cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
In Situ and Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy Study of Electrode Materials in Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) represent next-generation energy sources with high energy conversion efficiencies, low pollutant emissions, good flexibility with a wide variety of fuels, and excellent modularity suitable for distributed power generation. As an electrochemical energy conversion device, the SOFC’s performance and reliability depend sensitively on the catalytic activity and stability of electrode materials. To date, however, the development of electrode materials and microstructures is still based largely on trial-and-error methods because of the inadequate understanding of electrode process mechanisms. Therefore, the identification of key descriptors/properties for electrode materials or functional heterogeneous interfaces, especially under in situ/operando conditions, may provide guidance for the design of optimal electrode materials and microstructures. Here, Raman spectroscopy is ideally suited for the probing and mapping of chemical species present on electrode surfaces under operating conditions. And to boost the sensitivity toward electrode surface species, the surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) technique can be employed, in which thermally robust SERS probes (e.g., Ag@SiO2 core–shell nanoparticles) are designed to make in situ/operando analysis possible. This review summarizes recent progresses in the investigation of SOFC electrode materials through Raman spectroscopic techniques, including topics of early stage carbon deposition (coking), coking-resistant anode modification, sulfur poisoning, and cathode degradation. In addition, future perspectives for utilizing the in situ/operando SERS for investigations of other electrochemical surfaces and interfaces are also discussed.
The decline in attitudes toward physician-nurse collaboration from medical school to residency

While interprofessional collaboration is a critical aspect of optimal patient care, practicing physicians often have sub-optimal attitudes regarding the importance of collaboration with their nursi...
Assessment of faithful interleukin-3 production by novel bicistronic interleukin-3 reporter mice

Interleukin-3 (IL-3) is an important hematopoietic growth factor and immunregulatory cytokine. Although activated T helper cells represent a main source of IL-3, other cell types have been reported to express this cytokine. However, precise identification and quantification of the cells that produce IL-3 in vivo have not been performed. Therefore, we used a CRISPR/Cas approach to engineer mice containing a bicistronic mRNA linking a readily identifiable reporter, enhanced green fluorescent protein (ZsGreen1), to IL-3 expression. To characterize these novel reporter mice, we first examined ZsGreen1 expression by CD4 T cells subsets primed and activated in vitro. We found that activated Th1 cells expressed ∼4-fold higher levels of ZsGreen1 as compared to Th0 and Th2 cells. Endogenous IL-3 expression remained intact although reporter Th1 cells secreted ∼33 % less IL-3 than similarly activated wild-type cells. To characterize the ability of reporter mice to accurately mark IL-3-producing cells in vivo, we infected mice with Nippostrongylus brasiliensis. Low but significant numbers of ZsGreen1+ CD4 T cells were detected in the mesenteric lymph nodes and lung following both primary and secondary infection. No difference in basophil and intestinal mast cell numbers were observed between infected reporter and wild-type mice indicating that reporter mice secreted IL-3 levels in vivo that results in IL-3-driven biological activities which are indistinguishable from those observed in corresponding wild-type mice. These IL-3 reporter mice will be a valuable resource to investigate IL-3-dependent immune responses in vivo.
Voluntary, Forced, and Induced Renter Mobility: The Influence of State Policies

Abstract Why renters choose to move likely plays a role in whether the outcomes of their mobility will be positive (e.g. labor market efficiency) or negative (e.g. lower student achievement). If we can determine why renters move, lawmakers can design housing policies to foster positive mobility and reduce negative mobility. The purpose of this paper is to build on prior models of renter mobility to develop a conceptual model that can be mapped to the various effects of mobility. Within the model, I identify reasons for (im)mobility that may be receptive to housing policy intervention. As an illustration of the model, I use a difference-in-difference-in-difference (DDD) model and data from the 1981–2014 March supplements of the Current Population Survey (IPUMS-CPS) to show how various landlord-tenant policies impact the frequency of renter mobility. I use the conceptual model to hypothesize the nature of the relationship between public policy and mobility. Results indicate policies regulating late fees and self-help remedies play a role in reducing renter mobility. While all policies tested here do not have a significant effect on renter mobility, the impact of some policies highlights the need for targeted, evidence-driven interventions.
Earning a driver's license.

Teenage drivers in the United States have greatly elevated crash rates, primarily a result of qualities associated with immaturity and lack of driving experience. State licensing systems vary substantially, but most have allowed quick and easy access to driving with full privileges at a young age, contributing to the crash problem. Formal driver education has not been an effective crash prevention measure. Following the introduction of graduated licensing in New Zealand, Australia, and Canada, this system has been considered in many states and has been implemented in some. Graduated systems phase in full privilege driving, requiring initial experience to be gained under conditions of lower risk. The author describes the first five multistage graduated systems enacted in the United States in 1996 and 1997. Factors that will influence the acceptability and effectiveness of these new licensing systems are discussed. Language: en
Evidence, Epistemic Luck, Reliability, and Knowledge.

In this article, I develop and defend a version of reliabilism – internal reasons reliabilism – that resolves the paradox of epistemic luck, solves the Gettier problem by ruling out veritic luck, is immune to the generality problem, resolves the internalism/externalism controversy, and preserves epistemic closure.
Metaproteomics reveals insights into microbial structure, interactions, and dynamic regulation in defined communities as they respond to environmental disturbance

Microbe-microbe interactions between members of the plant rhizosphere are important but remain poorly understood. A more comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms used by microbes to cooperate, compete, and persist has been challenging because of the complexity of natural ecosystems and the limited control over environmental factors. One strategy to address this challenge relies on studying complexity in a progressive manner, by first building a detailed understanding of relatively simple subsets of the community and then achieving high predictive power through combining different building blocks (e.g., hosts, community members) for different environments. Herein, we coupled this reductionist approach with high-resolution mass spectrometry-based metaproteomics to study molecular mechanisms driving community assembly, adaptation, and functionality for a defined community of ten taxonomically diverse bacterial members of Populus deltoides rhizosphere co-cultured either in a complex or defined medium. Metaproteomics showed this defined community assembled into distinct microbiomes based on growth media that eventually exhibit composition and functional stability over time. The community grown in two different media showed variation in composition, yet both were dominated by only a few microbial strains. Proteome-wide interrogation provided detailed insights into the functional behavior of each dominant member as they adjust to changing community compositions and environments. The emergence and persistence of select microbes in these communities were driven by specialization in strategies including motility, antibiotic production, altered metabolism, and dormancy. Protein-level interrogation identified post-translational modifications that provided additional insights into regulatory mechanisms influencing microbial adaptation in the changing environments. This study provides high-resolution proteome-level insights into our understanding of microbe-microbe interactions and highlights specialized biological processes carried out by specific members of assembled microbiomes to compete and persist in changing environmental conditions. Emergent properties observed in these lower complexity communities can then be re-evaluated as more complex systems are studied and, when a particular property becomes less relevant, higher-order interactions can be identified.
Biological complexity and integrative pluralism

This fine collection of essays by a leading philosopher of science presents a defence of integrative pluralism as the best description for the complexity of scientific inquiry today. The tendency of some scientists to unify science by reducing all theories to a few fundamental laws of the most basic particles that populate our universe is ill-suited to the biological sciences, which study multi-component, multi-level, evolved complex systems. This integrative pluralism is the most efficient way to understand the different and complex processes - historical and interactive - that generate biological phenomena. This book will be of interest to students and professionals in the philosophy of science.
Effect of Polychlorinated Biphenyl Formulations on the Growth of Estuarine Bacteria

Abstract Polychlorinated biphenyl formulations inhibited the growth of certain estuarine bacteria. The sensitive strains, although exhibiting some similar physiological characteristics, contained both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.
Spy-resistant keyboard: more secure password entry on public touch screen displays

Current software interfaces for entering text on touch screen devices mimic existing mechanisms such as keyboard typing or handwriting. These techniques are poor for entering private text such as passwords since they allow observers to decipher what has been typed simply by looking over the typist's shoulder, an activity known as shoulder surfing. In this paper, we outline a general approach for designing security-sensitive onscreen virtual keyboards that allow users to enter private text without revealing it to observers. We present one instantiation, the Spy-Resistant Keyboard, and discuss design decisions leading to the development of this keyboard. We also describe the results of a user study exploring the usability and security of our interface. Results indicate that although users took longer to enter their passwords, using the Spy-Resistant Keyboard rather than a standard soft keyboard resulted in a significant increase in their ability to protect their passwords from a watchful observer.
Taxes and Financing Decisions

This paper studies the tax effects of financing decisions. We show that subtle, often unstated, tax assumptions play a key role in many capital structure theories, including in the models of Miller (1977), Auerbach (1979), and Hennessy and Whited (2004). Our central thesis is that, under quite general conditions, the tax costs of internal equity are less than the tax costs of external equity. It follows that optimal leverage is a function of internally generated cashflows, that debt ratios can wander around without a specific target, and that a firm's cost of capital depends on its mix of internal and external finance, not just its mix of debt and equity. The trade-off between debt, retained earnings, and external equity depends critically on the tax basis of investors' shares relative to current price. We estimate how the tax basis varies cross-sectionally and through time for a large sample of U.S. firms.
Medication safety in older adults: Home-based practice patterns

Objectives: To identify the current state of medication-taking practices of community-dwelling older adults on high-risk medications. Design: Telephone survey of older adults filling prescriptions for warfarin, digoxin, or phenytoin from May 2, 2002, through June 30, 2003. Setting: The Pennsylvania Pharmacy Assistance Contract for the Elderly (PACE) Program, a state-run program providing prescription drug coverage for poor older adults. Participants: PACE members. Measurements: Patients self-reported sources of information on current medications as well as home-based practices for organizing medication regimens. Results: Four thousand nine hundred fifty-five PACE members were interviewed. Thirty-two percent of the sample reported that they had not received any specific instructions about their medications, 35% reported that they received instructions from their primary care provider, and 46% indicated they received them from a pharmacist. Fifty-four percent of participants indicated that they used a pillbox for organizing their medications. Older adults prescribed warfarin were more likely to report receiving instructions than those prescribed digoxin or phenytoin. Conclusion: A substantial proportion of older adults on high-risk medications do not recall receiving instructions for the use of their medications and do not take advantage of existing systems for organizing medication regimens. Improved patient education and delivery of medication organization systems are immediate opportunities to potentially reduce the risk of medication errors in older people.
The Limits of Economic Policy

Academic analysis of economic policy and associated normative conclusions exhibits two distinct traditions. The historical evolution of policy and policy conceptions reflects over the past 200 years shifting influences from both traditions. One addresses an open-ended field of specific actions potentially available to government and explores the consequences of these measures. More importantly, this tradition justifies an action-oriented approach aimed at a wide range of specific results over a loosely limited or practically unlimited range. This policy conception envisions government as an active agent at least approximately concerned with the optimization of some social welfare function. This concern would require a wide array of policy instruments in order to allow the policymakers an unobstructed play in the policy game. The analysis of economic policy examines under the circumstances the relation between instruments and goals expressed by a social welfare function and the useful range of possible instruments. It investigates in particular the dependence of the choice of instruments and their setting on the prevailing state of affairs in view of the desired goals of policymakers. A substantial literature followed this line exemplified by Tinbergen’s (1952) “Theory of Economic Policy” and the work on optimal control (Chow 1975).
Diffractive optics for laser applications

Summary form only given, as follows. In the past ten years, diffractive optics has evolved into an important tool for the optical engineer. Significant advances in design, analysis, and fabrication technology now make it possible to utilize the unique properties of these structures in a variety of laser systems. High efficiency diffractive elements can be designed to have virtually any phase transmittance/reflectance, and possess unique polarization, antireflection, spectral, and dispersion properties. In addition, the surface relief structure of diffractive optics can be etched into a wide variety of materials, facilitating integration into existing laser systems. This tutorial reviews the properties and basic design principles of diffractive optical elements. Applications to lasers and laser systems are then reviewed, including diffractive laser resonators, microlens arrays for semiconductor lasers, beam relay optics, beam homogenizers, and computer-generated kinoforms. The potential as well as the limitations of the technology are assessed.
On the Three-Dimensional Dynamics of Coherent Vortical Structures Forming in Free, Shear Flows

The dynamics of the three-dimensional evolution of coherent vortical structures forming in moderate Reynolds number free, shear flows is discussed. Laboratory experiments of the evolution of transitional plane mixing layers, wakes and axisymmetric jets, developing from initially laminar conditions, subjected to temporal and spatially varying periodic perturbations are analyzed by means of an inviscid vortex dynamics model of the evolution of one or several layers of vortex filaments in which the initial vorticity is discretized. For planar and axisymmetric flow configurations, the formation and evolution of streamwise vortex tubes and their interaction with the primary, two-dimensional, coherent vortical structure is analyzed. The symmetry features and the topological transitions of the three-dimensional vorticity field resulting from the growth of the initial perturbations is studied for both the planar and axisymmetric cases.
Chapter 3 Lymphotactin Structural Dynamics

Abstract Lymphotactin/XCL1, the defining member of the C class of chemokines, undergoes a conformational change that involves the complete restructuring of all stabilizing interactions. Other chemokines are restricted to a single conformation by a pair of conserved disulfide crosslinks, one of which is absent in lymphotactin. This structural interconversion is entirely reversible, and the two‐state equilibrium is sensitive to changes in temperature and ionic strength. One species adopts the conserved chemokine fold as a monomer and functions as an agonist for XCR1, the specific G‐protein–coupled receptor for lymphotactin. Rearrangement to the other conformation produces a novel four‐stranded sheet that dimerizes to form a beta sandwich with high affinity for cell‐surface glycosaminoglycans. We developed methods for resolving the two species and investigated the dynamics of human lymphotactin structural interconversion with NMR spectroscopy, heparin affinity chromatography, and time‐resolved fluorescence on the wild‐type protein and a panel of amino acid–substituted lymphotactin variants. Our results show that the lymphotactin structural rearrangement occurs at a rate of ∼1/s and that mutation of residues required for glycosaminoglycan binding shifts the conformational equilibrium toward the chemokine‐like fold. We speculate that charge repulsion between arginines 23 and 43 destabilizes the chemokine fold and promotes conversion to the novel lymphotactin dimer, whereas binding of chloride or another anion stabilizes the chemokine fold by neutralizing the repulsive effect.
Dimension Independent Matrix Square using MapReduce

We compute the singular values of an $m \times n$ sparse matrix $A$ in a distributed setting, without communication dependence on $m$, which is useful for very large $m$. In particular, we give a simple nonadaptive sampling scheme where the singular values of $A$ are estimated within relative error with constant probability. Our proven bounds focus on the MapReduce framework, which has become the de facto tool for handling such large matrices that cannot be stored or even streamed through a single machine. On the way, we give a general method to compute $A^TA$. We preserve singular values of $A^TA$ with $\epsilon$ relative error with shuffle size $O(n^2/\epsilon^2)$ and reduce-key complexity $O(n/\epsilon^2)$. We further show that if only specific entries of $A^TA$ are required and $A$ has nonnegative entries, then we can reduce the shuffle size to $O(n \log(n) / s)$ and reduce-key complexity to $O(\log(n)/s)$, where $s$ is the minimum cosine similarity for the entries being estimated. All of our bounds are independent of $m$, the larger dimension. We provide open-source implementations in Spark and Scalding, along with experiments in an industrial setting.
Risk, Protection, and Resilience Among Youth Residing in Public Housing Neighborhoods

Constructs of risk, protection, and resilience were examined from the perspectives of 20 ethnically diverse elementary and middle school children residing in urban public housing neighborhoods. Participants attended an afterschool program at locations in each of the neighborhoods. Analyses generated five themes: (1) challenges (community-neighborhood, peer, school, family, and personal); (2) coping (behavioral, emotional, spiritual, and cognitive); (3) health (community-neighborhood, peer, school, family, and personal); (4) connection (relationships that provide companionship, esteem, information, and instrumental support); and (5) aspirations. Implications of the findings for preventing problem behavior and promoting healthy development among young people in public housing settings are identified.
Clinical correlates of red blood cell omega-3 fatty acid content in male veterans with peripheral arterial disease.

Objective Despite available medical therapies, patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) remain at high risk for cardiovascular events. The n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), derived from marine sources, have been shown to improve cardiovascular mortality. The Omega-3 Index (O3I), a proportion of the n-3 PUFA eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid in the red blood cell membrane, correlates with cardiovascular risk. Previous investigations have found that n-3 PUFA supplementation, fish consumption, older age, and smoking history affect the O3I in different patient populations, although similar correlations have never been explored in PAD. We hypothesized that in our PAD cohort, blood content of omega-3 fatty acids would directly and positively correlate with a history of fish oil supplementation and older age and inversely correlate with a smoking history and obesity. Methods This cross-sectional study included 111 patients who had an ankle-brachial index of Results The mean age of the cohort was 69 ± 8 years; 37% had diabetes mellitus (hemoglobin A 1c , 7% ± 1%), and 94% reported current smoking or a history of smoking. The mean O3I was 5% ± 2%. In multivariate linear regression analysis, the O3I was associated with older age, increasing body mass index, and a history of smoking and fish oil intake. Conclusions This is the first report of the relation between blood content of omega-3 fatty acids and clinical factors in a PAD population. In patients with PAD, older age, elevated body mass index, and prior fish oil supplementation predicted a higher O3I. A history of smoking correlated with a lower O3I. These results demonstrate that the O3I is a reliable measure of dietary n-3 PUFA intake and that clinical factors related to the O3I in PAD are similar to those observed in other populations.
New critical assessments of chamber and wall response to target implosion in inertial fusion reactors

Abstract The chamber walls in inertial fusion energy (IFE) reactors are exposed to harsh conditions following each target implosion. Key issues of the cyclic IFE operation include intense photon and ion deposition, wall thermal and hydrodynamic evolution, wall erosion and fatigue lifetime, and chamber clearing and evacuation to ensure desirable conditions prior to next target implosion. Several methods for wall protection have been proposed in the past, each having its own advantages and disadvantages. These methods include use of solid bare walls, gas-filled cavities, and liquid walls/jets. Detailed models have been developed for reflected laser light, emitted photons, neutrons, and target debris deposition and interaction with chamber components and have been implemented in the comprehensive heights software package. The hydrodynamic response of gas-filled cavities and photon radiation transport of the deposited energy have been calculated by means of new and advanced numerical techniques for accurate shock treatment and propagation. Photon radiation transport models are developed for either the gas-filled cavity or in the evolving vapor cloud layer above the wall surface. The focus of this work is to examine the overall wall response and lifetime due to various erosion mechanisms.
A phase I study of temsirolimus plus carboplatin plus paclitaxel for patients with recurrent or metastatic (R/M) head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC)

The mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) is aberrantly activated in many head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs). This phase I study combines the mTORC1 inhibitor temsirolimus with carboplatin and paclitaxel. This was a single institution phase I study for patients with R/M HNSCC with a standard 3 + 3 design. Three doses of temsirolimus were planned: 15, 20, and 25 mg. Due to excessive toxicity with the original study regimen, the protocol was amended to carboplatin AUC 1.5, paclitaxel 80 mg/m2, and temsirolimus (according to dose escalation plan), all on days 1 and 8 of a 21-day cycle. 18 patients (14 male, 4 female) enrolled, with median age 56 years (range 33–78). The most common toxicities were anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and hyperglycemia. Among all patients treated, the confirmed objective partial response (cPR) rate was 22 %. DLT was not exceeded among 6 patients treated at dose level 3 of the revised protocol, and 4 of 6 subjects treated at this dose level had cPRs. The phase II recommended regimen is temsirolimus 25 mg, carboplatin AUC 1.5, and paclitaxel 80 mg/m2, all on days 1 and 8 of a 21-day cycle. A phase II study of this regimen in R/M HNSCC is ongoing.
Study of bandwidth effects in monochromator-based spectral responsivity measurements.

The errors caused by monochromator bandwidth in spectral responsivity measurements with a monochromator-based apparatus are discussed. Bandwidth effects are not negligible in high-accuracy cryogenic radiometer-based calibrations. A simple numerical method is used to calculate bandwidth effects for different types of detectors, monochromator slit scattering functions, and monochromator output spectral distributions. The method uses low-order Lagrange polynomials fitted segmentwise to measured spectral responsivity and monochromator spectral distribution data in order to make the calculations. It is shown that the shape of the slit function has only a small influence on the bandwidth errors, whereas the output spectral distribution of the monochromator can strongly affect bandwidth errors. It is also shown that in most cases the magnitude of bandwidth effects will vary as the square of the bandwidth. Bandwidth error calculations are presented for various types of detectors (silicon, silicon trap, germanium, InGaAs), for a V(λ) detector, and for a typical filter radiometer. A comparison is made between calculated and measured bandwidth effects to validate the method used. In general, calculations of bandwidth effects will be mostly useful for determining uncertainties associated with monochromator bandwidth in spectral responsivity measurements; however, in certain cases the calculations can be used to apply corrections for such effects.
Dose-dependent use of dobutamine to alter early diastolic filling in normal subjects.

Abstract Pulsed Doppler echocardiography provides a noninvasive method for the evaluation of diastolic filling. 1,2 Both peak early filling (E) velocity and the ratio of E velocity to peak late filling (A) velocity correlate with parameters of diastolic tilling obtained from cineangiography. 3 However, the evaluation of diastolic filling may be altered by the addition of inotropic agents. Colan et al 4 demonstrated that dobutamine administration to normal subjects increases the peak rate of diastolic left ventricular dimension change. The mechanism of this increased early filling may be multifactorial (i.e., due to direct effects on relaxation, or changes in arterial impedance or loading conditions related to enhanced systolic function, or both). 4 Because enhanced systolic function may affect diastolic filling 4 and because good linear correlations exist between dobutamine doses of 2.5 to 10.0 μg/kg/min and stroke volume, 5 our purpose was to evaluate—in normal subjects—the effect of similar increasing doses of dobutamine on diastolic filling.
Scattering in the Case of Regular Reflection from a Transparent Grating: an Analogy to the Reflection of X-Rays from Crystals

1. The Phenomenon.—No doubt the following phenomenon has been noticed before, but I have seen no description of it. If a vertical sheet of white light L from a collimator is reflected from the two faces of a plateglass grating, having about 10,000 or more lines to the inch, g being the ruled face, the two beams b and y going to the opaque mirror N are respectively vividly blue and brownish-yellow. In other words, more blue light is regularly reflected from the ruled surface than is transmitted, and more reddish light transmitted than is reflected. Singe the plate grating is not quite plane parallel, two of the four rays, b1 and y1, are seen in the same colours in the telescope. This is a great convenience in adjusting the displacement interferometer, where the spectra from b alone are wanted, and the y ray may be screened off at N, while the other y1 has no spectrum.
Molecular Simulations of Physical Aging in Polymer Membrane Materials

Poly(1-trimethylsilyl-1-propyne) (PTMSP), the most permeable polymer known, undergoes rapid physical aging. The permeability of PTMSP to gases and vapors decreases dramatically with physical aging. Cavity size (free volume) distributions were calculated in as-cast and aged PTMSP, using an energetic based cavity-sizing algorithm. The large cavities found in as-cast PTMSP disappear in aged PTMSP, which is consistent with the positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS) measurements. We also characterized the connectivity of cavities in both as-cast and aged PTMSP membranes. Cavities are more connected in as-cast PTMSP than in aged PTMSP. The average cavity sizes calculated from computer simulation are in good agreement with PALS measurements. The transport and sorption properties of gases in as-cast and aged PTMSP are also measured by molecular simulation. Computer simulations showed the decrease of permeability and the increase of permeability selectivity in PTMSP membranes with physical aging, which agrees with experimental observations. The reduction in gas permeability with physical aging results mainly from the decrease of diffusion coefficients. Solubility coefficients show no significant changes with physical aging.
Utility of screening computed tomography of chest, abdomen and pelvis in patients after heart transplantation

Abstract Introduction Malignancy is a late cause of mortality in heart transplant recipients. It is unknown if screening computed tomography scan would lead to early detection of such malignancies or serious vascular anomalies post heart transplantation. Methods This is a single center observational study of patients undergoing surveillance computed tomography of chest, abdomen and pelvis atleast 5 years after transplantation. Abnormal findings, included pulmonary nodules, lymphadenopathy and intra-thoracic and intra-abdominal masses and vascular anomalies such as abdominal aortic aneurysm. The clinical follow up of each of these major abnormal findings is summarized. Results A total of 63 patients underwent computed tomography scan of chest, abdomen and pelvis at least 5 years after transplantation. Of these, 54 (86%) were male and 9 (14%) were female. Mean age was 52 ± 9.2 years. Computed tomography revealed 1 lung cancer (squamous cell) only. Non specific pulmonary nodules were seen in 6 patients (9.5%). The most common incidental finding was abdominal aortic aneurysms ( N = 6 (9.5%)), which necessitated follow up computed tomography ( N = 5) or surgery ( N = 1). Mean time to detection of abdominal aortic aneurysms from transplantation was 14.6 ± 4.2 years. Mean age at the time of detection of abdominal aortic aneurysms was 74.5 ± 3.2 years. Conclusion Screening computed tomography scan in patients 5 years from transplantation revealed only one malignancy but lead to increased detection of abdominal aortic aneurysms. Thus the utility is low in terms of detection of malignancy. Based on this study we do not recommend routine computed tomography post heart transplantation.
Distinct patterns of plasticity in prefrontal cortex neurons that encode slow and fast responses to stress

The prefrontal cortex (PFC) has been implicated in cognitive and affective responses to acute and chronic stress; however, direct evidence for the reactivity or adaptability of PFC neurons to stress is lacking. We followed the unit activity of medial PFC (mPFC) neurons in awake rats during two consecutive exposures to restraint stress or to a non-aversive novel object. The majority (75%) of mPFC neurons had significant responses to the initial restraint that was differentiated into one of three temporal patterns: (i) phasic increase in firing rate during the restraint period, (ii) slow onset increase in firing rate that was sustained for >2 h after restraint, and (iii) brief bi-phasic responses to initiation and termination of restraint. Exposure to a novel object elicited an exposure-locked phasic response in 40% of the neurons. None of the neurons displayed the sustained activation that was prominent after restraint. A second exposure to the object no longer elicited this phasic response while neurons in the three restraint-responsive groups modified their firing rate during the second restraint in a manner that was specific to their pattern of response to the first restraint. These findings demonstrate that whereas some mPFC neurons respond phasically to novel stimuli irrespective of their aversive nature, a separate population of PFC neurons responds to a stressful stimulus with a sustained increase in firing rate that persists in the absence of that stimulus. These neurons may be a substrate for adaptive responses that are necessary for behavioral modification.
Application of a laser heterodyne technique to characterize surface acoustic waves generated via a pulsed laser excitation

A CW laser heterodyne spectrometer has been assembled with time resolved data acquisition for probing surface acoustic waves (SAWs) generated by the interaction of a pulsed laser and surface. Literature suggests that SAWs can enhance chemical catalysis, nucleation and surface chemical mobility. Pulsed lasers are known to induce SAWs with bandwidth that is inversely proportional to the pulse width. The goal of this experiment is to apply laser heterodyne spectroscopy to understand the photophysical interactions that promote the formation of laser induced SAWs. The experiment explores the effects produced by a 100 Hz repetition rate UV (355nm) laser with a 6 ns pulse width. Silicon (111) is used as the substrate material, making it is less likely for propagating non linear waves to experience anisotropy. The development of the time-resolved heterodyne spectrometer includes the development of specific data acquisition and software analysis tools to monitor sub-nanometer surface displacements. In addition, to insure that the pulsed laser irradiated material remains within the thermoelastic regime as opposed to ablation, a 2D laser thermal heating model is used to define the duty cycle of the repetitive pulsed laser. Results show that it is possible to measure and analyze laser induced SAWs many centimeters away from the source and substrate dispersion affects the spectral properties of the propagating SAWs. Under controlled conditions, we have measured surface vertical displacements approaching 0.1nm.
On a compatibility between emergentism and reductionism

This article was downloaded by: [University of Memphis]On: 14 August 2008Access details: Access Details: [subscription number 788683960]Publisher Taylor & FrancisInforma Ltd Registered in England and Wales Registered Number: 1072954 Registered office: Mortimer House,37-41 Mortimer Street, London W1T 3JH, UK
Serial evaluation of protein C and antithrombin in dogs with sepsis

Background: Protein C (PC) and antithrombin (AT) activities are decreased in humans with severe sepsis, and persistent changes are associated with decreased survival. In dogs with sepsis, PC and AT have been shown to be decreased at the time of diagnosis. Hypothesis: PC and AT activities change significantly over time in dogs with sepsis and may be related to outcome. Animals: Twelve dogs with naturally occurring sepsis. Methods: Blood was collected from 12 dogs with sepsis, defined as histopathologic or microbiologic confirmation of infection and two of the following: hypo- or hyperthermia, tachycardia, tachypnea, leukopenia, leukocytosis, or >3% bands. The time of 1st sampling was considered day 1 and sampling was repeated every 24 hours for 5 days or until discharge or death. Changes over time were analyzed by ANOVA with repeated measures, and the association between PC and AT and outcome was determined by a 2-equation treatment effects model. Results: Nine dogs and 11 dogs had decreased PC and AT activity on day 1, respectively (mean PC, 66.0 ± 25.8%; mean AT, 48.1 ± 16.5%). PC activity significantly decreased from day 1 to day 2 (P= .001), then increased over time. Changes in PC (P < .001) and AT (P < .001) over time were likely associated with outcome with nonsurvivors having lower PC and AT activities than survivors. Conclusion: Results of this preliminary study show that PC and AT activities change significantly over time in dogs with sepsis and both are likely related to survival.
The unstable wdzl mutation of Drosophila is caused by a 13 kilobase insertion that is imprecisely excised in phenotypic revertants

We have analyzed the lesion in wDZL, a genetically unstable mutant allele of the eye color locus, white, of Drosophila melanogaster. We have cloned the DNA of the white locus region of flies carrying the wDZL allele and find a 13 kilobase insertion not present in the wild-type at the corresponding location. In 12 independent cases examined, reversion to a wild-type eye color phenotype correlates with the excision of a portion of this 13 kilobase insertion, indicating that the insertion is the cause of the mutation. The portion of the insertion that is excised in these eye color revertants is heterogeneous in size but appears to include the central 6 kilobases of the insertion in all cases. Many of these eye color revertants continue to undergo mutation at the white locus, indicating that the residual portion of the insertion in these revertants is sufficient to promote mutations.
Mate selection by repeated inspection: More on pied flycatchers

Abstract Our understanding of deceit in animal signalling is limited by our conceptual tools as well as by the available data. Mate choice in polyterritorial birds, such as pied flycatchers, Ficedula hypoleuca , is a particularly contentious example. Dale & Slagsvold (1994, Anim. Behav. , 48, 1207–1217) developed a quantitative model of discrimination of male quality (mating status) based on repeated sampling of territories by searching females. The model emphasizes the trade-off between correctly rejecting already mated males and incorrectly rejecting unmated males. In the present study, their model was incorporated into the framework of signal detection theory and the relationship between search costs, search tactics and the resulting rates of discrimination errors was examined. Over a range of reasonable assumptions about probabilities and payoffs, the scenario suggested by Dale & Slagsvold implies that female pied flycatchers should inspect each territory only a few times and accept only males that are present at every inspection. Consequently, male mating status should be moderately discriminable. The quantitative tools offered by signal detection theory are consistent with the conceptualization of deceit established by Dawkins & Krebs (1978, Behavioural Ecology: An Evolutionary Approach ) and with the recent evolutionarily stable strategy (ESS) analyses of signalling developed by Johnstone & Grafen (1992, Proc. R. Soc. Lond. Ser. B , 248, 229–233). 1996 The Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour
Colorado Big Thompson flood: Geologic evidence of a rare hydrologic event

Conventional engineering hydrologic analysis of the 1976 Colorado centennial Big Thompson flood indicates that the flood event, while catastrophic, was not extremely unusual. The geologic evidence in the area immediately below the area of maximum runoff, however, indicates that a flood of this magnitude had not occurred in the main channel for several thousand years. Alluvial-fan deposits extensively eroded by the flood waters were dated by observations of hue oxidation, coring of trees, and 14 C dating of buried charcoal. Some eroded deposits were as old as 7,000 to 10,000 14 C yr. Where usable, geologic evaluations of extreme flood events may yield more accurate estimates of the risk of large, rare floods than conventional methods.
Atomic-scale simulations on the sliding of incommensurate surfaces: The breakdown of superlubricity

Molecular dynamics simulations of frictional sliding in an atomic force microscope (AFM) show a clear dependence of superlubricity between incommensurate surfaces on tip compliance and applied normal force. While the kinetic friction vanishes for rigid tips and low normal force, superlubric behavior breaks down for softer tips and high normal force. The simulations provide evidence that the Frenkel-Kontorova-Tomlinson (FKT) scaling applies equally to a more realistic three-dimensional (3D) incommensurate AFM model except in the limit of very low stiffness and high normal load. Unlike the FKT model in which the breakdown of superlubricity coincides with the emergence of the metastable states, in the 3D model some metastable states appear to reduce frictional force leading to nonmonotonic dependence of force on normal load and tip compliance. Metastable states vary with the slider positions and the relative stabilities of these metastable states result in varying transition mechanisms depending on sliding velocity.
Atomic force microscopy investigation of a chlorella virus, PBCV-1

A virus PBCV-1, which infects certain fresh water algae and has been shown by transmission and cryo-electron microscopy to exist as a triskaidecahedron, was imaged using atomic force microscopy (AFM). From AFM the particles have diameters of about 190nm and the overall structure is in all important respects consistent with existing models. The surface lattice of the virion is composed of trimeric capsid proteins distributed according to p3 symmetry to create a honeycomb arrangement of raised edges forming quasi-hexagonal cells. At the pentagonal vertices are five copies of a different protein forming an exact pentagon, and this has yet another unique protein in its center. The apical protein exhibits some unusual mechanical properties in that it can be made to retract into the virion interior when subjected to AFM tip pressure. When PBCV-1 virions degrade, they give rise to small, uniform, spherical, and virus like particles (VLP) consistent with T=1 or 3 icosahedral products. Also observed upon disintegration are strands of linear dsDNA. Fibers of unknown function are also occasionally seen associated with some virions.
Characterization of the early region 3 and fiber genes of Ad7

Abstract The nucleotide sequence and the predicted amino acid sequences for open reading frames (ORFs) encoded in the Bam -HI D fragment of Ad7 (Gomen) DNA show an organization and conservation of potential polypeptides between Ad3 and Ad7. Five ORFs encoded within early region 3 (E3) and shared with the corresponding region of Ad3 can be identified; four of these potential coding regions also share homology to ORFs found in E3 of Ad2 and Ad5. The fiber gene of late region 5 (L5) is also apparent within this region; S1 mapping experiments show that the 5′ and 3′ boundaries of the main axon in fiber mRNA lie at each end of the proposed fiber ORF. The predicted amino acid sequence for Ad7 fiber shares 60% amino acid homology to Ad3 fiber, but only 20% to Ad2 fiber. Surprisingly, there are three regions of partial amino acid homology near the N- and C-termini of the predicted fiber gene sequences from Ad2, Ad3, Ad5, and Ad7; these conserved regions may be important for interaction with penton base, for proper folding of the shaft of the molecule, or for recognition of the cellular receptor to which adenovirus attaches during infection.
Hypnotic age regression and the importance of assessing interpersonally relevant affect.

Abstract The present study was undertaken to replicate an earlier experiment and to clarify which factors in this previous experiment (Nash, Johnson, & Tipton, 1979) were responsible for the obtained child-like behaviors of hypnotically regressed Ss. As in the previous study, 3 characteristics of the transitional object relationship (spontaneity, specificity, and intensity) were used as the primary criteria to investigate the effects of hypnotic age regression when Ss were regressed to age 3 and placed in 3 home situations. While in the previous study E suggested separation anxiety and isolation during the 3 home situations (mother-absent condition), the present study deleted all references to anxiety and isolation, and replaced them with suggestions of security and maternal proximity (mother-present condition). As expected, the mother-present versus mother-absent conditions led to similar hypnotized-simulating differences. In further accord with predictions, hypnotized Ss and simulating Ss requested a tr...
A STUDY OF THE RELATION OF TREPONEMA PALLIDUM TO LYMPHOID TISSUES IN EXPERIMENTAL SYPHILIS

A widespread dissemination of Treponema pallidum from a local focus of inoculation in the rabbit constantly occurs by way of the lymphatics. Spirochetes were regularly recovered from the satellite lymph nodes by animal inoculation after scrotal inoculation; they were present as early as 2 days, when no specific primary reaction was detected, and at later periods of from 5 to 61 days after inoculation. Other superficial nodes at remote sites such as the popliteals and with no syphilitic lesions in the drainage area have also been shown to harbor active organisms. Although spirochetes were found in relatively few of the lymph node emulsions, the orchitis resulting from their injection was of a rapidly progressive type with an incubation period but slightly longer than that produced by a testicular or skin nodule emulsion rich in spirochetes. It has further been shown that a syphilitic infection is sufficiently established in the rabbit body within 48 hours after scrotal inoculation so that the primary lesion is no longer essential for its maintenance. Active treponemata survive in the popliteal lymph nodes for long periods of time and have been regularly recovered from them in cases of true latency. The lymph nodes, therefore, function as reservoirs of the organisms. The ability to recover the spirochetes from lymphoid tissue through successive generations is seen in the serial passage of lymph node emulsion to testicle during an 18 months period. The persistence of spirochetes in lymphoid tissue irrespective of the presence or absence of syphilitic lesions is a characteristic and fundamental feature of syphilis of the rabbit. The existence of infection, therefore, may be demonstrated at any time by the recovery of spirochetes from the popliteal lymph nodes by animal inoculation. This fact is of great practical importance in the therapy of the infection and may be profitably utilized in determining the ultimate effect of a therapeutic agent. These experiments demonstrate that the disease is not confined to the site of local inoculation but that lymphogenous dissemination of treponemata regularly takes place, and that during the course of this process organisms become localized in the lymph nodes and exist there indefinitely irrespective of the occurrence of manifestations of disease. The intimate relation of Treponema pallidum to lymphoid tissue is an essential concept of syphilis of the rabbit, and from this point of view, the infection is primarily one of lymphoid tissue.