cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Combining inhibitors of Brd4 and cyclin-dependent kinase can decrease tumor growth in neuroblastoma with MYCN amplification.

Abstract Introduction High-risk neuroblastoma is a deadly disease; poor prognosticators are MYCN-amplification and TERT-overexpression. We hypothesized that Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) could identify pathways associated with MYCN-amplification and that inhibition of these pathways could decrease tumor growth. Methods We analyzed the Neuroblastoma-Kocak dataset (GSE45547, n = 649) and identified pathways associated with MYCN-amplification. Inhibitors were selected from upregulated gene sets for in vitro cytotoxicity testing using ST16-patient-derived primary neuroblastoma cells and in vivo testing using orthotopic ST16-patient-derived xenografts (PDX) in mice. Tumor volume was measured with ultrasound and tumor sections examined after H&E staining. Results GSEA identified significantly overexpressed gene sets in MYCN-amplified tumors including MYC targets, cell cycle mitotic genes, TERT associated genes, loss of RB1 gene sets, and E2Fs targets. Several genes were potential Bromodomain-containing protein 4 (Brd4) targets, making Brd4 inhibitors - JQ1, AZD5153 - and cyclin-dependent kinase (Brd4’s binding partner) inhibitors – dinaciclib - potential therapeutic agents. JQ1 and dinaciclib were synergistic in inducing cytotoxicity in vitro. Dinaciclib-AZD5153 in vivo decreased tumor size compared to control, and increased tumor lymphocyte infiltration and necrosis on histology. Conclusions GSEA is a powerful approach to identify upregulated genes and potential therapeutic targets. Dinaciclib-AZD5153 combination therapy can be effective against MYCN-amplified and TERT-overexpressing neuroblastoma tumors.
Physician Trainees’ Interactions with the Pharmaceutical Industry

To the Editors—It is striking that Austad et al1 found no association between an institution’s grade on the American Medical Student Association (AMSA) conflict-of-interest (COI) policy scorecard and its trainees’ behavior and attitudes toward industry—findings which contradict those of contemporaneous studies. For example, King et al found that graduates of medical schools that banned industry gifts were less likely to prescribe newly marketed “me-too” psychotropic drugs than were graduates of programs without such policies.2 And Epstein et al found that “rates of prescribing heavily promoted, brand reformulated, and brand antidepressants in 2009 were lower among post-COI graduates than pre-COI graduates at all levels of COI restrictiveness.3 Of note, Austad et al did show that a majority of medical trainees are critical of the pharmaceutical industry’s marketing strategies, up from 2005, when Sierles et al found that fewer than a quarter of third-year medical students supported separation between the pharmaceutical industry and trainees.4 To make progress in enhancing objectivity and integrity in medical education, we must take a multifaceted approach, including both adoption and meaningful enforcement of strong conflict-of-interest policies, along with improved education of trainees and faculty on the clinical consequences of industry influence.
The effects of message threat on psychological reactance to traffic safety messaging

Abstract Psychological reactance to persuasive messages can undermine and contradict the goals of those messages. This study examined the effect of message characteristics (forcefulness and framing) on psychological reactance to traffic safety messages that promoted safe behavior (seat belt wearing) and prohibited risky behavior (distracted driving) in terms of threat appraisal, emotional reaction, and message attitude. The study also included perceiver characteristics (reactance proneness, behavior attitude, and risk-taking propensity). Using a within-subject design, subjects completed an online experiment that presented short traffic safety messages followed by questions that measure psychological reactance. The results demonstrated that forceful messages could increase psychological reactance. However, the perceiver characteristics were often significant as covariates affecting this relationship. The study concludes that the design of effective traffic safety messages must consider both the characteristics of the message content and the characteristics of the message audience.
Exercise training for prevention and treatment of older adults with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.

Abstract Heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is the most rapidly increasing form of HF, occurs primarily in older women, and is associated with high rates of morbidity, mortality, and health care expenditures. In the highest age decile (≥90 years old), nearly all patients with HFpEF. As our understanding of the disease has grown in the last few years, we now know that HFpEF is a systemic disorder influenced by aging processes. The involvement of this broad collection of abnormalities in HFpEF, the recognition of the high frequency and impact of noncardiac comorbidities, and systemic, multiorgan involvement, and its nearly exclusive existence in older persons, has led to the recognition of HFpEF as a true geriatric syndrome. Most of the conventional therapeutics used in other cardiac diseases have failed to improve HFpEF patient outcomes significantly. Several recent studies have evaluated exercise training (ET) as a therapeutic management strategy in patients with HFpEF. Although these studies were not designed to address clinical endpoints, such as HF hospitalizations and mortality, they have shown that ET is a safe and effective intervention to improve peak oxygen consumption, physical function, and quality of life in clinically stable HF patients. Recently, a progressive, multidomain physical rehabilitation study among older adults showed that it is feasible in older patients with acute decompensated HF who have high frailty and comorbidities and showed improvement in physical function. However, the lack of Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services coverage can be a major barrier to formal cardiac rehabilitation in older HFpEF patients. Unfortunately, insistence upon demonstration of mortality improvement before approving reimbursement overlooks the valuable and demonstrated benefits of physical function and life quality.
Judaism and Imperial Ideology in Late Antiquity

This book explores the influence of Roman imperialism on the development of Messianic themes in Judaism in the fifth through the eight centuries CE. It pays special attention to the ways in which Roman imperial ideology and imperial eschatology influenced Jewish representations of the Messiah and Messianic age. Topics addressed in the book include: representations of the Messianic kingdom of Israel as a successor to the Roman Empire, the theme of imperial renewal in Jewish eschatology and its Roman parallels, representations of the emperor in late antique literature and art and their influence on the representations of the Messiah, the mother of the Messiah in late antique and Byzantine cultural contexts, and the figure of the last Roman Emperor in Christian and Jewish tradition.
One Proposed Legal Mechanism for Regulating Behavior Control

As the culminating chapter in the “law and therapy” section of this book, the present chapter will review briefly certain key concerns in the area, will introduce a few new ones, and will discuss the author’s involvement in drafting a proposed administrative model for regulating behavior modification in Florida institutions for the mentally retarded. While the law relating to the mentally retarded and other developmentally disabled persons sometimes differs from the law relating to the mentally ill, the model developed here seems generally capable of being extended to other clinical populations as well as to forms of behavior control other than traditional behavior modification. Thus, the proposed administrative model is an appropriate vehicle for our discussion in this chapter.
Social Security Policies in Industrial Countries: A Comparative Analysis

Preface Acknowledgements Abbreviations 1. Post-war developments 2. Differences in social security spending 3. National old-age pension programs: basic structure 4. Other major features of old-age pension programs 5. The age of retirement 6. Long-term invalidity programs 7. Industrial injuries programs 8. The role of employer pension plans 9. The economic impacts of pension programs 10. Health benefits 11. Unemployment compensation 12. Labour market policies 13. Family allowances and family policies 14. Public assistance and guaranteed income proposals 15. International linkages 16. Conclusions Appendices References Index.
GEOMETRIC HOMOGENEITY AND STABILIZATION

Abstract We present a consistent, geometric notion of homogeneity, for vector fields (differential equations and control systems), functions, differential forms and endomorphisms. The fundamental observation is that homogeneity is an intrinsic, geometric property. Accordingly, a coordinate-free characterization is given, and shown to yield the desired/expected results. This also addresses: “When do there exist local coordinates such that in these coordinates a vector field is homogeneous in the traditional sense?” While no simple algebraic test is known, the coordinate-free approach still allows one to exploit the geometric homogeneity properties without having to transform the objects into homogenizing local coordinates. We clarify which objects to declare homogeneous of degree zero, tracing the persisting confusion to a common mix-up of vector fields and endomorphisms.
Thermal expansion of glasses at low temperatures

The linear thermal expansion coefficient (..cap alpha.. = (par. deltalnL/par. deltaT)/sub p/) was measured at temperatures to 1.2K for two amorphous solids, fused silica and PMMA (polymethylmethacrylate, plexiglas), using a parallel plate capacitor differential dilatometer. The low temperature expansion coefficients for these solids have the same temperature dependences as the specific heats, and show a contribution which is linear in the temperature and which can be associated with the postulate of a broad distribution of two level states. The Grueneisen parameters which are associated with this contribution are comparable for the two solids (Y approx. = -16), and suggest a further indication of common behavior for amorphous solids at low temperature. Large magnitudes for Grueneisen parameters (/..gamma../ > 5) generally are associated with tunneling models. A symmetric double harmonic oscillator tunneling model can be used to understand the sign and magnitude of ..gamma.. for these solids. This model is inconsistent with other thermal and thermodynamic data for fused silica. The existence of similar negative and large magnitude Grueneisen parameters for these two amorphous solids places an additional constraint on theories for the low temperature properties of glasses.
Decreased bone density in adolescent girls with anorexia nervosa

Osteoporosis develops in women with chronic anorexia nervosa. To determine whether bone mass is reduced in younger patients as well, bone density was studied in a group of adolescent patients with anorexia nervosa. With single- and dual-photon absorptiometry, a comparison was made of bone mineral density of midradius, lumbar spine, and whole body in 18 girls (12 to 20 years of age) with anorexia nervosa and 25 healthy control subjects of comparable age. Patients had significantly lower lumbar vertebral bone density than did control subjects (0.830 +/- 0.140 vs 1.054 +/- 0.139 g/cm2) and significantly lower whole body bone mass (0.700 +/- 0.130 vs 0.955 +/- 0.130 g/cm2). Midradius bone density was not significantly reduced. Of 18 patients, 12 had bone density greater than 2 standard deviations less than normal values for age. The diagnosis of anorexia nervosa had been made less than 1 year earlier for half of these girls. Body mass index correlated significantly with bone mass in girls who were not anorexic (P less than .05, .005, and .0001 for lumbar, radius, and whole body, respectively). Bone mineral correlated significantly with body mass index in patients with anorexia nervosa as well. In addition, age at onset and duration of anorexia nervosa, but not calcium intake, activity level, or duration of amenorrhea correlated significantly with bone mineral density. It was concluded that important deficits of bone mass occur as a frequent and often early complication of anorexia nervosa in adolescence. Whole body is considerably more sensitive than midradius bone density as a measure of cortical bone loss in this illness.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Language Accessibility in the Classroom: How UDL Can Promote Success for Linguistically Diverse Learners

Thi s article provides an overview of the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework, which is based on brain-structure research and which incorporates multiple means of instruction, action and expression, and engagement. The a rticle describes the relevance of this framework to linguistically diverse and culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) learners, and it provides a set of scenario-based examples of how UDL might help educators to implement effe ctive instruction for a CLD learner in an inclusive sett ing. The p aper makes additional suggestions for building on UDL principles to design linguistically accessible instruction for CLD learners. ISSN 1918-5227 Pages 1- 12
Inverse eigenvalue problems on directed graphs

The differential operators iD and −D2 − p are constructed on certain finite directed weighted graphs. Two types of inverse spectral problems are considered. First, information about the graph weights and boundary conditions is extracted from the spectrum of −D2. Second, the compactness of isospectral sets for −D2 − p is established by computation of the residues of the zeta function.
Structure of the cutinase gene and detection of promoter activity in the 5'-flanking region by fungal transformation.

Abstract The cutinase gene from Fusarium solani f. sp. pisi (Nectria hematococa) was cloned and sequenced. Sau3A fragments of genomic DNA from the fungus were cloned in a lambda Charon 35 vector. When restriction fragments generated from the inserts were screened with 5' and 3' probes from cutinase cDNA, a 5.5-kilobase SstI fragment hybridized with both probes, suggesting the presence of the entire cutinase gene. A 2,818-base pair segment was sequenced, revealing a 690-nucleotide open reading frame that was identical to that found in the cutinase cDNA with a single 51-base pair intron. Transformation vectors were constructed containing a promoterless gene for hygromycin resistance, which was translationally fused to flanking sequences of the cutinase gene. When protoplasts and mycelia were transformed with these vectors, hygromycin-resistant transformants were obtained. Successful transformation was assessed by Southern blot analysis by using radiolabeled probes for the hygromycin resistance gene and the putative promoter. The results of Southern blot analysis indicated that the plasmid had integrated into the Fusarium genome and that the antibiotic resistance was a manifestation of the promoter activity of the cutinase flanking sequences. Transformation of Colletotrichum capsici with the same construct confirmed the promoter activity of the flanking region and the integration of the foreign DNA. Transformation and deletion analysis showed that promoter activity resided within the 360 nucleotides immediately 5' to the cutinase initiation codon.
The ryanodine receptor modulates the spontaneous beating rate of cardiomyocytes during development

In adult myocardium, the heartbeat originates from the sequential activation of ionic currents in pacemaker cells of the sinoatrial node. Ca2+ release via the ryanodine receptor (RyR) modulates the rate at which these cells beat. In contrast, the mechanisms that regulate heart rate during early cardiac development are poorly understood. Embryonic stem (ES) cells can differentiate into spontaneously contracting myocytes whose beating rate increases with differentiation time. These cells thus offer an opportunity to determine the mechanisms that regulate heart rate during development. Here we show that the increase in heart rate with differentiation is markedly depressed in ES cell-derived cardiomyocytes with a functional knockout (KO) of the cardiac ryanodine receptor (RyR2). KO myocytes show a slowing of the rate of spontaneous diastolic depolarization and an absence of calcium sparks. The depressed rate of pacemaker potential can be mimicked in wild-type myocytes by ryanodine, and rescued in KO myocytes with herpes simplex virus (HSV)-1 amplicons containing full-length RyR2. We conclude that a functional RyR2 is crucial to the progressive increase in heart rate during differentiation of ES cell-derived cardiomyocytes, consistent with a mechanism that couples Ca2+ release via RyR before an action potential with activation of an inward current that accelerates membrane depolarization.
Lost in translation: Delayed ex-dividend price adjustments of Hong Kong ADRs

Abstract Previous research documents that Hong Kong stocks have a full ex-dividend price adjustment consistent with dividends and capital gains being tax free. We examine ex-dividend price behavior of Hong Kong ADRs to assess the impact of differing tax environments in US and Hong Kong. These ADRs typically go ex-dividend before their underlying stock. They experience significant abnormal returns of 1.16% on their ex-day; the average ex-day price drop is only 30% of the dividend. However, ADR prices drop when the underlying stock goes ex-dividend subsequently. The cumulative ADR price drop is equal to the dividend. Thus, the ADR ex-dividend adjustment resembles that of the underlying stock, consistent with home country tax laws governing ADR price behavior. Neither liquidity nor transaction costs can explain the anomalous delayed ex-dividend adjustment of ADRs.
Statistics and related books are reviewed

A career in statistics: beyond the numbers, by Gerald J. Hahn and Necip Doganaksoy, Hoboken, NJ, John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Press, 2011, xvii + 340 pp., $69.95 (paperback), ISBN 978-0-470-40441-6Are y...
WNT11 promotes cardiac tissue formation of early mesoderm.

Cardiac tissue in the bird is derived from paired regions of lateral mesoderm within the anterior half of the embryo (Rawles [1943] Physiol. Zool. 16:22–42; Stalsberg and DeHaan [1969] Dev. Biol. 19:128–159). Previously, we reported that WNT11 is expressed in early avian mesoderm in a pattern that overlaps with the precardiac regions. To examine whether this molecule may play a role in promoting cardiogenesis, we cultured tissue explants from microdissected HH stage 4, 5, and 6 quail embryos. The isolated tissue consisted of both the mesoderm and endoderm layers from either anterior precardiac or posterior noncardiogenic regions of the embryo. As a necessary control for examining the ability of WNT11 to convert noncardiogenic mesoderm to cardiac tissue, we compared the cardiogenic potential of anterior and posterior regions. For stages 5 and 6, our results were consistent with what has been previously reported (Rawles [1943] Physiol. Zool. 16:22–42; Sugi and Lough [1994] Dev. Dyn. 200:155–162); as anterior mesoderm becomes contractile, while posterior mesoderm does not produce cardiac tissue. Surprisingly, when we examined stage 4 embryos both anterior and posterior regions gave rise to cardiac tissue in culture. To determine whether WNT11 could promote cardiac differentiation in tissue that was noncardiogenic, this molecule was ectopically expressed or added to mesoderm/endoderm explants obtained from stage 5 or 6 posterior tissue. Transfection of stage 5 posterior tissue with a WNT11 expression plasmid provoked the appearance of cardiomyocytes in 33% of the explants; half of which were contractile. Similarly transfected stage 6 posterior explants did not demonstrate cardiac differentiation. More dramatic results were obtained when noncardiogenic tissue was exposed to conditioned media containing soluble WNT11; as 63% and 33% of posterior stage 5- or stage 6-derived explants underwent cardiac differentiation. Together, these results indicate that WNT11 can promote cardiac development within noncardiac tissue. The expression of WNT11 in anterior mesoderm of early gastrula stage embryos suggests it may play a role in the formation of the vertebrate heart. Dev Dyn 1999;216:45–58. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Histological Quantification of Angiogenesis after Focal Cerebral Infarction: A Systematic Review

Ischemic stroke is a leading cause of disability, and current treatments to improve recovery are limited. Part of the natural recovery process after brain injury is angiogenesis. The formation of new blood vessels around the infarct appears to be important for restoration of adequate perfusion to allow for healing of brain tissue. Many potential restorative treatments may affect, and be affected by, angiogenesis, so accurate quantification of this outcome is needed. We performed a systematic review of histological methods to quantify angiogenesis after cerebral infarction. We found reports of the use of a variety of histological and general and immunostaining techniques in conjunction with a variety of analysis methods. We found no direct comparison studies and concluded that more research is needed to optimize the assessment of this important stroke outcome.
Effect of Age of the Host on Resistance to Tuberculous Infection

ConclusionResistance to tuberculosis, as measured by survival-time of guinea pigs after intracerebral inoculation, varies with age. Young animals are the more resistant, and susceptibility increases progressively with age.
Triformylferrocenes, novel modules for organometallic scaffolds

Abstract Protection of formylferrocene with propanediol under acidic conditions furnishes its acetal. Metalation of the acetal occurs mainly in the ortho position at the same ring. Reaction with N-formylpiperidine leads to the semiprotected 1,2-diformylferrocene, and the monoacetal of 1,1′,2-triformylferrocene, which can be obtained upon acidic deacetalization. Further protection of the semiprotected 1,2-diformylferrocene with propanediol results in the corresponding bisacetal, which is metalated to give the title compound 1,2,3-triformylferrocene after quenching of the anion with N-formylpiperidine and acidic deprotection. The 1,1′,2-triformylferrocene undergoes an interesting solid-state reaction at 170 °C under cross-linking to yield a novel organometallic polycondensate, while 1,2,3-triformylferrocene melts undecomposed. 1,2-Diformylferrocene was transformed into 1,2-bisbutadiynylferrocene by treatment with Taber's reagent, followed by coupling of 1,2-diethynylferrocene to bromo-triisopropylsilylethyne under Cadiot–Chodkiewicz conditions in an overall 40% yield starting from diformylferrocene.
Image potential for a double-walled cylindrical nanotube

We calculate the image potential between the walls of a double-walled cylindrical nanotube which is assumed to be infinitely long. In this model, each tubule is infinitesimally thin and is embedded in a background dielectric medium. Interactions between electrons confined to move on the surface of each tubule are taken into account via the random-phase approximation. We demonstrate that the effective potential for an orbiting charge depends on its angular momentum as well as the separation between the tubules. We calculate the plasmon frequencies and their phase velocities as functions of the wave vector parallel to the axes of the tubules. The range for the drift velocity for current-driven plasma instabilities is discussed.
Total thymectomy by the transcervical approach.

The transcervical method of removal of the thymus gland is the preferred method especially in myasthenia gravis. This technique substantially reduces the postoperative complications permitting a rapid painfree convalescence with a minimum of postoperative psychiatric problems and cosmetic disfigurement. Fifty-two patients with non-thymomatous myasthenia and 7 with high-lying thymoma have been operated on in the past 3 years by this method. In addition, in 1 case of hyperparathyroidism this technique proved invaluable immediately following a negative neck exploration. The morbidity and complication rate is so much reduced that the trans-sternal technique is now reserved for selected cases of thymoma only. One death has occurred in a near moribund patient with uncontrollable myasthenia and severe hyperthyroidism.
Geroconsultation: A Proposed Decision‐Making Model

Recognizing the rapidly increasing number of aging individuals in the United States and the difficulties encountered by these people (and those who are close to them), the authors propose a consultative model for use by professionals who work with this population. An example of content for possible inclusion in the consultative process is proposed for use in decision making.
The axonal glycoprotein TAG-1 is an immunoglobulin superfamily member with neurite outgrowth-promoting activity

Pathfinding of axons in the developing nervous system is thought to be mediated by glycoproteins expressed on the surface of embryonic axons and growth cones. One molecule suggested to play a role in axonal growth is TAG-1, a 135 kd glycoprotein expressed transiently on the surface of subsets of neurons in the developing mammalian nervous system. We isolated a full-length cDNA clone encoding rat TAG-1. TAG-1 has six immunoglobulin-like domains and four fibronectin type III-like repeats and is structurally similar to other immunoglobulin-like proteins expressed on developing axons. Neurons maintained in vitro on a substrate of TAG-1 extend long neurites, suggesting that this protein plays a role in the initial growth and guidance of axons in vivo. TAG-1 is anchored to the neuronal membrane via a glycosyl phosphatidylinositol linkage and is also released from neurons, suggesting that TAG-1 also functions as a substrate adhesion molecule when released into the extracellular environment.
Cloning and characterization of the human SH3BP2 promoter

SH3BP2 activating mutations lead to an unique clinical condition in which patients develop symmetrical bone resorptive lesions of the jaw, a condition termed cherubism. Due to this specific temporal sequence and location of bone resorption, we investigated the transcriptional regulation of SH3BP2 expression. Analyses of 5′- and 3′-serial promoter deletions defined the core promoter/regulatory elements, including two repressor sites (from −1,200 to −1,000 and from +86 to +115, respectively) and two activator sites (a PARP1 binding site from −44 to −21 and a second activator site from +57 to +86). We identified that PARP1 binds to DNA from −44 to −21 by Streptavidin–biotin purification and confirmed this binding by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). Mutagenesis of the PARP1 binding site on the SH3BP2 promoter showed that this binding site is essential for SH3BP2 expression. EMSA and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays confirmed that PARP1 was able to bind to the SH3BP2 promoter in vitro and in vivo. Indeed, knockout of Parp1 in mice BMMs reduced expression of SH3BP2. These results demonstrate that PARP1 regulates expression of SH3BP2.
Chemical Kinetic Analysis of Thermal Decay of Rhodopsin Reveals Unusual Energetics of Thermal Isomerization and Hydrolysis of Schiff Base

The thermal properties of rhodopsin, which set the threshold of our vision, have long been investigated, but the chemical kinetics of the thermal decay of rhodopsin has not been revealed in detail. To understand thermal decay quantitatively, we propose a kinetic model consisting of two pathways: 1) thermal isomerization of 11-cis-retinal followed by hydrolysis of Schiff base (SB) and 2) hydrolysis of SB in dark state rhodopsin followed by opsin-catalyzed isomerization of free 11-cis-retinal. We solve the kinetic model mathematically and use it to analyze kinetic data from four experiments that we designed to assay thermal decay, isomerization, hydrolysis of SB using dark state rhodopsin, and hydrolysis of SB using photoactivated rhodopsin. We apply the model to WT rhodopsin and E181Q and S186A mutants at 55 °C, as well as WT rhodopsin in H2O and D2O at 59 °C. The results show that the hydrogen-bonding network strongly restrains thermal isomerization but is less important in opsin and activated rhodopsin. Furthermore, the ability to obtain individual rate constants allows comparison of thermal processes under various conditions. Our kinetic model and experiments reveal two unusual energetic properties: the steep temperature dependence of the rates of thermal isomerization and SB hydrolysis in the dark state and a strong deuterium isotope effect on dark state SB hydrolysis. These findings can be applied to study pathogenic rhodopsin mutants and other visual pigments.
Isotretinoin treatment of pityriasis rubra pilaris

Five patients with pityriasis rubra pilaris were treated with isotretinoin from September 1982 through 1985. Isotretinoin at an average dose of 1.16 mg/kg/day for 16 to 24 weeks caused complete or almost complete clearing in four of the five patients
Quasielastic Light Scattering from Orientational Fluctuations in a Cholesteric Liquid Crystal

Abstract Examination of the Rayleigh line of a lyotropic cholesteric polypeptide liquid crystal by the techniques of quasielastic light scattering spectroscopy reveals the presence of two new purely dissipative low frequency light scattering modes of comparable intensity. Angular and electric field dependences of the deconvoluted spectra are consistent with the identification of the mechanism as due to twist and viscous-splay normal modes recently predicted theoretically. Analysis of the narrow mode on this basis yields a value of γ1, the twist viscosity coefficient of the medium. The broader mode results in an estimate of the value of the ratio of the splay to bend elastic moduli, K 11/K 33 ∼ 10−5, which is shown to be in accord weith mean field theoretical calculations for a system of such highly elongated macromolecules.
A study of fracture in high purity 7075 aluminum alloys

Ten different alloys based on the 7075 composition were used to study the effect of purity level, dispersoid type, and heat treatment on fracture toughness. Five purity levels ranging from 0.03 to 0.30 wt pct Fe + Si and two dispersoid types were investigated. Each alloy was given two heat treatments: the standard T651 heat treatment or a special thermomechanical treatment (TMT). Fracture toughness was measured using notched round tensile specimens taken from both the longitudinal and long-transverse directions. The notched round tensile test was modified to give the “plastic energy per unit area”. This fracture toughness parameter gave the same ranking for corresponding alloy/heat treatment combinations as the total energy per unit area measured on precracked Charpy specimens. The fracture toughness ranking for the ten alloys was the same in the longitudinal and long-transverse directions. This suggests the elongated distribution of constituent particles in the rolling direction does not change the failure mechanism. Fractographic evidence showed a bimodal distribution of ductile dimple size in all ten alloys. The number of large ductile dimples decreased with increasing purity level while the number of small ductile dimples increased. This is interpreted to mean that the smaller dispersoid and hardening particles become increasingly important in controlling the fracture toughness as the large intermetallic particles are eliminated by increasing the purity of these aluminum alloys. Since thermomechanical processing controls the amount and type of these smaller particles, it is a useful means for increasing fracture toughness in high purity aluminum alloys.
Role of the acute care surgeon in the emergency department management of trauma.

Dr. Green’s essay is timely and hopefully will stimulate a productive dialogue between trauma surgery and emergency medicine to ensure optimal care of the seriously injured patient. As chief of trauma services at the prototypic Knife and Gun Club for nearly 30 years, I have had the distinct pleasure of working closely with emergency physicians. My experience was initiated with the venerable Peter Rosen, who remains an admired colleague and priceless friend. I concur it is time to reassess when the surgeon must be present in the emergency department (ED) for trauma evaluations and management and offer the following surgical perspective.
Time-dependent scattering theory for ODEs and applications to reaction dynamics

We develop a time-dependent scattering theory for general vector fields in Euclidean space. We give conditions that ensure that the wave maps exist, are smooth, invertible, and depend smoothly on parameters. We then discuss the intertwining relations and how they can be used to compute stable/unstable manifolds for time-dependent normally hyperbolic invariant manifolds. The theory is particularly effective for Hamiltonian mechanics. We also give perturbative calculations of the scattering map that are analogous to Fermi's golden rule in quantum mechanics. We apply this theory to a problem in transition state theory concerning the exposure of molecules to a laser pulse for a short time. We present a method to compute invariant manifolds for the laser-driven Henon–Heilies system and give perturbative calculations of the change in the branching ratio.
Temperature-dependent thermal lagging in ultrafast laser heating

Abstract Temperature-dependent phase-lags are incorporated in the dual-phase-lag (DPL) model to fully describe the experimental data of femtosecond (fs) laser heating on gold films of various thicknesses in the sub-micron range. An explicit finite difference algorithm is developed to perform the nonlinear analysis, which recovers the Crank–Nicholson stability criterion in the special case of Fourier diffusion. The exponents in the temperature-dependent thermal properties are determined by minimizing the mean error between the numerical and the experimental results. The lagging model with temperature-dependent thermal properties enables a consistent description of all the available experimental data for ultrafast laser heating on gold films.
New theories for positrons in insulators

Abstract We present a novel path-integral Monte Carlo method for calculating ortho-positronium lifetimes in insulators and illustrate the method with calculations for positronium in hard spheres, solid argon, and a simple zeolite structure. In argon, we find that the positronium wavefunction is compressed, suggesting that the contact potential may be larger than unity. We discuss the difference in physical pictures between our method and the widely used Tao-Eldrup model, and indicate how our approach can address complicated geometries and chemical effects.
Brain–Gut Microbiome Interactions and Functional Bowel Disorders

Alterations in the bidirectional interactions between the intestine and the nervous system have important roles in the pathogenesis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). A body of largely preclinical evidence suggests that the gut microbiota can modulate these interactions. A small and poorly defined role for dysbiosis in the development of IBS symptoms has been established through characterization of altered intestinal microbiota in IBS patients and reported improvement of subjective symptoms after its manipulation with prebiotics, probiotics, or antibiotics. It remains to be determined whether IBS symptoms are caused by alterations in brain signaling from the intestine to the microbiota or primary disruption of the microbiota, and whether they are involved in altered interactions between the brain and intestine during development. We review the potential mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of IBS in different groups of patients. Studies are needed to better characterize alterations to the intestinal microbiome in large cohorts of well-phenotyped patients, and to correlate intestinal metabolites with specific abnormalities in gut–brain interactions.
Command level software tools

The V6 UNIX command language, shell, has weak looping constructs and no apparent interactive capability. We show how to exploit the existing weak loop constructs in shell to provide more powerful facilities. Further, we show how to interact with shell programs from the terminal.
Blocks in weight spaces in the root lattice

It is useful to think of the p-restricted modular Weyl problem in eigenvalueeeigenvector terms. This problem asks for the character of the irreducible p-version of an irreducible module V(A) for a complex semisimple Lie algebra, cf. Humphreys [6]. The eigenvalue results concern the weight lattice of the root system and especially n(A), the saturated set of weights occuring in the module. The eigenvector results are better indexed by 17,(A), the root weights. If p E D(A), then ,~l= ,I T, where r E A:, the positive cone of the root lattice of the root system. So we have p E Z7(A) iff T E n,(n). Consider, for instance, the problem of finding p-modular maximal vectors, cf. [4]. The main eigenvalue result, Kac-Weisfeiler [S], finds that a necessary condition for p E n(A) to be the weight of such a vector is that ,u be p-linked to A. This condition is ultimately descended from the shape of the Weyl character formula. The main p-restricted eigenvector result, [4], yields that a necessary condition for r E n,(A) to be the root weight of such a vector is that r be in the Kostant cone of A,‘, i.e., that r can be written as a sum of positive nonsimple roots. This condition comes from some combinatorial properties of Kostant’s partition function and Chevalley bases. For another kind of eigenvalue-eigenvector result, see Franklin [lo]. This paper, a sequel to [3], provides further foundational results for the eigenvector approach to this restricted modular Weyl problem, as well as deep insights into the combinatorial and geometrical structure of P(z), Kostant’s partition function, and its relations with structures on weight spaces in the root lattice. Let R be a root system and A:, the positive cone of the root lattice with
Editorial for March 2015 Issue

After various society and journal-based announcements the editor discusses the 13 research articles included in this issue. The relevance and usefulness of the articles is summarized.
Surface Restructuring of Nanoparticles: An Efficient Route for Ligand−Metal Oxide Crosstalk

Surface modification of nanocrystalline metal oxide particles with enediol ligands was found to result in altered optical properties of nanoparticles. The surface modification results in a red shift of the semiconductor absorption compared to unmodified nanocrystallites. The optical shift is correlated to the dipole moment of the Ti−ligand complexes at the particle surface and decreases with the ligand size. The binding was found to be exclusively characteristic of colloids in the nanocrystalline domain(<20 nm). X-ray near-edge structure measurements at Ti K edge indicate that in this size domain the surface Ti atoms adjust their coordination environment to form undercoordinated sites. These five-coordinated defect sites are the source of novel enhanced and selective reactivity of the nanoparticle toward bidentate ligand binding as observed using IR spectroscopy. Enediol ligands have the optimal geometry for chelating surface Ti atoms, resulting in a five-membered ring coordination complex and restored si...
Laparoscopic Heller myotomy for achalasia

Abstract Background Achalasia is an uncommon illness affecting 1 per 100,000 patients yearly. There is evidence to suggest viral, autoimmune, and hereditary etiologies. There are many treatment options available including medications, botulinum toxin injection, pneumatic dilation, and surgical myotomy. Methods We present a retrospective review of patients undergoing laparoscopic-modified Heller myotomy at a large referral and surgical training center. Results There were 36 patients identified. Thirty patients had undergone prior treatment with botulinum toxin injection, pneumatic dilation, previous Heller myotomy, or esophageal stenting. Immediate complications included mucosal perforation (2), spleen injury (1), and trocar-site infection (1). There were no postoperative esophageal leaks. Three patients suffered reflux requiring the daily use of a proton pump inhibitor 9 months after surgery. Three patients suffered recurrent dysphagia. Conclusions Presently, there are little data to suggest an ideal management strategy in patients with achalasia. Our patient population consists predominantly of failures of other treatment methods submitted for laparoscopic myotomy. Our data suggest that laparoscopic Heller myotomy can be safely undertaken in this population, without a higher than expected rate of recurrent symptoms or reflux.
Three-dimensional aspects of the shrinking phenomenon of ArF resist

Previous studies of the interaction of electron beams with different types of ArF resists have shown the undesired phenomenon of the resist shrinkage. The lateral component of this shrinkage has been detected and quantified easily by SEM CD measurements. However, the vertical extent of this phenomenon has to date remained unknown. In this work we present measurements of the changes in height and sidewall angles of an ArF line by using a new e-beam tilting ability of the Vera SEM 3D. The 3D measurement results show that the height of the line shrinks in similar proportions to the top and bottom CDs, with a difference in the magnitude. Due to higher penetration depth of the e-beam on the top of the line than on the sidewall, the vertical shrinkage reaches steady state more rapidly than the lateral shrinkage. We also found a slight reduction in sidewall angle, which is less than one degree even under high e-beam exposure.
Kinetic limitations on the selective precipitation treatment of electronics wastes

Laboratory studies on the precipitation of metals from a synthetic wastewater simulating the composition of semiconductor manufacturing were performed. Residual soluble metals, in many cases, were dependent upon the age of the waste prior to precipitation. Based upon these studies, it was concluded that equilibrium information alone does not provide a complete understanding of metal removal by chemical precipitation.
Questions you always wanted (or should have wanted) to ask about workhardening

By means of questions and answers, the major evidence regarding dislocation-based crystal plasticity is presented together with the present best stand of theoretical understanding.
The political orientation of Blacks and Whites: Converging, diverging, or remaining constant?

Abstract This paper examines the extent to which patterns of public opinion between Blacks and Whites have converged, diverged, or remained constant since the late1970s. It explores how trends in public opinion reflect a decline in the role of race in the formation of pubic opinion. The findings show a slight convergence of public opinion between Blacks and Whites on some issues and stabilization on others depending of the nature of the issue. The data also showed that the magnitude of difference on most issues, other than those related to race, rarely constituted anything more than a gap in public opinion and not a gulf of chasm. The fact that significant differences continue to exist between Blacks’ and Whites’ public opinions suggest that race is still a significant indicator of opinion position.
Impact of Roughness of Reflective Films on the Application of Multiple Beam Interferometry

Abstract Multiple beam interferometry can be used to measure accurately changes in the separation between two opposed surfaces. In this paper, we assess the impact of surface roughness on the application of multiple beam interferometry. In particular, we use classical electromagnetic theory to predict the fringes of equal chromatic order (FECO) that are generated when white light is passed through an interferometer comprised of a rough silver film separated from a smooth mica sheet. We find that as roughness is increased, the observed FECO broaden and shift to longer wavelengths. Furthermore, for a given change in surface separation, the resultant change in FECO wavelengths depends on the degree and geometry of surface roughness. We perform a quantitative case study to show how the two phenomena of broadening and shifting reduce the precision and accuracy of measurements of surface separation.
A spatial processor model for object colour perception

A comprehensive mathematical model to account for colour constancy is formulated. Since the visual system is able to measure true object colour in complex scenes under a broad range of spectral compositions, for the illumination; it is assumed that the visual system must implicitly estimate and illuminant. The basic hypothesis is that the estimate of the illuminant is made on the basis of spatial information from the entire visual field. This estimate is then used by the visual system to arrive at an estimate of the (object) reflectance of the various subfields in the complex visual scene. The estimates are made by matching the inputs to the system to linear combinations of fixed bases and standards in the colour space. The model provides a general unified mathematical framework for related psychophysical phenomenology.
[Malignant histiocytosis: a study on clinicopathological features and cell origin].

Thirty-one autopsy cases previously diagnosed as malignant histiocytosis (MH) were studied by means of immunobistochemical staining. Antibodies detecting the formalin resistant epitopes on T-cells, B-cells and those of histiocyte/monocyte origin were used. It was shown that the malignant histiocytes reacted only to the cell markers derived from histiocyte/monocyte, and only a part of lymphocytes showed positive reaction to the T and B cell markers. It is suggested that the histiocyte/monocyte lineage is the possible origin of the malignant proliferating cells in MH. The clinicopathological features and the differentiation of MH from familial erythrophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, virus-associated hemophagocytic syndrome and malignant lymphoma are described. The pathogenesis, the causes of death and the points for attention in the treatment of MH are also discussed.
Parental perception of the nutritional quality of school meals and its association with students' school lunch participation

This study explores the association between parental perception of the nutritional quality of school meals and whether students eat lunch served at school. We use data from five low-income cities in New Jersey that have high minority populations. Students whose parents perceive the quality of school meals to be healthy have greater odds of eating meals served at school. Recent changes in guidelines for the United States Department of Agriculture’s National School Lunch Program met with resistance from several fronts. Advocates for and implementers of improved school meals may benefit from partnering with parents to increase the acceptance and utilization of improved school offerings.
Incorporating quality of life and patient satisfaction measures into a transplant outcomes assessment program: technical and practical considerations.

Objective—To present an overview of methods for incorporating the measurement of health-related quality of life and patient satisfaction into a comprehensive outcomes assessment program in the organ transplantation setting. An introduction to basic psychometric concepts as they relate to survey instrument selection is presented, and the complementary nature of health status instruments and preference-based utility measures is discussed. The role of these concepts and measures in a transplant outcomes assessment and research program and the psychometric evidence for selected instruments are described.Data Sources—Descriptions of specific survey instruments were abstracted from published reports or manuals. Data describing the Vanderbilt Transplant Center Patient Satisfaction Inventory were derived from a single institution transplant outcomes research database.Study Selection and Data Extraction—Previously reported research was selected from the literature to provide brief examples of basic concepts, which...