cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Leisure Choices and Employee Well-Being: Comparing Need Fulfillment and Well-Being during TV and Other Leisure Activities

BACKGROUND Working adults spend most of their leisure time watching TV. In this paper, we seek to clarify how experiences of psychological need fulfillment and well-being differ when watching TV and engaging in other leisure activities. We suggest that, compared to other leisure activities, watching TV is equally conducive to fulfilling needs for: (a) relaxation and detachment from stress and (b) autonomy, but is less conducive to fulfilling needs for (c) meaning, (d) mastery, and (e) affiliation and thus also less conducive to promoting subjective wellbeing. METHODS We tested our predictions in two day reconstruction studies and a daily diary study. RESULTS People experienced similar levels of detachment and relaxation when watching TV and engaging in other types of leisure. However, they experienced less fulfillment of other needs, and lower levels of satisfaction and some aspects of affective well-being, when watching TV compared to other activities. Further, unlike time spent watching TV, daily time spent in physical activities was positively associated with positive activated affect. CONCLUSIONS Given that watching TV tends to be associated with lower levels of need fulfillment and well-being than other leisure activities, leisure choices may be an important target for improving employee well-being.
Serial single-cell profiling analysis of metastatic TNBC during Nab-paclitaxel and pembrolizumab treatment.

Immunotherapy has recently been shown to improve outcomes for advanced PD-L1-positive triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) in the Impassion130 trial, leading to FDA approval of the first immune checkpoint inhibitor in combination with taxane chemotherapy. To further develop predictive biomarkers and improve therapeutic efficacy of the combination, interrogation of the tumor immune microenvironment before therapy as well as during each component of treatment is crucial. Here we use single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) on tumor biopsies to assess immune cell changes from two patients with advanced TNBC treated in a prospective trial at predefined serial time points, before treatment, on taxane chemotherapy and on chemo-immunotherapy. Both patients (one responder and one progressor) received the trial therapy, in cycle 1 nab-paclitaxel given as single agent, in cycle 2 nab-paclitaxel in combination with pembrolizumab. Tumor core biopsies were obtained at baseline, 3 weeks (after cycle 1, chemotherapy alone) and 6 weeks (after cycle 2, chemo-immunotherapy). Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) of both cancer cells and infiltrating immune cells isolated were performed from fresh tumor core biopsy specimens by 10 × chromium sequencing. ScRNA-seq analysis showed significant baseline heterogeneity of tumor-infiltrating immune cell populations between the two patients as well as modulation of the tumor microenvironment by chemotherapy and immunotherapy. In the responding patient there was a population of PD-1high-expressing T cells which significantly decreased after nab-paclitaxel plus pembrolizumab treatment as well as a presence of tissue-resident memory T cells (TRM). In contrast, tumors from the patient with rapid disease progression showed a prevalent and persistent myeloid compartment. Our study provides a deep cellular analysis of on-treatment changes during chemo-immunotherapy for advanced TNBC, demonstrating not only feasibility of single-cell analyses on serial tumor biopsies but also the heterogeneity of TNBC and differences in on-treatment changes in responder versus progressor.
The representation of animal behaviour in the fossil record

Paleontologists and biologists generally utilize different lines of evidence and approaches to study, conceptualize and categorize animal behaviour, which has led to a divide between the two disciplines and lack of integration of their data. Numerous filters impact the preservation of behaviour in the fossil record. Here, we utilize 13 broad categories of behaviour representing the range of modern studies of animal behaviour and assess how they are represented in the fossil record. The data summarized in an existing compilation of ‘fossil behaviours’ is used to estimate the relative occurrence of each category. We also examine the taxonomic coverage of fossil animal behaviour using the same source. We found that feeding and habitat selection-related behaviours were disproportionately represented. Examples of other behavioural categories, especially social ones, such as mating, communication or parenting were considerably rarer, whereas personality or play were not represented at all. Arthropods tended to be most well represented, including insects in amber, followed by vertebrates. Taxonomic coverage was overall fairly diverse. A broader literature search was used to identify the oldest paleontological evidence of each behavioural category. We found that most categories probably appeared by the end of the Cambrian radiation. Finally, we suggest that the preservation of behaviour in fossils can be estimated from first principles, such as the amount of time animals engage in a behaviour or which behaviours impact a substrate. Reconstructing the evolution of behaviour in deep time requires understanding how the fossil record captures behavioural information. We strongly encourage paleontologists and biologists studying behaviour to work together to help complete our understanding of animal behaviour across the entirety of its evolutionary history.
A Meta-Ethnography of the Experiences of Adults with Lymphoma During Acute and Chronic Survivorship.

Abstract Objectives The acute and chronic phases of cancer survivorship are the periods of treatment, post-treatment, and early remission. During acute and chronic survivorship, adults with lymphoma have reported both positive and negative changes in health-related quality of life. This meta-ethnography aims to appraise the experiences of adults with lymphoma at the acute and chronic survivorship phases. Data Sources This qualitative review used the established meta-ethnography framework from Noblit and Hare and is outlined following the meta-ethnography reporting guidance (eMERGe). A systematic literature search using four unique databases was completed, including the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, PubMed, Ovid Emcare, and Clarivate Web of Science. Conclusion In total, nine research studies were included in this review. Study characteristics and sample evidence were extracted from the included studies to produce the synthesis. The review and synthesis formed three main themes and six subthemes that reflect the challenges of cancer treatment and post-treatment, the communication and support from others, and how lymphoma patients reframe and reprioritize during and following treatment. Implications for Nursing Practice This meta-ethnography provides a comprehensive analysis of adults’ experiences with lymphoma at the acute and chronic survivorship phases. Several approaches for the management and care of lymphoma patients were found in this review, including integrating patient support groups from diagnosis through post-treatment, tailored psychological health care services, personalized care and delivery pathways at post-treatment, and the promotion of strategies to cope with cancer in remission. Additional research should examine younger and older adults to discover age-related issues in lymphoma populations in addition to disparities among minority patients with lymphoma and those from low socioeconomic backgrounds.
Modeling of short-pulse laser-metal interactions in the warm dense matter regime using the two-temperature model.

A numerical model for laser-matter interactions in the warm dense matter regime is presented with broad applications, e.g., ablation, thermionic emission, and radiation. A unique approach is adopted, in which a complete set of collisional and transport data is calculated using a quantum model and incorporated into the classical two-temperature model for the electron and lattice-ion temperatures. The data set was produced by the average atom model that combines speed, conceptual simplicity, and straightforward numerical development. Such data are suitable for use in the warm dense matter regime, where most of the laser-matter interactions at moderate intensities occur, thus eliminating deficiencies of previous models, e.g., interpolation between solid and ideal plasma regimes. In contrast to other works, we use a more rigorous definition of solid and plasma states of the metal, based on the physical condition of the lattice, crystalline (ordered) versus melted (disordered), rather than a definition based on electron temperature. The synergy between the two-temperature and average atom models has been demonstrated on a problem involving heating and melting of the interior of Al by a short-pulse laser with duration 0.1--1 ps and laser fluences $1\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{3}\ensuremath{-}3\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{4}\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}\mathrm{J}/{\mathrm{m}}^{2}(0.1\text{--}3\phantom{\rule{0.16em}{0ex}}\mathrm{J}/\mathrm{c}{\mathrm{m}}^{2})$. The melting line, which separates the solid and plasma regimes, has been tracked in time and space. The maximum melting depth has been determined as a function of laser fluence: ${l}_{\mathrm{melt}}(\ensuremath{\mu}\mathrm{m})\ensuremath{\cong}4\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{10}^{3}F\phantom{\rule{4pt}{0ex}}(\frac{\mathrm{J}}{{\mathrm{m}}^{2}})$.
Trauma Healing Club: Utilizing Culturally Responsive Processes in the Implementation of an After-School Group Intervention to Address Trauma Among African Refugees

The State of Tennessee granted appropriations to an urban university in the West Tennessee region to address the needs of at-risk African refugee children and families who have experienced Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). Action oriented research efforts were conducted to address the needs of youth in the local region by developing, implementing, and evaluating a community-based intervention that was not only trauma responsive but culturally competent. The Trauma Healing Club was a treatment package developed and researched for this purpose and offered in an after school support program. This identified intervention utilized an existing evidence-based trauma intervention framework that was adapted to include more culturally responsive processes such as pyramid mentoring and African drumming. This work aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an integrated trauma-informed practice model for community-based programming and the effectiveness of adapting an existing intervention to better fit the community needs. Results indicated that the adaptation of the trauma-responsive intervention was effective and supportive of the child-participant and his/her family needs –both culturally and as it relates to improved participant functioning post intervention.
A Gate-Driver Architecture with High Common-Mode Noise Immunity under Extremely High dv/dt

Wide bandgap (WBG) devices usually have much faster switching speed than that of the traditional silicon devices, which, however, may pose challenges to the design of the power loop and gate loop. Extensive research has been done to address the drain-source voltage overshoot and oscillation issues by reducing the power loop stray inductance. To further enable higher switching frequency, the issues on the gate driver side still need to be addressed. The crosstalk phenomenon on gate-source voltage, as one of the major issues, has attracted lots of attention and can be mitigated by various approaches. In addition, when dv/dt is extremely high, the common-mode (CM) noise may deteriorate the control signals through the capacitive coupling, which still need to be addressed, considering just 1.5V voltage noise can lead to false triggering on the PWM input of digital isolators. In this work, four gate driver architectures in the existing literature are studied and compared in terms of the CM noise immunity. LT-spice small-signal models are utilized for simulation studies to compare the CM noise immunity of different gate driver designs quantitatively. The prototype of the optimal design was built and experimentally tested using a 3.3 kV SiC MOSFET to validate its CM noise immunity under the extremely high dv/dt, even beyond 240 V/ns.
Increasing efficiency of the homogenization process for production of chitin nanofibers for barrier film applications.

Abstract Chitin nanofibers (ChNFs) are of interest for barrier materials but are often extracted by high pressure homogenization (HPH) with high energy utilization. We studied the influence of deacetylation (DA) and pressure on HPH of shrimp chitin and the resulting solution cast films. Deacetylation to 72% DA resulted in improved ChNF suspension and film light transmission, strain at break, and tensile strength compared to chitin with DA of 89%. The oxygen permeability (OP) of the films was not affected by the modification and remained at low values of 1.9–2.4 cm3 μm/m2/day/kPa. We also show that deacetylation enables HPH intensity to be reduced during extraction of ChNFs from crab shell chitin (63% lower pressure and 73% reduction in number of passes), while achieving a low OP. Deacetylation pretreatment reduces HPH process intensity required to achieve oxygen barrier properties in ChNF films.
Changes in vaccination coverage estimates among children aged 19–35 months in the United States, 1996–1999

Abstract Background: Childhood vaccinations have a major impact on the reduction and elimination of many causes of morbidity and mortality among children. Monitoring of annual vaccination coverage levels over time is necessary to characterize undervaccination. Here, coverage estimates for 1996 (1997 for varicella) were compared with those of 1999. Methods: Immunization coverage among children aged 19 to 35 months in 1996 (1997 for varicella) and 1999 for a variety of vaccines and vaccine series were compared using Wald chi-square tests and data from the National Immunization Survey. Results: Record high immunization coverage among children aged 19 to 35 months in the United States has increased by a statistically significant amount between 1996 and 1999 for diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis; measles, mumps, and rubella; Haemophilus influenzae type b; hepatitis B; and standard series made up of these individual vaccines. Coverage with the vaccine for varicella dramatically increased between 1997 and 1999. However, between 1996 and 1999, coverage with three or more doses of polio vaccine decreased by a small but statistically significant amount. Conclusion: Despite the drop for polio vaccine, coverage remains high. Continued monitoring is required to determine if the drop in polio coverage is a cause for concern.
Embedded MPU based test bench for communication lines used in industrial electrical and electronics products

Proper validation and verification of electrical and electronics products in the design and development phase is very important. Companies manufacturing these products invest a significant amount of money and effort in verification and validation of their products before starting mass production for market, resulting in an increase of the overall development cost of these products. This paper provides a state diagram based, modular, easy to use and extremely cheap, embedded MPU based alternative for the costly solutions currently used by validation and verification teams in major electrical and electronics companies. The implementation of this alternative is done using an EVALSPEAr320PLC Board (Evaluation board for SPEAr320 embedded MPU), which tests for CAN BUS, MODBUS Serial, TCP/IP, GPIO and Analog IO under two modes (On the Fly mode and Real-Time Test Vector mode) with an accuracy of 1 millisecond. The prototype can be used with Minicom (Linux/Unix), HyperTerminal (Windows) and NI LabVIEW.
ATP hydrolysis catalyzed by a beta subunit preparation purified from the chloroplast energy transducing complex CF1.CF0.

Washing thylakoid membranes with 1 M LiCl causes the release of the beta subunit from the chloroplast energy transducing complex (CF1.CF0) in spinach chloroplasts. This protein purifies by size exclusion chromatography as a 180-kDa aggregate and, thus, is probably composed of a trimer of beta polypeptides. The purified aggregate binds ADP to a high and a low affinity site with dissociation constants of 15 and 202 microM, respectively. Mg2+ is required for ADP to bind to both sites. Manganese binds to the protein in a cooperative manner to at least two sites with high affinity. The beta subunit preparation catalyzes Mg2+-dependent ATP hydrolysis at rates which are comparable to other subunit-deficient CF1 preparations and is increased by treatments known to activate the Mg2+-ATPase activity of CF1. However, Ca2+ is not an effective cofactor for this reaction and treatments which activate the Ca2+-ATPase of CF1 are either ineffective or inhibitory.
Retinoic Acid Inhibition of the Comitogenic Action of Mezerein and Phorbol Esters in Bovine Lymphocytes

12-O-Tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) is an effective comitogen in phytohemagglutinin-treated bovine lymphocytes. Concurrent addition of 10(-8) M TPA gives a greater than 6-fold increase in DNA synthesis over cultures treated with the lectin alone. The delayed addition of phorbol ester, relative to the start of the lectin treatment, eliminates this synergistic action. Structure-function studies show that the comitogenic activity of different phorbol diesters runs parallel to their tumor-promoting activity. A nontoxic level (50 micronM) of retinoic acid selectively antagonizes this synergistic effect of phorbol ester. This inhibitory action requires the near-concurrent addition of retinoic acid with TPA. In contrast, the TPA-mediated induction of RNA and protein synthesis is unaffected by retinolic acid. A number of natural and synthetic retinoids were evaluated; none were as inhibitory as was retinoic acid. Lymphocyte cultures appear to provide a useful system for exploring the mechanisms of action of both TPA and retinoic acid.
Transmultiplexers as precoders in modern digital communication: a tutorial review

In this paper we review the recent impact of transmultiplexers in digital communications. Filter banks precoders, conditions for equalization, and multiuser interference cancellation are reviewed. The idea behind blind channel identification is reviewed as well. The emphasis is mostly on the theoretical infrastructure, and the list of references provide a wealth of related information.
Contribution of tropical cyclones to extreme rainfall in Australia

The contribution by tropical cyclones (TCs) to extreme rainfall in Australia is examined using daily rainfall measurements from over 2000 rain gauges. Analyses focus on the period beginning with regular satellite monitoring of TCs (1969/1970) through the year 2012/2013 and consider daily and multi-daily annual maximum rainfall series. Our results indicate that TCs play a prominent role in extreme rainfall over much Australia, with more than half of the highest annual rainfall events associated with these storms over the coastal regions and in particular over Western Australia. Moreover, the TC fractional contribution to extreme rainfall increases as we focus on the largest rainfall events, with approximately 66–100% of annual maxima in excess of 100 mm (∼4 inches) over Western Australia associated with TCs at over one third of the locations. Given the well-established controls on Australian TC activity by the El Nino–Southern Oscillation (ENSO), we also examined the relationship between extreme rainfall associated with TCs and ENSO using logistic regression. A larger probability of having an annual rainfall maximum related to TCs occurs during La Nina years, consistent with enhanced Australian cyclogenesis during these phases of ENSO. We also highlighted regional differences in the link between ENSO and extreme rainfall events, highlighting the stronger connection along the coastal areas and in particular over Western Australia.
Chapter 3 The Ca2+ transport ATPases of sarco(endo)-plasmic reticulum and plasma membranes

Publisher Summary The Ca 2+ transport ATPase of sarcoplasmic reticulum is an intrinsic membrane protein of 110 kDa that controls the distribution of intracellular Ca 2+ by ATPdependent translocation of Ca 2+ ions from the cytoplasm into the lumen of the sarcoplasmic reticulum. This chapter discusses recent developments made on the structure of the Ca 2+ -ATPase of the sarcoplasmic reticulum, in addition to the Ca 2+ -ATPases in the plasma membranes and endoplasmic reticulum of non-muscle cells. The chapter focuses on the various forms of the Ca 2+ transport ATPases that occur in the sarcoplasmic reticulum of the muscle cells of diverse fiber types and in the endoplasmic reticulum of nonmuscle cells (SERCA). It also compares the structure of these enzymes are compared with the Ca 2+ transport ATPases of surface membranes (PMCA) and with other ATP-dependent ion pumps that transport Na + , K + , and H + . The sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca 2+ -ATPases of mammalian tissues can be divided structurally into three main groups (SERCA 1–3) representing the products of different genes.
Studies of Nondefective Adenovirus 2-Simian Virus 40 Hybrid Viruses II. Relationship of Adenovirus 2 Deoxyribonucleic Acid and Simian Virus 40 Deoxyribonucleic Acid in the Ad2+ND1 Genome

A nondefective adenovirus 2 (Ad2)-simian virus 40 (SV40) hybrid virus, Ad2(+)ND(1), has been plaque-isolated from an Ad2-SV40 hybrid population. This virus, unlike the defective Ad-SV40 hybrid populations previously described, replicates without the aid of nonhybrid adenovirus helper. Consequently, the hybrid virus deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) can be obtained free of nonhybrid adenovirus DNA. The DNA of the Ad2(+)ND(1) virus was shown by ribonucleic acid (RNA)-DNA hybridization to consist of nucleotide sequences complementary to Ad2- and SV40-specific RNA. Techniques of equilibrium density and rate zonal centrifugation were employed to demonstrate that these Ad2 and SV40 nucleotide sequences were linked together in the same DNA molecules by alkali-resistant bonds. Calibration curves were established relating the amount of tritium-labeled SV40-specific RNA (prepared in vitro or in vivo) bound to given amounts of SV40 DNA in a hybridization reaction, and these curves were employed to determine the equivalent amount of SV40 DNA in the Ad2(+)ND(1) molecule. From the results obtained, it was estimated that 1% of the Ad2(+)ND(1) DNA consists of SV40 nucleotide sequences.
The SMRT corepressor is a target of phosphorylation by protein kinase CK2 (casein kinase II)

The Silencing-Mediator for Retinoid/Thyroid hormone receptors (SMRT) interacts with, and mediates transcriptional repression by, a variety of eukaryotic transcription factors, including the nuclear hormone receptors. The ability of SMRT to function as a transcriptional ‘corepressor’ is regulated by a variety of signal transduction pathways. We report here that SMRT is a phosphoprotein in vivo, and is also phosphorylated in vitro by unfractionated cell extracts. A major site of phosphorylation of SMRT is a protein kinase CK2 motif centered on serine 1492, and located within a C-terminal SMRT domain that mediates interaction of the corepressor with the nuclear hormone receptors. Phosphorylation of SMRT by CK2 stabilizes the ability of the SMRT protein to interact with nuclear hormone receptors. Our results indicate that SMRT is a member of an expanding family of transcriptional regulators that are modified, and potentially regulated, in response to proteinkinase CK2.
SMIFTS: a cryogenically cooled, spatially modulated imaging infrared interferometer spectrometer

We describe a novel cryogenically cooled, spatially modulated, imaging, Fourier transform interferometer spectrometer for spectral measurements in the 1 - 5 micrometers range. Using spatial modulation and a detector array to sample the interferogram, the instrument employs no moving parts to obtain spectra. It is extremely robust and potentially more reliable than other interferometers in addition to taking advantage of the multiplexing afforded by array detectors. The instrument technology possesses a unique combination of characteristics which forms a niche for spectral measurement not widely known but of great potential value. These characteristics include broad wavelength range, wide field of view if desired, simultaneous measurement of all spectral channels, compactness, no moving parts, and moderate resolution. We present a small amount of test data derived from the instrument.
Differential behavioral and cardiac responses of 3-month-old infants to a mirror and peer.

Behavioral and cardiac responses were assessed for 3-month-old infants placed face-to-face with a mirror and peer. Infants looked longer at the mirror, but smiled, vocalized, reached toward and squirmed more in the presence of an infant peer. In addition, tonic heart rate was elevated during the peer situation. These effects may relate to the peer situation being more stimulating or arousing. Differential responding to the mirror and peer suggests some very early awareness of differences between a self-image and another infant.
Characterization of the heme of cytochrome P-450 using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

Abstract The heme moieties of cytochromes P-450 and P1-450 (P-448) have been characterized. CO-binding particles, devoid of cytochrome b5, were prepared from normal or 3-methylcholanthrene-treated animals. Heme was removed by acid-acetone treatment of the CO-binding particles and crystallized. Heme isolated from hemoglobin of the corresponding animals served as a control. Reductive degradation (hydriodic acid) followed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis indicated the presence of opso-, crypto-, hemo-, and phyllopyrrole. Visible spectra of the iron-free tetrapyrroles isolated from microsomal heme and hemoglobin were identical and showed typical aetioporphyrin spectra. Finally, the mass spectra of the tetrapyrrole dimethyl esters isolated from microsomal heme and hemoglobin were identical to authentic protoporphyrin IX dimethyl ester. These data strongly suggest that the heme of cytochrome P-450 and P1-450 are identical and are the same the same as that of hemoglobin, namely protoporphyrin IX.
Dumuzi's Dream: Dream Analysis in Ancient Mesopotamia.

One of the benefits of exploring the texts of ancient dreams is that this kind of study can show quite clearly the way dream narratives are embedded within the realities of the culture in question, much in the same way that we as modern dreamers dream in a style influenced by our culture. This point is not always clearly acknowledged by psychological and neurological dream researchers, who at times describe dreams as if they belonged solely to the dreamer’s consciousness, independent of influences beyond their personal experiences, or represent that they derive from the physical structures of the brain’s architecture. The influence of cultural conditioning should not be overlooked in dream interpretation, no matter what the time and place of the dream may be. As well, through a study of dream texts we can obtain glimpses of earlier methods of dream interpretation, which were also necessarily situated within a cultural context different from our own. In some cases these are only implicit in the texts, whereas in others the methodology is laid out for us to examine in detail. And sometimes the contemplation of an ancient dream can bring a frisson of recognition across the millennia, especially when the culture in question is closely related to our own. The Sumerians were the first people in the world to create an urban civilization, economically based on a vast surplus of wheat and barley grown in the fertile floodplains of the Tigris and Euphrates valleys in what is today southern Iraq. Their population grew quickly from small towns to city-states and eventually to larger political units. As the volume of surplus goods increased, the need for inventorying them and identifying their ownership
1018 ANAEROBIC BLOOD CULTURE SURVEY IN TWO NEONATAL INTENSIVE CARE UNITS (NICU)

Only 8-15% of blood cultures (BC) from NICU patients suspected of sepsis yield pathogenic bacteria. Previous studies have suggested that anaerobic bacteria may cause BC negative neonatal sepsis. In this study 455 BC were drawn and processed anaerobically from patients in 2 NICUs with signs of sepsis. Five of the cultures were umbilical in origin. The rest were obtained from peripheral veins. Over a 3-month period all BC in one of the hospitals were processed in the same way to provide a comparison group. Any air was expressed prior to inocculating the blood into bottles with 50 cc pre-reduced anaerobically sterilized trypticase soy broth with sucrose and .025-.05% SPS with 10% CO2 atmosphere. All subcultures were performed under a continuous flow of CO2 onto pre-reduced media and incubated in GaspakR jars. This technique should recover all but very fastidious anaerobes. Aerobic pathogens were recovered from 37 (8.1%) of cultures. An additional 3.5% yielded aerobic contaminants. Anaerobes were recovered from only 3 (0.7%) cultures (1.C. perfringens, 1 Veillonella sp. 1 Bacteroides sp.). Similar results were obtained with 1714 adult BC (199 aerobic, 16 anaerobic recoveries). In this study the incidence of anaerobic bacteremia was no greater in NICU than adult patients. The techniques employed may miss very fastidious organisms, however, we are unable to confirm a significant role for anaerobic bacteria in the neonatal sepsis syndrome.
Prevention by antioxidants of the hemolysis of erythrocytes of cattle, pigs and humans treated with t-butyl hydroperoxide☆

Urate, 3-ribosylurate, ascorbate, glutathione and plasma protected bovine, porcine and human erythrocytes from hemolysis caused by t-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP). Urate partially protected porcine erythrocytes from hemolysis by t-BHP when it was added 15 min after the addition of the t-BHP, but it did not protect when added 30 min after the t-BHP. Glutathione and ascorbate protected oxyhemoglobin from oxidation to methemoglobin by t-BHP; 3-ribosylurate gave only slight protection. Urate stimulated the formation of methemoglobin from oxyhemoglobin during treatment with t-BHP.
Characterization and reliability of SiC- and GaN-based power transistors for renewable energy applications

Power devices based on the wide-bandgap semiconductors SiC and GaN have many potential advantages compared to conventional Si-based switching devices, especially for renewable energy and smart grid applications. However, while these emerging devices have developed rapidly in recent years, many factors affecting their performance and reliability remain unknown. In this paper, we discuss some of the key results that have been obtained for both SiC- and GaN-based devices under Sandia National Lab's “post-Silicon” power electronics reliability program. State-of-the-art, commercially available 4H-SiC MOSFETs are evaluated for stability under high-temperature over-voltage and pulsed over-current conditions. The devices show maximum vulnerability under high-temperature off-state operation at high temperature. The room-temperature pulsed over-current operation results in degradation similar to that observed under high-temperature on-state DC conditions, presumably due to overheating of the device beyond its specified junction temperature. Prototype AlGaN/GaN HEMTs with ∼1800 V breakdown are evaluated for stability under different bias conditions. Current collapse is observed and analyzed, and trapping components with very different time constants are found to be involved. The specific nature of degradation and recovery depends strongly upon the particular stress bias (gate vs. drain) condition applied.
Complex structure and regulation of the ABP/SHBG gene

Extracellular androgen-binding proteins (ABPs) are thought to modulate the regulatory functions of androgens and the trans-acting nuclear androgen receptor. Testicular ABP and plasma sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), which is produced in the liver, are encoded by the same gene. We report here that the ABP/SHBG gene is also expressed in fetal rat liver and adult brain. Immunoreactive ABP was localized in the brain and fetal liver and mRNAs were identified in both tissues by northern blot hybridization. Analysis of brain and fetal liver cDNA clones revealed alternatively processed RNAs with sequence characteristics suggesting the encoded proteins could act as competitors of ABP/SHBG binding to cell surface receptors. One cDNA represented a fused transcript of the ABP/SHBG gene and the histidine decarboxylase gene that was apparently formed by a trans-splicing process. Gene sequencing experiments indicate that tissue-specific ABP/SHBG gene promoter-enhancer elements are utilized in testis, brain and fetal liver. These data demonstrate that the structure, RNA transcript processing and likely regulation of the ABP/SHBG gene are very complex.
Computer assisted detection of liver neoplasm (CADLN)

To date, radiologists evaluate neoplasm images manually. Currently there is wide spread attention for developing image processing modules to detect and measure early stage neoplasm growth in liver. We report the fundamentals associated with the development of a multifunctional image processing algorithm useful to measure early growth of neoplasm and the volume of liver. Using CADLN, a radiologist will be able to compare computer generated volumetric data in serial imaging of the patients over time, that eventually will enable assessing progression or regression of neoplasm growth and help in treatment planning.
OIL AND THE POLITICS OF FEAR

Washington politics is no longer about issues. It is about fear. To succeed, a politician has to play on the public’s fears, most of all fear of terrorism and fear of global warming. Republicans capitalized on fear of terrorism in 2002 and 2004 to win national elections. Democrats chose fear of global warming, and they have experienced political success with it. Strangely enough, both groups, riding a platform of fear, come to the same conclusion: Oil is the enemy. For Republicans, oil finances terrorism. For Democrats, oil causes global warming. For both, dependence on oil is a disaster in the making. A third group, mostly but not exclusively Democrats with neoconservative attitudes-let’s call them Republocrats-has also called for eliminating dependence on oil to foster democracy in the Middle East. They believe that eliminating dependence on oil will lower prices and decrease the flow of money to Middle Eastern governments’ coffers. According to this view, lower oil revenues will force governments to be more democratic. The three groups that dominate American politics now have a single enemy: oil. For all of them, if you eliminate dependence on oil, you solve the world’s most pressing problems: terrorism, global warming, and dictatorship. I wish it were that easy. Fear of terrorism, global warming, dictators, and consequently of oil has allowed politicians to spend billions of dollars to promote substitutes for oil. This spending has in turn created new and powerful industries that thrive as long as their oil-bashing supporters are in power. Amazingly, even the private sector has launched a war against oil.
Interfacial oxygen transport resistance in a proton exchange membrane fuel cell air channel with an array of water droplets

Abstract The oxygen (O2) transport resistance at the gas diffusion layer (GDL)–air channel interface in a proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) is numerically investigated. The interfacial O2 resistance under the two-phase flow conditions is needed in modeling fuel cell performance. This work focuses on simulating the effect of water droplets on the GDL surface on the mass transfer resistance at the interface. Multiple droplets are placed at the center of channel width and spaced uniformly in the flow direction. The variation of interfacial O2 transport resistance is characterized with the non-dimensional Sherwood number (Sh). The numerical technique is validated by comparing the fully developed Sh (in the absence of droplets) to the established values in the literature. Parametric simulations are performed for variable air Peclet number (varied due to changing superficial air velocity), non-dimensional droplet size and uniform spacing. Correlations are developed to express the Sh variation in terms of the aforementioned variables and the location in the channel. The maximum error of the correlations among numerically generated 999 data points is 11%.
Solifenacin in overactive bladder syndrome.

Overactive bladder (OAB) syndrome is a prevalent condition, increasingly recognised as a cause of reduced quality of life that places a substantial economic burden on healthcare provision. While antimuscarinic agents are the therapy of choice for OAB, their use is associated with a number of drawbacks, not least of which is the high rate of adverse events, which is intimately linked with poor compliance with treatment.
Integrative strategies to identify candidate genes in rodent models of human alcoholism

The search for genes underlying alcohol-related behaviours in rodent models of human alcoholism has been ongoing for many years with only limited success. Recently, new strategies that integrate several of the traditional approaches have provided new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying ethanol's actions in the brain. We have used alcohol-preferring C57BL/6J (B6) and alcohol-avoiding DBA/2J (D2) genetic strains of mice in an integrative strategy combining high-throughput gene expression screening, genetic segregation analysis, and mapping to previously published quantitative trait loci to uncover candidate genes for the ethanol-preference phenotype. In our study, 2 genes, retinaldehyde binding protein 1 (Rlbp1) and syntaxin 12 (Stx12), were found to be strong candidates for ethanol preference. Such experimental approaches have the power and the potential to greatly speed up the laborious process of identifying candidate genes for the animal models of human alcoholism.
Collective findings neither support nor refute the use of oral motor exercises as a treatment for speech sound disorders

Abstracted from: McCauley, R. J., Strand, E., Lof, G., Schooling, T., & Frymark, (2009). Evidence-based systematic review: Effects on non-speech oral motor exercises on speech. American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 18, 343–360. Source of funding: American Speech-Language-Hearing Association's National-Center for Evidence-based Practice (N-CEP).
Quantitation of secretion by rat basophilic leukemia cells by measurements of qinacrine uptake

Abstract A novel method for quantitating secretion is described based on measurements of the cellular uptake of the fluorescent aminoacridine dye quinacrine into low-pH secretory granules. The quinacrine fluorescence remaining in the medium was found to decrease after incubation with increasing numbers of the 2H3 rat basophilic leukemia line. This depletion of dye from the medium decreased after a secretory stimulus. Assuming that quinacrine partitions according to mass action, a quantitative model was derived to allow calculation of the percent secretion from dye uptake data. A good correlation was obtained when the values for the percent secretion determined by the quinacrine uptake method were compared with secretion measured by release of the granule enzyme β-glucuronidase.
3D imaging for Army applications

The rapid development of laser radar technology combined with the challenging needs for Army sensors to support the Future Combat System has led to a number of applications for 3D imaging systems. These systems applications include obstacle detection, target recognition, locating targets under foliage, UGV route planning and navigation and terrain mapping. Each application requires different system parameters such as pulse energy, repetition rate, and field of view. A number of issues must be addressed in the design of a system including atmospheric effects, laser energy requirements, wavelength selection and field of view.© (2001) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Computational approaches to modeling drug transporters

Computational modeling has advanced our understanding of drug absorption, tissue distribution, excretion and toxicity profiles by providing both direct and indirect knowledge of drug-transporter interactions that would otherwise be unavailable using experimental methods. Currently, two complementary approaches are available in modeling transporters: substrate-based and transporter-based methods. The transporter-based approach directly predicts the transporter's three-dimensional structure to assist in understanding the drug transport process, whereas substrate-based models infer such information by studying a group of substrates or inhibitors with measured activities. In this review, the available strategies in both transporter-based and substrate-based approaches are explained and illustrated with applications and case studies. With increasing computational power and continuously improving modeling algorithms, computational techniques can assist in further understanding transporter-substrate interactions as well as, the optimization of transporter-directed drug design.
Syntheses and applications of oxides and mixed oxides produced by a flame process

Abstract Nanosize oxides and mixed oxides were produced in a rectangular counterflow diffusion flame burner. Their formation and growth mechanisms in the burner are reviewed. This paper correlates flame temperature, residence time and precursor concentration to the particle size, morphology and crystalline structure of these nanosize oxides.
Ca2+-Dependent Binding of Calcyclin to Muscle Tropomyosin☆

The interaction of calcyclin with tropomyosin and tropomyosin-actin was studied with fluorescence titrations and photo-reactive crosslinking experiments. Titrations of pyreneiodoacetamide-labeled tropomyosin alone or with actin showed binding of calcyclin to tropomyosin with muM dissociation constants when Ca2+ was present. UV irradiation of mixtures of calcyclin and gizzard beta beta-tropomyosin labeled with benzophenone-iodoacetamide at Cys36, with or without actin, produced crosslinks between tropomyosin chains and calcyclin monomers only in the presence of Ca2+. These data provide direct evidence for a Ca+2-dependent tropomyosin-calcyclin interaction at or near Cys36 of tropomyosin and indicate that calcyclin binding to tropomyosin-actin does not cause tropomyosin dissociation.
Vertical muscle-sparing thoracotomy

In our armamentarium of various thoracic incisions, we have incorporated a vertical skin incision with a muscle-sparing approach to gain access to the thorax. We find this incision gives excellent exposure, preserves function of the chest wall musculature, and leaves a cosmetically superior result.
Ultrafast laboratory-based x-ray sources and their applications in chemical research

Ultrafast high-intensity laser pulses incident upon condensed matter targets can generate high-density plasmas that emit x-ray pulses with sub-picosecond temporal structure, significant spatial coherence, and high brightness at kilohertz repetition rates. Such laser-driven plasma x-ray sources based on solid and liquid metal targets have been developed in our laboratory. Essential performance features are discussed along with a feasibility evaluation for future routine application in chemical research. Laser-driven x-ray sources are usable for ultrafast x-ray diffraction and ultrafast x-ray absorption spectroscopy. X-ray absorption near-edge spectra of solvated transition metal complexes are presented. Ultrafast molecular dynamics depends on the structure of the solvated molecule before photo-excitation. This solvation structure, in turn, depends on the solute's interaction with the solvent molecules. Furthermore, the solute's vibrational modes and its structure are correlated, solvent dependent, and can be measured by mid-infrared and x-ray absorption spectroscopy. Such measured spectra are presented and correlated with quantum calculations in order to elucidate the solvation environment of various transition metal coordination complexes.
Origin of Multiple Peaks in the Potentiodynamic Oxidation of CO Adlayers on Pt and Ru-Modified Pt Electrodes

The study of the electrooxidation mechanism of COad on Pt based catalysts is very important for designing more effective CO-tolerant electrocatalysts for fuel cells. We have studied the origin of multiple peaks in the cyclic voltammograms of CO stripping from polycrystalline Pt and Ru modified polycrystalline Pt (Pt/Ru) surfaces in both acidic and alkaline media by differential electrochemical mass spectrometry (DEMS), DFT calculations, and kinetic Monte Carlo (KMC) simulations. A new COad electrooxidation kinetic model on heterogeneous Pt and Pt/Ru catalysts is proposed to account for the multiple peaks experimentally observed. In this model, OH species prefer to adsorb at low-coordination sites or Ru sites and, thus, suppress CO repopulation from high-coordination sites onto these sites. Therefore, COad oxidation occurs on different facets or regions, leading to multiplicity of CO stripping peaks. This work provides a new insight into the CO electrooxidation mechanism and kinetics on heterogeneous catal...
Tradeoff of Weight and Inspection Cost in Reliability-Based Structural Optimization

This paper develops a methodology for cost-optimal, reliability-based structural design and inspection planning of aircraft structures subject to fatigue damage growth. An optimization problem is formulated to minimize the expected lifetime cost while maintaining a minimum acceptable reliability level. The effect of structural design and inspection schedule on operational cost and reliability is explored. The optimization parameters are the inspection times, types, and structural thickness. A computational technique using a combination of Monte Carlo simulation to estimate the crack size distribution after inspections and first-order reliability method to calculate failure probability at any time is developed to expedite reliability calculations. The paper shows that the simultaneous design of the structure and inspection regime allows trading the cost of additional structural weight against the inspection cost.
Electrophysiological spectrum of inclusion body myositis

We present electrodiagnostic data on 30 patients with inclusion body myositis (IBM) in order to better delineate its electrophysiological features. Comprehensive electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies (NCS) were performed in all cases. Twelve patients had single fiber electromyography (SFEMG). EMG showed abundant short-small motor unit potentials (MUP) with fibrillations and positive sharp waves in 56.6% of patients, and a mixed pattern of large and small MUP in 36.7%. In 6.7%, only "neurogenic" features were seen. NCS were slow in 33.3%. SFEMG revealed a mildly abnormal jitter and a slightly increased fiber density. IBM demonstrates a heterogeneous EMG profile. A pattern of large and small MUP is highly suggestive of IBM but is seen in only about one third of cases.