cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
In Search of a Solution to the Sphinx-Like Riddle of GM1

Among the many glycoconjugates contributing to the sugar code, gangliosides have drawn special attention owing to their predominance as the major sialoglycoconjugate category within the nervous system. However, their occurrence, albeit at lower levels, appears ubiquitous in vertebrate cells and even some invertebrate tissues. Now that over 100 gangliosides have been structurally characterized, their diverse physiological functions constitute a remaining enigma. This has been especially true of GM1, for which a surprising array of functions has already been revealed. Our current research has focused on two areas of GM1 function: (a) signaling induced in neural and immune cells by cross-linking of GM1 in the plasma membrane that leads to activation of TRPC5 (transient receptor potiential, canonical form 5) channels, a process important in neuritogenesis and autoimmune suppression; (b) activation by GM1 of a sodium-calcium exchanger (NCX) in the inner membrane of the nuclear envelope (NE) with resulting modulation of nuclear and cellular calcium. The latter has a role in maintaining neuronal viability, loss of which renders neurons vulnerable to Ca2+ overload. Pathological manifestations in mutant mice and their cultured neurons lacking GM1 have shown dramatic rescue with a membrane permeable derivative of GM1 that enters the nucleus and restores NCX activity. Nuclear function of GM1 is related to the presence of neuraminidase in the NE, an enzyme that generates GM1 through hydrolysis of GD1a. A different isoform of this enzyme was found in each of the two membranes of the NE.
Phospholipid Composition of Liver Homogenates and Microsomes of the Lean and Obese Hyperglycemic (OB/OB) Mouse

SummaryThe phospholipid composition of livers obtained from obese-hyperglycemic (ob/ob) male mice and from their lean mates was compared. In unfractionated liver ho-mogenates, the content (percentage of the total lipid phosphorus) of phosphatidyl-choline, phosphatidylinositol, lysophospha-tidylcholine, phosphatidic acid, phosphati-dylethanolamine, and cardiolipin was similar in obese and lean mice; the content of sphingomyelin was 38% lower (P≤0.01)in the obese liver than in the lean liver. In the microsomal fractions, the obese mouse liver contained a 20% lower content of phospha-tidylethanolamine (P ≤ 0.001) and a 46% higher content of phosphatidic acid (P≤ 0.005) than the lean mouse liver; the content of the remaining four phospholipids was similar in the two groups. The total phospholipid (micrograms per milligram of protein) concentrations in lean and obese livers were 127 and 124 for unfractionated homogenates (without statistical significance) and 422 and 373 for the microsomal fraction (P < 0.005)...
The public's concepts of psychologists and psychiatrists: a problem in differentiation.

(1959). The Public's Concepts of Psychologists and Psychiatrists: A Problem in Differentiation. The Journal of General Psychology: Vol. 61, No. 2, pp. 281-285.
Assessing Potential Seed Transfer Zones for Five Forb Species from the Great Basin Floristic Region, USA

ABSTRACT: For plant species important in ecological restoration, seed transfer zones have been developed to maximize the probability that sown seed will germinate, establish, persist, and reproduce without negatively impacting the genetic composition of remnant plant populations. However, empirically based seed transfer zones have not been developed for most species. In their absence, maps based on ecological or climatic variables have been suggested as proxies. In the United States, these maps typically include the Environmental Protection Agency's Levels III and IV Ecoregion maps and the US Forest Service's Provisional Seed Zones. Maps of different spatial scales represent a compromise between economic and ecological considerations; those that delineate larger seed transfer zones are less costly to implement but impose more risk of poor adaptation to local conditions. To test the relative suitability of each map in delineating seed transfer zones, we conducted common garden experiments using five forb s...
Health-related stress, affect, and depressive symptoms experienced by caregiving mothers of adults with a developmental disability

The interrelationships among health-related stress, positive and negative affect, and depressive symptoms patterned in the dynamic model of affect (J. Reich, A. Zautra, & M. Davis, 2003) were examined using data from 932 women having an adult child with a developmental disability. Results indicate that women experience a moderate inverse correlation between positive and negative affect under conditions of low levels of health-related stress, whereas at high levels of stress, positive and negative affect become more strongly inversely correlated. Under high-stress conditions, both negative affect and positive affect have a stronger relationship to depressive symptoms than they do under low-stress conditions.
Factors Influencing Translocation and Transformation of Mercury in River Sediment

There are, for instance, a number of river systems where mercury levels in fish run high despite low mercury levels in associated sediments (1,2). Recently, Konrad (i) compared the levels of total mercury in sediment against those of fish from the same area in various river systems and found that levels in fish were high whenever the pH of the sediment and water were below 7. Klein and Goldberg (5) found high levels of mercury in ocean sediments near sewer outfalls. They concluded that marine organisms play important roles in dispersing mercury.
French Field Administration: The Beginnings*

The economic, social, and political development of newly independent nations depends upon the prior or concurrent strengthening of public administration. To be sure, the path of national development is a circular one as it traces a spiral ascent in which a step forward in one kind of development makes possible the next step in another. The administrative arc of this circle is here emphasized not because it is more basic than the others, but because it has often been slighted. New governments, often on the recommendation of technical-assistance advisors, adopt excellent programs in health, agriculture, education, and industry, but then fail to translate these programs from paper to action. The fault is not lack of earnest intent but the burden of an unresponsive and weak administrative system.
Intensive Educational Intervention for Children of Poverty.

Abstract This editorial addresses three issues for which there is increasing scientific and practical knowledge about solutions. First, poverty, especially intergenerational poverty, is re-affirmed to have devastating effects on families and children. These include delays in young children's developmental progress, lowered aspirations, and increased apathy among older children and adults, and school failure or withdrawal of many capable children. Second, intensive targeted interventions in the first five years of life are evaluated as effective in preventing the significant intellectual dysfunction that may result from intergenerational poverty. Effectiveness of interventions, however, depends on (a) the quality and intensity of the intervention (with no demonstrated positive outcomes for weak programs); (b) the integration of educational programs with other aspects of a child's life, including later schooling experiences; and (c) the severity of the child's initial biosocial risk. Third, issues about how to develop and implement a nationwide effort to prevent environmentally induced handicaps are highlighted. The political and economic problems to be confronted are beyond the realm of science, but the societal benefits that can be realized provide a compelling rationale for creating a new coalescence of public and private resources dedicated to enhancing families who cannot assure their children an intellectual adequate environment.
Surface modification for enhanced silanation of zirconia ceramics

Objective The overall goal of this research was to develop a practical method to chemically modify the surface of high strength dental ceramics (i.e. zirconia) to facilitate viable, robust adhesive bonding using commercially available silanes and resin cements. Methods Investigation focused on a novel approach to surface functionalize zirconia with a SixOy “seed” layer that would promote chemical bonding with traditional silanes. ProCAD and ZirCAD blocks were bonded to a dimensionally similar composite block using standard techniques designed for silica-containing materials (silane and resin cement). ZirCAD blocks were treated with SiCl4 by vapor deposition under two different conditions prior to bonding. Microtensile bars were prepared and subjected to tensile forces at a crosshead speed of 1 mm/min scanning electron microscopy was used to analyze fracture surfaces and determine failure mode; either composite cohesive failure (partial or complete cohesive failure within composite) or adhesive failure (partial or complete adhesive failure). Results Peak stress values were analyzed using single-factor ANOVA (p < 0.05). Microtensile testing results revealed that zirconia with a surface treatment of 2.6 nm SixOy thick “seed” layer was similar in strength to the porcelain group (control). Analysis of failure modes indicated the above groups displayed higher percentages of in-composite failures. Other groups tested had lower strength values and displayed adhesive failure characteristics. Conclusion Mechanical data support that utilizing a gas-phase chloro-silane pretreatment to deposit ultra-thin silica-like seed layers can improve adhesion to zirconia using traditional silanation and bonding techniques. This technology could have clinical impact on how high strength dental materials are used today.
Non-thermal noise in MOS FET's and MOS tetrodes

Abstract Experimental evidence is presented about the white excess noise developed in MOS FET's. The current dependence of the excess noise suggests that the noise is caused by a fluctuating resistivity in the channel. The temperature dependence of the excess noise in saturation is interpreted with the help of mobility fluctuations as the cause of the resistivity fluctuations. The physical mechanism of these fluctuations is indicated but the model has not yet been worked out in detail.
Paradoxical kinematic acausality in Weinberg's equations for massless particles of arbitrary spin

Weinberg’s equations for massless free particles of arbitrary spin are found to have acausal solutions. On the other hand, the m→0 limit of Joos-Weinberg’s finite-mass wave equations satisfied by (j, 0)⊕(0, j) j) covariant spinors are free from all kinematic acausality. This paradoxical situation is resolved and corrected by carefully studying the transition from the classical group theoretical arguments to quantum mechanically interpreted equations.
Less drinking, yet more problems: Understanding African American drinking and related problems.

Researchers have found that, compared to European Americans, African Americans report later initiation of drinking, lower rates of use, and lower levels of use across almost all age groups. Nevertheless, African Americans also have higher levels of alcohol problems than European Americans. After reviewing current data regarding these trends, we provide a theory to understand this apparent paradox as well as to understand variability in risk among African Americans. Certain factors appear to operate as both protective factors against heavy use and risk factors for negative consequences from use. For example, African American culture is characterized by norms against heavy alcohol use or intoxication, which protects against heavy use but which also provides within group social disapproval when use does occur. African Americans are more likely to encounter legal problems from drinking than European Americans, even at the same levels of consumption, perhaps thus resulting in reduced consumption but more problems from consumption. There appears to be one particular group of African Americans, low-income African American men, who are at the highest risk for alcoholism and related problems. We theorize that this effect is due to the complex interaction of residential discrimination, racism, age of drinking, and lack of available standard life reinforcers (e.g., stable employment and financial stability). Further empirical research will be needed to test our theories and otherwise move this important field forward. A focus on within group variation in drinking patterns and problems is necessary. We suggest several new avenues of inquiry.
Raman sensor to monitor the nitrate and nitrite in the nuclear waste tank

The motivation of this work is to monitor the real time concentration of nitrates in the radioactive wastes, as they are the key molecules in the solution. The effect of different optical configurations of the probes on the Raman signal was studied using acetone as the test sample. We found that InPhotonics TM Raman probe give best signal-to-noise data comparing to the other two probes evaluated. The Raman spectra of 10% NaNO 3 solution were then successfully recorded with this probe. The Raman signal of Nitrate at 1054 cm -1 is very strong with 500 ms sampling time. The initial study shows that the Raman sensor is capable to monitor the nitrate in the nuclear waste tank.
Life Cycle assessment of bio-ethanol derived from cellulose

A comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment was conducted on bio-ethanol produced using a new process that converts cellulosic biomass by enzymatic hydrolysis. Options for sourcing the feedstock either from agricultural and wood waste, or, if the demand for bio-ethanol is sufficient, from cultivation are examined. The main focus of the analysis was to determine its potential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in a 10% blend of this bio-ethanol with gasoline (E10) as a transportation fuel. SimaPro 4.0 was used as the analysis tool, which allowed a range of other environmental impacts also to be examined to assess the overall relative performance to gasoline alone. All impacts were assigned to the fuel because of uncertainties in markets for the by-products. This LCA therefore represents a worst case scenario. It is shown that E10 gives an improved environmental performance in some impact categories, including greenhouse gas emissions, but has inferior performances in others. Whether the potential benefits of the bio-ethanol blend to reduce greenhouse gas emissions will be realized is shown to be particularly sensitive to the source of energy used to produce the process steam required to break down the cellulose to produce sugars and to distil the final product. One key area where improvements in environmental performance might be derived is in enzyme production. The LCA profile helps to highlight those areas where positive and negative environmental impacts can be expected. Technological innovation can be directed accordingly to preserve the benefits while minimizing the negative impacts as development progresses to commercial scales.
Is Rett syndrome a subtype of pervasive developmental disorders

The author reviews the issue on whether Rett syndrome (RS) is a subtype of pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs). More than 200 articles of RS have been published in the last 10 years. Internal and external validities of RS have been established by several independent studies. There remains the question whether RS presents clinical features that meet the total criteria for PDDs. The available data seem to support the idea of classifying RS as a subtype of PDDs in the DSM-IV.
Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy nitrogen-15—hydrogen coupling constants in oximes

Nitrogen-15—hydrogen coupling constants between 15N-labeled oximes and α-C-protons, 3J(15NH), of two series of E/Z ketoximes were studied in CCl4, CDCl3, CF3COOH, and DMSO-d6. 15N-substituted-methyl phenyl ketoximes constituted the first series and 15N-substituted-methyl 2-quinoxalinyl ketoximes the second series studied. Substituents in the first group were H, Me, t-Bu, NMe2, OMe, Cl, Br and I; in the second they were H, NEt2, and Cl. |3J(15NH)| values for the isomers wherein the aliphatic substituent was anti to the oximino hydroxy group were always larger then those for the syn related isomers, permitting assignment of oxime stereochemistry to even a lone oxime diastereomer. Additionally, geminal nitrogen-15—hydrogen coupling, 2J(15NH) effects were observed in some compounds.
Legal education for scientists at Fall Meeting

In today's increasingly polarized political climate, science is becoming more politicized, which in turn leads to scientists facing an increased involvement in legal discussion about their work, their correspondence, and their public statements. At times these attacks on scientists and their academic freedom are unwarranted and can leave many confused and wondering how to handle the situation. To help out, AGU and the Climate Science Legal Defense Fund (CSLDF) have partnered to prepare the scientific community for these challenges through a Legal Education Series, a series of webinars along with events at AGU's 2012 Fall Meeting. This series provides scientists with information to help guide and update them on legal issues and situations currently making their way through the courts.
Immunomodulation and the quorum sensing molecule 3-oxo-C12-homoserine lactone: the importance of chemical scaffolding for probe development.

As a guide for chemical probe design, focused analogue synthetic studies were undertaken upon the lactone ring of 3-oxo-C12-homoserine lactone. We have concluded that hydrolytic instability of the heterocyclic ring is pivotal for its ability to modulate immune signaling and probe preparation was aligned with these findings.
Some physiological and genetic properties of a strain of Escherichia coli requiring thymine, arginine and uracil.

A polyauxotrophic mutant of E. coli strain 15 has been studied. The organism requires thymine, uracil and arganine for normal growth and multiplication. The formation of citrulline and ureidosuccinate is blocked almost completely. Nevertheless, significant although depressed amounts of both ornithine and aspartate transcarbamylases are readily detectable in cell-free extracts of the organism. The bacterium can be induced to synthesize xybose isomerase in the presence of exogenous arginine and in the absence of exogenous uracil, as in strain 15T−U−. Relatively extensive peptide synthesis is obtained under these conditions. Analysis of the observed RNA metabolism suggests a turnover of part of the RNA and a greater conservation of the bases than of the ribose. Most of the turnover appears to depend on an exogenous supply of arginine, as does the function of enzyme formation. Reversion to arginine and uracil independence occurs in a single genetic step. Thymine starvation increase the percentage of revertants in the culture before the bacteria die as a result of unbalanced growth.
The role of international human resource in leading a company from a domestic to a global corporate culture

One of the biggest challenges facing HR is to help a company move from a domestic corporate orientation to working in a global business environment. Using the international human resource department as an example of where this transformation must occur first, the global paradigm shift is explored from the theoretical (international human resource management models) and practical (global HR competencies) perspectives. The discussion is supplemented with a cross-cultural HR development plan necessary to accomplish this cultural transformation.
Innovations in piezoelectric materials for ultrasound transducers

Piezoelectric material lie at the heart of ultrasonic transducers. Recent advances in materials development include submicron piezoelectric ceramics (PZT) which lead to improvements in feature size, i.e. aspect ratio, element width, etc., for linear arrays and high frequency transducers. In contrast to fine grain ceramics, single crystal materials based on Relaxor-PT ferroelectrics offer electromechanical coupling coefficients > 90 percent with a range of dielectric permittivity allowing flexibility in transducer engineering in regard to electrical impedance matching. Using KLM modeling, very high bandwidth performance > 120 percent is projected. Specific examples of high frequency 1-3 composites and 1D linear array transducers fabricated from new piezoelectric materials, including sol-gel derived PZT fibers, are presented.
Wide-Angle Nuclear Detection Array (WANDA)

The Wide-Angle Nuclear Detection Array (WANDA) is a data analysis system that uses an array of detectors to act as a coincidence detection system, utilizes a database of possible radioisotopes, and searches this database using a physics-based analysis to identify the source type and location that best accounts for the measured Compton scattering data. This method has the ability to utilize partial-energy events and works with smaller and lower cost detectors that do not require full-energy absorption. WANDA maintains a full 4π field of view, and provides simultaneous recognition of the source location and identification of source material. Test scenarios exploring comparison of WANDA and conventional detection and identification technologies are presented.
Vesicular glutamate transporter mRNA expression in the medial temporal lobe in major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.

Background: Altered glutamate transmission has been found in the medial temporal lobe in severe psychiatric illnesses, including major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder (BD). The vesicular glutamate transporters (VGLUTs) have a pivotal role in presynaptic release of glutamate into the synaptic cleft. We investigated this presynaptic marker in major psychiatric illness by measuring transcript expression of the VGLUTs in the medial temporal lobe. Methods: The study sample comprised four groups of 13 subjects with MDD, BD, or schizophrenia (SCZ), and a comparison group from the Stanley Foundation Neuropathology Consortium. In situ hybridization was performed to quantify messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of VGLUT 1, 2, and 3 in medial temporal lobe structures. We also examined the same areas of rats treated with antidepressants, a mood stabilizer, and antipsychotics to assess the effects of these medications on VGLUT mRNA expression. Results: We found decreased VGLUT1 mRNA expression in both MDD and BD in the entorhinal cortex (ERC), decreased VGLUT2 mRNA expression in MDD in the middle temporal gyrus, and increased VGLUT2 mRNA expression in SCZ in the inferior temporal gyrus (ITG). We also found a negative correlation between age and VGLUT1 mRNA expression in BD in the ERC and ITG. We did not find any changes in VGLUT mRNA expression in the hippocampus in any diagnostic group. We found decreased VGLUT1 mRNA expression in rats treated with haloperidol in the temporal cortex. Conclusions: These data indicate region-specific alterations of presynaptic glutamate innervation in the medial temporal lobe in the mood disorders.
Estrogen selectively increases tryptophan hydroxylase-2 mRNA expression in distinct subregions of rat midbrain raphe nucleus: association between gene expression and anxiety behavior in the open field.

Background Ovarian steroids modulate anxiety behavior, perhaps by regulating the serotonergic neurons in the midbrain raphe nucleus. The regulation of the brain-specific isoform of rat tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH2) by ovarian hormones has not yet been investigated. Therefore, we examined the effects of estrogen and progesterone on TPH2 mRNA in the rat dorsal and median raphe nuclei (DRN and MRN, respectively) and whether TPH2 mRNA levels correlated with anxiety behavior. Methods Ovariectomized rats were treated for two weeks with placebo, estrogen or estrogen plus progesterone, exposed to the open field test, and TPH2 mRNA was quantified by in situ hybridization histochemistry. Results Estrogen increased TPH2 mRNA in the mid-ventromedial and caudal subregions of the DRN and the caudal MRN. Combined estrogen and progesterone treatment did not change TPH2 mRNA relative to ovariectomized controls. TPH2 mRNA in caudal DRN was associated with lower anxiety-like behavior, whereas TPH2 mRNA in rostral dorsomedial DRN was associated with increased anxiety-like behavior. Conclusions These results suggest that estrogen may increase the capacity for serotonin synthesis in discrete subgroups of raphe neurons, and reinforce previous observations that different subregions of DRN contribute to distinct components of anxiety behavior.
Scaling Plant Ultraviolet Spectral Responses from Laboratory Action Spectra to Field Spectral Weighting Factors

Biological spectral weighting functions (BSWF) play a key role in calculating the increase of biologically effective solar ultraviolet-B radiation (UVV- BE ) due to ozone reduction, assessing current latitudinal gradients of UV-B BE , and comparing solar UV-B BE with that from lamps and filters in plant experiments. Plant UV action spectra (usually determined with monochromatic radiation in the laboratory with exposure periods on the order of hours) are often used as BSWF. The realism of such spectra for plants growing day after day in polychromatic solar radiation in the field is questionable. We tested the widely used generalized plant action spectrum since preliminary data from an action spectrum being developed with monochromatic radiation for a cultivated oat variety indicate reasonable agreement with the generalized spectrum. These tests involved exposing plants to polychromatic radiation either from a high-pressure xenon arc lamp in growth chambers or in the field under solar radiation with supplemental UV-B lamps. Different broad-spectrum combinations were achieved by truncating the spectrum at successively longer UV wavelengths with various filters. In the growth chamber experiments, the generalized plant spectrum appeared to predict plant growth responses at short (<310 nm) wavelengths but not at longer wavelengths. The field experiment reinforced these conclusions, showing (in addition to the expected direct UV-B effects) both direct UV-A effects and UV-A mitigation of UV-B effects.
The young adult patient.

Summary The purpose of this paper is to 1) describe the unique issues of voice patients, ages 21–55; 2) outline the knowledge and clinical skills that speech language pathologists should possess to deal with those issues; and 3) provide suggestions for promoting vocal longevity.
What has Happened in Africa since Cairo

This article presents data on what has happened in Africa since Cairo. On too many fronts, especially in the areas of ICPD promises, the countries and people of sub-Saharan Africa have moved backwards, or have stagnated and made no progress. The poorest African countries grew poorer, while the richest nations of the North got (much) richer; life expectancy fell; maternal mortality rates rose; skilled personnel attended fewer births; the rates of preventable and treatable communicable diseases rose; public expenditure on health stagnated; and ratios of physicians to population fell or remained the same in one-fourth of the countries. This reflected a serious brain drain. Family planning is the one service that grew in the decade since Cairo.
Sermo and Stoic Sociality in Cicero's De Officiis

In his avowedly Stoic De Officiis , Cicero publicizes the persuasive power of a conversational manner, a communicative style consonant with Stoicism9s emphasis on human togetherness. The relationships between and among conversation ( sermo ), Stoicism, and rhetoric call for scrutiny, especially since in other works Cicero decries the uselessness of Stoicism to orators of res publica . By connecting Stoicism with sermo , and sermo with oratory-glory, Cicero fits Stoicism to Rome9s political contours and also ushers future leaders of public affairs into both rhetorical and philosophical conversation—mild-mannered modes of discourse—during a politically turbulent time.
Fyn kinase inhibition as a novel therapy for Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder, afflicting more than one-third of people over the age of 85. While many therapies for AD are in late-stage clinical testing, rational drug design based on distinct signaling pathways in this disorder is only now emerging. Here we review the putative signaling pathway of amyloid-beta (Aβ), by which the tyrosine kinase Fyn is activated via cell surface binding of Aβ oligomers to cellular prion protein. Several lines of evidence implicate Fyn in the pathogenesis of AD, and its interaction with both Aβ and Tau renders Fyn a unique therapeutic target that addresses both of the major pathologic hallmarks of AD. We are currently enrolling patients in a phase Ib study of saracatinib (AZD0530), a small molecule inhibitor with high potency for Src and Fyn, for the treatment of AD. The results of this trial and a planned phase IIa multisite study will provide important data regarding the potential for this therapeutic strategy in AD.
Moving from the Margins to where? Three Decades of Latino/a Studies

In the US higher education system Latino/a Studies is primarily practiced in three types of settings. As Enclaves Latino/a Studies are marginalized, underfunded academic units that are politically tolerated, but disparaged within their respective institutions. In the Transgressive setting, the units have acquired a degree of intellectual authority and political standing within their respective institutions. The third setting, Absorption, is characterized by an effort to absorb Latino Studies into American Studies or centers on race and ethnicity. The progression from Enclave to Absorption is not unilinear, and all three states of Latino Studies can be found in universities throughout the United States. However, the progression also denotes the academic evolution of Latino Studies, its continued relevance for students and the recognition that this emerging academic field has a role in the university's mission. How Latino/a Studies is positioned in the university will figure prominently in the future development of the field.
A comparison of steady-state equilibrium and rate-based models for packed reactive distillation columns

A steady-state equilibrium model and a rate-based model were developed and compared for packed reactive distillation columns for the production of tert-amyl methyl ether (TAME) and methyl acetate. For the methyl acetate system, both models yield good agreement with experimental data. The results predicted by the equilibrium and rate-based models are similar with very few differences found under all simulation conditions. However, the rate-based model is much more complicated than the equilibrium model and also more difficult to converge. The influence of the reflux ratio, the operating pressure, the catalyst amount, and the heat loss was studied. It was found that reactive distillation behaves very differently from ordinary distillation. The existence of an optimal reflux ratio and an optimal pressure is predicted by both models.
Chemoselective fabrication of high density peptide microarray by hetero‐bifunctional tetra(ethylene glycol) linker for click chemistry conjugation

A hetero-bifunctional tetra(ethylene glycol) molecule with silane and azide termini was synthesized, and this molecule was used to prepare azide-derivatized glass surface in one step. The resulting glass surface was available for fabricating peptide microarray by the conjugation with alkyne-containing peptide using click chemistry, which proceeded to the completion at low temperature and in aqueous solution. A high density of peptide on the surface was achieved due to concise overall procedure and highly efficient conjugation reaction. Immobilized peptides were highly bio-functional on the surface, as demonstrated by the ability to detect protease activity. Due to the biologically orthogonal manner of conjugation, peptide conjugated by site-specific immobilization was more accessible by protease than that conjugated by random amide conjugation. This site-specific and high efficient immobilization technique could be expanded to large scale development of biocompatible peptide and protein arrays for use in various applications.
How Do My Friends Matter? Examining Latino Adolescents’ Friendships, School Belonging, and Academic Achievement

Are Latino adolescents’ friendships an untapped resource for academic achievement or perhaps one of the reasons why these youth struggle academically? Using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (N = 6782; 7th through 12th graders; 52.9 % female), we examined whether the process of Latino students’ school belonging mediated the relationships between the context of friendships (i.e., friendship network indicators) and their academic outcomes (i.e., a context-process-outcomes model), and tested whether the process-context link varied by friends’ characteristics (i.e., GPA and problem behavior; social capital). Moreover, we tested whether all relationships varied across the four largest Latino subgroups in the U.S. (i.e., Mexican, Central/South American, Puerto Rican, and Cuban). Our findings indicate that being nominated as a friend by peers and perceiving to have friends exerted both direct effects on school belonging in all but one of the Latino ethnic samples (i.e., Puerto Rican samples) and indirect effects on academic achievement in the full Latino, Mexican, and Central/South American samples. As such, school belonging was more likely to explain the links between academic achievement with nominations by peers as a friend and perceived friends than with having close-knit friendship groups. However, having a close-knit group of average or low-achieving friends predicted more school belonging for Mexican youth, but less school belonging for Cubans. Our findings suggest that friendships may be particularly beneficial for the school belonging process of highly marginalized groups in the U.S. (i.e., Mexican-origin).
Geometric invariants for classification of cortical sulci

We have developed a computational method based on a family of geometric measures for the purpose of classification and identification of families of sulcal curves from human brain surfaces. Topologically correct cortical surfaces of the human brain were extracted from magnetic resonance images. Polygonal curves representing sulcal curves were then generated on each surface. Geometric measures including Gauss integrals, moments and topological features were computed for each curve to obtain a set of feature vectors in a high dimensional vector space. These feature were used to classify the curves into sulcal and hemispheric classes. In our preliminary results, an automatic differentiation between sulcal paths from the left or right hemispheres and individual sulcal curve classification were achieved, indicating these measures may have biological significance in neuroscientific data.
Ribosomal footprints on a transcriptome landscape

Next-generation massively parallel sequencing technology provides a powerful new means of assessing rates and regulation of translation across an entire transcriptome.
Low-magnification unstable resonators used with ruby and alexandrite lasers

Low-magnification unstable resonators that utilize radially birefringent elements and that have been shown to be suitable for use with ruby and alexandrite lasers are described. From these resonators, 400 mJ of energy in a Q-switched pulse with ~2.5x diffraction-limited output has been obtained from alexandrite, and 250-mJ Q-switched output that is near diffraction limited has been obtained from ruby.
PARTY IDENTIFICATION AND PUBLIC SPENDING PRIORITIES IN THE AMERICAN ELECTORATE

Abstract. In a study published in 1980, Alan Lewis found that members of the British mass public tend to have clearly defined preferences on spending in specific policy areas and that these preferences are closely related to party identification. This paper examines Lewis's conclusion in the American setting. Data on eleven spending policies from the 1973 and 1980 General Social Survey are examined via factor analysis and multiple classification analysis. While some change is observed between 1973 and 1980, the preferences of the American public on public expenditures appear to be quite stable and, contrary to Lewis's findings these preferences are unrelated to party identification.
Improving the Interpretation of Noun Phrases with Cross-linguistic Information

This paper addresses the automatic classification of semantic relations in noun phrases based on cross-linguistic evidence from a set of five Romance languages. A set of novel semantic and contextual English‐ Romance NP features is derived based on empirical observations on the distribution of the syntax and meaning of noun phrases on two corpora of different genre (Europarl and CLUVI). The features were employed in a Support Vector Machines algorithm which achieved an accuracy of 77.9% (Europarl) and 74.31% (CLUVI), an improvement compared with two state-of-the-art models reported in the literature.
Decrease in Sympathetic Nervous System Activity and Attenuation in Response to Stress Following Renal Denervation in the One-kidney One-clip Goldblatt Hypertensive Rat

We have found that renal denervation in the one-kidney one-clip Goldblatt hypertensive rat results in an attenuation of the hypertension associated with a decrease in sympathetic nervous system activity. To test further the hypothesis that the renal nerves (afferents) contribute to the maintenance of hypertension in this model by modulating sympathetic nervous system activity, plasma norepinephrine and epinephrine changes in response to stress were compared in hypertensive sham-operated (n=6), renal denervated (n=6) and control (n=7) animals. Stress was produced in conscious resting unrestrained animals by administering two brief electrical stimulations to the hindlimb. Resting plasma norepinephrine was significantly higher (P < 0.01) in hypertensive sham-operated (420 + 41 pg/ml) compared to renal denervated (289 ± 23 pg/ml) or control (296 ± 25 pg/ml) animals. There was no difference in resting plasma epinephrine among the groups. In response to stress there were significantly greater absolute increases...
Biliary tract complications following 52 consecutive orthotopic liver transplants.

UNLABELLED Biliary tract complications were analysed after 52 consecutive orthotopic liver transplants performed in 51 patients between September 1996 and April 1997. Reconstruction of the bile duct consisted of end-to-end choledochocholedochostomy without a T-tube (CC), (n = 40), and Roux-end Y choledochojejunostomy (CDJ) (n = 12)--six for children transplants, four for sclerosing cholangitis, one for cryptogenic cirrhosis and in one retransplantation. There was no intraoperative mortality. Biliary complications occurred in six liver transplants (11.55%). Early biliary complications (up to 3 months after operation) consisted of four bile leaks, for which ultrasonographically guided drainage was effective in one, endoscopic procedures in two and surgical repair in one case. Late biliary complications (3 month-onwards) consisted of one anastomotic stricture--reoperation was required, and one ampullary dysfunction, where endoscopic sphincterotomy was performed. CONCLUSIONS Biliary complications are rather frequent after orthotropic liver transplantation (OLT) and can be treated effectively and do not cause excessive mortality. T-tubes and stents are not to be recommended.
A Novel Method of Fault Location for Single-Phase Microgrids

This paper presents a novel fault location method for single-phase microgrids. In order to locate a fault, a feature specific to the fault location is found, namely the maximum oscillation magnitude of the transient voltage signal induced by the fault. Our theoretical study and extensive simulations demonstrate that there is an approximated linear relationship between the maximum magnitude of the transient signal observed by a sensor, and the distance between the sensor and the fault location. Based on the discovered relationship, microgrid topology and sensor location information, we have designed an algorithm capable of locating the fault in the single-phase microgrids. The proposed fault location method has been implemented and validated through simulations in Electro-Magnetic Transients Program and MATLAB. The average localization error is less than 10% in the evaluation results, which manifests the significance of the novel method, as there is little research done for fault location in single-phase microgrids.
Abstract 3923: ATM and KAP1 are required for nonhomologous end-joining in transcriptionally active chromatin

The effect of ATM signaling on nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ) was investigated using a novel, chromosomally-integrated, viral vector that allows for inducing tandem I-SceI-mediated DNA double strand breaks (DSBs). The DSBs can then be analyzed for NHEJ repair events by fluorescence- and PCR-based methods. Using highly specific kinase inhibitors and this repair system, we show that inhibiting ATM reduces NHEJ by 80% in human U87 glioma cells. PCR products that span the repaired DSBs were analyzed by cleavage with a restriction enzyme that exclusively cuts the DNA repaired by high-fidelity repair. This analysis showed that the extent of high-fidelity repair was reduced by 40% when the ATM kinase was inhibited. KAP1 is a DNA damage-induced phosphorylation target of ATM that is linked to the modulation of chromatin structure. The ATM kinase inhibitor used in our studies blocks radiation-induced phosphorylation of KAP1 on serine 823/4. Knocking down KAP1 via shRNA had no effect on homologous recombination repair, but reduced NHEJ by 80%. Simultaneous treatment of cells with the ATM inhibitor and trichostatin A, a histone deacetylase inhibitor that promotes chromatin decondensation, abrogated the effect of the ATM inhibitor. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that ATM regulates DNA accessibility in chromatin. Together, these results suggest that ATM is critical for NHEJ of I-SceI DSBs and for high-fidelity repair of breaks within transcriptionally-active chromatin. The requirement for ATM in this system is likely a consequence of its signaling to chromatin modulating proteins that dynamically act on chromatin architecture surrounding DSBs. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3923.
2mm Catheter Design for Optical Coherence Microscopy

A 2 mm biophotonics catheter was conceived with collimation optics, an axicon lens, and custom design imaging optics yielding a 360 degree scan within concave structures such as arteries and lung lobes.
SPATIAL AND TEMPORAL VARIATION IN GROUP RELATEDNESS: EVIDENCE FROM THE IMPORTED WILLOW LEAF BEETLE

The distribution of genetic variance within and among socially interacting groups, often quantified as the average relatedness or r, is an important determinant of the evolution of social behaviors. Models of social evolution often treat this average as a constant characteristic of a species. In this paper, we present data documenting the degree of temporal and spatial variation in the average relatedness of larval groups of imported willow leaf beetles, a species whose im- matures display several primitive social behaviors. Collections of groups were made over three generations at three localities in Virginia and three localities in Illinois. Average relatedness was estimated from the distribution of electrophoretically determined genotypic frequencies within and among groups for each collection. Average relatedness ranged from 0.20 at one locality in Illinois to 0.65 at one locality in Virginia. Individual cases of pairwise differences between samples indicated that there were both temporal and locality effects. Further, statistical analysis showed the set of relatedness values to be heterogeneous with significant locality effects. Geographic genetic variance was also partitioned among trees sampled within localities in Illinois, among localities within each state, and between states. Notably, significant gene-frequency variation among groups of beetles occupying closely spaced trees was detected at several localities.
Improving music teaching and learning through online service: A case study of a synchronous online teaching internship

This case study explored the potential for using a synchronous online piano teaching internship as a service-learning project for graduate pedagogy interns. In partnership with the university, a local music retailer, and a local middle school, three pedagogy interns taught beginning piano to underprivileged teenaged students for 8 weeks. All instruction took place in the synchronous online environment using acoustic Disklavier pianos, Internet MIDI, Facetime, and traditional method books. As a result of the experience, the students demonstrated musical understanding and the pedagogy interns developed teaching techniques, displayed improved comprehension of course content, learned about current distance teaching technology, and considered the role of music education in society. Based on these results, it might be feasible to provide piano lessons to underserved populations in remote locations while offering meaningful internship experiences to pedagogy students through distance service-learning projects.
The Negative Impacts of Schumer Graham Bill on U.S. Economy

The Schumer-Graham bill brought the Sino-U.S. game on RMB exchange rate to a critical point. This paper proves theoretically that the bill would exert evident negative impacts on the U.S. economy, meanwhile through Granger test and VAR model, these "impacts" are quantitatively evaluated. The conclusion is the enforcement of the Schumer-Graham bill would force the U.S. to pay more on job opportunities than it is paying now. To balance the economy, the U.S. should embark a painful structural reform. There is no shortcut.
Ablation of Adenosine Monophosphate-Activated Protein Kinase α1 in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells Promotes Diet-Induced Atherosclerotic Calcification In Vivo

RATIONALE Atherosclerotic calcification is highly linked with plaque rapture. How calcification is regulated is poorly characterized. OBJECTIVE We sought to determine the contributions of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in atherosclerotic calcification. METHODS AND RESULTS Aortic calcification was evaluated in aortic roots and brachiocephalic arteries of atherosclerotic prone ApoE(-/-) mice or in mice with dual deficiencies of ApoE and AMPKα isoforms in whole body (ApoE(-/-)/AMPKα1(-/-) and ApoE(-/-)/AMPKα2(-/-)) or vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC)-specific or macrophage-specific knockout of AMPKα1 fed with Western diet for 24 weeks. Genetic deficiency of AMPKα1 but not of AMPKα2 promoted atherosclerotic calcification and the expression of Runx2 (Runt-related transcription factor). Conversely, chronic administration of metformin, which activated AMPK, markedly reduced atherosclerotic calcification and Runx2 expression in ApoE(-/-) mice but had less effects in ApoE(-/-)/AMPKα1(-/-) mice. Furthermore, VSMC-specific but not macrophage-specific ablation of AMPKα1 promoted aortic calcification in vivo. Ablation of AMPKα1 in VSMC prevented Runx2 from proteasome degradation in parallel with aberrant osteoblastic differentiation of VSMC, whereas AMPK activation promoted Runx2 post-translational modification by small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO, SUMOylation), which is associated with its instability. Mechanically, we found that AMPKα1 directly phosphorylated protein inhibitor of activated STAT-1 (PIAS1), the SUMO E3-ligase of Runx2, at serine 510, to promote its SUMO E3-ligase activity. Finally, mutation of protein inhibitor of activated STAT-1 at serine 510 suppressed metformin-induced Runx2 SUMOylation and subsequently prevented metformin's effect on reducing oxidized low-density lipoprotein-triggered Runx2 expression in VSMC. CONCLUSIONS AMPKα1 phosphorylated protein inhibitor of activated STAT-1 to promote Runx2 SUMOylation and subsequently lead to its instability. AMPKα1 deficiency in VSMC increased Runx2 expression and promoted atherosclerotic calcification in vivo.