cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bilateral tachistoscopic perception, handedness, and laterality. II. Nonverbal stimuli.

Abstract Thirty-two Subjects were assigned to four groups on the basis of handedness (left or right) and familial sinistrality (absent or present). Their laterality patterns were investigated with a cued order-of-report paradigm. On each trial, Subjects saw a tachistoscopic presentation of two outline drawings of common objects, one drawing on the left of a central fixation point, one on the right. A centered arrowhead appeared with the pictures; the arrowhead pointed either left or right, and its direction indicated the order of report. The results for each group were discussed in terms of asymmetry for rate of processing and rate of decay, and in comparison with our earlier study of word recognition.
Laparoscopic transgastric endoscopy after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

Abstract Background Access and endoscopic evaluation of the bypassed stomach is difficult after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. We propose a minimally invasive technique to access the bypassed stomach after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for endoscopic diagnosis and treatment. Methods First, we established carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum to a pressure of 12–15 mm Hg. Next, 12-mm umbilical, 5-mm right upper quadrant, 5-mm left lower quadrant, and 15-mm left upper quadrant trocars were placed. A purse-string suture was placed on the anterior wall of the stomach. A gastrotomy was made using ultrasonic shears and the 15-mm trocar was placed into the stomach. The endoscope was then inserted through the 15-mm trocar, and the pneumoperitoneum was decreased to 10 mm Hg. Once the evaluation was complete, the gastrotomy was closed with a running suture or linear stapler. Results Ten patients at our institution have undergone laparoscopic transgastric endoscopy. Five patients had biliary pathologic findings. Four of these patients underwent successful endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and papillotomy; the procedure in the fifth patient was unsuccessful because stone impaction at the ampulla. Three patients were evaluated for gastrointestinal bleeding. One was diagnosed with a duodenal gastrointestinal stromal tumor, one with a bleeding duodenal ulcer, requiring surgical exploration; and the third had negative endoscopy findings. Two patients evaluated for chronic abdominal pain had negative endoscopy findings. No complications developed. Conclusions Laparoscopic transgastric endoscopy is a safe and minimally invasive approach for the evaluation of the gastric remnant, duodenum, and biliary tree in patients who have undergone Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.
Schizosaccharomyces pombe Rdh54 (TID1) Acts with Rhp54 (RAD54) to Repair Meiotic Double-Strand Breaks

We report the characterization of rdh54+, the second fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe Rad54 homolog. rdh54+ shares sequence and functional homology to budding yeast RDH54/TID1. Rdh54p is present during meiosis with appropriate timing for a meiotic recombination factor. It interacts with Rhp51 and the meiotic Rhp51 homolog Dmc1 in yeast two-hybrid assays. Deletion of rdh54+ has no effect on DNA damage repair during the haploid vegetative cell cycle. In meiosis, however, rdh54Delta shows decreased spore viability and homologous recombination with a concomitant increase in sister chromatid exchange. The rdh54Delta single mutant repairs meiotic breaks with similar timing to wild type, suggesting redundancy of meiotic recombination factors. Consistent with this, the rdh54Delta rhp54Delta double mutant fails to repair meiotic double strand breaks. Live cell analysis shows that rdh54Delta rhp54Delta asci do not arrest, but undergo both meiotic divisions with near normal timing, suggesting that failure to repair double strand breaks in S. pombe meiosis does not result in checkpoint arrest.
Theory of flame-front stability

A study of the stability of a plane laminar flame front is made. The effects of disturbances on the flame structure are investigated by a small perturbations technique, taking into account the mechanism of diffusion, heat conduction and unsteady combustion. By use of a simplified model of the flame structure, and the assumption that the flame thickness is small compared with the wavelength of disturbances, a formula for the perturbation of the flame propagation velocity is derived. The flame velocity is shown to depend on the curvature of the flame, and on the rates of change of fluid velocities at the flame boundary. From stability analysis it then follows that properties of the mixture, as expressed in terms of the coefficient of heat conductivity and various coefficients of diffusion, play an important role in determining the stability picture. For some estimated values of these parameters the theoretical results are shown to agree with the general trend of the experimentally observed behaviour.
Morphology and Properties of Crystalline Polymers with Fiber Structure

The morphological properties as derived from wide- and small-angle x-ray scattering, IR dichroism, electron spin resonance, and electron microscopy, and the anisotropy of mechanical properties of the fiber structure can be well explained by the microfibrillar concept developed on the basis of a detailed study of plastic deformation and fracture of polymer single crystals. The microfibrils bridging the cracks of a fractured crystal contain in axial direction a regular alternation of crystal blocks and amorphous layers containing chain folds, chain ends and a large ratio (between 5 and 30%) of tie mole cules providing the high longitudinal elastic modulus and strength. With lateral dimensions between 100 and 300 A and a length of about 10 μ, they represent the strong structural element of the fiber. Lateral fit of crystal blocks of adjacent microfibrils produces the lamellae oriented more or less perpendicular to the fiber axis. They are a secondary structural element contributing to the lateral elastic mod...
Imaging Neuronal Responses in Slice Preparations of Vomeronasal Organ Expressing a Genetically Encoded Calcium Sensor

The vomeronasal organ (VNO) detects chemosensory signals that carry information about the social, sexual and reproductive status of the individuals within the same species 1,2. These intraspecies signals, the pheromones, as well as signals from some predators 3, activate the vomeronasal sensory neurons (VSNs) with high levels of specificity and sensitivity 4. At least three distinct families of G-protein coupled receptors, V1R, V2R and FPR 5-14, are expressed in VNO neurons to mediate the detection of the chemosensory cues. To understand how pheromone information is encoded by the VNO, it is critical to analyze the response profiles of individual VSNs to various stimuli and identify the specific receptors that mediate these responses. The neuroepithelia of VNO are enclosed in a pair of vomer bones. The semi-blind tubular structure of VNO has one open end (the vomeronasal duct) connecting to the nasal cavity. VSNs extend their dendrites to the lumen part of the VNO, where the pheromone cues are in contact with the receptors expressed at the dendritic knobs. The cell bodies of the VSNs form pseudo-stratified layers with V1R and V2R expressed in the apical and basal layers respectively 6-8. Several techniques have been utilized to monitor responses of VSNs to sensory stimuli 4,12,15-19. Among these techniques, acute slice preparation offers several advantages. First, compared to dissociated VSNs 3,17, slice preparations maintain the neurons in their native morphology and the dendrites of the cells stay relatively intact. Second, the cell bodies of the VSNs are easily accessible in coronal slice of the VNO to allow electrophysiology studies and imaging experiments as compared to whole epithelium and whole-mount preparations 12,20. Third, this method can be combined with molecular cloning techniques to allow receptor identification. Sensory stimulation elicits strong Ca2+ influx in VSNs that is indicative of receptor activation 4,21. We thus develop transgenic mice that express G-CaMP2 in the olfactory sensory neurons, including the VSNs 15,22. The sensitivity and the genetic nature of the probe greatly facilitate Ca2+ imaging experiments. This method has eliminated the dye loading process used in previous studies 4,21. We also employ a ligand delivery system that enables application of various stimuli to the VNO slices. The combination of the two techniques allows us to monitor multiple neurons simultaneously in response to large numbers of stimuli. Finally, we have established a semi-automated analysis pipeline to assist image processing.
Ureteral substitution with A stapled neoureter : A simplified boari flap

Purpose: We evaluate a new technique that will quickly and easily replace a long segment of ureter by creating a tapered neoureter (Boari flap) with bladder wall and absorbable staples.Materials and Methods: A neoureter was created in 14 pigs with native bladder and 75 mm. Polysorb gastrointestinal anastomosis staplers (U. S. Surgical, Norwalk, Connecticut). Urine culture and serum creatinine were obtained before neoureter creation. Neoureter length and time to construct were recorded. At 6 weeks serum creatinine was repeated, and ureteral stent removed with evaluation of the staple lines for stones and residual staples. At 4 months intravenous pyelogram, cystogram and serum creatinine were obtained before necropsy. The bladder, neoureter and kidneys were examined grossly and histologically for hydronephrosis, staples, stones and stenosis.Results: Mean neoureter length was 13.4 cm. and mean time to construct was 15 minutes. Laboratory results were unremarkable. Of the 14 pigs 2 died of pneumonia before st...
Sexual selection and reproductive success in hermaphroditic seabasses

Mating behavior in simultaneously hermaphroditic seabasses has been often cited as an example of cooperation among unrelated conspecifics. The predominant mating behavior in this group involves egg trading, where individuals reciprocally fertilize parcels of eggs from a partner. Egg trading has been suggested as a good example of a tit-for-tat cooperative mating strategy. Although simultaneous hermaphroditic fishes are often held up as strong examples of cooperation in mating behavior, a closer examination reveals significant sexual selection and sexual conflict between male and female roles among individuals. In the 7 species where data exist, there is a significant increase in male reproductive success with individual size, and in all but 1 species success through male function increases faster than reproductive success through female function. Despite this male-size advantage in simultaneous hermaphrodites, most species maintain their hermaphroditism for their entire life, and the increased male allocation while engaging in biased forms of reciprocation appear to increase the evolutionary stability of hermaphroditism in these species. Thus, egg-trading behavior is probably more complicated than was initially recognized, with individuals releasing different numbers of eggs in spawns, spawning at different rates as males and females, and partitioning male effort between pair and alternative mating tactics. The departures from equal reciprocity can probably be best understood by including aspects of traditional mating-system theory, with individuals increasing male mating success through a variety of behavioral tactics.
Phosphorus-mediated changes in life history traits of the invasive New Zealand mudsnail (Potamopyrgus antipodarum)

Understanding the mechanisms that species use to succeed in new environments is vital to predicting the extent of invasive species impacts. Food quality is potentially important because it can affect population dynamics by affecting life history traits. The New Zealand mudsnail, Potamopyrgus antipodarum, is a worldwide invader. We examined how mudsnail growth rate and fecundity responded to the C:P ratio of algal food in laboratory conditions. Mudsnails fed low-P algae (C:P 1,119) grew more slowly, matured later, produced smaller offspring, and grew to a smaller adult size than snails reared on algae with high levels of P. A relatively small increase in algal C:P (203-270) significantly increased mudsnail age at maturity. We suggest that the relatively high body P requirements of mudsnails make them susceptible to allocation trade-offs between growth and reproduction under P-limited conditions. The elemental composition of algae varies greatly in nature, and over half of the rock biofilms in streams surveyed within the introduced range of mudsnails in the Greater Yellowstone Area had C:P ratios above which could potentially pose P limitation of life history traits. High growth rate and fecundity are common traits of many species that become invasive and are also associated with high-P demands. Therefore, fast-growing consumers with high P demands, such as mudsnails, are potentially more sensitive to P limitation suggesting that limitation of growth and reproduction by food quality is an important factor in understanding the resource demands of invasive species.
IText: Future Directions for Research on the Relationship between Information Technology and Writing.

Most people who use information technology (IT) every day use IT in text-centered interactions. In e-mail, we compose and read texts. On the Web, we read (and often compose) texts. And when we crea...
A Validation Study for the Hydrodynamics of Biomass in a Fluidized Bed

Computational modeling of fluidized beds can be used to predict operation of biomass gasifiers after extensive validation with experimental data. The present work focused on computational simulations of a fluidized bed using a multifluid Eulerian-Eulerian model to represent the gas and solid phases as interpenetrating continua. Hydrodynamic results from the simulations were quantitatively compared with X-ray flow visualization studies of a similar bed. It was found that the Gidaspow model can accurately predict the hydrodynamics of the biomass in a fluidized bed. The coefficient of restitution of biomass was fairly high and did not affect the hydrodynamics of the bed; however, the model was more sensitive to particle sphericity variation.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Towards traceable test-driven development

Key among the Grand Challenges in Traceability are those that lead to achieving traceability as a by-product of the natural software development life cycle. This position paper profiles test-driven development (TDD), an emerging software development practice, in which automated tests and code satisfying them are developed in rapid succession over multiple iterations. Our position is that the nature of TDD offers unique opportunities for collecting traceability information throughout the TDD life cycle and that the provision of traceability information to the software developers during TDD will improve the process and the resulting software. We discuss the opportunities, challenges, and plans for the synthesis of TDD and traceability.
Coding and Billing for Home (Out-of-Center) Sleep Testing

Obstructive sleep apnea is increasingly recognized as a comorbidity in many medical illnesses. This has resulted in an increasing need for sleep testing, which is not entirely met by the currently available sleep laboratory facilities. Home, or out-of-center, sleep testing is an alternative to in-laboratory studies. However, coding and billing for home studies is not as straightforward as it is for in-laboratory studies. This article reviews the process of coding and billing for sleep studies done in an unattended setting.
Endothelial cell response to pulsed electromagnetic fields: Stimulation of growth rate and angiogenesis in vitro

The effects of pulsed electromagnetic fields on the repopulation rate of denuded regions of endothelial cell monolayers and on endothelial cell reorganization into complex vessellike structures was monitored in vitro by using human umbilical vein and bovine aortic endothelial cells. A small (20–40%) but statistically significant enhancement in growth rate of partially denuded endothelial cell monolayers as determined by tritiated thymidine incorporation was observed in the presence of pulsed electromagnetic fields. Morphologically, endothelial cells entering the denuded regions were observed to be elongated, often connecting end to end to form a mycelial or “sprouting” pattern when exposed to pulsed electromagnetic fields. This was in contrast to cells outside of the field which had a more cuboidal morphology. Complete disruption of the endothelial cell monolayer by passaging the cells with EDTA trypsin resulted in reorganization of some of the cells into three-dimensional vessellike structures after as little as 5–8 hours in the presence of the pulsed electromagnetic field. This reorganization occurred in the presence of heparin, endothelial cell growth factor, and a competent fibronectin matrix. Vas-cularization for comparable cultures outside of the field did not occur during the time-course of the experiments. Discrete stages of neovascularization were observed in the presence of the field that were qualitatively similar to stages of angiogenesis observed in vivo.
Gulledge receives 2011 Charles S. Falkenberg Award: Citation

Jay Gulledge received the Charles S. Falkenberg Award at the 2011 AGU Fall Meeting Honors Ceremony, held on 7 December in San Francisco, Calif. The award honors a “scientist under 45 years of age who has contributed to the quality of life, economic opportunities, and stewardship of the planet through the use of Earth science information and to the pubic awareness of the importance of understanding our planet.”
Clustering of Power System Data and Its Use in Load Pocket Identification

When lines in a power system are constrained, the sensitivity of the power flows on these lines to generator output provides information about how the constraints divide the system and about the ability of sets of generators to increase revenue without increasing dispatch. Clustering is used to identify generators into groups with the potential for market advantage. In this paper, we discuss the implementation of several different clustering methods for identifying load pockets with potential market advantage.
The induction and activation of STAT1 by all- trans -retinoic acid are mediated by RARβ signaling pathways in breast cancer cells

Retinoic acid receptor-b (RARb) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) are important mediators of the antiproliferative and apoptotic actions of retinoids and cytokines/growth factors, respectively. Expression of both RARb and STAT1 is lost in most breast cancer cell lines but it can be induced by retinoids in estrogen receptor-positive cells. We investigated a possible functional connection between these two mediators and present evidence supporting RARb as a tumor suppressor. First, by using diAerent receptor-selective retinoids, we demonstrated that RARb induction in MCF-7 cells by all-trans-retinoic acid (atRA) was associated with the activation of STAT1 gene transcription. The direct involvement of RARb in atRA-induced STAT1 gene activation was further demonstrated by showing that transfection with an anti-sense RARb construct blocked atRA-induced STAT1 expression in MCF-7 cells whereas introduction of a sense-RARb construct resulted in STAT1 induction by atRA in MDA-MB 231 cells. In addition, we showed that STAT1 was phosphorylated/activated under atRA treatment of MCF-7 cells; this process required the involvement of RARb and protein synthesis. STAT1 phosphorylation/ activation was accompanied by increased tyrosine kinase activity that was not due to the activation of JAK1, JAK2 or Tyk 2, suggesting the possible involvement of an unidentified tyrosine kinase.
Analysis of ground motions at San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station April 9, 1968

Abstract The Borrego Mountain earthquake of 9 April 1968 produced ground shaking having 5 per cent g maximum acceleration at the 450 MWe San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station site. The recorded motion showed two distinct phases separated by about six seconds. The spectra of these phases differ markedly, presumably reflecting differences in source generation. There was no damage at the plant. More recently, a special seismic central accelerograph system has been installed to record the earthquake-induced motion of the concrete base of the containment structure and the response motion of the steam generators and pressurizer. Experience with the installation and operation of the expanded accelerograph system is reviewed with suggestions offered for alleviating problems due to system malfunction.
Noninflammatory Expression of E-Selectin Is Regulated by Cell Growth

E-selectin, an endothelial-specific adhesion molecule best known for its role in leukocyte adhesion, is not detected in quiescent endothelial cells, but is induced by inflammatory stimuli. However, E-selectin is also expressed in proliferating endothelial cells under noninflammatory conditions in vivo and in vitro, suggesting that E-selectin is also regulated by growth signals. To investigate E-selectin expression in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated versus nonstimulated proliferating cells, we analyzed the distribution of E-selectin-positive human microvascular endothelial cells in G0/G1, S, and G2/M phases of the cell cycle under both conditions. Lipopolysaccharide treatment resulted in uniformly increased E-selectin expression in cells in G0/G1, S, and G2/M. In contrast, levels of E-selectin in nonstimulated proliferating cells showed a linear correlation with the percentage of cells in G2/M. E-selectin in proliferating endothelial cells was not reduced by addition of soluble tumor necrosis factor-alpha-receptor or soluble interleukin-1-receptor indicating that its expression was not due to endogenous production of either cytokine. In addition, E-selectin was increased in cells stimulated with basic fibroblast growth factor, a well-known mitogen for endothelial cells. E-selectin in proliferating endothelial cells is functional, as shown by E-selectin-dependent adhesion of the promyelocytic leukemia cell line HL-60 to subconfluent human microvascular endothelial cells. In summary, these studies indicate that E-selectin can be regulated by a non-inflammatory pathway that is related to the proliferative state of the endothelium.
Dynamics of Dissolved Organic Phosphorus

Abstract Phosphorus is an essential macronutrient for all marine microorganisms. Dissolved organic phosphorus (DOP) is an integral, dynamic part of the marine organic matter pool and of the phosphorus cycle, and is of fundamental significance to the understanding of microbial oceanography and marine biogeochemistry. Although much remains to be understood, several new discoveries have been made over the past decade with respect to our knowledge of the chemical composition and microbial processing of DOP in the oceans. In this chapter, we cover the history of the early years of marine phosphorus measurements to novel analytical techniques and the many challenges remaining into the twenty-first century. We describe the temporal and spatial variability of the global DOP pool inventories, both in terms of regional gradients as well as into the deep ocean interior. We further examine the tools available to characterize the chemically complex DOP pool and the gains made to identify specific DOP compounds, or compound classes. As is often the case, the picture is incomplete, but significant progress has been in the past decade, with refined analytical methodology. Additionally, we explore the role of DOP in the marine P-cycle, as DOP is produced, utilized by the extant microbial community and eventually remineralized. Finally, we are just beginning to understand the, previously underappreciated, reduction-oxidation pathways of phosphorus, and their relationships to cellular bioenergetics, biogeochemistry and ecology. The application of recently developed genomics based technology gives new opportunities to further our understanding of the dynamics and regulation of the marine microbial P-cycle.
Equity Compensation and Tax Avoidance: Incentive Effect or Tax Benefits?

We examine two competing explanations for the negative relation between equity compensation and tax avoidance documented in prior research. The first explanation suggests that equity compensation aligns managerial interests and reduces managers’ incentives to invest in tax avoidance schemes that facilitate rent extraction. The second explanation predicts that tax benefits from equity compensation reduce firms’ demand for additional tax avoidance by lowering its marginal benefits. We find evidence that the tax benefits from equity compensation, and not incentive alignment, drive the observed negative relation. Our findings suggest that researchers should consider the tax benefits of equity compensation to be of primary importance and control for these benefits when studying tax avoidance. Further, our results challenge the theory that managers use tax avoidance to facilitate rent extraction. Studies that rely on nefarious managerial behavior to motivate tax avoidance in the context of agency problems should reconsider the validity of this theory.
Movement and Survival of Boll Weevils in Several Hibernation Environments

Anthonomus grandis Boheman obtained from surface woods trash in the fall were rehibernated in 4 in. of woods trash which was dry (no moisture added), were moistened with the equivalent of normal rainfall (14.8 in.), or were wetted with 3-times normal rainfall. Numbers of surviving weevils that had remained in the trash where they were placed were significantly higher in trash treated with normal rainfall than in trash otherwise treated. However, 30% of the surviving weevils moved from their original locations, and significantly greater numbers moved to the dry trash or to trash treated with normal rainfall. Significantly greater survival occurred at the 1-in. depth in trash treated with normal rainfall than at any depth in the other 2 treatments. The overall recovery of weevils in this experiment was 48%.
Viral evasion of intracellular DNA and RNA sensing

The co-evolution of viruses with their hosts has led to the emergence of viral pathogens that are adept at evading or actively suppressing host immunity. Pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) are key components of antiviral immunity that detect conserved molecular features of viral pathogens and initiate signalling that results in the expression of antiviral genes. In this Review, we discuss the strategies that viruses use to escape immune surveillance by key intracellular sensors of viral RNA or DNA, with a focus on RIG-I-like receptors (RLRs), cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) and interferon-γ (IFNγ)-inducible protein 16 (IFI16). Such viral strategies include the sequestration or modification of viral nucleic acids, interference with specific post-translational modifications of PRRs or their adaptor proteins, the degradation or cleavage of PRRs or their adaptors, and the sequestration or relocalization of PRRs. An understanding of viral immune-evasion mechanisms at the molecular level may guide the development of vaccines and antivirals.
An Overview of Immunity

This chapter provides an overview of immunity. The immune system is an indispensable organ system. It contains various cells, tissues, and organs that protect organisms against potentially harmful pathogens from the external environment. The present concept of the word “immunity” has changed considerably from its original definition. The immune system shares at least two characteristics with the nervous system. The young individual is born with a certain potential to learn and to react to numerous and varied environmental stimuli; both systems can learn. Innate, or natural, immunity includes all nonspecific resistance or immune mechanisms, whereas specific active acquired immunity is immunity deliberately induced by immunization. The capacity to distinguish self from not-self is a primitive characteristic that has reached its zenith of development in the human immune system. The immune system is capable of effecting humoral immunity, which is the production of antibodies, and cellular immunity, which is the most primitive of the two immunities, that may have evolved as protection against cancer. The immune system has two major cell types, T- and B-lymphocytes, that produce cellular and humoral immunity, and macrophages, evolutionary relics of ancestral phagocytes. Without the immune system, individuals would succumb to infectious microorganisms and perhaps cancer.
Grandparentage assignments identify unexpected adfluvial life history tactic contributing offspring to a reintroduced population

Diversity in life history tactics contributes to the persistence of a population because it helps to protect against stochastic environments by varying individuals in space and time. However, some life history tactics may not be accounted for when assessing the demographic viability of a population. One important factor in demographic viability assessments is cohort replacement rate (CRR), which is defined as the number of future adults produced by an adult. We assessed if precocial resident males (<age-3) and adfluvial Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha), adults that reside in freshwater their entire lives, contributed offspring to a reintroduced population from 2008 to 2013. We found that 9 ± 5% of offspring with an unassigned parent remained unexplained after accounting for sources of human error. Using grandparentage assignments, we identified 31 precocial resident males and 48 probable adfluvial Chinook salmon produced by anadromous mate pairs from 2007 to 2012. Previously published CRR estimates for the 2007 and 2008 reintroduced adults, based on only anadromous returning adult offspring, were 0.40 and 0.31, respectively. By incorporating adfluvial females, we found CRR estimates increased by 17% (CRR: 0.46) and 13% (CRR: 0.35) for the 2007 and 2008 cohorts, respectively.
Organic-functionalized molecular sieves (OFMSs):: II. Synthesis, characterization and the transformation of OFMSs containing non-polar functional groups into solid acids

Abstract Organic-functionalized molecular sieves (OFMSs) with a beta-type structure (∗BEA) containing intracrystalline phenethyl (PE) groups were synthesized and characterized by X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, FT Raman spectroscopy, 29Si, 13C and 27Al solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, bulk elemental analysis, scanning electron microscopy and physisorption techniques. The OFMSs are synthesized from monomeric silicon sources such as tetraethylorthosilicate and phenethyltrimethoxysilane and via the solid-state conversion of extracted, PE-functionalized MCM-41. Occluded structure-directing agent (tetraethylammonium fluoride; TEAF) is removed by solvent extraction techniques. By varying the extraction conditions, OFMSs with varying hydrophobicity and porosity are synthesized. Bulk and surface elemental analysis indicate that there is an even distribution of organic functionalities throughout the material at levels of PE incorporation below 5% (silicon basis). The phenethyl groups are sulfonated using SO3 vapor to produce a microporous solid containing intracrystalline sulfonic acids.
Electrochemical Stiffness Changes in Lithium Manganese Oxide Electrodes

In situ strain and stress measurements are performed on composite electrodes to monitor potential-dependent stiffness changes in lithium manganese oxide (LiMn2O4). Lithium insertion and removal results in asynchronous strain and stress generation in the electrode. Electrochemical stiffness changes are calculated by combining coordinated stress and strain measurements. The electrode experiences dramatic changes in electrochemical stiffness due to potential-dependent Li+ ion intercalation mechanisms. The development of stress in the early stages of delithiation (at ≈3.95 V) due to a kinetic barrier at the electrode surface gives rise to stiffness changes in the electrode. Strain generation due to phase transformations reduces stiffness in the electrode at 4.17 V during delithiation and at 4.11 V during lithiation. During lithiation, stress generation due to Coulombic repulsions between occupied and incoming Li+ ions leads to stiffening of the electrode at 3.96 V. The electrode also experiences greater changes in stiffness during delithiation compared to lithiation. These changes in electrochemical stiffness provide insight into the interplay between mechanical and electrochemical properties which control electrode response to lithiation and delithiation.
Single-shot optical recording with sub-picosecond resolution implementing a differentiated semiconductor nonlinearity

We demonstrate a novel optical recording method implementing carrier-based nonlinear optical phase response in semiconductors. The integrating carrier response is mitigated with an all-optical derivative technique. A 50 ps record with sub-ps resolution was demonstrated.
Dual stable isotopes of CH4 from Yellowstone hot-springs suggest hydrothermal processes involving magmatic CO2

Abstract Volcanism and post-magmatism contribute significant annual methane (CH 4 ) fluxes to the atmosphere (on par with other natural sources such as forest fire and wild animal emissions) and have been implicated in past climate-change events. The Yellowstone hot spot is one of the largest volcanic systems on Earth and is known to emit CH 4 (as well as carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) and other gases), but the ultimate sources of this CH 4 flux have not been elucidated. Here we use dual stable isotope analysis (δ 2 H and δ 13 C) of CH 4 sampled from ten high-temperature geothermal pools in Yellowstone National Park along with other isotopic and gas analyses to evaluate potential sources of methane. The average δ 13 C and δ 2 H values of CH 4 emitted from hot springs ( 26.7 (± 2.4) and − 236.9 (± 12.0) ‰, respectively) are inconsistent with microbial methanogenesis but do not allow distinction between thermogenic and abiotic sources. Correlation between δ 13 C CH4 and δ 13 C of dissolved inorganic C (DIC) is consistent with DIC as the parent C source for the observed CH 4 , or with equilibration of CH 4 and DIC. Methane formation temperatures estimated by isotopic geothermometry based on δ 13 C CH4 and δ 13 C CO2 ranged from ~ 250–350 °C, which is just below previous temperature estimates for the hydrothermal reservoir. Further, the δ 2 H H2O of the thermal springs and the measured δ 2 H CH4 values are consistent with equilibration between the source water and the CH 4 at the formation temperatures. Though the ultimate origin of the CH 4 could be attributed to either abiotic of themorgenic processes with subsequent isotopic equilibration, the C 1 /C 2 + composition of the gases is more consistent with abiotic origins for most of the samples. Thus, our data support the hypothesis that subsurface rock-water interactions are responsible for at least a significant fraction of the CH 4 flux from the Yellowstone National Park volcanic system.
Abstract 38: Rbp-j Regulates the Genetic Program of the Myo-epithelioid JG Cell

RBP-J , the major downstream effector of Notch signaling, is necessary to maintain the number of juxtaglomerular (JG) cells. In addition, RBP-J regulates the plasticity of arteriolar smooth muscle cells to adopt the renin cell phenotype when homeostasis is threatened. We hypothesized that RBP-J acts as an on/off switch controlling the expression of genes that determine the renin phenotype. To determine whether RBP-J directly affects renin gene expression, we generated mice harboring a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) transgene with green fluorescent protein (GFP) under the control of the renin gene carrying a mutation in its RBP-J- binding site (Mut-BAC). Mut-BAC mice had markedly reduced GFP expression to 12.9 % ±0.01 (n=3) of the control (Wt-BAC) and a diminished response to homeostatic challenges: mut-BAC mice had a reduced number of GFP positive JG areas per total number of glomeruli (Wt-BAC: 25.1 % ±3.0, n=3; Mut-BAC: 9.3 % ±1.4, n=2, p RBP-J (cKO) was due to a diminished endowment of renin progenitor cells, we traced the fate of cells derived from the renin lineage by generating mice ( RBP-J fl/fl ; Ren1d +/cre ; R26R +/- ) in which cells lacking RBP-J simultaneously expressed β-galactosidase (β-gal). The pattern of β-gal in cKO and control kidneys was identical, indicating that cells derived from the renin lineage did not die but instead changed their phenotype. Next we investigated the phenotype adopted by the cells derived from the renin lineage. Expression of α-smooth muscle actin and smoothelin (a marker of mature smooth muscle) was significantly decreased to 41 % ±7.0 (n=2) and 44 % ±8.8 (n=2) respectively with respect to controls (p in vivo did not express genes characteristic of the renin phenotype such as renin, calponin1, Nfat and Akr1b7 expressing instead fibroblast-specific protein 1 indicating the adoption of a fibroblast-like phenotype. Results indicate that RBP-J directly governs a genetic program that controls the dual endocrine-contractile phenotype of the JG cell, which is crucial to maintain blood pressure and fluid-electrolyte homeostasis.
Maternal Prepregnancy Underweight and Risk of Early and Late Stillbirth in Black and White Gravidas

Abstract Objective The association between underweight and stillbirth remains poorly defined, especially across racial/ethnic sub-populations. We investigate the association of pre-pregnancy underweight on the risk for early and late stillbirth among black and white mothers. Methods We conducted analysis on the Missouri maternally linked data files covering the period 1989-1997 inclusive. Using body mass index (BMI), we categorized mothers as underweight (BMI >18.5) and normal weight (BMI = 18.5-24.9). By applying logistic regression modeling with adjustment for intracluster correlation, we estimated the risk for total, early (≤28 weeks of gestation), and late stillbirth (>28 weeks of gestation) among black and white mothers. Results A total of 1808 cases of stillbirth were registered. The rate of stillbirth among white mothers was 3.7 per 1000, while the rate among blacks was 7.1 per 1000. Underweight black mothers had comparable risk for total (OR, 0.9; 95% CI, 0.7-1.2), early (OR, 1.1; 95% CI, 0.8-1.5), and late stillbirth (OR, 0.8; 95% CI, 0.5-1.2) as compared to their normal-weight counterparts. By contrast, underweight white gravidas had a 30% reduced likelihood (OR, 0.7; 95% CI, 0.6-0.9) for late stillbirth as compared to normal-weight white mothers. However, the risks for total and early stillbirth among underweight white mothers were similar to those of normal-weight white mothers. Conclusion Low prepregnancy BMI has similar effects on fetal survival in both blacks and whites except for late stillbirth. The underweight white survival advantage over blacks in late pregnancy could probably be due to greater access for identified white at-risk groups to effective obstetrical interventions as previously reported.
Exploring the 'Third Coast' and 'Second City': Background and Research on African Migration in the Midwestern U.S. and Greater Chicago Metropolitan Area

Sub-Saharan African migration to the U.S. is rapidly yet quietly growing, and the Midwestern/Great Lakes region of the country (its “Third Coast”) is becoming an increasingly important destination. In particular, the so-called “Second City” of Chicago – the regional epicenter and third largest U.S. city – is in need of social scientific research addressing the unique trajectories and experiences of its expanding African populations. This paper provides a background for these dynamics by drawing from primary and secondary data on Midwestern African migrant communities’ organizing and activities as observed through interviews and fieldwork among more than fifty African migrant organizations in the Midwestern U.S. and Greater Chicago Metropolitan Area. It will outline the evolution and distribution of African migration in the Chicago area and provide a brief overview of African resources, organizations, and other institutions and establishments as they seek to bring together and represent the burgeoning African community within and beyond the city.
The Effect of Radiation on Quality of Life throughout the Breast Reconstruction Process: A Prospective, Longitudinal Pilot Study of 200 Patients with Long-Term Follow-Up

BACKGROUND Despite well-established correlation of postmastectomy radiotherapy and surgical complications in breast reconstruction, its impact on patient reported outcomes is less clear. We sought to determine the effect of postmastectomy radiotherapy on patient reported outcomes throughout the breast reconstruction process. METHODS Patients undergoing prosthetic and autologous breast reconstruction from November 2010 to June 2013 were prospectively followed with BREAST-Q surveys (preoperatively, after expander placement, and 6 and 12 months after final reconstruction). Paired t test, Wilcoxon rank sum test, and multiple linear regression were used to determine the effect of radiation on patient reported outcomes. RESULTS Two hundred patients were included in the study, of which 51 (25.5 percent) received postmastectomy radiotherapy. Prosthetic reconstruction was performed in 75 patients (37.5 percent), autologous reconstruction was performed in 118 (59 percent), and pure fat grafting was performed in seven (3.5 percent). At one-year follow-up, the nonirradiated group reported higher BREAST-Q scores when compared with the irradiated group, in Satisfaction with Breasts (p = 0.003), Psychosocial Well-being (p = 0.003), Sexual Well-being (p < 0.001), Physical Well-being of Chest (p = 0.024), and Satisfaction with Outcome (p = 0.03). When accounting for baseline values, Satisfaction with Breasts and Physical Well-being of Chest significantly worsened in irradiated patients undergoing prosthetic reconstruction, an effect not seen with autologous reconstructions. All irradiated patients significantly worsened in Psychosocial Well-being and Sexual Well-being scores. CONCLUSIONS Postmastectomy radiotherapy is associated with worse patient reported outcomes following breast reconstruction. Autologous reconstruction can mitigate patient dissatisfaction in some domains. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Therapeutic, II.
Meaning, Mind, and Knowledge: A Pragmatic View

The linguistic/semantic conception of meaning has led to problems when conceiving the nature of mind, and the relation of mind to body and world. Meaning is considered a feature of language. Terms and sentences have meaning; events do not. It is acknowledged that events are connected and have causal relations, but, not linguistic, they do not have bona fide “meanings.” This, of course, flies in the face of ordinary language use of the term “meaning,” evidenced by our common tendency to demand, What is the meaning of this? when events take an unexpected turn. This sort of spontaneous search for the meaning of events is, I believe, ubiquitous and inexpugnable. It is surprising, then, that meaning in this objective sense receives relatively little attention, at least in philosophy of education.
On robust control of uncertain linear systems in the absence of matching conditions

We establish a general robust control result for linear time-invariant uncertain systems using the Lyapunov approach initiated by Leitmann and Gutman. We show that systems satisfying matching conditions are handled by this result. We give necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of a robust sliding mode controller. We show that its existence implies the existence of a robust linear controller. A counter example is provided to establish that the converse does not hold. The feedback controllers treated are functions of the complete state without any dynamic compensation.
Food Security: Yield Gap

Many people propose closing crop yield gaps as a means to address food security concerns. But concepts of yield gaps vary and the linkages to food security are complex. Yields are an object of choice for farmers, so a meaningful interpretation of yield gaps requires giving weight to both the economic and biological realities of crop production. We clarify the terminology surrounding yield gaps, show that closing yield gaps is not necessarily economic, and conclude that food security will be better served by policies that directly enhance the productive capacity of agriculture to supply affordable food efficiently and sustainably.
The Gulf States in International Political Economy

This informed and informative book can be placed squarely at the intersection of the scholarship on international political economy and Gulf studies. This fact alone makes it a notable contribution...
Epidemiology of Barrett’s Esophagus and Esophageal Cancer

Esophageal cancer is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States and abroad; however, detecting esophageal cancer in the early stages is challenging. Barrett’s esophagus is a well-described, premalignant condition that results from chronic inflammation due to acid reflux and carries a risk of progression to esophageal adenocarcinoma and therefore can be used to identify patients for cancer surveillance. In addition, other clinical and demographic characteristics can help practitioners assess risk for esophageal adenocarcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma at the individual patient level. The ability to recognize these risk factors is essential for all gastroenterologists and endoscopic surgeons. This chapter provides a comprehensive review of the epidemiology of Barrett’s esophagus, esophageal adenocarcinoma, and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and reviews the important risk factors for each condition.
Backbone resonance assignments and secondary structure of Ebola nucleoprotein 600–739 construct

Ebola viral infections have resulted in several deadly epidemics in recent years in West and Central Africa. Because only one of the seven proteins encoded by the viral genome possesses enzymatic activity, disruption of protein–protein interactions is a promising route for antiviral drug development. We carried out a screening campaign to identify small, drug-like compounds that bind to the C-terminal region of the multifunctional Ebola nucleoprotein (eNP) with the objective of discovering ones that disrupt its binding to other Ebola proteins or to the single-stranded RNA genome. In the course of this effort we assigned the backbone 1H, 15N, and 13C resonances of residues 600‒739, the region that contains the critical eVP30 binding region 600‒615 targeted by host factors, and used the assigned chemical shifts to predict secondary structural features and peptide dynamics. This work supports and extends the previous X-ray crystal structures and NMR studies of residues 641‒739. We found that the 600‒739 domain consists of separate regions that are largely disordered and ordered.