cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract 1694: Warburg effect increases intracellular oxygen concentration and determines membrane localization of Ras and other prenylated proteins.

The Warburg effect is a famous cancer-related phenomenon which describes a metabolic shift from oxidative phosphorylation to glycolysis and fermentation in a cancer cell. Many studies suggest that the Warburg effect is in response to changes (mutation, deletion, and depletion) within the mitochondrial genome. We previously showed that poorly differentiated prostate cancer cells have reduced mitochondrial genome content and are more influenced by the Warburg effect than well differentiated prostate cancer cells. The reduction of mitochondrial genome content induced overexpression and activation of proto-oncogenic Ras, which is responsible for the activation of AKT and ERK, leading to advanced phenotypes of prostate cancer. Farnesylation (membrane localization) of Ras was required for Ras activation and was induced by the overexpression of 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGR), the rate-limiting enzyme of the mevalonate pathway, through inhibition of hypoxia-dependent degradation of HMGR. We hypothesize that increased intracellular oxygen concentration due to the Warburg effect responding to the reduction of mitochondrial genome content determines membrane localization of Ras via induction of farnesylation mediated by overexpression of HMGR. In the poorly differentiated prostate cancer cells such as LNCaP (intracellularly normoxic cells), Ras localized in both the plasma membrane and Golgi, whereas in well differentiated prostate cancer cells such as PC-3 (intracellularly hypoxic cells), Ras is prominent in the cytosol. Exogenous hypoxic conditions eliminated Ras localization in the membrane in PC-3, possibly through inhibition of the farnesylation of Ras. In contrast, exogenous hyperoxic condition increased membrane localization of Ras in LNCaP. Next, we demonstrated the localization of other prenylated proteins, such as Rab5a and prelamin A. In the PC-3, Rab5a and prelamin A were localized in the early endosomes and the nuclear membrane, respectively. In LNCaP, they were present throughout the cytosol and inside of the nucleus. Similar to Ras, the localization of Rab5a and prelamin A was reversible with changes in exogenous oxygen concentration. Our results revealed a coherent mechanism that directly links changes in intracellular oxygen concentration, determined by the mitochondrial genome, with the progression of prostate cancer. Citation Format: Ara Kim, Masahiro Higuchi. Warburg effect increases intracellular oxygen concentration and determines membrane localization of Ras and other prenylated proteins. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1694. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-1694
Conjugation of a reactive thiol at the nucleotide binding site for site-specific antibody functionalization

Described here is a UV photo-cross-linking method that utilizes the NBS (nucleotide binding site) for site-specific covalent functionalization of antibodies with reactive thiol moieties (UV-NBS(Thiol)), while preserving antibody activity. By synthesizing an indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) conjugated version of cysteine we site-specifically photo-cross-linked a reactive thiol moiety to antibodies at the NBS. This thiol moiety can then be used as an orthogonally reactive location to conjugate various types of functional ligands that possess a thiol reactive group through disulfide bond formation or reaction with a maleimide functionalized ligand. Our results demonstrate the utility of the UV-NBS(Thiol) method by successfully functionalizing a prostate specific antigen antibody (IgG(PSA)) with IBA-Thiol and subsequent reaction with maleimide-fluorescein. An optimal UV energy of 0.5-1.5 J/cm(2) was determined to yield the most efficient photo-cross-linking and resulted in 1-1.5 conjugations per antibody while preserving antibody/antigen binding activity and Fc recognition. Utilizing the IBA-Thiol ligand allows for an efficient means of site-specifically conjugating UV sensitive functionalities to antibody NBS that would otherwise not have been amenable by the previously described UV-NBS photo-cross-linking method. The UV-NBS(Thiol) conjugation strategy can be utilized in various diagnostic and therapeutic applications with nearly limitless potential for the preparation of site-specific covalent conjugation of affinity tags, fluorescent molecules, peptides, and chemotherapeutics to antibodies.
Web-Based Mechanical Engineering Design Education Environment Simulating Design Firms

Mechanical design education focuses on teaching students with fundamental design theory and methodology. Educators systematically introduce design theories, processes, and tools to help students solve design problems. Companies and professional organizations expect that students will be equipped with basic understanding of the engineering practice, and be able to effectively perform independently and in a team environment. Senior capstone design courses, particularly with industry sponsored projects, are widely used to satisfy both education and professional needs of students. This paper presents an education system, which can further facilitate students to acquire design skills in a real-time collaborative, and practical environment. The web-based system helps student teams to: (1) specify the design process for their team projects, (2) organize and distribute tasks among different team members to simulate industry design environment, and (3) get instantaneous access to models, analysis, etc. related to their design. The developed web-based system also contains a knowledge-base that provides students with instructions to setup the design process for projects, and to perform different design tasks. A virtual design organization is created in the system, which is managed by students. In this paper different components of the web-based design education system are presented.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Syntheses, structures, and properties of new manganese carbonyls as photoactive CO-releasing molecules: design strategies that lead to CO photolability in the visible region.

The unusual role of CO as a signaling molecule in several physiological pathways has spurred research in the area of synthesizing new CO-releasing molecules (CORMs) as exogenous CO donors. Auxiliary control on CO delivery can be achieved if CO can be released under the control of light. To synthesize such photoactive CORMs (photoCORMs) with the aid of smart design, a series of manganese carbonyls have been synthesized with ligands that contain extended conjugation and electron-rich donors on their frames. Five such photoCORMs, namely, [Mn(pimq)(CO)3(MeCN)]ClO4 (1, where pimq = (2-phenyliminomethyl)quinoline), [Mn(qmtpm)(CO)3(MeCN)]ClO4 (2, where qmtpm = 2-quinoline-N-(2′-methylthiophenyl) methyleneimine), [Mn(qmtpm)(CO)3Br] (3) [Mn(pmtpm)(CO)3(MeCN)]ClO4 (4, where pmtpm = 2-pyridyl-N-(2′-methylthiophenyl)methyleneimine), and [Mn(pmtpm)(CO)3Br] (5), have been synthesized and structurally characterized. These designed carbonyls readily release CO upon exposure to light (400–550 nm). The apparent CO release ...
Resurrecting the intestinal microbiota to combat antibiotic-resistant pathogens

The intestinal microbiota, which is composed of diverse populations of commensal bacterial species, provides resistance against colonization and invasion by pathogens. Antibiotic treatment can damage the intestinal microbiota and, paradoxically, increase susceptibility to infections. Reestablishing microbiota-mediated colonization resistance after antibiotic treatment could markedly reduce infections, particularly those caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Ongoing studies are identifying commensal bacterial species that can be developed into next-generation probiotics to reestablish or enhance colonization resistance. These live medicines are at various stages of discovery, testing, and production and are being subjected to existing regulatory gauntlets for eventual introduction into clinical practice. The development of next-generation probiotics to reestablish colonization resistance and eliminate potential pathogens from the gut is warranted and will reduce health care–associated infections caused by highly antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Research for Long-term Memory in Shanghai Stock Exchange Utilizing Modified Rescaled Range Analysis

In this paper,we utilize rescaled range analysis and modified rescaled range analysis to test the return series of Shanghai stock exchange for Long-term memory.The null hypothesis of short-term memory is tested using V statistic.Our study when using modified rescaled range analysis is based on a two-tail test,because the exiseence of the values of modified rescaled range statistic which are beyond the bound of acceptance region that may lead to rejection of null hypothesis cannot be excluded absolutely.Moreover,we calculate the bias led by rescaled range analysis and analyze its cause of formation.According to our study,there is little evidence of longterm memory in return series of Shanghai stock exchange.
Simulation of PMSM chaotic system based MATLAB

PMSM is a conventional electric motor in industrial domain,and it has much dynamics behavior under special condition.An unsure phenomenon is found in some parameter in PMSM.First the mathematics characteristics of the system has been studied by math method.The simulation model of PMSM has been set up in Matlab and the simulation result has been done that the chaotic behavior has been found in the system in special condition.
Study on Zinc-coated C_f/Mg Composite

Zinc coating was prepared by electroplating and zinc coated Cf /Mg composite was fabricated by squeezing casting. Then interface property, mechanical and thermal expansion property of the composite were studied. The results show that the interface property is improved. The elastic modulus achieves 96.34 GPa and the mean thermal expansion coefficient is only 2.82×10-6 ℃-1 from 20℃ to 200 ℃ which is lower than uncoated Cf /Mg composite and pure magnesium.
Abstract 4500: Nisin ZP, a food preservative, has antitumor potential for head and neck cancer and extends survival

Proceedings: AACR 106th Annual Meeting 2015; April 18-22, 2015; Philadelphia, PA The use of small antimicrobial agents or bacteriocins, like nisin, to treat cancer is a new approach that holds great promise. Nisin exemplifies this new approach because it has been used safely in humans for many years as a food preservative, and recent laboratory studies support its anti-tumor potential in head and neck cancer. Previously, we showed that nisin (2.5%, low content) has antitumor potential in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) in vitro and in vivo. The current studies explored a naturally occurring variant of nisin (nisin ZP; 95%, high content) for its antitumor effects in vitro and in vivo. Nisin ZP induced the greatest level of apoptosis in HNSCC cells compared to low content nisin. HNSCC cells treated with increasing concentrations of nisin ZP exhibited increasing levels of apoptosis and decreasing levels of cell proliferation and clonogenic capacity. Nisin ZP-induced apoptosis was defined by increased ethidium bromide and acridine orange (EB/AO) staining and by increased levels of calpain-dependent PARP cleavage. Importantly, nisin ZP also induced apoptosis dose-dependently in HUVEC endothelial cells and concomitant decreases in vascular sprout formation. Nisin ZP inhibited sphere formation of HNSCC cells in vitro and tumorigenesis in vivo and long term treatment extended survival. In summary, nisin ZP exhibits greater antitumor effects than low content nisin, and thus has the potential to serve as a novel therapeutic for HNSCC. Note: This abstract was not presented at the meeting. Citation Format: Pachiyappan Kamarajan, Takayuki Hayami, Bibiana Matte, Yang Liu, Ayyalusamy Ramamoorthy, Francis P. Worden, Sunil Kapila, Yvonne Kapila. Nisin ZP, a food preservative, has antitumor potential for head and neck cancer and extends survival. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 4500. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-4500
The Role of Peer Review Activity on Graduate Student Learning Experiences

The purpose of this presentation is to demonstrate how a term paper peer review activity enhanced students’ collaboration and promoted their critical thinking skills. This study was conducted in a fully online graduate course, which was first offered in the Summer 2014 semester. Students were required to take the course as part of the Masters of Science in Global Health and Masters of Public Health programs. The course was offered via the Blackboard platform and utilized multiple strategies to enhance student participation. The course was designed in a modular format with course activities including individual watching streaming lecture videos, discussion blogs, journal article reviews and presentations in video delivery, synchronous case study in Blackboard Collaborate sessions, and term paper writing. The term paper peer review activity was added in the Summer 2015 semester. The p urpose of the peer review activity was for students to learn from your peers' feedback as they work towards completing their term paper. Expected learning outcomes for the peer review were that students would become competent in scientific writing. Students’ feedback indicated their appreciation of the support from team members. Preliminary analysis indicated that students became more reflective during the writing process and a better quality of term paper was shown in their final grades. Faculty in either undergraduate or graduate program will learn the design of peer review and how it promotes students’ interaction and support in a group setting in online environments.
Causation as a Shared Standard

The central thesis of this book is that causal inferences based on careful integrative multi-method research designs have advantages over similar inferences that rely on only one method. A necessary first step in making this argument is showing that many applications of qualitative and quantitative methods in the social sciences share an underlying notion of causation. If causation in these two methodological traditions is fundamentally not the same sort of relation, then there is good reason to worry that they cannot contribute to a joint causal project. Indeed, given such fundamentally divergent worldviews, it is unclear that the methods could even contribute to testing each others’ assumptions – the central theme of integrative multi-method research designs. I argue below that the potential-outcomes framework, in which causal effects are characterized as the difference between what actually happens in a given case and what would have happened had that case been assigned to a different treatment category, can serve as that notion. After introducing this concept, I argue that stereotypically qualitative and quantitative causal thinking can be seen as sharing an underlying conceptual structure. The potential-outcomes framework is used to explicate causal models and hypotheses throughout the book. Existing work on the potential-outcomes framework has produced clear insights into the challenges of causal inference. Most famously, authors have pointed to the fundamental problem of causal inference: because it is impossible to observe both what does happen to a case in reality and what would have happened to that case had the independent variable been assigned a different value, no direct empirical observation of causation at the case level is possible (Holland 1986). Prior research also provides detailed findings regarding the assumptions necessary to get around this problem and make causal inferences in experiments, natural experiments, and quantitative observational studies (e.g. Morgan and Winship 2007). The last segment of this chapter reviews those findings with respect to regression-type analysis of observational studies, paying special attention to the assumptions about control variables necessary for regression-based causal inference. In particular, this literature shows that scholars need independent evidence that the regression does not suffer from confounders, colliders, or post-treatment bias. While these assumptions are not sufficient for causal inference, they are necessary and provide key openings for integrative multi-method research design.
How to Teach in the Emergency Department

Teach effectively in the Emergency Department (ED) by leveraging the challenges of the ED environment to create spaces and opportunities for learning. Use a framework to start your teaching—this helps learners approach patients in a systematic way to create learning opportunities on every case. Employ a strategy of “planned spontaneity” that allows for interruption. Effective teachers use the unpredictable, undifferentiated patient to help learners become more comfortable with uncertainty and the management of the sick, undifferentiated patient. Finally, take advantage of the communication skills required to practice emergency medicine well, and use them to teach important interpersonal and communication skills.
The potential for political leadership in HIV/AIDS communication campaigns in Sub-Saharan Africa.

ABSTRACTBackground: The HIV/AIDS epidemic has become a point of important political concern for governments especially in Sub-Saharan Africa. Clinical and public health interventions to curb the epidemic can be greatly enhanced with the strategic support of political leaders.Objective: We analyzed the role of national political leadership in large-scale HIV/AIDS communications campaigns in 14 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa.Methods: We primarily reviewed grey and white literature published from 2005–2014. We further triangulated data from in-person and phone interviews with key public health figures.Results: A number of themes emerged supporting political leaders’ efforts toward HIV/AIDS program improvement, including direct involvement of public officials in campaign spearheading, the acknowledgment of personal relationship to the HIV epidemic, and public testing and disclosure of HIV status. Areas for future improvement were also identified, including the need for more directed messaging, increased tran...
Signal Amplification Methods

Signal amplification methods were initially designed as an alternative to the target amplification technologies such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) so as to minimize the possibility of contamination by target amplification products. Unlike target amplification, signal amplification methods (as defined herein) do not rely on enzymes for the amplification. Probe-based amplification techniques such as cleavage-based amplification (36) and rolling-circle amplification (1) rely on enzymes, and will not be covered in this chapter. Signal amplification increases or amplifies the signal generated from the probe molecule hybridized to the target nucleic acid sequence. The advantages of signal amplification methods include specific detection, dynamic range, ease-of-use, and reproducibility. To date these methods have met the challenge from advanced or automated target amplification methods such as real time PCR. Signal amplification technologies include hybrid capture (HC) and branched DNA (bDNA) assays (32, 33). The HC method was developed and marketed initially by Digene Corporation (Gaithersburg, MD) which was acquired by Qiagen (Valencia, CA) in 2007. The bDNA method was initially developed by Chiron (Emeryville, CA), marketed by Bayer Diagnostics (Emeryville, CA) which diagnostic division was acquired by Siemens (Tarrytown, NY) in 2006. Due to the growing demand for quick time to detection, automation, and multiplexing, the popularity of commercial signal amplification methods has declined in clinical virology laboratories.
For emergency contraception, political gaps are not scientific gaps.

Emergency contraception (EC) is the only opportunity for women to prevent an unwanted pregnancy after unprotected intercourse. Simple compassion for women who are in this situation combined with solid scientific data to support the safety of oral EC should be enough to promote strategies to expand access to these medications as well as the most effective method of EC, the copper IUD. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Neuropathic pain as the presenting symptom of adult-onset Alexander’s Disease (P1.154)

Objective: Here we report on an unusual case of adult-onset Alexander’s Disease that came to our clinic as a referral for evaluation of neuropathic pain. Background: Adult onset Alexander’s disease (AOAD) is a rare leukodystrophy which typically presents with myelopathic decline, dysarthria, dysphagia, dysphonia, cerebellar signs, palatal myoclonus, sleep disturbance, or cognitive impairment. The disease is caused by glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) gene mutations. Design/Methods: This patient was seen at our clinic, a tertiary referral center for the greater Los Angeles area. Results: Our patient is a 51 year old Caucasian man referred for evaluation of subtle sensitivity to light touch in the right thigh and leg, without any complaints of weakness or other spinal cord symptoms. Examination was significant for mild weakness and brisk reflexes in the affected leg. Initial workup was broad, including serum studies for autoimmune and vitamin deficiency neuropathies, as well as CSF studies to evaluate for evidence of infectious or inflammatory processes, all of which were negative. Imaging revealed a moderate degree of cerebral, medullary and spinal cord atrophy associated with a T2 hyperintensity in the anterior and lateral medulla. These imaging studies prompted consideration of an adult onset leukodystrophy. Genetic testing for mutation of the GFAP gene was sent, returning positive for a heterozygous mutation. Conclusions: Alexander’s disease is a rare leukodystrophy with both AD and sporadic pattern of inheritance. It is caused by a loss of function mutation in the alpha isoform of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP.) This patient’s neuropathic pain likely represented a central pain syndrome due to the spinal and medullary degeneration. Our case illustrates that neuropathic pain may be a presenting symptoms of Alexander’s disease, and the importance of a broad differential in the workup of a common referral complaint. Disclosure: Dr. Massa has nothing to disclose. Dr. Beaber has nothing to disclose. Dr. Bronstein has nothing to disclose.
Clusters and Nucleation

Publisher Summary Nucleation is a common process in nature and occurs in phenomena as diverse as fracture, alloy formation, and the formation of clouds. The control of this process, for example, its initiation or prevention, is essential to several areas of technological importance. The nature of the microscopic information that is needed to control nucleation is not obvious at this stage of understanding. However, it is clear that an important question is the morphology of the nucleating droplets. This chapter discusses classical nucleation and spinodal nucleation. The classical theory of nucleation is not applicable in the region near the spinodal in systems with long to moderate range interactions. The nucleating droplets near the spinodal are diffuse objects whose structure can be obtained by a cluster analysis of the fluctuations associated with the spinodal. The chapter discusses how the field-theory must be modified for super-cooled liquids near the spinodal, that is, the spinodal associated with crystallization. It then discusses simulations near the spinodal in long-range Ising models, shows that the early stage growth corresponds to a filling of the ramified nucleating droplet, and explains the stability of the nucleating droplet to various perturbations. The chapter further discusses results from both simulations and theory that suggest that the nucleating droplets for deep quenches and for systems with long-range and intermediate range interactions are non-compact clusters with a complicated structure. These results suggest much future work on the interpretation of laboratory data in terms of spinodal nucleation, the effect of the spinodal on heterogeneous nucleation, the relation of the spinodal to glass formation, and the effect of different conservation laws and different dynamics on nucleation and the early growth stage.
Singularities of Functions Defined by Integrals

Let F(z) be defined by an integral of the form $$ F(z) = \int_{w_1 }^{w_2 } {G(z,w)dw} $$ (7.1) where w1 and w2 are complex constants.
Workforce Capacity and Capability Building Through Metrics-Based Mentoring Partnerships

Background: Globally, cancer is the second leading cause of death. Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) especially lack the sufficient healthcare and oncology workforces needed to screen, diagnose and treat individuals with cancer. While traditional academic and training programs designed to produce healthcare professionals in these countries fill a critical role, few programs exist that maintain, develop, and increase the knowledge, skills, and professional performance of current healthcare and oncology workforces. Mentoring partnerships and twinning programs can provide ongoing education and training that strengthen and build workforce capacity and capability for the full scope of cancer care. Aim: The goal is to achieve resource-appropriate multimodality cancer-care using guideline- and protocol-based education and training and also to develop the capability to conduct world quality research. The model utilizes in-person, in-country site visits lasting from several weeks to months and ongoing conne...
Complete Genome Sequence of Pantoea agglomerans TH81, Isolated from a Permafrost Thaw Gradient.

ABSTRACT In this report, we describe the complete genome assembly of a Pantoea agglomerans isolate, TH81, collected from a boreal forest soil associated with permafrost thaw. Using both Nanopore and Illumina sequences, we assembled four circular contigs totaling 4,983,504 bp (N50, 4,127,869 bp), a complete chromosome with three plasmids.
Experimental Opportunities for the Ion Channel Laser

The ion channel laser (ICL) was originally proposed as a compact, plasma-based alternative to the free electron laser (FEL) [1]. It is, in many ways, analogous to the FEL, though it offers some distinct advantages all on its own. Most notably, the ICL can accommodate a larger electron energy spread, making it better suited for high-brightness plasma-injected beams. In addition, the same radiator (plasma source) can be used to produce elliptically polarized light without alteration, a feature that is absent in an FEL. Historically, electron beam quality and plasma source development were insufficient for the demonstration of the ICL. In addition, the ICL appeared unfavorable due to the inherently short Rayleigh length of the radiation it produced. Recent literature, however, has shown that high gain can be achieved, despite the short Rayleigh length [2]. In addition, current and near-future facilities are able to provide appropriate beams and plasma sources for the ICL. Experimental opportunities to demonstrate an ICL at the Facility for Advanced Accelerator Experimental Tests II (FACET-II) are presented, utilizing both a 10 GeV beam originating from the SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory linac, and a 1 GeV high-brightness, plasma-injected beam.
Canine and Feline Models of Human Genetic Diseases and Their Contributions to Advancing Clinical Therapies .

For many lethal or debilitating genetic disorders in patients there are no satisfactory therapies. Several barriers exist that hinder the developments of effective therapies including the limited availability of clinically relevant animal models that faithfully recapitulate human genetic disease. In 1974, the Referral Center for Animal Models of Human Genetic Disease (RCAM) was established by Dr. Donald F. Patterson and continued by Dr. Mark E. Haskins at the University of Pennsylvania with the mission to discover, understand, treat, and maintain breeding colonies of naturally occurring hereditary disorders in dogs and cats that are orthologous to those found in human patients. Although non-human primates, sheep, and pig models are also available within the medical community, naturally occurring diseases are rarely identified in non-human primates, and the vast behavioral, clinicopathological, physiological, and anatomical knowledge available regarding dogs and cats far surpasses what is available in ovine and porcine species. The canine and feline models that are maintained at RCAM are presented here with a focus on preclinical therapy data. Clinical studies that have been generated from preclinical work in these models are also presented.
Aseptic Loosening of an APTIS Distal Radioulnar Joint Arthroplasty – Case Report

Dysfunction of the distal radioulnar joint can cause significant pain and instability. The self-stabilizing APTIS distal radioulnar joint prosthesis is used as a solution for severe distal radioulnar joint pathologies. We present a case of a 60-year-old male, who received an APTIS distal radioulnar joint prosthesis which resulted in aseptic loosening within five years of the initial implantation. Infection, incorrect implantation, demographic differences and over-activity were all excluded as the source; therefore, mechanical aseptic loosening was concluded. Ultimately, two surgeries were required to resolve the patient's pain, which resulted in a one-bone forearm once the implant was extracted. The solution to a failed APTIS implant, a one bone forearm, is difficult and protracted, so every effort should be attempted to preserve distal ulna bone stock before resorting to the implantation of this device.
A New Angle of View in Machinery History Studies —Drawing Up Evolution Pedigree and Innovation

In order to satisfy identical need, the thought of machinery innovation possesses the character of multi-plicate solution and random.In machinery history studies, we might find a main clue that is function requirements from large quantity of materials about displacement pump machinery.Following this clue, we might arrange machinery genetic relationship in the process of evolution according to machinery itself intrinsic characteristics; comb out the venation of evolution, and draw up evolution pedigree of different displacement pump machinery from four-bar mechanism.
Development of a parameterized reduced-order vertical-axis wind turbine wake model:

Analyzing or optimizing wind farm layouts often requires reduced-order wake models to estimate turbine wake interactions and wind velocity. We propose a wake model for vertical-axis wind turbines i...
Can large, untargeted conditional cash transfers increase urban high school graduation rates? Evidence from Mexico City's Prepa Sí

Abstract This paper estimates the effects of a massive, minimally targeted conditional cash transfer program in Mexico City's public high schools on graduation rates, test scores, and school choice. Using a difference-in-differences approach that exploits variation in eligibility between students and cohorts within a high school, I find that this program had no appreciable effect on high school completion. The results are sufficiently precise to rule out policy-relevant effect sizes. Null effects persist for subgroups that could be candidates for a targeted program. End-of-high school exam scores are apparently unaffected by the program and effects on high school choices by eligible students are minimal. There is no evidence for heterogeneous effects with respect to implicit or explicit cost of attendance, suggesting that liquidity constraints are not a key driver of high school dropout in this urban setting. These results highlight the challenges of using cash to improve academic outcomes in cities.
The Observed Quality of Caregiver-Child Interactions With and Without a Mobile Screen Device.

Abstract Objective This study investigated how caregivers’ mobile device use influenced the quality of their interactions with their children. The associations between quality of interactions and the type of activity (eg, typing/swiping, looking at screen), setting, caregiver-child proximity, and child behaviors were also examined. Method Researchers anonymously and systematically observed and coded the behavior of 98 caregiver-child dyads in public settings (eg, parks, food courts) during real-time, naturally occurring interactions using time sampling. Results Caregivers who used a mobile device for the entire observation engaged in less joint attention and were less responsive than caregivers who used the device some of the time. When looking at patterns within caregivers who used the device intermittently, the probability that they would engage in joint attention, initiate interactions with their child, talk, and display positive emotions was lower when they used a mobile device than when they did not. Child talking and positive affect were unrelated to caregiver device use. Activity type with the device, caregiver-child proximity and setting also related to interaction quality. Conclusions Caregiver device use was negatively associated with adult behaviors that are key components of high-quality caregiver-child interactions. Additionally, setting, activity type, and caregiver-child proximity are factors that should be considered because they relate to the quality of caregiver-child interactions in the context of mobile screen technologies.
Interactions in EFL argumentative writing: effects of topic, L1 background, and L2 proficiency on interactional metadiscourse

This study examined how students of English as a foreign language (EFL) with different first language (L1) backgrounds use interactional metadiscourse markers in argumentative writing. Specifically, to explore unique patterns of metadiscourse features that reflect context and development, the essays written by Chinese, Japanese, and Korean EFL students at three proficiency levels were analyzed for topic, L1 background, and L2 proficiency. For a comprehensive analysis of 1986 essays, I used a natural language processing tool that generates quantity scores for Hyland’s (2005) metadiscourse categories (i.e., hedges, boosters, attitude markers, self-mentions, reader pronouns, and directives). The results showed notable differences in the students’ use of metadiscourse features across topics, and significant variation was also found across different L1 groups. However, their use of interactional metadiscourse did not differ by L2 proficiency. A post hoc analysis of a parallel native-speaker corpus further revealed EFL students’ underuse of hedges and overuse of reader pronouns. Findings are discussed in terms of academic writing instruction, writing prompt development, and L2 learner categorization.
Scaling change labs: a response to “from mediated actions to heterogenous coalitions: four generations of activity-theoretical studies of work and learning”

In “From Mediated Actions To Heterogenous Coalitions: Four Generations of Activity-Theoretical Studies of Work and Learning,” Engestrom and Sannino discuss the fourth generation of activity theory ...
Ambient PM gross β-activity and glucose levels during pregnancy.

Exposure to ionizing radiation has been associated with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. In light of recent work showing an association between ambient particulate matter (PM) gross β-activity and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) among pregnant women, we examined pregnancy glucose levels in relation to PM gross β-activity to better understand this pathway. Our study included 103 participants receiving prenatal care at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, MA. PM gross β-activity was obtained from US Environmental Protection Agency’s RadNet program monitors, and blood glucose levels were obtained from the non-fasting glucose challenge test performed clinically as the first step of the 2-step GDM screening test. For each exposure window we examined (i.e., moving average same-day, one-week, first-trimester, and second-trimester PM gross β-activity), we fitted generalized additive models and adjusted for clinical characteristics, socio-demographic factors, temporal variables, and PM with an aerodynamic diameter ≤ 2.5 μm (PM2.5). Subgroup analyses by maternal age and by body mass index were also conducted. An interquartile range increase in average PM gross β-activity during the second trimester of pregnancy was associated with an increase of 17.5 (95% CI: 0.8, 34.3) mg/dL in glucose concentration. Associations were stronger among younger and overweight/obese participants. Our findings also suggest that the highest compared to the lowest quartile of one-week exposure was associated with 17.0 (95% CI: − 4.0, 38.0) mg/dL higher glucose levels. No associations of glucose were observed with PM gross β-activity during same-day and first-trimester exposure windows. PM2.5 was not associated with glucose levels during any exposure window in our data. Exposure to higher levels of ambient PM gross β-activity was associated with higher blood glucose levels in pregnant patients, with implications for how this novel environmental factor could impact pregnancy health.
Drosophila INDY and Mammalian INDY: Major Differences in Transport Mechanism and Structural Features despite Mostly Similar Biological Functions.

INDY (I’m Not Dead Yet) is a plasma membrane transporter for citrate, first identified in Drosophila. Partial deficiency of INDY extends lifespan in this organism in a manner similar to that of caloric restriction. The mammalian counterpart (NaCT/SLC13A5) also transports citrate. In mice, it is the total, not partial, absence of the transporter that leads to a metabolic phenotype similar to that caloric restriction; however, there is evidence for subtle neurological dysfunction. Loss-of-function mutations in SLC13A5 (solute carrier gene family 13, member A5) occur in humans, causing a recessive disease, with severe clinical symptoms manifested by neonatal seizures and marked disruption in neurological development. Though both Drosophila INDY and mammalian INDY transport citrate, the translocation mechanism differs, the former being a dicarboxylate exchanger for the influx of citrate2− in exchange for other dicarboxylates, and the latter being a Na+-coupled uniporter for citrate2−. Their structures also differ as evident from only ~35% identity in amino acid sequence and from theoretically modeled 3D structures. The varied biological consequences of INDY deficiency across species, with the beneficial effects predominating in lower organisms and detrimental effects overwhelming in higher organisms, are probably reflective of species-specific differences in tissue expression and also in relative contribution of extracellular citrate to metabolic pathways in different tissues
Frustrated Spring-Network Model for Crosslinked Polymer Surfaces

We present a simplified model to study the surface structure of a crosslinked polymer gel. The model consists of a two-dimensional spring network on a triangular lattice. The nodes represent the crosslinkers, and the equilibrium length of the harmonic springs between nodes is associated with the random length of a polymer chain between crosslinkers. Our preliminary results show that this model qualitatively reproduces some characteristics of surfaces of polyacrylamide gels into which holes are introduced through templating with surfactant micelles, recently observed by Atomic Force Microscopy. There is a length scale above which the surface width reaches a saturation value. This saturation value appears to be independent of the system size but changes significantly when holes are introduced in the system.
Dairy Exporting and Employment: A Possible Role for Once a Day (OAD) Milking

The dairy industry is New Zealand's top export earner and recently went through a growth period under the influence of rapidly rising world prices for milk products. They peaked in 2008. Employment conditions in this major sector of the economy have been problematic since the early twentieth century as the prevailing industry mentality is one of cost saving, particularly of labour. Once-a-Day (OAD) milking appeared to provide the key system change, which held the possibility of dairy farming becoming socially sustainable rather that lurching from one employment crisis to the next. However, while the changes brought about by conversion to OAD milking are very positive, they have not affected dairy farm employment in some of the ways which were anticipated. The paper reports findings of an in-depth qualitative study of social aspects of OAD milking and their implications, set in the context of data from the 2006 Census of Population.
Pharmacological doses of vitamin A deteriorate lupus-like disease in the MRL/lpr mouse model (THER5P.829)

The critical roles of retinoic acid (RA), a metabolite of vitamin A (VA), in both tolerogenic and immunogenic immune responses have been documented. However, how VA affects the development of autoimmunity is still unclear. Here we demonstrate that pharmacological doses of VA had adverse effects on the development of autoimmune lupus in the MRL/lpr mouse model. We administered, orally, RA (6 mg/kg body weight/day) or retinyl palmitate combined with 10% RA (VARA, a total of 6.6 mg/kg/day) to the mice starting from 6 weeks of age. At this age, the mice do not exhibit overt signs of lupus. However, the immunogenic environment preceding disease onset has been established that is evidenced by an increase of total IgM/IgG in the plasma and expansion of lymphocytes and dendritic cells in secondary lymphoid organs. After 8 weeks of RA or VARA treatment, significantly higher pathological scores in kidney, lung, and brain were observed, which were correlated with a marked increase in B-cell responses. In addition, although the number of T cells in the mesenteric lymph node decreased with RA that led to reduced tissue weight, the proportions of T-cell subsets did not change. Importantly, neither RA nor VARA affected regulatory T cells in these mice. Altogether, our results suggest that under the immunogenic environment in autoimmune lupus, VA can generate more severe disease rather than inducing tolerance. Thus, administration of VA in lupus treatment should be approached with caution.
On futuristic query processing in data streams

Recent advances in hardware technology have resulted in the ability to collect and process large amounts of data. In many cases, the collection of the data is a continuous process over time. Such continuous collections of data are referred to as data streams. One of the interesting problems in data stream mining is that of predictive query processing. This is useful for a variety of data mining applications which require us to estimate the future behavior of the data stream. In this paper, we will discuss the problem from the point of view of predictive summarization. In predictive summarization, we would like to store statistical characteristics of the data stream which are useful for estimation of queries representing the behavior of the stream in the future. The example utilized for this paper is the case of selectivity estimation of range queries. For this purpose, we propose a technique which utilizes a local predictive approach in conjunction with a careful choice of storing and summarizing particular statistical characteristics of the data. We use this summarization technique to estimate the future selectivity of range queries, though the results can be utilized to estimate a variety of futuristic queries. We test the results on a variety of data sets and illustrate the effectiveness of the approach.
Absorption and translocation of mammalian viruses by plants. I. Survival of mouse encephalomyelitis and poliomyelitis viruses in soil and plant root environment.

Abstract The rates of degradation at 30° of strains FA and GD VII mouse encephalomyelitis viruses and of types 1 (Mahoney) and 2 (YSK) polioviruses in liquid and sand suspensions and in soil were determined. Mouse encephalomyelitis virus, strain FA, survived 3–4 weeks in sterile or nonsterile soil; virus in sterile or nonsterile liquid suspension survived for from 7 to 12 days. Soil pH influenced survival of GD VII virus which persisted for 3–4 weeks in alkaline soil, at least 5 weeks in neutral soil, but could not be recovered from acid soil after incubation for 24 hours. Type 1 poliovirus was recoverable from sterlle soil for 6–7 weeks, and from nonsterile soil for 2–3 weeks. Soil and soil clays adsorbed and held firmly large quantities of poliovirus. In the environment of roots of tomato plants cultivated hydroponically: (a) types 1 and 2 polioviruses were inactivated at similar rates, and (b) type 1 virus from cell culture was inactivated more rapidly than virus in monkey brain suspension. Monkey brain type 1 virus was inactivated more rapidly in the environment of pea roots than in that of tomato roots.
Technical Adequacy of the Student Protective Factors Screening Scale (SPF-7) as a Universal Screening Tool

Universal screening is a critical foundation for school-based prevention and early intervention. This study examined the technical adequacy of the SPF-7, an instrument designed to assist school personnel in the early identification of students at-risk for emotional and behavioral concerns. The SPF-7 differs from other measures used in identifying emotionally and behaviorally at-risk students, as the SPF-7 focuses on protective factors rather than risk factors. The results of this study suggest that the SPF-7 has adequate test-retest reliability and criterion validity, but limited inter-rater agreement. The SPF-7 is a potentially promising tool for identifying students in need of support within a multi-tiered system of increasingly intensive interventions.
A new bearing fault detection and diagnosis scheme based on hidden Markov modeling of vibration signals

This paper introduces a new bearing fault detection and diagnosis scheme based on hidden Markov modeling (HMM) of vibration signals. First features are extracted from amplitude demodulated vibration signals obtained from both normal and faulty bearings. The features are based on the reflection coefficients of the polynomial transfer function of the autoregressive model of the vibration signal. These features are then used to train HMMs to represent various bearing conditions. The technique allows for online detection of faults by monitoring the probabilities of the pre-trained HMM for the normal case. It also allows for the diagnosis of the fault by the HMM that gives the highest probability. The new scheme was tested with experimental data collected from drive end ball bearing of an induction motor (Reliance Electric 2HP IQPreAlert) driven mechanical system.
Suicide Ideation at Its Worst Point: A Predictor of Eventual Suicide in Psychiatric Outpatients

Scales for measuring current suicide ideation (SSI-C), suicide ideation at its worst point in the patient's life (SSI-W), and hopelessness (BHS) were administered to 3,701 outpatients seeking psychiatric treatment. Thirty patients from this sample eventually committed suicide, within a mean of 4 years from the initial assessment. Based on cut-off scores derived from receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses, the SSI-W had an odds ratio of 13.84 for predicting suicide, whereas the SSI-C and the BHS had odds ratios of 5.42 and 6.43, respectively. The assessment of suicide ideation at its worst point identifies a subgroup of patients at relatively high risk for eventual suicide. Robust interventions and periodic monitoring for suicide ideation and hopelessness are recommended to reduce long-term suicide risk.