cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Atomic substitution reveals the structural basis for substrate adenine recognition and removal by adenine DNA glycosylase.

Adenine DNA glycosylase catalyzes the glycolytic removal of adenine from the promutagenic A·oxoG base pair in DNA. The general features of DNA recognition by an adenine DNA glycosylase, Bacillus stearothermophilus MutY, have previously been revealed via the X-ray structure of a catalytically inactive mutant protein bound to an A:oxoG-containing DNA duplex. Although the structure revealed the substrate adenine to be, as expected, extruded from the DNA helix and inserted into an extrahelical active site pocket on the enzyme, the substrate adenine engaged in no direct contacts with active site residues. This feature was paradoxical, because other glycosylases have been observed to engage their substrates primarily through direct contacts. The lack of direct contacts in the case of MutY suggested that either MutY uses a distinctive logic for substrate recognition or that the X-ray structure had captured a noncatalytically competent state in lesion recognition. To gain further insight into this issue, we crystallized wild-type MutY bound to DNA containing a catalytically inactive analog of 2′-deoxyadenosine in which a single 2′-H atom was replaced by fluorine. The structure of this fluorinated lesion-recognition complex (FLRC) reveals the substrate adenine buried more deeply into the active site pocket than in the prior structure and now engaged in multiple direct hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions. This structure appears to capture the catalytically competent state of adenine DNA glycosylases, and it suggests a catalytic mechanism for this class of enzymes, one in which general acid-catalyzed protonation of the nucleobase promotes glycosidic bond cleavage.
Multidimensional Liquid Chromatography Separation of Intact Proteins by Chromatographic Focusing and Reversed Phase of the Human Serum Proteome Optimization and Protein Database

In biomarker discovery, the detection of proteins with low abundance in the serum proteome can be achieved by optimization of protein separation methods as well as selective depletion of the higher abundance proteins such as immunoglobins (e.g. IgG) and albumin. A relative newcomer to the proteomic separation arena is the commercial instrument PF2D from Beckman Coulter that separates proteins in the first dimension using chromatofocusing followed in line by reversed phase chromatography in the second dimension, thereby separating intact proteins based on pI and hydrophobicity. In this study, assessment and optimization of serum separation (undepleted serum and albumin-IgG-depleted serum) by the PF2D is presented. Protein databases were created for serum obtained from a healthy individual under traditional and optimized methods and under different sample preparation protocols. Separation of the doubly depleted serum using the PF2D with 20% isopropanol present in the first dimension running buffer allowed us to unambiguously identify 150 non-redundant serum proteins (excluding all immunoglobulin and albumin, a minimum of two peptide matches with acceptable Mascot score) in which 81 have not been identified previously in serum. Among them, numerous cellular proteins were identified to be specifically the skeletal muscle isoform, such as skeletal muscle fast twitch isoforms of troponin T, myosin alkali light chain 1, and sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase. The detection of specific skeletal muscle protein isoforms in the serum from healthy individuals reflects the physiological turnover that occurs in skeletal muscle, which will have an impact on the ability to use generic "cellular" proteins as biomarkers without further characterization of the precise isoforms or post-translational modifications present.
A method of computing phase shifts and normalizations of continuum-state dirac wave functions

A new method is proposed for computing the phase shifts and normalizations of the spherical wave functions of an unbound Dirac electron in the electric field of a point or finite-sized nucleus. The method uses the phase-amplitude formsG(r)=A cosϕ andF(r)=A sinϕ for the radial factors. The first step is to computeϕ(r 1), wherer 1 is larger than the nuclear radius but is still reasonable for machine computations in many cases of interest. This first step requires a numerical solution of radial differential equations fromr=0 tor=r 1. The second step is to compute the phase shift and a normalization correction factor directly from a new asymptotic series, whosen-th term is of the formP(ϕ)r 1 − , whereP(ϕ) is a finite Fourier series inϕ(r 1). Formulae for upper bounds on the error in the series are given and are used to estimate suitable values ofr 1 for several cases. The series is especially suitable for problems, like the decay of a μ-mesic atom, where the wave functions must be computed in any case up to distances ≳r 1. No comparison is made with other methods.
Marine science with global vision: creating a place for early career scientists. An introduction to selected articles from the 2007 Early Career Scientists Conference

North, E. W., and Mueter, F. J. 2009. Marine science with global vision: creating a place for early career scientists. An introduction to selected articles from the 2007 Early Career Scientists Conference. - ICES Journal of Marine Science, 66: 334-335.
Error Amplification in Failure Probability Estimates of Small Errors in Response Surface Approximations

Response surface methods which approximate the actual performance function using simple algebraic equations are widely used in structural reliability studies. The response surface approximations are often used to estimate the reliability of a structure. Errors in the response surface approximation affect the results of reliability analysis. This work investigates the error in the failure probability estimated using a response surface approximation. It is observed that small errors in the response surface may amplify to large errors in the failure probability. It is observed that the amplification occurs when the failure surface is far away from the response mean and the DOE has more points near the mean. Another situation is when the failure region is a small island encompassed within the safe region, and the points in the DOE fail to capture the failure region. Analytical and engineering application examples are investigated to understand the amplification of error in the failure probability.
The spleen and acute renal failure: mechanisms of renal protection by splenectomy. Involvement of prostaglandins.

Abstract This study describes renal protection afforded by chronic splenectomy against epinephrine-induced acute renal failure and focuses on the mechanisms of this renal protection. Acute renal failure (ARF) can be induced reproducibly by constant i.v. infusion of epinephrine (4 ug/kg/min for 6 hrs) in mongrel dogs. The renal hemodynamic and histopathologic characteristics of ARF in this model resemble those in other models of ARF or ARF in humans. Challenge with a similar dose of epinephrine (Epi) has consistently failed to produce ARF in chronic (2–3 wks post) splenectomy animals. The data imply that this renal protection may have been mediated by an effective vasodilator prostaglandins (PGs). This notion is supported by unaffected urinary PGE 2 levels in chronic splenectomy animals as opposed to significant decreases of urinary PGE 2 levels in intact animals during Epi infusion. This hypothesis is further attested by reversal of the renal protection after pretreatment with indomethocin (a cyclooxygenase inhibitor) before Epi infusion and by reinstitution of the renal protection after infusion of PGE 2 along with Epi preceded by treatment with indomethacin in splenectomized animals. The electron microscopy findings of mitochondrial dark bodies and cytoplasmic lipid droplets in the proximal tubules have contributed significantly to the understanding of the interactions of PGs in this ARF model and its protective counterpart. Other mechanisms that may be involved in the renal protection in chronic splenectomized animals include lack of elevation of arterial hematocrit and minimal increase of circulatory norepinephrine (NE). Thus, in intact animals low renal PGs are likely to enhance the vasoconstrictor effects of epinephrine, and NE which is markedly elevated and may lead to ARF. In addition, a marked elevation of hemotocrit (possibly high viscosity) and severe peritubular capillary congestion found consistently in intact animals may potentiate further renal function deterioration and tubular cell ischemia. Conversely, unaffected PGs in splenectomized animals are likely to ward off the vasoconstrictor effects of epinephrine and NE and along with normal hematocrit and patent peritubular capillaries may account for complete freedom from acute tubular necrosis or acute renal failure.
The Spoils of Victory: Campaign Donations and Government Contracts in Brazil

When firms give money to candidates for public office, what return can they expect on their investment? Prior studies have been inconclusive, due to both methodological challenges and unique features of the U.S. political context on which they have focused. Using data from Brazil, we employ a regression discontinuity (RD) design to identify the effect of an electoral victory on government contracts for a candidate’s corporate donors. Firms specializing in public-works projects can expect a substantial boost in contracts—at least 14 times the value of their contributions—when they donate to a federal-deputy candidate from the ruling Workers’ Party (PT) and that candidate wins office. We find no effects among allied parties, indicating that the PT prioritizes this form of state spending for party strengthening rather than coalition management.
Surging ahead to a new way forward: the metaphorical foreshadowing of a policy shift

The role of metaphor in political discourse has received significant attention in recent years. Expanding on the cognitive theory of metaphor developed by Lakoff and Johnson (1980), scholars in the fields of sociolinguistics and discourse analysis have examined politicians' use of metaphorical concepts to justify policies and define events. The metaphors examined in these studies frequently have attained the status of idioms; they consequently pass unnoticed while retaining their ability to frame perspectives. However, political discourse does not limit itself to such lexicalized metaphors, but makes use of new metaphors (or new uses of existing metaphors) as well. Such uses are specifically designed to attract attention, which may become problematic if the metaphor is rejected, resulting in a classic 'failure to launch'. This article examines such a case. Through an analysis of the metaphors used to describe President Bush's military plan to increase US forces in Iraq, I explore the mechanisms by which the meanings of novel metaphors are negotiated in the political arena, and demonstrate that, although their vivid imagery can generate persuasive force in political language, this effect may backfire when they encounter resistance.
Georeferencing of airborne laser altimeter measurements

Abstract The primary purpose of airborne laser altimetry is to determine the ellipsoidal or geoidal coordinates of a series of points on the surface of the Earth. An aircraft that is instrumented with a laser altimeter, an inertial navigation system, and a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver provides the following data: (1) laser range to the Earth's surface, (2) measurement platform spatial location and orientation, and (3) aircraft kinematic trajectory in ellipsoidal coordinates. These data are sufficient to determine (georeference) the three dimensional coordinates of the points where the beam from a pulsed laser intersects the Earth. We develop the exact equations necessary to georeference the laser points. We also discuss calibrating the laser pulse timing, laser positioning and alignment relative to the local-level reference frame, correcting atmospheric refraction effects on the laser pulse, and time synchronizing the various data streams. We use a laser altimeter mission flown over Lake Crowl...
Identification of critical structural modes and flutter derivatives for predicting coupled bridge flutter

This study identifies the control parameters which critically influence the development of inter-modal coupling and the generation of aerodynamic damping, based on closed-form solutions of bimodal coupled analysis of bridge aerolastic system. This information helps in developing a guideline for the selection of most critical structural modes in a coupled flutter analysis and in better interpretation and understanding of the multimode coupled bridge flutter response. Also discussed is the role of each flutter derivative and the potential influence of the self-excited drag force on bridge flutter in light of the flutter features characterized by the rate of change in modal damping with increase in wind velocity, which is also referred to as soft- or hard-type flutter.
Evidence for Extreme Climatic Warmth from Late Cretaceous Arctic Vertebrates

A Late Cretaceous (92 to 86 million years ago) vertebrate assemblage from the high Canadian Arctic (Axel Heiberg Island) implies that polar climates were warm (mean annual temperature exceeding 14°C) rather than near freezing. The assemblage includes large (2.4 meters long) champsosaurs, which are extinct crocodilelike reptiles. Magmatism at six large igneous provinces at this time suggests that volcanic carbon dioxide emissions helped cause the global warmth.
A review of design techniques for programs and data

The proliferation of papers on programming methodology focus on the program development process but only hint at the form of the final program. This paper distinguishes between the development process and the program product and presents a catalogue of possible program organizations and data structures with examples drawn from the published literature. The methods for sharing data among modules and a classification scheme for programs and data structures is presented.
Dynamics of Mating Success in Experimental Groups of Drosophila melanogaster (Diptera: Drosophilidae)

Determinants of male courtship success in Drosophila melanogasterwere examined in groups of five males sequentially presented with five individual females. Thirty-three percent of males never mated, while approximately half of the males mated two or three times. Rapid courtship initiation was associated with male success in early matings only. Male size was important for courtship outcome, but the size distributions of mating and nonmating males and their progeny numbers indicate balancing rather than directional selection on size- dependent courtship success.
Self-assessed proficiency and application of various skills learned during postgraduate pharmacy teaching skills development programs

Abstract The purpose of this study was to identify teaching skills commonly taught during the postgraduate pharmacy teaching skills development programs, to describe trainees' perceived teaching proficiency, and the extent to which the learned teaching skills are applied in trainees' current positions. An online survey was developed for pharmacists who completed postgraduate teaching skills development programs. The survey included demographic and program queries as well as questions on 23 teaching skills. Participants self-assessed their proficiency in and application of their learned teaching skills. The online survey resulted in 122 qualified responses. After training, the perceived proficiency in nearly all 23 teaching skills was high; however, the scores for application of teaching skills were significantly lower. A majority (91.7%) of survey respondents were engaged in experiential education. There is wide variability among the postgraduate pharmacy teaching skills development programs. Though the trainees perceived their proficiency in teaching skills to be high, the acquired teaching skills were underused.
Misorientation texture development during grain growth. Part I: Simulation and experiment

Grain growth in two and three dimensions with anisotropic interfacial properties was simulated using the Monte Carlo method. The relative effects of grain boundary energy and mobility anisotropy on number- and area-weighted misorientation distribution functions (MDFs) were compared. Results indicate that energy anisotropy has a measurable effect on misorientation texture development, while mobility anisotropy does not. Qualitatively similar results are obtained in all simulations regardless of dimensionality or crystal symmetry. Microstructures with random orientation texture appear to evolve steady-state MDFs, while those with a preferred orientation do not. Experimentally measured number- and area-weighted MDFs in polycrystalline magnesia are shown to be comparable to those measured in our simulations.
Materials, Mechanical, and Thermal Considerations of High Density Multi-Chip Electronic Packages

Multi-chip packages (MCP) are analyzed for high density CMOS packaging using package system simulation, a new systematic methodology for design and trade-off studies of electronic packages. Technology parameters for a representative CMOS chip, multi-chip package, and printed wiring board technology are defined. The effect of these technology parameters on the characteristics of the MCP are examined. The MCP’s are optimized using simulated annealing. A large set of optimum MCP’s has been found. Based on this set, MCP technology parameters are ranked and their implications on future high density MCP’s discussed.
Intertemporal Choice and Legal Constraints

We study the effect of legal constraints in an environment in which agents face demand shocks they would like to smooth, but the agents also have weakness of will: their long and short run preferences are misaligned. Some agents are sophisticated - they know they will make inconsistent intertemporal choices - while other agents are naive. The consequent public policy problem is complex. The state apparently should facilitate consumer borrowing, to help agents cushion the effect of shocks, but also should facilitate pre-commitment, to help agents control excessive present-based preferences. We show that naive and sophisticated agents make similar consumption/savings choices, which simplifies the policy problem. We also show that agents with relatively strong present-based preferences who face relatively mild consumption shocks will borrow to finance excessive current consumption. Other agents save appropriately. Legal constraints that severely restrict agents' access to credit thus would be overinclusive. Offering agents access to both a liquid and an illiquid savings vehicle is welfare improving relative to allowing agents complete freedom to borrow or strongly restricting their access to the credit market.
Cobweb Management and Control of the Spider Holocnemus pluchei (Araneae: Pholcidae) on Buildings

The spider Holocnemus pluchei (Scopoli) (Araneae: Pholcidae) is a nonnative species commonly found in the southwestern United States. In urban areas around homes and other structures, it is often the dominant spider species on outside surfaces; requests for control of spiders and their cobwebs are common for the commercial pest management industry. We tested two physical (brushing and vacuuming) and two low-impact chemical (permethrin and botanical insecticide) spray control methods for H. pluchei on outbuildings on the University of California-Riverside campus. Forty sites containing at least two H. pluchei spiders along a 5-m section of eave or overhang were chosen for treatment. Treatment was applied within 2 d of a pretreatment census. The number of spiders per section was counted at 2, 4, 8, 12, 16, and 52 wk posttreatment. Untreated sections showed an increase in spiders through summer and a decrease in autumn. Sites treated with permethrin significantly reduced spiders >95% and had strong residual effect throughout the remainder of the sampling period. Compared with untreated controls, the three other treatments did not significantly reduce spiders; these three were similar throughout the season and were intermediate between untreated and permethrin-treated sites. In comparison with the before and 2-wk posttreatments, spiders at the untreated sites showed no difference in body sizes, whereas those in the nonpermethrin treatments showed a decrease, indicating that larger spiders were eliminated. We also tested H. pluchei spiders in the laboratory against the two insecticides used in the field studies to determine the minimum lethal concentrations for controlling H. pluchei.
Identification with School and Head Trauma: Parental Perceptions on Student's Experiences

In the United States 40% of all traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are in children under the age 14 (Broque et. al 2012). This means a portion of the school age population is exposed to head injury every year. The effect this injury and experience can have on a child varies, but it is important for educators, counselors, and family to understand the psychosocial experiences that follow after TBI. Research has shown that head injury in childhood can have severe psychosocial effects if the injury is not treated, recognized, and planned for (Broque et. al 2012).This research is intended to shed light on what educators, counselors, and families can do to help children who have experienced a TBI. Previous research shows that a loss of sense of self after TBI in three categories; loss of self-knowledge, loss of self by comparison, and loss of self in the eyes of others (Nochi, 1998). This investigation suggests that identification as “disabled” can impact how students identify with their school.
Prognostic factors for survival of patients with glioblastoma: Recursive partitioning analysis

Survival for patients with glioblastoma multiforme is short, and current treatments provide limited benefit. Therefore, there is interest in conducting phase 2 trials of experimental treatments in newly diagnosed patients. However, this requires historical data with which to compare the experimental therapies. Knowledge of prognostic markers would also allow stratification into risk groups for phase 3 randomized trials. In this retrospective study of 832 glioblastoma multiforme patients enrolled into prospective clinical trials at the time of initial diagnosis, we evaluated several potential prognostic markers for survival to establish risk groups. Analyses were done using both Cox proportional hazards modeling and recursive partitioning analyses. Initially, patients from 8 clinical trials, 6 of which included adjuvant chemotherapy, were included. Subsequent analyses excluded trials with interstitial brachytherapy, and finally included only nonbrachytherapy trials with planned adjuvant chemotherapy. The initial analysis defined 4 risk groups. The 2 lower risk groups included patients under the age of 40, the lowest risk group being young patients with tumor in the frontal lobe only. An intermediate-risk group included patients with Karnofsky performance status (KPS) >70, subtotal or total resection, and age between 40 and 65. The highest risk group included all patients over 65 and patients between 40 and 65 with either KPS<80 or biopsy only. Subgroup analyses indicated that inclusion of adjuvant chemotherapy provides an increase in survival, although that improvement tends to be minimal for patients over age 65, for patients over age 40 with KPS less than 80, and for those treated with brachytherapy.
This Event is Me!: How Consumer-Event Congruity Leverages Sponsorship

Based on a real-world field study of twenty-one sponsored promotional events (sponsored fashion shows) (n=535), we provide a self-congruity theory-based model explaining the role of mall shopper’s self-congruity on the effectiveness of experiential mall promotions. We find that self-congruity with the event is a key influencer of promotion effectiveness. Specifically we show that: a) more expertise with the sponsor impacts self-congruity with the sponsor; b) in turn, self-congruity with the promotional event enhances persuasiveness of the event; and c) this event persuasion enhances the consumer’s likelihood to shop at the sponsor’s store. Further, when entertained shoppers like the promotional events and wish for more of such promotions, they tend to think more positively about the sponsor, view the promotional event as a good way to highlight the sponsor, and desire to shop more at the retail sponsor. These are important findings for advertising research practitioners, as they suggest that event attendees focus on how the sponsoring retailer fits with their image and sense of self.
Direct Write Protein Patterns for Multiplexed Cytokine Detection from Live Cells Using Electron Beam Lithography

Simultaneous detection of multiple biomarkers, such as extracellular signaling molecules, is a critical aspect in disease profiling and diagnostics. Precise positioning of antibodies on surfaces, especially at the micro- and nanoscale, is important for the improvement of assays, biosensors, and diagnostics on the molecular level, and therefore, the pursuit of device miniaturization for parallel, fast, low-volume assays is a continuing challenge. Here, we describe a multiplexed cytokine immunoassay utilizing electron beam lithography and a trehalose glycopolymer as a resist for the direct writing of antibodies on silicon substrates, allowing for micro- and nanoscale precision of protein immobilization. Specifically, anti-interleukin 6 (IL-6) and antitumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) antibodies were directly patterned. Retention of the specific binding properties of the patterned antibodies was shown by the capture of secreted cytokines from stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. A sandwich immunoassay was empl...
Abstract 219: The Impact of Handheld devices on Healthy Lifestyles among School Age Children: A Report from Project Healthy Schools

BACKGROUND: Project Healthy Schools (PHS) is an initiative designed to promote healthy lifestyles in middle school-age children in Michigan. Following the introduction of smartphones and portable video game platforms such as the Play Station Portable more children are using these devices. This trend has led to an increase in screen time in preteens resulting in less time being spent on more active, health-promoting activities. This study aims to analyze the relationship between the increase in technology and handheld/gaming devices and the impact on student’s lifestyle behaviors participating in PHS. METHODS: Data on sedentary behaviors were collected from 4,021 middle school students by a self-reported questionnaire. The questionnaire is completed by all participants of PHS at baseline and after completion of the program. The questionnaire focuses on dietary habits, physical activity and sedentary behaviors. Sedentary behavior (screen time) questions included amount of time spent watching TV, playing vid...
Investigation of contact-induced charging kinetics on variably modified glass surfaces

Abstract The accumulation and dissipation of electrical charge on glass surfaces is of considerable academic and industrial interest. The purpose of the present article, is to report on the differences in charging kinetics of several flat alumina-borosilicate (low alkali content) glass surfaces via a rolling sphere test (RST) [1] that have been physically and/or chemically modified by different approaches and exposed to variable environmental conditions (i.e. relative humidity). Methods used for surface modification include chemical etching (HF based chemistries of variable molarity) and plasma processing/thin film deposition (CH4 via Reactive Ion Etch (RIE) and/or Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Chemical Vapor Deposition (APPCVD)). Trends in glass surface charge rates, along with corresponding surface resistivity, energy and zeta potential measurements indicate that glass surface, and perhaps bulk, chemistry (specifically a surface’ reactivity/affinity with/to water) play critical roles in charge dynamics. Based on the results, we propose an ion-based transfer model facilitated by surface–water molecular interactions as the primary mechanism responsible for contact electrification in glass–metal contact systems.
Exploring Perspectives and Identifying Potential Challenges Encountered with Crime Scene Investigations when Developing Chemistry Curricula

In today’s complex world, there is a continued demand for recently graduated forensic chemists (criminalists) who have some background in forensic experimental techniques. This article describes modern forensic experimental approaches designed and implemented from a unique instructional perspective to present certain facets of crime scene investigation. Physical evidence collection, handling, and evaluation are reviewed, as are challenges associated with carrying out these tasks. The interrelation of the responsibilities of the crime scene investigator and criminalist also is addressed, as this can be highlighted in an instructional setting. If the investigator does not collect sufficient evidence or collects the evidence improperly, the criminalist will be unable to effectively interpret the data. In this report, the authors describe their experiences at a mock crime scene designed for investigation by undergraduate forensic science students. Key points that must be considered include evidence collection...
Sensitivity of Precipitation to Parameter Values in the Community Atmosphere Model Version 5

One objective of the Climate Science for a Sustainable Energy Future (CSSEF) program is to develop the capability to thoroughly test and understand the uncertainties in the overall climate model and its components as they are being developed. The focus on uncertainties involves sensitivity analysis: the capability to determine which input parameters have a major influence on the output responses of interest. This report presents some initial sensitivity analysis results performed by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LNNL), Sandia National Laboratories (SNL), and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL). In the 2011-2012 timeframe, these laboratories worked in collaboration to perform sensitivity analyses of a set of CAM5, 2◦ runs, where the response metrics of interest were precipitation metrics. The three labs performed their sensitivity analysis (SA) studies separately and then compared results. Overall, the results were quite consistent with each other although the methods used were different. This exercise provided a robustness check of the global sensitivity analysis metrics and identified some strongly influential parameters.
Trace metals in the forest floor at saddleback mountain, maine in relation to aspect, elevation, and cover type

The objectives of this study were to obtain information about trace metal levels in a montane ecosystem in western Maine, and to compare these results to levels of trace metals reported in the literature for other areas of New England. Forest floor samples were collected at Saddleback Mountain, Maine from sites along two elevational transects on the western and eastern slopes. Five sites were located on the western slope, each in a different vegetation zone, and three sites were selected on the eastern slope, each corresponding in elevation and vegetation type as closely as possible to three of the western sites. Forest floor samples were collected as 15 x 15 cm blocks to the surface of the underlying mineral soil and sectioned into 2 cm depth increments. Zinc and Cr concentrations in the forest floor were significantly greater on the western slope (118 and 3.7 mg kg−1, respectively), whereas Pb concentration was greater on the eastern slope (80 mg kg−1) Cadmium, Cr, Cu, Ni, V, and Zn contents were significantly greater on the western slope (45, 83, 79, 143, and 1432 mg in −2, respectively). Copper, Ni, Cd, and Zn concentrations and contents in the forest floor decreased with increasing elevation, and no trends of increasing trace metal contents with increasing elevation were evident. Trace metal concentrations and contents were always lower in the deepest increment of the forest floor as compared to the surface increment (except for Cr), but concentration and content trends with depth varied. Chromium tended to increase with depth where a depth trend was evident. Overall, forest floor trace metal levels were strongly related to forest stand type and forest floor properties.
Hyperimmune bovine colostrum inefficacious as multiple sclerosis therapy in double-blind study

A double-blind, placebo-controlled study investigated the use of hyperimmune bovine colostrum (HBC) as a therapy for 12 multiple sclerosis (MS) patients using a protocol designed to suppress placebo responses. It is concluded that, while a retrogression in clinical status was observed in 3 MS patients 6 weeks after they discontinued HBC and an improved function was observed in 2 MS patients who resumed HBC, MS patients with characteristics similar to those studied should be cautioned to guard against unfounded optimism because several plausible explanations for these findings could be identified.(wz).
How to manage a child with difficult asthma

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Children with difficult asthma have significant morbidity and fail to achieve asthma control despite being prescribed high dose maintenance treatment. If control remains poor after diagnostic confirmation, detailed assessments of the reasons for asthma being difficult-to-control are needed. Underlying modifiable factors including non-adherence to medication, persistent environmental exposures that trigger asthma symptoms and psychosocial factors contribute to poor control in these patients.Areas covered: The focus of this review is to provide a practical approach to the diagnosis and management of difficult asthma including an overview of long term assessments to identify potential progression to true, severe asthma. A multi-disciplinary team is critical to enable modifiable factors to be identified and addressed. Significant resources are required to manage paediatric difficult asthma optimally and only specialist centres should be tasked with the assessment of these patients. Altho...
A Mutation Causing Reduced BK Channel Activity Leads to Cognitive Inpairment and Progressive Cerebellar Ataxia (P5.394)

Objective: Determine the functional consequences of a BK potassium channel mutation associated with cerebellar degeneration. Background: We described a 16 yo female with delayed milestones and ataxic gait since 18 months. She had cognitive delay, dysarthria, perioral dyskinesias, and nystagmus. MRI scan showed severe cerebellar atrophy. Exome sequencing revealed a de novo variant in one KCNMA1 gene predicting a G354S mutation in the BK channel α subunit. The only other reported BK channel mutation causes enhanced channel activity, epilepsy, and dyskinesias. Methods: Wild type and G354S mutant BK channel α subunits were expressed in cultured HEK293 cells using eukaryotic expression vectors and immuno-localized using anti-α subunit antibodies. Also, mRNAs encoding the WT and G354S mutant were injected into Xenopus oocytes for macroscopic voltage-activated K+ currrent recordings under voltage-clamp during standard step depolarization protocols. Results: There was no difference in cellular distribution between the WT and G354S mutant. In oocytes expressing the G354S mutant alone, macroscopic K+ currents were 11[percnt] of those detected in WT-expressing oocytes, and the kinetics of activation were signficantly slowed compared to WT. Co-injection of the WT and G354S mutant in equal amounts (imitating heterozygous condition) led to currents less than 35[percnt] of WT. K+ currents recorded from dual-injected oocytes showed slower activation than WT. Unitary single channels recordings showed circa 90[percnt] decrease in the G354S mutant channel conductance relative to WT Thus, co-injection of G354S mutant together with WT α subunit reduced the conductance and slowed activation of BK channels out of proportion to abundance of subunits. Conclusions: The BK channel mutant G354S has a dominant negative effect on channel function. Reduced BK channel activity and delayed activation lead to progressive cerebellar atrophy and ataxia, possibly through damaging delays in repolarization. Drugs that increase BK channel activity may be a rational approach for treating this disease. Disclosure: Dr. Staisch has nothing to disclose. Dr. Du has nothing to disclose. Dr. Carvalho-de-Souza has nothing to disclose. Dr. Kubota has nothing to disclose. Dr. Bezanilla has nothing to disclose. Dr. Gomez has nothing to disclose.
Abstract 2098: Restoration of Sarcoglycan Complex Halted Disease Progression in BIO14.6 Hamsters With Established Heart Failure

BIO14.6 hamster with the absence of delta-sarcoglycan (dSG) develops progressive heart failure and is a model of human inherited cardiomyopathy. It also represents human limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD) type 2F. Previous gene therapies have treated neonatal or juvenile BIO14.6s, primarily to test preventive effects. Here, we assessed the therapeutic effects of systemic dSG delivery in BIO14.6s with established heart failure. We delivered a recombinant adeno-associate virus serotype 9 (rAAV9) vector carrying human dSG gene to 16 weeks old BIO14.6s with significantly reduced left ventricular (LV) functions (by echocardiography, fractional shortening: 31.3±4.89, n=30, vs. normal hamsters, 45.8±1.71, n=6, mean±SEM, P
Securing an Entrepreneurship Faculty Position

Whether as a doctoral student or an assistant professor looking to change jobs, it is useful to have an understanding of the faculty hiring process to increase the chances of securing a desired position. This chapter indicates the attributes that a hiring school may look for in a job candidate and highlights the timeline of the faculty recruiting process. It also details how candidates can facilitate this process through the creation and delivery of application materials, the communication strategy of the initial interview, the preparation for and performance at the campus visit, and the negotiation of “the deal.”
Trophic plasticity, environmental gradients and food‐web structure of tropical pond communities

Summary Freshwater pond communities exhibit strong patterns in species composition in response to environmental gradients such as ecosystem size, disturbance and productivity, serving as excellent systems for studies of food-web structure. We surveyed 13 ponds that varied along environmental gradients of canopy cover, pond size and hydroperiod at the beginning and end of the rainy season in the semi-arid thorn forests of the Gran Chaco ecoregion of Bolivia. We collected basal resources and consumers (tadpoles, macroinvertebrates and fishes) from these ponds and used stable isotope ratios of carbon (13C/12C) and nitrogen (15N/14N), to quantify the spatiotemporal dynamics of the food webs in these tropical ponds. There were no relationships between vertical structure of the food webs and the environmental gradients associated with the ponds. Consumers within these ponds exhibited high trophic variability, with multiple taxa occupying more than one trophic position across space or time. Consumers from larger ponds had a greater degree of trophic redundancy. More shaded ponds supported food webs that had lower trophic diversity. More permanent ponds had significantly greater trophic diversity as well as a greater range of basal resource diversity. The breeding ponds utilised by tadpoles and macroinvertebrates are patchily distributed across space and time. In these dynamic habitats, a feeding strategy of trophic generalism and plasticity enables consumers to exploit a broad range of resources and promote species coexistence. These results suggest that high diversity in tropical ponds does not necessarily translate into specialisation of trophic function.
New Uncertainty Measures for Predicted Geologic Properties from Seismic Attribute Calibration

Predicted geologic properties from multiple linear regression are accurate only when the true relationship between the attribute vector and the geologic property is linear. Even when the true relationship is linear, the confidence intervals of the predicted geologic properties from multiple regression models are meaningful only when certain statistical assumptions on residuals are met. Otherwise, confidence intervals computed from a regression model could give false information. In many exploration tasks, training data are often clustered into groups separated by data gaps or have insufficient coverage of the attribute space. However, we often ignore large prediction errors that could occur away from constraining data.
Killing in Style: Demosthenes, Demades, and Phocion in Later Rhetorical Tradition

This article reconsiders divergent accounts of the events leading to the death of Demosthenes, and suggests to explain their coexistence by attributing them to either the historical tradition from Hellenistic times or the rhetorical tradition of the Roman period. The latter should be traced to progymnasmata , or fictional rhetorical compositions, which manipulated historical evidence and continued to surface in the writings of students of rhetoric. When put together, the stories of the death of Demosthenes offer a case study on how history writing and rhetorical education mutually influenced each other in the late Hellenistic and Roman periods.
Highly Permeable AlPO-18 Membranes for N2/CH4 Separation

Herein we demonstrate that AlPO-18 membranes can separate N2/CH4 gas mixtures at unprecedented N2 permeances. The best membranes separated N2/CH4 mixtures with N2 permeances as high as 3076 GPU and separation selectivities as high as 4.6. Gas mixture separation data, N2 and CH4 adsorption isotherms, ideal adsorbed solution theory (IAST), and breakthrough experiments were collected to understand the separation mechanisms. Competitive adsorption and differences in diffusivities were identified as the prevailing separation mechanisms. Differences in diffusivity played a more dominant role than the competitive adsorption, and led to nitrogen selective membranes.
Characteristics of Anterior Lens Opacities in Children.

BACKGROUND Anterior lens opacities (ALO) are found in 3-14% of pediatric patients with cataracts. No clear guidelines exist in the management and treatment of these cataracts. OBJECTIVE To evaluate pediatric patients with anterior lens opacities and assess rate of amblyopia and need for surgery over time. METHODS A retrospective chart review was performed on patients with unilateral and bilateral anterior lens opacities (ALOs) seen between January 2008 and December 2014. Size, location, and type of ALO were noted. Refractive error, necessity for treatment of amblyopia, and interventions were recorded. RESULTS A total of 31 patients were included in the study. 17 patients had unilateral ALOs and 14 had bilateral ALOs. The majority of the cataracts (90.3%) were centrally located. The most common type of cataract was the polar type of cataract and the vast majority (48.4%) was < 1mm in size. 38.7% of patients had concurrent ocular conditions and 9.7% had systemic associations. 28.6% of patients with bilateral cataracts and 35.3% of the patients with unilateral cataracts were treated for amblyopia. Three patients required cataract surgery. CONCLUSION About half of anterior lens opacities are less than 1mm in size and the majority are of the polar type. Risk of amblyopia in these patients is higher than in the general population. Anisometropia is the most common cause of amblyopia. Ocular associations are seen at a relatively high frequency and systemic associations can occur but are uncommon. The need for surgical intervention is infrequent; however, growth of ALOs and associated cortical changes may be risk factors for surgery.
High-speed holographic imaging using compressed sensing and phase retrieval

Digital in-line holography serves as a useful encoder for spatial information. This allows three-dimensional reconstruction from a two-dimensional image. This is applicable to the tasks of fast motion capture, particle tracking etc. Sampling high resolution holograms yields a spatiotemporal tradeoff. We spatially subsample holograms to increase temporal resolution. We demonstrate this idea with two subsampling techniques, periodic and uniformly random sampling. The implementation includes an on-chip setup for periodic subsampling and a DMD (Digital Micromirror Device) -based setup for pixel-wise random subsampling. The on-chip setup enables direct increase of up to 20 in camera frame rate. Alternatively, the DMD-based setup encodes temporal information as high-speed mask patterns, and projects these masks within a single exposure (coded exposure). This way, the frame rate is improved to the level of the DMD with a temporal gain of 10. The reconstruction of subsampled data using the aforementioned setups is achieved in two ways. We examine and compare two iterative reconstruction methods. One is an error reduction phase retrieval and the other is sparsity-based compressed sensing algorithm. Both methods show strong capability of reconstructing complex object fields. We present both simulations and real experiments. In the lab, we image and reconstruct structure and movement of static polystyrene microspheres, microscopic moving peranema, macroscopic fast moving fur and glitters.
The Effects of Physical Exercise on the Reduction of Atherosclerosis in Pigeons

Some investigators support the view that physical exercise (EX) probably arrests the progress of atherosclerosis in humans but the specific mechanism by which EX seem to protect against atherosclerosis is not quite clear. However, it has been reported that EX is related to an apparent increase in the side chain cleavage and oxidation of cholesterol.
Toni Morrison, indigeneity, and settler colonialism

Using the lens of settler colonial theory, this article reframes African American author Toni Morrison’s novels to highlight their articulations of comparative histories between African Americans a...
Association between synthetic cannabinoid use and depressive symptomology: Analysis of a US national survey of high-school seniors

Introduction: Synthetic cannabinoid (SC) use among adolescents in the US is a major public health concern. SCs are considered by many teens to be a safe alternative to cannabis; however, little is ...
Polygamy, piousness, and the practice of medicine: Understanding Brigham Young and the predominance of female medical providers in early Utah.

The nineteenth century Mormon Prophet, Brigham Young, has long been lauded as progressive for sending dozens of Mormon women from the Utah territory to receive a formal medical education at The Wom...
Pulled-Over Rates, Causal Attributions, and Trust in Police:

A growing literature documents racial disparities throughout the American criminal justice system. Yet, even as this evidence accumulates and garners increasing media attention, we know relatively ...
Timely recognition and nonsurgical retrieval of a lost guidewire during central venous catheter placement

Central venous cannulation is a common procedure used in the intensive care setting. This procedure is known to cause a number of complications, if not carefully performed. We report a case of a lost guidewire during central venous cannulation through the left internal jugular vein approach which was retrieved successfully nonsurgically.
Detecting Phishing Websites with Random Forest.

Phishing has been a widespread issue for many years, claiming countless victims, some of which have not even realized that they fell prey. The sole purpose of phishing is to obtain sensitive information from its victims. There have yet to be a consensus on the best way to detect phishing. In this paper, we analyze web-based phishing detection by using Random Forest. Some important URL features are identified and our study shows that the detection performance with feature selection is improved.