cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Parental caring and loss during childhood and adult cortisol responses to stress

Abstract This study was designed to test the hypothesis that the impact of early parental loss on adult physiological responses to stress is moderated by the level of perceived caring from the surviving parent. University students who lost a parent during childhood were compared to students raised by both biological parents. Salivary Cortisol samples were collected immediately before and at 5 and 20 minutes following a stressful speech task. Perceptions of parental caring (Care) during childhood were measured using the Parental Bonding Instrument. Repeated measures multivariate analysis of variance revealed a significant (p = .01) three-way interaction of Loss by Care by Period (baseline, task, recovery) such that participants who lost a parent and perceived low parental caring showed higher Cortisol levels following stress relative to other participants. These findings indicate that childhood loss of a parent is associated with long-term neurohormonal consequences only if the quality of the bond with the...
The effects of acid precipitation on amphibians.

A large number of studies conclusively demonstrate that low pH conditions have important ecological effects on amphibian communities. These effects vary developmentally and depend on complex interactions with other physical, chemical, and biological parameters. Acid sensitivity varies widely within and among species of amphibians. In spite of the importance of acidity to their reproductive success and the presence of many acidic amphibian habitats, there is, at present, little direct evidence that acid precipitation has produced widespread declines in amphibian populations. However, the potential role of sublethal effects of acidity on amphibian declines has not been studied thoroughly.
A Measure of Academic Situational Constraints: Out-of-Class Circumstances that Inhibit College Student Development

Academic situational constraints are out-of-class circumstances and activities which increase a student's work load, cause stress, and constrain academic performance and development. In this study,...
Model for laser damage dependence on thin-film morphology

The high laser damage thresholds often reported for porous thin films are discussed in terms of point defects or small absorbing inclusions as sites of thin-film damage initiation. The model is based on the internal pressure built up upon laser heating at short times. The competing effects of short pressure relaxation distances and low thermal conductivity inherent in porous films are discussed. The model predicts that at thicknesses less than or equal to the neck or column diameter of a porous film, the effect of lower thermal conductivity should dominate and cause the films to exhibit lower laser damage thresholds than their denser counterparts.
Androgen metabolism in sheep

3H-Testosterone (3H-T) plus 14C-androst-4-ene-3,17-dione (A-dione) and 3H-epi-testosterone (17alpha-hydroxy-4-androsten-3-one) (epiT) plus 14C-T were injected intravenously into two male sheep with bile fistulae, respectively. Urine and bile samples were collected at intervals for 4-8 hours and analyzed by the use of DEAE-Sephadex A-25 and Lipidex 5000 columns, TLC, and paper chromatography; the aglycones were identified by co-crystallization with authentic standards. Five fractions were obtained from urine and bile: unconjugated, glucosiduronates, sulfates, sulfo-glucosiduronates and disulfates. In urine, the major conjugates were glucosiduronates, while sulfates predominated in bile. About 80-90% of recovered radioactivity was found to be either glucosiduronates or sulfates. Among the metabolites identified, epi-T was the principal one, accounting for 10-15% of the administered doses. Conversion to 17alpha-hydroxysteroids thus appears to be a major route of metabolism of the androgens administered in sheep. Other metabolites in the glucosiduronate and sulfate fractions were androsterone, etiocholanolone (3alpha-hydroxy-5beta-androstan-17-one), 5beta-androstane-3alpha,17beta-diol, two unknown diols and polar metabolites. The results indicated that androgen metabolism is somewhat unusual in sheep, as compared with other animals and the human.
Does Fiscal Redistribution Discourage Local Public Investment? Evidence From Transitional Russia

This paper studies the determinants of regional (oblast-level) public investment in transitional Russia, focusing on the effects of federal fiscal redistribution. A model of local government expenditure in the presence of regional asymmetries shows that revenue redistribution from wealthy to poor regions discourages local public investment. Random- and fixed-effects estimation of regional panel data for 1994-97 supports the existence of a disincentive effect from fiscal redistribution on regional public investment, which varies according to a region's federal status and wealth: non-republics have a lower propensity to invest out of transfers than out of own income, as do regions with above-median per capita income. Republics reduce public investment more than current spending in response to higher federal taxation. Russia's 'asymmetrical federalism' thus creates different fiscal incentives for different types of regions.
Conditional Loss of PTEN Leads to Skeletal Abnormalities and Lipoma Formation

To understand the role of tumor suppressor PTEN in cartilage development, we have generated chondrocyte specific PTEN deletion mice using Col2a1Cre and PTEN(loxp/loxp) mice. PTEN mutant mice are viable and fertile, nonetheless, develop kyphosis over time. Histological analyses show mutant vertebrae and intervertebral discs are larger and therefore the spines are longer than in control mice. In addition, the growth plates are thicker, invading trabecular bone areas are deeper, and marrow adipocyte populations are higher in PTEN mutant mice. Furthermore, the growth plates, not normally fused in mouse long bones, are fused in PTEN mutants. Intriguingly, PTEN mice develop lipomas and show abnormal accumulation of fat tissues along spines. Cell tracking assays have confirmed that lipomas and a portion of fat tissues were derived from Col2a1Cre PTEN(loxp/loxp) cells. Further analyses have suggested that the phenotypes of PTEN mutant likely attribute to PTEN's negatively regulating role in PI3K/Akt pathway.
Iteration-based Scan-Trajectory Design and Control with Output-Oscillation Minimization: Atomic Force Microscope Example

In this article, two practical issues occurring in the design and control of scan trajectories are studied: one, the reduction of the output oscillations during the scanning, and two, the effect of the modeling errors on the output precision during the scanning. Output oscillations need to be minimized in scanning operations of systems such as the piezo actuator and the flexible structure, while modeling errors widely exists in practical applications. The proposed approach extends the developed optimal scan trajectory design and control method, by introducing the design of a prefilter into the framework to reduce the output oscillations. Furthermore, a novel inversion-based iterative control algorithm is proposed and integrated with the optimal scan method to compensate for the modeling error effect on the scanning. The convergence of the iterative control law is discussed, and the convergence range is quantified. The proposed approach is illustrated by implementing it on the high-speed adhesion force measurement using AFM. Simulation and experimental results are presented and discussed to demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed approach.
Grand Innovation Prizes: A theoretical, normative, and empirical evaluation

Abstract This paper provides a systematic examination of the use of a Grand Innovation Prize (GIP) in action – the Progressive Automotive Insurance X PRIZE – a $10 million prize for a highly efficient vehicle. Following a mechanism design approach we define three key dimensions for GIP evaluation: objectives, design, and performance, where prize design includes ex ante specifications, ex ante incentives, qualification rules, and award governance. Within this framework we compare observations of GIPs from three domains – empirical reality, theory, and policy – to better understand their function as an incentive mechanism for encouraging new solutions to large-scale social challenges. Combining data from direct observation, personal interviews, and surveys, together with analysis of extant theory and policy documents on GIPs, our results highlight three points of divergence: first, over the complexity of defining prize specifications; secondly, over the nature and role of incentives, particularly patents; thirdly, the overlooked challenges associated with prize governance. Our approach identifies a clear roadmap for future theory and policy around GIPs.
Residential Managers' Experience With Urinary Incontinence in Elderly Tenants

Landlords are important "gatekeepers" for frail elderly tenants including those with urinary incontinence (UI). Interviews with 34 landlords reveal that most have dealt with problems of UI. Whereas...
Association of sleep quality and quality of life in type 2 diabetes mellitus: A cross-sectional study in China

Abstract Objective The aim of this study is to investigate sleep quality and quality of life, and to assess the relationship between sleep quality and quality of life in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Research design and methods 944 patients with T2DM were enrolled in our study. General characteristics and laboratory testing such as glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) were measured. Each patient completed a Chinese version of the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) and the diabetes specificity quality of life scale (DSQL) questionnaires. A PSQI global score >7 was defined as poor sleep quality. A global DSQL score Results Poor quality of life in participants was associated with a longer duration of diabetes, a greater number of diabetes complications, no alcohol drinking, poor glycemic control and having depression and anxiety (all P P P Conclusions Our results suggest that poor sleep is prevalent in T2DM and inversely associated with quality of life. It is necessary for primary health-care workers to include sleep related knowledge in diabetes self-management programs to improve sleep quality in diabetes patients.
Asymmetrical perception of motion smear in infantile nystagmus

Normal observers perceive less motion smear if a target moves in the opposite direction of a smooth eye movement than if the target moves to produce the same retinal image speed in the same direction as the eye movement. This study investigated whether a similar asymmetrical attenuation of perceived motion smear occurs in observers with infantile nystagmus (IN). Observers (N=3) viewed a laser spot that moved for 100 or 125ms to the right or left at a speed between 5 and 60 degrees /s during the slow phase of jerk IN. After each trial, the observer adjusted the length of a bright line to match the extent of the perceived smear. Across observers, the average duration of perceived smear was 39 and 106ms, respectively, for relative motion of the laser spot in the opposite vs. the same direction as the IN slow phase. In one observer with periodic alternating nystagmus, the direction of spot motion that produced less perceived smear reversed with an alternation in the direction of the IN slow phase. The reduction of perceived motion smear for relative target motion in the opposite direction of IN slow phases is attributed to extra-retinal signals that accompany IN. As during normal eye movements, the reduction of perceived smear for this direction of relative motion should foster the perception of clarity in the stationary visual world.
Trends in compulsory licensing of pharmaceuticals since the Doha Declaration: a database analysis.

Background It is now a decade since the World Trade Organization (WTO) adopted the “Declaration on the TRIPS Agreement and Public Health” at its 4th Ministerial Conference in Doha. Many anticipated that these actions would lead nations to claim compulsory licenses (CLs) for pharmaceutical products with greater regularity. A CL is the use of a patented innovation that has been licensed by a state without the permission of the patent title holder. Skeptics doubted that many CLs would occur, given political pressure against CL activity and continued health system weakness in poor countries. The subsequent decade has seen little systematic assessment of the Doha Declaration's impact.
Incorporating Time in the Modeling of Hardware and Software Systems: Concepts, Paradigms, and Paradoxes

In this paper, we present some of the issues encountered when trying to apply model-driven approaches to the engineering of real-time systems. In real-time systems, quantitative values of time, as reflected through the duration of actions, are central to the system's correctness. We review basic time concepts and explain how time is handled in different modeling languages. We expose the inherent paradox of incorporating quantitative time-dependent behavior in high-level models. High-level models are typically built before the system is implemented, which makes quantitative time metrics difficult to predict since these metrics depend heavily on implementation details. We provide some possible answers to this paradox and explain how the Timed Abstract State Machine (TASM) language helps address some of these issues.
Heavy Episodic Drinking in College Females: An Exploration of Expectancies, Consequences, and Self-Efficacy

Differences on expectancies and self-efficacy between college females who engage in heavy episodic drinking (HED) and non-HED were examined. Students (N = 95) from Southern California filled out the Comprehensive Effects of Alcohol, Cognitive Appraisal of Risky Events, and Drinking Context Convivial Drinking scales as well as self-efficacy, alcohol use, and demographic items in the fall semester of 2008. Logistic and linear regression showed that greater positive expectancies and lower self-efficacy were predictive of categorization as HED and greater convivial drinking. Implications, limitations, and directions for future research are discussed.
The Interpersonal Legacy of a Positive Family Climate in Adolescence

In this research, we evaluated how well overall levels of positive engagement in adolescents' families of origin, as well as adolescents' unique expressions of positive engagement in observed family interactions, statistically predicted marital outcomes approximately 20 years later. The sample consisted of 288 focal individuals and their spouses, drawn from the Iowa Youth and Families Project (IYFP). Data for focal individuals' family-of-origin positive engagement were taken from IYFP assessments from 1989 to 1991. Data for outcomes of interest, including focal individuals' and spouses' marital behavior, were drawn from the IYFP between 2007 and 2008. Individuals' unique expressions of positive engagement in their families of origin were linked to the degree of positive engagement these adolescents later exhibited toward their spouses. A positive family climate during adolescence for one marital partner was also associated with positive marital outcomes for both partners. Overall, our results suggest that the climate in one's family of origin may have long-term significance for one's interpersonal relationships.
Peak response of 2‐DOF uncoupled oscillator under two‐directional base motion

This paper investigates the peak response of a 2-DOF uncoupled linear oscillator under arbitrarily oriented two-component horizontal earthquake motion. Input data consist of 22 two-component acceleration records from the magnitude 6.6, October 15, 1979 Imperial Valley earthquake. One-directional response spectra for each principal direction of the oscillator, and two-directional response spectra (amplitude of the peak resultant response and its direction with respect to principal directions) are calculated by considering all angles of incidence of the excitation. The results indicate that, for oscillators that are not too flexible (i.e. with natural frequencies greater than 0.8 Hz), the two-directional peak response is controlled by the weaker direction of the oscillator. For flexible oscillators the two-directional peak response is controlled by the direction whose natural frequency is closer to dominant ground motion frequencies. The results also show that when the two-directional peak response is expressed as a weighted sum of one-directional peak responses, the weighting factors are not constants, but functions of oscillator and dominant ground motion frequencies.
Role of impaired Nrf2 activation in the pathogenesis of oxidative stress and inflammation in chronic tubulo-interstitial nephropathy

Background. Tubulo-interstitial nephropathy (TIN) is a common cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Consumption of an adenine-containing diet causes the accumulation of 2,8-dihydroxyadenine in the renal tubules triggering intense chronic TIN and progressive CKD in rats. CKD in this model is associated with, and largely driven by, oxidative stress and inflammation. Oxidative stress and inflammation in rats with spontaneous focal segmental glomerulosclerosis and rats with CKD induced by 5/6 nephrectomy are associated with an impaired activation of nuclear factor-erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) which is the master regulator of genes encoding many antioxidant and detoxifying enzymes. The effect of TIN on the Nrf2 pathway and its key target genes is unknown and was investigated here. Methods. Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized to control and adenine-treated (rat chow-containing 0.7% adenine for 2 weeks) groups and followed up for 4 weeks. Results. The adenine-treated animals exhibited marked azotemia, impaired urinary concentrating capacity, intense tubular and glomerular damage, interstitial inflammation and fibrosis. This was associated with an increased expression of NAD(P)H oxidase, cyclooxygenase-2 and 12-lipoxygenase, and activation of NF-κB, the master regulator of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Oxidative stress and inflammation in the kidneys of adenine-treated animals was accompanied by an impaired activation of Nrf2 and down-regulation of its target gene products including, catalase, heme oxygenase-1 and glutamate-cysteine ligase. Conclusions. Chronic TIN is associated with impaired Nrf2 activity which contributes to the pathogenesis of oxidative stress and inflammation and amplifies their damaging effects on the kidney. © The Author 2012.
Static SIMS of Amino Acid Overlayers

The work of BENNINGHOVEN, et al. [1,2], has shown that static secondary ion mass spectrometry (SSIMS) can be used for the identification of organic molecules adsorbed on a surface. In this work we have studied the fragmentation patterns for some simple amino acids — glycine, α and β-alanine, and serine-deposited onto Ag substrates from aqueous solutions of various concentrations. Identification of the mass fragments is aided by use of isotopically labeled compounds and comparison with chemical ionization (CI) mass spectra of amino acids. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) are combined with SIMS to examine the factors influencing the SIMS fragmentation patterns [3]. For the SIMS work the primary ions are 1 keV Ar+ incident at 70° to the sample normal with current densities ∿ lO−8 amps/cm2. The sample is oriented normal to the axis of an Extranuclear Model 4-162-8 quadrupole mass spectrometer equipped with a modified Bessel box energy prefilter [4].
Abstract 3557: Cancerous inhibitor of PP2A is a novel molecular target and resistance factor of Lapatinib

Deregulation of erbB-2 and EGFR is frequently detected in breast cancer, which has been associated with poor prognosis. Lapatinib, an orally active small molecule acting as a dual inhibitor of erbB-2 and EGFR, has been used for the treatment of patients with advanced or metastatic erbB-2+ breast cancer. Lapatinib resistance, however, is emerging as a clinical challenge. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of Lapatinib-mediated anti-cancer activities and identifying relevant resistance factors are of pivotal significance in breast cancer treatment. Cancerous inhibitor of PP2A (CIP2A) is a recently identified oncoprotein that is overexpressed in breast and other types of cancers. Through interacting with protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), CIP2A regulates c-Myc and factors involved in cell proliferation and survival. This study aimed to investigate the role of CIP2A in Lapatinib-mediated inhibition of erbB-2 overexpressing breast cancer cells. Our data showed that Lapatinib downregulated CIP2A in erbB-2 overexpressing SK-BR-3 and 78617 cells, which was correlated with concurrent inactivation of erbB-2, EGFR, Akt, Erk1/2 and mTOR. Overexpression of CIP2A rendered the cells resistant to Lapatinib induced apoptosis and growth inhibition. Conversely, CIP2A knockdown via siRNA sensitized the cells to Lapatinib-mediated effects. We also demonstrated that Lapatinib-induced downregulation of CIP2A can be abolished by LY294002, suggesting that CIP2A downregulation was regulated by Akt. Analysis with cycloheximide (CHX) and MG132 indicated that Lapatinib modulates CIP2A protein stability and promotes its degradation through prosteasome pathway. More importantly, we found that Lapatinib induced differential downregulation of CIP2A between the parental and Lapatinib-resistant (LR) BT-474 cells. Decrease in CIP2A downregulation in BT-474-LR cells suggests its association with Lapatinib resistance. Knockdown of CIP2A via lentiviral siRNA system significantly sensitized Lapatinib induced growth inhibition and apoptosis. Taken together, our results demonstrate that CIP2A is a molecular target of Lapatinib, which plays a critical role in Lapatinib-induced cellular responses. Lapatinib-induced downregulation of CIP2A involves the inhibition of the Akt-CIP2A feedback loop. Correlation between Lapatinib resistance and decreased CIP2A downregulation, as well as CIP2A knockdown-mediated sensitization of BT-474-LR cells indicate that CIP2A is a resistance factor of Lapatinib. Further investigation on Lapatinib-mediated regulation of CIP2A will advance our understanding of Lapatinib-associated antitumor activities and drug resistance. Citation Format: Ming Zhao, Amanda Blackwelder, Harry Lee, Xiaohe Yang. Cancerous inhibitor of PP2A is a novel molecular target and resistance factor of Lapatinib. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 3557. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-3557
Economic analysis of a phase III study of G-CSF vs placebo following allogeneic blood stem cell transplantation.

Economic analysis of a phase III study of G-CSF vs placebo following allogeneic blood stem cell transplantation
ANALYSIS OF THE RESPONSE OF OFFSHORE-MOORED SHIPS TO WAVES

A vessel moored at sea will experience complicated series of translational and rotational oscillations due to sea waves. These motions can be considered as the summation of six components, three translational and three rotational. In the presently available analyses of motions of unmoored ships, differential equations can be written for each mode of movement. Unfortunately, motions in one of these modes are coupled to motions of other modes, and the analysis becomes rather complicated. Generally, the problem is simplified by neglecting some of the coupling effects and by specifying the position of the vessel in the wave system. This study develops and analyzes a model for a moored ship restrained by mooring lines, using the presently available mathematical models for the free ship and the force-displacement relationship of the cable-holding points on the ship. The coupled movement (three degrees of freedom) in a vertical plane through the longitudinal axis of the vessel and the generated mooring-line forces are considered in detail. The general case of six degrees of freedom in arbitrary heading is discussed briefly in general terms.
A winning proposition? States’ military effectiveness and the reliability of their allies

This article explores the relationship between states’ past military performance in interstate wars and the likelihood that their allies will come to their aid when the terms of their alliance require intervention. Following Leeds, I argue that decisions to honor or violate alliances depend on changes that have occurred since the signing of the alliance and various factors that affect the expected costs of honoring the alliance. What I add to this approach is an exploration of whether and how a state’s performance in prior interstate wars sends signals about its likely military effectiveness in the current war. I argue that superior records of military performance signal to allies that their potential costs for intervention will be lower than they would be with a less effective ally. I use an outcomes-based measure of military effectiveness to predict when states will violate or honor their alliances.
Burials Dedicated to the Old Temple of Quetzalcoatl at Teotihuacan, Mexico

Excavations conducted during 1983 and 1984 at the Temple of Quetzalcoatl at Teotihuacan, Mexico, encountered three important burials, including an extensive multiple burial with lithic, shell, and bone offerings. Various lines of evidence suggest that human sacrifices were being practiced on a large scale early in Teotihuacan's history. Moreover, the nature and content of the offerings demonstrate the importance of military aspects in early Teotihuacan society. In addition, other data from excavations at the Old Temple of Quetzalcoatl suggest that religious and political conflicts probably occurred since the time of its construction.
Large-Area Printing of Optical Gratings and 3D Photonic Crystals Using Solution-Processable Nanoparticle/Polymer Composites

We demonstrate a readily scalable print, lift, and stack approach for producing large-area, 3D photonic crystal (PC) structures and optical gratings. UV-assisted nanoimprint lithography was used to pattern grating structures composed of highly filled nanoparticle (NP) polymer composite resists with tunable refractive indices (RI). The gratings were robust and upon release from a support substrate were oriented and stacked to yield 3D PCs. The composite resists were composed of anatase titania (TiO2) NPs, between 5 and 30 nm in diameter, and a UV-curable optical resist (Norland Optical Adhesive 60). The RI of the composite resists was tuned between 1.58 and 1.92 at 800 nm while maintaining excellent optical transparency. The grating structure dimensions, line width, depth, and pitch were easily varied by simply changing the imprint mold. A six-layer log-pile stack was prepared using a composite resist containing 50 wt % TiO2 NPs with an RI of 1.72 and yielded up to 72% reflection at 840 nm and a minimum re...
An efficient asymmetric synthesis of diacylglycerols.

A convenient preparation of 1,2-diacyl-sn-glycerol or 2,3-diacyl-sn-glycerol is described starting from allyl bromide. The latter was converted to allyl 4-methoxyphenyl ether, which is dihydroxylated using AD-mix as a catalyst to yield 3-O-(4‘-methoxyphenyl)-sn-glycerol or 1-O-(4‘-methoxyphenyl)-sn-glycerol in high yield and high optical purity. After diacylation, ceric ammonium nitrate was used to remove the 4-methoxyphenyl group under mild conditions that avoid acyl migration to 1,3-dipalmitoylglycerol. Thus chiral 1,2-diacylglycerol can be prepared from allyl bromide in just four steps in 78% overall yield and high enantiomeric excess. This scheme represents an inexpensive method for the large-scale preparation of chiral 1,2-diacyl-sn-glycerol and 2,3-diacyl-sn-glycerol.
On Long-run Equilibrium in Class Society

The notion of equilibrium and the distinction between two kinds, long run and short, has been fundamental to almost all economic analysis of the past century. By contrast, the classics and Marx sought for the ‘laws of motion’ of capitalism. These latter do not define a long-run equilibrium, and it will be the claim here that a full-fledged, long-run equilibrium is not possible in a class society. This is not exactly Joan Robinson’s position, but it is close, and it builds on some of her favorite themes.
Novel small molecule binders of human N-glycanase 1, a key player in the endoplasmic reticulum associated degradation pathway.

Abstract Peptide:N-glycanase (NGLY1) is an enzyme responsible for cleaving oligosaccharide moieties from misfolded glycoproteins to enable their proper degradation. Deletion and truncation mutations in this gene are responsible for an inherited disorder of the endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation pathway. However, the literature is unclear whether the disorder is a result of mutations leading to loss-of-function, loss of substrate specificity, loss of protein stability or a combination of these factors. In this communication, without burdening ourselves with the mechanistic underpinning of disease causation because of mutations on the NGLY1 protein, we demonstrate the successful application of virtual ligand screening (VLS) combined with experimental high-throughput validation to the discovery of novel small-molecules that show binding to the transglutaminase domain of NGLY1. Attempts at recombinant expression and purification of six different constructs led to successful expression of five, with three constructs purified to homogeneity. Most mutant variants failed to purify possibly because of misfolding and the resultant exposure of surface hydrophobicity that led to protein aggregation. For the purified constructs, our threading/structure-based VLS algorithm, FINDSITEcomb, was employed to predict ligands that may bind to the protein. Then, the predictions were assessed by high-throughput differential scanning fluorimetry. This led to the identification of nine different ligands that bind to the protein of interest and provide clues to the nature of pharmacophore that facilitates binding. This is the first study that has identified novel ligands that bind to the NGLY1 protein as a possible starting point in the discovery of ligands with potential therapeutic applications in the treatment of the disorder caused by NGLY1 mutants.
Relationship between angiographic vasospasm, cerebral blood flow, and cerebral infarction after subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) and cerebral infarction are major contributors to poor functional recovery after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Cerebral vasospasm, the narrowing of proximal intracranial arteries after SAH, has long been assumed to be the primary cause of DCI, and has therefore been the primary therapeutic target in attempts to diminish disability after SAH. However, emerging evidence has questioned the strength and causality of the relationship between vasospasm and DCI. To address this fundamental question, we performed two parallel studies assessing the relationship between the presence of vasospasm in a vascular territory and both regional reductions in cerebral blood flow (CBF) and development of cerebral infarction.
Cigarette smoking in pregnant substance users: Association with substance use and desire to quit

Cigarette smoking is prevalent in pregnant substance users but receives low priority in substance use disorder treatment. This article reports the results of a secondary analysis of a randomized, multisite trial with 200 pregnant substance users, 145 (72.5%) of whom smoked at baseline. As predicted: (1) smokers had significantly greater substance use; (2) approximately half of smokers wanted to quit; and (3) smokers with a quit goal had significantly greater self-efficacy and lower perceived difficulty of quitting. Smoking may be associated with more severe substance use in pregnant substance-using patients, half of whom may be interested in smoking-cessation interventions.
The course of achalasia one to four decades after initial treatment.

SummaryBackground Most follow-up studies of achalasia are limited to <5 years. Aims To study the long-term efficacy of pneumatic dilation (PD) and myotomy in achalasia at least 10 years after treatment. Methods We performed a retrospective cohort study of achalasia patients with >10 years follow-up after initial myotomy or pneumatic dilation. Symptom recurrence which required repeat dilation or surgery was compared between pneumatic dilation and myotomy. Results One hundred and fifty patients (112 myotomy, 38 pneumatic dilation) of similar characteristics were studied. The mean duration of follow-up after initial treatment was 17.5 ± 7.2 years (10–40 years). Symptoms recurrence rate was 60.7% (100% pneumatic dilation patients vs. 47.3% myotomy), hazard ratio 0.24 demonstrating a lower need for repeat dilation or surgery with myotomy than pneumatic dilation (P = 0.008). All pneumatic dilation patients underwent myotomy in 4 ± 4 (0–16 years). Forty of 53 myotomy patients had symptom recurrence prompting further treatment: 16 pneumatic dilation, 11 myotomy and 13 both. The mean time to repeat procedure was 6.9 years (0–40). The myotomy group required fewer dilations and/or surgeries than the pneumatic dilation group (1.6 vs. 3.6, P < 0.001). 13 patients (10.1%) progressed to end-stage achalasia (five myotomy, eight pneumatic dilation) over 40 years. At last follow-up, 57/62 (92%) patients had absent or mild dysphagia, 53/62 (85%) patients had regurgitation less than once per week and 37 (60.7%) had heartburn episodes <1/week similar for pneumatic dilation and myotomy (P = 0.27). Conclusion Although the majority of patients treated for achalasia do well after decades of treatment, most patients may need a series of endoscopic and/or surgical procedures to maintain effective symptom control.
SOD1 Lysine 123 Acetylation in the Adult Central Nervous System.

Superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) knockout (Sod1-/-) mice exhibit an accelerated aging phenotype. In humans, SOD1 mutations are linked to familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and post-translational modification (PTM) of wild-type SOD1 has been associated with sporadic ALS. Reversible acetylation regulates many enzymes and proteomic studies have identified SOD1 acetylation at lysine 123 (K123). The function and distribution of K123-acetylated SOD1 (Ac-K123 SOD1) in the nervous system is unknown. Here, we generated polyclonal rabbit antibodies against Ac-K123 SOD1. Sod1 deletion in Sod1-/- mice, K123 mutation, or preabsorption with Ac-K123 peptide all abolished antibody binding. Using immunohistochemistry, we assessed Ac-K123 SOD1 distribution in the normal adult mouse nervous system. In the cerebellum, Ac-K123 SOD1 staining was prominent in cell bodies of the granular cell layer and Purkinje cell dendrites and interneurons of the molecular cell layer. In the hippocampus, Ac-K123 SOD1 staining was strong in the fimbria, subiculum, pyramidal cells, and Schaffer collateral fibers of the cornus ammonis (CA1) region and granule and neuronal progenitor cells of the dentate gyrus. In addition, labeling was observed in the choroid plexus and the ependyma of the brain ventricles and central canal of the spinal cord. In the olfactory bulb, Ac-K123 SOD1 staining was prominent in axons of sensory neurons, in cell bodies of interneurons, and neurites of the mitral and tufted cells. In the retina, labeling was strong in the retinal ganglion cell layer and axons of retinal ganglion cells, the inner nuclear layer, and cone photoreceptors of the outer nuclear layer. In summary, our findings describe Ac-K123 SOD1 distribution to distinct regions and cell types of the normal nervous system.
Management of Biochemically Recurrent Prostate Cancer Following Local Therapy

Localized therapy for prostate cancer is often curative; however, 20% to 30% of patients experience a recurrence. Men with biochemical recurrence (BCR) are typically identified following routine monitoring of prostatespecific antigen after treatment for localized disease. These patients exhibit no signs of prostate cancer. Initial evaluation attempts to determine whether the BCR is due to local recurrence or systemic disease. Depending on the type of initial local therapy, treatment options for local recurrence include salvage radiation therapy or salvage prostatectomy. If systemic recurrence is suspected, other options must balance the onset of metastatic disease with avoidance of overtreatment. The most common treatment is androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) via gonadotropinreleasing hormone agonists or antagonists. Because there are challenges associated with standard ADT, other treatment options are being investigated, including a number of natural products.
Techniques and Results of Hybrid Arch Replacement with Elephant Trunk

Elephant trunk (ET) repair, whether “stented,” “non-stented,” or “frozen” (FET), is a total aortic arch operation performed under circulatory arrest to treat pathology that extends from the distal ascending aorta into the descending or thoracoabdominal aorta. In the FET operation, endovascular techniques are used to treat the descending thoracic aorta. The repair can be a 1-stage procedure intended to treat all the pathology at once, or a 2-stage repair in which “stenting” the landing zone facilitates access for a subsequent descending or thoracoabdominal endovascular repair. There are two commercially available prostheses for FET repairs in Europe (the Jotec E-vita® graft and the 4-branched Thoraflex® graft) and none yet in the USA. Our group’s version of the technique involves delivering a thoracic endograft (almost always the C-TAG® Gore) antegrade into the trunk of the skirted ET in the descending thoracic aorta. The length of the endograft varies between 10 and 15 cm, depending on anatomy, body habitus, and underlying pathology. The E-vita registry and busy centers report mortality rates of 8.7–17.1 % and stroke rates of 7.7–13 %. The procedure’s Achilles heel is postoperative paraplegia, whose incidence is 1–21.7 %; a recent report of E-vita registry data recommended using a two-staged approach to treat distal aortic lesions instead of landing the FET at a location below T10.
Reticle processing: overview of current and future reticle processing systems and system improvements that will enable the reticle manufacturer to meet future needs

As the semiconductor industry progresses to 64Mb technology, and beyond to 256Mb, reticle technology will be a major factor in wafer yield. The industry focus is currently on "optical extensions", to the extent that optical lithography may remain the primary technology down to 0.20 pm resolution, and perhaps beyond. For the reticle manufacturer, this translates into dramatically reduced tolerances for critical dimension control, line edge roughness, registration, and defect size. To meet the more stringent criteria, critical process capabilities must advance at a significantly greater rate than that accomplished during the past several years. With the advent of phase shift masks, the demands for technology development will be that much greater. Among the areas of reticle manufacturing which must improve substantially to meet future requirements are: resist optimization, process automation and control, dry etching, feature linearity, submicron feature processing, reticle blanks and process chemistry. Additionally, the reticle manufacturer must identify, analyze, and reduce the component errors of process, equipment and raw materials. This paper will review the evolution of reticle processing through the current state-of-the- art, and will assess the equipment, methodology, and materials required to extend reticle manufacture capabilities to the level required by 256Mb technology.
Adult intussusception: A case series and review.

Aim To identify factors differentiating pathologic adult intussusception (AI) from benign causes and the need for an operative intervention. Current evidence available from the literature is discussed. Methods This is a case series of eleven patients over the age of 18 and a surgical consultation for "Intussusception" at a single veteran's hospital over a five-year period (2011-2016). AI was diagnosed on computed tomography (CT) scan and or flexible endoscopy (colonoscopy). Surgical referrals were from the emergency room, endoscopy suites and the radiologists. Results A total of 11 cases, 9 males and 2 females were diagnosed with AI. Median age was 58 years. Abdominal pain and change in bowel habits were most common symptoms. CT scan and or colonoscopy diagnosed AI, in ten/eleven (90%) patients. There were 6 small bowel-small bowel, 4 ileocecal, and 1 sigmoid-rectal AI. 8 patients (72%) needed an operation. Bowel resection was required and definitive pathology was diagnosed in 7 patients (63%). Five patients had malignant and 2 patients had benign etiology. Small bowel enteroscopy excluded pathology in 4 cases (37%) with AI. Younger patients tend to have a benign diagnosis. Conclusion Majority of AI have malignant etiology however idiopathic intussusception is being seen more frequently. Operative intervention remains the mainstay however, certain small bowel intussusception especially in younger patients may be a benign, physiological, transient phenomenon and laparoscopy with reduction or watchful waiting may be an acceptable strategy. These patients should undergo endoscopic or capsule endoscopy to exclude intrinsic luminal lesions.
Partisan values and gay rights: Public opinion about employment nondiscrimination:

Partisan elites justify policy positions by invoking underlying values, and political parties are associated with value reputations that connect particular values to specific policy positions. Value recruitment theory explains the relationship between value framing and policy positions. Newspaper content analysis and statistical analysis of survey data show that Democrats are more likely to frame employment nondiscrimination against gay rights as an equality issue, while Republicans are more likely to frame it as morality- and capitalism-based values. Surprisingly, however, equality framing has a stronger effect on Republicans. The study extends research on nondiscrimination in employment with an empirical test of value recruitment theory. The results largely confirm expectations that the application of values can be shaped through citizen attachment to parties, generate insights into value recruitment in policy debates, and point to other questions for further analysis.
Solar playgrounds: A design feasibility study

The data from climate change research and recent events, both political and environmental, have made it apparent that society needs to turn to more renewable sources of energy to meet its energy needs and become more sustainable. This research explores the installation of solar panels directly onto playground equipment as a way to promote the adoption of solar energy through photovoltaics. As children are accustomed to interacting with solar technology from a young age, they will likely come to expect solar and other more sustainable types of energy throughout society, both in public and in private. These expectations will further fuel the solar industry, lower prices, and increase the adoption and use of renewable energy sources in the future. Data is presented of the potential energy production of 11 parks in Provo, Utah, with a cost-benefit analysis of installing panels on those playgrounds. Although the energy produced at each park is relatively small, the benefits suggest it is feasible and becomes more attractive and impactful when considering the increased awareness it provides of energy usage, familiarity with a sustainable technology, and likely future adoption by the next generation.
Prevalence of alcohol use in pregnant women with substance use disorder.

Abstract Background Prenatal care programs for women with opioid use disorder (OUD) often focus treatment/counseling plans around illicit substances, while concurrent use of alcohol might present an equal or greater risk to the fetus. Methods This study evaluated self-reported prevalence of alcohol use in patients participating in a comprehensive prenatal care program for women with substance use disorder (SUD; n = 295), of which 95% are treated for OUD, and pregnant women being served through general obstetrical clinics at the University of New Mexico (n = 365). During the screening phase of a prospective study, patients were asked to report alcohol use in the periconceptional period, and between the last menstrual period and pregnancy recognition. Results The screening interview was conducted at 22.3 (median = 22; Q1 = 16; Q3 = 29) gestational weeks. Among patients screened at the SUD clinic, 28.8% and 24.1% reported at least one binge drinking episode in the periconceptional period and in early pregnancy, respectively. The prevalence of binge drinking was similar in the general obstetrics population (24.7% and 24.4%, respectively). Among those who reported drinking in early pregnancy, median number of binge drinking episodes was higher among patients screened at the SUD clinic (median = 3; Q1 = 1; Q3 = 10) compared to the general obstetrics group (median = 1; Q1 = 1; Q3 = 3; p Conclusions This study demonstrates a high prevalence of prenatal alcohol use in early pregnancy in both groups, while patients with SUD/OUD consume more alcohol. These findings underscore the need for targeted screening and intervention for alcohol use in all pregnant women, especially those with SUD/OUD.
The Power of Reflective Professional Development in Changing Elementary School Teachers' Instructional Practices

With the new goal of K-12 education being to prepare students to be college and career ready at the end of high school, education needs to start changing at the elementary school level. The literature suggests that teachers need reflective professional development (PD) to effectively teach to the new standards and to demonstrate change to their current instructional practices. This mixed-method multiple-case study investigated the impacts of a reflective professional development (PD) in changing elementary school teachers’ instructional practices. Teachers Instructional Portfolios (TIPs) were scored with a TIP rubric based on best practices in teaching mathematics problem-solving and science inquiry. The TIPs were also analyzed with a qualitative coding scheme. Case descriptions were written and all the collected data were used to explain the impacts of the reflective PD on changes in teachers’ instructional practices. While we found no predictive patterns in relation to teachers changing their classroom practices based on the reflective PD, we claim that teachers’ desire to change might contribute to improvements in instruction. We also observed that teachers’ selfassessment scores tend to be higher than the actual TIP scores corroborating with the literature on the usage of self-assessment to evaluate teachers’ instructional practices.
One-Dimensional Case

In this section, we shall discuss the nonrelativistic—relativistic models in one spatial dimension. Complete integrability has been established for both the Chaplygin gas [34] and the Born—Infeld theory [35]. We can now understand this to be a consequence of the complete integrability of the Nambu—Goto 1-brane (string) moving on a 2-space (plane), which is the antecedent of both models. [Therefore, it suffices to discuss only the Chaplygin gas since solutions of the Born—Infeld model can then be obtained by the mapping (4.13), (4.14).]