cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A new and unusual β-glucosidase from Aspergillus fumigatus: Catalytic activity at high temperatures and glucose tolerance

Abstract The demand for novel enzymes with the potential to catalyze reactions at high temperatures has encouraged the exploration of new thermophilic strains in recent years. Several fungal thermophilic β-glucosidases have been described previously. However, only a few β-glucosidases meet industrial requirements, such as hydrolytic activity at high temperatures and tolerance to glucose inhibition. Because tropical areas support high species diversity, the Atlantic Forest biome can offer great opportunities for bioprospecting new β-glucosidase producers to fulfill industrial needs. This study reports the production and biochemical characterization of an unusual thermophilic β-glucosidase produced by an Aspergillus fumigatus strain isolated from the Atlantic Forest biome. This enzyme can be produced using a low-cost cultivation medium with canola meal as the substrate. The highest β-glucosidase production (24.53 U/mL) was obtained when the fungus was cultivated in 2.9% canola meal over a period of 101 h at pH 4.2, and a temperature of 40 °C. This enzyme has an optimum temperature of 80 °C, which is higher than that of almost all its known fungal counterparts. Moreover, it is highly glucose tolerant, unlike other β-glucosidases that are inhibited by this sugar, with an inhibitory constant (Ki) of 543 mM. The combination of these attributes and their sustained activity at 80 °C distinguishes this enzyme from other A. fumigatus enzymes and almost every other β-glucosidase characterized from thermotolerant fungal species described to date. Therefore, this novel enzyme is a promising target for bioethanol production.
Military spending, liberal institutions and state compliance with international environmental agreements

The current paper examines the dynamics of state security behavior and international environmental protection. In particular, the study provides a liberal institutional approach in identifying a “guns and butter” relationship between military spending and state participation with international environmental agreements. This cross-national study employs both bivariate and multivariate regression models to analyze the relationship between military expenditures and state participation with international environmental agreements, particularly examining the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. The empirics of the study suggest that states with higher military expenditures as a percent of GDP are less likely to comply with international environmental agreements. Theoretical and empirical implications are presented in the conclusion section.
Drugs associated with idiosyncratic hepatotoxicity synergize with cytokines to kill hepatocytes in vitro

Idiosyncratic drug-induced liver injury (IDILI) occurs in a small fraction of patients and often results in removal of otherwise efficacious drugs from the market. The mechanisms of IDILI are unkno...
Chapter 8 Rheology of long fiber-reinforced composites in sheetforming

Abstract This chapter introduces the reader to sheet forming philosophy, processing methods, and the materials applied to produce thermoformed components. Rheological properties that must be understood are introduced first for unfilled polymer metls by discussing viscosity and relaxation phenomena in shear and elongational flows. With this foundation we present the same properties for filled viscous fluids and we show the sometimes surprising results such as shear thickening. Filler aspect ratio affects shear and elongation phenomena; this presentation shows these effects and lists the theories developed to account for the filler/matrix interactions. Following the background material, the section on rheological measurement techniques discusses standard techniques for unfilled materials (rotational and capillary flow viscometers) and their limited use with filled polymers. The presented nonconventional apparatus (linear, squeeze flow and elongational viscometers) reveal the scale issues involved in measuring rheological properties of thermoforming systems. The chapter concludes by considering why the rheological properties are important and how to use them in sheet forming. Mechanisms that affect forming flows (resin percolation, transverse squeezing flow, axial intra-ply shear deformation, inter-ply shear deformation extensional flow) show the complexity of the process. Finally, we deliberate the outlook for application of thermoforming and improvement of the knowledge base of system behavior.
Corroborating ecological depth preferences of planktonic foraminifera in the tropical Atlantic with the stable oxygen isotope ratios of core top specimens

[1] Past variability in upper ocean thermocline depth is commonly estimated from the abundance of different species of planktonic organisms or the difference in oxygen isotopic composition between two species of planktonic foraminifera, one that lives in the mixed layer and one that lives in or near the thermocline. To test the latter relationships, we measured the oxygen isotopic composition of eight species of planktonic foraminifera (pink and white varieties of Globigerinoides ruber, Globigerinoides sacculifer without the final chamber, Orbulina universa, Pulleniatina obliquiloculata, Globorotalia menardii, Neogloborotalia dutertrei, and Globorotalia tumida) in surface sediment samples from 31 tropical Atlantic deep-sea sediment cores. Bayesian analysis was used to compare measured oxygen isotopic compositions with their predictions based on modern data sets of annual temperatures and oxygen isotopic composition of ocean water in the upper 500 m at the core sites. Posterior probability densities for predictive model parameters were computed. Probability distributions of calcification depth for analyzed species corroborated their ecological preferences inferred from net tow and sediment trap data. Robustness of the habitat signals in core top specimens suggests that reconstructions of the entire upper ocean temperature profiles, not just their thermocline depth or temperature, might be possible.
Police Patrols & Fire Alarms in the NAAEC

A common critique of international agreements is that they lack enforcement and are weak. A key element of this purported weakness is the lack of effective monitoring of state compliance. This Article explores two modes of treaty monitoring: "police patrols" and "fire alarms." These concepts, drawn from the literature on congressional oversight in political science, are applied to the North American Agreement on Environmental Cooperation, a side agreement to NAFTA. The Agreement is unusual in that it empowers private actors to bring direct complaints about noncompliance to an international organization, i.e., it creates a fire alarm for citizens and NGOs. The implications of this structure of treaty monitoring are analyzed, as are the reasons behind the creation of this treaty feature.
An overview of the Earth Observing System MODIS instrument and associated data systems performance

The MODIS instrument on the EOS Terra Mission has completed over 2 years of successful operation. Excellent data products have been developed and a full year or more of these products are now available. Validation of these products is continuing and efforts to improve product availability and access are underway. The MODIS on the EOS Aqua satellite is projected to become operational in 2002.
The current state of e-prescribing: Implications for advanced practice registered nurses.

AbstractPurpose:The purpose of this study was to review legislation, barriers and challenges, and current state of e-prescribing (eRx) in the United States.Data sources:Literature search of CINAHL, MEDLINE, PubMed, and Google Scholar was performed.Conclusions:Challenges to eRx implementation and eff
TRYPTOPHANASE-TRYPTOPHAN SYNTHETASE SYSTEMS IN ESCHERICHIA COLI I. Effect of Tryptophan and Related Compounds

Freundlich, Martin (University of Minnesota, Minneapolis) and Herman C. Lichstein. Tryptophanase-tryptophan synthetase systems in Escherichia coli. I. Effect of tryptophan and related compounds. J. Bacteriol. 84:979-987. 1962.-The effect of tryptophan and related compounds on tryptophanase and tryptophan synthetase formation in Escherichia coli was determined. Several of these compounds stimulated the formation of tryptophanase while concomitantly decreasing the production of synthetase. A number of tryptophan analogues were found to inhibit growth. The possible mode of action of these substances was examined further. 5-Hydroxytryptophan greatly inhibited the formation of synthetase and also reduced growth. Its inhibitory action on growth was attributed, at least partially, to the false feedback inhibition of anthranilic acid formation. Tryptamine was found to be a potent inhibitor of the activity of synthetase, as well as of the enzyme(s) involved in the synthesis of anthranilic acid from shikimic acid. However, growth reduction was only partially reversed by tryptophan. Indole-3-acetic acid and indole-3-propionic acid decreased growth and increased the formation of synthetase six- to eightfold. The action of these compounds was ascribed to their ability to block the endogenous formation of tryptophan.
Review of the Economic Legislation in October 2014

In September-October 2014, the following main changes were introduced into the legislation: the terms of the Federal Law on the Foundations of the System of Preventive Measures Against Neglect of Minors and Juvenile Delinquency were brought in compliance with the Federal Law on Education in the Russian Federation; the procedure for selection of foreign nationals for education in the Russian Federation within the limits of the quota set by the Government of the Russian Federation was determined; the procedure for provision of grants of the President of the Russian Federation to young scientists was specified; in Q2 2014 the subsistence per capita level in Russia in general rose from Rb 7,688 to Rb 8,192 as compared to Q2 2014; the procedure for entering into a license agreement on provision to the state customer of the right to use the outputs of intellectual activities for public needs on the basis of a royalty-free (nonexclusive) license was determined.
Bariatric surgery produces greater weight loss and improvements in medical conditions than non-surgical treatment of obesity

Commentary on: Gloy VL, Briel M, Bhatt DL, et al. Bariatric surgery versus non-surgical treatment for obesity: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. BMJ 2013;347:f5934. Bariatric surgery is a widely accepted treatment for obesity, with over 340 000 procedures performed worldwide every year. It has shown to reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, induce diabetes remission, improve obstructive sleep apnoea, and help with various other conditions. This has important implications for countries like the USA, where obesity has reached epidemic levels, affecting over a third of the population.1 Results from recent studies suggest that surgery is more effective than non-surgical treatments in producing weight loss and in decreasing related morbidity and mortality.1–3 The outcomes of the Look AHEAD (Action for Health in Diabetes study), focusing on lifestyle-induced weight …
The Harvard fire model

This paper gives an overview of the Harvard Computer Fire Code. Some background on mathematical fire modeling in general is given and then some of the assumptions and approximations made in the Harvard Mark 5 model are outlined. The capabilities of the model are then discussed, as well as the two variants, Mark 5.3 and Mark 6. The validity and reliability of the model are considered, and its weakest features noted. The requirements in terms of machine size, CPU time, and data are considered, as well as the input/output for (from) the program. Finally, how the program can be modified, plus plans for its future development, are outlined.
Effect of Upstream Shear on Flow and Heat (Mass) Transfer Over a Flat Plate—Part I: Velocity Measurements

A parametric study investigates the effects of wall shear on a two-dimensional turbulent boundary layer. A belt translating along the direction of the flow imparts the shear. Velocity measurements are performed at 12 streamwise locations with four surface-to-freestream velocity ratios (0, 0.38, 0.52, and 0.65) and a momentum-based Reynolds number between 770 and 1776. The velocity data indicate that the location of the "virtual origin" of the turbulent boundary layer "moves" downstream toward the trailing edge of the belt with increasing surface velocity. The highest belt velocity ratio (0.65) results in the removal of the "inner" region of the boundary layer. Measurements of the streamwise turbulent kinetic energy show an inner scaling at locations upstream and downstream of the belt, and the formation of a new self-similar structure on the moving surface itself. Good agreement is observed for the variation in the shape factor (H) and the skin friction coefficient (c f ) with the previous studies. The distribution of the energy spectrum downstream of the belt indicates peak values concentrated around 1 kHz for the stationary belt case in the near wall region (30 < y + < 50). However, with increasing belt velocity, this central peak plateaus over a wide frequency range (0.9―4 kHz).
A Role for the RNase III Enzyme DCR-1 in RNA Interference and Germ Line Development in Caenorhabditis elegans

An early event in RNA interference (RNAi) is the cleavage of the initiating double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) to short pieces, 21 to 23 nucleotides in length. Here we describe a null mutation in dicer-1 (dcr-1), a gene proposed to encode the enzyme that generates these short RNAs. We find that dcr-1(-/-) animals have defects in RNAi under some, but not all, conditions. Mutant animals have germ line defects that lead to sterility, suggesting that cleavage of dsRNA to short pieces is a requisite event in normal development.
Vascular permeability in ocular disease and the role of tight junctions

Vascular permeability is closely linked with angiogenesis in a number of pathologies. In the retina, the normally well-developed blood-retinal barrier is altered in a host of eye diseases preceding or commensurate with angiogenesis. This review examines the literature regarding the tight junction complex that establishes the blood-retinal barrier focusing on the transmembrane proteins occludin and the claudin family and the membrane associated protein zonula occludens. The changes observed in these proteins associated with vascular and epithelial permeability is discussed. Finally, novel literature addressing the link between the tight junction complex and angiogenesis is considered.
Comparative effects of belongingness on the academic success and cross-cultural interactions of domestic and international students

Abstract To advance resilience-based models of acculturation, we used structural equation modeling (SEM) to test the buffering effects of a sense of belongingness on cross-cultural interaction and academic success, where belongingness refers to a sense of connection with one's university, a strong support network, and a balance of academic challenge and support. We analyzed a stratified random sample of international ( n = 415) and domestic ( n = 816) undergraduates at eight research universities in the United States who responded to the Global Perspective Inventory (GPI). International and domestic students who took courses involving intergroup dialog or multicultural content reported more cross-cultural interaction, but not a greater sense of belongingness. A sense of belongingness increased cross-cultural interaction between international and domestic students, and it substantially enhanced international students’ average grade earned. Cultural events, leadership programs, and community service enhanced a sense of belongingness, buffered the effects of racism, and provided a secure base for the exploration of cross-cultural relationships. Similarities and dissimilarities in how belongingness contributes to international and domestic students’ cross-cultural relationships and academic success are considered. We discuss implications for resilience-based models of acculturation and propose interventions to enhance a sense of belongingness for all students.
Quantifying geomorphology associated with large subduction zone earthquakes

For 30 large-earthquake generating subduction zones, we quantify forearc basin size and subducting seafloor roughness to see if the size and shape of geomorphologic features determine earthquake magnitude. The subduction of geomorphologic features, such as ridges and seamounts, not only influences seismicity, but increases basal erosion and subsidence of the accretionary wedge, resulting in the formation of forearc basins. Many subduction zone ruptures have been associated with these basins, where a great portion of the ruptures’asperities collocate with the basins. First, we attempt to discern a relationship between forearc and subducting geomorphology by quantifying along- strike variations in the bathymetry associated with 30 different rupture zones and the sections of subducting seafloor adjacent to those rupture zones. Two parameters, determined from theoretical models fit to empirical semivariograms, characterize areas of bathymetry: the sill, which estimates the degree of relief in the terrain, and the range, which is the horizontal scale associated with the sill. The ratio of sill to range provides us with a measure of seafloor roughness at a scale relevant to the mechanics of subduction. We investigate the control that forearc basins and subducting bathymetric highs may have on the occurrence of large thrust earthquakes by separately comparing our rupture zone and subducting seafloor roughness measurements to the moment magnitudes of the 30 events. The trench-parallel dimension of bathymetrically high features on the subducting seafloor appears to correlate with moment magnitude. Also, we observe in the ratio of sill to range measurements that geomorphology on the subducting sea£oor and forearc constrain the earthquake size at a margin.
Space to Grow: Using Dialogue Techniques for Multinational, Multicultural Learning

Dialogue as a technique for group facilitation is valuable for social workers working in the international arena. This article explores the theoretical and practice implications of the dialogue approach. The authors have found that this process offers transformative experiences for participants when used at multinational, multicultural conferences and training events. Two examples of the dialogue approach are presented, from consultation and conference work in Russia and Central and Eastern European communities.
Substituent Effects in Cation/π Interactions and Electrostatic Potentials above the Centers of Substituted Benzenes Are Due Primarily to Through-Space Effects of the Substituents

Substituent effects in cation/π interactions have been examined using the M05-2X DFT functional and CCSD(T) paired with triple-ζ-quality basis sets. In contrast to popular, intuitive models, trends in substituent effects are explained primarily in terms of direct through-space interactions with the substituents. While there is some scatter in the data, which is attributed to π polarization, the trend in substituent effects in cation/π interactions is captured by an additive model in which the substituent is isolated from the aryl ring. Similarly, changes in the electrostatic potential at a point above the center of a substituted benzene arise largely from through-space effects of the substituents; π polarization is not the dominant underlying cause.
GENES, JUSTICE, AND OBLIGATIONS TO FUTURE PEOPLE

In this essay, I shall discuss ethical issues that arise with our increasing ability to affect the genetic makeup of the human population. These effects can be produced directly by altering the genotype (through germ-line or somatic changes), or indirectly by aborting, not conceiving, or treating individuals because of their genetic makeup in ways made possible by genetic pharmacology. I shall refer to all of these sorts of procedures collectively as the Procedures. Some of the ethical issues the Procedures raise are old, arising quite generally when we can affect the well-being of people, even in the absence of the ability to affect them in the ways just described. My examination of these issues is prompted by the recent at-length discussion of them, From Chance to Choice (henceforth CC ), by Allen Buchanan, Dan Brock, Norman Daniels, and Daniel Wikler.
Forces on atoms in a standing-wave laser field

A previous calculation of forces on atoms in external (dc) fields and in homogeneous traveling-wave laser fields is modified for the case of a standing-wave laser field. The case of intense laser fields, where the Rabi frequency is much greater than the natural decay rate of the atom, is described. A general result for any Doppler shift of the laser frequency due to the atomic motion is obtained. It is specialized to the two cases in which this shift is either much smaller or larger than the natural decay rate. In the first case, we get the same result as that of a previous calculation. The second case has not been discussed previously.
In vivo effects of heavy metals on cellular defense mechanisms of Crassostrea virginica: Total and differential cell counts

Specimens of Crassostrea virginica were exposed to 1 ppm Cu2+, Cd2+, Cu2+ + EDTA, Cd2+ + EDTA, or sea water for 24 hr, 72 hr, 1 week, and 2 weeks. At each of the time intervals total hemocyte counts and differential counts were made. Statistical comparisons of the total cell counts permit the conclusions that (1) Cu2+ or Cu2+ + EDTA does not appear to stimulate hemopoiesis, (2) Cd2+ appears to stimulate hemopoiesis, (3) the stimulation of hemopoiesis by Cd2+ does not appear to be reduced by chelation with EDTA, and (4) Cd2+ + EDTA or EDTA alone appears to have a stimulatory effect on hemocyte production. Statistical comparisons of the differential counts permit the following conclusions: (1) 1 ppm of Cu2+ causes a reduction in the percentage of hyalinocytes, and (2) 1 ppm of Cd2+ causes an elevation in the percentage of hyalinocytes after 1 and 2 weeks of exposure.
Continuum model of shot noise and line edge roughness

Decreasing feature size implies increased sensitivity to statistical fluctuations which impact critical dimension uniformity and control. In a recent work Gallatin and Liddle presented equations which describe the basic processes leading to surface and line edge roughness in a chemically amplified resists. Retaining only the lowest order terms in what is inherently a very nonlinear problem they were able to derive a scaling law and other dependencies which show reasonable agreement with experimental data. Here the analysis of the same equations is extended and expanded to include the dominant nonlinear effects.
How might evolution lead to hell

We are grateful to the respondents for thoughtfully illuminating points in our analysis they view as correct and important, for graciously pointing out the ambiguous or unpersuasive, and for sugges...
Insulin Stimulation of Retinal Outer Segment Uptake by Cultured Human Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells Determined by a Flow Cytometric Method

Abstract This study investigates the mechanism by which insulin stimulates phagocytosis in cultured human retinal pigment epithelium, using a flow cytometric assay of retinal outer segment uptake. RPE cells were isolated from adult human donors and grown in culture. Retinal outer segments were isolated from fresh bovine eyes and covalently labeled with the fluorescent dye carboxy-SNAFL-2. Retinal outer segment binding and uptake was quantified by direct visualization and the increase in cellular fluorescence measured using a flow cytometer and the methods compared. Uptake measured by flow cytometry was further characterized by concentration, time, temperature and serum stimulation, and shown to be comparable to other published methods. Uptake of retinal outer segments was acutely stimulated by insulin in the absence or presence of serum with half maximal stimulation occurring between 0·1 and 1·0 μg ml-1. Theophylline, forskolin and cholera toxin all reduced retinal outer segment uptake by RPE cells, but had no effect upon insulin stimulation. Measurements of cAMP showed that insulin did not change intracellular cAMP concentration compared to controls in the absence or presence of added retinal outer segments. One hundred nanomolar okadaic acid also inhibited retinal outer segment uptake but not insulin-stimulated uptake, nor did 100 μM genistein have an effect upon insulin-stimulated uptake. Preincubation of RPE cells with 25 μM ZnCl2 overnight stimulated retinal outer segment uptake and appeared to inhibit the insulin stimulation. Preincubation of the cells in 25 mM glucose overnight also increased the uptake of retinal outer segments over control and reduced the effect of insulin. We conclude that insulin stimulates retinal outer segment phagocytosis by an as yet unknown process which may involve specific tyrosine phosphatases.
Redefining relativity: quantitative PCR at low template concentrations for industrial and environmental microbiology

The application of PCR techniques in environmental and industrial microbiology is complicated by innumerable organic and inorganic contaminants and enzyme inhibitors that copurify with nucleic acids. These complications are compounded in quantitative PCR (qPCR) methods, which are predicated upon subtle yet significant assumptions of amplification efficiency and the representativeness of the sample with respect to the environment or industrial process from which it was obtained. In low-biomass and/or low-template situations, additional concerns related to target gene spatial heterogeneity in the sample, differential DNA (or RNA) extraction efficiency, molecular sampling error, attenuation of PCR inhibitors and amplification bias can quickly undermine fundamental assumptions of conventional competitive PCR (cPCR) and most-probable-number PCR (MPN-PCR) formats. A critical evaluation of cPCR and MPN-PCR assumptions is therefore presented within the context of environmental microbiology and low-template enumerations. Fundamental conclusions from the analysis of qPCR assumptions are that: (a) environmental qPCR enumerations are invariably estimates, not absolute enumerations, which are relative to the PCR standard; (b) traditional cPCR assays are ill-suited for environmental applications, especially in low-biomass situations; and (c) both cPCR and traditional MPN-PCR practices insufficiently account for field-scale, process-level or experimental variations that arise and become amplified in PCR enumerations. Thus, sample representativeness and errors related to sample replication are frequently more important than errors related to the qPCR assay itself. Based upon this critique of qPCR assumptions, an alternate qPCR method for routine environmental application is described which is based upon replicative limiting dilution analysis and the pragmatic tradeoffs between analytical sensitivity and practical utility.
A Formal Semantics for Plural Quantification, Intersentential Binding and Anaphoric Pronouns as Rigid Designators

It is well known that certain kinds of plural quantification as well as intersentential pronominal cross-reference in natural language cannot be formalizable by the devices of standard first-order logic, i.e., by a formal language containing variables x,y,z,..., ranging over individuals, the quantifiers V and 3, the truth functional connectives and the equal sign. The most famous example of the former is perhaps the Geach-Kaplan sentence, (1) Some critics admire only one another. An example of the latter is (2) Some woman will land on Mars in the year 2010. (3) She will be an American. (2) and (3) cannot be represented as, (2') ∃x(x is a woman & x lands on Mars in the year 2010) (3') x is an American (2') and (3'), respectively, since the variable in (3'), representing the anaphoric pronoun 'she', is free. But for it to refer to the woman who lands on Mars in the year 2010, it should be bound by the quantifier ∃x' in (2'). In this paper, we shall present a formal language and a model-theoretic semantics (hereafter, a formal semantical system) for such plural quantification and for anaphoric expressions requiring intersentential.binding.
Second-trimester uterine evacuation: A comparison of intra-amniotic (15S)-15-methyl-prostaglandin F2α and intravaginal misoprostol☆☆☆★

Abstract Objective: Our purpose was to compare the efficacy, safety, and adverse effects of intra-amniotically administered (15S)-15-methyl-prostaglandin F 2α and intravaginally administered misoprostol for second-trimester uterine evacuation. Study Design: Fifty-one patients were randomly assigned to receive either a single 2.5-mg intra-amniotic injection of (15S)-15-methyl-prostaglandin F 2 α (n = 26) or two 200-μg intravaginal doses of misoprostol (n = 25) at 12-hour intervals. The primary outcome measured was evacuation of the uterus within 24 hours. Results: The mean time from initiation of termination to uterine evacuation was less in the prostaglandin group than in the misoprostol group (17.5 ± 8.6 hours vs 22.3 ± 12.5 hours), but this was not statistically significant ( P > .05). The rate of successful fetal evacuation at 24 hours was significantly higher in the prostaglandin group than in the misoprostol group (88% vs 60%, P = .02). The complete-abortion rate and the incidence of adverse effects were similar in both groups. Conclusion: The use of an intra-amniotic injection of (15S)-15-methyl-prostaglandin F 2α for midtrimester pregnancy termination is safe and is associated with a greater number of successful uterine evacuations within 24 hours, without an increase in adverse effects, than intravaginal administration of misoprostol. (Am J Obstet Gynecol 1999;181:1057-61.)
Time-resolved absorption studies of native etiolated oat phytochrome

The phototransformation kinetics of native oat phytochrome from etiolated seedling shoots of Avena sativa was investigated by laser photolysis experiments at 10 o C. The phototransformation from the red-absorbing form (Pr) to the far-red-absorbing form (Pfr) was initiated by 7-ns (fwhm) laser pulses at 638 nm. The transient absorption difference spectra in the UV and visible regions were recorded from 100 ns to 800 ms after photolysis by a gated optical multichannel analyzer system. A global fitting procedure employing a singular value decomposition method was used to simultaneously analyze the difference spectra at various times after photolysis
High efficiency Cu 2 ZnSnS 4 nanocrystal ink solar cells through improved nanoparticle synthesis and selenization

In this work we present the improved efficiency of nanocrystal ink based Cu2ZnSn(S, Se)4 (CZTSSe) solar cells to 9.15%. CZTSSe devices prepared from nanocrystal inks are known for the presence of an unintended amorphous/fine-grained layer (unsintered layer) near the back contact. We demonstrate the ability to reduce the proportion of the unsintered layer in the final film through improved nanocrystal synthesis techniques and tailored thermal annealing in selenium atmosphere (selenization). Interestingly, our selenization process has not led to similar device performance in films prepared from particles using other recipes from the literature.
Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole Desensitization in the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

Excerpt To the editor: Pneumonia due toPneumocystis cariniimay occur as an opportunistic infection in patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole has ...
The Inheritance of Breast Width in a Strain of New Hampshires

Abstract BREEDING for improved breast width in any strain of meat type chickens is one of the more important phases in a meat type poultry breeding program. The major reason for developing strains of birds with wide breast conformation is to create a superior appearing carcass to satisfy the demands of the consumer. Lerner, Asmundson and Cruden (1947) reported that improvement in breast width can be attained more rapidly when consideration is also given to body weight, shank length and keel length in selection of future breeders. Collins, Bliss and Scott (1950) reported significant genetic variation between breast width means in the progenies of broad and narrow breasted Rhode Island Red sires, but inconsistent results between the progeny means of the dams. The matings made in this experiment were based solely upon breast angle and live grade at ten to eleven months of age. Bird (1948) noted that dams apparently exert . . .
Mortgage debt as a moderator in the association between unemployment and health.

Abstract Objective While homeownership is generally viewed as good for society, the consequences of the concomitant mortgage debt have not been well examined. This study investigates the role of mortgage debt as a moderator in the relationship between unemployment and health. Study design A cross-sectional analysis of a representative sample of US homeowners aged 38–46 surveyed in 1998–2006. Methods Subjects were 3667 adults living in owned homes aged 38–46 who reported being either employed or unemployed. Logistic models were performed using maximum likelihood estimation to estimate the relative risk of self-reporting fair or poor health with regard to employment status and how employment status interacted with mortgage status. Results Among homeowners, being unemployed for more than 13 weeks with a mortgage is associated with a higher likelihood of reporting fair or poor health (odds ratio 2.38, 95% confidence interval 1.28–4.45). Being unemployed for more than 13 weeks with a mortgage loan that is more than 80% of the value of the home is associated with a greater likelihood of reporting fair or poor health (odds ratio 8.99, 95% confidence interval 2.50–32.29). Conclusion Among homeowners, mortgage debt increases the association between unemployment and poor health. In an economy where periods of high unemployment are likely to coincide with periods of falling home prices, homeowners may find themselves unemployed just when their homes lose value, intensifying financial stress.
“Age of the first person singular”: The vocabulary of the self in new england, 1780—1850

From Puritan ministers to Victorian philosophers to post-modern novelists, intellectuals have always focussed on the self. As the cultural historian Warren Susman suggested, "the history of thought in the modern era is the history of thinking about the self. " He did not define when the modern era began, and on this issue one can find advocates for each century back to the twelfth, and for each era from the ancient Greeks back even to the origins of consciousness, as the moment when inward development and human agency became a central preoccupation, when the self was "discovered."1
Double Intramural Coronary Arteries in D-Transposition of the Great Arteries

We report a rare case of D-transposition of the great arteries with intramural origin of both the left and right coronary arteries. The patient underwent a successful arterial switch operation at 7 days of life with an uneventful postoperative course. Regardless of challenging coronary anatomy, the arterial switch operation remains the optimal approach for repair of the transposition of the great arteries in the neonate.
Sequelae of nonsustained polymorphic ventricular tachycardia induced during programmed ventricular stimulation

Abstract The results of 206 programmed ventricular stimulation studies performed in 130 patients (100 men and 30 women, mean age 62 ± 12 years, ± standard deviation) were examined prospectively to determine the sequelae of nonsustained polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (VT) induced during programmed ventricular stimulation. The clinical indication for the electrophysiologic study was either documented monomorphic VT or unexplained syncope. The pacing protocol included 2 right ventricular pacing sites, 2 basic drive cycle lengths and up to 3 extrastimuli. In 111 studies, nonsustained polymorphic VT was induced and with continuation of the programmed stimulation protocol, sustained monomorphic VT was induced in 48 studies (43%) and polymorphic VT was induced in 13 studies (12%). Overall, sustained monomorphic VT was induced in 110 studies and sustained polymorphic VT in 18 studies. The incidence of nonsustained polymorphic VT preceding the induction of sustained polymorphic VT was significantly greater than the incidence of nonsustained polymorphic VT preceding the induction of sustained monomorphic VT (72 vs 44%, p
HON Label and DISCERN as Content Quality Indicators of Health-Related Websites

Content quality indicators are warranted in order to help patients and consumers to judge the content quality of health-related on-line information. The aim of the present study is to evaluate web-based information on health topics and to assess particular content quality indicators like HON (Health on the Net) and DISCERN. The present study is based on the analysis of data issued from six previous studies which assessed with a standardized tool the general and content quality (evidence-based health information) of health-related websites. Keywords related to Social phobia, bipolar disorders, pathological gambling as well as cannabis, alcohol and cocaine addiction were entered into popular World Wide Web search engines. Websites were assessed with a standardized proforma designed to rate sites on the basis of accountability, presentation, interactivity, readability and content quality (evidence-based information). "Health on the Net" (HON) quality label, and DISCERN scale scores were used to verify their efficiency as quality indicators. Of 874 websites identified, 388 were included. Despite an observed association with higher content quality scores, the HON label fails to predict good content quality websites when used in a multiple regression. Sensibility and specificity of a DISCERN score >40 in the detection of good content quality websites were, respectively, 0.45 and 0.96. The DISCERN is a potential quality indicator with a relatively high specificity. Further developments in this domain are warranted in order to facilitate the identification of high-quality information on the web by patients.
The Vanishing Tetrad Test: Another Test of Model Misspecification

The Vanishing Tetrad Test (VTT) (Bollen, Lennox, & Dahly, 2009; Bollen & Ting, 2000; Hipp, Bauer, & Bollen, 2005) is an extension of the Confirmatory Tetrad Analysis (CTA) proposed by Bollen and Ti...
Activation of Mammalian Target of Rapamycin (mTOR) by Insulin Is Associated with Stimulation of 4EBP1 Binding to Dimeric mTOR Complex 1

Insulin stimulates protein synthesis by promoting phosphorylation of the eIF4E-binding protein, 4EBP1. This effect is rapamycin-sensitive and mediated by mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) complex 1 (mTORC1), a signaling complex containing mTOR, raptor, and mLST8. Here we demonstrate that insulin produces a stable increase in the kinase activity of mTORC1 in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. The response was associated with a marked increase in 4EBP1 binding to raptor in mTORC1, and it was abolished by disrupting the TOR signaling motif in 4EBP1. The stimulatory effects of insulin on both 4EBP1 kinase activity and binding occurred rapidly and at physiological concentrations of insulin, and both effects required an intact mTORC1. Results of experiments involving size exclusion chromatography and coimmunoprecipitation of epitope-tagged subunits provide evidence that the major insulin-responsive form is dimeric mTORC1, a structure containing two heterotrimers of mTOR, raptor, and mLST8.
Ultrafast carrier dynamics in InN epilayers

Abstract Ultrafast differential transmission measurements on a series of InN epilayers, grown by molecular beam epitaxy, have been employed to determine the carrier lifetimes and to probe the carrier recombination dynamics at room temperature. Differential transmission spectra reveal a peak energy of ∼0.7 eV on these samples, supporting the existence of the narrow band gap of InN. In addition, we observed a fast initial hot carrier cooling followed by a slow recombination process after pulse excitation. Carrier lifetimes ranging from 48 ps to 1.3 ns have been measured in these samples. An inverse proportionality between the carrier lifetime and the free-electron concentration was observed, suggesting that the donor-like defects or impurities may stimulate a formation of non-radiative recombination centers, reducing the carrier lifetime.
Allergenic components of vaccines and avoidance of vaccination-related adverse events

Vaccines have had a dramatic effect on the prevalence of communicable diseases, but, in selected individuals, the injection presents a risk of anaphylaxis. Fortunately, most people have no allergic reactions to vaccines. In egg-allergic individuals, care must be taken before administering specific vaccines; the algorithm provided in this article gives specific recommendations for skin testing and desensitization. This algorithm is not needed for individuals receiving the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine because the risk of anaphylaxis is extremely low, even in those with known egg-protein sensitivity. Some individuals have gelatin sensitivity, which may cause anaphylaxis. Selected vaccines contain antibiotic drugs, so it is important to note if an individual has any known drug sensitivity, especially to neomycin, polymyxin B, or amphotericin B. Lastly, vaccine preservatives may cause reactions, but this occurs very infrequently.
Successful implanted pacemaker for an extreme inhibitory reflex syncope evoked by post herpetic trigeminal neuralgia

Abstract Syncope is defined as a transient loss of consciousness due to cerebral hypoperfusion characterized by rapid onset, short duration, and spontaneous complete recovery. Numerous causes of syncope have been described. Vasovagal syncope is the most common with a number of precipitants. We report a case of post herpetic trigeminal neuralgia leading to neurocardiogenic syncope. These episodes were preceded by severe stabbing left frontal headaches followed by significant sinus bradycardia, asystole, and syncope requiring pacemaker implantation. To our knowledge only one previous case of post herpetic trigeminal neuralgia leading to syncope has been reported. Learning objective: Neuralgia-associated syncope is a rare phenomenon. Failing to recognize and treat appropriately may be associated with recurring episodes of syncope with significant lifestyle limitations. Although post herpetic neuralgia is treatable, one should be prepared to insert a pacemaker if treatment fails to control symptoms that progress to cardioinhibitory syncope.>
Cerebral phaeohyphomycosis due to Cladophialophora bantiana in a Huacaya alpaca (Vicugna pacos).

Summary Cerebral phaeohyphomycosis, caused by Cladophialophora bantiana, was diagnosed in a Huacaya alpaca (Vicugna pacos). An 8-year-old, intact male Huacaya alpaca from a farm in Indiana was found dead at pasture and submitted to the Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory at Purdue University for necropsy examination. Gross lesions were limited to the cerebrum, which had a 2 × 2.5 × 5 cm, well-demarcated, firm, mottled, pale grey to brown-red mass with a granular texture, centered on the left and right cingulate gyri. Microscopically, granulomatous and necrotizing meningoencephalitis with intralesional pigmented fungal hyphae effaced the cerebral grey and white matter of the cingulate gyri. The hyphae were 4–6 μm in diameter and septate, with non-parallel walls and occasional branching. Polymerase chain reaction for the internal transcribed spacer-1 of the nuclear small-subunit ribosomal RNA genes was performed on extracts from formalin-fixed and paraffin wax-embedded sections of cerebrum. Nucleotide sequence analysis of the amplified fragment identified the fungal agent as C. bantiana. This is the first report of cerebral phaeohyphomycosis attributable to C. bantiana in a camelid.
Amphetamine fails to alter cued recollection of emotional images: study of encoding, retrieval, and state-dependency.

Stimulant drugs facilitate both encoding and retrieval of salient information in laboratory animals, but less is known about their effects on memory for emotionally salient visual images in humans. The current study investigated dextroamphetamine (AMP) effects on memory for emotional pictures in healthy humans, by administering the drug only at encoding, only at retrieval, or at both encoding and retrieval. During the encoding session, all participants viewed standardized positive, neutral, and negative pictures from the International Affective Picture System (IAPS). 48 hours later they attended a retrieval session testing their cued recollection of these stimuli. Participants were randomly assigned to one of four conditions (N = 20 each): condition AP (20 mg AMP at encoding and placebo (PL) at retrieval); condition PA (PL at encoding and AMP at retrieval); condition AA (AMP at encoding and retrieval); or condition PP (PL at encoding and retrieval). Amphetamine produced its expected effects on physiological and subjective measures, and negative pictures were recollected more frequently than neutral pictures. However, contrary to hypotheses, AMP did not affect recollection for positive, negative, or neutral stimuli, whether it was administered at encoding, retrieval, or at both encoding and retrieval. Moreover, recollection accuracy was not state-dependent. Considered in light of other recent drug studies in humans, this study highlights the sensitivity of drug effects to memory testing conditions and suggests future strategies for translating preclinical findings to human behavioral laboratories.
Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment of Depression, Part IV: Improving Problem-Solving Skills

Cognitive-behavioral treatment of depression has been found effective for helping a wide range of clients. However, current approaches to treatment emphasize the integration of a variety of treatment elements. The present manuscript describes the use of problem-solving therapy as incorporated into a broader cognitive-behavioral treatment model. Problem-solving approaches to therapy typically involve helping clients develop skill in five interrelated areas: (1) Develop an adaptive orientation to life's problems, (2) Define problems in terms of specific and realistic goals, (3) Generate a variety of response alternatives, (4) Help clients make rational decisions, and (5) Implement the plan and evaluate its effectiveness. These strategies can help many clients cope with the stressful life events that occur, and therefore can help reduce the intensity or prevent the onset of depressive symptoms. Furthermore, these strategies can be incorporated into a broader treatment plan that includes elements for monitoring depression severity, improving social functioning, and reducing cognitive biases.