cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Diversity of Xanthomonas campestris Isolates from Symptomatic Crucifers in New York State

To assess the diversity of Xanthomonas campestris spp. infecting crucifers in New York, 154 isolates were collected over 10 years across the state. The goal was to determine if isolates of the pathogen were overwintering in New York and serving as primary inoculum in subsequent years, or if novel isolates were entering the state each year. Pure cultures of isolates were characterized using multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA), a greenhouse pathogenicity assay, repetitive element-polymerase chain reaction (Rep-PCR) using the BOX-A1R primer, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The MLSA scheme proved to be more efficient than Rep-PCR for a large sample population and for comparison with global isolates. X. campestris isolated from crucifers in New York comprised of X. campestris pv. campestris and X. campestris pv. raphani, with X. campestris pv. raphani being predominately isolated from transplants. Evidence for unique haplotypes persisting on the same farm for several years due to improper seedbed rotations was documented in addition to novel haplotypes being spread throughout states through infected transplants and seed. Rep-PCR confirmed the high diversity of X. campestris and was used to generate 15 unique fingerprint patterns from isolates collected in the first 5 years. A worldwide comparison of isolates suggests that the X. campestris pv. campestris population appears to be very homogenous with dominant haplotypes persisting for extended periods and being globally disseminated.
Analytical modeling of irrigation and land use effects on streamflow in semi-arid conditions

Summary Availability and uncertainty in input data are the primary constraints of groundwater modeling. Analytical models assimilate the key and important data, but capture the major traits of the watershed. We study a baseflow-dominated stream, Frenchman Creek in southwestern Nebraska, USA, which has experienced large streamflow reductions since the 1960s and is a subject of various actions on water rights appropriation. The new element of the model is simultaneous analytical consideration of groundwater pumping and land use change effects. Analytical stream depletion rate calculations by various methods show that pumping from the 462 irrigation wells in the basin consumed a large amount of baseflow. The simulated streamflow at the outlet of Frenchman Creek with minimal calibration compares favorably with observed streamflow and indicates the viability of an analytical approach to watersheds with limited hydrogeologic data.
Factors Associated With Excessive Gestational Weight Gain: Review of Current Literature.

BackgroundExcessive gestational weight gain (EGWG) places women at increased risk for complications during pregnancy and also increases the likelihood that they will remain overweight after pregnan...
Comparison of Grip and Pinch Strength in Adults with Dexterity Limitations to Normative Values

Abstract Upper extremity function, which includes manual dexterity, plays an important role in one's ability to perform activities of daily living. Dexterity may be reduced for a variety of reasons such as age, injury or disease. Understanding the capabilities of these users is critical to the effective design of products to meet their needs. While normative dexterity data is available for healthy adults, none has been compiled for people with dexterity limitations. The purpose of this study was to measure grip strength, key pinch strength and tip pinch strength in users with limited dexterity and compare them to adult norms. Average strength values were lower in all tests in men and women. It was observed that the dominant hand was strongest in each test in women but not always in men. No strong correlation between age and hand strength was observed. The sample size in this study was small so specific results are hard to generalize. The emergences of clear trends that differ from healthy norms indicate that a wider study may be fruitful.
Death data as input to policy-making.

United States and international mortality statistics are analyzed for various applications because of their importance for identifying and monitoring health problems developing programs for disease prevention and health promotion and for portraying trends and patterns. Since public and corporate policy is significantly affected by vital statistics data the quality of the information on the death certificate should be as accurate and complete as possible. (EXCERPT)
When Mr. Right Becomes Mr. Wrong: Women’s Postdivorce Name Choice

ABSTRACTDivorced women (N = 185) who had changed to their husband’s name responded to a survey about their postdivorce name choice, which included demographic questions, Ambivalent Sexism Inventory, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and Basic Psychological Needs Satisfaction in General Scale. Resumers were younger and had more education than women maintainers. Resumers were married for fewer years and had fewer children at the time of divorce. Gender attitudes were not related to postdivorce name choice. Bivariate results provided some support for the hypothesis that name choice would be related to well-being measures. Maintainers reported significantly higher levels of autonomy and competence, but there was no difference in relatedness and self-esteem. Further analysis showed these relationships were moderated by age. Higher levels of autonomy and competence were seen in maintainers, but only among younger women. Possible explanations and the need for further research are discussed.
Digital Synthesis of a Partially Coherent Sparse Aperture System

Sparse aperture systems typically require complex hardware to phase sub-apertures. Increasing relative sub-aperture spacing in the exit pupil allows for digital phasing. Results shown demonstrate increased resolution using this approach to phase two apertures.
The behavior of fabric-film laminates under uniaxial and biaxial loading

Space Structures that require light weight materials with sufficiently high strength and environmental endurance have been in increasing demand since the early 80’s. Not until recently when advances in the textiles and plastics industries made available a wide range of materials that allows the designer to composite structural films with better engineering performance than previously available. The new structures utilize component across the boundaries of several industries. To name a few, homogenous films, co-extruded films, woven fabrics, non-woven fabrics, scrims and nets are just examples. In this study, the mechanical properties of a composite film made of a polyester-based woven fabric laminated to thin homogenous films of polyester (Mylar) and polyethylene (PE) is being measured and analyzed. This fabric/films laminate composite structure is being considered for ’ CopyTight 1999 by the Am&an hwtitutr of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Inc. No copyright is asserted in the United States under Titk 17, U.S. Code. The U.S. Govemnicnt has a royalty-lice liccw to exercise all rights under the copyright claimxJ herein for Governmental F’wposcs. All other rights are reserved by the copyright owner. the development of a material suitable for building large gas envelopes for use in the NASA Ultra Long Duration Balloon Program (ULDB). Compared to commercial homogenous films, the material provides relatively high strength to weight ratio as well as better resistance to crack and tear propagation. The purpose of this paper is to present the uniaxial and biaxial behavior of this class of multi-layers composite and to highlight some of the concerns observed during the characterization of these laminate composites.
Using the Templer Scale to Assess “Death Anxiety:” A Cautionary Note

This note's purpose is to argue against the continued use of the Templer (1970) Death Anxiety Scale, which has become the most widely used measure of death attitudes. Recent findings indicate that ...
Change trend in smoking prevalence among residents in Shijiazhuang city

Objective To study the prevalence of smoking in 2013 and its change trend between 2008 and 2013 among residents in Shijiazhuang city and to provide reliable evidences for developing tobacco control strategies. Methods Through random stratified sampling,10 201 permanent residents ≥15 years old were selected from 9 districts in Shijiazhuang city and interviewed face-to-face with a questionnaire in 2013 and the change trend in the prevalence of smoking compared to in 2008 was analyzed. Results Among the residents the current smoking and everyday smoking rates were19. 8% and 16. 8%,and the average number of cigarettes smoked was 18. 1 ± 10. 3 per day for current smokers; for all the smokers the average age of initial smoking was 19. 8 ± 5. 2 years and the smoking cessation and successful smoking cessation rates were 29. 4% and 10. 9%. There were differences in the rates of current smoking,everyday smoking,and smoking cessation among the residents of different gender,age,and living residence( all P 0. 05). The smokers at different age and living in different areas had significantly different average number of cigarettes smoked per day,initial age of smoking,and successful smoking cessation rate( all P 0. 05). Both the standardized smoking rate and everyday smoking rate among the residents were lower( 20. 5% vs. 23. 9% and 17. 5% vs. 19. 0%) than those from a survey conducted in2008. Conclusion Smoking was more prevalent in the males and among rural residents than in the females and among urban residents and although the prevalence rate of smoking showed a decrease trend compared to that in 2008 but was still at a high level in Shijiazhuang city.
Legal Thought on Computer Information Evidence

As the production in certain level in the development of science and technology,the computer information evidence steadily appears with great effect.But its distinctive character brings problems to the judicial practice.\;[
The determinants of NCAA basketball recruiting outcomes

ABSTRACTUsing recruiting rankings from Rivals.com, the authors examine the determinants of recruiting success among D1 NCAA men’s basketball programmes. After controlling for a host of potentially relevant variables, the authors find that recruiting outcomes are correlated with recent on-court success, historical on-court success, stadium size and playing in a ‘power’ conference. Additionally, teams with a history of sending players to the NBA receive heightened recruiting outcomes. A team with a new coach can expect difficulties with recruiting, while head coaches with national championships receive a recruiting boost. Finally, the authors show that recruiting strategies for guards may differ from recruiting strategies for other players.
Experimental results with the BiBlade sampling chain for comet surface sampling

The BiBlade sampling chain has been developed for use in a potential Comet Surface Sample Return mission in a touch-and-go mission architecture. This paper describes the BiBlade sampling chain, an implementation of the system and experimental results. The system includes a BiBlade sampling tool, a robotic arm, a sample measurement system, a sample transfer system, and simulants.
Historical Perspective of Surgical Innovation

Surgical history has been defined by innovation. While surgical techniques have existed for several millennia, the foundation of modern surgery was the discovery of general anesthesia and the development of aseptic technique in the nineteenth century. Following these discoveries, major “open” surgical procedures were described for treatment of many benign and malignant diseases. Further innovations in vascular anastomosis, electrosurgery, positive pressure ventilation, cardiopulmonary bypass circuits, transplant immunology, and parenteral nutrition widened the aperture of surgical opportunity. At the end of the twentieth century, innovations in minimally invasive, image-guided surgery (from laparoscopy to endovascular surgery) forever changed the practice of surgery and the training of surgeons. These innovations were disruptive to the practice of classic open surgery, allowing an opportunity for creative pioneer surgeons of all ages and all disciplines to engage in the transformation of surgical practice simultaneously requiring the development of many devices, techniques, and technologies. The innovative process requires education, teamwork, imagination, and laser-like focus on the problem to be solved. Successful innovators are less frequently driven by financial gain than they are by the chance to make a difference, to make a procedure safer, simpler, and/or less invasive.
Biomaterials for Dental Applications

Based on population projections, the number of teeth at risk for dental disease in 1980 was 2.8 billion for those over the age of 65, and is expected to increase to 5 billion teeth at risk by 2020 (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). Dental materials are going to play an important role in the treatment of such ailments. As a matter of fact, dental materials have a long checkered history. From a historical viewpoint, many different materials, both natural and artificial, have been used in treating various oral disorders. Obviously for the materials to succeed, they have to be at least biocompatible and should be able to bond with teeth or bone. These materials should appear like natural tooth, if visible, and exhibit properties similar to those from various parts of a tooth.
The research of distribution network communication method

Distribution network automation is aiming at improving the reliability of power supply, ameliorating the power quality and improving the operate management efficiency. However, all kinds of technology are developing continuously, but one key element to improve the level of distribution network automation is to choose the reasonable, reliable, economic communication method. This issue analyze some kinds of commonly communication method, and compare them about reliability, timeliness and economic efficiency etc. Through the analysis, the method that using mobile wireless network is obviously worthy application.
Observation and Modeling of the South Atlantic Anomaly in Low Earth Orbit Using Photometric Instrument Data

We present a new model of the South Atlantic Anomaly (SAA) particle flux intensity for low Earth orbit, based a new data set, i.e., particle noise pulses in an ultraviolet photomultiplier. The data set is unique in that it provides daily monitoring of the strength of the particle radiation at a fixed altitude and local time and provides a consistent set of observations across the deep solar minimum. The observations show the following: (1) a development over the decline of solar cycle 23 into a deep solar minimum and the subsequent rise of cycle 24, (2) the slow motion drift of the SAA centroid with time at the rate—longitude drift =0.36 ± 0.06°W/yr, and latitude drift =0.16 ± 0.09°N/yr, (3) a higher particle flux at solar minimum than at solar maximum, and (4) a yearly cyclical variation. These particle rates are deduced from electric noise pulses generated in the photometers when an energetic charged particle hits the detector and causes an electron to be liberated from the detector material. The model described here can be used to monitor and even spatially predict the changes in particle fluxes seen by instruments in contemporaneous low Earth orbits through the SAA.
Recent developments in the analysis and design of microstrip arrays

Microstrip antenna array design is a rich and fascinating subject that has attracted the interest of antenna practitioners and analysts alike. This is partly due to the fact that microstrip arrays have a number of practical advantages, such as low cost, light weight, and conformability, that make them preferred over other antenna types for a variety of applications. But another reason for the interest in this subject is the fact that printed antennas offer more flexibility and variety in their design than probably any other class of antenna. The large number of possible permutations of element types, feeding methods, and substrate configurations has led to a wealth of novel and useful designs, and this trend shows no sign of diminishing [1]. This wide variety of microstrip array configurations also provides a fertile supply of challenging problems in analysis and modelling.
A Facile Synthesis of Highly Stable Modified Carbon Nanotubes as Efficient Oxygen Reduction Reaction Catalysts

© 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim In this work a facile synthetic process for modified carbon nanotubes for ORR catalysis is described. X-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS) and Raman spectroscopy confirm the inclusion of surface carbonyl groups in these modified nanotubes. Via rotating disk electrode (RDE) experiments in an alkaline medium, the modified nanotubes were found to equal the activity of a Pt/C standard and exceed the stability of the platinum catalyst. Density functional theory (DFT) and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) studies serve to provide theoretical and experimental electronic property information which explain the improved ORR activity seen by the modified nanotubes.
Homework: A Nightly Ritual Beginning in the Elementary Grades

4 INTRODUCTION 5 Statement of Problem 5 Purpose Statement 6 Research Question 6 THEORETICAL RATIONALE 6 Assumptions 8 Background and Need 9 REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE 12 Review of the Previous Research 12 Early history 12 Are there different types of homework given? 16 Are there academic benefits to homework? 20 Are there nonacademic benefits to homework? 21 Does parental involvement have an influence on homework? 22 Does socioeconomic status have an influence on homework? 24 Does the environment in which homework is completed influence students? 27 Does a student’s culture have an influence on homework? 29 Does homework cause positive or negative psychological influences on students? 32 Does the amount of time spent on homework have an influence on students? 34 Do after school programs and the community have an influence on homework? 36 How is teacher training related to homework? 39 Summary of Major Themes 41 DISCUSSION 42 Summary of Major Findings 42 Limitations/Gaps in the Literature 43 Implications for Future Research 45 Overall Significance of the Literature 46 REFERENCES 49 Homework in the Elementary Grades 4
The Supremacy Clause as a Constraint on Federal Power

Today, it is widely accepted that the Constitution authorizes courts to review and invalidate state laws that conflict with federal statutes. At the same time, prominent commentators and even some judges maintain that courts should not seriously review the constitutionality of federal statutes alleged to exceed the scope of Congress' enumerated powers. In their view, the constitutional structure protects the states (and thereby reduces the need for judicial review of federal power), but establishes no comparable safeguards to deter states from interfering with federal prerogatives. Contrary to this position, there is an express textual basis for judicial review of federal statutes alleged to exceed Congress' enumerated powers. The Supremacy Clause establishes a rule of decision for courts adjudicating the rights and duties of parties under both state and federal law. Under our federal system, the States possess sovereignty concurrent with that of the Federal Government, subject only to limitations imposed by the Supremacy Clause. The Clause, in turn, designates as the supreme Law of the Land only those Laws of the United States . . . made in Pursuance of the Constitution. If a federal statute satisfies this condition, courts must apply the statute notwithstanding contrary state law. If the federal statute fails this condition, however, it does not qualify as the supreme Law of the Land and courts remain free to apply state law. Thus, in order to apply the Supremacy Clause, courts must necessarily consider and resolve challenges to the constitutionality of federal statutes. The text, history, and structure of the Constitution confirm that the Supremacy Clause authorizes judicial review of federal statutes alleged to exceed the scope of federal power. The Founders considered three alternative mechanisms for resolving conflicts between state and federal law: coercive military force, congressional power to negative state laws, and adjudication under the Supremacy Clause. The decision to enlist courts - rather than Congress or the President - indicates that the Founders preferred to treat conflicts between state and federal law as judicial, rather than political questions. In addition, by expressly conditioning the supremacy of federal statutes on their constitutionality, the Supremacy Clause reassured the states that courts (both federal and state) would keep the federal government within the bounds of its assigned powers. Thus, in effect, the Clause reserves all remaining powers to the states, or to the people. These conclusions find support in the Supreme Court's early invocation of the Supremacy Clause to explain judicial review of federal statutes in cases like McCulloch v. Maryland and Gibbons v. Ogden.
Breast Cancer Screening Disparity among Korean American Immigrant Women in Midwest

Purpose: Using three breast cancer screening methods such as mammogram, Clinical Breast Examination (CBE), and Breast Self-Examination (BSE), this study investigated breast cancer screening rates and its associated factors in Korean American immigrant women. Method: Cross-sectional data were obtained from 168 Korean immigrant women aged 40 and older in Midwest. The Andersen’s Behavioral Model (1995) theoretically guided this study and logistic regression was used to examine factors associated with screening receipt and performance. Results: Study participants reported low screening rates, specifically mammography and CBE uptake. About 71% of the women had a mammography at least once in their lifetime, while about 36% indicating receipt of a mammogram in the last three years. About 59% of the women received a CBE at least once in their lifetime, while about 32% had CBE in the past three years. About 74% of study participants have performed BSE at least once in their life time, while about 68% have done it in the past three years. Knowledge of screening method was consistently correlated with participant’s three breast cancer screening uptake. Additional factors that were positively associated with screening included older age, low barriers to mammograms, and lower educational attainment. Conclusions: Overall, study participants reported low rates of breast cancer screening receipt and performance. It is required to promote screening uptake among Korean immigrant women, especially women with young age, a lower level of education, and lack of health accessibility. A community-based language-appropriate health education program should be developed to increase health care access.
Dred Scott on the Pacific: African Americans, Citizenship, and Subjecthood in the North American West

In 1857, hundreds of black Californians migrated to western Canada, where they sought to become naturalized British subjects. In less than a decade many of them returned to California. They were propelled, in the first instance, by the Dred Scott v. Sandford (1857) ruling that U.S.-born African Americans were not citizens, and in the second instance by the Fourteenth (1868) and Fifteenth (1870) Amendments that reversed Dred Scott and promised voting rights. The article explores the reasons for Vancouver Island’s racial liberalism and its initial acceptance and later political reversal of African American settlers’ rights. In the long run, this pair of transnational migrations illuminate the significant roles of African Americans in shaping the course of westward expansion of both California and Vancouver Island.
So not mothers: responsibility for surrogate orphans

The law ordinarily recognises the woman who gives birth as the mother of a child, but in certain jurisdictions, it will recognise the commissioning couple as the legal parents of a child born to a commercial surrogate. Some commissioning parents have, however, effectively abandoned the children they commission, and in such cases, commercial surrogates may find themselves facing unexpected maternal responsibility for children they had fully intended to give up. Any assumption that commercial surrogates ought to assume maternal responsibility for abandoned children runs contrary to the moral suppositions that typically govern contract surrogacy, in particular, assumptions that gestational carriers are not 'mothers' in any morally significant sense. In general, commercial gestational surrogates are almost entirely conceptualised as 'vessels'. In a moral sense, it is deeply inconsistent to expect commercial surrogates to assume maternal responsibility simply because commissioning parents abandon children for one reason or another. We identify several instances of child abandonment and discuss their implications with regard to the moral conceptualisation of commercial gestational surrogates. We conclude that if gestational surrogates are to remain conceptualised as mere vessels, they should not be expected to assume responsibility for children abandoned by commissioning parents, not even the limited responsibility of giving them up for adoption or surrendering them to the state.
Middle-Down Characterization of the Cell Cycle Dependence of Histone H4 Posttranslational Modifications and Proteoforms.

Post-translational modifications (PTMs) of histones are important epigenetic regulatory mechanisms that are often dysregulated in cancer. We employ middle-down proteomics to investigate the PTMs and proteoforms of histone H4 during cell cycle progression. We use pH gradient weak cation exchange-hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (WCX-HILIC) for on-line liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis to separate and analyze the proteoforms of histone H4. This procedure provides enhanced separation of proteoforms, including positional isomers, and simplifies downstream data analysis. We use ultrahigh mass accuracy and resolution Fourier transform-ion cyclotron resonance (FT-ICR) mass spectrometer to unambiguously distinguish between acetylation and tri-methylation (∆m = 0.036 Da). In total, we identify and quantify 233 proteoforms of histone H4 in two breast cancer cell lines. We observe significant increases in S1 phosphorylation during mitosis, implicating an important role in mitotic chromatin condensation. A decrease of K20 unmodified proteoforms is observed as the cell cycle progresses, corresponding to an increase of K20 mono- and di-methylation. Acetylation at K5, K8, K12, and K16 declines as cells traverse from S phase to mitosis, suggesting cell cycle-dependence and an important role during chromatin replication and condensation. These new insights into the epigenetics of the cell cycle may provide new diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers.
Dark matters: effects of light at night on metabolism

Life on earth has evolved during the past several billion years under relatively bright days and dark night conditions. The wide-spread adoption of electric lights during the past century exposed animals, both human and non-human, to significant light at night for the first time in their evolutionary history. Endogenous circadian clocks depend on light to entrain to the external daily environment and seasonal rhythms depend on clear nightly melatonin signals to assess time of year. Thus, light at night can derange temporal adaptations. Indeed, disruption of naturally evolved light-dark cycles results in several physiological and behavioural changes with potentially serious implications for physiology, behaviour and mood. In this review, data from night-shift workers on their elevated risk for metabolic disorders, as well as data from animal studies will be discussed. Night-shift workers are predisposed to obesity and dysregulated metabolism that may result from disrupted circadian rhythms. Although studies in human subjects are correlative, animal studies have revealed several mechanisms through which light at night may exert its effects on metabolism by disrupting circadian rhythms that are associated with inflammation, both in the brain and in the periphery. Disruption of the typical timing of food intake is a key effect of light at night and subsequent metabolic dysregulation. Strategies to avoid the effects of light at night on body mass dysregulation should be pursued.
A complete medical education includes the arts and humanities.

Arguments for the arts and humanities in medicine may actually undersell the contributions that these disciplines can make.
Social Justice Programs and Just Administrative Practices

Kate Parsons draws on 18 years of administrative involvement in interdisciplinary, social justice programs to offer tips for developing and sustaining more just, effective, and anti-discriminatory administrative practices. While faculty members who support these programs have become adept at creating curricular and cocurricular programs to support and enhance interdisciplinary social justice for their students, relatively little attention is paid to the ways in which faculty relationships with one another inadvertently replicate social injustices, ultimately running counter to the goals of achieving equitable and sustainable faculty participation. Concentrating on three governance components—mission, leadership, and committee composition—Parsons helps faculty members reflect on their own structures, assumptions, and practices, while offering strategies for decreasing faculty and programmatic vulnerability and increasing sustainability.
Skin-related Quality of Life among Midwestern US Community-based Women with Breast Cancer Experiencing Radiodermatitis

Objective: Little is known about the skin-related quality of life (QOL) among women receiving external radiotherapy (EBT) and who experience breast radiodermatitis. This pilot study aimed to describe the thoughts and experiences of women experiencing breast radiodermatitis of the breast at a comprehensive community cancer program. Methods: A printed survey was used to solicit feedback on the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) during the 5th week of EBT. An open-ended question inquired which DLQI-related issue was most important and why. A directed qualitative content analysis was conducted on the narrative responses. Results: Twenty-eight women provided a response to the “most important” question. Sixty narratives led to the identification of 35 codes and six themes during content analysis. Themes included perspectives on having radiodermatitis, sensations caused by radiodermatitis, knowledge, and preparation for radiotherapy, prevention of radiodermatitis, emotions induced by skin changes, and physical appearance of the breast skin. Conclusions: The study results provide a glimpse into the perceptions of skin-related QOL among community-dwelling women who experienced breast radiodermatitis. Some women expressed that radiodermatitis had a profound impact on their QOL while other were surprised that EBT was easy compared to chemotherapy. Our findings parallel those found in a previous study conducted in an urban setting. Results provide insight into the thoughts and needs of women undergoing breast EBT. Assessing individual differences in skin-related QOL can provide needed information for tailoring care to the unique needs of each woman. Additional studies focusing specifically on skin-related QOL are needed.
The Role of MicroRNAs in Recurrence and Metastasis of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) affects 650,000 people worldwide and has a dismal 50% 5-year survival rate. Recurrence and metastasis are believed the two most important factors causing this high mortality. Understanding the biological process and the underlying mechanisms of recurrence and metastasis is critical to develop novel and effective treatment, which is expected to improve patients’ survival of HNSCC. MicroRNAs are small, non-coding nucleotides that regulate gene expression at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional level. Oncogenic and tumor-suppressive microRNAs have shown to regulate nearly every step of recurrence and metastasis, ranging from migration and invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), anoikis, to gain of cancer stem cell property. This review encompasses an overview of microRNAs involved in these processes. The recent advances of utilizing microRNA as biomarkers and targets for treatment, particularly on controlling recurrence and metastasis are also reviewed.
Knee Dislocation in Athletes

Knee dislocation is an uncommon but devastating injury to athletes, with significant risks of concurrent vascular and neurologic injury. A well-performed history and physical exam and review of video footage, if available, assist in making the diagnosis in spontaneously reduced knees. In general, a knee with three injured ligaments is a dislocated knee, even if spontaneously reduced. On-the-field management includes gentle closed reduction for dislocated knees and splinting and transfer to the hospital for further workup. Magnetic resonance imaging and CT angiography are recommended for all athletes to assist in preoperative planning and evaluate for vascular injury. Early surgical intervention within 3 weeks of the injury, with repair or reconstruction of all damaged structures, has demonstrated improved outcomes over delayed surgery and nonsurgical treatment; however, the patient and family must be informed that at least 1 year of rehabilitation will be required, with published rates of return to play between 50 and 80%.
Rational design of a synthetic farnesyl-electrostatic switch based on the hypervariable region of K-Ras4b

Abstract We rationally designed and developed a farnesyl-electrostatic switch that synthetically responds to an intended stimulus. Our design is a de novo amino acid sequence that mimics the switching behavior observed in K-Ras4b upon phosphorylation of serine-181. We built our peptide based on observations that the hypervariable region in the C-terminus of K-Ras4b contains: 1) a cluster of basic residues which electrostatically interact with the inner leaflet of the plasma membrane, 2) phosphorylation sites which will post-translationally change the positive charge content of the signaling sequence, and 3) a farnesylation recognition sequence which allows the protein to be anchored onto the cellular membrane system. We used this peptide to perform basic characterization of the farnesyl-electrostatic switch mechanism. We envision that it can have utility in future studies as a kinase sensor or as a module for perturbing signal transduction pathways.
Motoneuron-derived Activinβ regulates Drosophila body size and tissue-scaling during larval growth and adult development

Correct scaling of body and organ size is crucial for proper development and survival of all organisms. Perturbations in circulating hormones, including insulins and steroids, are largely responsible for changing body size in response to both genetic and environmental factors. Such perturbations typically produce adults whose organs and appendages scale proportionately with final size. The identity of additional factors that might contribute to scaling of organs and appendages with body size is unknown. Here we report that loss-of-function mutations in Drosophila Activinβ (Actβ) , a member of the TGF-β superfamily, lead to production of small larvae/pupae and undersized rare adult escapers. Morphometric measurements of escaper adult appendage size (wings, legs), as well as heads, thoraxes, and abdomens, reveal a disproportional reduction in abdominal size compared to other tissues. Similar size measurements of selected Actβ mutant larval tissues demonstrate that somatic muscle size is disproportionately smaller when compared to fat body, salivary glands, prothoracic glands, imaginal discs and brain. We also show that Actβ control of body size is dependent on canonical signaling through the transcription-factor dSmad2 and that it modulates the growth rate, but not feeding behavior, during the third instar period. Tissue and cell-specific knockdown and overexpression studies reveal that motoneuron derived Actβ is essential for regulating proper body size and tissue scaling. These studies suggest that, unlike in vertebrates where Myostatin, and certain other Activin-like factors, act as systemic negative regulators of muscle mass, in Drosophila Actβ is a positive regulator of muscle mass that is directly delivered to muscles by motoneurons. We discuss the importance of these findings in coordinating proportional scaling of insect muscle mass to appendage size.
Untangling the Web of Consignment Law: The Journey from the Common Law and Article 2 to Revised Article 9

This Article examines and analyzes the law of consignments from the common law through Revised Article 9 with a goal towards identifying and analyzing the uncertainties and confusion that have persisted throughout the transition from the common law to the UCC. The law of consignments has abounded with uncertainty since its genesis under common law. In an attempt to clarify the persistent confusion and disarray surrounding the law, the UCC enacted Section 2-326; but, the statute was not a model of clarity engendering increased uncertainty and confusion. Courts wrestled with how to interpret the provision consistent with the intent of the UCC drafters. In 2001, the UCC moved consignments from Article 2 to Article 9 and made substantial revisions to both Articles to provide greater clarity. While Article 9 provides a much more comprehensive legal framework for consignments; in many respects it is a reformulation of former Article 2-326. Thus, many of the uncertainties concomitant with the Article 2 coverage of consignments continue to persist under Article 9. And the revisions to Article 9 have generated new issues on which courts are split creating even more confusion. In August 2017, the Permanent Editorial Board drafted a Commentary in which it proposed certain amendments to resolve some of the uncertainties surrounding the Article 9 revisions. The commentary and the amendments provide much needed clarity, but they leave unresolved several significant issues in which uncertainty persists and on which courts are split. The goal of this Article is to identify and analyze the various uncertainties that have arisen from the common law through Revised Article 9 and to propose revisions that include removing consignments from the definitional provision of Article 9 to its own separate provision in Article 9 to resolve more extensively the persistent and burgeoning uncertainties identified throughout this Article.
Mechanisms for Martensite Formation and the Shape Memory Effect

In addition to their technical potential pseudoelasticity and shape memory involve various interrelated effects which manifest themselves in the atomic motions between states. The phenomenological theories of Wechsler, Lieberman and Reed (W-L-R) (1), and Bowles and Mackenzie (B-M) (2), for the crystallography of martensitic transformations were formulated some twenty years ago and have since been applied to various alloys and to studies of pseudoelasticity and the shape memory effect. As is characteristic of most phenomenological theories in physics, discrepancies often exist; well known examples are the findings of different kinds of martensite in the same alloy and sometimes in the same safnple, and often with a variable internal structure. In ferrous martensites the habits show wide scatter in the region of {3,10,15}, and habits found near {225} and {111} are not predicted by the theory. Some of the scatter around {3,10,15} are attributed to variations in the twinned structure, while others have been explained by allowing for small dilatations in the product, by changing the elements of the lattice invariant deformation, or by allowing for multiple lattice invariant shears in the product.
Overlap in reproductive phenology increases the likelihood of cavity nest usurpation by invasive species in a tropical city

Multiple invasive cavity-nesting bird species can be present in a nest web, the network linking birds using cavities. We investigated the nest preferences and breeding phenologies of the cavity-nesting guild in the region surrounding Miami, Florida, USA, where invasive starlings, mynas, and parrots potentially usurp cavities from native woodpeckers and secondary cavity-nesters. We asked if the timing of reproduction determines which invasive species will usurp cavities from native birds with similar nest preferences. Nest usurpations between European Starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) and the woodpecker species present in Miami is well documented, but we predicted that a recently arrived sturnid species and introduced psittacids would also usurp nests. European Starlings had the largest breeding population of any species in our nest web, breeding during the peak of nesting season, and usurped the largest number of active nest cavities. We found that a small population of Common Mynas (Acridotheres tristis) usurped nests, sharing the peak-season nesting period with starlings and native woodpeckers. Parrots bred later than we expected, avoiding nest-site overlap with similarly large native birds that use cavities with similar characteristics. Parrots did not usurp any active nest cavities from native birds. Our results demonstrate how to use analysis of cavity characteristics and reproductive timing to evaluate threats to a cavity nest web posed by multiple invasive species. Common Myna currently usurp few nests; if they increase greatly in population, they could pose a problem for native cavity-nesters.
Physiological and metabolic features of mice with CRISPR/Cas9-mediated loss-of-function in growth hormone-releasing hormone

Our previous study demonstrated that the loss of growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) results in increased lifespan and improved metabolic homeostasis in the mouse model generated by classical embryonic stem cell-based gene-targeting method. In this study, we targeted the GHRH gene using the CRISPR/Cas9 technology to avoid passenger alleles/mutations and performed in-depth physiological and metabolic characterization. In agreement with our previous observations, male and female GHRH-/- mice have significantly reduced body weight and enhanced insulin sensitivity when compared to wild type littermates. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry showed that there were significant decreases in lean mass, bone mineral content and density, and a dramatic increase in fat mass of GHRH-/- mice when compared to wild type littermates. Indirect calorimetry measurements showed dramatic reductions in oxygen consumption, carbon dioxide production and energy expenditure in GHRH-/- mice compared to wild type mice in both light and dark cycles. Respiratory exchange ratio was significantly lower in GHRH-/- mice during the light cycle, but not during the dark cycle, indicating a circadian related metabolic shift towards fat utilization in the growth hormone deficient mice. The novel CRISPR/Cas9 GHRH-/- mice are exhibiting the consistent and unique physiological and metabolic characteristics, which might mediate the longevity effects of growth hormone deficiency in mice.
Trees grown under young-age preferential attachment

We introduce a class of non-uniform random recursive trees grown with an attachment preference for young age. Via the Chen–Stein method of Poisson approximation, we find that the outdegree of a node is characterized in the limit by ‘perturbed’ Poisson laws, and the perturbation diminishes as the node index increases. As the perturbation is attenuated, a pure Poisson limit ultimately emerges in later phases. Moreover, we derive asymptotics for the proportion of leaves and show that the limiting fraction is less than one half. Finally, we study the insertion depth in a random tree in this class. For the insertion depth, we find the exact probability distribution, involving Stirling numbers, and consequently we find the exact and asymptotic mean and variance. Under appropriate normalization, we derive a concentration law and a limiting normal distribution. Some of these results contrast with their counterparts in the uniform attachment model, and some are similar.
Colloidal CdSe nanocrystals are inherently defective.

Colloidal CdSe nanocrystals (NCs) have shown promise in applications ranging from LED displays to medical imaging. Their unique photophysics depend sensitively on the presence or absence of surface defects. Using simulations, we show that CdSe NCs are inherently defective; even for stoichiometric NCs with perfect ligand passivation and no vacancies or defects, we still observe that the low energy spectrum is dominated by dark, surface-associated excitations, which are more numerous in larger NCs. Surface structure analysis shows that the majority of these states involve holes that are localized on two-coordinate Se atoms. As chalcogenide atoms are not passivated by any Lewis base ligand, varying the ligand should not dramatically change the number of dark states, which we confirm by simulating three passivation schemes. Our results have significant implications for understanding CdSe NC photophysics, and suggest that photochemistry and short-range photoinduced charge transfer should be much more facile than previously anticipated. Colloidal CdSe nanocrystals hold great promise in applications due to their tunable optical spectrum. Using hybrid time-dependent density functional theory, the authors show that colloidal CdSe nanocrystals are inherently defective with a low energy spectrum dominated by dark, surface-associated excitations.
Therapeutic Approaches to Insomnia and Fatigue in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

The prevalence of sleep disorders in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) is 3-5 times higher compared to the general population. Insomnia Disorder, defined as difficulty falling asleep, maintaining sleep or waking up too early, can lead to significant fatigue, the most common and disabling symptom of MS. In addition, fatigue and insomnia in patients with MS also can overlap with and exacerbate other psychological and physical symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) has been shown as an effective treatment for chronic insomnia and burgeoning research has demonstrated the effectiveness of this treatment for insomnia in individuals with a variety of comorbid medical conditions including MS. The purpose of the current review will explore the literature surrounding the prevalence and impact of sleep disorders and fatigue in MS. Additionally, this review will address practical ways to help individuals with MS manage fatigue as well as how to modify typical standard behavioral treatments for insomnia to take into account special considerations for individuals with MS based on the level of disability and other comorbid issues that impact sleep.
PRINCIPALS AND AGENTS

Publisher Summary This chapter provides an overview on principals and agents. An agency relationship between two individuals exists when the agent is authorized by the principal to make, modify, or cancel contracts with a third party in the principal's name. An agent differs from an employee by the fact that the activities of the agent are not monitored in detail. The principal does not give his agent contingency orders on how to handle each possible decision situation as he does to supervised employees. Some guidelines may be spelled out and the agent may be monitored to some extent, but the essential feature of the agency relationship is the freedom of the agent to determine activities and contracts independently. The power to act independently for the principal can be used by the agent for his own benefit. A contract makes the contractor liable for damages, but the legally determined financial compensation may not be a satisfactory alternative to specific performance. The contract could spell out the principal's desires for performance in each possible contingency.