cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Health care reform: ethical considerations for physicians.

V irtually every physician in the United States has been attentive to and concerned with the debate surrounding the passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 and its provisions. Furthermore, it is probably valid to state that every physician has an opinion regarding the value or detriment of the Act and how it may affect his or her practice and patients. I do not plan to address the political aspects associated with the Act and any changes that might or might not occur in 2011 with a change of power in Congress; that is beyond my expertise and prediction capabilities. Instead, I hope to set forward for consideration by my colleagues some ethical considerations that may be pertinent to a physician’s assessment of health care reform, as well as to raise some issues that might be unpalatable but need to be kept in mind nevertheless. I will discuss ethical considerations in health care reform in the patient-physician relationship, population-based vs patient-based medicine, professional ethics and moral requirements, and social justice. These brief comments do not aim to preach but rather to highlight some fundamental tenets of any analysis of health care reform in this country.
Morbidity of negative coeliotomy in trauma

Exploratory coeliotomy is essential in the care of abdominal trauma, but negative operation has a reported morbidity rate as high as 18 per cent. Ancillary studies such as computerized tomography, diagnostic peritoneal lavage and abdominal ultrasound have improved both sensitivity and specificity of evaluation in blunt and penetrating trauma, thus decreasing the rate of negative coeliotomy. A retrospective study of 50 consecutive negative laparotomies (10.5 per cent of all trauma laparotomies) at our Trauma Center revealed a morbidity rate of 22 per cent and mortality of 6 per cent. Although the negative coeliotomy rate was lower for blunt than penetrating trauma, morbidity was significantly higher for blunt trauma. Extra-abdominal injury alone could not account for this difference. We conclude that negative coeliotomy in penetrating trauma does not carry excessive morbidity. Negative coeliotomy in blunt trauma is accompanied by high morbidity and mortality, so adjunct diagnostic procedures should be utilized in this population in an effort to minimize negative laparotomies.
Experimental cerebral malaria: the murine model provides crucial insight into the role of complement

Four years ago Trends in Parasitology published a series of letters highlighting the value of using murine experimental cerebral malaria (ECM) as a powerful research tool to discover the mechanisms contributing to the pathophysiology of human cerebral malaria (CM) (Volume 26, Issue 6, 2010). At the time our understanding of the role of complement in cerebral malaria was limited primarily to clinical studies quantifying the blood levels of various complement activation proteins in patients with cerebral and severe malaria compared to control patients (reviewed in [1]).
Postmeiotic Sex Chromatin in the Male Germline of Mice

In mammals, the X and Y chromosomes are subject to meiotic sex chromosome inactivation (MSCI) during prophase I in the male germline, but their status thereafter is currently unclear. An abundance of X-linked spermatogenesis genes has spawned the view that the X must be active . On the other hand, the idea that the imprinted paternal X of the early embryo may be preinactivated by MSCI suggests that silencing may persist longer . To clarify this issue, we establish a comprehensive X-expression profile during mouse spermatogenesis. Here, we discover that the X and Y occupy a novel compartment in the postmeiotic spermatid and adopt a non-Rabl configuration. We demonstrate that this postmeiotic sex chromatin (PMSC) persists throughout spermiogenesis into mature sperm and exhibits epigenetic similarity to the XY body. In the spermatid, 87% of X-linked genes remain suppressed postmeiotically, while autosomes are largely active. We conclude that chromosome-wide X silencing continues from meiosis to the end of spermiogenesis, and we discuss implications for proposed mechanisms of imprinted X-inactivation.
Status of CDF Silicon Tracking

A snapshot of the status of the CDF Run II Silicon Detector dated July 2002 is presented, with a summary of commissioning issues since the start of Run II, current performance of the detector, and the use of the data in both the trigger and offline reconstruction.
Stable carbon isotope values confirm a recent increase in grasslands in northwestern Madagascar

Madagascar is home to some of the world’s most unique plants and animals. Unfortunately, anthropogenic forest loss has had a dramatic impact on both floral and faunal communities. In many regions the scale and timing of this loss remains poorly constrained. Such is the case for northwestern Madagascar. Pollen records for this region suggest that fires and grass abundance increased around 1000 calendar years before present (cal. BP), as well as c. 500 cal. BP, presumably reflecting growing human settlements. However, temporal and spatial resolution for these transitions is limited by a hiatus in the sediment record. We present a suite of carbon isotope data from 14C-dated vertebrate bones from Anjohibe Cave, northwestern Madagascar. In agreement with palynological records, isotope data indicate that the transition to open savannah may be a recent phenomenon in northwestern Madagascar. We document dramatic changes in the vertebrate community over the past 2000 years. Remains from extinct taxa are all older ...
Restrictions on the Shape Factors of the Step Response of Positive Real System Functions

Given the maxium size of any overshoot or under-shoot of the step response of a network whose system function is positive real, a lower bound on the rise time from zero to the final value is developed. Similarly lower bounds on the settling time are also derived. These results are improvements over previously published results. They are special cases of a general theorem which bounds the unit step response, A(t), for 0 ? t < ? when this response is bounded by (1±?)r for t ?? where ? is a positive real number and r is the final value of the unit step response.
Parameter estimation using minimum norm differential approximation

Abstract We present mathematical results which can be used to compute the parameters of a system described by differential equations, using the method of minimum norm differential approximation. The algorithm is described and several examples are given in both the ordinary and partial differential equations cases. The approximating subspaces used in this algorithm are those spanned by certain B -splines of degree 3 in the O.D.E. case and by tensor products of B -splines in the P.D.E. case. Singular value decomposition is used in two distinct ways in the algorithm. The method described can be used on any type of differential operator with constant coefficients, i.e., elliptic, hyperbolic, parabolic, although only in the case of elliptic operators can error bounds between the data function and a generalized solution of the D.E. with the approximated parameters be estimated.
Increased Sensitivity to Estrogen in Uterine Hyperplasia in DBA x CE and Reciprocal Hybrid Mice.

SummaryVirgin female DBA x CE and reciprocally crossed hybrid mice were ovariectomized at 4 to 5, 9 to 12, and 15 to 18 months of age. Two weeks later one-half of the animals in each group were injected with 3 μg of estradiol diproprionate and were sacrificed 48 hours later. The uterine response was calculated by comparing uterine weights (adjusted to mg/g body weight) after estrogen treatment with those in the untreated controls. In the 4 to 5-month-old animals the increment in uterine weight was 336%; in the 2 older groups, 469% and 464% respectively. These data indicate that the uterine hyperplasia which develops spontaneously in these mice after 7 to 8 months of age is due in part to increased uterine sensitivity to estrogen as well as to the hyperestrinism previously known to occur.
Cost-effectiveness analysis of omalizumab in adults and adolescents with moderate-to-severe allergic asthma

Abstract Background Omalizumab can reduce hospitalization and emergency department visits and improve quality of life in patients with moderate-to-severe, suboptimally controlled allergic asthma. Given the high cost and modest efficacy of this agent, it is not clear that it is cost-effective if given to a broad population with asthma. Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of omalizumab in adults and adolescents with moderate-to-severe allergic asthma. Methods A retrospective economic analysis was performed to determine the cost-effectiveness of omalizumab using 52-week data from 2 randomized controlled clinical trials in adults and adolescents with moderate-to-severe allergic asthma. The analysis was conducted from a third-party payer's perspective, and only direct costs were considered. Results The incremental cost-effectiveness ratios showed that the cost to achieve an additional successfully controlled day was $523, and the daily cost to achieve at least a 0.5-point increase in Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire score was $378 in 2003 dollars. Conclusion From a pharmacoeconomic standpoint, omalizumab would be better used in allergic asthmatic patients with poorly controlled symptoms despite maximal therapy, given the high cost and modest efficacy of this agent. It could be cost saving if given to nonsmoking patients who are hospitalized 5 or more times or 20 days or longer per year despite maximal asthma therapy.
Purification and characterization of proteasomes from Trypanosoma brucei.

Proteasomes are multisubunit proteases that exist universally among eukaryotes. They have multiple proteolytic activities, and are believed to have important roles in regulating cell cycle, selective intracellular proteolysis, and antigen presentation. To determine the possible role that proteasomes may play in controlling the life cycle of African trypanosomes, we have isolated proteasomes from the bloodstream and the insect (procyclic) forms of Trypanosoma brucei by DEAE-cellulose chromatography and glycerol gradient fractionation in the presence of ATP. No 26 S proteasome homologs was identified in T. brucei under these experimental conditions. The proteasomes isolated from these two forms of T. brucei are very similar to the rat blood cell 20 S proteasome in their general appearance under the electron microscope. The profile of trypanosome proteasome subunits in sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) has eight visible protein bands with molecular weights ranging from 23 to 34 kDa, and cross-reacted very poorly with the anti-human 20 S proteasome antibodies on immunoblots. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis of he parasite proteasomes shows a similar number of major subunits with pI's ranging from 4.5 to 7. Using a variety of fluorogenic peptides as substrates, the trypanosome proteasomes exhibited unusually high trypsin-like, but somewhat lower chymotrypsin-like activities, as compared to the rat 20 S proteasome. These proteolytic activities were, however, insensitive to phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride (PMSF), tosyl-phenylalanine chloromethylketone (TPCK), tosyl-lysine chloromethylketone (TLCK) and trans-epoxy succinyl-L-leucylamido-(4 guanidino) butane (E-64), but the trypsin-like activity of trypanosome proteasomes was inhibited by leupeptin, an aldehyde known to inhibit the trypsin-like activity of mammalian proteasomes, thus ruling out possible contamination by other serine or cysteine proteases. Some quantitative differences in the substrate specificities between the proteasomes from bloodstream and procyclic forms were indicated, which may play a role in determining the differential protein turnovers at two different stages of development of T. brucei.
Seeing approach motivation in the avoidance behavior of others: implications for an understanding of pluralistic ignorance.

Four studies tested the hypothesis that observers tend to interpret others’ actions as approach motivated even when they recognize that their own identical choices were motivated by avoidance. Study 1 found that voters in the 2000 U.S. Presidential election who chose a candidate primarily because of their aversion to the alternative thought that others who voted for the same candidate liked him more than they themselves did. In Studies 2, 3, and 4 participants who learned that others made the same choice as themselves between 2 unappealing flavors of soda or jelly beans estimated that the others would pay more than they would for their common choice. The relevance of these findings for an understanding of pluralistic ignorance is discussed. The circumstance in which people infer that the perceptions, beliefs, and feelings guiding their own actions differ from those guiding the identical actions of their peers is known as pluralistic
Estimating Radiation Risk from Computed Tomography Scanning

Medical imaging is the largest contributor to per capita radiation dose in the United States. A majority of that medical imaging dose can be attributed to the increasing number of computed tomography (CT) procedures performed every year, at last count more than 62 million scans. As a result, increased attention to the possible risks of radiation exposure has entered the popular media and therefore the public at large. This review informs the medical practitioner on the nomenclature, dosimetry, and estimated risk of CT scan radiation exposure, thereby better allowing the clinician to address the risks/benefits of CT scanning and to answer questions concerning risk.
Selection in vitro of novel ribozymes from a partially randomized U2 and U6 snRNA library

Combinatorial libraries related to spliceosomal U2 and U6 snRNAs were tested for catalytic reactions typical of the splicing of nuclear pre-mRNAs. Ribozymes with four different activities were selected based on covalent bond formation to a substrate RNA. The first activity was reversible self-cleavage; ribozymes self-cleaved then ligated the 5'-hydroxyl group of the substrate oligonucleotide to their 2',3'-cyclic phosphate intermediate. The second activity was 2',5'-branch formation by the attack of a substrate 2'-hydroxyl group on the 5'-terminal triphosphate of the ribozyme transcript, releasing pyrophosphate. The third ribozyme activity was similar to reversible self-cleavage but was a three-step reaction. This ribozyme self-cleaved, then cleaved the substrate in trans, and then ligated the substrate 3' cleavage product to its cyclic phosphate intermediate. This three-step pathway shares similarities with the pathway of tRNA splicing. The fourth activity was 2',3'-branch formation; to form this unusual branch, a 2'-hydroxyl of the substrate attacked an internal phosphate of the ribozyme, releasing an oligonucleotide leaving group. The isolation of branching activities by the in vitro selection protocol was unanticipated and was due to surprising properties of reverse transcriptase, which can read through 2',5'- or 2',3'-branches and efficiently perform non-templated intramolecular jumps.
Ten-point clock test sensitivity for Alzheimer's disease in patients with MMSE scores greater than 23.

The ten-point clock test is administered by tracing an 11.4 cm (4 1/2 inch) diameter circle on a piece of paper and asking the patient to 'Write the numbers in the face of a clock'. The patient is then asked to 'Make the clock say 10 minutes after 11'. The spacing of the numbers and the positions of the hands are used to score the test. A score of less than eight points identified 71% of patients with Alzheimer's disease who had a Mini-Mental State Examination score of greater than 23. The specificity measured in elderly controls was 82%. The test may prove useful in screening for early stage Alzheimer's disease.
Life prediction of fretting fatigue with advanced surface treatments

Laboratory fretting results with diamond like carbon coating, low plasticity burnishing, and laser shock processing as well as with no surface treatments are presented. A method of life prediction for a dovetail type specimen is demonstrated with the laboratory results. In general, the life prediction calculations agree with the laboratory results when the appropriate coefficient of friction and compressive residual stresses are accounted for in the analysis. The assumptions made in the analysis are qualitatively confirmed with experimental observations.
Participation of Aluminum Hydride in the Anodic Dissolution of Aluminum in Alkaline Solutions

The mechanism of anodic alkaline dissolution of aluminum was investigated through the analysis of cyclic voltammetry CV and potential step experiments. Attention was focused on the role of aluminum hydride AlH3 as a reaction intermediate, as suggested by the recent detection of AlH3 formation during open-circuit dissolution. Potential step experiments at pH 11.75 revealed that the potential at the metal–surface film interface was close to the Nernst potential of AlH3 oxidation. This finding suggested a reaction mechanism in which an interfacial AlH3 layer is formed continuously by reaction of cathodically formed H with Al, and is then oxidized to the dissolution product, aluminate AlOH4 � ions. However, potential step experiments at pH 11 did not indicate the presence of interfacial AlH3; instead, the metal–film interface was close to the equilibrium potential of Al oxidation. Analysis of the CV indicated an abrupt transition in dissolution behavior between the two pH values, from a relatively rapid dissolution controlled by diffusion and film conduction in highly alkaline solutions, to a slow dissolution at a lower pH controlled by a highly resistive surface film. The formation of interfacial AlH3 occurs readily at the higher pH, but is suppressed as the pH approaches neutrality.
Grounds of Assent in Joseph Priestley's A Course of Lectures on Oratory and Criticism

Abstract: Despite Joseph Priestley9s contemporary importance, little has been written on his rhetoric, A Course of Lectures on Oratory and Criticism (1762). Most commentators group him with the other new rhetoricians Smith, Campbell, and Blair, ignoring the philosophical foundations as well as the political and educational practices that informed Priestley9s rhetorical theory. Located within a larger context of reform and a specific rhetorical situation at Warrington Academy, Priestley9s Lectures illustrate his attempt to establish rational argument as the most compelling way for Dissenters to argue for religious and civil liberty, a goal that clearly distinguishes Priestley from his Scottish contemporaries and that marks the source of his most original contributions to eighteenth-century rhetoric.
Proteolytic activity and inhibition of the long-acting stimulator of graves' disease by thyroid extracts

Abstract 1. 1. The light particle or microsomal fraction of human thyroid tissue possesses proteolytic activity similar to cathepsin C. The enzymic activity is inhibited by thiol group inhibitors. This proteolytic activity did not significantly alter the activity of an immunoglobulin G antibody under conditions which resulted in the inhibition of the long-acting thyroid stimulator of Graves' disease (LATS) which is also thought to be an immunoglobulin G. 2. 2. Inhibitors of thiol groups did not interfere with the inhibition of LATS by thyroid microsomes. 3. 3. Several synthetic substrates for proteolytic enzymes prevent the LATS-thyroid microsome interaction, but do so by irreversible inactivation of the microsomes, not by competitive inhibition. 4. 4. These studies do not support the hypothesis that LATS is destroyed by enzymes in thyroid microsomes and fortify the notion that the LATS-thyroid microsomal interaction is specific.
Effect of dephasing on exciton superradiance and exciton cavity polaritons

Quantum-well exciton superradiance and exciton cavity polarization formation both require a substantial spatial coherence area in order to become the dominant exciton field interaction. In both interaction processes the quantum-well (in-plane) momentum is conserved. Momentum scattering, which is due, e.g., to interaction with a phonon reservoir, quickly localizes an initially delocalized exciton and randomizes the excitation momentum. We take a close look at how momentum scattering influences measurements of excitonic superradiance and of exciton cavity polariton splitting. An important conclusion is that, in general, measurements of the emitted light do not correspond to the evolution of the system as a whole. Therefore, e.g., the measured decay rates do not correspond to the true decay rate of the system.
Accurate theoretical predictions for carbonyl diazide molecules: A coupled-cluster study of the potential energy surface and thermochemical properties

Abstract Enthalpies of formation ( Δ H f ° ) of syn-syn (C2v), anti-syn (Cs), and the newly proposed C2 isomer of carbonyl diazide, OC(N3)2, at 298 K have been predicted using CCSD(T) theory in conjunction with a systematic basis set expansion that has been extrapolated to the complete basis set (CBS) limit. The Δ H f ° has been calculated via three independent pathways and ‘chemical accuracy’ has been obtained. The predicted CCSD(T)/CBS values are (kJ mol−1): syn-syn (C2v), 471.5; anti-syn (Cs), 479.5; C2, 517.4. These values deviate by 14.5 kJ mol−1 compared to prior G4 approximations. CCSD(T) torsional potential energy scan reveals a previously undiscovered conformer of OC(N3)2 possessing C2 symmetry.
RELATIVISTIC KEPLER PROBLEM.

Relativistic quantum field theory is used as a starting point to construct a classical, completely relativistic theory of planetary orbits.
Asymmetric distribution of aftershocks on large faults in California

SUMMARY We examine the relations between spatial symmetry properties of earthquake patterns along faults in California (CA) and local velocity structure images to test the hypothesis that ruptures on bimaterial faults have statistically preferred propagation directions. The analysis employs seismic catalogues for 25 fault zones in CA. We distinguish between clustered and homogeneous parts of each catalogue, using a recently introduced earthquake cluster analysis, and examine asymmetry of offspring with respect to parent events within the clustered portion of each catalogue. The results indicate strong asymmetric patterns along large faults with prominent bimaterial interfaces (e.g. sections of the San Andreas Fault), with enhanced activities in the directions predicted for the local velocity contrasts, and absence of significant asymmetry along most other faults. Assuming the observed asymmetric properties of seismicity reflect the properties of the parent earthquake ruptures, the discussed methodology and results can be used to develop refined estimates of seismic shaking hazard associated with individual fault zones.
Dominant-Negative Hsp90 Reduces VEGF-Stimulated Nitric Oxide Release and Migration in Endothelial Cells

Objectives— Heat-shock protein 90 (Hsp90) coordinates the regulation of diverse signaling proteins. We try to develop a new tool to explore the regulatory functions of Hsp90 in endothelial cells (ECs) instead of the existing chemical approaches. Methods and Results— We designed a dominant-negative Hsp90 construct by site-direct mutagenesis of residue Asp-88 to Asn (D88N-Hsp90) based on the structure of the ATP/ADP-binding site. Recombinant wild-type Hsp90 protein binds ATP-Sepharose beads in manner inhibited by ATP or 17-AAG, a specific inhibitor for Hsp90, however the binding activity of D88N-Hsp90 was markedly reduced and the inhibitory effects of ATP or 17-AAG were negligible. The dimerization between endogenous Hsp90α and exogenous HA-Hsp90β was confirmed by immunoprecipitation, however the association between eNOS and D88N-Hsp90 was less than WT-Hsp90. Furthermore, adenoviral transduction of bovine aortic ECs with D88N-Hsp90 suppressed VEGF-induced phosphorylation of Akt, eNOS, and NO release and the inhibitory effect was blocked by okadaic acid. Moreover, D88N-Hsp90 abolished VEGF-stimulated Rac activation and suppressed VEGF-induced stress fiber formation. Transduction with D88N-Hsp90 decreased growth medium mediated migration of wild-type ECs, but not Akt1(−/−) ECs suggesting that Akt is key target of Hsp90. Conclusions— Our data demonstrate that dominant-negative Hsp90 modulates endothelial cell mobility mainly through PP2A-mediated dephosphorylation of Akt and Rac activation.
THE BIOLOGY OF EPILEPSY GENES

Mutations in over 70 genes now define biological pathways leading to epilepsy, an episodic dysrhythmia of the cerebral cortex marked by abnormal network synchronization. Some of the inherited errors destabilize neuronal signaling by inflicting primary disorders of membrane excitability and synaptic transmission, whereas others do so indirectly by perturbing critical control points that balance the developmental assembly of inhibitory and excitatory circuits. The genetic diversity is now sufficient to discern short- and long-range functional convergence of epileptogenic molecular pathways, reducing the broad spectrum of primary molecular defects to a few common processes regulating cortical synchronization. Synaptic inhibition appears to be the most frequent target; however, each gene mutation retains unique phenotypic features. This review selects exemplary members of several gene families to illustrate principal categories of the disease and trace the biological pathways to epileptogenesis in the developing brain.
The Logic of Origin and the Paradoxes of Language: A Theological Experiment

Polydoxy allows for the development of experiments that make use of absurdity and mimesis as forms of theological reflection. This article performs such an experiment on some examples of the invocation of divine fatherhood in contemporary trinitarian theology. It is common to claim that God is Father in a way that either transcends any other form of fatherhood, or is only properly Father in the trinity and so in relation to the Son, not in relation to any human patriarchy. By reading first divine fatherhood, then trinitarian forms of kinship, in registers that move from the straightforward into the absurd, I show that such claims do not tend to loosen the bonds between divine and human fatherhood; rather, they tighten those bonds in unexpected ways. In conclusion, the implications of the experiment for the relation between queer and feminist reading practices and systematic theology are explored.
Torsion points on elliptic curves with complex multiplication (with an appendix by Alex Rice)

We present seven theorems on the structure of prime order torsion points on CM elliptic curves defined over number fields. The first three results refine bounds of Silverberg and Prasad–Yogananda by taking into account the class number of the CM order and the splitting of the prime in the CM field. In many cases we can show that our refined bounds are optimal or asymptotically optimal. We also derive asymptotic upper and lower bounds on the least degree of a CM-point on X1(N). Upon comparison to bounds for the least degree for which there exist infinitely many rational points on X1(N), we deduce that, for sufficiently large N, X1(N) will have a rational CM point of degree smaller than the degrees of at least all but finitely many non-CM points.
IgG Subclass Deficiencies

. IgG subclasses differ not only in their biochemical and biologic properties, but also in their occurrence as selective deficiencies, alone and in combination. The normal range of IgG subclass concentrations in children and adults is compared with deficiencies found in individuals with repeated respiratory tract infections. Concomitant IgA deficiency is often noted. It is suggested that decreased IgG2 and IgG3 levels in IgA-deficient individuals may increase the risk of recurrent respiratory infection and lung damage. Finally, the efficacy of immunoglobulin prophylaxis in reducing incidence of infection is anecdotally related.
Addressing stigma of depression in Latino primary care patients.

Abstract Objectives To develop a validated stigma checklist to assist physicians in addressing depression in Latino patients. Method Two hundred low-income, Spanish-speaking, Latino patients in primary care clinics were screened for depression using Patient Health Questionnaires (PHQ-2 and PHQ-9), and medical records were reviewed. With the use of a wide pool of stigma items, empirical methods were used to develop a stigma checklist from this primary care sample and patient information was used to demonstrate construct validity. Results Patients reporting higher levels of perceived stigma using the stigma checklist were less likely to disclose their depression diagnosis to their family and friends ( P Conclusion Given the strong relationship between stigma and care of depression, primary care clinicians should be aware of and address stigma among their depressed Latino patients. The stigma checklist presented for treating Spanish-speaking Latino patients in primary care may be used to assess depressed patients for stigma to help inform clinical management of patients.
PPPS-2013: Chemical and antimicrobial effects of DC corona with water electrospray compared with surface microdischarge

Summary form only given. Cold air plasmas DC corona discharges of low power (~0.2 W) have been demonstrated to decontaminate biofilm and bacterial spores on polypropylene plastic surfaces. The antimicrobial plasma effect was enhanced by electro-spraying of water (0.05 ml/min) through the active plasma. In a higher power (~2 W) transient spark discharge mode with an electro-spray of aqueous solutions with E. coli bacteria, the bactericidal effect was associated to reactive oxygen and nitrogen species formed in the solutions. Antimicrobial effects of air plasmas of surface microdischarge (SMD), which is a type of DBD, were tested on dry surfaces and in aqueous solutions along with measurements of key chemical species produced in solutions by plasma action. It was found that the inactivation of E. coli correlated well with the aqueous-phase ozone concentration, suggesting that ozone was the dominant species for bacterial inactivation under low power SMD mode (0.05 W cm-2). On the other hand, nitrogen oxides became dominant at higher power (0.3 W cm-2), leading to formation of nitrites and nitrates in the solutions. As we expect similar actions of corona vs. low power SMD, and of transient spark vs. high power SMD, we are comparing these plasma systems in terms of the antimicrobial effects and the associated reactive chemical species induced in air and plasma treated water. The antimicrobial effect of ozone is tightly related to its solubility in water, so mixing the gas in water is crucial. The electro-spray system is particularly efficient by increasing the mass transfer into micrometric water droplets of water with large (total) surface area. Such comparisons contribute to deeper understanding of the plasma-induced air and water chemistry related to its antimicrobial activity and will enable us for designing an ambient air plasma sterilizer for developing world applications.
Life-Course Effects of Work and Family Circumstances on Children

How do work and family circumstances shape young children's emotional well-being and behavior ? To what extent can parental resources act as buffers against adverse effects ? The authors investigate these questions using data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth for a synthetic cohort of 2,342 six- and seven-year-old children born to a national cohort of young women between 1979 and 1984. As suggested by a life-course perspective, both maternal resources and current family and parental employment conditions directly impact children's behavior problems. Maternal resources also have indirect effects through current work and family circumstances. The results suggest that improvements in current work and family circumstances can enhance children's well-being, even for children whose mothers have poorer emotional and cognitive resources
Aspects of Density Functional Theory

At the University of North Carolina we began doing research on density functional theory in 1974. The aspects with which we have been involved can be readily identified from the titles of our published papers.1–52 These have included the discussion of the concepts of electronegativity, atom in molecule, and pressure;7,15,19,40 establishment of the long-range behavior of the electron density;1,3 calculations of electronegativity;4,17 studies of the gradient expansions of the kinetic energy functional and other energy components;4,11,13,18,20,33,34,42 invention of a new local density functional theory;12,14 delineation of the exact first-order density matrix functional;8,10 extensions from pure states to ensembles;22,23 extensions to momentum space,26 excited states,29 time-dependent phenomena,32,45 and non Born-Oppenheimer systems;37 relations with information theory;21 discovery of a new set of orbitals, circulant orbitals, with promise for elucidating connections between wavefunction theory and density functional theory;31,47 studies of the N and Z dependence of atomic energies and hydrogenic limits;24,27,36,38,41 derivation of Maxwell reciprocal relations and stability conditions;43,44,52 proof of a new complementary variational principle;49 detailed discussion of the problem of non-integral electron number;30,50 and diverse other problems.2,5,6,16,25,28,35,39,46,48,51 I have previously written two short reviews of our work.53,54
Multiplex Reverse Transcriptase PCR Assay for Simultaneous Detection of Three Fish Viruses

A multiplex reverse transcriptase (RT)-PCR assay was developed for the simultaneous detection of three different fish viruses: infectious pancreatic necrosis virus (IPNV), infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHNV), and viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSV). The sensitivity levels of the multiplex RT-PCR assay were 100, 1, and 32 50% tissue culture infective doses/ml for IPNV, IHNV, and VHSV, respectively.
Polynomial time solution to minimum forwarding set problem in wireless networks under disk coverage model

In this paper, we consider a practical problem, called Minimum Forwarding Set Problem (MFSP), that emerges within the context of implementing (energy efficient) communication protocols for wireless ad hoc or sensor networks. For a given node v, MFSP asks for a minimum cardinality subset of 1-hop neighbors of v to cover v's 2-hop neighbors. MFSP problem is also known as multi-point relay (MPR) problem. It is shown to be an NP-complete problem for its general case that does not consider the coverage characteristics of wireless transmissions. In this paper, we present two polynomial time algorithms to solve the MFSP problem under disk coverage model for wireless transmissions. In our earlier work, we presented a polynomial time algorithm for this problem under unit disk coverage model. In the current work, we present several observations on the geometric characteristics of wireless transmissions under disk coverage model and build two alternative dynamic programming based solutions with different run time and space complexities to the problem. Disk coverage model is a more general model because it allows nodes to use arbitrary power levels for transmissions. As a result, the presented algorithms provide a more practical solution that can be used as a building block for energy efficient communication protocols designed for wireless ad hoc and sensor networks.
Fully integrated and functioned 44nm DRAM technology for 1GB DRAM

44 nm feature sized 8F2 1Gb DRAM is fully integrated and functioned for the first time with the smallest cell size of 0.015 um2. A novel cell-transistor structure and new DRAM process technologies are developed. In order to control the threshold voltage uniformity and body-bias sensitivity of saddle-fin cell-transistor, the channel doping profile and saddle-fin geometric dependency were analytically expressed with experimental data. The weak fin height dependency on cell-VT diminishes the burden of the saddle-fin patterning processes. And the low body-bias sensitivity of the saddle-fin cell-transistor leads wide tWR (write recovery time) margins. Cylinder-like MIM cell capacitor with ZAZ dielectric is exploited on cell capacitor. Copper implemented triple-metal layer and WN barrier-metal techniques were developed to decrease chip size.
Detection of Enhancer-Associated Rearrangements Reveals Mechanisms of Oncogene Dysregulation in B-cell Lymphoma.

B-cell lymphomas frequently contain genomic rearrangements that lead to oncogene activation by heterologous distal regulatory elements. We used a novel approach called “pinpointing enhancer-associated rearrangements by chromatin immunoprecipitation,” or PEAR-ChIP, to simultaneously map enhancer activity and proximal rearrangements in lymphoma cell lines and patient biopsies. This method detects rearrangements involving known cancer genes, including CCND1 , BCL2 , MYC , PDCD1LG2 , NOTCH1 , CIITA , and SGK1 , as well as novel enhancer duplication events of likely oncogenic significance. We identify lymphoma subtype–specific enhancers in the MYC locus that are silenced in lymphomas with MYC -activating rearrangements and are associated with germline polymorphisms that alter lymphoma risk. We show that BCL6 -locus enhancers are acetylated by the BCL6 -activating transcription factor MEF2B, and can undergo genomic duplication, or target the MYC promoter for activation in the context of a “pseudo-double-hit” t(3;8)(q27;q24) rearrangement linking the BCL6 and MYC loci. Our work provides novel insights regarding enhancer-driven oncogene activation in lymphoma. Significance: We demonstrate a novel approach for simultaneous detection of genomic rearrangements and enhancer activity in tumor biopsies. We identify novel mechanisms of enhancer-driven regulation of the oncogenes MYC and BCL6 , and show that the BCL6 locus can serve as an enhancer donor in an “enhancer hijacking” translocation. Cancer Discov; 5(10); 1058–71. ©2015 AACR . See related commentary by Mack et al., [p. 1018][1] . This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, [p. 1005][2] [1]: /lookup/volpage/5/1018?iss=10 [2]: /lookup/volpage/5/1005?iss=10
Requirement of the 5'-end genomic sequence as an upstream cis-acting element for coronavirus subgenomic mRNA transcription.

Abstract We have developed a defective interfering (DI) RNA containing a chloramphenicol acetyltransferase reporter gene, placed behind an intergenic sequence, for studying subgenomic mRNA transcription of mouse hepatitis virus (MHV), a prototype coronavirus. Using this system, we have identified the sequence requirement for MHV subgenomic mRNA transcription. We show that this sequence requirement differs from that for RNA replication. In addition to the previously identified requirement for an intergenic (promoter) sequence, additional sequences from the 5' end of genomic RNA are required for subgenomic mRNA transcription. These upstream sequences include the leader RNA and a spacer sequence between the leader and intergenic sequence, which is derived from the 5' untranslated region and part of gene 1. The spacer sequence requirement is specific, since only the sequence derived from the 5' end of RNA genome, but not from other MHV genomic regions or heterologous sequences, could initiate subgenomic transcription from the intergenic sequence. These results strongly suggest that the wild-type viral subgenomic mRNAs (mRNA2 to mRNA7) and probably their counterpart subgenomic negative-sense RNAs cannot be utilized for mRNA amplification. Furthermore, we have demonstrated that a partial leader sequence present at the 5' end of genome, which lacks the leader-mRNA fusion sequence, could still support subgenomic mRNA transcription. In this case, the leader sequences of the subgenomic transcripts were derived exclusively from the wild-type helper virus, indicating that the MHV leader RNA initiates in trans subgenomic mRNA transcription. Thus, the leader sequence can enhance subgenomic transcription even when it cannot serve as a primer for mRNA synthesis. These results taken together suggest that the 5'-end leader sequence of MHV not only provides a trans-acting primer for mRNA initiation but also serves as a cis-acting element required for the transcription of subgenomic mRNAs. The identification of an upstream cis-acting element for MHV subgenomic mRNA synthesis defines a novel sequence requirement for regulating mRNA synthesis in RNA viruses.
Non-linear propagation of directional spherical waves

Abstract The method of renormalization is used to determine a uniformly valid expansion for the problem of non-linear waves produced in a fluid by spatially non-uniform simple harmonic motion of the surface of a sphere. The effect of dimensionless quantities upon the acoustic shock-formation distance is examined.
Presenilins regulate αβ T cell development by modulating TCR signaling

TCRαβ signaling is crucial for the maturation of CD4 and CD8 T cells, but the role of the Notch signaling pathway in this process is poorly understood. Genes encoding Presenilin (PS) 1/2 were deleted to prevent activation of the multiple Notch receptors expressed by developing thymocytes. PS1/2 knockout thymocyte precursors inefficiently generate CD4 T cells, a phenotype that is most pronounced when thymocytes bear a single major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II–restricted T cell receptor (TCR). Diminished T cell production correlated with evidence of impaired TCR signaling, and could be rescued by manipulations that enhance MHC recognition. Although Notch appears to directly regulate binary fate decisions in many systems, these findings suggest a model in which PS-dependent Notch signaling influences positive selection and the development of αβ T cells by modifying TCR signal transduction.
Calculation of one-dimensional lithographic aerial images using the vector theory

The vector theory is developed and employed to calculate 1-D aerial images by numerically solving Maxwell's equations to account for the scattering effect from realistic mask structures. Comparisons of results from the scalar and vector theories are made for conventional chrome mask and various phase shifting masks to show the differences of these two theories. >
The possible resurrection of the Chapman mechanism for atmospheric sodium chemiluminescence and ruminations on NaO reaction dynamics

A critical reappraisal and kinetic modeling is presented of a sodium/N2O system. The analysis provides a compelling argument that previously reported kinetic decay rates may refer not to the reaction of O with NaO but rather to that of O with Na2O. The system shows pronounced propensity for a significant portion of the NaO to be quantitatively converted to Na2O on a time scale commensurate with that of the Na/N2O titration reaction. The O atom in the system does appear to originate from the photolysis of a residual level of NaO. The observed Na(2P) chemiluminescence, used to track the O atom decay rates, can be consistent with the O + NaO reaction as previously surmised. It is unlikely that the alternate O + Na2 and O + Na2O chemiluminescent channels can generate the observed intensity levels. This reanalysis, which provides for the observed first order dependences on N2O(Na2O) and O atom concentrations has significant implications for the Chapman atmospheric mechanism of the sodium airglow. Its conclusions resurrect the viability of the original scheme which requires efficient branching of the O + NaO reaction to Na(2P). Recent suggestions invoking the participation of NaO(A2Σ+) require the latter to have a metastable nature with respect to its radiative and collisional quenching (N2, O2) channels, for which there is no current evidence. An additional evaluation of the rate constant measurements for the fast reactions of NaO with NO or CO indicates that these most probably are kinetically complex and involve longlived transition states. Their rate constants are predicted to have small negative activation energies and pressure dependences. In the case of NaO with CO this may explain its low Na(2P) chemiluminescent efficiency. For the NaO + O reaction, a rate constant of about 4 ×10−11 cm3 molecule−1s−1 is predicted at room temperature. This is similar to that used in earlier atmospheric models. Its magnitude circumvents the consequences of the reaction's large entropy decrease which otherwise implies too large a cross-section for the reverse reaction. A smaller value also is more likely to be consistent with a normal short-lived collisional transition state, which will allow for a more significant Na(2P) quantum efficiency. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Improving Breast and Colon Cancer Screening Rates: A Comparison of Letters, Automated Phone Calls, or Both

Purpose: Low-cost interventions to improve cancer screening among primary care patients are needed. The comparative effectiveness of personalized letters, automated telephone calls, and both on breast cancer (BC) and colorectal cancer (CRC) screening is not known. Methods: A pragmatic, randomized, controlled trial was conducted in 2011 to 2012. Eligible primary care patients were women ages 50 to 74 years who were past due for mammography and men or women who were past due for mammography or CRC screening of any kind (>12 months since last fecal occult blood test, >5 years since last sigmoidoscopy/double-contrast barium enema, or >10 years since last colonoscopy), respectively. Participants were randomized to 1 of 3 interventions: personalized mailed letters, automated telephone calls, or both. The primary outcome was medical record documentation of a completed mammogram or CRC screening within 36 weeks of randomization. We estimated the costs of each intervention and calculated the marginal cost-effectiveness per person screened. Results: The crude screening rates for BC were 19%, 22%, and 37% and for CRC were 17%, 14%, and 24% for the letter, automated call, and combined (letter/automated call) groups, respectively. The combined intervention group had a statistically higher screening rate (P < .05) compared with either of the single intervention groups (letter only or automated call) for both BC and CRC in both the crude and adjusted analyses. The combined intervention costs $5.11 per additional person screened for BC and $13.14 per additional person screened for CRC. Conclusion: In a primary care practice, letters plus automated telephone calls are better than either alone in increasing cancer screening rates among patients who are overdue for screening. These findings suggest the promise of a relatively inexpensive intervention to improve cancer screening. (J Am Board Fam Med 2015;28:46‐54.)
When the “Bull” Meets the “Bear”—A First Passage Time Problem for a Hidden Markov Process

Let Θt be a continuous Markov chain on N states. Consider adjoining a Brownian motion with this Markov chain so that the drift and the variance take different values when Θt is in different states. This new process Zt is a hidden Markov process. We study the probability distribution of the first passage time for Zt. Our result, when applied to the stock market, provides an explicit mathematical interpretation of the fact that in finite time, there is positive probability for the bull (bear) market to become bear (bull).