cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Formation of an intramolecular periplasmic disulfide bond in TcpP protects TcpP and TcpH from degradation in Vibrio cholerae

ABSTRACT TcpP and ToxR coordinately regulate transcription of toxT , the master regulator of numerous virulence factors in Vibrio cholerae. TcpP and ToxR are membrane-localized transcription factors, each with a periplasmic domain containing two cysteines. In ToxR, these cysteines form an intramolecular disulfide bond and a cysteine-to-serine substitution affects activity. We determined that the two periplasmic cysteines of TcpP also form an intramolecular disulfide bond. Disruption of this intramolecular disulfide bond by mutation of either cysteine resulted in formation of intermolecular disulfide bonds. Furthermore, disruption of the intramolecular disulfide bond in TcpP decreased the stability of TcpP. While the decreased stability of TcpP-C207S resulted in a nearly complete loss of toxT activation and cholera toxin (CT) production, the second cysteine mutant, TcpP-C218S, was partially resistant to proteolytic degradation and maintained ∼50% toxT activation capacity. TcpP-C218S was also TcpH independent, since deletion of tcpH did not affect the stability of TcpP-C218S, whereas wild-type TcpP was degraded in the absence of TcpH. Finally, TcpH was also unstable when intramolecular disulfides could not be formed in TcpP, suggesting that the single periplasmic cysteine in TcpH may assist with disulfide bond formation in TcpP by interacting with the periplasmic cysteines of TcpP. Consistent with this finding, a TcpH-C114S mutant was unable to stabilize TcpP and was itself unstable. Our findings demonstrate a periplasmic disulfide bond in TcpP is critical for TcpP stability and virulence gene expression. IMPORTANCE The Vibrio cholerae transcription factor TcpP, in conjunction with ToxR, regulates transcription of toxT , the master regulator of numerous virulence factors in Vibrio cholerae. TcpP is a membrane-localized transcription factor with a periplasmic domain containing two cysteines. We determined that the two periplasmic cysteines of TcpP form an intramolecular disulfide bond and disruption of the intramolecular disulfide bond in TcpP decreased the stability of TcpP and reduced virulence gene expression. Normally TcpH, another membrane-localized periplasmic protein, protects TcpP from degradation. However, we found that TcpH was also unstable when intramolecular disulfides could not be formed in TcpP, indicating that the periplasmic cysteines of TcpP are required for functional interaction with TcpH and that this interaction is required for both TcpP and TcpH stability.
Research Film Colloquium

THE INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC FILM ASSOCIATION with headquarters at 38 Avenue des Ternes, Paris, France, is a non-profit, non-governmental organization which is dedicated to the fostering of international cooperation in the use of cinematography in the interests of science. It has three functional sections to which qualified individuals in any country may belong. These are: (1) The Research Film Section, (2) The Science Education Section and (3) The Popular Science Section. The Research Film Section, whose annual colloquium is the subject of this report, is concerned with the use of cinematography as an instrument in scientific research and as a means of communicating the results of scientific research to other interested scientists. It is not concerned with popular science films, nor with films that were made primarily for educational purposes (of course, many research films have value for education at advanced levels). It might be said, therefore, that the Research Film Section is concerned with the exchange of advanced levels of scientific information in film form. The members, in the main, are either connected with universities or research institutes, or with organizations interested in fostering the use of cinematography in research. In May 1960 The Research Film Section had 139 members from 18 different countries. These were distributed as follows: and it publishes a journal Research Film about twice a year. As of May 1960 the officers of the Section were:
( s d ) 2 0 + states coupled to p -shell cores

Energies of the two lowest $(sd{)}^{2}\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}{0}^{+}$ states in $^{10,12}\mathrm{Be}$ and $^{14,16}\mathrm{C}$ are examined in a simple model that works surprisingly well. Energies are predicted for the second $(sd{)}^{2}\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}{0}^{+}$ state in $^{10,12}\mathrm{Be}$, where they are unknown.
Chorea Associated with HHV-6 Encephalitis

Investigators at Brown University, Providence, RI and other centers in the US and Canada report a 14-month old child with multiple episodes of febrile status epilepticus, followed by chorea and developmental regression, caused by human herpes virus-6 encephalitis.
Elevated yolk progesterone moderates prenatal heart rate and postnatal auditory learning in bobwhite quail (Colinus virginianus).

Previous studies have established that yolk hormones of maternal origin can influence physiology and behavior in birds. However, few studies have examined the effects of maternal gestagens, like progesterone, on chick behavior and physiology. We tested the effects of experimentally elevated egg yolk progesterone on embryonic heart rate and postnatal auditory learning in bobwhite quail hatchlings. Quail chicks were passively exposed to an individual maternal assembly call for 10 min/hr during the 24 hr following hatching. Preference for the familiarized call was tested at 48 hr following hatching in three experimental groups: chicks that received artificially elevated yolk progesterone (P) prior to incubation, vehicle-only controls (V), and non-manipulated controls (C). Resting heart rate of P, V, and C embryos were also measured on prenatal day 17. The resting heart rate of P embryos was significantly higher than both the V and C embryos. Chicks from the P group also showed an enhanced preference for the familiarized bobwhite maternal call when compared to chicks from the C and V groups. Our results indicate that elevated yolk progesterone in pre-incubated bobwhite quail eggs can influence arousal level in bobwhite embryos and postnatal perceptual learning in bobwhite neonates.
A Quality Assurance Model for Multidivision Clinical Departments

Structuring a workable quality assurance (QA) program for multidivision and multispecialty clinical departments presents a considerable challenge. The Medical Center of the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) found that QA activities in such departments were best handled by a committee of department physicians assisted by a QA staff person. This article provides examples of how two departments at the UCSF medical center structured QA committees to fit their departments' individual needs and explains how these committees fit in the medical center's overall QA program.
Pattern Recognition and Machine Intelligence Techniques for Electric Power System Security Assessment

In this paper we present an overview of some work carried out over a period of the past three years investigating the use of pattern recognition and machine intelligence techniques for the monitoring and control of complex systems.
A patient-centered analysis of enrollment and retention in a randomized behavioral trial of two cognitive rehabilitation interventions for Mild Cognitive Impairment.

BACKGROUND A major potential barrier for studying behavioral interventions for patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is the willingness and ability of people to enroll in and adhere to behavioral interventions, especially when the intervention involves dyads of patients with MCI and support partners. Details regarding recruitment strategies and processes (such as number of dyads screened) are often missing from reports of behavioral trials. In addition, reports do not detail the reasons a potentially eligible candidate opts out of participation in a research study. OBJECTIVE To describe the challenges and successes of enrollment and retention in a behavioral trial for persons with MCI and their care partners, and to better understand barriers to participation from the patient's point of view. DESIGN Multi-site, randomized trial. SETTING Major medical centers. PARTICIPANTS Our accrual target for the study was 60 participants. Potential candidates were patients presenting to memory evaluation clinics whose resulting clinical diagnosis was MCI. A total of 200 consecutive potential candidates were approached about participating in the study across the three sites. INTERVENTION Detailed recruitment and retention data of a randomized trial comparing two behavioral interventions (memory notebook training versus computer training) provided in two separate training time frames (10 days versus 6 weeks). MEASUREMENTS Structured interview with those declining to participate in the trial. RESULTS Overall recruitment 37% with a range of 13%-72% across sites. Overall retention 86% with a range of 74%-94% across sites. CONCLUSION The primary barriers to enrollment from the patient's perspective were distance to the treatment center and competing comprehensive behavioral programming. However, retention data suggest that those dyads who enroll in behavioral programs are highly committed.
Sociological Concepts III: The Framework and the Societal Dimension

So far in our discussion, while we have referred to South African society from time to time, we have been developing a general sociological framework applying to society in general rather than one in particular. Before we complete that framework, however, it is necessary to consider several macroscopic societal factors which make a particular social system unique. We turn to the first of these — the population composition.
Nanoscale hyperbolic metamaterial resonators in semiconductors

Sub-diffraction mid-infrared resonators were fabricated in a n+-InGaAs/AlInAs hyperbolic metamaterial. Coupling to localized modes is observed in angle-dependent reflection measurement and agrees well with finite element simulations using an anisotropic permittivity.
Climate change beliefs, risk perceptions, and adaptation behavior among Midwestern U.S. crop farmers

Global climate change presents unique challenges to the resilience of United States agriculture, and farmers and advisors must utilize effective adaptation strategies to be both economically and environmentally sustainable. This study addresses Midwestern U.S. crop farmers’ beliefs about climate change, perceived risks from weather and climate, and attitudes toward adaptation that influence their decisions to adopt adaptation strategies. Analyzing a 2012 survey of nearly 5000 corn farmers across 22 Midwestern U.S. Watersheds, we investigate the most common weather and climate risk management strategies, including purchasing additional crop insurance, implementing conservation practices, and adding new technology. U.S. farmers’ belief in anthropogenic climate change, perceptions of changing weather patterns, climate risks to their farm and attitudes toward adapting are analyzed. Farmers’ perceptions of risk to their own farm, attitudes toward innovation and adaptation attitudes were the most important determinants of adaptation. This study highlights the critical role of risk perceptions in adaptation attitudes as well as behaviors among agriculturalists. Finally, we discuss how these findings could be applied to increase uptake of adaptation strategies and thus resilience of U.S. agriculture to a changing climate.
Precursors to Large Earthquakes

Seismic quiescence is one of the most promising precursors. Many solid cases of statistically significant seismicity rate decreases preceding large earthquakes have been demonstrated. Two large mainshocks have been predicted by identification of quiescence one to two years ahead of the event. However, inhomogeneities of reporting in seismicity catalogues and the lack of quantitative evaluation in some cases make it doubtful that all reported precursory quiescences are real. As a function of time the world seismicity catalogue as well as local catalogues contain artificial decreases of reported events in certain magnitude bands. These problems, as well as artificial and real seismicity variations as a function of space, have to be investigated carefully before an attempt is made to identify precursory anomalies of seismicity rate. The false alarm rate (quiescence without mainshock) and the failure rate (no quiescence before mainshock) are not often investigated. The limited data available suggest that there are fewer false alarms and failures than successes. Further tests of the quiescence hypothesis are in progress: In several seismic gaps quiescence was demonstrated and hence mainshocks are expected.
Relative Interfacial Energies of Symmetrical Tilt Grain Boundaries in Silver

The relative interfacial energies of symmetrical tilt boundaries in silver of greater than 99.999 pct purity were measured as a function of orientation difference o between 9° and 36° about . The results are in good agreement with the dislocation model of the grain boundary. The energy vs o curve may be represented by the Shockley and Read equation in the form E0o (0.55—In o).
Mr. Findley, The Whiskey Rebellion, and Public Administration

This study argues that the Whiskey Rebellion is a key episode in the development of the administrative procedures needed to govern a new nation. It represents the first major challenge to national administrative power under the Constitution, and, as such, can provide crucial insight to the development of and the legitimization of public administration in the new nation. This study provides a brief overview of the Whiskey Rebellion, then examines its administrative, legislative action, and public policy implications in the context of Federalist and Anti-Federalist thought. An examination of the Whiskey Rebellion as a public administration event not only increases our understanding of the development of the administrative function in the United States, it also helps contemporary students and practitioners of public administration gain a better understanding of the events of today.
Use of behavioral reasoning theory to examine the role of social responsibility in attitudes toward apparel donation

Drawing on behavioral reasoning theory, this study investigated drivers of young consumers' apparel donation behavior. By examining the impact of values (i.e. benevolence and power) and reasons (i.e. other-oriented reasons and self-oriented reasons) on attitudes, this study highlights the different motivations individuals have for donating clothing. As predicted, benevolence was positively related to other-oriented reasons for donations and power was positively related to self-oriented reasons for donations. Both other- and self-oriented reasons for donating influenced attitudes related to apparel donation behavior. These findings offer an overarching explanation for the seemingly disparate reasons for apparel donation previously identified. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Learning peripersonal space representation in a humanoid robot with artificial skin

The peripersonal space (PPS) is a model of the nearby space that is of special relevance for the life of any complex animal. It is defined as the space surrounding our bodies, and is best described as a multisensory and sensorimotor interface with a fundamental role in the sensory guidance of actions. Owing to it is the ability to perform timely and appropriate actions toward objects located in the nearby space, which is critical for the survival of every animal. Depending on context, these actions may constitute an approaching or an avoidance behavior. In the case of defensive behavior, this creates a "margin of safety" around the body, such as the flight zone of grazing animals or the multimodal attentional space that surrounds the skin in humans (Graziano & Cooke, 2006). Peripersonal space thus deserves special attention and probably justifies the specific neural circuitry devoted to its representation. The brain has to dynamically integrate information coming from several modalities being these motoric, visual, auditory or somatosensory (Graziano & Cooke, 2006; Holmes & Spence, 2004). In animals and humans, PPS representations are gradually formed through physical interaction with the environment and in a complex interplay of body growth and neural maturation processes. Self-touch (also called double-touch) is presu mably one of the behaviors that impact the formation of multimodal body representations (Rochat, 1998). They occur across different motor and sensory modalities, with the motor/proprioceptive and tactile starting already in prenatal stage. Vision is presumably incorporated later, during the first months after birth hand in hand with the maturation of the visual system. Perhaps even later, contingencies will encompass external objects.
Impact of Advanced Practice Registered Nurses on Quality Measures: The Missouri Quality Initiative Experience.

Abstract Purpose The purpose of this article is to review the impact of advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) on the quality measure (QM) scores of the 16 participating nursing homes of the Missouri Quality Initiative (MOQI) intervention. The MOQI was one of 7 program sites in the US, with specific interventions unique to each site tested for the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services Innovations Center. While the goals of the MOQI for long-stay nursing home residents did not specifically include improvement of the QM scores, it was anticipated that improvement most likely would occur. Primary goals of the MOQI were to reduce the frequency of avoidable hospital admissions and readmissions; improve resident health outcomes; improve the process of transitioning between inpatient hospitals and nursing facilities; and reduce overall healthcare spending without restricting access to care or choice of providers. Methods A 2-group comparison analysis was conducted using statewide QMs; a matched comparison group was selected from facilities in the same counties as the intervention homes, similar baseline QM scores, similar size and ownership. MOQI nursing homes each had an APRN embedded full-time to improve care and help the facility achieve MOQI goals. Part of their clinical work with residents and staff was to focus on quality improvement strategies with potential to influence healthcare outcomes. Trajectories of QM scores for the MOQI intervention nursing homes and matched comparison group homes were tested with nonparametric tests to examine for change in the desired direction between the 2 groups from baseline to 36 months. A composite QM score for each facility was constructed, and baseline to 36-month average change scores were examined using nonparametric tests. Then, adjusting for baseline, a repeated measures analysis using analysis of covariance as conducted. Results Composite QM scores of the APRN intervention group were significantly better (P = .025) than the comparison group. The repeated measures analysis identified statistically significant group by time interaction (P = .012). Then group comparisons were made at each of the 6-month intervals and statistically significant differences were found at 24 months (P = .042) and 36 months (P = .002), and nearly significant at 30 months (P = .11). Implications APRNs working full time in nursing homes can positively influence quality of care, and their impact can be measured on improving QMs. As more emphasis is placed on quality and outcomes for nursing home services, providers need to find successful strategies to improve their QMs. Results of these analyses reveal the positive impact on QM outcomes for the majority of the MOQI nursing homes, indicating budgeting for APRN services can be a successful strategy.
On the intrinsic dynamics of bacteria in waterborne infections.

Abstract The intrinsic dynamics of bacteria often play an important role in the transmission and spread of waterborne infectious diseases. In this paper, we construct mathematical models for waterborne infections and analyze two types of nontrivial bacterial dynamics: logistic growth, and growth with Allee effects. For the model with logistic growth, we find that regular threshold dynamics take place, and the basic reproduction number can be used to characterize disease extinction and persistence. In contrast, the model with Allee effects exhibits much more complex dynamics, including the existence of multiple endemic equilibria and the presence of backward bifurcation and forward hysteresis.
The effect of MAO-A inhibition and cold-immobilization stress on N-acetylserotonin and melatonin in SHR and WKY rats

Selective monoamine oxidase (MAO) A inhibitors and coldimmobilization stress (which increases the production of the endogenous MAO-A inhibitor, tribulin) stimulate rat pineal melatonin biosynthesis in Sprague-Dawley and Fisher 344N rats. Considering the hyperactive sympathetic response of the hypertensive rats, it was interesting to compare the effect of clorgyline and cold-immobilization stress on pineal melatonin and related indoles levels in SHR and WKY rats (HPLC-fluorimetric method).
Organizational leadership and social intelligence.

Leadership is inherently a social phenomenon. It resides in the actions of an individual or set of individuals who endeavor to move a collective along a goal path. The problems that are encountered along this path that must be solved by leaders often emerge from the social dynamics occurring within the collective, and between the collective and its embedding environment. Thus, organizational leadership typically requires leader role incumbents to generate solutions that (a) accommodate multiple social constituencies both within and outside of the organization, and (b) account for often conflicting social demands and requirements. Further, leaders sometimes need to implement these solutions by convincing initially skeptical superiors, peers, and subordinates of a solution’s viability and by coordinating the activities of multiple organizational groups that are involved in the solution. Finally, effective leader problem solving requires that solution implementation be monitored through feedback from these various social groups. The inherent social embeddedness of organizational leadership means fundamentally that leader effectiveness is defined by how well leaders navigate through social dilemmas when generating problem solutions and implementing them within complex organizational dynamics.
The role of perceptions versus instrumented data of environmental change: Responding to changing environments in Alaska

Abstract Decisions and responses to environmental change are arguably based on whether decision-makers perceive change. We explore the idea of how the difference, or delta, between perceptions of environmental change and instrumented measures of environmental change (P delta I or PΔI) may be a factor in maladaptive versus adaptive responses. Two case-studies in Alaska, U.S.A. are used to assess the statistical correlation between natural resource managers and non-profit interest group (NGO) representatives’ perceptions of environmental change and instrumented measures of environmental change. Environmental change was examined for summer and winter air temperature, stream water temperature, summer rainfall, Chinook salmon abundance and size, and residential land-use development. Results suggest that natural resource managers and NGO respondents do not always perceive change in the environment that is consistent with instrumented measures of change. We discuss the implications of this delta between perceptions and instrumented data because they are important for adaptive policies.
Exploring the Data Tracking and Sharing Preferences of Wheelchair Athletes

Sports are increasingly data-driven. Athletes use a variety of physical activity monitors to capture their movements, improve performance, and achieve excellence. To understand how wheelchair athletes want to use and share their activity data, we conducted a study using a prototype wheelchair fitness tracking device, which served as a probe to facilitate discussions. We interviewed 15 wheelchair basketball players about the use of performance data in the context of wheelchair basketball, and we discuss several implications for using and sharing automatically-tracked data. We find that the wheelchair basketball community is less concerned about the privacy of their data, and, in contrast to health data, athletes are motivated by competition. We conclude with a set of design opportunities that leverage digitized performance metrics within wheelchair basketball, which could apply to the broader wheelchair and adaptive athletics community.
Soft-Switching Characterization of 3.3 kV Reverse-blocking SiC Devices

This paper presents device characterization results for 3.3 kV reverse-blocking Silicon Carbide (SiC) devices under Zero Voltage Switching (ZVS) conditions. A novel double-pulse test circuit to test the reverse blocking switches under soft switching conditions is proposed. The results from hard switching and soft switching are compared to highlight the effectiveness and necessity of soft switching when using 3.3 kV reverse-blocking devices. The paper also analyzes the impact of parasitic inductances and capacitances on switching performance of 3.3 kV SiC devices. The double-pulse test circuit, operating principle, experimental characterization results for a custom-built 3.3 kV reverse blocking module, and parasitic parameters extraction are presented.
Rule by Multiple Majorities: A New Theory of Popular Control

What does it mean to say that citizens have control over their leaders? In a democracy, citizens should have some control over how they are governed. If they do not participate directly in making policy, they ought to maintain control over the public officials who design policy on their behalf. Rule by Multiple Majorities develops a novel theory of popular control: an account of what it is, why democracy's promise of popular control is compatible with what we know about actual democracies, and why it matters. While social choice theory suggests there is no such thing as a 'popular will' in societies with at least minimal diversity of opinion, Ingham argues that multiple, overlapping majorities can nonetheless have control, at the same time. After resolving this conceptual puzzle, the author explains why popular control is a realistic and compelling ideal for democracies, notwithstanding voters' low levels of information and other shortcomings.
Characterization of Pyrus Species and Cultivars Using Gradient Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis

A chemical identification procedure previously used to identify apple clones was tried with pear species and clones. Following electrophoresis, the peroxidase, esterase, and acid phosphatase isozyme patterns on anionic polyacrylamide gradient gels were determined. These patterns were found to vary with the species and clone, but not to change, within a clone during the growing season. Thus, these patterns were considered to represent genetic characteristics. The patterns were used to identify 37 selected Pyrus accessions at the National Clonal Germplasm Repository, Corvallis, Oregon. All species tested were distinguishable using this system. All the accessions of P. calleryana selected from the NCGR collection were distinct: however, one clone from outside the collection had an identical pattern to one inside the collection. Among the Chinese pear clones (complex hybrids of P. ussuriensis × P. pyrifolia) tested, three pairs of clones had the same combination. This technique appears to have the potential t...
Boycotting and Public Mourning

Some people feel that they should boycott Israel or their local anti-LGBTQ bakery, despite it being difficult to establish these obligations based on standard consequentialist or deontic considerations. I develop a framework on which such self-reports are accurate: I propose that we see some boycotting as akin to a public mourning practice, such as the Jewish tradition of sitting shiva. Mourning practices are complex and socially recognized ways of honoring the dead, as well as expressing and directing the range of emotions we have in the face of loss. Likewise, I suggest that some boycotts are a way of standing in solidarity with victims, as well as expressing and giving direction to our reactive attitudes in the face of injustice. And just as your obligations to mourn are grounded in community membership and your relationships with others, I say the same about your obligations to participate in those boycotts.
IS THE INCIDENCE RATE OF ASCVD EVENTS IN THE PLACEBO ARM OF RANDOMIZED TRIALS ASSOCIATED WITH THE TREATMENT EFFECT OF ASPIRIN FOR PRIMARY PREVENTION? A META-REGRESSION ANALYSIS

Aspirin (ASA) is often taken for the primary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). We tested the hypothesis that ASA is more efficacious for preventing ASCVD as the incidence rate of ASCVD increases. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared ASA to placebo for
Diclofenac-induced thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura with concomitant complement dysregulation: a case report and review of the literature

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and hemolytic uremic syndrome are two forms of thrombotic microangiopathies. They are characterized by severe thrombocytopenia, microangiopathic hemolysis, and thrombosis, leading to a systemic inflammatory response and organ failure. Plasmapheresis is used to treat thrombotic microangiopathies. A different entity known as atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome has garnered more clinical recognition because reported cases have described that it does not respond to standard plasmapheresis. Diclofenac potassium is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that is used to treat pain. A 35-year-old Hispanic man presented to our emergency department with complaints of generalized malaise, fever, and an evanescent skin rash. During admission, he reported the use of diclofenac potassium for back pain on a daily basis for 1 week. He was noted to have peripheral eosinophilia, so he was admitted for suspected drug reaction involving eosinophilia and systemic symptoms. His initial laboratory work-up showed microangiopathic hemolytic anemia and thrombocytopenia. He also experienced a seizure, encephalopathy, and had a PLASMIC score of 7, thus raising concerns for thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. He underwent emergent plasmapheresis, which improved his clinical condition. The diagnosis was confirmed by assessing the levels of disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin type 1 motif, member 13, which was less than 3%. In addition, his skin biopsy was positive for patchy complement deposition, demonstrating complement dysregulation. Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura is a rare condition that can be acquired. Our case is rare because it represents the first report of diclofenac potassium-induced thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura with subjacent complement activation and dysregulation. Early recognition and aggressive management led to a favorable outcome.
The first reported pediatric case of Killian-Jamieson diverticulum

Abstract Esophageal diverticulum is a rare but important cause of dysphagia in children. We present a case of a two year old female with dysphagia from six months of age. Her symptoms were refractory to acid suppressive and prokinetic therapies. Upper GI revealed an anterior proximal esophageal diverticulum consistent with Killian-Jamieson Diverticulum. This was confirmed with EGD and corrected with right cervical exploration with resection of the diverticulum. There are three types of esophageal diverticula based on location in the esophagus. Killian-Jamieson diverticulum is very rare, with less than 30 cases reported, all in the elderly. This is the first reported pediatric case of Killian-Jamieson diverticulum.
Akt Pathway Inhibition of the Solenopsin Analog, 2-Dodecylsulfanyl-1,-4,-5,-6-tetrahydropyrimidine.

Background/aim The P13K/Akt signaling pathway is a growth-regulating cellular pathway that is constitutively activated in a variety of human cancers. In previous studies, we reported that a solenopsin analog, compound B (MU-06-SC-608-7), shows inhibitory effects on Akt phosphorylation at a key activation site, as well as on proliferation of tumorigenic cells at sub-micromolar concentrations. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of compound B on downstream effectors of Akt kinase, phosphorylation of Akt at a second activation site, Akt kinase activity in vitro, tumorigenic cell viability and other signaling pathways. Materials and methods Western blot analyses were performed using WBras1 epithelial and H2009 human carcinoma cells and cell viability assays were performed on H2009 cells. In vitro Akt kinase assays were performed using a commercially available kit. Results Compound B decreased the phosphorylation of Akt at the Thr308 activation site and key downstream effectors of Akt kinase, but did not directly inhibit Akt kinase. Substantial decreases in cell viability were observed at concentrations above 5 μM. No effect was seen on ERK or JNK pathways. Conclusion The results earmark this compound for further studies as a potential targeted cancer therapy.
Recent advances in molecular diagnostics and therapeutic targets for pancreatic cancer

Abstract Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is one of the most aggressive cancers and has a rising incidence and high mortality. The high mortality rate is attributed to a lack of adequate diagnostics, which limits the efficacy of the few currently available treatment options. The poor prognosis of pancreatic cancer emphasizes an increasing demand to develop efficient diagnostic markers and therapeutic approaches. The current review focuses on advances made in the development of robust molecular biomarkers that can be used for diagnosis and targeted therapies. Here, we discuss three major types of molecular markers for the detection of pancreatic adenocarcinoma: serum, tumor tissue, and cancer stem cell markers. Substantial advances have been made to improve our understanding of pancreatic adenocarcinoma at both the cellular and molecular levels, strengthening the possibilities of early detection and targeted therapies; they are discussed in this chapter.
Amortizing Securities as a Pareto-Efficient Reward Mechanism

I propose a novel reward mechanism to promote monopoly-free innovations. Unlike the world’s patent systems, this mechanism is designed to reward any innovator with a government-issued innovation-backed amortizing security rather than with monopoly power, whereas the innovator must agree to place an otherwise exclusive innovation in the public domain so as to render a perfectly competitive market. Amortizing securities of this sort are tradeable and whoever holds them can receive a stream of time-contingent payouts from the government. Funded by a simple head tax, these payouts represent intertemporal prizes determined by a predetermined payout ratio and the innovative product’s overall market sales in a risky world. The proposed reward mechanism is Pareto-efficient and can be more feasible than the oft-discussed non-intertemporal cash prizes [4].
Rationality, uncertainty, and unanimity: an epistemic critique of contractarianism

This paper considers contractarianism as a method of justification. The analysis accepts the key tenets of contractarianism: expected utility maximization, unanimity as the criteria of acceptance, and social-scientific uncertainty of modelled agents. In addition to these three features, however, the analysis introduces a fourth feature: a criteria of rational belief formation, viz. Bayesian belief updating. Using a formal model, this paper identifies a decisive objection to contractarian justification. Insofar as contractarian projects approximate the Agreement Model, therefore, they fail to justify their conclusions. Insofar as they fail to approximate the Agreement Model, they must explain which modelling assumption they reject.
Event-Specific Drinking and Protective Behavioral Strategy Use among College Students.

Event-specific drinking occasions (e.g. holidays, special occasions, school breaks) have been associated with heavy drinking and negative alcohol-related consequences among college students. This s...
Chapter 9 – Segmentation

Segmentation is the filtering of data according to metrics and dimensions so you can analyze specific subsets of your website’s users. It allows you to answer more in-depth questions about user behavior by allowing you to focus only on particular users who exhibit certain behavior or traits, or to compare one set of users against a different set. There are basic kinds of segmentation in standard analytics reports, like dividing up usage metrics by what keyword users searched for, but this chapter covers how to create your own segments. After a guide to Google Analytics’ advanced segments feature, this chapter surveys useful ways for segmenting data to analytics questions, such as “How did whether or not users viewed a specific page affect their behavior?” or “How does the behavior of users who fit my primary persona differ from other users?”
Of Metaphors and Magic Wands: Are Corporations Really People?

The metaphor that corporations are people has been around for at least 150 years. While the metaphor that money is speech is more recent, both metaphors conceal some basic problems. Yet both metaphors are implicitly used in Supreme Court jurisprudence, most infamously in the 2010 Citizens United decision. This paper challenges both metaphors, and suggests new ones: corporations are tools, and money is a megaphone. If we use those metaphors to think about the corrupting influence of money in our political system, perhaps we could get to more sensible decisions. The paper ends with a survey of current efforts around the country to overturn Citizens United through an amendment to the United States Constitution.
Civil Sphere and Transitions to Peace: Cultural Trauma and Civil Repair

What are the conditions for establishing solidarity after a period of intensive and divisive social conflict—what Kant called a cosmopolitan constitution? In this essay, I argue that such a widened solidarity depends on establishing a relatively independent civil sphere, the effective functioning of whose institutions depend, in turn, on a shared sacred discourse of civility. To speak such a shared language, however, requires much more than engaging in speech acts. It depends upon a deeply emotional and highly symbolic process, one in which public performances of reconciliation create new structures of feeling and identification. This theoretical argument is elaborated empirically with reference to post-Holocaust Germany, post-Franco Spain, and post-Apartheid South Africa.
Low base-substitution mutation rate in the ciliate Tetrahymena thermophila

Mutation is the ultimate source of all genetic variation and is, therefore, central to evolutionary change. Previous work on the ciliate Paramecium tetraurelia concluded that the presence of a transcriptionally silent germline genome has caused the evolution of a low base-substitution mutation rate in the germline genome of that ciliate. Here, we use mutation accumulation (MA) lines of the ciliate Tetrahymena thermophila to test the generality of this result. We find that both ciliates have similar base-substitution mutation rates in their germline genomes. The estimated base-substitution mutation rate cannot account for the observed fitness decline of the MA lines of T. thermophila, suggesting that it may have been caused other types of mutations.
Does size matter

From the Department of Surgery, Strong Memorial, University Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY. Disclosures: Author has nothing to disclose with regard to commercial support. Received for publication Feb 1, 2016; accepted for publication Feb 2, 2016; available ahead of print March 8, 2016. Address for reprints: George L. Hicks, Jr, MD, Department of Surgery, University Rochester Medical Center, Strong Memorial, Rochester, NY 14642 (E-mail: george_hicks@urmc.rochester.edu). J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2016;151:1693-4 0022-5223/$36.00 Copyright 2016 Published by Elsevier Inc. on behalf of The American Association for Thoracic Surgery http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jtcvs.2016.02.003
Imaging of the fetal oral cavity, airway and neck

Magnetic resonance imaging has proved to be an extraordinarily useful adjunct modality in assessment of the fetal face, oral cavity, head and neck because of its soft-tissue contrast, utility for acquiring more precise planar imaging and the inherent advantage of contrast provided by fluid-filled structures, including the oropharyngeal cavity, nasal passages and vascular structures. In this review, the author presents an organized approach to assessing normal anatomical structures of the fetus. The author presents cystic and solid lesions as well as structural and developmental abnormalities and discusses potential concomitant abnormalities. Prenatal consultation, patient counseling and delivery considerations are included.
Recyclable Catalysts for Alkyne Functionalization.

In this review, we present an assessment of recent advances in alkyne functionalization reactions, classified according to different classes of recyclable catalysts. In this work, we have incorporated and reviewed the activity and selectivity of recyclable catalytic systems such as polysiloxane-encapsulated novel metal nanoparticle-based catalysts, silica–copper-supported nanocatalysts, graphitic carbon-supported nanocatalysts, metal organic framework (MOF) catalysts, porous organic framework (POP) catalysts, bio-material-supported catalysts, and metal/solvent free recyclable catalysts. In addition, several alkyne functionalization reactions have been elucidated to demonstrate the success and efficiency of recyclable catalysts. In addition, this review also provides the fundamental knowledge required for utilization of green catalysts, which can combine the advantageous features of both homogeneous (catalyst modulation) and heterogeneous (catalyst recycling) catalysis.
Molecular Layer Deposition of Crosslinked Polymeric Lithicone for Superior Lithium Metal Anodes

In this work, we for the first time developed a novel lithium-containing crosslinked polymeric material, a lithicone that enables excellent protection effects over lithium (Li) metal anodes. This new lithicone was synthesized via an accurately controllable molecular layer deposition (MLD) process, in which lithium tert-butoxide (LTB) and glycerol (GL) were used as precursors. The resultant LiGL lithicone was analyzed using a suite of characterizations. Furthermore, we found that the LiGL thichicone could serve as an exceptional polymeric protection film over Li metal anodes. Our experimental data revealed that the Li electrodes coated by this LiGL lithicone can achieve a superior cycling stability, accounting for an extremely long cyclability of >13,600 Li-stripping/plating cycles and having no failures so far in Li/Li symmetric cells at a current density of 5 mA/cm2 and an areal capacity of 1 mAh/cm2. We found that, with a sufficient protection by this LiGL coating, Li electrodes could realize long-term stable cyclability with little formation of Li dendrites and solid electrolyte interphase. This novel LiGL represents a facile and effective solution to the existing issues of Li anodes and potentially paves a technically feasible route for lithium metal batteries.
Burnout and Well-Being Among Cardiology Fellowship Program Directors.

Abstract Objectives The third annual Cardiovascular Diseases (CV) Fellowship Program Directors (PDs) Survey sought to understand burnout and well-being among CV fellowship PDs. Background Physician burnout is a common phenomenon. Data on burnout among cardiologists, specifically CV PDs, remain limited. Methods The survey contained 8 questions examining satisfaction, stress, and burnout among CV fellowship PDs. Burnout was defined based on the self-reported presence of ≥1 symptom of burnout, constant feelings of burnout, or complete burnout. Results Survey response rate was 57%. Most respondents were men (78%) and 54% represented university-based programs. Eighty percent reported satisfaction with their current job as PD, and 96% identified interactions with fellows as a driver of their satisfaction. Forty-five percent reported feeling a great deal of stress from their job. Stress was higher among women PDs, early-career PDs, and PDs of larger and university-based programs. Twenty-one percent reported some symptoms of burnout, and only 36% reported enjoyment without stress or burnout. Rates of enjoyment without stress or burnout were higher among men and late-career PDs, PDs of smaller programs, and PDs of community-based programs. Seventeen percent of PDs reported a high likelihood of resigning in the next year, of which the most common reason was the tasks of PDs were becoming overwhelming. Conclusions Most CV fellowship PDs are satisfied with their position, but stress and burnout remain common. Women PDs, early-career PDs, and PDs of larger, university-based programs demonstrate more adverse markers of well-being. Opportunities exist to support CV fellowship PDs in their critical role.
Real Robots, Real Learning Problems

The weaknesses of existing learning techniques, and the variety of knowledge necessary to make a robot perform efficiently in the real world, suggest that many concurrent, complementary, and redundant learning methods are necessary. We propose a division of learning styles into four main types based on the amount of built-in structure and the type of information being learned. Using this classification, we discuss the effectiveness of various learning methodologies when applied in a real robot context.
Carboranyl Precursors of Nucleic Acids--Potential DNA Probes for BNCT

It has been determined that the biological effectiveness of BNCT will be maximized if the capture reaction were to occur in the cell nucleus in comparison with the cytoplasm, on cell membrane or in extracellular spaces.1–2 This has been the basis for the ongoing synthesis of boron compounds which are chemically similar to the building blocks of the nucleic acids. Initially, the approach concentrated on the preparation of purine and pyrimidine bases which contain boron.3–7 The rationale was that such structures might emulate the naturally-occurring purine and pyrimidine bases and become more selectively incorporated into tumor cell nuclei in comparison to normal cells due to the higher proliferative rates of the former. Of the different boron compounds which were initially synthesized, many were unstable, toxic or failed to become incorporated into nucleic acids. One structure which resembled more closely its natural counterpart was 5-dihydroxyboryluracil.8 Its synthesis encouraged Schinazi and Prusoff to prepare the first boron-containing pyrimidine nucleoside.9
Investigation of the properties of the period for the nonlinear oscillator x¨+(1+x˙2)x=0

Abstract The mathematical properties of a nonlinear oscillator, having the square of the angular frequency depend quadratically on the velocity, is presented. The major conclusion is that the exact period T ( A ) is well-defined for all values of the amplitude (where the initial conditions are taken to be x ( 0 ) = A and x ˙ ( 0 ) = 0 ). An approximate expression is derived for T ( A ) .
Transmission of marital and family quality over the generations: The effect of parental divorce and unhappiness.

Extending prior research on the intergenerational transmission process, we examine the influence of parental divorce and parental unhappiness on the marital and family relations of their adult offspring. Using interview data from a national sample of married persons, parental divorce, it is found, has little associaton with the various aspects of family relations examined. It does relate, however, to several dimensions of the adult offsprings' marriages. In contrast, marital unhappiness in the parental generation is strongly related to both the family and marital relations of their married children. The findings indicate that remaining in an unhappy marriage has many more adverse, and stonger, effects on the next generation than parental divorce does.