cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Enhancing the Sensitivity of Single-Particle Photothermal Imaging with Thermotropic Liquid Crystals

Individual molecules and nanoparticles can be imaged based on their absorption using photothermal microscopy. This technique relies on the heating-induced changes in the refractive index of the surrounding medium. Here, we demonstrate an order of magnitude larger enhancement of the signal-to-noise ratio in photothermal imaging of 20 nm gold nanoparticles when using a thermotropic liquid crystal (5CB). We show quantitatively that this increase is due to the large change in the thermo-optical properties of 5CB mainly along the nematic director. Enhancing the sensitivity is important for the further development of absorption-based single-molecule spectroscopy techniques.
Effects of management on the yield and high-molecular-weight polysaccharide content of shiitake (Lentinula edodes) mushrooms

Shiitake (Lentinula edodes (Berk.) Pegler) mushroom production in the United States has increased greatly over the last twenty years. Additional expansion of the shiitake mushroom market should be possible if the product can be marketed as a functional food, i.e., a food that has health-promoting effects beyond its nutritional value. High-molecular-weight polysaccharides (HMWP) including lentinan in shiitake may promote human health. This study was conducted to determine if management protocols influence the HMWP of shiitake mushrooms. Results indicate that measuring the total carbohydrate content of water-extractable, ethanol-insoluble polysaccharides was a simple way to estimate HMWP. Results also indicate that log-grown shiitake contained more HMWP than did substrate-grown shiitake. Among log-grown shiitake, both mushroom strain and tree species influenced HMWP content. The results suggest that there is considerable variation among shiitake mushrooms in HMWP content and that production protocols influenced the HMWP content of mushrooms.
Direct Imaging of Functional Networks

Abstract In blood-oxygenation-level-dependent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), current methods typically acquire ∼500,000 imaging voxels at each time point, and then use computer algorithms to reduce this data to the coefficients of a few hundred parcels or networks. This suggests that the amount of relevant information present in the fMRI signal is relatively small, and presents an opportunity to greatly improve the speed and signal to noise ratio (SNR) of the fMRI process. In this work, a theoretical framework is presented for calculating the coefficients of functional networks directly from highly undersampled fMRI data. Using predefined functional parcellations or networks and a compact k-space trajectory that samples data at optimal spatial scales, the problem of estimating network coefficients is reformulated to allow for direct least squares estimation, without Fourier encoding. By simulation, this approach is shown to allow for acceleration of the imaging process under ideal circumsta...
Cardiac Rehabilitation 2012 Advancing the Field Through Emerging Science

Burgeoning research in the field of preventive cardiology over the past 20 years has fostered the evolution of cardiac rehabilitation programs, once limited to exercise training, into comprehensive secondary prevention centers. Data demonstrate that contemporary cardiac rehabilitation/secondary prevention (CR/SP) programs reduce cardiovascular risk and event rates, foster healthy behaviors, and promote active lifestyles.1,2 Accordingly, every recent major evidence-based guideline from the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of Cardiology Foundation regarding the management and prevention of coronary heart disease provides a class 1 level recommendation (ie, procedure/treatment should be performed/administered) for referral to a CR/SP program3,4 for those patients with recent myocardial infarction (MI) or acute coronary syndrome, chronic stable angina, or heart failure, or for those patients following coronary artery bypass surgery or percutaneous coronary intervention. CR/SP programs are also indicated for those patients following valve surgery or cardiac transplantation.3 Emerging science will undoubtedly advance the field further, as clinicians translate data to foster future change. In this brief review, we provide a focused update on recently published studies that have great potential to move the field of cardiac rehabilitation forward. These studies address the following topic areas: utilization of CR/SP services and associated survival benefits; novel exercise protocols; and emerging applications in the management of diabetes mellitus, heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, peripheral arterial disease, and congenital heart disease. Despite the wealth of evidence supporting the proven benefits of CR/SP programs, the services are greatly underutilized. Of eligible patients, only 14% to 35% of heart attack survivors and 31% of patients after coronary artery bypass surgery participate in CR/SP programs.5,6 To reduce the gap between indication and implementation, a joint American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation/American College of Cardiology Foundation/AHA committee has recently revised the performance …
Teaching public administators about computers

Public administration curricula typically offer only very limited exposure to computers, despite the growing importance of computers in public management. This paper examines an approach to teaching computer management in a masters of public administration program, and relates that approach to the broader question of what public administrators need to know about computers. The approach involves instruction in computer literacy, computer applications, and management of computer resources. Instruction in these three areas appears to increase the importance students place on managing computer resources and on understanding computer concepts, and to decrease the relative importance students place on managers' knowledge about specific computer applications. This shift in viewpoint appears appropriate based on interviews which suggest that practicing administrators place greater emphasis on understanding the broad issues of computer resource management, rather that on more specific computer knowledge or skill.
Bidirectional heart-rate change to photic stimulation in infant rats: Implication for orienting/defensive reflex distinction

Heart-rate response in infant rats aged 8 and 17 days to the onset and offset of bright light shows at both ages a bidirectionality, acceleration to light offset, and deceleration to light onset. There is no transition from acceleratory to deceleratory responding to the same stimulus during this developmental period. These results call into question a long-standing distinction between orienting and defensive reflexes.
Recurrent syncope as a chronic disease: preliminary validation of a disease-specific measure of functional impairment.

Background: A disease-specific measure of functional health in syncope would provide an important outcome measure for use either in clinical trials or in the clinical management of patients with recurrent syncope. Methods arid Measurements: In a previous study the authors used formal functional status measures to determine physical and psycho-social impairment in recurrent syncope. This study provides a preliminary assessment of a disease-specific measure of function. The measure was pilot tested on 84 subjects, and validated in a separate cohort of 49 patients. The measure consists of 1) an 11-question matrix of yes/no questions, assessing the ways that syncope interferes with a patient’s life (the result is expressed as a proportion of the total number of ways that syncope might interfere and is called the Impairment Score), and 2) three Likert-scale questions that assess the patient’s fear and worry about syncope. Correlations were obtained between scores on the disease-specific measure and other measures of functional health. Results: Among the 49 patients in the test cohort, final scores on the disease-specific measure correlated with both physical and psycho-social dimension scores on a measure of functional status, the Sickness Impact Profile (r=0.35–0.36, p=0.01), and with five of ten subscale scores on a measure of psychological distress, the Symptom Checklist 90-R (r=0.30–0.43, p=0.004–0.02). Conclusions: This new disease-specific quality-of-life measure in syncope measures both physical and psychosocial components of impairment and could be a valuable adjunct in measuring outcomes in syncope patients.
A four-dimensional structure of T4 infection.

Biochemical and genetic data defining the assembly pathway and structural biology of the T4 tail apparatus are merging to create a four-dimensional image reconstruction. Human inventions seem to be large-scale replicas of molecular devices honed by evolution.
Regulatory immune cell subsets in autoimmunity

The immune system is equipped with different checkpoints that ensure the maintenance of immune tolerance to self-antigens and the prevention of autoimmunity. One mechanism of peripheral tolerance involves the activity of specialized subsets of immune cells that are capable to regulate and/or suppress pro-inflammatory immune responses. These regulatory cells include multiple subsets that belong to both the adaptive and innate immune systems. This issue of Autoimmunity describes the role of the different types of immunoregulatory cells in autoimmune diseases.
Truthfulness in transplantation: non-heart-beating organ donation

The current practice of organ transplantation has been criticized on several fronts. The philosophical and scientific foundations for brain death criteria have been crumbling. In addition, donation after cardiac death, or non-heartbeating-organ donation (NHBD) has been attacked on grounds that it mistreats the dying patient and uses that patient only as a means to an end for someone else's benefit.
Auditory recency in immediate memory.

Six experiments investigated the locus of the recency effect in immediate serial recall. Previous research has shown much larger recency for speech as compared to non-speech sounds. We compared two...
Melting point depression of DNA by tetraalkylammonium bromides

Abstract Varied concentrations of tetramethyl- (TMAB), tetraethyl- (TEAB), tetrapropyl- (TRAB), tetrabutyl- (TBAB), tetrapentylammonium bromide (TPAB) and ammonium bromide are monitored for effects on DNA sedimentation, viscosity and melting temperature. No changes are observed at 25–30°C for the hydrodynamic properties of DNA when treated with the quaternary ammonium bromide. At higher temperatures, 30–100°C, the tetraalkyl-ammonium bromides reduce the temperature required for conversion of the DNA double-strand helix to the coil (Tm). A form of Debye-Huckel equation ( T m =a mu; 2 + b ) accurately describes the results. Ionic strength of the quaternary ammonium compounds is represented by μ/2. The potency of tetraalkylammonium bromide in reducing Tm (“a” in the Tm equation) is correlated with the hydrophobicity of the molecule (number of carbon atoms), r = 0.999 and F = 526 (r represents the correlation coefficient and F represents the test value for significance of the equation evaluated by least squares analysis). The Tm of rat liver chromatin is also reduced in a similar fashion by TPAB. The Tm of poly(dG-dC) is not altered by 0.1 M TBAB whereas the Tm of poly(dA-dT) is greatly reduced by the compound. It is thought that the tetraalkylammonium bromide preferentially binds to the coil of DNA during heating and that a preferentially hydrophobic interaction may occur with the adenine-thymine bases.
Development Of Infants Of Short Gestational Age After Retinal Lazer Surgery For Neonatal Stage 3+ Retinopathy Of Prematurity Compared To Matched Controls At 8 Months Corrected Chronological Age. † 1329

Development Of Infants Of Short Gestational Age After Retinal Lazer Surgery For Neonatal Stage 3+ Retinopathy Of Prematurity Compared To Matched Controls At 8 Months Corrected Chronological Age. † 1329
Comparative Pharmacokinetic Changes and Drug Therapy in an Older Population

The aging process—physiologic, pathophysiologic and sociogenic—increases the variability of patient reactions to drug therapy, even within the same patient. This variability in the elderly patient may cause drug toxicity or subtherapeutic levels, particularly of drugs with narrow therapeutic indexes. An analysis of age-related changes in pharmacokinetics, essential to proper geriatric care, examines the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination of drugs. Delayed gastric emptying slows drug absorption, because most drugs are absorbed in the small intestine. The rise in gastric pH with age will affect drugs whose absorption is pH-dependent. Changes in total body water and the ratio of lean to fatty tissue affect drug distribution; thus, the lipophilicity of a drug must be considered. Drug metabolism is altered chiefly because of changes in the oxidative microsomal enzymes of the liver. Reduced hepatic blood flow also contributes to a decrease in hepatic clearance. Notably, cimetidine seems to inhibit the oxidative metabolism of drugs by the liver. In the case of some drugs, metabolism begins with enzymes of the intestinal mucosa. Declining renal function, a reduction in both renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate, is a major contributor to drug toxicity in the elderly. Methods for using serum creatinine to determine renal function are discussed. Guidelines and procedures for the clinical monitoring of drug “overdose” in the elderly are presented.
Unenhanced helical computerized tomography for the evaluation of patients with acute flank pain.

AbstractPurpose: We determined the value of unenhanced helical computerized tomography (CT) in the diagnosis of acute flank pain in 105 patients evaluated for suspected stone disease.Materials and Methods: Noncontrasted spiral CT was done in 105 consecutive patients seen in our emergency department to evaluate acute flank pain. All CT studies were reviewed for the presence of ureteral or renal calculi, perinephric or periureteral stranding, presence and degree of pelvicalicectasis or other radiological findings. If necessary, an excretory urogram was performed to confirm the presence or absence of urinary stones. Patients were followed to determine clinical outcome including the need for urological intervention.Results: Of the 49 patients determined to have stones 24 (49%) had spontaneous stone passage, 10 (20%) had improved symptoms without documented stone passage and 14 (29%) required surgical intervention. In 29 of 51 patients (57%) with negative CT readings for stone disease a diagnosis was establish...
Virus-induced interferon αβ (IFN-αβ) production by T cells and by Th1 and Th2 helper T cell clones: A study of the immunoregulatory actions of IFN-γ versus IFN-αβ on functions of different T cell populations

Spleen cells, resting T cells, activated T cells, and T cell clones characterized as type 1 (Th1) and type 2 (Th2) were investigated for their ability to produce interferon (IFN) following in vitro culture with Newcastle disease virus (NDV). All of the above cell populations, including both Th1 and Th2 T cell clones, produced high levels of IFN following in vitro culture with NDV. This IFN was characterized as a mixture of IFN-alpha and IFN-beta with IFN-alpha being the predominate species of IFN contained in the mixture. IL-2 greatly enhanced the production of IFN-alpha/beta by all cell populations in response to NDV. These different T cell populations responded very differently to the immunoregulatory actions of IFN-gamma versus IFN-alpha/beta. IFN-alpha/beta was shown to be a potent inhibitor of Con A or IL-2-induced proliferation of different T cell populations. This inhibition was not associated with a reduction in lymphokine production since spleen cells or Th1 T cell clones cultured with Con A and IFN-alpha/beta had no decrease in IL-2 or IFN-gamma production when compared to Con A-stimulated control cultures. IFN-gamma had little to no inhibitory activity on Con A-induced proliferation of spleen cells. In fact, Con A-induced proliferation was usually enhanced by IFN-gamma when nylon wool-enriched T cells were assessed. Different results were observed when IFN-gamma and IFN-alpha/beta were investigated for their ability to inhibit IL-2-induced proliferation of different T helper cell clones. IFN-gamma and IFN-alpha/beta were both capable of inhibiting IL-2-induced proliferation of T cell clones characterized as type 2 (Th2). In contrast, IFN-gamma had no effect on IL-2-induced proliferation of Th1 clones. IFN-alpha/beta, however, inhibited IL-2-induced proliferative responses of both Th1 and Th2 T cell clones. These results document the facts that (1) IFN-gamma and IFN-alpha/beta differ in their immunoregulatory actions, (2) different T cell subpopulations vary in their susceptibility to IFN-gamma regulation, and (3) virus induction of IFN-alpha/beta appears to be a ubiquitous function associated with different T cell populations.
1,2-Diacylglycerol does not mediate the stimulatory effect of phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate on phosphatidylcholine synthesis in NIH 3T3 fibroblasts.

In HeLa cells, increased 1,2-diacylglycerol (1,2-DAG) has been suggested to mediate the stimulatory effect of phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) on phosphatidylcholine (PtdCho) biosynthesis (A. K. Utal, H. Jamil, and D. E. Vance, 1991, J. Biol. Chem. 266, 24,084–24,091). The aim of this study was to examine if 1,2-DAG might have a similar mediatory role in NIH 3T3 fibroblasts. In these cells, PMA-induced hydrolysis of PtdCho and the formation of secondary product 1,2-DAG was inhibited by exposing the cells to either 300 mm ethanol for 15 min (<80% inhibition) or 43 °C for 60 min (<50% inhibition). In contrast, neither ethanol nor heat-treatment caused significant inhibition of PMA-stimulated PtdCho synthesis. These data indicate that in NIH 3T3 fibroblasts, 1,2-DAG is not a mediator of the stimulatory action of PMA on PtdCho synthesis.
Investigation of the regioselectivity for the Staudinger reaction and its application for the synthesis of aminoglycosides with N-1 modification

The criteria for controlling the regioselectivity of Staudinger reduction of azides have been investigated. These findings enable a convenient direct N-1 modification of the perazidoneamine and perazidoribostamycin resulting in the synthesis of aminoglycoside antibiotics with activity against drug-resistant bacteria.
Influence of Rotation and Fumigation On Root-Knot Nematode Populations On Grape Replants

Replanting after rotation by keeping land free of vines up to three years followed by soil fumigation with D-D and Telone at different rates was tested for control of root-knot nematodes in a vineyard of Thompson seedless variety. Soil samples were taken to a depth of 244 cm (8 ft) at 30.5 cm (1 foot) intervals and assayed by tomato plants in the greenhouse. In one sampling heavy populations were found 366 cm (12 ft) deep and a few galls were on roots as deep as 518 cm (17 ft). Treatment at 561 1, or more/hectare (60 gal./acre) after 2 or 3 years rotation gave complete kill as measured by the soil samples. However grape replants in all treatments were uniformly infected after two growing seasons. Where no vine free period was allowed before replanting, control of nematodes was restricted to the top 122-183 cm (4-6 ft) of soil with some nematodes surviving at 213-244 cm (7-8 ft) even at dosages up to 1964 l/hectare (210 gal./acre). Samples of roots growing from the previous planting indicated that nematode survival was aided by undecomposed roots where replanting followed immediately or after 1 year. After two growing seasons all the replants were uniformly and heavily infected with root-knot nematodes.
Asymmetric DNA recognition by the OkrAI endonuclease, an isoschizomer of BamHI

Restriction enzymes share little or no sequence homology with the exception of isoschizomers, or enzymes that recognize and cleave the same DNA sequence. We present here the structure of a BamHI isoschizomer, OkrAI, bound to the same DNA sequence (TATGGATCCATA) as that cocrystallized with BamHI. We show that OkrAI is a more minimal version of BamHI, lacking not only the N- and C-terminal helices but also an internal 3(10) helix and containing β-strands that are shorter than those in BamHI. Despite these structural differences, OkrAI recognizes the DNA in a remarkably similar manner to BamHI, including asymmetric contacts via C-terminal 'arms' that appear to 'compete' for the minor groove. However, the arms are shorter than in BamHI. We observe similar DNA-binding affinities between OkrAI and BamHI but OkrAI has higher star activity (at 37°C) compared to BamHI. Together, the OkrAI and BamHI structures offer a rare opportunity to compare two restriction enzymes that work on exactly the same DNA substrate.
Secrecy rate optimization under cooperation with perfect channel state information

We investigate the problem of optimizing the secrecy rate of a link between a single source and a single destination in the presence of multiple relays and multiple eavesdroppers. Multiple relays assist the source by either retransmitting a weighted version of the source signal in a decode-andforward (DF) fashion, or by performing cooperative jamming (CJ) i.e., transmitting weighted noise in order to confound the eavesdropper. In each protocol, the relay weights are designed to maximize the secrecy rate subject to a total power constraint. For the case of a single eavesdropper we obtain expressions for the optimal weights under both protocols in closed form, or propose the algorithms to research for the solution. For the DF protocol with multiple eavesdroppers we propose an algorithm to search for the solution. Numerical results illustrate that cooperation can significantly improve the system performance as compared to direct transmission.
Use of the Wigner‐Ville distribution in interpreting and identifying ULF waves in triaxial magnetic records

[1] Magnetospheric ultra-low-frequency (ULF) waves (f = 1 mHz to 1 Hz) exhibit highly time-dependent characteristics due to the dynamic properties of these waves and, for observations in space, the spacecraft motion. These time-dependent features may not be properly resolved by conventional Fourier techniques. In this study we examine how the Wigner-Ville distribution (WVD) can be used to analyze ULF waves. We find that this approach has unique advantages over the conventional Fourier spectrograms and wavelet scalograms. In particular, for Pc1 wave packets, field line/cavity mode resonances in the Pc 3–4 band, and Pi2 pulsations, the start and end times of each wave packet can be well identified and the frequency better defined. In addition, we demonstrate that the Wigner-Ville distribution can be used to calculate the polarization of wave signals in triaxial magnetic field data in a way analogous to Fourier analysis. Motivated by the large amount of ULF wave observations, we have also developed a WVD-based algorithm to identify ULF waves as a way to facilitate the rapid processing of the data collected by satellite missions and the vast network of ground magnetometers.
Many atom quantum state manipulation with bose-einstein condensed atoms

Summary form only given. Wc report on the experimental studies on atom quantum state manipulation.
A novel triple-modality reporter gene for whole-body fluorescent, bioluminescent, and nuclear noninvasive imaging

Two genetic reporter systems were developed for multimodality reporter gene imaging of different molecular-genetic processes using fluorescence, bioluminescence (BLI), and nuclear imaging techniques. The eGFP cDNA was fused at the N-terminus with HSV1-tk cDNA bearing a nuclear export signal from MAPKK (NES-HSV1-tk) or with truncation at the N-terminus of the first 45 amino acids (Delta45HSV1-tk) and with firefly luciferase at the C-terminus. A single fusion protein with three functional subunits is formed following transcription and translation from a single open reading frame. The NES-TGL (NES-TGL) or Delta45HSV1-tk/GFP/luciferase (Delta45-TGL) triple-fusion gene cDNAs were cloned into a MoMLV-based retrovirus, which was used for transduction of U87 human glioma cells. The integrity, fluorescence, bioluminescence, and enzymatic activity of the TGL reporter proteins were assessed in vitro. The predicted molecular weight of the fusion proteins (~130 kDa) was confirmed by western blot. The U87-NES-TGL and U87-Delta45-TGL cells had cytoplasmic green fluorescence. The in vitro BLI was 7- and 13-fold higher in U87-NES-TGL and U87-Delta45-TGL cells compared to nontransduced control cells. The Ki of (14)C-FIAU was 0.49+/-0.02, 0.51+/-0.03, and 0.003+/-0.001 ml/min/g in U87-NES-TGL, U87-Delta45-TGL, and wild-type U87 cells, respectively. Multimodality in vivo imaging studies were performed in nu/ nu mice bearing multiple s.c. xenografts established from U87-NES-TGL, U87-Delta45-TGL, and wild-type U87 cells. BLI was performed after administration of d-luciferin (150 mg/kg i.v.). Gamma camera or PET imaging was conducted at 2 h after i.v. administration of [(131)I]FIAU (7.4 MBq/animal) or [(124)I]FIAU (7.4 MBq/animal), respectively. Whole-body fluorescence imaging was performed in parallel with the BLI and radiotracer imaging studies. In vivo BLI and gamma camera imaging showed specific localization of luminescence and radioactivity to the TGL transduced xenografts with background levels of activity in the wild-type xenografts. Tissue sampling yielded values of 0.47%+/-0.08%, 0.86%+/-0.06%, and 0.03%+/-0.01%dose/g [(131)I]FIAU in U87-NES-TGL, U87-Delta45-TGL, and U87 xenografts, respectively. The TGL triple-fusion reporter gene preserves the functional activity of its subunits and is very effective for multimodality imaging. It provides for the seamless transition from fluorescence microscopy and FACS to whole-body bioluminescence imaging, to nuclear (PET, SPET, gamma camera) imaging, and back to in situ fluorescence image analysis.
Test results from the completed production run of superconducting corrector magnets for RHIC

The production run of all 432 superconducting 8 cm corrector magnets required for the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) has been completed at Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL). All have been tested at 4.35 K for quench performance and at room temperature for magnetic field quality. In addition, magnetic field measurements at 4.35 K have been done for a 20% sample of these. Summaries of the harmonic and quench test results are presented. A comparison of the quench performance for magnets made with different coil preload tensions is also shown.
The Power of Monitoring Stations and aC O 2 Fertilization Effect: Evidence from Causal Relationships between NDVI and Carbon Dioxide

Abstract Two hypotheses are tested: 1) monitoring stations (e.g., Mauna Loa) are not able to measure changes in atmospheric concentrations of CO2 that are generated by changes in terrestrial vegetation at distant locations; 2) changes in the atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide do not affect terrestrial vegetation at large scales under conditions that now exist in situ, by estimating statistical models of the relationship between satellite measurements of the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and the atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide measured at Mauna Loa and Point Barrow. To go beyond simple correlations, the notion of Granger causality is used. Results indicate that the authors are able to identify locations where and months when disturbances to the terrestrial biota “Granger cause” atmospheric CO2. The authors are also able to identify locations where and months when disturbances to the atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide generate changes in NDVI. Together, these re...
The Chain of Effects from Brand Trust and Brand Affect to Brand Performance: The Role of Brand Loyalty:

Abstract The authors examine two aspects of brand loyalty, purchase loyalty and attitudinal loyalty, as linking variables in the chain of effects from brand trust and brand affect to brand performance (market share and relative price). The model includes product-level, category-related controls (hedonic value and utilitarian value) and brand-level controls (brand differentiation and share of voice). The authors compile an aggregate data set for 107 brands from three separate surveys of consumers and brand managers. The results indicate that when the product- and brand-level variables are controlled for, brand trust and brand affect combine to determine purchase loyalty and attitudinal loyalty. Purchase loyalty, in turn, leads to greater market share, and attitudinal loyalty leads to a higher relative price for the brand. The authors discuss the managerial implications of these results.
Plasmochemical degradation of volatile organic compounds (VOC) in a capillary discharge plasma Reactor

We report the results of parametric and kinetic studies of the plasmochemical degradation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present in respirable atmospheres using a nonthermal ambient-pressure plasma generated in a pin-to-plate capillary plasma electrode (CPE) discharge reactor. Parameters studied included the reactor volume, contaminant residence time, energy density, and influent contaminant concentration. A kinetic model was developed based on a plug-flow regime and a second-order kinetic expression with respect to the reactive plasma species and contaminant concentration. Experimental data were fitted to the proposed model using nonlinear regression techniques, and plasmochemical degradation rate constants were determined for toluene, ethylbenzene, and m-xylene as model compounds.
The influenza epidemic of 1918-1919 in the Gold Coast.

The Gold Coast (modern Ghana) was severely attacked by the influenza pandemic of 1918–19. The disease was introduced by shipping along the southern coast and overland across the northern frontier. As was true elsewhere on the continent, the spread of influenza was greatly facilitated by the new colonial transportation network. Quarantines and other preventive measures were futile and therapy, African or British, could do no more than alleviate symptoms. Influenza struck the majority of the population, but mortality rates varied regionally and, to some extent, by occupation. Deaths were especially numerous in the far north. The influenza epidemic killed 100,000 or more people in less than six months and was almost certainly the worst short-term demographic disaster in the history of Ghana.
Emotional Outcome of Adolescents and Young Adults With Early and Continuously Treated Phenylketonuria

Objective: To assess the emotional functioning of adolescents and young adults with early and consistently treated phenylketonuria (PKU). Methods: Twenty PKU-affected participants, ages 14–25, were compared with age-matched chronically ill (n 17) and peer (n 16) controls on a structured clinical interview, the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory, and the Tennessee Self-Concept Scale-2. Affected participants and nonparticipants were assessed using a multidomain assessment of functioning interview. Results: There were no significant differences between groups for observable psychiatric disorders or emotional and functional symptoms. No significant differences were found in self-concept. Although there were no differences between groups for IQ or treatment variables, PKU-affected participants were more likely than nonparticipants to have sought help for psychological concerns. Conclusions: Results suggest that early-treated PKU-affected adolescents and young adults do not show a higher risk for psychological disturbance than appropriate controls.
Clinical review: Bacteremia caused by anaerobic bacteria in children

This review describes the microbiology, diagnosis and management of bacteremia caused by anaerobic bacteria in children. Bacteroides fragilis, Peptostreptococcus sp., Clostridium sp., and Fusobacterium sp. were the most common clinically significant anaerobic isolates. The strains of anaerobic organisms found depended, to a large extent, on the portal of entry and the underlying disease. Predisposing conditions include: malignant neoplasms, immunodeficiencies, chronic renal insufficiency, decubitus ulcers, perforation of viscus and appendicitis, and neonatal age. Organisms identical to those causing anaerobic bacteremia can often be recovered from other infected sites that may have served as a source of persistent bacteremia. When anaerobes resistant to penicillin are suspected or isolated, antimicrobial drugs such as clindamycin, chloramphenicol, metronidazole, cefoxitin, a carbapenem, or the combination of a beta-lactamase inhibitor and a penicillin should be administered. The early recognition of anaerobic bacteremia and administration of appropriate antimicrobial and surgical therapy play a significant role in preventing mortality and morbidity in pediatric patients.
The Karyopherin Kap142p/Msn5p Mediates Nuclear Import and Nuclear Export of Different Cargo Proteins

We have identified a novel pathway for protein import into the nucleus. Although the product of Saccharomyces cerevisiae gene MSN5 was previously shown to function as a karyopherin (Kap) for nuclear export of various proteins, we discovered a nuclear import pathway mediated by Msn5p (also referred to as Kap142p). We have purified from yeast cytosol a complex containing Kap142p and the trimeric replication protein A (RPA), which is required for multiple aspects of DNA metabolism, including DNA replication, DNA repair, and recombination. In wild-type cells, RPA was localized primarily to the nucleus but, in a KAP142 deletion strain, RPA was mislocalized to the cytoplasm and the strain was highly sensitive to bleomycin (BLM). BLM causes DNA double-strand breaks and, in S. cerevisiae, the DNA damage is repaired predominantly by RPA-dependent homologous recombination. Therefore, our results indicate that in wild-type cells a critical portion of RPA was imported into the nucleus by Kap142p. Like several other import-related Kap–substrate complexes, the endogenous RPA–Kap142p complex was dissociated by RanGTP, but not by RanGDP. All three RPA genes are essential for viability, whereas KAP142 is not. Perhaps explaining this disparity, we observed an interaction between RPA and Kap95p in a strain lacking Kap142p. This interaction could provide a mechanism for import of RPA into the nucleus and cell viability in the absence of Kap142p. Together with published results (Kaffman, A., N.M. Rank, E.M. O'Neill, L.S. Huang, and E.K. O'Shea. 1998. Nature. 396:482–486; Blondel, M., P.M. Alepuz, L.S. Huang, S. Shaham, G. Ammerer, and M. Peter. 1999. Genes Dev. 13:2284–2300; DeVit, M.J., and M. Johnston. 1999. Curr. Biol. 9:1231–1241; Mahanty, S.K., Y. Wang, F.W. Farley, and E.A. Elion. 1999. Cell. 98:501–512) our data indicate that the karyopherin Kap142p is able to mediate nuclear import of one set of proteins and nuclear export of a different set of proteins.
Reciprocal Inhibitory Connections Regulate the Spatiotemporal Properties of Intrathalamic Oscillations

Mice with an inactivated GABA(A) receptor beta(3) subunit gene have features of Angelman syndrome, including absence-like seizures. This suggests the occurrence of abnormal hypersynchrony in the thalamocortical system. Within the thalamus, the efficacy of inhibitory synapses between thalamic reticular (RE) neurons is selectively compromised, and thalamic oscillations in vitro are prolonged and lack spatial phase gradients (). Here we used computational models to examine how intra-RE inhibition regulates intrathalamic oscillations. A major effect is an abbreviation of network responses, which is caused by long-lasting intra-RE inhibition that shunts recurrent excitatory input. In addition, differential activation of RE cells desynchronizes network activity. Near the slice center, where many cells are initially activated, there is a resultant high level of intra-RE inhibition. This leads to RE cell burst truncation in the central region and a gradient in the timing of thalamocortical cell activity similar to that observed in vitro. Although RE cell burst durations were shortened by this mechanism, there was very little effect on the times at which RE cells began to burst. The above results depended on widespread stimuli that activated RE cells in regions larger than the diameter of intra-RE connections. By contrast, more focal stimuli could elicit oscillations that lasted several cycles and remained confined to a small region. These results suggest that intra-RE inhibition restricts intrathalamic activity to particular spatiotemporal patterns to allow focal recurrent activity that may be relevant for normal thalamocortical function while preventing widespread synchronization as occurs in seizures.
Personal Computers, Microhistory, and Shared Authority: Documenting the Inventor&#x2013;Early Adopter Dialectic

Documenting the history of computers is complex because it requires not only documents but hardware, software, people, memories, and practice, together with an understanding of the information ecology that they constitute. An example from the author's own history with personal computers explores how these kinds of evidence are generated and how they might be gathered into archives for historical research.
Post-Packaging Irradiation Combined with Modified Atmosphere Packaging for Control of Bacterial Pathogens on Meat Products

Post-packaging irradiation combined with modified atmosphere packaging can effectively reduce E.coli O157: H7 in ground beef patties, and Listeria monocytogenes on cooked pork chops and frankfurters. The irradiation sensitivity of these two food-borne pathogens was found to be similar in both vacuum and low oxygen MAP packaging. However, E. coli O157:H7 can survive irradiation in both vacuum and low-oxygen MAP packaging during storage, therefore, temperature-abused or undercooked irradiated vacuum or MAP packaged ground beef may not be safe. MAP with 100% CO2 was effective for extending the lag phase of Listeria monocytogenes survivors on irradiated ready-to-eat meat products up to 10 to 11 weeks. MAP packaging with low oxygen and 0.4% CO can be used for stabilizing fresh meat color when the product is treated with irradiation, which often results in discoloration.
Late subcutaneous fibrosis following megavoltage radiotherapy

A woman who received radiotherapy for a breast carcinoma developed symptomatic deep subcutaneous fibrosis 7 months after treatment. Deep biopsy confirmed the diagnosis. A good response to prednisone therapy was obtained in this patient. Long-term sequelae may include soft tissue sarcoma.
The redox mechanism of FeS2 in non-aqueous electrolytes for lithium and sodium batteries

Primary Li/FeS2 batteries have been commercialized and rechargeable Li-alloy/FeS2 batteries have been successfully operated at 375–500 °C by employing LiCl-based molten electrolytes. However, non-aqueous electrolyte rechargeable Li/FeS2 batteries have not yet been fulfilled due to poor reversibility and rapid capacity fading. The redox mechanism of FeS2 in non-aqueous electrolytes at ambient temperature is poorly understood and is still debated. In this mini-review, we analyse the experimental observations reported previously and propose a suitable mechanism that can explain all of the phenomena observed from the non-aqueous electrolyte Li/FeS2 and Na/FeS2 batteries.
Trends in Street Crime and the Crime Drop

After rising for nearly three decades, rates of street crime have declined in the United States since the early 1990s. Researchers have attributed the crime swings to changes in the economy, age structure, imprisonment, and drug markets. Recent studies also highlight the role of immigration, abortion policy, and policing. A major challenge for future research on crime trends is to explain why street crime did not increase during the Great Recession of 2008–2009. National research agencies should devote attention to the question of why and how crime rates change over time. Keywords: crime trends; age structure; economy; imprisonment; immigration; policing
Late Quaternary climate change, loess sedimentation, and soil profile development in the central Great Plains: A pedosedimentary model

Research on soil genesis often assumes a “top-down” model, in which the soil profi le develops downward from a stable land surface. This model is inapplicable to upland landscapes affected by frequent dust deposition, where soils grow upward as they develop. On the central Great Plains, late Quaternary loess sections proximal to immediate source areas contain the Brady Soil, a prominent marker separating late Pleistocene Peoria Loess from Holocene Bignell Loess. Farther from immediate dust source areas, the Brady Soil and Bignell Loess are not recognizable in the fi eld. On loess tablelands in these distal regions, surface soils typically contain a prominent, clay-rich B horizon below a thick silty A horizon. Assuming top-down pedogenesis, this could be interpreted as a postglacial soil profi le formed in Peoria Loess, with the B horizon produced by weathering and clay illuviation. We propose a strikingly different interpretation, in which the upper B horizon at distal sites is the Brady Soil A horizon that has been transformed by burial, organic matter loss, and modern subsoil structure formation processes. The overlying modern A horizon represents Bignell Loess. Properties of the Brady Soil at proximal sites (a distinctive burrowed zone, high clay content and TiO 2 /ZrO 2 , and low volcanic glass content) can be traced to the B horizon in distal soils. A decrease in smectite abundance above the Brady Soil at proximal sites is identifi able at the top of the clay-rich B horizon in distal soils. The spatial variation of clay content in loess and soil horizons is best explained by eolian sedimentation patterns. The higher clay content in the Brady Soil and distal B horizons defi nes a fi ne-grained zone that represents a late phase of Peoria Loess accumulation. Evidence of chemical weathering is minimal, and illuvial clay is rare to absent in the clay-rich B horizons. Illuvial clay does often occur deep in the solum and is related to the depth below the top of the Brady Soil. The depth of occurrence of illuvial clay is not related to modern climate parameters, although depth to secondary carbonate appears to be in equilibrium with modern climate. Upland soils in the central Great Plains are composite soils; their properties are the result of a pedosedimentary history linked to regional climate change that has infl uenced sedimentation and pedogenesis since the late Pleistocene.
Persistent Associations between Maternal Prenatal Exposure to Phthalates on Child IQ at Age 7 Years.

Background: Prior research reports inverse associations between maternal prenatal urinary phthalate metabolite concentrations and mental and motor development in preschoolers. No study evaluated whether these associations persist into school age. Methods: In a follow up of 328 inner-city mothers and their children, we measured prenatal urinary metabolites of di-n-butyl phthalate (DnBP), butylbenzyl phthalate (BBzP), di-isobutyl phthalate (DiBP), di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate and diethyl phthalate in late pregnancy. The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, 4th edition was administered at child age 7 years and evaluates four areas of cognitive function associated with overall intelligence quotient (IQ). Results: Child full-scale IQ was inversely associated with prenatal urinary metabolite concentrations of DnBP and DiBP: b522.69 (95% confidence interval [CI]524.33, 21.05) and b522.69 (95% CI524.22, 21.16) per log unit increase. Among children of mothers with the highest versus lowest quartile DnBP and DiBP metabolite concentrations, IQ was 6.7 (95% CI51.9, 11.4) and 7.6 (95% CI53.2, 12.1) points lower, respectively. Associations were unchanged after control for cognition at age 3 years. Significant inverse associations were also seen between maternal prenatal metabolite concentrations of DnBP and DiBP and child processing speed, perceptual reasoning and working memory; DiBP and child verbal comprehension; and BBzP and child perceptual reasoning.
A Fourier series-based RLC interconnect model for periodic signals

Based on a Fourier series analysis, an analytic interconnect model is presented which is suitable for periodic signals, such as a clock signal. In this model, the far end time domain waveform is approximated by the summation of several sinusoids. Closed form solutions of the 50% delay are provided when the fifth and higher harmonies are ignored. The model is applied to distributed interconnect trees and multiple coupled interconnects. Good accuracy is observed between the model and SPICE simulations. The computational complexity of the model is linear with the number of harmonies.
A New Hope: India, the United Nations and the Making of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

This paper explores India's role in the development and design of the United Nations (UN), refracted through the Commission that drafted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Through an analysis of sovereignty, citizenship, nationality and human rights from the 1940s to 1956, the paper discusses what India hoped the UN to be, and more generally what they intended for the new world order and for themselves. The paper challenges existing interpretations of international affairs in this period. It seeks to reform our understanding of Jawaharlal Nehru's intellectual vision, and in the process attempts to recast the very concept of post-coloniality.
Evolution to Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery Lobectomy after Training: Initial Results of the First 30 Patients

Background In early-stage lung cancer, evidence is accumulating for the benefits of lobectomy by video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) over open lobectomy. Few thoracic training programs offer sufficient experience in this technically demanding procedure. This article describes the evolution of a new graduate's practice from open thoracotomy to VATS lobectomy. Study design Our model involves a transition in technique from posterolateral thoracotomy to muscle-sparing thoracotomy and, ultimately, to VATS lobectomy. This approach was evaluated by examining outcomes of open thoracotomy patients before VATS lobectomy and outcomes of the initial 30 VATS patients. Data were collected prospectively. Results Before undertaking VATS lobectomy, 94 major pulmonary resections were performed by thoracotomy. Mortality was 1.2% for lobectomy and 0% for pneumonectomy. Use of the muscle-sparing thoracotomy increased from 17% of patients in the first half to 70% in the latter half of this group. For the first 30 VATS lobectomy patients, the mean operative time was 168 minutes. Median blood loss was 200 mL. Conversion rate to open thoracotomy was 13.3%. Mortality was 3.3% and morbidity was 26.7%. After short-term followup (mean followup 16 months), overall survival for stage I lung cancer was 96%. Conclusions With our approach, new graduates of thoracic surgery programs can safely transition to VATS lobectomy. Gaining experience with the lateral muscle-sparing thoracotomy is an important step in the transition, as it offers similar operative exposure. Longterm disease-free and overall survival data are needed to evaluate our oncologic efficacy with this approach.