cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evidence that the types and specific activity of lectins control fusion of L6 myoblasts

Abstract The specific activity of both the non-thiodigalactoside blockable and thiodigalactoside blockable lectin activities increase as a prelude to fusion. The peak of the non-thiodigalactoside blockable lectin activity is coincident with early fusion. The specific activity of both types of lectin activities decrease with the progression of fusion. The non-thiodigalactoside blockable lectin activity appears to be absent from myotubes.
Validation of a probabilistic model for hurricane insurance loss projections in Florida

The Florida Public Hurricane Loss Model is one of the first public models accessible for scrutiny to the scientific community, incorporating state of the art techniques in hurricane and vulnerability modeling. The model was developed for Florida, and is applicable to other hurricane-prone regions where construction practice is similar. The 2004 hurricane season produced substantial losses in Florida, and provided the means to validate and calibrate this model against actual claim data. This paper presents the predicted losses for several insurance portfolios corresponding to hurricanes Andrew, Charley, and Frances. The predictions are validated against the actual claim data. Physical damage predictions for external building components are also compared to observed damage. The analyses show that the predictive capabilities of the model were substantially improved after the calibration against the 2004 data. The methodology also shows that the predictive capabilities of the model could be enhanced if insurance companies report more detailed information about the structures they insure and the types of damage they suffer. This model can be a powerful tool for the study of risk reduction strategies.
Amino Acid and Nucleoside Incorporation in Frog Kidney Cells: An Autoradiographic Study

The adult frog (Rana pipiens) kidney is of particular interest due to the existence of a spontaneous renal adenocarcinoma (1). Although protein and RNA syntheses have been studied extensively in mammals with autoradiographic methods (for reviews see 2, 3), there is little information regarding macromolecular synthesis in adult amphibian cells. The present study provides an autoradiographic investigation of precursor incorporation into RNA and protein of frog kidney cells cultivated in vitro as compared with their in vivo counterparts. In addition to the relevance of frog kidney for tumor formation, the preparation of primary cell cultures leads to a stimulation of DNA synthesis and cell proliferation (4, 5). This then provides a model in which to study alterations taking place when a non-dividing cell population is stimulated to enter into DNA synthesis.
Fibroblast Growth Factor-2 Promotes Axon Branching of Cortical Neurons by Influencing Morphology and Behavior of the Primary Growth Cone

Interstitial branching is an important mechanism for target innervation in the developing CNS. A previous study of cortical neurons in vitro showed that the terminal growth cone pauses and enlarges in regions from which interstitial axon branches later develop (Szebenyi et al., 1998). In the present study, we investigated how target-derived signals affect the morphology and behaviors of growth cones leading to development of axon branches. We used bath and local application of a target-derived growth factor, FGF-2, on embryonic pyramidal neurons from the sensorimotor cortex and used time-lapse digital imaging to monitor effects of FGF-2 on axon branching. Observations of developing neurons over periods of several days showed that bath-applied FGF-2 significantly increased growth cone size and slowed growth cone advance, leading to a threefold increase in axon branching. FGF-2 also had acute effects on growth cone morphology, promoting rapid growth of filopodia within minutes. Application of FGF-2-coated beads promoted local axon branching in close proximity to the beads. Branching was more likely to occur when the FGF-2 bead was on or near the growth cone, suggesting that distal regions of the axon are more responsive to FGF-2 than other regions of the axon shaft. Together, these results show that interstitial axon branches can be induced locally through the action of a target-derived growth factor that preferentially exerts effects on the growth cone. We suggest that, in target regions, growth factors such as FGF-2 and other branching factors may induce formation of collateral axon branches by enhancing the pausing and enlargement of primary growth cones that determine future branch points.
MARANGONI EFFECT IN MICROBUBBLE SYSTEMS

This work explores the application of the Marangoni effect in micro systems involving small gas or vapor bubbles in a liquid environment subjected to a temperature gradient. The Marangoni effect characterizes the variation of surface tension along the bubble surface resulting from the temperature gradient around the bubble, thus driving the bubble toward the higher temperature region. This phenomenon is more pronounced as the bubble becomes smaller and the temperature gradient becomes steeper, both of which can be achieved in microbubble systems. Potential applications based on the Marangoni effect include linear bubble actuators, dynamic microvalves, and hot-spot locators. The optimum bubble size for these applications is expected to be of the order of 10 mu m. A smaller bubble may be difficult to introduce into the working system and maintain its size. Presented for illustration is a feasibility analysis for both a noncondensable gas bubble and a vapor bubble situated above a microheater. The analysis y...
Smaller UWB conformal antennas for VHF/UHF applications with ferrodielectric loadings

An alternative miniaturization technique is introduced, based on low-loss ferrite composites. The wave slow down for size reduction is provided by the permeability and permittivity of the ferrite composite, respectively. Ideally, the ferrite should possess equal permeability and permittivity (i.e. epsivpsilar = mupsilar) and must have low loss characteristics for large bandwidths. In this paper a miniaturized spiral antenna is presented using ferrite-polymer composites. The challenges of fabricating such a unique ferrite material will also be discussed.
Linear imaging with sensor arrays on convex polygonal boundaries

The resolution of a linear imaging system is determined by the size of the aperture on which it measures data. For a fixed number of sensor elements, large 2-D apertures are formed when the elements are placed on the boundary of some planar region. It is proved that it is possible, in principle, to use only the boundary of some convex region as the aperture, while synthesizing the effect of having placed sensors throughout the interior of that region. This allows sidelobe levels to be controlled. Such a possibility is clearly of interest to designers of large, distributed sensor arrays for use in both active, transmit/receive imaging and passive, receive-only imaging. The central idea that is exploited in the work is that of the coarray of an aperture. Signal processing techniques have been developed that effectively fill in the missing elements from the interior of the aperture for the cases of rectangular, hexagonal, and triangular boundary apertures. >
Novel role for retinol-binding protein 4 in the regulation of blood pressure

Elevated levels of serum retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) contribute to insulin resistance and correlate with increased prevalence of hypertension and myocardial infarction. We sought to determine whether lowering RBP4 would improve blood pressure (BP) and protect against obesity- or angiotensin (Ang)-II-induced hypertension. Systolic and diastolic BP were lower in the RBP4-knockout (RBP4-KO) mice and higher in the RBP4-overexpressing (RBP4-Tg) mice compared with BP in the wild-type (WT) littermates. Carbachol-induced vasodilatation was increased in arteries from the RBP4-KO compared with the WT mice and was impaired in the RBP4-Tg mice. Aortic eNOS(Ser1177) phosphorylation was enhanced ∼50% in the RBP4-KO mice, with no change in total eNOS protein. Feeding a high-fat diet increased BP in the RBP4-KO mice only to the level in the WT mice fed chow and had no effect on aortic eNOS(Ser1177) phosphorylation. Ang-II infusion resulted in 22 mmHg lower systolic BP in the RBP4-KO than in the WT mice, although the relative BP increase over saline infusion was ∼30% in both. Ang-II treatment decreased aortic eNOS(Ser1177) phosphorylation in the WT and RBP4-KO mice, but phosphorylation remained higher in the RBP4-KO mice. Cardiac hypertrophy with Ang-II treatment was diminished by 56% in the RBP4-KO mice. Thus, elevated serum RBP4 raises BP and lack of RBP4 reduces it, with commensurate changes in aortic eNOS(Ser1177) phosphorylation. Lowering RBP4 may reduce BP through enhanced eNOS-mediated vasodilatation and may be a novel therapeutic approach for hypertension.
Selenium uptake by plants from soils amended with inorganic and organic materials

Depending on its concentration and chemical form, Se functions as an essential element or potential toxicant to humans, livestock, and waterfowl. Application of seleniferous organic materials to soils may increase plant-available Se content and pose health hazards. This study assessed Se uptake by two successive plantings of canola (Brassica napus cv. Westar) and multiple clippings of tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea L. cv. Fawn) grown in soils (Hanford sandy loam (coarse-loamy, mixed, thermic Typic Durixeralfs) and Panoche clay loam (fine-loamy, mixed, superactive, thermic Typic Torriorthents)] amended with 1.5 mg Se kg-' soil as inorganic selenate (Se 2 4) or seleniferous organic materials alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), Astragalus praelongus, or cattle (Bos tauris) manure] under growth chamber conditions. Tissues of canola and tall fescue accumulated much greater concentrations of Se from the inorganic Se0,2,- treatment compared to the treatments with seleniferous organic materials. The addition of crop residue or animal manure to the Se0,2,- -treated soils considerably reduced Se accumulation by both plant species. In soils amended with seleniferous organic materials, more than 80% of the Se remained in soils after two plantings of canola and all clippings of tall fescue. The slow release of plant-available Se in soils amended with seleniferous organic materials suggests the use of these materials to control the concentrations of Se in crops grown on nonseleniferous soils.
PAR-3 and PAR-1 Inhibit LET-99 Localization to Generate a Cortical Band Important for Spindle Positioning in Caenorhabditis elegans Embryos

The conserved PAR proteins are localized in asymmetric cortical domains and are required for the polarized localization of cell fate determinants in many organisms. In Caenorhabditis elegans embryos, LET-99 and G protein signaling act downstream of the PARs to regulate spindle positioning and ensure asymmetric division. PAR-3 and PAR-2 localize LET-99 to a posterior cortical band through an unknown mechanism. Here we report that LET-99 asymmetry depends on cortically localized PAR-1 and PAR-4 but not on cytoplasmic polarity effectors. In par-1 and par-4 embryos, LET-99 accumulates at the entire posterior cortex, but remains at low levels at the anterior cortex occupied by PAR-3. Further, PAR-3 and PAR-1 have graded cortical distributions with the highest levels at the anterior and posterior poles, respectively, and the lowest levels of these proteins correlate with high LET-99 accumulation. These results suggest that PAR-3 and PAR-1 inhibit the localization of LET-99 to generate a band pattern. In addition, PAR-1 kinase activity is required for the inhibition of LET-99 localization, and PAR-1 associates with LET-99. Finally, examination of par-1 embryos suggests that the banded pattern of LET-99 is critical for normal posterior spindle displacement and to prevent spindle misorientation caused by cell shape constraints.
Pupation by Viburnum leaf beetle (coleoptera: chrysomelidae): behavioral description and impact of environmental variables and entomopathogenic nematodes.

Abstract Pyrrhalta viburni (Paykull), a new landscape pest in the United States, feeds in both the larval and adult stages on foliage of plants in the genus Viburnum. The insect is univoltine, with larvae active in spring and adults throughout the summer months. Experiments were conducted to determine the depth of pupation in the soil; the impact of substrate texture, moisture content, and temperature on pupation success; and ability of entomopathogenic nematodes to kill larvae when they enter the substrate to pupate. Larvae burrowed only a short distance into the substrate when pupating; 97–100% were found within the top 3 cm of a column of soil or sand and soil mixture in the laboratory. Larval mortality before pupation was low at 22°C but considerably higher at 30°C; at both temperatures, pupation success was lowest on a mixed substrate and higher (and equivalent) on sand or soil alone. Survivorship to adult was influenced by both temperature and substrate moisture content; at 22°C, 56% percent of pupa...
The Dual-Specificity Phosphatase MKP-1 Limits the Cardiac Hypertrophic Response In Vitro and In Vivo

Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways are important regulators of cell growth, proliferation, and stress responsiveness. A family of dual-specificity MAP kinase phosphatases (MKPs) act as critical counteracting factors that directly regulate the magnitude and duration of p38, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activation. Here we show that constitutive expression of MKP-1 in cultured primary cardiomyocytes using adenovirus-mediated gene transfer blocked the activation of p38, JNK1/2, and ERK1/2 and prevented agonist-induced hypertrophy. Transgenic mice expressing physiological levels of MKP-1 in the heart showed (1) no activation of p38, JNK1/2, or ERK1/2; (2) diminished developmental myocardial growth; and (3) attenuated hypertrophy in response to aortic banding and catecholamine infusion. These results provide further evidence implicating MAPK signaling factors as obligate regulators of cardiac growth and hypertrophy and demonstrate the importance of dual-specificity phosphatases as counterbalancing regulatory factors in the heart.
Kerr Electro-Optic Field Mapping Measurements in Electron Beam Irradiated Polymethylmethacrylate

To understand electron-caused discharges along insulating solid surfaces on spacecraft as well as in solids, Kerr electro-optic field mapping measurements have been performed in electron-beam-irradiated polymethylmethacrylate. The accumulated trapped charge results in large self-electric fields of the order of 1 to 3.5 MV/cm. Measurements were done at electron-beam energies up to 2.6 MeV at low (20 nA/cm/sup 2/) and high (300 nA/cm/sup 2/) current densities and for sample thickness of 0.635, 0.95, 1.27 and 2.54 cm. It was found that volume breakdown through the electron charged region may occur spontaneously when accumulated charge levels are high. Typically at breakdown the net charge density magnitude exceeded 1 mu C/cm/sup 2/ and internal fields exceeded 1.8 MV/cm. Charge dynamics during electron-beam irradiation was also analyzed on the basis of a simple model consisting of the continuity and Poisson's equations including charge generation and radiation-induced conductivity. >
Development of the philometrids Philometra overstreeti and philometroides paralichthydis in the experimentally infected copepod Oithona colcarva

Philometra overstreeti Moravec et de Buron, 2006 and Philomnetroides paralichthydis Moravec et de Buron, 2006 are common parasites of the southern flounder, Paralichthys lethostigma Jordan et Gilbert. Because the life cycles of these parasites are unknown, our goal was to assess whether species of copepod commonly found in our estuaries could serve as intermediate hosts for these philometrids. Individuals of five species of copepods were collected and exposed to L1 larvae of each philometrid species. The cyclopoid Oithlona colcarva Bowman was the only species to become successfully infected. Successive moulting of philometrid larvae in the haemocoel of the copepods was studied using transmission electron microscopy. At 23 degrees C the moult from L1 to L2 was observed for both species as early as 24 h post exposure to L1 larvae. The moult from L2 to L3 was initiated within 2 days post exposure and completed by 6-7 days post exposure. Some parasite-induced tissue damage occurred in the copepod but no cellular response against larval philometrids was observed.
Reliability of a New Device Used to Measure Shoulder Subluxation

The purposes of the study were to determine the reliability of a new device used to quantify shoulder subluxation and to estimate its standard error of measurement. The device is an L-shaped thermoplastic jig with a metric tape measure embedded in it. A sliding beak-like marker, which can be anchored with a thumbscrew, is used to identify landmarks and to measure the amount of subluxation. Eight male and two female hemiplegic subjects, 40 to 80 years old, consented to be measured for subluxation. Three standardized subluxation measurements were taken by one investigator to determine the reliability with a single rater. One measurement was taken by a second investigator and compared with the first measurement obtained by the first investigator to determine the reliability using more than one rater. Both investigators were experienced physical therapists. Each measurement was read by the other investigator, who disassembled the jig and cleaned the marks from the patient between measurements. For both analyses, an analysis of variance for repeated measures reflected no differences between measurements attributable to raters. The unbiased intraclass correlation coefficent for a single measurement by a single rater was .89 ( p < 01) and for more than one rater was .74 ( p < .01). The standard error of measurement was ± 0.77 mm for a single rater and ± 1.20 mm for more than one rater. We recommend the jig as a tool to measure shoulder subluxation in patients.
Gene Identification by 3′ Terminal Exon Trapping

The fact that most eukaryotic genes are split into exons and introns accounts for the difficulty in identifying those regions of the eukaryotic genome that code for protein. To compound the problem, introns in higher eukaryotes are generally quite long while the exons are usually very short. In order to translate correct peptides from split genes, the cell utilizes the mechanism of mRNA splicing to bring the coding regions together while removing the non-coding intervening sequences. The technology of exon trapping, sometimes called exon amplification, strives to exploit the phenomenon of mRNA splicing to discover genes directly from genomic DNA.
Peer victimization, social support and leisure-time physical activity in transgender and cisgender individuals

Transgender individuals are more likely to have lower social support and a more negative self-image than their cisgender (i.e., non-transgender) counterparts. While emerging research has demonstrated a potential association between these factors and physical activity behaviour, no studies have examined this relationship in transgender individuals. Eighty (n = 33 transgender, 47 cisgender) adults completed validated questionnaires assessing leisure-time physical activity, social support and physical self-perception. Transgender individuals were less physically active and reported lower social support and physical self-perception than their cisgender peers. Social support and self-perception emerged as mediators of the difference in physical activity between transgender and cisgender individuals. Results highlight the need for inclusive leisure settings and programs as well as increased social support for transgender individuals to maximize leisure-time physical activity.
Chile and the Tequila Effect

This case fits into courses on macroeconomics, international finance, and capital markets. It raises the issue of privatization of the social-security system and its impact on the economy and local capital market.
Anisotropy of Shear Relaxation in Confined Thin Films of Unentangled Polymer Melts

The anisotropic shear relaxation functions of confined thin films of unentangled polymer melts are measured via nonequilibrium step–strain simulations of in-plane and out-of-plane shear using the finitely extensible, nonlinear-elastic (FENE) model. We show that the classical Rouse model unsurprisingly fails to predict the thin-film relaxation functions in response to out-of-plane shear, due in part to non-Gaussian conformation statistics in the dimension perpendicular to the sub/superstrate. Using an alternate empirical model for the out-of-plane response, we quantify decreases in the plateau modulus G⊥P, relaxation time λ⊥, and viscosity η⊥ and an increase in the logarithmic relaxation rate r⊥ as functions of film thickness, and we discuss these anisotropic changes in stress-relaxation properties in terms of structural/conformation changes on the microscopic level, namely the relative contraction and non-Gaussian quality of polymer conformations in the dimension normal to the substrate and the resulting ...
Coarse-Grained Molecular Dynamics Simulations of Sugar Transport Across Lactose Permease

Sugar (one of the critical nutrition elements for all life forms) transport across the cell membranes play essential roles in a wide range of living organism. One of the most important active transport (against the sugar concentration) mechanisms is facilitated by the transmembrane transporter proteins, such as the Escherichia coli lactose permease (LacY) proteins. Active transport of sugar molecules with LacY proteins requires a proton gradient and a sequence of complicated protein conformational changes. However, the exact molecular mechanisms and the protein structural information involved in the transport process are largely unknown. All atom atomistic simulations are able to provide full details but are limited to relative small length and time scales due to the computational cost. The protein conformational changes during sugar transport across LacY are large scale structural reorganization and inaccessible to all atom simulations. In this work, we investigate the molecular mechanisms and conformational changes during sugar transport using coarse-grained molecular dynamics (CGMD) simulations. In our coarse-grained force field, we follow the procedures developed by Han et al. [1, 2], in which the protein model is united-atom based and each heavy atom together with the attached hydrogen atoms is represented by one site, then the protein force filed is coupled with the MARTINI [3] water and lipid force fields. This hybrid force field takes the advantage of the efficiency of MARTINI force field for the environment (water and lipid), while retaining the detailed conformational information for the proteins. Specifically, we develop the new force fields for interactions between sugar molecules and protein by matching the potential of mean force between all-atom and coarse-grained models. Then we validate our force field by comparing the potential of mean force for a glucose interaction with a carbohydrate binding protein from our new force field, with the results from all atom simulations. After validation, we implement the force field for sugar transport across LacY proteins. Through our simulations we are able to capture the formation/breakage of the important hydrogen bonds and salt bridges, which are crucial to the overall conformational changes of LacY.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
The Need for a Reversal of the Supreme Court’s Treatment of Uniform Benefit Laws

More articles have been written about the First Amendment’s Religion Clauses than perhaps any other phrase in the Bill of Rights. The reason for such breadth of scholarship is that nearly everyone has an opinion on religion’s place in society. The typical debates are whether the government should stay completely out of religious affairs, the extreme bound of the Establishment Clause, or should take pains to “accommodate” religion, thereby ensuring the freedom of religion through the “Free Exercise” Clause. Currently, this topic is widely unresolved, in large part due to the Supreme Court’s waffling on the issue. For example, currently allowed under the Clauses are laws affording a “uniform benefit” to religion (i.e., an exemption from a statutory ban on religious discrimination in employment), while laws that draw “denominational preferences” - laws that distinguish among religions - are subject to the highest constitutional standard of review. The Court’s lack of a clear doctrine on these issues means that the First Amendment guarantee of religious freedom is something less than a reliable source of protection for Americans. Non-adherents are unprotected by the Religion Clauses. Currently, the rights for freedom of religious exercise (which includes the right not to exercise any religion) of non-adherents under the Religion Clauses are completely unprotected, while those of religious individuals are protected as the fundamental rights they are. This unequal treatment deprives a large section of the population from the protection afforded all Americans under the First Amendment.The origin of the current problem in Religion Clauses jurisprudence is the Court’s holding in Larson v. Valente. This decision based its reasoning on a manipulation of precedent, which artificially narrowed the Establishment Clause proscription of laws that favor religion in any way, whether uniformly or with respect to a single denomination or sect. The result of Larson, combined with its affirmance five years later in Amos, has completely eviscerated the First Amendment guarantee of free exercise for individuals who do not belong to any organized religion.This Note urges that the Supreme Court reverse the decision in Larson and apply a uniform standard of scrutiny to all groups whose rights are affected by violations of the Religion Clauses.
RESEARCH PRIORITIES FOR NURSES CARING FOR PERSONS WITH MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

The Delphi technique was used by the Nursing Research Specialty Group of the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC) to obtain consensus on research priorities related to health and nursing care needs of persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) and their families and particular nursing interventions for which effective outcomes needed to be determined. Three rounds of questionnaires were used in obtaining responses from nurses affiliated with the CMSC and nurses affiliated with National MS Affiliated Centers/Clinics and the Veterans Administration Medical Centers (nonCMSC). Round 1, identification of research items, was the basis for developing a 108 item questionnaire for Rounds 2 and 3. Sixteen of 108 research items were selected by 25% or more of the CMSC or nonCMSC nurses. Among the top research priorities identified by both groups of nurses were determining effective programs to promote quality of life and reduce fatigue, stress and emotional difficulties (anger, anxiety, isolation); promote high level of functioning; and develop strategies for effective handling of cognitive deficits. Research priorities identified in this Delphi study provide direction for conducting collaborative research among CMSC and nonCMSC nurses with the aim of improving clinical practice and health outcomes of MS patients.
Gated Hall effect of nanoplate devices reveals surface-state-induced surface inversion in iron pyrite semiconductor

Understanding semiconductor surface states is critical for their applications, but fully characterizing surface electrical properties is challenging. Such a challenge is especially crippling for semiconducting iron pyrite (FeS2), whose potential for solar energy conversion has been suggested to be held back by rich surface states. Here, by taking advantage of the high surface-to-bulk ratio in nanostructures and effective electrolyte gating, we develop a general method to fully characterize both the surface inversion and bulk electrical transport properties for the first time through electrolyte-gated Hall measurements of pyrite nanoplate devices. Our study shows that pyrite is n-type in the bulk and p-type near the surface due to strong inversion and yields the concentrations and mobilities of both bulk electrons and surface holes. Further, solutions of the Poisson equation reveal a high-density of surface holes accumulated in a 1.3 nm thick strong inversion layer and an upward band bending of 0.9-1.0 eV. This work presents a general methodology for using transport measurements of nanostructures to study both bulk and surface transport properties of semiconductors. It also suggests that high-density of surface states are present on surface of pyrite, which partially explains the universal p-type conductivity and lack of photovoltage in polycrystalline pyrite.
Foraging Velocity of Seed-Harvester Ants, Veromessor pergandei (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Velocity of a Veromessor pergandei (Mayr) worker either searching for seeds or returning to the nest with a seed is significantly dependent upon temperature. Velocity of an ant carrying a seed is further influenced by body size and burden ([ant mass + seed mass] / ant mass). Although workers of this species are highly variable in size, body size significantly influences velocity of burdened ants only and does not influence unburdened ones. This may occur because workers do not run at maximum possible velocity while searching for seeds. Velocity of a worker is linear with increasing burden over the range of seed sizes harvested by these ants. Regression equations for velocity of burdened and unburdened ants in the field are presented. On the basis of these regressions, V. pergandei workers appear much larger than necessary to carry burdens normally encountered while foraging.
Supersonic Jet Impingement on a Model-Scale Jet Blast Deflector

This study investigates the near-field acoustic and hydrodynamic characteristics of an axisymmetric Mach 1.5 air jet exhausting over a nominal one-twentieth-scale jet-blast-deflector/carrier-deck m...
Visualizing ensembles in structural biology

Displaying a single representative conformation of a biopolymer rather than an ensemble of states mistakenly conveys a static nature rather than the actual dynamic personality of biopolymers. However, there are few apparent options due to the fixed nature of print media. Here we suggest a standardized methodology for visually indicating the distribution width, standard deviation and uncertainty of ensembles of states with little loss of the visual simplicity of displaying a single representative conformation. Of particular note is that the visualization method employed clearly distinguishes between isotropic and anisotropic motion of polymer subunits. We also apply this method to ligand binding, suggesting a way to indicate the expected error in many high throughput docking programs when visualizing the structural spread of the output. We provide several examples in the context of nucleic acids and proteins with particular insights gained via this method. Such examples include investigating a therapeutic polymer of FdUMP (5-fluoro-2-deoxyuridine-5-O-monophosphate) - a topoisomerase-1 (Top1), apoptosis-inducing poison - and nucleotide-binding proteins responsible for ATP hydrolysis from Bacillus subtilis. We also discuss how these methods can be extended to any macromolecular data set with an underlying distribution, including experimental data such as NMR structures.
Identification of Pyridine Synthase Recognition Sequences Allows a Modular Solid-Phase Route to Thiopeptide Variants.

Thiopeptides are structurally complex, bioactive natural products derived from ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides. A remarkable set of enzymes were recently revealed to catalyze the formation of the core trithiazolylpyridine of thiopeptides via a formal [4 + 2] cycloaddition. These pyridine synthases typically act late in thiopeptide biosynthesis to affect macrocyclization and cleavage of the N-terminal leader peptide, making them potentially useful biocatalysts for preparation of new thiopeptide variants. Herein we investigate the leader peptide requirements for TclM from thiocillin biosynthesis in Bacillus cereus ATCC 14579. Through a series of truncations, we define a minimum recognition sequence (RS) that is necessary and sufficient for TclM activity. This RS can be readily synthesized and ligated to linear thiopeptide cores prepared via solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS), giving an efficient and modular route to thiopeptide variants. We exploit this strategy to defin...
Prediction of chemo-response in serous ovarian cancer

Nearly one-third of serous ovarian cancer (OVCA) patients will not respond to initial treatment with surgery and chemotherapy and die within one year of diagnosis. If patients who are unlikely to respond to current standard therapy can be identified up front, enhanced tumor analyses and treatment regimens could potentially be offered. Using the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) serous OVCA database, we previously identified a robust molecular signature of 422-genes associated with chemo-response. Our objective was to test whether this signature is an accurate and sensitive predictor of chemo-response in serous OVCA. We first constructed prediction models to predict chemo-response using our previously described 422-gene signature that was associated with response to treatment in serous OVCA. Performance of all prediction models were measured with area under the curves (AUCs, a measure of the model’s accuracy) and their respective confidence intervals (CIs). To optimize the prediction process, we determined which elements of the signature most contributed to chemo-response prediction. All prediction models were replicated and validated using six publicly available independent gene expression datasets. The 422-gene signature prediction models predicted chemo-response with AUCs of ~70 %. Optimization of prediction models identified the 34 most important genes in chemo-response prediction. These 34-gene models had improved performance, with AUCs approaching 80 %. Both 422-gene and 34-gene prediction models were replicated and validated in six independent datasets. These prediction models serve as the foundation for the future development and implementation of a diagnostic tool to predict response to chemotherapy for serous OVCA patients.
Ambiguous Complexity: Visualizations of Big Data in Microbiome Science

The purpose of this research is to identity the various contexts in which visualizations create inequalities in the realm of big data science. In analyzing the visuals and graphics from two microbiome case studies, it becomes clear that the interplay of the visualizations conflate with the complexities of the data sets from which it was derived. Continuing visualization studies with interdisciplinary lenses will help reveal more understandings about the inequalities in science and society.
Instant Hydrogelation Inspired by Inflammasomes.

Based on the recent structures of the PYRIN domain of ASC in the protein filament of inflammasomes and the observation that pyridoxal phosphate (P5P) modulates the self-assembly of ASC, we rationally designed an N-terminal capped nonapeptide (Nap-FFKKFKLKL, 1) to form supramolecular nanofibers consisting of α-helix. The addition of P5P to the solution of 1 results in a hydrogel almost instantly (about 4 seconds). Several other endogenous small molecules (e.g., pyridoxal, folinic acid, ATP, and AMP) also convert the solution of 1 to a hydrogel. As the demonstration of correlating assemblies of peptides and the relevant protein epitopes, this work illustrates a bioinspired approach to develop supramolecular structures modulated by endogenous small molecules.
Automatic Analysis of Organic Pollutants in Water Via GC/MS

The use of gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer (GC/MS) systems for the routine analysis of organic pollutants in water samples has grown significantly during the last few years (Kopf1er et al, 1977; Games and Hites, 1977). However, these systems have had several disadvantages; namely, the need for a highly skilled operator and the need for elaborate sample preparation prior to analysis.
Reviewing state-mandated training requirements for naloxone-dispensing pharmacists

Abstract Background Expanding access to naloxone is crucial for mitigating the public health epidemic of opioid overdose deaths in America. Pharmacists now have greater independent authority to dispense naloxone to the public due to a wave of enhanced pharmacy naloxone access laws. It is unknown to what extent pharmacists are required to receive specialized training to serve in this capacity. Objectives The goal of this study was to review naloxone training mandates from states with enhanced pharmacy naloxone access laws. Methods Structured internet searches were completed using publicly available legislative, regulatory, and administrative records to identify the type of enhanced pharmacy naloxone access law and the presence and characteristics of a pharmacist naloxone training mandate in each state. Results As of November 22, 2017, all 50 states have implemented an enhanced pharmacy naloxone access law. Only 19 states mandated targeted naloxone education before pharmacists engaged in independent naloxone dispensing/prescribing activities. Conclusions A lack of standardized naloxone training requirements for naloxone-dispensing pharmacists may affect the rate of adoption of enhanced pharmacy naloxone dispensing practices at community pharmacies and suboptimal education of patients at risk of opioid overdose. Ensuring pharmacists' preparedness to serve as naloxone providers is necessary to meaningfully prevent opioid overdose deaths in their communities.
Aspirations and Contestations: ICT Training and Subjectivities Among Marginalized Youth

My ethnographic research in the urban peripheries of New Delhi critically examines a popular, ICT-led skills training initiative for marginalized youth. Contemporary policy discourses in India emphasize the urgency for “training” versus “education” to prepare an efacient workforce trained for India’s emerging, global economy. I argue that marginalized youth form critical subjects of these ICTD projects. Contrary to the aims of the training initiatives, participants continue to prioritize and press for an education. Their claim is an assertion of equality with more privileged individuals based on their experiences of a lack of access to familial, institutional, and linguistic privileges. I demonstrate that students’ narratives disrupt the policy emphasis on consumption and hygiene, and point to deeper structural inequities in their lives. My research highlights the contradictions of ICTD programs and the limitations of the promise of inclusionfor marginalized youth in the global economy.
Photooxidation of Amplex Red to Resorufin: Implications of Exposing the Amplex Red Assay to Light

The Amplex Red assay, a fluorescent assay for the detection of H2O2, relies on the reaction of H2O2, which, in the presence of horseradish peroxidase, oxidizes the colorless, nonfluorescent, Amplex Red with a 1:1 stoichiometry to form the colored, fluorescent resorufin. We have found that resorufin is artifactually formed when Amplex Red is exposed to light. This photochemistry is initiated by trace amounts of resorufin present in Amplex Red stock solutions. ESR spin-trapping studies have demonstrated that superoxide radical is an intermediate in this process. Oxygen consumption measurements further confirmed that superoxide and H2O2 were artifactually produced by the photooxidation of Amplex Red. The artifactual formation of resorufin was also significantly increased by the presence of superoxide dismutase or HRP. This photooxidation process leads to a less sensitive assay for H2O2 under ambient light exposure and potentially invalid measurements under high energy exposure such as UVA irradiation. In general, precautions should be taken to minimize exposure to light, including that from instrumental light, during measurement of oxidative stress with Amplex Red.
METHIONINE SYNTHESIS IN NEUROSPORA. THE ISOLATION OF CYSTATHIONINE

Among artificially produced biochemical mutants of Neurospora, those which have lost the ability to synthesize methionine form the largest class. At the present writing 87 occurrences of the methionineless character have been observed in this laboratory following treatment of wild type spores with high frequency radiations (1) or mustard gas (2). Methionineless mutants differ from wild type Neurospora in that they fail to grow on a medium containing only sugar, inorganic salts, and biotin, but do grow if, in addition to these constituents, methionine is supplied. In many of the mutants failure of methionine synthesis results from a block in the reduction of sulfate, which, except for a trace of biotin, is the sole source of sulfur in the basal medium. These strains can utilize reduced forms of inorganic sulfur for growth, as well as methionine and other organic sulfur compounds. On the other hand, some of the mutants require organically bound sulfur for growth, an indication that in these strains the block in methionine synthesis comes at a later stage than sulfate reduction. Similar classes of methionine-requiring mutants have been reported in the mold Ophiostoma by Fries (3) and in Escherichia coli by Lampen et al. (4-6).
Tunable Microfabricated Hydrogels—A Study in Protein Interaction and Diffusion

Hydrogels have been explored as robust engineering materials for sensors and actuators in microsystems. For hydrogels to successfully interact with a biological environment, characteristics such as mechanical strength, biomolecules storage and diffusion rate in a hydrogel matrix must be understood. The ability to easily “tune” the fabrication of a hydrogel for varying degrees of interaction or non-interaction with biomolecules would be advantageous. To this end, we fabricated pH-responsive hydrogels of various swelling ratios. Furthermore, the hydrogels were exposed to protein solutions and measured the mechanical strength of the same in the presence of bovine serum albumin (BSA), showing that BSA had no influence on the mechanical strength of the hydrogel. We then measured protein diffusion characteristics of BSA in the hydrogel by comparing relative fluorescence intensity across a range of swelling ratios. Higher swelling ratio gels exhibited higher fluorescence intensity and thus more storage capability. Finally, we explored the use of fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) to characterize the diffusion constant of BSA, lysozyme, and monoclonal antibody in the studied hydrogels. Results show three distinct types of diffusion behavior: protein interaction with the hydrogel matrix, pH dependence of protein diffusion, and the observance of diffusion overshot.
Screening for histone codebreakers

The lysine methyltransferase NSD2 is overexpressed and carries gain-of-function mutations in a number of different cancers, making it an attractive therapeutic target. However, no specific small molecule inhibitors have been identified for this enzyme, responsible for depositing the H3K36me2 mark on histones. A new study reports a robust platform for high-throughput screening (HTS) assays to facilitate this discovery.
Decreasing Incidence of Postoperative Ileus Following Total Hip Arthroplasty: A 17-Year Retrospective Review of 31,619 Total Hip Replacements at One Institution

Ileus following total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a clinically and financially significant postoperative complication that has not been extensively described in the orthopaedic joint literature. Ileus has been found to occur in 0.7 to 4.0% of patients after total joint arthroplasty and as high as 5.6% in patients after revision THA.1,2,3 In a 17-year period (2001 Fiscal Year through 2017 Fiscal Year) at one institution, the authors found an incidence of 0.674% (213/31619) following THA. In addition, the incidence of ileus following THA has drastically declined over this 17-year period, from 1.822% (19/1043) in 2001 to 0.099% (3/3036) in 2017. This decrease may be attributed to a reduction in narcotic use postoperatively, earlier ambulation following surgery, and reduction in length of hospital stay. Though postoperative ileus is not yet a preventable complication, recognition of risk factors may permit earlier intervention to ameliorate some of the morbidity associated with this condition.
Do all clean energy stocks respond homogeneously to oil price

Abstract This paper investigates whether the relationship between oil price and clean energy stock is homogeneous across sub-sectors of the clean energy stock market and its implications for portfolio diversification and clean energy finance policy. We contribute to the literature by being the first empirical paper to document the oil price-clean energy stock relationship at a disaggregate level, thereby providing a more detailed picture of the clean energy stock market. Our findings show that the relationship between oil price and clean energy stock varies largely across clean energy stock sub-sectors. Specifically, biofuel and energy management stocks are the most connected to oil price, while wind, geothermal, fuel cell stocks are among the least connected to oil price. This implies that the hedging cost and effectiveness of a clean energy investment portfolio is dependent on the type of clean energy stock included, therefore, active portfolio management at a disaggregate level is of particular importance. Additionally, policy should take into account the specific characteristics of individual clean energy sub-sectors in order to effectively promote clean energy investment.
Time to progression from discoid lupus erythematosus to systemic lupus erythematosus: a retrospective cohort study.

Determining the risk of progression to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) among patients diagnosed with discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE), and the time frame of this risk, are important clinical questions. Past reports have demonstrated a wide time frame of progression from DLE to SLE, with mean time to progression of approximately 8 years. Using data obtained from an academic lupus centre, we identified 32 patients who progressed from DLE to SLE. In our cohort, we found that the median time to progression from DLE to SLE was 453 days, much sooner than previously reported. We believe this information can help inform clinicians on monitoring visit intervals and how best to counsel patients on SLE progression.
Modeling of Operator Performance for Human-in-the-loop Power Systems

Human operators interact with the power control system as “in-the-loop” control elements to ensure the system stability and safety. The role of human operators becomes more critical with the increasing usage of renewable energy resources. This research seeks to support operator training by developing a technique to quantitatively model human operators’ performance in the context of a simple power dispatch task. In the designed compensatory tracking task, the operator acted on the system output error and was part of a feedback control loop. The primary metric developed to evaluate and model the operator’s performance is the normalized deviation, which is defined as the difference between the individual quadratic error and the averaged performance. Twenty-three human subjects participated in the experimental study. The data collected was then used to examine the proposed modeling approach and to obtain insights into possible effects of human factors. The proposed modeling technique will enable us to evaluate and compare the operator’s performance to the optimal controller designed for the same task, and to design the training program that aims to align the operator’s performance closer to the optimal controller.