cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Simultaneous determination of the enantiomers of tocainide in blood plasma using gas—liquid chromatography with electron-capture detection

Tocainide is a new experimental antiarrhythmic agent used clinically as the racemic mixture of two enantiomers. Since the optical isomers may differ in their efficacy and toxicity, we have initiated studies on the stereoselective disposition of tocainide. For this purpose, an assay was developed for the simultaneous determination of the enantiomers of tocainide in blood plasma. Alkalinized 1-ml plasma samples containing tocainide and an internal standard, 2-amino-2',6'-acetoxylidide, are extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic extract is treated with the chiral reagent (S)-alpha-methoxy-alpha-trifluoromethylphenylacetyl chloride, and the resulting derivatives are resolved and quantified by gas-liquid chromatography with electron-capture detection. Calibration data were fitted by least-squares power curves of the form: drug enantiomer/internal standard peak area ratio = A X CB where A and B were constants and C was the concentration of tocainide enantiomer. The lower limit of sensitivity of the assay was 10 ng/ml of each enantiomer. Intra-assay coefficients of variation were 3.3 and 2.1% for (R)-(-)-tocainide at concentrations of 0.125 and 1.25 micrograms/ml, respectively, and 3.4 and 2.4% for the (S)-(+) enantiomer at the same concentrations. Diazepam may interfere with the determination of (R)-(-)-tocainide if concentrations smaller than 1 microgram/ml of this enantiomer are measured in the presence of higher-than-therapeutic (greater than 1.5 micrograms/ml) concentrations of diazepam.
The Curious Connection Between Insects and Dreams

A majority of humans spend their waking hours surrounded by insects, so it should be no surprise that insects also appear in humans' dreams as we sleep. Dreaming about insects has a peculiar history, marked by our desire to explain a dream's significance and by the tactic of evoking emotions by injecting insects in dream-related works of art, film, music, and literature. I surveyed a scattered literature for examples of insects in dreams, first from the practices of dream interpretation, psychiatry, and scientific study, then from fictional writings and popular culture, and finally in the etymology of entomology by highlighting insects with dream-inspired Latinate names. A wealth of insects in dreams, as documented clinically and culturally, attests to the perceived relevance of dreams and to the ubiquity of insects in our lives.
Alterations in the equine oocyte and follicle associated with obesity and metabolic syndrome

Obesity is associated with disrupted reproductive cycles in mares, but the association between obesity and fertility has received minimal attention. In our first study, we hypothesized that mares with equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) have altered follicular environment compared to normal counterparts. Light-horse mares (11-27 yr) were classified as normal (CON; n1⁄412) or insulin resistant (EMS, n1⁄48) based on the reciprocal of the square root of insulin (RISQI) and modified insulin-to-glucose ratio (MIRG), with EMS having RISQI 5.50. Follicular fluid (FF), granulosa cells (GC), and oocytes were aspirated from dominant follicles 22-24 h after deslorelin and hCG administration. Blood was collected following an overnight fast for insulin (INS), leptin (LEP), adiponectin (ADIPO) and inflammatory cytokines. Expression for 32 genes, related to metabolism and follicle maturation, were assessed in GC. Concentrations of INS, LEP, ADIPO and cytokines were highly correlated in serum and FF (P<0.001). Insulin was lower in serum and FF of CON compared to EMS (P<0.001) while LEP and interleukin-1b tended to be lower in FF of CON (P1⁄40.07 and P1⁄40.10; respectively). Control mares had lower tumor necrosis factor-a in FF than EMS (P<0.05). Adiponectin was higher in serum and FF in CON vs. EMS (P<0.05). Gene expression for epiregulin was elevated (P<0.05) while tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-2 tended to be lower (P1⁄40.09) in GC from CON vs. EMS. In a second study, we tested the hypotheses: 1) follicular fluid reflects systemic changes in metabolic hormones and metabolites, and 2) oocytes from obese mares have altered lipid content compared to mares
Circadian blood pressure: Clinical implications based on the pathophysiology of its variability

The circadian blood pressure (BP) rhythm is associated with worsened cardiovascular outcomes in patients who have an excessive morning BP surge and in those who lack the normal nocturnal BP fall (non-dippers). There are multiple pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying abnormalities in circadian BP, most importantly abnormalities in sympathetic nervous system activity, salt and volume balance, and activation of the renin–angiotensin system. Several of these factors can be modified by clinical interventions, either related to lifestyle changes and/or antihypertensive drug therapy. The timing of drug administration or specific drug delivery systems that lead to a greater effect at night and/or mitigate the early morning BP surge can correct abnormal circadian rhythms. Although these strategies have not yet been shown to alter clinical outcomes, it is reasonable to understand their biologic basis and take them into consideration when designing antihypertensive therapy.
Interaction of flavins and chloramphenicol with microsomal enzyme systems

Abstract Possible inter-relationships between flavins and chloramphenicol with drug-metabolizing enzyme systems of liver were studied. Chloramphenicol competitively inhibited N -demethylation of aminopyrine, S -demethylation of 6-methylmercaptopurine, hydroxylation of acetanilid, O -demethylation of o -nitroanisole and side chain oxidation of hexobarbital. Riboflavin-5'-monophosphate, FAD and riboflavin were inhibitory to all of the enzyme systems, but reversed the inhibitory effects of chloramphenicol on the O -demethylation of o -nitroanisole and side chain oxidation of hexobarbital reactions. FMN was a competitive inhibitor of hydroxylation of acetanilid and side chain oxidation of hexobarbital, but a non-competitive inhibitor of the N -demethylation of aminopyrine and S -demethylation of 6-methylmercaptopurine reactions. The mechanism of inhibition of flavins and chloramphenicol of these enzyme systems is undetermined.
REPERTOIRE: a cross-system porting analysis tool for forked software projects

To create a new variant of an existing project, developers often copy an existing codebase and modify it. This process is called software forking. After forking software, developers often port new features or bug fixes from peer projects. Repertoire analyzes repeated work of cross-system porting among forked projects. It takes the version histories as input and identifies ported edits by comparing the content of individual patches. It also shows users the extent of ported edits, where and when the ported edits occurred, which developers ported code from peer projects, and how long it takes for patches to be ported.
Second Graders as Spellers: What Types of Errors Are They Making?

Beginning second-grade students (N = 60) were administered a researcher-developed, dictated spelling test. Spelling errors of students were analyzed by grade-level spelling patterns and linguistic characteristics: phonological, orthographic, orthographic image, transposition, and morphological. Results revealed that morphological spelling pattern errors occurred most frequently. The frequency of linguistic category errors for this sample, ranging from least to most, was transposition, phonological, orthographic image, orthographic, and morphological. Further analysis of the bottom quarter of students, as determined by their performance on a timed word reading measure, indicated a pattern of spelling errors similar to the rest of the sample, but occurring in significantly greater quantity on average. These findings support previous research suggesting poor spellers display similar error patterns as better spelling peers, but with higher frequency. Initial implications suggest to educators that in spite of ...
Cloning of Phage Resistance Genes from Lactococcus Lactis ssp. cremoris KH

Abstract A 17.5-kb plasmid conferring restriction and modification-type phage resistance in Lactococcus lactis ssp. cremoris KH was transformed into Lactococcus Lactis LM0230 and cloned onto an origin of replication-deficient vector directly into L. lactis . Expression of phage resistance was seen in L. lactis but not in E. coli . A restriction map was generated of the cloned plasmid, and the region encoding phage resistance was localized by insertional inactivation and deletion analysis.
Thrips (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) associated with unsprayed and sprayed peaches in Georgia

In a study of thrips populations in central Georgia peach orchards in 1983 and 1984 (Crawford, Houston, and Peach Counties), 31 species of thrips were identified. Frankliniella tritici (Fitch), the flower thrips; Neohydatothrips (Sericothrips) variabilis (Beach), the soybean thrips; and Leptothrips mali (Fitch), a predaceous thrips were the most abundant species recovered. Sprayed orchards were monitored in 1984 and 1986. F. tritici and N. Variabilis were again the predominant phytophagous thrips species. Comparison with numbers found in unsprayed orchards suggested that use of pesticides did not reduce their abundance. Thrips injury to peaches in sample orchards was minimal. In 1988, Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande), the western flower thrips, was four times more abundant in sprayed orchards than F. tritici . Thrips injury also was more prevalent in 1988. Light to moderate silvering (a benign surface blemish) was found on >90% of fruit of early maturing cultivars in grower orchards. Russeting, a more serious tan-colored blemish that can be severe enough to cause fruit to be culled, was found on 10-20% of fruit in commercial orchards.
Expanding the synthetic method and structural diversity potential for the intramolecular Aza Diels-Alder cyclization.

New experimental facets have been examined to expand upon the known methods for an aromatic variant of the intramolecular Aza Diels−Alder cyclization. The specific transformation under study is one that uses functionalized anilines and an aldehyde−olefin tether to provide tetrahydroquinoline cycloadducts under mild acidic conditions. Variations investigated encompass the use of N-alkylated anilines, including one with ring-constrained nitrogen, in the context of glycine, phenylalanine, and glyoxyl ester bridging elements; bridge components with structural perturbations; modified dienophile segments; and different acid catalysts. Substituted tetrahydroquinolines obtained from many of the preceding experiments were obtained in good chemical yield, generally in excess of 80%. Designed as a platform for combinatorial chemical synthesis, this reaction manifold accommodates a range of starting materials with structurally and electronically distinct characteristics. The results of this report, in combination wit...
Prinzmetal's variant angina: Hemodynamic and angiographic observations during pain

Hemodynamic and angiographic data obtained during pain from four patients with Prinzmetal's variant angina are reported. The left ventricular pressure-time index did not increase before or during attacks of angina in three of the four patients; left ventricular systolic performance was impaired during pain in all three. In one of these three patients left ventricular pressure-volume data obtained during angina suggested a reduction in diastolic compliance; in another, pain and S-T segment elevation were present during coronary arterial spasm. The fourth patient had an increase in both arterial blood pressure and heart rate before an attack; in this patient coronary arterial spasm could not be demonstrated during the period of pain and S-T elevation. The data presented suggest that hemodynamic factors that increase the myocardial oxygen requirements are absent and that coronary arterial spasm is present in some, but not all, patients with variant angina.
Long-term monitoring of radioactivity in fish from New York waters.

Abstract As part of an environmental surveillance program operated by the New York State (NYS) Department of Health, measurements of various radionuclides in aquatic life (primarily fish) collected from waterways in NYS have occurred for decades. An investigation was undertaken to gain a better understanding of the occurrence, activity levels, and extent of radionuclide variations in aquatic life obtained from local waterways in relation to concentrations reported in fish from sites outside NYS (e.g., Pacific Ocean tuna). The man-made isotopes 137 Cs and 90 Sr were detectable at activities below 1 Bq/kg in the edible portions of fish from most NYS waterways, with the exception of greater activities in fish collected downstream of Brookhaven National Laboratory. Calculated effective doses resulting from eating the fish, estimated as 11–390 nSv/yr for 137 Cs and 0.3–7.9 nSv/yr for 90 Sr, are considered extremely low.
The pdf Approach to Turbulent Flow

This paper provides a detailed discussion of the theory and application of probability density function (pdf) methods, which provide a complete statistical description of turbulent flow fields at a single point or a finite number of points. The basic laws governing the flow of Newtonian fluids are set up in the Eulerian and the Lagrangian frame, and the exact and linear equations for the characteristic functionals in those frames are discussed. Pdf equations in both frames are derived as Fourier transforms of the equations of the characteristic functions. Possible formulations for the nonclosed terms in the pdf equation are discussed, their properties are assessed, and closure modes for the molecular-transport and the fluctuating pressure-gradient terms are reviewed. The application of pdf methods to turbulent combustion flows, supersonic flows, and the interaction of turbulence with shock waves is discussed.
Comparative Study of Intracranial Aneurysms in Advanced Age

A correlative angiographic and clinical analysis of 108 intracranial subdural aneurysms in patients from 60 to 84 years of age is presented. Angiographically defined spasm was present in about 54% of the cases. Spasm grades I and II had no apparent influence on clinical course, and grades III and IV were in some instances associated with arterial occlusion and infarction. There was no clear evidence that the spasm was related to hypertension, and no relationship could be established between preoperative and postoperative spasm. Atherosclerotic alterations in some cases were combined with a persistent narrowing of the arterial lumen.
The relation between category and magnitude estimates of tactile intensity

Magnitude estimates of a wide intensive range of electrotactile stimuli were slotted against two category scales of the same stimuli. One scale was obtained with the usual narrow range of categories, the other with an expanded range derived from the numerical magnitude estimates. With the narrow range of categories, the function relating category ratings to magnitude estimates was surved concave downward as is usual. With the wide range of categories, the function was linear. Thus, the curvature previously ascribed to prothetic continua in general was found rather to result from a specific property of the response dimensions, i.e., from the restricted set of numbers made available as categories to the Ss.
cSELF Computer Science Education from Life: Broadening Participation through Design Agency

The phrase "broadening participation" is often used to describe efforts to decrease the race and gender gap in science and engineering education, and in this paper the authors describe an educational program focused on addressing the lower achievement rates and career interests of underrepresented ethnic groups African American, Native American, and Latino students. However "broadening participation" can also describe the more general problem of a narrow, decontextualized form of education that can alienate all demographics. Broadening the scope of computing education can not only help address disparities in different social groups, but also make technical education more attractive to all individuals, and help us create a generation of science and engineering professionals who can better incorporate an understanding of the world into their technical work. The program the authors report on, Computer Science Education from Life cSELF takes a modest step in this direction. Using the concept of "design agency" the authors describe how this merging of abstract formal structures, material creative practice, and cultural knowledge can improve underrepresented student engagement, and foster learning practices in computing that offer broader forms of social expression for all students.
The influence of oxygen vacancies and La doping on the surface structure of NaTaO3

Abstract Doping of the semiconductor photocatalyst NaTaO 3 with La is known to produce stepped features on the surfaces. Similar stepped-surface features can be produced in the undoped material by repeated high temperature calcination. In this work, density functional theory calculations for both La-doped and undoped NaTaO 3 bulk and surfaces have been carried out to explore the hypothesis that La doping and high T calcination produce a common effect that favors the formation of stepped surfaces. It is found that La doping and oxygen vacancies lead to similar zig-zag distortions in the surface structure. It is suggested that this zig-zag distortion may induce the formation of the stepped-surface structures.
Structural basis for recruitment of the adaptor protein APS to the activated insulin receptor.

The adaptor protein APS is a substrate of the insulin receptor and couples receptor activation with phosphorylation of Cbl to facilitate glucose uptake. The interaction with the activated insulin receptor is mediated by the Src homology 2 (SH2) domain of APS. Here, we present the crystal structure of the APS SH2 domain in complex with the phosphorylated tyrosine kinase domain of the insulin receptor. The structure reveals a novel dimeric configuration of the APS SH2 domain, wherein the C-terminal half of each protomer is structurally divergent from conventional, monomeric SH2 domains. The APS SH2 dimer engages two kinase molecules, with pTyr-1158 of the kinase activation loop bound in the canonical phosphotyrosine binding pocket of the SH2 domain and a second phosphotyrosine, pTyr-1162, coordinated by two lysine residues in β strand D. This structure provides a molecular visualization of one of the initial downstream recruitment events following insulin activation of its dimeric receptor.
Midline Filum of the Sellar Dura: A Useful Landmark During Endoscopic Transsphenoidal Pituitary Surgery

BACKGROUND: During endoscopic transsphenoidal pituitary surgery, identification and constant awareness of the midline is imperative to prevent injury to critical lateral structures, such as the internal carotid arteries. OBJECTIVE: To describe the relevance of a midline filum of the sellar dura which, when present, can serve as a useful intraoperative anatomic marker. METHODS: Intraoperative video recordings of twenty patients undergoing endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery were retrospectively reviewed to assess for the presence and location of a midline dural filum or apparent central dural vascular structure. Prospective intraoperative data were gathered on an additional 16 patients. RESULTS: A midline dural filum was identified in 18 of 36 patients (50%) undergoing endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery. This structure was identified on the midline in all cases, as confirmed by intraoperative neuronavigation and comparison with the vomer. The midline dural filum was identified as a strand-like dural extension (13 patients) or as a small vascular dural structure usually exhibiting low pressure venous bleeding (5 patients). Samples of the midline dural filum were obtained from 2 patients for histopathological analysis, which demonstrated dense collagenous connective tissue without evidence of vessel wall or ductal epithelium. CONCLUSION: In addition to anatomic structures such as the vomer and midline sphenoid sinus septations, a midline dural filum serves as a useful marker during the sellar phase of endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery. Along with intraoperative neuronavigation and Doppler ultrasonography of the cavernous carotid arteries, identification of this structure may further aid in safeguarding against injury to critical paramedian structures.
Evaluation and Management of Psychosomatic Symptoms in Adolescence

Adolescent patients commonly experience symptoms such as headache, chest pain, abdominal pain, or dizziness that are psychophysiologic responses to stress, anxiety, and depression. Because most symptomatic adolescents initially visit medical providers, and not mental health professionals, the clinician is faced with the challenge of providing a comprehensive evaluation that is not merely focused on the symptom. In addition to a careful medical assessment, this evaluation must include a review of psychosocial functioning in the family, school, peer group, and community. Appropriate management may include supportive counseling, instruction in relaxation techniques, anti-depressant medication, and referral for psychotherapy.
Dis/Solution: Lina Bo Bardi’s Museu de Arte de São Paulo

The year 2014 marked the centenary of the birth of Roman-born Brazilian architect Lina Bo Bardi. Among the best known of Lina’s many contributions to Brazilian modernism is Museu de Arte de Sao Paulo (MASP). Begun in 1957 and opened in 1968, MASP flouted European museological and museographical conventions, dissolving structural, temporal and hierarchical boundaries. Lina’s expressive architectonic forms and revolutionary exhibition scheme allowed the works in the MASP collection to literally stand on their own as objects liberated completely from chronological, connoisseurial and scholarly classification systems. Lina designed MASP to provoke ‘reactions of curiosity and investigation’ by redefining notions of space and form within and beyond the context of the museum as mausoleum, archive and treasury. This collaborative analysis examines the philosophical, theoretical, practical and formal elements of what John Cage purportedly characterized as ‘the architecture of freedom’. Toward that end, this article situates MASP and its collections within broader historical discourses of museum practice to reveal the transgressive genius of Lina’s architectural and museal gestures. We conclude with a discussion of current debates surrounding the conventionalization of MASP’s exhibition protocols, considered in the contexts of conservation and proposed changes to the structure and its immediate urban setting.
A novel grid interface for photovoltaic, wind-electric, and fuel-cell systems with a controllable power factor of operation

This paper presents a novel control for a grid interface, for interconnection of renewable energy sources with a three-phase utility, with a controllable power factor of operation. The total harmonic distortion in the line currents meets the 5% limit recommended by the IEEE 519-1992. The novel control strategy for operating the interface at unity or even slightly leading power factor is described and the simulation results are presented. The grid interface described is based on a novel topology for transferring power from the DC side to the three-phase AC system. It consists of a thyristor inverter where the firing angle can be kept at a constant value. The power flow from the DC source to the utility is controlled by two stepdown DC-DC converters. >
Spatial-temporal stratifications in natural populations and how they affect understanding and estimation of effective population size

The concept of effective population size (Ne) is based on an elegantly simple idea which, however, rapidly becomes very complex when applied to most real-world situations. In natural populations, spatial and temporal stratifications create different classes of individuals with different vital rates, and this in turn affects (generally reduces) Ne in complex ways. I consider how these natural stratifications influence our understanding of effective size and how to estimate it, and what the consequences are for conservation and management of natural populations. Important points that emerge include the following: 1. The relative influences of local vs metapopulation Ne depend on a variety of factors, including the time frame of interest. 2. Levels of diversity in local populations are strongly influenced by even low levels of migration, so these measures are not reliable indicators of local Ne. 3. For long-term effective size, obtaining a reliable estimate of mutation rate is the most important consideration; unless this is accomplished, estimates can be biased by orders of magnitude. 4. At least some estimators of contemporary Ne appear to be robust to relatively high (approximately 10%) equilibrium levels of migration, so under many realistic scenarios they might yield reliable estimates of local Ne. 5. Age structure probably has little effect on long-term estimators of Ne but can strongly influence contemporary estimates. 6. More research is needed in several key areas: (i) to disentangle effects of selection and drift in metapopulations connected by intermediate levels of migration; (ii) to elucidate the relationship between Nb (effective number of breeders per year) and Ne per generation in age-structured populations; (iii) to perform rigorous sensitivity analyses of new likelihood and coalescent-based methods for estimating demographic and evolutionary histories.
Leptin: at the crossroads of energy balance and systemic inflammation.

In addition to playing a central role in energy homeostasis, leptin is also an important player in the inflammatory response. Systemic inflammation is accompanied by fever (less severe cases) or hypothermia (more severe cases). In leptin-irresponsive mutants, the hypothermia of systemic inflammation is exaggerated, presumably due to the enhanced production and cryogenic action of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. Mechanisms that exaggerate hypothermia can also attenuate fever, particularly in a cool environment. Another common manifestation of systemic inflammation is behavioral depression. Along with the production of interleukin (IL)-1β, this manifestation is exaggerated in leptin-irresponsive mutants. The enhanced production of TNF-α and IL-1β may be due, at least in part, to insufficient activation of the anti-inflammatory hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis by immune stimuli in the absence of leptin signaling. In experimental animals and humans that are responsive to leptin, suppression of leptin production under conditions of negative energy balance (e.g., fasting) can exaggerate both hypothermia and behavioral depression. Since these manifestations aid energy conservation, exaggeration of these manifestations under conditions of negative energy balance is likely to be beneficial.
Precision calibration of electromagnetic calorimeters with a radio-frequency quadrupole accelerator☆

Abstract Over the last six years, Caltech and AccSys Technology, Inc. have developed fast calibration techniques by using a pulsed proton beam from a radio-frequency quadrupole (RFQ) accelerator. The RFQ beam bombards a lithium (Li) or calcium fluoride (CaF 2 ) target permanently installed in an experiment. Radiative capture of the proton yields a flux of single 17.6 MeV photons from a Li target or short bursts of thousands of 6 MeV photons from a CaF 2 target, which simulate a high energy photon of up to 40 GeV per calorimeter cell. This pulsed photon source can be used to calibrate thousands of crystals in the experiment with an absolute accuracy of 0.7% in a few hours or with a relative accuracy of 0.4% in a few minutes, using the two types of targets.
Raman Spectroscopy for Semiconductor Thin Film Analysis

The application of Raman spectroscopy to various semiconductor thin film, interface and surface problems will be presented. Specific focus will be on the vibrational excitations of the materials systems which are probed by the Raman measurements. Experimental configurations are described which are optimized for general thin film analysis, microprobe analysis, and in situ UHV surface/interface analysis. The vibrational properties can be used for phase and composition identification, crystal/amorphous structure, strain, impurity configurations, and superlattice properties. Specific examples will include thermal processing of CVD Si films, microprobe of laser annealed films, MOCVD AlxGa1−xAs films, silicide formation and identification, amorphous superlattices, and hydrogen impurities in crystalline Si.
Determination of UV-transparent compounds by liquid chromatography using the UV detector

An indirect UV photometric detection technique is described in which a low concentration of a UV-absorbing compound (UVAC) is added to the mobile phase in reversed phase liquid chromatography, thereby making it possible for non UV-absorbing compounds such as the lower alcohols to be detected by the UV detector. This happens because the injected analyte may extract a portion of the UV absorbing compound from the mobile and/or stationary phase and the complex is co-eluted as a positive peak at the retention time of the analyte. Alternatively, the injected analyte may appear as a negative peak if the UV-absorbing compound is transferred to the mobile and stationary phases. In any case, the injected compound appears either as a positive or negative peak depending on the relative polarities and concentrations of all the compounds in the system. In addition, the resulting excess or deficiency of detection agent in the stationary phase is eluted separately as a positive or negative peak, indicating that the system has returned to equilibrium. In the work described herein, the chromatographic conditions and variables of the indirect photometric technique were studied to develop a quantitative HPLC method for UV-transparent compounds. It was found that under optimal conditions it is possible to determine some analytes quantitatively at concentrations as low as 0.05%.
Sorting of GPI-anchored proteins to glycolipid-enriched membrane subdomains during transport to the apical cell surface

We show that a protein with a glycosylphosphatidyl inositol (GPI) anchor can be recovered from lysates of epithelial cells in a low density, detergent-insoluble form. Under these conditions, the protein is associated with detergent-resistant sheets and vesicles that contain other GPI-anchored proteins and are enriched in glycosphingolipids, but do not contain a basolateral marker protein. The protein is recovered in this complex only after it has been transported to the Golgi complex, suggesting that protein-sphingolipid microdomains form in the Golgi apparatus and plasma membrane and supporting the model proposed by Simons and colleagues for sorting of certain membrane proteins to the apical surface after intracellular association with glycosphingolipids.
Suffering, sovereignty, and the purposes of God: Christian convictions and medical killing.

Despite a variety of "non-ecumenical" features in Christian arguments about suicide, assisted suicide, and euthanasia, there are obvious "ecumenical" aspects to be found in the general Christian prohibition of these practices. A fair reading of the Christian tradition requires that we acknowledge both the differences that distinguish particular perspectives and the fundamental themes that allow an identifiably Christian position to emerge in stark contrast to the secular discussion of these issues. Central to Christian interpretations of dying and death are an acknowledgment of God's sovereignty over human life, an understanding of suffering that stresses identification with Christ as the source of Christian hope, and the recognition that God's creative and redemptive purposes are generally (or always) at odds with the deliberate choice of assisted suicide or euthanasia. Language: en
Hutchinson's sign.

. Hutchinson's sign—pigmentation of the periungual tissues—is a valuable clue to the diagnosis of subungual melanoma. When present, this sign indicates malignant melanoma, however minimal the pigmentation or the histology may be. An illustrative case is presented.
Teachers' attitudes towards and uses of translanguaging in English language classrooms in Iowa

This study aims to examine the existing attitudes and practices of translanguaging, the use of the students’ native language in the English language classroom, by 19 English language teachers in the state of Iowa. Teachers from both mainstream and dual language programs responded to a survey that collected information regarding the importance that they place on various uses of translanguaging (both by the students and by the teacher), and also information regarding the frequency with which these teachers felt it was practiced in their classrooms. Existing research in the field includes a study conducted by McMillan and Rivers (2011), which focused on examining attitudes and/or uses of translanguaging in an English as a foreign language context; the current study aims to collect similar data in the different, more diverse context of English as a second language classrooms. The investigator used a survey to collect both quantitative and qualitative data. The quantitative data were collected using multiple-­‐choice and Likert scale questions, and the qualitative data were collected through open-­‐ended responses. The qualitative data were used to help explain and support the quantitative findings from the study, to provide a more holistic view of the attitudes of participating teachers towards translanguaging, and to offer a description of their current practices using translanguaging in their classrooms. Findings indicated a division between the attitudes and practices of the participants regarding translanguaging. While the majority of the participants believed that nearly every use was important, only a small (less than half) portion of the participants implements these practices in the classroom. While the small number of participants
Incidence of atypical pencil grasps among nondysfunctional adults.

Three groups ofnondysJunctional adults were ob­ servedfor atypicalpencil grasps (i. e., nondynamic tripod grasps) used during functional writing situa­ tions: 58 occupational therapy students signing out equipment, 314 voters signingfor their ballots, and 113 medical students taking a written examina­ tion. Among the total right-handedpopulation, the mostfrequently used grasp was the dynamic trzpod grasp (86%). The second mostfrequently used grasp was the lateral trzpod grasp (10%). Other grasps were observed less often (less than 2% ofthe time). The surprisingly high incidence ofthe lateral tripod grasp suggests that this grasp may be considered a functional alternative to the traditionally accepted dynamic tripod grasp. Only 1 % ofthe total sample showed immature grasp patterns (i. e., cross-thumb and static tripod grasps), thus indicating that most adults develop a mature grasp for functional handwriting.
An economic analysis of photovoltaics versus traditional energy sources: Where are we now and where might we be in the near future?

A precipitous drop in the price of the crystalline silicon solar photovoltaic (PV) modules typically employed for residential applications has recently been observed: The typical sales price for modules was around $4/W P DC in 2008 but could easily approach $1.50/W W P DC by the end of this year1. As module price declines continue, and as gains are also realized in balance-of-system costs, the economics of PV systems for power generation become increasingly competitive. In this presentation, we will examine whether solar will reach grid parity in the United States if monocrystalline silicon modules achieve an optimistic-case scenario in efficiency and cost. The analysis suggests that PV systems are already economically viable in select markets, but further cost reductions and efficiency improvements above and beyond the monocrystalline optimistic-case scenarios are necessary in order to be competitive against incumbent electricity production in most markets across the United States.
Transcatheter aortic valve replacement: from the femoral artery to the left ventricular apex--the spectrum to access.

The role of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) continues to evolve and expand at a rapid pace. The advanced age and frailty of many TAVR candidates often presents complex vascular access challenges when contemplating the exact route of valve delivery. As the indications and approved routes of delivery have evolved, so have the direct open vascular and percutaneous techniques paramount to success. We review the spectrum of access options that may be available for consideration during TAVR procedures and highlight the “pearls and pitfalls” of each technique. We additionally highlight reasons a technique may be preferred for a specific patient subset, as well as the concerns addressed by the anesthesiologist in approaching TAVR.
Evaluating Modifications in Epidemic Surveillance Systems: A Method and an Application to AIDS Surveillance in Switzerland

A method is presented for evaluating the impact of a modification in a surveillance system for an epidemic disease among reporting sources susceptible to the modification. The approach requires a control series with reports from sources that are not affected by the modification. The measure of effect is the reporting odds ratio (ROR) which estimates the ratio of reporting proportions (completeness) before and after the change. The proportions themselves remain unknown. Various potential biases are identified and an investigation of one potential bias is proposed. The method may prove useful in supplementing techniques that estimate absolute values of completeness of registry systems. The application to AIDS surveillance data in Switzerland shows that the transition from voluntary to mandatory reporting had an impact that was enhanced by the 1987 revision of the Centers for Disease Control case definition for AIDS. Reporting sources were 1.9 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.4-2.6) times more likely to report their patients after introduction of mandatory reporting. It is estimated that 15% of all reports were attributable to mandatory reporting.
History, heterogeneity, and presidential approval: a modified ARCH approach

Abstract Since Mueller, 1973 ( War, Presidents, and Public Opinion , John Wiley, New York), the study of Presidential popularity routinely designates certain historical events as “rallying” events, especially the onset of foreign conflicts. Subsequent scholarship explores the effect of additional significant historical events (such as scandals or bad economic conditions) upon the President's stock of approval. This paper argues that prior research has misconceptualized “rallies”, which refer to stable increases in approval of the president's performance, not just a short-lived spike. Volatility is an important but mostly neglected aspect of presidential approval. This paper shows how the systematic causes of volatility can be examined. Volatility increases across administrations and over time, primarily as a consequence of weakening partisan attachments. Volatility decreases during elections and after honeymoons, and presidentially relevant events vary in their effects on the mean level as well as on volatility. The results have significant implications for the support of rational political actors in the legislature and for evidence of the rationality of public opinion.
Determinants of Influenza Vaccination, 2003–2004: Shortages, Fallacies and Disparities

Background. The influenza outbreak of 2003-2004 received substantial media attention, including widespread reports of a severe season and vaccine shortages. Understanding the determinants of vaccine receipt is important for guiding immunization policies. Methods. From February through June 2004, we administered a structured telephone survey to Tennessee residents, using random-digit dialing methodology. Results. Questionnaires were completed by 4028 persons, of whom 2077 (52%) had received influenza vaccination during the previous outbreak season. Of these 2077 vaccine recipients, 63% received vaccine at a private medical clinic, 14% at a workplace, 11% at a health department, and 7% at a pharmacy. Three-fourths of respondents reported a risk factor for which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends vaccination; of those, 41% went unvaccinated, including 26% who had seen a medical provider for other reasons during the influenza season. More than 40% of persons aged ≥50, more than half of health care workers, and 70% of pregnant women were not immunized. Blacks, rural residents, and lower-income respondents were significantly less likely to be immunized than were comparison groups. Of respondents who were vaccinated, 6% reported difficulties obtaining vaccination (most commonly, they reported that vaccine was not readily available). One-fourth of unvaccinated persons had been offered vaccination but had declined it; of these, 35% thought it unnecessary and 33% believed it would make them ill. Of those not vaccinated, 8% reported requesting vaccination but not receiving it, most commonly because it was unavailable. Conclusions. Many barriers contribute to disparities in rates of influenza vaccination, of which inadequate supply is only one component. Myths regarding influenza vaccination persist tenaciously. A multifaceted approach to increasing immunization rates is critical.
Medical Schools in the United States, 2014-2015

Thefollowing tables contain data derivedmainly from the 2014-2015 Liaison Committee onMedical Education (LCME)AnnualMedical SchoolQuestionnairePart II. The questionnaire was sent in February 2015 to the deans of the 141LCME-accreditedmedical schoolswithenrolled students.Therewasa100%responserate.Eachquestionnairewas reviewed and attempts were made to verify information and obtainmissingdata. Data for years other than2014-2015were obtained from previous LCME Annual Medical School Questionnaires or from the source, as cited. Author Affiliations:Medical Education Group, AmericanMedical Association, Chicago, Illinois. Corresponding Author: Barbara Barzansky, PhD, Division of Undergraduate Medical Education, AmericanMedical Association, 330 NWabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60611 (barbara.barzansky@ama-assn.org). Conflict of Interest Disclosures: The authors have completed and submitted the ICMJE Form for Disclosure of Potential Conflicts of Interest and none were reported. Funding/Support: This research was funded solely by the AmericanMedical Association, which employs Dr Barzansky andMs Etzel.
Steering evolution strategically: computational game theory and opponent exploitation for treatment planning, drug design, and synthetic biology

Living organisms adapt to challenges through evolution and adaptation. This has proven to be a key difficulty in developing therapies, since the organisms develop resistance. I propose the wild idea of steering evolution/adaptation strategically—using computational game theory for (typically incomplete-information) multistage games and opponent exploitation techniques. A sequential contingency plan for steering is constructed computationally for the setting at hand. In the biological context, the opponent (e.g., a disease) has a systematic handicap because it evolves myopically. This can be exploited by computing trapping strategies that cause the opponent to evolve into states where it can be handled effectively. Potential application classes include therapeutics at the population, individual, and molecular levels (drug design), as well as cell repurposing and synthetic biology.
Engineers at Play: Games as Teaching Tools for Undergraduate Engineering Students

Background Many students may not respond strongly to instruction that they do not perceive as engaging. One pedagogical approach to help engage students involves the use of games. Educational games can provide students with a motivating and stimulating environment while providing them with immediate feedback to promote learning. Purpose This systematic review examines research focused on the implementation of games to teach undergraduate engineering students; it summarizes prevailing features and cites examples from a variety of engineering disciplines. Scope/Method The systematic review was conducted through a detailed search of Science Direct journals and the Scopus, Web of Science, Compendex/Inspec, and ERIC Education Research Abstract databases using terms pertinent to games in engineering education. A total of 191 papers was included after application of the inclusion/exclusion criteria. After screening those to determine if assessment of student learning outcomes was performed, 62 papers were found suitable for more detailed analysis. Conclusions Research on the implementation of games in undergraduate engineering classrooms has shown that, despite diverse forms of assessment applied, there is a general trend that both student learning and attitudes are improved by game-based activities. However, since only a relatively small subset of the literature demonstrates a systematic, validated approach in assessment, significant opportunities remain for future research.
Dectin-1 Regulates Hepatic Fibrosis and Hepatocarcinogenesis by Suppressing TLR4 Signaling Pathways

Dectin-1 is a C-type lectin receptor critical in anti-fungal immunity, but Dectin-1 has not been linked to regulation of sterile inflammation or oncogenesis. We found that Dectin-1 expression is upregulated in hepatic fibrosis and liver cancer. However, Dectin-1 deletion exacerbates liver fibro-inflammatory disease and accelerates hepatocarcinogenesis. Mechanistically, we found that Dectin-1 protects against chronic liver disease by suppressing TLR4 signaling in hepatic inflammatory and stellate cells. Accordingly, Dectin-1(-/-) mice exhibited augmented cytokine production and reduced survival in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-mediated sepsis, whereas Dectin-1 activation was protective. We showed that Dectin-1 inhibits TLR4 signaling by mitigating TLR4 and CD14 expression, which are regulated by Dectin-1-dependent macrophage colony stimulating factor (M-CSF) expression. Our study suggests that Dectin-1 is an attractive target for experimental therapeutics in hepatic fibrosis and neoplastic transformation. More broadly, our work deciphers critical cross-talk between pattern recognition receptors and implicates a role for Dectin-1 in suppression of sterile inflammation, inflammation-induced oncogenesis, and LPS-mediated sepsis.
Two Polarities: An Interpretative Key

In this chapter, first I describe two polarities at work within Catholicism and indicate their relevance to an understanding of the enterprise of Catholic education. I then suggest that a critical appreciation of the relationship between these two polarities has a significance for Catholics that extends beyond schooling. In this second section I also show how those outside the Catholic community, concerned with promoting liberal democracy in a pluralist society, might apply some of the conceptual categories and lines of approach adopted here to their own enquiries. Third, some of the new challenges facing Catholic schools are then summarised. This is followed by an attempt to show both loss and gain in the responses made by Catholic educators to changes in their environment. Fifth, consideration is given to the accusation that Catholic schools are insufficiently distinctive or counter-cultural. The need for a fresh articulation of the rationale for Catholic education is highlighted in section six and this is followed by a brief indication of the kind of balance that will be striven for throughout the rest of the book. The final section of the chapter is meant to serve as an advance organiser for readers, orienting them to the main angles of approach and the types of sources they can expect to encounter should they proceed further.