cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prenatal Programming of Neurodevelopment: Structural and Functional Changes

Prenatal maternal stress is highly prevalent and predicts many child psychopathologies. Here, we apply the fetal programming hypothesis as an organizational framework to address the possibility that exposure to maternal stress during pregnancy affects fetal neurodevelopmental pathways that enhance risk for subsequent psychopathology. This chapter evaluates the empirical literature assessing the ontogenetic influences of prenatal maternal stress on child brain maturation. We conducted a systematic review investigating prenatal stress broadly defined and any direct measure of brain development including electroencephalography (EEG) and event-related potential (ERP), structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Lastly, we propose the following areas as promising avenues of future research to further elucidate the underlying etiology of such findings: investigation of sex/gender specific mechanisms, genetic interactions, pre- and postnatal effects, and opportunities for intervention.
Modeling and Simulation of Small Satellite Optical Communication System based on PathWave System Design

Optical communication systems (OCS) are an emerging technology for space applications. OCS have several advantages against traditional RF communication, such as higher transmission rate and unregulated spectrum. With the trend of satellite platform miniaturization, OCS is becoming the prevalent mean for high-data-rate communications for small satellites. This paper presents an overview of existing small satellite OCS showing critical system performance metrics. An OOK (on-off keying) modulation model and simulation of a link between satellites and ground for OCS using performance parameters from recent small satellite missions are presented. The simulations are performed using Keysight PathWave System Design (PSD) and allow for OCS design and study of the effect of key characteristics on the overall system performance.
Changes to the genetic counseling workforce as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected all aspects of our lives. The full impact of the pandemic is still unfolding and will take years to fully understand. This longitudinal study followed a sample of 189 genetic counselors from June to November of 2020, starting with an online retrospective baseline survey of pre-COVID-19 functioning and continuing with a monthly online survey (average retention = 89.2%) to assess changes in self-reported stress, employment status, billing practices, self-efficacy, and their use of telehealth. Participants were recruited from specific states representing geographic diversity with publicly available databases of contact information as well as social media. The sample was largely reflective of the professional demographics reported in the 2020 Professional Status Survey (PSS). Comparisons were made between the PSS, baseline assessment of pre-COVID-19 status, June, and November data. Genetic counselor workload did not significantly change in terms of hours worked from baseline to November, though patients served per week dropped initially before returning to pre-COVID-19 levels. Genetic counselors were increasingly working remotely and supervising students less frequently in November compared to pre-COVID-19 baseline. Approximately 50% of the sample were unable to bill for services throughout the study period, with billing practices not changing during this time. Approximately 40% experienced a negative employment change in June, which dropped to ~10% in November. Personal and family stress levels were elevated during the study period, while financial stress increased from baseline to June it returned to pre-COVID-19 levels by November. Self-efficacy for common genetic counseling skills decreased from baseline to June but returned to baseline levels by November. The results suggest the workforce faced transitions but has rebounded in most areas studied. The pandemic highlighted pre-existing billing issues, and the current billing structures were not able to shift in the face of practice transitions. The long-term implications of the pandemic remain to be seen, but the results indicate returns toward baseline data in most areas with the exceptions of supervision, personal and family stress, and billing.
Optimal Day-Ahead Load Curtailment for Central Chiller Plants

Abstract Demand Response (DR) programs with the goal of maintaining the electricity grid’s generation-load balance and ensuring transmission reliability have been on the rise in the last few decades. Services such as load shifting and curtailment have become economically attractive alternatives for large end-users with flexible operation. Different ways exist for providing these services, one of them being the Day-Ahead (DA) bidding as a generator in the energy or ancillary services market. In this work, we propose an optimization-based framework for performing DA bidding of load curtailment services, specifically in the context of large-scale central chiller plants with Thermal Energy Storage (TES) used for District Cooling. The framework integrates the two problems of real-time load shifting and day-ahead load curtailment bidding. Using the proposed framework, we evaluate the techno-economic feasibility of providing load curtailment services. The case-study is performed with real data from the central chilled water plant located on the campus of the University of California, Davis. Simulation results of the closed-loop implementation provide insights into the potential benefits from providing load curtailment.
An SNP at the 8q24 region (rs6983267) is associated with better survival and chemo-response in high-grade serous ovarian cancer

Objectives: 8q24 chromosomal region is strongly associated with risk of ovarian cancer and other cancers. One single-nucleotide polymorphisms SNP associated with ovarian cancer in this region is rs6983267, located within the long non-coding RNA Colon Cancer Associated Transcript2 (CCAT2). However, little is known about the association of this SNP with outcomes in ovarian cancer patients. Our aim was to assess the association between rs6983267 and clinical outcomes in patients with high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSC) Methods: This is a retrospective case-control study. Sanger sequencing was performed to determine the genotype at the rs6983267 locus (GG, GT, TT) in 99 HGSC patients. We compared survival and chemotherapy response between those with TT genotype and those with a genotype containing a G allele (GT, GG). Survival analysis was performed using Cox proportional hazard ratio analysis. Association with chemo-response was performed with logistic regression. Results: HGSC patients with TT genotypes at the rs6983267 locus had better survival than patients with genotypes containing a G allele (HR = 0.59; p=0.039) in the multivariate survival analysis. In the multivariate logistic regression, TT genotype was significantly associated with FIGO stage (OR = 5.34; p=0.014) and positive chemo-response (OR = 4.51; p=0.018). Conclusions: HGSC patients with a TT genotype at the rs6983267 locus had better survival than those with a G allele, despite being associated with more advanced disease (FIGO stage), possibly due to a better response to chemotherapy. Genetic variation may be key to decipher individual HGSC outcomes and chemotherapy response.
New Aspects of Soil Fracturing in Clay

A theoretical analysis using cavity expansion theory suggests that soil fracturing can occur within the plastic zone during expansion of a cavity in clay. Results from pore pressure measurements during pile driving and hydraulic fracturing tests support these theoretical conclusions. Practical consequences of soil fracturing are considered with respect to pile driving in clay, the efficiency of driven sand drains as well as field permeability tests. An analysis of the hydraulic fracturing tests for determination of in-situ stresses indicates that, in almost all cohesive soils, fracturing is likely to occur along vertical planes in both normally and overconsolidated clays.
Changing Rhythms of American Family Life

In the past four decades, the number of U.S. American households with a stay-at-home parent has sharply declined as women have increasingly entered the paid workforce and more women raise children ...
Time-domain finite element method for voltage-operated electromagnetic devices

A method for the simulation of the magnetic flux density distribution in electromagnetic devices is presented. The method, which takes full account of saturation, is applied to a magnetic circuit with an air gap. The finite-element model employed applies to electromagnetic devices operating at power frequencies where displacement currents can be neglected. The closeness of the air gap flux obtained from the closed-form solution to that from the method presented demonstrates the accuracy of the method. It is suitable for the computation of the current taken by the device for any applied voltage and load. >
COMPARISON OF THE ACTIVE TRANSPORT SYSTEMS FOR α-THIOETHYL-d-GLUCOPYRANOSIDE AND MALTOSE IN SACCHAROMYCES CEREVISIAE

Okada, Hirosuke (University of Wisconsin, Madison), and H. O. Halvorson. Comparison of the active transport systems for α-thioethyl-d-glucopyranoside and maltose in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. J. Bacteriol. 86:966–970. 1963.—Inducible systems for the active transport of both maltose and α-thioethyl-d-glucopyranoside (α-TEG) have been described in strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The properties of induction of the α-TEG-accumulating system were similar to other inducible systems in yeast: the differential rate of synthesis was constant, and induction was inhibited by amino acid analogues. At temperatures below 20 C, the temperature dependence of α-TEG accumulation in induced cells was identical to that in facilitated diffusion. From a survey of various inducers, a coordinate induction of both active-transport systems was observed. These findings led to the conclusion that in active transport a common inducible enzyme is coupled to both the α-TEG and maltose facilitated-diffusion systems.
A low-voltage low-noise CMOS digital family

A CMOS logic family is proposed. The primary characteristic of this logic family is the low voltage operation (V/sub DD/ between one and two transistor threshold voltages (V/sub T/s), with a typical V/sub DD/ = 1.5 V/sub T/). While operating at this reduced power supply, low noise and high performance (such as high speed, low power, and high noise margins) are achieved.
Molecular basis of ranolazine block of LQT-3 mutant sodium channels: evidence for site of action

1 We studied the effects of ranolazine, an antianginal agent with promise as an antiarrhythmic drug, on wild-type (WT) and long QT syndrome variant 3 (LQT-3) mutant Na(+) channels expressed in human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells and knock-in mouse cardiomyocytes and used site-directed mutagenesis to probe the site of action of the drug. 2 We find preferential ranolazine block of sustained vs peak Na(+) channel current for LQT-3 mutant (DeltaKPQ and Y1795C) channels (IC(50)=15 vs 135 microM) with similar results obtained in HEK 293 cells and knock-in myocytes. 3 Ranolazine block of both peak and sustained Na(+) channel current is significantly reduced by mutation (F1760A) of a single residue previously shown to contribute critically to the binding site for local anesthetic (LA) molecules in the Na(+) channel. 4 Ranolazine significantly decreases action potential duration (APD) at 50 and 90% repolarization by 23+/-5 and 27+/-3%, respectively, in DeltaKPQ mouse ventricular myocytes but has little effect on APD of WT myocytes. 5 Computational modeling of human cardiac myocyte electrical activity that incorporates our voltage-clamp data predicts marked ranolazine-induced APD shortening in cells expressing LQT-3 mutant channels. 6 Our results demonstrate for the first time the utility of ranolazine as a blocker of sustained Na(+) channel activity induced by inherited mutations that cause human disease and further, that these effects are very likely due to interactions of ranolazine with the receptor site for LA molecules in the sodium channel.
A Modified Microfinance Model Proposed for the United States

Microfinancing is the concept of providing very small amounts of funds to a person or project who would otherwise be unable to obtain a loan. The concept has been successful in many developing counties. However, attempts to apply it to the United States have had little if any success. This paper identified several critical conditions that exist in the United States that help to explain its failings. Significant differences exist in the size of the microenterprise sector, the existence of the functional social safety net, competition from both large firms and commercial lenders, and limits to forming a group based upon joint liability all differ. While the goal in the traditional model in developing markets is the elimination of poverty, we show how those critical conditions help to explain the lack of success in the United States. We propose a modified model whose goal is the creation of an entrepreneurial venture or improving the performance of an existing small enterprise.
Social Support in Inclusive Schools: Student and Teacher Perspectives

This article investigates student and teacher perceptions regarding social support at school. Thirty students with learning disabilities (LD) in inclusive third- to fifth-grade classrooms were interviewed about their social networks, perceived loneliness, social support, and intervention preferences for social problems encountered at school. Sixty general and special educators working with students with LD also were interviewed about their roles, strategies used, and preferred interventions in providing social support to students. Findings suggest that while students with LD feel part of a social network, many report school-related loneliness. General and special educators use similar strategies to support students. Results suggest a discrepancy between students' and teachers' choices of preferred social support strategies. Implications for enhancing social support are discussed.
Instability and Dewetting of Conducting‐Insulating Polymer Thin‐Film Bilayers

Communication: Combinatorial thickness-gradient libraries are used to explore stability and dewetting in thin bilayers of polystyrene (PS) on poly(3-octylthiophene) (P3OT) on Si. At low P3OT thicknesses (90–175 nm), P3OT screens the unfavorable van der Waals (VDW) interactions between PS and Si, and the instability onset thickness of PS is depressed from 56 to 23 nm. A dramatic and unexpected transition to a VDW-unstable interface is discovered at P3OT thicknesses above 175 nm. A digital image of a representative bilayer library.
First order transitions in simple magnetic systems

Abstract A ferromagnet undergoes a first order transition if the rate of change of the exchange integral with the interatomic distance is strong enough compared to the stiffness. If placed in an external field this transition will take place at a different temperature, and with decreasing discontinuity. Beyond a critical field the substance will stay paramagnetic. The dependence of the critical parameters on the compressibility and the rate of change of the exchange constant is calculated for an Ising-like interaction (long range order only) for spin 1 2 , 3 2 , 21 2 ∞. The transition curve consists of a single line in the H-T plane. The complete phase diagram is shown for spin equal to three halves. The same model is studied for a two sublattice antiferromagnet with nearest and second nearest neighbor interactions. This model predicts transitions from the paramagnetic to the ferromagnetic state as the temperature is decreased. At a certain field one finds that the substance goes directly from the paramagnetic state to the ferromagnetic state. The phase diagram shows a triple point. An attempt was made to fit the experimental data available for dysprosium. The application of these same ideas to a two sublattice ferromagnet is discussed, and it is shown that no triple point exists in this case.
Mechanical healing of ionic crystals

Des monocristaux ioniques KCl, KBr et LiF clives en deux moities peuvent etre reconstitues par compression mecanique a temperature ambiante dans l'air. Des cristaux ioniques differents peuvent etre egalement soudes par compression. Comparaison de l'effort de rupture en tension et de la ductilite a la cassure pour le materiau de base et le materiau resoude
Determining the role of w in suppressing crystallization of electroless Ni-W-P films

Electroless Ni-W-P films are compared to Ni-P with the same P/Ni ratio in order to study the role of tungsten in stabilizing the amorphous state. Differential scanning calorimetry and high-angle X-ray diffraction are used to study these films and compare their thermal stability and crystallization behavior. The results indicate that W inhibits nucleation of the Ni 3 P phase in Ni-W-P films, but has limited ability to suppress face-centered cubic Ni nucleation because W is soluble in Ni.
The association of mental conditions with blood glucose levels in older adults with diabetes

Objectives: People with diabetes must engage in several self-care activities to manage blood glucose; cognitive function and other affective disorders may affect self-care behaviors. We examined the executive function domain of cognition, depressive symptoms, and symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) to determine which common mental conditions can co-occur with diabetes are associated with blood glucose levels. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional in-person survey of 563 rural older adults (age 60 years or older) with diabetes that included African Americans, American Indians, and Whites from eight counties in south-central North Carolina. Hemoglobin A1C (A1C) was measured from a finger-stick blood sample to assess blood glucose control. Executive function, depressive symptoms, and symptoms of GAD were assessed using established measures and scoring procedures. Separate multivariate linear regression models were used to examine the association of executive function, depressive symptoms, and sy...
A New Boundary Integral Equation Formulation for Elastodynamic and Elastostatic Crack Analysis

Abstract : An elastodynamic conservation integral, the Jk integral, is employed to derive boundary integral equations for crack configurations, in a direct and natural way. These equations immediately have lower order singularities than the ones obtained in the conventional manner by the use of the Betti-Rayleigh reciprocity relation. This is an important advantage for the development of numerical procedures for solving the BIE's, and for an accurate calculation of the strains and stresses at internal points close to the crack faces. For curved cracks of arbitrary shape the BIE's presented here have simple forms, and they do not require integration by parts, as in the conventional formulation. For the dynamic case, the unknown quantities are the crack opening displacements and their derivatives (dislocation densities), while for the static case only the dislocation densities appear in the formulation. For plane cracks the boundary integral equations reduce to the ones obtained by other investigators.
The Effects of Pacing on the Academic Testing Performance of College Students with Adhd: A Mixed Methods Study

Minimal research has been conducted contrasting the effectiveness of various testing accommodations for college students diagnosed with ADHD. The current assumption is that these students are best served by extending the time they have to take a test. It is the supposition of these investigators that paced item presentation may be a more beneficial accommodation than extended time. To test the effects of paced item presentation, the investigators designed a mixed methods sequential explanatory study to explore the relationship between computer-paced and student-paced item presentation on the academic test performance in college students diagnosed with ADHD. The participants were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 testing conditions. Half of the participants were provided a computer-paced testing condition, and half were provided a student-paced testing condition within a computer-based environment. Interviews were conducted after the test administration to discern the students' perceptions of the value of the va...
Loss of one Tgfbr2 allele in fibroblasts promotes metastasis in MMTV: polyoma middle T transgenic and transplant mouse models of mammary tumor progression

Accumulation of fibroblasts is a phenomenon that significantly correlates with formation of aggressive cancers. While studies have shown that the TGF-β signaling pathway is an important regulator of fibroblast activation, the functional contribution of TGF-β signaling in fibroblasts during multi-step tumor progression remains largely unclear. In previous studies, we used a sub-renal capsule transplantation model to demonstrate that homozygous knockout of the Tgfbr2 gene (Tgbr2FspKO) enhanced mammary tumor growth and metastasis. Here, we show for the first time a significant role for loss of one Tgfbr2 allele during multi-step mammary tumor progression. Heterozygous deletion of Tgfbr2 in stromal cells in MMTV–PyVmT transgenic mice (PyVmT/Tgfbr2hetFspKO mice) resulted in earlier tumor formation and increased stromal cell accumulation. In contrast to previous studies of Tgbr2FspKO fibroblasts, Tgfbr2hetFspKO fibroblasts did not significantly increase tumor growth, but enhanced lung metastasis in PyVmT transgenic mice and in co-transplantation studies with PyVmT mammary carcinoma cells. Furthermore, Tgfbr2hetFspKO fibroblasts enhanced mammary carcinoma cell invasiveness associated with expression of inflammatory cytokines including CXCL12 and CCL2. Analyses of Tgbr2FspKO and Tgfbr2hetFspKO fibroblasts revealed differences in the expression of factors associated with metastatic spread, indicating potential differences in the mechanism of action between homozygous and heterozygous deletion of Tgfbr2 in stromal cells. In summary, these studies demonstrate for the first time that loss of one Tgfbr2 allele in fibroblasts enhances mammary metastases in a multi-step model of tumor progression, and demonstrate the importance of clarifying the functional contribution of genetic alterations in stromal cells in breast cancer progression.
Ulcer occurring in Zenker's diverticulum

The radiographic and pathologic findings of a Zenker's-type diverticulum containing multiple ulcers are described. This rare complication probably represented peptic ulceration of the diverticular mucosa resulting from reflux of the gastric content.
Hyperventilation and Facial Pain

sumption of the soft drink. Therefore, the essential factor in the erosion of this patient’s teeth may have been the lemon concentrate. Currently, because many patients may be on fad diets to lose weight,9'11 the dentist must make use of his or her nutritional knowledge.12'13 When the dentist sees an unusual pattern of ero­ sion, he or she should not only restore the teeth requiring treatment, but should also attempt to find the cause of the erosion. Often erosion can progress asymptomatically for many years. If the cause is not discovered and cor­ rected early, much damage can be done to the patient’s dentition.14,15
Ultra wide band system realization for 4×4 MIMO test bed

4×4 ring array antennas are combined with commercially available and custom designed RF components to realize a base station operating for channel #1 of UWB communications. The 4 transmitters and receivers modules are developed using LNA, PA, buffer amplifiers, custom designed single and dual GCM mixers, and differential BPF and LPF. The GCM mixer is driven by a StLO poly-phase board that is realized using stable LO, PA, custom designed poly-phase circuit and 1∶2 power divider/Baluns at 3.158GHz.
Jet spoiler as a yaw control device

= span of the semispan model = wing chord = jet slot length = rolling moment coefficient = lift coefficient = yawing moment coefficient = pressure coefficient = jet momentum coefficient = vertical projection of equivalent solid spoiler, percent chord = proportionality constant = freestream velocity = jet exit velocity averaged over slot area = wind-off jet velocity along slot center line = chordwise coordinate from leading edge = spanwise coordinate from wing center = coordinate normal to wing upper surface = change of local drag coefficient = change of local lift coefficient = angle of attack = jet slot width = nondimensional spanwise coordinate (y/b) from wing root = nondimensional chordwise coordinate (x/c) from wing leading edge
Synthesis and properties of diarylsiloxane and (aryl/methyl)siloxane polymers: 3. New aryl substituents

Abstract In this paper we describe the synthesis and characterization of a new series of diarylsiloxane polymers, in which the aryl substituents are either m-tolyl, 4-methoxyphenyl or 4-propylphenyl. The polymers were prepared by the ring-opening anionic polymerization of cyclic trimers in solution at high temperatures. The structure and compositions of the cyclic trimers were confirmed by 1H and 29Si n.m.r. The new diaryl polymers are all highly crystalline, and each melts to a liquid crystalline state. The crystal-liquid crystal transition temperatures depend on the nature of substituents and follow the order: di(4-methoxyphenyl)≅di(p-tolyl)>di(phenyl)>di(4-propylphenyl)>di(m-tolyl). The transition temperatures of polydi(4-methoxyphenyl)siloxane and polydi(p-tolyl)siloxane are both very high (300°C). The solubility of the diarylsiloxane polymers is strongly affected by the nature of the aryl substituents. Polymers having di(4-methoxyphenyl), di(p-tolyl) or di(phenyl) substituents are only soluble at temperatures above 150°C in solvents such as dimethylsulfoxide and diphenyl ether. Polydi(m-tolyl)siloxane and the mixed poly (p- tolyl phenyl)siloxanes are soluble in toluene and chloroform at room temperature. Polydi(4-propylphenyl)siloxane crystallizes slowly, and if recovered and tested before becoming fully crystalline it will dissolve in common solvents such as toluene and chloroform at room temperature. However, after annealing it becomes soluble only at high temperatures. The cyclic trimer of di(o-tolyl)siloxane could only be prepared in trace quantities, and we were unsuccessful in preparing polydi(o-tolyl)siloxane, probably because of the steric interactions of the o-tolyl groups.
Biology and Brains — Methodological Innovations in Communication Science: Introduction to the Special Issue

Communication is fundamentally a process of information exchange (Shannon, 1948). Under this broad definition, it is easy to see communication as a core component of the natural world; life itself ...
Congenital Convex Pes Valgus: Results of an Early Comprehensive Release and a Review of Congenital Vertical Talus at Richmond Crippled Children's Hospital and the University of Alabama in Birmingham:

Nineteen patients with 28 feet with congenital vertical talus were reviewed. The male to female ratio was equal, and associated congenital abnormalities were found in 15 of the 19 patients. No genetic pattern was established. Fifteen of the 16 surgically corrected feet were reevaluated, with an average follow-up of 60 months. Ten of the 15 feet were found to be in the good to excellent category, and five were rated poor. Twelve of 12 feet treated by cast correction were poor. Poor prognostic signs include late age of surgical correction, associated arthrogryposis and cerebral palsy, and an increased space between the calcaneus and cuboid. Best results occurred in those patients who had early surgical correction, after 4 to 6 months of serial casting, using magnification. Surgical technique which yielded the best results involved total release of the talus from the posterior, medial, and lateral approach, with reduction of the talocalcaneal as well as the talonavicular joints with multiple pin fixation. Lengthening of the Achilles tendon, extensor tendons, and peroneal tendons and transfer of the anterior tibialis to the navicular are recommended. Navicular excision was not found to be necessary. Surgical results in those patients over 3 1/2 years of age were found to be poor, and these individuals were considered for salvage procedures using a subtalar extra articular arthrodesis, excision of the navicular, or triple arthrodesis, depending on age.
CLOSED-LOOP TAPE SPRINGS AS FULLY COMPLIANT MECHANISMS - PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATIONS

The paper introduces tape springs as elements of fully compliant mechanisms. The localized folds of tape springs serve as compact revolute joints, with a very small radius and large range of motion, and the unfolded straight segments serve as links. By exploiting a tape spring’s ability to function as both links and joints, we present a new method of realizing fully compliant mechanisms with further simplification in their construction. Tape springs, typically found in carpenter tape rules, are thin-walled strips having constant thickness, zero longitudinal curvature, and a constant transverse curvature. The paper presents a closed-loop tape spring mechanism. By representing its folds as idealized revolute joints and its variable length links as sliding joints connecting rigid links, we present a modified Gruebler’s equation to determine its kinematic and idle degrees of freedom. To realize practical utility of tape spring mechanisms, we propose a simple actuation scheme incorporating shape memory alloy (SMA) wire actuators and successfully demonstrate its performance with a proof-of-concept prototype. The paper also presents potential applications for actuated tape spring mechanisms including a large displacement translational mechanism, planar positioning mechanisms, bi-stable, multi-stable, and variable stiffness mechanisms.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Cyclodialysis Implants in Human Eyes

In 34 eyes with various types of glaucoma, cyclodialysis implants were used to produce reduction of intraocular pressure. The average reduction of pressure in the 14 eyes with chronic simple glaucoma (phakic and aphakic) was from 36 mm Hg preoperatively to 15 mm Hg postoperatively. Six of the 14 have since required some medication. The average facility of outflow preoperatively was 0.17 and postoperatively was 0.22. The principal mode of action of the cyclodialysis implants was found to be decreased aqueous formation. A long-term follow-up of these patients has been undertaken.
Teaching Social Media Journalism Challenges and Opportunities for Future Curriculum Design

In response to the growing demand for digitally competent employees in the news media industry, journalism schools are cautiously integrating social media reporting into their curriculum. This stud...
Passive quasi-monochromatic depth discrimination using a coherence imager with volume holographic pupil

We present a new passive depth detection method for quasi-monochromatic and spatially incoherent objects. We utilize the wavefront discrimination properties of a volume holographic pupil combined with a measurement of the degree of coherence of the diffracted field. Depth detection is posed as the Bayesian hypothesis testing on the outcome of the coherence measurement. We present the analysis of our proposed optical system and experimental results confirming binary depth discrimination with high confidence for featureless objects.
Effect of Active-Site Modification on the Terminal Marking Deamidation of Triosephosphate Isomerase☆

The conformational change which results from the opening and closing of the hinged lid over the catalytic center of triosephosphate isomerase is transmitted to the subunit interface of the dimer and eventually leads to the spontaneous, specific deamidation of Asn71. This is followed by the deamidation of Asn15 approximately 5 A away on the neighboring subunit and leads to destabilization of the protein and degradation. However, it has not been established whether this molecular wear and tear occurs via an intra-subunit or inter-subunit transmission of the conformational change. We have studied this first step in the terminal marking by reacting the active-site Glu165 with the substrate analog 3-chloroacetol phosphate (CAP) which immobilizes the hinged lid. Under mild deamidation conditions (pH 9.5, 24 h, 30 degrees C) the native homodimer readily deamidated. In contrast, the CAP-modified homodimers were resistant to deamidation. Heterodimers composed of one native subunit and one CAP subunit showed intermediate deamidation. When the native and CAP-labeled subunits were resolved by electrophoresis in urea gels, it was found that the unlabeled subunit had preferentially deamidated. These data coupled with molecular modeling considerations show that restricting movement of the hinged lid prevents deamidation of Asn71 on that subunit, but that the other subunit with the free hinged lid functions independently and still deamidates. Thus, the conformationally induced wear and tear appears to be largely intra-subunit. These observations clearly link catalysis with terminal marking of the protein and suggest a general mechanism for how other enzymes may wear out.
Holographic proof of the averaged null energy condition

The averaged null energy conditions (ANEC) states that, along a complete null curve, the negative energy fluctuations of a quantum field must be balanced by positive energy fluctuations. We use the AdS/CFT correspondence to prove the ANEC for a class of strongly coupled conformal field theories in flat spacetime. A violation of the ANEC in the field theory would lead to acausal propagation of signals in the bulk.
A posteriori error estimation for generalized finite element methods

In this paper we address the problem of a posteriori error estimation for generalized finite element methods based on the partition of unity method. The computational results focus on the question of the reliability of the error estimators and its assessment.
An efficient synthesis of cyclodextrin-based carbohydrate cluster compounds.

The photoaddition of the thiol 2,3,4,6-tetra-O-acetyl-β-d-1-thioglucopyranose to the allyl ether functions of per-2-allyl-, per-6-allyl-, and per-2,6-diallyl-β-cyclodextrin derivatives provides a remarkably simple and efficient way for attaching glucopyranose units onto (1) the secondary face, as well as (2) the primary face, of β-cyclodextrinnot to mention (3) both the primary and secondary faces, simultaneouslyin yields of up to 70%.
Politics, culture, and school curriculum: The struggles in Hong Kong

The purpose of this paper is to describe the Hong Kong (HK) school curriculum, especially the general curriculum for civic education and other social subjects, in relation to the political events of the 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration, the 1989 Tiananmen Square Incident, and the return of HK's sovereignty from the United Kingdom (UK) to the People's Republic of China (PRC) in 1997. This paper will argue that since 1984, the school curriculum of HK has been marked by tensions brought about by political cultures shaped by the UK and the PRC, the bureaucratic mechanisms of which are used to make sure that those curriculum contents that are judged to be politically correct are taught in school. Over the last two decades the school curriculum has been depicted as being shaped by the emergence of the nation-state and the transfer of sovereignty. Granted that political and national education forms part of the school culture, the question of how to shape students to be patriotic through the curriculum will co...
A Risk Assessment Framework for Waterborne Pathogens and Requirements for Producing a Complete Protocol

ABSTRACT The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), Office of Water, is developing a risk assessment protocol for determining microbiological pathogen risks in water (drinking, recreational, waste waters, etc.). This effort has been conducted in collaboration with the International Life Sciences Institute. A microbiological risk assessment framework was prepared and has been peer reviewed in the open literature and vetted at the USEPA and other federal government risk assessment venues. Some goals in development of the Framework were to make it comprehensive, easy to understand and to use, since it is recognized that improvements to the framework structure and instructional material would facilitate its use. The USEPA's Office of Water wishes to develop improved tools, methods, and approaches for conducting the analysis phase for risk assessments and would like to evaluate its efficacy for a broad range of waterborne pathogens in water/wastewater media. Improved understanding of microbiological sur...
Effects of cytochalasin B on the uptake of ascorbic acid and glucose by 3T3 fibroblasts: mechanism of impaired ascorbate transport in diabetes.

Hyperglycemia and/or hypoinsulinemia have been found to inhibit L-ascorbic acid cellular transport. The resultant decrease in intracellular ascorbic acid may de-inhibit aryl sulfatase B and increase degradation of sulfated glycosaminoglycans (sGAG). This could lead to a degeneration of the extracellular matrix and result in increased intimal permeability, the initiating event in atherosclerosis. The present studies show that the glucose transport inhibitor cytochalasin B blocked the uptake of 3H-2-deoxy-D-glucose (2.5 mg%) by mouse 3T3 fibroblasts. Cytochalasin B also blocked the uptake of 14C-L-ascorbic acid (1.25 mg%). The results of these studies further support the hypothesis that glucose and ascorbate share a common transport system. This may have important implications concerning the vascular pathology associated with diabetes mellitus.
Consultation Etiquette: A Proposed Set of Guidelines

Too often, actions and decisions affecting patient care are determined by expediency, cost-effectiveness, and time constraints. At risk of sacrifice are ethics and professionalism, pillars essential to the very structure of medical practice. In particular, there appears to be an erosion of consultation etiquette-exchanges between physicians and patients as well as among physicians. While methods to maximize efficiency are essential to medical practice, they should not come at the expense of etiquette. To improve patient care and strengthen relationships between patients and physicians, as well as relationships between referring and consulting physicians, a set of guidelines for improving consultation etiquette is proposed.
Planetary radio astronomy from voyager

The technique of radio astronomy makes it possible for a remote observer to detect the presence of magnetic fields and plasmas in planetary environments. Prior to the flights of the Voyager spacecraft, radio astronomical studies of Jupiter from earth and from earth orbit had correctly predicted the strength and orientation of Jupiter's magnetic field and trapped radiation belts. The Voyager Planetary Radio Astronomy investigations have now provided measurements of the complete spectrum of low frequency radio emissions from both planets. Each Voyager instrument consists of a pair of orthogonal, 10-m, electric monopole antennas which are connected to a step-tuned, superheterodyne receiver operating over the frequency range from 1.2 kHz to 40.5 MHz. The Voyager trajectory provided observations from above both the sunlit and nightside hemispheres of Jupiter. Saturn's nonthermal radio emission has been observed at frequencies as low as 3 kHz and as high as 1.2 MHz.
Multiple transcriptional variants and RNA editing in C18orf1, a novel gene with LDLRA and transmembrane domains on 18p11.2.

Abstract C18orf1 is a novel brain-expressed transcript, mapping to 18p11.2. Upon further characterization, we found multiple and differentially expressed transcriptional variants. C18orf1 α1, an 8.5-kb transcript, was predicted to code for a 306-amino-acid protein and a 7.1-kb 3′-untranslated region (UTR). This variant was encoded by at least six exons. Alternative transcripts included α2, identical to α1 but missing 18 residues, and N-terminal-truncated variants termed β1 and β2. A motif search suggested the presence of a transmembrane domain in both α and β and a low-density lipoprotein receptor class A (LDLRA) domain in the α-specific N-terminal. In LDLR, LDLRA has been shown to be involved in binding Ca 2+ and LDL, raising the possibility that C18orf1 might bind Ca 2+ and an unknown ligand. We also present evidence of RNA editing in the 5′-UTR of β2, the first demonstration of this phenomenon in 5′-UTR.
Factors influencing survival of patients with heterotaxy syndrome undergoing the Fontan procedure.

Abstract Objectives. This study was undertaken to determine those factors that may influence survival in patients with heterotaxy syndrome undergoing the Fontan procedure. Background. The Fontan procedure remains the preferred palliative procedure for patients with heterotaxy syndrome. Although the mortality rate has improved for patients without this syndrome undergoing the Fontan procedure, it remains high for patients with heterotaxy syndrome. Methods. The medical records of 20 consecutive pediatric patients with asplenia (n = 12) and polysplenia (n = 8) who underwent the Fontan procedure between January 1, 1986 and December 31, 1990 were reviewed. Anatomic and hemodynamic data were collected, as well as data on types of surgical palliative procedures and on outcome of the Fontan procedure. Results. There were two early and two late deaths for a total mortality rate of 20% in the patients with heterotaxy syndrome, as compared with 8.5% for the patients without this syndrome who underwent the Fontan procedure during the same time period. Factors that significantly increased the risk of the Fontan procedure in these patients were 1) preoperative findings of greater than mild atrioventricular valve regurgitation, b) hypoplastic pulmonary arteries, and c) mean pulmonary artery pressure ≥ 15 mm Hg after 6 months of age. Systemic and pulmonary venous anomalies coupled with single-ventricle anatomy were not significant risk factors for determining a poor outcome of the Fontan procedure. Conclusions. This study suggests that the outcome of the Fontan procedure in patients with heterotaxy syndrome may be improved by early protection of the pulmonary vascular bed, despite the existence of other cardiac anomalies.
Prevention and treatment of influenza.

Influenza is a disease known since antiquity that continues to afflict large numbers of people and cause many deaths throughout the world. The annual epidemic and the continued threat of a pandemic constitute a major infectious-disease problem.1–8 Although the prevention of the spread of virus by ill persons and the removal of virus in transit in the environment could theoretically contribute to the control of influenza, effective control requires the optimal use of vaccines and antiviral drugs. At present, a vaccine and four antiviral drugs are approved in the United States and many other countries for the prevention and . . .
Melatonin deacetylase activity in the pineal gland and brain of the lizards Anolis carolinensis and Sceloporus jarrovi

Melatonin modulates a variety of rhythmic processes in vertebrates, and is synthesized in both the retina and pineal gland. We have shown previously that retinal melatonin is deacetylated generating 5-methoxytryptamine, which is then deaminated by monoamine oxidase, producing 5-methoxyindoleacetic acid and 5-methoxytryptophol. This process occurs within the eyes of a variety of vertebrates including the iguanid lizard Anolis carolinensis. To determine whether melatonin deacetylase activity also occurs in the pineal organ or in other parts of the lizard brain, pineals and brains of Anolis carolinensis and Sceloporus jarrovi were cultured in the presence of [3H-methoxy]-melatonin. High-performance liquid chromatography of the resulting culture media and tissues revealed the generation of radiolabeled 5-methoxytryptamine and 5-methoxyindoleacetic acid. These two methoxyindoles were the only radiolabeled metabolites detectable, and together accounted for all melatonin lost. Both the loss of melatonin and the production of melatonin metabolites were inhibited by inclusion of 100 microM eserine, an inhibitor of the melatonin deacetylase. Pargyline, a monoamine oxidase inhibitor, reduced the production of 5-methoxyindoleacetic acid and increased the production of 5-methoxytryptamine relative to control incubations. Similar effects of eserine and pargyline were seen in eyecup, brain and pineal gland, but the specific activity of melatonin deacetylation in cultured pineal glands was much greater than in either brains or eyecups. These results indicate that pineal glands of both Anolis carolinensis and Sceloporus jarrovi can rapidly catabolize melatonin by a mechanism very similar to that in the eye, that the melatonin deacetylation pathway exists elsewhere in the iguanid brain, and also extend our previous observations of ocular melatonin deacetylation to an additional species.
Danko Brncic and the flower-flies

Es este un ensayo de naturaleza personal, celebrando a Danko Brncic como un natualista y evolucionista de la mejor calidad en la verdadera tradicion darwiniana. Su curiosidad inata tan importante para el cientifico, lo Ilevo a descubrir algunos drosofilideos chilenos con propiedades unicas. Especial interes tiene el ciclo vital de Drosophila flavopilosa, especie adaptada a flores: la hembra deposita sus huevos en las flores de una solanacea ampliamente distribuida en los valles de Chile. Veinte anos de investigacion geno-ecologica sobre esta especie resultaron en datos pioneros, con el uso de especies altamente especializadas para aclarar cuestiones generales de genetica y evolucion de poblaciones. Muchos hechos importantes fueron revelados, distintos de aquellos observados en las especies generalistas y ampliamente distribuidas
Pneumopericardium associated with laparoscopy

This case report describes a rare but potentially serious complication of pneumopericardium occurring during diagnostic laparoscopy. Contributing factors and possible etiologies are discussed.
Free Energy Of Cholesterol Transfer In Lipid Bilayers With Varying Degree Of Saturation

Cholesterol is essential in formation and stabilization of raft-like structures in membranes. It is known with certainty that the formation of raft-like domains is due to preferential interaction of cholesterol with the saturated and unsaturated chains. In this study we computed the free energy of transfer of cholesterol in lipid bilayers with varying degrees of saturation. We used the weighted histogram analysis method (WHAM) to compute these free energy profiles. These simulations consisted of hydrated bilayers made up of 200 lipids of different chain saturations. In particular we used DPPC, POPC and DOPC lipid bilayers with two cholesterol molecules symmetrically transfered. Our calculations show energy and entropic components of free energy and demonstrate the role of lipid-lipid interactions in the transfer process.
Otoacoustic emissions recorded in people with chronic migraine

Abstract Migraine, a moderate to severe chronic headache occurring on one or both sides, is a common disease affects young people. Although hearing loss in subjects with migraine is not rare, the correlation of migraine with hearing loss is not clear. In this study, we examined hearing loss in young migraine subjects to determine if migraine may be a factor in causing cochlear dysfunction. Seven college students with migraine and three age matched subjects without history of migraine were assessed using extended high frequency audiometry and distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs). There was no significant difference in regular audiometry threshold between the migraine group and the control group. However, high frequency audiometry (9–16 kHz) showed thresholds at 25 dB nHL or higher in six out of twenty ears in the migraine group. The amplitude of DPOAEs were reduced for more than 10 dB in the migraine group in comparison with the control group. These data suggest that migraine may affect cochlear dysfunction evidenced by the reduced amplitude of DPOAE and high frequency pure-tone audiometry.