cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Terahertz plasmonic sources

Oscillations of the electron density (plasma waves) in the channels of field effect transistors (FETs) propagate with velocities much larger than typical electron drift velocities. FETs operating in the plasmonic regime (TeraFETs) could detect and emit terahertz (THz) and sub-THz radiation. The TeraFET plasmonic detectors have demonstrated excellent performance and are now being commercialized and used as pixels of THz cameras. New ideas of TeraFET THz detection breaking symmetry by phase enable TeraFET THz spectrometers and THz line-of-sight detectors. Heterodyne modes of operation and operation under bias increase the TeraFET sensitivity by orders of magnitude. The challenge now is to develop compatible TeraFET plasmonic sources, which, in combination with TeraFET plasmonic detectors, will support THz and sub-THz communications, including beyond 5G – 6G WiFi in the 240 GHz to 320 GHz range. Many other applications of such sources range from radio astronomy to industrial controls, security, biomedical, pharmaceutical, compact radar, drone, VLSI testing, and IoT applications. Silicon ultra-short channel MOS, AlGaN/GaN and AlGaAs/InGaAs HEMTs, p-diamond and graphene transistors are all candidates for the TeraFET plasmonic sources. Such sources are driven by a ballistic or quasi-ballistic current leading to a plasma wave instability. The instability mechanisms range from the Dyakonov-Shur instability involving the reflection of the plasma waves carried by drift, the instability using the transit time delays, and the “plasmonic boom” instability arising when the electron drift velocity crosses the plasma velocity. Even though the instability increments are reduced by the electron (or hole) scattering and by the electron viscosity the analysis of the TeraFET performance for different materials systems show that the room temperature operation is possible. The grating gate structures should allow to obtain sufficient powers and efficiencies. Our estimates show that it is possible to achieve 100 mW power at 1 THz. I estimate that it would take from 3 to 5 years for the THz plasmonic sources to reach practical Technology Readiness Levels for commercial applications.
The Impact of Preoperative Radiation Therapy on Locoregional Recurrence in Patients with Stage IV Rectal Cancer Treated with Definitive Surgical Resection and Contemporary Chemotherapy

Definitive resection of primary rectal cancers is frequently incorporated, with or without preoperative radiotherapy and perioperative chemotherapy, in the management of selected patients with metastatic rectal adenocarcinoma. This study reviews the impact of preoperative radiotherapy and perioperative chemotherapy on locoregional recurrence and overall survival in these patients. This retrospective study with an Institutional Review Board (IRB) waiver included 109 patients with metastatic rectal adenocarcinoma who underwent definitive primary resection between 1998 and 2011. In addition to resection, 64 patients were treated with preoperative radiotherapy and perioperative chemotherapy and 45 patients were treated with perioperative chemotherapy alone. Radiotherapy dose was typically 50.4 Gy. Baseline variables were compared using chi-square and unpaired t tests. Overall survival was calculated using Kaplan-Meier method. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed using Cox proportional hazards regression. There were no significant baseline differences between the two groups. There was no significant difference in locoregional recurrence (10.9 vs. 11.1 %; p = 0.90) or overall survival (34.5 vs. 34.8 months; p = 0.89) for patients treated with preoperative radiotherapy compared to those treated with perioperative chemotherapy alone, respectively. Patients who underwent radiotherapy were less likely to have a positive margin (10.9 vs. 20.0 %; p = 0.19), lymphovascular invasion (32.8 vs. 53.3 %; p = 0.03), and pathologic stage N2 disease (25.0 vs. 42.2 %; p = 0.02). Grade 2 postoperative complications were more common in the preoperative radiotherapy group (32.8 vs. 15.6 %; p = 0.04). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that patients with poorly differentiated tumors (HR 2.19; p = 0.009) and those that did not undergo liver-directed therapy (HR 2.20; p = 0.005) had inferior survival. Locoregional recurrence is modest in patients with metastatic rectal adenocarcinoma receiving definitive primary resection, irrespective of the use of radiotherapy. Preoperative radiotherapy may enhance pathologic downstaging at the expense of increased grade 2 postoperative complications. Its use should be reserved for patients at high risk for locoregional recurrence.
When Politics Becomes Protest: Black Veterans and Political Activism in the Postwar South

Recent narratives of the civil rights movement document black veterans’ contributions to the movement's success, often attributing their efforts to their military experience. While this attribution makes sense intuitively, alternative explanations for black veterans’ mobilization are not fully explored in existing work. For instance, black veterans were often among the most active members in many of the civil rights organizations from which insurgency was launched. Therefore, we cannot rule out the possibility that black civic institutions, not military service per se, drove black veterans’ activism. Furthermore, if military service did lead to political activism, we lack a microlevel mechanism to explain the means by which it did so. In this article, I show that military service did motivate black veterans’ activism independent of their membership in black civic institutions or feelings of group solidarity and theorize a mechanism by which it did so.
Altruism and Benevolence

Altruism is action taken out of concern for others for their own sake. Benevolence is such concern. Altruism does not require self-sacrifice, although it generally has more moral worth when it does than when it does not. Altruism can bring about satisfaction in the agent. But such satisfaction is seldom the motive for engaging in beneficent action, and when it is, it is not a case of altruism at all. An altruist may fail to bring about benefit to the other, but built into altruism is a concern to discern the other's good, not merely to act on what one (perhaps mistakenly) takes to be her good. As humans, we have reason to care not only that other people's well-being is enhanced, but also, about the motives for which people engage in actions that bring that result about, even though sometimes those motives are difficult to discern. Keywords: altruism; benevolence; beneficence; Bishop Joseph Butler; self-sacrifice; self-benefit; self-interest; motivation; good of the other
Beyond ethical dilemmas: improving the quality of end-of-life care in the intensive care unit

Consensus guidelines on providing optimal end-of-life care in the intensive care unit (ICU) are important tools. However, despite 30 years of ethical discourse and consensus on many of the principles that guide end-of-life care in the ICU, care remains inadequate. Although consensus on the most challenging ethical aspects of some cases will remain elusive, this need not deter clinicians from engaging in practical quality improvement, best practice, and educational interventions to provide compassionate care to all critically ill patients, including those who ultimately die.
Fast cryptographic multi-party protocols for computing boolean scalar products with applications to privacy-preserving association rule mining in vertically partitioned data

Recently, the problem of privately mining association rules in vertically partitioned data has been reduced to the problem of privately computing boolean scalar products. In this paper, we propose two cryptographic multi-party protocols for privately computing boolean scalar products. The proposed protocols are shown to be secure and much faster than other protocols for the same problem.
Population growth kinetics of Tetrahymena pyriformis exposed to selected nonpolar narcotics.

This study describes effects of selected nonpolar narcotics of varying hydrophobicity (quantified by the 1-octanol-water partition coefficient, log Kow) and molecular structure on the population growth kinetics of the freshwater ciliate Tetrahymena pyriformis. The response of Tetrahymena exposed to different nonpolar narcotics varied from a change in generation time to a change in lag phase with similar generation time compared to control. Two narcotics with high (>3.00), intermediate (>0.00 and 35% or >50%, respectively, the doubling times were longer than control growth.
Provitamin A Function of Carotenoids: The Conversion of β-Carotene into Vitamin A

Two pathways have been suggested for the conversion of carotenoids to vitamin A in mammals, central cleavage and excentric cleavage. An enzyme, beta-carotenoid-15,15'-dioxygenase (EC 1.13.11.21), has been partly purified from the intestines of several species and has been identified in several other organs and species. The enzyme, which converts beta-carotene into two molecules of retinal in good yield, requires molecular oxygen and is inhibited by sulfhydryl-binding and iron-binding reagents. Most provitamin A carotenoids, including the beta-apo-carotenals, are cleaved to retinal by this enzyme. Its maximal activity in the rabbit is approximately 200 times that required to meet nutritional needs but is less than 50% of that expected to produce signs of vitamin A toxicity. Excentric cleavage unquestionably occurs in plants and some microorganisms and might occur in mammals. Thus far, however, carotenoid dioxygenase with excentric bond specificity has been identified in mammals, the yield of beta-apo-carotenals from beta-carotene in vivo and in vitro is very low, and beta-apo-carotenals are formed nonbiologically from beta-carotene. To remain viable as an alternative pathway of vitamin A formation from carotenoids in mammals, the excentric cleavage hypothesis clearly requires unambiguous direct supporting evidence.
Safety and efficacy of tandem 131I-metaiodobenzylguanidine infusions in relapsed/refractory neuroblastoma.

BACKGROUND Targeted radiotherapy with (131) I-Metaiodobenzylguanidine ((131) I-MIBG) is safe and effective therapy for patients with relapsed neuroblastoma, but anti-tumor activity is sometimes transient. The goal of this study was to determine the safety and efficacy of early (<100 days) second (131) I-MIBG treatment following an effective initial treatment. PROCEDURES After an initial infusion of 18 mCi/kg (131) I-MIBG, patients with tumor response or stable disease (SD), and available hematopoietic stem cell product, were eligible for additional (131) I-MIBG therapy. Residual thrombocytopenia did not preclude patients from receiving additional treatment. Subsequent treatment was administered a minimum of 6 weeks and maximum 100 days from initial infusion, and subjects could receive subsequent therapy if the same criteria were met. RESULTS Seventy-six heavily pretreated patients (median 4 prior chemotherapy regimens, range 1-8) with relapsed neuroblastoma were treated with (131) I-MIBG. Response rate to the first infusion was 30%, with 49% showing SD. Response rate among the 41 patients receiving a subsequent second infusion was 29%. After two treatments, 39% of patients experienced a reduction in overall disease burden. Four of five complete responses (CRs) to the initial infusion were maintained, despite all five having disease readily apparent on immediate post-second treatment (131) I-MIBG scanning. Hematologic toxicity was managed with early PBSC support after the second therapy (median: 15 days). CONCLUSIONS Early second (131) I-MIBG safely reduces disease burden in patients with relapsed neuroblastoma. Patients with CR by conventional (123) I-MIBG scintigraphy may have substantial disease burden apparent on high-dose (131) I-MIBG scintigraphy, supporting consolidation with subsequent (131) I-MIBG therapy in cases of apparent complete remission. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011; 57: 1124-1129. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of Natural and Pretreated Soybean Hulls on Enzyme Production by Trichoderma reesei

The enzyme induction utility of soybean hulls (SBH), consisting in excess of 50 wt% non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) cellulose, hemicellulose, and pectin, was studied through cultivation of the carbohydrase-producing fungus Trichoderma reesei Rut C-30. Shake flask systems of T. reesei were grown in a medium consisting of defatted soybean flour as a nitrogen source and SBH, some of which were untreated and others pretreated by liquid hot water, alkaline, and supercritical carbon dioxide, as carbon source. Cellulase, xylanase, and polygalacturonase activities were measured for the systems, and the natural hull systems were found to yield optimum enzyme production. Controlled batch fermentation experiments were carried out to compare enzyme production resulting from media with Avicel® (FMC BioPolymer, Philadelphia, PA, USA) versus natural SBH with and without soybean flour as the nitrogen source. Soybean hull fermentations were also performed at several pH levels to observe the effects on enzyme production. Soybean hulls induced comparable levels of cellulase, and higher levels of xylanase and polygalacturonase, than Avicel®. With SBH, cellulase and xylanase production were enhanced at higher pH levels (6.0), and polygalacturonase was enhanced at lower pH levels (4.0–4.5). Enzyme production was largely unaffected by the presence of soybean flour as the nitrogen source.
Potential changes associated with rapid eye movement in the calcarine cortex

Abstract Saccadic eye movements, quick phases of nystagmus, and blinks induced prominent potential changes in the rostral calcarine cortex of the monkey. Slow eye movement did not induce these potential changes. Calcarine potential changes disappeared in darkness and could be induced by passive eye movement. The latency and amplitude of the calcarine responses was related to the amount of light energy which reached the retina. The amplitude was also dependent on the size of the rapid eye movements which induced the potential changes. Contrast in the external visual fields had no apparent effect on the amplitude of these potentials. This is different from lambda waves which disappear or are markedly attenuated when contrasts are removed from the external visual fields. Calcarine potential changes were present at levels of illumination which were in the scotopic range, and increased in size between 10 and 25 min after animals began to dark-adapt to low light levels. They were not affected by foveal destruction. It is likely that they arose largely as a result of activity in rods in the periphery of the retina.
Changes in Renal Function Following Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: A Prospective Study

Studies of the impact of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) on renal function have shown mixed results. We constructed this prospective repeated-measures controlled study to characterize this response and identify the best method of gauging renal function in this setting. Clinical data, serum creatinine (SC), and 24-h urine were collected 1 week before and 6 months following RYGB. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was calculated utilizing the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease formula. Creatinine clearance (CCL) was measured as a 24-h collection (24CCL) and calculated by the Cockcroft-Gault (CG) formula. The study population of 37 patients (81% women) had a mean age of 47 ± 11 years, had mean BMI of 47.6 ± 6.3 kg/m2, and achieved a mean % excess weight loss (EWL) of 60.9 ± 17.1%. SC decreased from 0.83 ± 0.21 mg/dl to 0.72 ± 0.16 mg/dl (p < 0.001) and mean GFR improved from 91.6 ± 29.7 ml/min/1.73 m2 to 104.9 ± 23.5 ml/min/1.73 m2 (p < 0.01). Preoperatively, CG significantly overestimated CCL when compared with 24CCL (197.1 ± 88.2 ml/min vs. 136.5 ± 53.0 ml/min, p < 0.001). In all patients, improvement in 24CCL correlated with EWL (r = 0.32) and %EWL (r = 0.16), and significantly correlated with decrease in BMI (r = 0.51, p < 0.005). In hypertensive patients, improvement in 24CCL significantly correlated with EWL (r = 0.43, p < 0.05), %EWL (r = 0.40, p < 0.05), and decrease in BMI (r = 0.60, p < 0.001) and was negatively correlated with age (r = −0.45, p < 0.05). This study demonstrates that renal function improves following RYGB and is best identified by change in GFR. Improvement in 24CCL is correlated with the EWL success of the patient, especially hypertensive patients.
Structural features of the surface of the vesicles of FSR—Lack of functional role in Ca2+ uptake and ATPase activity☆

Abstract Negative staining with uranyl acetate of the vesicles of fragmented sarcoplasmic reticulum from rabbit skeletal muscle has revealed three structural components in the vesicle wall: (1) the membrane portion proper, (2) spheres with a diameter of about 40 A on the exterior surface of the vesicle membrane, and (3) stalks with a width of about 20 A connecting the spheres with the membrane. Digestion with trypsin (at a 1:20 trypsin-vesicle protein ratio by weight) in a medium containing 0.1 m KCl (pH 7.0) with or without added sucrose leads to the removal of both surface spheres and stalks leaving smooth vesicles. If 4 n m calcium is included during digestion, only the surface spheres disappear and vesicles attached to the exterior surface by what appears to be a brush border result. The previously reported loss of Ca 2+ uptake and increase in ATPase activity of vesicles during tryptic digestion are prevented by adding high concentrations of sucrose (1.0 m ) but not the removal of spheres and stalks. The capacity of forming the phosphorylated intermediate by the transport enzyme from ATP remains intact in these vesicles. Similarly, vesicles devoid of only the surface spheres obtained by digestion in the joint presence of sucrose and calcium have retained essentially intact activities. The results indicate that all important activities related to the Ca 2+ transport mechanism are located in the membrane portion proper of the vesicle wall, and that the surface spheres and stalks have little or no role to play in Ca 2+ transport.
Kenosis, Race and the Sacredly Mobile Adolescent: A Revised Christology for Racial Reconciliation

This paper argues for a reappropriation of kenosis as a vital aspect of Christology that is particularly important in the understanding of what I have termed “sacredly mobile adolescents”— teens who inhabit a core identity value as fluidity of personhood rather than fixity. The concept of kenosis is explored through a combination of theological and biblical lenses. This understanding is then correlated against the experiences of ‘Third Culture Kids’ (young adults who have spent significant time in childhood in other cultural settings) to establish a model of youth ministry that approaches a kenotic form of identity construction through its life and practices.
Dose dependence of radiation-induced segregation in Ni-1 at% Si

Abstract Measurements have been made of alloy composition as a function of depth from the external surface in Ni-1 at% Si specimens after irradiation with 3-MeV 58 Ni + ions to several different doses at nominal temperatures of 525 and 600°C. Very rapid segregation of Si toward the external surface occurred during irradiation. Surface concentrations of Si in excess of the 10 at% solubility limit were found at both irradiation temperatures after a dose of only ~0.05 dpa. The rate of segregation decreased markedly in the dose range from ~1–10 dpa. Qualitative agreement was found between the experimental observations and calculations made using a modified Johnson-Lam segregation model. The present investigation suggests that radiation-induced segregation may significantly alter the mechanical behavior of irradiated alloys long before the onset of void swelling.
Research Policies for Schizophrenia in the Global Health Context

As mental health research expands globally, it is imperative to develop a multinational perspective on policies governing human research on schizophrenia. The research priorities established by the...
Shuttle-avoidance learning of mice: effects of post-trail pentylenetetrazol, strain, and age.

C57BL/6J and DBA/2J mice of two different ages (2 to 3 mo. vs 11 to 14 mo.) were given 20 trials per day for 6 days in a shuttle-avoidance task. Pentylenetetrazol (5, 10, or 20 mg/kg) or saline was given intraperitoneally immediately after Trial 20 on Days 1 to 5. The results showed a marked strain difference with DBA/2J mice superior to C57BL/6J mice. The effects of age on avoidance depended on both strain and sex. There was no effect of pentylenetetrazol in facilitating avoidance learning. A second experiment examined shuttle-avoidance learning in C57BL/6J and DBA/2J mice of three age groups: adult (2 to 4 mo.), aged (6 to 8 mo.), and senile (18 to 22 mo.). Over-all, DBA/2J mice performed better than C57BL/6J mice. There was no deterioration in avoidance learning with increased age.
Common illnesses and self-care

Self-care has become a topic of widespread interest in recent years. However, few studies of the content and methods of self-care are available to inform health education program design. The present study identified common illnesses that were reported by 258 western university students and how those illnesses were typically cared for. Illness reporting differed significantly by gender, marital status, and perceived health status. Illness treatment differed only for perceived health status. Results suggest that treatment of an illness once self-diagnosed does not differ across groups but that labeling of illnesses does. The suggestion is made that educational programs may need to place greater emphasis on appropriate diagnosis of illness.
Rapid isolation of insect ribosomal subunits by ethanol-magnesium precipitation.

Abstract Insect ribosomal subunits may be isolated from gradient fractions in 10–15 min by precipitation with 0.2 vol ethanol in the presence of 10 m M Mg 2+ . The yield is approximately 90%, while protein synthetic activity, response to exogenous template and sedimentation behavior of the ribosomes are unaffected by this treatment.
Extra‐amniotic blood clot simulating placenta previa on ultrasound scan

The ultrasonic appearance of extra-amniotic blood clot simulating placenta previa is presented. The single case presented is the most illustrative and best documented example of this phenomenon in a series of 10 patients. The ultrasonic characteristics of this phenomenon are discussed.
A HISTOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF CONNECTIVE TISSUE IN LONGISSIMUS DORSI MUSCLE OF RAW AND COOKED PORK

SUMMARY Differences between animals were significant in the amount of stained reticular tissue but not in the amount of collagen and elastin in the longissimus dorsi muscle of pork. Differences between sides of animals were significant for all three connective tissue components. This is probably not of biological value. The amount of elastin in the longissimus dorsi muscle in pork was very small. Heat treatment was found to affect reticular and collagenous fibers. The greatest amount of stained reticular tissue was evident in the meat when heated to 66°C internal temperature. A decrease in the visible amount of reticular fibers was evident when the meat was heated to 85°C. Upon heating the meat to 66°C, the amount of stained collagenic fibers was markedly decreased. A slight reduction in amount occurred with continued heating. No significant difference in amount of elastic fibers due to heat was found. Sections of cooked samples taken from the longissimus dorsi muscle from the lightest and heaviest weight classes of hogs had significantly more stained reticular and collagenous connective tissue fibers than the intermediate weight classes. The trend was similar for sections from raw samples from the same animals. L.E.E.-Kramer shear values for the two heavier (95 and 109 kg) animal weight classes were significantly greater than values for the two lighter (68 and 82 kg) weight groups. For all except the heaviest weight class of animals, shear values were significantly higher when the meat had been cooked to an internal temperature of 66°C, intermediate in value when the meat was heated to an internal temperature of 85°C and lowest in value when the internal temperature was 38°C. The 109-kg weight group was least tender (highest in shear value) at the 85°C internal temperature.
No Reduction of CuBr2 during Cu(0)-Catalyzed Living Radical Polymerization of Methyl Acrylate in DMSO at 25 °C

The Cu(0)/Me6-TREN-catalyzed polymerization of methyl acrylate (MA) initiated by methyl 2-bromopropionate (MBP) in DMSO at 25 °C was performed in a UV cuvette, and the absorbance of CuBr2 was monitored online in a UV–vis spectrophotometer as a function of the monomer conversion. A continuous increase of CuBr2 absorbance throughout the reaction demonstrated no reduction of CuBr2 concentration during the entire polymerization process. In addition, the 100% chain-end functionality of the polymer observed from 10% to 95% monomer conversion indicated that in this polymerization the bimolecular termination required to provide the persistent radical effect in ATRP was not responsible for the production of CuBr2.
Analyzing the "group effect": rheotropic responses of developing fucus eggs.

Zygotes of the brown alga speciesFucus furcatus were allowed to differentiate while being subjected to a steady laminar flow of sea water. The cell polarity was found, as a consequence, to be determined rheotropically. At pH 6.5, the cells tend to form their rhizoidal pole downstream, if the flow speeds range from 0.01 to 10Μ per second. The degree of this downstream orientation increases with flow speed in a way that indicates that it is brought about by convective redistribution of a macromolecular and locally effective growth stimulator with a diffusion constant of the order of 10−8 cm2/second. Qualitatively, the downstream response concurs with thepositive group effect since both responses are due to a stimulator and are more or less restricted to pH 1Μ/second (pH 7.1 and 8.1) and 100Μ/second (pH 6.5), a very strong upstream orientation of the rhizoid formation was found. This upstream response may be mediated by convective redistribution of a relatively mobile growth inhibitor.
Photoluminescence from In 0.5 Ga 0.5 As/GaP quantum dots coupled to photonic crystal cavities

We demonstrate room-temperature visible-wavelength photoluminescence from In${}_{0.5}$Ga${}_{0.5}$As quantum dots embedded in a GaP membrane. Time-resolved above band photoluminescence measurements of quantum dot emission show a biexpontential decay with lifetimes of $\ensuremath{\approx}$200 ps. We fabricate photonic crystal cavities which provide enhanced outcoupling of quantum dot emission, allowing the observation of narrow lines indicative of single quantum dot emission. This materials system is compatible with monolithic integration on Si and is promising for high-efficiency detection of single quantum dot emission as well as optoelectronic devices emitting at visible wavelengths.
Binding and Cellular Activation Studies Reveal That Toll-like Receptor 2 Can Differentially Recognize Peptidoglycan from Gram-positive and Gram-negative Bacteria

Although much progress has been made toward the identification of innate immune receptors, far less is known about how these receptors recognize specific microbial products. Such studies have been hampered by the need to purify compounds from microbial sources and a reliance on biological assays rather than direct binding to monitor recognition. We have employed surface plasmon resonance (SPR) binding studies using a wide range of well defined synthetic muropeptides derived from Gram-positive (lysine-containing) and Gram-negative (diaminopimelic acid (DAP)-containing) bacteria to demonstrate that Toll-like receptor 2 can recognize peptidoglycan (PGN). In the case of lysine-containing muropeptides, a limited number of compounds, which were derived from PGN remodeled by bacterial autolysins, was recognized. However, a wider range of DAP-containing muropeptides was bound with high affinity, and these compounds were derived from nascent and remodeled PGN. The difference in recognition of the two classes of muropeptides is proposed to be a strategy by the host to respond appropriately to Gram-negative and -positive bacteria, which produce vastly different quantities of PGN. It was also found that certain modifications of the carboxylic acids of isoglutamine and DAP can dramatically reduce binding, and thus, bacterial strains may employ such modifications to evade innate immune detection. Cellular activation studies employing highly purified PGN from Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Lactobacillus plantarum, Micrococcus luteus, and Staphylococcus aureus support the structure binding relationship. The data firmly establish Toll-like receptor 2 as an innate immune sensor for PGN and provides an understanding of host-pathogen interactions at the molecular level.
Interfacing remote sensing and geographic information systems for global environmental change research

Because changes in the Earth's environment have become major global issues, continuous, longterm scientific information is required to assess global problems such as deforestation, desertification, greenhouse effects and climate variations. Global change studies require understanding of interactions of complex processes regulating the Earth system. Space-based Earth observation is an essential element in global change research for documenting changes in Earth environment. It provides synoptic data for conceptual predictive modeling of future environmental change. This paper provides a brief overview of remote sensing technology from the perspective of global change research.
Immunochemical studies of infectious mononucleosis—X. Characterization of a glycoprotein from horse erythrocytes which reacts with Paul-Bunnell antibody

Abstract A highly purified preparation of horse erythrocyte glycoprotein was prepared from an aqueous ethanolic extract of hemoglobin-free membranes. The subunit apparent mol. wt was 30,000. In aqueous solution the glycoprotein formed globular aggregates of 93 ± 16 A diameter. The glycoprotein had a receptor for the Paul-Bunnell antibody of infectious mononucleosis which was associated with an O -glycosidically linked oligosaccharide and dependent on the presence of N -glycolylneuraminic acid. In addition the glycoprotein had a neuraminidase-sensitive receptor for human peripheral blood lymphocytes. Fifty per cent inhibition of the rosetting of sheep red cells by 4 × 10 5 lymphocytes was caused by 30 μg of glycoprotein.
Optimization of operating conditions of semiconductor optical amplifier for single wavelength and WDM applications

We studied saturation behavior of semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA) and its impact on amplifier performance. Optimal operating conditions of SOA in both single channel and WDM applications were explored.
BaBrI:Eu2+, a new bright scintillator

The scintillation properties of BaBrI:Eu2+ are reported. Crystals were produced by the vertical Bridgman technique in a sealed quartz ampoule. Excellent scintillation properties were measured. A light yield of 81,0007 +- 3000 photons per MeV (ph/MeV) of absorbed gamma-ray energy was measured. An energy resolution (FWHM over peak position) of 4.870.5percent was observed for the 662keV full absorption peak. Pulsed X-ray luminescence measurements show two exponential decay components of 297 and 482 ns with a contribution to the total light output of 23percent and 77percent, respectively. Under X-ray and UV excitation, the emission corresponds to a broadband center at 413 nm. These initial values make BaBrI:Eu2+ one of the brightest and the fastest known Eu2+ doped scintillators.
The Real World: Teaching Anthropology as if it Mattered

In James Peacock's 1995 address on the future of anthropology given at the AAA meetings in Washington, D.C., he spoke persuasively about the discipline's need to move "beyond the academy" and warned that in order for anthropology to flourish, "we must press outward" ("The Future of Anthropology," American Anthropologist 99(1): 9-29, 1997). Efforts to broaden anthropology's contribution to society "beyond the academy" are already under way, as Human Organization, this publication, and this column, in particular, attest. Specifically, renewed interest in public policy reflects the growing conviction that anthropologists' work today needs to be more relevant to decision-making. Applied anthropologists often express frustration at their lack of influence in decision-making processes. Again, as Peacock argues, "Applied anthropology is often a mop-up operation, identifying and solving problems caused by bad policy. Instead, anthropology must move to shaping policy." Efforts through the AAA, SfAA, and elsewhere ...
Biochemical and functional characterization of PKS11, a novel Arabidopsis protein kinase.

Abstract The Arabidopsis SOS2 (Salt Overly Sensitive 2)-like protein kinases (PKS) are novel protein kinases that contain an SNF1-like catalytic domain with a putative activation loop and a regulatory domain with an FISL motif that binds calcium sensors. Very little biochemical and functional information is currently available on this family of kinases. Here we report on the expression of the PKS11 gene, activation and characterization of the gene product, and transgenic evaluation of its function in plants.PKS11 transcript was preferentially expressed in roots ofArabidopsis plants. Recombinant glutathioneS-transferase fusion protein of PKS11 was inactive in substrate phosphorylation. However, the kinase can be highly activated by a threonine 161 to aspartate substitution (designated PKS11T161D) in the putative activation loop. Interestingly, PKS11 can also be activated by substitution of either a serine or tyrosine with aspartate within the activation loop. Deletion of the FISL motif also resulted in a slight activation of PKS11. PKS11T161D displayed an uncommon preference for Mn2+ over Mg2+ for substrate phosphorylation and autophosphorylation. The optimal pH and temperature values of PKS11T161D were determined to be 7.5 and 30 °C, respectively. The activated kinase showed substrate specificity, high affinity, and catalytic efficiency for a peptide substrate p3 and for ATP. AMP or ADP at concentrations from 10 μm to 1 mm did not activate PKS11T161D. TransgenicArabidopsis plants expressing PKS11T161D were more resistant to high concentrations of glucose, suggesting the involvement of this protein kinase in sugar signaling in plants. These results provide insights into the function as well as regulation and biochemical properties of the PKS protein kinase.
Cephalometric analysis in submucous cleft palate: comparison of cephalometric data obtained from submucous cleft palate patients with velopharyngeal competence and incompetence.

Abstract Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between craniofacial and nasopharyngeal morphology and velopharyngeal function in submucous cleft palate. Design and Patients: Fifty-two lateral cephalometric radiographs of 46 submucous cleft palate (SMCP) patients with velopharyngeal competence (24 patients) and incompetence (22 patients) at 4 and 7 years of age were studied. The patients had not received any surgical or orthodontic treatment prior to cephalography being performed. Results: Significant differences were found between cephalometric variables (N-Ba, N-S-Ba angle) in children with velopharyngeal competence and incompetence. However, the results of our study showed that cephalometric data alone are not useful for predicting velopharyngeal function and can not serve as an absolute prognostic indicator. Conclusion: There are many factors that can influence velopharyngeal function in SMCP patients. Cephalometric data did not demonstrate a strong relationship to ve...
Accuracy of the domain material derivative approach to shape design sensitivities

Numerical accuracy for the boundary and domain methods of the material derivative approach to shape design sensitivities is investigated through the use of mesh refinement. The results show that the domain method is generally more accurate than the boundary method using the finite-element technique. It is also shown that the domain method is equivalent, under certain assumptions, to the direct differentiation approach that evaluates sensitivities by directdifferentiating the implicit discretized equilibrium equation, not only theoretically but also numerically.
Kinetics of H2–O2–H2O redox equilibria and formation of metastable H2O2 under low temperature hydrothermal conditions

Abstract Hydrothermal experiments were conducted to evaluate the kinetics of H 2(aq) oxidation in the homogeneous H 2 –O 2 –H 2 O system at conditions reflecting subsurface/near-seafloor hydrothermal environments (55–250 °C and 242–497 bar). The kinetics of the water-forming reaction that controls the fundamental equilibrium between dissolved H 2(aq) and O 2(aq) , are expected to impose significant constraints on the redox gradients that develop when mixing occurs between oxygenated seawater and high-temperature anoxic vent fluid at near-seafloor conditions. Experimental data indicate that, indeed, the kinetics of H 2(aq) –O 2(aq) equilibrium become slower with decreasing temperature, allowing excess H 2(aq) to remain in solution. Sluggish reaction rates of H 2(aq) oxidation suggest that active microbial populations in near-seafloor and subsurface environments could potentially utilize both H 2(aq) and O 2(aq) , even at temperatures lower than 40 °C due to H 2(aq) persistence in the seawater/vent fluid mixtures. For these H 2 –O 2 disequilibrium conditions, redox gradients along the seawater/hydrothermal fluid mixing interface are not sharp and microbially-mediated H 2(aq) oxidation coupled with a lack of other electron acceptors (e.g. nitrate) could provide an important energy source available at low-temperature diffuse flow vent sites. More importantly, when H 2(aq) –O 2(aq) disequilibrium conditions apply, formation of metastable hydrogen peroxide is observed. The yield of H 2 O 2(aq) synthesis appears to be enhanced under conditions of elevated H 2(aq) /O 2(aq) molar ratios that correspond to abundant H 2(aq) concentrations. Formation of metastable H 2 O 2 is expected to affect the distribution of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) owing to the existence of an additional strong oxidizing agent. Oxidation of magnetite and/or Fe ++ by hydrogen peroxide could also induce formation of metastable hydroxyl radicals (•OH) through Fenton-type reactions, further broadening the implications of hydrogen peroxide in hydrothermal environments.
Wrightol, a sesquiterpene of the eremophilane type from Solidago wrightii

Abstract The dichloromethane extract of the aerial parts of Solidago wrightii furnished a new eremophilane sesquiterpene, wrightol (6β-cinnamoyloxy-1gb-hydroxy-7α (H)-11,12-dihydroeremophil-9-ene),in addition to a known isomeric eudesmane sesquiterpene (6β-cinnamoyloxy-1β-hydroxyeudesm-4(15)-ene)and ga-spinasterol.
An efficient route to xanthine based A2A adenosine receptor antagonists and functional derivatives

A one-pot route to 8-substituted xanthines has been developed from 5,6-diaminouracils and carboxaldehydes. Yields are good and the process applicable to a range of substrates including a family of A2A adenosine receptor antagonists. A new route to the KW-6002 family of antagonists is presented including a pro-drug variant, and application to related image contrast agents developed.
Biodegradable Hydrogels for Drug Delivery

Abstract Biodegradable hydrogels have been exploited in the controlled drug delivery area due to various advantages. This review describes different types of biodegradable hydrogel systems, mechanisms and factors affecting their degradation, and their applications in drug delivery. Biodradable hydrogels were classified according to their method of preparation, degradable moiety in the systems, and the mode of biodegradation. In addition, this review describes the advantages and limitations of these systems pertaining to their potential for future applications.
Cardiovascular fitness associated with cognitive performance in heart failure patients enrolled in cardiac rehabilitation.

Background Reduced cognitive function is common in persons with heart failure (HF). Cardiovascular fitness is a known contributor to cognitive function in many patient populations, but has only been linked to cognition based on estimates of fitness in HF. The current study examined the relationship between fitness as measured by metabolic equivalents (METs) from a standardized stress test and cognition in persons with HF, as well as the validity of office-based predictors of fitness in this population.
Contralateral prophylactic mastectomy: long-term consistency of satisfaction and adverse effects and the significance of informed decision-making, quality of life, and personality traits.

Purpose This study aims to evaluate the long-term consistency of satisfaction with contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) and adverse psychosocial effects as well as to explore the effect of informed decision-making, personality traits, and quality of life (QOL) on satisfaction.
Desensitization-like changes in GABA receptor binding of rat fascia dentata after entorhinal lesion

Abstract Destruction of the hippocampal perforant path fibers reduced the binding of [3H]GABA to membranes prepared from the rat fascia dentata. This result could be detected 1–4 months after surgery, but not in 10 days or less. Such a delayed response appears most compatible with a transsynaptic effect on GABA receptors. Values of low affinity KD and Bmax decreased by about 65%, but no changes were detected in high affinity binding, Hill slope or pharmacological specificity. These findings are consistent with a densensitization of postsynaptic low affinity GABA receptors, possibly caused by excessive release of GABA.
A critical evaluation of augmentative biological control

Abstract The potential for using “augmentative” biological control (or “augmentation”) for suppressing arthropod pests has been recognized for many years. Nevertheless, augmentation is applied commercially in relatively few agricultural systems, particularly in the US. To address why this might be the case, we reviewed the literature on augmentative biological control and critically evaluate three questions. First, does augmentative biological control effectively suppress agricultural pests? Second, is augmentation cost effective? Third, what ecological factors limit the effectiveness of augmentation? We evaluated the effectiveness of augmentation by assessing whether pest densities were suppressed to specified target levels and by reviewing studies that explicitly compared augmentation with pesticide applications. Augmentation achieved target densities in about 15% of case studies and failed 64% of the time. Augmentation was also usually less effective than pesticide applications, though not always. In the evaluation of economics, augmentative releases were frequently more expensive than pesticides, although there were cases where augmentation was cost effective. Finally, 12 ecological factors were implicated as potential limits on the efficacy of augmentation. Unfavorable environmental conditions, compensatory mortality, enemy dispersal, host refuges from released natural enemies, and predation of released agents were most often suggested as ecological limits. Future research should seek to counteract ecological limits by combining different natural enemy species and/or by combining augmentative releases with low-risk pesticides. Use of low-risk insecticides and organic agricultural practices in particular provides new opportunities for augmentative biological control.
High Two Photon Absorption of CdS Nanocrystal in Reverse Micelle Embedded in a Thin Film

Hybrid nanocomposites of surfactant-capped CdS nanoparticles embedded in polystyrene (PS) matrixes have been prepared and characterized. High two photon absorption coefficient values ( > 250 cm/GW) were measured with pulses of 25ps duration at 532nm.
Temperature dependence of amino acid transport in ehrlich ascites cells: with results which bear on the A–L distinction

Abstract We have examined the temperature dependence of maximal flux, J M , the half-saturation value, K m , and of the linear components, k , of the initial transport flux for l -methionine, l -tryptopah, glycine, l -alanine, α-aminoisobutyric acid and l -phenylalanine in Ehrlich ascites cells. For l -alanine, α-aminoisobutyric acid and l -phenylalanine we examined the initial flux in transport and in exchange for cells in Na + -containing and in Na + -free media. The maximal flux in transport falls with decrease in temperature, the activation energies falling in the range 11–20 kcal/mole. The K m decreased with decrease in temperature for l -phenylalanine and l -tryptophan with apparent activation energies of 20 and 15 kcal/mole respectively, For l -methionine, glycine and l -alanine the K m showed no dependence on temperature whereas for α-aminoisobutyric acid in increased as the temperature fell. For all amino acids, the K m appeared to be more variable a parameter of the initial flux than was the maximal flux. The results for the linear component of the uptake, k , also were highly variable, but k did decrease with a fall in temperature with activation energies falling in the range 5.8–17.7 kcal/mole.
Wavelength-Dependent Photodissociation of [Fe(bpy)3·(CH3OH)n]2+Clusters,n= 2-6, Triggered by Excitation of the Metal-to-Ligand Charge-Transfer Transition

This paper reports the first investigation of the energetics of charge transfer in a coordination complex containing a divalent transition-metal ion as a function of the extent of solvation and provides a detailed description of the first instrument designed for spectroscopic characterization of gas-phase ions and clusters produced by electrospray ionization. Metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) is probed by laser photofragmentation mass spectrometry in clusters of the complex tris(2,2‘-bipyridyl)iron(II), [Fe(bpy)3]2+, with methanol prepared by electrospray ionization. Excitation of the MLCT transition in [Fe(bpy)3]2+ triggers evaporation of methanol solvent molecules from these clusters, permitting indirect detection of absorption. Measurement of ion beam depletion and/or production of charged photofragments as a function of photon energy yields the red edge of the MLCT band for [Fe(bpy)3·(CH3OH)n]2+ clusters, n = 2−6. Increasing the number of methanol molecules in the clusters shifts the onset of the...
Surface and pore structure modification of cellulose fibers through cellulase treatment

The surface and pore structure of cellulose fibers have a significant impact on the properties and performance in applications. Cellulase enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose fibers can result in changes to the surface and pore structure, thus providing a useful tool for fiber modification. This research characterizes these changes using various test methods such as fiber dimension, water retention value (WRV), hard-to-remove (HR) water content, freezing and nonfreezing bound water content, polymer adsorption, and crystallinity index. For a high-dosage cellulase treatment (600 U/g dry solid), the fiber length was significantly decreased and the fibers were “cut” in the cross direction, not in the axial direction. The swelling capacities as measured by the WRV and HR water content increased for the high-dosage treatment. Three independent measurements (nonfreezing bound water, polymer adsorption, and crystallinity index) are in good agreement with the statement that the amorphous regions of cellulose fibers are a more readily available substrate relative to crystalline regions. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 3833–3839, 2007