) versus an audit and feedback intervention (treatment) on nurses’ self-reported use of personal protective equipment when handling hazardous drugs. The treatment intervention will include tailored messages based on nurses’ reported barriers to protective equipment use. The DEFENS Study is a cluster randomized controlled trial. We are enrolling cancer centers and will recruit nurse participants in April 2015. Eligible cancer centers employ at least 20 eligible registered nurses in the chemotherapy infusion setting and have on-site phlebotomy resources. Eligible participants are nurses who work at least 0.40 full-time equivalent hours in the chemotherapy infusion setting and have not received an antineoplastic drug for a health problem in the past year. An encrypted, user-authenticated website will administer surveys and deliver control and treatment interventions. The primary endpoint is the change in score on nurses’ reports of the Revised Hazardous Drug Handling Questionnaire between baseline and approximately 18 months later. A baseline survey is completed after informed consent and is repeated 18 months later. Nurses in all sites who experience a drug spill will also report incidents as they occur; these reports inform the treatment intervention. Plasma will be obtained at baseline, approximately 18 months later (the primary endpoint), and with drug spill occurrences to measure hazardous drugs levels and to inform the treatment intervention. Potential mediators include knowledge of hazardous drug handling and perceived risk of drug exposure. We will examine whether personal factors and organizational factors moderate the intervention effects. Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02283164 , registered 31 October 2014.
Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardias

Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) is a distinct clinical syndrome. Most patients present with the abrupt onset of palpitations, dizziness, dyspnea, or chest pain. The electrocardiogram (ECG) demonstrates a fast heart rate (150-250 beats per min), a regular rhythm, and most often, a narrow QRS complex. The P wave is usually hidden within the QRS complex. PSVT is caused by reentry, and the tachycardias are classified, electrophysiologically, according to the anatomic location of the reentry circuit. Atrioventricular nodal reentry is the most common form of PSVT. In A-V nodal reentry, there are two conducting pathways (alpha and beta) that have different conduction times and refractory periods; both pathways are confined to the A-V nodal and perinodal atrial tissue. The other common form of PSVT, termed atrioventricular reciprocating tachycardia, depends on an anatomically distinct, or "accessory," pathway that may conduct impulses between the atria and the ventricles, while bypassing the AV node. The two forms of PSVT may be distinguished in many cases by examining the 12-lead electrocardiogram. In the majority of cases of A-V nodal reentry, the atria and ventricles are depolarized simultaneously, and the P waves are hidden in the QRS complex. If the reentry circuit includes an accessory pathway, the P wave always follows the QRS, and usually the R-P interval exceeds 70 msec. Several principles should guide the management of PSVT: (a) Unstable patients require emergent electrical cardioversion; (b) A 12-lead ECG should be obtained immediately to confirm that the tachycardia has a narrow complex (ventricular tachycardia may masquerade as PSVT if only a single lead is examined); (c) Vagal maneuvers may be attempted (the Valsalva maneuver is safer and more efficacious, especially in the elderly); and (4) In most patients, adenosine is the first-line agent to treat PSVT. Contraindications to adenosine and drug interactions are noted in this article. In addition, the use of adenosine in wide complex tachycardias and the indications for admission and referral for electrophysiologic evaluation are discussed.
Zero-reabsorption doped-nanocrystal luminescent solar concentrators.

Optical concentration can lower the cost of solar energy conversion by reducing photovoltaic cell area and increasing photovoltaic efficiency. Luminescent solar concentrators offer an attractive approach to combined spectral and spatial concentration of both specular and diffuse light without tracking, but they have been plagued by luminophore self-absorption losses when employed on practical size scales. Here, we introduce doped semiconductor nanocrystals as a new class of phosphors for use in luminescent solar concentrators. In proof-of-concept experiments, visibly transparent, ultraviolet-selective luminescent solar concentrators have been prepared using colloidal Mn2+-doped ZnSe nanocrystals that show no luminescence reabsorption. Optical quantum efficiencies of 37% are measured, yielding a maximum projected energy concentration of ∼6× and flux gain for a-Si photovoltaics of 15.6 in the large-area limit, for the first time bounded not by luminophore self-absorption but by the transparency of the waveg...
Imidocarb Dipropionate Clears Persistent Babesia caballi Infection with Elimination of Transmission Potential

Antimicrobial treatment of persistent infection to eliminate transmission risk represents a specific challenge requiring compelling evidence of complete pathogen clearance. The limited repertoire of antimicrobial agents targeted at protozoal parasites magnifies this challenge. Using Babesia caballi as both a model and a specific apicomplexan pathogen for which evidence of the elimination of transmission risk is required for international animal movement, we tested whether a high-dose regimen of imidocarb dipropionate cleared infection from persistently infected asymptomatic horses and/or eliminated transmission risk. Clearance with elimination of transmission risk was supported by the following four specific lines of evidence: (i) inability to detect parasites by quantitative PCR and nested PCR amplification, (ii) conversion from seropositive to seronegative status, (iii) inability to transmit infection by direct inoculation of blood into susceptible recipient horses, and (iv) inability to transmit infection by ticks acquisition fed on the treated horses and subsequently transmission fed on susceptible horses. In contrast, untreated horses remained infected and capable of transmitting B. caballi using the same criteria. These findings establish that imidocarb dipropionate treatment clears B. caballi infection with confirmation of lack of transmission risk either by direct blood transfer or a high tick burden. Importantly, the treated horses revert to seronegative status according to the international standard for serologic testing and would be permitted to move between countries where the pathogen is endemic and countries that are free of the pathogen.
A novel soft sensor modelling method based on kernel PLS

A novel soft sensor modeling method based on kernel partial least squares (kernel PLS, KPLS) was proposed. Kernel PLS is a promising regression method for tackling nonlinear problems because it can efficiently compute regression coefficients in high-dimensional feature space by means of nonlinear kernel function. Application results to the real data in a fluid catalytic cracking unit (FCCU) process show that the proposed method can effectively capture nonlinear relationship among variables and have better estimation performance than PLS and other linear approaches.
Molecular Analysis of CPRα, a MATα-Specific Pheromone Receptor Gene of Cryptococcus neoformans

The putative Cryptococcus neoformans pheromone receptor gene CPRα was isolated and studied for its role in mating and filamentation. CPRα is MATα specific and located adjacent to STE12α at the MATα locus. It encodes a protein which possesses high sequence similarity to the seven-transmembrane class of G-protein-coupled pheromone receptors reported for other basidiomycetous fungi. Strains containing a deletion of the CPRα gene exhibited drastic reductions in mating efficiency but were not completely sterile. Δcprα cells displayed wild-type mating efficiency when reconstituted with the wild-type CPRα gene. Hyphal production on filament agar was not affected in the Δcprα strain, indicating no significant role for CPRα in sensing environmental cues during haploid fruiting. The wild-type MATα CPRα strain produced abundant hyphae in response to synthetic MATa pheromone; however, the hyphal response to pheromone by Δcprα cells was significantly reduced. Exposure of wild-type cells to synthetic MATa pheromone for 2 h induced MFα pheromone expression, whereas unexposed cells showed only basal levels of the MFα transcript. The Δcprα cells, however, exhibited only basal levels of MFα message with or without pheromone exposure, suggesting that CPRα and MFα are components of the same signaling pathway.
Noise from Imperfectly Expanded Supersonic Coaxial Jets

Experiments have characterized the acoustics of axisymmetric high-speed jets at a variety of Mach numbers and velocities and at pressure-matched, overexpanded, and underexpanded conditions. The effect of an annular secondary e ow on noise emission was also investigated. The fully expanded jet velocity ranged from 630 to 920 m/s and thefully expanded jet Mach number ranged from 1.27 to 1.75. The secondary e owwassupplied at400 m/s and was designed for Mach wave elimination conditions. Imperfect expansion creates screech and broadband shock noise. Screech is dominant in the near e eld whereas broadband shock noise affects mainly the lateral direction of the far e eld. The secondary e ow practically eliminates the screech tones, but has little impact on broadband shock noise. With exception of localized and weak screech tones, the far-e eld spectra in the direction of peak noise emission (aft quadrant ) are insensitive on nozzle exit pressure and depend solely on the fully expanded Mach number and velocity. Addition of the secondary e ow produces substantial noise reduction in the aft quadrant, a consequence of Mach wave elimination, and modest noise reduction in the lateral direction, an effect attributed to mean shear reduction. Lowering the velocity and/or Mach number of the jet enhances the benee t of the secondary e ow by shortening the region of the principal noise sources, thus improving the coverage of that region by the secondary e ow. Far-e eld noise reductions of up to 17 dB were recorded at frequencies most relevant to aircraft noise.
Learning styles of nursing graduate students enrolled in a master's degree program

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to identify the learning styles of nursing graduate students enrolled in a master's degree program at a public USA university. METHODS: The study was guide by the individual and social constructivism framework. Data were collected with a personal data sheet and with the Inventory of Learning Process-Revised (ILP-R), coded and entered into the Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) data processor. RESULTS: Although there were no statistical significant differences between graduate student regarding learning styles, the study's findings suggest a trend toward elaborative, in depth, and student-centered learning styles. The least used learning style was the methodical approach or literal memorization. In addition, there were positive relationships between and among sub-scales of the ILP-R. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study might be useful to nursing faculty because they provide some insights about the learning styles to which nursing graduate students are more likely to adhere.
Decomposing the relationship between anxiety sensitivity and alcohol use

Objective:The misuse of alcohol is related to numerous detrimental health effects. Research has determined anxiety sensitivity (AS) to be a risk factor for problematic alcohol use. To date, no studies have investigated this relationship using a bifactor model of AS. This study used a bifactor model to determine the effects of the general AS factor and the cognitive, physical, and social concerns subfactors on alcohol-related outcomes.Method:The sample consisted of 329 participants selected from a larger sample of individuals in a brief smoking-cessation intervention. Latent factor models were used to determine the effects of the bifactor model of AS on alcohol use behavior.Results:The general AS factor was significantly associated with alcohol use problems but not alcohol consumption. The AS subfactors of cognitive, physical, and social concerns were not significantly related to either alcohol variable.Conclusions:The findings are inconsistent with previous research that has found associations between the...
Austenitic-Steel Elastic Constants

We now witness many vigorous attempts to improve the properties of austenitic stainless steels. Mechanical-property and physicalproperty improvements require two essential ingredients: an understanding based on theory and accurate measurements of important properties.
Cys9, Cys104 and Cys207 of simian virus 40 Vp1 are essential for infectious virion formation in CV-1 cells

Structural studies have implicated Cys9, Cys104 and Cys207 of simian virus 40 (SV40) Vp1 in disulfide bond formation. Recently, we have shown the three cysteines to be essential for disulfide linkage of Vp1 complexes in vitro. Here, the role of the three cysteines was explored during the course of SV40 infection. Single-, double- and triple-mutant Vp1 at Cys9, Cys104 and Cys207 continued to localize to the nuclei of transfected CV-1 cells and to bind DNA, but showed a range of abilities to form plaques. Only mutants containing the Cys9→Ser change showed defects in plaque formation. Single mutants at Cys9 formed small plaques; mutants at Cys9 . Cys104, Cys9 . Cys207 and Cys9 . Cys104 . Cys207 formed no plaques. All three isolated revertants contained back-mutations at the Vp1 Cys9 codon. These results further confirm the involvement of the three Vp1 cysteines in protein–protein interactions during virus assembly. Cys9 is critical for production of wild-type infectious virions, whereas Cys104 and Cys207 play secondary roles.
Urine-Derived Stem Cells: Biological Characterization and Potential Clinical Applications

A subpopulation of urine-derived cells, termed urine-derived stem cells (USCs), possess stem cell capabilities, such as self-renewal and multipotential differentiation. These cells can differentiate into mesodermal cell lineages, such as osteocytes, chondrocytes, adipocytes, endothelial cells, and myocytes, including smooth muscle cell differentiation and endodermal lineages (e.g., urothelial cells). These cells maintain high telomerase activity and possess long telomeres; further, they retain a normal karyotype in vitro even after several passages. Importantly, these cells do not form teratomas in vivo. USCs express cell surface markers associated with pericytes and mesenchymal stem cells. These cells can be isolated from regular voided urine from each individual via a noninvasive, simple, and low-cost approach. The USCs isolated from one single urine specimen can generate up to 100 million cells at early passage, sufficient numbers to use for cell-based therapy for tissue repair.
Secretory component deficiency. A disorder of the IgA immune system.

Abstract We studied a 15-year-old boy with chronic intestinal candidiasis who had normal serum IgA levels without IgA in his secretions. There was an elevated number of peripheral blood lymphocytes...
Resilience of microbial communities in a simulated drinking water distribution system subjected to disturbances: role of conditionally rare taxa and potential implications for antibiotic-resistant bacteria

Many US water utilities using chloramine as their secondary disinfectant have experienced nitrification episodes that detrimentally impact water quality in their distribution systems. A semi-closed pipe-loop chloraminated drinking water distribution system (DWDS) simulator was used to evaluate the biological stability of the system and describe the response of microbial communities in the bulk water (BW) and biofilm (BF) phase to a disturbance caused by changes in the operational parameters. The DWDS simulator was operated through five successive operational schemes, including an episode of nitrification, followed by a ‘chlorine burn’ by switching the disinfectant from chloramine to free chlorine. Community comparisons showed significant differences in the structure based on disinfectant and phase (e.g., BW and BF). Both disturbances created changes in the relative abundances of the core microbiome and some members of the rare biosphere (i.e., conditionally rare taxa); however, the microbial community was resilient and returned to its stable state. Genes associated with multiple antibiotic resistance mechanisms were found to be a component of the core genomes of waterborne isolates. These results provide evidence of variations in the bulk water/biofilm microbial community structure during episodes of disturbance (e.g., disinfectant switching practices, nitrification) and its recovery after disturbance.
Micellar Electrokinetic Capillary Chromatography Method for Direct Determination of Nipagin Esters in Food

This study aimed to establish a method of micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography for direct determination of nipagin esters in food.Effects of key factors,such as concentration and pH adjustment of running buffer,separation voltage and concentration of surface active agent(SDS) as well as organic solvent addition on separation of ethyl nipagin ester,propylparaben and butyl nipagin were investigated.The results showed that under the optimized conditions as follows:running buffer,10 mmol/L(final concentration) sodium dihydrogen phosphate-10 mmol/L(final concentration) sodium borate(pH 8.0) solution;SDS concentration,20 mmol/L;separation voltage,22 kV;and UV wavelength,256 nm,these nipagin esters were completely separated within 10 min.There were nice linear relationships between their concentrations and peak area.Butyl nipagin was not detected in two commercial soy sauces by this method.Average recoveries for ethyl nipagin ester and propy-lparaben in the two commercial soy sauces spiked at two levels were within the recovery of 97.2%-104%(n = 5).
Survey on Smart Grid Technology

In this paper the connotation of smart grid is expounded, the present research status of smart grid home and abroad as well as the practical significance of developing smart grid in China are summarized. As a reference for relative researchers, this paper analyzes the conditions to develop smart grid in China, and points out the key technological problems to be solved for the development of smart grid in the fields of power network topology, communication system, metering infrastructure, demand side management, intelligent dispatching, power electronic equipments, distributed generation integration etc..
Abstract 4127: Blockade of TGFβ signaling enhances anticancer effect of chemotherapeutics in gynecologic cancers

Chemoresistance is a significant clinical challenge in the management of gynecologic malignancies. Previous studies have showed that TGF-β signaling pathway can mediate chemotherapy resistance. However, the underlying mechanisms of how TGF-β pathway is activated and causes chemoresistance are not well understood. Here, we found that ovarian cancer patients displayed an increased RNA transcripts of genes associated with TGF-β signaling after chemotherapy. In vitro, treatment with four commonly used drugs for gynecologic malignancies, including cisplatin, doxorubicin, paclitaxel and camptothecin, activated TGFβ signaling by stimulating phosphorylation of Smad2 and Smad3, two intracellular mediators of TGFβ signaling pathway in ovarian and cervical cancer cell lines. Furthermore, cisplatin and doxorubicin can induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and promote migration. Blockade of TGFβ signaling abrogated chemotherapeutics-stimulated Smad phosphorylation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and migration. These observations suggest that chemotherapy-mediated activation of TGFβ signaling may be a mechanism of chemoresistance, and that TGFβ pathway inhibitor may prevent the development of chemoresistant. We are currently testing the anti-tumor efficacy of the combination therapy with a novel pan-TGFβ inhibitor and cisplatin in a mouse xenograft model of ovarian cancer and whether the treatment with TGFβ inhibitor can alleviate symptoms of nephrotoxicity, which is known to be caused by cisplatin. Our studies may reveal new strategies for the treatment of gynecologic malignancies. Citation Format: Haiyan Zhu, Junhua Yang, Xiang Gu, Luzhe Sun. Blockade of TGFβ signaling enhances anticancer effect of chemotherapeutics in gynecologic cancers. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 4127.
How's that change working for you?

Major change initiatives must address three aspects of change in order to be successful — people, process, and technology. In addition, any change initiative needs to be actively aided by three important support components: Organizational Change Management (OCM), Customer Relationship Management (CRM), and a repeatable Deployment Process. This paper describes the three key aspects of change, their support components and how to apply them. It also describes a four-part deployment process to employ once a new product or asset has been created. It describes how this approach has been used to successfully deploy several major change initiatives at JPL and NASA, and concludes with some lessons learned.
Accesibilidad urbana a la atención médica primaria: estudio comparativo de Canadá, EE.UU. y de Chile

The question of accessibility to primary medical care is examined for three medical systems; the large private market in the United States and the predominantly state-financed systems in Canada and Chile. Major health policies in these countries are reviewed and the spatial patterns of primary care physicians and centers are described. Comparative findings reveal that private physicians' preference for locating in pleasant residential settings in both Canada and Santiago, Chile is an indication that the more state-financed medical systems tend to be weaker agents of disperion than the free-market structure of the U.S. Unlike Canada and Chile, the locational attributes of primary care practitioners in the U.S. are their proximity to suburban retail districts and major thoroughfares of automobile travel.