cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Generation of a dominant-negative mutant of endothelial PAS domain protein 1 by deletion of a potent C-terminal transactivation domain.

Endothelial PAS domain protein 1 (EPAS1) is a basic helix-loop-helix/PAS domain transcription factor that is preferentially expressed in vascular endothelial cells. EPAS1 shares high homology with hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and, like HIF-1α, has been shown to bind to the HIF-1-binding site and to activate its downstream genes such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and erythropoietin. In this report, we show that EPAS1 increased VEGF gene expression through the HIF-1-binding site. This transactivation was enhanced further by cotransfection of an aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator expression plasmid. Deletion analysis of EPAS1 revealed a potent activation domain (amino acids 486–639) essential for EPAS1 to transactivate the VEGF promoter. We confirmed the ability of this domain to activate transcription using a Gal4 fusion protein system. Because a truncated EPAS1 protein lacking the transactivation domain at amino acids 486–639 eliminated induction of the VEGF promoter by wild-type EPAS1, the truncated protein functions as a dominant-negative mutant. Most important, infection of the cells with an adenoviral construct expressing this mutant inhibited the induction of VEGF mRNA under conditions that mimic hypoxia. Our results suggest that EPAS1 is an important regulator of VEGF gene expression. Since VEGF plays a crucial role in angiogenesis, the ability of dominant-negative EPAS1 to inhibit VEGF promoter activity raises the possibility of a novel approach to inhibiting pathological angiogenesis.
Spectrum of T-DNA integrations for insertional mutagenesis of Histoplasma capsulatum.

Agrobacterium-mediated transformation is being increasingly used for insertional mutagenesis of fungi. To better evaluate its effectiveness as a mutagen for the fungal pathogen Histoplasma capsulatum, we analyzed a collection of randomly selected T-DNA insertion mutants. Testing of different T-DNA element vectors engineered for transformation of fungi showed that pBHt2 provides the highest transformation efficiency and the lowest rate of vector backbone carryover. Sixty-eight individual T-DNA integrations were characterized by recovery of T-DNA ends and flanking genomic sequences. The right border (RB) end of the T-DNA is largely preserved whereas the left border (LB) end is frequently truncated. Analysis of T-DNA insertion sites confirms the lack of any integration hotspots in the Histoplasma genome. Relative to genes, T-DNA integrations show significant bias towards promoter regions at the expense of coding sequences. With consideration for potential promoter interruption and the demonstrated efficacy of intronic insertions, 61 % of mapped T-DNA insertions should impair gene expression or function. Mapping of T-DNA flanking sequences demonstrates 67 % of T-DNA integrations are integrations at a single chromosomal site and 31 % of T-DNA integrations are associated with large-scale chromosomal rearrangements. This characterization of T-DNA insertions in mutants selected without regard to phenotype supports application of Agrobacterium-mediated transformation as an insertional mutagen for genome-based screens and functional discovery of genes in Histoplasma.
Ca2+-dependent Cl− channels in mouse and rabbit aortic smooth muscle cells: regulation by intracellular Ca2+ and NO

Ca(2+)-dependent Cl(-) (Cl(-)(Ca)) channels and their regulation by intracellular Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) and nitric oxide (NO) were characterized in mouse and rabbit aortic smooth muscle cells (SMC) using patch clamp and fura 2 imaging. Single channels (1. 8 pS) and whole cell Cl(-)(Ca) currents were activated by caffeine-induced Ca(2+) release. Single Cl(-)(Ca) channels were also activated by >/=200 nM Ca(2+) in inside-out membrane patches and remained active for >5 min in </=1 microM Ca(2+) but showed rapid rundown in 2 mM Ca(2+). Authentic NO or S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP) did not affect their activation or rundown in inside-out patches. In the whole cell, SNAP (100 microM) and 8-(4-chlorophenylthio)-guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (50 microM) did not affect Cl(-)(Ca) current, but at a higher concentration SNAP (1 mM) induced a sustained [Ca(2+)](i) rise, accompanied by a dramatic decrease in caffeine-induced Ca(2+) release and Cl(-)(Ca) current. These results indicate that 1) mouse and rabbit aortic SMC possess 1.8-pS Cl(-)(Ca) channels that are activated by Ca(2+) release from the stores, 2) both activation and rundown of single Cl(-)(Ca) channels depend on [Ca(2+)](i), and 3) NO does not affect Cl(-)(Ca) channels directly or via cGMP but can inhibit their activation indirectly by decreasing Ca(2+) release from the stores.
PF4/heparin-antibody complex induces monocyte tissue factor expression and release of tissue factor positive microparticles by activation of FcγRI

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a potentially devastating form of drug-induced thrombocytopenia that occurs in patients receiving heparin for prevention or treatment of thrombosis. Patients with HIT develop autoantibodies to the platelet factor 4 (PF4)/heparin complex, which is termed the HIT Ab complex. Despite a decrease in the platelet count, the most feared complication of HIT is thrombosis. The mechanism of thrombosis in HIT remains poorly understood. We investigated the effects of the HIT Ab complex on tissue factor (TF) expression and release of TF-positive microparticles in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and monocytes. To model these effects ex vivo, we used a murine mAb specific for the PF4/heparin complex (KKO), as well as plasma from patients with HIT. We found that the HIT Ab complex induced TF expression in monocytes and the release of TF-positive microparticles. Further, we found that induction of TF is mediated via engagement of the FcγRI receptor and activation of the MEK1-ERK1/2 signaling pathway. Our data suggest that monocyte TF may contribute to the development of thrombosis in patients with HIT.
Informed consent for biobanking: consensus-based guidelines for adequate comprehension

Federal regulations and best practice guidelines identify categories of information that should be communicated to prospective biobank participants during the informed consent process. However, uncertainty remains about which of this information participants must understand to provide valid consent. We conducted a Delphi process to define “adequate comprehension” in the context of biobanking consent. The process involved an iterative series of three online surveys of a diverse panel of 51 experts, including genome scientists, biobank managers, ethics and policy experts, and community and participant representatives. We sought consensus (>70% agreement) concerning what specific details participants should know about 16 biobank consent topics. Consensus was achieved for 15 of the 16 consent topics. The exception was the comprehension needed regarding the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act. Our Delphi process was successful in identifying a concise set of key points that prospective participants must grasp to provide valid consent for biobanking. Specifying the level of knowledge sufficient for individuals to make an informed choice provides a basis for improving consent forms and processes, as well as an absolute metric for assessing the effectiveness of other interventions to improve comprehension. Genet Med 17 3, 226–233.
11C-Acetate PET/CT Before Radical Prostatectomy: Nodal Staging and Treatment Failure Prediction

Despite early detection programs, many patients with prostate cancer present with intermediate- or high-risk disease. We prospectively investigated whether 11C-acetate PET/CT predicts lymph node (LN) metastasis and treatment failure in men for whom radical prostatectomy is planned. Methods: 107 men with intermediate- or high-risk localized prostate cancer and negative conventional imaging findings underwent PET/CT with 11C-acetate. Five underwent LN staging only, and 102 underwent LN staging and prostatectomy. PET/CT findings were correlated with pathologic nodal status. Treatment-failure–free survival was estimated by the Kaplan–Meier method. The ability of PET/CT to predict outcomes was evaluated by multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis. Results: PET/CT was positive for pelvic LN or distant metastasis in 36 of 107 patients (33.6%). LN metastasis was present histopathologically in 25 (23.4%). The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of PET/CT for detecting LN metastasis were 68.0%, 78.1%, 48.6%, and 88.9%, respectively. Treatment failed in 64 patients: 25 with metastasis, 17 with a persistent postprostatectomy prostate-specific antigen level greater than 0.20 ng/mL, and 22 with biochemical recurrence (prostate-specific antigen level > 0.20 ng/mL after nadir) during follow-up for a median of 44.0 mo. Treatment-failure–free survival was worse in PET-positive than in PET-negative patients (P
TRANSFORMATION OF STREPTOCOCCI TO STREPTOMYCIN RESISTANCE

Perry, Dennis (Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, Ill.) and Hutton D. Slade. Transformation of streptococci to streptomycin resistance. J. Bacteriol. 83:443–449. 1962.—A total of 43 strains of streptococci, belonging to serological groups A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, K, L, M, N, O, and Q, and three ungroupable strains were exposed to deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) extracted from streptomycin-resistant streptococci belonging to groups A, C, D, G, H, and ungroupable strains. Transformation to streptomycin resistance was obtained with streptococci belonging to groups F, H, and O and a serologically unclassifiable streptococcus. The transformable streptococci incorporated DNA from both homologous and heterologous groups and strains of streptococci. Certain strains within a group served as DNA donors but not as DNA recipients, and certain strains served as DNA donors for some strains but not for others. Even within an individual group, not all strains were transformable. The number of transformants was influenced by the source of DNA and the DNA recipient strain used. Substances which affect cell permeability did not enable transformation to occur. Radioisotope studies with P32-labelled DNA showed that nontransformable strains incorporated amounts of DNA comparable to the transformable strains.
Multipass flow distribution and mass transfer efficiency for distillation plates

A new model for predicting the hydrodynamics, flow distribution, and mass transfer efficiency of multipass distillation trays is presented. Separate submodels apply to two-, three-, and four-pass trays, which may be any type of cross flow tray with downcomers: sieve, valve, or bubble cap. It was found that the liquid/vapor flow ratio in one pass of a poorly designed multipass tray can be several times that in adjacent passes, and that the mean tray efficiency of such a tray is substantially less than the optimum possible. It is shown that multipass trays can be designed with essentially perfect flow distribution and optimum (maximum) overall tray efficiency.
A high‐resolution, double‐labeling method for the study of in vivo red blood cell aging

BACKGROUND: Red blood cell (RBC) senescence is a process that has received considerable study, yet remains poorly understood. This has been primarily due to the difficulty in isolating a RBC cohort of narrowly distributed, well-defined age. Biotin labeling has previously been used to produce an identifiable cell cohort of known mean age; however, the variability of RBC age within the cohort is relatively large for most of its existence. Treatments typically employed on animal subjects to reduce this variability can perturb erythropoiesis and result in abnormal RBC aging. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The objective of this study was to improve on the traditional in vivo biotinylation method by introducing a chemically distinct, second labeling step. In this case, digoxigenin was used to label cells 1 to 2 days before the injection of biotin. RESULTS: It was shown, in the rat, that two identifiable subpopulations of labeled RBCs can be followed over time: a broad, double-labeled cohort and a narrow, single-labeled cohort, the latter consisting of only those cells created between the first and second labeling steps. The utility of this technique was demonstrated by observing the age-dependent exposure of phosphatidylserine in the single-labeled RBCs. CONCLUSION: Its capacity to generate a cohort of narrowly distributed age, without the adverse effects associated with animal treatment, should make this a useful method for the study of RBC senescence.
Oscillations of Semi-Enclosed Water Body Induced by Hurricanes

The primary focus of this research is to study the oscillations of semi-enclosed water body induced by hurricanes. The physical mechanisms of the wind-induced oscillation (storm surge) in a semi-enclosed water body are analyzed by the depth-averaged, non-linear shallow-water equations. The numerical model using the finite-volume method (FVM) to solve the depth-averaged, non-linear shallow-water equations is developed and the present model is verified by the intensive field data reported by IPET. The present model is further applied to the investigation of the oscillations (storm surges) in Lake Pontchartrain induced by the winds generated by four synthetic hurricanes within the time-span of 00:00 UTC August 29 to 00:00 UTC August 30, 2005: 1.Hurricane Katrina tracking on its original route, 2.Hurricane Katrina tracking 36 km west of its original route, 3.Hurricane Katrina tracking 72 km west of its original route, and 4.Hurricane Katrina tracking on its original route with reduced forward speeds. The major application of the present model is to assist the design of the water-front structure surrounding the semi-enclosed water body that has been influenced by the oscillations induced by hurricanes. The numerical simulations generated by the present model can help the planners to determine a better strategy of the hurricane protection systems surrounding the communities of the semi-enclosed water body.
Improved Elastic Contact Model Accounting for Asperity and Bulk Substrate Deformation

An improved elastic contact model for a single asperity system is proposed accounting for both the effects of bulk substrate and asperity deformations. The asperity contact stiffness is based on the Hertzian solution for spherical contact, and the bulk substrate stiffness on the solution of Hertzian pressure on a circular region of the elastic half-space. Depending on the magnitude of the applied load, as well as the geometrical and physical properties of the asperity and bulk materials, the bulk substrate could have considerable contribution to the overall contact stiffness. The proposed single asperity model is generalized using two parameters based on physical and geometrical properties, and is also verified using finite element analysis. A parametric study for a practical range of geometric and physical parameters is performed using finite element analysis to determine the range of validity of the proposed model and also to compare it with the Hertz contact model. The single asperity model is extended to rough surfaces in contact and the contact stiffness from the proposed model and the simpler Greenwood–Williamson asperity model are compared to experimental measurements.
Enhanced phytoremediation of volatile environmental pollutants with transgenic trees

Small, volatile hydrocarbons, including trichloroethylene, vinyl chloride, carbon tetrachloride, benzene, and chloroform, are common environmental pollutants that pose serious health effects. We have developed transgenic poplar (Populus tremula × Populus alba) plants with greatly increased rates of metabolism and removal of these pollutants through the overexpression of cytochrome P450 2E1, a key enzyme in the metabolism of a variety of halogenated compounds. The transgenic poplar plants exhibited increased removal rates of these pollutants from hydroponic solution. When the plants were exposed to gaseous trichloroethylene, chloroform, and benzene, they also demonstrated superior removal of the pollutants from the air. In view of their large size and extensive root systems, these transgenic poplars may provide the means to effectively remediate sites contaminated with a variety of pollutants at much faster rates and at lower costs than can be achieved with current conventional techniques.
¿Independencia o afiliación? Felices días tío Sergio de Magali García Ramis: una batalla literaria contra el olvido

We explore in Magali Garcia Ramis’s novel Felices dias tio Sergio the relation between the cultural identity and the feeling of belonging of the Puerto Ricans. The text claims the transitive conflict between colony and Assosiated Free State (Estado Libre Asociado) of Puerto Rico that affects in a complex way the most sensitive and deep structures of a family. Here we analyze the struggle of different ideologies: conservative/independence, the differences between old (the past) and new generations (present and future). This novel presents a conflict between keeping citizenship as a political status and at the same time the identity, as a cultural belonging, it reflects interesting historical situations worthy of a literary analysis.
Obstetrical outcomes in patients with early onset gestational diabetes

AbstractObjective: The objective of this study was to characterize patients with early onset gestational diabetes and compare outcomes to patients diagnosed with standard gestational diabetes and pregestational diabetes.Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study of patients diagnosed with gestational or pregestational diabetes. All patients received a glucose challenge test at their first prenatal visit to diagnose early onset gestational diabetes and were recommended to have postpartum glucose tolerance tests to detect undiagnosed type 2 diabetes. Outcomes were compared between patients with early onset gestational diabetes and both standard gestational diabetes and pregestational diabetes with p < 0.05 was used for significance.Results: Four hundred and twenty-four patients met the inclusion criteria. Nine percent of the patients with early onset gestational diabetes were found to have undiagnosed type 2 diabetes based on postpartum testing and 91% to have resolution in the postpartum period. No pati...
The loading of bioglass-coated aluminium oxide implants to produce sutural expansion of the maxillary complex in the pigtail monkey (Macaca nemestrina)

Abstract Implants were placed bilaterally in the maxilla or premaxilla of three pigtail monkeys. Although the implants placed anteriorly were not stable to expansile forces, posterior ones transmitted forces to the surrounding bone, resulting in 6.0 mm of inter-maxillary sutural expansion. Successful implantation was dependent on surgical technique and adequate bony support. The implants functioned similarly to ankylosed teeth; although no bond was observed between the bone and implant, the implants served adequately as anchors to enable expansion of the inter-maxillary and inter-palatal sutures. Using such implants as handles to move non-tooth-bearing bones of the facial complex could facilitate the use of appliances to treat children with craniofacial anomalies.
Limited Sampling Strategy and Target Attainment Analysis for Levofloxacin in Patients with Tuberculosis

There is an urgent need to improve and shorten the treatment of tuberculosis (TB) and multidrug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB). Levofloxacin, a newer fluoroquinolone, has potent activity against TB both in vitro and in vivo. Levofloxacin dosing can be optimized to improve the treatment of both TB and MDR-TB. Levofloxacin efficacy is linked primarily to the ratio of the area under the concentration-time curve for the free fraction of drug (fAUC) to the MIC. Since obtaining a full-time concentration profile is not feasible in the clinic, we developed a limited sampling strategy (LSS) to estimate the AUC. We also utilized Monte Carlo simulations to evaluate the dosing of levofloxacin. Pharmacokinetic data were obtained from 10 Brazilian TB patients. The pharmacokinetic data were fitted with a one-compartment model. LSSs were developed using two methods: linear regression and Bayesian approaches. Several LSSs predicted levofloxacin AUC with good accuracy and precision. The most accurate were the method using two samples collected at 4 and 6 h (R(2) = 0.91 using linear regression and 0.97 using Bayesian approaches) and that using samples collected at 2 and 6 h (R(2) = 0.90 using linear regression and 0.96 using Bayesian approaches). The 2-and-6-h approach also provides a good estimate of the maximum concentration of the drug in serum (Cmax). Our target attainment analysis showed that higher doses (17 to 20 mg/kg of body weight) of levofloxacin might be needed to improve its activity. Doses in the range of 17 to 20 mg/kg showed good target attainment for MICs from 0.25 to 0.50. At an MIC of 2, poor target attainment was observed across all doses. This LSS for levofloxacin can be used for therapeutic drug monitoring and for future pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic studies.
Architecture and Performance of MLAN: A Multimedia Local ATM Network

In this paper we present a Multimedia Local ATM Network (MLAN) protocol suitable for campus environment which (i)operates in the native ATM mode, (ii)does dynamic and fair bandwidth allocation as per desired criteria, (iii)guarantees continuous access to real time and high priority data traffic, and (iv)offers connectionless as well as connection-oriented service for MLAN-ATM network communication. The protocol has been designed for a bidirectional broadcast bus system topology. A new 'polling inactive customers only (PICO)' reservation technique exploits the characteristics of the multimedia traffic which enabled us to reduce the average overhead due to bus propagation delay. Also, new concepts of secondary polling and transmissions have been introduced to improve LAN throughput under low traffic conditious. The protocol performance has been determined analytically as well as by computer simulation using a multimedia traffic model developed in the paper. Results show that the protocol performance remains...
Acid precipitation and embryonic mortality of spotted salamanders, Ambystoma maculatum

Spotted salamanders breed in temporary pools formed in early spring by melted snow and rain. Many of these pools reflect the low pH of precipitation in the northeastern United States. Egg mortality is low (less than 1 percent) in pools near neutrality, but high (greater than 60 percent) in pools more acid than pH 6. Developmental anomalies and the embryonic stage at which death occurs are the same in field situations as at corresponding pH's in laboratory experiments.
Effects of soluble fractions of drilling fluids on development of crabs, Rhithropanopeus harrisii and Callinectes sapidus

The mud aqueous fraction (MAF) and suspended particulate phase (SPP) of low-density lignosulfonate type mud with uerrochrome added were nontoxic to larvae during the complete larval development of Rhithropanopeus harrisii. Five percent (5000 ppm, 0.5 % v/v mud in water) MAF and SPP were not toxic to Callinectes sapidus. Survival of C. sapidus larvae decreased as concentrations of MAF and SPP increased from 5 % (5000 ppm, 0.5 v/v mud in water) to 50% (50000 ppm, 5 % v/v mud in water). No larvae reached the 1st crab stage in 100% (100000 ppm, 10% v/v mud in water) MAF and SPP. Statistical analysis of the data on survival, mortality, and behavior are presented.
Enhanced transmission of malaria parasites to mosquitoes in a murine model of type 2 diabetes

Background More than half of the world’s population is at risk of malaria and simultaneously, many malaria-endemic regions are facing dramatic increases in the prevalence of type 2 diabetes. Studies in murine malaria models have examined the impact of malaria infection on type 2 diabetes pathology, it remains unclear how this chronic metabolic disorder impacts the transmission of malaria. In this report, the ability type 2 diabetic rodents infected with malaria to transmit parasites to Anopheles stephensi mosquitoes is quantified.
Research of the Terrain Data Scale Effect on Route Planning

This paper does some work on ideal scale choosing in the terrain data application of route planning.Considering the terrain data request of route planning,the paper analyses the effects of terrain data scale on the analysis of terrian parameter by comparing the calculation of DEM terrain data pretreatment with the reality.The result shows that terrain scale factor should be taken into consideration in the the route planning by analyzing the relativity to select the ideal scale.
Application of Real-time Three-dimensional Echocardiography in Assessment of Ventricular Function

Accurate determination of the ventricular volumes and function can provide important information for the treatment and prognosis of a variety of cardiac disorders.Three-dimensional echocardiography offers the ability to quantify ventricular function accurately without the need for geometric assumptions.It is a breakthrough in the field of ultrasonic techniques.
Posterior ventral pallidotomy: techniques and theoretical considerations.

1. Microeletrode mapping of the pallidum and adjacent structures allows for precise target identification and localization of critical structures, i.e., optic tract, internal capsule, and external pallidum, which must be spared from lesioning. 2. Microelectrode mapping has provided physiologic-anatomic correlation of determining the optimal target location as related to clinical outcome and has helped to refine the role of stimulation as a tool for target localization. 3. The improved accuracy of this technique should result in more accurate lesion placement which should improve long-term outcome and decrease morbidity.
What motivates residents to teach? The Attitudes in Clinical Teaching study.

Context Graduate medical trainees have a critical role in the teaching of other trainees. Improving their teaching requires an understanding of their attitudes towards teaching and their motivation to teach. Both have been incompletely explored in this population. We aimed to better understand graduate medical trainees’ attitudes towards teaching and motivation to teach in the clinical setting in order to inform modifications to resident-as-teacher (RAT) programmes and enhance teaching practices. Methods We applied Q methodology, an established sorting method, to identify and quantify the factors that have an impact on trainees’ engagement in teaching. We invited house officers at our institution to rank-order 47 statements regarding their attitudes to and motivation for teaching. Respondents explained their Q-sort rankings in writing and completed a demographic questionnaire. By-person factor analysis yielded groups of individuals with similar attitudes. Results One hundred and seven trainees completed the Q-sort. We found three primary groups of attitudes towards teaching in the clinical setting: enthusiasm, reluctance and rewarded. Enthusiastic teachers are committed and make time to teach. Teaching increases their job satisfaction. Reluctant teachers have enthusiasm but are earlier in training and feel limited by clinical workload and unprepared. Rewarded teachers feel teaching is worthwhile and derive satisfaction from the rewards and recognition they receive for teaching. Conclusions This improved understanding of common attitudes shared by groups of residents will help curriculum designers create RAT programmes to further reinforce and encourage attitudes that promote teaching as well as improve trainees’ motivation to teach. Designing RAT programmes that acknowledge the attitudes to and motivations for teaching should help develop effective teachers to improve educational outcomes. Directed efforts to enhance motivation for reluctant teachers and encourage more positive attitudes in rewarded teachers may lead to improved teaching behaviours among residents.
Why Laser Beams Cannot Go Straight

Publisher Summary This chapter explains why laser beams cannot go straight. Spontaneous emission by the laser medium into non-oscillating higher order transverse modes causes the centroid position of single mode laser beams to fluctuate. Quantum mechanics forbids a laser beam to go straight, except on the average. Inside the laser cavity, the odd symmetry quantum fluctuations cause spontaneous emission into odd-symmetry cavity modes. Just as spontaneous emission into the fundamental mode broadens the laser spectrum, the odd-symmetry emission enhances the position fluctuations, but only at frequencies corresponding to the higher transverse modes of the laser cavity. Therefore, it seems that laser beams—especially semiconductor diode laser beams—cannot and do not go straight. The deviations are small but well within the range of detectability using modern apparatus.
Sustaining our current nuclear assets

Abstract. Examinination of today’s United States “big picture” electrical generation strategies, both economic and environmental, shows a common assumption – the current nuclear fleet will continue to operate successfully for at least 60 years. In accomplishing this current plants will provide significant quanitites of low cost electricity to the public and are a fundamental established contributor to limiting the quantity of CO2 emitted to the environment in the production of electricity. Our industry should be honored by this confidence but should also recognize several challenges assocaited with fulfilling this trust. From an operating nuclear power plant perspective there are major challenges associated with both the physcial plants as well as the staff who ensure their successful operation. This paper largely addresseses the several issues related to the physcial plants – material degradation issues, sustaining equipment reliability and addressing obsolescence/supply chain issues. Of the multiple “people” aspects important to the future of nuclear power this paper focuses on the impact the changing workforce has on the ability to sustain high levels of equipment relability and thus plant generation, economics. The importance of “Total Asset Optimization Strategies” to addressing these issues will be described as well as several key operative elements.
Who to Interview? Low Adherence by U.S. Medical Schools to Medical Student Performance Evaluation Format Makes Resident Selection Difficult.

INTRODUCTION: The Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE) appendices provide a program director with comparative performance for a student’s academic and professional attributes, but they are frequently absent or incomplete. METHODS: We reviewed MSPEs from applicants to our emergency medicine residency program from 134 of 136 (99%) US allopathic medical schools, over two application cycles (2012-13, 2014-15). We determined the degree of compliance with each of the five recommended MSPE appendices. RESULTS: Only three (2%) medical schools were compliant with all five appendices. The medical school information page (MSIP, appendix E) was present most commonly (85%), followed by comparative clerkship performance (appendix B, 82%), overall performance (appendix D, 59%), preclinical performance (appendix A, 57%), and professional attributes (appendix C, 18%). Few schools (7%) provided student-specific, comparative professionalism assessments. CONCLUSION: Medical schools inconsistently provide graphic, comparative data for their students in the MSPE. Although PDs value evidence of an applicant’s professionalism when selecting residents, medical schools rarely provide such useful, comparative professionalism data in their MSPEs. As PDs seek to evaluate applicants based on academic performance and professionalism, rather than standardized testing alone, medical schools must make MSPEs more consistent, objective, and comparative.
Trap-Dominated Electrical and Optical Effects in Crystalline Boron

At temperatures below 200°K, high-purity crystalline beta-rhombohedral boron exhibits unusual persistent changes of conductivity and of optical absorption in the near infrared after illumination with visible light. Since boron is opaque for wavelengths shorter than 0.8 μ , the photoexcitation must occur in a thin surface layer of the crystal. Typical experiments are performed in three phases, namely, (1) photoexcitation, (2) observation of fast and slow decay processes, and (3) thermal stimulation of the excess conductivity and subsequent restoration to equilibrium by rapid heating. The results indicate that the excess optical absorption is caused by trapped electrons, while the excess conductivity is a consequence of trapped holes. In isothermal situations, the concentrations of both trapped carriers are proportional to one another, but, under rapid heating, the “evaporation” of the trapped holes precedes that of the trapped electrons. The shape of the thermal stimulation curve for the photocurrent in phase 3 of low-temperature experiments depends on the color of the visible light used for the excitation during phase 1. This is probably related to the increase of the absorption coefficient (which was remeasured) in the intrinsic (opaque) region from red to blue. The probable cause for the ineffectiveness of infrared quenching during any of the three phases of our experiments is discussed. Trapping occurs also at very low temperatures (≈ 15°K), but no persistent photo-conductivity is observed unless the material is later brought to a higher temperature. Theoretical curves for several trap models were numerically computed on the basis of the differential equations for the essential transitions and compared with the experimental curves. This procedure appears promising. The virtual absence of rectification effects in boron and the insensitivity of boron against doping with most other elements are explained in terms of the same trap model.
Hierarchical Spark: A Multi-Cluster Big Data Computing Framework

Nowadays, with the increasing burst of newly generated data everyday, as well as the vast expanding needs for corresponding data analyses, grand challenges have been brought to big data computing platforms. Computing resources in a single cluster are often not able to fulfill the computing capability needs. The requests of distributed computing resources are dramatically arising. In addition, with increasing popularity of cloud computing platforms, many organizations with data security concerns are more favor to hybrid cloud, a multi-cluster environment composed by both public cloud and private cloud in purpose of keeping sensitive data local. All these scenarios show great necessity of migrating big data computing to multi-cluster environment. In this paper, we present a hierarchical multi-cluster big data computing framework built upon Apache Spark. Our framework supports combination of heterogeneous Spark computing clusters. With an integrated controller within the framework, it also facilitates ability for submitting, monitoring, executing of Spark workflow. Our experimental results show that the proposed framework not only enables possibility of distributing Spark workflow throughout multiple clusters, but also provides significant performance improvement compared to single cluster environment by optimizing utilization of multi-cluster computing resources.
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) based on thread, paper, and fabric.

This paper describes enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) utilizing microfluidic thread/paper-based analytical devices (μTPAD), microfluidic fabric-based analytical devices (μFAD), and microfluidic thread-based analytical devices (μTAD). Here, the quantitative detection of biotinylated goat anti-mouse IgG (system one) and rabbit IgG (system two) antibodies via colorimetric analysis is detailed. In both systems, antibody is spotted on the detection site and subjected to a series of washes, addition of streptavidin-alkaline phosphatase (Strep-ALP) (system 1) or alkaline phosphatase (ALP)-conjugated secondary antibody (system 2), and colorimetric substrate. The devices are scanned and analyzed yielding a correlation between inverse yellow (or purple) intensity. For system one, a linear range of detection at low concentrations of streptavidin-alkaline phosphatase (Strep-ALP) was observed befire the enzyme reached a Vmax . At higher concentrations of Strep-ALP, saturation is achieved for both the μTPAD and μFAD devices. For system two, the IC50 values obtained for the non-trifurcated and trifurcated μTADs were determined to be 180.2 fmol/zone and 133.8 fmol/zone, respectively. The IC50 value was demonstrated to be 1034 fmol/zone and 208.6 fmol/zone for the μTPADs and μFADs, respectively. For all devices the lowest concentration of Strep-ALP or rabbit IgG used in the assay was 3.75 × 10-4 mg/mL and 0.7 fmol/zone, respectively. The development of this technology should further facilitate the use of these platforms for ELISA to detect and quantitate antibodies.
The Power of Brokerage: Case Study of Normative Behavior, Latinas and Cervical Cancer:

Informed by the theory of normative social behavior (TNSB) and ego-network analysis, the present study outlines the mechanisms that contribute to the creation and maintenance of social norms and th...
On Low-Resistance Contacts to 2-D MoTe 2 by Crystalline Phase Junctions

Low contact resistance to 2-D semiconductor materials plays a critical role on their device applications. It has been experimentally demonstrated recently that the crystalline phase homojunctions between the 1T’ metallic and 2H semiconducting phases of 2-D transition metal dichacolgenide (TMDC) materials can be formed by a variety of fabrication techniques. A multiscale simulation approach that integrates atomistic ab initio simulations with quantum transport calculations based on the nonequilibrium Green’s function formalism is used to examine the contact properties of the crystalline phase junctions of monolayer MoTe2. It is shown that the following mechanisms can contribute to the low contact resistance of crystalline phase metal–semiconductor junctions of 2-D materials. First, the electric field is significantly enhanced at the 2-D phase junction interface due to the extremely thin body, which results in a thin Schottky barrier. Second, the coupling of electron wave functions cross the 1T’-2H junction interface is strong. Third, different from 3-D bulk metal–semiconductor junctions, metal-induced band gap states (MIGS) do not pin the Fermi level in the 2-D material junctions due to low dimensionality of the MIGS charge. The results provide insights into the possibility and limits of achieving low-contact-resistance contacts to 2-D TMDC semiconductors by using crystalline phase metal–semiconductor junctions.
Aseneth between Judaism and Christianity: Reframing the Debate

The question of whether Joseph and Aseneth is “Jewish or Christian?” is the central frame in which the provenance of this tale has traditionally been sought. Yet, such a formulation assumes that “Judaism” and “Christianity” were distinct entities without overlap, when it is now widely acknowledged that they were not easily separable in antiquity for quite some time. I suggest that the question of whether Joseph and Aseneth is Jewish or gentile is more profitable for contextualizing Aseneth’s tale. This article offers fresh evidence for historicizing its origins in Judaism of Greco-Roman Egypt. Placing the narrative’s concerns for boundary-regulation alongside the discursive projects of other ancient writers (both Jewish and gentile Christian) who engaged the story of Joseph suggests that the author of Joseph and Aseneth was likely a participant in a Hellenistic Jewish interpretive tradition in Egypt that used Joseph’s tale as a platform for marking and maintaining boundaries.
Carbon capture and sequestration in power generation: review of impacts and opportunities for water sustainability

This article reviews the use of carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) as a viable mitigation strategy for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in fossil-fuel power plants and discusses the impacts on the sustainability of freshwater resources. While CCS technology can significantly mitigate anthropogenic GHG emissions, CCS installations are expected to impose new water stresses due to additional water requirements for chemical and physical processes to capture and separate CO2. In addition to these processes, the parasitic loads imposed by carbon capture on power plants will reduce their efficiency and thus require more water for cooling the plant. Groundwater contamination due to CO2 leakage during geologic sequestration is an additional concern when adapting CCS into power plants. Imposing such constraints on the quantity and quality of freshwater resources will influence decisions on the types of energy facilities and threaten the sustainability of water systems. A review of recent studies highlights three main challenges that would impact water sustainability due to CCS installation: (1) water requirements needed for different stages of CCS, (2) changes in groundwater quality due to carbon leakage into geologic formations, and (3) opportunities for using desalinated brine from saline sequestration aquifers to provide new freshwater sources and offset the CCS-induced water stresses. This article also reviews availability and gaps in datasets and simulation tools that are necessary for an improved CCS analysis. Illustrative analyses from two US states, Louisiana and Arizona, are presented to examine the possible consequences of introducing CCS technologies into existing power plants. A basin-scale, water stress framework is applied to estimate the added stresses on freshwater resources due to CCS installations. The scenario-based illustrative examples indicate the need for a full analysis of the inter-relationship between implementing different CCS technologies in the electric generation sector and the water system. Such analyses can be examined in future studies via an integrated energy-water nexus approach. Furthermore, the current article highlights the need for integrating the environmental, economic, and societal aspects of CCS deployment into future assessment of the viability of CCS operations and how to make water systems less vulnerable to CCS impacts.
EWS/ETS-Driven Ewing Sarcoma Requires BET Bromodomain Proteins

The EWS/ETS fusion transcription factors drive Ewing sarcoma (EWS) by orchestrating an oncogenic transcription program. Therapeutic targeting of EWS/ETS has been unsuccessful; however, identifying mediators of the EWS/ETS function could offer new therapeutic options. Here, we describe the dependency of EWS/ETS-driven transcription upon chromatin reader BET bromdomain proteins and investigate the potential of BET inhibitors in treating EWS. EWS/FLI1 and EWS/ERG were found in a transcriptional complex with BRD4, and knockdown of BRD2/3/4 significantly impaired the oncogenic phenotype of EWS cells. RNA-seq analysis following BRD4 knockdown or inhibition with JQ1 revealed an attenuated EWS/ETS transcriptional signature. In contrast to previous reports, JQ1 reduced proliferation and induced apoptosis through MYC-independent mechanisms without affecting EWS/ETS protein levels; this was confirmed by depleting BET proteins using PROTAC-BET degrader (BETd). Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2)-associated factor PHF19 was downregulated by JQ1/BETd or BRD4 knockdown in multiple EWS lines. EWS/FLI1 bound a distal regulatory element of PHF19, and EWS/FLI1 knockdown resulted in downregulation of PHF19 expression. Deletion of PHF19 via CRISPR-Cas9 resulted in a decreased tumorigenic phenotype, a transcriptional signature that overlapped with JQ1 treatment, and increased sensitivity to JQ1. PHF19 expression was also associated with worse prognosis in patients with EWS. In vivo, JQ1 demonstrated antitumor efficacy in multiple mouse xenograft models of EWS. Together these results indicate that EWS/ETS requires BET epigenetic reader proteins for its transcriptional program and can be mitigated by BET inhibitors. This study provides a clear rationale for the clinical utility of BET inhibitors in treating EWS.Significance: These findings reveal the dependency of EWS/ETS transcription factors on BET epigenetic reader proteins and demonstrate the potential of BET inhibitors for the treatment of EWS. Cancer Res; 78(16); 4760-73. ©2018 AACR.
Toward a Unified Economic Theory of Fire Program Analysis with Strategies for Empirical Modeling

Recent United States federal wildland fire policy documents including the 2001 policy update (US Department of Agriculture and US Department of the Interior 2001) call for integrated approaches to the national fire program. An important theme of these inter-agency policies is to encourage planning and budgeting across the major fire program components (e.g., suppression, fuels, prevention) in a consistent way. This means, for example, that planning and budgeting for the fuels (suppression) component is informed by the planning and budgeting of the suppression (fuels) component. In this chapter we specify the economic structure of a planning and budgeting system, as opposed to a component-by-component analysis. This structure shows, for example, that budgeting a federal system by program component is unlikely to promote efficiency. The structure also shows that the components can be managed in concert to capitalize on the complementary impacts they are likely to have on each other. Implementing a unified theory in planning constitutes a major challenge across uncharted waters. Current planning approaches are largely based upon component specific models and budgeting is often executed as incremental adjustment to precedent. This chapter reaches beyond by deriving the essential principles of an integrated fire system in support of cost effective planning and budgeting. While some of our analytics used to derive the principles are complex, we do not intend to imply that budgeting systems need to reflect such complexity: only the essential principles. Previous planning and budgeting models have focused on individual program components such as fuels management, suppression, or prevention with no direct or simultaneous consideration of the other components. This means that managing and budgeting the system of components in concert has been largely unattainable. Current models were not intended to directly address how the plans for initial attack (fuels treatment) are affected by a simultaneous consideration
Boiling Heat-Transfer Data for Liquid Nitrogen at Standard and Near-Zero Gravity

A program has been in progress at the University of Michigan for studying the role of force fields on heat-transfer processes, including boiling. Knowledge of the influence of the force field has become of recent importance for application to space technology. The gravity field on the. moon is 0. 17 that on earth, and force fields at or near zero and greatly in excess of atmospheric conditions may be present in orbiting satellites and space vehicles.
A quantitative estimate of DNA-RNA hybridization in Neurospora crassa.

Britten and Kohne (1) have shown that the presence of repeated DNA sequences in eukaryotic organisms interferes with the true estimates of DNA·DNA and DNA·RNA reactions in annealing experiments. Neurospora crassa DNA has been reported to contain repeated DNA sequences (2). This might account for why no more than 20% DNA·DNA (3) and 9% DNA·RNA (Mahadevan and Bhagwat, this volume, Chapter 18) reactions were obtained using unfractionated DNA and RNA of the same N. crassa mycelial cells. A true estimate of the transcription of genetic information from DNA into complementary RNA in eukaryotic cells is needed for a better understanding of the control of cell and tissue differentiation. Using the conditions described in this chapter, it has been possible to arrive at an almost complete (98%) DNA·DNA and about 30% (where the theoretically maximum possible estimate is 50%) DNA·RNA hybridization in N. crassa at the exponential growth phase.