cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evidence for Reduced Experience-Dependent Dendritic Spine Plasticity in the Aging Prefrontal Cortex

Cognitive functions that require the prefrontal cortex are highly sensitive to aging in humans, nonhuman primates, and rodents, although the neurobiological correlates of this vulnerability remain largely unknown. It has been proposed that dendritic spines represent the primary site of structural plasticity in the adult brain, and recent data have supported the hypothesis that aging is associated with alterations of dendritic spine morphology and plasticity in prefrontal cortex. However, no study to date has directly examined whether aging alters the capacity for experience-dependent spine plasticity in aging prefrontal neurons. To address this possibility, we used young, middle-aged, and aged rats in a behavioral stress paradigm known to produce spine remodeling in prefrontal cortical neurons. In young rats, stress resulted in dendritic spine loss and altered patterns of spine morphology; in contrast, spines from middle-aged and aged animals were remarkably stable and did not show evidence of remodeling. The loss of stress-induced spine plasticity observed in aging rats occurred alongside robust age-related reductions in spine density and shifts in remaining spine morphology. Together, the data presented here provide the first evidence that experience-dependent spine plasticity is altered by aging in prefrontal cortex, and support a model in which dendritic spines become progressively less plastic in the aging brain.
Tackling intracell variability in TLC Flash through tensor product codes

Flash memory is a promising new storage technology. To fully utilize future multi-level cell Flash memories, it is necessary to develop error correction coding schemes attuned to the underlying physical characteristics of Flash. Based on a careful inspection of fine-grained, experimentally-collected error patterns of TLC (three bits per cell) Flash, we propose a mathematical model that captures the intracell variability, which is manifested by certain patterns of bit-errors. Error correction codes are constructed for this model based upon generalized tensor product codes. For fixed levels of redundancy, these codes are shown to exhibit substantially lower bit error rates than existing error correction schemes.
Effects of conjugation in length and dimension on two-photon properties of fluorene-based chromophores

We report calculated two-photon (TPA) absorption spectra based upon results obtained from quadratic response time-dependent density functional theory for fluorene-based donor-π-acceptor molecules. Coulomb attenuated functionals with a long-range exchange contribution are applied to predict TPA excitation energies and cross-sections. Observed spectra are explained, and the effects of conjugation and multibranching on the TPA spectra are discussed.
Direct rate constant measurement of radical disulphide anion formation for cysteine and cysteamine in aqueous solution

Abstract The techniques of pulse radiolysis, laser photolysis and absorption spectroscopy have been used to directly determine rate constants for radical disulphide anion formation for cysteine and cysteamine in aqueous solution. The measured values for cysteine, over the pH range 7–12, allowed calculation of individual rate constants for the constituent reactions RS . + RSH → RSSR −. + H + and RS . + RS − → RSSR −. as (3.39 ± 0.31) × 10 8 and (1.21 ± 0.04) × 10 9 dm 3 mol −1 s −1 , respectively. Analogous values for cysteamine were also determined by this technique as (3.06 ± 0.16) × 10 8 and (3.65 ± 0.07) × 10 9 dm 3 mol −1 s −1 .
Measuring Executive Dysfunction Longitudinally and in Relation to Genetic Burden, Brain Volumetrics, and Depression in Prodromal Huntington Disease

Executive dysfunction (ED) is a characteristic of Huntington disease (HD), but its severity and progression is less understood in the prodromal phase, e.g., before gross motor abnormalities. We examined planning and problem-solving abilities using the Towers Task in HD mutation-positive individuals without motor symptoms (n = 781) and controls (n = 212). Participants with greater disease progression (determined using mutation size and current age) performed more slowly and with less accuracy on the Towers Task. Performance accuracy was negatively related to striatal volume while both accuracy and working memory were negatively related to frontal white matter volume. Disease progression at baseline was not associated with longitudinal performance over 4 years. Whereas the baseline findings indicate that ED becomes more prevalent with greater disease progression in prodromal HD and can be quantified using the Towers task, the absence of notable longitudinal findings indicates that the Towers Task exhibits limited sensitivity to cognitive decline in this population.
Effective, thermal one-carbon + two-carbon cycloaddition of cyclopropenone ketals with electron-deficient olefins: Cyclopropane formation.

Abstract Treatment of olefins bearing one electron-withdrawing substituent with cyclopropenone ketals under mild, thermal conditions provide cyclopropane products.
A Radically Different Mechanism for S-Adenosylmethionine–Dependent Methyltransferases

Methylation of small molecules and macromolecules is crucial in metabolism, cell signaling, and epigenetic programming and is most often achieved by S -adenosylmethionine (SAM)–dependent methyltransferases. Most employ an SN2 mechanism to methylate nucleophilic sites on their substrates, but recently, radical SAM enzymes have been identified that methylate carbon atoms that are not inherently nucleophilic via the intermediacy of a 5′-deoxyadenosyl 5′-radical. We have determined the mechanisms of two such reactions targeting the sp 2-hybridized carbons at positions 2 and 8 of adenosine 2503 in 23 S ribosomal RNA, catalyzed by RlmN and Cfr, respectively. In neither case is a methyl group transferred directly from SAM to the RNA; rather, both reactions proceed by a ping-pong mechanism involving intermediate methylation of a conserved cysteine residue.
The testing effect with authentic educational materials: A cautionary note

Abstract Despite considerable evidence that testing benefits subsequent retrieval of information, it remains uncertain whether this effect extends to topically related information with authentic classroom materials. In the current study we first profile the way in which quizzing is used in the classroom through a survey of introductory psychology instructors. The survey results indicate that, instructors frequently use related but different questions on quizzes and tests unlike many laboratory experiments that use identical questions. In two subsequent experiments, participants studied information from a college biology textbook, were quizzed twice, and given a final test. The items on the final test were either identical to or were related but different than the quiz items. Experiment 1 showed that testing produced the typical robust testing effect for repeated items, but there was no significant effect of testing for topically related items. In Experiment 2, participants could use their quizzes to guide restudy, and there was still no positive effect of testing for topically related information.
Conformational stability, barriers to internal rotation, normal coordinate analysis, and vibrational assignment of chloroacetyl bromide

The infrared spectra (3200 to 30 cm−1) of gaseous and solid chloroacetyl bromide, CH2ClC(O)Br, and the Raman spectra (3200 to 10 cm−1) of the gas, liquid (with depolarization data), and solid have been recorded. From the observed asymmetric torsional transitions, the potential function governing internal rotation of the CH2Cl moiety has been determined with the following coefficients:V 1=336±11,V 2=73±10,V 3=757+7,V 4=103±3, andV 6=5±2 cm−1. This potential function is consistent with s-trans to gauche and gauche to gauche barriers of 963±11 and 709±12cm−1, respectively, and enthalpy difference of 373 ± 24 cm−1 with the dihedral angle of the gauche rotamer being 115°. The enthalpy difference has been determined experimentally from the studies of the Raman spectra at different temperatures to be 359±68 cm−1 (1.03±0.19 kcal mol−1) and 507±24 cm−1 (1.45±0.07 kcal mol−1) for the gas and liquid, respectively, with the s-trans conformer being the more stable conformer in the gas and liquid and the only one present in the annealed solid. A complete assignment of the vibrational fundamentals is proposed from spectral data obtained for the gas, liquid, and solid. The assignment is supported by a normal coordinate calculation utilizing a modified valence force field to obtain the frequencies for the normal vibrations and the potential energy distribution. The results are discussed and compared to the corresponding quantities for some similar molecules.
Therapist effects in the National Institute of Mental Health Treatment of Depression Collaborative Research Program

Abstract Recent psychotherapy research literature has stressed the importance of therapist effects (i.e., the impact of the individual therapist on treatment outcome). The authors report an analysis of therapist effects in the National Institute of Mental Health Treatment of Depression Collaborative Research Program using hierarchical linear modeling. In addition to studying overall therapist effects, they investigate the possible interaction of therapists with initial patient severity and difficulty levels. There were virtually no significant findings in regard to either overall effects of therapists or the interaction with patient severity and difficulty. There was some suggestion of outliers (i.e., therapists who had especially good [or poor] rates of patient retention and recovery). Recommendations are made regarding different methodological approaches for studying outcome differences due to therapists. In der Psychotherapieliteratur wird die Wichtigkeit von Therapeuteneffekten (d. h. der Einfluss der...
Analysis of the Evolution of C-Space Models built through Incremental Exploration

Many sampling methods for motion planning explore the robot's configuration space (C-space) starting from a set of configuration(s) and incrementally explore surrounding areas to produce a growing model of the space. Although there is a common understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of these techniques, metrics for analyzing the incremental exploration process and for evaluating the performance of incremental samplers have been lacking. We propose the use of local metrics that provide insight into the complexity of the different regions in the model and global metrics that describe the process as a whole. These metrics only require local information and can be efficiently computed. We illustrate the use of our proposed metrics to analyze representative incremental strategies including the rapidly-exploring random trees, expansive space trees, and the original randomized path planner. We show how these metrics model the efficiency of C-space exploration and help to identify different modeling stages. In addition, these metrics are ideal for adapting space exploration to improve performance.
Indirect rotor position sensing for switched reluctance motor using search coil

Tests were conducted on a prototype switched reluctance motor (SRM) to check the feasibility of using search coils to generate rotor position instead of an encoder. Two significant advantages of using search coils to identify rotor position are: (1) the rotor position is always available; and (2) the effect of sensing current on output torque ripple is negligible due to the small current in the search coil. Initial experimental results indicate that the search coil technique does provide rotor position information with a resolution of approximately 0.6 mechanical degrees for an 8/6 design SRM.
An implicit simulation of drift-wave turbulence in a sheared magnetic field

An implicit scheme for the simulation of electrostatic fluid turbulence in a magnetic field with spatially varying shear is presented. Large coupling terms representing shear-induced dissipation are evaluated implicitly to avoid severe timestep restriction. Step order in the scheme is made very important by the added presence of turbulent E x B convection and viscous dissipation. It is shown that the need to temporally resolve resistive dissipation is only important in the regions to which the fluctuations are localised: near the dissipationless resonance layer and at small to moderate wavenumbers. Intermittent phenomena at moderate wavenumbers are shown to play an important role in the essential physics of the turbulence. This causes the need for high spatial resolution, as viscous dissipation must be kept away from the important scales. Convergence tests and linear growth rate checks are performed on the scheme. copyright 1988 Academic Press, Inc.
Folkvine.org: Ethnographic Storytelling in Folk Art Web Design

This article examines an innovative website documentary project about folk art called Folkvine.org, from the perspective of ethnographic storytelling. Folkvine.org explores ways to create in the navigation structure of the site itself an enactment of the ethnographic process, and the stories of various cultures. In this article we consider the ways in which the project employs contemporary techniques for effective ethnographic storytelling such as inventiveness, persuasiveness, enacting metaphor and ethnographic process, and immersion. The article concludes with a discussion of the way Folkvine.org reflects recent changes in the role of media in creating social meaning.
Oh where, oh where can that little nodule be?

The intraoperative localization of small pulmonary nodules remains the paramount concern of the surgeon, in part to avoid an open thoracotomy (reports of around 50% conversion rates) but more importantly to leave the operation with a definitive diagnosis. This has become an increasing problem because of the enhanced identification of small lung nodules with lung cancer computed tomographic screening. During the last 2 decades, with the increasing use of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery, a number of localization techniques have been reported, each technique with its own advantages and drawbacks. These approaches can be divided into 3 broad categories. The first group consists of the injection of targeting agents, such as contrast agents, dyes, or radioisotopes. These can be placed either percutaneously or endobronchially. The primary limitation is the diffusion of the agent away from the primary site, restricting the time between injection and surgical resection. This poses difficulty inn the timing of the surgery and does not allow for variability in the operating room schedule. In addition, there may be potential risks of anaphylaxis and embolization. The second group involves intraoperative imaging with computed tomography or ultrasonography. Real-time computed tomographically guided video-assisted thoracoscopic surgical resections are cumbersome because of the added equipment and cost; in addition, artifacts can be generated with the surrounding instruments and staplers. Ultrasonography requires complete collapse of the lung, and results are difficult to interpret in emphysematous tissue or for deep lesions. The final group includes the preoperative insertion of wires and microcoils. Localization wires pose the same problems as targeting agents, because proper timing before
Subperitoneal extension of disease processes between the chest, abdomen, and the pelvis

The subserous space is a large, anatomically continuous potential space that interconnects the chest, abdomen, and pelvis. The subserous space is formed from areolar and adipose tissue, and contains branches of the vascular, lymphatic, and nervous systems. As such, it provides one large continuous space in which many disease processes can spread between the chest, abdomen, and the pelvis.
A model of learning as it applies to engineering

The paper discusses B. Cambourne's (1988; 1995) "Conditions of Learning" from an engineering perspective. Examples of how these conditions translate in an engineering environment are presented. Based on the author's experience, when these conditions are met in engineering classes, the learning process of the students as well as their enjoyment and appreciation of the subject are greatly enhanced.
Fast timing closure by interconnect criticality driven delay relaxation

Due to decreasing transistor sizes and increasing clock frequency, interconnect delay is a dominant factor in achieving timing closure in deep sub-micron designs. Techniques like wire pipelining and retiming can manage delay of timing critical wires. The latency of the system, however, limits the total pipelining in the design. New techniques are, thus, needed at synthesis stage to consider the effect of critical wires in the design. In this work, we propose a novel intuitive algorithm, critical edge reduction (CER) algorithm, which produces a maximal delay budgeting solution under fixed latency while minimizing the number of critical wires. We also present an in-depth analysis of trade-off between maximum budgeting and critical edge minimization. We implemented our design flow using a set of MediaBench data paths on Xilinx VirtexE FPGA devices. Using our algorithm, the Xilinx Place and Route tool achieved timing closure, on average, 2.8 times faster than using maximum budgeting. The resulting average clock period using CER algorithm outperforms the one using maximum budgeting by 6%.
Spatial geometric effects on the friction coefficients of UHMWPe

Multi-directional wear of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPe) is of particular interest due to its wide-spread use as a bearing component polymer in orthopedic implants. To date, attempts to quantify wear mechanisms have depended greatly upon material orientation theories and average wear values over long periods in specific motions. This study introduces spatially resolved in situ friction coefficient measurements over relevant motion paths with a tribometer that provides uniform pressure and velocity under the pin. Normal and friction forces were measured simultaneously under dry and lubricated conditions during curvature-modulated paths. Spatially resolved friction coefficients increased with decreasing radius of curvature, which is consistent with the hypothesis that molecular chain alignment during unidirectional sliding is disrupted in multi-directional sliding.
A model of clutter for complex, multivariate geospatial displays.

Objective: A novel model of measuring clutter in complex geospatial displays was compared with human ratings of subjective clutter as a measure of convergent validity. The new model is called the color-clustering clutter (C3) model. Background: Clutter is a known problem in displays of complex data and has been shown to affect target search performance. Previous clutter models are discussed and compared with the C3 model. Method: Two experiments were performed. In Experiment 1, participants performed subjective clutter ratings on six classes of information visualizations. Empirical results were used to set two free parameters in the model. In Experiment 2, participants performed subjective clutter ratings on aeronautical charts. Both experiments compared and correlated empirical data to model predictions. Results: The first experiment resulted in a .76 correlation between ratings and C3. The second experiment resulted in a .86 correlation, significantly better than results from a model developed by Rosenholtz et al. Outliers to our correlation suggest further improvements to C3. Conclusions: We suggest that (a) the C3 model is a good predictor of subjective impressions of clutter in geospatial displays, (b) geospatial clutter is a function of color density and saliency (primary C3 components), and (c) pattern analysis techniques could further improve C3. Application: The C3 model could be used to improve the design of electronic geospatial displays by suggesting when a display will be too cluttered for its intended audience.
A linearly constrained minimization approach for time-frequency kernel design

This paper introduces a new approach for time-frequency distribution kernel design. In this approach, the desired time-frequency properties are obtained as a solution of linearly constrained minimization problem. The problem is presented in a matrix form in which the desired t-f linear constraints constitute a constraint matrix and the time-frequency kernel is one dimensional. This formulation permits a closed form solution, similar to that encountered in beam forming, where the Quiescent pattern corresponds to the Born-Jordan kernel. The constraint matrix can be augmented by other point and derivative constraints which extend the solution space to include kernels with various characteristics. >
Mortality of White Americans, African Americans, and Canadians: The Causes and Consequences for Health of Welfare State Institutions and Policies

The life expectancy of African Americans has been substantially lower than that of white Americans for as long as records are available. The life expectancy of all Americans has been lower than that of all Canadians since the beginning of the 20th century. Until the 1970s this disparity was the result of the low life expectancy of African Americans. Since then, the life expectancy of white Americans has not improved as much as that of all Canadians. This article discusses two issues: racial disparities in the United States, and the difference in life expectancy between all Canadians and white Americans. Each country's political culture and institutions have shaped these differences, especially national health insurance in Canada and its absence in the United States. The American welfare state has contributed to and explains these differences.
Some Aerodynamic Problems of Aircraft Engines: Fifty Years After -The 2007 IGTI Scholar Lecture-

Problems of high technological interest, for example the development of gas turbine engines, span disciplinary, and often organizational, boundaries. Although collaboration is critical in advancing the technology, it has been less a factor in gas turbine research. In this paper it is proposed that step changes in gas turbine performance can emerge from collaborative research endeavors that involve the development of integrated teams with the needed range of skills. Such teams are an important aspect in product development, but they are less familiar and less subscribed to in the research community. The case histories of two projects are given to illustrate the point: the development of the concept of "smart jet engines" and the Silent Aircraft Initiative. In addition to providing a capability to attack multidisciplinary problems, the way in which collaboration can enhance the research process within a single discipline is also discussed.
Selecting the Select Few: The Discuss List and the U.S. Supreme Court's Agenda-Setting Process†

Objective We investigate whether informational cues differentially affect a petition for review at each stage of the U.S. Supreme Court's agenda-setting process. We specifically test how the cost of identifying a cue and the degree of information provided within it affect the cue's impact. Methods We use a random sample of archival data obtained from the private papers of Justice Harry A. Blackmun to jointly analyze the Court's discuss list and final outcome decisions. Results Confirming our expectations, we find that both positive cues and negative cues play different roles across the two stages of the Court's agenda-setting process. Conclusions These findings are noteworthy since they suggest that the impact of some commonly studied case attributes differs between when a case is selected for the initial level of review versus when it is added to the Court's plenary docket.
Atmospheric pressure ionization mass spectroscopy for the study of permeation in polymeric tubing

An atmospheric pressure ionization mass spectrometer (APIMS) is used to determine the permeation coefficients for two widely used kinds of polymeric tubing, PF and Kel-F (PCTFE), at 25 degrees C and 75 degrees C. In the experiments, an ultra-high-purity N/sub 2/ gas flow was maintained through the test tubing. The net impurity uptake by nitrogen due to the permeation of O/sub 2/, CO/sub 2/, H/sub 2/O, and CH/sub 4/ from surrounding air into the polymeric tubing was measured by APIMS with sub-ppb sensitivities. CH/sub 4/ had the highest and O/sub 2/ had the lowest permeation coefficients. Results show that Kel-F was a superior barrier material for all impurities studied. The permeation coefficients for these polymers increased with temperature but did not change significantly with the permeant partial pressure. The permeability of PFA showed a stronger temperature dependence than that of Kel-F. >
Keldysh technique and non-linear σ-model: basic principles and applications

The purpose of this review is to provide a comprehensive pedagogical introduction into Keldysh technique for interacting out-of-equilibrium fermionic and bosonic systems. The emphasis is placed on a functional integral representation of the underlying microscopic models. A large part of the review is devoted to derivation and applications of the non-linear σ-model for disordered metals and superconductors. We discuss topics such as transport properties, mesoscopic effects, counting statistics, interaction corrections, kinetic equations, etc. The section devoted to disordered superconductors includes the Usadel equation, fluctuation corrections, time-dependent Ginzburg–Landau theory, proximity and Josephson effects, etc.
Insulin and Sympathoexcitation: It Is Not All in Your Head

Obesity and weight gain are frequently associated with increases in blood pressure, driven in part by sympathoexcitation (1). Obesity also is linked with insulin resistance and is associated with ongoing public health concerns, including the so-called metabolic syndrome (2). Even small increases in plasma insulin concentration (as low as one-fifth of that achieved after a mixed meal) (3) have marked and potentially long-lasting sympathoexcitatory effects (4). Such findings have important implications for the fluctuations in circulating catecholamines and blood pressure that occur in the postprandial state, as well as for conditions with sustained hyperinsulinemia. Yet the question remains, what are the mechanisms driving sympathoexcitation with hyperinsulinemia? In human studies, a systemic infusion of insulin has been shown to result in a gradual increase in muscle sympathetic nerve activity that remains elevated after plasma levels return to baseline (5). This finding supports the idea that insulin-mediated sympathoexcitation is the result of a central mechanism, requiring time for insulin to pass through the blood-brain barrier. Along these lines, recent data from animals suggest insulin acts within the arcuate nucleus to increase sympathetic activity via pathways including the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus and the rostral ventrolateral medulla (6–8). These new ideas have important implications for the myriad of disorders related …
Study of 60Zn and 61Zn

The (12C, 10Be) and (12C, 9Be) reactions on 58Ni were studied at 77 MeV. New levels were determined for both residual nuclei, 60Zn and 61Zn. For 61Zn, levels and a new ground state mass were also measured with the 64Zn(3He, 6He) reaction. A mass excess for 61Zn of −56333±23 keV was obtained. Angular distributions for the 12C induced reactions are compared with finite range DWBA calculations and found to be insensitive to L− and J-transfer.
The Nature Of Demand For Companion Pet Health Care

More than 49 percent of American households own companion animals and spend nearly five billion dollars annually for veterinary care. This paper examines the demand for cat and dog health care. The estimated price and income elasticities for overall demand are -0.12 and +0.80, respectively. However, cat owners show more sensitivity to both price and income than do dog owners. In addition, these sensitivities vary with the location and the practice composition of veterinarian firms.
Synthesis of carbon nanotubes by CVD over Fe catalyst prepared in spin coating on SiO 2/p-Si(100)

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been grown by the decomposition of C 2H2 over thin catalyst film in order to investigate the growth mechanism of CNTs by chemical vapor deposition (CVD).The catalyst was prepared from an iron chloride FeCl 3 precursor solution that was spin – coated on SiO 2 substrate. The growth mechanism and the length and the diameter of the CNTs were greatly influenced by the precursor concentration, the time deposition and the temperature and the ratio of C 2H2:N 2 are fixed. Transmittance electron microscopy and Scanning electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction have been carried out in order to investigate the behavior of the growth process. The iron chloride film contact with the C 2H2:N 2 reaction atmosphere.
Conservative Therapy for Incontinence

Conservative therapy is an accepted treatment option for persons with urinary incontinence (UI) and overactive bladder (OAB). These interventions improve symptoms through identification of lifestyle habits (e.g., smoking, excess weight, dietary bladder irritants, inadequate fluid intake, bowel habits, physical activities and exercises) and changing a person’s behavior, environment, or activity that are contributing factors or triggers (Newman, 2005). Interventions such as bladder retraining (BT) and pelvic floor muscle (PFM) rehabilitation or training (PFMT) attempt to decrease incontinence and OAB symptoms through increasing awareness of the function and coordination of the PFM to gain muscle identification, control, and strength and to decrease bladder overactivity. These interventions are referred to as behavioral treatments as they involve learning new skills and altering behavior through extensive one-on-one patient instruction. Toileting programs (e.g., habit training and prompted voiding [PV]) are used for more care-dependent persons. The International Consultation on Incontinence has published recommendations from evidence-based research for conservative treatments. These are outlined in Table 1. This chapter discusses the use of conservative therapy in clinical practice.
The Fickle Brush: Chinese Orthography in the Age of Manuscripts: A Review of Imre Galambos's Orthography of Early Chinese writing: Evidence from Newly Excavated Manuscripts

In the past decade, it seems, the study of early Chinese manuscripts has at last begun to move from its rather marginal position as a highly specialized subject into the mainstream of scholarship on the Warring States and early imperial periods. This is certainly due in part to the impressive quantity of manuscripts found so far. A still more important factor is probably the fact that the manuscripts recovered to date now include a significant number of politico-philosophical texts. While literature of a more technical nature has attracted attention only in smaller circles of scholars, these more generally appealing finds have spurred a markedly increased interest in early Chinese manuscripts both in China and in the West. This is also reflected by the vast improvement in the quality of publications with regard both to photographic reproduction and to transcription and/or interpretation. The field of palaeography has accordingly gained visibility and esteem. It hardly need be mentioned that orthography is a vital concern in reading manuscripts. Many books and articles on the manuscripts consequently touch upon the subject of orthography when they interpret manuscripts or discuss special palaeographic issues, or when they address the Chinese writing system in a more general way. Yet, to my knowledge, Imre Galambos’s Orthography of Early Chinese Writing is the first monograph ever to elevate the question of early Chinese manuscript orthography to the status of its central subject matter.
Everyday Life as a Text

1. Michael Lahey[1][1][⇑][2] 1. 1Kennesaw State University, Marietta, GA, USA 1. Michael Lahey, Digital Writing and Media Arts Department, Kennesaw State University, Atrium Building, J222, 1100 South Marietta Parkway, Marietta, GA 30060, USA. Email: mlahey{at}kennesaw.edu This article explores how audience data are utilized in the tentative partnerships created between television and social media companies. Specially, it looks at the mutually beneficial relationship formed between the social media platform Twitter and television. It calls attention to how audience data are utilized as a way for the television industry to map itself onto the everyday lives of digital media audiences. I argue that the data-intensive monitoring of everyday life offers some measure of soft control over audiences in a digital media landscape. To do this, I explore “Social TV”—the relationships created between social media technologies and television—before explaining how Twitter leverages user data into partnerships with various television companies. Finally, the article explains what is fruitful about understanding the Twitter–television relationship as a form of soft control. [1]: #aff-1 [2]: #corresp-1
Atherosclerotic Burden and Heart Failure After Myocardial Infarction.

Importance Whether the extent of coronary artery disease (CAD) is associated with the occurrence of heart failure (HF) after myocardial infarction (MI) is not known. Furthermore, whether this association might differ by HF type according to preserved or reduced ejection fraction (EF) has yet to be determined. Objectives To evaluate in a community cohort of patients with incident (first-ever) MI the association of angiographic CAD with subsequent HF and to examine the prognostic role of CAD according to HF subtypes: HF with reduced EF and HF with preserved EF. Design, Setting, and Participants A population-based cohort study was conducted in 1922 residents of Olmsted County, Minnesota, with incident MI diagnosed between January 1, 1990, and December 31, 2010, and no prior HF; study participants were followed up through March 31, 2013. The extent of angiographic CAD was determined at baseline and categorized according to the number of major epicardial coronary arteries with 50% or more lumen diameter obstruction. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary end point was time to incident HF. The primary exposure variable was the extent of CAD as expressed by the number of major coronary arteries with significant obstruction (0-, 1-, 2-, or 3-vessel disease) obtained from coronary angiograms performed no more than 1 day after the MI. Heart failure was ascertained by the Framingham criteria and classified by type according to EF (50% cutoff). Results Of the 1922 participants, 1258 (65.4%) were men (mean [SD] age, 64 [13] years). During a mean follow-up period of 6.7 (5.9) years, 588 patients (30.6%) developed HF. With death and recurrent MI modeled as competing risks, the cumulative incidence rates of post-MI HF among patients with 0 or 1, 2, and 3 diseased vessels were 10.7%, 14.6%, and 23.0% at 30 days; and 14.7%, 20.6%, and 29.8% at 5 years, respectively (P Conclusions and Relevance The extent of angiographic CAD is an indicator of post-MI HF regardless of HF type and independent of recurrent MI. These data underscore the need to further investigate the processes taking place in the transition from myocardial injury to HF.
Expression of rat liver NAD(P)H:quinone-acceptor oxidoreductase in Escherichia coli and mutagenesis in vitro at Arg-177

A prokaryotic expression plasmid, pKK-DT2, containing the cDNA of rat liver NAD(P)H:quinone-acceptor oxidoreductase (EC 1.6.99.2; DT-diaphorase) was constructed and used to transform Escherichia coli strain JM109. The rat liver quinone reductase was expressed in strain in JM109 and was inducible with isopropyl beta-D-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG). The expressed rat protein was purified by affinity chromatography and had kinetic and physical properties identical with the protein purified from rat liver in that it could utilize either NADH or NADPH as the electron donor and its activity was inhibited by dicoumarol. In addition, we have generated four mutants, Arg-177----His (R177H), Arg-177----Ala (R177A), Arg-177----Cys (R177C) and Arg-177----Leu (R177L), using this expression system. Several of the mutants behaved anomalously on SDS/PAGE, but all of the mutant proteins had the expected M(r) as determined by electrospray m.s. These results and those obtained from enzyme kinetic analysis, u.v./visible absorption spectral analysis, and flavin and tryptophan fluorescence analysis of the wild-type enzyme and four mutants indicated that mutations at Arg-177 changed the conformation of the enzyme, resulting in a decrease in enzyme activity. Replacing Arg-177 with leucine altered the protein conformation and decreased FAD incorporation.
Effects of constant cardiac autonomic nerve stimulation on heart rate variability

Heart rate variability is used to assess cardiac autonomic tone. We bought to determine the relationship of graded direct stimulation of efferent cardiac autonomic nerves on heart rate variability ...
Time resolved carrier dynamics of solid C 60

Recent studies have revealed that undoped solid C60 or buckminster-fullerite, is a direct-gap semiconductor with a band gap of 1.6-1.9 eV.1 Since the delocalized, quasifree electrons on the C60 clusters lead to a large nonlinear polarizability of the individual duster molecules,2 studies of solid C60 may also reveal strong nonlinear optical properties as well.
Brain Imaging With Magnetoencephalography During Rest and During Speech and Language Processing

Magnetoencephalography (MEG) is a noninvasive method for sensing magnetic fields generated by the human brain. Brain imaging with MEG sensor data is enabled by the application of signal processing and source reconstruction algorithms to MEG data that generates highly dynamic maps of brain activation in a wide range of neural oscillatory frequencies with a high spatiotemporal precision unattainable by other imaging techniques. This imaging modality is ideally suited to monitor dynamic neuronal activity across widely separated brain regions and simultaneously characterizing their interactions. This technique also offers a reliable quantitative tool to measure altered neuronal activity that is correlated to specific behavioral deficits observed in disease conditions. In this chapter, we first review how brain activity and connectivity images can be reconstructed from MEG measurements and then review the use of brain imaging with MEG in various neurodegenerative conditions.
Grow Alcohol as a Replacement for Gasoline

Abstract A plan is presented whereby a sufficient quantity of safe combustible liquid fuel could be produced annually to satisfy all of our automotive needs. This would make us at once independent of foreign crude oil sources with obvious political advantages. The annual production of as much as 100 billion gallons of ethyl alcohol could be achieved if the already available arable land were planted for just this purpose. Initially, all of the special plantings would be converted directly into alcohol by the well known fermentation process. However, later, when knowledge gained from research now in progress permits the more economical conversion of raw agricultural products to other possibly more useful liquid fuels, the crops needed would be on hand for immediate use. The cost of the alcohol produced is considered to be competitive with gasoline at today's prices, would eliminate the need for rationing, and should be cheaper in the future as crude oil supplies dwindle. Also, a substantial reduction in aut...
A Dye-Sensitized Photoelectrochemical Tandem Cell for Light Driven Hydrogen Production from Water

Tandem junction photoelectrochemical water-splitting devices, whereby two light absorbing electrodes targeting separate portions of the solar spectrum generate the voltage required to convert water to oxygen and hydrogen, enable much higher possible efficiencies than single absorber systems. We report here on the development of a tandem system consisting of a dye-sensitized photoelectrochemical cell (DSPEC) wired in series with a dye-sensitized solar cell (DSC). The DSPEC photoanode incorporates a tris(bipyridine)ruthenium(II)-type chromophore and molecular ruthenium based water oxidation catalyst. The DSPEC was tested with two more-red absorbing DSC variations, one utilizing N719 dye with an I3–/I– redox mediator solution and the other D35 dye with a tris(bipyridine)cobalt ([Co(bpy)3]3+/2+) based mediator. The tandem configuration consisting of the DSPEC and D35/[Co(bpy)3]3+/2+ based DSC gave the best overall performance and demonstrated the production of H2 from H2O with the only energy input from simul...
Pulmonary Hypertension in Pediatric Patients with Sickle Cell Disease; a Retrospective Study.

Background: While pulmonary hypertension (PHT) contributes significantly to the morbidity and mortality of adults with sickle cell disease (SCD), it has not been studied in pediatric SCD patients. We sought to evaluate the prevalence and significance of PHT in pediatric SCD population. Methods: From May 1999 to July 2004, 123 echocardiograms were performed in SCD patients. Utilizing the tricuspid valve regurgitant jet, right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) was estimated in 56 studies (47 patients, aged 0 to 18 years). PHT was defined as RVSP >30 mmHg. Mean steady-state as well as the most recent white blood count (WBC), hemoglobin (Hb) level, reticulocyte count, ferritin level, and number of red cell units transfused in the year prior to the study were noted. In addition, all chest X-ray readings were reviewed to determine the number and type of life-time pulmonary events (effusions, infiltrates, pneumonia, atelectasis or CHF) in each patient. Acute chest syndrome (ACS) was determined to be any effusion, infiltrate or pneumonia. Statistical analysis included Fisher’s exact test and Spearman’s correlation coefficients. Results: Eleven patients were acutely ill at the time of the echocardiogram and were excluded from the analysis. Of the remaining 36 patients, pulmonary hypertension was present in 24 (66%). There was a significant difference in RVSP between younger (0 to 9 years) and older (10 to 18 years) groups of patient (p A significant negative correlation was shown between RVSP and most recent Hb (r = −0.41; p = 0.012) as well as RVSP and the mean steady state platelet count (r = −0.35; p = 0.035). A positive correlation was found between RVSP and the number of ACS episodes (r = 0.37; p = 0.024), RVSP and mean steady state reticulocyte count (r = 0.51; p = 0.002) as well as the most recent reticulocyte count (r = 0.42; p = 0.012). There was however, no correlation found between RVSP and the number of episodes of CHF, collapse or atelectasis separately or grouped together. No correlation was found between RVSP and the number of units transfused or ferritin level. Conclusion: Pulmonary Hypertension is highly prevalent in the pediatric SCD population and its prevalence increases with age. It correlates with indicators of acute and chronic hemolysis as well as the number of ACS events. Our study did not demonstrate correlations between PHT and iron overload indices. Prospective clinical trials monitoring PHT in SCD pediatric patients are indicated.
Diagnosis and Monitoring of Low-Tension Glaucoma

The purpose of this review is to discuss current ideas on the definition, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of low-tension glaucoma (LTG). While previously considered a distinct entity, LTG may be a continuation of primary open angle glaucoma with intraocular pressures (IOPs) within the statistical range of “normal”. Vascular dynamics, sleep apnea, and intracranial pressure may play a role in patients with LTG. LTG remains a diagnosis of exclusion. A thorough medical history and possible blood work-up and neuroimaging may help exclude nutritional deficiencies, toxicities, and intracranial masses. Vasculature dysregulation may play a role in LTG and account for its association with certain systemic conditions. IOP lowering remains the mainstay treatment of LTG, with caution advised for topical beta-blocker medications. Non-IOP-lowering therapy, such as treating underlying systemic conditions potentially affecting ocular blood flow (e.g. hypotension, anemia, sleep apnea) and nutritional supplements (Ginkgo biloba and resveratrol), may be beneficial and are currently being studied.
Characterization of KRAS, NRAS, and BRAF testing and timing among mCRC patients treated at community cancer centers in the United States.

e15086Background: The requirement to establish RAS status prior to administration of an EGFR inhibitor has increased the need to understand which patients are tested for RAS and the length of time ...
How to Further Utilize SAP Application to Achieve Future Results for Airgas, USA LLC's ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) System

The purpose of the following document is not to argue against SAP, but rather provide areas of refinement to fully give shareholders the maximum return. Through extensive case studies and modules, SAP’s impact as an ERP system for Airgas, USA LLC was reviewed with the ability to look back two years after its hard launch and almost four and a half years after its initial announcement. Employees have identified several areas of concern that were explored and recommended for improvement. Airgas, like many large firms, find themselves relying more and more on technology to conduct their daily business. The following document compiles examples to support the conclusions that Airgas further customizes SAP to specifically meet their needs and changes a few standard operating procedures to foster a culture of accuracy with the supply chain.
Evaluation of Filgrastim Therapy in Kidney Transplant Recipients.

Context:Neutropenia is associated with a high risk of serious infections in kidney transplant recipients. There are no sufficient studies of using granulocyte colony-stimulating factors, such as fi...
David vs. Goliath: Startups versus Established Firms and the role of Supplier-Initiated Referrals

Suppliers rely on supplier-initiated referrals in the sales process to reduce potential customers’ uncertainty about their capabilities. Supplier-initiated referrals are considered most important f...
Airway Pressure Release Ventilation

Airway pressure release ventilation (APRV) was first described in 1987 by Stock and Downs [1]. It became available on commercial ventilators in the 1990s, and depending upon the brand, it may have any of the following names: APRV (Drager), BiLevel (Covidien), Bi-Vent (Maquet), Biphasic (CareFusion), and DuoPAP (Hamilton). APRV is based on the “open lung concept” and is a form of pressure-controlled intermittent mandatory ventilation using extreme inverse inspiratory–expiratory (I:E) ratios [1]. It can be most easily understood as a type of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) mode modified to apply two alternating levels of pressure. The majority of the respiratory cycle (Thigh) is spent at a high pressure (Phigh) to maximize alveolar recruitment, while a short period (Tlow) is spent at a low pressure (Plow) to allow CO2 clearance. Mandatory breaths are time-triggered, pressure-targeted, and time-cycled. The patient may breathe at any time during the respiratory cycle, though due to the extreme I:E time ratio, most spontaneous breathing takes place during Thigh (Fig. 19.1).