cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Arms Control Collection at the University of Illinois Library

Arms control, international security, and peace are topics of growing concern among scholars. This concern is a reaction to the heightened international tensions during the past decade. Researchers are aware that their work might contribute to an understanding of the sources of conflict, and to the peaceful resolution of international issues. Interest in the field is rapidly expanding both in the United States and abroad, but there has been little agreement on the direction research should take. Research institutes, think‐tanks, and university programs around the world are devoting an increasing amount of time to the study of arms control, international security, and peace.
A sliding mode controller for two-phase synchronous buck converters

Sliding mode (SM) controllers are known for their robustness and insensitivity to disturbances and plant parameter variations. However, since perfect sliding mode requires infinite switching, a quasi-sliding mode controller is developed with hysteresis control to limit the switching frequency to a desired fixed frequency. A SMC utilizing direct control is designed for a single-phase synchronous buck converter. Next, a technique to extend the SM controller for a multiphase synchronous buck converter is developed to ensure proper phase interleaving for a two-phase converter. Simulation results of the new controller on a two-phase synchronous buck converter are presented. The proposed controller allows reduced output voltage ripple and reduced transient effects.
Supporting Multilingual Learners: Practical Theory and Theoretical Practices.

To be literate in the 21st century means much more than learning to read and write; it requires advanced skills like collaboration, critical problem solving, and utilizing multiple sources and means of communication. Learning a language, an aspect of becoming literate, demands that learners not only acquire vocabulary and syntax but also use languages, to engage critically in our society. This article examines the lives of new English learners in multilingual contexts, focusing on how school literacy and language practices impact children's thinking about themselves and their literacies. We suggest practices that can positively shape student identities and call educators to construct learning environments that help students become agentive learners capable of critical engagement with the world.
Preliminary Validation of an Arabic Version of the MMSE in the Elderly

Validity of an Arabic version of the Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE) is evaluated through prediction of scores on the Informant Questionnaire of Cognitive Decline in the Elderly (IQCODE) by item, subscale, and total scores. The MMSE was administered to 200 elderly Arab-Americans, and the IQCODE was completed by related informants. Multiple regression analyses indicated that both total MMSE and a combination of 3 MMSE subscales significantly predicted IQCODE, beyond effects of age or educational level. Analyses of the sensitivity and specificity of the MMSE in prediction of dichotomized IQCODE values across MMSE cut-off scores indicate that the utility of the MMSE varies across educational levels. MMSE items varied in their ability to demonstrate differing performance levels in individuals high and low in cognitive decline.
Impact of age on haematological markers pre- and post-marathon running

AbstractThis study investigated whether haematological markers differ between young and masters marathon participants, running at similar performance levels. Nine young (31.89 ± 4.96 years) and eight masters (63.13 ± 4.61 years) runners participated. At five time points (pre-race through 54 h post-race), a complete blood cell count, basic metabolic panel and creatine kinase (CK) isoenzyme panel were assessed. Race performance was standardised using the World Masters Association Age Grading Performance Tables. Total CK levels were elevated for all participants at all time points post-race (P < 0.001). The CK-isoenzyme MB% was elevated across groups at 6, 30 and 54 h post-race (P < 0.01, P < 0.01 and P < 0.05), with masters runners having a higher CK-MB% at 30 and 54 h (P < 0.05, P < 0.05). Total white blood cell and neutrophil counts were elevated through 6 h post-race (P < 0.001), with higher levels found in younger runners (P < 0.001). When considering all blood work, masters runners had a higher number ...
Beam Deflection Measurements of Transient Nonlinear Refraction from Coherent Rotational Revivals in Air

We apply the beam deflection technique to measure the transient nonlinearity of air well below filamentation threshold with unprecedented sensitivity at 1atm. Rotational contributions of N2 and O2 were resolved over 300 ps of delay.
nalyot, a mutation of the Drosophila myb-related Adf1 transcription factor, disrupts synapse formation and olfactory memory.

Abstract nalyot ( nal ) is a novel olfactory memory mutant of Drosophila , encoding Adf1 , a myb-related transcription factor. Following extended training sessions, Adf1 mutants show normal early memory but defective long-term memory. Adf1 shows widespread spatiotemporal expression, yet mutant alleles reveal no discernible disruptions in gross morphology of the nervous system. Studies at the larval neuromuscular junction, however, reveal a role for Adf1 in the modulation of synaptic growth—in contrast to the role established for dCREB2 in the control of synaptic function (Davis et al. 1996). These findings suggest that Adf1 and dCREB2 regulate distinct transcriptional cascades involved in terminal stages of synapse maturation. More generally, Adf1 provides a novel link between molecular mechanisms of developmental and behavioral plasticity.
Comparison of Image-Based and Time-of-Flight-Based Technologies for 3D Reconstruction of Infrastructure

Image-based (i.e., photo/videogrammetry) and time-of-flight-based (i.e., laser scanning) technologies are typically used to collect spatial data of infrastructure. In order to help architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industries make costeffective decisions in selecting between these two technologies with respect to their settings, this paper makes an attempt to measure the accuracy, quality, time efficiency, and cost of applying image-based and time-of-flight-based technologies to conduct as-built 3D reconstruction of infrastructure. In this paper, a novel comparison method is proposed, and preliminary experiments are conducted. The results reveal that if the accuracy and quality level desired for a particular application is not high (i.e., error 80%), image-based technologies constitute a good alternative for time-of-flight-based technologies and significantly reduce the time and cost needed for collecting the data on site.
“Like a dialogue”: Teach-back in the emergency department

Abstract Objective Teach-back may improve communication, but has not been well studied in the emergency setting. The goal of this study was to characterize perceptions of teach-back in the emergency department (ED) by health literacy. Methods We conducted an in-depth interview study on the ED discharge process examining teach-back techniques in two tertiary care centers (adult and pediatric), using asthma as a model system for health communication. Participants were screened for health literacy, and purposive sampling was used to balance the sample between literacy groups. Interviews were conducted until thematic saturation was reached for each literacy group at each site; audiotaped, transcribed, coded, and analyzed using a modified grounded theory approach. Results Fifty-one interviews were completed (31 parents; 20 patients). Across all groups, participants felt that teach-back would help them confirm learning, avoid forgetting key information, and improve doctor–patient communication. Participants with limited health literacy raised concerns about teach-back being condescending, but suggested techniques for introducing the technique to avoid this perception. Conclusion Most participants were supportive of teach-back techniques, but many were concerned about perceived judgment from providers. Practice implications Future investigations should focus on feasibility and efficacy of teach-back in the ED and using participant generated wording to introduce teach-back.
Minimal-scar segmental extraction of lipomas: study of 122 consecutive procedures.

Background Surgical extirpation of lipomas that occur in cosmetically conspicuous areas of the body leaves a visible scar that is usually disfiguring. Minimal-scar segmental extraction (MSE) employs a much smaller incision and extraction and is particularly useful in exposed parts of the body. It can be easily performed in an office setting. Objective The objective of this study was to evaluate the merits of MSE in clinical practice. Unlike other reports in the literature that describe, anecdotally, minimally invasive methods of lipoma removal, our study examined a new method by carefully measuring the results in a larger group of consecutive patients treated using this technique. Materials and Methods A retrospective study was performed using data from 91 consecutive patients with a total of 122 lipomas that were treated using MSE. MSE of lipomas consists of a small stab incision and blind dissection of the tumor followed by its extraction in a segmental fashion. This procedure involves small instrumentation, minimal dissection with preservation of contour, and complete removal of the lipoma, including substantial portions of the capsule. Clinical data, including complications, outcomes, and recurrence rates, were recorded. Results The procedure was well tolerated by patients, who were pleased with the results, particularly the small scar. The incidence of complications was 1.6% (n= 2) and consisted of hematoma (n= 1) and seroma (n= 1). The recurrence rate was 0.8% (n= 1). No long-term morbidity was noted. Conclusions The technical ease with which the MSE can be performed, coupled with a low recurrence rate, makes it a very cost-effective operation. The smaller postoperative scars, rapid healing, and low morbidity allow for better patient acceptance. We recognize the advantages and limitations of this procedure and encourage its use in selected patients. RAJIV Y. CHANDAWARKAR, MD, PEDRO RODRIGUEZ, MD, JOHN ROUSSALIS, MD, AND M. DEVIPRASAD TANTRI, MD, HAVE INDICATED NO SIGNIFICANT INTEREST WITH COMMERCIAL SUPPORTERS.
Robust Thermal Design of a DC-DC Converter in an Electric Vehicle

In hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and full electric vehicles (EVs), efficient electrical power management with proper supply of power at the required voltage levels is essential. A DC (Direct Current)-DC converter is one of the key electrical units in a HEV/EV. The DC-DC converter dealt in the present work is intended to create the DC voltages necessary to power the accessories. The electronic circuit in this DC-DC converter consists of high power devices like Metal-Oxide Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistors (MOSFETs), inductors, transformers, etc. mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB). The DC-DC converter interacts with a high voltage battery pack and supplies a low voltage power to the accessory battery. Due to this power handling operation, the devices in the convertor experience high temperatures. The temperature rise of the devices beyond the permissible limits could be detrimental to an efficient and safe operation of the converter. This paper deals with a robust and optimal thermal design of an air-cooled DC-DC Converter in order that the temperature (primary design parameter) of each of the devices is at a minimum and below the corresponding permissible limit of the device. Additionally, a design feasibility study is conducted for optimum material utilization and packaging space. The Robust Engineering (RE) experiments are conducted using Computer Aided Engineering (CAE)-virtual simulation based on a non-linear finite volume method. The paper also provides an understanding of the relative magnitude of the influence of various design features upon the temperature of each of the devices. The study helps to realize the benefits of using a RE design approach in conjunction with a reliable CAE
Policy Transparency and College Enrollment: Did the Texas Top Ten Percent Law Broaden Access to the Public Flagships?

By guaranteeing college admission to all students who graduate in the top 10% of their high school class, H.B. 588 replaced an opaque de facto practice of admitting nearly all top 10% graduates with a transparent de jure policy that required public institutions to admit all applicants eligible for the guarantee. The transparency of the new admission regime sent a clear message to students attending high schools that previously sent few students to the University of Texas at Austin and Texas A&M University. Using 18 years of administrative data to examine sending patterns, we find a sizeable decrease in the concentration of flagship enrollees originating from select feeder schools and growing shares of enrollees originating from high schools located in rural areas, small towns, and midsize cities, as well as schools with concentrations of poor and minority students. We also find substantial year-to-year persistence in sending behavior once a campus becomes a sending school, and this persistence increased after the top-10% policy was implemented.
The Emotional Intelligence, Moral Judgment, and Leadership of Academically Gifted Adolescents

Using 3 psychological scales, this study examined the level of emotional intelligence, moral judgment, and leadership of more than 200 gifted high school students who participated in an accelerativ...
The Threat of Biological Attack: Why Concern Now?

For a biological attack to occur, three elements must be in place: a vulnerable target, a person or group with the capability to attack, and the intent (by the perpetrator) to carry out such an attack. Much of what can be done to limit the capability and the intent of potential attackers is already on its way to being accomplished. The most work, and the highest return on investment, involve reducing the vulnerability of the United States to both intentional and unintentional pathogen releases.
Laterally Interconnected Self-Organizing Maps in Hand-Written Digit Recognition

An application of laterally interconnected self-organizing maps (LISSOM) to handwritten digit recognition is presented. The lateral connections learn the correlations of activity between units on the map. The resulting excitatory connections focus the activity into local patches and the inhibitory connections decorrelate redundant activity on the map. The map thus forms internal representations that are easy to recognize with e.g. a perceptron network. The recognition rate on a subset of NIST database 3 is 4.0% higher with LISSOM than with a regular Self-Organizing Map (SOM) as the front end, and 15.8% higher than recognition of raw input bitmaps directly. These results form a promising starting point for building pattern recognition systems with a LISSOM map as a front end.
Trauma‐Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Children and Parents

Trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy (TF-CBT) for children and parents is an evidence based treatment approach for traumatised children. Evaluation of TF-CBT includes several randomised controlled trials, effectiveness studies and ongoing studies for children experiencing sexual abuse, domestic violence, traumatic grief, terrorism, disasters and multiple traumas. The model of TF-CBT described here is a flexible, components-based model that provides children and parents with stress management skills prior to encouraging direct discussion and processing of children's traumatic experiences. TF-CBT components are summarised by the acronym PRACTICE: Psychoeducation, Parenting skills, Relaxation skills, Affective modulation skills, Cognitive coping skills, Trauma narrative and cognitive processing of the traumatic event(s), In vivo mastery of trauma reminders, Conjoint child-parent sessions, and Enhancing safety and future developmental trajectory. Currently this model of TF-CBT is being adapted and implemented both within the USA and internationally.
Talin1 Regulates TCR-Mediated LFA-1 Function

The leukocyte integrin LFA-1 plays a critical role in T cell trafficking and T cell adhesion to APCs. It is known that integrin-mediated adhesion is regulated by changes in integrin ligand-binding affinity and valency through inside-out signaling. However, the molecular mechanisms involved in TCR-mediated LFA-1 regulation are not well understood. In this study, we show that the cytoskeletal protein talin1 is required for TCR-mediated activation of LFA-1 through regulation of LFA-1 affinity and clustering. Depletion of talin1 from human T cells by small interfering RNAs impairs TCR-induced adhesion to ICAM-1 and T cell-APC conjugation. TCR-induced LFA-1 polarization, but not actin polarization, is defective in talin1-deficient T cells. Although LFA-1 affinity is also reduced in talin1-deficient T cells, rescue of LFA-1 affinity alone is not sufficient to restore LFA-1 adhesive function. Together, our findings indicate that TCR-induced up-regulation of LFA-1-dependent adhesiveness and resulting T cell-APC conjugation require talin1.
Role of nitric oxide in the natriuretic and diuretic responses in pregnant rats

Normal pregnancy is characterized by sodium conservation and increase in plasma volume, yet the natriuretic response to acute saline volume expansion (VE) is intact in pregnant rats. Nitric oxide (...
Infection Control/Health Care Epidemiology and Human Factors Engineering — a “New” Pairing for Patient Safety?:

This paper covers the history of infection control and the role human factors engineering, and macroergonomics in particular, has played and will continue to play in the reduction of hospital-acquired or nosocomial infections—a key aspect for enhancing patient safety and quality of care. Semmelweis is considered the father of modern hospital infection control and epidemiology programs; and he used human factors engineering and a systems approach to solve infection control problems by considering societal, organizational, environmental, task, tools and person factors in his investigations. Today, the IOM stresses the importance of organizational and process designs and a “culture of safety” for the reduction of medical errors. Examples of current problems and areas for future infection control and human factors research are presented, including design issues, change management and safety culture. All levels of the work system—from the microenvironment level issues such as noise and light to the macro envir...
Space flyable Hg/sup +/ frequency standards

We discuss a design for a space based atomic frequency standard (AFS) based on Hg/sup +/ ions confined in a linear ion trap. This newly developed AFS should be well suited for space borne applications because it can supply the ultra-high stability of a H-maser but its total mass is comparable to that of a NAVSTAR/GPS Cs clock, i.e., about 11 kg. This paper compares the proposed Hg/sup +/ AFS to the present day GPS Cs standards to arrive at the 11 kg mass estimate. The proposed space borne Hg/sup +/ standard is based upon the recently developed extended linear ion trap architecture which has reduced the size of existing trapped Hg/sup +/ standards to a physics package which is comparable in size to a Cesium beam tube. The demonstrated frequency stability to below 10/sup -15/ of existing Hg/sup +/ standards should be maintained or even improved upon in this new architecture. This clock would deliver far more frequency stability per kilogram than any current day space qualified standard. >
Remote sensing studies of the Orientale Region of the Moon: A pre-Galileo view

We have acquired both an extensive data base of visible and near-infrared spectra and multispectral images (ultraviolet and visible) of the Orientale region of the Moon. Our results show that the eastern Inner Rook Mountains are composed of anorthosite. Portions of the main ring of the Humorum basin and the inner ring of Grimaldi are also composed of anorthosite. Other deposits within the Orientale basin and the major ejecta unit outside the basin are dominated by noritic anorthosites; mature surfaces have spectra nearly identical to those taken of areas in the vicinity of the Apollo 16 site. Thus, it appears that Orientale ejecta are more mafic than materials that are thought to have originated at depth (i.e., the anorthosites in the Inner Rook Mountains). There are large areas that have mare basalt signatures mixed with highland rock types, indicating the existence of ancient, pre-Orientale mare volcanism. Present mare surfaces in the Orientale region contain basalts of intermediate to very low TiO2 content.
Multislice first-pass cardiac perfusion MRI: validation in a model of myocardial infarction.

The purpose of this study was to validate a first-pass MRI method for imaging myocardial perfusion with multislice coverage and relatively small analyzable regions of interest (ROIs). A fast gradient-echo (FGRE) sequence with an echo-train (ET) readout was used to achieve multislice coverage, and a high dose of a contrast agent (CA) was used to achieve a high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Dogs (N = 6) were studied 1 day after reperfused myocardial infarction, and fluorescent microspheres were used as a standard for perfusion. First-pass MRI correlated well vs. microsphere flow, achieving mean R values of 0.87 (range = 0.82–0.93), 0.71 (range = 0.46–0.85), and 0.72 (range = 0.49–0.95) for subendocardial ROIs, transmural ROIs, and the endocardial-epicardial ratio, respectively. Additionally, analysis of myocardial time-intensity curves (TICs) indicated that 15.8 ± 6.6° sectors, corresponding to 260 μl of endocardium, can be analyzed (R2 > 0.95). Magn Reson Med 47:482–491, 2002. Published 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Using Template Metaprogramming to Enhance Reuse in Visitor-Based Model Interpreters

This paper discusses an approach called Metapro-grammable Interpreters for Model-driven Engineering (MIME), which integrates C++ meta-programming techniques into model interpreters for domain-specific modeling languages (DSMLs). The goal of MIME is to reduce reinvention of core model interpretation logic across model interpreters that use the Visitor software design pattern. Experience from applying MIME's approach to realistic DSMLs show it overcomes limitations of existing Visitor-based model interpreters by (1) decoupling interpreter-logic from generation-logic and (2) allowing developers to suppress either aspect of the model interpreter, while promoting maximal reuse of code.
The Psychology of Removing Group Members and Recruiting New Ones

The removal of group members and the recruiting of new ones are central processes in the maintenance of a group, yet they receive little study. Bases for determining who will be expelled and who initiated are stated in the form of propositions. A number of hypotheses are then offered concerning conditions that may cause events to run counter to these propositions.
Detection and perceptual impact of side-to-side facial movement asymmetry.

ImportanceIn this study, we examined whether specific facial movements have different time-delay detection thresholds, and to what extent such side-to-side facial movement asymmetry affects subject...
A digitally assisted baseband filter with 9MHz bandwidth and 0.3 dB IQ mismatch for a WLAN receiver chain

We describe the design of a fifth order opamp-RC filter in a 65nm digital CMOS process. Designed for a WLAN receiver chain, the baseband filter has a bandwidth of 9MHz and features extensive use of digital hardware to correct for analog imperfections and thereby relaxing area and power requirements. Measurements show a 24 dB adjacent channel attenuation and an out-of-band IIP3 of 33 dBm. The complete filter consumes 9.5mA from a 1.3V supply and occupies an area of 0.46mm2.
Development, Stability, and Molecular Mechanisms of Macrolide Resistance in Campylobacter jejuni

Previous studies of macrolide resistance in Campylobacter were primarily focused on strains from various origins or used in vitro systems. In this study, we conducted both in vitro and in vivo experiments to examine the development, stability, and genetic basis of macrolide resistance in Campylobacter jejuni using erythromycin-resistant (Eryr) mutants derived from the same parent strain. Chickens inoculated with low-level Eryr mutants (MIC = 32 or 64 μg/ml) at 15 days old did not shed highly Eryr mutants (MIC > 512 μg/ml) after prolonged exposure to a low dose of tylosin. The low-level Ery resistance was not stable in vitro or in vivo in the absence of macrolide selection pressure. However, high-level Ery resistance displayed remarkable stability in vitro and in vivo. Ribosomal sequence analysis of 69 selected Eryr mutants showed that specific point mutations (A2074G or A2074C) occurred in all highly Eryr mutants. No mutations in ribosomal protein L4 were observed in any of the in vitro-selected Eryr mutants. However, three specific mutations in L4, G74D, G57D, and G57V, were widely found among in vivo-selected Eryr mutants. Insertion of three amino acids, TSH, at position 98 in ribosomal protein L22 was observed only in mutants selected in vitro. Inactivation of the CmeABC efflux pump dramatically reduced Ery MICs in Eryr mutants. Together, these findings suggest that multiple factors contribute to the emergence of highly Eryr Campylobacter in chicken, reveal resistance level-dependent stability of macrolide resistance in C. jejuni, and indicate that C. jejuni utilizes complex and different mechanisms to develop Ery resistance in vitro and in vivo.
Concurrent garbage collection using program slices on multithreaded processors

We investigate reference counting in the context of a multi-threaded architecture by exploiting two observations: (1) reference-counting can be performed by a transformed program slice of the mutator that isolates heap references, and (2) hardware trends indicate that microprocessors in the near future will be able to execute multiple concurrent threads on a single chip. We generate a reference-counting collector as a transformed program slice of an application and then execute this slice in parallel with the application as a “run-behind” thread. Preliminary measurements of collector overheads are quite encouraging, showing a 25% to 53% space overhead to transfer garbage collection to a separate thread.
Influence of hairy vetch residue on atrazine and metolachlor soil solution concentration and weed emergence

Abstract High levels of cover-crop residue can suppress weed emergence and also can intercept preemergence herbicides and potentially reduce their effectiveness. This research was conducted in continuous no-tillage corn to compare the effect of residue from a hairy vetch cover crop with that of background crop residue on the soil solution concentration of atrazine and metolachlor and on the emergence of weeds with and without herbicide treatment. In a 3-yr field experiment, 5-cm-deep soil samples were taken and the weed density measured in paired microplots with and without herbicide at approximately weekly intervals after application of atrazine and metolachlor. High levels of residue were present in both treatments; the percentage of soil covered by residue ranged from 91 to 99 in the no–cover-crop treatment and from 99 to 100 in the hairy vetch treatment. Initial metolachlor concentration was lower and degradation rate higher in two of the 3 yr with a hairy vetch cover crop than without a cover crop. C...
Physical activity, exercise and non-communicable diseases

The modern environment has been explicitly engineered to reduce manual labor, increase physical comfort and afford passive entertainment. As a result, physical inactivity and sedentary pastimes have become ubiquitous features of the post-industrial world. Given the fact that human metabolic, cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems evolved in an environment in which survival necessitated extraordinary amounts of physical exertion, it is not surprising that physical inactivity has induced a host of morbidities. Epidemiological evidence has demonstrated that inactivity has significant risks and severe consequences for all individuals independent of age, genetic endowment, personal history (e.g., past lifestyle), body composition and current behavior (e.g., diet, alcohol consumption, smoking). Physical inactivity accelerates the aging process and dramatically increases the frequencies of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular disease (CVD), type-2 diabetes (T2D) and other pathologies (e.g., frailty, osteoporosis, sarcopenia, and obesity). The relative risks of physical inactivity and mortality from NCDs begin in childhood and increase with advancing age. Nevertheless, physical activity (PA) and exercise have been demonstrated to delay and/or prevent the onset of NCDs and other pathologies associated with sedentary lifestyles and aging. This review surveys data from observational studies and randomized controled trials (RCTs) that support the premise PA and exercise are essential elements in the maintenance of health as well as the prevention and treatment of age-related maladies and NCDs.
Evaluation of upper airway collapsibility using real-time MRI.

Purpose To develop and demonstrate a real-time MRI method for assessing upper airway collapsibility in sleep apnea. Materials and Methods Data were acquired on a clinical 3 Tesla scanner using a radial CAIPIRIHNA sequence with modified golden angle view ordering and reconstructed using parallel imaging and compressed sensing with temporal finite difference sparsity constraint. Segmented airway areas together with synchronized facemask pressure were used to calculate airway compliance and projected closing pressure, Pclose, at four axial locations along the upper airway. This technique was demonstrated in five adolescent obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients, three adult OSA patients and four healthy volunteers. Heart rate, oxygen saturation, facemask pressure, and abdominal/chest movements were monitored in real-time during the experiments to determine sleep/wakefulness. Results Student's t-tests showed that both compliance and Pclose were significantly different between healthy controls and OSA patients (P < 0.001). The results also suggested that a narrower airway site does not always correspond to higher collapsibility. Conclusion With the proposed methods, both compliance and Pclose can be calculated and used to quantify airway collapsibility in OSA with an awake scan of 30 min total scan room time. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2016;44:158–167.
Nanofabrication with Self-Assembled Monolayers by Scanning Probe Lithography

AFM atomic force microscopy SAM self-assembled monolayer SPM scanning probe microscopy SPL scanning probe lithography STM scanning tunneling microscopy NPRW nanopen reader and writer DPN dip-pen nanolithography IgG immunoglobulin G FFM frictional force microscopy LFM lateral force microscopy 16-MHA 16-mercaptohexadecanoic acid 11-MUD 11-mercaptoundecanol ODT octadecanethiol OTS octadecyltrichlorosilane RH relative humidity
Spilling Ink and Spilling Blood: Abolitionism, Violence, and Frederick Douglass's My Bondage and My Freedom

(2002). Spilling Ink and Spilling Blood: Abolitionism, Violence, and Frederick Douglass's My Bondage and My Freedom. a/b: Auto/Biography Studies: Vol. 17, No. 2, pp. 276-295.
Treatment of benign esophageal strictures. Where do we go from here

Dilatation has been used for the treatment of benign esophageal strictures since at least the sixteenth century (1). Over the ensuing 400 years there have been continued improvements in the material and design of bougies that have resulted in the mercuryfilled rubber bougies, over-guidewire metal olives, and tapered polyvinyl dilators in use today. The more recent introduction of balloon dilators, and electrosurgical incision therapy, have added theoretically more efficient therapeutic choices (2, 3). Reports have described high degrees of success, irrespective of the device used, and following dilatation virtually all patients report improvement in their ability to swallow (4-9).
Model for Use in Mass-Production of Acheta domesticus (Orthoptera: Gryllidae) as Food

A production model was developed that simulates the harvest of a predetermined number of eggs of house cricket, Acheta domesticus (L.), per day by regulating the numbers and ages of adults in the breeding colony. With a discard age of 24 d, the production model predicted a sustainable harvest of approximately 4000 (4400) and 6000 (6600) crickets per day when four or six pairs, respectively, of newly emerged adults were added per day to an initial breeding colony of 50 pairs. Natality was based on the number of nymphs surviving to 7 d per surviving female, after which little nymphal mortality occurred. Ovipositional surface area availability was not a limiting factor in egg production.
SEQUENTIAL CENTRAL RETINAL VEIN AND OPHTHALMIC ARTERY OCCLUSIONS IN A PEDIATRIC CASE OF PRIMARY ANTIPHOSPHOLIPID SYNDROME.

Purpose To report a case of sequential central retinal vein occlusion and ophthalmic artery occlusion in a patient with primary antiphospholipid syndrome. Methods Observational case report. Color fundus photography, fluorescein angiography, and optical coherence tomography were used to document the progression of a central retinal vein occlusion and sequential development of an ophthalmic artery occlusion within a 1-week period in a patient with primary antiphospholipid syndrome. Results A 15-year-old boy presented with unilateral blurry vision due to a central retinal vein occlusion along with other systemic symptoms. Within a 1-week period, he developed an ophthalmic artery occlusion in the same eye, with resulting bare light perception vision. Extensive evaluation by the pediatrics and rheumatology services led to a diagnosis of primary antiphospholipid syndrome as the etiology for the occlusions. Conclusion This case report illustrates the rapid sequential venous and arterial ocular thrombosis in a patient with primary antiphospholipid syndrome.
Metabolism of Hydrogen Peroxide by Pichia pastoris

Hydrogen peroxide in methylotrophic yeasts can be metabolized in at least two distinct ways. Addition of exogenous hydrogen peroxide removes the dependance of catalase on endogenously-produced hydrogen peroxide resulting enhanced rates of alcohol oxidation. Exogenous hydrogen peroxide is also efficiently degraded by cytochrome c peroxidase (CCP), a competitive reaction which does not result in enhanced alcohol oxidation. To overcome the influence of cytochrome c peroxidase, artificial peroxisomes were prepared by coimmobilization of alcohol oxidase and catalase. These artificial peroxisomes mimic the peroxide-induced rate enhancement observed with whole cells.
Flow and Transport in Systems with Shape Change: Mass Transfer in Electrochemical Systems

There are many important technological and engineering science applications in which a free and/or moving fluid and/or solid interface play a dominant role. Such systems encompass general static and dynamic applications encountered, for example, in capillarity, crystal growth, electrochemical plating and and corrosion, coating and polymer technology, separation processes, metal and glass forming processes and many other areas of engineering and science. Specifically, the equilibrium shape and stability of menisci between pairs of immiscible fluids in containers; coating flows in which a viscous fluid is deposited on a rigid, or flexible, substrate as commonly encountered in the manufacturing of photographic films and plate glass or the coating of paper; solidification processes which are commonly encountered in the material science of crystal growth, e.g., in open boat configuration, Czochralski or floating zone methods; extrusion of liquid from nozzles as encountered in the continuous production of fibers or curtain coating operations; domain shape changes associated with elect rod eposition and chemical etching processes. A quantitative description and solution of such problems has been allusive even in the simplest cases because of firstly, the inherent nonlinearities in the continuum equations and secondly, heat and/or mass (and sometimes concomitant heat) transport which often play a decisive role in the process.
Botulinum-induced muscle paralysis alters metabolic gene expression and fatigue recovery

We evaluated the physiological, histochemical, and biochemical consequences of inhibiting contractile activity in rat skeletal muscles with botulinum toxin A (BTX). Contractile activity was entirely eliminated 12-18 h after a single, focal, intramuscular injection of BTX into the rat tibialis anterior muscle (TA). Neuromuscular transmission remained completely inhibited for 10-12 days, then slowly recovered. BTX-treated muscles exhibited a lower resistance to both high- and low-frequency fatigue at 7 and 14 days after injection, but contractile force recovered more rapidly in treated TA after fatigue. Treated TA showed a twofold increase in the activity of the triglyceride hydrolase enzyme lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and a comparable increase in the relative abundance of LPL steady-state mRNA. In contrast, there was a 28% reduction in protein levels of the muscle isozyme of glycogen phosphorylase (MGP) and a 70% decrease in relative MGP transcript levels. Similar changes in relative transcript levels of LPL and MGP were observed in the predominantly fast-twitch extensor digitorum longus after BTX injection, but relative LPL and MGP mRNA levels were not altered in predominantly slow-twitch soleus. Histochemical evidence indicated that fast-twitch glycolytic fibers had increased lipid content. These biochemical alterations were reversed 120 days after BTX treatment despite persistent atrophy.
Lovastatin: a new cholesterol-lowering agent

The chemistry, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy, dosage and administration, and adverse effects of lovastatin are reviewed. Lovastatin is the first agent marketed in a new class of pharmacologic compounds called the 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG CoA) reductase inhibitors. By competitively inhibiting HMG CoA reductase, the drug disrupts the biosynthesis of cholesterol in hepatic and peripheral cells. This increases the synthesis of low-density-lipoprotein (LDL) receptors and thereby increases the uptake of LDL cholesterol from the plasma. In doses of 20 to 80 mg daily, lovastatin decreases total and LDL cholesterol concentrations 25 to 45%. It also substantially reduces concentrations of triglycerides, very-low-density-lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol, and apolipoprotein B and slightly increases high-density-lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol concentrations. Lovastatin is effective in patients with heterozygous familial and nonfamilial (polygenic) hypercholesterolemia but is ineffective in patients with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia. It is also effective in combination with bile acid sequestrants, nicotinic acid, and gemfibrozil. Administration of lovastatin once daily in the evening (to enhance compliance) or twice daily is recommended to maximize the drug's cholesterol-lowering effects. Headache and gastrointestinal complaints are the most common adverse effects. Treatment has been withdrawn from 1.9% of patients receiving the drug because of elevated aminotransferase concentrations. The relationship of lovastatin to the development of lens opacities requires further evaluation. Lovastatin is highly effective in the treatment of primary hypercholesterolemia and represents an important therapeutic advance. Safety with long-term use and effect on coronary heart disease remain to be established.
Structural and energetic properties of nitrile–BX3 complexes: substituent effects and their impact on condensed-phase sensitivity

This manuscript summarizes a series of investigations into the structure and bonding in nitrile–BX3 complexes (X = H, F, Cl) and presents a few key generalizations stemming from this body of research. These systems exhibit unusual structural and energetic properties. The nitrile–BF3 complexes are apt to undergo major structural changes in condensed-phase media, and the magnitude of these effects can be modulated through changes in the nitrile substituent. Nitrile–borane complexes exhibit little sensitivity to condensed-phase media, but their structures and binding energies differ markedly from the analogous BF3 systems, much more so than their amine counterparts. For CH3CN–BCl3, theory predicts two equilibrium gas-phase structures with distinct B–N distances, and while only one of these structures was observed experimentally, the barrier between them persists at high levels of theory, and moreover, a physically-reasonable justification for it has been identified. Though this research began with experimental work, primarily low-temperature IR spectroscopy, theory has played an ever-increasing role and has provided the majority of the underlying insights that have led to the generalizations presented and discussed in this manuscript. For one, computational scans of the B–N potentials for the nitrile–BF3 systems have revealed the key mechanical features that manifest condensed-phase sensitivity. In addition, energy decomposition analyses provide insight into the differences in bonding between the nitrile–BH3, BF3, and BCl3 systems, and how these underlying factors lead to donor–acceptor potentials that are optimal for condensed-phase structural change.
Abstract 3036: The SUMO-targeted ubiquitin ligase RNF4 regulates BLM helicase's function in dormant origin firing

Proceedings: AACR 106th Annual Meeting 2015; April 18-22, 2015; Philadelphia, PA Regulation of dormant origin firing under conditions of replication stress is poorly understood. The Bloom syndrome DNA helicase BLM functions in maintaining replication fork stability, with sumoylation regulating this function, and BLM deficiency is associated with increased dormant origin firing. We found here that BLM sumoylation levels increase in response to replication stalling by hydroxyurea (HU) and to proteasome inhibition; depletion of the SUMO-targeted ubiquitin ligase RNF4 also causes increased levels of BLM sumoylation. RNF4 directly interacts with BLM and can ubiquitylate sumoylated BLM in vitro. These data indicate that sumoylated BLM is an RNF4 substrate. RNF4 is recruited to DNA repair foci in response to replication stalling. RNF4 depletion causes the accumulation of increased numbers of HU-induced BLM foci, whereas the numbers of RPA, RAD51, and gamma-H2AX foci are unaffected by fork stalling in RNF4-depleted cells. Sister chromatid exchanges are normal in RNF4-depleted cells. These data indicate that RNF4 can regulate BLM retention at stalled forks without affecting repair by homologous recombination. RNF4 depletion reduces cell proliferation and survival of untreated cells, and it confers hypersensitivity to replication stalling by HU. Studies of cell-cycle progression using bromodeoxyuridine incorporation and flow cytometry show that RNF4 depletion causes a delay of re-entry into S phase in HU-treated cells and the replication delay is partially rescued by BLM mutation. The delay is not caused by modification of checkpoint kinase activities. Analysis of replication dynamics using the DNA fiber assay show that RNF4 depletion causes an increase of permanently stalled replication forks and a decrease in activation of dormant origins following recovery from HU-induced replication stress. Co-depletion of RNF4 and BLM partially rescues these defects. Replication dynamics is unaffected by RNF4 depletion in untreated cells. These data indicate that RNF4 regulates BLM's functions in replication fork stability and dormant origin firing, without affecting BLM's roles in homologous recombination. We propose that sumoylation of BLM at stalled replication forks leads to RNF4-mediated ubiquitylation and subsequent proteasome-dependent degradation of BLM, which relieves BLM's active inhibition of dormant origin firing. Citation Format: Nathan A. Ellis, Wei-Chih Yang, Mary Yagle, Jianmei Zhu, Jing Huang, Michael Seidman, Michael J. Matunis. The SUMO-targeted ubiquitin ligase RNF4 regulates BLM helicase's function in dormant origin firing. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 3036. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-3036
An optimized energy potential can predict SH2 domain-peptide interactions

Peptide recognition modules (PRMs) are used throughout biology to mediate protein-protein interactions, and many PRMs are members of large protein domain families. Members of these families are often quite similar to each other, but each domain recognizes a distinct set of peptides, raising the question of how peptide recognition specificity is achieved using similar protein domains. The analysis of individual protein complex structures often gives answers that are not easily applicable to other members of the same PRM family. Bioinformatics-based approaches, one the other hand, may be difficult to interpret physically. Here we integrate structural information with a large, quantitative data set of SH2-peptide interactions to study the physical origin of domain-peptide specificity. We develop an energy model, inspired by protein folding, based on interactions between the amino acid positions in the domain and peptide. We use this model to successfully predict which SH2 domains and peptides interact and uncover the positions in each that are important for specificity. The energy model is general enough that it can be applied to other members of the SH2 family or to new peptides, and the cross-validation results suggest that these energy calculations will be useful for predicting binding interactions. It can also be adapted to study other PRM families, predict optimal peptides for a given SH2 domain, or study other biological interactions, e.g. protein-DNA interactions.
Natural History of Patients Followed Radiographically with Mucinous Cysts of the Pancreas

The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of patients presumed to have mucinous cysts of the pancreas who were initially selected for radiographic surveillance. Patients with a pancreatic cyst and a measured cyst fluid carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) ≥192 ng/mL were included. Patients were stratified by those who underwent initial resection and those who were recommended for radiographic surveillance. The natural history of these two groups was examined. From 1999 to 2014, 227 patients were identified who had a cyst fluid CEA ≥192 ng/mL (median 961, range 192–300,000 ng/mL). Immediate resection was performed on 63 patients (28%). Initial radiographic surveillance was recommended for 164 patients; 87% did not have main pancreatic duct dilation, and 87% met consensus criteria for radiographic surveillance. After a median follow-up of 56 months, 48 of the 164 patients (29%) had undergone resection. Ultimately, there were three cases (2%) of high-grade dysplasia and two cases of invasive carcinoma (1%) within these 164 patients selected for observation. Three of the five cases of either high-grade dysplasia or invasive carcinoma were among the 22 patients followed outside of consensus guidelines. Appropriately selected patients with mucinous pancreatic cysts can be safely followed with serial surveillance with a low risk of malignant progression.
Women’s language in female celebrity chef cookbooks

ABSTRACTThis article explores the gendered language used in female celebrity chef cookbooks. The analysis is a case study of three female celebrity chefs from the American cooking channel Food Network: Ree Drummond, Ina Garten, and Giada De Laurentiis. Relying on an interdisciplinary approach of interactional sociolinguistics, sociology, and feminism, this study identifies how the use of seemingly weak women’s language is used to enhance the celebrity chef’s appeal. Discourses of expertise, politeness strategies, and confessions build trust and rapport between the celebrity chef and the audience. This study complicates previous studies on gendered language and argues that women’s language strengthens the power and authority of female celebrity chefs as influential models of womanhood.