cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
GATA-4 and GATA-6 Modulate Tissue-Specific Transcription of the Human Gene for P450c17 by Direct Interaction with Sp1

Cytochrome P450c17 catalyzes steroidogenic 17alpha-hydroxylase and 17,20 lyase activities. Expression of the gene for P450c17 is cAMP dependent, tissue specific, developmentally programmed, and varies among species. Binding of Sp1, Sp3, and NF1-C (nuclear factor 1-C) to the first 227 bp of 5'flanking DNA (-227/LUC) is crucial for basal transcription in human NCI-H295A adrenal cells. Human placental JEG-3 cells contain Sp1, Sp3, and NF1, but do not express -227/LUC, even when transfected with a vector expressing steroidogenic factor 1 (SF-1). Therefore, other factors are essential for basal expression of P450c17. Deoxyribonuclease I footprinting and EMSAs identified a GATA consensus site at -64/-58 and an SF-1 site at -58/-50. RT-PCR identified GATA-4, GATA-6, and SF-1 in NCI-H295A cells and GATA-2 and GATA-3, but not GATA-4, GATA-6, or SF-1 in JEG-3 cells. Cotransfection of either GATA-4 or GATA-6 without SF-1 activated -227/LUC in JEG-3 cells, but cotransfection of GATA-2 or GATA-3 with or without SF-1 did not. Surprisingly, mutation of the GATA binding site in -227/LUC increased GATA-4 or GATA-6 induced activity, whereas mutation of the Sp1/Sp3 site decreased it. Furthermore, promoter constructs including the GATA site, but excluding the Sp1/Sp3 site at -196/-188, were not activated by GATA-4 or GATA-6, suggesting an interaction between Sp1/Sp3 and GATA-4 or GATA-6. Glutathione-S-transferase pull-down experiments and coimmunoprecipitation demonstrated interaction between GATA-4 or GATA-6 and Sp1, but not Sp3. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays confirmed that this GATA-4/6 interaction with Sp1 occurred at the Sp site in the P450c17 promoter in NCI-H295A cells. Demethylation with 5-aza-2-deoxycytidine permitted JEG-3 cells to express endogenous P450c17, SF-1, GATA-4, GATA-6, and transfected -227/LUC. Thus, GATA-4 or GATA-6 and Sp1 together regulate expression of P450c17 in adrenal NCI-H295A cells and methylation of P450c17, GATA-4 and GATA-6 silence the expression of P450c17 in placental JEG-3 cells.
Cloning and expression of Aspergillus fumigatus allergen Asp f 16 mediating both humoral and cell‐mediated immunity in allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA)

BACKGROUND Aspergillus fumigatus, a ubiquitous fungus, is responsible for a number of lung disorders in atopic and non-atopic individuals. Standardized, pure, and relevant allergens are desirable for reliable immunodiagnosis of the disease and to understand the structural and functional properties of these allergens and the role they play in causing ABPA. OBJECTIVE Molecular cloning and characterization of a relevant allergen from A. fumigatus cDNA library. MATERIALS AND METHODS A cDNA library was constructed from 96 h old mycelium of A. fumigatus using lambda ZAP expression vector. A novel gene encoding an A. fumigatus allergen was identified by screening the library with sera from ABPA patients. The gene was cloned and the allergen over-expressed in Escherichia coli. This recombinant allergen, Asp f 16, was evaluated in ELISA and Western blots using sera from patients and normal subjects and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) for antigen-induced stimulation. RESULTS Seventy percent of the patients with ABPA demonstrated high levels of serum IgE antibodies to Asp f 16, a 43-kDa protein, whereas patients with allergic asthma, Aspergillus skin test-positive asthmatics without clinical evidence of ABPA, and normal controls failed to show Asp f 16-specific IgE binding by ELISA. The deduced amino acid sequences of Asp f 16 showed extensive sequence homology to 30.6-kDa Asp f 9 at the N-terminal region of the protein. PBMC from the majority of patients with ABPA exhibited significant proliferation with the recombinant Asp f 16 allergen. CONCLUSION Specific humoral and cell-mediated immune responses of Af-sensitized patients against Asp f 16 suggest its usefulness in the immunodiagnosis of hypersensitivity diseases due to Af and understanding the pathophysiology of ABPA.
Synthesis of chiral phosphoantigens and their activity in γδ T cell stimulation

Abstract γδ T cells expressing Vγ2Vδ2 T cell receptors are activated by a broad range of phosphorus-containing small molecules, termed phosphoantigens, and are of interest in the context of the chemotherapy of B cell malignancies. Here, we report the synthesis of four pairs of chiral phosphoantigens: the bromohydrins of isopentenyl diphosphate (Phosphostim™), the epoxides of isopentenyl diphosphate (EIPP); and the corresponding bromohydrin and epoxide analogs of but-3-enyl diphosphate. The ability of each compound to stimulate human Vγ2Vδ2 T cells was determined by TNF-α release and cell proliferation. In these assays, the (R)-bromohydrin diphosphates were, on average, about twice as active as the (S)-bromohydrin diphosphates. In contrast, the (S)-form of EIPP was about twice as active as (R)-EIPP. The activities of the epoxy but-3-enyl diphosphates were both very low. These results suggest that chiral phosphoantigens, as opposed to racemic mixtures, may have utility in immunotherapy.
Re-Examination of the Crypto-Steady Pressure-Exchanger (Virtual Turbomachine)

A crypto-steady pressure-exchanger (rotating centerbody ejecting fluid in a supersonic flow field) is investigated based on fundamental fluid dynamic principles. The results are then compared to computational fluid dynamic (CFD) simulations of a simplified device. On the basis of this comparison the device studied is correctly classified as an unsteady ejector instead of a type of turbomachinery. Entropy gains (total pressure losses) associated with the complex fluid-fluid and fluid-centerbody interactions are shown to be greater than total pressure gains due to work addition. Compared to a steady ejector, the virtual turbomachine shows increased entrainment (mixing) of the main and injectant flows (89 %). However, the total pressure losses associated with the crypto-steady pressureexchanger are twice as large as those of a steady ejector.
Effects of Potassium-Sparing Versus Thiazide Diuretics on Glucose Tolerance: New Data on an Old Topic

See related article, pp 934–942 In the United States, thiazide (or thiazide-like) diuretics have been recommended for ≈40 years as initial antihypertensive drug therapy by guideline committees.1 In other locales, however, concern about potential metabolic effects, including hypokalemia, hyperglycemia, hypercholesterolemia, hypercalcemia, and hyperuricemia, has recently led to a re-evaluation of the “default first-line choice” for uncomplicated hypertension and (in the United Kingdom treatment guidelines since 2006) to favor either an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor or a calcium channel blocker instead.2 In this edition of Hypertension , Stears et al3 report the results of 2 double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trials comparing 4 weeks of amiloride versus a thiazide diuretic on oral glucose tolerance tests in hypertensive patients. Their principal conclusions are that both thiazides had a significant hyperglycemic effect (compared with placebo), which was not seen with equipotent hypotensive doses of amiloride. Despite the small numbers of subjects, the authors' observations fit nicely with much previous work (including oral glucose tolerance testing in treated hypertensive subjects in the European Working Party on Hypertension in the Elderly trial). Like recent reviews,4 the hyperglycemic effect of both thiazides was significantly correlated with decreases in serum potassium. In contrast, the potassium-sparing diuretic, amiloride, had no significant effect on oral glucose tolerance tests. The authors' inclusion of a β-blocker arm in each trial (to explore a secondary objective) suggested that β-blockers have less of an effect on glucose tolerance tests than thiazides. They concluded that amiloride, either alone or in combination, may prevent thiazide-induced …
Hardware toolkit for studying chaos: a live demonstration of nonlinear dynamics instrumentation with audience participation

Three instruments which have proven useful for studying nonlinear dynamical systems are demonstrated. The 3D rotator enables one to display in real time any two-dimensional projection of an attractor in R/sup 3/; it can also be used to take Poincare sections of attractors. The laser projector is a laser-based X-Y projection oscilloscope for demonstrating bifurcation phenomena. The nonlinear dynamics analyzer characterizes steady-state behaviors of nonlinear dynamical systems by estimating the power spectrum, dimension, and Lyapunov exponents of the corresponding attractors from their time series. >
A new terminal guidance sensor system for asteroid intercept or rendezvous missions

Abstract This paper presents the initial conceptual study results of a new terminal guidance sensor system for asteroid intercept or rendezvous missions, which explores the use of visual, infrared, and radar devices. As was demonstrated by NASA׳s Deep Impact mission, visual cameras can be effectively utilized for hypervelocity intercept terminal guidance for a 5 kilometer target. Other systems such as Raytheon׳s EKV (Exoatmospheric Kill Vehicle) employ a different scheme that utilizes infrared target information to intercept ballistic missiles. Another example that uses infrared information is the NEOWISE telescope, which is used for asteroid detection and tracking. This paper describes the signal-to-noise ratio estimation problem for infrared sensors, minimum and maximum range of detection, and computational validation using GPU accelerated simulations. Small targets (50–100 m in diameter) are considered, and scaled polyhedron models of known objects, such as the Rosetta mission׳s Comet 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko, 101,955 Bennu, target of the OSIRIS-REx mission, and asteroid 433 Eros, are utilized. A parallelized ray tracing algorithm to simulate realistic surface-to-surface shadowing of a given celestial body is developed. By using the simulated models and parameters given from the formulation of the different sensors, impact mission scenarios are used to verify the feasibility for intercepting a small target.
Bibliografía sobre el español en América: 1967-1971

El estudio del espanol de America es una disciplina que, si bien se inicia seriamente en los anos de la decada de 1920, ha ofrecido una abundante bibliografia escrita no solo por hispanoamericanos, sino tambien por linguistas y filologos europeos y norteamericanos. Ya que el interes por estos estudios es grande, me parecio oportuno recopilar en un volumen el material que se habia escrito sobre el tema durante los anos de 1920 a 1967, trabajo que aparecio publicado en 1970 baja el titulo de Bibliografia sobre el espanol en America: 1920-1967.
Law and Cloning — The State as Regulator of Gene Function

Cloning is the asexual reproduction of cells from a single parent so that the genetic constitution of the progeny cells is the same as that of the parent cell. The process is widespread throughout the microbial and plant world, lower animals, and in the natural growth and regeneration of the tissues of adult higher animals. We, ourselves, are the clones derived from a parental zygote, the formation of the latter being the only sexual step in going from two germ cells to the one zygote cell to the 1014 cells that we are.
Impurity Induced Slowing oF Nucleation in Emulsified Liquids

We report detailed nucleation studies on the liquid -to -solid transition of hexadecane using nearly monodisperse hexadecane -in -water emulsions. A careful consideration of the kinetics of isothermal and nonisothermal freezing show deviations from predictions of classical nucleation theory, if one assumes that the emulsion droplet population is homogeneous. Similar deviations have been observed previously [3]. As an explanation, we propose a novel argument based on the dynamic generation of droplet heterogeneity mediated by mobile impurities. This proposal is in excellent agreement with existing data.
Impact of an electronic alert and order set on smoking cessation medication prescription.

INTRODUCTION Tobacco cessation medication use increases the likelihood of a successful quit attempt, but few smokers are prescribed medications. Electronic health records (EHRs) may increase cessation medication prescription. This study aimed to assess the impact of an electronic alert and linked order set on cessation medication prescription. METHODS This pre- and postintervention cohort study was conducted in an urban academic general internal medicine practice with a comprehensive EHR. All active smokers with 2 or more visits to the practice in 2008 (preintervention cohort) or 2009 (postintervention cohort) were included. An electronic alert and linked order set were designed and implemented. The primary outcome was prescription of any cessation medication (nicotine replacement therapy, bupropion, or varenicline). Secondary outcomes included counseling referral and change in smoking status to quit during the study period (i.e., "quit rate"). RESULTS There were 1,349 and 1,346 smokers in the pre- and postintervention cohorts, respectively. Cessation medication prescription did not significantly change after the intervention (14.4% vs. 13.4% of smokers in the preintervention cohort, p = .5). Counseling referrals increased from 2.0% to 7.2% in the postintervention cohort (p < .001). More smokers in the postintervention cohort changed their smoking status to quit during the study period (20.5% vs. 17.1%, p = .06). CONCLUSIONS This provider-directed electronic alert and linked order set failed to increase cessation medication prescription. The consistent failure of provider-directed efforts to increase cessation medication use suggests that this is a patient-limited process. Future efforts to improve tobacco treatment should focus on overcoming patient-level barriers to cessation medication use.
Evaluating Test Methods for a Complex Connected System

As spacecraft and ships grow more complex and take on more challenging missions, the need for an accurate, time-sensitive, autonomous fault response grows. However, with a larger, connected system, the number of failure combinations grows intractably large and testing all fault scenarios becomes impossible. Therefore, those scenarios that are selected must maximize the information gained on system performance. In this paper we discuss metrics and methods for testing and evaluating complex connected systems. The connected systems are systems of interconnected components that combine to manage a common resource. Example connected systems are spacecraft or ship electrical and propulsion systems. The metrics and methods used to evaluate the test methods themselves are also discussed with particular attention to evaluating the selection of test scenarios. Experimental results were generated by using a test framework that combines hardware-inthe-loop testing with simulation-based testing. The framework supports batch testing of differing control algorithms against scenarios generated by an automated stimulator. In-test feedback allows the stimulator to select scenarios in response to previous results. Four different stimulator algorithms are discussed: Monte-Carlo selection; T-Wise generation; and criticality-based generation. The test framework was used to collect experimental data on the reaction of the controllers and the effectiveness of the final “resting” state. Analysis of this data demonstrated the efficacy of the simulation-stimulation framework in evaluating autonomous connected systems and provided quantitative comparisons of the alternative scenario selection algorithms.
Research on the Practice of the Functional Training of Chinese National Men's Volleyball Team Players

Taking the functional training of the Chinese national men's volleyball team players as the research object and applying methods of literature study,observation and interview,this thesis conducts a research on the functional training program and schedule,training methods and means and training effect of Chinese national men's volleyball team players,so as to provide reference for improving the physical training of Chinese volleyball players.The results show that the functional training target and program based on the analysis of the demand of the Chinese national men's volleyball team are in line with the objective situation of Chinese men's volleyball team and the demand for preparing the qualification competition of London Olympic Games.The training measures such as multi-joint involved exercises with small to medium load instead of heavy barbell squat exercises with large bad stimulation to knee joint,paying much attention to the players' movement quality,arranging reasonably exercise load and the content of injured players,controlling strictly the interval time between sets and strengthening regeneration and recovery exercises,have significant training effects in the preventing and controlling of the player's injury,enhancing the core stability and strength,and improving the dynamic chain transfer efficiency of volleyball specific skills.
The Research Progress for the Technical Treatment of Urban House-refuse's Penetrant

This article summarized and indentified the origin and characteristics for the penetrant of urban house-refuse,analyzed the situation and methods for the penetrant of urban house-refuse's dealing and specially discussed the current technology development for the penetrant of urban house-refuse's dealing at this present stage.
Complementary feeding status of 4~12 months infants in Beijing suburb in 2009

Objective To investigate the complementary feeding status of Beijing 4~12-month-old infant,and provide a scientific basis for the infant nutrition intervention. Method By using stratified cluster sampling method,431 4~12 months old infants in Beijing suburb were extracted and collected the informations of infant food supplement to make statistical analysis through questionnaires. Results All ages,formula milk was given priority to,and the add rate was higher. The formula milk was added before 4months;ordinary milk and yogurt were add between 4~6months.For 4~6months old infants,the higher rate of all types of food supplement were commercially available baby cereal,eggs,egg yolk,fruit,vegetables,fruits and vegetables water.For 7~9months and 10~12months old infants,various complementary feeding rates were higher,but the addition rates of bacteria algae,grains,animal blood were less.The complementary feeding index of each age group were 10.85±6.21,35.37±14.08and 26.32±5.63respectively.Moreover,mother's cultural degree and food for the family expenses were related to the food feeding index(P≤0.05). Conclusion There are certain problems of feeding infants in Beijing suburb,and need to be further improved.
Crypt-villus site of glucose transporter induction by dietary carbohydrate in mouse intestine

Intestinal brush-border glucose uptake rate is regulated by dietary carbohydrate level. However, this uptake response takes a day or more after a change in dietary carbohydrate level. Is this dieta...
'Candidatus Phytoplasma hispanicum', a novel taxon associated with Mexican periwinkle virescence disease of Catharanthus roseus.

Mexican periwinkle virescence (MPV) phytoplasma was originally discovered in diseased plants of Madagascar periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus) in Yucatan, Mexico. On the basis of results from RFLP analysis of PCR-amplified 16S rRNA gene sequences, strain MPV was previously classified as the first known member of phytoplasma group 16SrXIII, and a new subgroup (16SrXIII-A) was established to accommodate MPV phytoplasma. Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain MPV represents a lineage distinct from previously described 'CandidatusPhytoplasma' species. Nucleotide sequence alignments revealed that strain MPV shared less than 97.5 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with all previously described 'Ca.Phytoplasma' species. Based on unique properties of the DNA, we propose recognition of Mexican periwinkle virescence phytoplasma strain MPV as representative of a novel taxon, 'CandidatusPhytoplasma hispanicum'.
Consumer preferences for fixed versus variable quantities of electricity: joint estimation of contingent quantity and valuation methods

The structure of stated preference questions to value consumption from public infrastructure can vary depending on the conditions of consumption facing the household. Specifically, a good could be offered as a quasi-public or quasi-private good. This paper demonstrates how consumption from two alternative electricity allocation options can be valued using two types of stated preference questions. Since surveyed households were asked two types of questions, the authors develop a joint model of a contingent valuation question and a contingent quantity behavior response that allows for correlation in error terms across models. In their application to two villages in Rwanda, the authors find higher WTP for electricity consumed as a quasi-private good rather than a quasi-public good, with four hours of electricity per day, only in the evening. They also find correlation in the error terms across the two models, suggesting that their joint estimator is more efficient than estimating each model individually.
The Importance of Similarities Among Multiple Hazard Phenomena

There are significant similarities among many natural and man-made hazards. All involve energy; all occur over some time frame; and for natural hazards, there is no element of malevolence. These similarities make comparative analysis of various hazards very beneficial. Not only is understanding improved, but often an economic marginal analysis shows that two hazards can be mitigated for the price of mitigating one. By studying several hazards at the same time, the economic benefits of managing more than one hazard at a time may become apparent.
Phosphinimine complexes of technetium(VII): X-ray crystal structure of [Ph3P=NH+2][TcO−4]1

An X-ray diffraction study and the solution chemistry is reported for the very stable ion pair [Ph3P=NH+2][TcO−4]. This compound crystallizes in the orthorhombic system, in space group P212121, with cell dimensions of a = 11.1454(6), b = 11.449(2), and c = 14.570(2)A, and refining to R = 0.023 and RW = 0.031. Strong hydrogen bonds are formed between the iminium protons and the pertechnetate oxygens (1.89(6) and 2.23(6) A) in the solid state, and similar hydrogen bonding apparently occurs in aqueous solution to stabilize the phosphiniminium cation to hydrolysis.
Programmable and reversible assembly of soft capillary multipoles

The capillary assembly of stimulus-responsive hydrogel particles with programmed multipolar interactions defined by their prescribed three-dimensional (3D) shapes is demonstrated. Low-energy bending deformations of the particles, driven by surface tension, modifies the interactions between particles, while their temperature-dependent swelling enables switchable assembly.
Abstract 78: Chemokine-Driven β2 Integrin Adhesion Influences Macrophage Cytokine Gene Expression and Atherosclerotic Lesion Composition Through an Induced Rac2-Myosin IIa Interaction

Chemokine-driven β2 integrin adhesion facilitates the activation and subendothelial migration of monocyte/macrophages in both acute and chronic vascular inflammatory processes. We have shown that engagement of β2 integrin contributes to stabilization of labile mRNAs encoding inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, GM-CSF, IL-1), through translocation of the RNA binding protein HuR. These changes in cytokine gene expression influence monocyte/macrophage effector function, skewing the delicate balance between physiologic and pathologic responses. Using bone marrow-derived macrophages from wild-type and gene-deleted mice, we demonstrate that the hematopoietic cell-specific low molecular weight G protein, Rac2, is activated (GTP-bound) by β2 integrin engagement and required for effective integrin-induced nuclear-to-cytosolic HuR translocation. Moreover, this process depends on both the isoprenylation state of Rac2 and its interactions with Myosin IIA, an atypical myosin component of the cytoskeletal network. The HMG CoA reductase inhibitor atorvastatin leads to loss of Rac2 isoprenylation and consequent reduction in HuR translocation. The Myosin IIA-specific inhibitor, blebbistatin, disrupts the induced Rac2-myosin association, reduces translocation of HuR, and inhibits stabilization of cytokine mRNA. In Apo-E deficient mice, gene deletion of Rac2 influences atherosclerotic plaque composition, with more heavily calcified plaques identified by ex vivo microCT angiography. This provides evidence that Rac2’s effect on macrophage effector function influences consequential vascular pathology. In summary, chemokine-driven integrin engagement leads to isoprenylation-dependent activation of Rac2, resulting in translocation of HuR through an induced Rac2-Myosin IIA complex. This constitutes an important molecular switch in the activation of monocyte/macrophage inflammatory cascades, prolonging cytokine production and influencing the composition within vascular pathologies such as atherosclerosis. Targeting this newly identified signaling pathway has potential to yield a novel class of molecular therapeutics directed at influencing the course of vascular disease.
Rat and Mouse Models of Hypovolemic-Traumatic Shock

Accidental and intentional trauma continues to be the leading cause of death between the ages of 1 and 44 in the USA [1]. One half of the deaths occur from exsanguination or central nervous system trauma within 1 h of injury, and within a further 1 –2 h another 30% of deaths occur [2]. These are due to major internal injuries [2]. The cornerstone of management of traumatic-hemorrhagic shock is identification of the source of bleeding and its con trol, and rapid fluid infusion to maintain the cir culating volume. Although tremendous progress has been made in the resuscitation of trauma vic tims at the scene of the accident, sepsis and multi ple organ failure continue to be a major cause of late deaths in the surgical intensive care unit [3 –14]. In view of this, it is essential that more in vestigations into the pathophysiology and treat ment of experimental traumatic-hemorrhagic shock be carried out. Through such studies infor mation might be forthcoming which will lead to decreased morbidity and mortality of trauma victims.
Marital Satisfaction, Conflict Resolution Styles, and Religious Attendance Among Latino Couples: Using the Actor–Partner Interdependence Model

Research related to the process of communication among couples is central to the work of couple and family therapists. This study examines the relationship between couple’s conflict resolution styl...
Release of Applied Mechanical Loading Stimulates Intercellular Calcium Waves in Drosophila Wing Discs.

Mechanical forces are critical but poorly understood inputs for organogenesis and wound healing. Calcium ions (Ca2+) are critical second messengers in cells for integrating environmental and mechanical cues, but the regulation of Ca2+ signaling is poorly understood in developing epithelial tissues. Here we report a chip-based regulated environment for microorgans that enables systematic investigations of the crosstalk between an organ's mechanical stress environment and biochemical signaling under genetic and chemical perturbations. This method enabled us to define the essential conditions for generating organ-scale intercellular Ca2+ waves in Drosophila wing discs that are also observed in vivo during organ development. We discovered that mechanically induced intercellular Ca2+ waves require fly extract growth serum as a chemical stimulus. Using the chip-based regulated environment for microorgans, we demonstrate that not the initial application but instead the release of mechanical loading is sufficient, but not necessary, to initiate intercellular Ca2+ waves. The Ca2+ response depends on the prestress intercellular Ca2+ activity and not on the magnitude or duration of the mechanical stimulation applied. Mechanically induced intercellular Ca2+ waves rely on IP3R-mediated Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release and propagation through gap junctions. Thus, intercellular Ca2+ waves in developing epithelia may be a consequence of stress dissipation during organ growth.
The Other Slavery at the Heart of America: Andrés Reséndez, Indian Enslavement, and Looking South to Amazonia

This essay analyzes Andres Resendez’s new award winning book, The Other Slavery: The Uncovered Story of Indian Enslavement in America (2016), and takes stock of the analytical, historiographical, and conceptual contributions made in the book. I then turn to a historical context beyond the scope of Resendez’s study—the Ecuadorian Amazon—in order to highlight how Resendez’s conceptualization of the ‘other slavery’ can be productively engaged.
Stability and Performance of Wireless Sensor Networks during the Tracking of Dynamic Targets

The performance of Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) during the tracking of dynamic targets is addressed in this paper. The strategy outlined in this paper uses a Distributed implementation of a Kalman Filter to track dynamic targets. In contrast to the results reported in the literature, the approach in this paper has the Kalman Filter running on only one network node at any given time. The knowledge learned by this node, i.e. the system state and the covariance matrix, is passed on to the subsequent node running the filter. Since a finite subset of the sensor nodes is active at any given time, target tracking can be accomplished using lower power compared to centralized implementations of the Kalman Filter. The tracking problem in WSNs is formulated mathematically and the stability and tracking error of the proposed strategy is rigorously analyzed. Numerical simulations are then used to demonstrate the utility of the proposed technique. The results in this paper show that the proposed technique for target tracking will result in significant savings in power consumption and will extend the useful life of the WSN.
Sunlight Degradation of Polymeric Detectable Warning Surface Products

Detectable warning surface (DWS) is a panel product installed at the edge of curb ramps to warn visually impaired pedestrians about the proximity of the roadway. Most DWS products are made of polym...
Association of men's exposure to family planning programming and reported discussion with partner and family planning use: The case of urban Senegal.

Background Family planning programs increasingly aim to encourage men to be involved in women's reproductive health decision-making as well as support men to be active agents of change for their own and the couple's reproductive health needs. This study contributes to this area of work by examining men's exposure to family planning (FP) program activities in urban Senegal and determining whether exposure is associated with reported FP use and discussion of family planning with female partners. Methods This study uses data from two cross-sectional surveys of men in four urban sites of Senegal (Dakar, Pikine, Guediawaye, Mbao). In 2011 and 2015, men ages 15-59 in a random sample of households from study clusters were approached and asked to participate in a survey about their fertility and family planning experiences. These data were used to determine the association between exposure to the Initiative Senegalaise de Sante Urbaine (in English: Senegal Urban Reproductive Health Initiative) family planning program interventions with men's reported modern family planning use and their reported discussion of FP with their partners. Since data come from the same study clusters at each time period, fixed effects methods at the cluster level allowed us to control for possible program targeting by geographic area. Results Multivariate models demonstrate that religious leaders speaking favorably about family planning, seeing FP messages on the television, hearing FP messages on the radio, and exposure to community outreach activities with a FP focus (e.g., house to house and community religious dialogues) are associated with reported modern family planning use and discussion of family planning with partners among men in the four urban sites of Senegal. Conclusions This study demonstrates that it is possible to reach men with FP program activities in urban Senegal and that these activities are positively associated with reported FP behaviors.
Universal Human Rights Law in the United States

Universal human rights provided the primary legal justification for the American Revolution and have therefore been at the heart of the American law from the earliest years of the Republic. The inherent and inalienable rights of all human beings were cited in the Declaration of Independence of the United States, protected in the federal Bill of Rights and independently guaranteed by the separate constitutions of every state in the Union. American law and American lawyers consider support for universal rights to be the ultimate basis of all legitimate government, everywhere. So intimate is the connection between universal rights and the American legal tradition that in the eyes of the American government and courts most international declarations and covenants recognizing universal rights are simply restatements of existing United States law and established constitutional guarantees. This leads to a persistent and lingering suspicion of international authorities and tribunals that presume to revise or improve upon settled American understandings of human rights law. For the most part Americans view their federal courts as the most legitimate and accurate authorities on rights, because of their well-developed jurisprudence and perceived impartiality. As foreign and international tribunals develop deeper and more sophisticated rights traditions, American law and courts will take these more into account, as has already occurred in several recent Supreme Court decisions. Authority will flow to whichever officials and courts prove the most accurate in identifying and protecting universal human rights.
Reply to Kovaleski and Baseggio: Increased corn yields from historical climate trends are a double-edged sword.

Kovaleski and Baseggio (1) emphasize the importance of genetics and agronomic practices for determining trends in crop yield. Our recent analysis of US maize yields (2) explicitly evaluates how changes in certain agronomic practices and cultivar characteristics contribute to yield increases. We recognize the myriad factors that contribute to yield gains and welcome Kovaleski and Baseggio’s (1) additional analyses. We used US Department of Agriculture crop progress data (3) to calculate the yield gains attributable to earlier planting and longer-maturing cultivars. These changes in crop-development timing reflect the breeding and cultural practices that Kovaleski and Baseggio (1) reference but are also associated with changes in climate and … [↵][1]1To whom correspondence should be addressed. Email: eebutler{at}umn.edu. [1]: #xref-corresp-1-1
Immunology of Human Papovaviruses

Papovaviruses are small, nonenveloped DNA viruses that share certain morphological features and replicative processes. The term “papova” is an acronym composed by grouping the first two letters of “human papilloma. virus,” “mouse polyoma virus,” and “simian vacuolating virus” (simian virus 40, SV40) (Melnick, 1962). The papovaviruses fall naturally into two subgroups: the larger papilloma (wart) viruses, which produce benign tumors of the skin or mucous membrane, and the smaller viruses of the SV40-polyoma subgroup, most of which cause infections of the urinary tract and are oncogenic for laboratory animals. It has been proposed that the papovaviruses be established taxonomically as a family, Papovaviridae, containing two genera, Papovavirus A (the papillomaviruses) and Papovavirus B (viruses of the SV40-polyoma subgroup), and that virus species be designated by numbers (Melnick et al., 1974). Papovavirus infections of man and their chief characteristics are listed in Table 1.
A process to convert sunflower oil into a value added branched chain oil with unique properties

Abstract The global interest in reducing the use of petroleum resources to mitigate climate change has created a need for the continuing demand for environmentally friendly systems from renewable resources to produce clean and sustainable technology. One promising approach involves the development of catalysts and process improvements to increase the efficiency of the chemical modification reactions. In this study, sunflower oil was used in the skeletal isomerization reaction to introduce methyl branching at the alkyl fatty acid chain of the oil (methyl-branched-chain triglycerides (MBC-TG)) in the presence of a modified H+-BETA zeolite catalyst. Such modification of the oil is proposed to improve its low temperature fluidity, by preventing precipitation at low temperatures. The modified catalyst was easy to handle and separate from the reaction products. The products were thoroughly characterized by common analytical instruments. To evaluate the practicality of this environmentally friendly process, a techno-economic model was constructed to estimate the production cost.
Stigma and Shame

Stigma and Shame is a major focal point of my research. I begin with a discussion on Goffman’s notion of shame and then move into a review of literature on the concept of shame as failure. Next, I provide an overview of the food insecurity and shame literature among college students. Since there are few studies that touch on stigma and shame in college, I expand this review to include the general population. Though no questions were asked directly about stigma or shame in the UNT research, it emerged as a predominant theme. I highlight the five sub-themes students discussed about stigma and shame. Next, I discuss college students’ willingness to talk about their food insecurity with others. Finally, I highlight the potential to destigmatize food insecurity through increased awareness by university engagement with all students in a broad conversation about food insecurity and hunger on campus.
The auditory representation of vowels as inferred from psychoacoustical masking patterns

The auditory representation of vowels can be inferred through such psychoacoustic procedures as simultaneous and non-simultaneous masking, which include forward masking and the pulsation threshold. These techniques involve determination of a sinusoid’s (“signal”) threshold in the presence of a “masking” vowel. The masker’s auditory spectral representation is assumed to be correlated with the threshold (masking) pattern of the signal. However, simultaneous-masking patterns should be interpreted with caution in view of the potentially confounding effects of beats, combination tones and suppression. Non-simultaneous-masking procedures can be used to minimize these problems. When the masker is a vowel the masking pattern typically resolves the formant peaks. This auditory representation of the speech spectrum is based on the frequency resolving capabilities of the cochlea. The masking patterns obtained from some patients with sensorineural hearing loss of cochlear origin do not show clearly delineated peaks associated with the formant regions. Although present psychoacoustic techniques do not provide a means to determine, with assurance, the anatomical locus of the masking patterns, it is likely that they reflect neural activity at a relatively peripheral level of the auditory pathway. Therefore, the procedures can be used to help define the peripheral consequences of acoustic manipulations of speech.
Recent Progress of Membrane Distillation Technology Applied in Desalination

Membrane distillation (MD), as a biphasic separation method, has promising application prospect in seawater and brackish water desalination with desirable properties such as low energy consumption, cost-effective and high salt rejection, which has attracted more attention from researchers to explore its potential. In this paper, we summarize the operating mechanism and typical configurations of MD. Recent advances in three main research directions, including reforming membrane material, optimizing separation process and changing power source, are briefly overviewed. Additionally, challenges of future studies in MD are discussed at the end of this review, which purports to provide a reference for further development.
Design Comes to the Law School

This chapter documents how the Legal Design Lab at Stanford University has integrated design thinking into law school technology curriculum. In this chapter we profile the objectives of the lab and explore the work the lab has undertaken to introduce new opportunities for skill acquisition through design thinking courses, innovation sprints, and workshops. We explore the purpose, process, and outcomes of these new experiments in legal education, and overview the interdisciplinary methods we have developed, brought from design schools and human-computer interaction programmes. We detail examples of the specific types of classes, sprints, and workshops run, how we define learning outcomes, and how we evaluate student performance. Further, we explore the way in which we leverage technology to provide students with opportunities to acquire user research, mapping, rapid prototyping, and improved communication skills. Drawing on lessons observed over the life of the Design Lab, we conclude by reflecting on our experience of integrating design thinking into a law school programme and argue for the importance of design thinking as an aspect of technology training within and outside of law.
Quantifying Interdisciplinary History - The Record of (nearly) fifty years.

From its very beginnings, the JIH published articles that embraced quantitative methods, but in its effort to engage as many disciplines as possible, it did much more. Over the nearly fifty years o...
The German Right, 1918–1930: Political Parties, Organized Interests, and Patriotic Associations in the Struggle against Weimar Democracy

The failure of the Weimar Republic and the rise of National Socialism remains one of the most challenging problems of twentieth-century European history. The German Right, 1918–1930 sheds new light on this problem by examining the role that the non-Nazi Right played in the destabilization of Weimar democracy in the period before the emergence of the Nazi Party as a mass party of middle-class protest. Larry Eugene Jones identifies a critical divide within the German Right between those prepared to work within the framework of Germany's new republican government and those irrevocably committed to its overthrow. This split was only exacerbated by the course of German economic development in the 1920s, leaving the various organizations that comprised the German Right defenceless against the challenge of National Socialism. At no point was the disunity of the non-Nazi Right in the face of Nazism more apparent than in the September 1930 Reichstag elections.
A Flexible Photoelectrochemical Sensor for Hexavalent Chromium Detection

This paper presents a photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensor using flexible polymer as the substrate for detection of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) ions, showing a large sensing range from part per billion (ppb) level to part per million (ppm) level. This sensor utilizes layer-by-layer (LbL) self-assembled graphene intercalation to mediate the Schottky barrier formed between the metal electrodes (Au) and the photon-sensitive material (titanium dioxide, TiO 2 ), which enhances the photocurrent of the sensor more than three times. Additionally, graphene layer also improves the stability of the sensing signal (photocurrent) due to its role in facilitating the separation of photon-excited electrons and holes. Quercetin is used as the selective material in the sensing system, which can specifically interact with Cr(VI). The flexibility of metal electrode and nanomaterial films of the sensor allows the adoption of a flexible substrate, with great application potential in wearable or implantable sensors for animals and plants. The sensor shows a detection range from 14.9 to 3194.1 ppb in dissolved air, with a low detection limit of 9.5 ppb.
Entangled Educator Evaluation Apparatuses: Contextual Influences on New Policies.

Drawing on an actor-network articulation of evaluation theory, this article examines the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction’s transition from a punitive teacher evaluation model to a promising new development and support model, which focuses on teacher growth and environmental adjustments. Supported by dozens of interviews and observations of teachers, school and district administrators, support staff, and regional and state education organization employees, the article explains how material, discursive, and affective entanglements within and outside the evaluation apparatus constrained the realization of the new growth model of teacher evaluation. Actor-network evaluation provides a new articulation of evaluation contextualization that provides insight into why some promising changes may run out of steam.
Comparison of Histogram-Based Gaussian Analysis With and Without Noise Correction for the Characterization of Indeterminate Adrenal Nodules

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study is to determine whether gaussian-based histogram analysis without and with noise correction can characterize indeterminate adrenal nodules (those with attenuation greater than 10 HU on unenhanced CT) as lipid-poor adenomas. MATERIALS AND METHODS. This retrospective study evaluated adrenal nodules larger than 1 cm on unenhanced CT using gaussian analysis without and with noise correction on intralesional ROIs. Two independent readers who were blinded to the final diagnoses evaluated the nodules. The final diagnosis for each nodule was determined on the basis of pathologic findings or accepted imaging criteria. Interreader agreement was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient. Algorithm performance was summarized using sensitivity, specificity, and the AUC. RESULTS. Ninety-four adrenal nodules in 85 patients were analyzed; 36 of these were metastases (34 of which were pathologically confirmed), and 58 were presumed adenomas. Interreader agreement was excellent for nodule size, mean attenuation, SD of attenuation, and the gaussian index. Noise-corrected gaussian analysis had significantly higher specificity (81.9% vs 55.6%; p < 0.001) and lower sensitivity (36.2% vs 56.9%; p < 0.001) for identifying adenomas than did the uncorrected gaussian analysis. The AUC of corrected gaussian analysis was 0.72, which is significantly greater than that of uncorrected gaussian analysis (0.51; p ≤ 0.001) and similar to that of mean attenuation (0.77). CONCLUSION. Noise correction is necessary when using a gaussian analysis characterization of indeterminate adrenal nodules on modern unenhanced CT examinations. This method may be able to discriminate between adenomas and nonadenomas.