cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Computational solvent mapping reveals the importance of local conformational changes for broad substrate specificity in mammalian cytochromes P450

Computational solvent mapping moves small organic molecules as probes around a protein surface, finds favorable binding positions, clusters the conformations, and ranks the clusters on the basis of their average free energy. Prior mapping studies of enzymes, crystallized in either substrate-free or substrate-bound form, have shown that the largest number of solvent probe clusters invariably overlaps in the active site. We have applied this method to five cytochromes P450. As expected, the mapping of two bacterial P450s, P450 cam (CYP101) and P450 BM-3 (CYP102), identified the substrate-binding sites in both ligand-bound and ligand-free P450 structures. However, the mapping finds the active site only in the ligand-bound structures of the three mammalian P450s, 2C5, 2C9, and 2B4. Thus, despite the large cavities seen in the unbound structures of these enzymes, the features required for binding small molecules are formed only in the process of substrate binding. The ability of adjusting their binding sites to substrates that differ in size, shape, and polarity is likely to be responsible for the broad substrate specificity of these mammalian P450s. Similar behavior was seen at "hot spots" of protein -protein interfaces that can also bind small molecules in grooves created by induced fit. In addition, the binding of S-warfarin to P450 2C9 creates a high-affinity site for a second ligand, which may help to explain the prevalence of drug-drug interactions involving this and other mammalian P450s.
An FTIR study of the Cl atom‐initiated oxidation of CH2Cl2 and CH3Cl

The Cl atom-initiated oxidation of CH2Cl2 and CH3Cl was studied using the FTIR method in the photolysis of mixtures typically containing Cl2 and the chlorinated methanes at 1 torr each in 700 torr air. The results obtained from product analysis were in general agreement with those reported by Sanhueza and Heicklen. The relative rate constant for the Cl atom reactions of CH2Cl2 and CH3Cl was determined to be k(Cl +CH3Cl)/k(Cl + CH2Cl2) = 1.31 ± 0.14 (2σ) at 298 ± 2 K.
Changes in adult children's participation in parent care

Care-giving research has focused on primary care-givers and relied on cross-sectional data. This approach neglects the dynamic and systemic character of care-giver networks. Our analyses address changes in care-givers and care networks over a two-year period using pooled data from the US Health and Retirement Study, 1992–2000. Based on a matrix of specific adult-child care-givers across two consecutive time-points, we assess changes in any adult-child care-giver and examine the predictors of change. A change in care-giver occurred in about two-fifths of care-giving networks. Ability to provide care based on geographical proximity, availability of alternative care-givers, and gender play primary roles in the stability of care networks. Results underline the need to shift care-giving research toward a dynamic and systemic perspective.
Vaginal Protection and Immunity after Oral Immunization of Mice with a Novel Vaccine Strain of Listeria monocytogenes Expressing Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 gag

Natural transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) occurs at mucosal surfaces. During acute infection, intestinal and other mucosae are preferential sites of virus replication and rapidly become depleted of CD4(+) T cells. Therefore, mucosal immunity may be critical to control both initial infection and the massive early spread of virus. An attenuated D-alanine-requiring strain of the oral intracellular microorganism Listeria monocytogenes expressing HIV type 1 gag was shown to induce protective cell-mediated immunity in mice against viruses that express HIV gag when immunization occurs in the presence of a transient supply of D-alanine. In this study, we examined the efficacy of new attenuated strains that are able to synthesize d-alanine from a heterologous dal gene tightly regulated by an actA-promoted resolvase recombination system. In the absence of d-alanine, Gag-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) were induced systemically after intravenous immunization, and one strain, Lmdd-gag/pARS, induced strong dose-dependent Gag-specific CTLs after oral immunization. A significant level of Gag-specific CD8(+) T cells was induced in the mucosal-associated lymphoid tissues (MALTs). Upon intravaginal challenge of these orally immunized mice with recombinant vaccinia virus (rVV) expressing HIV gag, gamma interferon- and tumor necrosis factor alpha-secreting Gag-specific CD8(+) T cells were dramatically increased in the spleen and MALTs. Oral immunization with Lmdd-gag/pARS led to complete protection against vaginal challenge by a homologous clade B gag-expressing rVV. In addition, strong cross-clade protection was seen against clades A and C and partial protection against clade G gag-expressing rVV. These results suggest that Lmdd-gag/pARS may be considered as a novel vaccine candidate for use against HIV/AIDS.
Bestimmung von Lumineszenzabklingkurven aus Fluorometermessungen

Es wird gezeigt, wir die Fourier-Transformierten A (ω′), B (ω′) der Lumineszenzabklingkurve Φ (t) aus den Phasendifferenzen φ (ω′) und Amplitudenquotienten α (ω′) zwischen den Harmonischen der Modulationsfrequenz ω′ von Erregungsintensitat und Lumineszenzintensitat bestimmt werden konnen. Durch Ausmessung der Spektren φ (ω′) und a (ω′) von ihren Grenzwerten bei ω′ 0 bis ω′ ∞ last sich also die Lumineszenzabklingkurve Φ (t) vollstandig bestimmen.
Diode-Steered Magnetic-Core Memory

This paper describes techniques which take advantage of word arrangement to make possible large, high-speed magnetic-core memories at moderate cost. Economy is obtained by means of a two-coordinate selection system using diffused junction rectifiers as steering diodes. By taking advantage of the relatively slow recovery time of these rectifiers, automatic rewrite selection is obtained in a similar sense to that provided by a biased switch core. The familiar ``inhibit'' line is eliminated, reducing the memory array to a two-wire configuration. And finally, the customary core array geometry is rearranged to facilitate winding the digit wire as a balanced twisted-pair transmission line so as to eliminate the effect of post-write disturb.
Autonomous calibration of single-loop closed kinematic chains formed by manipulators with passive endpoint constraints

The authors present a kinematic calibration method that does not require endpoint measurements or precision points. By forming manipulators into mobile closed kinematic chains, it is shown that consistency conditions in the kinematic loop closure equations are adequate to calibrate the manipulator from joint angle readings alone. This closed-loop kinematic calibration method is an adaptation of an iterative least-squares algorithm used in calibrating open-chain manipulators. Example tasks include a fixed endpoint (zero-degree-of-freedom (DOF) task), the opening of a door (one-DOF task), and point contact (three-DOF task). >
Apolipoprotein E decreases tau kinases and phospho-tau levels in primary neurons

Apolipoprotein E (apoE) receptors act as signaling molecules in neurons, altering phosphorylation of numerous proteins after extracellular ligand binding and affecting neurite outgrowth, synapse formation, and neuronal migration. Since apoE is important in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD), we tested whether apoE treatment of neurons affected molecules important to phosphorylation of tau, such as GSK 3β, P35, and CDK5, and the phosphorylation of tau itself. Treatment of primary neurons with 2 uM apoE (or an apoE-derived peptide) decreased levels of phospho-GSK 3β, P35 and CDK5, and decreased levels of phosphorylated forms of tau. A lower concentration of apoE (100 nM) had no effect on these molecules. The alteration of tau phosphorylation by apoE was blocked by an inhibitor of the low-density lipoprotein receptor family, demonstrating the effects were due to receptor interactions. These results demonstrate that apoE affects several downstream signaling cascades in neurons: decreased tau kinases phosphorylation and inhibition of tau phosphorylation at Thr171 and Ser202/Thr205 epitopes. We conclude that apoE can alter levels of tau kinases and phospho-tau epitopes, potentially affecting tau neuropathological changes seen in AD brains.
The Effects of Gamma Radiation on the Biology and Behavior of Adult Ips confusus (LeConte) (Coleoptera: Scolytidae)

Sterilization of male and female Ips confusus (Coleoptera: Scolytidae) exposed to gamma radiation (Co60) as newly emerged adults was almost complete at levels exceeding 7500 r and 10,000 r, respectively. Mating behavior of males as expressed by sperm transfer was unaffected by dosages up to 60,000 r. The capacity of beetles of either sex to establish galleries was not affected significantly below this dosage, but female gallery pattern was altered above 15,000 r. Longevity was reduced at levels greater than 5000 r. LD50 for males occurred at 11.5 days at 7500 r and 29 days in the controls. Mortality of progeny resulting from males irradiated at substerilization levels was higher than in the controls. The dosage to achieve significant population reduction with minimum effect on longevity and other biological activity is estimated to lie between 6000 and 7500 r.These studies indicate that this sterilization technique may have promise in the control of bark beetles. The necessity for rearing large numbers on artificial media could be circumvented by mass trapping utilizing their natural sex attractant and by mass rearing in cut host material in the laboratory.
Real-time mirror steering for improved closed loop neoclassical tearing mode suppression by electron cyclotron current drive in DIII-D

Abstract The development and operation of the neoclassical tearing mode (NTM) avoidance and control system for DIII-D, which uses six sets of real-time steerable mirrors in order to move the electron cyclotron current drive (ECCD) deposition location in plasma, is described. The real-time DIII-D NTM control algorithm residing in the Plasma Control System (PCS) automatically detects an NTM by analysis of the Mirnov diagnostics, employs motional Stark effect (MSE) EFIT MHD equilibrium reconstruction to locate the rational q-surface where the NTM island can be found, then calculates the appropriate mirror position for alignment of the ECCD with the island using ray tracing. The control commands from PCS are sent to the electron cyclotron system to switch on and off or modulate the gyrotrons and to the steerable mirror system to move the steerable mirrors to the requested positions. Successful NTM suppression has been achieved in DIII-D using this control system to rapidly align the NTM island and the ECCD deposition location, and to actively maintain the alignment as plasma conditions change.
Imaging system-on-chip: design and applications

Recently developed CMOS image sensors offer the promise of ultra-low power consumption and camera-on-chip integration in standard fabrication processes. In this paper by combining the components of a multichip imaging system on a single chip does not take full advantage of integration, especially given its inherent complexity is demonstrated. Integration is most beneficial when the system is architected to bring processing closer to sensing so as to achieve higher performance or perform novel functionality. We demonstrate this point using three imaging system-on-chip examples. The first is a recently designed ultra-wide dynamic range video imaging system-on-chip that integrates a digital pixel sensor (DPS), a frame buffer, and digital signal processors. The second example is an integrated chemi-luminescence detection chip and the third is a vertically integrated IR imaging system that we are currently designing.
Creating learner-centered assessment strategies for promoting greater student retention and class participation

Many teachers still use in-class multiple choice exams in their classes, the primary goal of which is to see how much the students have already learned. The assessment strategies we will examine in this paper change the focus from assessing whether students have learned anything to creating assessments which double as learning experiences themselves. Assessments do not have to merely measure what was learned; rather, they can be methods for getting students to learn while they are completing the task you have given them. The theoretical framework of learner-centered assessment emphasizes problem solving, higher order thinking skills, the promotion of a sense of ownership in learning, and a dialogic approach to instruction (Rich, 2011). The purpose of this paper is to discuss six specific strategies for implementing learner-centered assessment in the classroom. The six research based strategies we will discuss are: Strategies which ensure students have read the material The use of take-home examinations Giving short answer tests with questions at an integrative and/or applied level on Bloom's taxonomy Using Formative summative assessments during class time (FSA) Being responsive to results from Audience response systems (ARS) Student learning style inventories The students have to read the material to learn anything from it! A key to effective teaching is to ensure that students have read all the material. If the student doesn't read the material they will not be as ready to understand what is going on when the teacher covers the work in class (Krashen, 2004). As an instructor, breaking up the material may be beneficial because many students just breeze through the chapter instead of actually reading it. If teachers ask a question about the assigned reading at the beginning of the first class when that information will be discussed, and students are informed that there will be an in-class quiz on the reading, more students will do the reading (Sweet et al., 1998). If your students persist on ignoring their assigned readings, according to Felder and Silverman (1988) and Lucas and Bernstein (2004), there is not much point in punishing them. The students who fail to read will then be punished enough on examinations and quizzes.
The feasibility of agroforestry interventions for traditionally nomadic pastoral people

Historically, the nomadic traditions of pastoralists have been alternately attacked and romanticized. In fact, pastoral groups represent a range of production systems with wide variations in pastoral and cultivation activities. Given this range and the ecological and sociopolitical constraints facing pastoralists today, agroforestry interventions appear not only feasible, but perhaps imperative for some pastoral groups. However, their design and implementation must be carried out with keen awareness and respect for the unique ecological and cultural position traditionally nomadic pastoral people hold. A review of the sociopolitical and natural resource management literature on existing sylvopastoral and agrosylvopastoral technologies points to the importance of social issues such as gender, land and tree tenure, equity, and cultural context. These provide the basis for discussing the feasibility of agroforestry interventions in terms of their aims, potentials, and risks for pastoral groups.
Low-loss channel waveguide on high-energy-beam sensitive glass

We report on the fabrication of optical channel waveguide on a high-energy-beam sensitive glass using a maskless nonphotolithographic processing technique. Laser direct writing and one-step chemical etching result in high quality channel waveguide with a propagation loss of about -0.27 dB/cm at 1550-nm wavelength.
Sediment mass-flow processes on a depositional lobe, outer Mississippi Fan

ABSTRACT SeaMARC 1A sidescan-sonar imagery and cores from the distal reaches of a depositional lobe on the Mississippi Fan show that channelized mass flow was the dominant mechanism for transport of silt and sand during the formation of this part of the fan. Sediments in these flows were rapidly deposited once outside of their confining channels. The depositional lobe is formed of a series of long, narrow sublobes composed of thin-bedded turbidites (normally graded siliciclastic sand and silt, 20 cm thick on average), debris-flow deposits (soft clay clasts up to 5 cm in diameter in a siliciclastic silt matrix, 48 cm thick on average), and background-sedimentation hemipelagic muds. The mass flows most likely originated from slope failure at the head of the Mississippi Canyon or on the outer ontinental shelf and flowed approximately 500 km to the distal reaches of the fan, with debris flow being the dominant flow type. An analysis that uses the geometry of the confining channels and strength properties of the debris-flow material shows that these thin debris flows could have traveled hundreds of kilometers on extremely small sea-floor slopes at low velocities if the flowing medium behaved as Bingham fluids and were steady-state phenomena.
Knowledge as a basis for expertise in systems analysis: an empirical study

This study explores the content of the systems analyst's knowledge base. The study utilizes a protocol analysis methodology in a quasi-experimental research setting to define the types of knowledge used by 18 experienced systems analysts in solving an accounts receivable problem. The study provides preliminary findings regarding the core knowledge utilized by systems analysts, and differences in the knowledge utilized by high- and low-rated analysts.
Intracoronary nitric oxide improves postischemic coronary blood flow and myocardial contractile function

In the present study a novel nitric oxide (NO) donor, CAS-1609, was utilized as a means of coronary NO replenishment in a canine model of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion. Administration of CAS-1609 (1.25 mg iv) 10 min before reperfusion, followed by a 1 mg/h intracoronary infusion throughout the 4.5-h reperfusion period, resulted in significant improvement in postischemic transmural myocardial blood flow (0.66 +/- 0.09 vs. 0.37 +/- 0.08 ml.min-1.g-1 for saline vehicle, P < 0.05). Dogs receiving NO supplementation also exhibited a significant recovery of myocardial contractility after 4.5 h of reperfusion (30 +/- 2% area ejection fraction vs. 22 +/- 2% for saline vehicle, P < 0.05). Moreover, myocardial necrosis as a percentage of the area at risk was reduced from 28.9 +/- 4.3% in the saline group to 8.5 +/- 2.6% in the CAS-1609 group (P < 0.01), while ischemic zone myeloperoxidase activity, indicative of neutrophil infiltration, was also attenuated by 70% with NO therapy. Injection of acetylcholine and ni...
Connectional basis for frequency representation in the nuclei of the lateral lemniscus of the bat Eptesicus fuscus

To study the role of the lateral lemniscus as a link in the ascending auditory pathway, injections of neuronal tracers were placed in the anteroventral cochlear nucleus (AVCN) and in the inferior colliculus of the bat Eptesicus fuscus. To correlate the anatomical results with tonotopic organization, the characteristic frequency of cells at each injection site was determined electrophysiologically. Pathways from AVCN diverge to 3 major targets in the lateral lemniscus, the intermediate nucleus and 2 divisions of the ventral nucleus (VNLL). Projections from these 3 nuclei then converge at the inferior colliculus. One cell group is particularly notable for its cytoarchitectural appearance. It is referred to here as the columnar area of VNLL because its cells are organized as a tightly packed matrix of columns and rows. The connections of the columnar area are organized in sheets that are precisely related to the tonotopic organization of both AVCN and the inferior colliculus. Sheets of cells in the dorsal part of the columnar area receive projections from low-frequency parts of AVCN and project to low-frequency parts of the inferior colliculus. These sheets of connections occupy successively more ventral locations as the tonotopic focus of the injection site increases in frequency. The entire range of frequencies audible to the bat is systematically represented along the dorsal-ventral dimension of the columnar area. Because each column is only 20–30 cells in height, frequency representation must be compressed in this dimension. Within the columnar area there is an overrepresentation of frequencies between 25 and 50 kHz, which corresponds roughly to the range of the FM echo- location call in Eptesicus. The connections of the other nuclei of the lateral lemniscus are not as precisely related to the tonotopic organization of the system as are those of the columnar area.
The MyoD-inducible p204 protein overcomes the inhibition of myoblast differentiation by Id proteins

The murine p204 protein level is highest in heart and skeletal muscle. During the fusion of cultured myoblasts to myotubes, the p204 level increases due to transcription dependent on the muscle-specific MyoD protein, and p204 is phosphorylated and translocated from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. p204 overexpression accelerates myoblast fusion in differentiation medium and triggers this process even in growth medium. Here we report that p204 is required for the differentiation of C2C12 myoblasts. We propose that it enables the differentiation, at least in part, by overcoming the inhibition of the activities of the MyoD and E47 proteins by the Id proteins: Id1, Id2, and Id3. These are known to inhibit skeletal muscle differentiation by binding and blocking the activity of MyoD, E12/E47, and other myogenic basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) proteins. Our hypothesis is based on the following findings. (i) A decrease in the p204 level in C2C12 myoblasts by antisense RNA (a) increased the level of the Id2; (b) inhibited the MyoD-, E12/E47-, and other bHLH protein-dependent accumulation of the muscle-specific myosin heavy-chain protein; and (c) inhibited the fusion of myoblasts to myotubes in differentiation medium. (ii) p204 bound to the Id proteins in vitro and in vivo. (iii) In the binding of p204 to Id2, the b segment of p204 and the HLH segment of Id2 were involved. (iv) Addition of p204 overcame the inhibition by the Id proteins of the binding of MyoD and E47 to DNA in vitro. (v) Overexpression of p204 in myoblasts (a) decreased the level of the Id proteins, even in a culture in growth medium, and (b) overcame the inhibition by the Id proteins of MyoD- and E47 dependent transcription and also overcame the inhibition by Id2 of the fusion of myoblasts to myotubes.
Sexual size dimorphism and morphological evidence supporting the recognition of two subspecies in the Galápagos Dove

Abstract ABSTRACT Sexual size dimorphism is a conspicuous trait of many wild bird species. Differences in body size between the sexes might reflect selective pressures and trade-offs to optimize performance. Here, we analyze the size dimorphism of the Galapagos Dove (Zenaida galapagoensis) using principal component and discriminant analyses with samples obtained from six islands: Santiago, Santa Fe, Santa Cruz, Espanola, Genovesa, and Wolf. We also reanalyze published morphological data but also including additional samples from Wolf Island to account for morphological differences among islands. Males were significantly larger than females. Discriminant analyses correctly classified 98% of males and 100% of females, and cross-validation of the model correctly classified 97% of males and 98% of females. We created two sexual size dimorphism indices using wing chord and tarsus as body-size surrogates. Significant differences were found in the sexual size dimorphism index for both measurements among islands....
Tissue-Engineered Models for the Study of Cutaneous Wound-Healing

Understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying wound healing is pivotal for the advancement of new therapies designed to accelerate this process. In the last twenty years, new bioengineered human in vitro, three-dimensional (3D) tissue models, known as human skin equivalents, have been developed to study wound healing and test new types of dressings and drugs. In this article, we will discuss the advantages of these human tissue models compared to traditional two-dimensional (2D) assays. We also describe specific applications where human skin equivalents have been used to test new bioactive materials and compounds that may accelerate reepithelialization. We will conclude with a detailed protocol for the construction of wounded human skin equivalents.
Demography Is an Inherently Spatial Science

Demography is, by its very nature, concerned with people in places, although the history of the discipline over time reveals a struggle between the desire to find universal principles (such as the original model of the demographic transition) and the recognition that spatial variation is itself a universal principle. Demography is in the process of evolving from a spatially aware science to a spatially analytic science, and this book is part of that evolution. In this chapter I first offer a general framework for the application of spatial analysis to demographic research as a way of integrating and better understanding the different transitional components of the overall demographic transition. I then illustrate tools of spatial demography by applying them to an analysis of demographic change in the West African country of Ghana, with an added focus on Accra, the country’s capital city.
A Future for USIALE

In this chapter, the coeditors of this volume discuss a future of US Regional Association of the International Association of Landscape Ecology (USIALE), including collaborative possibilities, research foci, and a broadened universe of landscape.
Delayed preconditioning with adenosine is mediated by opening of ATP-sensitive K+ channels in rabbit heart

The adenosine agonist 2-chloro-N 6-cyclopentyladenosine (CCPA) induces delayed ischemic protection in vivo. We hypothesized that this protection is mediated by opening of ATP-sensitive K+(KATP) cha...
Raymond Aron and the Theory of International Relations

The scope of Raymond Aron's work has always caused his commentators and his disciples to despair. Many unpublished works will probably be released in the near future. However, Aron's death makes it possible to study in depth, at last, his scientific contribution and to separate the two activities which he led jointly and never fully distinguished: journalism, or commentaries of current events which he thought he had the duty to clarify and to interpret, and theoretical writings, the works of a philosopher of history who was also a sociologist of contemporary societies and a critic of the social and the political thought of most great writers in history. The only purpose of this essay is to sum up Raymond Aron's scientific contribution to the theory of International Relations. I will therefore leave aside books, or parts of books, that deal primarily with current affairs, nor will I examine that part of his work which takes the form of historical narrative, for instance the major parts of The Imperial Republic. Nor will I discuss the first volume of Clausewitz, which belongs in the realm of the criticism of ideas, nor repeat what I wrote 20 years ago in my detailed account of Peace and War, shortly after the publication of this master work in France (Hoffmann, 1965). However, at the end of this essay, I discuss a posthumous publication in which he re-examines his own main concepts and contributions. Nobody who reads again Raymond Aron's enormous work can fail to be struck by its originality. He was original by comparison with earlier French writers. Until the early 1 950s foreign policy and the relations among states had been the bailiwick of historians, of lawyers and to a lesser extent of economists. Raymond Aron is the man who, in France, almost single-handedly created an autonomous discipline of international relations at the crossroads of history, law, and economics, but also of political science and sociology. This discipline, as he conceived it, consisted in a coherent and rigorous system of questions aimed at making intelligible the constant rules and the changing forms of a specific and original type of social action: the behavior on the world scene of the agents of the units in contest, i.e. diplomats and soldiers. This is what he called diplomatico-strategic behavior. The laws and forms of this behavior were already being studied during those same years by important colleagues of Aron in the United States. In all his books and articles he never ceased dialoguing with his American counterparts, and particularly with Hans Morgenthau, the German emigre thinker whose influence both on academics and on practitioners has been so enormous in the United States. He also exchanged ideas with Henry Kissinger, who was both an academic and a practitioner. But even if one compares him with American specialists ofintemational relations, Aron seems strikingly original.
Precision medicine: Molecular mechanisms will lead future optimizations with PBM therapy(Conference Presentation)

The abstract is not available © (2016) COPYRIGHT Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE). Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Abstract A05: NKG2D and CD28 receptors differentially activate mTOR to alter murine effector CD8+ T cell differentiation

Memory CD8+ T cells are an essential component of anti-tumor and anti-viral immunity. Activation of the mammalian/mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway has been implicated in regulating the differentiation of effector and memory T cells. However, the mechanisms that control mTOR activity during immunity to tumors and infections are not well known. Activation of costimulatory receptors, including CD28 and NKG2D, activate PI3K and subsequently may activate the mTOR pathway in CD8+ T cells. Therefore this study compared the activation of the mTOR signaling pathway after costimulation through CD28 or NKG2D receptors in murine effector CD8+ T cells. Compared to CD28 costimulation, activation through CD3 and NKG2D receptors had weaker activation of mTORc1 as shown by decreased phosphorylation of mTORc1 targets S6K1, ribosomal protein S6, and 4EBP-1. NKG2D costimulation also showed increased gene expression of TSC2, a negative regulator of mTORc1, whereas CD28 costimulation increased gene expression of Rheb, an activator of mTORc1, and HIF-1α and VEGFα, pro-angiogenic factors downstream of mTORc1. Strong mTORc1 activation in CD28-costimulated cells also increased expression of transcription factors that support effector cell differentiation, namely T-bet, and BLIMP1, whereas low levels of mTORc1 activation allowed for the expression of Eomes and BCL6 during NKG2D stimulation, and increased expression of central memory markers CD62L and CD127. These data show that compared to CD28, costimulation through the NKG2D receptor leads to the differential activation of the mTOR signaling pathway and potentially supports memory CD8+ T cell differentiation. Citation Format: Bryan McQueen, Kelsey Trace, Emily Whitman, Amorette Barber. NKG2D and CD28 receptors differentially activate mTOR to alter murine effector CD8+ T cell differentiation. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Fourth AACR International Conference on Frontiers in Basic Cancer Research; 2015 Oct 23-26; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(3 Suppl):Abstract nr A05.
Vaccination against type 1 diabetes at the clinical trial stage

The occurrence of type I diabetes is associated with autoimmunity against insulin, glutamate decarboxylase (GAD65) and the transmembrane protein IA-2. Experiments in the spontaneously diabetic NOD mouse and the BB rat have shown early autoantigen treatment to confer protection from diabetes. The question remains of whether human type I diabetes can be prevented by autoantigen 'vaccination'.
Application of spin labeling to drug assays. II. Determination of the binding of [14C]-phenytoin and spin-labeled phenytoins to albumin and human serum.

The concentration-dependent binding of four nitroxide spin-labeled derivatives of phenytoin (Compound I) to bovine serum albumin and human sera has been investigated. The spin label moiety was attached to phenytoin either at position 3-N via a carbimidomethyl linkage (Compound II) or at a 49-phenyl position via an amide linkage (Compounds III-V). Two of the phenyl labels (Compounds III and IV) differed only in the presence of a double bond in the pyrroline ring in Compound IV, and Compound V had the amide linkage reversed as compared with Compound III. The results of the binding studies were compared with those obtained by equilibrium dialysis of [14C]phenytoin. The spin labels were found to bind less strongly than [14C]phenytoin, with the order of binding of the spin-labeled phenytoins being IV > III > II > V. Studies with salicylic acid and phenylbutazone, known competitors of phenytoin binding, showed that the competition of spin label II paralleled that of [14C]phenytoin more than did the 49-phenyl labels (III-V). These results suggest that the phenyl rings play a significant role in the binding of phenytoin to albumin. The binding of the 3-N spin-labeled phenytoin (II) paralleled that of [14C]phenytoin in human sera and should prove useful in the determination of free phenytoin levels in sera.
The power of fission: yeast as a tool for understanding complex splicing

Pre-mRNA splicing is an essential component of eukaryotic gene expression. Many metazoans, including humans, regulate alternative splicing patterns to generate expansions of their proteome from a limited number of genes. Importantly, a considerable fraction of human disease causing mutations manifest themselves through altering the sequences that shape the splicing patterns of genes. Thus, understanding the mechanistic bases of this complex pathway will be an essential component of combating these diseases. Dating almost to the initial discovery of splicing, researchers have taken advantage of the genetic tractability of budding yeast to identify the components and decipher the mechanisms of splicing. However, budding yeast lacks the complex splicing machinery and alternative splicing patterns most relevant to humans. More recently, many researchers have turned their efforts to study the fission yeast, Schizosaccharomyces pombe, which has retained many features of complex splicing, including degenerate splice site sequences, the usage of exonic splicing enhancers, and SR proteins. Here, we review recent work using fission yeast genetics to examine pre-mRNA splicing, highlighting its promise for modeling the complex splicing seen in higher eukaryotes.
The six minute walk test comparison to a stair climb test

Introduction: The 6 minute walk test (6MWT) and 1 minute stair climb test (SCT) have both been used as objective measures of cardiopulmonary performance. Our objective was to compare the variables of the 6MWT to the SCT, to determine correlation and assess if one of these test is better at detecting significant exertional desaturation (SED), which we defined as SpO2 Methods: In a prospective study, a SCT was performed after 6MWT with appropriate inter-test rest. The distance walked/number of steps climbed, SpO2, pulse rate and degree of dyspnea were recorded and compared between studies. Results: 74 consecutive patients completed both 6 MWT and SCT. There were 28 PH (37.8%), 29 ILD (39.2%), 9 COPD (12.2%) and 8 other patients (10.8%). There was no difference in the lowest saturation (p=0.94), and Borg score (p=0.06) between the two tests. Patients showed a higher heart rate with the SCT compared to 6MWT (p=0.039). There was significant correlation between steps climbed in SCT and distanced walked in 6MWT (r =0.7 p Conclusions: The performance characteristics of one minute SCT are similar and complimentary to the 6MWT. The SCT has a superior discriminatory power over the 6MWT to detect desaturation
Plant Health Management: Biological Control of Insect Pests

Biological control occurs when the abundance of an insect pest is suppressed by the action of a living natural enemy. Natural biological control occurs in the absence of human intervention, whereas importation, conservation, and augmentative biological control are the three approaches taken to enhance the activity of natural enemies in agricultural crops. The concepts behind each of these aspects of biological control are discussed and examples are provided to illustrate their use in the management of insect pests.
Abstract 13965: Aerobic Exercise After an ICD: Results of the Psychological and Quality of Life Outcomes in the Anti-Arrhythmic Effects of Exercise After an ICD Trial

Introduction: The Anti-Arrhythmic Effects of Exercise Trial reported aerobic exercise training for 8-24 weeks after an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) significantly improved cardiopulmonary function. The purpose of this report is to outline the 8 and 24 week quality of life and psychological outcomes of the trial. Methods: 160 subjects with a prior ICD implant (40% primary and 60% secondary prevention), mean age 55 ±12 years, 77.5% male, 84% Caucasian, 100% beta-blocked, and EF%=40%, entered a RCT comparing aerobic exercise (EX) to usual care (UC). EX= aerobic training x 8 weeks of home walking 1 hour/day on 5 days/week at 60-80% of maximum HR, followed by aerobic maintenance x 16 weeks of home walking for 150 min/week. At baseline, 8 and 24 weeks, participants completed questionnaires: Quality of Life (SF-36), Anxiety (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory), Depression (PHQ-9), and Symptoms (Patient Concerns Assessment). Adherence to exercise was tracked with Polar HR monitors and pedometers. Analysis of variance was used to determine group x time effects on study outcomes and by adherence groups. Results: There were no differences noted between EX and UC on quality of life, symptoms, or anxiety at 8 or 24 weeks using intent-to-treat. There was a significant reduction in depression severity between EX vs UC at 8 weeks (p=0.05). When comparing those who exercised at ≥80% (N=48) to Conclusions: Aerobic exercise training and maintenance for those who actually exercised as prescribed, had benefits in improved quality of life, with reductions in symptoms and psychological distress.
On promoting understanding and equity through compassionate educational practice: Toward a new inclusion

This work offers a conceptual synthesis of several contemporary educational service delivery models that implicitly embed compassionate educational practices into supporting the learning and growth of diverse student populations. This manuscript discusses how such paradigms, such as culturally responsive positive behavior intervention and supports (PBIS) and trauma-informed school models, can inform, complement, and support inclusion- and equity-based practices for diverse learner populations.
Agreement, Maintenance, Satisfaction and Relitigation in Mediated and Non-Mediated Custody Cases

Abstract Data from 169 mediated cases and 61 non-mediated cases from a County Court Custody Mediation Program were analyzed in terms of incidence of agreement, long-term maintenance of agreement, disputant satisfaction with process and outcome, and rates of relitigation or recidivism. It was hypothesized that mediated cases would have high rates of agreement and high rates of agreement maintenance; that disputants in mediated cases would be more satisfied than disputants in non-mediated cases; and, that mediated cases would have lower incidents of relitigation or recidivism than non-mediated cases. Results confirmed all hypotheses. However, in terms of relitigation, the data revealed that mediated cases had more general involvement with the court than non-mediated cases; although once mediation occurred there was a significant drop in relitigation.
Tissue Collection for Molecular Genetic Analysis

Completion of the Human Genome Project will soon result in the identification of more than tens of thousands of new genes. Insight into the function and complex interaction of these genes is of more than just academic interest. Indeed, an understanding of the molecular genetic underpinning of human disease will fundamentally change the practice of surgical pathology.
Decision, Cost and Benefit

Social development translates into a dynamic sequence of success-failure experiences of human socioeconomic transformation. The success-failure experiences rest on the foundations of human decisions and choices whose outcomes establish the path of social changes. All decisions have outcomes. The outcomes are judged to be good (desirable) or bad (undesirable) depending on whether they satisfy the objectives and goals of the decision agent. The set of rules that leads to realization of good decisions and choices constitutes the decision-choice rationality [440]. The sequence of steps for implementing these rules of good decisions is the decision algorithm. The rules of good decisions obtained from explanations and predictions may form the basis to prescribe an optimal decision behavior.
On Use of Theory in Computing Education Research

A primary goal of computing education research is to discover designs that produce better learning of computing. In this pursuit, we have increasingly drawn upon theories from learning science and education research, recognizing the potential benefits of optimizing our search for better designs by leveraging the predictions of general theories of learning. In this paper, we contribute an argument that theory can also inhibit our community's search for better designs. We present three inhibitions: 1) our desire to both advance explanatory theory and advance design splits our attention, which prevents us from excelling at both; 2) our emphasis on applying and refining general theories of learning is done at the expense of domain-specific theories of computer science knowledge, and 3) our use of theory as a critical lens in peer review prevents the publication of designs that may accelerate design progress. We present several recommendations for how to improve our use of theory, viewing it as just one of many sources of design insight in pursuit of improving learning of computing.
Ten-Year Trend and Correlates of Reported Posttraumatic Stress Disorder among Young Male Veteran Suicide Decedents—Results from the National Violent Death Reporting System, 16 U.S. States, 2005–2014

Objective This study examined trends and correlates of reported post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among young male Veteran suicide decedents, using data from the National Violent Death Reporting System from 2005-2014 on 1,362 male U.S. Veteran suicide decedents aged 18-34 years. Methods Prevalence of reported PTSD (i.e., diagnosis/symptoms) was determined by mental health diagnostic fields and narratives and examined by year. Demographic, incident, and precipitating circumstance characteristics correlated with reported PTSD were identified. Results One-hundred ninety-eight (15%) decedents had PTSD evidence. A 30-fold increase in reported PTSD prevalence occurred among decedents aged 25-34 years; however, no increase was observed among younger decedents. Reported PTSD was associated with past deployments (odds ratio (OR): 14.5, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 9.0-23.4); depression (OR: 1.8, 95% CI: 1.2-2.6); and divorce (OR: 1.7, 95% CI: 1.0-2.7). Recent crisis (OR: 0.6, 95% CI: 0.3-0.9) was inversely associated with reported PTSD. Conclusions Reported PTSD prevalence substantially increased among Veteran suicide decedents aged 25-34 years suggesting it is beginning to play a larger role in suicide for this group. Few correlated suicide risk factors were found, suggesting that if symptoms of PTSD are present, heightened vigilance by providers for suicide risk might be warranted, irrespective of evidence of other risk factors.
“Like Us on Facebook®”: Nursing in a World of Social Media

Abstract Social media enables instant dialog and is growing among almost every demographic. Nurses can reach patients and benefit professionally by taking advantage of this internet phenomenon. Social media can be utilized for networking, information sharing, and support. Patients may benefit from support and information provided on various platforms. Online health communities are also effective for connecting patients to nurses and other patients with similar health conditions. There are limitations associated with social media use; however, the possibilities for reaching people quickly and in real time present opportunities for improvement to patient care and the nursing profession.
Natural Evolution Speciation for NEAT

The Neural Evolution of Augmenting Topologies (NEAT) algorithm is a popular technique to evolve neural networks. While NEAT has been applied to many problems, such as control systems and game playing, the underlying speciation rules governing NEAT have not been explored. This paper proposes a new speciation technique, called Natural Evolution NEAT (NENEAT), that replaces NEAT’s speciation strategy with a new stategy inspired by cladistics. The cladistic formation of species forms a tree of common descent. NENEAT can find smaller network solutions in fewer generation and population member evaluations than NEAT using the same number of children.
Systemic assessment of depressive symptoms among registered nurses: A new situation-specific theory

abstract Background A mentally-healthy nursing workforce is vital to providing quality healthcare. While there has been research conducted internationally on depressive symptoms in nurses, most studies have lacked a theoretical framework. Purpose The purpose of this article is to describe the development of a situation-specific theory, the Systemic Assessment of Depressive Symptoms among Registered Nurses (SAD-RN). Methods The SAD-RN was developed through theory synthesis using the Roy's Adaptation Model (RAM) as a framework. Sixty-four research articles were selected to abstract relevant concepts based on a priori RAM concepts. Findings Using depressive symptoms as the anchor concept, related emergent concepts of SAD-RN include context, stressors, protective factors, negative health outcomes, and low patient care quality. Discussion SAD-RN is an evidence-based comprehensive model that offers researchers a guiding theory to be used in their future research on depressive symptoms among RNs.
Law as discursive resource: the politics of the nuclear/non-nuclear distinction in the Non-Proliferation Treaty:

Realist approaches to international law conceptualize the law as epiphenomenal to state interest, whereas liberal institutionalist approaches theorize the ability of law to curb state power. Throug...
Exploring the Use of Microsoft Bands To Measure Task-Repetitive Practice

Date Presented 04/06/19 The purpose of this study was to explore the psychometrics of commercially available activity monitors for remote monitoring of repetitive task practice. This was completed in a controlled setting with healthy middle-age adults, as a precursor to clinical exploration. Primary Author and Speaker: MacKenzie Gough Additional Authors and Speakers: Taylor McElroy, Elena Donoso Brown, Fiona Kessler, Jenna Gallipoli Contributing Authors: Rachael Miller Neilan