cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Cell-free protein synthesis: Search for the happy middle

Cell-free protein synthesis (CFPS) is a versatile technique gaining popularity because it allows researchers access to on-demand production of proteins. This Commentary by Zachary Russ and John Dueber discusses the latest research article by Rui Gan and Michael Jewett, which reports a convenient and cost-effective methodology for the preparation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae-based CFPS reactions.
Prospects for Improving Brain Function in Individuals with Down Syndrome

Down syndrome (DS), which results from an extra copy of chromosome 21 (trisomy 21), is the most common genetically defined cause of intellectual disability. Although no pharmacotherapy aimed at counteracting the cognitive and adaptive deficits associated with this genetic disorder has been approved at present, there have been several new promising studies on pharmacological agents capable of rescuing learning/memory deficits seen in mouse models of DS. Here, we will review the available mouse models for DS and provide a comprehensive, albeit not exhaustive review of the following preclinical research strategies: (1) SOD1 and antioxidant agents; (2) APP and γ-secretase inhibitors; (3) DYRK1A and the polyphenol epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG); (4) GIRK2 and fluoxetine; (5) adrenergic receptor agonists; (6) modulation of GABAA and GABAB receptors; (7) agonism of the hedgehog signaling pathway; (8) nerve growth factor (NGF) and other neurotrophic factors; (9) anticholinesterase (AChE) agents; and (10) antagonism of NMDA receptors. Finally, we will review briefly five different strategies in DS that have led to clinical studies that either have been concluded or are currently underway: (1) antioxidant therapy; (2) AChE therapy; (3) green tea extract therapy; (4) RG1662 therapy; and (5) memantine therapy. These are exciting times in DS research. Within a decade or so, it is well into the realm of possibility that new forms of pharmacotherapies might become valuable tools in the armamentarium of developmental clinicians, as adjutants to more traditional and proven forms of habilitative interventions aimed at improving the quality of life of individuals with DS.
Analysis of plasmid samples on a microchip

We have developed a LabChip-based plasmid assay that runs on the Agilent 2100 Bioanalyzer. The assay determines the sizes and relative concentrations of the multiple forms of plasmid samples. Twelve samples can be analyzed on each chip in an automated run lasting approximately 30min. By using a supercoiled DNA sizing standard of 2-16kb, the size of the analyzed plasmid can be determined. The resulting MW has a relative standard deviation (CV) <5% and error <5%. Plasmids from 2-8kb can be separated with resolution better than 1kb. Topological isoforms in a plasmid sample can also be separated. However, due to differential staining, the heterogeneity of plasmid samples can only be measured if the signal of each isomer peak can be calibrated with pure standards for every isomer form. For a typical plasmid preparation which predominately is in the supercoiled form, the normalized corrected peak area for the supercoiled form correlates with the plasmid concentration in a broad range of 1-100ng/microl. The measurement is semiquantitative with a CV lower than 20%. A number of applications of this assay on a Labchip will be shown.
Classical conditioning of attitudes as a function of number of persuasion trials and argument (UCS) strength

Conditioned attitude strength was an increasing function of number of persuasion trials (1 vs 3 exposures to communication) (p <.02) and the strength of the opinion-eliciting argument (p <.001) with these two variables interacting multiplicatively (p <.05) to determine attitude strength (N = 200). Results were predicted from an extension of Hull-Miller-Spence learning theory.
Spin-solid phases of spin- 1 and spin- 3/2 antiferromagnets on a cubic lattice

We study spin S=1 and S=3/2 Heisenberg antiferromagnets on a cubic lattice focusing on spin-solid ground states. Using Schwinger boson formulation for spins, we start in a U(1) spin-liquid phase proximate to Neel phase and explore possible confining paramagnetic phases as we transition away from the spin liquid by the process of monopole condensation. Electromagnetic duality is used to rewrite the theory in terms of monopoles. For spin 1 we find several candidate phases of which the most natural one is a phase with spins organized into parallel Haldane chains. For spin 3/2 we find that the most natural phase has spins organized into parallel ladders. As a by-product, we also write a Landau theory of the ordering in two special classical frustrated XY models on the cubic lattice, one of which is the fully frustrated XY model. In a particular limit our approach maps to a dimer model with 2S dimers coming out of every site, and we find the same spin-solid phases in this regime as well.
Analyzing video data: A study of programming behavior under two software engineering paradigms

Video is widely used as a data collection method in observational research. However, the process of analyzing video data can be overwhelming. In this study, we discuss several issues that we found during analyzing video data, such as the boundary of behaviors, priority for intertwined behaviors, and misunderstanding of behavior codes among analysts. We propose an iterative approach with reliability analysis to refine the coding scheme and solve these problems. This process involves two analyses, alternating between independent coding and coding in pairs.
A managerial analysis of ATM in facilitating distance education

In this paper, the fundamental characteristics and capabilities of ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode) networks in a distance learning environment are examined. Current and projected ATM applications are described. Issues and challenges associated with developing ATM networking solutions for instructional delivery are explored. Guidelines facilitating ATM implementation in the educational setting for instructional enrichment are presented.
Simulations of a klystron undulator for the SLAC X-ray FEL

Abstract The Stanford Linear Accelerator Center (SLAC) linac has been proposed as an electron beam source for a high power X-ray FEL. A klystron design with an enclosed dispersive section allows a shorter undulator to achieve bunching in a weak radiation field. Single-mode phase-space simulations are used to investigate the effectiveness of electron bunching and the onset of saturation. A longitudinal multimode simulation shows the resulting coherence development.
DESIGN OF STIFFENED COMPOSITE PANELS WITH A FRACTURE CONSTRAINT

An automated procedure for designing minimum-weight composite panels subject to a local damage constraint under tensile loading was developed. A finite element program based on linear elastic fracture mechanics for calculating stress intensity factors (SIF) was incorporated in the design cycle. Panel fracture toughness was obtained by using a strain based criterion. A general purpose mathematical optimization algorithm was used for the weight minimization. Analytical sensitivity derivatives of the SIF employing the adjoint variable technique was used to enhance the computational efficiency of the procedure. Design results for both unstiffened and stiffened plates are presented.
“Focal” ventricular tachycardia: Insights from catheter ablation

Catheter ablation has come to play an important therapeutic role in the management of some patients with ventricular arrhythmias. An important advance in catheter ablation of ventricular tachycardia (VT) has been the development of three-dimensional catheter-based mapping systems, which permit identification of the tachycardia circuit and facilitate a strategy for catheter ablation. As a result, patients who suffer from "focal" forms of VT have been identified. This can have implications with respect to underlying arrhythmia mechanism, patient prognosis, and therapeutic strategies. The article reviews some insights learned from catheter ablation of focal forms of VT.
1-D photonic crystal waveguide micro-cavity for ultra sensitive nano-particle detection

We demonstrate a Si micron-size photonic device for the detection of low concentrations of metal nano-particles used as analyte labels. A density of less than 2 particles per area of the sensing region was detectible
Alterations in Alveolar Macrophages in Hamsters Developing Pulmonary Fibrosis

Hamsters treated with intratracheally instilled bleomycin (0.16 U/100 g) followed by a 72-hr exposure to 70% oxygen develop a slowly progressive interstitial pneumonitis with fibrosis. Lung lavage was performed during fibrogenesis at 30, 60, and 120 days after treatment. The number of macrophages recovered was increased at all of these times. Macrophages were evaluated using flow cytometry and a monoclonal antibody specific for a surface antigen present on mature lung macrophages but deficient in younger cells. The mean density of antigenic sites per cell surface area was significantly lower than control values at the three times studied (-24.7, -20.0, and -20.9%). Thus, a significant fraction of macrophages present in this model of progressive pulmonary fibrosis are immature. The in vivo uptake of radioactive colloidal gold by the pulmonary macrophages was also determined. Thirty days after treatment, macrophage endocytosis of colloidal gold was reduced by 22% of control. The total number of harvested ma...
Aggressive behavior of children exposed to intimate partner violence: an examination of maternal mental health, maternal warmth and child maltreatment

OBJECTIVES: Over 4.5 million children each year are exposed to intimate partner violence (IPV). Furthermore, IPV rarely occurs without other forms of violence and aggression in the home. IPV is associated with mental health and parenting problems in mothers, and children experience a wide variety of short-term social adjustment and emotional difficulties, including behavioral problems. The current study investigated the influence of IPV exposure on children's aggressive behavior, and tested if this relation was mediated by poor maternal mental health, and, in turn, by maternal warmth and child maltreatment, and moderated by children's age and gender. Study findings highlight the indirect consequences of IPV in the home on children's aggressive behavior. METHODS: Secondary data analysis using structural equation modeling (SEM) was conducted with the National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being (NSCAW). Children were between the ages of 3-8 (n=1,161). Mothers reported past year frequency of phsycial assualt by their partner, frequency of child psychological and physical abuse, maternal mental health, and children's aggressive behavior problems. Maternal warmth was measured by observation. RESULTS: IPV was significantly related to poor maternal mental health. Poor maternal mental health was associated with more child aggressive behavior, lower maternal warmth, and more frequent child physical and psychological abuse. Psychological abuse and low maternal warmth were directly related to more aggressive behavior while IPV exposure and physical abuse were not directly associated with aggressive behavior. Neither age nor gender moderated the modeled paths. CONCLUSIONS: Expanding knowledge about child outcomes is especially critical for children who were involved in investigations of child maltreatment by child protective services (CPS) in order to identify relevant risk factors that can lead to interventions. The results identified maternal mental health as an important variable in mediating the relationship between IPV exposure and aggressive behavior. One implication is for multicomponent family interventions that could be tailored toward helping the mother cope with such mental health issues while also addressing deficits in children's social behavior development. Language: en
ASSOCIATION OF MURINE SPLENOCYTE CD3 COMPLEX TO THE CYTOSKELETON: ABSENCE OF MODULATION BY EXOGENOUS FATTY ACIDS

Abstract The cytoplasmic regions of the CD3 complex are presumably involved in signal transduction following ligand–receptor binding. We investigated the effects of incubating either stearic or oleic acid on the association of murine lymphocyte CD3 complex with the cytoskeleton. Both cytochalasin D, an inhibitor of microfilament formation, and W7, an inhibitor of calmodulin, inhibited capping of CD3. The association of CD3 with the cytoskeleton was confirmed by confocal laser scanning microscopy studies, which showed co-localization of the cross-linked CD3 receptors and the membrane attachment proteins ankyrin and fodrin. Although exogenous oleic acid increased plasma membrane fluidity, neither expression nor capping of CD3 receptors was increased. Nonetheless, oleic acid did increase uptake of tritiated thymidine after binding of anti-CD3 antibodies. Lymphoproliferation was progressively inhibited by both cytochalasin D and W7, confirming the importance of intact cytoskeleton for cellular activation.
Decisions from experience reduce misconceptions about climate change

Abstract Research has shown widespread misconceptions in public understanding of the dynamics of climate change: A majority of people incorrectly infer that carbon-dioxide (CO 2 ) concentrations can be controlled by stabilizing emissions at or above current rates (correlation heuristic), and while emissions continuously exceed absorptions (violation of mass balance). Such misconceptions are likely to delay actions that mitigate climate change. This paper tests a way to reduce these misconceptions through experience in a dynamic simulation. In a laboratory experiment, participants were randomly assigned to one of two conditions: description , where participants performed a CO 2 stabilization (CS) task that provided them with a CO 2 concentration trajectory over a 100 year period and asked them to sketch the corresponding CO 2 emissions and absorptions over the same period; and experience , where participants performed the same task in a dynamic climate change simulator (DCCS), followed by the CS task. In both conditions, half of the participants were science and technology (STEM) majors, and the other half were non-STEM. Results revealed a significant reduction in people’s misconceptions in the experience condition compared to the description condition. Furthermore, STEMs demonstrated better performance than non-STEMs. These results highlight the potential for using experience-based simulation tools like DCCS to improve understanding about the dynamics of climate change.
KinD Is a Checkpoint Protein Linking Spore Formation to Extracellular-Matrix Production in Bacillus subtilis Biofilms

Bacillus subtilis cells form multicellular biofilm communities in which spatiotemporal regulation of gene expression occurs, leading to differentiation of multiple coexisting cell types. These cell types include matrix-producing and sporulating cells. Extracellular matrix production and sporulation are linked in that a mutant unable to produce matrix is delayed for sporulation. Here, we show that the delay in sporulation is not due to a growth advantage of the matrix-deficient mutant under these conditions. Instead, we show that the link between matrix production and sporulation is through the Spo0A signaling pathway. Both processes are regulated by the phosphorylated form of the master transcriptional regulator Spo0A. When cells have low levels of phosphorylated Spo0A (Spo0A~P), matrix genes are expressed; however, at higher levels of Spo0A~P, sporulation commences. We have found that Spo0A~P levels are maintained at low levels in the matrix-deficient mutant, thereby delaying expression of sporulation-specific genes. This is due to the activity of one of the components of the Spo0A phosphotransfer network, KinD. A deletion of kinD suppresses the sporulation defect of matrix mutants, while its overproduction delays sporulation. Our data indicate that KinD displays a dual role as a phosphatase or a kinase and that its activity is linked to the presence of extracellular matrix in the biofilms. We propose a novel role for KinD in biofilms as a checkpoint protein that regulates the onset of sporulation by inhibiting the activity of Spo0A until matrix, or a component therein, is sensed.
D³ Data-Driven Documents

Data-Driven Documents (D3) is a novel representation-transparent approach to visualization for the web. Rather than hide the underlying scenegraph within a toolkit-specific abstraction, D3 enables direct inspection and manipulation of a native representation: the standard document object model (DOM). With D3, designers selectively bind input data to arbitrary document elements, applying dynamic transforms to both generate and modify content. We show how representational transparency improves expressiveness and better integrates with developer tools than prior approaches, while offering comparable notational efficiency and retaining powerful declarative components. Immediate evaluation of operators further simplifies debugging and allows iterative development. Additionally, we demonstrate how D3 transforms naturally enable animation and interaction with dramatic performance improvements over intermediate representations.
epsilon-N-trimethyllysine availability regulates the rate of carnitine biosynthesis in the growing rat.

Rates of carnitine biosynthesis in mammals depend on the availability of substrates and the activity of enzymes subserving the pathway. This study was undertaken to test the hypothesis that the availability of epsilon-N-trimethyllysine is rate-limiting for synthesis of carnitine in the growing rat and to evaluate diet as a source of this precursor for carnitine biosynthesis. Rats apparently absorbed greater than 90% of a tracer dose of (methyl-/sup 3/H)epsilon-N-trimethyllysine, and approximately 30% of that was incorporated into tissues as (/sup 3/H)carnitine. Rats given oral supplements of epsilon-N-trimethyllysine (0.5-20 mg/d), but no dietary carnitine, excreted more carnitine than control animals receiving no dietary epsilon-N-trimethyllysine or carnitine. Rates of carnitine excretion increased in a dose-dependent manner. Tissue and serum levels of carnitine also increased with dietary epsilon-N-trimethyllysine supplementation. There was no evidence that the capacity for carnitine biosynthesis was saturated even at the highest level of oral epsilon-N-trimethyllysine supplementation. Common dietary proteins (casein, soy protein and wheat gluten) were found to be poor sources of epsilon-N-trimethyllysine for carnitine biosynthesis. The results of this study indicate that the availability of epsilon-N-trimethyllysine limits the rate of carnitine biosynthesis in the growing rat.
Modeling dose-response relationships in biological control: partitioning host responses to the pathogen and biocontrol agent.

Smith, K. P., Handelsman, J., and Goodman R. M. 1997. Modeling doseresponse relationships in biological control: Par titioning host responses to the pathogen and biocontrol agent. Phytopathology 87:720-729. Breeding plants to improve the effectiveness of biocontrol agents is a promising approach to enhance disease suppression by microorganisms. Differences in biocontrol efficacy among cultivars suggest there is genetic variation for this trait within crop germplasm. The ability to quantify host differences in support of biological control is influenced by variation in host response to the pathogen and the dose of pathogen and biocontrol agent applied to the host. To assess the contribution of each of these factors to successful biocontrol interactions, we measured disease over a range of pathogen (Pythium) and biocontrol agent ( Bacillus cereus UW85) inoculum doses. We fit dose-response models to these data and used model parameter estimates to quantify host differences in response to the pathogen and biocontrol agent. We first inoculated eight plant species separately with three species of Pythium and evaluated three doseresponse models for their ability to describe the disease res ponse to pathogen inoculum level. All three models fit well to at least some of the host-pathogen combinations; the hyperbolic saturation model provided the best overall fit. To quantify the host contribution to biological control, we next evaluated these models with data from a tomato assay, using six inbred tomato lines, P. torulosum, and UW85. The lowest dose of pathogen applied revealed the greatest differences in seedling mortality among the inbred lines, ranging from 40 to 80%. The negative exponential (NE) pathogen model gave the best fit to these pathogen data, and these differences corresponded to model parameter values, which quantify pathogen efficiency, of 0.023 and 0.091. At a high pathogen dose, we detected the greatest differences in biocontrol efficacy am ong the inbred lines, ranging from no effect to a 68% reduction in mortality. The NE pat hogen model with a NE biocontrol component, the NE/NE biocontrol model, gave the best fit to these biocontrol data, and these reductions corresponded to model parameter values, which quantify biocontrol efficiency, of 0.00 and 0.038, respectively. There was no correlation between the host response to the pathogen and biocontrol agent for these inbred lines. This work demonstrates the utility of epidemiological modeling approaches for the study of biological control and lays the groundwork to employ manipulation of host genetics to improve biocontrol efficacy.
Theoretical Performance of MID-IR Broken-Gap Superlattice Quantum Well Lasers

We will present calculations of the ideal performance of mid-infrared InAs/InGaSb superlattice quantum well lasers. For these systems several periods of an InAs/InGaSb type-II superlattice are grown in quantum wells. Calculations of the non-radiative and radiative lifetimes of the carriers utilize the full non-parabolic band structure and momentum-dependent matrix elements calculated from a semi-empirical multilayer K · P theory. From these lifetimes, threshold current densities have been evaluated for laser structures. We find serious problems with the hole and electron confinement in the superlattice quantum wells grown to date, and propose a four-layer superlattice structure which corrects these problems.
Religion, Spirituality, and the Hidden Curriculum: Medical Student and Faculty Reflections

Abstract Context Religion and spirituality play an important role in physicians' medical practice, but little research has examined their influence within the socialization of medical trainees and the hidden curriculum. Objectives The objective is to explore the role of religion and spirituality as they intersect with aspects of medicine's hidden curriculum. Methods Semiscripted, one-on-one interviews and focus groups (n = 33 respondents) were conducted to assess Harvard Medical School student and faculty experiences of religion/spirituality and the professionalization process during medical training. Using grounded theory, theme extraction was performed with interdisciplinary input (medicine, sociology, and theology), yielding a high inter-rater reliability score (kappa = 0.75). Results Three domains emerged where religion and spirituality appear as a factor in medical training. First, religion/spirituality may present unique challenges and benefits in relation to the hidden curriculum. Religious/spiritual respondents more often reported to struggle with issues of personal identity, increased self-doubt, and perceived medical knowledge inadequacy. However, religious/spiritual participants less often described relationship conflicts within the medical team, work-life imbalance, and emotional stress arising from patient suffering. Second, religion/spirituality may influence coping strategies during encounters with patient suffering. Religious/spiritual trainees described using prayer, faith, and compassion as means for coping whereas nonreligious/nonspiritual trainees discussed compartmentalization and emotional repression. Third, levels of religion/spirituality appear to fluctuate in relation to medical training, with many trainees experiencing an increase in religiousness/spirituality during training. Conclusion Religion/spirituality has a largely unstudied but possibly influential role in medical student socialization. Future study is needed to characterize its function within the hidden curriculum.
The pattern of venous drainage of the digits

The transosseous injection of colored latex through 36 fingers demonstrated that the venous system consists of a series of arcades on the dorsal and palmar surface of the digit with connecting oblique and transverse anastomotic veins. The caliber of the palmar veins was smaller than that of the dorsal and their route did not consistently run with the digital artery and nerve. Venous channels were also found in the vincula. The anastomotic veins and especially the commissural veins provide a venous return for the digit if the major dorsal system has been divided.
STUDIES ON BACTERIAL ENZYMES : VII. LACTASE AND LIPASE OF THE COLON BACILLUS.

Colon bacilli possess endocellular heat-labile lactase and lipase enzymes which remain operative in sterile filtered solutions of the intracellular substances obtained through physical disintegration the bacillary bodies. The demonstration of the lactase and detection of the hexose products of its action constitute experimental evidence that hydrolysis of the disaccharide is the first step in the fermentation of lactose by colon bacilli.
Restoration of call attractiveness by novel acoustic appendages in grey treefrogs

Ethologists have often reported preferences for novel signals, especially if they are more extravagant than normal signals. Such preferences presumably reflect sensory biases that may promote the evolution of both novel and complex signals. We tested behavioural responses of female grey treefrogs, Hyla versicolor, to novel complex calls in relation to the response properties of previously described temporally selective neurons in the auditory midbrain. As predicted by the selectivity of interval-counting neurons, females discriminated against synthetic advertisement calls containing a gap, a missed pulse or a pulse of abnormally short duration. The addition of a novel tonal appendage to such defective calls often resulted in partial restoration of the attractiveness of the signal. The restorative effect occurred only when an appendage with a higher amplitude followed (rather than led) the defective call. Our results show how the consideration of proximate mechanisms can provide insights about the evolution of complex signals; the behavioural results, in turn, suggest new ways of assessing the response properties of the auditory system.
Compacta and their function spaces

We consider some properties of the compact Hausdorff space X that are defined in terms of subspaces of C(X,R) or C(X,C). In some (but not all) cases, we show that these are equivalent to more standard set-theoretic properties of X, expressed using cardinal functions such as weight, cellularity, etc.
Reservoir Yield Using TPM Method

The use of the transition probability matrix (TPM) to estimate reservoir yield is suggested as an alternative to the generation of long sequences of simulated river flow. The theory of the TPM method is developed using the Markov process and a numerical solution of a simple case of reservoir yield is presented. This solution is compared with an analytical solution. Allowance for evaporation can be conveniently included in the TPM method if a linear relation is assumed between water in storage and water surface area. Allowance for nonuniform inflow and drawoff can also be included if constant annual hydrographs or masks are used to describe these variables.
4‐Coloring P 6 ‐Free Graphs with No Induced 5‐Cycles

We show that the 4-coloring problem can be solved in polynomial time for graphs with no induced 5-cycle C5 and no induced 6-vertex path P6
Changing trends in the pulmonary manifestations of AIDS

This article reviews the changing trends observed in AIDS patients over the course of the epidemic. The spectrum of diseases of the chest associated with HIV infection is vast and varied. To generate a useful differential diagnosis based on imaging findings, the radiologist must appreciate shifts in disease prevalence and epidemiology and appreciate changing radiographic manifestations of many of these diseases. Imaging findings, both with chest radiography and CT scan, are summarized and the importance of integration of clinical information in interpreting these images and generating a reasonable differential diagnosis is emphasized.
Likelihood-Based Tests and Confidence Regions

There are three asymptotically equivalent testing methods based on the likelihood 3 function: Wald tests, likelihood ratio tests, and score tests also known as Lagrange 4 multiplier tests in the econometrics literature. In this chapter we present increasingly 5 more general versions of the three test statistics culminating in the most general 6
Syncope: It’s All in the History

Syncope is a transient, but complete, loss of consciousness due to global cerebral hypo-perfusion. It is has rapid onset, short duration and recovery is generally quick, spontaneous and complete. Most syncopal episodes in children are benign in nature and are secondary to reflex syncope and orthostatic hypotension. Clues to the cause of syncope are usually found from taking a careful history. “Red flag” symptoms for cardiac syncope that need direct referral to a paediatric cardiologist include syncope during exertion or emotional stress. We describe two children who had syncope due to a serious arrhythmia. In both children history taking was vital.
Reduced Graphene Oxide Wrapped FeS Nanocomposite for Lithium-Ion Battery Anode with Improved Performance

A new nanocomposite formulation of the FeS-based anode for lithium-ion batteries is proposed, where FeS nanoparticles wrapped in reduced graphene oxide (RGO) are produced via a facile direct-precipitation approach. The resulting nanocomposite FeS@RGO structure has better lithium ion storage properties, exceeding those of FeS prepared without RGO sheets. The enhanced electrochemical performance is attributed to the robust sheet-wrapped structure with smaller FeS nanoparticles and synergetic effects between FeS and RGO sheets, such as increased conductivity, shortened lithium ion diffusion path, and the effective prevention of polysulfide dissolution.
Incidents of ground failure from the 1994 Northridge earthquake

Abstract Numerous incidents of ground failure from the 1994 Northridge earthquake caused thousands of pipe breaks and damaged many structures. In this article, significant occurrences of ground failure in the San Fernando Valley, Simi Valley, Santa Clara River area, central Los Angeles, and a number of coastal areas are described, and the likely culprit mechanisms are identified. Ground failure in many areas could be readily associated with liquefaction and/or seismically induced compaction of young alluvial soils or fill materials previously known to have a high ground failure susceptibility. However, ground failure also occurred in areas not previously thought to be susceptible to such hazards. Taken together, these incidents provide insight into a variety of ground failure phenomena that can affect urban areas during earthquakes.
Rectum has abnormal ion transport but normal cAMP-binding proteins in cystic fibrosis

The luminal membranes of involved tissues in cystic fibrosis (CF) are relatively impermeable to Cl and the regulation of Cl transport by adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP)-mediated hormones is abnormal. We investigated the human rectum as a putative model for CF. We compared in vivo transrectal potential difference (PD) in CF and in normal subjects in response to sequential perfusions with various test solutions. The base-line PD was different in normal (-35.5 +/- 4.0 mV; lumen negative; mean +/- SE; n = 9) and CF subjects (-23.4 +/- 3.1 mV; n = 6; P less than 0.025) and was eliminated by amiloride (10(-4) M) perfusion in both groups by 3 min. However, in response to a Cl-free solution with amiloride, all six CF subjects exhibit less of a change in PD (PD, -2.2 +/- 1.2 mV vs. -11.7 +/- 1.5 mV in 6 controls; P less than 0.01). Furthermore, normal subjects (n = 7) respond to a 5 mM theophylline + amiloride perfusion with an increase in lumen-negative PD, whereas, CF subjects (n = 6) show no increase in lumen-negative PD. Rectal biopsy specimens from four normal and four CF subjects exhibit similar (2- to 3-fold) increases in theophylline-induced cAMP content and have similar cAMP-binding proteins (CF, n = 3; control, n = 3). We conclude that the rectum is an involved epithelium in CF in which the aberration may lie at a point beyond the binding of cAMP to its protein kinase.
Leadership and Resources

Ruling, resources and religion have shifted under the various Chinese administrations since the beginning of the People’s Republic of China in 1949. In China, these administrations are sometimes referred to as “generations.” The most noted academic on Chinese generations is the scholar Li Cheng, who writes: The concept of political generations in China is often based on the distinctive political experience of elites—for example, the Long March generations (first generation), the anti-Japanese War generation (the second generation), the “socialist transformation” generation (the third generation), and the Cultural Revolution generation (the fourth generation).1
Capitalizing on Advances in Science to Reduce the Health Consequences of Early Childhood Adversity

Advances in biology are providing deeper insights into how early experiences are built into the body with lasting effects on learning, behavior, and health. Numerous evaluations of interventions for young children facing adversity have demonstrated multiple, positive effects but they have been highly variable and difficult to sustain or scale. New research on plasticity and critical periods in development, increasing understanding of how gene-environment interaction affects variation in stress susceptibility and resilience, and the emerging availability of measures of toxic stress effects that are sensitive to intervention provide much-needed fuel for science-informed innovation in the early childhood arena. This growing knowledge base suggests 4 shifts in thinking about policy and practice: (1) early experiences affect lifelong health, not just learning; (2) healthy brain development requires protection from toxic stress, not just enrichment; (3) achieving breakthrough outcomes for young children facing adversity requires supporting the adults who care for them to transform their own lives; and (4) more effective interventions are needed in the prenatal period and first 3 years after birth for the most disadvantaged children and families. The time has come to leverage 21st-century science to catalyze the design, testing, and scaling of more powerful approaches for reducing lifelong disease by mitigating the effects of early adversity.
Undersampling and oversampling in sample based shape modeling

Shape modeling is an integral part of many visualization problems. Recent advances in scanning technology and a number of surface reconstruction algorithms have opened up a new paradigm for modeling shapes from samples. Many of the problems currently faced in this modeling paradigm can be traced back to two anomalies in sampling, namely undersampling and oversampling. Boundaries, non-smoothness and small features create undersampling problems, whereas oversampling leads to too many triangles. We use Voronoi cell geometry as a unified guide to detect undersampling and oversampling. We apply these detections in surface reconstruction and model simplification. Guarantees of the algorithms can be proved. In this paper we show the success of the algorithms empirically on a number of interesting data sets.
Measure for measure: minimal residual disease in CLL.

In this issue of Blood , [Kwok and colleagues][1] have provided a wealth of retrospective clinical data that greatly expands our appreciation for the prognostic importance of flow-cytometric residual disease measurement across a spectrum of clinical presentations in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL
The relationships between sensation seeking and a spectrum of e-cigarette use behaviors: Cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses specific to Texas adolescents.

Introduction Sensation seeking is strongly associated with cigarette use in adolescents. However, few studies have investigated its relationship with adolescent e-cigarette use. This study examined cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between sensation seeking and a variety of e-cigarette use behaviors among Texas adolescents.
Quantitative Empirical Research in Marxist Political Economy: A Selective Review

This paper surveys quantitative empirical research in some key areas of Marxist political economy. Following an introductory section on the value controversy, the paper surveys quantitative empirical research on the following topics: (a) Marxist national accounts, (b) classical-Marxist theory of relative prices, (c) probabilistic political economy, (d) profitability analysis and (e) classical-Marxian theories of growth and technical change. I end by highlighting two important puzzles in the extant literature.
Phase-selectively soluble, polymer-supported salen catalyst prepared using atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP)

Abstract This communication describes the use of atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) to prepare a new phase-selectively soluble, polymer-supported CrIII salen catalyst. This catalyst was used to facilitate the asymmetric ring opening of cyclohexene oxide and could be recovered and reused up to 5 times using liquid/liquid separation techniques.
Seismic inversion and uncertainty quantification using transdimensional Markov chain Monte Carlo method

ABSTRACTWe applied a transdimensional stochastic inversion algorithm, reversible jump Markov chain Monte Carlo (rjMCMC), to angle-stack seismic inversion for characterization of reservoir acoustic ...
Conversion and Revisional Surgery: Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

Gastric bypass has proven to be an effective operation in terms of both weight loss and resolution of comorbid conditions. However a subset of patients will require revision for complications and technical mishaps incurred at the index operation. In other patients, gastric bypass will fail to produce adequate weight loss or will have weight regain. In some this will lead to recurrence or development of de novo comorbid conditions. These patients may also benefit from revisional operations.
Measurement of endocrine disrupting and asthma-associated chemicals in hair products used by Black women.

Abstract Background Personal care products are a source of exposure to endocrine disrupting and asthma-associated chemicals. Because use of hair products differs by race/ethnicity, these products may contribute to exposure and disease disparities. Objective This preliminary study investigates the endocrine disrupting and asthma-associated chemical content of hair products used by U.S. Black women. Methods We used gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) to test 18 hair products in 6 categories used by Black women: hot oil treatment, anti-frizz/polish, leave-in conditioner, root stimulator, hair lotion, and relaxer. We tested for 66 chemicals belonging to 10 chemical classes: ultraviolet (UV) filters, cyclosiloxanes, glycol ethers, fragrances, alkylphenols, ethanolamines, antimicrobials, bisphenol A, phthalates, and parabens. Results The hair products tested contained 45 endocrine disrupting or asthma-associated chemicals, including every targeted chemical class. We found cyclosiloxanes, parabens, and the fragrance marker diethyl phthalate (DEP) at the highest levels, and DEP most frequently. Root stimulators, hair lotions, and relaxers frequently contained nonylphenols, parabens, and fragrances; anti-frizz products contained cyclosiloxanes. Hair relaxers for children contained five chemicals regulated by California's Proposition 65 or prohibited by EU cosmetics regulation. Targeted chemicals were generally not listed on the product label. Conclusions Hair products used by Black women and children contained multiple chemicals associated with endocrine disruption and asthma. The prevalence of parabens and DEP is consistent with higher levels of these compounds in biomonitoring samples from Black women compared with White women. These results indicate the need for more information about the contribution of consumer products to exposure disparities. A precautionary approach would reduce the use of endocrine disrupting chemicals in personal care products and improve labeling so women can select products consistent with their values.
Characteristics of cerebral gunshot injuries in the rural setting

The rural CGW population has not yet undergone the metamorphosis experienced by its urban counterparts. Reminiscent of a past era, suicides far outweight homicides. Although many rural firearm injuries involve hunting accidents, these comprise only a small fraction of CGW at best. Similarly, although many rural firearm injuries involve shotguns or rifles, few CGW result from these weapons. Although the number of patients is small, those with shotgun or rifle injuries manifest lower mortality rates. The authors have confirmed the notion that caliber of civilian weapons is difficult to correlate with outcome. The geographic size of the rural catchment area is an important consideration because it must select a population able to withstand transfer. The authors noted an inverse relationship between length of time before arrival at the facility and mortality. The selection phenomenon probably accounts for the reduced mortality found in the authors series versus most others. Prognostic features of individual gunshot wounds are likely to be similar among varied populations when circumstances of the injury are matched. Thus, one expects similar features on initial examination and CT scan to have similar predictive value. The authors confirmed that CGS and specific deficits were strong predictors of outcome. No patient with a GCS score of 5 or less on admission survived. Absent pupillary response, absent brain stem function, presence of respiratory drive or cough only, and posturing were strong indicators of impending death. The authors confirmed the prognostic value associated with CT evidence of intraventricular hemorrhage, transventricular trajectory, transtentorial herniation, massive edema, and bihemispheric injury. Interestingly, presence of extensive facial fractures, an indicator of trajectory, suggested better outcome. Subarachnoid hemorrhage did not reach prognostic significance. Roughly half of the authors' patients had positive serum ethanol levels, although the test was unable to discern prognosis. Abnormality of any coagulation parameter and frank disseminated intravascular coagulation were correlated with poor outcome. Likewise, thrombocytopenia occurring within the first 24 hours was an indicator of poor prognosis. Although prophylactic antibiotics were not used in all cases, the authors encountered no deep or superficial infections in surviving patients. The prevalence of seizures in the authors' series despite prophylactic AED is unusually high. This feature merits further study.
Going in Circles: Variations on the Money-Coutts Theorem

Given a polygonA1;:::;An, consider the chain of circles: S1 inscribed in the angle A1, S2 inscribed in the angle A2 and tangent to S1, S3 inscribed in the angle A3 and tangent to S2 ,e tc. We describe a class ofn-gons for which this process is 2n-periodic. We extend the result to the case when the sides of a polygon are arcs of circles. The case of triangles is known as the Money-Coutts theorem. Mathematics Subject Classifications ( 2000): 51M04, 14N99.
Intergroup prisoner's dilemma with intragroup power dynamics and individual power drive

This paper introduces a game paradigm to be used in behavioral experiments studying learning and evolution of cooperation. The goals for such a paradigm are both practical and theoretical. The design of the game emphasizes features that are advantageous for experimental purposes (e.g., binary choice, matrix format, and tractability) and also features that increase the ecological validity of the game (e.g., multiple players, social structure, asymmetry, conflicting motives, and stochastic behavior). A simulation of the game based on human data from a previous study is used to predict the impact of different levels of power drive on payoff and power, to be corroborated in future studies.
A Characteristic Property of Certain Generalized Power Series Distributions

There are some probability distributions which remain invariant in their form under suitable transformations. In this paper, we show that the logarithmic series distribution and the geometric distribution enjoy the property of invariance of form as a characterizing property under a special type of transformation which we introduce below as a modulo sequence. Further, we provide a necessary and sufficient condition for the generalized power series distribution to have this characteristic property.
Assessing the Impact of the Position Paper “Prescribing and Administering Opioid Doses Based Solely on Pain Intensity”

Abstract Background A task force of members of the American Society for Pain Management Nursing (ASPMN) authored a position paper “Prescribing and Administering Opioid Doses Based Solely on Pain Intensity.” Some of the authors of this ASPMN position paper presented a concurrent session at the September 2016 ASPMN National Conference discussing the content of the position paper. As a follow-up, the authors designed a research study to identify the impact of the position statement in facilitating change in institutional practice of dosing analgesics based solely on pain intensity. Aims Our aim was to ascertain the effect of the American Society for Pain Management Nursing ASPMN position paper “Prescribing and Administering Opioid Doses Based Solely on Pain Intensity” (2016) on changes in institutional practices. Design The study used an online anonymous questionnaire that included open-ended questions. Settings An anonymous electronic questionnaire was used to assess the impact across the United States. Participants/Subjects Participants were members of the American Society for Pain Management Nursing. Methods An eight-question anonymous questionnaire created through Survey Monkey was sent to members of the American Society for Pain Management Nursing via an e-mail listserv and the monthly e-newsletter. Results Of the 142 members who consented to participate in the study, 120 members answered one or more questions. Those who responded to the question about changes in practice, only 13 (11.1%) reported that the position paper had influenced a change in practice at their institution. The majority, 89 (75%), reported that practice had not changed in their institution. Conclusions Among those clinicians who participated in this study, the position paper “Prescribing and Administering Opioid Doses Based Solely on Pain Intensity” reportedly had minimal impact on changing institutional practices.