cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of site-directed mutagenesis of mglA on motility and swarming of Myxococcus xanthus

The mglA gene from the bacterium Myxococcus xanthus encodes a 22kDa protein related to the Ras superfamily of monomeric GTPases. MglA is required for the normal function of A-motility (a dventurous), S-motility (s ocial), fruiting body morphogenesis, and sporulation. MglA and its homologs differ from all eukaryotic and other prokaryotic GTPases because they have a threonine (Thr78) in place of the highly conserved aspartate residue of the consensus PM3 (p hosphate-m agnesium binding) region. To identify residues critical for MglA function or potential protein interactions, and explore the function of Thr78, the phenotypes of 18 mglA mutants were characterized. Nine mutants, with mutations predicted to alter residues that bind the guanine base or coordinate magnesium, did not produce detectable MglA. As expected, these mutants were mot- dev- because MglA is essential for these processes. Of the remaining nine mutants, seven showed a wild-type distribution pattern for MglA but fell into two categories with regard to function. Five of the seven mutants exhibited mild phenotypes, but two mutants, T78D and P80A, abolished motility and development. The localization pattern of MglA was abolished in two mutants that were mot- spo- and dev-. These two mutants were predicted to alter surface residues at Asp52 and Thr54, which suggests that these residues are critical for proper localization and may define a protein interaction site. Improving the consensus match with Ras at Thr78 abolished function of MglA. Only the conservative serine substitution was tolerated at this position. Merodiploid constructs revealed that a subset of alleles, including mglA D52A, were dominant and also illustrated that changing the balance of MglA and its co-transcribed partner, MglB, affects A-motility. Our results suggest that GTP binding is critical for stability of MglA because MglA does not accumulate in mutants that cannot bind GTP. The threonine in PM3 of MglA proteins represents a novel modification of the highly conserved GTPase consensus at this position. The requirement for a hydroxyl group at this position may indicate that MglA is subject to modification under certain conditions. Proper localization of MglA is critical for both motility and development and likely involves protein interactions mediated by residues Asp52 and Thr54.
Breakup of liquid drops due to convective flow in shocked sprays

An analytical model of the breakup of droplets in a column or a spray subjected to shock waves is presented. The model is based on observation of the breakup of isolated drops and is an extension of the model for a column of droplets previously developed by the authors, wherein droplet motion was ignored. In this model, allowance for the simultaneous stripping and motion of the droplets is made and, in addition, a probability factor, accounting for the probablity of wake-droplet interactions, is included for the spray case. It is shown analytically that, in the range of spacing to drop diameter ratio, S/D 0 =10–25, of importance to two-phase detonations, and for 2≤ M ≤6, the breakup time of the drops can be 55% to 90% of the breakup time of an isolated drop under the same convective flow conditions. Experiments with columns of 1.94-mm water drops at S/D 0 =14.6, under the action of M =2 shocks, indicate, on the basis of the diameter growth, a breakup-time reduction in good agreement with the value of t bc /t b =0.62, predicted analytically, where t b and t bc are the breakup time for isolated drops and drops in column, respectively. Data for similar water columns at higher Mach Numbers up to M =3.3 indicate a qualitative agreement but not as good quantitative agreement as obtained at M =2. Previously published work on the ignition and detonation of 2.6-mm diethylcyclohexane drops in oxygen provides further qualitative verification of the model.
MGluR-Mediated Calcium Waves that Invade the Soma Regulate Firing in Layer V Medial Prefrontal Cortical Pyramidal Neurons

Factors that influence the activity of prefrontal cortex (PFC) pyramidal neurons are likely to play an important role in working memory function. One such factor may be the release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores. Here we investigate the hypothesis that metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs)-mediated waves of internally released Ca2+ can regulate the intrinsic excitability and firing patterns of PFC pyramidal neurons. Synaptic or focal pharmacological activation of mGluRs triggered Ca2+ waves in the dendrites and somata of layer V medial PFC pyramidal neurons. These Ca2+ waves often evoked a transient SK-mediated hyperpolarization followed by a prolonged depolarization that respectively decreased and increased neuronal excitability. Generation of the hyperpolarization depended on whether the Ca2+ wave invaded or came near to the soma. The depolarization also depended on the extent of Ca2+ wave propagation. We tested factors that influence the propagation of Ca2+ waves into the soma. Stimulating more synapses, increasing inositol trisphosphate concentration near the soma, and priming with physiological trains of action potentials all enhanced the amplitude and likelihood of evoking somatic Ca2+ waves. These results suggest that mGluR-mediated Ca2+ waves may regulate firing patterns of PFC pyramidal neurons engaged by working memory, particularly under conditions that favor the propagation of Ca2+ waves into the soma.
Influence of creatine monohydrate ingestion on muscle metabolites and intense exercise capacity in individuals with multiple sclerosis.

Abstract Lambert CP, Archer RL, Carrithers JA, Fink WJ, Evans WJ, Trappe TA. Influence of creatine monohydrate ingestion on muscle metabolites and intense exercise capacity in individuals with multiple sclerosis. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2003;84:1206–10. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of ingesting creatine monohydrate in elevating intramuscular creatine stores and improving exercise capacity in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). Design: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, pre-posttrial. Setting: A university-based exercise physiology laboratory. Participants: Sixteen individuals with relapsing-remitting MS (median Expanded Disability Status Scale score, 4.75; range, 1.5–6.0). Intervention: Eight individuals with MS were randomized to the creatine group (20g/d of creatine monohydrate for 5d), and 8 others were randomized to the placebo group. Needle biopsies were performed on the vastus lateralis at rest before and after treatment. Subjects performed 3 bouts of 30 maximal knee extensions and flexions at 180°/s with 1 minute of recovery between bouts before and after treatment. Main Outcome Measures: Intramuscular total creatine, phosphocreatine, free creatine, and total work output. Results: Creatine ingestion did not significantly elevate intramuscular total creatine, phosphocreatine, or free creatine or improve total work production. Conclusion: Creatine ingestion had no significant effect on muscle creatine stores or high-intensity exercise capacity in individuals with MS.
Volume dependence of the Grüneisen γ and other thermodynamic properties of NaCI

Abstract The quasi-harmonic approximation is used to calculate the Helmholtz free energy F of NaCl. The interionic forces are represented by a deformation-dipole model, which is parameterized self-consistently. We give a parameterized expression for F which can be used to predict the temperature and volume dependence of the thermodynamic properties. The expression for F is tested by comparing our predicted values for the heat capacity C p , the thermal expansion α, and the bulk modulus B s with experimental atmospheric-pressure values and by comparing predicted values for the Gruneisen γ at high pressures with the recent measurements of Boehler, Getting and Kennedy. Excellent agreement is obtained. Predictions for the volume dependence of C p , α, and B s and for the isothermal equation of state at room temperature are given. Values for the logarithmic derivative q T = ( ∂ In γ ⧸ ∂ In V) T and for the Anderson-Gruneisen parameters δ S and δ T are also given.
Nitrogen, sulfur and phosphorus dynamics in decomposing deciduous leaf litter in the southern appalachians

Abstract The decomposition rates and N. S and P dynamics of flowenne dogwood (Cornus florida). red maple (Acer rubrum) and chestnut oak (Quercus prinus) litter were examined during 2 years in a mixed deciduous forest in the southern Appalachians. Litter of the three species decomposed in the following order (fastest to slowest): flowering dogwood > red maple > chestnut oak. Initial mass losses (first 6 months) were most highly positively correlated with concentrations of ethanol-soluble and total soluble components. First-year annual decay rates were most highly negatively correlated with initial % lignin and lignin-to-N ratios. Second-year decay rates were significantly slower than first-year rates for flowering doewood and red maple litter, but not for chestnut oak. This was apparently due to the greater proportion of labile materials initially present in flowering dogwood and red maple litter Relative concentrations of N, S and P increased during the decomposition of each litter type. following any initial leaching losses. In all cases, the increases in N. S and P concentrations exhibited negative linear relationships to % mass remaining. For all three elements the slopes of these relationships were correlated with decay rates, indicating a greater increase in N. S and P concentrations per unit mass lost in faster decomposing litter types. Changes in the absolute amount of N (net immobilization or net release) followed a typical three component curve (leaching, immobilization and release phases). Nitrogen release began when C-to-N ratios decreased to between 25 and 34, Patterns of P and S fluxes varied more among litter types. Only flowering dogwood litter, with a final C-to-P ratio of 305 appeared to release P by the end of the study. Flowering dogwood litter also had a low initial C-to-S ratio (236) and displayed an immediate net release of S which continued throughout the study. The other litter types, which had higher initial C-to-S ratios, immobilized S throughout the study.
An environment for training computer science students on software testing

Software testing is essential to ensure software quality. On most software projects testing activities consume at least 30 percent of the project effort. On safety critical applications, software testing can consume between 50 to 80 percent of project effort. There is a vast amount of information available on software testing techniques and tools and some universities offer software testing courses at the advanced undergraduate and graduate level. Software testing must also be stressed in beginning courses and even in the high schools when students are first learning to program. It is also important in these early years to instill a respect for software testing and some interest in possible testing careers. This paper describes a project to develop a learning and training environment that enables students to develop the knowledge and skills to perform requirement based testing. The target audience for the environment are beginning programming students at either the high school or university level. The software training environment consists of Web-based instructional materials as well as a testing simulator which enables students to actually test software programs. This paper describes the educational objectives of the test training environment, its implementation and results from utilizing the environment with beginning programming students
Electromagnetic/Circuit co-optimization of lumped component and physical layout parameters using generalized layout components

This paper describes the concept of a generalized parametric layout component which enables one to simultaneously optimize the physical layout variations together with lumped passive and active component parameters. This is realized by a seamless integration of a electromagnetic simulator within a circuit simulation and optimization tool. The electromagnetic S-parameter model is generated dynamically for each set of layout component parameters, as selected by the optimizer. An electromagnetic model database keeps track of the generated S-parameter models for later reuse. This concept is illustrated in the design of an RF board low noise amplifier circuit.
Testing and diagnostics of CMOS circuits using light emission from off-state leakage current

In recent years, innovative applications based on the detection of emission sources such as the light emission from off-state leakage current (LEOSLC) of CMOS transistors have been developed for testing and diagnosing modern ultralarge-scale integration circuits. In this paper, we show that LEOSLC can be used to effectively debug circuits, localize defects with a quick turn around time, read the logic state of gates, and extract the internal voltage drop of power distribution grids among others.
CULTURAL RELATIONS OF THE GILA RIVER AND LOWER COLORADO TRIBES

DISCUSSION AND CORRESPONDENCE CULTURAL RELATIONS OF THE GILA RIVER AND LOWER COLORADO TRIBES Included in the first issue of papers in the new series entitled Yale University Publications in Anthropology is the excellent presentation and discussion of data bearing on Cultural Relations of the Gila River and Lower Colorado Tribes by Professor Leslie Spier. 1 What he seeks to demonstrate as stated in his own words is the following: The time-honored supposition has been that the Maricopa, having moved from the west to a position adjacent to the Pima, have been culturally as well as politically dominated by the Pima. This is far removed from the truth. I will attempt to show that not only was Maricopa culture of the historic period overwhelmingly one with that of the Yumans on the Lower Colorado, but that the Pima, at least the Piman groups on the Gila, also affiliated strongly in the same direction. So far as Piman influence on the Maricopa goes, and it seems to have been relatively small, it was balanced by an equal counter-influence. The first part of his thesis, viz. that Maricopa culture of the historic period is overwhelmingly one with that of the Yumans on the Lower Colorado he establishes beyond peradventure; in 1931, Professor A. L. Kroeber had already tacitly assumed this by including Maricopa among Colorado River Yuman tribes.' Had Professor Spier utilized Cocopa material also he could have made an even stronger case. The second part of his thesis seems to me to be far less firmly established by his evidence. Perhaps this is in part due to his having included Papago data with the Pima, for presumably Papago culture was less like the Maricopa culture than was the culture of the river Pima. His data are presented in six columns as follows: (1) Elements common to Mari­ copa, Pima-Papago, and Lower Colorado Yumans. (2) Elements common to Mari­ copa and Lower Colorado Yumans. (3) Elements common to Maricopa and Pima­ Papago. (4) Elements peculiar to Maricopa. (5) Elements peculiar to Lower Colo­ rado Yumans. (6) Elements peculiar to Pima-Papago. To have achieved complete clarity of presentation there should have been a seventh column: Elements com­ mon to Lower Colorado Yumans and Pima-Papago. As it is he presents such ele­ ments in columns 5 and 6, though these elements are peculiar to neither Lower Colorado Yumans nor Pima-Papago. Since part of his plan was to prove that the Pimans should be grouped in the Lower Colorado province, it seems strange that no attempt has been made here to list specific resemblances of Lower Colorado and Piman traits beyond what was common to the two and the Maricopa (p. 14). In spite of the clear presentation of the data and the preliminary discussion of them, the reader is unable to formulate precisely the interrelations of the three groups. Professor Spier modestly considered his marshalling of data as inadequate Yale University Publications in Anthropology, No.3, 1936. , The Seri (Southwest Museum Papers, No.6), p. 40.
Is the Internet a Maturing Market? If So, What Does That Imply?

Network providers are experimenting with a variety of new business arrangements. Some are offering specialized services the guarantee higher levels of quality of service those willing to pay for it. Others are entering into strategic partnerships that allocate more bandwidth to certain sources. Interestingly, a management literature exists suggesting that both developments may simply reflect the ways that the nature of competition and innovation can be expected as markets mature. The real question is not if the nature of competition and innovation will change, but rather when and how. This theory also suggests that policymakers should be careful not to lock the Internet into any particular architecture or to reflexively regard deviations from the status quo as inherently anti-competitive. Instead, they should focus on creating regulatory structures that preserve industry participants’ freedom to tussle with new solutions and to adapt to changing market conditions. Any other approach risks precluding the industry from following its natural evolutionary path.
Crystal Structures Adopted by Black Phosphorus at High Pressures

Black phosphorus undergoes two reversible structural transitions at high pressures. The first is to a structure of the type arsenic A7. This structure is transformed to a simple cubic structure at higher pressures. The reversibility between the A7 and simple cubic structures at 111 kilobars indicates that the transition obtainable at this pressure provides a good calibration point by which high-pressure x-ray data may be united with volumetric or resistance measurements, or both.
Particle Size of Unsweetened Azuki Paste as Related to Cultivar and Cooking Time

Characteristics of beans and effects of cooking time on yield, composition and particle size of unsweetened paste were evaluated in two types of azuki. Cultivar Erimo was smaller in seed size, lower in starch but higher in protein content. Consequently, this cultivar absorbed water faster and to a greater extent during soaking and cooking, and required shorter cooking time than large seeded WSU 262. Over 40% of unsweetened paste particles were smaller than 106 μm for cv Erimo and less than 25% for WSU 262. As cooking time increased, paste yield ranged from 68.6% to 71.9% for cv Erimo and from 57.3% to 74.2% for WSU 262. Sedimentation volume of unsweetened azuki paste correlated with particles smaller than 106 μm (r = 0.918) and can be a useful test to estimate mean particle size of unsweetened azuki paste.
High vs Low Frequency Neural Oscillations in Schizophrenia

There is growing recognition that neural oscillations are important in a wide range of perceptual and cognitive functions. One of the key issues in electrophysiological studies of schizophrenia is whether high or low frequency oscillations, or both, are related to schizophrenia because many brain functions are modulated with frequency specificities. Many recent electrophysiological studies of schizophrenia have focused on high frequency oscillations at gamma band and in general support gamma band dysfunction in schizophrenia. We discuss the concept that gamma oscillation abnormalities in schizophrenia often occur in the background of oscillation abnormalities of lower frequencies. The review discusses the basic neurobiology for the emergence of oscillations of all frequency bands in association with networks of inhibitory interneurons and the convergence and divergence of such mechanisms in generating high vs low frequency oscillations. We then review the literature of oscillatory frequency abnormalities identified in each frequency band in schizophrenia. By describing some of the key functional roles exerted by gamma, low frequencies, and their cross-frequency coupling, we conceptualize that even isolated alterations in gamma or low frequency oscillations may impact the interactions of high and low frequency bands that are involved in key cognitive functions. The review concludes that studying the full spectrum and the interaction of gamma and low frequency oscillations may be critical for deciphering the complex electrophysiological abnormalities observed in schizophrenia patients.
Cultivation at 37°C of a Trypanosome (Trypanosoma theileri) from Cows with Depressed Milk Production.

SYNOPSIS. Cultures of Trypanosoma theileri were obtained at 36° and at 37.5°C. in a blood-lysate medium inoculated with blood from three dairy cows showing subnormal milk production. The organisms were first seen after 4 days in the first subculture, reached a maximum number of about 500,000 per ml. on the 4th day of the second subculture, and attained about this same number on the 4th day of subsequent transfers. Crithidial forms predominated but trypanosomes of the blood-stream type were also numerous. Cultures were not obtained from cows with normal milk production. The infected cows, although free from helminth parasites, showed a marked eosinophilia.
Impact of radiotherapy on breast cosmesis

Abstract In breast-conserving therapy, cosmesis is significantly influenced by both surgery and radiotherapy. This paper specifically addresses the impact of radiation-induced effects on the cosmetic result, based on a review of current literature. The incidence and time course of breast oedema, skin changes and fibrosis are discussed, particularly with respect to the stability of the cosmetic outcome as a function of time. The potential influence of patient-related factors, radiation technical factors, and systemic treatment is reviewed.
The Promoter of the Cho APRT Gene Contains Three Regulatory Regions

APRT (Adenine phosphoribosyltransferase) catalyzes the formation of AMP from adenine and PRPP. The CHO APRT gene is expressed from a 2.7 Kb Bam HI/ XbaI fragment (Tang and Taylor, 1992). Multiple transcription initiation sites were detected by S1 nuclease mapping and primer extension (Park and Taylor, 1988). A strong initiation site, which is 64 nucleotides upstream of the translation start codon, is denoted as +1. Deletion of 5’ region of the gene down to -89 has no effect on gene expression, while deletion extended to -60 decreases gene expression to 40% (Park and Taylor, 1988). CHO APRT promoter is therefore defined as the -89 downstream region. The APRT promoter is GC-rich and does not contain obvious TATA or CCAAT boxes. Spl binding sites are located at -96, -86 and +43 (She and Taylor, 1991). The promoter also contains two GCF binding sequences. One overlaps with the -86 Spl binding sequence and the other one is located at -40.
Transmissible Tumors: Breaking the Cancer Paradigm

Transmissible tumors are those that have transcended the bounds of their incipient hosts by evolving the ability to infect another individual through direct transfer of cancer cells, thus becoming parasitic cancer clones. Coitus, biting, and scratching are transfer mechanisms for the two primary species studied, the domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris) and the Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii). Canine transmissible venereal tumors (CTVT) are likely thousands of years old, and have successfully travelled from host to host around the world, while the Tasmanian devil facial tumor disease (DFTD) is much younger and geographically localized. The dog tumor is not necessarily lethal, while the devil tumor has driven the population to near extinction. Transmissible tumors are uniform in that they have complex immunologic profiles, which allow them to escape immune detection by their hosts, sometimes for long periods of time. In this review, we explore how transmissible tumors in CTVT, DFTD, and as well as the soft-shell clam and Syrian hamster, can advance studies of tumor biology.
Gli organi solidi “asportabili”

Pur appartenendo ad apparati differenti, la milza, i reni e il pancreas distale hanno molto in comune. Per il chirurgo d’urgenza essi sono molto simili dato che sono “asportabili”, ossia si possono rimuovere.
Metallathiacrown Ethers: Synthesis and Characterization of Transition-Metal Complexes Containing α,ω-Bis(phosphite)-Polythioether Ligands and an Evaluation of Their Soft Metal Binding Capabilities

The metallathiacrown ethers cis-Mo(CO)4{2,2′-(C12H8O2)PO(CH2CH2S)nCH2CH2OP(2,2′-(O2H8C12))} (n = 2, 3) and cis-Mo(CO)4{2,2′-(C12H8O2)POCH2CH2S-1-(C6H4)-2-SCH2CH2OP(2,2′-(O2H8C12))} have been prepared as soft metal selective molecular receptors. Multinuclear NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography have been used to show that byproducts formed during the syntheses of the metallathiacrown ethers cis-Mo(CO)4{2,2′-(C12H8O2)PO(CH2CH2S)nCH2CH2OP(2,2′-(O2H8C12))} (n = 2, 3) are homobinuclear complexes with cis-Mo(CO)4(P-donor)(S-donor) centers. The abilities of the metallathiacrown ethers to bind PdCl2 and PtCl2 have been assessed using 31P{1H} NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography. The complexes showed null results with PdCl2; however, the PtCl2 experiments showed that the complexes cis-Mo(CO)4{2,2′-(C12H8O2)PO(CH2CH2S)nCH2CH2OP(2,2′-(O2H8C12))} (n = 2, 3) formed heterobinuclear cis,cis-{[Mo(CO)4{2,2′-(C12H8O2)PO(CH2CH2S)nCH2CH2OP(2,2′-(O2H8C12))}]PtCl2} (n = 2, 3) complexes. The 31P{1H} NMR spectra of t...
A Combination Course and Lab-Based Approach To Teaching Research Skills to Undergraduates

Undergraduate research is an important capstone experience that provides students with the conceptual and technical aptitude for graduate or industrial research. However, this experience is often compressed into a single term in a course-based undergraduate research experience (CURE) or run by individual faculty members for select students on an ad hoc basis as an undergraduate research experience (URE). One alternative to these two possibilities is to use a team-taught course during students’ third year to help them develop fundamental skills that they use to prepare and present a research proposal. This proposal serves as a vehicle for improving students’ ability to assimilate information from the primary research literature and for them to practice evaluating the safety and research ethics aspects of projects. Students also use their proposals as research plans for their remaining year and a half of college. Data gathered indicate that this course was effective and that it could be a useful addition to...
Crane Workspace Mapping via a Scanning Laser Rangefinder

Cranes are common tools used in industry globally. Significant work has been done to increase the safety of cranes, but danger still arises in the presence of operator error. This paper introduces a crane workspace mapping method via a scanning laser rangefinder to help prevent collisions due to an operator’s poor knowledge or view of the workspace. The developed mapping algorithm identifies obstacles within the crane workspace, then, generates and displays a 2D map of it. To demonstrate the proposed algorithm, an example map is generated for a small-scale bridge crane workspace.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Narendra Modi Meets Shinzo Abe in Japan Politics at the Core

2014 marked an important year for India–Japan relations. The most important events were the victory in the Indian general elections of Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and his visit to Japan. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who is widely known as a pro-India politician, had called up Modi soon after his victory and invited him to visit Japan. This invitation was warmly accepted by Modi and resulted in his visit to Tokyo and Kyoto from 30 August to 3 September. After the summit on 1 September, Modi and Abe announced the ‘Tokyo Declaration’ which declared ‘the dawn of a new era in Japan–India relations’ (MOFA, Japan 2014a). India–Japan relations have changed dramatically after Yoshiro Mori, then Japanese prime minister, visited New Delhi in August 2000. The two countries had kept a distance from each other before the visit, mainly due to the Cold War politics, with Japan’s alliance with the US and India’s involvement with the Non-Aligned Movement. This state of ‘indifference’ in the relationship worsened to ‘bad relations’ when India conducted nuclear tests in 1998 and Japan imposed sanctions against it. The goal of Mori’s visit in 2000 was to improve the relationship and this objective it seems was largely achieved. He and then Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, also of the BJP, agreed to establish the ‘Global Partnership in the 21st Century’ (Embassy of India, Tokyo 2014). Since then, the two governments have successfully developed diplomatic relations in a wide area, including security cooperation.
The Study of Temperament in Children with Asthma

Objective:To examine the relationship betw een temperament and child hood asthma.Methods:Subjects were 80 children with asthma and 80 normal children.Their temperament was assessed with Toddler Temperament Scales(TTS) and Behavio ral Style Questionnaire(BSQ).Results:Children with asthma had higher scores on a pproach/withdrawal,adaptability and emotionality as measured by TTS or BSQ th an normal children(P0. 05 or P0.1).There were relatively high proportion of difficult children,s low-to-warm-up ch ildren,and emotionally irritable children in the asthma group( P0.01).Conclusion:There is significant relationship between temperament and childhood asthma.Childre n with asthma show specific temperament features in form of increased social wit hdrawal,poor adaptability,and negative emotionality.
Engineered biosynthesis of biodegradable polymers

Advances in science and technology have resulted in the rapid development of biobased plastics and the major drivers for this expansion are rising environmental concerns of plastic pollution and the depletion of fossil-fuels. This paper presents a broad view on the recent developments of three promising biobased plastics, polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) and polybutylene succinate (PBS), well known for their biodegradability. The article discusses the natural and recombinant host organisms used for fermentative production of monomers, alternative carbon feedstocks that have been used to lower production cost, different metabolic engineering strategies used to improve product titers, various fermentation technologies employed to increase productivities and finally, the different downstream processes used for recovery and purification of the monomers and polymers.
Gate-Free Electrical Breakdown of Metallic Pathways in Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube Crossbar Networks

Aligned single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) synthesized by the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method have exceptional potential for next-generation nanoelectronics. However, the coexistence of semiconducting (s-) and metallic (m-) SWNTs remains a considerable challenge since the latter causes significant degradation in device performance. Here we demonstrate a facile and effective approach to selectively break all m-SWNTs by stacking two layers of horizontally aligned SWNTs to form crossbars and applying a voltage to the crossed SWNT arrays. The introduction of SWNT junctions amplifies the disparity in resistance between s- and m-pathways, leading to a complete deactivation of m-SWNTs while minimizing the degradation of the semiconducting counterparts. Unlike previous approaches that required an electrostatic gate to achieve selectivity in electrical breakdown, this junction process is gate-free and opens the way for straightforward integration of thin-film s-SWNT devices. Comparison to electrical breakdown in junction-less SWNT devices without gating shows that this junction-based breakdown method yields more than twice the average on-state current retention in the resultant s-SWNT arrays. Systematic studies show that the on/off ratio can reach as high as 1.4 × 10(6) with a correspondingly high retention of on-state current compared to the initial current value before breakdown. Overall, this method provides important insight into transport at SWNT junctions and a simple route for obtaining pure s-SWNT thin film devices for broad applications.
Relationship among visible light source, composite resin polymerization shrinkage, and hygroscopic expansion.

Composite resins contract during polymerization, and studies have shown that light-cured composite resins shrink toward the polymerizing light source. The purpose of this study was to investigate differences in the adaptation of composite resin to the axial wall in Class V restorations following light curing from the lingual or facial aspects. Polymerization contraction in relation to hygroscopic expansion of the restoration was also investigated. Results showed no statistically significant differences (P less than .05) in the adaptation of composite resin to the axial wall, regardless of the polymerization technique, the composite resin, or the effects of hygroscopic expansion.
Product Differentiation and Market Segmentation in Graduate Management Education

This paper presents a general theory of strategic management defined in any institutional setting as a process of resource deployment based on the managerial assessment of organizational needs. The theory is applied to the specific case of strategic competition in the graduate management education industry through use of the concepts of product differentiation and market segmentation from marketing science. The strategic competition among graduate management programs occurs in significant degree along these two dimensions. We argue that there are four basic models of graduate management education. These models are different strategies for image formation and faculty management, built around curriculum design as the central linchpin.
Strategies for Improvement

An essential skill for efficient and effective operations is the ability to resolve conflict.
A Guide on the Design, Selection, and Implementation of Marketing Simulation for the Classroom

Citing the advent in recent years of educational marketing simulations which can be run on microcomputers, the authors suggest that instructors must be prepared to evaluate the use of one in their courses. They describe some of the benefits of using a simulation game, explain how to select or design one, and offer tips on its implementation. Additionally, a brief overview and synthesis is given on some of the more significant empirical studies on the use of classroom simulations.
The migration-development nexus and the changing role of transnational immigrant organizations

ABSTRACTThe State and the Grassroots presents the results of studies of immigrant organizations engaged in transnational development initiatives from thirteen different immigrant nationalities in five countries of reception. The scale of this endeavour is unprecedented. The articles represent the fruit of a long-term project known as the Comparative Immigration Organizations Project (CIOP), which was launched by the Center for Migration and Development at Princeton University in the early 2000s. The State and the Grassroots makes significant analytical and methodological contributions to the migration studies field, particularly to the study of the migration-development nexus and of the relationship between assimilation/integration and transnationalism. This volume will be useful for upper-division undergraduates, as well as for graduate students and seasoned researchers interested in this field, particularly at this time of heightened anxiety about immigration and national security.
Informal Science Educators and the Nine Dimensions of Reflective Practice

Informal science educators must understand the ramifications of their beliefs about teaching and how people learn. As informal educators define who they are and their notions about learning, they will shape informal pedagogical and epistemological learning perspectives. Even though the guidelines informal science educators follow will be different from those used to monitor formal educators, informal science educators should take into consideration one important aspect of formal education, reflective practice. Reflective practice is important for the growth and development of formal educators and now attracts attention from ISE researchers. In order to aid informal science educators in developing a self-awareness of their teaching, I suggest the implementation of the Nine Dimensions of Reflective Practice. In this chapter, I place the Nine Dimensions into three categories, which depict the modes of Theory and Research, Teaching, and Peers, and provide practical examples for how they might be implemented.
Prospective Monitoring and Adapting Strategies for Prevention of Infection Following Transrectal Prostate Procedures.

AbstractIntroduction: A number of strategies have been attempted to minimize the risk of infection following transrectal prostate procedures. We report our prospective efforts at augmenting our prophylaxis strategy over time.Methods: Since 2010 we have prospectively monitored infections after transrectal prostate procedures and changed our prophylaxis regimen twice in an effort to respond to increases in infectious complications. In 2011 we added a single dose of intramuscular aminoglycoside to our prophylaxis regimen of fluoroquinolones or trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. In 2015 we began performing formalin needle tip disinfection before each biopsy and screening high risk patients for antibiotic resistance using rectal swab cultures (targeted prophylaxis). We report our rates of infections and antibiotic resistance patterns during this period.Results: From 2010 to 2016 we performed 2,398 transrectal prostate procedures. Overall there were 41 cases (1.7%) of infection related hospitalization. However, the...
The social help desk: examining how Twitter is used as a technical support tool

Technical support, a traditional practice of technical communication, is rapidly changing due to the ubiquitous use of digital technologies (Spinuzzi, 2007). In fact, many technology companies now have dedicated Twitter accounts specifically for providing technical support to end users. In response to this changing technical support landscape, we conducted an empirical study of Twitter-based interactions among six companies and their customers in order to examine the nature of the emerging technical support genre on Twitter. Among other findings, we discovered technical support was widely sought among the customers of the companies studied (Comcast, Verizon, AT&T, Samsung, Hewlett Packard, and Dell) with nearly 200,000 tweets recorded in just a 38-day timespan. We also found a majority of individuals used Twitter to complain about a brand as opposed to seeking support for a specific technical problem. In our entry, we discuss the implications of these and other findings for technical communication practitioners and researchers who design for technical documentation in social media contexts.
Perspectives of occupants with mobility impairments on evacuation methods for use during fire emergencies

Abstract Since the tragic loss of life in the World Trade Center disaster, efforts have refocused on the provision of safe and efficient evacuation procedures, especially for occupants who cannot negotiate exit stairs without assistance. Several evacuation options have been designed specifically for people with mobility impairments, including occupant evacuation elevators (OEEs). Face-to-face interviews were conducted with 51 participants with mobility impairments working in buildings located in five major metropolitan areas within the U.S. The dual goals in this study were to gain an understanding of how building occupants with mobility impairments evacuate multi-story buildings during fire emergencies and to identify perspectives on the use of elevators during fire evacuations. Data analysis of interviews highlighted the benefits and concerns of study participants involving both typical building evacuation methods (i.e., emergency stair travel devices and areas of refuge), as well as evacuation methods using elevators. This study also highlights improvements that can be made to elevator systems, particularly OEEs, to reduce anxiety about fire evacuation and increase trust in the occupant evacuation elevator system via a variety of means, including education and consultation in preparation for the evacuation, information and attention to occupant needs while the evacuation is taking place, and two-way feedback and discussions afterwards. Key to all of these improvements is the need to include those with mobility impairments in the planning and execution of fire evacuations and to facilitate their ability for self-evacuation as much as is practicable. The results of this study led to guidance on evacuation planning and procedures, the use of existing elevators for evacuation of people with mobility impairments, and the use of occupant evacuation elevators.
OPTICAL MONITORING OF MEMBRANE POTENTIAL: SIMULTANEOUS DETECTION OF ACTIVITY IN MANY NEURONS

Publisher Summary Optical signals related to membrane potential have been obtained with several hundred different dyes and thus, one might not expect a single mechanism to be responsible for all of the signals. The dye signals can be divided into two types with basically different mechanisms. It is convenient that dyes that work through the two types of mechanism have in turn been used in separate kinds of applications. In one situation, the optical signals appear to arise from dye that is membrane bound. These optical signals follow changes in membrane potential with time constants of less than 0.01 ms and are, thus, suited for optical monitoring of action potentials and other rapid potential changes that occur in excitable cells. This kind of signal has been termed as fast signal. Optical signals from a different group of dyes originate from the re-equilibration of charged, permeant dye molecules across the cell membrane when the membrane potential changes.
Whole-genome sequencing study of serum peptide levels: the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study

Oligopeptides are important markers of protein metabolism, as they are cleaved from larger polypeptides and proteins. Genetic association studies may help elucidate their origin and function. In 1,552 European Americans and 1,872 African Americans of the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study, we performed whole-genome and whole-exome sequencing and measured serum levels of 25 peptides. Common variants (minor allele frequency > 5%) were analysed individually. We grouped low-frequency variants (minor allele frequency ≤ 5%) by a genome-wide sliding window using region-based aggregate tests. Furthermore, low-frequency regulatory variants were grouped by gene, as were functional coding variants. All analyses were performed separately in each ancestry group and then meta-analysed. We identified 22 common variant associations with peptide levels (P-value < 4.2 × 10-10), including 16 novel gene-peptide pairs. Notably, variants in kinin-kallikrein genes KNG1, F12, KLKB1, and ACE were associated with several different peptides. Variants in KLKB1 and ACE were associated with a fragment of complement component 3f. Both common variants and low-frequency coding variants in CPN1 were associated with a fibrinogen cleavage peptide. Four sliding windows were significantly associated with peptide levels (P-value < 4.2 × 10-10). Our results highlight the importance of the kinin-kallikrein system in the regulation of serum peptide levels, strengthen the evidence for a broad link between the kinin-kallikrein and complement systems, and suggest a role of CPN1 in the conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin.
B Cell Lymphoma Immunotherapy Using TLR9-Targeted Oligonucleotide STAT3 Inhibitors.

Growing evidence links the aggressiveness of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, especially the activated B cell-like type diffuse large B cell lymphomas (ABC-DLBCLs) to Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9)/MyD88 and STAT3 transcription factor signaling. Here, we describe a dual-function molecule consisting of a clinically relevant TLR9 agonist (CpG7909) and a STAT3 inhibitor in the form of a high-affinity decoy oligodeoxynucleotide (dODN). The CpG-STAT3dODN blocked STAT3 DNA binding and activity, thus reducing expression of downstream target genes, such as MYC and BCL2L1, in human and mouse lymphoma cells. We further demonstrated that injections (i.v.) of CpG-STAT3dODN inhibited growth of human OCI-Ly3 lymphoma in immunodeficient mice. Moreover, systemic CpG-STAT3dODN administration induced complete regression of the syngeneic A20 lymphoma, resulting in long-term survival of immunocompetent mice. Both TLR9 stimulation and concurrent STAT3 inhibition were critical for immune-mediated therapeutic effects, since neither CpG7909 alone nor CpG7909 co-injected with unconjugated STAT3dODN extended mouse survival. The CpG-STAT3dODN induced expression of genes critical to antigen-processing/presentation and Th1 cell activation while suppressing survival signaling. These effects resulted in the generation of lymphoma cell-specific CD8/CD4-dependent T cell immunity protecting mice from tumor rechallenge. Our results suggest that CpG-STAT3dODN as a systemic/local monotherapy or in combination with PD1 blockade can provide an opportunity for treating patients with B cell NHL.
The Development of the Eastern Bluebird’s Vocal Repertoire

The experimental bluebirds (Siala sialis) used in this study were taken from the wild at three main stages of development: the egg stage, the nestling stage, and the post-nestling juvenile stage. Thus, birds constituting the egg-stage category were placed in sound isolation as eggs soon after they were laid in the wild, those constituting the nestling stage were isolated as nestlings, and those comprising the post-nestling juvenile stage were removed from the wild and isolated as juveniles at approximately two months of age. The development of vocalizations and resulting vocal repertoires of the birds in each category were then compared.
Trends in bullying victimization by gender among U.S. high school students

This research used four consecutive waves of data from the National Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) conducted by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), to estimate linear time trends by gender in the prevalence of school and electronic bullying victimization among U.S. high school students (N = 61,042). Dependent variables were student self-reported school bullying victimization and electronic bullying victimization during the previous 12 months. Independent variables used to estimate multiple logistic regression models by gender were survey year, race/ethnicity, and grade level. Results showed the prevalence of school bullying increased significantly among females from 2009 (21.2%) to 2015 (24.8%), linear trend OR = 1.08 [1.04, 1.12]; and decreased significantly among males from 2009 (18.7%) to 2015 (15.8%), linear trend OR = 0.93 [0.89, 0.98]. Prevalence of electronic bullying was unchanged between 2011 to 2015 among both male and female students. Asian race, relative to White race, was associated with significantly lower rates of both school and electronic bullying victimization among females, but not males. The incidence of school and electronic bullying victimization was significantly lower among Black and Hispanic students, but not among multiple-race students, regardless of student gender. Healthy People 2020 set a goal to reduce school bullying victimization 10% by 2019. As of 2015, school bullying victimization decreased significantly among males (16% decrease); it significantly increased among females (17% increase). Future research should explore underlying factors related to these divergent trends, and develop effective strategies to reverse the alarming rise in female school bullying victimization.
Glycosyl nitrates in synthesis: streamlined access to glucopyranose building blocks differentiated at C-2

In an attempt to refine a CAN-mediated synthesis of 1,3,4,6-tetra-O-acetyl-α-D-glucopyranose (2-OH glucose) we unexpectedly discovered that this reaction proceeds via the intermediacy of glycosyl nitrates. Improved mechanistic understanding of this reaction led to the development of a more versatile synthesis of 2-OH glucose from a variety of precursors. Also demonstrated is the conversion of 2-OH glucose into a variety of building blocks differentially protected at C-2, a position that is generally hard to protect regioselectively in the glucopyranose series.