cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Osteogenesis imperfecta: advancements in genetics and treatment.

Purpose of reviewThe purpose of this review is to outline the current understanding of the molecular mechanisms and natural history of osteogenesis imperfecta, and to describe the development of new treatments for this disorder.Recent findingsThe introduction of next-generation sequencing technology
A reporting checklist for HealthMeasures’ patient-reported outcomes: ASCQ-Me, Neuro-QoL, NIH Toolbox, and PROMIS

ASCQ-Me®, Neuro-QoL™, NIH Toolbox®, and PROMIS®, which are health-related quality of life measures collectively known as HealthMeasures, have experienced rapid uptake in the scientific community with over 1700 peer-reviewed publications through 2018. Because of their proliferation across multiple research disciplines, there has been significant heterogeneity in the description and reporting of these measures. Here, we provide a publication checklist to promote standardization and comparability across different reports. This checklist can be used across all HealthMeasures systems. Checklist Development: Authors drafted a draft checklist, circulated among the HealthMeasures Steering Committee and PROMIS Health Organization until the members reached consensus. Checklist: The final checklist has 21 entries in 4 categories: measure details, administration, scoring, and reporting. Most entries (11) specify necessary measure-specific details including version number and administration language(s). Administration (4 entries) reminds authors to include details such as use of proxy respondents and the assessment platform. Scoring (3 entries) is necessary to ensure replication and cross-study comparisons. Reporting (3 entries) reminds authors to always report scores on the T-score metric. Consistent documentation is necessary to ensure transparent and reproducible methods and support the accumulation of evidence across studies. This checklist promotes standardization and completeness in documentation for ASCQ-Me, Neuro-QoL, PROMIS, and NIH Toolbox measures.
Arithmetic Quotients of the Automorphism Group of a Right-Angled Artin Group

It was previously shown by Grunewald and Lubotzky that the automorphism group of a free group, $\text{Aut}(F_n)$, has a large collection of virtual arithmetic quotients. Analogous results were proved for the mapping class group by Looijenga and by Grunewald, Larsen, Lubotzky, and Malestein. In this paper, we prove analogous results for the automorphism group of a right-angled Artin group for a large collection of defining graphs. As a corollary of our methods we produce new virtual arithmetic quotients of $\text{Aut}(F_n)$ for $n \geq 4$ where $k$th powers of all transvections act trivially for some fixed $k$. Thus, for some values of $k$, we deduce that the quotient of $\text{Aut}(F_n)$ by the subgroup generated by $k$th powers of transvections contains nonabelian free groups. This expands on results of Malestein and Putman and of Bridson and Vogtmann.
Rapid Bipedal Gait Optimization in CasADi

This paper shows how CasADi’s state-of-the-art implementation of algorithmic differentiation can be leveraged to formulate and efficiently solve gait optimization problems, enabling rapid gait design for high-dimensional biped robots. Comparative studies on a 7-DOF planar biped show that CasADi generates optimal gaits 4 times faster than another existing advanced optimization package. The framework is also applied to simultaneously generate a gait and a feedback controller for 2 spatial bipeds: a 12-DOF model and a 20DOF model. Results suggest that CasADi’s unprecedented efficiency could provide a practical path toward real-time gait optimization for high-dimensional biped robots.
Autologous scalp skin grafting to treat toxic epidermal necrolysis in a patient with a large skin injury: A case report

Autologous scalp skin grafting to treat toxic epidermal necrolysis in a patient with a large skin injury: A case report
Synchronization of Normal-GVD Kerr Combs

We demonstrate all-optical synchronization of Kerr combs in the normal group-velocity dispersion regime. Our results reveal the universality of Kerr comb synchronization and extend its scope beyond soliton modelocking.
Chapter 7 The CFTR Chloride Channel

Publisher Summary Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) appears to be the first identified member of a novel class of Cl channels. CFTR is a regulated Cl − channel located in the apical membrane of several Cl − secretory epithelia. Regulation of CFTR is complex and involves both phosphorylation and an interaction with intracellular nucleotides. The combination of a molecular biologic approach (using site-directed mutagenesis and expression of CFTR in heterologous cells), a biochemical approach (using CFTR-specific antibodies), and an electrophysiologic approach (using the patch-clamp technique) is beginning to provide essential information about the structure and function of the various domains of this interesting channel. CFTR is regulated by phosphorylation of the R domain. First, addition of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) agonists increases the apical membrane Cl − permeability of normal, but not CF, epithelia, and addition of cAMP agonists activates CFTR Cl − channels in heterologous cells, expressing recombinant CFTR. The biophysical properties of recombinant CFTR Cl − channels are the same as those of endogenous CFTR Cl − channels. Under baseline conditions, there is little, if any, Cl − current in cells endogenously, expressing CFTR. Following the addition of cAMP agonists, there is a dramatic increase in Cl − current in both whole-cell patch-clamp studies in individual epithelial cells. Cl − channel activation does not occur in response to an increase in intracellular Ca 2+ .
The Effectiveness of Course Objectives and Instructional Questions in Social Work Education

Abstract The effectiveness of traditional teaching aids in social work education was tested in this factorial design study. Empirical support was found for the use of instructional objectives and review questions. Both demonstrably slowed the deterioration of long-term retention and recall of subject matter. No support was found for the use of preinstructional questions. The study places traditional tools in social work education on an empirical basis and has a variety of implications for social work faculty.
Managing Your Calendar

In this chapter, you’ll look at how to use Outlook to schedule your appointments and keep your calendar in order.
A dynamic elbow flexion simulator for cadaveric testing of UCL injury and reconstruction

Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL) injuries among overhead throwing athletes are an increasing epidemic. The most common and successful treatment for this injury is reconstruction surgery. Success of UCL reconstruction is only measured in the short-term and little is known about the long-term consequences. No research has been conducted to analyze the effectiveness of reconstruction while accounting for the forces of relevant muscles during dynamic testing. The goal of this project was to design and fabricate a dynamic elbow flexion simulator for cadaveric testing. A biomechanical study was then conducted using the custom apparatus to further investigate potential long-term effects of UCL reconstruction.
Magnesium sulfate as a tocolytic agent

Magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) has been successfully used to inhibit premature labor. A retrospective review was performed on the use of MgSO4 as a tocolytic agent at Memorial Hospital, Long Beach, California, during a 4-year period (1978-1982). Three hundred fifty-five patients with diagnoses of premature labor were treated with MgSO4 after transport from another hospital. Two hundred seventy-four patients (77%) had a singleton pregnancy with intact membranes, 38 (11%) had a singleton pregnancy with ruptured membranes, 35 (10%) had a multiple gestation with intact membranes, and eight (2%) had a multiple gestation with ruptured membranes. Delivery was successfully delayed in the majority of patients, and the incidence of unexplained failure of tocolysis was only 2%. Side effects occurred in 24 patients (7%) and necessitated stopping the drug in only seven (2%). Serum magnesium levels are reported and the use of MgSO4 in patients with significant vaginal bleeding is discussed. MgSO4 was found to be a successful, inexpensive, and relatively nontoxic tocolytic agent that had few side effects.
Fatigue and fracture tolerance evaluation of tall loran tower eyebolts

Laboratory and analytical fatigue studies were undertaken to assess the criticality of flaws found within several 63.5 mm-diameter communication tower eye-bolts. Fatigue-fracture mechanics analyses provided fatigue life predictions which compared closely with subsequent fatigue experiments on the eyebolts subjected to particular load histories. Results of the study provided the basis for continued usage of many of the used eyebolts and gave specific guidelines on flaw size/location/criticality that were important in setting nondestructive inspection intervals and sensitivity limits. 9 refs.
Blood Oxygen Depletion in Diving California Sea Lions: How Close to the Limit

Abstract : The management and depletion of O2 stores underlie the dive capacities of marine mammals and are fundamental to the concept of an aerobic dive limit (ADL, dive duration associated with the onset of post-dive blood accumulation). The ADL, which is often calculated (cADL) on the basis of total body O2 stores and an estimated diving metabolic rate, has become an essential concept in the interpretation of diving behavior and foraging ecology (Kooyman and Ponganis 1998); however, the actual rate and magnitude of O2 store depletion during dives has not been determined in any otariid. This project will document the rate and magnitude of blood O2 store depletion during diving in California sea lions, and use this information to develop an experimental approach to assess the aerobic dive limit (ADL) and O2 store depletion in this and other otariid species. The specific objectives of this project are: 1) Document venous and arterial PO2 profiles in lactating California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) while diving during foraging trips to sea, 2) Characterize the O2-hemoglobin (Hb) dissociation curve of sea lion Hb, 3) Use the dissociation curve to convert the PO2 profiles into % Hb saturation profiles that will then be used to calculate rate and magnitude of blood oxygen depletion, and 4) Refine vascular access techniques which could be used for future investigations (i.e., blood N2 absorption during dives; blood gas (pH, PCO2, PO2) and blood lactate responses during dives; blood indices for stress responses to captivity, training, and/or sound exposure; application of such techniques to other species including dolphins).
General Method for the Isolation of Plasmid Deoxyribonucleic Acid

Plasmid deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) ranging from 5 × 106 to 65 × 106 daltons may be isolated from chromosomal DNA by the preferential precipitation of the higher-molecular-weight chromosomal DNA in the presence of sodium lauryl sulfate and a high concentration of NaCl.
The mechanics of large meteoroid impacts in the Earth’s oceans

The sequence of events subsequent to the impact of a large meteoroid in an ocean differs in several respects from an impact on land. Even if the meteoroid is large enough to produce a crater on the sea floor (that is, larger than a few km in diameter), the presence of water affects the character of the early-time events. The principal difference between land and oceanic impacts is the expansion of shock-vaporized water following an oceanic impact. A steam explosion follows the meteoroid's deposition of energy in the target. Shocked water expands from an initial pressure of 3 to 6 Mbar for 20-30 km/second impacts, ejecting water vapor and dust from the vaporized meteoroid several hundred km into the atmosphere. The violent vapor plume thus formed may explain how dust with a dominantly meteoritic composition can be dispersed to form a world-wide dust layer, as required by the Alvarez hypothesis.
Broadband Green's function and applications to fast electromagnetic modeling of high speed interconnects

In this paper we developed the method of broadband Green's function with Low Frequency Extraction (BBGFL) for arbitrary shaped waveguide. To facilitate broadband modeling over a wide range of frequency, BBGFL consists of modal expansion of modes that are frequency independent. To accelerate convergence of the Green's function, low wavenumber extraction is performed by calculating the Green's function at a single low wavenumber. The singularity of the Green's function is also extracted by such low wavenumber extractions. In applying BBGFL, only a small set of field points and source points are usually needed. These are readily computed once and used for all frequencies. We illustrate the application of BBGF for broadband simulations of vias in arbitrarily shaped power/ground planes by combining with the method of Foldy-Lax multiple scattering equation. Results show that BBGFL agrees with MoM and HFSS. But BBGFL is several hundred times faster than direct MoM and HFSS in CPU. The substantial improvement in computational efficiency enables this technique for fast computer-aided design (CAD).
The right ventricular systolic to diastolic duration ratio: a simple prognostic marker in congenital diaphragmatic hernia?

Aims: (i) To compare the ratio of right ventricular systolic to diastolic duration (SD/DD) in infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) and normal controls and (ii) to examine its association, if any, with outcomes in CDH. Methods: Retrospective chart and echocardiographic review of consecutive neonates (<1 month old) with CDH and term controls without structural heart defects. Right ventricular SD/DD was calculated by a single reader. Results: Infants with CDH (n = 29) were comparable to controls (n = 27) in their mean (SD) age [2.2 (3.3) vs. 2 (4.0) days], birthweight [3 (0.67) vs. 3 (0.69) kg] and proportion of males (48.2% vs. 72.4%). The DD and SD/DD were significantly abnormal in the CDH group, compared to controls. Among infants with CDH, those who died (n = 15) and those who died or required ECMO (n = 17) had significantly shorter DD and higher SD/DD ratio. At a cut-off of 1.3, SD/DD ratio had a sensitivity of 92.8 (95% CI 64–99%) and specificity of 61.5 (32–85%) for prediction of mortality. Significant independent associations with mortality were observed with antenatal diagnosis (p = 0.003) and higher SD/DD ratio (p = 0.04). Conclusion: The right ventricular SD/DD ratio is a sensitive objective prognostic marker in infants with CDH. Further studies incorporating SD/DD ratio as a guide to intervention are warranted.
Analytical model of transient compressive stress evolution during growth of high diffusivity thin films on substrates

We present an analytical model of transient compressive stress evolution during growth of thin films with high surface and grain boundary diffusivities on substrates. The model provides a closed-form analytical solution which compares well with numerical analysis as well as recent experimental data on transient stress evolution during electrodeposition of Sn films on substrates.
Diagnostic errors from digital stitching of scoliosis images – the importance of evaluating the source images prior to making a final diagnosis

Digital methods are used for scoliosis imaging. Separate images of the thoracic and lumbar/sacral spine are acquired. These are then stitched into a single image. This process has some potential disadvantages. To assess anatomical errors in digitally stitched scoliosis films. Eighty-six scoliosis studies were evaluated for stitching errors. The incidence of a stitching error resulting in an abnormality on the stitched image that could not be verified on the source images was calculated. Subgroups were analyzed based on the presence/absence of spinal hardware and standing/supine technique. Fourteen exams (16%) had stitching errors that could result in a false diagnosis if not correlated with the source images. The majority were errors of vertebral alignment. There was no significant difference in error rate with the presence or absence of hardware (P = 0.73) or patient positioning (P = 0.34). 16% of digital scoliosis exams had stitching errors that could result in a false diagnosis. The error rate was not influenced by spinal hardware or patient positioning. These results stress the importance of correlating any abnormality on the stitched image with the exam’s source images; if not, a false diagnosis of abnormality will be made.
Determining the threshold for alcohol-induced brain damage: new evidence with gliosis markers.

Background Chronic intake of ethanol (EtOH) has been linked to serious health consequences such as cardiac and liver problems, cognitive impairments, and brain damage. Alcohol's detrimental effects depend upon the dose, duration, and pattern of exposure with binge drinking as one of the most common, but most damaging, patterns of intake. Little is known about the threshold of the damaging effects of alcohol. Therefore, these experiments sought to determine a threshold for brain damage using various markers of neurodegeneration. Methods Adult male Sprague–Dawley rats were administered nutritionally complete liquid diet containing either EtOH (25% w/v) or isocaloric dextrose every 8 hours for either 1 (mean dose, 13.4 ± 0.3 g/kg/d; mean blood EtOH concentration (BEC), 336.2 ± 18.8 mg/dl) or 2 days (mean dose, 10.9 ± 0.3 g/kg/d; mean BEC, 369.8 ± 18.1 mg/dl). On the basis of a known time course of various neurodegeneration-associated events, rats were perfused transcardially immediately following, 2 days after, or 7 days post EtOH exposure. To label actively dividing cells, some animals were injected with BromodeoxyUridine (BrdU) 2 hours prior to perfusion. Tissue was then analyzed for the presence of BrdU (cell proliferation), FluoroJade B (degenerative neurons), and vimentin (reactive astrogliosis) immunoreactivity. Results One or 2 days of EtOH exposure failed to alter cell proliferation at any of the time points analyzed. However, significant 2- to 9-fold increases in neuronal degeneration in limbic cortex and clear evidence of reactive gliosis as indicated by a 2- to 8-fold upregulation in vimentin immunoreactivity in the hippocampus were observed following as little as 1 day of binge EtOH exposure. Conclusions These results indicate that as little as 1 day (24 hours) of high BEC, binge-like EtOH exposure is enough to elicit signs of alcohol-induced brain damage in adult rats. Further, reactive gliosis may be a more sensitive marker of alcohol-induced damage in the hippocampus.
Age-related decline in cholinergic synaptic transmission in hippocampus.

Abstract Age-dependent changes in central nervous system (CNS) cholinergic synaptic transmission were studied in three age groups of Sprague-Dawley and Fischer 344 rats: 1- to 2-month-old, 8- to 10-month-old, and 18- to 23-month-old. Utilizing intracellular recording techniques and the in vitro hippocampal slice preparation, we report an age-related decline in central cholinergic transmission as a function of age. Slow excitatory postsynaptic potentials (slow EPSPs) were reduced approximately 60% in aged (18- to 23-month-old) compared to younger (1- to 2-month-old) animals. The response of the postsynaptic membrane to the muscarinic agonist, carbachol (0.3 μM), was also reduced with age. These changes were not accompanied by a global decline in muscarinic receptor function since two additional measures of cholinergic function were not changed with age. Both presynaptic inhibition of fast excitatory synaptic transmission and postsynaptic inhibition of the afterhyperpolarization (AHP) following a train of spikes were not changed during aging. Our results suggest that a primary functional decline in central cholinergic mechanisms during aging may be a specific reduction in central cholinergic synaptic transmission.
Fluxon nucleation by microwave currents in Josephson junctions

Abstract Regular series of microwave absorption lines, observed in the weakest junctions of superconducting single crystals and irregular particles, result from the nucleation of fluxons. This nucleation has a threshold microwave field H c1J , above which the absorption lines broaden into bands of width H 1 - H c1J . The threshold microwave field is anisotropic with respect to the orientation of the junction and decreases with increasing temperature, going to zero at T c . Fluxon nucleation in Josephson junctions may be the major source of RF loss in zero magnetic field at high power levels.
The stereochemistry of the nickel(II), cobalt(II), copper(II) and palladium(II) complexes of the tetradentate Schiff base derived from salicylaldehyde and isobutylenediamine

Abstract The ligand N,N′-bis(salicylidene)-1,1-(dimethyl)ethylenediamine (Sal 2 - i -bn) and its complexes with divalent nickel, cobalt, copper and palladium have been synthesized for the first time. The magnetic properties of the complexes have been investigated between 310 and 80°K. The nickel and palladium complexes are diamagnetic. The cobalt complex is low-spin with a magnetic moment of 2·40 → 2·22 B.M. and the copper complex has a temperature independent magnetic moment of 1·81 B.M. Electron paramagnetic resonance spectra of the powders have been measured at room and at liquid air temperatures while the solution spectra of the complexes were studied at room temperature only. The magnetic moment of the copper complex agrees with that calculated from the paramagnetic resonance g 0 ≅ 2·09 at liquid air temperature. The molecular weights were determined by mass spectrometry and by osmometry. Both methods provide evidence for the monomeric nature of the complexes. The i.r., u.v. and visible spectra are very similar to those of other related complexes. The complexes in the solid state and in solution and presumably in the vapor state are square-planar.
Electrochemical quantification of serotonin in the live embryonic zebrafish intestine

We monitored real-time in vivo levels of serotonin release in the digestive system of intact zebrafish embryos during early development (5 days postfertilization, dpf) using differential pulse voltammetry with implanted carbon fiber microelectrodes modified with carbon nanotubes dispersed in nafion. A detection limit of 1 nM, a linear range between 5 and 200 nM, and a sensitivity of 83.65 nA x microM(-1) were recorded. The microelectrodes were implanted at various locations in the intestine of zebrafish embryos. Serotonin levels of up to 29.9 (+/-1.13) nM were measured in vivo in normal physiological conditions. Measurements were performed in intact live embryos without additional perturbation beyond electrode insertion. The sensor was able to quantify pharmacological alterations in serotonin release and provide the longitudinal distribution of this neurotransmitter along the intestine with high spatial resolution. In the presence of fluvoxamine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), concentrations of 54.1 (+/-1.05) nM were recorded while in the presence of p-chloro-phenylalanine (PCPA), a tryptophan hydroxylase inhibitor, the serotonin levels decreased to 7.2 (+/-0.45) nM. The variation of serotonin levels was correlated with immunohistochemical analysis. We have demonstrated the first use of electrochemical microsensors for in vivo monitoring of intestinal serotonin levels in intact zebrafish embryos.
Thermal Comparison of Flip-Chip Relative to Chip-and-Wire Semiconductor Attachment in Hybrid Circuits: An Experimental Approach

An important consideration for the hybrid-circuit manufacturer is the power dissipation of active devices on the circuit. Heat generated in the junctions of the devices affects circuit reliability, performance, and current handling capability. Theory of the thermal characteristics of various chip interconnect methods is available, but results are too generalized to be of much use for circuit design. This paper presents a theoretical consideration, but is primarily an experimental comparison of the thermal characteristics ( \theta js , \theta ja , P max ) of solder-bump flip-chip and chip-and-wire attachment techniques under comparable conditions. The 2N2222A transistor electrical specification in flip-chip and in chip form (MMCF2222A and MMCS2222A, respectively) was chosen for the comparison. Substrates were prepared to offer a thermally fair representation of actual usage in the manufacture of hybrid circuits. The effect of conformally coating and directly heat-sinking chips through a substrate is also evaluated. Thermal resistance data from a previous experiment for flip chips, standard chips, and beam leads is offered for com- parison.
Small size conformal UWB arrays for MIMO and diversity applications

Ultra-wideband (UWB) tightly coupled array is developed and employed for operation in multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) and diversity settings. These arrays have very low profiles and are based on overlapping small dipoles to deliver large bandwidth using a small size aperture. Therefore, nominal size apertures can be segmented for MIMO applications. We show that low profile array with total size of 0.5λ × 0.5λ × 0.1λ at 1-GHz can be segmented into two antennas having 20dB isolation over a bandwidth exceeding 3∶1.
Better positioned in stem cells.

In this issue of Blood, Xue and colleagues describe stable gene transfer into human CD34 + hematopoietic stem-progenitor cells using an improved DNA transposon system, allowing transgene expression in multiple lineages of lymphohematopoietic cells by in vitro and in vivo assays lasting for weeks and months.
Exact dependence of multiquark operators on the number of colors

We develop a method which enables us to calculate explicitly matrix elements of multiquark operators between two nonstrange baryon states, thus obtaining the exact dependence of these operators on N, the number of color degrees of freedom of quarks. The method employs permutation symmetry of the N-quark wave function and it is illustrated by evaluating ${g}_{A}$/${g}_{V}$ and the matrix elements of four-quark operators of the \ensuremath{\Delta}S=0 effective weak Hamiltonian. Implications of these results for low-energy phenomenology and for the interpretation of Skyrme-model results are discussed.
EVALUATION OF A FIBER‐OPTIC SENSOR FOR STRAIN MEASUREMENT AND AN APPLICATION TO CONTACT MECHANICS

A surface attached fiber-optic sensor has been evaluated for maximum strain measurement capability in simple tension experiments to better understand the basic mechanisms of fiber-optic sensor failure. A fiber-optic sensor was then evaluated for its applicability to measure strains under more complex loading conditions, for example, contact strains. Experimental work has shown that while the surface attached fiber sensor fails at much lower strain levels than that achievable by conventional strain gages, unlike conventional strain gages, the fiber-optic sensor shows linearity up until the failure point. This failure point is well within the parameters for typical experiments in our laboratory. Fiber-optic sensors also showed their applicability to contact mechanics.
Microwave Spectrum of the N2O−SO2 Dimer: Evidence for Tunneling and an Asymmetric Structure

The microwave spectrum of the nitrous oxide−sulfur dioxide complex has been investigated. The dimer differs from similar complexes of SO2 with a linear molecule in that it lacks a symmetry plane. A tunneling motion splits the transitions into doublets. This is attributed to an interconversion between mirror-image conformations in which the oxygen atoms on the SO2 are inequivalent. The rotational constants for the normal species are A = 6126.9781(15) MHz, B = 1494.537(37) MHz, and C = 1435.474(36) MHz for the higher frequency component of the doublets and A = 5500 MHz (fixed), B = 1463.483(23) MHz, and C = 1420.953(23) MHz for the lower frequency component. Spectra for four isotopomers in addition to the normal species have been measured, and the dipole moment of the complex has been determined to be 1.212 D. A semiempirical model with atom−atom interaction terms is consistent with an asymmetric equilibrium structure.
Continuous Spectrum and Uniform Localization for Ergodic Schrödinger Operators

Abstract In this paper we study localization for ergodic families of discrete Schrodinger operators. We prove that instability of pure point spectrum implies absence of uniform localization.
Venous sinus stenting is a valuable treatment for fulminant idiopathic intracranial hypertension

Over the past 10 years, transverse sinus stenting has grown in popularity as a treatment for idiopathic intracranial hypertension. Although promising results have been demonstrated in several reported series, the vast majority of patients in these series have been treated on an elective basis rather than in the setting of fulminant disease with acute visual deterioration. We identified four patients who presented with severe acute vision loss between 2008 and 2012 who were treated with urgent transverse sinus stenting with temporary cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion with lumbar puncture or lumbar drain as a bridge to therapy. All patients presented with headache, and this was stable or had improved at last follow-up. Three patients had improvement in some or all visual parameters following stenting, whereas one patient who presented with severe acute vision loss and optic disc pallor progressed to blindness despite successful stenting. We hypothesize that she presented too late in the course of the disease for improvement to occur. Although the management of fulminant idiopathic intracranial hypertension remains challenging, we believe that transverse sinus stenting, in conjunction with temporary CSF diversion, represents a viable treatment option in the acute and appropriate setting.
Eye lesions of epidermolysis bullosa. Clinical features, management, and prognosis.

• Blepharitis, bullous lesions of the eyelids, and corneal erosions occur in patients with some, but not all, forms of epidermolysis bullosa. This preliminary report documents the ophthalmologic lesions observed in a series of 78 patients of varying ages. ( Arch Dermatol 1988;124:762-764)
Supercooled liquids: Clearing the water

Evidence of a transition between two coexisting liquids of the same composition in a water–glycerol mixture, where glycerol prevents the crystallization of water, provides a unique link to an elusive liquid–liquid transition in pure water.
Identification and molecular characterization of porcine kobuvirus in U. S. swine

Porcine kobuvirus has been associated with piglet diarrhea in Asia and Europe, but there are no reports of its presence in the U.S. swine farms. We screened intestinal contents from 114 diarrheic pigs and fecal samples from 46 apparently healthy pigs to determine the presence of kobuvirus by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction using 3D (RNA polymerase) region primers (amplicon size 216 bp). The samples from ill pigs came from 15 different U.S. states, while those from healthy pigs were obtained from three different farms in Minnesota. Twenty-five (21.9 %) pigs with diarrhea and ten (21.7 %) healthy pigs were positive for kobuvirus. All strains from diarrheic pigs were further typed by means of VP1 region primers (amplicon size 811 bp). Phylogenetic analysis revealed that all porcine kobuvirus strains had 93.1–96.5 % nucleotide identity with NLD45 strain from the Netherlands and BRA24 strain from Brazil in the 3D region. In the VP1 region, only 86.7–88.5 % homology was found with the T247 strain from Japan and 85.8–87.4 % homology with WUH1 strain from China. All 25 kobuvirus positive pigs had mixed infection with transmissible gastroenteritis virus and/or rotavirus (groups A, B, or C). Pigs less than 4 weeks of age showed higher prevalence of kobuvirus than the older pigs. The results of this preliminary study indicate that porcine kobuvirus is present in both healthy and diarrheic pigs in the U.S. and that further studies are needed to determine its role in gastrointestinal infections of pigs.
Harvest Management Effects on Alfalfa Yield and Root Carbohydrates in Three Georgia Environments

(...) Alfalfa at all three locations gave satisfactory yield (12.7 Mg ha −1 ) when harvested at 10% bloom throughout the growing season including late fall. There was no advantage to either cultivar from harvesting at 50% bloom or allowing a summer rest period. Location effects were minimal. Root TNC concentrations were lowest in midsummer, greatest in late autumn, and decreased during winter. Root TNCs ranged from 200 to 560 g kg −1 for Fla-77 and 150 to 580 g kg −1 for Apollo. There was no effect of cultivar or harvest management on root TNC concentrations. (...)
Transcriptome changes in Fusarium verticillioides caused by mutation in the transporter-like gene FST1

Fusarium verticillioides causes an important seed disease on maize and produces the fumonisin group of mycotoxins, which are toxic to humans and livestock. A previous study discovered that a gene (FST1) in the pathogen affects fumonisin production and virulence. Although the predicted amino acid sequence of FST1 is similar to hexose transporters, previous experimental evidence failed to prove function. Three new phenotypes were identified that are associated with the FST1 mutant of F. verticillioides (Δfst1), namely reduction in macroconidia production, increased sensitivity to hydrogen peroxide, and reduced mycelial hydrophobicity. A transcriptome comparison of the wild type and strain Δfst1 grown on autoclaved maize kernels for six days identified 2677 genes that were differentially expressed. Through gene ontology analysis, 961 genes were assigned to one of 12 molecular function categories. Sets of down-regulated genes in strain Δfst1 were identified that could account for each of the mutant phenotypes. The study provides evidence that disruption of FST1 causes several metabolic and developmental defects in F. verticillioides. FST1 appears to connect the expression of several gene networks, including those involved in secondary metabolism, cell wall structure, conidiogenesis, virulence, and resistance to reactive oxygen species. The results support our hypothesis that FST1 functions within the framework of environmental sensing.
Thermodynamic analysis of the effect of concentrated salts on protein interaction with hydrophobic and polysaccharide columns

An attempt was made to explain the effect of concentrated salts on protein interaction with hydrophobic columns. From the previously observed results of preferential interactions for salting-out salts with proteins, it was shown that the free energy of the protein is increased by addition of the salts and this unfavorable free energy is smaller for the proteins bound to the columns because of their smaller surface area exposed to solvent; i.e., the bound form of the proteins is thermodynamically more stable. This explains the protein binding to the hydrophobic columns at high salt concentrations and the elution by decreasing the salt concentration. The unfavorable interaction free energy was greater for Na2SO4 or (NH4)2SO4 than for NaCl, which explains the stronger effect of the former salts on the protein binding to the columns. The observed favorable interaction between KSCN or guanidine hydrochloride and the proteins explains the decreasing effect of these salts on the protein binding to the hydrophobic columns.
Trisomy 8 mosaicism in chorionic villus sampling : case report and counselling issues

We report an unusual case involving chorionic villus sampling (CVS) and trisomy 8 mosaicism. CVS showed a normal direct preparation while the culture showed mosaicism for trisomy 8. Subsequent amniocentesis revealed only normal chromosomes. A peripheral blood culture after birth revealed low-level trisomy 8 mosaicism. The patient appeared phenotypically and developmentally normal at 30 months of age. We conclude that prenatal counselling for similar cases needs to include the rare but real possibility that chromosome mosaicism detected prenatally may be found postnatally with largely unknown consequences. Secondly, low-level chromosomal mosaicism may be more common than previously recognized. Thirdly, very low-level trisomy 8 mosaicism may be compatible with a normal phenotype but long-term follow-up is required. And lastly, the use of fetal blood sampling is questionable in these cases because the phenotype may not be accurately predicted. Further studies of such cases are needed to address these important and unanswered issues, including the potential implication of mosaicism on academic performance and cognitive functioning.
Association between α-1 adrenergic receptor (ADRA1A) genotype and subjective cocaine effect in cocaine-dependent individuals

s / Drug and Alcohol Dependence 140 (2014) e169–e251 e207 Association between -1 adrenergic receptor (ADRA1A) genotype and subjective cocaine effect in cocaine-dependent individuals Daryl Shorter1,2, David A. Nielsen1,2, Thomas F. Newton1,2, Richard De La Garza II 1,2, T.R. Kosten1,2 1 Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, TX, United States 2 Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United
THE MOVEMENTS OF THE LEAVES OF THE COMPASS–PLANT LACTUCA SCARIOLA

Among the various leaf movements which have been studied, very little attention has been paid to the phototropic movements of the leaves of the so-called compass-plants. In the older American literature the phenomenon of the north-south direction of the leaves of Silphiutm laciniatum is often mentioned (Bay, 2), but little experimental work has been done with this plant. Many investigators (Erman, 3; Stocker, I2; Karsten, 9; Schanderl, 8) have considered these movements merely from an ecological point of view, the physiological basis of the movement being ignored. According to Stahl (i i), who was the first to study the leaf movements of Lactuca scariola, the leaves are diaphototropic, so that they tend to bring their laminae perpendicular to the sunlight. Stahl assumed that the growth conditions were favorable only during the early morning and late evening, that is, only the east and west sun would have an effect on the movements, with the result that all the laminae should point north and south. According to Mayer (5), however, the leaves twist in such a way as to place their laminae in the position in which they are equally illuminated from both sides. In nature, therefore, the leaves should only be in equilibrium if the laminae were pointing north and south. The occurrence of torsions is explained by Mayer by assuming that, if a leaf is unequally illuminated from both sides, the result will be two curvatures at different points of the leaf-base, which would combine to produce a torsion. The same explanation is given by Erman for the movements of the leaves of Iris pseudacoruts. Seybold (9), who studied the torsions in the leaves of Lactutca scariola, was able to prove that the leaves of plants rotating on a clinostat were still twisted. He was, however, unable to detect the northsouth orientation of the leaves, probably on account of the unfavorable weather conditions. As the conditions in Southern California are very favorable for these movements, I was able to study them further. The species used was Lactuca sctriola, which grows abundantly in waste places. The plants were dug out and grown in pots; some experiments were also carried out with plants growing in the field. In the case of a plant grown in the open field, all the leaves point distinctly north and south (text fig. 5). Closer inspection of the leaves shows that these positions are obtained either by torsions of the leaf base or by simple curvatures. The leaves inserted at the north and south sides of the
Response of nonirrigated maturity group V determinate soybean to end-trimming

Obtaining accurate seed yield information from soybean [ Glycine max (L.) Merr.] field research environments and concurrently conserving valuable field space is desirable. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of plot length and alley width on the response of short- and tall-statured Maturity Group (MG) V soybean cultivars to end-trimming after maturity. Experiments were conducted in 1995 and 1996 at the Delta Research and Extension Center at Stoneville, MS, (lat. 33°26'). 'Hutcheson' (relatively short stature) and 'DP 3589' in 1995 and 'DP 3588' in 1996 (both relatively tall stature) were planted on 9 May 1995 and 15 May 1996. Treatments were plot length (6.10 or 15.25 m), alley width (0.90 or 2.45 m), and end-trim length (0, 0.45, or 0.90 m). Average height of Hutcheson at maturity was 52 cm in 1995 and 55 cm in 1996, while average height of DP 3589 in 1995 and DP 3588 in 1996 was 88 cm. All cultivars responded similarly in yield to all factors in this experiment. End-trim length was the only factor that significantly affected average yield. Not end-trimming resulted in an average yield of 2573 kg ha ', while end-trimming either 0.45 or 0.90 m resulted in average yields that were nearly identical (2356 and 2337 kg ha -1 , respectively). Contrary to our hypothesis, increasing plot length from 6.10 to 15.25 m and decreasing alley width from 2.45 to 0.90 m did not negate the end-of-plot effect on yield of soybean grown in nonirrigated field plots. These results indicate that soybean grown in plots with row lengths and alley widths that are within the confines of the dimensions used in our experiment should be end-trimmed to eliminate end-of-plot effects. Also, field space can be conserved by using the 6.1-m plot length and the 0.90-m alley width.
An Analysis of Powder Lubricated Slider Bearings

A theory for predicting the behavior of powder lubricated slider bearings based on the collisional characteristics of the grain particles and their interactions at the boundaries is presented. General boundary conditions that account for the effects of powder slippage are applied to the slider bearing configuration. Theoretical predictions are presented with comparison to published experimental measurements. An extensive parametric study is also conducted to illustrate the behavior of the flow and the response of the bearing's load-carrying capacity and friction factor to changes in various powder material and boundary parameters.
Spin relaxation and molecular motion in solid ethane

Abstract Proton spin-lattice relaxation rates were measured in CH 3 CH 3 , CH 3 CD 3 , CHD 2 CHD 2 , and CHD 2 CD 3 at Larmor frequencies of 7.87, 26.2, and 45.2 MHz, from 40 K to the melting point. Relaxation-rate maxima were observed for each compound and ascribed to anisotropic molecular tumbling using linewidth data and additional relaxation measurements on CH 3 CH 3 /CD 3 CD 3 mixtures. The magnitudes and activation energies for this motion were found using a theory of relaxation which incorporates a correlation time distribution in the intermolecular contribution. This theory provided a quantitative fit to the data and should be of general applicability in solid systems, such as plastic crystals, which exhibit rapid reorientational motion. The relaxation behavior near the melting point allowed the activation energy for self-diffusion to be determined and the magnitude of the self-diffusion coefficient to be estimated.
A Discussion on Two Algorithms for Determining Maximum Compatibles

The algorithm for determining the set of maximum compatibles of Sinha Roy and Sheng is compared with the more recent algorithm of Stoffers. A refinement of the former algorithm is given and a minor mistake in the latter is pointed out.
Tunable Optical Properties of Graphene Quantum Dots by Centrifugation

In this work, tunable optical properties of graphene quantum dots (GQDs) were achieved by centrifugation method. GQDs prepared through intercalating and exfoliating commercially available stacked graphene nanofibers were separated into two samples with different mean sizes by centrifugation. The separated GQD samples were characterized by transmission electron microscope (TEM). The optical properties of the GQD samples were measured by UV-visible and photoluminescence spectroscopy. The characterization results demonstrated that the UV and photoluminescence of GQDs were highly correlated with their sizes and surface chemistry. As the diameters of GQDs reduced, the UV peaks of the GQD blue shift, and the photoluminescence of PL red shift, indicating that the centrifugation method can be used to efficiently achieve tunable optical properties from as-synthesized GQD.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Sequences of Exponents in Constructing Strongly Annular Products

This paper gives conditions on the behavior of a sequence of holomorphic functions {fk(z)} and a strictly increasing sequence of positive integers {mk} that assures the infinite product \({\Pi f_k(z^{m_k})}\) is strongly annular. A constructive proof is given that shows if the sequence {fk(z)} exhibits certain boundary behavior along with a uniform boundedness condition then a number p > 1 exists such that if {mk} satisfies mk+1/mk ≥ p then the above product is strongly annular.
Beyond sunglasses and spray paint: A taxonomy of surveillance countermeasures

The rapid decline in size and cost of networked sensors combined with increased incentives for use including monitoring physical fitness, improving public safety, increasing security, and adding convenience is causing the physical and online worlds to become heavily instrumented. Some welcome such developments, but others seek to retain privacy, often by focusing on countering the sensors themselves. Scholars have begun to consider surveillance countermeasures as a stand-alone area of research. However, a scholarly taxonomy useful for critical analysis and systematic countermeasure development is lacking. In this paper we provide such a taxonomy illustrated with example countermeasures that have been successfully employed.
Inhibition of vascular smooth muscle growth via signaling crosstalk between AMP-activated protein kinase and cAMP-dependent protein kinase

Abnormal vascular smooth muscle (VSM) growth is central in the pathophysiology of vascular disease yet fully effective therapies to curb this growth are lacking. Recent findings from our lab and others support growth control of VSM by adenosine monophosphate (AMP)-based approaches including the metabolic sensor AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA). Molecular crosstalk between AMPK and PKA has been previously suggested, yet the extent to which this occurs and its biological significance in VSM remain unclear. Considering their common AMP backbone and similar signaling characteristics, we hypothesized that crosstalk exists between AMPK and PKA in the regulation of VSM growth. Using rat primary VSM cells (VSMC), the AMPK agonist AICAR increased AMPK activity and phosphorylation of the catalytic Thr172 site on AMPK. Interestingly, AICAR also phosphorylated a suspected PKA-inhibitory Ser485 site on AMPK, and these cumulative events were reversed by the PKA inhibitor PKI suggesting possible PKA-mediated regulation of AMPK. AICAR also increased PKA activity in a reversible fashion. The cAMP stimulator forskolin increased PKA activity and completely ameliorated Ser/Thr protein phosphatase-2C activity, suggesting a potential mechanism of AMPK modulation by PKA since inhibition of PKA by PKI reduced AMPK activity. Functionally, AMPK inhibited serum-stimulated cell cycle progression and cellular proliferation; however, PKA failed to do so. Moreover, AMPK and PKA reduced PDGF-β-stimulated VSMC migration. Collectively, these results show that AMPK is capable of reducing VSM growth in both anti-proliferative and anti-migratory fashion. Furthermore, these data suggest that AMPK may be modulated by PKA and that positive feedback may exist between these two systems. These findings reveal a discrete nexus between AMPK and PKA in VSM and provide basis for metabolically-directed targets in reducing pathologic VSM growth.