cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Source-side shear-wave splitting and upper-mantle flow beneath the Arakan slab, India-Asia-Sundalind triple junction

Shear-wave splitting of S waves from earthquakes in the Arakan slab is consistent with strong asthenospheric anisotropy that developed as a consequence of the India-Asia collision. Global positioning system (GPS) site velocities in the India-Asia-Sundaland triple junction region show that deformation along the Arakan subduction zone is partitioned into dextral strike-slip motion, as India moves northwards with respect to Asia, and contraction across the Arakan trench and Chittagong-Tripura fold belt. Indian Ocean lithosphere comprising the Arakan slab is dismembered into three segments as a result of its collision with Asian lithosphere at the East Himalayan syntaxis. Offsets of intermediate-depth earthquake hypocenters at two locations delineate slab segments that form a left-stepping en echelon structure. Arakan slab focal mechanisms are consistent with slab sinking and along-strike compression and bending, and, south of 25°N, dextral strike-slip along the slab. Two regions of N-S contraction within the slab appear to be localized at the slab segment offsets. Teleseismically recorded S waves from earthquakes within the three slab segments, and surroundings, are split systematically: once corrected for receiver-side splitting, fast shear trends are predominantly trench-parallel beneath the east-dipping slab segments; are more nearly trench-normal on the Sundaland (east) side of the Arakan lithosphere; parallel the southern ∼E-W gap between Arakan slab segments; and turn sharply around the extreme northern and southern edges of subducted Arakan lithosphere. Source-side shear-wave splitting beneath India is consistent with observed ∼E-W–trending fast shear polarizations of SK(K)S splitting in northeastern India. The general pattern of both surface site velocities from GPS and shear-wave splitting studies is consistent with material flow around the eastern Himalayan syntaxis and into the mantle wedge above the Arakan slab, and around the northern terminus of the Arakan slab. The upper mantle may also flow through the gap between the central and southern Arakan slab segments.
Effect of indenter shapes on bond pad hardness studies of low-k devices

The idea of using low-k materials compared to conventional silica (SiO"2) poses a large challenge to the back end processes such as wire bonding. In this study, numerical methods such as finite element method is used to characterize the permissible compressive bonding load at the bond pad. Since micro and nano hardness test conventionally use a conical indenter while the wirebond process experiences a spherical indentation, a comparison is made in terms of the force-indentation depth graphs. Results shows that the conical indenter induces early damage and their prediction of the force can be taken as a conservative measure during the wirebond process design. Further a numerical model can be made to verify for its sufficiency to squash the gold ball for a required dimension and to check for any damage within the device. In addition, the strain contours within the device at different metal layers provides better insight to modify the device's active circuit layout below bond pad to distribute the forces evenly.
A toolkit for constraint management in heterogeneous information systems

We present a framework and a toolkit to monitor and enforce distributed integrity constraints in loosely coupled heterogeneous information systems. Our framework enables and formalizes weakened notions of consistency, which are essential in such environments. Our framework is used to describe: interfaces provided by a database for the data items involved in inter site constraints; strategies for monitoring and enforcing such constraints; guarantees regarding the level of consistency the system can provide. Our toolkit uses this framework to provide a set of configurable modules that are used to monitor and enforce constraints spanning loosely coupled heterogeneous information systems.
Serum concentrations of haptoglobin and haptoglobin-matrix metalloproteinase 9 (Hp-MMP 9) complexes of bovine calves in a bacterial respiratory challenge model

Serum haptoglobin (Hp) and haptoglobin matrix metalloproteinase 9 complexes (Hp-MMP 9) have been identified as biomarkers with diagnostic potential in cattle with conditions resulting in an acute inflammatory response. The purpose of this study was to evaluate potential diagnostic applications of serum Hp and Hp-MMP 9 concentrations in calves with BRD and establish a timeline for their detection in calves experimentally challenged with Bibersteinia trehalosi and Mannheimia haemolytica. Thirty-five cross bred dairy calves were inoculated via tracheal catheterization with either a PCR confirmed leukotoxin negative B. trehalosi isolate, a PCR confirmed leukotoxin positive B. trehalosi isolate, a Mannheimia haemolytica isolate, a combination of leukotoxin negative B. trehalosi and M. haemolytica, or a negative control. Serum samples were collected throughout the study. Calves were euthanized and necropsy performed on day 10 post inoculation. M. haemolytica inoculated calves had increased lung involvement. Serum Hp and Hp- MMP 9 concentrations were elevated compared to the other treatment groups. Increases in serum Hp and Hp-MMP 9 concentrations for the M. haemolytica group were significantly different from other study groups on day 7 of the study. B. trehalosi inoculated calves did not have increased lung involvement compared to control calves, but the leukotoxin positive B. trehalosi group demonstrated increased serum Hp-MMP 9 concentrations from day 3 to the end of the study compared to the pre-inoculation concentrations. Serum Hp-MMP 9 concentration is a useful diagnostic tool for detecting early pulmonary inflammation in calves challenged with B. trehalosi and M. haemolytica. Serum Hp-MMP 9 may also be a useful tool in detecting subclinical pulmonary inflammation in challenged calves.
ACE and ACE2: their role to balance the expression of angiotensin II and angiotensin-(1–7)

The discovery of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2) has revealed a far more complex enzymatic cascade that may influence the renin-angiotensin system within the kidney, specifically the expression of the functional products angiotensin II (Ang II) and Ang-(1-7). The regulation of this critical system involved in blood pressure control must now encompass the integral relationship of ACE and ACE-2 activities.
IDENTIFICATION OF PEPTIDES TARGETING THE SURFACE OF PLASMODIUM FALCIPARUM-INFECTED ERYTHROCYTES USING A PHAGE DISPLAY PEPTIDE LIBRARY

Drastic changes in the plasma membrane of Plasmodium falciparum-infected red blood cells (iRBCs) make the surface of iRBCs distinct from that of the uninfected erythrocyte. To identify small peptides that would specifically recognize the altered surface of iRBCs, we screened a phage display peptide library (PDL) on the surface of iRBCs. After the sixth panning of the PDL, eight phage clones of 18 sequenced clones had the same sequence, LVDAAAL (named P1) and specific binding of P1 to the surface of iRBCs was confirmed using phage expressing P1 peptides and synthetic P1 peptide. When P1 peptide was conjugated with a peptide having moderate hemolytic activity, the peptide conjugate inhibited the growth of intracellular parasites in a dose-dependent manner, whereas control peptides were without effect. Our results demonstrate that the P1 peptide may be a lead compound for the development of anti-malarial agents targeting the surface of iRBCs.
Factors influencing prostate cancer screening in African American men.

African American men have the highest prostate cancer incidence and mortality rates worldwide, but have lower screening rates compared with Caucasian men. The purpose of the study was to identify s...
Exploring feedback and endogeneity in agent-based models

Agent-based modeling is an approach used to describe systems composed of autonomous, independent, interactive, and potentially adaptive agents. Although agent-based models (ABMs) often include endogenous relationships that exist in agent-level interactions, such relationships are seldom salient when the structural elements of the models are analyzed and communicated. There are close relationships between agent-based modeling and other systems modeling techniques, such as the system dynamics approach. In system dynamics, feedback effects among major model components that can rapidly take systems far from equilibrium states are central to the modeling approach. In this paper we distinguish between structural endogeneity and behavioral endogeneity in models and derive an explicit representation of feedback and endogeneity in agent models---agent feedback diagrams. Finally, we describe a way that endogeneity and feedback may be highlighted in agent-based modeling and simulation.
A Technology Classroom Review Tool for General Psychology

We developed a computerized game designed around principles shown to improve classroom performance and experience: multimedia, practice testing, vivid instructional techniques, and in-class participation. Students compete as 2 teams, and the game plays like Jeopardy meets Hollywood Squares with learning outcomes. Our evaluation indicated that the game was effective in small to larger classes (28 to more than 50 students). We present data supporting the game's effectiveness, and we discuss students' reactions and data concerning self-reported effectiveness and perceived value.
Surgical Treatment of Exstrophy of the Bladder with Emphasis on Neonatal Primary Closure: Personal Experience with 28 Consecutive Cases Treated at the University of Washington Hospitals from 1962 to 1977: Techniques and Results

Of 28 consecutive previously untreated cases of exstrophy of the bladder seen from 1962 to 1977, 20 presented in the classical form, 3 had complete epispadias, 2 were cloacal, 1 had a superior vesical fissure and 2 were variants. Primary closure was attempted in all patients except a 1-year-old child with a tiny metaplastic bladder and 1 with cloacal exstrophy who died during the neonatal period. Closure was attempted as early as possible. Osteotomies were not required in 9 cases in which closure was done within 48 hours after birth. All older children had iliac osteotomies with simultaneous bladder closure. Complete epispadias is the goal of the initial stage in this multistage procedure. An attempt is made to swing the separated abdominal-perineal midline structures together, after dissection has freed the edge of the bladder and urethra from the skin and muscles. A key in the dissection is palpation of the medial edges of the symphyses pubes. Once these are exposed rectus fascia and muscle, and perineal structures are traced from them. I use 5F infant feeding tubes as ureteral stents brought out through the urethra. A feeding tube is anchored in the bladder and brought out per urethram for drainage. The bladder is closed with interrupted permanent non-reactive materials. Currently, 5-zero and 4-zero polypropylene is placed extramucosally in neonates. The same sutures close the recti and fascia. Symphyses are brought together in neonates with 2, 3-zero figure-of-8 polypropylenes. Subsequent stages, starting when the patient is about 1 year old, usually are required to correct epispadias. Most cases also require ureterovesicoplasties, herniorrhaphies and release of chordee. Of 26 patients 12 are continent, including 6 of the 19 classical cases, 2 complete epispadiacs, 2 variants and the 1 fissure. Of the classical types 9 patients are diverted and 3 are too young to evaluate. The upper tracts are better in closed than in diverted systems.
Abstract 555: The Atypical Cadherin Fat1 Interacts With the Intermediate Filament Vimentin in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells and Limits Atherosclerosis

Fat1 controls vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) growth and migration. In recent studies, we found that Fat1 expression colocalizes with VSMCs in atherosclerotic lesions from apoE-/- mice, and also identified the intermediate filament protein vimentin as a novel Fat1 interactor. Like Fat1, vimentin is expressed in VSMCs in atherosclerotic lesions and affects cell growth. We hypothesized that Fat1 regulation of VSMC activities limits atherosclerosis, and that the Fat1-vimentin interaction contributes to this regulation. To test this idea, we generated fat1VSMC-KO; apoE double knockout (DKO) mice and assessed atherosclerosis after 24 weeks on a high fat diet, analyzing aortic roots and brachiocephalic arteries (BCA) for lesion area and immunohistochemical features. DKO mice (N=10) exhibited larger lesions (p<0.05) at the aortic root (80837.0±7942.4μm2) and BCA (36017.2±10496.4) compared to control (64190.2±6539.1 and 19462.9±5246.3, respectively). These lesions displayed significantly thicker fibrous caps (...
Alterations in nicotinamide and adenine nucleotide systems during mixed-function oxidation of p-nitroanisole in perfused livers from normal and phenobarbital-treated rats.

The contents of adenine nucleotides as well as steady-state concentrations of a number of glycolytic, pentose phosphate-pathway and tricarboxylic acid-cycle intermediates were measured in extracts of livers from normal and phenobarbital-treated rats that were perfused with p-nitroanisole. Metabolites were measured in livers that were freeze-clamped during periods of maximal rates of drug metabolism. Treatment of rats with phenobarbital increased rates of p-nitroanisole O-demethylation approx. fivefold. The concentrations of lactate, xylulose 5-phosphate and ribulose 5-phosphate were increased by phenobarbital treatment, whereas that of fructose 1,6-bisphosphate declined. Perfusion of livers with p-nitroanisole produced significant increases in 6-phosphogluconate and ribulose 5-phosphate in livers from phenobarbital-treated rats, but not in livers from control rats. Treatment of rats with phenobarbital caused [NADP(+)]/[NADPH] to change in the direction of more oxidation, as calculated from measured concentrations of 6-phosphogluconate and ribulose 5-phosphate; however, the [NADP(+)]/[NADPH] ratio calculated from ;malic' enzyme was not changed. Additions of p-nitroanisole produced a reduction of NADP(+) as calculated from 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase activity, but did not alter the [NADP(+)]/[NADPH] ratio calculated from substrates assumed to be in equilibrium with ;malic' enzyme. Activities of both glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase and ;malic' enzyme were increased by phenobarbital treatment. NAD(+) became more reduced as a result of phenobarbital treatment; however, perfusion of livers with p-nitroanisole did not cause a change in the oxidation-reduction state of this nucleotide. Concentrations of adenine nucleotides in livers were not altered significantly by treatment of rats with phenobarbital; however, a significant decline in the [ATP]/[ADP] ratio occurred during mixed-function oxidation of p-nitroanisole in livers from phenobarbital-treated rats, but not in livers from normal rats. Perfusion of livers with two other substrates for mixed-function oxidation, hexobarbital and aminopyrine, produced an increase in the [NADP(+)]/[NADPH] ratio calculated from ;malic' enzyme. In contrast with livers perfused with p-nitroanisole, there was no significant change in adenine nucleotides in livers exposed to hexobarbital or aminopyrine. Addition of 2,4-dinitrophenol (25mum) to the perfusate containing aminopyrine decreased the [ATP]/[ADP] ratio and tended to prevent the oxidation of NADPH observed with aminopyrine alone. Thus in the presence of an uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation, NADPH generation may exceed its utilization via mixed-function oxidation.
Secondary malignancies diagnosed using kidney needle core biopsies: a clinical and pathological study of 75 cases

Involvement of the kidney by secondary malignancies is uncommon. Differentiating secondary malignancies from primary kidney/urothelial tumors can be challenging, especially on limited biopsy material. A retrospective search of our institutional archive from January 2002 to May 2015 identified 1572 cases of imaging-guided needle core biopsies of the kidney. Of these, 75 (5%) cases revealed a secondary malignancy; 48 (64%) patients had undergone the biopsy with a primary kidney tumor favored clinically. There were 39 male and 36 female patients with a mean age of 59.4 years (range, 21-83 years). The majority of the cases (n = 55, 73%) were metastases from solid tumors, with lung being the most common primary site (n = 22, 29%). Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma was the most common hematological malignancy (n = 6) secondarily involving the kidney. Radiographically, 58 (77%) cases presented as a solitary kidney mass. The primary malignancy was known prior to the kidney biopsy in 66 (88%) cases. The mean interval between diagnoses of the primary tumor and secondary involvement of the kidney was 4.5 years. Immunohistochemical stains were performed in 65 (87%) cases. Follow-up information was available for 73 patients; mean survival was 19.4 months, with 43 patients dead of their disease (mean, 12 months) and 30 patients alive at last follow-up (21 with and 9 without disease; mean, 30 months). Secondary malignancy in the kidney may clinically and pathologically mimic primary kidney tumors. Accurate diagnosis can be rendered by correlating pathological features with clinical and radiographic findings and judicious use of ancillary studies.
Impact of histologic subtype and sarcomatoid transformation on metastasis in renal cell carcinoma: a single institute experience in 149 patients

To compare the metastatic pattern and outcome of clear cell RCC (ccRCC) and papillary RCC (pRCC), and to assess the impact of sarcomatoid transformation on the disease spread and prognosis. This IRB-approved, HIPAA-compliant retrospective study included 149 consecutive patients (108 men; mean age 58 years; range 25–86) with metastatic RCC (ccRCC = 116, pRCC = 33), identified from imaging database. All available imaging studies and electronic records of these patients were reviewed to document pathological features, distribution and timing of metastasis, and survival. The metastatic pattern and survival was first compared between the ccRCC and pRCC groups, and then between those with and without sarcomatoid transformation; all 27 cases of sarcomatoid transformation occurred in the ccRCC group. Metastases were noted at presentation in 62 (42%) and after median 13 months in the remaining 87 (58%) patients. Lymph nodes (134/149), lung (125/149), and bone (60/149) were the most common metastatic sites, which did not differ between the RCC subtypes. Pancreatic (p = 0.0014) and renal (p = 0.046) metastases were more common in ccRCC, lymphangitic spread (p = 0.0003) and peritoneal metastasis (p = 0.039) more common in pRCC. In ccRCC, sarcomatoid transformation was associated with high-grade tumors (p < 0.0001), more frequently demonstrated lymphangitic (p = 0.016), pleural (p = 0.0018), and peritoneal metastases (p = 0.0002), and had shorter metastasis-free survival and overall survival (log-rank test, p < 0.0001). In the absence of sarcomatoid transformation, ccRCC had longer metastasis-free interval (median 22 months compared to 6 months) (p = 0.0238) and overall survival (median survival 48 months vs. 25 months) (p = 0.0193) compared to pRCC. Histologic subtype, as well as the presence of sarcomatoid transformation, affects the metastatic pattern and metastasis-free survival of RCC. In the absence of sarcomatoid transformation, ccRCC has a better outcome than pRCC.
THE APPLICATION OF THE HAMMETT EQUATION TO CYCLOPHOSPHAZENES

Abstract The applicability of the extended Hammett equation to substituted cyclophosphazene pK a values taken from the literature is demonstrated. Steric effects were shown to be absent or constant by correlation with the LDS form of the extended Hammett equation. The magnitude and composition of the electrical effects in the cyclotriphosphatriazenes is generally comparable to that observed for 2-substituted pyrimidines and 6-substituted-2,4-diamino-1,3,5-triazines, and differs significantly from that observed for 2- and 4-substituted pyridines. The data were also correlated with the Kabachnik equation. The results that were obtained with the extended Hammett equation were at least as good as those obtained with the Kabachnik equation.
Abstract 2908: Function and regulation of peroxiredoxin proteins in doxorubicin-treated MCF-7 breast cancer cells.

The Peroxiredoxin (Prdx) family of genes encodes thiol-specific antioxidant proteins that protect cells from oxidative stress. Mammalian cells express six different Prdx proteins, and these proteins play a role in cell signaling, proliferation and apoptosis. Recent studies have shown that Prdx levels are elevated in many cancers, suggesting that Prdx upregulation may be an advantageous adaptation to the cancerous state. In the present study we investigated the expression and function of different Prdx proteins in untreated and doxorubicin-treated MCF-7 breast cancer cells, as well as noncancerous MCF-10A cells. We used real-time PCR and western blotting to examine Prdx expression in both cell lines, and also measured Prdx protein expression in doxorubicin-treated MCF-7 cells. In addition, we suppressed Prdx expression using transiently transfected siRNA and measured cell proliferation and apoptosis. Our results show that MCF-7 cells are significantly more resistant to cell death induced by the chemotherapy agent doxorubicin. We also found that five of the six Prdxs are overexpressed in MCF-7 cells at the mRNA and protein levels, and that serum deprivation reduced Prdx expression. Treatment of MCF-7 cells with doxorubicin altered expression of specific Prdxs, demonstrating a specific effect on these antioxidants. Transient transfection of MCF-7 cells with Prdx6 siRNA resulted in a marked reduction in Prdx6 suppression, with no change in other Prdx proteins. Suppression of Prdx6 in these cells led to reduced cell proliferation and increased susceptibility to doxorubicin-induced death. Similar studies are currently underway for the other Prdx proteins. Together, these findings suggest that Prdx overexpression in MCF-7 cells may be cytoprotective and that Prdxs may contribute to doxorubicin-resistance in these and other breast cancer cells. Citation Format: Caitlin McDonald, Gregg Perlmutter, Kekoa Taparra, Jillian Muhlbauer, Julie Passarelli, Shelley A. Phelan. Function and regulation of peroxiredoxin proteins in doxorubicin-treated MCF-7 breast cancer cells. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2908. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-2908
An Investigation of the Mediational Mechanisms Underlying Attitudinal Conditioning

The authors examine the two principal mechanisms that have been proposed as possible explanations for the effects of classical conditioning procedures in attitude-shaping applications. They report ...
MODAL ANALYSIS OF A TEETERED-ROTOR WIND TURBINE USING THE FLOQUET APPROACH

This paper examines the operating modes of a twobladed teetered wind turbine modeled with seven degrees of freedom: nacelle yaw, hub teeter, flapping of each blade, tower fore-aft bending, tower lateral bending, and tower twist. Because of the gyroscopic asymmetry of its rotor, this turbine’s dynamics can be quite distinct from that of a turbine with three or more blades. This asymmetry leads to system equations with periodic coefficients that must be solved by the Floquet approach to extract the correct modal parameters. Results illustrate how the turbine modes become more dominated by the centrifugal and gyroscopic effects as the rotor speed increases. Under certain design conditions, the gyroscopic coupling may cause phase locking or frequency coalescence of the yaw and teeter modes resulting in self-excited dynamic instabilities.
The Life Cycle of Perlesta placida (Plecoptera: Perlidae) in an Intermittent Stream in Northern Texas

Perlesta placida (Hagen) emerged when x daily stream temperatures approached 20°C. Adults came to lights May-July, with maximum attraction at 0.5-1.0 h after sunset. Mean head capsule width decreased seasonally from 1.4 to 1.3 mm in males and 1.8 to 1.6 mm in females. Laboratory life span was ca. 8 days. Fecundity ranged 130-453 eggs/♀ with x = 276±96 eggs. Eggs were smooth, brown, measured 0.44×0.28 mm and underwent a differential 5-6 mo or one yr and 5-6 mo diapause. Diapause was broken when x daily stream temperatures decreased to ca. 18 °C in Oct.-Nov. Eyespots appeared in Sept., ca. 4 wks before hatching. First instars were unpigmented, had 4 cereal and 9 antennal segments and their x interocular distance was 0.16 mm. The life cycle was a fast type with greatest growth beginning in Mar., after emergence of Hydroperla crosbyi (Needham and Claassen). Female larvae were consistently larger than males. Size frequency distribution indicated ca. 12-16 instars. The 1st few instars fed primarily on detritus, whereas older carnivorous larvae preferred Chironomidae larvae; other food items included Simuliidae, Choroterpes mexicanus Allen and Hydropsyche simulans Ross.
A CASE REPORT OF COMBINED INTRA-UTERINE AND EXTRA-UTERINE PREGNANCIES RESULTING IN TWO LIVE CHILDREN.

A case of the rare condition of combined simultaneous intra-uterine and extra-uterine pregnancy resulting in two live children is recorded. The incidence of this condition is variously reported as between 0.001 percent and 0.005 percent in all pregnancies. Rarer still is the delivery of two live children, especially a live extra-uterine foetus which, other than being premature by weight, was normal, while the intra-uterine foetus exhibited congenital malformations.
The Changing Role of the Chief Marketing Officer: Unlocking the Power of Data-Driven Communication

The author demonstrates the extent to which digitalisation is changing the balance of power between individuals and institutions and notes the communicational challenges that this poses for CMOs. Today, they must understand how individuals act as well as they understand the market itself. This chapter looks into how CMOs remain successful in competition—in a situation in which consumers are characterised for one by a dramatic reduction in attention span and for another by increased expectations. The author describes how the customers’ new role is that of co-creators and innovation drivers. The consequence for CMOs is that they must in future improve integration of consumer feedback. The study cited refers to the need for a customer-centric mindset rather than one that is focused on the customer in order better to understand the needs and motivation of the consumer. This chapter leads to three recommendations for CMOs: a change in understanding of the customer, improved expertise in digitalised incorporation of customer feedback and co-creation and a data-based and personalised customer approach.
Inflammatory properties of antibiotic-treated bacteria

Antibiotics have proven to be enormously effective tools in combating infectious diseases. A common roadblock to the effective use of antibiotics is the development of antibiotic resistance. We have recently observed that the very mechanism by which methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) becomes antibiotic resistant causes the organism to be more inflammatory to innate immune cells. In this review, we offer some thoughts on the ways in which antibiotics have been observed to influence immune responses to bacteria.
Hybrid perovskite vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser deploying nanoporous GaN dielectric reflector technology

Microstructure optimized, solution-grown perovskite thin film with high optical gain is sandwiched between two nanoporous GaN-based DBRs forming a vertical cavity. Low threshold spectrally and spatially coherent near infrared lasing is achieved by optical pumping.
Game-show science

Robert P Crease explains why science is never an idealized process that operates following simple rules.
Abstract 49: Prolyl Isomerase Pin1 Regulates Cardiac Hypertrophy via Controlling Phosphorylation of Akt and MEK

Rationale: Kinases and phosphatases regulate crucial aspects of growth and survival through phosphorylation and dephosphorylation of target substrates. Processes of cardiac hypertrophy, myocardial infarction, and heart failure are dictated in part by which kinases or phosphatases are involved and also by the intensity and duration of specific enzymatic activities. While research has identified numerous critical regulatory kinases and phosphatases in the myocardium, the intracellular mechanism for temporal regulation of signaling duration and intensity remains obscure. In the non-myocyte context, control of folding, activity, stability, and subcellular localization of proteins responsible for growth and survival is mediated by the prolyl isomerase Pin1. Objective: To establish the role of Pin1 in the heart. Method and Results: Initial characterization of myocardial Pin1 involved assessment of expression and localization during postnatal development or pathological challenge. Pin1 protein level was decreased and the location of Pin1 was changed from nucleus to cytoplasm with increasing age. Next, Pin1 protein expression and localization were assessed in the pathological challenged heart. Pin1 protein expression increases with pressure overload and ischemia, particularly in perivascular areas and in border zone myocytes, respectively. To determine the role of Pin1 on cardiac hypertrophy, siRNA to Pin1 (siPin1) was applied to neonatal rat cardiomyocytes. Western blot analysis showed that siPin1 decreased phosphorylation of Akt, and immunohistochemical analysis showed that siPin1 reduced cardiomyocyte size in response to high serum. siPin1 also decreased phosphorylation of MEK and reduced cardiomyocyte size in response to phenylephrine treatment. Furthermore, cardiac hypertrophy induced by transaortic constriction was ameliorated in Pin1 knockout mice, compared with littermate wild type mice. Conclusion: Expression and location of Pin1 during development and in response to pathologic challenge point to an important role for Pin1 in adaptation to myocardial growth or stress. Collective evidence indicates that Pin1 controls cardiac hypertrophy at least in part via regulating phosphorylation of Akt and MEK.
Pah1p negatively regulates the expression of V-ATPase genes as well as vacuolar acidification.

Abstract In yeast, PAH1 plays an important role in cell homeostasis and lipid biosynthesis. PAH1 encodes for the PA phosphatase, Pah1p, which is responsible for de novo TAG and phospholipid synthesis. It has been suggested that the lack of Pah1p causes irregular vacuolar morphology and dysfunctional V-ATPase pump activity. However, the molecular connection between Pah1p and V-ATPase activity has remained unclear. Through real-time PCR, we have shown that PAH1 is maximally induced at the stationary stage in the presence of inositol. We also found that vacuoles were less fragmented when PAH1 is maximally expressed. Subsequently, we observed that vacuoles from pah1Δ cells were more acidic than those in WT cells. Furthermore, V-ATPase genes were upregulated in the absence of Pah1p. These results suggest that Pah1p plays an important role in vacuolar activity by negatively regulating the expression of V-ATPase genes. As such, we provide evidence to show the role of Pah1p in vacuolar acidification and fragmentation.
Chapter One – Iodine Heterocycles

This chapter provides the first comprehensive review covering all main aspects of the chemistry of iodine heterocycles including preparation, structure, and synthetic applications. The most important and practically useful polyvalent iodine heterocycles have a five-membered ring, although several examples of three-membered, four-membered, and six-membered heterocycles with an iodine(III) or iodine(V) atom in the ring are also known. In general, iodine is not capable of forming conjugated cyclic systems with aromatic stabilization because of the large atom size and the semi-ionic nature of the hypervalent I–C, I–N, and I–O bonds. Despite the lack of aromatic conjugation, the five-membered heterocyclic iodine compounds (benziodoxoles and benziododazoles) have a considerably higher thermal stability compared to their acyclic analogs, which has made possible the preparation and isolation of iodine-substituted derivatives, such as bromobenziodoxoles, tosyloxybenziodoxoles, alkylperoxybenziodoxoles, azidobenziodoxoles, cyanobenziodoxoles, amidobenziodoxoles, alkynylbenziodoxoles, and trifluoromethylbenziodoxoles. Derivatives of benziodoxoles have found wide practical applications as oxidants and reagents for atom-transfer reactions in organic synthesis.
Formation of Spherulitic J-Aggregates from the Coassembly of Lithocholic Acid and Cyanine Dye.

Supramolecular aggregates of organic dyes through noncovalent interactions have attracted great interest because they exhibit collective optical and excitonic properties. We report the formation of spherulitic J-aggregates from the coassembly of lithocholic acid (LCA) and 3,3′-diethylthiacarbocyanine iodide (DiSC2(3)) in ammonia solution. Each spherulite contains a core, which serves as a nucleus for the growth of radially oriented J-aggregate fibrils. We find that the growth of spherulitic J-aggregates exhibits a sigmoidal kinetic curve with an initial lag time, followed by a period of rapid growth and a finally slow approach to equilibrium.
Statistical shape modelling to analyse the talus in paediatric clubfoot.

Serial Ponseti casting occasionally fails to completely correct idiopathic clubfoot deformities and recurrence of deformity occurs. As these bones are largely unossified, statistical shape modelling (SSM) from MRI considers the entire set of shape features simultaneously and may provide a more accurate assessment of differences in bone morphology between two groups. The purpose of this study was to compare the shape of the talus in normal and clubfeet using direct geometric measurements and SSM. Both methods found significant differences between the control and clubfoot groups.
The Stability of Organizational Commitment

Whereas a number of longitudinal studies have examined organizational commitment (OC), a more comprehensive examination of the forms of consistency in OC has never been conducted. Consistent with t...
Signaling Safety: Characterizing Fieldwork Experiences and Their Implications for Career Trajectories

Numerous studies use quantitative measures to evaluate retention, advancement, and success in academic settings. Such approaches, however, present challenges for evaluating the lived experiences of academics. Here, we present a qualitative thematic analysis of self-reports of positive and negative experiences that occurred while conducting academic field research. Twenty-six semistructured interviews highlighted two central themes: (1) variability in clarity of appropriate professional behavior and rules at fieldsites, and (2) access, or obstacles therein, to professional resources and opportunity. In some instances, respondent narratives recalled a lack of consequences for violations of rules governing appropriate conduct. These violations included harassment and assault, and ultimately disruptions to career trajectories. A heuristic construct of a traffic light describing Red, Yellow, and Green experiences illustrates the ramifications of this distribution of clarity and access within fieldsite contexts. These results extend the findings from our previously reported Survey of Academic Field Experiences (SAFE) about the climates and contexts created and experienced in field research settings. Moreover, this study addresses specific tactics, such as policies, procedures, and paradigms that fieldsite directors and principal investigators can implement to improve field experiences and better achieve equal opportunity in field research settings. [work environment, gender, field experiences, harassment]
Opinion: The Next Generation Researchers Initiative at NIH.

Growing concerns about the wellbeing and stability of the biomedical research workforce are well documented. Over the last 15 years (since the end of the doubling of the NIH budget), we have observed worsening “hypercompetition” as more scientists vie for fewer available dollars (1, 2). Within this hypercompetitive environment, the research workforce is growing older at a rate that is disproportionate to the general American labor force (3). Late-career investigators have been awarded a greater proportion of available research funding, raising concerns that early-career investigators risk being crowded out of the workforce before they have a chance to launch independent scientific careers (3). Other analysts have suggested that adverse effects are also being felt by midcareer investigators (4); large numbers of meritorious investigators may achieve research independence only to lose it because they are unable to renew their one grant or obtain a second new grant. Fig. 1. The NIH hopes its latest initiative will improve the grant-funding prospects for early- and midcareer investigators. Image courtesy of Shutterstock/Stephen_Payne. In our latest effort to tackle this problem, the NIH is launching the “Next Generation Researchers Initiative,” first announced in June. We believe this initiative will help ameliorate these difficult issues in a direct data-driven manner (5) by taking substantive steps to increase funding opportunities for early- and midcareer investigators. It is not entirely clear why early- and midcareer investigators are disproportionately affected by hypercompetition. Some worry about a review bias that favors more-experienced and better-known researchers (5), making it easier for them to get their applications favorably received at peer review. Others have suggested a resiliency factor (4): experienced, well-networked scientists may hold more than one grant or have access to greater sums of grant and private money, making it easier for them to weather the effects of rejected applications. Regardless of … [↵][1]1To whom correspondence should be addressed. Email: Michael.Lauer{at}nih.gov. [1]: #xref-corresp-1-1
Myogenic potential of mesenchymal stem cells isolated from porcine adipose tissue

Advances in stem cell biology and materials science have provided a basis for developing tissue engineering methods to repair muscle injury. Among stem cell populations with potential to aid muscle repair, adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASC) hold great promise. To evaluate the possibility of using porcine ASC for muscle regeneration studies, we co-cultured porcine ASC with murine C2C12 myoblasts. These experiments demonstrated that porcine ASC display significant myogenic potential. Co-culture of ASC expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) with C2C12 cells resulted in GFP+ myotube formation, indicating fusion of ASC with myoblasts to form myotubes. The presence of porcine lamin A/C positive nuclei in myotubes and RTqPCR analysis of porcine myogenin and desmin expression confirmed that myotube nuclei derived from ASC contribute to muscle gene expression. Co-culturing GFP+ASC with porcine satellite cells demonstrated enhanced myogenic capability of ASC, as the percentage of labeled myotubes increased compared to mouse co-cultures. Enhancing myogenic potential of ASC through soluble factor treatment or expansion of ASC with innate myogenic capacity should allow for their therapeutic use to regenerate muscle tissue lost to disease or injury.
Undergraduates Developing Their Own Systematic Integration of Psychology and Christianity

This article is written from the perspective of both professor and student, detailing the development of a system of psychology as a part of senior seminar. After briefly introducing professor and student, we each tell about the purpose of the project, the preparation for writing the system, the process of developing it, and the product—a system of psychology.
International Flight Considerations

Combined with the rising number of passengers, and increased capacity of larger airplanes with more long-distance domestic and international flights, with long-haul aircrafts—such as the Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 LR now capable of extending flight times to 18–20 h—it is likely that the incidence of in-flight medical emergencies will continue to increase in the coming years. International air travel in particular combines long-haul, extended flight times with unique exposures and an even more austere, secluded environment for passengers with acute and/or chronic illnesses, and suggests unique medical challenges for recognition, stabilization, treatment, diagnosis, and disposition.
Oscillatory firing and interneuronal correlations in squirrel monkey striate cortex

1. This work explores a mechanism that the brain may use for linking related percepts. It has been proposed that temporal relationships in the firing of neurons may be important in indicating how t...
Key Technological Challenges of the Earth Resources Technology Satellite Program

The first Earth Resources Technology Satellite was launched on July 23, 1972, and by this day in October has completed more than 1100 orbits of the Earth. The spacecraft is observing 200 scenes per day and transmitting data to three prime ground stations in the United States and one in Canada. This data is being processed at NASA’s ground data processing facility for subsequent distribution on a worldwide basis. The job of making ERTS successful has required meeting and solving a number of key technological challenges. Because time does not permit discussing all of them, we have selected four major topics for today’s meeting: orbit and coverage parameters, spectral characteristics, system performance and photographic interpretation and information extraction.
Improving conservation policy with genomics: a guide to integrating adaptive potential into U.S. Endangered Species Act decisions for conservation practitioners and geneticists

Rapid environmental change makes adaptive potential—the capacity of populations to evolve genetically based changes in response to selection—more important than ever for long-term persistence of at-risk species. At the same time, advances in genomics provide unprecedented power to test for and quantify adaptive potential, enabling consideration of adaptive potential in estimates of extinction risk and laws protecting endangered species. The U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA) is one of the most powerful environmental laws in the world, but so far, the full potential of genomics in ESA listing and recovery decisions has not been realized by the federal agencies responsible for implementing the ESA or by conservation geneticists. The goal of our paper is to chart a path forward for integrating genomics into ESA decision making to facilitate full consideration of adaptive potential in evaluating long-term risk of extinction. For policy makers, managers, and other conservation practitioners, we outline why adaptive potential is important for population persistence and what genomic tools are available for quantifying it. For conservation geneticists, we discuss how federal agencies can integrate information on the effect of adaptive potential on extinction risk—and the related uncertainty—into decisions, and suggest next steps for advancing understanding of the effect of adaptive potential on extinction risk. The mechanisms and consequences of adaptation are incredibly complex, and we may never have a complete understanding of adaptive potential for any organism. Nevertheless, we argue that the best available evidence regarding adaptive potential can now be incorporated by federal agencies into modeling and decision making processes, while at the same time conserving genome-wide variation and striving for a deeper understanding of adaptive potential and its effects on population persistence to improve decision making into the future.
Borax-Cross-Linked Guar Gum-Manganese Dioxide Composites for Oxidative Decolorization of Methylene Blue

Borax-cross-linked guar gum-manganese dioxide (GGB-MnO2) composite was synthesized using an environmentally friendly synthesis route and investigated for its efficiency of decolorizing methylene blue (MB) dye solution by an ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectrophotometric study. The GGB-MnO2 composite was characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The composite (1.2 g/L) exhibited excellent oxidative decolorization of MB (30 mg/L, 50 mL) solution to over 99% in 6, 13, and 40 min at pH 4, 7, and 10, respectively. The complete decolorization of MB occurred via a catalytic adsorption-oxidation-desorption mechanism. The GGB-MnO2 composite showed very good reusability and was stable after ten successive cycles with negligible losses of the decolorization efficiency.
Rethinking Remand: A Discussion of 'Completing the Analysis' in the EC-Aircraft Appeal

The appellate review process in the World Trade Organization (“WTO”) dispute settlement system has always contained a particular procedural hole. This hole appears when the Appellate Body overturns or modifies a panel’s erroneous legal analysis or interpretation, but for various reasons, it does not have a legitimate opportunity to correct the panel’s mistakes themselves, and has no way to remand the corrected approach back to the original fact-finder to complete its analysis. In this situation, the issue remains unresolved until the WTO Member files a new complaint and starts over. This paper reviews the Appellate Body’s approach towards correcting panel’s legal errors, and evaluates the merits of amending the dispute settlement rules to include a form of “remand” process. Further, this paper considers that the Members’ evolving expectations for the WTO dispute settlement system demonstrates that the rules governing the appellate process require further study. Accordingly, in light of recent appeals and on-going compliance disputes, the absence of a “remand” process remains a timely issue for WTO Member governments to discuss today. It is time for the WTO Membership to address the stumbling block that arises from an absence of a remand procedure in the WTO dispute settlement system.
Bromine-promoted cyclization of an olefinic α-aminonitrile: A practical synthesis of 5-aminocarbonyl-10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten-5,10-imine (ADCI)

Abstract The 10,11-dihydro-5 H -dibenzo[ a , d ]cyclohepten-5,10-imine ring system, bearing electron-with drawing substituents at either C5, or C5 and C11, is synthesized via electrophilic cyclization of an olefinic α-aminonitrile.
Supersonic Technology Concept Aeroplanes for Environmental Studies

The International Civil Aviation Organization is considering new environmental standards for future supersonic civil aircraft. NASA is supporting this effort by analyzing several notional, near-term supersonic transports. NASA’s performance, noise, and exhaust emission predictions for these transports are being used to inform a larger study that will determine the global environmental and economic impact of adding supersonic aircraft to the fleet beginning this decade. A supersonic business jet with a maximum takeoff gross weight of 55 tonnes is the focus of this paper. A smaller business jet weighing 45 tonnes is also discussed. Both airplanes use supersonic engines derived from a common contemporary commercial subsonic turbofan core. Aircraft performance, airport-vicinity noise, and exhaust emissions are predicted using NASA tools. Also investigated are some of the anticipated behaviors and requirements of these aircraft in the commercial airspace. The sensitivity of noise to system uncertainties is presented and alternative engine studies are discussed.