cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
LPCVD homoepitaxy of Si doped β-Ga2O3 thin films on (010) and (001) substrates

This paper presents the homoepitaxy of Si-doped β-Ga2O3 thin films on semi-insulating (010) and (001) Ga2O3 substrates via low pressure chemical vapor deposition with a growth rate of ≥1 μm/h. Both high resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction measurements demonstrated high crystalline quality homoepitaxial growth of these thin films. Atomic resolution STEM images of the as-grown β-Ga2O3 thin films on (010) and (001) substrates show high quality material without extended defects or dislocations. The charge carrier transport properties of the as-grown Si-doped β-Ga2O3 thin films were characterized by the temperature dependent Hall measurement using van der Pauw patterns. The room temperature carrier concentrations achieved for the (010) and (001) homoepitaxial thin films were ∼1.2 × 1018 cm−3 and ∼9.5 × 1017 cm−3 with mobilities of ∼72 cm2/V s and ∼42 cm2/V s, respectively.
Speech Rate Entrainment in Children and Adults With and Without Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Purpose Conversational entrainment, a phenomenon whereby people modify their behaviors to match their communication partner, has been evidenced as critical to successful conversation. It is plausib...
Brain Nutrition: A Life Span Approach

Appraising success in meeting the world's nutritional needs has largely focused on infant mortality and anthropometric measurements with an emphasis on the first 1,000 days (conception to approximately age 2 years). This ignores the unique nutritional needs of the human brain. Although the intrauterine environment and the early postnatal years are important, equally critical periods follow during which the brain's intricate wiring is established for a lifetime of experience-driven remodeling. At the peak of this process during childhood, the human brain may account for 50% of the body's basal nutritional requirement. Thus, the consequences of proper nutritional management of the brain play out over a lifetime. Our motivation in preparing this review was to move the human brain into a more central position in the planning of nutritional programs. Here we review the macro- and micronutrient requirements of the human brain and how they are delivered, from conception to adulthood.
Druggability of the guanosine/adenosine/cytidine nucleoside hydrolase from Trichomonas vaginalis.

Trichomonas vaginalis infects approximately 300 million people worldwide annually. Infected individuals have a higher susceptibility to more serious conditions such as cervical and prostate cancer. The parasite has developed increasing resistance to current drug therapies, with an estimated 5% of clinical cases resulting from resistant strains, creating the need for new therapeutic strategies with novel mechanisms of action. Nucleoside salvage pathway enzymes represent novel drug targets as these pathways are essential for the parasite's survival. The guanosine/adenosine/cytidine nucleoside hydrolase (GACNH) may be particularly important as its expression is upregulated under glucose-limiting conditions mimicking those that occur during infection establishment. GACNH was screened against the NIH Clinical Collection to explore its druggability. Seven compounds were identified with IC50 values <20 μM. Extensive overlap was found between inhibitors of GACNH and the adenosine/guanosine nucleoside hydrolase (AGNH), but no overlap was found with inhibitors of the uridine nucleoside hydrolase. The guanosine analog ribavirin was the only compound found to be specific for GACNH. Compounds that inhibit both AGNH and GACNH purine salvage pathway enzymes may prove critical given the role that GACNH appears to play in the early stages of infection.
Assignments for Studying Frontline Bureaucracy

AbstractThis article outlines a set of assignments in an undergraduate class on public policy and public administration. The assignments are designed to pique student interest in public administrat...
The intersection of smartphone technology and fair labor standards

This chapter explores the intersection of two important factors: 1) the increasing use of smartphones and other technology to reach employees outside of working hours, and 2) regulation by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) designed in part to protect covered workers from employer abuses of working time. After chronicling the rise of fair labor standards and the evolution of boundaries between work and personal time, the chapter reviews leading cases related to the use of portable technology like smartphones and the compensation of off-shift working time. The chapter then proposes a reform to the FLSA to alleviate misuses of off-shift time and offers strategies for employers to minimize administrative costs.
Mechanism for etching of exfoliated graphene on substrates by low-energy electron irradiation from helium plasma electron sources

The authors investigate the mechanism for etching of exfoliated graphene multilayers on SiO2 by low-energy (50 eV) electron irradiation using He plasma systems for electron sources. A mechanism for this etching has been previously proposed in which the incident electrons traverse the graphene and dissociate oxygen from the SiO2 substrate at the graphene/SiO2 interface. The dissociated oxygen reacts with carbon defects formed by the electron irradiation and thereby etches the graphene from below. They study etching using graphene flakes of various thicknesses on SiO2, low and higher resistivity Si, indium tin oxide (ITO), and silicon carbide (SiC). They find that thicker layer graphene on SiO2 does not etch less than thinner layers, contrary to the previously proposed model. They find that etching does not occur on low-resistivity Si and ITO. Etching occurs on higher resistivity Si and SiC, although much less than on SiO2. This is attributed to He ion sputtering and vacancy formation. From these observations, they propose that oxygen etches graphene from above rather than below. In addition, they propose He ions instead of incident electrons cause the defects that oxygen reacts with and etches.The authors investigate the mechanism for etching of exfoliated graphene multilayers on SiO2 by low-energy (50 eV) electron irradiation using He plasma systems for electron sources. A mechanism for this etching has been previously proposed in which the incident electrons traverse the graphene and dissociate oxygen from the SiO2 substrate at the graphene/SiO2 interface. The dissociated oxygen reacts with carbon defects formed by the electron irradiation and thereby etches the graphene from below. They study etching using graphene flakes of various thicknesses on SiO2, low and higher resistivity Si, indium tin oxide (ITO), and silicon carbide (SiC). They find that thicker layer graphene on SiO2 does not etch less than thinner layers, contrary to the previously proposed model. They find that etching does not occur on low-resistivity Si and ITO. Etching occurs on higher resistivity Si and SiC, although much less than on SiO2. This is attributed to He ion sputtering and vacancy formation. From these observatio...
Resolution of Right Atrial Congestion before LVAD Implantation is Associated with Improved Outcomes

Purpose Increased right atrial pressure is known to be a predictor of poor outcomes after LVAD implantation. Whether resolution of right heart congestion prior to LVAD implantation is associated with more favorable outcomes is not well understood. Methods We analyzed LVAD recipients from our institution from 1/1/2015 to 2/28/2018. We excluded patients bridged to LVAD with ECMO support. Patients with admission right atrial pressure (RAPadmit) and implant RAP (RAPimplant) ≥ 14 mmHg were defined as having persistent congestion, while patients with RAPadmit ≥ 14 mmHg and RAPimplant unpaired t-tests . Time to death or RVAD was compared between groups using Cox proportional hazards models . Results Of 57 LVAD recipients with RAPadmit ≥ 14 mmHg, 14 (25%) had persistent congestion at the time of LVAD implantation. While there were no statistically significant differences between groups, patients with persistent congestion were more likely to be INTERMACS profile 1 (21.4% vs 9.5%), less likely to have a destination therapy device strategy (28.6% vs 34.9%), less likely to have moderate or severe right ventricular (RV) dysfunction (64.3% vs 83.7%), and had similar RAPadmit (20.4 mmHg vs 18.9 mmHg) compared to patients with resolved congestion. Median follow up was 307 days. Patients with persistent congestion had a higher frequency of death or RVAD implantation compared to those with resolved congestion (50% vs 14%, HR 3.75, 95% CI 1.25-11.25, p=0.02, Figure). Conclusion Among patients with elevated RAP at admission, patients with persistently elevated RAP at the time of LVAD implantation had worse outcomes than patients who were able to be decongested prior to surgery. These data support optimization of RV filling pressures prior to LVAD surgery.
Feasibility and Safety of Transnasal High Flow Air to Reduce Core Body Temperature in Febrile Neurocritical Care Patients: A Pilot Study.

Fever is an important determinant of prognosis following acute brain injury. Current non-pharmacologic techniques to reduce fever are limited and induce a shivering response. We investigated the safety and efficacy of a novel transnasal unidirectional high flow air device in reducing core body temperature in the neurocritical care unit (NCCU) setting. This pilot study included seven consecutive patients in the NCCU who were febrile (> 37.5 °C) for > 24 h despite standard non-pharmacologic and first-line antipyretic agents. Medical grade high flow air was delivered transnasally using a standard continuous positive airway pressure machine with a positive pressure of 20 cmH2O for 2 h. Core esophageal and tympanic temperature were continuously monitored. Mean age was 40 ± 14 yo, and 72% (5/7 patients) were men. Five patients had intracerebral or intraventricular hemorrhage, one subject had transverse myelitis, and the remaining patient had anoxic brain injury due to a cardiac arrest. After 2 h of cooling, core temperature was significantly lower than the baseline pre-cooling temperature (37.3 ± 0.5 °C vs. 38.4 ± 0.6 °C; p < 0.002). Mean transnasal airflow rate was 57.5 ± 6.5 liters per minute. Five of the seven subjects were normothermic at the end of the 2-h period. One subject with severe hyperthermia (39.7 °C) and the other with multiple interruptions to therapy due to technical reasons did not cool. The core temperature within 30 min of cessation of airflow increased and was similar to the pre-cooling baseline temperature (38.3 ± 0.4 °C vs. 38.4 ± 0.6 °C, p = NS). Rate of core cooling was 0.6 ± 0.15 °C per hour at this flow rate. No shivering response was observed. No protocol-related adverse events occurred. High flow transnasal air in a unidirectional fashion lowers core body temperature in febrile patients in the NCCU setting. No adverse events were seen, and the process showed no signs of shivering or any other serious side effects during short-term exposure. This pilot study should inform further investigation.
The endoscopic retromuscular repair of ventral hernia: the eTEP technique and early results

The aim of this article is to describe the technique and early follow-up results of abdominal wall reconstruction (AWR) by minimally invasive surgery (MIS); it concerns the already described endoscopic (retromuscular) Rives procedure (e-Rives) and posterior component separation with transversus abdominis release (TAR) by endoscopic approach (eTEP-TAR). This is a prospective study which consists of 60 patients operated on between May 2016 and December 2017 by a single surgeon and monitored until July 2018. This is a heterogenic cohort with different hernia types (lateral, median, combined) which were also treated with different meshes. This material includes physiological and biomechanical issues related to the abdominal wall, the key stages of the operation including port placement strategy. The group of patients are 55% male, having a mean age of 53.3 years old, mean BMI of 29.3 and median ASA score of 1.83. The majority of the hernia types is represented by incisional hernia (61.7%) located especially on the median side of the abdomen (80%); more than half of them (60%) are reducible. There were 6 (10%) intraoperative complications that lead to four conversions to open or traditional laparoscopic techniques. Postoperative re-admission—two cases: one case with small bowel obstruction, solved by laparoscopic surgery and one case with hemorrhagic gastritis because of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory treatment that required only medical treatment. Quality of life (assessed on a 0–10 scale) evaluating the postoperative pain, normal activity and aesthetics, shows a significant improvement after 2 weeks and 3 months postoperatively compared to the preoperative level. 93.3% of the patients have been monitored and no recurrences after a mean of 15 months have been reported. A thorough understanding of the anatomy and surgical technique is mandatory. The eTEP approach is a feasible and safe option in MIS ventral hernia repair.
Systems biology: perspectives on multiscale modeling in research on endocrine-related cancers

Drawing on concepts from experimental biology, computer science, informatics, mathematics and statistics, systems biologists integrate data across diverse platforms and scales of time and space to create computational and mathematical models of the integrative, holistic functions of living systems. Endocrine-related cancers are well suited to study from a systems perspective because of the signaling complexities arising from the roles of growth factors, hormones and their receptors as critical regulators of cancer cell biology and from the interactions among cancer cells, normal cells and signaling molecules in the tumor microenvironment. Moreover, growth factors, hormones and their receptors are often effective targets for therapeutic intervention, such as estrogen biosynthesis, estrogen receptors or HER2 in breast cancer and androgen receptors in prostate cancer. Given the complexity underlying the molecular control networks in these cancers, a simple, intuitive understanding of how endocrine-related cancers respond to therapeutic protocols has proved incomplete and unsatisfactory. Systems biology offers an alternative paradigm for understanding these cancers and their treatment. To correctly interpret the results of systems-based studies requires some knowledge of how in silico models are built, and how they are used to describe a system and to predict the effects of perturbations on system function. In this review, we provide a general perspective on the field of cancer systems biology, and we explore some of the advantages, limitations and pitfalls associated with using predictive multiscale modeling to study endocrine-related cancers.
Multiple scattering in random media: II. The general 2BA for the uncorrelated system

The paper is an application of a general microscopic approach to the theory of the average scattering matrix for a particle interacting with random scatterers. We present a detailed treatment for the case of uncorrelated positions of the scatterers. First, the general two-body additive approximation is used to truncate the hierarchy of correlation functions for fluctuations. It is shown that the self-energy is accurate through the fourth power of the individual scattering amplitude. Second, the hierarchy is terminated at the next stage. The self-energy is correct to the sixth power of the scattering amplitude.
The United States as a Major Destination for Migratory Flows

This chapter examines the benefits and costs of immigration and the key developments in the steady rise of migratory flows to the United States since the mid-1960s. Discussion is focused on the economic impact of these flows on the employment and wage levels of native workers, as regards the migration of both low-skilled and high-skilled workers, and their fiscal impact. The chapter also deals specifically with the causes and effects of illegal immigration in the United States and the policy options that can be considered to reduce its incidence.
Static microdroplet array generated by spraying and analyzed with automated microscopy and image processing.

Abstract Microdroplets have received increasing interest as practical platforms for high-throughput biochemical analysis. Typically, numerous discrete aqueous microdroplets containing biochemical targets are generated in a continuous oil phase and characterized using a flow-through configuration. Although this approach is capable of extremely high throughput, it is challenging to provide dynamic characterization of time-dependent reaction kinetics. In this paper, we present a practical and affordable method to create and analyze a massive array of static aqueous microdroplets immersed in oil for biochemical analysis. The discrete microdroplets were produced by an air-spray gun, imaged by automated microscopy, and then characterized by image processing. The location, area, and fluorescence intensity of randomly generated individual microdroplets were automatically registered for high-throughput characterization. With this approach, we rapidly produced and characterized a static microdroplet array of over 0.7 million microdroplets with an average volume of 300 fL and a mean population density of 1.5*105 microdroplets/cm2. Using the developed setup, we demonstrated the dependency of the microdroplets’ fluorescence intensity on their volume, as well as characterized the time-dependent enzyme reaction kinetics of β-galactosidase-mediated cleavage of the substrate fluorescein di-β- d -galactopyranoside (FDG). The new approach described herein provides an inexpensive alternative solution for high-throughput analysis of dynamic biochemical processes.
Managing estuaries for ecosystem function.

Abstract Estuary management is limited by lack of consensus on operational tools for handling multiple conflicting management objectives. One critical step to this goal is a shift from individual problems to a focus on maintaining ecosystem functions that benefit humans. If function is maintained, then the ecosystem is said to be functionally equivalent to its unimpacted state, which is sufficient for management. We propose an adaptation of a functional equivalency (FE) assessment approach from marine fishery management and use a case study demonstration to address how this approach can be integrated into existing ecosystem assessment tools. The functional equivalency framework has three components for implementation: definition of target ecosystem functions, measurable metrics of ecosystem functions, and policy-based thresholds for each metric that indicate when functional equivalency is lost and must be restored. Each case study is an application of available data, models, and management policy to define these ecosystem function components. We intend to foster discussion and future work on integrating the FE approach into existing ecosystem assessment tools. Data requirements are high, as is the necessary integration between science and policy. The results can be a more integrated management approach focused on maintenance of ecosystem functions most beneficial to humans.
A Reconfigurable 0.1–10 MHz DT Passive Dynamic Zoom ADC for Cellular Receivers

This paper presents a multi-mode, dynamically zooming analog to digital converter (ADC). The architecture is based on a 5b interpolating flash ADC as the zooming unit and a passive discrete-time $\Delta \Sigma $ modulator as the fine conversion unit. The proposed ADC provides a dynamic zooming technique, employing an interpolating zooming front-end. The modulator covers between 0.1 MHz and 10 MHz signal bandwidth which makes it suitable for cellular applications including 4G radio systems. By reconfiguring the OSR, bias current, and component parameters, optimal power consumption can be achieved for every mode. The ADC is implemented in $0.13~\mu \text{m}$ CMOS technology and it achieves an SNDR of 83/75.7/73.2/67 dB for 0.1/1.92/5/10MHz bandwidth with 1.3/4.7/8.1/10.3mW power consumption from a 1.2 V supply.
Computational fluid dynamics simulation for the prediction of the venturi scrubber performance using finite volume method

The toxicity and severity of particulates and toxic gasses resulting from industrial activities on human health and environment is a major concern worldwide. Venturi scrubber is widely employed to abate the pollutant concentration because of their high removal efficiency. For an accurate and efficient design of venturi scrubber, the complex fluid dynamic behaviour inside the venturi scrubber needs to be understood. The present multiphase Euler-Lagrange CFD study successfully provides a computational model to predict pressure drop and collection efficiency by employing the commercial CFD package FLUENT. Throat gas velocities of 50, 70 and 100 m/s are simulated. Dust particles TiO2 having a diameter of 1 μm and density of 4.23 g/cm3 are used in this simulation work. The gas flow field is resolved in the Eulerian frame of reference while dust and droplet are treated in the Lagrangian framework. The turbulence of is modelled using realisable k-e model, droplet secondary breakup through TAB model and drag coefficient is modelled through dynamic and spherical drag laws. Results of pressure drop and collection efficiency predicted by this model are found to be in good agreement with cited experimental and simulated values.
Pediatric occupant human body model kinematic and kinetic response variation to changes in seating posture in simulated frontal impacts – with and without automatic emergency braking

The study quantifies the kinematics of children in booster child restraint systems (CRSs) in various naturalistic seating postures exposed to frontal impacts in a full-vehicle environment, with and...
Compensation Strategies Among Drop Foot Patients and the Effect of Ankle-Foot Orthosis on Gait Symmetry

This work aims to investigate how different compensation strategies among drop foot patients affect the treatment performance of ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) regarding the symmetry of step length and swing time. Based on the literature review, two compensation strategies for the drop foot syndrome were identified during the swing phase: 1) excessive knee and hip flexion and 2) circumduction of the leg. One drop foot patient of each compensation strategy was selected in this study to investigate the different effects of AFOs. Results showed that AFO could benefit patients who utilize excessive circumduction to compensate regarding the symmetry of step length and swing time.
Establishing C. elegans as a Model for Studying the Bioeffects of Therapeutic Ultrasound.

Abstract Ultrasound is widely used in diagnostic and therapeutic medical procedures and it is becoming an important tool in biomedical research. During exposure, as an ultrasound beam interacts with the tissues in its path, changes known as “bioeffects” can result. Animal studies have suggested that these changes can alter survival, movement, reproduction, development and learning in various species. Additional studies in animals could provide valuable information about the mechanisms of therapeutic ultrasound and may contribute to the development of additional exciting laboratory techniques. Therefore, we developed methods for exposing C. elegans nematode worms to ultrasound and observed that they exhibited exposure-dependent reductions in movement, fecundity and survival. These effects were prevented by polyvinyl alcohol, which suggested that cavitation was the main mechanism of damage. This work provides a foundation for capitalizing on the advantages of C. elegans as a model to thoroughly characterize ultrasound's bioeffects at the cellular and molecular levels.
Coincident Kikuchi-Fujimoto’s disease and adult-onset Still’s disease: report of a patient from an uncommonly affected population and case-directed systematic review

Kikuchi-Fujimoto's disease (KFD) and adult-onset Still's disease (AOSD) are rare idiopathic inflammatory conditions of unknown etiology. Ten prior instances of KFD and AOSD occurring together have been reported in the medical literature. These overlaps, together with certain distinguishing clinical and laboratory characteristics in these co-occurrences, offer insight into the pathophysiology of both of these rare disorders. Too, examination of these cases may help improve the diagnostic evaluation and care of patients afflicted with these rare diseases. We therefore report an additional patient with KFD and AOSD occurring in a middle-aged Hispanic female patient and perform a systematic literature review using the PubMed/MEDLINE and Embase databases to further analyze and compare prior identified cases. Our observations in our index case complement and expand previous reports, including new demographic and diagnostic features not seen in prior cases of overlap. Indeed ours is the first in a patient of Hispanic ethnicity, with retroperitoneal lymphadenopathy, as well as with a skin biopsy consistent with AOSD. Each of the reviewed cases of co-occurrence met the diagnostic criteria for both KFD and AOSD. This finding, in the setting of unique clinical and diagnostic manifestations that are not typically seen in either disease entity alone, suggests the presence of an overlap syndrome. Also, many of the shared clinical features and symptomatic responses to targeted therapies implies a similar, yet still poorly understood, pathophysiologic pathway for the two diseases.
Evaluating revolutions in artificial intelligence from a human perspective

Artificial intelligence (AI) has made considerable progress over the past 40 years, leading to both important applications now in daily use but also a lot of hype in the popular press. This chapter outlines a framework for understanding progress in AI to help understand how to better measure that progress. It describes three revolutions currently under way: deep learning, knowledge graphs and reasoning. It summarises the progress and limitations in each and contrasts them with human capabilities for learning, knowledge and reasoning. The chapter also summarises a fourth revolution to come, integrated intelligence, where the goal is to create systems with agency. It discusses some additional implications for measuring AI progress with respect to learning, knowledge, reasoning and agency.
Techniques of postmarketing surveillance. An overview.

While there are many systems available for postmarketing surveillance today, none is ideal for every situation. Recent progress has been made through computerised data bases which allows for rapid identification of patients with diseases or drugs of interest. Careful planning, with attention to the relative strengths and weaknesses of each, will permit the investigator to choose the optimum system to answer the postmarketing surveillance problem. While postmarketing surveillance cannot prevent adverse drug reactions, it can increase the safety of drug use and detect adverse reactions early, thereby limiting the cost to our population.
The Effect of Subacute Parathion Exposure on the Locomotor Behavior of the Bluegill Sunfish and Largemouth Bass

The effects were studied of a 24-h exposure to a subacute concentration of parathion on the locomotor orientation of the bluegill sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus) and largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) in response to: afood odor in water flowing at 200 ml/min (odor/Flow I) and 400 ml/min (odor/Flow II) and water without odor flowing at these rates (Flow I and Flow II, respectively). In sunfish, prior to parathion exposure, odor/Flow II was more attractive than any other condition. Following exposure, the response to Flow II and to odor/Flow II was avoidance, that to odor/Flow I remained attractive, thus causing a parathion by flow interaction. Two weeks after exposure, the relative response to the treatments was similar to that of unexposed fish. In bass, prior to parathion exposure, the odor/Flow II was also more attractive than any other condition but the fish were unable to discriminate between odor/Flow I and Flow I alone. Following exposure, the fish were unable to discriminate between odor/Flow II and Flow I (the control), whereas particularly odor/Flow I and, to a lesser extent, Flow II were avoided. Thus, there was a significant interaction between odor and flow. After a two-week interval, all treatments were attractive, but the most significant relative attraction was that to odor/Flow I. The general activity in all experimental conditions was also depressed following parathion exposure.
Chorismate-Mutase-Catalyzed Claisen Rearrangement

Chorismic acid is the key branch point intermediate in the biosynthesis of aromatic amino acids in microorganisms and plants (Scheme 1.1a) [1]. In the branch that leads to the production of tyrosine and phenylalanine, chorismate mutase (CM, chorismate-pyruvate mutase, EC 5.4.99.5) is a key enzyme that catalyzes the isomerization of chorismate to prephenate (Scheme 1.1b) with a rate enhancement of about 10–10-fold. This reaction is one of few pericyclic processes in biology and provides a rare opportunity for understanding how Nature promotes such unusual transformations. The biological importance of the conversion from chorismate to prephenate and the synthetic value of the Claisen rearrangement have led to extensive experimental investigations [2–43]. In addition, the reaction catalyzed by chorismate mutase is a paradigm for the study of enzyme mechanism and has been a subject of extensive computational investigations [44, 47–83]. One of the main reasons for the current focus on the mechanism of this enzyme is the fact that the reaction is a straightforward unimolecular rearrangement of the substrate with no chemical transformations in the enzyme or the solvent during the reaction. This eliminates many of the problems that arise for other cases and may help to settle some of the long-standing issues concerning the origin of the catalysis [84]. Experimental results for the CM-catalyzed and uncatalyzed reaction, as well as structural information for chorismate mutase, have been extensively discussed in two previous reviews [2, 3]. There has been a rapid growth of literature in computational studies of chorismate mutase in the last few years. In this chapter, we shall begin by summarizing some key experimental data related to the Claisen rearrangement along with existing structural information for chorismate mutase. We will then review the results of computational studies of chorismate mutase and discuss different proposals that have been suggested for the mechanism of the CM-catalyzed reaction.
Congratulations to Japanese Society for Evolutionary Computation

This letter is to offer my sincere congratulations to the newly established Japanese Society for Evolutionary Computation. I would like to offer my good wishes as an individual working in the field of Evolutionary Computation. But I would also like to offer congratulations and best wishes on behalf of the ACM Special Interest Group on Evolutionary Computation (ACM-SIGEVO, which I currently Chair) and the Genetic and Evolutionary Computation Conference (GECCO). Over the last 20 years Japanese researchers have already made critical and lasting contributions to research in evolutionary computation. As early as 1991, pioneering Japanese researchers were making early, fundamental contributions to the field, as evidenced by publications in the International Conference on Genetic Algorithms in areas such as the evolution of neural network architectures, the optimization of associative memory models, job shop scheduling applications, and the use of Markov models to model evolutionary processes. Over the years, there have continued to be a number of important and seminal contributions from Japanese researchers. It is very impressive that you have 170 members and already have a strong record of organizing recent symposia. The existence of the Japanese Society for Evolutionary Computation will surely help to stimulate more research and advance the state of the art in evolutionary computation. The establishment of an academic journal in Japanese that focuses on evolutionary computation will also be of great value. Again, congratulations on the formation of a society. I look forward to many positive contributions to our field from your organization.
First 36-channel magnetocardiographic study of CAD patients in an unshielded laboratory for interventional and intensive cardiac care

The first 36-channel Magnetocardiographic (MCG) system, successfully installed in the Biomagnetism Research Center, Catholic University of Rome, has been tested to evaluate the reliability of this novel instrumentation for the study of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), in an "unshielded" laboratory for interventional and emergency cardiac care. 13 patients, with coronary disease documented by angiography, 8 patients with abnormality of non-invasive studies (exercise-ECG or SPECT), and 13 healthy controls (age-matched) were investigated at rest. Other 6 cases were investigated, before and after stress test with a standard ergometer. The sensitivity of the system was 20 fT/√Hz, at 1Hz. After morphological evaluation, quantitative analysis of magnetocardiographic repolarization parameters was performed according to Hanninen et al. and Park et al. At rest, magnetocardiographic mapping has shown abnormality of repolarization in 95.2% of CAD patients, with sensibility of 92.6%, specificity of 92.3%, and predictive value 92.3%.
Spectroscopic studies of zeolites and mesoporous materials

Optical methods for electronic and roto-vibrational transitions and photoelectron spectroscopy for chemical core-level shifts and valence band analysis can yield quantitative information regarding the electronic structure of intrazeolite “active centers” and their adducts with molecules. Theory and its advancement play a crucial role in the interpretation of the spectra, but practical analysis without extensive theoretical involvement is also feasible. Advances are seen in both the precise applications of spectroscopic methodologies and the synthesis of a variety of novel structures, as well as in examination of systematic patterns of properties that are governed by the composition and structure of the important zeolite and mesoporous materials.
Rare Case of Rapidly Worsening REM Sleep Induced Bradycardia

Sinoatrial arrest also known as sinus pause occurs when sinoatrial node of the heart transiently ceases to generate the electrical impulse necessary for the myocardium to contract. It may last from 2.0 seconds to several minutes. Etiologies of sinoatrial arrest can be complex and heterogeneous. During rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, sinus arrests unrelated to apnea or hypopnea are very rare and only a few cases have been reported. Here we report a case of 36-year-old male with no significant past medical history who presented to our hospital after a syncopal episode at night. Physical examination showed no cardiac or neurological abnormalities and initial EKG and neuroimaging were normal. Overnight telemonitor recorded several episodes of bradyarrhythmia with sinus arrest that progressively lengthened over time. Sleep study was done which confirmed that sinus arrests occurred more during REM sleep and are unrelated to apnea or hypopnea. Electrophysiology studies showed sinus nodal dysfunction with no junctional escape, subsequently a dual chamber pacemaker placed for rapidly worsening case of REM sleep induced bradycardia.
Stochastic Programming Models

Abstract In this introductory chapter we discuss some basic approaches to modeling of stochastic optimization problems. We start with motivating examples and then proceed to formulation of linear, and later nonlinear, two stage stochastic programming problems. We give a functional description of two stage programs. After that we proceed to a discussion of multistage stochastic programming and its connections with dynamic programming. We end this chapter by introducing robust and min–max approaches to stochastic programming. Finally, in the appendix, we introduce and briefly discuss some relevant concepts from probability and optimization theories.
Common Ground in Promotion of Entrepreneurship and Human Rights

A failure in providing human rights is generally due to at least four factors: bad governance, vested interests, cultural factors and poverty. We cannot eliminate human rights violations without a local countervailing power sustained by good governance. Local entrepreneurs, who are essential for creation of sustainable broad-based wealth, can provide just such countervailing power. This paper studies joint action by advocates for entrepreneurship on the right side of the political spectrum with advocates for human rights on the left. The statistically testable hypothesis here is that joint advocacy will not be at cross-purposes. Accordingly, we analyze data for seven variables dealing with governance, corruption, entrepreneurship activity, human rights, capital markets and economic freedom. The significant correlations between pairs of variables from left and right wings support a joint action. Somewhat surprisingly, borrowers from countries having a poor human rights record do not pay a significantly higher interest rate penalty in capital markets. An appendix lists 50 items involving economic freedoms, of which only 10 might lead to disagreements. If the two sides focus on what they agree and support a centrist position, they can become a formidable joint force in favor of higher living standards and improved human rights around the world.
Ethidium binding sites on plasmid DNA determined by photoaffinity labeling.

Photoaffinity labeling of pBR322 with ethidium monoazide (8-azido-3-amino-5-ethyl-6-phenylphenanthridinium chloride) was used to provide evidence for the sequence specificity of ethidium binding to native DNA. DNA-drug interactions were examined at concentrations of eight covalently bound ethidium drugs per molecule of pBR322 (4363 base pairs). Restriction enzyme cutting was blocked by the covalent binding of a drug molecule at (or near) the enzyme recognition sequence. This phenomenon was observed with all restriction enzymes tested and was not limited to specific regions of the pBR322 molecule. Double-digestion experiments indicated that a drug molecule may bind 2 to 3 base pairs outside the recognition sequence and still block restriction enzyme digestion. Intact plasmid was treated with [3H]ethidium monoazide and digested with restriction enzymes. The amount of covalently-linked ethidium analog was quantitated for different restriction fragments and the G-C content of each fragment was determined from the DNA sequence. In approximately half of the fragments the drug appeared to preferentially bind at a G-C base pair. However, no preference for specific sequences such as 5‘-C-G-3‘ was detected, as had been suggested by previous modeling studies with ethidium bromide. The other fragments were located in specific map regions of the plasmid and did not bind drug with a strict dependence on GC content suggesting that binding specificity may depend on more than one structural feature of the DNA.
Transplacental passage of methicillin and dicloxacillin into the fetus and amniotic fluid

Abstract The transfer of methicillin and dicloxacillin from maternal blood to fetal blood and amniotic fluid was studied in 105 patients. Significant levels of methicillin were detected in fetal serum within 30 minutes after discontinuing the maternal infusion, with equilibration between maternal and fetal serum levels within one hour. Dicloxacillin is associated with lower levels of antibiotic activity in the fetal serum and insignificant levels in the amniotic fluid. Equilibration between maternal and fetal levels did not occur. Protein binding of antibiotics results in a reduced rate of transfer from the maternal to the fetal compartment.
Human cell transformation by simian virus 40. Biologic features of cloned lines.

Abstract Nine lines of doubly cloned Simian Virus 40 transformed human fibroblasts have been isolated. Precrisis in vitro characteristics of growth rate, saturation density, T antigen expression, growth in methylcellulose suspension, protease production and infectious center formation were widely divergent, although distinct for individual lines. Lines with higher T antigen expression had higher growth rates and saturation densities but grew less well in methylcellulose. Chromosome counts in most proliferating lines were in the 38–48 range; one line had 67, whereas another, poorly growing line showed 22. No distinguishing chromosomal abnormalities were present. This biologic heterogeneity suggests distinct molecular differences underlying transformation in the lines and emphasizes the importance of considering various factors as indicative of the transformed state.
Technical communication and cross cultural miscommunication: usability and the outsourcing of writing

Writing is a culturally situated activity. When writing is outsourced to other cultures, because of a lack of knowledge of the users' culture and also because of influences from the writer's local culture, those doing the writing and designing, despite various strategies adopted for overcoming the disadvantage of not knowing the users' culture, may not know how to culturally situate writing. It is, therefore, important that bicultural people, who know the users' culture, as well as the culture of those doing the outsourced work, give writing teams feedback about the users' culture. Doing so can make outsourced writing more culturally situated.
GROWTH, PHYSIOLOGY, AND ULTRASTRUCTURE OF A DIAZOTROPHIC CYANOBACTERIUM, CYANOTHECE SP. STRAIN ATCC 51142, IN MIXOTROPHIC AND CHEMOHETEROTROPHIC CULTURES1

The growth, physiology, and ultrastructure of the marine, unicellular, diazotrophic cyanobacterium, Cyanothece sp. strain ATCC 51142, was examined under mixotrophic and chemoheterotrophic conditions. Several organic substrates were tested for the capacity to support heterotrophic growth. Glycerol was the only substrate capable of enhancing mixotrophic growth in the light and supporting chemoheterotrophic growth in the dark. Dextrose enhanced mixotrophic growth but could not support chemoheterotrophic growth. Chemoheterotrophic cultures in continuous darkness grew faster and to higher densities than photoautotrophic cultures, thus demonstrating the great respiratory capacity of this cyanobacterial strain. Only small differences in the pigment content and ultrastructure of the heterotrophic strains were observed in comparison to photoautotrophic control strains. The chemoheterotrophic strain grown in continuous darkness and the mixotrophic strain grown in light/dark cycles exhibited daily metabolic oscillations in N2 fixation and glycogen accumulation similar to those manifested in photoautotrophic cultures grown in light/dark cycles or continuous light. This “temporal separation” helps protect O2-sensitive N2 fixation from photosynthetic O2 evolution. The rationale for cyclic glycogen accumulation in cultures with an ample source of organic carbon substrate is unclear, but the observation of similar daily rhythmicities in cultures grown in light/dark cycles, continuous light, and continuous dark suggests an underlying circadian mechanism.
Fluvial tufa evidence of Late Pleistocene wet intervals from Santa Barbara, California, U.S.A.

Abstract Past pluvials in the western United States provide valuable context for understanding regional hydroclimate variability. Here we report evidence of conditions substantially wetter than today from fluvial tufa deposits located near Zaca Lake, Santa Barbara County, California that have been dated by radiocarbon (14C) and Infra-Red Stimulated Luminescence (IRSL). Two successions of tufa deposition occur within a small catchment that drains Miocene Monterey Formation bedrock: 1) a fluvial deposit (0–0.5 m thick, 200 m in extent) that formed along a narrow valley below a modern spring, and 2) a perched deposit ~ 10 m higher (2 m thick, 15 m in extent). IRSL and radiocarbon dating of the perched carbonates suggest at least two episodes of carbonate growth: one at 19.4 ± 2.4 (1σ) through 17.8 ± 2.8 (1σ) ka and another at 11.9 ± 1.5 (1σ) ka verified with a charcoal 14C age of 10.95 ± 0.12 (2σ) cal ka BP. The relationship between the perched and fluvial spring deposits is inferred to represent a drop in the water table of more than 10 m associated with a transition from a wet climate in the late glacial to a dry Holocene today. The wet period indicated by the perched tufa deposit between 19.4 and 17.8 ka is relatively consistent with other California climate records both north and south of Zaca Lake. However, tufa growth ca. 12 to 11 ka demonstrates wet conditions occurred as far south as Zaca Lake during the Younger Dryas event, in contrast to climate records farther south in Lake Elsinore that indicate a drying trend through this interval. A small shift north in the average position of the winter season storm track could explain wet winters at Zaca while at the same time generating dry winters at Lake Elsinore, ~ 275 km southwest of Zaca. If true, these data indicate that rather small latitudinal shifts in the average winter season storm track can produce large changes in regional hydroclimate.
Seizures and Epileptiform Activity in the Early Stages of Alzheimer Disease

Importance Epileptic activity associated with Alzheimer disease (AD) deserves increased attention because it has a harmful impact on these patients, can easily go unrecognized and untreated, and may reflect pathogenic processes that also contribute to other aspects of the illness. We report key features of AD-related seizures and epileptiform activity that are instructive for clinical practice and highlight similarities between AD and transgenic animal models of the disease. Objective To describe common clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) or early AD who also have epilepsy or subclinical epileptiform activity. Design Retrospective observational study from 2007 to 2012. Setting Memory and Aging Center, University of California, San Francisco. Patients We studied 54 patients with a diagnosis of aMCI plus epilepsy (n = 12), AD plus epilepsy (n = 35), and AD plus subclinical epileptiform activity (n = 7). Main Outcomes and Measures Clinical and demographic data, electroencephalogram (EEG) readings, and treatment responses to antiepileptic medications. Results Patients with aMCI who had epilepsy presented with symptoms of cognitive decline 6.8 years earlier than patients with aMCI who did not have epilepsy (64.3 vs 71.1 years; P = .02). Patients with AD who had epilepsy presented with cognitive decline 5.5 years earlier than patients with AD who did not have epilepsy (64.8 vs 70.3 years; P = .001). Patients with AD who had subclinical epileptiform activity also had an early onset of cognitive decline (58.9 years). The timing of seizure onset in patients with aMCI and AD was nonuniform ( P Conclusions and Relevance Common clinical features of patients with aMCI- or AD-associated epilepsy at our center included early age at onset of cognitive decline, early incidence of seizures in the disease course, unilateral temporal epileptic foci detected by serial/extended EEG, transient cognitive dysfunction, and good seizure control and tolerability with lamotrigine and levetiracetam. Careful identification and treatment of epilepsy in such patients may improve their clinical course.
Oscillatory Growth in Three Nations

Abstract Both the definition of economic activity and the definition of periodicity seem to determine whether there are long tides in economic affairs. Spectral analysis of growth rates finds no long waves in the U.S., U.K., and Sweden, but this is consistent with the appearance of long classical (upcross) swings in the deviations from trend of several raw data series. These upcross oscillations may not be independent components of economic evolution but merely distorted reflections of trend growth processes.