cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cross‐linkings between spectrin and band 3 in human erythrocyte membranes

A specific structural association between spectrin component 1 and band 3 in human erythrocyte membrane has been demonstrated by covalent cross-linkings, specific labeling, and the technique of two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. A complex of 330,000 daltons, representing 1 + 3, was produced in mildly oxidized membranes at physiologic pH and isotonic conditions but not at hypotonic conditions ( less than 10 mM KCl or NaCl). The yield of this complex decreased dramatically as the monovalent cation concentration decreased from 90 mM to 30 mM. The presence of Mg++ or Ca++ (2 mM) at low ionic strength promoted 1 + 3 cross-linking in an amount similar to that produced at isotonic conditions. The specific segment of band 3 involved in the cross-linking was also investigated by means of chymotrypsin digestion of band 3 in the intact red cells. The results showed the cross-links between spectrin component 1 and the 55,000-dalton fragment of band 3 at physiologic pH and isotonic conditions. This is consistent with the idea that band 3 is anchored on or contacted with the submembrane meshwork at the cytoplasmic membrane surface.
Activity-dependent, homeostatic regulation of neurotransmitter release from auditory nerve fibers

Information processing in the brain requires reliable synaptic transmission. High reliability at specialized auditory nerve synapses in the cochlear nucleus results from many release sites (N), high probability of neurotransmitter release (Pr), and large quantal size (Q). However, high Pr also causes auditory nerve synapses to depress strongly when activated at normal rates for a prolonged period, which reduces fidelity. We studied how synapses are influenced by prolonged activity by exposing mice to constant, nondamaging noise and found that auditory nerve synapses changed to facilitating, reflecting low Pr. For mice returned to quiet, synapses recovered to normal depression, suggesting that these changes are a homeostatic response to activity. Two additional properties, Q and average excitatory postsynaptic current (EPSC) amplitude, were unaffected by noise rearing, suggesting that the number of release sites (N) must increase to compensate for decreased Pr. These changes in N and Pr were confirmed physiologically using the integration method. Furthermore, consistent with increased N, endbulbs in noise-reared animals had larger VGlut1-positive puncta, larger profiles in electron micrographs, and more release sites per profile. In current-clamp recordings, noise-reared BCs had greater spike fidelity even during high rates of synaptic activity. Thus, auditory nerve synapses regulate excitability through an activity-dependent, homeostatic mechanism, which could have major effects on all downstream processing. Our results also suggest that noise-exposed bushy cells would remain hyperexcitable for a period after returning to normal quiet conditions, which could have perceptual consequences.
Low-Cost Nanomaterials for Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting

Hydrogen represents a clean and high gravimetric energy density chemical fuel that could potentially replace fossil fuels and natural gas in electricity generation and powering vehicles. Central to the success of hydrogen technology and economy, the sustainability, efficiency and cost of hydrogen generation are the major factors. Industrial hydrogen is currently obtained from steam methane reforming and water-gas shift reaction, however, this method still relays on fossil fuels. Therefore, it is important to develop efficient, low-cost, and scalable method to produce hydrogen in a sustainable manner. Photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting to produce hydrogen is one of most promising and sustainable approaches. The development of low-cost and efficient nanostructured photoelectrodes is the key to achieve this goal. In this chapter, we will give a brief background on PEC water splitting and review the recent advancement of developing low-cost nanostructured photoelectrodes.
Model shows human activity influences temperature extremes in China

Extreme temperatures have been occurring more frequently and becoming more severe around the world in recent decades as Earth's climate warms. Some studies have been able to use model simulations and observations to attribute the increase in temperature extremes on a global scale to human activity—especially carbon dioxide emissions—but there are fewer studies that look at human influence on temperature extremes at continental or regional scales.
A subpopulation of WIL-2 cell calreticulin molecules is associated with RO/SS-A ribonucleoprotein particles:

A subpopulation of human calreticulin (CR) molecules that is reactive with human Ro/SS-A autoimmune sera was identified in a nucleic acid- enriched Wil-2 cell fraction derived by anion exchange column chromatography. Further resolution of this fraction by gel filtration size separation demonstrated that the appearance of CR (true mol. weight 46 kD) coincided with the emergence of Ro/SS-A ribonucleoprotein (mol. weight > 250 kD) antigenic activity and increasing 260 nm ultraviolet absorbance. This high nucleic acid fraction could be further partitioned into four small RNA-containing Ro/SS-A antigenic subfractions by a second passage over the anion exchange column. CR was enriched in one subfraction and present in the other three subfractions as well. No CR was found in the RNA-free fraction of the repartition eluate. These results represent the first direct demonstration that CR, a high-affinity calcium binding protein, exists in a form that is directly associated with all four varieties of native, human Ro/SS-A ribonucleoprotein particles (hY1-5).
Emerging roles of the Th17/IL-17-axis in glomerulonephritis

Different T cell subsets have been implicated in the pathogenesis of glomerulonephritis. Several lines of evidence indicate the recently identified interleukin-17 (IL-17)-producing T cells (Th17 cells) to be involved in the renal inflammatory cascade associated with glomerulonephritis. In this review we outline different forms of glomerulonephritis and the contribution of the Th17/IL-17-axis in mediating the downstream effects and pathology associated with the disease. Learning more about the Th17/IL-17-axis can help to develop promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of various forms of glomerulonephritis.
Health Literacy and Time Spent With a Hand Surgeon

Purpose To characterize the relationship between health literacy and duration of new hand surgery office visits. Methods Using a stopwatch from outside the room, we measured the duration of the visit (minutes of face-to-face contact between attending surgeon and patient) for 224 new patients presenting to 1 of 5 orthopedic hand surgeons (D.R.). Directly after the visit, patients were asked to complete the Newest Vital Sign (NVS) health literacy test, a sociodemographic survey, and 3 Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System–based questionnaires: Pain Interference, Upper Extremity Function, and Depression. The Newest Vital Sign scores were divided into limited (0–3) and adequate (4–6) health literacy. Medical records were reviewed to collect data on diagnosis, visit type, management, and whether patients were first seen by a resident/fellow. Multiple linear regression modeling was used to characterize the association between health literacy and duration of visit while controlling for the effect of other patient and visit characteristics. Results The unadjusted mean visit duration was 1.9 minutes shorter in patients with limited health literacy (9.4 minutes) than in patients with adequate health literacy (11.3 minutes), and this difference persisted after adjustment for a broad range of patient and visit characteristics. Greater magnitude of disability was associated with longer visits, as were second-opinion appointments, a diagnosis of nonspecific arm pain or compression neuropathy, and appointments in which operative management was chosen. Visits in which a resident/fellow saw the patient first were shorter than visits without resident/fellow assistance. Conclusions The finding that limited health literacy correlated with shorter visits may suggest that patients who may stand to benefit the most from detailed health education and counseling received less. Type of study/level of evidence Prognostic II.
The resonance Raman spectrum of I2 in solution

An extensive set of resonance excitation profiles and the corresponding depolarization dispersion profiles of the vibrational bands of iodine in solution were determined. The results of the experiments are compared to the results of detailed calculations. The calculations are based on the gas phase potentialsof iodine. Overall agreement is good for the noninteracting solvents considered here. However, there are a number of discrepancies, which suggest that higher iodine states —perhaps charge transfer states involving the solvent - contribute to the Raman cross section in the visible region of the spectrum. A number of other small effects, such as rotation of iodine in the excited states, also contribute.
Feedback Frameworks for Active Suspensions With Electrohydraulic Actuator Dynamics

Since the initial conception in the late 1960’s, the field of active suspensions for automotive applications has seen numerous research investigations. While there has been a wealth of information previously published, relatively few of these works have incorporated the dynamics of the actuator in their analysis. Including the electrohydraulic actuator dynamics with the plant model introduces the additional effects of the coupling between the actuator and the vehicle body motion. Controller designs using the linearized actuator dynamics typically use a tracking framework. Electrohydraulic systems are limited in their ability to do force or position tracking control when interacting with an environment possessing dynamics such as the 1/4 car model. This paper introduces a novel framework that includes electrohydraulic actuator dynamics in which the tracking problem is replaced by a properly posed regulation problem. Both force regulation and position regulation frameworks are considered and the relative merits/drawbacks of each presented.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
112 Genetic parameters and genomic regions associated with piglet response to vaccination for porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) virus and co-infection with PRRS virus and porcine circovirus type 2b (PCV2b)

Citation: Dunkelberger, J. R., Serao, N. V. L., Kerrigan, M. A., Lunney, J. K., Rowland, R. R. R., & Dekkers, J. C. M. (2016). Genetic parameters and genomic regions associated with piglet response to vaccination for porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) virus and co-infection with PRRS virus and porcine circovirus type 2b (PCV2b). Journal of Animal Science, 94, 52-53. doi:10.2527/msasas2016-112
The Epigenomic Landscape of Dilated Cardiomyopathy

s S161 such limitations. An added benefit of such partnership is to increase access to NIH-IRP state-of-the-art basic and clinic research infrastructure and diversity research opportunities. In keeping with this recommendation, the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) recently created GRAfT (Genomic Research Alliance for Organ Transplantation), an intramural-extramural alliance to study acute and chronic rejection and fast-track development noninvasive diagnostic tools in thoracic organ transplantation. Methods: GRAfT has engaged 7 thoracic transplant programs in the Washington DC area averaging 180 thoracic transplants yearly, with about 1,345 active transplant recipients, of which 32.4% are non-Caucasians and 37.8% are women. Through NHLBI’s Laboratory of Transplant Genomics, GRAfT is developing high throughput genomic tools measuring cell-free DNA. These tools have been shown to have good performance in assessing graft injury, immunosuppression, and infections. So far, 30 patients have been enrolled in GRAfT with goal to enroll 500 patients and a mean follow-up of 5 years. Clinical data and biospecimen will be collected and achieved at LoTG. A steering committee comprising intramural and extramural investigators sets the research agenda and manages the biorepository. Working groups will address specific research questions. Biorepository will be accessible to intramural and extramural investigators. Preliminary results expected in March 2015. Endpoints: Acute rejection, Infection, Chronic rejection, other transplant comorbidities.
Two-photon multiplane imaging of neural circuits(Conference Presentation)

Imaging the neuronal activity throughout the brain with high temporal and spatial resolution is an important step in understanding how the brain works. Two-photon laser scanning microscopy with fluorescent calcium indicators has enabled this type of experiments in vivo. Most of these microscopes acquire images serially, with a single laser beam, limiting the overall imaging speed. To overcome this limit, multiple beamlets can be used to image in parallel multiple regions. Here, we demonstrate a novel scheme of a two-photon laser-scanning microscope that can simultaneously record neuronal activity at multiple planes of the sample with a single photomultiplier tube. A spatial light modulator is used to generate the designated multiple beamlets, and a constrained non-negative matrix factorization algorithm is used to demix the signals from multiple scanned planes. We simultaneously record neuronal activity of multiple layers of a mouse cortex at 10 fps in vivo. This novel imaging scheme provides a powerful tool for mapping the brain activity.
Screening of Rice Varieties with Drought Resistance in Guizhou

118 introduced rice varieties with good drought resistance were cultivated under the non-irrigation condition from 2009 to 2010 in Guiyang to inspect their drought resistance and screen rice varieties with strong drought resistance for rice production in Guizhou.The results showed that the rice varieties with good drought resistance and 2 558.8～3 639.3℃ accumulation temperature during the total growth period could be cultivated in rice planting areas of Guizhou Province.The hybrid rice varieties with strong drought resistance and higher yield were Quanyin 1,Ganxiangyou 2833,Qianyou 568,Qianliangyou 58 and Guodao 1.The conventional rice varieties with strong drought resistance and higher yield were Wuyujing 3 and Hexi 41.The main cultivation measures to increase effective spikes,total grains per spike and dry matter weight should be adopted under the drought stress in rice cultivation.
Research and Application on Some Key Problems in Field Commissioning of SCR Denitration System of Large-scale Thermal Power Unit

Aiming at technical difficulties in field commissioning process of selective catalytic reduction denitration system of No.1,No.2 and No.3 boilers in some power plant,research and engineering application was conducted.Technical difficulties in dilution fan interlock protection,interlock protection of shut-off valve of ammonia-air commingler and automatic control of ammonia supply adjusting valve were analyzed and relevant solutions were proposed.Main conclusions were as follows:front shut-off valve of ammonia-air commingler should be added in interlock protection logic,for preventing unsafe factors caused for reason of air flow backward into the ammonia supply pipe by dilution wind resulted from abnormal action of upward check valve on ammonia supply pipe when ammonia supply pressure was low,this logic interlock protection condition was to be added in interlock protection shut-down conditions for shut-off valve of the ammonia-air commingler.On the basis of NOxcontent at the exit for automation control of denitration system,operation crews were suggested to adjust denitration ratio in time according to changes of NOxcontent at the entrance and reduce situation of higher denitration ratio under the condition of denitration system meeting requirement for environmental protection operation.
Endocidal Regulation of Secondary Metabolites in the Producing Organisms

Secondary metabolites are defined as organic compounds that are not directly involved in the normal growth, development, and reproduction of an organism. They are widely believed to be responsible for interactions between the producing organism and its environment, with the producer avoiding their toxicities. In our experiments, however, none of the randomly selected 44 species representing different groups of plants and insects can avoid autotoxicity by its endogenous metabolites once made available. We coined the term endocides (endogenous biocides) to describe such metabolites that can poison or inhibit the parent via induced biosynthesis or external applications. Dosage-dependent endocides can selectively induce morphological mutations in the parent organism (e.g., shrubbiness/dwarfism, pleiocotyly, abnormal leaf morphogenesis, disturbed phyllotaxis, fasciated stems, and variegation in plants), inhibit its growth, development, and reproduction and cause death than non-closely related species. The propagule, as well as the organism itself contains or produces adequate endocides to kill itself.
Beginnings of Chemistry

This chapter limits the discussion to some of the elementary aspects of chemical reactions. Of the four types of forces that direct all reactions in the universe, only electromagnetic forces are involved in chemical reactions. All atoms contain a centrally located nucleus with protons and neutrons. Surrounding the nucleus in a series of approximately concentric shells are the electrons. Electrons in the innermost shell are the hardest to remove from the atom, while electrons in the outermost shell are the easiest to remove. The outermost shell is called the valence shell because in chemical reactions among atoms, electrons are usually added to or removed from this shell. Atoms of a single type, each with the same number of protons, constitute an element. Elements are ordered from left to right by atomic number. Except the inert gases, atoms are prone to interaction with other atoms to form molecules. Molecules are described by writing the symbols of the constituent elements and indicating the numbers of atoms of each element in the molecule as subscripts. Atoms of some of the elements most prevalent in living organisms are most stable chemically when they have eight electrons in their valence shells. The result of gaining or losing electrons, while the proton number remains unchanged, is an atom with a net positive or negative charge, respectively. Such an atom is called an ion. Atoms that have three, four, or five electrons in their valence shells are more likely to share electrons in a covalent bond.
The Real Work: Inhabiting the Ground

From the discussion of ‘the American unconscious’, it should be evident that the modernist dictum ‘Make it new’ constitutes not only a methodological imperative for poetic technique but also an ideological imperative upon which American culture is founded. Since ‘Make it new’ has been the imperative all along for American literature too, the question of how an American poet begins a poetic career, how s/he finds a new voice, thus becomes considerably overdetermined — and, as a consequence of this difficulty of beginning, becomes a matter of great interest.
Spatial Microbial Composition Along the Gastrointestinal Tract of Captive Attwater’s Prairie Chicken

Gastrointestinal microbiota is increasingly recognized as an important component of individual health, and therefore, our ability to quantify its diversity accurately is central for exploring different ways to improve health. Non-invasive sampling methods, such as cloaca swabs, are often used to measure gastrointestinal microbiota diversity within an individual. However, few studies have addressed to what degree differences exist in microbial community composition along the gastrointestinal tract, and measures obtained from the cloaca may not actually represent the diversity present elsewhere in the gastrointestinal tract. In this study, we systematically characterized the gastrointestinal microbial community of the critically endangered Attwater's Prairie chicken (Tympanuchus cupido attwateri) by opportunistically sampling four different locations (ileum, cecum, large intestine, and cloaca) along the gastrointestinal tract of eight individuals. Spatial variation of microbial community was observed at different sampling locations within the gastrointestinal tract. The cecum harbored the most diverse and significantly different microbiota from the other locations, while the microbial α- and β-diversities were similar in the ileum, large intestine, and cloaca. The results of this study provide evidence that microbiota diversity can differ depending on sampling location and metric used to quantify diversity. As shown here, non-invasive cloacal sampling strategies may reflect microbiota diversity elsewhere in the gastrointestinal tract, yet caution is warranted when making generalizations in terms of the microbiota diversity correlations when samples are obtained from a single location within the gastrointestinal tract.
Estimating the Total of a Restaurant Bill: Bias in Estimation

One way to estimate the total cost of the items on a restaurant bill is to round each of the prices to the nearest multiple of 10 cents before adding them. If you use this method, sometimes your timates and the underestimates would just about balance out. That is, such a method of estimation should be unbiased.
TIPS pentacene loaded PEO-PDLLA core-shell nanoparticles have similar cellular uptake dynamics in M1 and M2 macrophages and in corresponding in vivo microenvironments

Nanoparticle based drug delivery platforms have the potential to transform disease treatment paradigms and therapeutic strategies, especially in the context of pulmonary medicine. Once administered, nanoparticles disperse throughout the lung and many are phagocytosed by macrophages. However, there is a paucity of knowledge regarding cellular up-take dynamics of nanoparticles due largely to macrophage heterogeneity. To address this issue, we sought to better define nanoparticle up-take using polarized M1 and M2 macrophages and novel TIPS-pentacene loaded PEO-PDLLA nanoparticles. Our data reveal that primary macrophages polarized to either M1 or M2 phenotypes have similar levels of nanoparticle phagocytosis. Similarly, M1 and M2 polarized macrophages isolated from the lungs of mice following either acute (Th1) or allergic (Th2) airway inflammation also demonstrated equivalent levels of nanoparticle up-take. Together, these studies provide critical benchmark information pertaining to cellular up-take dynamics and biodistribution of nanoparticles in the context of clinically relevant inflammatory microenvironments.
The TOEFL iBT writing: Korean students’ perceptions of the TOEFL iBT writing test

Abstract The TOEFL is one of the most widely recognized language proficiency tests developed to measure international students’ level of readiness for degree study. Whereas there exist a number of correlational studies conducted by various affiliates of ETS based on large-scale quantitative data, there is a dearth of studies that explore test-takers’ perceptions and experiences concerning the TOEFL iBT. Writing skills have paramount importance for academic success, and high-stakes tests such as the TOEFL have a tendency to influence test-takers’ perceptions on what defines good academic writing. To date, no research has specifically focused on test-takers’ perceptions on the writing section of the TOEFL iBT. To fill this gap, this study explores Korean students’ perceptions of effective strategies for preparing for the TOEFL iBT writing test, challenges they face in the test-taking and test-preparation processes, and implications such findings have for various stakeholders, by analyzing online forum data. Findings indicate that the scores for the writing section of the TOEFL iBT, albeit helpful for the initial benchmarking tool, may conceal more than it reveals about Korean students’ academic writing ability. The study suggests that the format, questions, and the scoring of the TOEFL iBT writing test be critically examined from test-takers’ perspectives.
Hybrid Central Odontogenic Fibroma with Giant Cell Granuloma like Lesion: A Report of Three Additional Cases and Review of the Literature

Central odontogenic fibroma (COF) is an uncommon intraosseous neoplasm of the gnathic bones which is composed of fibrous connective tissue, with or without calcifications, and variable amounts of inactive odontogenic epithelium. It makes up less than 5% of odontogenic tumors and is more commonly seen in females. Central giant cell granuloma (CGCG) is a locally destructive but benign lesion of the jaws containing osteoclast-like multinucleated giant cells in a fibrovascular stroma. CGCG makes up approximately 10% of all benign jaw tumors and typically occurs in females younger than 30 years of age. A hybrid lesion with histologic features of both COF and CGCG is very rare and was first described in 1992. To date, fewer than 50 cases of this lesion have been reported. In this study, we present three additional cases of COF developing in conjunction with giant cell granuloma-like lesion, as well as provide a comprehensive literature review. Two of the lesions presented in our study were located in the posterior mandible and one occurred in the anterior mandible. Buccal and/or lingual expansion was noted in two patients and no recurrence was reported. Histologically, all three lesions demonstrated a blend of odontogenic epithelial islands with numerous multinucleated giant cells in a highly cellular connective tissue stroma. Immunohistochemical staining with CK19 and CD68 highlighted the odontogenic epithelium and multinucleated giant cells respectively. The precise nature of these hybrid lesions remains obscure and additional molecular studies may be of help in understanding their pathogenesis.
Transforming Lipoxygenases: PE-Specific Enzymes in Disguise

In this issue of Cell, Wenzel et al. solve a long-standing mystery regarding how damage to cell membranes occurs during ferroptosis, an iron-dependent form of regulated cell death. They found that lipoxygenases are like Transformer toys, being converted from one enzyme type to another in the presence of the protein PEBP1.
Heat resistance of Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris spores as affected by various pH values and organic acids.

Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris, a thermoacidophilic sporeformer, has caused spoilage of fruit juices which had been treated with thermal processes intended to commercially sterilize the juice. The objective of this research was to document the effect of pH, acid, and temperature on the heat resistance of spores of three fruit-juice isolates of A. acidoterrestris. The thermal resistance of spores of A. acidoterrestris strains VF, WAC, and IP were studied in a model fruit-juice system composed of 12% glucose and 30 mM of either citric, malic, or tartaric acid, adjusted to selected pH values ranging from 2.8 to 4.0. Decimal reduction times (D values) and inactivation rates were determined. Spores of strains VF and WAC were similarly resistant to heat under acidic conditions, while strain IP spores were less resistant. In the range of pH 2.8 to 4.0, a statistically significant effect of hydrogen ion concentration on heat resistance was observed at lower temperatures, but not at the higher temperatures. For ...
What Is the Relationship between Emotional Intelligence and Administrative Advancement in an Urban School Division

WHAT IS THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE ADVANCEMENT IN AN URBAN SCHOOL DIVISION? By Elizabeth W. Roberson, Ph.D. A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at Virginia Commonwealth University. Virginia Commonwealth University, 2010 Major Director: Henry T. Clark, Ph.D. Associate Dean, School of Education The purpose of this research was to study the relationship between emotional intelligence and administrative advancement in one urban school division; however, data acquired in the course of study may have revealed areas that could be further developed in future studies to increase the efficacy of principals and, perhaps, to inform the selection and training process for prospective administrators. This phenomenon, then, might increase aspirants’ opportunities for advancement and augment the pool of potential leadership candidates as well. The open-minded administrator realizes that extremely well honed interpersonal skills are critical in order to inspire and emotionally move others to work towards a shared vision. Without a high degree of emotional intelligence, such a collaborative climate may not be created easily. Attuned to the feelings of others, leaders rich in EQ can help their peers to achieve at high levels and work comfortably in a cooperative way. The self-report version of the Emotional and Social Competence Inventory (ESCI) (Goleman, 1998) was administered electronically to principals and assistant principals in one urban school division. In turn, each principal or assistant principal was asked to provide an email address for four other individuals capable of assessing their interpersonal skills via the 360 degree version of the ESCI. Data were collected using the statistical package, SPSS, and analyzed using a variety of statistical analyses. Variables included level of emotional intelligence, age, gender, ethnicity, and level of school (elementary, middle or high); number of times an individual applied for an administrative position; the length of time it took to be appointed to such a position; and the number of administrative positions held. This was a nonexperimental, quantitative comparative/descriptive study.
Persuasive technology or explorative technology

Persuasive technology is technology that is intended to change attitudes and/or behaviors using persuasion. An issue with such technology is it pre-supposes that individuals must be convinced to change their attitude or behavior. In contrast, explorative technology is technology that is intended to help users explore and understand information about themselves to support self-reflection and to identify opportunities for behavior change. In this talk, I will describe the differences between such technologies, and argue for the need to invest more effort in explorative technologies through the discussion of a series of case studies.
Rotational-echo double-resonance NMR distance measurements for the tubulin-bound Paclitaxel conformation.

The important anticancer drug Taxol (paclitaxel, PTX) owes its unique activity to its ability to bind to tubulin in a stoichiometric ratio and promote its assembly into microtubules. The conformation of the microtubule-bound drug has been the focus of numerous research efforts, since the inability of polymerized tubulin to form crystals precludes structure proof by X-ray crystallography. Likewise, although the α,β-tubulin dimer structure has been solved by electron crystallography, the 3.7 A resolution is too low to permit direct determination of either ligand conformation or binding pose. In this article, we present experimental results from 2H{19F} REDOR NMR that provide direct confirmation that paclitaxel adopts a T-shaped conformation when it is bound to tubulin.
Children and Adolescents: Their Right to Decide About Their Own Health Care

What limitations should be placed on the right of a specific child or adolescent to make decisions about his or her own health care? This is a continuing issue in the everyday practice of pediatrics [14] [17] [28] [30]. My friends who practice amubulatory pediatrics tell me that the number of adolescents who present themselves for treatment is increasing, they are becoming younger, and the situations in which they find themselves are more complicated.
The Body and the Bible: Life in the Flesh According to the Spirit

This essay begins by attending to the positions of two Protestant theologians concerning persons and their embodiment. Each represents his position as an interpretation of Christian scripture and tradition. In order to test such representations the central section of this essay examines the Biblical tradition itself. Because reading scripture is for Christian communities not simply an academic enterprise but an ecclesial practice, the tone of that section is deliberately as “homiletical” as “scholarly.” The essay does not attempt to explain or defend the practice of reading scripture as important for the formation and reformation of the moral life, but it does attempt to display it.1 The final section returns to the two Protestant theologians with whom the essay began, draws the conclusion that one of the two positions is more faithful to scripture than the other, echoes a call for “an energetic revision of [the church’s] anthropology in the light of its eschatology” ([1], p. 390), and suggests something of the relevance of such a revision to medical ethics.
4-Hydroxy-tetrahydrodipicolinate reductase from Neisseria gonorrhoeae - structure and interactions with coenzymes and substrate analog.

Neisseria gonorrhoeae, an obligate human pathogen, is a leading cause of communicable diseases globally. Due to rapid development of drug resistance, the rate of successfully curing gonococcal infections is rapidly decreasing. Hence, research is being directed toward finding alternative drugs or drug targets to help eradicate these infections. 4-Hydroxy-tetrahydrodipicolinate reductase (DapB), an important enzyme in the meso-diaminopimelate pathway, is a promising target for the development of new antibiotics. This manuscript describes the first structure of DapB from N. gonorrhoeae determined at 1.85 A. This enzyme uses NAD(P)H as cofactor. Details of the interactions of the enzyme with its cofactors and a substrate analog/inhibitor are discussed. A large scale bioinformatics analysis of DapBs' sequences is also described.
A General Framework for Process Synthesis, Integration and Intensification

Process synthesis, integration, and intensification are the three pillars of process design. Current synthesis and integration methods are able to find optimal design targets and process configurations when all the alternatives are known beforehand. Process intensification, on the other hand, combines multiple physicochemical phenomena and exploits their interactions to create innovative designs. Often times, these designs are not known beforehand, and a phenomena-level representation of chemical processes are required to identify them. This disconnection between the three paradigms limits the ability to systematically discover optimal design pathways. We demonstrate that the building block representation, originally proposed in our earlier work on process intensification (Demirel, Li, and Hasan, Comput. Chem. Eng., 2017, 150, 2–38), has the potential to bridge this gap. Depending on the attributes assigned to the interior and the boundaries of these two-dimensional abstract building blocks, they can repr...
Simultaneous Segmentation of Multiple Retinal Pathologies Using Fully Convolutional Deep Neural Network

The segmentation of retinal pathologies is the primitive and essential step in the development of automated diagnostic system for various systemic, cardiovascular, and ophthalmic diseases. The existing state-of-the-art machine learning based retinal pathologic segmentation techniques mainly aim at delineating pathology of one kind only. In this context, we have proposed a novel end-to-end technique for simultaneous segmentation of multiple retinal pathologies (i.e., exudates, hemorrhages, and cotton-wool spots) using encoder-decoder based fully convolutional neural network architecture. Moreover, the task of retinal pathology extraction has been modeled as a semantic segmentation framework which enables us to obtain pixel-level class labels. The proposed algorithm has been evaluated on publically available Messidor dataset and achieved state-of-the-art mean accuracies of 99.24% (exudates), 97.86% (hemorrhages), and 88.65% (cotton-wool spots). The developed approach may aid in further optimization of pathology quantification module of the QUARTZ software which has been developed earlier by our research group.
Thin Film Piezoelectric-on-Silicon Elliptical Resonators With Low Liquid Phase Motional Resistances

Thin film piezoelectric-on-silicon (TPoS) elliptical resonators are presented in this paper. The micro-resonators are composed of two rectangular resonant plates vibrating out-of-phase at the first length-extensional mode, which are coupled through arches on sides. In this way, extensional motions of rectangles are converted to rotational motions via arches which make the resonator suitable for operation under water, where all sidewalls of the resonator vibrate in parallel with liquid to maintain high liquid phase quality factors ( ${Q}$ ). Thanks to wide electrode area available on rectangular plates, strong piezoelectric transduction is achieved leading to low liquid phase motional resistances. Different variations of the resonators were designed and fabricated to operate at different resonance frequencies. The TPoS elliptical resonators exhibit high ${Q}\text{s}$ up to 7400 for operation in air while showing liquid phase ${Q}\text{s}$ as high as 200. An elliptical resonator operating at 4 MHz with the lowest motional resistance of 5.6 $\text{k}\Omega $ was involved in an oscillation circuit with a single-stage sustaining amplifier exhibiting frequency stability of $2\times 10^{-7}$ ( $\Delta f/f_{0}$ ). Such high stability makes such resonators an excellent choice for high-resolution mass or viscosity sensing at liquid phase such as biosensing applications.
Charlottesville, Ferguson and 'Laws Affecting Memory' in the United States

This paper discusses “laws affecting memory” in the United States with an emphasis on the August 2017 protests at Charlottesville, and the debate over police brutality against African Americans unleashed by the shooting of an unarmed African American man in Ferguson, Missouri in 2014. My position is that these events show that the United States has a memory politics and – depending on how one defines the terms – memory laws as well. Furthermore, some aspects of memory politics in the United States have parallels to the new, more conservative, “Eastern” memory politics currently on the march in Eastern Europe and Russia.
Sustainability by design: why firms and institutions do it

ABSTRACTThis special issue of the Journal of Global Scholars of Marketing Science addresses the influence that sustainability efforts have on the marketing, sales, and social media facets of our so...
Linear mode regression with covariate measurement error

AbstractENTHIS LINK GOES TO A ENGLISH SECTIONFRTHIS LINK GOES TO A FRENCH SECTION We consider estimating the mode of a response given an error‐prone covariate. It is shown that ignoring measurement error typically leads to inconsistent inference for the conditional mode of the response given the true covariate, as well as misleading inference for regression coefficients in the conditional mode model. To account for measurement error, we first employ the Monte Carlo corrected score method (Novick & Stefanski, 2002) to obtain an unbiased score function based on which the regression coefficients can be estimated consistently. To relax the normality assumption on measurement error this method requires, we propose another method where deconvoluting kernels are used to construct an objective function that is maximized to obtain consistent estimators of the regression coefficients. Besides rigorous investigation on asymptotic properties of the new estimators, we study their finite sample performance via extensive simulation experiments, and find that the proposed methods substantially outperform a naive inference method that ignores measurement error. The Canadian Journal of Statistics 47: 262–280; 2019 © 2019 Statistical Society of Canad
On the Chemical Diversity of the MAX Phases

The Mn+1AXn, or MAX, phases are nanolayered, hexagonal, machinable, early transition-metal carbides and nitrides, where n = 1, 2, or 3, M is an early transition metal, A is an A-group element (mostly groups 13 and 14), and X is C and/or N. These phases are characterized by a unique combination of both metallic and ceramic properties. The fact that these phases are precursors for MXenes and the dramatic increase in interest in the latter for a large host of applications render the former even more valuable. Herein we describe the structure of most, if not all, MAX phases known to date. This review covers ≈155 MAX compositions. Currently, 16 A elements and 14 M elements have been incorporated in these phases. The recent discovery of both quaternary in- and out-of-plane ordered MAX phases opens the door to the discovery of many more. The chemical diversity of the MAX phases holds the key to eventually optimizing properties for prospective applications. Since many of the newer quaternary (and higher) phases have yet to be characterized, much work remains to be done.
Correction of hyponatremia by infusing D5W (5% dextrose in water solution) prefilter in patients receiving continuous renal replacement therapy: A case series.

Patients with severe hyponatremia and renal failure who require continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) are at risk for overcorrection of their sodium level due to preformulated isotonic replacement or dialysate fluids. Rapid correction of hyponatremia can lead to serious neurologic complications including osmotic demyelination syndrome (ODS). There is limited data available in preventing overcorrection of severe hyponatremia with CRRT. It has been proposed to use reduced effluent volume to avoid overcorrection. However, there are instances where the CRRT prescription cannot be reduced due to other metabolic derangements. Herein, we present four cases using a calculated amount of dextrose 5% solution (D5W) prefilter as preblood pump to prevent overcorrection of hyponatremia while delivering recommended effluent volume of at least 20-25 mL/kg/hr in majority of cases. In each case, the rate of sodium correction did not exceed 8 mEq/day using D5W prefilter. Even in patients whose hyponatremia was initially overcorrected, adding calculated amount of amounts of D5W prefilter decreased the sodium level back down to prevent the risk of ODS. We also review a simplified equation to determine the D5W rate depending on the prescribed effluent volume.
Regulation of KSHV Latency and Lytic Reactivation.

Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is associated with three malignancies— Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS), primary effusion lymphoma (PEL), and multicentric Castleman’s disease (MCD). Central to the pathogenesis of these diseases is the KSHV viral life cycle, which is composed of a quiescent latent phase and a replicative lytic phase. While the establishment of latency enables persistent KSHV infection and evasion of the host immune system, lytic replication is essential for the dissemination of the virus between hosts and within the host itself. The transition between these phases, known as lytic reactivation, is controlled by a complex set of environmental, host, and viral factors. The effects of these various factors converge on the regulation of two KSHV proteins whose functions facilitate each phase of the viral life cycle—latency-associated nuclear antigen (LANA) and the master switch of KSHV reactivation, replication and transcription activator (RTA). This review presents the current understanding of how the transition between the phases of the KSHV life cycle is regulated, how the various phases contribute to KSHV pathogenesis, and how the viral life cycle can be exploited as a therapeutic target.
Small Molecule Cjoc42 Improves Chemo-Sensitivity and Increases Levels of Tumor Suppressor Proteins in Hepatoblastoma Cells and in Mice by Inhibiting Oncogene Gankyrin

Objective: Relapsed hepatoblastoma (HBL) and upfront hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are notoriously chemoresistant tumors associated with poor outcomes. Gankyrin (Gank) is a known oncogene that is overexpressed in pediatric liver cancer and implicated in chemo-resistance. The goal of this study was to evaluate if the Gank-tumor suppressor axis is activated in chemoresistant hepatoblastoma patients and examine if an inhibitor of Gank, Cjoc42, might improve the chemosensitivity of cancer cells. Methods: Expression of Gank and its downstream targets were examined in fresh human HBL samples using immunostaining, QRT-PCR, and Western Blot. Cancer cells, Huh6 (human HBL) and Hepa1c1c7 (mouse HCC) were treated with Cjoc42 and with Cjoc42 in combination with cisplatin or doxorubicin. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, and chemoresistance were examined. To examine activities of Cjoc42 in vivo, mice were treated with different doses of Cjoc42, and biological activities of Gank and cytotoxicity of Cjoc42 were tested. Results: Elevation of Gank and Gank-mediated elimination of TSPs are observed in patients with minimal necrosis after chemotherapy and relapsed disease. The treatment of Huh6 and Hepa1c1c7 with Cjoc42 was not cytotoxic; however, in combination with cisplatin or doxorubicin, Cjoc42 caused a significant increase in cytotoxicity compared to chemotherapy alone with increased apoptosis. Examination of Cjoc42 in WT mice showed that Cjoc42 is well tolerated without systemic toxicity, and levels of tumor suppressors CUGBP1, Rb, p53, C/EBPα, and HNF4α are increased by blocking their Gank-dependent degradation. Conclusions: Our work shows that Cjoc42 might be a promising adjunct to chemotherapy for the treatment of severe pediatric liver cancer and presents mechanisms by which Cjoc42 increases chemo-sensitivity.
Alcohol and cannabis co-use and social context as risk pathways to sexual assault.

Objective: Simultaneous use of alcohol in combination with cannabis ("co-use") is common among young adults, and associated with myriad consequences. Yet no studies have examined how co-use may confer vulnerability for sexual assault (SA). Further, though both co-use and SA commonly occur in social settings, there have been no examinations of the role that co-use may play in the broader social context that leads to assault risk. This was the objective of the present study. Method: In a community sample of young adult women, (N = 174; Mage = 22.6), we examined risk pathways to SA, guided by Routine Activities Theory (Mustaine & Tewksbury, Criminal Justice Review, 2002, 27, 89). Using a longitudinal burst design with 27 daily assessments across 1 year, women reported on their own and others' alcohol, cannabis, and co-use, and on social context and assault experiences. Results: Multilevel path model results showed alcohol and cannabis co-use to confer unique risk for SA, above and beyond the influence of use of either substance alone. Intoxication and components of the co-use social context (proximity to offenders) mediated this risk. Importantly, we observed a key role for co-use by others within the social context in assault risk. Conclusions: This study adds to the literature by providing a nuanced and contextual account of how cannabis-alcohol co-use may lead to assault vulnerability in young adult women. Findings underscore the need for intervention efforts that expand their focus to include the broader social context, and the role that the use and co-use behaviors of others may play within this context. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).