cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Use of atmospheric non-thermal plasma as a disinfectant for objects contaminated with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Background Health care-associated infections because of methicillin-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are increasing worldwide despite current infection control measures. Novel methods for disinfection of MRSA would be useful. Methods We tested the effectiveness of atmospheric, non-thermal plasma discharge at killing S aureus, including USA300 strains, and at disinfecting experimentally contaminated hospital pagers. Results Exposure of S aureus to plasma at different concentrations and for varying lengths of time resulted in up to a 4- to 5-log10 kill on tryptic soy agar plates within 10 minutes and was not toxic to epithelial cells. USA300 strains of MRSA were more resistant to plasma-based killing than other tested strains. Disinfection of hospital pagers experimentally coated with clinically relevant amounts of MRSA could be achieved in as little as 30 seconds. Conclusion Generation of plasma is a promising method for disinfection of objects or surfaces that warrants further study in hospital settings. The USA300 strains of S aureus may be more resistant to disinfection than other strains.
Desulfuromonas palmitatis sp. nov., a marine dissimilatory Fe(III) reducer that can oxidize long-chain fatty acids

Studies on the microorganisms living in hydrocarbon-contaminated sediments in San Diego Bay, California led to the isolation of a novel Fe(III)-reducing microorganism. This organism, designated strain SDBY1, was an obligately anaerobic, non-motile, non-flagellated, gram-negative rod. Strain SDBY1 conserves energy to support growth from the oxidation of acetate, lactate, succinate, fumarate, laurate, palmitate, or stearate. H2 was also oxidized with the reduction of Fe(III), but growth with H2 as the sole electron donor was not observed. In addition to various forms of soluble and insoluble Fe(III), strain SDBY1 also coupled growth to the reduction of fumarate, Mn(IV), or S0. Air-oxidized minus dithionite-reduced difference spectra exhibited peaks at 552.8, 523.6, and 422.8 nm, indicative of c-type cytochrome(s). Strain SDBY1 shares physiological characteristics with organisms in the genera Geobacter, Pelobacter, and Desulfuromonas. Detailed analysis of the 16S rRNA sequence indicated that strain SDBY1 should be placed in the genus Desulfuromonas. The new species name Desulfuromonas palmitatis is proposed. D. palmitatis is only the second marine organism found (after D. acetoxidans) to oxidize multicarbon organic compounds completely to carbon dioxide with Fe(III) as an electron acceptor and provides the first pure culture model for the oxidation of long-chain fatty acids coupled to Fe(III) reduction.
Memory: enduring traces of perceptual and reflective attention.

Attention and memory are typically studied as separate topics, but they are highly intertwined. Here we discuss the relation between memory and two fundamental types of attention: perceptual and reflective. Memory is the persisting consequence of cognitive activities initiated by and/or focused on external information from the environment (perceptual attention) and initiated by and/or focused on internal mental representations (reflective attention). We consider three key questions for advancing a cognitive neuroscience of attention and memory: To what extent do perception and reflection share representational areas? To what extent are the control processes that select, maintain, and manipulate perceptual and reflective information subserved by common areas and networks? During perception and reflection, to what extent are common areas responsible for binding features together to create complex, episodic memories and for reviving them later? Considering similarities and differences in perceptual and reflective attention helps integrate a broad range of findings and raises important unresolved issues.
Phosphatidylserine-targeting antibody induces M1 macrophage polarization, promotes myeloid derived suppressor cell differentiation and boosts tumor-specific immunity

Phosphatidylserine (PS) is a potent immunosuppressive lipid typically segregated to the inner leaflet of the plasma membrane. PS is externalized on tumor vasculature, tumor-derived exosomes, and tumor cells in the tumor microenvironment and externalization is markedly enhanced by therapy (e.g., radiation, chemotherapy, and/or androgen deprivation). Externalized PS interacts with immune cells where it actively promotes immunosuppression and tumor progression by expansion of myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and M2-like tumor associated macrophages (TAMs). Bavituximab is a PS-targeting antibody that is being evaluated in multiple late-stage clinical trials in cancer patients. Here we show that treatment of PC3 tumor-bearing mice with 2aG4, a murine-version of bavituximab, significantly depleted M2-likeTAMs and MDSCs and increased the presence of M1-like TAMs and mature dendritic cells. In addition, PS blockade markedly altered the cytokine balance in the tumor microenvironment from immunosuppressive to immunostimulatory. Furthermore, in the immune-competent TRAMP mouse prostate tumor model, combination treatment of anti-PS antibody with castration induced strong tumor-specific T-cell immunity that resulted in significantly improved tumor free long-term survival and apparent cures in 35% of the animals, compared to no long-term survivors in groups treated with either single agent. In vitro studies confirmed that anti-PS re-polarized TAMs from an M2 to M1-like phenotype and drove MDSCs to differentiate into M1-like macrophages and functional dendritic cells. These data suggest that PS expression on the external cell surface defines an upstream immune checkpoint that is primarily responsible for expansion of MDSCs and M2-like TAMs in tumors. The results further support that blockade of the PS signal by bavituximab treatment can reverse this immune checkpoint suppression and promote therapeutically effective anti-tumor immunity.
Structuring the Religion-Environment Connection: Identifying Religious Influences on Environmental Concern and Activism

Recent research on the connection between religion and environmental concern and activism has led to divergent conclusions, with some studies finding a negative effect of religious factors, and others finding no influence or a positive effect. Using a conceptual apparatus of structuration theory, we explain how these divergent findings might be reconciled. We examine data from the 1993 General Social Survey to elaborate how religious affiliation, participation, and beliefs influence environmental concern and private and political environmental activism. Estimates from structural equation models are presented to show the sometimes competing direct and indirect effects of religious affiliation, participation, and beliefs on environmental concern and private and political environmental action.
Thermal Properties of Binary Mixtures of Liquid Crystals

Abstract Binary mixtures of liquid crystals have been studied for a variety of reasons. For many applications a mixture will extend the mesophase temperature region particularly to cover ambient temperatures. Mixtures are sometimes used to investigate the existence of liquid crystalline phases for monotropic substances which cannot be supercooled sufficiently to allow for direct observation.15,22 A great many studies have used mixtures to determine miscibility of the two liquid crystals and the morphology of the resulting textures.1–12 Recently mixtures have been shown to be important as solvents for nuclear magnetic resonance studies and as stationary phases for gas chromatography separations.27,18
Enzymatic estimation of the extent of irreversible myocardial injury early after reperfusion

Abstract To determine whether the extent of infarction can be estimated enzymatically soon after reperfusion, the rate of increase of creatine kinase (CK) activity in plasma early after coronary recanalization was compared with infarct size in 18 dogs and 10 patients. In dogs, reperfusion was initiated 2 to 4 hours after coronary occlusion. CK activity was measured in serial plasma samples and infarct size was assessed histochemically at 24 hours. A substantial and consistent fraction of the total CK appearing in plasma over 24 hours (cumulative CK) appeared in plasma soon after reperfusion, i.e., 21 ± 2% (SE) within 30 minutes and 38 ± 3% within 1 hour. The rate of increase of plasma CK activity correlated closely with infarct size when CK release was measured during the first 30 minutes ( r = 0.92) or 60 minutes ( r = 0.92) after reperfusion (n = 18). Similarly, in patients the rate of increase of CK activity measured within 2.5 hours of the time of reperfusion was closely related to infarct size delineated by positron emission tomography 1 to 2 weeks later ( r = 0.93). Thus the rate of appearance of CK in plasma early after reperfusion reflects the extent of irreversible injury ultimately sustained and provides a criterion likely to be useful for prospective identification of patients at high risk after coronary recanalization.
Ergodic theorems for coupled random walks and other systems with locally interacting components

In [5] the second author introduced a variety of new infinite systems with locally interacting components. On the basis of computations for the finite analogues of these systems, he made conjectures ragarding their limiting behavior as t→∞. This paper is devoted to the construction of these processes and to the proofs of these conjectures. We restrict ourselves primarily to spatially homogeneous situations; interesting problems remain unsolved in inhomogeneous cases. Two features distinguish these processes from most other infinite particle systems which have been studied. One is that the state spaces of these systems are noncompact; the other that even though the invariant measures are not generally of product form, one can nevertheless compute explicitly the first and second moments of the number of particles per site in equilibrium. The second moment computations are of inherent interest of course, and they play an important role in the proofs of the ergodic theorems as well.
Local contrast and maintained generalization.

Abstract Pigeons received variable-interval reinforcement for key pecking during presentations of horizontal and vertical line-orientation stimuli, while pecks during five intermediate orientations were extinguished. Lowest peck rates were observed during presentations of negative stimuli adjacent to the positive orientations while peck rate during 45 degrees (the intermediate negative orientation) was relatively high, i.e., there were negative contrast shoulders. When peck rates were manipulated in the positive orientations, peck rate in neithboring orientations changed in the opposite direction. Contrast shoulders faded after prolonged training. A second type of contrast, local contrast, was correlated with similarity of preceding stimulus and different average peck rates during different stages of the discrimination process. The data suggest that sequential local contrast accompanying the formation of a discrimination contributes to the form of generalization gradients. Blough's model of stimulus control predicts the changes in gradient form described here, but may not accurately depict the underlying process responsible for gradient form.
RENAL nephrometry score is associated with operative approach for partial nephrectomy and urine leak.

Objective To identify whether RENAL nephrometry score is associated with partial nephrectomy (PN) technique. RENAL nephrometry score quantifies anatomic characteristics of renal tumors. Data are limited regarding clinical utility for surgical planning. Methods Multicenter analysis of patients undergoing PN for renal masses from March 2003 to May 2011. Cohort was stratified by surgical modality: open partial nephrectomy (OPN), laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN), and robotic-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (RALPN). Demographic and clinicopathological variables were compared between groups; RENAL score was calculated from preoperative imaging. Factors associated with choice of treatment modality and urine leak were entered into multivariable models. Results One hundred fifty-three patients who underwent OPN, 100 patients who underwent LPN, and 31 patients who underwent RALPN were evaluated, the median tumor size (cm) was significantly larger for OPN (OPN 4.2 vs LPN 2.4 vs RALPN 2.0; P Conclusion RENAL nephrometry score was associated with type of surgical approach (open vs laparoscopic/robotic) and urine leak. RENAL score may be useful as a decision-making tool in evaluation of patients for nephron-sparing surgery (NSS). Further investigation is requisite.
New electrocardiographic criteria to differentiate the type-2 Brugada pattern from electrocardiogram of healthy athletes with r'-wave in leads V1/V2.

Serra et al .1 present a well-written manuscript on new electrocardiographic criteria to differentiate the type-2 Brugada pattern from electrocardiogram of healthy athletes with r ′-wave in leads V1/V2. They report three new electrocardiographic (ECG) criteria based on the characteristics of the r ′-wave, with varied sensitivity and specificity as well as positive predictive values (PPV) and negative predictive values (NPV). I caution the readers to …
Artifacts in glycosylated hemoglobin values in pediatric patients

monoelonal antibody stain for rapid detection of infant Chlamydia trachomatis infections. Pediatrics 1984;74:2248. 7. Friis B, Kuo CC, Wang S-P, et al. Rapid diagnosis of Chlamydia trachomatis pneumonia in infants. Acta Pathol Microbiol Immunol Scand [B] 1984;92:139. 8. Mallinson H, Arya OP, Goddard AD. Quantitative study of Chlamydia trachomatis in genital infection. Br J Vener Dis 1982;58:36. 9. Hobson D, Karayiannis P, Byng RE, et al. Quantitative aspects of chlamydial infection of the cervix. Br J Vener Dis 1980;56:156. 10. Krech T, Gerhard-Fsadni D, Hofman N, et al. Interference of Staphylococcus aureus in the detection of Chlamydia trachomatis by monoclonal antibodies. Lancet 1985;1:1161.
10-year survivorship of metal-backed, unicompartmental arthroplasty

Between January 1985 and December 1987, 100 consecutive metal-backed, unicompartmental arthroplasties (MBUKAs) were performed and retrospectively reviewed; 5 patients died, and the surviving 95 patients were reviewed. Of these arthroplasties, 10 were uncemented and 85 were cemented. There were 2 failures in the uncemented arthroplasties and 10 failures in those that were cemented, resulting in an 87.4% survivorship at a mean follow-up of 10 years. After 5 years, 10 of these cases were revised because of progressive lateral compartment disease and lateral compartment pain. Despite improved function compared with tricompartmental arthroplasty, MBUKA is beneficial only in highly selective cases. In this series, after 5 years, survivorship declined because of progression of arthrosis in the nonreplaced compartment.
The syndrome of diabetic amyotrophy

Changes in the electromyograms and motor nerve conduction velocities in 12 patients with diabetic amyotrophy suggested mild distal and moderate proximal neuropathy in the lower limbs. Histological and histochemical findings in the vastus medialis muscles were consistent with denervation. Electron microscopical examination of the vastus medialis muscles in 6 patients revealed myofibrillar degeneration. One patient had abnormal mitochondria and tubular aggregates. The basement membranes of the intramuscular capillaries were thickened in all but 1 patient. Histochemical staining of the myoneural junctions showed changes consistent with degeneration and regeneration. We conclude that diabetic amyotrophy is a distinct clinical entity and is secondary to metabolic derangement rather than diabetic microangiopathy.
The Tension Between Direct Experience and Argument in Religion

There is an undercurrent to be detected in Anselm's record of the meditative experience that issued in the Ontological Argument and, although it points to a profound and perennial problem in the interpretation of religion, this undercurrent has been largely ignored. The Argument, as is well known, moves entirely within the medium of reflective meaning focused on the idea of God and, unlike the cosmological arguments of later theologians, it makes no appeal whatever to a principle of causality or to the discovery of a sufficient reason for finite existence. Anselm seems to have had his own sense of what one may call the unadulterated rationalism of the Argument when, in his own words, he wondered, ‘if perhaps it might be possible to find one single argument that for its proof required no other save itself, and that by itself would suffice to prove that God really exists’. Here we are entirely within that inner chamber of the mind so dear to the Augustinian tradition, a mind from which one is to exclude all thought save that of God. The task of the one who reflects is to penetrate the inner meaning of this thought in order to discover what it implies beyond what is evident on the surface. With such an eminently rational or logical aim occupying the centre of attention, it is quite understandable that the presence of another, and quite opposed, concern should have been overlooked - Anselm's concern, namely, to transcend, as it were, the medium of thought itself, and enter into the presence of God. The reason that this concern introduces a tension in the search for a proof is that the realization of presence would seem to render proof superfluous, while the inference in an argument - especially one moving towards existence – inevitably suggests, in some sense and to some degree, the absence of what is sought for.
On Avoiding Dormination in Philosophical Counseling

A travers l'exemple des conseils donnes par Mencius au roi Hsuan concernant la vertu d'un vrai roi et l'action bonne qui consiste, par compassion, a sacrifier un agneau a la place d'un boeuf, l'A. montre comment eviter toute forme de domination liee a la relation asymetrique entre l'autorite morale et la personne inquiete, grâce a l'exercice du conseil philosophique
Effect of enterostatin and kappa-opioids on macronutrient selection and consumption.

Abstract Ookuma, K., C. Barton, D. A. York and G. A. Bray. Effect of enterostatin and kappa-opioids on macronutrient selection and consumption. Peptides 18(6), 785–791, 1997.—Enterostatin, the activation peptide of pancreatic procolipase, suppresses consumption of high-fat diets and selectively suppresses fat consumption over carbohydrate consumption. Kappa-opioid subtype agonists stimulate feeding whereas antagonists suppress feeding. We investigated the effects of enterostatin, the kappa-opioid agonist U50488, and the kappa-opioid antagonist nor-binaltorphimine (nor-BNI) on macronutrient selection and food consumption in rats adapted to choose between a high-fat (HF) diet or a low-fat-high-carbohydrate (LF) diet. In fasted rats, lateral cerebroventricular injection (LV) of enterostatin selectively suppressed consumption of the HF diet, with no effect on LF diet consumption. Nor-BNI also selectively suppressed consumption of the HF diet without affecting LF diet consumption. Additionally, U50488 prevented the suppression of consumption of the HF diet in response to enterostatin. In food-sated rats, U50488 preferentially increased consumption of the HF diet and had no effect on consumption of the LF diet. Combined infusions of subthreshold doses of enterostatin and nor-BNI also inhibited consumption of the HF but not the LF diet, whereas combined infusions of maximal doses of enterostatin and nor-BNI had no additive effects. Collectively, these data suggest that a kappa-opioid pathway modulates selection and consumption of diets high in fat and that enterostatin modulates consumption of dietary fat by interacting with this pathway.
Pulse propagation in a Raman pumped, four-level medium that exhibits inversionless gain

Abstract We numerically study the effect of two, coherent, copropagating pulses incident on an atomic beam of identical, homogeneously broadened, four-level atoms. The injected pulses have different frequencies that are nearly resonant with the allowed dipole transitions. The complex polarization that gives rise to gain and dispersion is examined at various field strengths; including strong probe field strengths where standard linear treatments are not valid. We conclude that in contrast to the steady state case, the maximum gain decreases at the sidebands with increasing pump strengths. In the nonlinear regime, where pump and probe are of comparable magnitude, competition between the upper and lower coherences may lead to loss of gain.
Bone Morphogenetic Proteins Induce Apoptosis and Growth Factor Dependence of Cultured Sympathoadrenal Progenitor Cells

Abstract Neuron numbers in developing vertebrate organisms are regulated by the availability of growth factors which promote their survival. However, neuron survival may also be regulated by growth factors which promote rather than prevent cell death. This study examined the effects of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) in inducing apoptosis of MAH cells, an immortalized sympathoadrenal progenitor cell line. Treatment of MAH cells with BMP2 or BMP4 killed the cells in a dose-dependent manner. By contrast, treatment with BMP7 or TGFβ1 failed to affect survival, suggesting that induction of apoptosis is specific to the dpp subgroup of BMPs. Survival after treatment with BMP2 or BMP4 required addition of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and nerve growth factor (NGF), indicating that BMP treatment made the neurons dependent upon an exogenous factor for survival. Several experimental observations suggested an apoptotic mechanism for BMP-induced death. After BMP2 treatment, the cells progressively shrank and became pyknotic. Further, there was prominent endonucleosomic cleavage of DNA (laddering) as well as TUNEL staining. Moreover, BMP-induced death was inhibited by the caspase inhibitor z-VAD and was partially prevented by the endonuclease inhibitor aurintricarboxylic acid. These observations suggest that neuron numbers may be regulated by factors which promote death and that exposure to such factors may be a signal for the development of dependence upon other growth factors for survival.
Epilithic diatoms in headwater areas of the hydrographical sub-basin of the Andreas Stream, RS, Brazil, and their relation with eutrophication processes

AIM: This research aimed to study the composition of epilithic diatom flora in headwater areas of the sub-basin of the Andreas stream, RS, Brazil, and their relation with eutrophication processes. METHODS: Quarterly excursions (March, June, September, December 2012 and Mach 2013) were performed in ten sampling points selected in the sub-basin, to collect samples for the identification and counting the organisms in the group of diatoms (Class Bacillariophyceae). RESULTS: The results indicated the occurrence of 243 taxa, distributed in 53 genera. Of these, 59 were considered abundant, being distributed in 29 genera. Seven species showed elevated tolerance levels to organic pollution and eutrophication: Adlafia drouetiana (R. M. Patrick) Metzeltin & Lange-Bertalot, Amphipleura lindheimeri Grunow; Fallacia monoculata (Hustedt) D. G. Mann, Navicula cryptotenella Lange-Bertalot, Navicula symmetrica R. M. Patrick, Nitzschia palea (Kutzing) W. Smith and Sellaphora auldreekie D. G. Mann & S. M. McDonald in Mann et al. CONCLUSION: Although this research has been conducted in headwater areas, the occurrence of these seven species could be explained by considering the use of these areas for agricultural and livestock purposes, compromising the stability of these aquatic ecosystems, due to the significant contribution of fertilizer and organic matter, a condition that characterizes a process of eutrophication.
The laterally extended medial hemisoleus flap for reconstruction of a tibial wound in the distal third of the leg

A soleus flap as a local reconstructive option for soft-tissue coverage of a tibial wound in the distal third of the leg has never been well recognized. In a 2-year period, seven patients underwent reconstruction of a less extensive tibial wound (4 × 3 to 10 × 4 cm) in the distal third of the leg after orthopedic trauma with the laterally extended medial hemisoleus flap. The flap was elevated with emphasis on the preservation of the most distal perforators from the posterior tibial vessels to the flap as possible while allowing adequate rotation of the flap to cover the exposed tibia and/or hardware and on the possible preservation of foot planter flexion by reconstruction of the proximal Achilles’ tendon. In this series, there was no total or partial flap loss. All patients healed their tibial wounds primarily with reliable soft-tissue coverage, evidenced fracture healing, and good cosmetic outcome during follow-up. Thus, the laterally extended medial hemisoleus flap described by the author can be a reliable option for soft-tissue coverage of a less extensive tibial wound in the distal third of the leg. It offers a more cost-effective approach for managing this unique problem and can be performed by most reconstructive surgeons without microsurgical expertise.
A Comparative geochemical study of pelitic schists and metamorphosed carbonate rocks from south-central Maine, USA

Whole-rock major element chemical analyses of progressively metamorphosed impure carbonate rocks and pelitic schists, collected from the same metamorphic terrain, reveal similarities and differences in the chemical response of these rock types to the metamorphic event. Relative to a constant aluminum reference frame, both schist and carbonate exhibit no detectable change in their contents of Fe, Mg, Ti, Si, and Ca with change in metamorphic grade. Carbonate rocks become progressively depleted in K and Na with increasing grade of metamorphism, while schists exhibit no statistically significant change in their contents of K and Na. Both rock types become depleted in volatiles (principally CO2 and H2O) with increasing grade.
Cardiovascular Responses to Television‐Mediated Nonverbal Approach1

Two studies are reported which examined physiological responsiveness to changes in level of nonverbal intimacy cues expressed by a partner during an interview conducted across interactive television. Experiment 1 and Experiment 2 separately examined the effects of decreasing apparent interactive distance (produced by alteration of image size) and increasing eye-contact on subjects' heart rate and pulse amplitude. The findings suggest that shifts in these nonverbal approach cues are related to cardiovascular changes including bradycardia and a modest compensatory increase in pulse amplitude. The implications of these results are discussed in terms of the hypothesized relationship between cardiovascular functioning and information processing and practical considerations for the use of interactive television.
Abstract C5: Epigenetic regulation of cancer stem cell marker CD133 by transforming growth factor‐β

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide. CD133, a trans‐membrane glycoprotein, is an important cell surface marker for both stem cells and cancer stem cells in various tissues including liver. CD133 expression was recently linked to poor prognosis in HCC patients. CD133+ liver cancer cells are characterized by resistance to chemotherapy, self‐renewal, multi‐lineage potential, increased colony formation, and in‐vivo cancer initiation at limited dilution. Recent studies demonstrate that CD133 expression is regulated by DNA methylation. In this paper, we explored the role of Transforming Growth Factor β (TGFβ), a multi‐functional cytokine that plays a critical role in chronic liver injury, in the regulation of CD133 expression. Materials and Methods: CD133‐ Huh7 cells were sorted from bulk cultured cells, CD133 expression was analyzed using flow cytometry, immuno‐blots and real‐time RT‐PCR after the cells were treated with TGFβ1, DNA methyltransferase inhibitors and inhibitory Smads. Pyrosequencing was introduced to evaluate CD133 promoter‐1 methylation status. Results: TGFβ1 is capable of up‐regulating CD133 expression specifically within the Huh7 HCC cell line in a time and dose‐dependent manner. Furthermore, forced expression of inhibitory Smads, including Smad6 and Smad7, attenuated TGFβ1‐induced CD133 expression. Within CD133‐Huh7 cells, TGFβ1 stimulation inhibited the expression of DNA methyltransferases DNMT1 and DNMT3β, which are critical in the maintenance of regional DNA methylation; and global DNMT activity in CD133‐Huh7 cells was inhibited by TGFβ1. DNMT3 inhibition by TGFβ1 was partially rescued with overexpression of inhibitory Smads. Lastly, TGFβ1 treatment led to significant demethylation in CD133 promoter‐1 in CD133‐Huh7 cells. Conclusion: TGFβ1 is able to regulate CD133 expression through inhibition of DNMT1 and DNMT3 expression, and subsequent demethylation of promoter‐1. The mechanism by which TGFβ induces CD133 expression is partially dependent on the Smads pathway. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2009;69(23 Suppl):C5.
Formation and decay kinetics of optically pumped LiMg excimers

Abstract A mixture of Li and Mg vapors at 900°C was optically pumped at 488 nm by an Ar+ ion laser. The resulting Li2 fluorescence and LiMg* excimer chemiluminescence intensities were analyzed to determine rate constants for the reactions Li2(B1π) + Mg → LiMg* + Li and LiMg* + Li → Li2(a3π) + Mg and the radiative decay rates of Li2(B1π) and LiMg*.
Phenotypic heterogeneity and disease course in three murine strains with mutations in genes encoding for α1 and β glycine receptor subunits

Impaired glycinergic inhibition causes human hyperekplexia, and may be involved in the pathogenesis of movement disorders associated with uremia, spinal cord lesions, DDT poisoning, and tetanus. Three autosomal recessive mutant mouse strains with single-gene mutations affecting either the alpha 1 (spasmodic and oscillator) or beta (spastic) subunits of the glycine receptor were studied. Serial videotaped examinations assessed the severity of hyperkinetic features. Homozygote oscillator mice appeared normal until postnatal day (P) 11-14, when decreased exploratory movements, spastic gait, stimulus-induced myoclonic bouts, rigidity, and tremor were noticeable. All symptoms gradually worsened until death by P21-P23. In contrast, spastic and spasmodic mice were most severely affected by the 3rd-5th week of life and had a lessening of symptom severity in adulthood. Within each mutant strain, there was marked interanimal variation of severity of the other motor abnormalities, possibly because of stochastic variability in developmental processes. These mutants represent good animal models for elucidation of molecular and cellular issues regarding the glycine receptor and for the study of pathogenetic mechanisms of movement disorders.
Matrix analysis of linear conservative systems

Abstract The loop differential equations of any lossless, reciprocal electric circuit are integrated by the use of functions of matrices. It is shown how the transient analysis of such circuits is a generalization of the analysis of the simple single-loop circuit composed of a linear inductance in series with a linear elastance. The scaler trigonometric functions that appear in the analysis of the single-loop circuit are replaced by matric trigonometric functions in the analysis of the general circuit of n loops. The matric functions are then expanded by a form of Sylvester's theorem. The case in which the circuit has multiple eigenvalues is particularly easy to analyze by the use of functions of matrices. The analysis is extended to the forced oscillations of the n-loop linear conservative circuit.
Protein Pockets: Inventory, Shape, and Comparison

The shape of the protein surface dictates what interactions are possible with other macromolecules, but defining discrete pockets or possible interaction sites remains difficult. First, there is the problem of defining the extent of the pocket. Second, one has to characterize the shape of each pocket. Third, one needs to make quantitative comparisons between pockets on different proteins. An elegant solution to these problems is to sort all surface and solvent points by travel depth and then collect a hierarchical tree of pockets. The connectivity of the tree is determined via the deepest saddle points between each pair of neighboring pockets. The resulting pocket surfaces tessellate the entire protein surface, producing a complete inventory of pockets. This method of identifying pockets also allows one to easily compute important shape metrics, including the problematic pocket volume, surface area, and mouth size. Pockets are also annotated with their lining residue lists and polarity and with other resi...
Double-Chambered Right Ventricle and Down's Syndrome: A Proposed New Association

Twenty-two cases of double-chambered right ventricle studied in detail from two different centers comprise the study population. Of these, 5 have trisomy- 21 Down's syndrome; these five cases, comprising nearly 25% of the entire study group, were essentially evenly divided between the two centers. This un expectedly high percentage of Down's syndrome associated with such an unu sual cardiovascular malformation, albeit among a small population, is likened to the currently recognized and similar association of Down's syndrome and atrioventricular cushion deformities.
The Influence of Longwave Ultraviolet Radiation on Sunburn Cell Production by UVB

The potentiation of sunburn by longwave ultraviolet radiation (photoaugmentation) has been examined with regard to the influence of these waves on sunburn cell production in human skin. It was found that UVA did not enhance sunburn cell production. Photoaugmentation is limited to the erythemal component of the sunburn reaction.
Cognitive and behavioral dimensions of dysfunction in alcohol and polydrug abusers.

Development of a measure of parallel dimensions of cognitive and behavioral dysfunction related to substance abuse is described. Dimensions were assessed in alcohol and polydrug abusers entering treatment and social drinkers. Dimensions included quantity/frequency of use, physiological symptoms, situational stressors, antisocial behaviors, interpersonal problems, affective dysfunction, attitude toward treatment, degree of life impact, and three use expectancies. Principal component analysis of the dimensions and expectancies yielded three factors; behavioral/ physiological, social, and cognitive. Although the groups could be discriminated statistically, alcohol and polydrug abusers exhibited relatively similar patterns of dysfunction across the dimensions and expectancies, with alcohol abusers demonstrating greater intensity or degree of dysfunction in several areas on admission to treatment. Implications of the findings with respect to multidimensional models of substance abuse and use of the dimensions in treatment matching and outcome research are discussed.
Joseph Frank. Responses to Modernity: Essays in the Politics of Culture. New York: Fordham UP, 2012. x + 234 pp.

Review of Joseph Frank. Responses to Modernity: Essays in the Politics of Culture. New York: Fordham UP, 2012. x + 234 pp.
Effect of Bi on the microstructure and tensile behavior of Sn‐3.7Ag solders

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate a Pb‐free solder alternative, specifically the effect of Bi on the microstructure and tensile strength of Sn‐3.7Ag solders casted under different cooling rates.Design/methodology/approach – Sn‐3.7Ag solder paste was mechanically blended with different percentages of Bi particles (99.999 percent) to form composite solder pastes. The solder paste was cast under different cooling rates to form dog‐bone shape samples for tensile testing. The solder samples were subjected to tensile testing on an INSTRON 5543 tester with loading rate 10−3 s−1. Both the as‐cast and tensile‐tested samples were mounted, ground and polished for microstructure and fracture surface analysis. Scanning electron microscopy/Energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy was used to characterize the microstructure, morphology, and composition.Findings – The tensile strength of Sn‐3.7Ag solder increased with increased Bi addition. However, elongation decreased with increased Bi addition. The ten...
An analysis of interdigitated electrode geometry for dielectrophoretic particle transport in micro-fluidics

Abstract As researchers work to develop the “Lab-on-a-Chip” system, dielectrophoresis (DEP) is being examined as a mechanism for the micro-fluidic transport and separation of small biological samples such as cells, proteins, and DNA. Interdigitated electrodes are commonly used within such devices to generate the non-uniform electric fields that induce movement. Among other parameters, the magnitude of the DEP force depends upon the gradient of the square of the electric field that is generated by such electrodes. By understanding the effect that the dimensions of the electrodes have on this quantity, micro-fluidic devices can be designed to produce the most effective dielectrophoretic effect on the biological samples. This article examines the relationship between the geometry of the interdigitated electrodes and the magnitude of the DEP force. This is done by obtaining and analyzing an equation for the gradient of the square of the electric field. The equation is generated by fitting the results of extensive numerical simulations. Although the complete equation introduced in this work is based upon theoretical results, many fundamental portions of the present work agree with accepted experimental results. These verifications are also addressed.
The effect of nonlinearities on the dynamic response of a large Shuttle payload

The STS Centaur was designed to be a high energy upper stage for use with the Space Shuttle. Two versions were designed under development when the program was cancelled. The first version, designated G-prime, was for planetary missions. The second version, designated G, was to place spacecraft in geosynchronous orbit. As a part of the STS Centaur finite-element model verification effort, test articles of both versions were subjected to a series of static tests. In addition the Centaur G-prime test article was subjected to a series of dynamic tests including a modal survey. Both the static and dynamic tests showed that nonlinearities existed in the Centaur and its support system. The support system included flight-like latches. The nonlinearities were particularly apparent in tests that loaded the forward support structure of the Centaur. These test results were used to aid in the development of two improved finite-element models. The first was a linear model, while the second contained nonlinear elements at the boundaries. Results from both models were compared with the transient response obtained from a step-relaxation or twang test. The linear model was able to accurately match the low frequency response found in the test data. However, only the nonlinear model was able to match higher frequency response that was present in some of the test data. In addition the nonlinear model was able to predict other nonlinear behavior such as the dynamic jump that occurs in systems with nonlinear stiffness.
Production of various cytokines by normal human osteoblast-like cells in response to interleukin-1 beta and tumor necrosis factor-alpha: lack of regulation by 17 beta-estradiol.

We investigated, in five cell strains per experiment, whether several cytokines known or believed to have effects on bone resorption were produced by nearly homogeneous strains of cultured normal human osteoblast-like (hOB) cells that display virtually the complete phenotype of the mature osteoblast. In unstimulated hOB cells, we detected constitutive production of interleukin-6 (IL-6) (mean +/- SE, 122 +/- 32 pg/ml) and IL-8 (135 +/- 39 pg/ml), but not of IL-4, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), or tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF alpha). IL-1 beta in doses from 1-100 U/ml stimulated dose-dependent increases in IL-6 (r = 0.87; P less than 0.001) and IL-8 (r = 0.95; P less than 0.001). Similar increases occurred after stimulation with TNF alpha in doses from 3-300 U/ml. IL-1 beta and TNF alpha also stimulated GM-CSF production, but only at higher doses. 17 beta-Estradiol (10(-8) M) had no significant effect on the secretion of any of these cytokines, either constitutively or after ...
Phylogeny of histamine in vertebrate brain

Measurement of histamine and its metabolizing enzymes in a variety of chordate species indicated that histamine and histamine methyltransferase were present in brain of all vertebrate species with a recognizable brain structure. Diamine oxidase was absent in mammalian brain but was present in brain of lower vertebrates. Histamine levels were especially high in amphibia and fish brains, in which the phylogenetically newer parts of the brain were less well-developed. In the spiny dogfish (as in mammals), brain histamine levels were highest in the midbrain regions. In contrast to brain, histamine levels were low in muscle, skin and intestine of all aquatic species.
Particle Dynamics Simulations of Structures in Nano-Powders

Abstract Powders composed of nano-sized (<50 nm) primary particles exhibit particle clustering, are highly dispersed, and have low relative density. The morphology of ultra-fine powders is greatly influenced by the inter-particle interactions. Considering the forces produced by Van der Waals interactions between molecules an inter-particle potential is obtained that describes the interaction between spherical nano-particles. This potential function is used to develop a computer simulation scheme to study equilibrium structures that form in such powders at various densities. The simulation scheme can also be used to investigate powder consolidation up to green body densities.
The pacific island health care project

Introduction/Background US Associated/Affiliated Pacific Islands (USAPI) include 3 Freely Associated States: Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Palau and 3 Territories: American Samoa, Guam, and Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Objective The Pacific Island Health Care Project (PIHCP) provides humanitarian medical referral/consultation/care to >500,000 indigenous people of these remote islands. Methods In the mid-1990s, we developed a simple store-and-forward program to link the USAPI with Tripler Army Medical Center (TAMC). This application allowed image attachment to email consultations. Results More than 8000 Pacific Islanders have benefited from the program. 3000 Pacific Islanders prior to telemedicine (1990-1997) and since store-and-forward telemedicine (1997-present), the PIHCP has helped an additional 5000. Records post dynamically and are stored in an archival database. Conclusion The PIHCP is the longest running telemedicine program in the world delivering humanitarian medical care. It has bridged the Developing World of the remote Pacific islands with advanced medical and surgical care available at a major US military teaching hospital. (The opinions expressed here are those of the author and not that of the Army, Department of Defense, or the US Government.)
Applying software product line technology to prototyping of real-time object tracking

In this paper, a software product line (SPL) architecture that explicitly captures common features of realtime object tracking systems using Cricket wireless sensors is presented. A software product line process is also presented including user requirements, architecture design, component development, and systems integration. The focus lies on the application of SPL to object location tracking, such as supply chains and transportation. Thus, this paper introduces three prototypes of the SPL member system including shop navigator systems, low/no visibility navigation systems (LVNS), and games for mazes where each one is created from the software product line architecture. The prototypes are experimented with and lessons are learned.
Nonlinear model reduction of reaction systems with multiple time scale dynamics

We consider a broad class of nonisothermal spatially homogeneous reaction systems that exhibit dynamics in multiple distinct time scales, and address the systematic derivation of reduced order nonlinear models in the individual time scales. The proposed model reduction method is applied to a hydrogen oxidation reaction system.
Can you see me now?: location, visibility and the management of impressions on foursquare

Location based social networking applications enable people to share their location with friends for social purposes by "checking in" to places they visit. Prior research suggests that both privacy and impression management motivate location disclosure concerns. In this interview study of foursquare users, we explore the ways people think about location sharing and its effects on impression management and formation. Results indicate that location-sharing decisions depend on the perceived visibility of the check-in, blur boundaries between public and private venues, and can initiate tensions within the foursquare friend network. We introduce the concept of "check-in transience" to explain factors contributing to impression management and argue that sharing location is often used as a signaling strategy to achieve social objectives.
Challenges and Opportunities for the Internationalization of Higher Education in the Coming Decade: Planned and Opportunistic Initiatives in American Institutions.

In recent years, education systems around the world have shown a tendency for convergence on the American educational model. This, together with an increase in the use of English globally, places American educational institutions in a position of great importance as actors in international exchange. For potential partner institutions in other countries the process of internationalization followed by a U.S. institution has important implications. This article explores the contrasting opportunistic and planned approaches followed by Harvard University and Yale University and discusses some of the implications of these two planning models for the nature of campus internationalization and for negotiation with institutions in other countries.
Loss probability calculations and asymptotic analysis for finite buffer multiplexers

In this paper, we propose an approximation for the loss probability, PL (x), in a finite buffer system with buffer size x. Our study is motivated by the case of a high-speed network where a large number of sources are expected to be multiplexed. Hence, by appealing to Central Limit Theorem type of arguments, we model the input process as a general Gaussian process. Our result is obtained by making a simple mapping from the tail probability in an infinite buffer system to the loss probability in a finite buffer system. We also provide a strong asymptotic relationship between our approximation and the actual loss probability for a fairly large class of Gaussian input processes. We derive some interesting asymptotic properties of our approximation and illustrate its effectiveness via a detailed numerical investigation.
Water Balance Components in Adults of Terrestrial Red Mite Balaustium sp. (Acarina: Erythraeidae)

Abstract Balaustium spp. mites are noted for their quickness, red color, population bursts, and ubiquity. Water balance characteristics of adults were assessed to determine their primary source of water to gain insight into the biology and physiology of these poorly studied mites. Characteristics of this mite show that it is xeric adapted, featuring a 71% body water content, 39% dehydration tolerance limit, and a modest water loss rate of 2% h−1. This species is unable to absorb water vapor from atmospheric air which is unusual for mites. This is illustrated by net water losses at water vapor activities close to saturation, failure to maintain the uptake after first day passive gains, and no detectable salt accumulation around the base of the mouthparts in scanning electron micrographs. Thus, enhanced water conservation enables this mite to withstand desiccation, and their aggressive predatory life style has apparently not necessitated evolution of an active uptake mechanism for absorption of water vapor ...