cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Sleep in female mice: a strain comparison across the estrous cycle.

Study objective Studying inbred strains of mice has proven useful in uncovering genetic variation in the expression of sleep patterns. However, although genetic influence on many behaviors has been shown to be gender specific, to date, sleep patterns in different strains of female mice have not been reported. In order to perform such studies in female mice, the estrous cycle must be taken into account in view of the effects of reproductive hormones on sleep. The aim of this study was thus to determine sleep patterns in female mice of different inbred strains over the estrous cycle. Design Three strains of mice were used. Vaginal smears were performed to determine the estrous cycle stage; electroencephalographic and electromyographic activity, as well as body temperature and locomotor activity collected during a full estrous cycle, were analyzed. Measurements and results We report a major impact of the genetic background in the regulation of non-rapid eye movement sleep over a 24-hour period and clear strain differences in rapid eye movement sleep distribution over the light-dark cycle. In contrast, the estrous cycle had less influence on non-rapid eye movement sleep and rapid eye movement sleep, and these effects were dependent on the genotype of the mice. Conclusions Sleep regulation in female mice is influenced primarily by genetic background and, to a lesser extent, by hormonal variations associated with the estrous cycle.
A mantle-driven surge in magma supply to Kīlauea Volcano during 2003–2007

The supply of magma to Kīlauea Volcano, Hawai‘i, was thought to have been steady over the past decades. Measurements of deformation, gas emissions, seismicity and lava composition and temperatures show that instead magma supply from the mantle doubled in 2003–2007, implying that hotspots can provide varying amounts of magma over just a few years.
Well-child care clinical practice redesign for serving low-income children.

Our objective was to conduct a rigorous, structured process to create a new model of well-child care (WCC) in collaboration with a multisite community health center and 2 small, independent practices serving predominantly Medicaid-insured children. Working groups of clinicians, staff, and parents (called “Community Advisory Boards” [CABs]) used (1) perspectives of WCC stakeholders and (2) a literature review of WCC practice redesign to create 4 comprehensive WCC models for children ages 0 to 3 years. An expert panel, following a modified version of the Rand/UCLA Appropriateness Method, rated each model for potential effectiveness on 4 domains: (1) receipt of recommended services, (2) family-centeredness, (3) timely and appropriate follow-up, and (4) feasibility and efficiency. Results were provided to the CABs for selection of a final model to implement. The newly developed models rely heavily on a health educator for anticipatory guidance and developmental, behavioral, and psychosocial surveillance and screening. Each model allots a small amount of time with the pediatrician to perform a brief physical examination and to address parents' physical health concerns. A secure Web-based tool customizes the visit to parents' needs and facilitates previsit screening. Scheduled, non–face-to-face methods (text, phone) for parent communication with the health care team are also critical to these new models of care. A structured process that engages small community practices and community health centers in clinical practice redesign can produce comprehensive, site-specific, and innovative models for delivery of WCC. This process, as well as the models developed, may be applicable to other small practices and clinics interested in practice redesign.
The Black-White Gap in Mathematics Course Taking.

Using data from the National Education Longitudinal Study, this study investigated differences in the mathematics course taking of white and black students. Because of lower levels of achievement, prior course taking, and lower socioeconomic status, black students are much more likely than are white students to be enrolled in low-track mathematics courses by the 10th grade. Using multilevel models for categorical outcomes, the study found that the black-white gap in mathematics course taking is the greatest in integrated schools where black students are in the minority and cannot be entirely accounted for by individual-level differences in the course-taking qualifications or family backgrounds of white and black students. This finding was obscured in prior research by the failure to model course taking adequately between and within schools. Course placement policies and enrollment patterns should be monitored to ensure effective schooling for all students.
Alpha-channeling simulation experiment in the DIII-D tokamak

Alfven instabilities can reduce the central magnetic shear via redistribution of energetic ions. They can sustain a steady state internal transport barrier as demonstrated in this DIII-D tokamak experiment. Improvement in burning plasma performance based on this mechanism is discussed.
Diabetes alters sphingolipid metabolism in the retina: A potential mechanism of cell death in diabetic retinopathy

Dysregulated sphingolipid metabolism causes neuronal cell death and is associated with insulin resistance and diseases. Thus, we hypothesized that diabetes-induced changes in retinal sphingolipid metabolism may contribute to neuronal pathologies in diabetic retinopathy. ESI-MS/MS was used to measure ceramide content and ceramide metabolites in whole retinas after 2, 4, and 8 weeks of streptozotocin-induced diabetes. After 4 and 8 weeks of diabetes, a approximately 30% decrease in total ceramide content was observed, concomitant with a significant approximately 30% increase in glucosylceramide levels in fed diabetic rats compared with their age-matched controls. Acute insulin therapy as well as a short-term lowering of glucose via fasting did not affect the increase in glucosylceramide composition. To assess the putative biological consequences of the increase in glucosylceramide composition, R28 retinal neurons were treated with glucosylceramide synthase inhibitors. Inhibiting glycosphingolipid metabolism increased insulin sensitivity in retinal neurons. Glycosphingolipid inhibitors augmented insulin-stimulated p70 S6kinase activity in the presence of inhibitory concentrations of high glucose or glucosamine. Inhibition of glycosphingolipid synthesis also suppressed glucosamine- and interleukin-1beta-induced death. Consistent with these inhibitor studies, pharmacological accumulation of glycosphingolipids increased activation of the endoplasmic reticulum stress response, a putative modulator of insulin resistance and neuronal apoptosis. It is speculated that an increase in glucosylceramide, and possibly higher-order glycosphingolipids, could contribute to the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy by contributing to local insulin resistance, resulting in neuronal cell death. Thus, dysfunctional glycosphingolipid metabolism may contribute to metabolic stress in diabetes, and therapeutic strategies to restore normal sphingolipid metabolism may be a viable approach for treatment of diabetic retinopathy.
Discussion of ''Turbulent Open-Channel Flow in Circular Corrugated Culverts'' by S. A. Ead, N. Rajaratnam, C. Katopodis, and F. Ade

The authors should be complimented for tackling one of the most challenging problems in hydraulic and fisheries disciplines, the determination of the flow conditions that allow unimpeded fish passage through culverts. Recently, this problem has received a lot of attention throughout the U.S. and Canada with the design and implementation of the stream simulation approach ~Maxwell and Papanicolaou 2001!. This approach requires the use of culverts with gravel bottoms, known as countersunk culverts that ‘‘mimic’’ the natural streambed conditions upstream or downstream of a road crossing. The objectives of the present discussion are: ~i! to elaborate on some of the results presented by the authors with respect to the habitat suitability index ~i.e., the index that relates fish behavior to flow characteristics ! and ~ii! to generate a discussion on the importance of turbulence and secondary flows in the design of culverts facilitating fish passage during periods of fish migration. The authors, based on their experimental findings, provide empirical equations @Eqs. ~5! and ~6!# that relate the local streamwise velocity, u, with the prolonged fish speed, u p . These equations can be used to draw the isovels ~i.e., the velocity contours! per cross section and delineate the regions through which fish may ascend. Eqs. ~5! and ~6! were developed by accounting for the ‘‘dip’’ observed in the streamwise velocity profile that was attributed to the presence of secondary currents.
Assessment of the Impact of Freshman Engineering Courses

This study evaluates whether Purdue University's freshman engineering courses supply entering students with the necessary foundation to persist in engineering because of the skills they acquire in these courses. To measure this, we evaluate longitudinal data on retention and graduation rates of students that start in the standard first semester courses, start in the off-sequence semester, or participate in our tutorial program. The study is based on historical data for the 28-year period from 1966 through 1993.
Low-power FinFET circuit synthesis using surface orientation optimization

FinFETs with channel surface along the plane can be easily fabricated by rotating the fins by 45o from the plane. By designing logic gates, which have pFinFETs in the plane and nFinFETs in the plane, the gate delay can be reduced by as much as 14%, compared to the conventional logic gates. The reduction in delay can be traded off for reduced power in FinFET circuits. In this paper, we propose a low-power FinFET-based circuit synthesis methodology based on surface orientation optimization. We study various logic design styles, which depend on different FinFET channel orientations, for synthesizing low-power circuits. We use BSIM, a process/physics based double-gate model in HSPICE, to derive accurate delay and power estimates. We design layouts of standard library cells containing FinFETs in different orientations to obtain an accurate area estimate for the low-power synthesized netlists after place-and-route. We use a linear programming based optimization methodology that gives power-optimized netlists, consisting of oriented gates, at tight delay constraints. Experimental results demonstrate the efficacy of our scheme.
HIV/AIDS prevention interventions in African American heterosexuals

Background: The purpose of this paper was to review the HIV/AIDS interventions conducted among heterosexual African Americans, and suggest ways of enhancing these interventions. Methods: In collecting the materials for this study, a search of CINAHL, ERIC, and MEDLINE databases were carried out for the time period of 2002 to July 2010. The inclusion criteria for the studies were (1) African American adults; (2) limited to heterosexual African American populations; (3) publication in refereed journals in the English language; (4) location of the study in the United States. Results: A total of twelve studies met the inclusion criteria, eight of which took place in a clinical setting. Nine of the interventions were based on behavioral theories and six of those interventions utilized social cognitive theory. The themes used were HIV/AIDS knowledge, risk reduction strategies, behavioral skills, condom use, selfefficacy, and communication about sex and goal setting. The review found that all the interventions were effective, though the effect sizes were generally small. Conclusions: The strengths of the interventions include the use of the following: appropriate sample sizes, post intervention follow-ups, and the use of randomized control trial design. Recommendations for enhancing the effectiveness of HIV/AIDS interventions in African American heterosexuals are presented.
The Unified Service Theory

This chapter discusses a Unified Service Theory (UST) that has been set forth as a foundational paradigm for Service Operations, Service Management, and now Service Science . The fundamental purpose of the UST is to unify the various phenomena we call “services” (i.e., service processes) in a way that demonstrates both how they are distinct from non-services and how they share common managerial principles. The UST prescribes boundaries for Service Science and reveals a gamut of service topics of interest to designers, managers, and researchers. Although the UST has its origins from a business operations perspective, it draws a common thread between the various perspectives pertaining to service.
An Exploratory Path Analysis of Attitudes, Behaviors and Summer Water Consumption in the Portland Metropolitan Area

Abstract We examined the underlying attitudinal and behavioral factors of summer water consumption among Portland Metropolitan Area households by combining survey responses from households and corresponding empirical water consumption data. Path analysis shows that pro-conservation attitudes regarding water usage (even when controlling for property size and other demographic variables) were strong predictors of actual reductions in summer water consumption. Furthermore, these self-reported attitudes appear to directly impact specific water consumption behaviors identified in the survey, with potentially significant impact in two of three key areas of water conservation strategies: landscaping, adapting conservation technology, but not habitual use. We draw implications for focused educational programs promoting awareness of water conservation issues and monitoring their impacts and efficacy.
Abstract P6-05-03: Targeted inhibition of recurrent PIK3CA mutations synergizes with bicalutamide in AR-expressing triple negative breast cancer

Triple negative breast cancers (TNBC) are generally more aggressive than other types of breast cancer, with higher rates of relapse in the early stage and decreased overall survival in the metastatic setting. TNBC has been particularly difficult to treat given that the biology of the disease is not well understood, and until recently, molecular targets for therapeutic intervention have remained elusive. Lacking HER2 amplification as well as estrogen and progesterone receptors, TNBC appears to be a heterogeneous collection of biologically diverse cancers, which likely contributes to variable clinical outcomes for patients suffering from this disease. Using gene expression analyses, we recently identified six distinct molecular TNBC subtypes with unique biologies that include two basal-like (BL1 and BL2), an immunomodulatory (IM), a mesenchymal (M), a mesenchymal stem-like (MSL), and a luminal androgen receptor (LAR) subtype. We demonstrated that the growth of LAR cell line models was dependent on AR signaling, as siRNA-mediated AR knockdown or pharmacological inhibition by bicalutamide greatly diminished viability. In addition we previously demonstrated that LAR cell lines are highly sensitive to the PI3K/mTOR inhibitor NVP-BEZ235. Interestingly, we observed that all AR-positive TNBC cell lines examined contain PIK3CA mutations (H1047R) suggesting selection for deregulation of the PI3K pathways during evolution of AR expressing breast cancers. Further investigation of a panel of AR-positive TNBC tumors showed that PIK3CA kinase mutations are a frequent event in this TNBC subtype (69.2% vs. 26.9%) and not just an artifact of the LAR cell line models. We show that PI3K pathway activation plays a role in resistance to AR antagonists, as there are elevated levels of activated AKT in residual tumors after bicalutamide treatment of xenograft tumors. Furthermore, we demonstrate that genetic/pharmacological targeting of AR synergizes with PI3K/mTOR inhibition in both two- and three-dimensional cell culture models. Moreover, the combination of bicalutamide with PI3K/mTOR inhibitors GDC0980 or NVP-BEZ235 decreased tumor volume in mouse xenograft studies. Our preclinical data provide the rationale for pre-selecting AR-positive TNBC patients for future clinical trials evaluating the combination of AR antagonists with PI3K/mTOR inhibitors. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2012;72(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P6-05-03.
The 2011 NASA ~422,400 m 3 Super Pressure Balloon Test Flight

Extended duration stratospheric flights to large science platforms and observatories are a goal of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) Scientific Balloon Program. The cornerstone of developing this capability is the use of a Super Pressure balloon. The NASA Balloon Program Office has addressed a number of challenges in stepping up the volume and payload carrying capability for this balloon. A ~201,000 cubic meter super pressure balloon was designed and successfully test flown in December of 2008. This flight was launched near McMurdo Station in Antarctica, and the extended duration test flight was over 7 weeks in length at a constant altitude. It had an ~680 kg suspend payload. This flight was an unmitigated success and proved that a Super Pressure pumpkin balloon could be successfully built, launched, that it would deploy properly and then fly for an extended period in a pressurized state. The project approach has focused on incremental steps up in balloon volume and payload carrying capability. A ~422,400 cubic meter test flight Super Pressure balloon was built and flown in early 2011. This balloon has the capacity to lift ~1,800 kg to slightly over 33 km. This balloon was launched in early January of 2011 near McMurdo Station, Antarctica and flew one circumnavigation of the continent in just over 22 days. The balloon performed flawlessly for the duration of the flight. The balloon ascent was just as predicted, it fully deployed at initial float, and it maintained desired pressures during the entire flight. The balloon flew at a near constant pressure altitude for the entire flight with very little altitude variation. There was no evidence of any gas loss for the duration of the flight. The flight was ended by command when the balloon reached a location that afforded recovery of the payload and portions of the balloon within the same flight season. This was one of the desired flight criteria to recover the high dollar flight assets and for post flight testing of the balloon materials. This flight was another resounding success.
X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy Investigation of Different Crystallographic Structures of Cobalt Nanoparticles

The ultimate goal of nanotechnology is to design successful syntheses to produce nanomaterials with required properties. The properties of nanoparticles mainly depend on their size, shape and crystal structure, hence control over these factors is a major issue in this field. In this study, Co nanoparticles with four different crystallographic structures (hcp, fcc, bcc and epsilon) have been wet-chemically synthesized by varying precursors and surfactants in the reaction. Co K-edge absorption spectra were collected in transmission mode at the XMP beamline at the Center for Advanced Microstructures and Devices (CAMD). The X-ray Absorption Near Edge Structure (XANES) and Fourier Transformed Extended X-ray Absorption Fine Structure (FT EXAFS) spectra were analyzed using the “fingerprint method”, i.e. by comparing them with either standard compounds or with the simulated spectra that were calculated using the FEFF8 code. EXAFS spectra were also analyzed by fitting them with relevant crystallographic models in r-space including higher coordination shells using the IFEFFIT analysis program. All four crystal structure types were conclusively determined by using this approach.
Memory Stains: Annie Ernaux's Shame

(1999). Memory Stains: Annie Ernaux's Shame. a/b: Auto/Biography Studies: Vol. 14, EXTREMITIES: MEMOIRS AT THE FIN DE SIECLE, pp. 38-50.
A study of sports reserve talents cultivation model and operation mechanism in China

Based on literature and questionnaire study,it show that the cultivation of reserve talents of competitive sports has formed a diversified pattern; combination education with sport and combination sport with education is an important channel of cultivating sports reserve personnel and has obtained gratifying results,but there are still many factors that affect the development. Education and sports should form a concerted effort to integrate sports resources, break down institutional barriers,coordinate operation of the mechanism,to implement the sports reserve personnel training system reform into practice,and establish a solid operational mechanism in combination of education with diversified culture.
Real-Time PCR for the Quantification of Fungi In Planta

Methods enabling quantification of fungi in planta can be useful for a variety of applications. In combination with information on plant disease severity, indirect quantification of fungi in planta offers an additional tool in the screening of plants that are resistant to fungal diseases. In this chapter, a method is described for the quantification of DNA from a fungus in plant leaves using real-time PCR (qPCR). Although the method described entails quantification of the fungus Verticillium dahliae in lettuce leaves, the methodology described would be useful for other pathosystems as well. The method utilizes primers that are specific for amplification of a β-tubulin sequence from V. dahliae and a lettuce actin gene sequence as a reference for normalization. This approach enabled quantification of V. dahliae in the amount of 2.5 fg/ng of lettuce leaf DNA at 21 days following plant inoculation.
Coexistence Performance Enhancement Techniques for DRP Based WLAN/WPAN and Cellular Radios Collocated in a Mobile Device

The incorporation of Bluetooth and Wireless LAN transceivers in a mobile devices poses design challenges associated with their coexistence with the cellular transceiver, as they often need to operate concurrently and their close proximity is inevitable. We present some recently developed techniques that transform the RF and analog circuit design complexities, typically encountered when targeting enhanced coexistence performances, into the digital domain, and demonstrate how these techniques allow the concurrent operation of two transceivers without each of them adversely impacting the performance of the other. The ideas presented have been implemented in a commercial Bluetooth single chip transceiver offered by Texas Instruments.
Opiate receptor binding: Enzymatic treatments that discriminate between agonist and antagonist interactions

Several enzymatic treatments differentially influence receptor binding of opiate agonists and antagonists. Low concentrations of trypsin (EC 3.4.4.4), chymotrypsin (EC 3.4.4.5), and phospholipase A (EC 3.1.1.4) reduce receptor binding of agonists more than that of antagonists, while phospholipases C (EC 3.1.4.3) and D (EC 3.1.4.4) and neuraminidase (EC 3.2.1.18) have negligible influence on the binding of agonists or antagonists. Binding of the opiate agonist [3H]dihydromorphine is more sensitive to inhibition by enzymatic treatments when assays are conducted in the presence than in the absence of sodium. Moreover, enzymatic treatments markedly reduce the concentrations of sodium required to inhibit [3H]dihydromorphine binding. The extent of reduction of [3H]dihydromorphine binding by enzymatic treatment correlates closely with the sensitivity of [3H]dihydromorphine to sodium. These observations suggest that a major action of enzymatic treatments is to enhance the sensitivity of opiate agonist binding to sodium.
Imaging of Acute Appendicitis in Children

Acute appendicitis is a common cause of abdominal surgery in children, and is the result of appendiceal luminal obstruction and subsequent inflammation. The clinical presentation is often variable, allowing imaging to play a central role in disease identification and characterization. Ultrasound is often the modality of choice for diagnosis of appendicitis in children. Ready availability and lack of ionizing radiation are attractive features of sonography, though operator dependence is a potential barrier. Computed tomography (CT) was historically the preferred modality in children, as in adults, but recent awareness of the risks of radiation has reduced its usage. The purpose of this article is to detail the imaging findings of appendicitis in children. The discussion will focus on typical signs of appendicitis seen on ultrasound, CT, and magnetic resonance imaging. Considerations for percutaneous drainage by interventional radiology will also be presented. Finally, the evolution of imaging algorithms for appendicitis will be discussed.
Tri-lithium borate (Li3BO3); a new highly regenerable high capacity CO2 adsorbent at intermediate temperature

A lithium-borate oxide, Li3BO3, is proposed as a next generation high capacity CO2 adsorbent operative over the intermediate temperature range of 500 to 650 °C. This adsorbent shows high CO2 uptake capacity (e.g., 11.3 mmol g−1 at 520 °C) with excellent cyclic regenerability in the presence of alkali-metal nitrite salts as a reaction facilitator. The high CO2 uptake is attributed to the dissociative formation of lithium carbonate (Li2CO3) and different compositions of lithium borates (Li6B4O9, LiBO2 and Li2B4O7) during the reaction of Li3BO3 with CO2. The excellent performance of the new CO2 adsorbents is discussed in terms of rapid gas–solid reactions on Li3BO3 mediated by the molten nitrite salts and pinning effects that prevent the sintering of particle grains.
Iconology, visual culture and media aesthetics

The article contains fragments of three chapters form the book Image Science. Iconology, Visual Culture and Media Aesthetics (Chicago 2015), titled The are no Visual Media , Back to the Drawing Board and Foundational Sites and Occupied Spaces . W. J. T. Mitchell created in his previous works the key concepts which imply an approach to images as true objects of investigation – an “image science”. Author, continuing with his influential line of thoughts, amplifies interdisciplinary studies of visual media. The chapters also delve into such topics as conections between new media and architecture or the occupation of space in contemporary popular uprisings. Image science is a call for a method of studying images that overcomes the “two-culture split” between the natural and human sciences.
Innovative Second Language Education in North America

In second language education in North America, there has been a movement away from teaching language in isolation toward integrating language and content instruction (Mohan, 1986; Enright & McCloskey, 1989). This umbrella term encompasses instructional and programmatic approaches where students are learning a second language as they learn content through that language. Thus, integrated language and content (ILC) may be found within the context of bilingual as well as monolingual programs, and it may be applied with a primary goal of teaching either language or content. When content is used as a vehicle for language learning and instruction (i.e., language development is the primary goal), a term often used is content-based language learning. In programs where instruction is entirely through a second language, the term immersion is typically used. This review will consider the innovation of ILC in second language education, with primary emphasis on its realization at elementary and secondary levels of education.
Phagocytosed photoreceptor outer segments activate mTORC1 in the retinal pigment epithelium

The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) transports nutrients and metabolites between the microvascular bed that maintains the outer retina and photoreceptor neurons. The RPE removes photoreceptor outer segments (POS) by receptor-mediated phagocytosis, a process that peaks in the morning. Uptake and degradation of POS initiates signaling cascades in the RPE. Upstream stimuli from various metabolic activities converge on mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1), and aberrant mTORC1 signaling is implicated in aging and age-related degeneration of the RPE. We measured mTORC1-mediated responses to RPE phagocytosis in vivo and in vitro. During the morning burst of POS shedding, there was transient activation of mTORC1-mediated signaling in the RPE. POS activated mTORC1 through lysosome-independent mechanisms, and engulfed POS served as a docking platform for mTORC1 assembly. The identification of POS as endogenous stimuli of mTORC1 in the RPE provides a mechanistic link underlying the photoreceptor-RPE interaction in the outer retina.
Current Problems and Future Prospects for Polyatomic Van der Waals Molecules and Small Clusters: Experiments

The topic of Van der Waals molecules has been reviewed repeatedly for a number of years and is likely to continue to attract widespread attention.[1, 2, 3, 4] There are a variety of reasons for this interest, although clearly the role of intermolecular forces in the aggregation of matter is the major motivating force. The characterization of the bound states arising from an intermolecular potential is made possible by a wonderful variety of tools. Introspectively, some of the enjoyment of this subject, the spectroscopy of weakly bonded complexes, has been that much of the early work in this area was intrinsically detailed high resolution spectroscopy which provided relatively definitive experimental data. Thus from the early work of Harry Welsh and his students[5], it was clear that the spectroscopic studies of bound states could indeed provide us with a reliable data base upon which to discuss intermolecular forces. It is fair to point out that the relative complexity of the molecular dynamics that occur for non-rigid systems requires a great amount of high resolution data to provide a sense of assurance in one’s structural conclusions. This type of data is in hand for a number of binary complexes, thus much progress has been made toward determining and understanding the detailed nature of anisotropic intermolecular forces.
Liquid versus photonic crystals

Recent years have seen the emergence of new forms of photonic crystal structures for controlling electromagnetic waves in three dimensions. A further step is now being taken with the additional incorporation of liquid-crystal technology: the result could, for instance, be light-emitting diode displays with pixels whose colours can be altered.
Application of Equilibrium and Stopped-Flow 19F NMR Spectroscopy to Protein Folding: Studies of E. coli Dihydrofolate Reductase

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the application of equilibrium and stopped-flow 19 F nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to protein folding. It presents 19 F NMR spectra of dihydrofolate reductase at five time intervals after unfolding was initiated with urea. In an experiment described in the chapter, the initial delay after injection was 1.5 s to allow the lock to stabilize and to orient the spins in the magnetic field. One fid was collected at 60 time points following each injection, and the experiment was repeated 18 times. The smooth lines at each time interval represent a model calculated by Bayesian analysis of the time domain data. The resonances of both native and unfolded protein could be seen in the first transients. A substantial amount of native peak intensity disappeared prior to the first transient at 1.5 s, while a large increase in denatured peak intensity occurred after 14 s. The use of 19 F NMR to examine the equilibrium and kinetic folding behavior of fluorine labeled proteins may provide structural information about protein folding by examining side-chain behavior during the folding process.
Biotic Interactions and Siliceous Marine Phytoplankton

Unlike most organisms, marine phytoplankton experience nearly deterministic rates of biotic interactions mediated by stochastic rates of turbulence. Yet studies of phytoplankton evolution have largely ignored biotic interactions, whereas studies of phytoplankton ecology have largely ignored evolutionary constraints. This review will attempt to integrate the opposing and complementary selective forces experienced by phytoplankton due to biotic and abiotic parameters over ultimate (evolutionary) and proximate (ecological) time scales. Attention will be focused on biotic interactions experienced by siliceous phytoplankton and the influence of these interactions on coexistence and local extinction (the ecological time framework), and diversification and species selection (the evolutionary time framework). The principal topics of discussion include the significance of biotic interactions among phytoplankton to the mechanisms of species displacement, species coexistence, the maintenance of species diversity, the selection of life history characteristics, and the mode and rate of evolution. A case study developed from a Paleogene phytoplankton assemblage is presented to illustrate that understanding the mechanisms of species interactions is requisite to a comprehensive interpretation of temporal changes in morphology, species dominance, and diversity. [For reviews of the physiology, ultrastructure, and distribution of siliceous marine phytoplankton, the reader is referred to Werner (1977), Bold and Wynne (1978), Morris (1980), Falkowski (1980), and Tappan (1980)].
The Role of Policy on Sexual Health Education in Schools: Review

Teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections are leading public health problems in the United States. While abstaining from sexual intercourse is the best way to avoid these conditions, abstinence only education (AOE) programs in schools have been shown ineffective in delaying sexual initiation or decreasing the teen pregnancy rate. Conversely, comprehensive sex education (CSE) programs have demonstrated the ability to decrease teen pregnancy and delay initiation into sex. However, federal funding continues to primarily support AOE programs, and a majority of states favor AOE in schools, rather than CSE. The purpose of this review was to examine the role of policy on sexual health education, which can have an impact on the health and well-being of adolescents. The review provides school nurses with information to help them educate parents and administrators to the negative repercussions of AOE, so they can advocate for policy change.
Supersonic Gas Injector for Plasma Fueling in the National Spherical Torus Experiment

AbstractA supersonic gas injector (SGI) has been developed for fueling and diagnostic applications on the National Spherical Torus Experiment (NSTX). It is comprised of a graphite converging-diverging Laval nozzle and a commercial piezoelectric gas valve mounted on a movable probe at a low-field-side midplane port location. Also mounted on the probe is a diagnostic package: a Langmuir probe, two thermocouples, and five pick-up coils for measuring toroidal, radial, vertical magnetic field components and magnetic fluctuations at the location of the SGI tip. The SGI flow rate is up to 33.25 Pa m3/ (1.75 × 1022 euterium particles/s), comparable to conventional NSTX gas injectors. The nozzle operates in a pulsed regime at room temperature and a reservoir gas pressure up to 665 kPa (5000 Torr). The deuterium jet Mach number of about 4 and the divergence half-angle of 5 to 25 deg have been measured in laboratory experiments simulating the NSTX environment. Reliable operation of the SGI and all mounted diagnostic...
Cannabis Use Disorder as a Developmental Disorder

The prevalence of cannabis use disorder (CUD) varies with age. Adolescents are particularly susceptible to negative consequences associated with heavy cannabis use. In this chapter, the age-related trends in CUD are discussed. Neurobiological risk factors associated with increased risk of developing a CUD are also discussed, including impulsivity/disinhibition, emotional dysregulation, and sensitivity to the rewarding properties of cannabis. Environmental risk factors such as low parental monitoring, parental cannabis use, and association with peers who use cannabis may contribute to cannabis use initiation in adolescence, indirectly influencing the development of CUD. Evidence for behavioral and pharmacological treatments for adolescent CUD is reviewed. More research is available on behavioral treatments for adolescent CUD, and these are often the first-line treatment options. Emerging evidence suggests promising pharmacological adjuncts for the treatment of adolescent CUD, however. Preliminary data examining these pharmacological treatments suggests that effective treatments for adults may not be appropriate or effective for adolescents and vice versa, though further research is necessary.
The LACSEMS: what radiologists need to know

Endoscopic drainage is increasingly used in lieu of percutaneous or surgical drainage of pancreatitis-related fluid collections. The lumen-apposing, covered, self-expanding, metallic stent (LACSEMS) is a newly produced stent for the transmural drainage of such fluid collections. The use of LACSEMS devices requires close coordination between knowledgeable radiologic and gastrointestinal providers. We review pancreatitis-related fluid collections and show examples from our experience with LACSEMS and the appropriate case selection, planning, deployment, and follow-up for this novel device.
Did the early Church absolutely forbid remarriage after divorce

The possibility to remarry in the Catholic Church is still a matter of intense debate, also in the Latin Church. The historical-juridical research about the discipline of remarriage in the pre-Augustine writings and tradition demonstrates that the teaching of the complete indissolubility of marriage wasn't accepted by everyone, not even in the Western Church. The comment of Ambrosiaster to the Pauline teaching, in fact, demonstrates that the possibility to remarry wasn’t always excluded, at least not until Augustin’s teaching became the dominant tradition in the West. Keywords: divorce; remarriage; indissolubility of marriage; Ambrosiaster; Augustine.
Aneurysm Dome Excision and Picket Fence Clip Reconstruction of a Previously Coiled Recurrent Giant Middle Cerebral Artery Aneurysm: Technical Nuances.

This video case illustrates key surgical steps required in safe management of a giant recurrent previously coiled middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysm ( Video 1 ). The patient described in this case was a 68-year-old man who presented with sudden-onset severe headache and dizziness. The patient had a history of a prior coil embolization of a 12-mm left middle cerebral artery aneurysm at an outside hospital. Imaging demonstrated recurrence now of a giant left middle cerebral artery aneurysm with coil compaction and left temporal lobe edema. Magnetic resonance imaging further demonstrated thrombus in the aneurysm and aneurysm wall enhancement concerning for impending rupture. Given the aneurysm size, imaging features, and mass effect, the aneurysm was treated with microsurgical clipping. This case is valuable to the literature with a clear video case illustration of aneurysm dome excision, aneurysm endarterectomy, and picket fence aneurysm neck reconstruction. Aneurysm dome excision is critical for treatment of giant aneurysms causing mass effect and was only used in this case because thrombus and coil mass did not allow for direct clipping across the neck without compromise of the MCA M2 branch. Hence, this video highlights key technical tenets, such as safe thrombus removal and adequate cleaning of the endoluminal surface and preparedness for bypass in challenging cases.
Hematopoeitic Stem Cell Transplant in Aplastic Anemia: Is It Time to Revise the Treatment Alogirthm

Abstract Background: Aplastic anemia (AA) is a rare bone marrow failure (BMF) syndrome of unknown etiology characterized by hypocellular bone marrow and severe persistent pancytopenia. Pediatric AA is more common in adolescent age group with better outcomes as compared to adults. Current treatment modalities include immunosuppressive therapy (IST) or matched related bone marrow transplant, when possible. There is a high risk of disease relapse with IST and clonal evolution into myelodysplastic syndrome. There is limited pediatric data on outcomes with different treatment options. Methods: Retrospective database analysis of Pediatric Health Information Systems (PHIS) database was performed to evaluate healthcare outcomes of pediatric patients (age less than 21 years) with AA from January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2015. PHIS is an administrative quality-controlled database from 43 not-for-profit children's hospitals. ICD-9 code 284.9 was used to identify patients with acquired AA. Appropriate procedure and pharmacy billing codes were used to obtain information regarding transplants and various drugs used. SAS based statistical software was used to perform analysis. Results: A total of 5127 inpatient admissions were noted for AA during the study period. An overall increasing trend of transplant was observed from 2006-2015 (Figure 1). Almost equal inpatient admission rate was noted in males and females, with a slightly higher rate amongst males who underwent transplant (55% vs 45%). Inpatient admission was more common amongst whites in both transplant (n=407, 8%) and non-transplant groups (n=4717, 92%; Table 1). Overall inpatient mortality was about 2% with a similar mortality in those who underwent transplant (5%). Cyclosporine (n= 1785, 38%) and steroids were most common immunosuppressive drugs used in non-transplant group. In the transplant group (Table 2), graft failure (20%) was the most common complication, while Cyclophosphamide (77%), Fludarabine (53%) and anti-thymocyte globulin (31%) based conditioning was most commonly used. Transplant itself was an independent risk factor for mortality (p=0.04) along with graft failure (p=0.02). Steroids (92%) and Cyclosporine (73%) were the most common immunosuppression used. Conclusion: Hematopoietic stem cell transplants have good outcomes in pediatric AA patients. With an increasing trend of HSCT in these patients, successful outcomes with other transplant options such as match unrelated donor transplants should be considered. Treatment algorithm for Pediatric AA needs to be revised to include other transplant sources. Download : Download high-res image (102KB) Download : Download full-size image Download : Download high-res image (231KB) Download : Download full-size image Download : Download high-res image (323KB) Download : Download full-size image Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Simultaneous SDA and Fluorescence Polarization Detection

5’-Fluorescently labelled, single-stranded oligodeoxynucleotides exhibit lower fluorescence polarization compared with their double-stranded counterparts because the fluorophore tumbles faster in solution when attached to single-stranded DNA. Consequently, fluorescence polarization is a convenient method of monitoring hybridization of detector probes without having to physically separate the single-and double-stranded forms. We have combined polarization detection with Strand Displacement Amplification (SDA) for real-time detection of target DNA sequences in a closed, homogeneous format.
Wait, cities can do what? Achieving city energy goals through franchise agreements

Abstract A growing number of municipalities have developed clean energy goals and policies to reduce their carbon emissions among other objectives. One emerging pathway municipalities have used to achieve clean energy goals is through including these objectives in electric franchise agreements. An electric franchise agreement is a negotiated contract between a municipality and an electric service provider which among other stipulations grants the utility the right to serve customers in the municipality's jurisdiction. This is the first nationwide assessment of the municipal opportunity to pursue franchise agreements with electric service providers, along with the potential impact of these agreements on achieving clean energy goals. We conclude that municipalities across at least 30 states have the authority to pursue franchise agreements. Our bounding scenarios suggest widespread deployment of renewable energy via franchise-driven partnerships could result in 164 – 911 TW h of renewable energy potentially serving 15.8 – 87.7 million households. Though there is immense opportunity to leverage franchise agreements to achieve renewable energy objectives, future deployment will be dependent on the negotiations between an electric service provider and individual municipalities.
An innovative housing-related measure for individual socioeconomic status and human papillomavirus vaccination coverage: A population-based cross-sectional study.

Abstract Background Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a known cause of anogenital (eg, cervical) and oropharyngeal cancers. Despite availability of effective HPV vaccines, US vaccination-completion rates remain low. Evidence is conflicting regarding the association of socioeconomic status (SES) and HPV vaccination rates. We assessed the association between SES, defined by an individual validated Housing-based Index of Socioeconomic Status (HOUSES), and HPV vaccination status. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study of children/adolescents 9–17 years as of December 31, 2016, living in southeastern Minnesota by using a health-record linkage system to identify study-eligible children/adolescents, vaccination dates, and home addresses matched to HOUSES data. We analyzed the relationship between HPV vaccination status and HOUSES using multivariable Poisson regression models stratifying by age, sex, race, ethnicity, and county. Results Of 20,087 study-eligible children/adolescents, 19,363 (96.4%) were geocoded and HOUSES measures determined. In this cohort, 57.9% did not receive HPV vaccination, 15.8% initiated (only), and 26.3% completed the series. HPV vaccination-initiation and completion rates increased over higher SES HOUSES quartiles (P Conclusion The study showed disparities in HPV vaccination by SES, with the highest HOUSES quartiles associated with increased rates of initiating and even greater likelihood of completing the series. HOUSES data may be used to target and tailor HPV vaccination interventions to undervaccinated populations.
Distinct Adult Eclosion Traits of Sibling Species Rhagoletis pomonella and Rhagoletis zephyria (Diptera: Tephritidae) Under Laboratory Conditions

Closely related phytophagous insects that specialize on different host plants may have divergent responses to environmental factors. Rhagoletis pomonella (Walsh) and Rhagoletis zephyria Snow (Diptera: Tephritidae) are sibling, sympatric fly species found in western North America that attack and mate on plants of Rosaceae (~60 taxa) and Caprifoliaceae (three taxa), respectively, likely contributing to partial reproductive isolation. Rhagoletis zephyria evolved from R. pomonella and is native to western North America, whereas R. pomonella was introduced there. Given that key features of the flies' ecology, breeding compatibility, and evolution differ, we predicted that adult eclosion patterns of the two flies from Washington State, USA are also distinct. When puparia were chilled, eclosion of apple- and black hawthorn-origin R. pomonella was significantly more dispersed, with less pronounced peaks, than of snowberry-origin R. zephyria within sympatric and nonsympatric site comparisons. Percentages of chilled puparia that produced adults were ≥67% for both species. However, when puparia were not chilled, from 13.5 to 21.9% of apple-origin R. pomonella versus only 1.2% to 1.9% of R. zephyria eclosed. The distinct differences in eclosion traits of R. pomonella and R. zephyria could be due to greater genetic variation in R. pomonella, associated with its use of a wider range of host plants than R. zephyria.
Thinking like a lawyer: trust me, i'm a professional

Earlier this year, I volunteered to help maintain the website content for an organization with which I am associated. When I got into the administrative portion of the WordPress website, I realized that no one had made any updates to the plugins for the past a year. Knowing that many such updates patch security exploits and keep the site working properly, I was a bit unnerved.