cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Methods to purify and determine rubratoxins.

Rubratoxins were recovered from cultures ofPenicillium rubrum after the mold grew in natural substrates, a semi-synthetic medium, and a glucose-mineral salts broth. Substrates that contained rubratoxins were extracted with: diethyl ether, ethyl acetate-benzene, ethanol (100%), ethanol-acetone, acetonitrile, or diethyl ether with refluxing at 45° C. Extracts were screened for rubratoxins by thin-layer chromatography. Some extracts were partially purified with a column of silicic acid using acetone as the eluant. Other extracts were purified (primarily removal of pigments) using columns of silica gel plus Celite and gradient solvent elution. Most rubratoxin B (1.9 mg/g or 0.77 mg/ml) was recovered when corn, rice, or glucose-salts broth were extracted successively with diethyl ether, ethyl acetate-benzene, and diethyl ether or when samples were adjusted to pH 1.5 before refluxing with diethyl ether at 45° C for 1–4 h. Most rubratoxin A (0.1–0.15 mg/ml or 1.0 mg/g) was obtained from samples of corn extracted twice each with ethyl alcohol, acetone, and ethyl acetate; from glucose-mineral salts broth extracted with diethyl ether; or from yeast extract sucrose broth extracted with diethyl ether and refluxed for 4 h at 45° C. Large amounts of fairly pure rubratoxin A (up to 400 mg) and rubratoxin B (> 1g) were obtained with a combination of preparative thin-layer and column chromatography.
Physical Activity to Promote Bone Health in Adolescents

Physical activity (PA) and inactivity during adolescence have implications for short- and long-term bone health. Given the mechanical role of the skeleton, it follows that skeletal tissue can respond and adapt to its mechanical environment. The time prior to and including physical maturation during adolescence affords a “window of opportunity” to take advantage of skeletal mechanoadaptability. It is during adolescence when the skeleton is not only increasing in length but also rapidly in mass, cross-sectional size, and strength. PA to increase peak bone mass is advocated as a means to offset the increase in low-trauma fracture risk associated with aging; however, the bone mass benefits of PA acquired during adolescence appear to be ultimately lost with aging. In contrast, a mechanism and evidence exist for the lifelong maintenance of the bone size and strength benefits of PA gained when young. The current chapter details the evidence for the lifelong benefit of PA during adolescence and discusses the design of physical activities to enhance bone adaptation among youth. Ultimately, it is concluded that power-based activities involving high-magnitude and rapid movements in multiple directions are most beneficial and that these need to be performed in short bouts more than 3 days per week and a couple of times per day. Finally, the chapter concludes with a mini-vignette providing examples of how to encourage a sedentary adolescent and their family perform appropriate PA to optimize bone size and strength.
Application of MLR Procedure for Prediction of Liquefaction-Induced Lateral Spread Displacement

AbstractI presented the Kenneth L. Lee lecture at the 2016 Queen Mary Seminar, ASCE Los Angeles Geo-Institute Chapter, and publish it herein. The topic was lateral spread problems I have encountere...
Acute-onset endophthalmitis after clear corneal cataract surgery (1996-2005). Clinical features, causative organisms, and visual acuity outcomes.

Purpose To report the clinical features, causative organisms, and visual acuity outcomes associated with endophthalmitis after clear corneal cataract surgery and to compare outcomes with those of the Endophthalmitis Vitrectomy Study (EVS). Design Retrospective consecutive case series. Participants The study included 73 eyes of 73 patients, mean age 76 years (range, 48–94 years), with endophthalmitis after clear corneal cataract surgery, including both referred and in-house patients. Methods The clinical and microbiology records were reviewed of all patients treated at a single medical center between January 1, 1996, and December 31, 2005, for clinically diagnosed, culture-positive endophthalmitis occurring within 6 weeks of clear corneal cataract surgery. Main Outcome Measures Presence of hypopyon, mean time to endophthalmitis diagnosis, organisms cultured, and presenting and final visual acuities. Results The mean time between cataract surgery and diagnosis of endophthalmitis was 13 days (median, 9 days; range, 1–39 days). Visual acuity at the time of diagnosis was Staphylococcus was isolated in 50 of 73 (68.4%) eyes. Other isolates included Staphylococcus aureus in 5/73 (6.8%) and Streptococcus species in 6 of 73 (8.2%). A visual acuity of ≥20/40 was achieved in 36 of 73 patients (49.3%) at final follow-up. Conclusions The features and outcomes of endophthalmitis associated with clear corneal cataract surgery are similar to those reported in the EVS, which are associated with scleral incisions, but time to diagnosis was later with clear corneal incisions.
Immunoglobulin Synthesis, Properties, and Metabolism

Following enunciation of the clonal selection theory of antibody formation by Burnet in 1957, experimental evidence confirms the validity of this selective theory as opposed to the instructive theory of antibody formation which prevailed during the first half of the 20th century. As immunogeneticists attempted to explain the great diversity of antibodies encoded by finite quantities of DNA, Tonegawa offered a plausible explanation for the generation of antibody diversity in his studies of immunoglobulin gene C, V, J, and D regions and their rearrangement. It is necessary for those segments that encode genes and determine immunoglobulin H & L chains to undergo rearrangement prior to gene transcription and translation. Newly synthesized immunoglobulin molecules have different properties based upon their immunoglobulin class or isotype. Nevertheless, antigen-binding specificities reside in the Fab regions of antibody molecules, which governs their interactions with antigens in vitro and in vivo. By contrast, complement binding and activation capabilities, binding to cell surface, and transport through cells reside in the Fc region of the molecule. The fate of immunoglobulin molecules also differs according to the immunoglobulin class, each with its own characteristic half life. Only IgG is protected from catabolism by binding to a specific receptor.
Experimental Results from an Underwater Acoustical Holographic System

This paper describes the system design, fabrication, and preliminary results obtained from an experimental laboratory model of an underwater holographic system whose operation was previously simulated by computer.1 The model has a linear-array receiver with 100 channels and a cylindrical insonifying transducer. The receiver array and the insonifying transducer scan simultaneously. The holographic information is processed in parallel by 100 distinct electronic channels and is then displayed by a scanning linear array of 100 light-emitting diodes.
Ethical and professional challenges posed by patients with genetic concerns: a report of focus group discussions with genetic counselors, physicians, and nurses.

Ninety-seven physicians, nurses, and genetic counselors from four regions within the United States participated in focus groups to identify the types of ethical and professional challenges that arise when their patients have genetic concerns. Responses were taped and transcribed and then analyzed using the Hill et al. (1997, Counsel Psychol 25:517–522) Consensual Qualitative Research method of analysis. Sixteen major ethical and professional domains and 63 subcategories were identified. Major domains are informed consent; withholding information; facing uncertainty; resource allocation; value conflicts; directiveness/nondirectiveness; determining the primary patient; professional identity issues; emotional responses; diversity issues; confidentiality; attaining/maintaining proficiency; professional misconduct; discrimination; colleague error; and documentation. Implications for practitioners who deal with genetic issues and recommendations for additional research are given.
Advances in structure determination by cryo‐EM to unravel membrane‐spanning pore formation

The beta pore-forming proteins (β-PFPs) are a large class of polypeptides that are produced by all Kingdoms of life to contribute to their species' own survival. Pore assembly is a sophisticated multi-step process that includes receptor/membrane recognition and oligomerization events, and is ensued by large-scale structural rearrangements, which facilitate maturation of a prepore into a functional membrane spanning pore. A full understanding of pore formation, assembly, and maturation has traditionally been hindered by a lack of structural data; particularly for assemblies representing differing conformations of functional pores. However, recent advancements in cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) techniques have provided the opportunity to delineate the structures of such flexible complexes, and in different states, to near-atomic resolution. In this review, we place a particular emphasis on the use of cryo-EM to uncover the mechanistic details including architecture, activation, and maturation for some of the prominent members of this family.
Variable Length Joint Source-Channel Coding of Text Using Deep Neural Networks

We consider joint source and channel coding of natural language over a noisy channel using deep learning. While the typical approach based on separate source and channel code design minimizes bit error rates, the proposed deep learning approach preserves semantic information of sentences. In particular, unlike previous work which used a fixed-length encoding per sentence, a variable-length neural network encoder is presented. The performance of this new architecture is compared to the one with fixed-length encoding per sentence. We show that the variable-length encoder has a lower word error rate compared with the fixed-length encoder as well as separate source and channel coding schemes across several different communication channels.
Compensated de Casteljau algorithm in K times the working precision

Abstract In computer aided geometric design a polynomial is usually represented in Bernstein form. This paper presents a family of compensated algorithms to accurately evaluate a polynomial in Bernstein form with floating point coefficients. The principle is to apply error-free transformations to improve the traditional de Casteljau algorithm. At each stage of computation, round-off error is passed on to first order errors, then to second order errors, and so on. After the computation has been “filtered” ( K − 1 ) times via this process, the resulting output is as accurate as the de Casteljau algorithm performed in K times the working precision. Forward error analysis and numerical experiments illustrate the accuracy of this family of algorithms.
Miliary pattern on chest imaging as a presentation of EGFR-negative primary lung adenocarcinoma.

A 64-year-old African American man, with a history of prostate adenocarcinoma treated in 2009 and a greater than 50-pack-year tobacco smoking history, presented with 2–3 weeks of non-productive cough, frontal headache and generalised myalgias and arthralgias. CT was positive for diffuse, miliary opacities in bilateral lung fields. He was diagnosed with stage four lung adenocarcinoma, negative for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene mutation. The patient was unable to tolerate therapy and passed away approximately 4 months after his diagnosis. Previous case reports and research have suggested an association between EGFR gene mutation and miliary patterned lung metastases in non-small cell lung cancer. This case suggests that the mechanism by which miliary patterned metastases occur is more complex than purely mutation of the EGFR gene. Further study may elucidate novel molecular targets for treatment, especially in patients with rapidly progressive disease such as the patient we describe.
Forecasting school district fiscal health

Lack of money is the biggest problem confronting America's schools, according to organizations that represent two groups of school insiders who should know. Recent national polls of both school board members1 and secondary principals2 indicate that both groups agree on this point. The U.S. public, however, ranks lack of money as a lower concern (fourth), and, furthermore, a majority (52 percent) objects to raising taxes to support local public schools.3 These results suggest that school district policy teams boards of education and district-level administrators need to
Device Administrator Use and Abuse in Android: Detection and Characterization

Device Administrator (DA) capabilities for mobile devices, e.g., remote locking/wiping, or enforcing password strength, were originally introduced to help organizations manage phone fleets or enable parental control. However, DA capabilities have been subverted and abused: malicious apps have used DA to create ransomware or lock users out, while benign apps have used DA to prevent or hinder uninstallation; in certain cases the only remedy is to factory-reset the phone. We call these apps "Deathless Device Administrator" (DDA), i.e., apps that cannot be uninstalled. We provide the first systematic study of Android DA capabilities, DDA apps, DDA-attack resistance across Android versions, and DDA-induced families in malicious apps. To enable scalable studies of questionable DA behavior, we developed DAAX, a static analyzer which exposes potential DA abuse effectively and efficiently. In a corpus of 39,459 apps (20,467 malicious and 18,992 benign) DAAX has found 4,135 DA apps and 691 potential DDA apps. The static analysis results on the 4,135 apps were cross-checked via dynamic analysis on at least 3 phones, confirming 578 true DDAs, including apps currently on Google Play. The study has shown that DAAX is effective (84.8% F-measure) and efficient (analysis typically takes 205 seconds per app).
Modular deep learning enables automated identification of monoclonal cell lines

Monoclonalization refers to the isolation and expansion of a single cell derived from a cultured population. This is a valuable step in cell culture so as to minimize a cell line9s technical variability downstream of cell-altering events, such as reprogramming or gene editing, as well as for processes such as monoclonal antibody development. However, traditional methods for verifying clonality do not scale well, posing a critical obstacle to studies involving large cohorts. Without automated, standardized methods for assessing clonality post-hoc, methods involving monoclonalization cannot be reliably upscaled without exacerbating the technical variability of cell lines. We report the design of a deep learning workflow that automatically detects colony presence and identifies clonality from cellular imaging. The workflow, termed Monoqlo, integrates multiple convolutional neural networks and, critically, leverages the chronological directionality of the cell culturing process. Our algorithm design provides a fully scalable, highly interpretable framework, capable of analyzing industrial data volumes in under an hour using commodity hardware. In the present study, we focus on monoclonalization of human induced pluripotent stem cells (HiPSCs) as a case example. Monoqlo standardizes the monoclonalization process, enabling colony selection protocols to be infinitely upscaled while minimizing technical variability.
Unfreedom Papers: Trafficking, Refugee Protection, and Expertise after Neo-Abolition

Trafficking is not simply a new form of slavery, but rather a complex multivalent and multi-sited process. This article explores the exit strategies employed by coerced laboring subjects, to shed light on some of the many “varieties of unfreedom” in the global labor marketplace. Just as documentation has become indispensable for contemporary global mobility, trafficking survivors also need documentation to protect their newfound liberty. I argue that today trafficking victims deploy “unfreedom papers” as powerful evidentiary counterweights to resist securitized migration policies that would seek to reinstantiate their vulnerability and their potential for further trafficking, and in so doing obviate gradations of trafficking subjecthood created by the politicization of asylum. In the absence of corroborating testimony, trafficking survivors and their advocates engage expert witnesses in order to gain humanitarian protection. “Unfreedom papers” — documentation consisting of diverse records detailing the persistence of coercion and the failures of neo-abolitionist legislation interpreted with the authoritative voice of an expert witness — are now indispensable to trafficking survivors.
Fiscal redistribution, social welfare and income inequality: ‘doing more’ or ‘more to do’?

This paper embeds the analysis of fiscal redistribution (FR) within the standard social welfare framework (SWF), which lends itself to a transparent and practical evaluation of the determinants of ...
The Ethnopharmacology of Tobacco in Native South America

The use of tobacco by South American Indians is deeply rooted in their culture and thought. From early pre-Columbian times to the present, tobacco has functioned as an important drug for magico-religious, medicinal, and recreational purposes. Data culled from about 1,800 ethnographic sources and pertaining to nearly 300 societies reveal that the Indians employ six major and several minor means of nicotine application. A comparison of the ethnographical data with experimental clinical studies of tobacco indicates that pharmacology corroborates the nicotine therapy and practice of South American shamans.
The Visual Scanning and Fixation Behavior of the Retarded

Publisher Summary This chapter describes the developmental changes in visual scanning. It discusses the theoretical formulations concerning development that have implications for scanning behavior.. While training programs to improve fixation or scanning in particular situations may prove helpful, the greatest gains may be delayed until programs can be developed that are based on a thorough understanding of the scanning process and its relationships to cognitive and contextual factors. The examination of the available literature investigating the eye movements of the handicapped reveals surprisingly little in the way of systematic research concerned with these subjects' scanning characteristics and the processes underlying them. Thus, work with the retarded must start from basic knowledge of the developmental changes in eye movement processes and related phenomena. Several areas appear to hold more immediate promise for improving the visual functioning of the handicapped through an examination of eye movements and the factors that affect them, and in a smaller manner, the scanning behaviors of the retarded might be significantly changed through the manipulation of stimulus configuration factors.
Reduced blood flow to peripheral and core body tissues in sheep and cattle induced by endophyte-infected tall fescue

Four wethers and 14 steers (environmentally heat stressed, 32 degrees C, 60% relative humidity) were evaluated for changes in blood flow induced by endophyte-infected tall fescue. Concentration of the ergopeptide ergovaline was used as an indicator of diet toxicity due to the endophytic fungus Acremonium coenophialum. Blood flow to specific tissues was measured using radiolabeled microspheres. Wethers received one of two dietary treatments for 30 d before determination of tissue blood flow: 1) a low-endophyte diet (less than .05 ppm ergovaline) or 2) a high-endophyte (1.18 ppm ergovaline) diet. Blood flows to the adrenal glands and skin covering the inner hind leg were less (P less than .10) in wethers consuming the high-endophyte diet than in those consuming the low-endophyte diet. Tissue blood flows in steers were determined on two occasions: 1) after steers had received a low- (less than .01 ppm ergovaline) or high-endophyte (.52 ppm ergovaline) fescue diet for 14 d and 2) 8 d after steers had been switched to a common, fescue-free diet. Blood flows to skin covering the ribs, cerebellum of the brain, duodenum, and colon were less (P less than .10) in steers consuming the high-endophyte diet. However, 8 d after consuming fescue-free diets, steers that had previously consumed the high-endophyte diet had greater (P = .08) blood flow to the coronary bands of the front hooves than steers that had consumed the low-endophyte diet. Blood flows to all other tissues were similar between treatments. We inferred from these experiments that the toxin(s) associated with endophyte-infected tall fescue caused decreased blood flow to peripheral and core body tissues and that this effect was abated within 8 d of removing the toxin(s).
Stimulation of Phage Ribonucleic Acid-dependent Incorporation of Amino Acids by 5 S Ribonucleic Acid

Abstract A system is described in which the addition of 5 S RNA stimulated incorporation of 14C-amino acids into protein directed by RNA from phage MS-2. Although the system is stimulated by the addition of 4 S RNA as well as by the addition of 5 S RNA, the maximum incorporation is obtained when both 4 S and 5 S RNA were added to the mixture. The transfer RNA contamination in the 5 S RNA preparation was negligible. The stimulatory effect of 5 S RNA is sensitive to ribonuclease treatment and is not reduced by phenol treatment of the 5 S RNA. No effect of 5 S RNA on polyphenylalanine formation under the direction of polyuridylic acid is observed. The stimulation by 5 S RNA is observed in the presence of various concentrations of magnesium ions and is not influenced by the addition of the formyl donor to the reaction mixture.
Detecting and analyzing automated activity on twitter

We present a method for determining whether a Twitter account exhibits automated behavior in publishing status updates known as tweets. The approach uses only the publicly available timestamp information associated with each tweet. After evaluating its effectiveness, we use it to analyze the Twitter landscape, finding that 16% of active accounts exhibit a high degree of automation. We also find that 11% of accounts that appear to publish exclusively through the browser are in fact automated accounts that spoof the source of the updates.
Tim50a, a nuclear isoform of the mitochondrial Tim50, interacts with proteins involved in snRNP biogenesis

The Cajal body (CB) is a nuclear suborganelle involved in the biogenesis of small nuclear ribonucleoproteins (snRNPs), which are vital for pre-mRNA splicing. Newly imported Sm-class snRNPs traffic through CBs, where the snRNA component of the snRNP is modified, and then target to other nuclear domains such as speckles and perichromatin fibrils. It is not known how nascent snRNPs localize to the CB and are released from this structure after modification. The marker protein for CBs, coilin, may play a role in snRNP biogenesis given that it can interact with snRNPs and SMN, the protein mutated in Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Loss of coilin function in mice leads to significant viability and fertility problems and altered CB formation. In this report, we identify a minor isoform of the mitochondrial Tim50, Tim50a, as a coilin interacting protein. The Tim50a transcript can be detected in some cancer cell lines and normal brain tissue. The Tim50a protein differs only from Tim50 in that it contains an additional 103 aa N-terminal to the translation start of Tim50. Importantly, a putative nuclear localization signal is found within these 103 residues. In contrast to Tim50, which localizes to the cytoplasm and mitochondria, Tim50a is strictly nuclear and is enriched in speckles with snRNPs. In addition to coilin, Tim50a interacts with snRNPs and SMN. Competition binding experiments demonstrate that coilin competes with Sm proteins of snRNPs and SMN for binding sites on Tim50a. Tim50a may play a role in snRNP biogenesis given its cellular localization and protein interaction characteristics. We hypothesize that Tim50a takes part in the release of snRNPs and SMN from the CB.
A coplanar waveguide bow-tie aperture antenna

In this paper, a new design for a coplanar waveguide (CPW) fed, aperture antenna is introduced. This CPW aperture antenna is designed at a central frequency around 10 GHz with an input impedance of approximately 50 /spl Omega/. Numerical simulation is performed for antenna analysis using Momentum from the Advanced Design System (ADS) software package of Agilent Technologies. The bandwidth of this basic bow-tie aperture antenna is about 1 GHz and the return loss approximately -18 dB. Another advanced design for this basic bow-tie aperture antenna shows a bandwidth of 1.3 GHz with a return loss of -40 dB around 10 GHz. Simulation results for return loss, input impedance and radiation pattern are presented. These characteristics make these two antennas suitable for antenna arrays for radar applications.
Preemptive and salvage harvesting of New England forests: when doing nothing is a viable alternative.

One unexpected consequence of natural disturbances in forested areas is that managers often initi- ate activities that may impose greater ecosystem impacts than the disturbances themselves. By salvage logging areas affected by windstorms or other impacts, by harvesting host trees in advance of insect infestation or disease, or by preemptively harvesting forests in an attempt to improve their resilience to future disturbances and stresses, managers initiate substantial changes in the ecosystem structure and function. Much of this activity is undertaken in the absence of information on the qualitative and quantitative differences between disturbance impacts and harvesting. To provide insight for such decisions we evaluated the ecosystem conse- quences of two major disturbance processes in New England (U.S.A.)—intense windstorms and invasive pests and pathogens—and contrasted them with impacts from preemptive and salvage harvesting. Despite dramatic physical changes in forest structure resulting from hurricane impacts and insect infestation, little disruption of biogeochemical processes or other ecosystem functions typically follows these disturbances. Indeed, the physical and organic structures produced by these disturbances are important natural features providing habitat and landscape heterogeneity that are often missing due to centuries of land use. From an ecosystem perspective there are strong arguments against preemptive and salvage logging or the attempt through silvicultural means to improve the resistance or resilience of forests to disturbance and stress. There are often valid motivations for salvage or preemptive logging including financial considerations, human safety, and a desire to shape the long-term composition and resource-production characteristics of forests. Nonetheless, there are many ecolog- ical benefits derived from leaving forests alone when they are affected or threatened by disturbances and pest and pathogen outbreaks.
Involvement of the ICE family of proteases in silica-induced apoptosis in human alveolar macrophages

Exposure to silica dust can result in lung inflammation that may progress to fibrosis for which there is no effective clinical treatment. The mechanisms involved in the development of pulmonary sil...
BRAINtrinsic: A Virtual Reality-Compatible Tool for Exploring Intrinsic Topologies of the Human Brain Connectome

Thanks to advances in non-invasive technologies such as functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) and Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI), highly-detailed maps of brain structure and function can now be collected. In this context, brain connectomics have emerged as a fast growing field that aims at understanding these comprehensive maps of brain connectivity using sophisticated computational models. In this paper we present BRAINtrinsic, an innovative web-based 3D visual analytics tool that allows users to intuitively and iteratively interact with connectome data. Moreover, BRAINtrinsic implements a novel visualization platform that reconstructs connectomes’ intrinsic geometry, i.e., the topological space as informed by brain connectivity, via dimensionality reduction. BRAINtrinsic is implemented with virtual reality in mind and is fully compatible with the Oculus Rift technology. Last, we demonstrate its effectiveness through a series of case studies involving both structural and resting-state MR imaging data.
Bit vector encoding via decomposition

The decomposition encoding of an n-bit vector V is an approach to the problem of how best to encode a bit vector under the constraints that this vector be encoded into blocks of t bits, and that access time for each bit of the original vector be constant, i.e. "random access." This method involves encoding the vector as two separate matrices F1 and F2. Essential to the method is the decomposition of N--the indexing set for V--by means of an injection (h1,h2): N --> R1 x R2 : m b--> (h1(m),h2(m)). Decoding involves some simply computed function f(F1[h1(m);],F2[h2(m);]). The emphasis in this paper is upon compact encodings for static vectors. For one choice of f--XOR decomposition encoding--it is shown by linear algebraic techniques that a decomposition encoding requiring the minimal t for a given (h1,h2) pair can be determined. Of more practical interest is minimization of the total number of bits in the encoding for all possible injections (h1,h2). Experimental results using a number of easily computed (h1,h2) pairs show that compactions to one half of the ordinary packed representation can be achieved via decomposition encoding for relatively sparse bit vectors.
Luminal host-defense mechanisms against invasive amebiasis

Most humans infected with the virulent protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica do not develop invasive disease. Available evidence indicates that beneficial bacteria and the mucus gel layer in the colon lumen protect the host mucosa. Glycosidases produced by some normal colonic bacteria and luminal proteases degrade the key adherence lectin on E. histolytica trophozoites and decrease their adherence to epithelial cells. The mucus gel layer prevents those trophozoites that escape the hydrolases from reaching the epithelial cells. Trophozoite mucosal invasion is triggered only when both protective mechanisms are lost, as might occur during an unrelated pathogenic enteric bacterial infection. A newly developed gnotobiotic model of intestinal amebiasis should enable testing of this hypothesis and provide clues to help design practical studies in humans.
A Look at Research on Mobile Learning in K–12 Education From 2007 to the Present

AbstractThe purpose of this literature review is to examine data-based studies published on mobile learning in K–12 from 2007 to the present. In total, 63 studies from 15 refereed journals were selected for analysis. The findings are organized in four themes: (a) comparison studies, (b) nocomparison studies, (c) mobilized learning, and (d) academic content areas. The findings showed research was primarily exploratory in nature and focused on understanding the educational affordances of using mobile devices in instructional practices. Affordances examined in the studies were identified within the contexts of multiple academic disciplines. Additionally, trends were observed, and critical issues to consider for future research are discussed.
Processes of pair formation leading to assortative mating in biological populations: dynamic interaction model

Abstract A model of pair formation that treats mating between two individuals as a dynamic process rather than an instant event is suggested. A number of cases corresponding to polygamous and monogamous matings of individuals are considered. The individual mating preferences are represented in the model by a set of “compatibility probabilities.” It is shown that the mating pattern (the distribution of characters among mating pairs) established in a population as a result of the process of pair formation does not uniquely reflect the pattern of mating preferences. Quite different mating patterns may occur in populations with very similar mating preferences, as well as similar mating patterns may occur in populations with different individual mating preferences. The model demonstrates that not only mating preferences of individuals but also specific mechanisms of pair formation play an important role in determining the mating pattern of a population.
Levetiracetam Reverses Synaptic Deficits Produced by Overexpression of SV2A

Levetiracetam is an FDA-approved drug used to treat epilepsy and other disorders of the nervous system. Although it is known that levetiracetam binds the synaptic vesicle protein SV2A, how drug binding affects synaptic functioning remains unknown. Here we report that levetiracetam reverses the effects of excess SV2A in autaptic hippocampal neurons. Expression of an SV2A-EGFP fusion protein produced a ∼1.5-fold increase in synaptic levels of SV2, and resulted in reduced synaptic release probability. The overexpression phenotype parallels that seen in neurons from SV2 knockout mice, which experience severe seizures. Overexpression of SV2A also increased synaptic levels of the calcium-sensor protein synaptotagmin, an SV2-binding protein whose stability and trafficking are regulated by SV2. Treatment with levetiracetam rescued normal neurotransmission and restored normal levels of SV2 and synaptotagmin at the synapse. These results indicate that changes in SV2 expression in either direction impact neurotransmission, and suggest that levetiracetam may modulate SV2 protein interactions.
Neuropsychiatry of Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury

Pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major public health problem. Psychiatric disorders with onset before the injury are more common than population base rates. Novel (postinjury onset) psychiatric disorders (NPD) are also common and complicate child function after injury. Novel disorders include personality change due to TBI, secondary attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, other disruptive behavior disorders, and internalizing disorders. This article reviews preinjury psychiatric disorders as well as biopsychosocial risk factors and treatments for NPD. Language: en
Marriage and Family Counselors as Politicians

A special section comprising several related articles by mental health professionals who are also state legislators recently appeared in the prfessional mental health literature. These articles offer some unique and yet pragmatic considerations for marriage and family counselors.
Effect of iodination of the purple membrane on the photocycle of bacteriorhodopsin.

Abstract Bacteriorhodopsin in the purple membrane of Halobacterium halobium is coupled to a photocycle that results in the release and uptake of protons. The role of tyrosyl residues in the photocycle of bacteriorhodopsin has been investigated by the technique of chemical modifications of these residues by iodination and nitration. The studies indicate that modification of a tyrosyl residue accelerates M 412 formation, whereas modification of another type of tyrosine residue(s) accessible from the cytoplasmic surface of the purple membrane inhibits M 412 decay. The results support the hypothesis that a reversible deprotonation of tyrosine residues prior to and after M 412 formation in the photocycle are steps in the light-driven pathway of H + translocation by bacteriorhodopsin.
Youthful and older biases as special cases of a self-age optimization bias

Two concepts of subjective age are measured for two cohorts (college students and older persons with an age range of 50 to 91 years). Functional age (Kastenbaum et al., 1972 Ages-of-Me Scale [1]) shows the typical youthful bias for the older cohort. An older bias is shown for the Best/Ideal Age by the older cohort in comparison to the younger cohort. Taken together, the youthful bias, being like someone of younger chronological age, and the bias of selecting a relatively older age as best represents a “Self Age Optimization Bias.” A sub-set of Best Age items dealing with work and career are identified for gender and cohort comparisons.
Living Well with Living Wills: Application of Protection Motivation Theory to Living Wills Among Older Caucasian and African American Adults

Using protection motivation theory, we examined racial differences in intent to complete a living will, rational problem solving (e.g., information seeking), and maladaptive coping responses (i.e., wishful thinking) to a health crisis. Sixty healthy, older adults without living wills responded to written vignettes, including information about living wills as an effective coping mechanism to avoid a health crisis. Use of adaptive coping responses predicted intent to execute a living will. A significant race-by-threat interaction predicted use of rational problem solving, with Caucasians more likely to seek information in response to perceived threat in comparison with African Americans. A significant race-by-adaptive-coping interaction predicted maladaptive coping, indicating that Caucasians were more variable in their maladaptive responses. The effectiveness of health care messages regarding living wills for older adults may be enhanced by focusing on racial differences in response to perceived health thr...
Laparoscopic appendicovesicostomy (Mitrofanoff procedure) in a child using the da Vinci robotic system.

The Mitrofanoff principle was originally described as a method to provide an alternative means to access the bladder.1 It creates a conduit to the bladder through which patients with a sensitive, absent or traumatized urethra can perform clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) easily. To our knowledge we report the first case of an appendicovesicostomy performed entirely laparoscopically. CASE REPORT A 7-year-old boy with a history of posterior urethral valves and resultant valve bladder syndrome was referred with persistent high post-void residuals and recurrent urinary tract infections. He had previously undergone right heminephroureterectomy as well as left ureteral reimplantation and ureteral cystoplasty. The patient had an extremely sensitive urethra, which made CIC nearly impossible. After a discussion of the treatment options with the family laparoscopic appendicovesicostomy was elected. A 4-port transperitoneal approach was used (fig. 1). A 12 mm laparoscopic camera port was placed through the umbilicus and 2, 10 mm robotic laparoscopic ports were placed in the left lower quadrant and right midaxillary line at the level of the umbilicus. A fourth port was placed in the left midaxillary line, also at the level of the umbilicus. We began by mobilizing the appendix and right hemicolon up to the hepatic flexure. The mesentery of the appendix was identified and mobilized to obtain adequate length. The appendix was divided at its base using a gastrointestinal anastomosis stapler. The bladder was filled with saline an da5c mvertical seromuscular incision was made in the right posterior wall of the bladder down to the mucosa. After incision of the mucosa the appendix was anastomosed to the bladder using 4-zero chromic interrupted sutures using the da Vinci robotic system. The seromuscular layer of the bladder was closed using interrupted 4-zero polyglactin sutures, creating a tunnel for the appendix. The appendix was then brought up to the umbilicus and a catheterizable stoma was created. Smooth catheterization through the appendix with full pneumoperitoneum and with the pneumoperitoneum released was performed (fig. 2). A 16Fr suprapubic catheter was inserted into the bladder and an 8Fr stenting catheter was left through the appendix. Overall operative time was 6 hours and operative time for the anastomosis was 25 minutes. Estimated blood loss was 10 cc. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications. The patient was started on a clear liquid diet the following day and did not require narcotic analgesia after postoperative day 1. He was discharged on postoperative day 4 and returned to normal activity at 10 days. He currently performs CIC every 6 hours without difficulty and is dry between catheterizations. The patient has been followed for 10 months and has not had to undergo stomal revision. DISCUSSION
Circular dichroism of biological membranes-brain microsomes.

The circular dichroism and absorption spectra of particulate and solubilized brain microsomes are reported. The corrected molar ellipticity for the membrane suspension was −1.1 × 10+4, between the values of axonal and oxyntic cell membranes and those for sarcotubular vesicles. No conformational change was detected which correlated unambiguously with the active cation transport function of these microsomes. Divalent cations, however, elicited a significant change in the membranes' ultra structure. Correction of suspension data for the NaI microsomes with and without sonication gave virtually identical values providing optimism for the corrections used and validating the difference in corrected values for ths suspension with and without magnesium. This indicates that, in addition to causing a change in the state of aggregation, 2 mM magnesium ion may reasonably be considered to effect a change in protein conformation.
Galvanic displacement as a route to highly active and durable extended surface electrocatalysts

Spontaneous galvanic displacement has been utilized in the development of novel electrocatalysts. The process occurs when a less noble metal template contacts a more noble metal cation and combines aspects of corrosion and electrodeposition. The cost of platinum (Pt) limits the commercial deployment of proton exchange membrane fuel cells. Although carbon-supported Pt typically has a moderate mass activity for oxygen reduction, it is limited by a relatively modest specific activity (activity per unit surface area). Conversely, extended Pt surfaces typically have high specific activity for oxygen reduction but commonly have low surface areas. Catalysts formed by spontaneous galvanic displacement are ideally situated, being able to take advantage of the specific activities generally associated with the catalyst type while significantly improving upon the surface area. In addition to acidic oxygen reduction, spontaneous galvanic displacement has been used in the development of catalysts for a variety of electrochemical reactions: hydrogen oxidation, alcohol oxidation, and basic oxygen reduction. Materials for these reactions have been incorporated into this perspective. Spontaneous galvanic displacement is a promising route in catalyst synthesis and cases exist where these electrocatalysts have demonstrated state-of-the-art performance.
Tutorial T7B: RF Analysis and Simulation with Focus on RF SiP Methodology

Radio frequency (RF) involves complexities in the circuit design. Non-linearity issues in active as well as passive circuit designs and issues such as parasitic couplings and radiation effects introduce challenges in the RF circuit designs. Besides these, engineers face challenges, such as reduction in design cycle, overall development cost, and the time to market. To address these challenges, RF designs require extensive analysis and simulations techniques, as well as special measurement techniques. Traditionally, at the system level, separate groups design ICs and packages. However, cost, time-to-market issues, and ever-growing package complexity in the nanometer design space demand close collaboration between design groups. System level integration with SiP requires design flows and methodologies that bridge the gap between IC design and package design. An RF SiP is a complete functional system or sub system that includes multiple ICs from different or same process technology, and embedded passives connected using a complex RF structure. This system or sub system can either be packaged as an IC and mounted or integrated into a PCB. This tutorial will first introduce the basic understanding and challenges in RF system designs. This will be followed by the discussion on the analysis, simulation and measurement techniques used for RF designs. Finally, the tutorial would talk about the RF SiP flow and the design methodology. An RF SiP design example will be used to discuss various aspects of SiP, interfaces between IC layout and SiP layout, embedded components, interconnects, constraints, SiP level routing, design rule checks and RF SiP level simulation. In the next generation nanometer designs, the RF SiP design flow and methodology will be critical to meet the overall design requirements
Cyclophosphamide exposure in pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus is associated with reduced serum anti-mullerian hormone levels.

To the Editor: The reproductive risk to girls with pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus (pSLE) of varying disease severity and medication exposure is not well established. Because 15%–20% of patients with SLE are diagnosed before age 19 years1, many young women with pSLE will be affected by disease complications throughout their reproductive years. Although infertility in SLE has been attributed mainly to use of cyclophosphamide (CYC)2,3, further studies are needed to clarify the relationship between disease severity, medication use, and ovarian dysfunction. Because the incidence of premature primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) after CYC exposure in patients with pSLE < 21 years of age is estimated at 0–11%3, biomarkers for morbidities, such as infertility, are important because they may change current treatment strategies. Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) is produced by granulosa cells of preantral and small antral follicles and has been identified as a sensitive biomarker of ovarian reserve. AMH concentrations are relatively stable throughout the menstrual cycle, are unaffected by hormonal contraceptives, and decline with advancing age, as does ovarian reserve/function4,5. Low to undetectable levels of AMH are found in women ages 25–46 years within 5 years of their final menstrual period, in cancer survivors exposed to chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy-induced follicle depletion, and in women with POI … Address correspondence to Dr. N.C. Douglas, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, New York Presbyterian Hospital–Columbia University Medical Center, 622 West 168th Street, PH 16-64, New York, NY 10032, USA. E-mail: nd2058{at}columbia.edu
Enriching the interactive user experience of open document format

The typical user experience of office documents is geared to the passive recording of user content creation. In this paper, we describe how to provide more active content within such documents based on elaborating the integration between Open Document Format (ODF) and the W3C standard for rich interactivity and data management in web pages (XForms). This includes assignment of more comprehensive behaviors to single form controls, better control over collections of form controls, readonly and conditional sections of mixed content and form controls, and dynamically repeated sections automatically responsive to data changes, including data obtained from web services invoked during user interaction with the document.