cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
TRANSGLUTAMINASE CROSS-LINKING OF BOVINE CARDIAC MYOFIBRILLAR PROTEINS AND ITS EFFECT ON PROTEIN GELATION1

Myofibrillar protein concentrate (MPC) was prepared from beef heart muscle (3 or 5% protein), and the sols were incubated with 0.5 unit/mL transglutaminase (TGase) at 5 and 15C for 0, 0.5, 2, 5, 10, and 15 h to determine the enzyme effect on MPC gelation. After each incubation time, dynamic gelling tests, differential scanning calorimetry, and electrophoresis (for sols and gels) were performed on all samples. MPC samples with TGase had greater (P<0.05) gelling ability, regardless of preincubation (time and temperature), showing increases in storage modulus (G') from 600–900 Pa (control) to 1700–2000 (treated) at 70C. The results suggest that the gelation-enhancing effect by TGase was attributed to cross-linking of myosin, and that TGase can be used to improve the binding ability of beef heart myofibrillar proteins in restructured meats.
How Does the Quality and Stability of the Teaching Force Influence the Research-to-Practice Gap? A Perspective on the Teacher Shortage in Special Education

Although effective practices have been developed to address the needs of a wide range of students with disabilities, evidence suggests a limited use of these practices. Potential contributors to the research-to-practice gap focus on problems with pre-service teacher preparation, professional development, and the nature of research. The authors present evidence that the lack of well-qualified special education teachers, the instability of special education teachers in teaching positions (i.e., attrition and migration), and inadequate work conditions contribute to the research-to-practice gap. They also address the need for comprehensive, coordinated, and sustained efforts to reduce the teacher shortage and improve the likelihood that special educators have the work conditions needed to use effective practices.
Is immune checkpoint modulation a potential therapeutic option in triple negative breast cancer

The emergence of molecular targeted therapies has revolutionized the clinical treatment of breast cancer. To guide treatment, patient samples are screened for expression of hormone receptors for estrogen and progesterone and the epidermal growth factor receptor HER2. Patients with tumors that do not express any of these three receptors (that is, triple-negative breast cancer) exhibit a worse outcome [1]. Sequencing of cancer genomes suggests that over-expressing an oncogene or eliminating a tumor suppressor gene is also associated with passenger mutations. The presence of these passenger mutations may provide a collective signature that distinguishes malignant from normal cells. Conceptually, the adaptive immune system recognizes cells that present a different antigenic signature and provides a mechanism to control for malignant transformation. One approach to enhance anti-tumor immunity is to increase the number of T cells, either systemically, through inhibiting the action of CTLA-4, or locally, through inhibiting the programmed cell death 1 pathway. Therapeutic inhibition of these pathways is called immune checkpoint modulation [2]. The clinical benefit received by a subset of patients with metastatic melanoma demonstrates proof-of-principle for this therapeutic approach [3]. In a retrospective study of invasive breast cancer, we found that increased expression of genes associated with type 1 immunity was a predictor of increased survival independent of molecular pathology [4]. This gene signature includes type 1 T-cell polarization and enhanced cytotoxic T-cell and natural killer cell recruitment. While this finding is consistent with a number of other studies (for example, [5]), we also found that 70% of patients with invasive triple-negative breast cancer clustered with the cohort characterized by an increased type 1 immune signature. In examining the gene expression signature, we found that the expression of several type 1 immunity genes aligned along the direction of principal coordinate 1 (Figure 1A). In addition, expression of members of the programmed cell death 1 pathway (PDCD1 and CD274) that can be therapeutically targeted also aligned in the same direction (Figure 1B). Other genes typically associated with local immunosuppression, including TGFB1, MICB/MICA, HMGB1, HIF1A, FOXP3 ,a ndIL10 ,w ere not significantly different than random noise. Collectively, these findings suggest two points: first, patients with invasive triple-negative breast cancer have an increased propensity for on-going anti-tumor immunity; and second, therapeutic relief of the programmed cell death 1 pathway may improve overall survival in patients with triplenegative breast cancer.
Inference for identifiable parameters in partially identified econometric models

Abstract This paper considers the problem of inference for partially identified econometric models. The class of models studied are defined by a population objective function Q ( θ , P ) for θ ∈ Θ . The second argument indicates the dependence of the objective function on P , the distribution of the observed data. Unlike the classical extremum estimation framework, it is not assumed that Q ( θ , P ) has a unique minimizer in the parameter space Θ . The goal may be either to draw inferences about some unknown point in the set of minimizers of the population objective function or to draw inferences about the set of minimizers itself. In this paper, the object of interest is some unknown point θ ∈ Θ 0 ( P ) , where Θ 0 ( P ) = arg min θ ∈ Θ Q ( θ , P ) , and so we seek random sets that contain each θ ∈ Θ 0 ( P ) with at least some prespecified probability asymptotically. We also consider situations where the object of interest is the image of some point θ ∈ Θ 0 ( P ) under a known function. Computationally intensive, yet feasible procedures for constructing random sets satisfying the desired coverage property under weak assumptions are provided. We also provide conditions under which the confidence regions are uniformly consistent in level.
Simulated yield and profitability of five potential crops for intensifying the dryland wheat-fallow production system

a b s t r a c t Greater precipitation use efficiency (PUE) and economic returns by increasing cropping frequency through the addition of summer crops to the dryland winter wheat-fallow (WF) cropping system have been reported in the semiarid Central Great Plains of USA. However, due to the highly variable nature of precipitation and uncertain water availability, selection of a crop with assured positive net returns to add to the system to increase cropping frequency is a challenge in the absence of reliable seasonal precipitation forecasts. The objective of this study was to evaluate long-term yields and net returns of several potential summer crops at various soil water contents at planting to assess their potential use in increasing dryland cropping frequency. Three grain crops (corn (Zea mays L.), canola (Brassica napus), and proso millet (Panicum miliaceum L.)) and two forage crops (foxtail millet (Setaria italica L. Beauv.) and spring triticale (X Triticosecale rimpaui Wittm.)) for which the Root Zone Water Quality Model (RZWQM2) had been calibrated at Akron, CO and/or Sidney, NE, were selected for investigation through modeling. The calibrated model was used to simulate yield responses of the crops to 25, 50, 75 and 100% of plant available water (PAW) in the soil profile at planting using recorded weather data from Akron, CO and Sidney, NE (1948-2008). Average costs of production and 10-yr average commodity prices for northeast Colorado were used to calculate net returns for each of the crops at the varying PAW levels. All crops showed significant (p < 0.05) simulated yield increases in response to increasing initial PAW levels when those changes occurred in the entire 0-180 cm soil profile. The two forage crops gave greater net returns than the three grain crops for all initial PAW levels when calculated with 10-yr average prices received. Among the grain crops, proso millet was slightly more profitable than corn at Akron, while corn was the least profitable crop at Sidney. Using current commodity prices (13 September 2011) resulted in proso millet being the least profitable crop at Sidney, while corn was the most profitable grain crop at Akron and showed net returns that were similar to those found for the forage crops. The results of this study may guide the selection of a spring- or summer-planted crop and help farmers assess risk as they contemplate intensifying the WF system by using a measure or estimate of PAW at planting. Published by Elsevier B.V.
Auctions and differential pricing: optimal seller and bidder strategies in second-chance offers

The second chance offer is a common seller practice on eBay. It consists of price discrimination against the losing bidder, who is offered an identical item at the value of his or her highest bid. Prior work has shown that, if the goods are private-value goods and price discrimination is certain, rational bidders can anticipate it and accordingly modify their bidding strategies; this results in revenue loss for the seller. This paper hence examines the impact of randomized price discrimination. It examines a similar, more general problem: a seller has k items of the private-value good. They are sold to N bidders in a two-stage game. The first stage is a sealed-bid first-price auction with N bidders. The second stage is a take-it-or-leave-it offer to each of k - 1 losing bidders; randomized between a fixed-price offer and a second-chance offer. Showing that analytic techniques do not provide complete solutions because bidding strategies are not always monotonic increasing, this paper uses genetic algorithm simulations to determine the Bayesian (near-Nash) equilibrium strategies for bidders and sellers, for N = 8 and different values of k. It finds that price discrimination is beneficial to the seller when k is small, as item scarcity increases competition among bidders. The paper's use of randomized seller strategies and genetic algorithm simulations is unique in the study of the second-chance offer.
Program note: Cladescan, a program for automated phylogenetic sensitivity analysis

Examination of trees for the presence of particular nodes is a fundamental aspect of systematics, and is the basis of phylogenetic sensitivity analysis, but becomes unwieldy when performed manually for complex nodes or over large numbers of trees. The program Cladescan is presented here as a stand-alone application to facilitate the detection of nodes in such situations. Cladescan includes features useful for phylogenetic sensitivity analysis, such as automatic generation of “Navajo rug” sensitivity plots. In addition, researchers may find it useful for general comparisons among large data sets. © The Willi Hennig Society 2009.
Terrigenous Dissolved Organic Matter in the Arctic Ocean and Its Transport to Surface and Deep Waters of the North Atlantic

isotopic compositions of DOM are depleted in 13 Cb y 1–2% relative to those in the Atlantic and Pacific. The large contribution of terrigenous DOM from Arctic rivers is responsible for the elevated concentrations of DOC in polar surface waters. The distribution of terrigenous DOM in polar surface waters is very heterogeneous, but on average we estimate 14–24% of the DOC is of terrestrial origin. Stable nitrogen isotopic compositions were useful for distinguishing DOM of Pacific and Atlantic origins as well as terrigenous and marine origins. The size distribution and composition of lignin phenols provide some evidence of photochemical transformations of terrigenous DOM, but it appears this process is not extensive in polar surface waters. The extent to which terrigenous DOM is removed from the Arctic Ocean by microbial degradation is less clear and warrants further study. Physical transport of terrigenous DOC to the North Atlantic is a major mechanism for its removal from the Arctic. The East Greenland Current alone exports 4.4–6.6 Tg of terrigenous DOC annually to the North Atlantic. Terrigenous DOC of Arctic origin was identified for the first time in components of North Atlantic Deep Water. Preliminary estimates indicate that � 1 Tg of terrigenous DOC is exported from the Arctic in Denmark Strait Overflow Water with an additional � 0.7 Tg in Classical Labrador Sea Water. Together, these exports compose approximately 25–33% of the terrigenous DOC discharged annually to the Arctic via rivers.
Protection Mutualisms and the Community: Geographic Variation in an Ant-Plant Symbiosis and the Consequences for Herbivores

Protection mutualisms mediate trophic interactions in many systems, but their effects on the surrounding community are rarely studied. Ant-plant symbioses are classic examples of protection mutualisms: myrmecophytic plants provide nesting space and food for symbiotic ants in exchange for ant defense. Ant defense should thus reduce the abundance of herbivores, but studies of ant-plant symbioses usually measure damage to the plant without quantifying the herbivores themselves. In this study, we investiga ted whether geographic variation in the quality of ant defense in a symbiotic mutualism between Cordia alliodora trees and Azteca ants was associated with the abundance and species richness of plant herbivore communities. In three tropical-dry-forest sites in Middle America, we found that the density of Azteca ants within trees was negatively associated with the levels of leaf herbivory. At sites where ants were effective tree defenders, tree herbivores were less abundant and herbivore assemblages on trees exhibi ted lower species richness than at a site where ants were poor defenders. In addition, in a site where ants reduced herbivory, herbivore communities were less abundant and diverse in the presence of ants than in their absence, where as in a site where ants did not reduce herbivory, there were no differences in herbivore abundance or richness between trees with or without ants. We conclude that geographic variation in the quality of ant defense drives variation in myrmecophytic-plant herbivore communities. Moreover, ant-plant protection mutualisms should have important but rarely considered effects on herbivore population dynamics and food-plant specialization.
Pediatric Dog Bite Victims: A Need for a Continuum of Care

The authors assessed the ongoing needs of 34 pediatric dog bite victims and their families 1 month after receiving care in a pediatric emergency department. More than 70% of the parents noted at least 1 new concerning behavior in their children, and more than 85% of the parents also endorsed concerns about their own reactions. Half of the parents believed that children, in general, might benefit from interventions to help with postbite fears and nearly three quarters felt that families would benefit from education regarding dog bite prevention. The majority (85%) of the parents believed that additional supportive services could be offered effectively at emergency department or pediatric office/clinic visits. A template for a dog bite information card is presented.
High throughput quantitative reverse transcription PCR assays revealing over-expression of cancer testis antigen genes in multiple myeloma stem cell-like side population cells

Summary Multiple myeloma (MM) stem cells, proposed to be responsible for the tumourigenesis, drug resistance and recurrence of this disease, are enriched in the cancer stem cell-like side population (SP). Cancer testis antigens (CTA) are attractive targets for immunotherapy because they are widely expressed in cancers but only in limited types of normal tissues. We designed a high throughput assay, which allowed simultaneous relative quantifying expression of 90 CTA genes associated with MM. In the three MM cell lines tested, six CTA genes were over-expressed in two and LUZP4 and ODF1 were universally up-regulated in all three cell lines. Subsequent study of primary bone marrow (BM) from eight MM patients and four healthy donors revealed that 19 CTA genes were up-regulated in SP of MM compared with mature plasma cells. In contrast, only two CTA genes showed a moderate increase in SP cells of healthy BM. Furthermore, knockdown using small interfering RNA (siRNA) revealed that LUZP4 expression is required for colony-forming ability and drug resistance in MM cells. Our findings indicate that multiple CTA have unique expression profiles in MM SP, suggesting that CTA may serve as targets for immunotherapy that it specific for MM stem cells and which may lead to the long-term cure of MM.
Surgical Update Hybrid Procedures, Do They Have a Role?

A hybrid strategy is a combination of catheter-based therapy and traditional surgical intervention. This concept of combining the tools available only in the catheterization laboratory with the tools available only to the surgeon in order to minimize surgical morbidity has evolved since its implementation in the 1990s.1 Over the past decade, with advancement in stent technology and refinement of minimally invasive surgical approaches, a hybrid strategy has become an attractive alternative to standard surgical or catheter-based techniques. The indications, patient selection, and standardization of these procedures are still under way. Currently, there are no randomized clinical trials on hybrid procedures, and the clinical practice is based on single institutional experiences. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute has just launched the first observational trial on hybrid coronary intervention to define the population eligible for hybrid coronary revascularization (HCR). Until more data become available, the hybrid strategy depends on close collaboration between the surgeon and the cardiologist at single institutions and should be tailored to individual patient needs. Both coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery and conventional percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) offer certain advantages in the treatment of patients with multivessel coronary artery disease (CAD).2,3 Although CABG provides superior clinical outcomes compared to PCI in certain high-risk patients, including most with diabetes, the majority of patients with left main CAD, and many patients with reduced cardiac function,4,5 it is likely that the major aspect of CABG that confers these benefits is the left internal mammary artery (LIMA) graft to the left anterior descending artery (LAD). The LIMA-to-LAD graft has excellent patency at 10- to 20-year angiographic follow-up,6 setting the gold standard with which other revascularization strategies should be compared. It is important to emphasize that although all patients with significant multivessel coronary disease …
Ultrastructural Analysis of Asteroid Bodies: Evidence for Membrane Lipid Bilayer Nature of Components

Electron microscopic examination of multiple asteroid bodies (ABs) from pulmonary tissue revealed that the core and spokes of these structures are composed of phospholipid bilayers organized in lamellar and tubular forms. These morphologic patterns followed the ones described previously for the lipid-water bulk interface systems. On light microscopy the ABs appeared surrounded by a halo of vacuoles corresponding ultrastructurally to loosely arranged myelin membranes. Transitional forms, between the tightly arranged phospholipid membranes forming the spokes and the loose myelin membranes surrounding them, were seen. Myelin membranes were seen in the cytoplasm of multinucleated giant cells, independent of ABs, in close association with intracellular spaces (lumina) and lined by abundant microvilli identical to the surface microvilli. These spaces were present in central areas of the cell and probably represent surface membrane remnants of partially fused cells. No centrioles, true microtubules, or collagen ...
Kinetics of electron transfer reactions between dioxoactinide(VI) ions and a viologen radical anion

Abstract The rates of electron transfer between the dioxoactinide ions (UO 2 2+ , NpO 2 2+ and PuO 2 2+ ) and the 4,4′-dipropylsulfonate-2,2′-bipyridium radical anion (ZV − ) were determined by pulse radiolysis. The measured rate parameters are compared with those predicted by the Marcus relation using the known reduction potentials and self exchange rate parameters for UO 2 2+ and NpO 2 2+ .
Airborne lidar detection and characterization of internal waves in a shallow fjord

A dual-polarization lidar and photography are used to sense internal waves in West Sound, Orcas Island, Washington, from a small aircraft. The airborne lidar detected a thin plankton layer at the bottom of the upper layer of the water, and this signal provides the depth of the upper layer, amplitude of the internal waves, and the propagation speed. The lidar is most effective when the polarization filter on the receiver is orthogonal to the transmitted light, but this does not depend significantly on whether the transmitted light is linearly or circularly polarized. The depolarization is greater with circular polarization, and our results are consistent with a single parameter Mueller scattering matrix. Photographs of the surface manifestation of the internal waves clearly show the propagation direction and width of the phase fronts of the internal waves, even though the contrast is low (2%). Combined with the lidar profile, the total energy of the internal wave packet was estimated to be 9 MJ. © 2012 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE). (DOI: 10.1117/1.JRS.6.063611)
A bandwidth-efficient architecture for media processing

Media applications are characterized by large amounts of available parallelism, little data reuse, and a high computation to memory access ratio. While these characteristics are poorly matched to conventional microprocessor architectures, they are a good fit for modern VLSI technology with its high arithmetic capacity but limited global bandwidth. The stream programming model, in which an application is coded as streams of data records passing through computation kernels, exposes both parallelism and locality in media applications that can be exploited by VLSI architectures. The Imagine architecture supports the stream programming model by providing a bandwidth hierarchy tailored to the demands of media applications. Compared to a conventional scalar processor. Imagine reduces the global register and memory bandwidth required by typical applications by factors of 13 and 21 respectively. This bandwidth efficiency enables a single chip Imagine processor to achieve a peak performance of 16.2GFLOPS (single-precision floating point) and sustained performance of up to 8.5GFLOPS on media processing kernels.
‘The People are Revolting’: An Anatomy of Authoritarian Counterinsurgency

ABSTRACTRather than win hearts and minds, authoritarian counterinsurgency is said to rely heavily on coercion. It has a reputation for effectiveness, if also for its amorality. Still, the research into authoritarian counterinsurgency is surprisingly lacking. By distilling common features from key cases, this article concludes that this approach goes beyond the indiscriminate violence that typically captures the imagination. Like their democratic counterparts but differently, authoritarian regimes also engage in mobilisation, create narratives, and turn military advantage into political gain. The analysis explains how these tasks are undertaken and, by contradistinction, sheds light on more liberal approaches as well.
Distinct developmental genetic mechanisms underlie convergently evolved tooth gain in sticklebacks

Teeth are a classic model system of organogenesis, as repeated and reciprocal epithelial and mesenchymal interactions pattern placode formation and outgrowth. Less is known about the developmental and genetic bases of tooth formation and replacement in polyphyodonts, which are vertebrates with continual tooth replacement. Here, we leverage natural variation in the threespine stickleback fish Gasterosteus aculeatus to investigate the genetic basis of tooth development and replacement. We find that two derived freshwater stickleback populations have both convergently evolved more ventral pharyngeal teeth through heritable genetic changes. In both populations, evolved tooth gain manifests late in development. Using pulse-chase vital dye labeling to mark newly forming teeth in adult fish, we find that both high-toothed freshwater populations have accelerated tooth replacement rates relative to low-toothed ancestral marine fish. Despite the similar evolved phenotype of more teeth and an accelerated adult replacement rate, the timing of tooth number divergence and the spatial patterns of newly formed adult teeth are different in the two populations, suggesting distinct developmental mechanisms. Using genome-wide linkage mapping in marine-freshwater F2 genetic crosses, we find that the genetic basis of evolved tooth gain in the two freshwater populations is largely distinct. Together, our results support a model whereby increased tooth number and an accelerated tooth replacement rate have evolved convergently in two independently derived freshwater stickleback populations using largely distinct developmental and genetic mechanisms.
Signal intensity change on unenhanced T1-weighted images in dentate nucleus following gadobenate dimeglumine in patients with and without previous multiple administrations of gadodiamide

To evaluate the impact of previous administration of gadodiamide and neural tissue gadolinium deposition in patients who received gadobenate dimeglumine. Our population included 62 patients who underwent at least three administrations of gadobenate dimeglumine, plus an additional contrast-enhanced last MRI for reference, divided into two groups: group 1, patients who in addition to gadobenate dimeglumine administrations had prior exposure to multiple doses of gadodiamide; group 2, patients without previous exposure to other gadolinium-based contrast agent (GBCAs). Quantitative analysis was performed on the first and last gadobenate dimeglumine MRIs in both groups. Dentate nucleus-to-middle cerebellar peduncle signal intensity ratios (DN/MCP) and relative change (RC) in signal over time were calculated and compared between groups using generalized additive model. Group 1 showed significant increase in baseline and follow-up DN/MCP compared to group 2 (p < 0.0001). The RC DN/MCP showed a non-statistically significant trend towards an increase in patients who underwent previous gadodiamide (p = 0.0735). There is increased T1 signal change over time in patients who underwent gadobenate dimeglumine and had received prior gadodiamide compared to those without known exposure to previous gadodiamide. A potentiating effect from prior gadodiamide on subsequent administered gadobenate dimeglumine may occur. • Neural gadolinium deposition is associated with multiple administrations of less stable GBCAs. • Less stable GBCA effect on subsequent more stable GBCA administrations is undetermined. • Significant increase of DN/MCP was seen in patients with previous gadodiamide exposure. • RC DN/MCP showed a non-significant increase in patients who received previous gadodiamide. • Potentiating effects from prior gadodiamide on subsequent administered gadobenate dimeglumine may occur.
The Future of Women and Work: Ending the Twentieth Century

Global capitalist economic restructuring is affecting the working lives of American women. This article examines the growth of women's employment opportunities and the quality of their jobs as a consequence of the restructuring of employment, increasing flexibility of work, changing skill demands, and attempts to reduce hierarchy and increase workers' participation in the work process. The outlook for the 1990s is negative for many women, yet positive for a few if trends continue in their present direction.
Red, Scaly Babies: Neonatal Erythroderma

Erythroderma is defined as generalized skin erythema affecting at least 90% of the body. This skin reaction is not specific for one diagnosis. Neonatal erythroderma is potentially life-threatening and presents unique therapeutic and diagnostic challenges. The differential diagnosis is broad, and many of the potential diagnoses are exceedingly rare. Additional clinical or laboratory findings may point to the underlying primary disease, and understanding these clues can expedite establishing the diagnosis. Irrespective of the underlying cause, neonates who have erythroderma have a compromised skin barrier, which can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, temperature instability, protein losses, and increased risk for infection. This review focuses on an approach to managing erythroderma and reviews the features of several causes of erythroderma.
A New Method for Target Positioning Error Calibrations in RFSS

At present our country has several Radio Frequency Simulation Systems(RFSS),but in low band(1-2GHz),the angle precision of Radio Frequency Array as a key target can hardly be insured by hardware ways,and often hardly to meet the experimental requirement.According to above mentioned situation,a new method of software correction is put forward in this paper.By analyzing the angle error of array systematically,we decompose errors into systematical error of array element and random error of the system environment.By summarizing the distributing character of systematical error and deducing the corresponding theory,a beforehand setting calibration arithmetic is received,the array correction matrix is calculated exactly.Finally through experiment,the array angle precision is enhanced by five times.As a result,the application of this new method improves the total performance of RFSS greatly.
Is Pertussis Infection Neglected in China? Evidence from a Seroepidemiology Survey in Zhejiang, an Eastern Province of China.

Background The resurgence of pertussis has occurred in many countries. However, the epidemiological profiles of pertussis cannot be well understood by the current surveillance system in China. This study was designed to investigate the age specific serologic evidence of antibodies against pertussis, and to offer information regarding the existence of pertussis infection in Zhejiang Province, China.
The Role of Preoperative Irradiation in Cancer of the Rectum and Rectosigmoid

Evidence suggests that some therapeutic modality in addition to the present standard surgical treatment of cancer of the rectum will be necessary if long-term survival is to be improved. The use of preoperative irradiation is under continuing investigation. The results of several studies, using both moderate and high dosage preoperative radiation, are reviewed. A reduced incidence of lymph node metastases in the specimens from irradiated patients is common to all these studies.
Seasonal Tracking of Histo-Blood Group Antigen Expression and Norovirus Binding in Oyster Gastrointestinal Cells

Noroviruses (NORs) are the most common cause of viral gastroenteritis outbreaks. Outbreaks are often associated with the consumption of contaminated oysters and generally occur between the months of November and March, when oysters produce the highest levels of glycogen. Oyster glycogen has been proposed as playing a role in NOR accumulation. Recent research indicates that histo-blood group antigens (HBGAs) function as viral receptors on human gastrointestinal cells. In this study, oyster glycogen was tested to determine whether it contains HBGA-like molecules and whether it plays a role in NOR binding. The correlation between the amount of HBGA expression and NOR binding also was measured. We also tested whether seasonal changes affected HBGA expression and binding of recombinant NORs. The results indicate that recombinant NOR binding is highly correlated with HBGA expression in Virginica (Crassostrea virginica), Pacific (Crassostrea gigas), and Kumamato (Crassostrea sikamea) oysters, but the association does not have a seasonal pattern. No obvious trend in either HBGA expression or recombinant NOR binding by month was noted. A significant increase in recombinant NOR binding was observed in Virginica and Pacific oysters in a season not generally associated with NOR gastroenteritis outbreaks. A significant increase in HBGA expression also was observed for Pacific and Virginica oysters in the same season. Paradoxically, HBGA expression and NOR binding both were higher in oysters produced in the non-NOR gastroenteritis season (April through October) than in those produced in the NOR gastroenteritis season (November through March), suggesting that seasonal NOR gastroenteritis outbreaks are not associated with high levels of HBGA expression or NOR binding.
Polypropylene nanocomposites with polymer coated multiwall carbon nanotubes

Abstract Multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWNT) have been functionalized using nitric acid. The functionalized MWNTs (f-MWNT) form stable dispersions in butanol, while as received nanotubes do not. The f-MWNTs/butanol dispersion was added with polypropylene (PP) or maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (MA-g-PP) in xylene solution to form PP/f-MWNT and MA-g-PP/f-MWNT master batches, respectively. Both PP and MA-g-PP formed coatings on f-MWNTs, where the polymer coating thickness was 4–5 nm. Both PP and MA-g-PP exhibited non-covalently bonded interactions with f-MWNTs, and the evidence of these interactions was obtained using FTIR spectroscopy. The interfacial polymers (PP or MA-g-PP) in the master batches exhibited about 20 °C higher thermal decomposition temperature and greater chemical resistance in xylene than the bulk matrix polymer (PP or MA-g-PP). The PP/f-MWNT and MA-g-PP/f-MWNT master batches, as well as pristine MWNTs (p-MWNT) were melt blended with PP and injection molded nanocomposite samples were prepared from the melt blends. Studies regarding crystallization, rheology, and mechanical behavior all showed distinct differences in the nanocomposites performance when processed with MWNTs via the two master-batch approaches, and from pristine nanotubes. Both master batches resulted in much better MWNT dispersions than was achieved using p-MWNTs. Mechanical properties of the three types of injection molded samples at 0.1 wt% MWNT have been determined and compared.
Race, Crime and Criminal Justice in the United States of America

The Michael Hall article, ‘Thirty-Seven Men’, published in the November 2008 issue of Texas Monthly (Hall, November 2008, pp. 148–64), features short histories of 37 men, all but seven of whom were Non-White, who collectively spent 525 years in Texas Department of Corrections facilities for crimes they did not commit. The 37 DNA exonerations were a fraction of the 222 recent exonerations identified by the Innocence Project, a nonprofit advocacy group for the wrongly convicted (Hall, November 2008, p. 150). The June 12, 2000 issue of Phoenix, Arizona’s premier news daily, the Arizona Republic, published two feature articles on capital punishment, which highlight serious concerns in regard to criminal justice in the USA. These are: ‘AMA asked to endorse execution moratorium’ (2000, June 12, p. A1) and ‘Study: Flaws rife in capital cases’ (2000, June 12, p. A1).
Computational Approaches for Mining GRO-Seq Data to Identify and Characterize Active Enhancers

Transcriptional enhancers are DNA regulatory elements that are bound by transcription factors and act to positively regulate the expression of nearby or distally located target genes. Enhancers have many features that have been discovered using genomic analyses. Recent studies have shown that active enhancers recruit RNA polymerase II (Pol II) and are transcribed, producing enhancer RNAs (eRNAs). GRO-seq, a method for identifying the location and orientation of all actively transcribing RNA polymerases across the genome, is a powerful approach for monitoring nascent enhancer transcription. Furthermore, the unique pattern of enhancer transcription can be used to identify enhancers in the absence of any information about the underlying transcription factors. Here, we describe the computational approaches required to identify and analyze active enhancers using GRO-seq data, including data pre-processing, alignment, and transcript calling. In addition, we describe protocols and computational pipelines for mining GRO-seq data to identify active enhancers, as well as known transcription factor binding sites that are transcribed. Furthermore, we discuss approaches for integrating GRO-seq-based enhancer data with other genomic data, including target gene expression and function. Finally, we describe molecular biology assays that can be used to confirm and explore further the function of enhancers that have been identified using genomic assays. Together, these approaches should allow the user to identify and explore the features and biological functions of new cell type-specific enhancers.
3D-printed rock models: Elastic properties and the effects of penny-shaped inclusions with fluid substitution

ABSTRACT3D printing techniques (additive manufacturing) using different materials and structures provide opportunities to understand porous or fractured materials and fluid effects on their elastic properties. We used a 3D printer (Stratasys Dimension SST 768) to print one “solid” cube model and another with penny-shaped inclusions. The 3D printing process builds materials, layer by layer, producing a slight “bedding” plane, somewhat similar to a sedimentary process. We used ultrasonic transducers (500 kHz) to measure the P- and S-wave velocities. The input printing material was thermoplastic with a density of 1.04 g/cc, P-wave velocity of 2167 m/s, and S-wave velocity of 885 m/s. The solid cube had a porosity of approximately 6% and a density of 0.98 g/cc. Its P-wave velocity was 1914 m/s in the bedding direction and 1830 m/s normal to bedding. We observed S-wave splitting with fast and slow velocities of 879 and 835 m/s, respectively. Quality factors for P- and S-waves were estimated using the sp...
Traditional ecological knowledge, shifting baselines, and conservation of Fijian molluscs

Understanding a region’s ecological history is crucial in formulating conservation plans. In the absence of conventional datasets, historical data and traditional ecological knowledge of local communities can elucidate trends over time and help set goals for preservation and restoration. These methods can contribute to the conservation of biologically and culturally significant species, including coral reef molluscs, in the South Pacific, which have experienced intensified threats such as overfishing and habitat degradation in recent decades. Through fisher interviews in a small coastal community in Fiji, we investigate changes in distribution, biomass, and human perception of common mollusc populations in a Fijian reef. We found evidence of a decline in mollusc populations, but only older fishers with more fishing experience perceived this decline, suggesting a shift in baseline perceptions of biodiversity.
Concurrent use of satellite imaging and passive acoustics for maritime domain awareness

The research being conducted in the Center for Secure and Resilient Maritime Commerce (CSR), a DHS National Center of Excellence for Port Security examines some basic science issues and emerging technologies to improve the security of ports and inland waterways, as well as coastal and offshore operations. This research follows a layered approach utilizing above water and underwater surveillance techniques. The investigated layers include satellite-based wide area surveillance; HF Radar systems providing over-the-horizon monitoring; and nearshore and harbor passive acoustic surveillance. Integration of these systems is aimed at achieving vessel detection, classification, identification, and tracking. In this paper, we present the results of sea tests where satellite imagery was combined with concurrent passive acoustic surveillance. The wide area sensing was provided by the University of Miami CSTARS facility's electro-optical (EO) and synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite imaging capabilities. Satellites detected the ships using a panchromatic EO sensor FormoSat-2 and SAR from the COSMO-SkyMed constellation. The Stevens Passive Acoustic System was used for detecting sound produced by the same ships that were detected by satellites. Concurrent Satellite — Acoustic measurements provide the following advantages: 1. Increasing the probability of small vessel detection and decreasing false alarms. 2. The joint systems can provide redundant detection and classification in conditions where one of the systems fails. For example, EO satellite imaging does not work at night and in fog and cloudy conditions while acoustic detection has limits during stormy weather due to ambient noise. SAR imaging can detect vessels in all weather, but provides less detail about a specific vessel. 3. Acoustics can provide target classification and bearing and satellites can give target localization and heading. SAR data can be used to estimate vessel speed in some cases. 4. Satellite imaging is helpful for the acoustic detection of an underwater target in cases when satellite information allows separation of surface and underwater targets. 5. Joint measurements provide more data (information) for target classification. Several tests were conducted in New York Harbor, where the satellite images and acoustic signatures of the same boats were recorded. The satellite registered a number of small boats. The small boats were acoustically detected at distances up to 4 km and the signal generated by a passenger ferry was observed at a distance up to 7 km.
Issues of Leadership in Successful School Reform

Educational reform has been an ongoing process in schools in the United States and can be viewed as the changes that occur in school policy when economic, social and technological forces make new demands on what we want our students to know in order to be successful. Whether we view reform as the changes in procedures or rules that affect how the schools operate or the overall restructuring of school organizations, these are all steps toward change.
БИОМИНЕРАЛОГИЧЕСКОЕ ИССЛЕДОВАНИЕ ПЬЕЗОЭЛЕКТРИЧЕСКИХ ЭФФЕКТОВ В АПАТИТАХ

Investigation of apatite piezoelectricity was conducted in order to assess piezoelectric properties of bone. In the first stage, mineralogical analysis of different apatite crystals, regarding their purity and fitness for the experiments was performed. After the crystals had been chosen, 0.8 mm-thick plates were cut, perpendicular and parallel to the crystallographic Z axis. The plates were then polished and dusted with gold. Electrodes were attached to the opposite surfaces of the plates with conductive glue. So prepared plates were hooked up to the EEG machine used for measuring electrical activity in the brain. The plates were then gently tapped to observe and register currents generated in them. Acquired data was processed by subtracting from the resulting graphs those generated by a hand movement, without tapping the plate. Results indicate that apatite plates have weak piezoelectric properties. Observed phenomenon may be translated to bone apatite, which would explain, at least partially, piezoelectric properties of bone. Acquired results suggest that there is a relation between the mechanical workload of bones (bone apatite) and their electrical properties. Considering the massive internal surface of bones, they may be treated as a kind of internal “antenna” reacting not only to mechanical stimuli, but to changes in electromagnetic field as well. Observed phenomena no doubt significantly influence the biological processes occurring in bones and the whole human body.
A Pilot Study of a Multimodal Treatment Paradigm to Accelerate Drug Evaluations in Early-stage Metastatic Prostate Cancer

Objective To evaluate a multimodal strategy aimed at treating all sites of disease that provides a rapid readout of success or failure in men presenting with non-castrate metastatic prostate cancers that are incurable with single modality therapy. Materials and Methods Twenty selected men with oligometastatic M1a (extrapelvic nodal disease) or M1b (bone disease) at diagnosis were treated using a multimodal approach that included androgen deprivation, radical prostatectomy plus pelvic lymphadenectomy (retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy in the presence of clinically positive retroperitoneal nodes), and stereotactic body radiotherapy to osseous disease or the primary site. Outcomes of each treatment were assessed sequentially. Androgen deprivation was discontinued in responding patients. The primary end point was an undetectable prostate-specific antigen (PSA) after testosterone recovery. The goal was to eliminate all detectable disease. Results Each treatment modality contributed to the outcome: 95% of the cohort achieved an undetectable PSA with multimodal treatment, including 25% of patients after androgen deprivation alone and an additional 50% and 20% after surgery and radiotherapy, respectively. Overall, 20% of patients (95% confidence interval: 3%-38%) achieved the primary end point, which persisted for 5, 6, 27+ , and 46+ months. All patients meeting the primary end point had been classified with M1b disease at presentation. Conclusion A sequentially applied multimodal treatment strategy can eliminate detectable disease in selected patients with metastatic spread at diagnosis. The end point of undetectable PSA after testosterone recovery should be considered when evaluating new approaches to rapidly set priorities for large-scale testing in early metastatic disease states and to shift the paradigm from palliation to cure.
The Use of Structure Coefficients to Address Multicollinearity in Sport and Exercise Science

ABSTRACTA common practice in general linear model (GLM) analyses is to interpret regression coefficients (e.g., standardized β weights) as indicators of variable importance. However, focusing solely on standardized beta weights may provide limited or erroneous information. For example, β weights become increasingly unreliable when predictor variables are correlated, which is often the case in the social sciences. To address this issue, structure coefficients, which are simply the bivariate correlation between a predictor and the synthetic Ŷ variable, should also be interpreted. By examining β weights and structure coefficients in conjunction, the predictive worth of each independent variable can be more accurately judged. Despite this benefit, researchers in the field of sport and exercise science have rarely reported structure coefficients when conducting multiple regression analysis. Thus, the purpose of the present article is to discuss problems associated with the sole interpretation of β weights and ...
Using Theory Elaboration to Make Theoretical Advancements

We describe an actionable research approach for addressing current challenges to theoretical advancement labeled theory elaboration. Theory elaboration is the process of conceptualizing and executi...