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Western blot is a popular biomolecular analysis method for measuring the relative quantities of independent proteins in complex biological samples. However, variability in quantitative western blot data analysis poses a challenge in designing reproducible experiments. The lack of rigorous quantitative approaches in current western blot statistical methodology may result in irreproducible inferences. Here we describe best practices for the design and analysis of western blot experiments, with examples and demonstrations of how different analytical approaches can lead to widely varying outcomes. To facilitate best practices, we have developed the blotRig tool for designing and analyzing western blot experiments to improve their rigor and reproducibility. The blotRig application includes functions for counterbalancing experimental design by lane position, batch management across gels, and analytics with covariates and random effects.

Introduction 844 I. Legal Background on the 847 Mobile Sports Gambling Industry A. A Brief History of Gambling in the United States 848 B. Federal, State, and Case Law on [...]

Evaluation of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GIST) during initial clinical staging, surgical intervention, and postoperative management can be challenging. Current imaging modalities (e.g., PET and CT scans) lack sensitivity and specificity. Therefore, advanced clinical imaging modalities that can provide clinically relevant images with high resolution would improve diagnosis. KIT is a tyrosine kinase receptor overexpressed on GIST. Here, the application of a specific DNA aptamer targeting KIT, decorated onto a fluorescently labeled porous silicon nanoparticle (pSiNP), is used for the in vitro & in vivo imaging of GIST. This nanoparticle platform provides high-fidelity GIST imaging with minimal cellular toxicity. An in vitro analysis shows greater than 15-fold specific KIT protein targeting compared to the free KIT aptamer, while in vivo analyses of GIST-burdened mice that had been injected intravenously (IV) with aptamer-conjugated pSiNPs show extensive nanoparticle-to-tumor signal co-localization (>90% co-localization) compared to control particles. This provides an effective platform for which aptamer-conjugated pSiNP constructs can be used for the imaging of KIT-expressing cancers or for the targeted delivery of therapeutics.

Objective: This review evaluates current literature on intensity selection, perceptual responses, activity enjoyment and adherence rates of exergaming. Methods: The literature search identified manuscripts that investigated exercise intensity, perceptual responses, or exercise adherence of exergaming in young adults. Results: Based on results of 29 studies, the current review suggest some exergaming activities have the potential to elicit moderate to vigorous exercise intensity and could potentially be substituted for traditional exercise. Additionally, exergame activities may aid in the start of exercise adherence by lowering the individual's perceived exertion when playing exergames. Exergaming not only has the potential to enhance enjoyment through an exercise objective but also through the distracting nature of video games. Conclusions: Exergaming shows potential to be substituted for traditional exercise and could offer a new, varied form of exercise for sedentary individuals. Future research should examine the influence of exergaming experience on intensity selection and adherence rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a cladding-modified fiber-optic sensor is reported for NO2 gas detection. Monitoring the purity of air is the need of the hour, with the growing technologies. Hence, in this work, Ag-doped CdS is coated over the cladding-removed region of 3cm length by Chemical Bath Deposition (CBD) which acts as the gas-sensing medium. Ag–CdS is coated over four fibers each with a different coating duration of 10min, 20min, 30min and 40min. Characterization of Ag–CdS is done by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), UV-visible absorption spectroscopy and UV-visible reflectance spectroscopy. The spectral response for different concentrations of NO2 is studied on the four fibers separately, and it is analyzed and compared. The minimum detection limit is 100ppm and the response time is 10min. Out of the four fibers, Ag–CdS-30 exhibited the best response with a sensitivity of 15.5%. The results are compared with cladding-modified fiber coated with CdS, which was reported previously. The effect of Ag-doping is analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Expendable microSWIFT buoys have been developed and tested for measuring ocean surface waves. Wave spectra are calculated via onboard processing of GPS velocities sampled at 5 Hz, and wave spectra are delivered to a shore-side server via Iridium modem once per hour. The microSWIFTs support additional sensor payloads, in particular seawater conductivity and temperature. The buoys have a non-traditional, cylindrical shape that is required for deployment via the dropsonde tube of research aircraft. Multiple versions have been developed and tested, with design considerations that include: buoy hydrodynamics, sensor noise, algorithm tuning, processor power, and ease of deployment. Field testing in a range of conditions, including near sea ice and in a hurricane, has validated the design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]