cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Inverse colloidal crystal ultrafiltration membranes

Abstract Ultrafiltration is a size-based membrane separation process that is used routinely for protein concentration and buffer exchange during the purification of biologics. Ideal ultrafiltration membrane structures consist of high porosity, highly interconnected uniform pores in order to display a sharp molecular weight cut off (MWCO) as well as high permeate flux. In this work, uniform pore size, high-porosity ultrafiltration membranes were developed using three dimensionally-ordered macroporous templates. A membrane casting cell was designed for self-assembly of silica spheres into a colloidal crystal template. The resulting close-packed colloidal crystal was infiltrated with a reactive monomer solution. After polymerization, the silica spheres were etched away, resulting in an inverse colloidal crystal (ICC) membrane with high porosity and uniform pores that are highly interconnected. Atom transfer polymerization was used to tailor the membrane pore size. Poly[(polyethylene glycol) methacrylate] (PPEGMA) chains were grown from the outer and internal (pore) membrane surface. The resulting ultrafiltration membranes were characterized using FESEM, ATR-FTIR, XPS, and water contact angle measurements. PPEGMA chains were grown successfully from the membrane surface. Membrane performance was evaluated using direct flow filtration experiments. Dextran rejection and the variation of permeate flux with degree of modification were determined. Permeate flux decreased monotonically with increasing polymerization time, as the average pore size decreased. Surface modification may be used to convert a microporous ICC membrane into an ultrafiltration membrane.
The effects of gonadotropin on the phosphatidylinositol pathway in the primate corpus luteum

Abstract The current study was designed to investigate the effects of gonadotropin on basal and prostaglandin (PG) F 2α -induced activity of the phosphatidylinositol pathway in corpora lutea (CL) of rhesus monkeys. Luteal progesterone production in vitro was significantly stimulated ( P 2α -induced phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate hydrolysis was significantly influenced by hCG in CL of various ages ( P > 0.10). Gonadotropin did induce a slight, yet sustained, increase ( P 2+ ] i in approximately 70% of luteal cells. The maximal increase in [Ca 2+ ] i in response to hC (∼100 nM) was about one-tenth that induced by PGF 2α (∼1000 nM). hCG treatment did not alter ( P > 0.10) the increase in [Ca 2+ ] i induced by PGF 2α Treatment-induced changes in [Ca 2+ ] i did not differ between small (17–21μm) and large (23–28μm) luteal cells. Therefore, luteolytic agents are more potent activators of the phosphatidylinositol pathway than luteotropins. This is consistent with the hypothesis that the phosphatidylinositol pathway is involved in primate luteal regression. The inability of hCG to acutely alter the responsiveness of this pathway to PGF 2α suggests that CG may rescue the CL of early pregnancy via a mechanism other than direct inhibition of the luteolytic actions of PGF 2α .
Food limitation in naupliar and adult Diaptomus pallidus

The relationships between survivorship and fecundity of Diaptomus pallidus and algal food concentrations (Cryptomonas reflexa) were examined with a flow-through system that prevents the depletion and settling of algal cells. Egg production in adult females increased with increasing food concentration up to a maximum at 600 µg dry wt liter−1. Under starvation conditions, egg production stopped and survival decreased, whereas at 60 µg dry wt liter−1 production was halted and survival was high. Adults survived longer under conditions of starvation than did nauplii. Adult survival was high at all food concentrations; naupliar survival was highest at 60 µg dry wt liter−1, slightly lower at 600 µg dry wt liter−1, and much lower at 6,000 µg dry wt liter−1. Naupliar development was faster at 600 and 6,000 µg dry wt liter−1 than at 60 µg dry wt liter−1.
DROP SIZE, INTENSITY, AND RADAR ECHO OF RAIN

Abstract The various experimental relations between radar echo, intensity, and rainfall rate are examined utilizing a simple relation between terminal speed and size of raindrops and an empirical drop-size distribution. The drop-size law is such that the fraction of total rain volume of different drop sizes in the air is found to be normally distributed with respect to the fall speed relative to that of the median size drop.
Biogeography of the Tropical Eastern Pacific: distribution and phylogeny of chaenopsid fishes

The Tropical Eastern Pacific Biogeographic Region (TEP) is delimited by steep thermal gradients to the north and south, by a wide expanse of open ocean (the East Pacific Barrier) to the west, and by the Central American land mass to the east. Four provinces within the TEP have been recognized based on the distribution of rocky shore fishes and marine invertebrates: the Cortez, Mexican, Panamic, and Galapagos Provinces. For rocky shore fishes, hypothesized barriers between these provinces are areas lacking rocky outcroppings, specifically the Central American Gap between the Panamic and Mexican Provinces, the Sinaloan Gap between the Mexican and Cortez Provinces, and the Pelagic Gap between the mainland and the Islas Galapagos. The occurrence of 33 chaenopsid fish species within these provinces, as well as other oceanic islands or archipelagos in the TEP (Isla de Malpelo, Isla del Coco, and Islas Revillagigedo) were tallied based on literature records and observations of museum specimens. Chaenopsid distributions within the TEP support these hypothesized provinces and their intervening gaps. Twenty-one species (64% of the TEP chaenopsid fauna) are restricted to a single mainland province or one of the oceanic islands or archipelagos. Of the mainland provinces, the Cortez and Panamic exhibit similar levels of endemism (50%), but the Mexican Province has only one endemic (10%). Of the remaining chaenopsids in the Mexican Province, three are widespread, occurring in all three mainland provinces, four are shared only with the Cortez Province, and two are shared only with the Panamic Province. Within the TEP, the Pelagic Gap is the most effective (crossed by only 3 of 33 species adjacent to it), followed by the Central American Gap (crossed by 5 of 21 species), and the Sinaloan Gap (crossed by 7 of 17 species). Only one species, Chaenopsis alepidota, which is found off southern California and in the Cortez Province, crosses a barrier delimiting the TEP. Species-level phylogenetic hypotheses for the Chaenopsidae imply exclusively allopatric speciation for these fishes in the TEP. Of the barriers delimiting the TEP, the most important in the recent evolution of chaenopsids is the Isthmian Barrier which is implicated in six speciation events. Within the TEP, the Central American Gap and Sinaloan Gap are each implicated in three speciation events, while the Pelagic Gap is implicated in three speciation events of island endemics from mainland populations and one inter-island speciation event.
THE RADIATIONS FROM HAFNIUM

The 70-day, 45-day, 5.5-hour, and 19-second activities of Hf have been investigated by spectrometric, spectrographic, absorption, and coincidence methods. From activation experiments on the separated Hf isotopes, the following assignments have been made: 70-day---$_{72}\mathrm{Hf}^{175}$; 19-second---$_{72}\mathrm{Hf}^{179*}$; 5.5-hour---$_{72}\mathrm{Hf}^{180*}$; 45-day---$_{72}\mathrm{Hf}^{181}$.70-day period.---The photographic spectrograms of the internal conversion electrons associated with the 70-day period in $_{72}\mathrm{Hf}^{175}$ indicated the presence of four gamma-rays. The association of Lu work functions with the various lines confirmed the hypothesis of K electron capture in $_{72}\mathrm{Hf}^{175}$ leading to an excited state of $_{71}\mathrm{Lu}^{175}$.45-day period.---An investigation of the internal conversion electron spectrum in the Argonne 180\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} beta-ray spectrometer indicated the presence of one beta-ray of 0.42\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.01 Mev and five gamma-rays. An upper limit of 1 percent may be placed on any more energetic beta-ray. Single and coincidence absorptions in lead and aluminum showed the three strongest gamma-rays and the single beta-ray. Delayed coincidence absorption indicated that the 0.42-Mev beta-ray leads directly to the 22-microsecond metastable state of $_{73}\mathrm{Ta}^{181}$. No delayed gamma-coincidences were found. Thus, all gamma-rays appear to follow the 22-microsecond state. Additional coincidence measurements showed internal conversion electron groups corresponding to three of the gamma-rays. The decay scheme proposed by Chu and Wiedenbeck, as modified by Cork et al. was confirmed.5.5-hour period.---Activation of extremely pure Hf samples showed an activity of 5.5 hours in addition to the 45-day period. The assignment of this activity to Hf was confirmed by chemical methods. No delayed coincidences were observed. Internal conversion electron groups corresponding to five gamma-rays were resolved; absorption in lead indicated three of the photon components. Aluminum absorptions indicated coincidences between internal conversion electron groups from at least two of the gamma-rays. Activation of separated isotopes shows that this activity is one of an isomeric state of $_{72}\mathrm{Hf}^{180}$.19-second period.---A photographic spectrogram of the internal conversion electrons showed the presence of a single gamma-ray; the association of Hf work functions with the four lines observed verified the hypothesis of an isomeric state in $_{72}\mathrm{Hf}^{179}$.
Creation and preemption for competitive advantage

Competitive advantage arises from the differential among firms along any dimension of firm attributes and characteristics that allows one firm to better create customer value than do others. Generic sources of competitive advantage include ownership of assets or position; access to distribution and supply, as well as proficiency ‐ knowledge, competence, and capability ‐ in business operation. To achieve and sustain competitive advantage, a firm needs to creatively and proactively exploit the three generic sources, preempt rivals attempt at these sources, and/or pursue any combination of proactive and preemptive efforts. Juxtaposing creation and preemption as well as ownership‐based, access‐based, and proficiency‐based sources, this article advances an integrative framework that helps management practitioners systematically analyze the nature and cause of competitive advantage.
Optimization of the heterocyclic core of the quinazolinone-derived CXCR3 antagonists.

Abstract A series of six–six and six–five fused heterocyclic CXCR3 antagonists has been synthesized and their activities evaluated in an [125I]-IP-10 displacement assay and an ITAC mediated in vitro cell migration assay. The pharmacokinetic properties of several top compounds have also been studied. This effort led to the discovery of compounds with increased potency and improved pharmacokinetic properties that could serve as useful tools to study the role of the CXCR3 receptor in vivo.
Sparse learning via Boolean relaxations

We introduce novel relaxations for cardinality-constrained learning problems, including least-squares regression as a special but important case. Our approach is based on reformulating a cardinality-constrained problem exactly as a Boolean program, to which standard convex relaxations such as the Lasserre and Sherali-Adams hierarchies can be applied. We analyze the first-order relaxation in detail, deriving necessary and sufficient conditions for exactness in a unified manner. In the special case of least-squares regression, we show that these conditions are satisfied with high probability for random ensembles satisfying suitable incoherence conditions, similar to results on $$\ell _1$$l1-relaxations. In contrast to known methods, our relaxations yield lower bounds on the objective, and it can be verified whether or not the relaxation is exact. If it is not, we show that randomization based on the relaxed solution offers a principled way to generate provably good feasible solutions. This property enables us to obtain high quality estimates even if incoherence conditions are not met, as might be expected in real datasets. We numerically illustrate the performance of the relaxation-randomization strategy in both synthetic and real high-dimensional datasets, revealing substantial improvements relative to $$\ell _1$$l1-based methods and greedy selection heuristics.
Abstract 5240: Epigenetic dysregulation of miR-196b in breast cancer

Dysregulation of microRNA (miRNA) expression levels is a major cause of cancer development. miRNA expression profiles can determine tumor type, patient prognosis, reoccurrence and treatment outcome, with greater accuracy as compared to mRNA expression profiles. The expression of miRNAs can be epigenetically dysregulated by aberrant DNA methylation and histone deacetylation in breast cancer cells. Furthermore, one third of miRNA promoters are targets for aberrant methylation in breast cancer. Identifying miRNAs that are epigenetically silenced in breast cancer will provide new insight into breast cancer development as well as define novel signatures for predicting therapeutic response to epigenetic modifying agents. New studies have shown that using transient low doses of demethylating agents, such as decitabine (DAC), result in sustained changes in major cancer cell signaling pathways, therefore reducing tumorigenicity and cancer stem cell self-renewal. The goal of this project is to identify epigenetically-silenced miRNAs that can be reactivated upon low dose treatment of DAC. miR-196b has been shown to inhibit metastasis by targeting HOXC8. Using online datasets, we determined miR-196b is hypermethylated in breast cancer patient samples compared to normal breast samples. We used Taqman miRNA assays to measure the expression of miR-196b in breast cancer patient samples and found it was down-regulated in tumor samples compared to paired normal breast tissue. miR-196b is also down-regulated in MDA-MB-231 cells. We treated MDA-MB-231 cells with low dose (100 nM) DAC for 3 days and found miR-196b was upregulated 5-fold compared to DMSO control. The methylated CpG content of miR-196b-associated CpG island was measured using bisulfite sequencing DNA purified from DMSO and DAC treated cells. The miR-196b CpG loci in the DAC treatment was demethylated by 33% compared to DMSO control. Therefore, reactivation of miR-196b is associated with demethylation of miR-196b CpG loci. Interestingly, fourteen days after ending DAC treatment, miR-196b re-expression continued to increase up to 13-fold above DMSO control. In addition, we found that exogenously re-introduced mature miR-196b into MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells resulted in upregulation of endogenous primary miR-196b. This suggests a novel positive feedback loop that allows miR-196b to regulate its own expression, possibly through epigenetic mechanisms. Future studies will involve identifying the mechanism associated with this re-expression, determining whether miR-196b regulates additional gene promoters, and the affect this has on breast cancer metastatic phenotype. Citation Format: Rebecca T. Marquez, Amber R. Smith, Bryan Tsao, Liang Xu. Epigenetic dysregulation of miR-196b in breast cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 5240. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-5240
Presidential Influence versus Bureaucratic Discretion: President-Agency Relations in Civil Rights Policy

This research examines presidents' administrative actions in civil rights policy and agency responses to those actions. It considers the frequent debate between presidential influence over the bureaucracy versus the more commonly posited model of bureaucratic discretion. Results suggest that assertive presidents like Johnson and Reagan can influence agency actions in civil rights policy; they obtain closer correspondence with their preferred policies than do less assertive presidents. Overall, however, only limited correspondence between presidential and agency actions appears because agencies have considerable discretion in their implementing actions. Thus neither presidential influence nor bureaucratic discretion fully explains the relationship.
ProFITS of maize: a database of protein families involved in the transduction of signalling in the maize genome.

Background: Maize (Zea mays ssp. mays L.) is an important model for plant basic and applied research. In 2009, the B73 maize genome sequencing made a great step forward, using clone by clone strategy; however, functional annotation and gene classification of the maize genome are still limited. Thus, a well-annotated datasets and informative database will be important for further research discoveries. Signal transduction is a fundamental biological process in living cells, and many protein families participate in this process in sensing, amplifying and responding to various extracellular or internal stimuli. Therefore, it is a good starting point to integrate information on the maize functional genes involved in signal transduction. Results: Here we introduce a comprehensive database ‘ProFITS’ (Protein Families Involved in the Transduction of Signalling), which endeavours to identify and classify protein kinases/phosphatases, transcription factors and ubiquitin-proteasome-system related genes in the B73 maize genome. Users can explore gene models, corresponding transcripts and FLcDNAs using the three abovementioned protein hierarchical categories, and visualize them using an AJAX-based genome browser (JBrowse) or Generic Genome Browser (GBrowse). Functional annotations such as GO annotation, protein signatures, protein best-hits in the Arabidopsis and rice genome are provided. In addition, pre-calculated transcription factor binding sites of each gene are generated and mutant information is incorporated into ProFITS. In short, ProFITS provides a user-friendly web interface for studies in signal transduction process in maize.
On the use of intentional non-linearity for the stabilization of unstable non-linear systems†

In this paper we present some recent results on the use of intentional non-linearity for the stabilization of certain classes of unstable non-linear systems. Examples are given to illustrate their applications.
Projectively well-ordered inner models

Abstract We show that the reals in the minimal iterable inner model having n Woodin cardinals are precisely those which are Δ n + 2 1 definable from some countable ordinal. (One direction here is due to Hugh Woodin.) It follows that this model satisfies “There is a Δ n + 2 1 well-order of the reals”. We also describe some other connections between the descriptive set theory of projective sets and inner models with finitely many Woodin cardinals.
Three-dimensional convection in laser melted pools

Computer simulation was carried out to describe three-dimensional convection in laser melted pools,i.e., for the case where the workpiece is moving with respect to the laser beam. Two different types of driving forces for flow were considered in the model,i.e., the buoyancy force and the surface tension gradient at the pool surface. Laser surface melting of 6063 aluminum alloy was carried out using a continuous-wave CO2 laser, and the power delivered to the workpiece was measured calorimetrically. The calculated and observed fusion boundaries were compared and very good agreement was obtained. Finally, the effect of the surface tension temperature coefficient δγ/δT on the convection pattern and penetration of laser melted pools was demonstrated with the model.
The synthesis of angularly fused aromatic ring systems. The synthesis of 3-deoxyrabelomycin

Abstract 3-deoxyrabelomycin was synthesized from the electron-deficient naphthoquinone 21 in four steps in 17% overall yield. The angularly-fused ring system was made by the conjugate addition of 5-methylcyclohexane-1,3-dione to 21 followed by methylation and base-induced cyclization.
Solutions of systems of periodic differential equations

By a system of periodic differential equations referred to in the title we mean a system of the form f(t, U, u’) = 0, where u = u(t), u’ = du/dt, and f(t, u, v) = f(t + r, u, w). Our particular approach will be to break up the vector u into two vector components so that our system becomes f(t, X, y, x’, y’) = 0, where x is an m-dimensional vector, y is n-dimensional, and f is m + n dimensional. Either m or n may be zero, in which case the system is independent of x or y respectively. We shall impose conditions only on x which, however, will yield properties valid for y as well. Throughout the paper, we shall assume that there exists a unique solution through any prescribed point in a region in (t, X, y) space, and that the variables always remain in this region. These requirements will not be explicitly stated. In the first part of the paper we shall discuss systems of arbitrary order. In the second part, these results will be specialized to second order scalar differential equations.
142. Development of the enteric nervous system and intestinal neuroendocrine systems in small for gestational age (SGA) and average for gestational age (AGA) piglets during the first month of life

In humans, fetal growth retardation is associated with an increased risk of intestinal problems (e.g. delayed meconium passage, abdominal distension, delay in tolerating enteral feeding, and necrotizing enterocolitis). These conditions may be related to deficits in gut development. A novel piglet model was developed to investigate the effects of birth weight and diet on the development of the enteric nervous system (ENS) and neuroendocrine system (serotonin, neurotensin, neuropeptide Y) via multivariate analyses. Newborn SGA or AGA piglets were randomized into two diet groups: sow reared (SR, 24 h/day with the sow) or formula fed (FF, milk replacer) (n = 4/group). Gut samples were collected at day (D) 1, 14 and 28, and used for immunohistochemistry. Along the study, innervation of the colon in SGA piglets was less developed compared to AGA piglets (p = 0.007), except at D28. Serotonin and neuropeptide Y secreting cell numbers increased overtime with SR diet (p = 0.0004 and p = 0.004, respectively). The distribution of neurotensin cell numbers in different gut levels were highly variable overtime (p = 0.0002). In conclusion, birth weight and diet influence ENS/neuroendocrine system development. This model may be useful to study intestinal maturation in low birth weight infants. Supported by University of Illinois CNLM and the HD069899.
Reconfigurable Computing Concepts for Space Missions: Universal Modular Spares

Computer hardware systems for control, data collection and other purposes will once more be crucial resources in NASA's upcoming space missions. Compulsion to provide these resources within mission payload requirements, with hardiness to operate for extended periods under potentially harsh conditions in off-world environments, is daunting enough without considering the possibility of doing so with conventional electronics. This paper examines some ideas and options, and proposes some initial approaches, for design of reconfigurable computing resources offering true modularity, universal compatibility, and unprecedented flexibility to service all forms and needs of mission infrastructure.
Modulation of Nucleotide Excision Repair by Mammalian SWI/SNF Chromatin-remodeling Complex

Accessibility within chromatin is an important factor in the prompt removal of UV-induced DNA damage by nucleotide excision repair (NER). Chromatin remodeling by the SWI/SNF complex has been shown to play an important modulating role in NER in vitro and yeast in vivo. Nevertheless, the molecular basis of cross-talk between SWI/SNF and NER in mammalian cells is not fully understood. Here, we show that knockdown of Brg1, the ATPase subunit of SWI/SNF, negatively affects the elimination of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPD), but not of pyrimidine (6, 4)pyrimidone photoproducts (6-4PP) following UV irradiation of mammalian cells. Brg1-deficient cells exhibit a lower chromatin relaxation as well as impaired recruitment of downstream NER factors, XPG and PCNA, to UV lesions. However, the assembly of upstream NER factors, DDB2 and XPC, at the damage site was unaffected by Brg1 knockdown. Interestingly, Brg1 interacts with XPC within chromatin and is recruited to UV-damaged sites in a DDB2- and XPC-dependent manner. Also, postirradiation decrease of XPC levels occurred more rapidly in Brg1-deficient than normal cells. Conversely, XPC transcription remained unaltered upon Brg1 knockdown indicating that Brg1 affects the stability of XPC protein following irradiation. Thus, Brg1 facilitates different stages of NER by initially modulating UV-induced chromatin relaxation and stabilizing XPC at the damage sites, and subsequently stimulating the recruitment of XPG and PCNA to successfully culminate the repair.
Male Swamp Rabbit {Sylvilagus aquaticus) Habitat Selection at Multiple Scales

Abstract Sylvilagus aquaticus (Swamp Rabbit) is of conservation concern throughout portions of its range, primarily due to habitat loss and alteration. Understanding habitat selection is requisite for natural resource managers providing suitable habitat to support populations of Swamp Rabbits. Swamp Rabbits are thought to be territorial and, as such, emphasis should be placed on males when studying habitat selection. Seasonal (dormant, growth, and senescent) habitat selection by male Swamp Rabbits was assessed at landscape, home-range, and plot scales. In each season, young ( 35 yr) bottomland hardwood forests were selected least relative to availability at the landscape scale. Male Swamp Rabbits selected home ranges from the landscape to include access to higher-elevation habitats, perhaps important during flood events. At the home-range scale, young bottomland hardwood forests and op...
A Review of the Modulation of Cisplatin Toxicities by Chemoprotectants

In 1988, Dr. Brian Leyland-Jones questioned “Whither the Modulation of Platinum” in an editorial in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute (Leyland-Jones, 1988). The quest for specific chemoprotectants clearly predates the advent of platinum-based chemotherapy and yet, progress has been slow with only a few chemoprotectants available in the clinic. These include mesna for the oxazophosphorines (Shaw, 1987), amifostine for cisplatin (in certain European countries), and more recently, the cardioprotectant iron chelator, cardioxane (ADR-529 or ICRF-187) [Speyer et al., 1988 and 1992]. For the platinum-based antitumor agents, a large number of thiol-based or sulfur-containing nucleophiles have been tested. These include the endogenous tripeptide glutathione, disulfiram and its metabolite, diethyldithiocarbamate, the inorganic salt, sodium thiosulfate, and the phosphorylated aminothiol, amifostine (Ethyol or WR-2721) (Glover et al., 1987) (Figure 1). Of these, several appear to have promise for clinical utility against platinum-induced nephrotoxicity and possibly the peculiar cumulative-dose limiting neuropathy. For this condition, a unique melanocortin-derived neuropeptide, ORG-2766, appears to have potential utility.
Using Ecological Function to Develop Recovery Criteria for Depleted Species: Sea Otters and Kelp Forests in the Aleutian Archipelago

Recovery criteria for depleted species or populations normally are based on demographic measures, the goal being to maintain enough individuals over a sufficiently large area to assure a socially tolerable risk of future extinction. Such demographically based recovery criteria may be insufficient to restore the functional roles of strongly interacting species. We explored the idea of developing a recovery criterion for sea otters (Enhydra lutris) in the Aleutian archipelago on the basis of their keystone role in kelp forest ecosystems. We surveyed sea otters and rocky reef habitats at 34 island-time combinations. The system nearly always existed in either a kelp-dominated or deforested phase state, which was predictable from sea otter density. We used a resampling analysis of these data to show that the phase state at any particular island can be determined at 95% probability of correct classification with information from as few as six sites. When sea otter population status (and thus the phase state of the kelp forest) was allowed to vary randomly among islands, just 15 islands had to be sampled to estimate the true proportion that were kelp dominated (within 10%) with 90% confidence. We conclude that kelp forest phase state is a more appropriate, sensitive, and cost-effective measure of sea otter recovery than the more traditional demographically based metrics, and we suggest that similar approaches have broad potential utility in establishing recovery criteria for depleted populations of other functionally important species.
Teaching ABC & Cost Behaviors To Non-Numbers People

Simply put, a cost analysis studies how you spend your money. Activity based costing models associate costs with services and cost benefit analysis weighs whether or not the costs expended were worth the money given the efforts involved and the results achieved. This study seeks to understand the financial choices and information seeking behaviors of managers in the non- profit world.
Penetration of a focused electromagnetic pulse into a biological material and its application to hyperthermia

A localized temperature distribution inside a biological material (human muscle) is obtained through the use of a parabolic reflector to focus an electromagnetic pulse. With the point-matched time-domain finite-element method, the focused field and its penetration into the biological material are found, then the temperature profile in the material is calculated. The temperature is localized so that it can heat a specific spot without overburning the surrounding tissue. Attention is given to the factors which influence the localization characteristics, including the applied frequency, the associated electric parameters of the biological material, and the size of the parabolic reflector. The penetration depth and localization volume can be controlled by the adjustment of the applied frequency and the parameters of the reflector. >
Thyroid indices during replacement with desiccated thyroid and proloid

Replacement therapy (generally 3 grains/day) in healthy subjects and patients with hypothyroidism or myxedema with a purified preparation of desiccated thyroid (Proloid) in which the relative proportion of T 4 to T 3 (2.5 to 1) duplicated that present in fresh pork thyroid yielded euthyroid levels of serum PBI and normal values for the Achilles reflex time, the binding of T 3 to blood cells, and the serum levels of total, alpha and beta lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides and of nonesterified fatty acids.
Amorphization of Thin Multilayer Films by Ion Mixing and Solid State Reaction

We have compared the formation of amorphous alloys from Ni-Hf multilayer films by ion mixing and solid state diffusion. We find that ion mixing and solid state reaction produce significant differences in the composition range of the amorphous phase inside the mixed samples. Moreover, the thermochemical parameters which are of primary importance for the solid state reaction also influence the behavior of the Ni-Hf system under ion mixing.
Stabilization of Dry Mammalian Cells: Lessons from Nature

The Center for Biostabilization at UC Davis is attempting to stabilize mammalian cells in the dry state. We review here some of the lessons from nature that we have been applying to this enterprise, including the use of trehalose, a disaccharide found at high concentrations in many anhydrobiotic organisms, to stabilize biological structures, both in vitro and in vivo. Trehalose has useful properties for this purpose and in at least in one case-human blood platelets-introducing this sugar may be sufficient to achieve useful stabilization. Nucleated cells, however, are stabilized by trehalose only during the initial stages of dehydration. Introduction of a stress protein obtained from an anhydrobiotic organism, Artemia, improves the stability markedly, both during the dehydration event and following rehydration. Thus, it appears that the stabilization will require multiple adaptations, many of which we propose to apply from studies on anhydrobiosis.
Reducing Medical Errors and Adverse Events

Medical errors account for ∼98,000 deaths per year in the United States. They increase disability and costs and decrease confidence in the health care system. We review several important types of medical errors and adverse events. We discuss medication errors, healthcare-acquired infections, falls, handoff errors, diagnostic errors, and surgical errors. We describe the impact of these errors, review causes and contributing factors, and provide an overview of strategies to reduce these events. We also discuss teamwork/safety culture, an important aspect in reducing medical errors.
Dynamic Chemotherapy-Induced Upregulation of CXCR4 Expression: A Mechanism of Therapeutic Resistance in Pediatric AML

Cure rates in pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remain suboptimal. Overexpression of the surface receptor CXCR4 is associated with poor outcome in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and AML. Certain non-chemotherapeutic agents have been shown to modulate CXCR4 expression and alter leukemia interactions with stromal cells in the bone marrow microenvironment. Because chemotherapy is the mainstay of AML treatment, we hypothesized that standard cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agents induce dynamic changes in leukemia surface CXCR4 expression, and that chemotherapy-induced upregulation of CXCR4 represents a mechanism of acquired chemotherapy resistance. Here, we show that cell lines variably upregulate CXCR4 with chemotherapy treatment. Those that showed upregulation were differentially protected from chemotherapy-induced apoptosis when co-cultured with stroma. We further explored the functional effects of chemotherapy-induced CXCR4 upregulation in an AML cell line (MOLM-14, which consistently upregulated CXCR4) and primary samples. We found enhanced stromal-cell derived factor-1α (SDF-1α)-mediated chemotaxis and stromal protection from additional chemotherapy-induced apoptosis. Further, treatment with the CXCR4 inhibitor plerixafor preferentially decreased stromal protection in cells with higher chemotherapy-induced upregulation of surface CXCR4. Upregulation of surface CXCR4 by standard chemotherapy may represent a mechanism of chemotherapy resistance in pediatric AML and may be a biomarker that can identify optimal patients for CXCR4 inhibition.
Planetary Waves, Cyclogenesis, and the Irregular Breakdown of Zonal Motion over the North Atlantic

Abstract Numerous observational and modeling studies have suggested the importance of cyclogenesis to the breakdown of the zonal flow and the maintenance of atmospheric blocks, whereas other studies have shown that low-frequency dynamics are sufficient to produce and maintain these patterns. Experiments with a simple model of the general circulation and empirical evidence obtained from reanalysis and cyclone tracking data are used to develop a conceptual understanding of this irregular response. The model’s results and observational data are consistent with the idea that the North Atlantic flow response to cyclone forcing is preconditioned by the state of the hemispheric circulation. A characteristic hemispheric flow configuration reminiscent of the shedding of a potential vorticity (PV) filament and tightening of the PV gradient is particularly responsive to cyclogenesis, with the likelihood of below 10th percentile North Atlantic zonal flow under these conditions increased by a factor of 2.37 for each c...
A unity power factor, maximum power point tracking battery charger for low power wind turbines

This paper proposes a unique implementation of power factor correction (PFC) and maximum power point tracking (MPPT) for low power wind turbines. For a given wind condition, there is a unique electrical load which will harvest the maximum power from a wind turbine, the proposed control algorithm actively tracks this electrical loading condition for maximum power. An active 3-phase rectifier (VIENNA) converter is used to rectify the 3-phase AC voltage with near unity power factor which is critical in this application where the series resistance of the turbine is very high. An experimental 300W prototype was designed and tested to verify the design. Experimental results showed a significant increase in power extracted from the low power wind turbine when PFC and MPPT were implemented.
Hellbender genome sequences shed light on genomic expansion at the base of crown salamanders.

Among animals, genome sizes range from 20 Mb to 130 Gb, with 380-fold variation across vertebrates. Most of the largest vertebrate genomes are found in salamanders, an amphibian clade of 660 species. Thus, salamanders are an important system for studying causes and consequences of genomic gigantism. Previously, we showed that plethodontid salamander genomes accumulate higher levels of long terminal repeat (LTR) retrotransposons than do other vertebrates, although the evolutionary origins of such sequences remained unexplored. We also showed that some salamanders in the family Plethodontidae have relatively slow rates of DNA loss through small insertions and deletions. Here, we present new data from Cryptobranchus alleganiensis, the hellbender. Cryptobranchus and Plethodontidae span the basal phylogenetic split within salamanders; thus, analyses incorporating these taxa can shed light on the genome of the ancestral crown salamander lineage, which underwent expansion. We show that high levels of LTR retrotransposons likely characterize all crown salamanders, suggesting that disproportionate expansion of this transposable element (TE) class contributed to genomic expansion. Phylogenetic and age distribution analyses of salamander LTR retrotransposons indicate that salamanders’ high TE levels reflect persistence and diversification of ancestral TEs rather than horizontal transfer events. Finally, we show that relatively slow DNA loss rates through small indels likely characterize all crown salamanders, suggesting that a decreased DNA loss rate contributed to genomic expansion at the clade’s base. Our identification of shared genomic features across phylogenetically distant salamanders is a first step toward identifying the evolutionary processes underlying accumulation and persistence of high levels of repetitive sequence in salamander genomes.
Putting Eggs in One Basket: Ecological and Evolutionary Hypotheses for Variation in Oviposition-Site Choice

Oviposition-site choice is a major maternal effect by which females can affect the survival and phenotype of their offspring. Across oviparous species, the ultimate reasons for females' selection of oviposition sites often differ. We present six hypotheses that have been used to explain nonrandom oviposition-site choice in insects, fish, amphibians, reptiles, and birds: (a) maximizing embryo survival, (b) maximizing maternal survival, (c) modifying offspring phenotype, (d) proximity to suitable habitat for offspring, (e) maintaining natal philopatry, and (f) indirect oviposition-site choice via mate choice. Because these hypotheses differ in their relevance across oviparous taxa, each hypothesis must be tested to ensure accurate understanding of the ultimate reason behind oviposition-site choice in a particular taxon. By presenting the major hypotheses for oviposition-site choice as they relate to diverse oviparous animals, we nonetheless illustrate particular trends across animal taxa, while highlighting...
Nef Enhances Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Infectivity Resulting from Intervirion Fusion: Evidence Supporting a Role for Nef at the Virion Envelope

The human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) accessory protein Nef stimulates viral infectivity by facilitating an early event in the HIV-1 life cycle. Although no structural or biochemical defects in Nef-defective HIV-1 particles have been demonstrated, the Nef protein is incorporated into HIV-1 particles. To localize the function of Nef within the virus particle, we developed a novel technology involving fusion of enveloped donor HIV-1 particles bearing core defects with envelope-defective target virions bearing HIV-1 receptors. Although neither virus alone was capable of infecting CD4(+) target cells, the incubation of donor and target virions prior to addition to target cells resulted in infection. This effect, termed "virion transcomplementation," required a functional Env protein on the donor virus and CD4 and an appropriate coreceptor on target virions. To provide evidence for intervirion fusion as the mechanism of complementation, experiments were performed using dual-enveloped HIV-1 particles bearing both HIV-1 and ecotropic murine leukemia virus (E-MLV) Env proteins as donor virions. Infection of CD4-negative target cells bearing E-MLV receptors was prevented by HIV-1 entry inhibitors when added before, but not after, incubation of donor and target virions prior to the addition to cells. When we used Nef(+) and Nef(-) donor and target virions, Nef enhanced infection when present in donor virions. In contrast, no effect of Nef was detected when present in the target virus. These results reveal a potential mechanism for enhancing HIV-1 diversity in vivo through the rescue of defective viral genomes and provide a novel genetic system for the functional analysis of virion-associated proteins in HIV-1 infection.
Nuclear structure studies with (p, n) reactions at intermediate energies

Abstract The (p, n) reaction at intermediate energies is predominantly impulsive and single-step. The distorted-wave impulse approximation (DWIA) with realistic, large-basis shell-model wavefunctions is able to describe strong transitions accurately, including polarization observables. The 48 Ca(p, n) 48 Sc reaction is discussed as an example including different kinds of one-particle one-hole (1p1h) excitations. Because the (p, n) reaction proceeds by a simple mechanism which can generally be described theoretically, it provides an important tool for studying nuclear structure. Applications of such studies include double beta-decay studies, nuclear astrophysics, and specific issues in nuclear physics.
Organizational Chaos and Relative Powerlessness: Breeding Ground for Bullies?

The article reports on organizational chaos and relative powerlessness. Particular attention is paid to how this kind of work environment can affect employees, specifically in terms of creating bullies. A study conducted by researches at Ohio State University that analyzed the situations in which bullying is prone to occur is presented. The author discusses the attributes of a bully boss, the emotional and psychological abuse received by employees, as well as the results of the study. Industrial and service settings were the most common place for incidents of bullying behavior by bosses.
Interrater and intrarater reliability of the semmes-weinstein monofilament 4-2-1 stepping algorithm.

Introduction Semmes-Weinstein Monofilaments (SWM) are used to examine light touch sensation of the skin. Reliability of the 4-2-1 stepping algorithm approach for determining light touch detection thresholds has not been examined. The purpose of this study was to determine the interrater and intrarater reliability of the SWM 4-2-1 stepping algorithm on the plantar surface of the foot. Methods Four raters with varying levels of SWM assessment experience tested light touch sensation over the plantar aspect of the first metatarsal head in 14 healthy adults. During the initial session, all raters performed the 4-2-1 stepping algorithm technique on each subject to determine interrater reliability. One week later, subjects were reassessed by 2 raters to determine intrarater reliability. Results Interrater reliability ranged from moderate-to-good (ICC2,1 = 0.62-0.92). Intrarater reliability also ranged from moderate-to-good (ICC2,1 = 0.61-0.85). Conclusions The 4-2-1 stepping algorithm demonstrated acceptable interrater and intrarater reliability when measured in healthy adults. Muscle Nerve 53: 918-924, 2016.
A Stochastic Burst Follows the Periodic Morning Peak in Individual Drosophila Locomotion.

Coupling between cyclically varying external light and an endogenous biochemical oscillator known as the circadian clock, modulates a rhythmic pattern with two prominent peaks in the locomotion of Drosophila melanogaster. A morning peak appears around the time lights turn on and an evening peak appears just before lights turn off. The close association between the peaks and the external 12:12 hour light/dark photoperiod means that respective morning and evening peaks of individual flies are well-synchronized in time and, consequently, feature prominently in population-averaged data. Here, we report on a brief but strong stochastic burst in fly activity that, in contrast to morning and evening peaks, is detectable only in single fly recordings. This burst was observed across 3 wild-type strains of Drosophila melanogaster. In a single fly recording, the burst is likely to appear once randomly within 0.5–5 hours after lights turn on, last for only 2–3 minutes and yet show 5 times greater activity compared to the maximum of morning peak with data binned in 3 minutes. Owing to its variable timing and short duration, the burst is virtually undetectable in population-averaged data. We use a locally-built illumination system to study the burst and find that its incidence in a population correlates with light intensity, with ~85% of control flies showing the behavior at 8000 lux (1942 μW/cm2). Consistent with that finding, several mutant flies with impaired vision show substantially reduced frequency of the burst. Additionally, we find that genetic ablation of the clock has insignificant effect on burst frequency. Together, these data suggest that the pronounced burst is likely generated by a light-activated circuit that is independent of the circadian clock.
Pulmonary Manifestations of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) can be associated with a variety of disorders involving the thorax, including pleural diseases, acute and chronic parenchymal abnormalities, and vascular diseases. The presenting signs and symptoms in thoracic disorders can overlap substantially. The approach to diagnosis and treatment involves a comprehensive evaluation, with support from imaging, pulmonary function testing, and cardiovascular assessment. In this chapter, we will review the most common thoracic manifestations of SLE, focusing on assessment, clinical management, and prognostic implications.
The “TSH Receptor Glo Assay” – A High-Throughput Detection System for Thyroid Stimulation

Background: To identify novel small molecules against the TSH receptor, we developed a sensitive transcription-based luciferase high-throughput screening (HTS) system named the TSHR-Glo Assay (TSHR-Glo). Methods: This assay uses double-transfected CHO cells stably expressing the human TSHR and a cAMP response element (CRE) construct fused to an improved luciferase reporter gene. Results: The assay was highly responsive towards TSH in a dose-dependent manner with a TSH sensitivity of 10-10M (10±1.12μU/mL) and thyroid-stimulating antibodies, a hallmark of Graves’ disease, could also be detected. The assay was validated against the standard indicator of HTS performance - the Z-factor (Z’) – producing a score of 0.895. Using the TSHR-Glo assay we screened 48,224 compounds from a diverse chemical library in duplicate plates at a fixed dose of 17μM. Twenty molecules with the greatest activity out of sixty-two molecules that were identified by this technique were subsequently screened against the parent luciferase stable cell line in order to eliminate false positive stimulators. Conclusion: Using this approach we were able to identify specific agonists against the TSH receptor leading to the characterization of several TSH agonist molecules. Hence, the TSHR-Glo assay was a one-step cell-based HTS assay which was successful in the discovery of novel small molecular agonists and for the detection of stimulating antibodies to the TSH receptor.