cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An Empirical Study of Obstacle Preemption in the Supreme Court

The Supreme Court’s federal preemption decisions are notoriously unpredictable. Traditional left-right voting alignments break down in the face of competing ideological pulls. The breakdown of predictable voting blocs leaves the business interests most affected by federal preemption uncertain of the scope of potential liability to injured third parties and unsure even of whether state or federal law will be applied to future claims.This empirical analysis of the Court’s decisions over the last fifteen years sheds light on the Court’s unique voting alignments in obstacle preemption cases. A surprising anti–obstacle preemption coalition is forming as Justice Thomas gradually positions himself alongside the Court’s liberals to form a five-justice voting bloc opposing obstacle preemption.
Empress Dowager Cixi The Concubine Who Launched Modern China by Jung Chang (review)

Chang, Jung. Empress Dowager Cixi: The Concubine Who Launched Modern China . New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2013, pp. 436. Review by James Biedzynski.
Confessions of an 'Anti-Administrativist'

This short essay responds to Gillian E. Metzger, The Supreme Court, 2016 Term — Foreword: 1930s Redux: The Administrative State Under Siege, 131 Harv. L. Rev. 1 (2017). There are good reasons to express skepticism about certain aspects of today's administrative state. The truth is that the administrative state is a work in progress and sometimes loses its way. We should not be reluctant to say so.
Hematologic Complications of Transplantation

Renal transplant recipients experience a wide variety of complications relating to the cell lines of the hematopoietic system and are among the primary limitations for the use of immunosuppressive therapies. Erythrocytosis, anemia, leukocytosis, leukopenia/neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia frequently occur after kidney transplantation from a variety of factors. Medications administered for immunosuppression and antimicrobial prophylaxis are principal causes of hematologic abnormalities. Therefore, the transplant pharmacist has a critical role in management. Posttransplant erythrocytosis may occur due to excessive erythropoietin production or inappropriate enhancement of the renin-angiotensin system from various causes. Postsurgical inflammation, infection, and use of corticosteroids can lead to leukocytosis. Viral infections common in the posttransplant period such as cytomegalovirus and parvovirus B19 cause leukopenia and anemia, respectively. Pancytopenia or reduced counts across cell lines are common with opportunistic infections like human herpes virus-6 (HHV-6), human herpes virus-8 (HHV-8), histoplasmosis, and blastomycosis. Some hematologic conditions are unique to transplant recipients and include thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA), hemophagocytic syndrome (HPS), and posttransplantation lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD). In the setting of immunosuppression, there is an increased risk for posttransplant hematologic malignancies and solid tumors, and these may present as cytopenias.
Idoxuridine or How It All Began

“In the beginning God created Heaven and the Earth and the Earth was without form and void and darkness was upon the face of the deep ... Then God said: Let there be Light and there was Light” (1).
Microbubbles as Theranostics Agents

Clinically, ultrasound (US) has been used as a cheap, quick, and effective form of imaging that provides information useful for diagnostic purposes. With the advent of microbubbles as US contrast agents, this simple imaging technique has evolved into a tool capable of providing molecularly targeted visualization of disease and controlled delivery of therapeutics. The simple, yet robust, structure of the microbubble allows for both internal and external modifications, which lead to a wide variety of clinical uses. This chapter will introduce the reader to microbubble fabrication, stabilization, drug loading, and targeting. The reader will also be briefly exposed to specific examples of current work done using microbubbles in areas of cancer treatment and protein/gene therapies. The work reviewed here is only a small fraction of the literature available on the subject matter and serves as an introduction to microbubbles as contrast agents, drug delivery vehicles, and theranostic particles.
GLIA/ASTROCYTES | Peritumoral Epilepsy

Pertiumoral seizures are a common comorbidity in patients with primary brain tumors, and these seizures often fail to respond to antiepileptic drugs. Recent studies suggest that tumor-associated seizures are caused by glutamate released from tumor cells through a cystine–glutamate exchanger. The released glutamate is an obligatory byproduct of cystine uptake, which serves as a metabolic precursor for the synthesis of the cellular antioxidant glutathione. The released glutamate causes the sustained excitation of neuronal glutamate receptors, leading to widespread excitotoxic neuronal cell death. This cell death vacates space for the tumor's extension, which otherwise would be limited by the cranium.
CONTRIBUTION TO PANEL DISCUSSION ON TRAINING STATISTICIANS FOR EMPLOYMENT IN INDUSTRY AND GOVERNMENT

Publisher Summary This chapter presents background information regarding training statisticians for employment in industry and government, which is helpful to compare and contrast the Australian CSIRO with U. S. Government organization, National Bureau of Standards (NBS). The coverage of the CSIRO in Science and Technology is far greater than that of the NBS: the NBS is primarily a physical-science and engineering laboratory whose research and development programs relate, some more closely than others, to its role as the Nation's central reference laboratory for measurements in the physical sciences and engineering. It does not have programs in the agricultural, biological, or earth sciences, whereas these come under the umbrella of the CSIRO. At NBS, Gani's idea of interest groups is implemented, which meet on a regular basis every one or two weeks; problems in a certain area are discussed in detail by new recruits and seasoned scientists, much as one would at a tutorial session. These groups provide a workshop atmosphere in which the problems raised by any single member of the staff can be solved collectively with suggestions from the more experienced group members.
Characterizing Spatial Lung Function for Esophageal Cancer Patients Undergoing Radiation Therapy

Purpose Patients with esophageal cancer treated with chemoradiation and surgery can develop pulmonary complications. Four-dimensional computed tomography–ventilation (4DCT-ventilation) is a developing imaging modality that uses 4DCT data to calculate lung ventilation. 4DCT-ventilation has been studied in the lung-cancer population but has yet to be extended to patients with esophageal cancer. The purpose of this study was to characterize 4DCT-ventilation–based spatial lung function for patients with esophageal cancer. Methods and Materials Thirty-five patients with esophageal cancer who underwent 4DCT scans participated in the study. A 4DCT-ventilation map was calculated using the patient's 4DCT imaging and a density change–based algorithm. To assess each patient's ventilation profile, radiologist interpretations and quantitative metrics were used. A radiologist interpreted the 4DCT-ventilation images for lobar-based defects and gravity-dependent atelectasis. The 4DCT-ventilation maps were reduced to single metrics intended to reflect the degree of ventilation heterogeneity. The quantitative metrics included the coefficient of variation and metrics based on the ventilation in each lung and each lung third (superior-inferior ventilation [Vent-SI] and anteroposterior ventilation). The functional profile of patients with esophageal cancer was characterized and compared (using the Mann-Whitney test) for cohorts based on thoracic comorbidities and radiologist-identified defects. Results Radiologist observations revealed that 26% of patients with esophageal cancer had lobar-based defects and 46% had gravity-dependent atelectasis. The baseline values were 0.52 ± 0.20 (mean ± SD), 11.2 ± 12.5, and 72.5 ± 14.6 for the coefficient of variation, the ventilation ratio of right to left lung, and Vent-SI metrics, respectively. The Vent-SI values were significantly different between patients with and without thoracic comorbidities (P = .05), and the anteroposterior ventilation metric was able to delineate patients with and without gravity-dependent atelectasis (P Conclusions Our data demonstrate that approximately 30% of patients with esophageal cancer have significant ventilation heterogeneities. The current work uses radiologist observations and quantitative metrics to characterize 4DCT ventilation–based lung function for patients with esophageal cancer and presents data that can be used for future applications of 4DCT-ventilation to reduce thoracic toxicity for patients with esophageal cancer.
Rolled–crimped cereal rye residue suppresses white mold in no-till soybean and dry bean

White mold caused by the fungus, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is a devastating disease of soybean (Glycine max) and other leguminous crops, including dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris). Previous research has demonstrated that no-till planting soybean into rolled–crimped cereal rye residue can enhance weed management, improve soil health and reduce labor requirements in organic production. However, there are limited data on the effects of cereal rye residue on white mold suppression in no-till planted soybean and dry bean. Two field trials were conducted in 2016–2017 (Year 1) and repeated in 2017–2018 (Year 2) to evaluate the potential of cereal rye cover crop residue to suppress white mold in these crops. In each trial (soybean and dry bean), the experimental design was a randomized complete block with two treatments: (1) rolled–crimped cereal rye residue and (2) no cover crop control. Treatment effects on plant population, biomass and yield components varied between the main crops. Compared with the control treatment, cereal rye residue reduced the incidence of white mold in soybean in both years and in dry bean in Year 2. The reduction in white mold in cereal rye residue plots was due to a combination of (1) decreased sclerotial germination (no stipes formed) and (2) increased nonfunctional sclerotial germination defined here as sclerotia that germinated but produced stipes without the expanded cup where asci containing ascospores are formed. Weed density and biomass were lower in cereal rye residue plots in soybean and dry bean, except in Year 1 in soybean when weed biomass was low in both treatments. Our findings indicate that cereal rye residue could help organic and conventional farmers manage white mold in no-till planted soybean and dry bean. Germination of sclerotia resulting in nonfunctional apothecia could potentially exhaust soilborne inoculum in the upper soil profile and reduce infections in subsequent crops.
Ethics and Elder Law: Teaching Students to Ask the Right Questions

Teaching professional responsibility generally is not an easy task, but when it is combined with the complicated issues in Elder Law, it poses obstacles, challenges, and great rewards. Many times the best way for practitioners to solve the ethical dilemmas they face is to know the right questions to ask. This Article discusses how using Elder Law examples to illustrate ethical issues can accomplish the following three goals: (1) teaching the general rules of professional responsibility using the lens of Elder Law; (2) exploring the unique roles played by Elder Law attorneys in the lives of their clients and their clients’ families; and (3) help the students learn to identify the questions and concerns raised in this particular area of law. Teaching ethics in an Elder Law context affords the students the opportunity to explore the roles of the Elder Law attorney and the need to recognize the questions and concerns in this area of law.
Aluminum−Phosphorus Compounds with Low Coordination Numbers: Structures, Energies, and Vibrational Frequencies of the AlPH2, AlPH3, and AlPH4 Isomers and the H3Al−PH3 Adduct

Ab initio theoretical methods have been used to study small aluminum−phosphorus compounds. Geometries, relative energies, and harmonic vibrational frequencies of isomers of the formulas AlPH2, AlPH3, and AlPH4 and the H3Al−PH3 adduct have been determined at the self-consistent-field level (SCF), by the single- and double-excitation configuration interaction (CISD), and by the single- and double-excitation coupled cluster (CCSD) method. The lowest energy isomers for AlPH2, AlPH3, and AlPH4 are Al−PH2, H2Al−PH, and H2Al−PH2, respectively. The HAl−PH isomer is planar and has a short Al−P bond. An aluminum atom forms a weak complex with phosphine, and the barrier for insertion of Al into PH3 is estimated to be 12.0 kcal mol-1. Various conformations of the H2Al−PH2 molecule are investigated to give estimates of the energy of the π donor−acceptor bond. The energy of complexation for AlH3 and PH3 is obtained using triple-ζ-plus double-polarization function basis sets and the CCSD level. The theoretical energy of...
Court-Connected Mediation

This article summarizes the findings of an empirical study that examined parties' and attorneys' assessments of mediation in general jurisdiction civil cases. Most parties and lawyers saw mediation as a procedurally just process that generally involved party participation and lacked settlement coercion. The study also examined the relationship between participants' assessments of mediation and various case, party, mediator, and program characteristics. Both parties and attorneys tended to have more favorable assessments when the case settled. Party preparation for mediation, active party and attorney participation in mediation, and attorney cooperation during the session were among the characteristics that enhanced perceptions of procedural fairness.
Mechanistic studies of milled and Kraft lignin oxidation by radical species

Accomplishing selective lignin degradation in a controlled manner by breaking C–O and C–C bonds is of great scientific interest although technically challenging. The structural modification of two different types of lignin (milled and Kraft) subjected to four sources of radicals (superoxide, sulfate, hydroperoxide, and hydroxyl radicals) was studied for achieving such a purpose. The treatments with superoxide and hydroperoxide radicals increased the number of alkyl group substituents and H lignin subunits while sulfate and hydroxyl radicals preferentially reacted via lignin side-chain oxidation. The efficiency of lignin cleavage, based on reduced molecular weight (Mw) as a result of oxidation, was found to be generally in the order of superoxide, sulfate, hydroperoxide, and hydroxyl radicals initiators. Characterizing the radical degradation products revealed that C–C cleavage of phenyl coumarin and resinol substructures was the predominant mechanism in superoxide radical oxidation, whereas β-O-4 cleavage and side-chain oxidation were the main pathways in the sulfate radical treatment. Moreover, superoxide and hydroperoxide radical treatments shifted lignin thermolysis peaks to lower temperature. However, in sulfate and hydroxyl radicals methods, due to condensation reactions, some stable lignin-like polymers were generated which required higher degradation temperatures. Collectively, the results demonstrated the different ways of lignin structure alteration by different radical oxidation sources and highlighted the reaction features of each radical tested.
Scalability Issues of Shared virtual Memory for Multicomputers

A shared virtual memory (SVM) system provides a shared, coherent memory address space on a message-passing based architecture by maintaining memory coherence at the page level. Although previous research and early implementations of SVM systems are quite successful, new design issues arise when implementing SVM systems on large-scale multicomputers. One issue is that the sizes of certain data structures for maintaining memory coherence are linearly proportional to the number of processors. A system will not be scalable if such data structures are used for each SVM page. Another issue is how to take advantage of the fast data transmission among memories to implement large SVM address spaces. This paper addresses both issues and describes solutions.
Transforming the Learning Experience of Non-Traditional Students in an Online CS1 Course through Peer-Instruction

In the 21st century, Computer science (CS) academic programs are becoming as diverse and innovative as computer science itself. Due to the increasing number of jobs and national demands for more computing professionals, we see a surge of non-traditional students (aged over 25), entering the CS1 course, who already have a degree in a different discipline and work either full-time or part-time. These students have very low retention rate beyond CS1 course. We researched at a large metropolitan public research university, Florida International University (FIU), where we have designed an online CS1 course, integrating peer-instruction, to addresses the divergent background of our student population so they can thrive in computing major/minor, beyond CS1 course. In this poster, we report our findings on how the learning experience of non-traditional students is impacted by the peer-instruction integrated in the online CS1 course.
Vitamin B12 Regulates Glial Migration and Synapse Formation through Isoform-Specific Control of PTP-3/LAR PRTP Expression

Vitamin B12 is known to play critical roles during the development and aging of the brain, and vitamin B12 deficiency has been linked to neurodevelopmental and degenerative disorders. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of how vitamin B12 affects the development and maintenance of the nervous system are still unclear. Here, we report that vitamin B12 can regulate glial migration and synapse formation through control of isoform-specific expression of PTP-3/LAR PRTP (leukocyte-common antigen-related receptor-type tyrosine-protein phosphatase). We found the uptake of diet-supplied vitamin B12 in the intestine to be critical for the expression of a long isoform of PTP-3 (PTP-3A) in neuronal and glial cells. The expression of PTP-3A cell autonomously regulates glial migration and synapse formation through interaction with an extracellular matrix protein NID-1/nidogen 1. Together, our findings demonstrate that isoform-specific regulation of PTP-3/ LAR PRTP expression is a key molecular mechanism that mediates vitamin-B12-dependent neuronal and glial development.
CHAPTER 9 – Object-Oriented Programming

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the evolution and use of Maeder's implementation. In recent years, a paradigm has emerged that has become increasingly popular in software engineering projects whose purpose is to create large programs—that of object-oriented programming (OOP). For instance, Mathematica is written in an object-oriented version of C. Although Mathematica does not provide any built-in support for object-oriented methods, a recent package by Roman Maeder in [Maeder 3] called “Classes .m” implements a full-blown object-oriented extension to it. This package does not make it possible to do any calculations that couldn't be done before but just makes it possible to completely rearrange the way in which they are carried out. Mathematica adds to the possibility of applying a given function to data in different forms with different outputs through polymorphism. The transition from functional programming to object-oriented programming is mediated by the notion of a dispatch table. The key concepts in OOP are: object, class, method, message, inheritance, new, self, and super.
Using Simulation to Develop an ECMO Transport Program

The transport of a critically ill patient supported by extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) between institutions is a high-risk, low-frequency event. Such transports require the coordination of a multitude of providers not always accustomed to working together. Key to the cohesiveness of the team is the opportunity work together in addition to shared knowledge regarding the basic concepts of both ECMO and transport medicine. ECMO Transport simulation can be a tool for developing the necessary framework, team building, and learning required for a successful ECMO transport program.
Reemergence of Septoria Leaf Spot Caused by Septoria cannabis on Hemp in Kentucky.

Hemp reemerged in 2014 after being illegal for over 50 years and restricted for 90 years. Today, hemp is primarily grown for production of cannabidiol (CBD) with limited acreage dedicated to fiber. One of the most frequent and destructive leaf spot diseases of hemp cultivars grown for CBD is Septoria leaf spot. Symptoms are mostly observed in lower leaves and inner canopy. Leaf spots begin as small, irregular, brown to gray spots that rapidly expand to about 5.0 to 7.5 mm in diameter. Pycnidia are scattered, round, dark brown to black in color and measure 38.8 to 145.0 μm in diameter. Conidia are hyaline, curved but occasionally straight, pointed at the apex, and contain 3 to 4 septa. Morphological characteristics were like those reported for S. cannabis. Gene sequences from seven diagnostic loci (EF, TUB, RPB2, LSU, ITS, ACT and CAL) did not match any published accessions. There are no published sequences for S. cannabis available for comparison. Phylogenetic analysis of concatenated sequences showed that isolates from hemp grouped separately from other Septoria spp. Similarity of morphological characteristics and lack of matching sequence data to other Septoria spp. led to the conclusion that isolates collected from hemp in Kentucky are S. cannabis. This new information will serve as an update for Septoria leaf spot diagnostics, especially as hemp acreage continues to increase across the US.
Renin Cell Baroreceptor, a Nuclear Mechanotransducer Central for Homeostasis.

Rationale: Renin-expressing cells are myoendocrine cells crucial for survival. They have been postulated to possess a pressure-sensing mechanism, a baroreceptor, that can detect slight changes in blood pressure and respond with precise and synchronized amounts of renin synthesized and released to the circulation to maintain blood pressure and fluid-electrolyte balance. The location and nature of this puzzling pressure-sensing structure have remained unknown since it was originally suggested over sixty years ago. Objective: To elucidate the location and structure of the renin cell baroreceptor. Methods and Results: We used a variety of genetically modified mice whereby renin cells were exposed in vivo to either low or high arterial pressure. In addition, we applied direct mechanical stimuli, i.e., pneumatic pressure or stretch, directly to renin cells cultured under different conditions and substrata. Changes in perfusion pressure and/or direct mechanical stimuli induced significant changes in renin gene expression and the phenotype of renin cells. Importantly, the experiments show that the pressure-sensing mechanism (the baroreceptor) resides in the renin cells; it requires initial extracellular sensing by integrin β1 at the renin cell membrane and is transduced to the nuclear membrane and chromatin by lamin A/C. Conclusions: These studies show that the enigmatic baroreceptor is a nuclear mechanotransducer that resides in the renin cells per se and is responsible for the sensing and transmission of extracellular physical forces directly to the chromatin of renin cells via lamin A/C to regulate renin gene expression, renin bioavailability, and homeostasis.
Improved Pelleted Catalyst Substrates for Automotive Emissions Control

An in depth analysis of the pelleted automotive catalysts from the 1975 General Motors Certification Fleet led to the development of a useful catalyst poisoning model. By optimizing three variables, it was possible to design a more poison resistant catalyst. The application of these ideas resulted in a second generation of catalysts. In order to meet 1980 and 1981 emissions requirements, further improvements were required. To achieve this, two different variables were studied: geometric surface area and noble metal ratios.
10 Gbit/s optical CDMA encoder-decoder BER performance using HNLF thresholder

We demonstrate bit-error-rate performance of a 10 Gbit/s optical code division multiple access system based on a spectral-phase encoding scheme. A highly nonlinear fiber based thresholder discriminates between correctly and incorrectly decoded pulses.
The herpes simplex virus UL37 protein is phosphorylated in infected cells.

Abstract The herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) UL37 open reading frame encodes a 120-kDa late (gamma 1), nonstructural protein in infected cells. Recent studies in our laboratory have demonstrated that the UL37 protein interacts in the cytoplasm of infected cells with ICP8, the major HSV-1 DNA-binding protein. As a result of this interaction, the UL37 protein is transported to the nucleus and can be coeluted with ICP8 from single-stranded DNA columns. Pulse-labeling and pulse-chase studies of HSV-1-infected cells with [35S]methionine and 32Pi demonstrated that UL37 was a phosphoprotein which did not have a detectable rate of turnover. The protein was phosphorylated soon after translation and remained phosphorylated throughout the viral replicative cycle. UL37 protein expressed from a vaccinia virus recombinant was also phosphorylated during infection, suggesting that the UL37 protein was phosphorylated by a cellular kinase and that interaction with the ICP8 protein was not a prerequisite for UL37 phosphorylation.
The Remarkable Stability of Chimeric, Sialic Acid‐derived α/δ‐Peptides in Human Blood Plasma

Peptides are labile toward proteolytic enzymes, and structural modifications are often required to prolong their metabolic half-life and increase resistance. One modification is the incorporation of non-α-amino acids into the peptide to deter recognition by hydrolytic enzymes. We previously reported the synthesis of chimeric α/δ-peptides from glutamic acids (Glu) and the sialic acid derivative Neu2en. Conformational analyses revealed these constructs adopt secondary structures in water and may serve as conformational surrogates of polysialic acid. Polysialic acid is a tumor-associated polysaccharide and is correlated with cancer metastasis. Soluble polysialic acid is rapidly cleared from the blood limiting its potential for vaccine development. One motivation in developing structural surrogates of polysialic acid was to create constructs with increased bioavailability. Here, we report plasma stability profiles of Glu/Neu2en α/δ-peptides. DOTA was conjugated at the peptide N-termini by solid phase peptide synthesis, radiolabeled with 111In, incubated in human blood plasma at 37 °C, and their degradation patterns monitored by cellulose acetate electrophoresis and radioactivity counting. Results indicate that these peptides exhibit a long half-life that is two- to three-orders of magnitude higher than natural α-peptides. These findings provide a viable platform for the synthesis of plasma stable, sialic acid-derived peptides that may find pharmaceutical application.
Design of affinity peptides from natural protein ligands: A study of the cardiac troponin complex

We describe a general strategy for the design and discovery of affinity peptides for a protein from its natural ligands. Our approach is guided by protein-protein interactions in natural systems and focuses on the hetero-trimeric complex of cardiac troponin I (cTnI), C (cTnC) and T (cTnT). A key premise of this work is that cTnC and cTnT, owing to their innate ability to bind cTnI, are potential templates for the design and discovery of cTnI-binding peptides. Relying only on the knowledge of primary sequences of cTnC and cTnT, we designed a library of short overlapping peptides that span the entirety of cTnC and cTnT and tested them for binding to cTnI. We were successful in identifying several peptides that display high affinity (1-100 nM) for cTnI. The specific implication of this work is that mimicking natural protein-protein interactions is an excellent starting point for the discovery and rational design of peptide ligands. The knowledge of secondary or tertiary structures of the proteins involved is not a necessary precondition for this approach. Nevertheless, we show that structural information can be used to validate the results of a fragment-based peptide design, and can be potentially beneficial for refining the lead candidates. Our approach is broadly applicable to any protein with at least one natural binding ligand with known primary sequence. For protein targets with multiple natural ligands, this approach can potentially yield several distinct affinity peptides capable of simultaneously binding the target protein via orthogonal modes or at complementary interfaces.
A method for [3H]mannose labeling of Asn-linked oligosaccharides on recombinant glycoproteins synthesized in Xenopus oocytes.

Abstract We have developed an efficient method for labeling the Asn-linked oligosaccharides of recombinant glycoproteins synthesized in Xenopus laevis oocytes. By coinjecting GDP-[3,4-3H]mannose with mRNA for human cathepsin D, it was possible to incorporate as much as 1800 cpm per oocyte into each of the two Asn-linked oligosaccharides of this glycoprotein. Overall, about 50% of the microinjected GDP-[3,4-3H]mannose was incorporated into Asn-linked oligosaccharides, a 10-fold greater value than that obtained when [2-3H]mannose was microinjected. Less than 10% of the injected GDP-[3,4-3H]mannose was metabolized to water or converted to amino acids. This technique should facilitate studies of Asn-linked oligosaccharide biosynthesis, processing, and structure in recombinant proteins synthesized in Xenopus oocytes.
Loss aversion and 5HTT gene variants in adolescent anxiety

Loss aversion, a well-documented behavioral phenomenon, characterizes decisions under risk in adult populations. As such, loss aversion may provide a reliable measure of risky behavior. Surprisingly, little is known about loss aversion in adolescents, a group who manifests risk-taking behavior, or in anxiety disorders, which are associated with risk-avoidance. Finally, loss aversion is expected to be modulated by genotype, particularly the serotonin transporter (SERT) gene variant, based on its role in anxiety and impulsivity. This genetic modulation may also differ between anxious and healthy adolescents, given their distinct propensities for risk taking. The present work examines the modulation of loss aversion, an index of risk-taking, and reaction-time to decision, an index of impulsivity, by the serotonin-transporter-gene-linked polymorphisms (5HTTLPR) in healthy and clinically anxious adolescents. Findings show that loss aversion (1) does manifest in adolescents, (2) does not differ between healthy and clinically anxious participants, and (3), when stratified by SERT genotype, identifies a subset of anxious adolescents who are high SERT-expressers, and show excessively low loss-aversion and high impulsivity. This last finding may serve as preliminary evidence for 5HTTLPR as a risk factor for the development of comorbid disorders associated with risk-taking and impulsivity in clinically anxious adolescents.
Amino acid-derived heterocycles as combinatorial library targets: spirocyclic ketal lactones.

The spirocyclic ketal-lactone frameworks of 3 and 4 were designed as novel structures amenable to combinatorial synthesis. The synthesis of representative analogues was developed in solution and on solid support, the scope of effective input materials was determined, and the stability and stereochemistry of the products was evaluated. The spirocycles are obtained in modest overall yields (5−36%) and excellent purities (>72%) and offer a promising motif for combinatorial prospecting libraries.
An improved enzymatic cycle for nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide phosphate.

Abstract An enzymatic cycling reagent for NADP is described which is capable of amplifying 100,000-fold in 4 hr at 38°C or 350,000-fold in 3 days at 15°C. The improvement over a previously described reagent results from several changes, the most important of which is substitution of glucose-6-P dehydrogenase from Leuconostoc mesenteroides for the baker's yeast enzyme. Tests of the same enzyme from Torula yeast showed it not to be well suited for this purpose. Procedures are given for final reading in either the fluorometer or spectrophotometer. The sensitivity limit for good precision would be about 50 fmol in the spectrophotometer and 0.5 fmol in the fluorometer (each with a 1-mi final volume). This sensitivity is available for measuring any metabolite or enzyme which can be induced to react directly or indirectly with an NADP enzyme. The cycle is also effective for NAD, although the rate is much slower than with NADP. Therefore, it would not in general be suitable for measuring tissue NADP.
Mothers' Milk Enhances the Acceptance of Cereal during Weaning

Although baby food manufacturers and child care manuals often advise parents to prepare their infant's cereal with water or either mother's milk or formula, depending on the feeding regimen of the infant, little is known about the infant's acceptance of differently flavored cereals. The present study demonstrates that breast-fed infants, who had been fed cereal for approximately 2 wk but had experienced cereal prepared only with water, consumed more of the cereal-mother's milk mixture compared with cereal-water mixture and displayed a series of behaviors signaling their preferences for the former. Moreover, the infants' willingness to accept the flavored cereal is correlated with their mothers' reported willingness to try novel foods and flavors.
Novel flame-gradient method for synthesis of metal-oxide channels, nanowires and nanorods

The formation of 1D and 3D transition metal oxide (TMO) nano- and micron-size structures on molybdenum, iron and tungsten probes inserted in a counter-flow flame is studied experimentally. The unique thermal profile and chemical composition of the generated flame tends to convert almost pure bulk (99.9%) transition metal materials into 1D and 3D architectures. The synthesised Mo-, Fe- and W-oxide structures exhibit unique morphological characteristics. The application of Mo probes results in the formation of micron-size hollow and solid Mo-oxide channels. The formation of solid iron oxide nanorods is observed on iron probes. The use of W probes results in the synthesis of 1D solid carbon/metal oxide nanowires. This study confirms the existence of a common generic mechanism controlling the growth of the structures on the high-temperature probes. Metal oxide/hydroxides are formed on the probe surface exposed to the high-temperature oxidative environment. These oxides/hydroxides are further evaporated and tr...
Itchy bumps on the back.

QUESTION: A 51-year-old woman is seen because of a 3-day history of itchy bumps on her back. She says that she awakened 3 days ago with itching on her back and noticed red bumps on her back only. She has no idea how this rash started and has no previous history of a similar rash. She is otherwise in good health, has no fever, chills, or other systemic symptoms, and is not taking any medications. She has no history of allergy to medications, foods, or other substances. She says she has not had any unusual foods and has not started to use any new soaps, laundry detergents, or topical preparations. She has not worn any new clothing in the past week. She has not gone camping or hiking in the past month. Examination reveals an erythematous papular eruption with possible pustules confined to the back (see figure). There were no burrows between the fingers, no nail changes, and no scaling. Figure 1 Itchy red bumps were on the back only What essential question remains to be asked to make this diagnosis? What is the appropriate treatment of this rash? ANSWER: Careful examination with an optical loupe showed that the lesions were perifollicular, and some were pustular. The essential question was asked: “Have you recently spent time in a hot tub or spa?” The patient replied in wonderment, “How did you know that, and what does a hot tub have to do with this rash?” In fact, she said that she had been in her friend's hot tub twice just before this rash broke out. She was unaware if any of her other friends had a rash. The patient has Pseudomonas folliculitis, which is also called “hot tub folliculitis.” Although this is usually caused by P aeruginosa, a culture is not needed to establish this diagnosis. This can be a difficult diagnosis to make unless the pattern is recognized and the essential question asked about exposure to a hot tub. Other sources of this infection include contaminated loofah sponges and diving suits. The differential diagnosis for a pruritic erythematous papular eruption is vast. Some of the more common possibilities include viral exanthemas; scabies; various fungal infections; and allergic reactions to medication, foods, soaps, laundry detergents, topical preparations, plants, or clothing. The use of magnification to determine that the lesions were visible around hair follicles and that some were pustular helped to make this diagnosis. The primary morphologic characteristics of Pseudomonas folliculitis include papules, pustules, urticarial plaques, macules, and vesicles. Folliculitis can also be caused by other bacterial organisms, such as Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes. A specimen may be taken from some pustules for bacterial culture if the causative agent is uncertain. If the rash is scaly, a scraping for a potassium hydroxide preparation may be helpful to look for Pityrosporum species (a superficial yeastlike organism that can cause folliculitis).
Consciousness: Function and Definition

The term "consciousness" plays an enormous role in the clinical assessment of patients and also in psychophysiological considerations. It has often been said that consciousness is a term that defies definition. This lack of definability, however, might be more apparent than real. In the multitude of facets, three main components can be singled out: a) vigilance, b) mental contents and c) selective attention. Vigilance, not to be equated with consciousness, is most amenable to electrophysiological studies. The stages of sleep have fairly well standardized EEG correlates, unlike the comatose states. The overflowing wealth of mental contents is constantly adjusted to momentary needs by the mechanism of selective attention. Awareness is a subcomponent and differs from both vigilance and consciousness. Emotionality is particularly important among the variety of further subcomponents. The time factor must be taken into account in order to understand the dynamics and fluctuations of consciousness.
Aurora and magnetic field of Uranus

[1] Resolution of the details of a planetary magnetic field from magnetometer measurements made during a single flyby can be severely limited because of the incomplete geometrical sampling of the planetary neighborhood by the flyby trajectory. This problem was especially severe for the only spacecraft encounter with Uranus, that of Voyager 2 in 1986. Fortunately, auroras at the magnetic field line footprints serve as additional constraints that may be used to determine the higher multipole moments of planetary fields (Connerney et al.'s (1998) VIP-4 model of for Jupiter). In the present work, this approach is applied to improving the resolution of the magnetic field of Uranus. The auroral emission distribution at Uranus is determined from scans by the Voyager 2 Ultraviolet Spectrometer (UVS), enhancing an earlier analysis by Herbert and Sandel (1994) by incorporating more observations and by using more powerful analysis techniques. The resulting new determination of the auroral ovals is well correlated with the field lines associated with the strongest plasma wave and radio emissions but differs from model ovals computed by Connerney et al. (1987) from the Q3 magnetic field model for Uranus. Consequently, a search has been initiated for model coefficients of the planetary magnetic field that agree both with the magnetic field observations and also with the reasonable assumption that the newly determined auroral emissions lie at the magnetic footprints of an equidistant circum-Uranian region of the magnetosphere. The dipole and quadrupole terms of the new field model, termed AH5, are similar to those of the dipole + quadrupole Q3 model, but the AH5 higher multipole terms diverge from the dipole + quadrupole + octupole I3E1 model of Connerney et al. (1987), from which the Q3 model was derived. Inasmuch as the I3E1 octupole terms were not resolved, the AH5 model derived here comprises a first estimate of the higher multipole moments of Uranus's magnetic field.
Trypanosoma cruzi: infection of normal and activated mouse macrophages.

Abstract Normal and BCG-activated mouse peritoneal macrophages were infected with culture forms of Trypanosoma cruzi at 1:1, 10:1, or 100:1 multiplicities of infection (MOI). Secondary lysosomes labeled with thorium dioxide were seen fusing with parasite-containing phago-somes in both normal and activated macrophages. The latter, however, contained larger numbers of secondary lysosomes. Parasites were frequently found in the cytoplasm of normal macrophages infected with high ratios of infection; this permitted the parasite to escape the host cell defense system. While both activated and normal macrophages could control T. cruzi infections, the activated cells could control a significantly greater infection.
A Technique of Bronchography in Children with Evaluation of Contrast Media

SUMMARY One hundred and twenty-four bronchograms were performed in 100 children; 110 of these bronchograms were satisfactory. Our experience leads us to believe that successful bronchography in children depends upon the anesthesia, the choice of contrast material, careful positioning of the patient to ensure complete filling of all segmental bronchi and finally upon the radiographic technique. Our exact technique is described in detail, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of three contrast media, namely, Lipiodol, Dionosil and Visciodol. The patient is admitted to the hospital for the procedure; postural drainage is instituted prior to anesthesia if physical examination reveals presence of rales. Scopalamine followed by open drop ether is the method used. Direct laryngoscopy permits insertion of an endotracheal tube, and the contrast material is inserted through a catheter of known length. Most satisfactory results have been obtained using Visciodol (sulfanilamide in iodized oil). For best results it is advised that this material be warmed and vigorously stirred up to the moment of instillation. Exact amounts of contrast material and sequence of positions are described in the text. Better than 85 per cent satisfactory bronchograms have been obtained using this method. Untoward reactions have been noted: cyanosis may occur if both lungs are done simultaneously with Visciodol; aspiration of the first side before proceeding to the second side is therefore recommended. High iodine levels and enlargement of the thyroid following the use of Lipiodol and Visciodol have been noted by others as well as by ourselves.
Patterning challenges of EUV lithography for 1X-nm node DRAM and beyond

In this paper, we will discuss patterning challenges of EUV lithography to apply 1xnm node DRAM. EUV lithography is positioned on essential stage because development stage for DRAM is going down sub-20nm technology node. It is time to decide how to make sub-20nm node DRAM. It will be the simplest and cost effective way to make device with matured EUVL. But in spite of world-wide effort to develop EUV lithography, the maturity of EUV technology is still lower than conventional ArF immersion lithography. So, DRAM manufacturers are considering several candidates such as DSA, DPT and MPT simultaneously. In addition, DRAM manufacturers are considering new cell layout and new memory also. For this study, we investigate process window and shadow effect across exposure field of sub-20nm node DRAM cell. We also performed an overlay matching experiment between 0.25NA EUV scanner and 1.35NA ArF immersion scanner. In addition, we will compare EUV lithography with ArF immersion DPT or SPT in view of patterning performance. Finally, we will discuss some technical issues to applying EUV lithography such as flare, resist LER, EUV OPC and illumination condition using 0.25NA EUV scanner.
Industrial electromyography (EMG)

Electromyography (EMG) can be a very useful analysis tool if applied under proper conditions and interpreted in light of basic physiological, biomechanical and recording principles. Through proper design of ergonomic studies and by recognizing the limitations of the interpretive process, E M G can serve as a tool in work evaluation. E M G is one of several methods which are used for analyzing the performance associated with the workplace. If the work is heavy, it is often best analyzed via physiological measures, such as oxygen consumption, which provide a general measure of whole body work. E M G can be used for the same purpose provided that many muscles of the body are evaluated during the performance of a task, however, E M G is more often used to evaluate lighter, repetitive work where the activity of specific muscles is of interest. Ergonomic analyses often use this technique when comparing the specific musculoskeletal stress (in given muscles) associated with various work positions, postures or activities and for validation of ergonomic principles. It is also used as input to biomechanical models that describe the synergistic effects of muscle activities upon joint loadings. Thus, the use of E M G is appropriate when it is suspected that a specified muscle or group of muscles is adversely affected due to the design of the workplace. The ergonomist should have an idea about which muscles will be affected by the work before E M G is used.
High efficiency LEDs by Microcavity and Photonic Crystal Extraction

We discuss the impacts of microcavity and photonic crystal structures in LEDs. In addition to improved light extraction, such structures lead to enhanced directionality, while relying on planar fabrication processes.
The cooperative amoeba: Dictyostelium as a model for social evolution

Social interactions, including cooperation and altruism, are characteristic of numerous species, but many aspects of the evolution, ecology and genetics of social behavior remain unclear. The microbial soil amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum is a model system for the study of social evolution and provides insights into the nature of social cooperation and its genetic basis. This species exhibits altruism during both asexual and sexual cycles of its life history, and recent studies have uncovered several possible genetic mechanisms associated with kin discrimination and cheating behavior during asexual fruiting-body formation. By contrast, the molecular and evolutionary mechanisms that underlie sexual macrocyst formation remain largely enigmatic. D. discoideum, given its utility in molecular genetic studies, should continue to help us address these and other relevant questions in sociobiology, and thereby contribute to a coherent theoretical framework for the nature of social cooperation.