cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Does Receptor Phosphorylation Affect Lateral Dimerization

Eph-A2 is a member of the largest Receptor Tyrosine Kinases (RTKs) family and hence it is activated through lateral dimerization. The dimerization of Eph-A2 receptor triggers signaling in the membrane plane that regulates many physiological processes in humans. This protein is very often overexpressed in a variety of cancers. EphA2 receptor is auto phosphorylated on Tyr through lateral dimerization and Serine phosphorylated by Akt. The Serine phosphorylation of EphA2 receptor is linked to tumorigenic behavior of EphA2 receptor. We asked if Serine phosphorylation and tyrosine phosphorylation can affect the dimerization of EphA2 receptor. We generated the kinase dead (K646M mutant) EphA2 and S897A EphA2 mutant. We studied the dimerization of these mutants using FRET based assay in live cells and compared with the wild type data. Out data suggest that both mutations affect dimerization.
AN EPIDEMIOLOGIC COMPARISON OF INJURIES TO SKIERS AND SNOWBOARDERS TREATED AT UNITED STATES EMERGENCY DEPARTMENTS, 2000–2015

Background Skiing and snowboarding, popular competitive and recreational sports, can be associated with significant injury. In 2014/15, there were 53.6 million ski- and snowboarder-visits to United States (US) resorts. Previous studies of skiing and snowboarding injuries have been conducted, but studies evaluating injury patterns over long periods of time are needed to drive effective injury prevention efforts. Objective Compare patterns of skiing and snowboarding injuries presenting to emergency departments (EDs) from 2000–2015. Design Retrospective descriptive epidemiology. Setting US EDs. Participants Patients presenting with skiing or snowboarding injuries. Assessment of Risk Factors Case reports were obtained from a large national hospital surveillance system that included sample weighting factors enabling calculation of national estimates. Main Outcome Measurements Injury incidence and characteristics. Results From 2000–2015, 36,145 injured skiers (48.0%) and snowboarders (52.0%) presented to US EDs representing an estimated 1,660,514 injuries nationwide. Males represented most skiing (59.7%) and snowboarding (73.2%) injuries. Skiers were older than snowboarders (mean 31.7 vs. 19.7 years; p Conclusions Injury patterns and severity vary between skiers and snowboarders. Understanding the epidemiology of injuries presenting to EDs can help guide prehospital care and medical coverage allocation for resorts and event organizers, as well as identifying areas for targeted injury prevention efforts.
Foreign Passenger Car Plants in Poland

This chapter traces the lineage of Poland’s three current and four former foreign car plants. This complicated saga demonstrates the initial chaos of the early Post-Socialist Period privatization process. Whereas the active plants FCA Tychy, VW Poznan, and GM’s Opel Gliwice all evolved within this context, Poland’s sometimes poor decisions on which automakers to depend upon, Daewoo of Korea, resulted in the failures of its state-run car plants in Warsaw and Lublin. The chapter concludes by summarizing Poland’s Post-Socialist production data over time and by briefly discussing Toyota’s powertrain facilities (engine and transmission) and Mercedes-Benz’s engine factory and rumored car plant in southern Poland. Due to the sheer number of plants to be covered, this chapter is easily the longest in the book.
Nonoperative Options for the Management of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common mononeuropathy and is present in 3–4% of the adult population. Treatment of minimal and severe disease is less controversial, but appropriate management for mild and moderate disease has long been the subject of debate. Mild and moderate disease is identified by intermittent symptoms and signs consistent with compression of the median nerve in the wrist and by prolongation of latency on electrodiagnostic tests. The labels of mild and moderate are not intended to downplay the impact the disease may have on people’s lives. Fortunately, it is common for symptoms to spontaneously resolve. Appropriate nonoperative treatments should consistently decrease symptoms with low-risk, relatively little disruption to work and personal life, be of reasonable cost, and persist for a reasonable period of time.
Predictive validity of developmental screening in young children with sickle cell disease: a longitudinal follow-up study.

AIM To assess the predictive validity of developmental screenings in children with sickle cell disease (SCD) for academic outcomes and stroke risk. METHOD Parent questionnaires and medical record data were collected for a cohort receiving developmental screenings between September 2004 and May 2008 as toddlers or early school age. Screening outcomes were dichotomized (positive, negative) by a priori criteria. Questionnaires assessed school and social functioning, services received, and quality of life. Medical record data assessed general SCD morbidity and stroke risk. RESULTS Forty-one toddlers (mean age 2y 5mo; 25 males, 16 females) and 49 early school-age children (mean age 6y 5mo; 26 males, 23 females) completed follow-up. The mean follow-up period was 8 years 6 months (range 6.1-10.8y). For toddlers, positive screenings for language delays predicted lower academic performance (p=0.023). For older children, positive screenings for cognitive delays predicted more frequent academic/attentional problems at school (p<0.001), grade retention (p=0.007), and lower academic performance (p=0.001). Positive screenings were associated with an earlier onset of school problems and lower quality of life. Positive screenings for language/cognitive delays predicted increased stroke risk (both p<0.05). INTERPRETATION Screening for language or cognitive development in young children with SCD predicts academic outcomes and stroke risk. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS Developmental screening predicts academic outcomes in sickle cell disease. Children with concerning language/cognitive screenings have early-onset school difficulties. Developmental screenings may help predict cerebrovascular complications.
Which Medical Students are Negative Toward Psychiatry

The present study assessed the relation between medical students personality variables and their attitudes toward psychiatry. Contrary to several previous reports, warm and interpersonally oriented students had neither systematically positive or negative attitudes. However, confident and assertive students viewed psychiatry as ineffectual and dependent; passive students perceived psychiatry as inducing anxiety in patients. The results suggest that the instrumentally oriented students might benefit from clerkships that emphasize the functional as opposed to the affective-expressive while the easily threatened students require reassurance and therapeutic teaching.
Meningioma: The Tumor That Taught Us Neurosurgery

The history of neurosurgery is ever fascinating. The journey has been tedious; nevertheless, in the landscape of success and failures we have become more efficient and polished. Skills were learned, innovations were made, and in the process we evolved. The immense contribution of meningioma surgery in this maturation process is attested by history itself. Countless stories that testify the momentous role of meningioma in the process of evolution and reformation of neurosurgical techniques exist in the literature. With every step and every attempt at conquering this tumor, we reformed to be better surgeons, more skilled and more precise. In this paper we have walked down the lane of neurosurgery and paid a due tribute to this "necessary evil."
Economics and the Allocation of Resources to Improve Health

This paper provides a review and critique of various ways in which economists have looked at the problem of allocating resources to health care. Three different perspectives that various economists have used at various times are considered: the so-called human capital view, that version of utilitarianism which leads to willingness to pay as the basis for life valuing, and cost-effectiveness analysis. My purpose is two-fold. First, I want to show that although all these ideas have been advanced within the same disciplinary tradition, they have quite different philosophical roots and justifications. They rely on and/or imply quite different views of the relationship between individuals and the state, and of the objectives at which the state is directed.
Workspace-driven, blended orbital viewing in immersive environments

We present several additions to orbital viewing in immersive virtual environments, including a method of blending standard and orbital viewing to allow smoother transitions between modes and more flexibility when working in larger workspaces. Based on pilot studies, we present methods of allowing users to manipulate objects while using orbital viewing in a more natural way. Also presented is an implementation of workspace recognition, where the application automatically detects areas of interest and offers to invoke orbital viewing as the user approaches.
Adolescent de novo hydroceles - should they be dealt with by inguinal or scrotal approach?

Abstract Aim The objective of this study was to investigate the optimal approach for the treatment of hydroceles in adolescents. Materials and methods A retrospective chart review of all adolescents (10–16 years old) diagnosed with a de-novo hydrocele in 2 tertiary care institutions over a 10 year period (2007–2016) was performed comparing the inguinal and trans-scrotal (Jaboulay) approaches. Results Fifty-three boys with a mean age of 13.4 years (range 10–16 years) were diagnosed with hydrocele. The inguinal approach was used in 31 (59%) patients for treatment of their hydrocele. In 19 (61%) of these cases a patent processus vaginalis (PPV) ligation was performed. In the other 12 (39%) patients the PPV was closed or not found and a further repair of the hydrocele through the same inguinal incision was performed. A transcrotal Jaboulay procedure was performed in 22 (41%) of the patients. There was no difference in the complications rate between inguinal and trans-scrotal approaches (p = 0.71). Age of presentation less than 12 years was associated with the presence of a PPV (p Conclusions A trans-scrotal approach should be considered as first-line in adolescents when the history is not suggestive of a communicating hydrocele. Children less than 12 years of age are more likely to have a PPV and an inguinal approach may be more appropriate. Type of study Retrospective comparative study Level of evidence Level II.
Adolescent Emotion Network Dynamics in Daily Life and Implications for Depression

Emotion network density describes the degree of interdependence among emotion states across time. Higher density is theorized to reflect rigidity in emotion functioning and has been associated with depression in adult samples. This paper extended research on emotion networks to adolescents and examined associations between emotion network density and: 1) emotion regulation and 2) symptoms of depression. Data from a daily diary study (t = 21 days) of adolescents (N = 151; 61.59% female; mean age = 14.60 years) were used to construct emotion network density scores. Emotion regulation was measured using The Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale Short Form (DERS-SF). Depression was measured using the Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale-Short Version (RCADS-SV). Associations between emotion network density and DERS-SF were examined through Pearson correlations. Multiple regression analyses examined associations between emotion network density and depression. Emotion network density was not associated with the DERS-SF. Follow-up analyses showed that it was positively associated with non-acceptance of emotions (a subscale of the DERS-SF). Emotion network density was positively associated with RCADS-SV depression. Non-acceptance of emotions may encourage the spread of emotion across time and states given that a feature of non-acceptance is to have secondary emotional responses to one’s emotions. Emotion networks that are self-predictive may be a risk factor for adolescent depression.
Unsupervised Real-Time Stream-Based Novelty Detection Technique an Approach in a Corporate Cloud

A highly loaded cloud application environment requires the highest stability and operability, generates large telemetry data streams. These are obvious and actual prerequisites to develop a workload shift detector for the failures prevention aim. Having studied the previous works, the authors developed an approach to the detection of changepoints based on the specific conditions of the streaming telemetry data. The simulation of data center workload has allowed us to generate telemetry data under specific workload, thus we can evaluate the performance of the detector under various conditions. The conducted experiment has shown the viability of the proposed approach as well as directions for further study and improvement.
Duplicated Myosin V Genes in Teleosts Show Evolutionary Rate Variations among the Motor and Cargo-Binding Domains

We analyzed evolutionary rates of conserved, duplicated myosin V (myo5) genes in nine teleost species to examine the outcomes of duplication events. Syntenic analysis and ancestral chromosome mapping suggest one tandem gene duplication event leading to the appearance of myo5a and myo5c, two rounds of whole genome duplication for vertebrates, and an additional round of whole genome duplication for teleosts account for the presence and location of the myo5 genes and their duplicates in teleosts and other vertebrates and the timing of the duplication events. Phylogenetic analyses reveal a previously unidentified myo5 clade that we refer to now as myo5bb. Analysis using dN/dS rate comparisons revealed large regions within duplicated myo5 genes that are highly conserved. Codons identified in other studies as encoding functionally important portions of the Myo5a and Myo5b proteins are shown to be highly conserved within the newly identified myo5bb clade and in other myo5 duplicates. As much as 30% of 319 codons encoding the cargo-binding domain in the myo5aa genes are conserved in all three codon positions in nine teleost species. For the myo5bb cargo-binding domain, 6.6% of 336 codons have zero substitutions in all nine teleost species. Using molecular evolution assays, we identify the myo5bb branch as being subject to evolutionary rate variation with the cargo-binding domain, having 20% of the sites under positive selection and the motor domain having 8% of its sites under positive selection. The high number of invariant codons coupled with relatively high dN/dS values in the region of the myo5 genes encoding the ATP-binding domain suggests the encoded proteins retain function and may have acquired novel functions associated with changes to the cargo-binding domain.
Limited genetic variability in native buckwheats ( Eriogonum: Polygonaceae) on San Clemente Island

California Channel Island buckwheats are important components of scrub communities on the Channel Islands. A long history of overgrazing by introduced herbivores on San Clemente Island has contributed to scrub vegetation loss and population declines in 2 endemic island taxa, Eriogonum giganteum var. formosum and E. grande var. grande. Since herbivore removal, Eriogonum species, which are early colonizers of disturbed habitats, have been increasing across the island. These increases are thought to facilitate further recovery of the native flora because the shrubs act as nurse plants and improve the soil profile for other native species.
The Differences In Benthic Macroinvertebrate Communities When A Comparison Is Made Between Multiple Reaches With Special Attention To Man-Made Structures [Joliet Junior College]

The use of macroinvertebrates as indicator organisms is cheap, easy, and a reliable way to determine water quality. To determine the effects on man-made structures on macroinvertebrate communities and stream quality, comparisons were made between macroinvertebrate samples from established open canopy upstream and forested downstream reaches, and adjacent reaches with man-made structures (road bridge and foot bridge). Macroinvertebrates were collected using a D-frame kicknet, following Illinois Riverwatch protocol. There was little difference in Macroinvertebrate Biotic Indices and Shannon Diversity Indices between established and adjacent reaches. However, there were significant differences between EPT/non-EPT and pollution intolerant/tolerant organisms found between all reaches, and between all paired comparisons of the established and adjacent reaches (p< 0.05), except when comparing the forested reach with the road bridge reach (EPT/non-EPT, p=0.583; pollution intolerant/tolerant, p=0.542), the forested reach and the road bridge (EPT/non-EPT, p=0.84), and the forested reach with the adjacent foot bridge reach (EPT/non-EPT, p=0.489). Noticeable differences in taxa distribution occurred between all reaches. Different samples obtained from different reaches indicated varying distribution of taxa, with the forested reach having more high quality EPT taxa and individuals, however all reaches displayed similar water quality of “fair”, with little impact from man-made structures.
Sexual harassment reported by undergraduate female physicists

Approximately three quarters of undergraduate women in physics report experiencing some type of sexual harassment.
Who Knows What About Gorillas? Indigenous Knowledge, Global Justice, and Human-Gorilla Relations

The gorillas of Africa are known around the world, but African stories ofgorillas are not. Indigenous knowledge of gorillas is almost entirely absent fromthe global canon. The absence of African accounts reflects a history of colonialexclusion, inadequate opportunity, and epistemic injustice. Discountingindigenous knowledge limits understanding of gorillas and creates challengesfor justifying gorilla conservation. To be just, conservation efforts must beendorsed by those most affected: the indigenous communities neighboringgorilla habitats. As indigenous ways of knowing are underrepresented in thevery knowledge from which conservationists rationalize their efforts, adequatejustification will require seeking out and amplifying African knowledge ofgorillas. In engaging indigenous knowledge, outsiders must reflect on their ownways of knowing and be open to a dramatically different understanding. In thecontext of gorillas, this means learning other ways to know the apes andindigenous knowledge in order to inform and guide modern relationshipsbetween humans and gorillas.
Recrystallization and Grain Growth Simulations for Multiple-Pass Rolling and Annealing of U-10Mo

A simulation model of recrystallization and grain growth has been developed to investigate grain structure evolution during deformation and heat treatment in polycrystalline U-10 wt pct Mo (U-10Mo) fuel. Experimentally obtained U-10Mo post-homogenization microstructures were used as input for closed-loop simulations of multiple rolling passes, intermediate heating, and final annealing. Finite element model calculations of deformation and Potts model simulations of recrystallization and grain growth were used to iteratively inform each subsequent stage of simulation. The model was then applied to predict the grain structure evolution during multiple-pass hot rolling and annealing of U-10Mo and benchmarked against experimentally observed U-10Mo recrystallization behavior. The results showed that our model was able to capture the coupling between deformation and recrystallization as a function of microstructure, including particle stimulated nucleation and recrystallization nucleation on grain boundaries. Additionally, we have achieved reasonable quantitative agreement with U-10Mo recrystallization and grain growth behavior.
Social-Emotional Learning in the Middle Grades: A Mixed-Methods Evaluation of the Strong Kids Program

Adolescence can be a particularly difficult time for youth as they experience the physical, social, and academic changes that accompany maturation. One of the most critical challenges for schools i...
Sinonasal quality-of-life declines in cystic fibrosis patients with pulmonary exacerbations.

BACKGROUND In cystic fibrosis (CF), the relationship between chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and pulmonary disease is poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between scores on the 22-item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) and CF Questionnaire-revised for adolescents and adults over 14 (CFQ-R 14+), and pulmonary function tests in 2 cohorts of CF patients: those at their baseline health and those with a pulmonary exacerbation. METHODS Patients >18 years old seen in a Cystic Fibrosis Foundation-accredited clinic completed the SNOT-22 and CFQ-R 14+ instruments. Patients presenting for routine care represented the baseline cohort. Patients diagnosed with a pulmonary exacerbation represented the exacerbation cohort. Average SNOT-22 and CFQ-R 14+ scores for both groups were compared using a 2-sample t test, and correlation coefficient was calculated. RESULTS One hundred three patients were enrolled over 3 months (30 exacerbations and 73 baseline). Patients' mean age was 32 years (56% female and 44% male). Average SNOT-22 and CFQ-R 14+ scores were significantly worse for exacerbation patients (p = 0.001 and p = 0.0003, respectively). Percent predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 second and forced vital capacity were both higher for baseline patients (p = 0.002 and p = 0.001, respectively). Average SNOT-22 score for all patients was worse than the average score for non-CF, non-CRS patients. CONCLUSION CF patients with pulmonary exacerbations have worse SNOT-22 and CFQ-R 14+ scores than CF patients at their baseline health. This finding suggests a temporal relationship between sinonasal and pulmonary quality of life, and that worsening of both is associated with reduced pulmonary function.
Antimicrobial activity of graphene oxide quantum dots: impacts of chemical reduction

Design and engineering of graphene-based functional nanomaterials for effective antimicrobial applications has been attracting extensive interest. In the present study, graphene oxide quantum dots (GOQDs) were prepared by chemical exfoliation of carbon fibers and exhibited apparent antimicrobial activity. Transmission electron microscopic measurements showed that the lateral length ranged from a few tens to a few hundred nanometers. Upon reduction by sodium borohydride, whereas the UV-vis absorption profile remained largely unchanged, steady-state photoluminescence measurements exhibited a marked blue-shift and increase in intensity of the emission, due to (partial) removal of phenanthroline-like structural defects within the carbon skeletons. Consistent results were obtained in Raman and time-resolved photoluminescence measurements. Interestingly, the samples exhibited apparent, but clearly different, antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus epidermidis cells. In the dark and under photoirradiation (400 nm), the as-produced GOQDs exhibited markedly higher cytotoxicity than the chemically reduced counterparts, likely because of (i) effective removal by NaBH4 reduction of redox-active phenanthroline-like moieties that interacted with the electron-transport chain of the bacterial cells, and (ii) diminished production of hydroxyl radicals that were potent bactericidal agents after chemical reduction as a result of increased conjugation within the carbon skeletons.
Complications: Second Victim.

Introduction Physicians and surgeons in all specialties encounter and manage complications throughout their careers. Little attention has been given to a surgeon's emotional experience and reaction to the stresses of managing complications. Methods The author has reviewed relevant literature and added observations from 4 decades of experience with a pediatric orthopedic faculty. The author also reviewed the types of complications and principles of successful management of surgical complications. Results and discussion A small number of published articles dealing with the issues of physician and surgeon responses to stressful occurrences were found. Proper management of complications will markedly reduce the stress upon the surgeon. Analysis of the complications with colleagues is essential to the reduction of feelings of guilt, and are useful in preventing future events. Discussions of the accompanying stress between the surgeon and colleagues, family, and occasionally counselors are helpful in achieving resolution and emotional healing. Conclusions Greater attention to emotional stress issues affecting caregivers, and especially surgeons, is needed. This should happen at all levels of education from medical school through postgraduate training, and in the everyday practice of surgery. Research to clarify the effectiveness of various interventions is needed.
Induction of NUPR1 and AP‑1 contributes to the carcinogenic potential of nickel

Nickel (Ni) is carcinogenic to humans, and causes cancers of the lung, nasal cavity, and paranasal sinuses. The primary mechanisms of Ni‑mediated carcinogenesis involve the epigenetic reprogramming of cells and the ability for Ni to mimic hypoxia. However, the exact mechanisms of carcinogenesis related to Ni are obscure. Nuclear protein 1 (NUPR1) is a stress‑response gene overexpressed in cancers, and is capable of conferring chemotherapeutic resistance. Likewise, activator protein 1 (AP‑1) is highly responsive to environmental signals, and has been associated with cancer development. In this study, NUPR1 was found to be rapidly and highly induced in human bronchial epithelial (BEAS‑2B) cells exposed to Ni, and was overexpressed in Ni‑transformed BEAS‑2B cells. Similarly, AP‑1 subunits, JUN and FOS, were induced in BEAS‑2B cells following Ni exposure. Knockdown of JUN or FOS was found to significantly suppress NUPR1 induction following Ni exposure, demonstrating their importance in NUPR1 transactivation. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are known to induce AP‑1, and Ni has been shown to produce ROS. Treatment of BEAS‑2B cells with antioxidants was unable to prevent NUPR1 induction by Ni, suggesting that NUPR1 induction by Ni relies on mechanisms other than oxidative stress. To determine how NUPR1 is transcriptionally regulated following Ni exposure, the NUPR1 promoter was cloned and inserted into a luciferase gene reporter vector. Multiple JUN binding sites reside within the NUPR1 promoter, and upon deleting a JUN binding site in the upstream most region within the NUPR1 promoter using site‑directed mutagenesis, NUPR1 promoter activity was significantly reduced. This suggests that AP‑1 transcriptionally regulates NUPR1. Moreover, knockdown of NUPR1 significantly reduced colony formation and anchorage‑independent growth in Ni‑transformed BEAS‑2B cells. Therefore, these results collectively demonstrate a novel mechanism of NUPR1 induction following Ni exposure, and provide a molecular basis by which NUPR1 may contribute to lung carcinogenesis.
Effect of laboratory-produced cellulose nanofiber as an additive on performance of asphalt binders and mixes

Abstract In recent years, major initiatives have been taken to replace non-renewable materials with environmentally friendly and sustainable ones. The present study was undertaken to apply a scalable process for laboratory production of Cellulose Nanofibers (CNF) and to evaluate feasibility of using the produced CNF as a sustainable plant-based asphalt additive to improve the mechanical properties and durability of asphalt pavements. To achieve this goal, CNF was produced in the laboratory by applying electrospinning technique. Structure, morphology, and the size distribution of the produced CNF were evaluated using Scan Electron Microscopy. Also, tensile strength tests in two perpendicular directions were conducted on lab-produced CNF. The effect of incorporating different amounts of CNF in three types of asphalt binders, namely PG 58-28, PG 64-34, and PG 70-28 on fracture energy and dynamic viscosity of binder blends were evaluated by conducting Izod impact and rotational viscometer tests, respectively. Additionally, effect of CNF dosage in binder on its adhesion and moisture-induced debonding potential with aggregates of three different mineralogy was evaluated by conducting binder bond strength test. Furthermore, effect of incorporating CNF in asphalt mixes on their cracking, rutting, and moisture-induced damage potential was evaluated by conducting semicircular bend, Hamburg wheel tracking, and tensile strength ratio tests, respectively. From the tests conducted on asphalt binders and mixes, it was concluded that, incorporation of CNF resulted in an overall improvement in binder-aggregates adhesion, an asphalt binder with a higher fracture energy and dynamic viscosity, and an asphalt mix with a higher resistance to rutting, cracking, and moisture-induced damage.
Living the Virtuous Life: Lessons from Talmudic Stories

The ancient sages of the Talmud used stories as a method to teach people how to behave ethically. Talmudic stories are especially fascinating since they may involve God, Satan, Elijah, or other biblical personalities. Stories, more than cases, have the ability to arouse passion and teach important ethical lessons. This paper examines numerous Talmudic stories in order to see what lessons can be learned from them about living a virtuous life.
Small caliber vascular grafts: Alternatives

This paper reviews the authors' work with experimental silicone rubber and polyurethane replamineform small caliber vascular grafts. Description of the method of preparation of prostheses and in vivo implantation results is presented.
Mission 73 - Summary and data catalog

Earth resources program geographic applications program summary, recommendations, and data catalog for remote sensor mission 73
A New Class of Liquid Crystal Monomers and Polymers: Di-Substituted Divinyl Diacetylenes

Polymerisation cristalline liquide par recuit thermique et etude en microscopie optique des polymeres cristaux liquides hautement conjugues
Frauenliebe und Leben: Chamisso's Poems and Schumann's Songs

Rufus Hallmark's book explores Robert Schumann's beloved yet controversial song cycle Frauenliebe und Leben and the poems of Adelbert von Chamisso on which it is based, setting them in the context of the challenges and social expectations faced by women in early nineteenth-century Germany. Hallmark provides the most extensive English-language study of Chamisso, a poet little known today outside Germany, including a biographical sketch and excerpts from his other poetry. He examines a range of poems about women, by Chamisso and others, and discusses the reception of the poetic and musical cycles, including illustrated editions, contemporary reviews, and other musical settings. Based on new studies of Schumann's manuscript sources and on comparative analyses of his songs and settings by Carl Loewe, Heinrich Marschner, Franz Lachner and others, Hallmark provides fresh musical and interpretive insights into each song.
Nonlinear frequency-domain spectroscopy for molecular dynamics studies

Nonlinear optical techniques have revealed much about the dynamics of molecules in a liquid environment. Using stimulated gain spectroscopy the molecular response function is directly probed. Curve fitting to phenomenological models exposes the related dynamics. >
Self-referencing a 10 GHz electro-optic comb

An octave-spanning frequency comb is generated using electro-optic modulation of a 1550 nm laser and nonlinear broadening. With this comb we demonstrate offset frequency detection, precise metrology, and ultrastable synthesis of 10 GHz microwaves.
Patterning of zinc oxide thin films

Zinc oxide (ZnO) thin films were accurately and reliably delineated by wet chemical etching in 5% NH/sub 4/Cl in water and by reactive ion etching in a SiCl/sub 4/ plasma. With the etch solution at 55 degrees C, the ZnO etch rate was approximately 300 nm/min. Aluminum, silicon and silicon dioxide were not attacked by the etch solution. In the RIE process, substrate heating was essential during plasma etching. With a RF power density of 0.3 W/cm/sup 2/ and substrate temperature of 150 degrees C, well defined clean ZnO thin film features were obtained with an etch rate of 25 nm/min. >
Current Topics in Review Andrea M. Babkie, Associate Editor: Accessing Substance Abuse Prevention Programs for Schools:

Current estimates indicate that over 6 million children live with at least one parent who is a substance abuser or is substance dependent. Children who are exposed to drug and alcohol abuse are at a greater risk of experiencing academic and behavior difficulties. Additionally, several studies have shown that students with emotional and behavioral disorders, who are already at risk for school failure, are also at heightened risk for substance abuse. Schools are in a unique position to help families access resources for their children and act as a place where services can be provided to many children who are at risk for substance use. This article describes ways to bring substance abuse prevention programming into the schools.
Canonical magnetic insulators with isotropic magnetoelectric coupling

We have performed a systematic representation-theory-based search for the simplest structures allowing isotropic magnetoelectric coupling. We find 30 such structures, all sharing a common pattern of atomic displacements in the direction of atomic magnetic moments. We focus on one of these 30 canonical structures and find that it is generically realized in a class of fractionally substituted pyrochlore compounds with an all-in-all-out magnetic order. Furthermore, we find that these substituted pyrochlore compounds have a substantial Chern-Simons orbital magnetoelectric component ($\ensuremath{\theta}=0.1$--$0.2$). While this component is also formally present in strong ${Z}_{2}$ topological insulators ($\ensuremath{\theta}=\ensuremath{\pi}$), its effects are observable there only if time-reversal symmetry is broken at the surface.
The Gerridae (Hemiptera: Heteroptera): a discussion of two reconstructed phylogenies.

Two existing phylogenetic reconstructions for the Gerridae differ in some respects. The differences in the reconstructions merit discussion because the family is an important one. The degree to which characters were weighted (a priori or not at all) and different interpretations of ancestral and derived conditions of character states account for the differences in the reconstructions.
Effect of aminoacylation on the conformation of yeast phenylalanine tRNA

MUCH effort has been devoted to analysing the effect of aminoacylation on the structure of transfer ribonucleic acid (tRNA). While it is generally held that changes in conformation provide the basis for the discrimination between acylated and non-acylated tRNA in tRNA: aminoacyl tRNA synthetase, tRNA: ribosome and tRNA: co-repressor interactions, the evidence to support this view to date is in serious conflict. We have been using the technique of laser light scattering to investigate the tertiary structure of tRNA (ref. 1). This technique is particularly well suited for analysing structural changes in macromolecules such as tRNA as it can detect changes of as little as 1 % in the translational diffusion constant. The method has the advantage of allowing rapid, continual data monitoring making it possible to study dynamic changes in conformation. We describe here the use of this technique to monitor the diffusion coefficient of aminoacylated tRNA in conditions where deacylation occurs spontaneously. The results clearly demonstrate that: (1) large changes in the conformation of yeast phenylalanine tRNA do occur on aminoacylation, (2) the change can be reduced to an undetectable value by small changes in the solution parameters, and (3), the results apparently provide an explanation for many of the discrepancies observed by others.
Spinach plastocyanin: comparison of reduced and oxidized forms by natural abundance carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

Differences between the reduced Cu(I) and oxidized Cu(II) forms of spinach plastocyanin were investigated by natural abundance carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy at 67.9 MHz using proton noise decoupling. The spectra confirm that histidines 38 and 91 are copper ligands and demonstrate that coordination is by the No1 of both imidazole rings. Spectra of reduced plastocyanin yielded 128 separately resolved carbon resonances. Upon oxidation, 16 of these were observed to disappear; yet there was little change in the positions or intensities of other peaks. Those peaks which disappear are assigned to carbons near the metal. The protein evidently does not undergo a substantial change in conformation upon change of redox state.
Effect of ionophores and inhibitors and uncouplers of oxidative phosphorylation on sperm respiration.

The respiration rates of human, bovine and monkey spermatozoa were measured by means of O2 electrode technique and the effect of perturbants of energy metabolism on these rates was determined. For sperm cells respiring with added substrate, addition of oligomycin, a specific inhibitor of mitochondrial ATP synthesis, followed by an uncoupler of oxidative phosphorylation gave the unperturbed rate, the slow resting rate with oligomycin, and the fastest uncoupled rate. Two indices can be calculated from these rates. One is the energy index E, the ratio of the unperturbed and oligomycin rates. The other is the respiratory control index C., the ratio of the uncoupled and oligomycin rates. A value of 4 or greater for C indicates that cell metabolism is tightly coupled to energy production. A value of E about 30% that of C indicates a high intracellular level of ATP. These indices and the uncoupled respiration rate characterize the metabolic capacity of a sperm sample and are easily obtained in a single experimen...
Development of a non-radioactive gene probe by PCR for detection of white spot syndrome virus (WSSV)

Combining primers created from the sequence information of two baculo-like viruses of penaeid shrimp, Baculovirus penaei (BP) and Monodon baculovirus (MBV), produced a 750 bp band on a 0.8% agarose gel using White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV), from Penaeus monodon, as the DNA template. The PCR fragment was ligated to a plasmid vector, (pGEM-T) and transformed, creating a 3.7 Kbp clone. The DNA insert was sequenced, and the original primer pair was located. Using restriction enzymes, the insert was isolated, excised and non-radioactively labeled. This cloned labeled fragment was tested by in situ hybridization for specificity and reactivity with BP, MBV and WSSV-infected shrimp tissues. The major advantage of this novel method of gene probe development is that no DNA sequence information of the targeted infectious agent needed to be known or available. In addition, tedious viral isolation and purification was circumvented. In this study, knowledge of the possible viral strain was important in limiting the PCR primer pairs investigated. The use of arbitrary primers designed for PCR assays from two other possibly related shrimp viruses, increased the likelihood that a generated PCR product would be specific for WSSV.
Upregulation of elastase proteins results in aortic dilatation in mucopolysaccharidosis I mice.

Mucopolysaccharidosis I (MPS I), known as Hurler syndrome in the severe form, is a lysosomal storage disease due to α-l-iduronidase (IDUA) deficiency. It results in fragmentation of elastin fibers in the aorta and heart valves via mechanisms that are unclear, but may result from the accumulation of the glycosaminoglycans heparan and dermatan sulfate. Elastin fragmentation causes aortic dilatation and valvular insufficiency, which can result in cardiovascular disease. The pathophysiology of aortic disease was evaluated in MPS I mice. MPS I mice have normal elastic fiber structure and aortic compliance at early ages, which suggests that elastin assembly is normal. Elastin fragmentation and aortic dilatation are severe at 6 months, which is temporally associated with marked increases in mRNA and enzyme activity for two elastin-degrading proteins, matrix metalloproteinase-12 (MMP-12) and cathepsin S. Upregulation of these genes likely involves activation of STAT proteins, which may be induced by structural stress to smooth muscle cells from accumulation of glycosaminoglycans in lysosomes. Neonatal intravenous injection of a retroviral vector normalized MMP-12 and cathepsin S mRNA levels and prevented aortic disease. We conclude that aortic dilatation in MPS I mice is likely due to degradation of elastin by MMP-12 and/or cathepsin S. This aspect of disease might be ameliorated by inhibition of the signal transduction pathways that upregulate expression of elastase proteins, or by inhibition of elastase activity. This could result in a treatment for patients with MPS I, and might reduce aortic aneurism formation in other disorders.
EUS-guided portal vein catheterization: a promising novel approach for portal angiography and portal vein pressure measurements.

Background Portal vein (PV) pressure measurements can provide valuable information for the management of patients with liver disease and portal hypertension. Objective To evaluate the feasibility and the safety of EUS-guided PV catheterization and pressure measurements in a porcine model. Setting Acute and survival experiments on five 50-kg pigs. Design and Interventions Intrahepatic PV was punctured under EUS guidance by using a 19-gauge FNA needle. A 0.035-inch guidewire was advanced through the needle into the PV. The needle was withdrawn. A 5.5F ERCP catheter was advanced over the guidewire into the PV and then connected to a pressure monitor. Continuous PV measurements were obtained for an hour. Afterward, the catheter was removed, and the animals were observed for 30 minutes. Three animals were then immediately euthanized for a necropsy. The other two animals were observed for two weeks and then were euthanized. Main Outcome Measurements The ability to perform EUS-guided PV catheterization and pressure measurement without complications. Results PV catheterization, angiography, and pressure measurements were performed without any problems or complications. There were no changes in vital signs and hemodynamic parameters during PV catheterizations, angiography, pressure measurements, and catheter removal. Survival experiments did not demonstrate any change in animal condition, behavior, or eating habits after the procedure. A necropsy in all animals revealed no active bleeding, and no damage to the liver, other intra-abdominal organs, or blood vessels. Limitations No validation of measured PV pressure was made. Conclusions EUS-guided PV catheterization is feasible, safe, and can be used for portal angiography and pressure measurements.
Magnetic resonance elastography of intervertebral disc — A new biomarker for disc degeneration

Intervertebral disc degeneration is a cell-mediated process that results in the disruption of its function. These changes are difficult to overturn; consequently, early diagnosis is key for the success of any treatment. Clinically, disc degeneration is diagnosed by analyzing morphological changes characteristic of moderate to advanced stages of degeneration. Therefore, there is a need of a reliable biomarker to characterize the compositional and structural integrity of the disc in early stages of degeneration. In this study, shear modulus is proposed as a new biomarker for disc degeneration and a non-invasive method to measure this mechanical property is presented.
The importance of hydrogen bonding in the complexation of lanthanide ions by polymer-bound malonamide-type ligands

Abstract Polymer-bound malonate ligands modified with diethylenetriamine (DETA-MAm) are prepared and the lanthanide ion affinities from solutions of 0.001–8 M HCl are quantified. A mechanism is proposed. The affinities are not due to the triamine ligand alone or the adjacent carbonyl sites alone: protonation of the carbonyl oxygen triggers formation of an iminium ion and it acts as an ion-exchange site. Two competing reactions occur during binding: electrostatic attraction of [Ln(H 2 O) x Cl 4 ] − by the protonated ligand and (partial) loss of the waters of hydration. The affinity and selectivity are affected by substituents on the iminium (C NRR′(+)) ion. Research with tetramethylmalonamide showed that its two methyl groups at the iminium site weaken the positive charge and decrease its affinity for the chlorocomplexes of the later lanthanides; DETA-MAm has at its amide nitrogen only one −CH 2 − (and one H) moiety and therefore is a stronger but less selective ligand since electrostatic attraction is more dominant in the overall mechanism. The higher affinities of malonate monoamidated with ethylenediamine (EDA-MAm) and decreased affinities for those amidated with ethanolamine (EA-MAm) suggest that the protonated –NH– stabilizes the lanthanide chlorocomplex.
Discrimination Needed: The Over‐Inclusive Definition of Who is a Sex Offender

Sex offenders and the laws concerning them represent a highly controversial and emotionally charged issue. Current efforts of legislation in the United States to manage the increasing number of sex offenders being arrested and eventually released back into communities are inadequate to manage such a large population of offenders, and the effects of registration and notification laws are more detrimental than beneficial to the communities they intend to protect. This paper discusses the notion that a significant cause of the problem relates to the overly broad standards that are used to define who is to be charged as a sex offender. The term “sex offender” needs to be reserved for those individuals who best represent the meaning of the term, and the resources available for this issue should be directed towards the effective management of those offenders instead of being spread so thin amongst so many offenders who do not pose a serious threat to society that none of them are sufficiently supervised after release from incarceration. Furthermore, laws and federal guidelines regarding sex offender legislation needs to be based on empirical research findings instead of uniformed public pressure.
Districts, Local Education Authorities, and the Context of Policy Analysis.

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present the author's commentary on the special issue of Journal of Educational Administration entitled “Systemwide reform: examining districts under pressure”.Design/methodology/approach – The author gives her personal opinions, draws upon her recent experiences in the national study of US district leadership for school improvement, recent engagement with one specific US district's improvement efforts and work with colleagues in Europe on how a nation's culture mediates global policy trends.Findings – One striking feature is the degree to which the language of “New Public Management” (is suffused within all of the papers).Originality/value – The author notes that each paper peels a layer of the opaque onion of systemic school reform initiatives in the USA and was struck by the papers’ insight into current policy and administrative dilemmas facing districts in the USA – and also by their uniquely American perspective.
Microstructural Features Resulting From Isothermal and Thermocyclic Exposure of a Thermal Barrier Coating

Thermal barrier coating (TBC) systems are receiving a great deal of attention as a result of their ability to enable higher operating temperatures without sacrificing component durability in gas turbine systems. Nonetheless, there are a number of unknowns associated with the failure of TBC systems. In particular, the initiation and propagation of damage has not been observed. In this paper, the microstructural changes in and along the thermally growth oxide layer of a TBC are presented. Specimens were studied primarily after isothermal exposure for 48, 96, 200, and 300 hours at 1100°C and also after thermocyclic exposure. Failure features are discussed and the growth of oxide is quantified. The oxide growth is placed within the context of a parabolic growth model.