cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
DEMONSTRATION OF A 1,25-DIHYDROXYCHOLECALCIFEROL CYTOPLASMIC RECEPTOR-LIKE BINDER IN MOUSE KIDNEY

Isolated mouse renal tubule cells have been employed to demonstrate the presence of a specific highaffinity cytoplasmic binding protein for 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol (1,25(OH)2D3) in kidney. This receptorlikemacromolecule sedimented at 3.2 S in hypertonic sucrose density gradients. Scatchard analysis of [3H]1,25-(OH)2D3 binding at 0 C revealed an apparent Kd of 0.2 nM and a concentration of binding sites of 50 fmol/mg cytosol protein. In competition experiments, the binder exhibited a low affinity for other vitamin D3 metabolites;the order of potency was 1,25(OH)2D3 » 25OHD3 > I01OHD3 > 24R,25(OH)2D3. The sedimentation properties,binding affinity, and specificity of this 1,25(OH)2D3 binding protein are strikingly similar to the receptors inrat intestine, mouse bone, and human intestine. The demonstration of a renal receptor-like binder adds furthersupport to theconcept that the kidney_is a 1,25(OH)2D3 target organ.
A Discontinuous Galerkin Method for Linear Symmetric Hyperbolic Systems in Inhomogeneous Media

The Discontinuous Galerkin (DG) method provides a powerful tool for approximating hyperbolic problems. Here we derive a new space-time DG method for linear time dependent hyperbolic problems written as a symmetric system (including the wave equation and Maxwell's equations). The main features of the scheme are that it can handle inhomogeneous media, and can be time-stepped by solving a sequence of small linear systems resulting from applying the method on small collections of space-time elements. We show that the method is stable provided the space-time grid is appropriately constructed (this corresponds to the usual time-step restriction for explicit methods, but applied locally) and give an error analysis of the scheme. We also provide some simple numerical tests of the algorithm applied to the wave equation in two space dimensions (plus time).
MATHEMATICAL MODELS OF SCRAPED-SURFACE HEAT EXCHANGERS IN RELATION TO FOOD STERILIZATION†

This paper provides a review of the mathematical models to predict heat transfer coefficient in both batch and continuous systems with/without particulates and those related to the thermal process calculation. Heat transfer coefficient based on penetration theory, dimensional analysis and empirical models are also presented. In addition, residence time distribution of product in a scraped-surface heat exchanger (SSHE) and a holding tube with/without particulates is discussed.
(+)-[^3H]SKF-10,047, (+)[^3H]ethylketocyclazocine, μ,κ,δ and phencyclidine binding sites in guinea pig brain membranes

Binding of the opiates (+)-[3H]SKF 10,047 [N-allylnormetazocine; (+)-[3H]SKF] and (+)-[3H]ethylketocyclazocine [(+)-[3H]EKC] were compared to μ, κ and δ and phencyclidine (PCP) receptor binding in guinea pig brain membranes. (+)-[3H]SKF and (+)-[3H]EKC binding were not blocked by naloxone, and had different drug selectivity compared to μ, κ and δ binding sites. The number of binding sites, drug selectivity and region distribution in brain were similar for (+)-[3H]SKF and (+)-[3H]EKC. Sigma opiates that are associated with psychotomimetic activities, such as pentazocine, cyclazocine, SKF 10,047 and bremazocine, were potent inhibitors of (+)-[3H]SKF and (+)-[3H]EKC binding. Haloperidol was the most potent inhibitor of (+)-[3H]SKF binding. Haloperidol and σ opiates demonstrated biphasic displacement of [3H]PCP binding, suggesting that [3H]PCP labelled two sites. PCP had a similar affinity for both (+)-[3H]SKF and [3H]PCP binding sites in the presence of 100 mM NaCl. The highest concentrations of (+)-[3H]SKF and (+)-[3H]EKC bindings sites were in the hypothalamus, anterior pituitary, midbrain, pons and medulla.
Excitation function of nucleon and pion elliptic flow in relativistic heavy-ion collisions

The elliptic flow of hadrons in relativistic heavy-ion collisions has been a subject of great interest as it may reveal the signatures of possible quark-gluon plasma ~QGP! phase transitions in these collisions ~see Ref. @1# for a recent review!. Based on kinematical and geometrical considerations of relativistic heavy-ion collisions, Ollitrault @2# predicted that as the incident energy increases nucleons would change from an out-of-plane elliptical flow to an in-plane one. Such a transition has recently been observed in collisions of heavy ions from the alternating gradient synchrotron ~AGS! at the Brookhaven National Laboratory @3‐5#. Data from the EOS, E895, and E877 collaborations on the proton elliptic flow in midcentral Au1Au collisions show that the beam energy (Etr) at which the elliptical flow changes sign is about 4 GeV/nucleon @4,5#. Studies based on transport models have indicated that the value for E tr depends on the nuclear equation of state ~EOS! at high densities @6,7#. Using a relativistic Boltzmann-equation model ~BEM!, it has been found that the experimental data can be understood if the nuclear equation of state used in the model is stiff ( K5380 MeV) for beam energies below Etr but soft ( K5210 MeV) for beam energies above Etr @5#. Since the baryon density reached in heavy-ion collisions at these energies increases with the beam energy, the above study thus suggests that the nuclear equation of state is softened at high densities. Such a softened equation of state may imply the onset of a phase change as suggested by lattice studies of QCD at finite temperature and zero baryon chemical potential. However, to put this conclusion on a firm ground requires further studies using other models. In this Rapid Communication, we shall study the elliptical flow in heavy-ion collisions at AGS energies using a relativistic transport ~ART! model @8# and show that the experimental data are consistent instead with the prediction using a stiff EOS without invoking a softening at high densities @9#. Furthermore, we shall show that by studying both the nucleon and pion elliptic flow as a function of beam energy and transverse momentum one can obtain much more information about the reaction dynamics and the origin of the transition in the sign of elliptic flow. Our study is based on the relativistic transport model ART for heavy-ion collisions. We refer the reader to Ref. @8# for details of the model and its applications in studying various aspects of relativistic heavy-ion collisions from Bevalac to AGS energies. The elliptic flow reflects the anisotropy in the particle transverse momentum ( pt) distribution at midrapidity, i.e., v 2[^( px 2 p y )/pt &, where the average is taken over all particles of a given kind in all events @10# .I n the upper panel of Fig. 1, we compare the excitation function of v 2 for protons in midcentral Au1Au reactions obtained using the stiff ~cross!, soft ~filled square! EOS, and the cascade
The U.S. educational effort in unsaturated zone hydrology

The region of the earth below the land surface and above the water-saturated zone plays a major role in determining the behavior of hydrologic systems. To help educators and other interested individuals evaluate and continue molding the U.S. educational effort in the hydrology of the unsaturated zone, the AGU Hydrology Section Committee on Water in the Unsaturated Zone conducted a study of the number and level of university educational programs involved in unsaturated zone hydrology. The basis for this report was the questionnaire shown here as Figure 1. A total of 189 questionnaires were sent to departments in schools of engineering, earth science, and agriculture. Nine of the 114 returns were rejected because of mistakes or duplication. The remaining 105 could be divided almost half and half into those from departments in schools of engineering and schools of earth science (58) and those from schools of agriculture (47).
Transfer factors: identification of conserved sequences in transfer factor molecules.

Transfer factors are small proteins that “transfer” the ability to express cell-mediated immunity from immune donors to non-immune recipients. We developed a process for purifying specific transfer factors to apparent homogeneity. This allowed us to separate individual transfer factors from mixtures containing several transfer factors and to demonstrate the antigen-specificity of transfer factors. Transfer factors have been shown to be an effective means for correction of deficient cellular immunity in patients with opportunistic infections, such as candidiasis or recurrent Herpes simplex and to provide prophylactic immunity against varicellazoster in patients with acute leukemia. Transfer factors of bovine and murine origin were purified by affinity chromatography and high performance liquid chromatography. Cyanogen bromide digests were sequenced. The properties of an apparently conserved sequence on expression of delayed-type hypersensitivity by transfer factor recipients were assessed A novel amino acid sequence, LLYAQDL/VEDN, was identified in each of seven transfer factor preparations. These peptides would not transfer expression of delayed-type hypersensitivity to recipients, which indicates that they are not sufficient for expression of the specificity or immunological properties of native transfer factors. However, administration of the peptides to recipients of native transfer factors blocked expression of delayed-type hypersensitivity by the recipients. The peptides were not immunosuppressive. These findings suggest that the peptides may represent the portion of transfer factors that binds to the “target cells” for transfer factors. Identification of these cells will be helpful in defining the mechanisms of action of transfer factors.
Preservation Responsibilities: Material Care and Materials Science for Paper-Based Research Collections

Recently many US Federal Cultural Agencies have reevaluated the preservation responsibilities required by any comprehensive program to preserve research collections. There appears to be consensus about core responsibilities with specific action steps and targeted goals, that can be achieved by addressing seven key responsibilities: 1. preservation administration; 2. reformatting/duplication; 3. environmental control (storage & exhibits, disaster & integrated pest management); 4. collections maintenance (handling & housing); 5. conservation treatment; 6. conservation research; 7. preservation education.
Polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy associated with Doyne's familial choroiditis: treatment with thermal laser

PU R P O S E. To report the unusual occurrence of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) in a patient with Doyne’s familial honeycomb choroiditis (DFHC) and its course after laser tre a tm e n t . DE S I G N. Interventional case re p o r t . ME T H O D S. Indocyanine green (ICG) angiography guided laser was performed on active polypoidal lesions. RE S U LT S. A 45-year-old man with a 15-year history of bilateral DFCH and a scarred macular choroidal neovascularization in the right eye (RE) was re f e r red to us with exudative maculopathy in the left eye (LE). His best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 20/800 in the RE and 20/40 in the LE. ICG angiography revealed a picture that was characteristic for PCV in both eyes. ICG guided argon green laser was performed on the active parapapillary and perifoveal polypoidal lesions of the LE. Eight months after the laser photocoagulation tre a tment, the macular exudative lesions had subsided and the BCVA improved to 20/20. The favorable anatomic and functional results have remained stable over 3 years.
Using learning style theory to improve learning and teaching in the engineering classroom

This workshop introduces a method for the enhancement of engineering education based on learning style theory. The material is presented in three parts. The first part describes four learning styles or preferences which are derived from the manner in which individuals perceive and process information. Part two of the presentation is designed to facilitate practical application of learning style theory in the engineering classroom. The third part of the presentation discusses the connection between learning style theory and Bloom's taxonomy of cognitive objects and engineering design. >
Mutational analysis of the ICP4 binding sites in the 5' transcribed noncoding domains of the herpes simplex virus 1 UL 49.5 gamma 2 gene.

A previous report (P. Mavromara-Nazos and B. Roizman, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 86:4071-4075, 1989) demonstrated that substitution of sequences of the thymidine kinase (tk) gene, a beta gene, extending from -16 to +51 with sequences extending from -12 to +104 of the gamma 2 UL 49.5 gene in viral recombinant R3820 conferred upon the chimeric gene gamma 2 attributes in the context of the viral genome in a productive infection. The UL49.5 gene sequences extending from -179 to +104 contain four DNA binding sites for the major regulatory protein ICP4. Of these sites, two map between nucleotides +20 and +80 within the sequence which confers gamma 2 regulation upon the chimeric gene. To determine the role of these ICP4 binding sites in conferring the gamma 2 gene attributes, sequences comprising the two ICP4 binding sites were mutagenized and used to reconstruct the R3820 recombinant virus. In addition, a new recombinant virus (R8023) was constructed in which tk sequences extending from -240 to +51 were replaced with wild-type or mutated sequences contained between nucleotides -179 to +104 of the UL 49.5 gene. Vero cells infected with the recombinant viruses in the presence or absence of phosphonoacetate, a specific inhibitor of viral DNA synthesis, were then tested for accumulation of tk RNA by using an RNase protection assay. The results indicate that in the recombinant R3820, a mutation which destroyed one of the two UL49.5 ICP4 DNA binding sites significantly reduced the accumulation of tk RNA at both early and late times after infection. The effect of this mutation was less pronounced in cells infected with the R8023 virus, whose chimeric tk gene contains the two upstream UL49.5 ICP4 binding sites. None of the mutations affected the sensitivity of the chimeric genes to phosphonoacetate. The mutated site appears to be involved in the accumulation of RNA. Images
SOFT-SWITCHING PWM CONVERTER TECHNOLOGIES

The switched-mode power conversion technologies have evolved from the basic PWM converters to resonant converters, quasi-resonant converters, multi-resonant converters, and most recently, to soft-switching PWM converters. In this paper, several typical resonant techniques and several soft-switching PWM techniques are reviewed, and their merits and limitations are assessed. The resonant techniques reviewed include the quasi-resonant converters, multi-resonant converters, Class-E converters, and resonant dc link converters; and the soft-switching PWM techniques reviewed include the zero-voltage-switched (ZVS) quasi-square-wave converters, ZVS-PWM converters, zero-current-switched PWM converters, zero-voltage- transition PWM converters, and zero-current-transition PWM converters.
Array regrouping and its use in compiling data-intensive, embedded applications

One of the key challenges facing computer architects and compiler writers is the increasing discrepancy between processor cycle times and main memory access times. To alleviate this problem in array-intensive embedded signal and video processing applications, compilers may employ either control-centric transformations that change data access patterns of nested loops or data-centric transformations that modify memory layouts of multidimensional arrays. Most of the memory layout optimizations proposed so far either modify the layout of each array independently or are based on explicit data reorganizations at runtime. We focus on a compiler technique, called array regrouping, that automatically maps multiple arrays into a single data (array) space to improve data access pattern. We present a mathematical framework that enables us to systematically derive suitable mappings for a given array-intensive embedded application. The framework divides the arrays accessed in a given program into several groups and each group is independently layout-transformed to improve spatial locality and reduce the number of conflict misses. As compared to the previous approaches, the proposed technique makes two new contributions: 1) It presents a graph based formulation of the array regrouping problem and 2) it demonstrates potential benefits of this aggressive array-regrouping strategy in optimizing behavior of embedded systems. Extensive experimental results demonstrate significant improvements in cache miss rates and execution times. An important advantage of this approach over the previous techniques that target conflict misses is that it reduces conflict misses without increasing the data space requirements of the application being optimized. This is a very desirable property in many embedded/portable environments where data space requirements determine the minimum physical memory capacity. In addition to performance related issues, with the increased use of embedded/portable devices, improving energy efficiency of applications is becoming a critical issue. To develop a truly energy-efficient system, energy constraints should be taken into account early in the design process, i.e., at the source level in software compilation and behavioral level in hardware compilation. Source-level optimizations are particularly important in data-dominated media applications. We also show how our array regrouping strategy increases energy savings from using multiple low-power operating modes provided in current memory modules. Using a set of array-intensive benchmarks, we observe significant savings in memory system energy.
Symptoms and QOL as Predictors of Chemoprevention Adherence in NRG Oncology/NSABP Trial P-1.

Background Tamoxifen provides a 50% reduction in the incidence of breast cancer (BC) among high-risk women, yet many do not adhere to the five-year course of therapy. Using the prospective double-blind National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project P-1 study, we evaluated whether participant-reported outcomes were associated with drug adherence and whether baseline behavioral risk factors modified those associations. Methods P-1 participants were randomly assigned to placebo vs tamoxifen (20mg/day). Mixed effects logistic regression was used to evaluate whether baseline or three-month SF-36 quality of life (QOL) mental and physical component summaries (MCS, PCS), and participant-reported symptoms (gynecologic, vasomotor, sexual, and other) predicted 12-month drug adherence (76-100% of assigned medication). The evaluation accounted for age, treatment, estimated breast cancer risk, education, baseline smoking, alcohol consumption, and obesity. All statistical tests were two-sided. Results Participants enrolled at least three years before trial unblinding and without medically indicated discontinuation before 12 months were eligible for the present analyses (n = 10 576). At 12 months, 84.3% were adherent. Statistically significant predictors of adherence were: three-month MCS (odds ratio [OR] = 1.15 per 10 points, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.06 to 1.25); three-month gynecologic symptoms among moderate alcohol drinkers (OR = .79, 95% CI = 0.72 to 0.88); baseline vasomotor symptoms among participants assigned tamoxifen (OR = .88, 95% CI = 0.80 to 0.97); and three-month sexual symptoms among younger participants (OR = .89 at age 41 years, 95% CI = 0.80 to 0.99). The strongest association was with three-month other symptoms (OR = .77, 95% CI = 0.63 to 0.93). PCS was not associated with adherence. Symptom and QOL associations were not modified by smoking or obesity. Conclusions Promoting QOL and managing symptoms early in therapy may be important strategies to improve adherence.
Factors influencing urinary estrogen excretion in pregnancy

Abstract An experiment was designed to study the reduced excretion of estrogen in patients with hypertensive complications of pregnancy. The data suggest that both renal clearance of estrogens and reduced fetal synthesis of precursors may be factors in reduction of urinary estrogen excretion in these patients. It was not possible in this study to adequately evaluate the role of alteration in placental conversion of fetal precursors for estrogen synthesis.
Native Lespedeza species harbor greater non-rhizobial bacterial diversity in root nodules compared to the coexisting invader, L. cuneata

Lespedeza cuneata is a non-native invasive legume that alters the soil bacterial community, associates promiscuously with rhizobia, and benefits more from rhizobial interactions compared to coexisting native Lespedeza in North America. We tested the hypothesis that native congeners differ in their nodule bacteria associations compared to L. cuneata. Plots with high L. cuneata invasion, low L. cuneata invasion with native Lespedeza species present, and uninvaded plots where native Lespedeza species existed without L. cuneata were sampled. Nodules were collected from all Lespedeza species present, and Chamaecrista fasciculata, a common native annual legume. Bacterial DNA from nodules was isolated and sequenced. Nodule bacterial composition differed significantly between hosts. L. cuneata nodules contained high frequencies of rhizobial DNA and low bacterial diversity, while native Lespedeza nodules contained lower rhizobial frequencies and higher non-rhizobial bacterial diversity. Specific non-rhizobial bacterial groups exhibited strong associations with native legumes and uninvaded sites. Significant differences exist in the nodule bacterial composition between native legumes and an introduced congener. The mechanism(s) and ecological importance of these differences remain unknown. These differences in bacterial associations could influence not only the competitive ability of the invader, but recovery of invaded sites as well.
Creep of Pure-Gum Rubber Vulcanizates from Indentation-Time Measurements

Abstract The compliance J (limit of the ratio of strain to stress at zero deformation) has been determined from measurements of the indentation of a flat rubber surface by a rigid sphere, as a function of time t and temperature T. The results are subjected to two successive operations: (1) Jis multiplied by the absolute temperature T and (2) an empirically-determined number is added to the logarithm of the time at each temperature to make the values of JT agree as well as possible. For natural rubber from 25° to −40° C the shift required appears to correspond to a constant “activation energy” of 38kcal/mole; from −40° to − 60° C the shift is in quite good agreement with that predicted by the equation of Williams, Landel, and Ferry. Butyl rubber yields an “activation energy” of 20 kcal/mole while styrene-butadiene rubber gives a value of 22 kcal/mole. The resulting curve of JT against log t shows a sigmoid form with an increase of slope over 2 to 3 decades and a decrease at higher values. There is usually ...
Turbulence in Wind Turbine Wake: Effect of Atmospheric Forcings

Large eddy simulation (LES) is used as a tool to understand the near-wake effects of large 5-MW, 3-blade horizontal-axis wind turbines (WT) in convective atmospheric boundary layer (ABL). The simulations are performed for two inline WT separated by distance of 2.5D (D is diameter of the rotor) in unstable ABL so that the downstream WT is operated under the wake of the upstream WT. The flow characteristics are analyzed in the wake regions behind WT to understand the flow physics. Tip and root vortices undergo vortex merging due to instability. Turbulent mixing layer that develops in the wake region is stronger for the downstream WT. The rate of growth/decay of the mean velocity and turbulence is much higher for WT2 than WT1. The time evolution of the wake of WT1 and WT2 revealed additional wake induced shear that contributes to faster turbulence diffusion which results in shrinking of the shear layer (in height) downstream. The average power output of WT2 is 40% lower than WT1 during unstable stratified atmospheric conditions.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Estimation of harvestable energy from vehicle waste heat

This paper presents modeling, simulation, and experimental estimation of harvestable green energy from the vehicle's waste heat. Waste heat-flow through liquid-coolant and the exhaust gas are considered. We have developed two models, written in Matlab, to estimate energy in real-time from the coolant and exhaust. Heat power in kW is estimated as a function of mass flow rate, specific heat capacity, and temperature. Instantaneous heat power integrated over a drive cycle resulted in the estimated energy in kWh. We have obtained mass-flow rates and the coolant temperature from the recordings of the vehicle's onboard diagnostic data (OBD). We measured exhaust-gas temperature wirelessly, in parallel with OBD data recording, using an infrared-temperature sensor and an Arduino-Uno microcontroller with Xbee-wireless-data-interface. The dynamic specific heat capacities of the exhaust gas and the coolant are estimated as the 5th-order polynomial functions of corresponding temperatures. We have found that the harvestable energy per hour of driving from the coolant is about 8.44 kWh in a city drive-cycle; and it is about 16.77 kWh of energy in a highway drive cycle. It is expected that about equal amount energy can be extracted from the exhaust gas.
Interactions between Encephalitozoon cuniculi and macrophages. Parasitophorous vacuole growth and the absence of lysosomal fusion.

Encephalitozoon cuniculi grow within ever-increasing parasitophorous vacuoles (PV) in peritoneal macrophages. The PV boundary membrane conforms to a rich arrangement of blebs; similar, but free vesicles were observed within the PV space. An iron dextran-concanavalin A marker was used to express visually clustered distributions of Con A receptors on the PV boundary blebs and free vesicles; no marker was observed on other membrane surfaces within the PV. These results, combined with the observation that the PV grows while the host cytoplasm decreases in mass, implicate the PV boundary blebs of interiorizing into vesicles by a pinocytic mechanism.
Relative Fitness of Insecticide-Resistant Colorado Potato Beetle Strains (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

The reduced fitness sometimes associated with resistant alleles has often been discussed as a possible tool of resistance management. A strain of Colorado potato beetles ( Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say)) from Massachusetts resistant to permethrin and azinphosmethyl produced 0.49 times as many larvae and 0.47 times as many adult females as a North Carolina susceptible strain. It also had a mean development time 3.5 d longer than the susceptible strain, resulting in a fitness value (intrinsic rate of increase) of 0.76 relative to the susceptible strain. An azinphosmethyl-resistant strain selected from the Massachusetts resistant strain but containing approximately 94% susceptible genome had a similar decrease in larvae and adult females (0.56 and 0.51 times, respectively) and an increased mean development time of 1.5 d. It was calculated to have a fitness value of 0.83 relative to the susceptible strain. However, azinphosmethyl-resistant heterozygotes (F1) showed no fitness disadvantage compared with the susceptible strain. Additionally, a permethrin-resistant strain also selected from the Massachusetts resistant strain and the permethrin-resistant heterozy-gotes (F1) showed no reduction in fitness relative to the susceptible strain. The implications of the reduced fitness due to the azinphosmethyl-resistance allele as a possible means of resistance management for Colorado potato beetle are discussed.
Abstract 5440: Analyzing in vivo conformational changes of a transcription factor, c-Myb, using fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) technology.

Proceedings: AACR 104th Annual Meeting 2013; Apr 6-10, 2013; Washington, DC The c-myb proto-oncogene was first identified as the normal cellular counterpart to the v-myb oncogene identified in Avian Myeloblastosis virus (AMV), a retrovirus that transforms immature hematopoietic cells in tissue culture and induces leukemias in animals. However, the normal c-Myb protein is not oncogenic, in part because of conformational and auto-inhibitory interactions that keep its transforming activity in check. The c-Myb protein functions as both an activator and repressor of transcription and its regulation involves sequences found in the negative regulatory domain. We hypothesize that c-Myb protein undergoes conformational changes due to post-translational modifications and protein interactions that may help direct it to different sets of target gene promoters. In addition, there could also be upstream signaling pathways, for example the signals that direct cells either to proliferate or to undergo differentiation, that could contribute to its transforming potential. To address this, we are utilizing FRET technology to elucidate whether the intramolecular interactions of c-Myb or its interactions with various co-factors and co-activators change in vivo in response to extracellular signals that trigger a switch from proliferation to differentiation. The goal is to determine how the conformations and protein-protein interactions of c-Myb change in cells in response to signals that control cell fate. Citation Format: Olivia L. George, Scott A. Ness. Analyzing in vivo conformational changes of a transcription factor, c-Myb, using fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) technology. [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 5440. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-5440
Clinical aspects of the commoner intracranial tumours in children

An attempt has been made to define the mode of presentation of some of the commoner intracranial tumours in children. By and large the picture is simply that of raised pressure within the skull increase in size of the head, headachei?½, vomiting and papilloedema with other neurological signs relatively late in their appearance. A completely different picture is produced by the brain stem glioma in which pressure signs are late or absent and multiple neurological deficits early and constant. Seven conditions commonly causing confusion are discussed.
Real-time 3D robotic arm tracking in indoor environment by RF nonlinear backscattering

We demonstrate accurate real-time 3D robotic arm tracking in indoor environment via broadband RF nonlinear backscattering from passive tags, which is immune to mild visual obstruction from clothes and interior walls as well as static magnetic field distortion from the metallic structures and motors. The marker tag on the robotic arm has nonlinear backscattering built on an open-source RFID platform in order to resolve the self-jamming and multi-path problems in conventional RFID system. The sparsely selected frequencies in a broad bandwidth and the antenna spatial diversity enable efficient and reliable phase-based 3D localization against the ghost images from multi-path interference. We utilized one Tx and four Rx antennas with five frequencies from 829MHz to 1080MHz. The measured 20 Hz sampling had centimeter-level accuracy against an estimated 3D ground truth and millimeter-level deviation in many repeated measurements.
Occurrence of Triclocarban and Triclosan in an Agro-ecosystem Following Application of Biosolids.

Triclocarban (TCC) and triclosan (TCS), two of the most commonly used antimicrobial compounds, can be introduced into ecosystems by applying wastewater treatment plant biosolids to agricultural fields. Concentrations of TCC and TCS were measured in different trophic levels within a terrestrial food web encompassing land-applied biosolids, soil, earthworms (Lumbricus), deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus), and eggs of European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) and American kestrels (Falco sparverius) at an experimental site amended with biosolids for the previous 7 years. The samples from this site were compared to the same types of samples from a reference (biosolids-free) agricultural site. Inter-site comparisons showed that concentrations of both antimicrobials were higher on the experimental site in the soil, earthworms, mice (livers), and European starling eggs, but not American kestrel eggs, compared to the control site. Inter-species comparisons on the experimental site indicated significantly higher TCC c...
Infusing Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) into the Community College Curriculum

ABSTRACTAt a number of community colleges, many students, particularly those in urban community colleges, might be suffering from low levels of social and emotional competencies. This hinders academic success, contributes to low persistence, and lessens opportunities to attain future social mobility. Leading social and emotional competencies include self-awareness, social awareness, responsible decision making, self-management, and responsible management. This study argues for the infusion of social and emotional learning (SEL) into course curriculum at community colleges. This infusion of SEL promotes students’ social and emotional development, increases opportunities for academic success, and contributes to facilitating entry into the global workforce. This study describes the experience of integrating a module enhancing SEL competencies into a communication course at an urban community college to enhance the job interview skills students urgently need. The description of this activity offers an example...
Overcoming Empirical Challenges for an Extended Approach to Condition C

Various empirical phenomena have been regarded as problematic for accounts of Condition C, including the behavior of epithets, focus constructions, and sentences where a bound R-expression can be u...
On the relative contributions of bias and noise to lithium-ion battery state of charge estimation errors

This article examines the problem of quantifying lithium-ion battery state of charge (SOC) estimation errors. The article is motivated by the need for accurate SOC estimation in battery management and diagnostics applications. Given a statistical ensemble of SOC estimation experiments, one can classify these experiments’ estimation errors into an average bias plus estimation noise. Previous theoretical work by the authors quantifies both of these error types, and suggests that in the presence of reasonable voltage and current measurement uncertainties, bias effects are likely to dominate compared to noise. The main goal of this article is to extend this theoretical finding to a higher-order battery model, and furthermore validate it experimentally. In particular, the article shows experimentally that the SOC estimation errors for a LiFePO4 battery are much closer in magnitude to the SOC estimation bias predicted by our theoretical analyses. This is important not only because it furnishes an experimentally-supported analytic characterization of lithium-ion battery SOC estimation accuracy, but also because it contrasts to previous studies in the literature where SOC estimation accuracy is evaluated using the Cramer–Rao theorem, which assumes unbiased estimation.
Pathogenesis of Zika Virus Infection via Rectal Route

Zika virus (ZIKV) is a mosquito borne flavivirus originally confined to Africa and Asia that has spread to islands located in Southeast Asia, and most recently to the Americas and the Caribbean. Approximately 80% of infected individuals are asymptomatic, while the remaining infected population exhibit mild febrile syndrome such as rash, conjunctivitis, and arthralgia. In some adults, ZIKV causes neurotropic Guillain Barre syndrome (1). Vertical transmission of ZIKV in infected mothers causes fetal growth restriction, microcephaly, and congenital eye disease (2-5). Cases of ZIKV sexual transmission from male to female (6-8), male to male (9), and a suspected case of female to male transmission (10) have been reported. ZIKV has been detected in the semen of infected males (11-15), even after months of symptom onset (16-19). Viral persistence in the testes and semen can increase the risk of ZIKV transmission through rectal route in men having sex with men (MSM) and between heterosexual partners. The anorectal mucosa is a major entry site for HIV-1 transmission among MSM (20), and for the acquisition and transmission of other sexually transmitted diseases, such as syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. Although the risk of ZIKV acquisition through the rectal route is high, no pathobiological information is available. Here, we describe the establishment of a rectal route of ZIKV infection system using immunocompromised (ifnar1 -/-) male mice to determine their susceptibility to ZIKV and to assess viral dissemination to male reproductive organs. We found that rectal inoculation of ZIKV results in viremia with non-lethal infection. The rectal mucosa is susceptible to ZIKV entry and replication. Following rectal inoculation, ZIKV establishes active testicular infection that persists at least 21 days. During the acute phase of infection, the highest viral load was observed in the spleen, with inflammatory and immune cellular infiltration. Macrophages in the splenic red pulp are the target cells for ZIKV infection.
Electrostatic Tuning of Spray-Deposited ZnO for Controlled Mobility Enhancement

Spray-deposited nanocrystalline ZnO films are produced in order to establish empirical relationships between synthetic conditions and the density of states as a means of achieving electrostatic control. By varying the spray-pyrolysis deposition conditions, i.e., substrate temperature, precursor concentration, and flow rate, a wide range of exponentially distributed density of localized states profiles and field-effect mobility values ranging over three orders of magnitude (0.02–30 cm2 V−1 s−1) are obtained for analysis. It is found that mobility can be controlled by appropriately tuning the shape of the density of states profile, increasing the band tail slope and reducing the band edge concentration of shallow states. Most significantly, it is shown that the shape of the density of states can be modified by adjusting the spray-pyrolysis deposition conditions for electrostatic control. It is found that higher Zn precursor concentration in solution increases the slope of the band tails, leading to higher mobility. Additionally, the band edge concentration is reduced with increased substrate temperature also leading to higher mobility. These results quantify the relationship between defect electrostatics and electron transport while demonstrating electrostatic control via synthetic modification of localized states.
Percutaneous Ultrasound-Guided Cryoablation for Symptomatic Plantar Fibromas

Here, we report our experience in treating painful plantar fibromas with percutaneous cryoablation. We retrospectively identified patients with symptomatic plantar fibromas who underwent percutaneous ultrasound-guided cryoablation between June 2014 and June 2015. In total, four patients (two male, two female) with five plantar fibromas undergoing a total of seven ablation procedures were identified. Each procedure was performed under general anesthesia using a single freeze–thaw cycle. The electronic medical record, procedure reports, and pain scores from a brief pain inventory administered before and after treatment were reviewed. Average and worst pain in 24 h, and time to peak symptom improvement post-procedure were compared. Complications were reviewed using the SIR classification. Five plantar fibromas were treated (mean size 2.2 ± 1.6 cm). Four of five lesions were present for more than 6 years, and 1/5 was present for less than 1 year. Surgical excision was previously performed on 3/5 lesions, all with short-term recurrence. Mean worst pain score in 24 h and average pain score in 24 h (scale of 10) at initial evaluation were 7.1 ± 1.8 and 5.8 ± 1.9, reduced after cryoablation to 0.8 ± 0.8 and 0.4 ± 0.6, respectively. Average time to symptom improvement was 2.8 ± 0.98 weeks (range 2–4 weeks). All patients reported improved ambulation and weight-bearing, and complete cessation of pain medication after treatment. The improvement was sustained on follow-up at 12 months. No major complications occurred. Minor complications occurred in 3/5 patients. Early experience with percutaneous ultrasound-guided cryoablation to treat painful plantar fibromas suggests that it is a safe and effective treatment option, with early and near-complete symptom improvement.
Single Session of Robotic Human Cadaver Training: The Immediate Impact on Urology Residents in a Teaching Hospital.

Abstract Introduction and Objective: To evaluate the immediate impact of robotic human cadaver training on the confidence with robotic surgery among urology residents. Methods: After a preliminary ...
Mentoring as More Than “Cheerleading”: Looking at Educative Mentoring Practices Through Mentors’ Eyes:

Traditionally, classroom teachers have been asked to “cooperate” during student teaching, providing advice to imitate and emotional support to meet immediate needs. Based on theories of educative e...
Identifying individual cougars (Puma concolor) in remote camera images – implications for population estimates

Context Several studies have estimated cougar (Puma concolor) abundance using remote camera trapping in conjunction with capture–mark–recapture (CMR) type analyses. However, this methodology (photo-CMR) requires that photo-captured individuals are individually recognisable (photo identification). Photo identification is generally achieved using naturally occurring marks (e.g. stripes or spots) that are unique to each individual. Cougars, however, are uniformly pelaged, and photo identification must be based on subtler attributes such as scars, ear nicks or body morphology. There is some debate as to whether these types of features are sufficient for photo-CMR, but there is little research directly evaluating its feasibility with cougars. Aim We aimed to examine researchers’ ability to reliably identify individual cougars in photographs taken from a camera-trapping survey, in order to evaluate the appropriateness of photo-CMR for estimating cougar abundance or CMR-derived parameters. Methods We collected cougar photo detections using a grid of 55 remote camera traps in north-west Wyoming, USA. The photo detections were distributed to professional biologists working in cougar research, who independently attempted to identify individuals in a pairwise matching process. We assessed the level to which their results agreed, using simple percentage agreement and Fleiss’s kappa. We also generated and compared spatially explicit capture–recapture (SECR) density estimates using their resultant detection histories. Key results There were no cases where participants were in full agreement on a cougar’s ID. Agreement in photo identification among participants was low (n = 7; simple agreement = 46.7%; Fleiss’s kappa = 0.183). The resultant SECR density estimates ranged from 0.7 to 13.5 cougars per 100 km2 (n = 4; s.d. = 6.11). Conclusion We were unable to produce reliable estimates of cougar density using photo-CMR, due to our inability to accurately photo-tag detected individuals. Abundance estimators that do not require complete photo-tagging (i.e. mark–resight) were also infeasible, given the lack of agreement on any single cougar’s ID. Implications This research suggested that there are substantial problems with the application of photo-CMR to estimate the size of cougar populations. Although improvements in camera technology or field methods may resolve these issues, researchers attempting to use this method on cougars should be cautious.
Objective double-blind evaluation of erectile function with intracorporeal papaverine in combination with phentolamine and/or prostaglandin E1.

AbstractWe performed a double-blind, crossover study using objective measurements to compare maximum rigidity and duration of erections with papaverine hydrochloride in combination with phentolamine mesylate and/or prostaglandin E1. The rationale for the protocol was to combine a smooth muscle relaxant (papaverine) with either or both vasodilating agents (phentolamine and prostaglandin E1) commonly used for injection therapy. The 7 volunteer patients with organic impotence documented by abnormal nocturnal penile tumescence testing were injected with 0.5 to 1.0 ml. papaverine (30mg./ml.) in combination with phentolamine (0.5mg./ml.) and/or prostaglandin E1 (5 μg./ml.). Each patient received 2 injections on each of 2 testing dates; injection 2 was given after tumescence resulting from injection 1 had subsided completely. The medications were given in a randomized, counterbalanced order following double-blind procedures. Patients evaluated the erections subjectively. In addition, the RigiScan* device was use...
Radical Cation Pathways for Selective Catalytic Oxidation by Molecular Oxygen

The selected oxidative conversion of a particular molecule to a desire product utilizing the abundant and inexpensive oxidant oxygen often represents a desirable method for upgrading the value of raw material. All too often, of course, this of selective chemistry does not exist. It has been a goal of or research to discover a new catalytic pathways which will permit us to utilize oxygen as a selected oxidant. During our research into better methods of oxidizing waste thioethers and in converting tertiary amine oxides, we discovered that these substrates are subjects to a novel autoxidation process which under high oxygen concentrations, elevated temperatures, and the polar solvents yields almost exclusively the sulfoxide product.1 The mechanism of this unusual autoxidation appears to involve an initial unfavorable electron transfer step (eq. 1), followed by triplet oxygen (in high concentration) trapping the resultant radical cation (eq. 2).2
Wideband Voltage Controlled Oscillator

In this chapter, we explore techniques to increase the tuning-range of VCOs while maintaining adequate phase noise and power dissipation performance over the tuning range. Two popular oscillator architectures: LC tank based, and ring based, are considered for SDR signaling and spectrum scanning applications. Of these, LC tank VCOs are traditionally well suited for their superior phase noise and low power consumption at radio frequencies, and are therefore the preferred choice. However, LC tank VCOs are notorious for their lower tuning range as compared to ring oscillators. In this work, we select the LC tank oscillator and devise a scheme based on switched inductors, and capacitor array optimization, to extend the desirable power and phase noise properties of LC VCOs over a wide tuning range for use in SDR signaling (and sensing) applications.
Metabolic reprogramming of murine cardiomyocytes during autophagy requires the extracellular nutrient sensor decorin

The extracellular matrix is a master regulator of tissue homeostasis in health and disease. Here we examined how the small, leucine-rich, extracellular matrix proteoglycan decorin regulates cardiomyocyte metabolism during fasting in vivo. First, we validated in Dcn−/− mice that decorin plays an essential role in autophagy induced by fasting. High-throughput metabolomics analyses of cardiac tissue in Dcn−/− mice subjected to fasting revealed striking differences in the hexosamine biosynthetic pathway resulting in aberrant cardiac O-β-N-acetylglycosylation as compared with WT mice. Functionally, Dcn−/− mice maintained cardiac function at a level comparable with nonfasted animals whereas fasted WT mice showed reduced ejection fraction. Collectively, our results suggest that reduced sensing of nutrient deprivation in the absence of decorin preempts functional adjustments of cardiac output associated with metabolic reprogramming.