cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Generating Transit Light Curves with Variational Autoencoders

We leverage variational autoencoders to generate transient light curves of distant exoplanets and stars in order to demonstrate the efficacy of deep learning techniques for this class of data. The ability to generate accurate light curves with desirable characteristics becomes more and more necessary with the success of recent astronomical missions and upcoming missions and will be a key enabler of the development of future models and research. The first study of its type to date, our initial results indicate a promising new research direction worthy of further development.
The Role of Death in Life: Exploring the Interface Between Terror Management Theory and Evolutionary Psychology

The problem of death has been pondered by poets, philosophers, and ordinary people since the beginning of written history, and perhaps since the earliest days of our species. The oldest surviving narrative text, the Epic of Gilgamesh, tells the story of a young king who is deeply troubled by the death of his friend (Enkidu), which leads him to realize that he, too, will die someday, inspiring him to embark on an epic quest for immortality. The earliest fossil remnants of our species coincide with the earliest unambiguous signs of ritual burial of the dead. All cultures teach practices to forestall death and prescribe rituals to be performed after the death of others. Despite this, if one were to survey the literature in empirically oriented psychology in the early 1980s, it would appear that the problem of death played little if any role in human affairs, or perhaps didn’t even exist. Terror management theory (TMT; Greenberg, Pyszczynski, & Solomon, 1986; Solomon, Greenberg, & Pyszczynski, 1991) is an attempt to bring the problem of death into the mainstream of contemporary psychology. Toward this end, TMT posits that anxiety about the inevitability of death is a driving force behind the human motives for self-esteem and meaning in life, and thus plays an important role in diverse aspects of human behavior.
Psychosocial factors affecting outcomes after shoulder arthroplasty: a systematic review.

Background Both anatomic and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty are considered successful surgeries to treat a variety of painful shoulder conditions. Although implant survivorship for both is good to excellent in the long term, a variety of factors—clinical, technical, and psychosocial—may affect patient-reported outcomes after shoulder arthroplasty. Methods A comprehensive review of the literature was performed systematically using keywords “shoulder arthroplasty outcomes,” “psychosocial factors shoulder,” “shoulder replacement outcomes,” “depression shoulder arthroplasty,” “satisfaction shoulder arthroplasty,” “factors shoulder replacement,” “expectations shoulder arthroplasty,” and “predictors shoulder arthroplasty.” Studies meeting the inclusion criteria were screened and analyzed. Type of surgery performed, sample size, outcome measures, and other factors influencing patient outcomes were recorded and analyzed. Results Sixteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Six reviewed mental health disorders as predictors of postoperative outcome after shoulder arthroplasty. Of these, 4 found that disorders such a depression and anxiety were associated with increased risk of perioperative complications and lower final functional outcome scores. Two studies evaluated workers' compensation status as a possible predictor of outcomes and found that patients with claims had lower satisfaction and outcome scores at final follow-up compared with those without claims. Two studies showed that preoperative opioid use was associated with lower outcome scores and overall satisfaction rate after shoulder arthroplasty. Three studies showed that higher patient confidence and preoperative expectations were correlated with better outcomes. Conclusion Our review shows that psychosocial factors may play just as important role in affecting patient outcomes after total shoulder arthroplasty as technical factors.
Physiology of the Respiratory Drive in ICU Patients: Implications for Diagnosis and Treatment

The aim of this chapter is to discuss the physiology of respiratory drive and techniques to monitor and modulate drive, as relevant to ICU patients. Respiratory drive is the intensity of the output of the respiratory centers and determines the effort to breathe. A combination of chemical, mechanical, behavioral, and emotional factors contributes to respiratory drive. The most important receptors that provide feedback to the respiratory centers are central chemoreceptors sensitive to changes in pH in the cerebrospinal fluid. High and low respiratory drive can be present in critically ill patients under mechanical ventilation. High or low respiratory drive may worsen, or even cause lung injury and diaphragm injury. Several techniques are available to monitor respiratory drive in critically ill patients, including clinical evaluation, diaphragm electromyography, the airway occlusion pressure (P0.1), and transdiaphragmatic pressure. Monitoring and modulating respiratory drive may limit the clinical impact of high or low respiratory drive on the lungs and diaphragm. Potential strategies to modulate respiratory drive towards physiological levels include adaptation of ventilator inspiratory support, medication (e.g., opioids, sedatives), and extracorporeal CO2 removal. The impact of modulating respiratory drive on patient outcome requires further evaluation.
Adolescent Ethanol Exposure: Anxiety-Like Behavioral Alterations, Ethanol Intake, and Sensitivity

Adolescence is a developmental period associated with rapid age-specific physiological, neural, and hormonal changes. Behaviorally, human adolescents are characterized by age-typical increases in novelty-seeking and risk-taking, including the frequent initiation of alcohol and drug use. Alcohol use typically begins during early adolescence, and older adolescents often report high levels of alcohol consumption, commonly referred to as high-intensity drinking. Early-onset and heavy drinking during adolescence are associated with an increased risk of developing alcohol use disorders later in life. Yet, long-term behavioral consequences of adolescent alcohol use that might contribute to excessive drinking in adulthood are still not well understood. Recent animal research, however, using different exposure regimens and routes of ethanol administration, has made substantial progress in identifying the consequences of adolescent ethanol exposure that last into adulthood. Alterations associated with adolescent ethanol exposure include increases in anxiety-like behavior, impulsivity, risk-taking, and ethanol intake, although the observed alterations differ as a function of exposure regimens and routes of ethanol administration. Rodent studies have also shown that adolescent ethanol exposure produces alterations in sensitivity to ethanol, with these alterations reminiscent of adolescent-typical ethanol responsiveness. The goal of this mini-review article is to summarize the current state of animal research, focusing on the long-term consequences related to adolescent ethanol exposure, with a special emphasis on the behavioral alterations and changes to ethanol sensitivity that can foster high levels of drinking in adulthood.
Describing historical habitat use of a native fish-Cisco (Coregonus artedi)-in Lake Michigan between 1930 and 1932

With the global-scale loss of biodiversity, current restoration programs have been often required as part of conservation plans for species richness and ecosystem integrity. The restoration of pelagic-oriented cisco (Coregonus artedi) has been an interest of Lake Michigan managers because it may increase the diversity and resilience of the fish assemblages and conserve the integrity of the ecosystems in a changing environment. To inform restoration, we described historical habitat use of cisco by analyzing a unique fishery-independent dataset collected in 1930-1932 by the U.S. Bureau of Fisheries' first research vessel Fulmar and a commercial catch dataset reported by the State of Michigan in the same period, both based on gear fished on the bottom. Our results confirmed that the two major embayments, Green Bay and Grand Traverse Bay, were important habitats for cisco and suggest that the Bays were capable of supporting cisco to complete its entire life cycle in the early 20th century as there was no lack of summer feeding and fall spawning habitats. Seasonally, our results showed that cisco stayed in nearshore waters in spring, migrated to offshore waters in summer, and then migrated back to nearshore waters in fall. The results also suggest that in summer, most ciscoes were in waters with bottom depths of 20-70 m, but the highest cisco density occurred in waters with a bottom depth around 40 m. We highlight the importance of embayment habitats to cisco restoration and the seasonal migration pattern of cisco identified in this study, which suggests that a restored cisco population can diversify the food web by occupying different habitats from the exotic fishes that now dominate the pelagic waters of Lake Michigan.
Hyperspectral chemical agent standoff detection using sparse representation (Withdrawal Notice)

Publisher’s Note: This paper, originally published on 21 May 2015, was withdrawn per author request, if you have any questions please contact SPIE Digital Library Customer Service for assistance.
Protestants, Gender and the Arab Renaissance in Late Ottoman Syria: by Deanna Ferree Womack

To scholars of the Nahda, that is, the Arab cultural renaissance which unfolded in Egypt and Ottoman Syria over the course of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, the journalist, teacher, and writer Buṭrus al-Bustānī is well familiar. However, few might be aware that al-Bustānī was also a committed Protestant Christian involved in building local church structures. Probably even fewer know that his daughter, Alice al-Bustānī, and other members of his extended family were at once important figures within the Syrian Protestant church and central protagonists of the Nahda. To read the full book review, download the PDF file on the right.
The effects of park-based interventions on health: a systematic review protocol.

Public parks serve as spaces within neighborhoods for encouraging a variety of physical and mental health-related behaviors. Over the past decade, there have been a number of interventions conducted in public parks, often aimed at improving an aspect of mental or physical health. A common type of park-based interventions is aimed at increasing physical activity among adults and children. We will conduct a systematic review of peer-reviewed articles on the effects of park-based interventions on physical and mental health outcomes of adults and youth (children and adolescents). An electronic search will be conducted in four electronic databases: Web of Science, PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and Scopus. Manual hand-searching of reference lists from studies identified as relevant by experts and of systematic reviews resulting from the search strategy will be conducted to further identify articles of interest. Inclusion criteria are peer-reviewed, quantitative studies, studies detailing an intervention conducted in a park setting, which was at the person-level or place-level, and studies published in English or Spanish. A three-stage approach will be used to screen title and abstracts and full-text articles against the inclusion and exclusion criteria and, lastly, extract data from eligible studies. Study quality will be assessed by the Cochrane Risk of Bias and the Community Guide’s Guide to Community Preventive Services tools. Extracted data will be summarized narratively and meta-analysis will be conducted, if appropriate. We aim to find relevant studies proving evidence for park-based intervention studies and their effects on health-related outcomes for youth and adults. The evidence obtained from the included studies will help guide future studies on park-based interventions. The study results will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal for electronic dissemination. Systematic review registration: PROSPERO CRD42018109165.
Self-Distancing and Avoidance Mediate the Links Between Trait Mindfulness and Responses to Emotional Challenges

Mindfulness has been linked to better emotion regulation and more adaptive responses to stress across a number of studies, but the mechanisms underlying these links remain to be fully understood. The present study examines links between trait mindfulness (Five Facets of Mindfulness Questionnaire; FFMQ) and participants’ responses to common emotional challenges, focusing specifically on the roles of reduced avoidance and more self-distanced engagement as key potential mechanisms driving the adaptive benefits of trait mindfulness. Adults (n = 305, age range: 40–72) from the Second Generation Study of the Harvard Study of Adult Development completed two laboratory-based challenges—public speaking combined with difficult math tasks (the Trier Social Stress Test) and writing about a memory of a difficult moment. State anxiety and sadness were assessed immediately before and after the two stressors. To capture different ways of engaging, measures of self-distancing, avoidance, and persistent worry were collected during the lab session. As predicted, individuals who scored higher on the FFMQ experienced less anxiety and persistent worry in response to the social stressors. The FFMQ was also linked to less anxiety and sadness when writing about a difficult moment. The links between mindfulness and negative emotions after the writing task were independently mediated by self-distanced engagement and lower avoidance. Affective benefits of trait mindfulness under stress are associated with both the degree and the nature of emotional engagement. Specifically, reduced avoidance and self-distanced engagement may facilitate reflection on negative experiences that is less affectively aversive.
The environmental stress response regulates ribosome content in cell cycle-arrested S. cerevisiae

Abstract Temperature sensitive cell division cycle (cdc-ts) cells are unable to progress through the cell cycle at the restrictive temperature due to mutations in genes essential to cell cycle progress. Cells harboring cdc-ts mutations increase in cell volume upon arrest but eventually stop growing. We found that this attenuation in growth was due to selective downregulation of ribosome concentration. We saw similar ribosome downregulation in cells arrested in the cell cycle through alpha factor addition, rapamycin addition, and entrance into stationary phase. In all cell cycle arrests studied, cells activated the Environmental Stress Response (ESR), a key transcriptional response to many stressors in S. cerevisiae. When we combined cell cycle arrest with hyperactivation of the Ras/PKA pathway, ESR activation was prevented, cells were unable to downregulate their ribosomes, and cell viability was decreased. Our work uncovers a key role for the environmental stress response in coupling cell cycle progression to biomass accumulation.
The missing layer in COVID-19 studies: Transmission of enveloped viruses in mucus-rich droplets

Abstract Here we evaluate the influence of mucus layers on the evaporation time and transport of enveloped viruses, including SARS-CoV-2. Enveloped viruses must remain moist to be fully infective. Yet, the simple but enduring Wells model based on water droplets divides respiratory droplets into either quickly evaporated aerosolized particles termed droplet nuclei (
Nanoscale Characterization of Cementitious Materials

The present study investigates the adhesion properties and coefficient of friction of various cementitious particles using atomic force microscopy (AFM). The cementitious materials studied are Portland cement (PC), fly ash (FA) and ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS). AFM probes used were commercial silicon nitride tips and cementitious particles attached to the tips of AFM cantilevers. The adhesion force is determined from pull-off force measurements, which is then used to calculate effective Hamaker constants according to JKR or DMT contact models. The coefficient of friction is determined by sliding the tip of the AFM probes on another material and increasing the normal loads and friction forces. The results in dry air indicate that FA can have a high Hamaker constant; also when in contact with other cementitious materials. The results in fluid environments have showed high Hamaker constants for PC and FA. The results for the friction test in dry air indicate that the coefficient of friction of PC is lower than fly ashes, which is attributed to the asperities present on the particle surface. However, the coefficient of friction of PC becomes much higher in fluid environments.
2 – Psychometric Considerations

Publisher Summary This chapter emphasizes the central role of measurement in research and clinical applications. Measures obtained through the assessment process guide all subsequent inferences about variables that affect behavior disorders, clinical case formulation, and treatment outcome. The central role of measurement explains the importance of psychometry, which is the science of measurement. It provides the methods and concepts to help evaluate and interpret measures. Several psychometric concepts that are relevant to the behavioral assessment that is discussed in this chapter are validity, internal consistency, generalizability, content validity, sensitivity to change, convergent validation, incremental validity, and temporal stability. The concept of validity has evolved to be more inclusive but it is recommended a more restrictive definition–the degree to which changes on a dimension of an attribute produce changes in a measure of that attribute dimension.
Hearts and Minds and Morality: Analyzing Moral Vocabularies in Qualitative Studies

A strategy of analyzing the moral vocabulary of a social movement or subculture is proposed by which ethnographies and other qualitative works may place the moral and ethical concepts used by respondents into a broader sociological context. Through examining the moral resources, the status hierarchy which the specific moral resources within a given moral vocabulary form, and the historical and cultural contexts within which these moral resources exist, it is argued that it becomes possible to analyze and anticipate the moral claims and form of discourse which will be produced by a specific movement and/or subculture. It is also argued that this method may be used to predict how the opposition to a movement and/or subculture is perceived through the formation of an antithetical moral vocabulary.
Automatic Server Hang Bug Diagnosis: Feasible Reality or Pipe Dream?

It is notoriously difficult to diagnose server hang bugs as they often generate little diagnostic information and are difficult to reproduce offline. In this paper, we present a characteristic study of 177 real software hang bugs from 8 common open source server systems (i.e., Apache, Lighttpd, My SQL, Squid, HDFS, Hadoop Mapreduce, Tomcat, Cassandra). We identify three major root cause categories (i.e., Programmer errors, mishandled values, concurrency issues). We then describe two major problems (i.e., False positives and false negatives) while applying existing rule-based bug detection techniques to those bugs.
Garbage collection in the presence of remote objects: an empirical study

Most virtual machine implementations employ generational garbage collection to manage dynamically allocated memory. Studies have shown that these generational schemes work efficiently in desktop-like applications where most objects are short-lived. The performance of generational collectors, however, has been rarely studied in the context of distributed systems. Given the increasing popularity of such systems, and the distinct type of objects they introduce to support the distributed paradigm, providing insights into their memory allocation behavior could have a large impact on the design of future garbage collection techniques, and in the implementation of such distributed systems as well. This work presents one of the first attempts to characterize the lifespan of objects in distributed systems. First, we empirically study the differences in lifespan of remote and local objects. Second, we investigate the effects of ephemeral heap size and workload on the lifespan or remote objects. Last, we utilize the insights gained through the experiment to improve the efficiency of a generational collection scheme through the segregation of objects based on their locality.
The generation of embryoid bodies from feeder-based or feeder-free human pluripotent stem cell cultures.

Embryoid body (EB) formation is a traditional method of inducing differentiation of pluripotent stem cells (PSCs). It is a routine in vitro test of pluripotency as well as the first stage in many differentiation protocols targeted toward the production of a specific lineage or cellular population, as in neural differentiation (see Chapters 29 and 30). The induction of differentiation via EB formation is fairly straight-forward. However, depending on the specific PSC culture conditions – substrate, feeders, medium, and eventual cell type of interest – various methods are applied in order to most routinely obtain healthy EB cultures.
Carbohydrate composition of central nervous system synapses. Analysis of isolated synaptic junctional complexes and postsynaptic densities.

Abstract The composition of specialized structures present at synapses within the central nervous system was elucidated by biochemical analysis of fractions enriched in synaptic junctional complexes and postsynaptic densities. The results indicate that the synaptic junctional complex is primarily protein together with some glycoproteins. The synaptic junctional complex proteins are similar in amino acid composition to synaptic membrane proteins; they are not especially rich in basic residues, as previously suggested. The major carbohydrates present in the synaptic junctional complex and postsynaptic density glycoproteins are mannose, galactose, and glucosamine, with lesser amounts of fucose, N- acetylneuraminic acid, and galactosamine. Comparison with the synaptic membrane fraction indicates that galactose is more concentrated in the synaptic junctional complex and mannose in the postsynaptic density. Glucose is dramatically enriched in both these fractions. Sucrose binding during isolation may partially account for the glucose enrichment.
Hierarchical test generation and diagnostics of differential cascode voltage switch circuits

Hierarchical methodologies for design-for-testability, test generation, and fault modeling of digital (DCVS) circuits are described. In addition to the 2* density and speed advantages over the conventional CMOS circuits, DCVS technology also has the following improved features: (1) DCVS can handle the test generation for an unlimited size chip. The testing problem is reduced to that of a logic group, and CPU time increases linearly as the number of logic groups increases. Fewer test patterns are required than for a CMOS chip of the same function. (2) Using different levels of diagnostics, DCVS can perform an exact diagnostic to a logic group, a logic tree, or a logic gate level. (3) A self-testable logic design can be easily implemented in DCVS by connecting outputs of each logic group with an XOR tree. >
Picturesque America, Romanticism, and the Development of Karst Science

The romantic movement heavily influenced the development of science in 19th century America. The Hudson River School of art, which idealized epic landscapes and grand vistas, had a big impact on the field of geology by providing tableaus on which geologists could imagine themselves as scientific interpreters of the heroic images. Within this context, the New York Publisher D. Appleton and Company produced a two-volume set of books in the early 1870’s that contained dozens of chapters and hundreds of images representing a number of places in America. The result, Picturesque America, was the first true geographical representation of the region after the devastating Civil War. Meant to highlight the best attributes of the cities and landscapes, the books contain some of the most romantic geographical images and texts ever published. The steel and wood engravings were done by some of the most noted artists of the time. An analysis of the images of karst landforms in the volumes is presented that suggests that most karst landscapes were not romantic enough to be of interest to the artists and writers. Instead, the focus was on the more dramatic landscapes such as canyons, waterfalls, and mountains. It is suggested that the unromantic character of karst landforms slowed the development of karst science.
Voltage and Cosubstrate Dependence of the Na-HCO3 Cotransporter Kinetics in Renal Proximal Tubule Cells

The voltage dependence of the kinetics of the sodium bicarbonate cotransporter was studied in proximal tubule cells. This electrogenic cotransporter transports one Na+, three HCO3-, and two negative charges. Cells were grown to confluence on a permeable support, mounted on a Ussing-type chamber, and permeabilized apically to small monovalent ions with amphotericin B. The steady-state, di-nitro-stilbene-di-sulfonate-sensitive current was shown to be sodium and bicarbonate dependent and therefore was taken as flux through the cotransporter. Voltage-current relations were measured as a function of Na+ and HCO3- concentrations between -160 and +160 mV under zero-trans and symmetrical conditions. The kinetics could be described by a Michaelis-Menten behavior with a Hill coefficient of 3 for HCO3- and 1 for Na+. The data were fitted to six-state ordered binding models without restrictions with respect to the rate-limiting step. All ordered models could quantitatively account for the observed current-voltage relationships and the transinhibition by high bicarbonate concentration. The models indicate that 1) the unloaded transporter carries a positive charge; 2) the binding of cytosolic bicarbonate to the transporter "senses" 12% of the electric field in the membrane, whereas its translocation across the membrane "senses" 88% of the field; 3) the binding of Na+ to the cotransporter is voltage independent.
DEPLOYMERIZATION OF POLYSACCHARIDES BY ACTIVE OXYGEN SPECIES DERIVED FROM A XANTHINE OXIDASE SYSTEM

Depolymerization of isolated plant polysaccharides by active forms of oxygen produced by the action of xanthine oxidase was measured by viscosity changes. With the use of enzymes, specific inhibitors, quenchers and scavengers of active oxygen species we found that the two forms responsible for the depolymerizations are hydroxyl radical and singlet oxygen. Both of those active forms are produced by the interaction of superoxide ion with hydrogen peroxide, the latter two being produced by xanthine oxidase.
Abundance, community composition, size distribution, and production rates of tintinnids in Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island

The abundance of tintinnid ciliates in lower Narragansett Bay was measured at weekly intervals over the period 1980–1982. Twenty-nine species representing nine genera ranged in abundance from 101 to 105 tintinnids l−1. Tintinnopsis was the most numerous genus in terms of numbers of species and individuals. Total abundance increased with water temperature above 6°C, and with nanoplankton chlorophyll a (<10 μm and <5 μm chl a) averaged over the water column. Exceptions occurred during blooms of phytoplankton previously demonstrated to be poor food for tintinnids (Olisthodiscus, Thalassiosira). Tintinnids aggregated near the bottom during periods of low nanoplankton chl a. Abundances and distributions were not correlated with particulate organic carbon. Seasonal changes in length and oral diameter of loricas of individual species were inversely related to temperature. Oral diameter was a more constant feature of lorica morphology than length. Seasonal patterns in the mean oral diameter of the lorica of all species reflected decreases in the oral diameter of individual species with increasing temperature, and changes from small to large species coincident with similar shifts in the size of phytoplankton. The production rate of tintinnids was 3·3 mgCl−1 year−1, equivalent to the ingestion of 26% of total annual net primary production and 52% of the estimated production of <10 μm phytoplankton.
Enhancement of poly(ethylene glycol) mucoadsorption by biomimetic end group functionalization

Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) is widely used in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device industries. Although PEG is a biocompatible polymer that has enjoyed widespread use in drug delivery technology, it is not considered adhesive toward mucosal tissue. Here the authors describe a simple approach to enhancing mucoadsorption of PEG polymers through end group functionalization with the amino acid 3,4-dihydroxyphenyl-l-alanine (DOPA). Using a variety of surface analytical techniques, the authors show that a four-armed poly(ethylene glycol) polymer functionalized with a single DOPA residue at the terminus of each arm (PEG-(DOPA)4 adsorbed strongly to surface immobilized mucin. Successful mucoadsorption of PEG-(DOPA)4 across several pH values ranging from 4.5 to 8.5 was demonstrated, and control experiments with unfunctionalized four-arm PEG demonstrated that mucoadsorption of PEG-(DOPA)4 is due largely to the presence of DOPA end groups. This conclusion was confirmed with single molecule atomic force microscopy experiments that revealed a surprisingly strong interaction force of 371±93 pN between DOPA and adsorbed mucin. Direct comparisons with known mucoadhesive polymers revealed that PEG-(DOPA)4 was equal to or more adsorptive to immobilized mucin than these existing mucoadhesive polymers. In addition to demonstrating significant enhancement of mucoadhesive properties of PEG by DOPA functionalization, this study also introduced a new simple approach for rapid screening of mucoadhesive polymers.
Oblique incidence reflectometry: optical-fiber implementation

A new, simple and quick approach, oblique-incidence reflectometry, was used to measure the absorption and reduced scattering coefficients of a semi-infinite turbid medium. An obliquely incident light beam causes the center of the far diffuse reflectance to shift from the point of incidence, where the far diffuse reflectance refers to the diffuse reflectance that is several transport mean free paths away from the incident point. The amount of shift yields the diffusion constant by a simple formula, and the slope of the diffuse reflectance yields the attenuation coefficient. Only the relative profile of the diffuse reflectance is needed to deduce both optical parameters, which makes this method attractive in clinical settings because it does not require a stringent calibration for absolute quantity measurements. This method was tested theoretically by Monte Carlo simulations and experimentally by a reflectometer. Because this method can be used to measure optical properties of biological tissues quickly and requires on inexpensive equipment, it has potential clinical application to the diagnosis of disease or monitoring of treatments.
The kinesin superfamily: tails of functional redundancy.

Abstract Kinesin is a microtubule-based motility protein that mediates axonal transport and perhaps other intracellular movements in eukaryotic cells. Recent research has indicated that the principal component of kinesin, the kinesin heavy chain, is but one member of an extended superfamily of kinesin-like microtubule motor proteins. These proteins appear to have diverse microtubule-based motility functions - in mitosis, meiosis, vesicle transport and organelle transport. The various kinesin-like molecules may play overlapping or redundant roles in these processes.
Risk Factors for Surgical Site Infections after Colorectal Resection in Diabetic Patients

Background Surgical site infections (SSIs) are a well known complication of gastrointestinal surgery and associated with an increased morbidity, mortality and overall cost. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a risk factor for SSI. However, there is no clear consensus as to which other risk factors play a significant role. The goal of this study was to identify risk factors associated with SSI in patients with DM undergoing colorectal resection. Study Design A retrospective review was conducted of DM patients who underwent colorectal resection from June 2000 to June 2009 at Milton S Hershey Medical Center, Division of Colorectal Surgery. Individual measures were analyzed using chi-square, t -test, and Mann-Whitney U tests, and statistical significance was confirmed using a multiple logistical regression model. Results There were 183 DM patients included in the study, 28 (15%) of whom developed SSI. Glucose levels were significantly higher in the SSI group for each time interval, 0 to 6 hours (211 mg/dL, p=0.03), 0 to 48 hours (176 mg/dL, p=0.001), and 48 to 96 hours (167 mg/dL, p=0.012) postoperatively. Other measures significantly associated with SSI included the use of drains (p = 0.05) and the use of prophylactic antibiotics for more than 24 hours (p = 0.02). Body mass index and stoma creation approached statistical significance (p = 0.08, 0.07, respectively). The type of hypoglycemic regimen, immunosuppression, and emergency surgery were not associated with an increased rate of SSI. Conclusions Higher than normal glucose control at all postoperative time intervals was associated with SSI. The majority of glucose levels were below the American Diabetes Association recommended level of 200 mg/dL, but patients still developed SSI. Type of perioperative glucose control did not affect the incidence of SSI. These data suggest that DM patients undergoing colectomy should have glucose tightly controlled, avoid placement of drains, and receive antibiotics for less than 24 hours.
Analysis of higher order pitch division for sub-32nm lithography

The three knobs of optical lithography, namely process factor k1, wavelength (λ) and numerical aperture (NA) have been constantly pushed to print smaller features. To get an equivalent k1 value below the fundamental limit of 0.25, double patterning (DP) has recently emerged as a viable solution for the 32nm lithography node. Various DP techniques exist such as litho-etch-litho-etch (LELE), litho-freeze-litho-freeze (LFLF) and self-aligned sidewall spacer. In this paper, the potential of higher order pitch division (pitch/N, N>2) for sub-32nm lithography is analyzed. Compared to double patterning, higher order pitch division lithography offers higher resolution but also faces significant challenges such as added cost and tighter process control. Several process schemes are proposed and compared in terms of complexity, susceptibility to alignment error and CD uniformity control. It is shown that the overlay budget does not necessarily decrease compared to double patterning. The main challenge in higher order pitch division comes from controlling the key processing steps that directly form lines or spaces. In addition, line CD control is easier than space (gap) control in all four "positive-tone" processes studied, similar to the double patterning case. Among the proposed processes, a freezing assisted double spacer (FADS) process that is simpler than the common sidewall spacer approach shows promise for balanced process control.
Identification of insulin binding activity and isolation of endogenous insulin from rat liver.

Summary A discrete peak of immunoinsulin activity (molecular weight 300,000) has been separated by gel filtration from liver homogenates. This fraction chromatographs with insulinase activity and cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase. Endogenous insulin has been separated from this insulin binding activity by various methods. Our results suggest that when bound, insulin is not degraded by the insulinase activity.
Sampled dynamic holographic memory

We report the experimental demonstration of a photorefractive dynamic holographic memory that has a simple feedback architecture stabilized through a novel spatial sampling technique. By using dynamic copying to compensate for photorefractive decay, this memory provides nondestructive readout, selective erasure and rewriting, and real-time adaptation of holograms through an arbitrarily large number of exposures.
Management of haemorrhagic complications associated with oral anticoagulant treatment.

The frequency of anticoagulant-related bleeding has been reported to range 1 – 7% per year, depending on the indication for anticoagulant therapy and the classification of bleeding. Although most bleeding is not life threatening, it does cause short-term morbidity and inconvenience to patients, as well as possibly diminishing their quality of life to some degree. Assessing the risk of anticoagulant-related bleeding is integral to optimising the management of anticoagulant therapy. Furthermore, early recognition and treatment of anticoagulant-related bleeding can reduce the associated morbidity. This article reviews the definitions of major and minor bleeding, the assessment of risk and preventive strategies and the management of anticoagulant-related bleeding.
Characterization of alumoxane-derived ceramic membranes

Abstract Atomic force microscopy, nitrogen adsorption–desorption, and measurements of intrinsic permeability are used to characterize ceramic membranes made using a newly developed alumoxane-based method conceived as an environmentally benign process. AFM, BET and permeability data indicate that the alumoxane synthesis pathway can be used to readily produce unsupported membranes with pore sizes in the range of 10–20 nm and with permeabilities comparable to those of anodized alumina membranes.
Evaluation of the CMB and PMF models using organic molecular markers in fine particulate matter collected during the Pittsburgh Air Quality Study

This analysis investigated different possible strategies for source apportionment of airborne fine particulate matter (PM2.5) using data collected as part of the Pittsburgh Air Quality Study (PAQS). More specifically, we apportioned the organic fraction of the winter and summer season PM2.5 using two source–receptor models – the EPA Chemical Mass Balance 8.2 (CMB) and EPA Positive Matrix Factorization 1.1 (PMF) models – and tested several case scenarios with each model by varying either the chemical species or source profiles used as model input. Moreover, we added the constraint of selecting only individual molecular marker species with concentrations above their minimum quantitative limits. Model results suggest that the molecular marker and source profile selection can strongly affect the model, as reflected in the source contribution estimates determined by both CMB and PMF. Biomass burning and mobile emissions sources were identified by both models as being major source contributors in Pittsburgh. A third source was consistent with a meat cooking profile but was more likely a combination of cooking and secondary organic aerosol. As expected, the relative proportion of each source's contribution depended on both the season and on whether the CMB or PMF model was applied. Selecting fewer species in CMB resulted in less mass being apportioned, and an unrealistically large wood burning contribution estimate. Swapping a wildfire profile for one of the two wood burning profiles also resulted in less mass being apportioned in the winter. The results suggest that CMB can distinguish between fireplace burning and wildfire contributions when appropriate species are included. The gasoline/diesel split also varied by up to an order of magnitude, depending on which model was applied and which species were fit.
Mid-frequency hearing loss in rats following inhalation exposure to trichloroethylene: Evidence from reflex modification audiometry

Abstract The present experiments were undertaken to characterize the hearing loss associated with 1,1,2-trichloroethylene (TCE) exposure. Adult male Long-Evans (LE) rats were exposed to TCE via inhalation (whole body) for 6 h/day for 5 days. The concentration-effect function (0–4000 ppm) was determined 3 weeks post-exposure. Animals were tested for auditory thresholds to 4, 8, 16, 24, 32, and 40-kHz tones using reflex modification audiometry. In a separate experiment, the time course of effects was determined by monitoring 16-kHz thresholds prior to, 1 h following each of the 5 exposure days, and 5 days, 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks post-exposure. At 14 weeks, these same animals were tested for thresholds to 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 24, 32, and 40-kHz tones. Results indicate elevated thresholds (hearing loss) for the 4000 ppm group at 8 and 16 kHz of approximately 18 and 30 dB, respectively. Time-course data demonstrated a rapid onset, a 20-dB loss at 16 kHz after the fifth exposure day, and a 40-dB loss by 2 weeks that persisted up to 14 weeks post-exposure. These data demonstrate an atypical and persistent, mid-frequency hearing loss in rats following inhalation exposure to TCE.
Research efficiency: Perverse incentives

Counterproductive financial incentives divert time and resources from the scientific enterprise. We should spend the money more wisely, says Paula Stephan.
Formation mechanism of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and fullerenes in premixed benzene flames

A better understanding of the formation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and fullerenes is of practical interest due to the apparent environmental health effects of many PAH and potential industrial applications of fullerenes. In the present work, a kinetic model describing the growth of PAH up to coronene (C24H12) and of C60 and C70 fullerenes is developed. Comparison of the model predictions with concentration profiles in a nearly sooting low-pressure premixed, laminar, one-dimensional benzene/oxygen/argon flame (equivalence ratio φ = 1.8, pressure = 2.67 kPa) measured by Bittner using a molecular beam system coupled to mass spectrometry shows reasonably good predictive capability for stable and radical intermediates and growth species up to C16H10 isomers. Cyclopentadienyl is found to be a key species for naphthalene formation. The further growth process is based on H abstraction and acetylene addition but also the contribution of small PAH is considered. Good to fair agreement between model predictions and experimental data for larger PAH including the different C16H10 isomers obtained by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry and high performance liquid chromatography could be achieved for PAH in a sooting low-pressure premixed, laminar, one-dimensional benzene/oxygen/argon flame (φ = 2.4, 5.33 kPa). C60 and C70 fullerenes are underpredicted, and possible reasons such as uncertainties in rate coefficients or the existence of other formation pathways are discussed. PAH depletion in the burnt gas is not reproduced by the model and is believed to involve supplementary sinks such as reactions involving PAH and growing soot particles.
Astonishment: A study of an ethically valorised emotion in Buddhist narrative literature

Abstract This essay explores the role that Buddhist narrative literature plays in fostering the cultivation of ethically valorised emotions. The essay focuses on astonishment, as it figures in Ārya Śūra's Jātakamālā, a collection of Sanskrit narratives. The essay examines how and why Ārya Śura valorises astonishment and what this valorisation reveals about the significance of emotions in Buddhist ethical life. The key distinction implicit in Ārya Śura's work between natural and cultivated emotions is worked out.
EVALUATION OF THE COMPLEXITY OF CHARGE RECOMBINATION KINETICS IN PHOTOSYNTHETIC BACTERIA

Improvements in instrumentation and methodology have allowed us to collect data of high signal to noise and reliability on the kinetics of recovery of both light-induced absorbance changes and ESR signals at 95 K. The results obtained by the two methods are identical and can not be fit with a single exponential curve. The decay kinetics can be fit well with three exponential components which represent 85, 9 and 6% of the total change with rate constants of 29 s−1, 69 s−1 and 2.3 s−1, respectively. An interesting effect by molecular oxygen on the relaxation time of the donor cation radical was found by ESR measurements at low temperatures and higher microwave power. This interaction with oxygen could be blocked by addition of small amounts (e.g. 0.05%) of organic solvents such as ethanol. A variety of systems were examined including R. rubrum whole cells and chromatophores prepared from R. rubrum and Rps. sphaeroides. R. rubrum chromatophore samples were examined at high and low light intensities, at pH values from 6 to 10, in the presence and absence of air and after equilibration in D2O media. In all cases, the same decay kinetics were observed. It seems possible that the observed complex decay may be a characteristic of phototraps of all photosynthetic material and reflect fundamental structural and functional features yet to be uncovered.
Vascular plant community development on mudflats in the Mississippi River delta, Louisiana, USA

Abstract Plant community development and phytosociology on mudflats on two inner deltaic splays in the Mississippi River delta, Louisiana, are described. The splays supported three communities based upon plant species occurrence, soil, and plant biomass data collected over seven growing seasons. About 77% of the vegetated land on the splays became dominated by Scirpus deltarum Schuyler three growing seasons after mudflat emergence. Net primary production of these marshes was 523 g dry weight m−2 year−1. On the highest mudflats, i.e. more than 11 cm above the Scirpus deltarum dominated mudflats, Salix nigra Marshall became the dominant plant. This woody community occupies 21% of the land area on the splays. Backwater substrates (2% of land area) just below the Scirpus community became a community dominated by Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott. From analysis of substrate grain size, each community can be described by proportions of sand, silt, and clay. The Scirpus community had the coarsest sediment with the greatest amount of sand and the Colocasia community had the finest sediment with greatest amount of clay and silt. Each community differed also in total organic material, the Colocasia community having twice as much as the other two communities. These communities are maintained by the hydrology and associated factors, especially influxes of sediment during spring floods.
Diagnosis and treatment of iron overload in paediatric patients on chronic haemodialysis

In this study the incidence and contributing factors of iron overload in paediatric patients treated with intermittent haemodialysis were evaluated. Particular attention was given to the diagnostic value of serum ferritin in the assessment of body iron stores in patients with hepatocellular damage. The results of treatment of secondary haemosiderosis with desferrioxamine (DFO) are reported. Serum ferritin levels were measured in 18 children and adolescents undergoing long-term haemodialysis; 8 of these had biochemical evidence of hepatocellular damage. In all patients a good correlation was found between serum ferritin levels and the amount of iron stored in the reticuloendothelial system. Six patients developed iron overload. Patients with secondary haemosiderosis were younger at the start of haemodialysis and received significantly more blood. Although not significant, more patients with haemochromatosis-associated alleles and bilateral nephrectomy had iron overload, and the duration of dialysis was obviously longer for overloaded patients (40 months versus 26 months). The patients with iron overload were treated with DFO. The data from all patients showed that DFO was ineffective when administered at a dose of 25 mg/kg during dialysis and that in individual patients changes in serum ferritin correlated with changes in the amount of blood transfusions administered.