cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The cortical structure of functional networks associated with age-related cognitive abilities in older adults.

Age and cortical structure are both associated with cognition, but characterizing this relationship remains a challenge. A popular approach is to use functional network organization of the cortex as an organizing principle for post-hoc interpretations of structural results. In the current study, we introduce two complimentary approaches to structural analyses that are guided by a-priori functional network maps. Specifically, we systematically investigated the relationship of cortical structure (thickness and surface area) of distinct functional networks to two cognitive domains sensitive to age-related decline thought to rely on both common and distinct processes (executive function and episodic memory) in older adults. We quantified the cortical structure of individual functional network’s predictive ability and spatial extent (i.e., number of significant regions) with cognition and its mediating role in the age-cognition relationship. We found that cortical thickness, rather than surface area, predicted cognition across the majority of functional networks. The default mode and somatomotor network emerged as particularly important as they appeared to be the only two networks to mediate the age-cognition relationship for both cognitive domains. In contrast, thickness of the salience network predicted executive function and mediated the age-cognition relationship for executive function. These relationships remained significant even after accounting for global cortical thickness. Quantifying the number of regions related to cognition and mediating the age-cognition relationship yielded similar patterns of results. This study provides a potential approach to organize and describe the apparent widespread regional cortical structural relationships with cognition and age in older adults.
Looking Through Broken Windows: The Impact of Neighborhood Disorder on Aggression and Fear of Crime Is an Artifact of Research Design

Broken windows theory (BWT) has heavily influenced social science and policy over the past 30 years. It posits that disorder in neighborhoods leads to elevated crime by inviting additional criminal...
Using Dental Mesowear and Microwear for Dietary Inference: A Review of Current Techniques and Applications

Mesowear and microwear analyses use data from worn tooth surfaces as proxies for feeding ecology. Mesowear is based on gross dental wear and forms over months to years. The method was originally developed for ungulates but has recently been expanded to other groups, at least preliminarily. Dental microwear has been investigated for well over half a century and continues to be refined. It forms over days to weeks. Wide varieties of techniques are currently used for microwear analysis, all of which require attention to detail. Among these techniques, three-dimensional microwear texture analysis has the greatest potential for accurately reconstructing feeding ecology, yet the “recipe” for analyzing microwear data remains a work in progress. Combining mesowear and microwear with one another and other dietary proxies can permit robust inferences about the feeding ecology of extinct species.
Fluorescing Isofunctional Ribonucleosides: Assessing Adenosine Deaminase Activity and Inhibition

The enzymatic conversion of isothiazolo[4,3-d]pyrimidine-based adenosine (tz A) and 2-aminoadenosine (tz 2-AA) analogues to the corresponding isothiazolo[4,3-d]pyrimidine-based inosine (tz I) and guanosine (tz G) derivatives is evaluated and compared to the conversion of native adenosine to inosine. Henri-Michaelis-Menten analyses provides the foundation for a high-throughput screening assay, and the efficacy of the assay is showcased by fluorescence-based analysis of tz A conversion to tz I in the presence of known and newly synthesized inhibitors.
On the transient thermal response of thin vapor chamber heat spreaders: Governing mechanisms and performance relative to metal spreaders

Abstract Vapor chambers can offer a passive heat spreading solution for thermal management in electronics applications ranging from mobile devices to high-power servers. The steady-state operation and performance of vapor chambers has been extensively explored. However, most electronic devices have inherently transient operational modes. For such applications, it is critical to understand the transient thermal response of vapor chamber heat spreaders and to benchmark their transient performance relative to the known behavior of metal heat spreaders. This study uses a low-cost, 3D, transient semi-analytical transport model to explore the transient thermal behavior of thin vapor chambers. We identify the three key mechanisms that govern the transient thermal response: (1) the total thermal capacity of the vapor chamber governs the rate of increase of the volume-averaged mean temperature; (2) the effective in-plane diffusivity governs the time required for the spatial temperature profile to initially develop; and (3) the effective in-plane conductance of the vapor core governs the range of the spatial temperature variation, and by extension, the steady-state performance. An experiment is conducted using a commercial vapor chamber sample to confirm the governing mechanisms revealed by the transport model; the model accurately predicts the experimental measurements. Lastly, the transient performance of a vapor chamber relative to a copper heat spreader of the same external dimensions is explored as a function of the heat spreader thickness and input power. The mechanisms governing the transient behavior of vapor chambers are used to explain the appearance of key performance thresholds beyond which performance is superior to the copper heat spreader. This work provides a foundation for understanding the benefits and limitations of vapor chambers relative to metal heat spreaders in transient operation and may inform the design of vapor chambers for improved transient performance.
Laparoscopic antireflux surgery (LARS) is highly effective in the treatment of select patients with chronic cough.

Abstract Background We present the largest single-center study to date of surgical and quality-of-life outcomes among patients treated with laparoscopic antireflux surgery for reflux-associated chronic cough. Extraesophageal manifestations of chronic gastroesophageal reflux are increasingly recognized, among which chronic cough may substantially compromise patient quality of life. Although the benefits of antireflux surgery are well documented in patients with typical symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease, less is known about the short-term impact of antireflux surgery on associated chronic cough. Methods Review of a prospectively maintained database of patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease was conducted, identifying individuals who underwent laparoscopic antireflux surgery between February 2012 and July 2018. Inclusion criteria consisted of identifying manifestations of chronic cough in patients diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease as assessed by preoperative survey in addition to the physiologic diagnosis of pathologic reflux. Patient quality of life was analyzed up to 3 years postoperatively using 4 validated survey instruments: the Reflux Symptom Index, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease-Health Related Quality of Life, Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Quality of Life, and Swallowing Quality of Life. Results We identified 232 patients (47 men, 185 women) with symptomatic chronic cough among their manifestations of underlying gastroesophageal reflux disease. Mean age, body mass index, and American Society of Anesthesiologists score were 61.7 years, 28.9 kg/m2, and 2, respectively. We observed no 30-day wound-related complications, 17 patients (7.3%) experienced nonwound-related complications, and 2 patients (0.9%) required reoperation. Patients reported significant improvements in chronic cough and other manifestations of gastroesophageal reflux disease during an average of almost 3 years (Reflux Symptom Index –66%, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease-Health Related Quality of Life –85%, Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Quality of Life –75%, and Swallowing Quality of Life +29%). Complete resolution of chronic cough was observed in 77% of respondents at follow-up, and 71% of postlaparoscopic antireflux surgery patients stopped antireflux medications. Symptom control was accompanied with a high rate of postoperative satisfaction among 71% patients at latest follow-up. Conclusion Chronic cough associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease after a thorough, objective medical workup can be expected to have an excellent rate of resolution and quality-of-life outcomes after laparoscopic antireflux surgery. A high-volume practice, objective documentation of gastroesophageal reflux disease, and a multidisciplinary approach are key in achieving optimal outcomes.
Push and Pull Factors in Adopting a Crowdsourced Delivery System

This study explores push and pull factors affecting the adoption of crowdsourced delivery or crowd-shipping systems using a structural equation method. The core data used in this study are obtained from an online survey distributed among 800 individuals in June 2016 in the United States (U.S.) Analyzing the answers of 533 respondents, the direct and indirect effects of the personal attitudes, socio-demographic, and built-environment variables on the likelihood to be a crowd-shipper are looked at. The model suggests that crowd-shipping is more likely for men, full time employed, younger respondents, and for areas of higher population density yet lower density of employment opportunities. Concerning attitudinal motivations, the results suggest that financially motivated users are less likely to become crowd-shipping users, while community orientation and viewing the platform as a platform for helping relationships has only indirect effects on use. This leads to the observation that the early adopters appear...
Slowly progressive fatal PML-IRIS following antiretroviral initiation at CD4+ nadir of 350 cells/mm3 despite CD4+ cell count rise to 900 cells/mm3.

AIDS-related progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML)-immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) is a central nervous system inflammatory syndrome where immune response to John Cunn...
Family Surrogate Decision-making in Chronic Critical Illness: A Qualitative Analysis

Background Caring for an adult with chronic critical illness is a difficult undertaking. Family surrogates are tasked with decision-making on behalf of their loved one, particularly during acute-on-chronic illness episodes. Critical care nurses are well positioned and well qualified to facilitate this process. Objectives To explore family surrogate decision-making for people with chronic critical illness. Methods In this qualitative study, interviews were conducted with family surrogates (n = 7) as part of a larger descriptive, longitudinal study (N = 264). Content analyses were guided by Miles and colleagues' methods of data analysis. Results Family surrogates serving as decision makers for a spouse or another adult loved one were mostly female. Although decision-making was often described as "frustrating," most surrogates reported that they were "comfortable" with this role. Major decision-making themes were "communication as key in decision-making," "impact of past experiences," and "difficulties and coping." Advice from family and friends, health care providers (such as nurses), and faith or spirituality were significant resources for coping with decision-making challenges. Conclusions Results support recent recommendations of the National Academy of Medicine that endorsed shared decision-making. Data also support development of more effective team communication and decision support strategies, particularly addressing consistency and continuity. Critical care nurses can use their expertise to positively influence these outcomes.
Clonal Analysis Reveals a Common Progenitor for Endothelial, Myeloid, and Lymphoid Precursors in Cord Blood.

Several recent studies demonstrate that hematopoietic tissues, including bone marrow (BM), umbilical cord blood (UCB), and peripheral blood (PB) are a source of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), which contribute to newly formed blood vessels during tissue repair in adults. However, it is not clear which cell type in hematopoietic tissues gives rise to EPCs, and therefore might be preferable for vascular regeneration. It has been suggested that EPCs might derive from an adult hemangioblast, the primitive bipotential precursor for hematopoietic and endothelial cells, but to date, this hypothesis has not been proven. To test the possibility that a hemangioblast may exist in UCB, we compared the ability of UCB-derived CD34 + CD133 + and CD34 + CD133 − to form blast colonies using the clonogenic BL-CFC assay, previously described for embryonic hemangioblasts (Perlingeiro et al, 2003). All the blast colonies (BL-CFCs) were present in the CD133 + fraction. Bipotentiality of these BL-CFCs was confirmed by replating in hematopoietic and endothelial conditions. To illuminate the lineage position of the hemangioblast within the hematopoietic system, we added CD38 to the antibody combination and adapted the colony assay to liquid culture in 96-well dishes. Clones derived from single cells deposited by FACS were expanded for a week, and each divided into 4 conditions for T and B lymphoid, myeloid, and endothelial cell growth. Whereas myeloid and lymphoid progeny were evident from the CD133 + CD38 − fraction, these clones were not able to differentiate into endothelial cells. On the other hand, 86% of clones derived from the triple positive (CD34 + CD133 + CD38 + ) population were able to produce all 4 lineages. Endothelial cells were characterized by the expression of VE-cadherin, KDR, vWF (and lack of CD45 and c-fms), and the ability to form vessels in vivo in a matrigel plug transplantation assay. Myeloid differentiation was assayed in methylcellulose media, where several BFU-E, CFU-GM, and CFU-GEMM were enumerated. Lymphoid differentiation was assayed by co-culture on OP9-DL1 and MS-5 stroma, for T and B lymphoid differentiation, respectively. Double positive CD4 + CD8 + T lymphocytes were observed after 40 days in culture. The presence of B lymphocytes was demonstrated by expression of CD19 and IgM. Final maturation was detected by DJH and VDJH recombination. That the adult hemangioblast should be CD38 + is highly unexpected, as it positions the hemangioblast below the LTR-HSC. An alternate explanation would place the CD38 + hemangioblast upstream, with CD38 being switched off in the LTR-HSC, and back on the STR-HSC. We are currently investigating these possibilities.
Highly Efficient Deep Blue Luminescence of 2-Coordinate Coinage Metal Complexes Bearing Bulky NHC Benzimidazolyl Carbene

The structural, photophysical and electrochemical properties of three luminescent 2-coordinate coinage metal (i.e., M = Cu, Ag, Au) complexes bearing a sterically bulky benzimidazolyl carbene, 1,3-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)-1-H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-ylidene (BZI), and carbazolide (Cz) as the anionic ligand were investigated. All the complexes emit in the deep blue region (~430 nm) with relatively narrow spectra (full width at half maximum = 44 nm, 2,300 cm-1) characterized by vibronic fine structure in nonpolar media (methylcyclohexane at room temperature), and with high photoluminescence quantum yields (ΦPL > 80%) and radiative rate constants (k r ~ 7.8 × 105 s-1). The luminescence is solvatochromic, undergoing a red-shift in a polar solvent (CH2Cl2) at room temperature that are accompanied by a decrease in quantum yields (ΦPL < 23%) and radiative rate constants (k r < 4.0 × 104 s-1), whereas the non-radiative rate constants remain nearly constant (k nr ~ 1.0 × 105 s-1). The radiative rate is controlled via thermally assisted delayed fluorescence (TADF) and temperature-dependent luminescence studies of the gold complex (Au BZI) in methylcyclohexane solution reveal an energy difference between the lowest singlet and triplet excited states of 920 cm-1. An organic light-emitting diode (OLED) fabricated using Au BZI as a luminescent dopant has an external quantum efficiency of 12% and narrow, deep-blue emission (CIE = 0.16, 0.06).
Tumorigenesis and Biomaterials

Abstract The possibility that implant materials could cause tumors or promote tumor growth has long been a concern of surgeons and biomaterials researchers, however overall neoplasms associated with therapeutic clinical implants in humans are rare. This chapter describes general concepts in neoplasia, the association of tumors with implants in human and animals, and the pathobiology of tumor formation adjacent to biomaterials, including nanoparticles. Experimental implant-related tumors are induced by a large spectrum of materials and biomaterials, dependent primarily on the physical and not the chemical configuration of the implant. While causality in single cases is difficult to prove, one example of a strong association is the recently recognized breast-implant associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma which arises in the setting of textured implants. As therapies utilizing stem cells are in brisk development and have begun to be investigated in clinical trials, the current understanding of stem cell-related tumorigenesis is also discussed.
Thoracic Vascular Injuries: Techniques

Thoracic great vessel injuries, while rare, are highly lethal. This chapter will discuss the evaluation of patients with these injuries, operative exposure and intraoperative techniques, and complications of these challenging injuries.
Examining the Role of Atomic Scale Heterogeneity on the Thermal Conductivity of Transparent, Thermally Insulating, Mesoporous Silica–Titania Thin Films

This paper examines the effect of compositional heterogeneity on the thermal conductivity of transparent, mesoporous silica–titania composites that contain either 10 or 20 mol % titania. The relati...
Use of Fracking Information Disclosure Policies to Reduce Uncertainty in Risk‐Based Decisions

The hydraulic fracturing (fracking) boom has outpaced both our understanding of its potential impacts on human health and the environment, as well as the legal and regulatory frameworks in place to govern it. We conducted interviews in Pennsylvania with individuals living in communities affected by fracking to examine how residents perceive the laws and regulations that are in place to protect them from its risks. We found that residents felt that they lacked access to sufficiently comprehensive and comprehensible information about the potential risks that fracking poses. We then drew from scholarship on the use of information disclosure as a regulatory tool to discuss the need for increased information transparency in the fracking context, and proposed several policy interventions that could ease the information asymmetry experienced by residents in these communities. 水力压裂（fracking）的激增不仅超出了我们对其对人类健康和环境的潜在影响的理解，还超出了用于治理水力压裂的现有法律和监管框架。我们对受水力压裂影响的宾夕法尼亚社区居民进行访谈，分析居民如何感知用于保护其远离风险的相关现有法律和规制。我们发现，居民认为自己无法充分获取全面的、易理解的水力压裂潜在风险信息。我们随后从关于信息披露作为监管工具的学术文献中提取信息，探讨水力压裂情境下对增强信息透明度的需求，并提出几项用于减少社区居民所经历的信息不对称的政策干预措施。 El auge de la fracturacion hidraulica (fracking) ha superado tanto nuestra comprension de sus posibles impactos en la salud humana y el medio ambiente, como los marcos legales y regulatorios vigentes para gobernarlo. Realizamos entrevistas en Pensilvania con personas que viven en comunidades afectadas por el fracking para examinar como los residentes perciben las leyes y regulaciones vigentes para protegerlos de sus riesgos. Descubrimos que los residentes sentian que no tenian acceso a informacion suficientemente completa y comprensible sobre los riesgos potenciales que plantea el fracking. Luego nos basamos en la investigacion sobre el uso de la divulgacion de informacion como una herramienta reguladora para discutir la necesidad de una mayor transparencia de la informacion en el contexto del fracking, y propusimos varias intervenciones de politica que podrian aliviar la asimetria de informacion que experimentan los residentes en estas comunidades.
Dimensionless parameters for the perforation of ductile plates by armor-piercing rounds

Abstract Two dimensionless parameters are proposed to predict the ballistic performance of aluminum alloy plates against armor-piercing projectiles. These dimensionless parameters allow for the prediction of ballistic-limit velocities without the need for separate empirical constants that are geometry-dependent. Predictions and data from different studies for several aluminum alloys against two APM2 calibers and one BS41 caliber show good agreement using the proposed parameters. We further explore the dimensionless parameters in terms of thicker targets to show that the nonlinearity at higher target thicknesses arise as a natural progression of the proposed parameters. These dimensionless parameters are extended to other similar ballistic experimental data for Ti-6Al-4V and show good predictive capabilities.
Impaired KDM2B-mediated PRC1 recruitment to chromatin causes neural stem cell senescence and ASD/ID-like behavioral deficits

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual disability (ID) are neurodevelopmental diseases associated with various genetic mutations. Recent clinical studies report that chromosomal 12q24.31 microdeletions are associated with human ASD/ID. However, the causality and underlying mechanisms linking 12q24.31 microdeletions to ASD/ID pathogenesis remain undetermined. Here we show Kdm2b, one of the genes located in chromosomal 12q24.31, plays a critical role in maintaining neural stem cells (NSCs) in the developing mouse brain. Loss of the CxxC-ZF domain of KDM2B impairs its function in recruiting Polycomb repressive complex 1 (PRC1) to chromatin, resulting in de-repression of genes involved in cell apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, NSC premature senescence, and leading to the loss of NSC populations in the brain. Importantly, the Kdm2b mutation is sufficient to induce ASD/ID-like social and memory deficits in adult mice. Thus, our study reveals a critical role of an epigenetic factor KDM2B in normal brain development, a causality between the Kdm2b mutation and genesis of ASD/ID-like phenotypes in mice, and potential molecular mechanisms linking the function of KDM2B-PRC1 in transcriptional regulation and NSC senescence to the12q24.31 microdeletion-associated ASD/ID.
Knotless Reconstruction of Chronic Achilles Tendon Ruptures With <3-cm Defects: Technique Tip:

Chronic Achilles tendon ruptures can result in tendon lengthening and significant functional deficits including gait abnormalities and diminished push-off strength. Surgical intervention is typical...
The Epiphytic Diatom Flora of Two Sargassum Species

The epiphytic diatom flora on the brown algae Sargassum natans (L.) J. Meyer and S. fluitans Bprgesen were investigated and compared. A total of 50 taxa representing 21 genera were identified. The most abundant taxa were Amphora exigua Greg., A. coffeiformis (Ag.) Kiitz., Synedra fasciculata (Ag.) Kiitz., Cocconeis pseudodiruptoides Foged, and Navicula ramosissima (Ag.) Cleve. Comparisons of the dominant species and diversity statistics characterizing the two samples indicated the two brown algal species supported nearly identical epiphytic diatom floras.
GIS Software for Measuring Space-Time Accessibility in Transportation Planning and Analysis

Transportation systems exist to improve individual accessibility. However, emerging applications of GIS in transportation (GIS-T) and intelligent transportation system (ITS) focus on throughput (the amount of system flow) rather than accessibility. Throughput is related but not equivalent to accessibility. Sensitive transportation planning requires rigorous, realistic and tractable accessibility measures. This paper reports on the development of GIS software that implement space-time accessibility measures (STAMs). The STAMs reflect the benefits that individuals receive from the transportation system. They are easily interpreted, particularly with respect to changes in accessibility. The STAMs also consider the locations and travel velocities dictated by the transportation system as well as individuals’ daily activity schedules. Tractable computational procedures allow calculation of the STAMs for detailed, urban-scale transportation networks. A prototype ArcInfo^®-linked software system that runs on Windows NT^® or Sun Solaris^® platform implements the STAMs with user-friendly interfaces and project management tools.
Finding Canonical Rewriting Systems Equivalent to a Finite Set of Ground Equations in Polynomial Time

In this paper, it is shown that there is an algorithm which, given any finite set E of ground equations, produces a reduced canonical rewriting system R equivalent to E in polynomial time. This algorithm based on congruence closure performs simplification steps guided by a total simplification ordering on ground terms, and it runs in time O(n3).
Is the Production of Religious Knowledge Efficient? Managing Faith Related Postsecondary Institutions

The focus of this paper is on the efficiency of producing and managing religion based knowledge in postsecondary institutions. Panel data is used to estimate a stochastic cost frontier and associated inefficiencies for a panel of 222 U.S. bible colleges, theological seminaries, and other faith based higher education institutions over the 2005-09 academic years. Results indicate that institutions offering undergraduate only education are on average less inefficient than graduate only or combined undergraduate-graduate education institutions. Government provided student loans and private philanthropy are efficiency improving, while institutional debt acts to increase inefficiency. Time varying inefficiencies show efficiency gains over the last two of the four academic years. However, additional observations will be required to determine whether that is a managerial reaction to the global financial crisis and if it is sustainable in future academic years.
A new benchmark for shape correspondence evaluation

This paper introduces a new benchmark study of evaluating landmark-based shape correspondence used for statistical shape analysis. Different from previous shape-correspondence evaluation methods, the proposed benchmark first generates a large set of synthetic shape instances by randomly sampling a specified ground-truth statistical shape model. We then run the test shape-correspondence algorithms on these synthetic shape instances to construct a new statistical shape model. We finally introduce a new measure to describe the difference between this newly constructed statistical shape model and the ground truth. This new measure is then used to evaluate the performance of the test shape-correspondence algorithm. By introducing the ground-truth statistical shape model, we believe the proposed benchmark allows for a more objective evaluation of the shape correspondence than those that do not specify any ground truth.
Signaling pathway cooperation in TGF-β-induced epithelial–mesenchymal transition

Transdifferentiation of epithelial cells into cells with mesenchymal properties and appearance, that is, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), is essential during development, and occurs in pathological contexts, such as in fibrosis and cancer progression. Although EMT can be induced by many extracellular ligands, TGF-β and TGF-β-related proteins have emerged as major inducers of this transdifferentiation process in development and cancer. Additionally, it is increasingly apparent that signaling pathways cooperate in the execution of EMT. This update summarizes the current knowledge of the coordination of TGF-β-induced Smad and non-Smad signaling pathways in EMT, and the remarkable ability of Smads to cooperate with other transcription-directed signaling pathways in the control of gene reprogramming during EMT.
Sublethal Concentrations of Antibiotics, Effects on Bacteria and the Immune System

Historically most of the work on antimicrobial agents has been done at the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) or at the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). This reflected the effort to eradicate the organisms causing infectious diseases. Although the effects of subminimal inhibitory concentrations (sub-MIC) of antibiotics have been observed since the discovery of penicillins, the significance of their effects on bacteria and their use in therapy was not systematically investigated until the early 1970s. 11. HISTORY As early as 1940‘ Gardner observed unsegmented filaments of Clostridiumperfringens when the organism was grown in the presence of small amounts of penicillin. Gramnegative bacilli also were observed to form irregular forms and Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes in the presence of penicillin at 1 /4 the MIC became large cells with incomplete fission. Tunnicliff (1939); by exposing streptococci to sulfonamides, noted morphological changes as did Tula~ne.~ Morphological changes of Gram-negative bacilli by penicillin were described by Duguid ( 1946),4 Dienes,’ Abraham: Fleming et al.,’ Hughes (1950),’ and Pulvertaft ( 1952).9 Pulvertaft also studied the effects of low concentrations of tetracycline, chloramphenicol, and streptomycin on ficherichia coli and Goss et al. (1964)” studied the effects of nalidixic acid on E. coli. Many others studying the morphological effect of these and other antibiotics at low concentrations also showed that gram-negative bacilli elongate, form filaments, or exhibit bulbous and spindly shaped forms.”-” Lederberg’sI6-’’ work on E. coli showed that penicillin at low concentrations inhibited normal cell wall formation and that lysis or spheroplast formation resulted if the exposure to the drug was done in hypertonic medium. Eagle and Musselman” reported a reduction in the growth of spirochets and cocci after exposure to sub-MICs of penicillin. Ciak and Holm” reported that the initial growth of E. coli was decreased by sub-MICs of penicillin, and this was later confirmed by Garrett and Brown.“ Abraham ( 1946)6 recognized three effects of sub-MIC antibiotic concentrations which could occur for a given antibiotic as one or all of the following: (1) a prolongation of the lag phase; (2) reduction in the rate of logarithmic growth; and/or (3) a decrease in thesize of the population at the stationary phase. Systematic investigations of the 1970s took place in the U.S. - Lorianand Popoola,”
“The Penalties of a Well-Known Name”: Ouida, Celebrity, and a Sensational Friendship

I wonder at Ouida's novels, and I wonder still more at Ouida. [. . .]. What manner of woman can Ouida be? —Max Beerbohm, More 108 When a collection of “biographical sketches” of women writers was p...
Influence of maturation on constrictive response to stimulation of C-fiber afferents in isolated guinea pig airways.

We investigated whether the airway constrictive response to stimulation of bronchopulmonary C-fiber afferents is altered during the maturation process. Isometric tension was measured in airway ring...
Gain Improvement of $\hbox{Er-Ti:LiNbO}_{3}$ Waveguide Amplifier by an $\hbox{As}_{2}\hbox{S}_{3}$ Overlay Waveguide

A new configuration consisting of an arsenic trisulfide (As2S3) channel waveguide on top of an erbium (Er)-doped titanium-diffused x-cut lithium niobate (Er:Ti:LiNbO3) waveguide has been investigated by simultaneous analytical expressions, numerical simulations, and experimentation. Both simulation and experimental results have shown that this structure can enhance the optical gain, as predicted by the analytical expressions. An As2S3 channel waveguide has been fabricated on top of a conventional Er:Ti:LiNbO3 waveguide, where the higher refractive index As2S3 waveguide is used to pull the optical mode toward the substrate surface where the higher Er concentration yields an improved propagation gain. The relationship between the gain and As2S3 layer thickness has been evaluated, and the optimal As2S3 thickness was found by simulation and experimentation. Side integration was applied to reduce the extrapropagation loss caused by the titanium diffusion bump. The propagation gain has been improved from 1.1 to 2 dB/cm.
Physical reasons of currents RMS value increase in power systems with nonsinusoidal voltage

A method of describing the power properties of circuits with nonsinusoidal waveforms of voltage and current is discussed. The method is based on the source current decomposition into orthogonal components dependent on different power phenomena. The active power transmission, current shift, the load conductance variance with frequency, nonlinearity, and time-variance of the load parameters, as well as symmetry of three-phase loads, can be considered as phenomena that contribute to the source current value as separate current components. The author suggests a modification of the decomposition discussed, to a form that may be more appropriate for describing the power flow in circuits with rotating loads. >
Optical properties of sub-wavelength dielectric gratings and their application for surface-enhanced Raman scattering

We fabricated and measured the far-field optical properties of a sub-wavelength Si3N4 (silicon nitride) two dimensional grating. Frequency-dependent transmission measurements from a white-light source revealed that both transverse magnetic (TM) and transverse electric (TE) modes were excited on the grating. We determined the dispersion relations of the modes by tilting the sample with respect to the incoming light beam and measuring the frequency shift of the absorption features. By comparing to a simple model, we determined the effective refractive index for the TM and TE modes and the geometrical constants for the grating. This information enables gratings with desired optical properties to be designed and fabricated. The application of the sub-wavelength grating for surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is demonstrated.
Missed opportunities: learning from the mistakes at Attica

The Attica prison riot was the culmination of years of increasing tension between the urban, racial, and ethnic minorities held at the prison and the rural, white officers, and administrators responsible for incarcerating them. While race was certainly an important factor in the riot, there were also a number of problems at the prison that prompted inmates of all races to unite against the New York State Department of Correctional Services and the state government. Inmates’ frustration increased as they waited for reforms that were promised but never materialized. As inmates’ patience waned, the prison administration made a number of decisions that damaged its ability to maintain peace and respond to problems. A review of the circumstances leading to the riot at the Attica Penitentiary in September 1971 is included as well as an analysis of some more recent riots where similar conditions and warning signs were present.
Long-Range Through-Bond Photoactivated σ Bond Cleavage in Steroids. Intramolecular Sensitized Debromination1

The photolysis of 17α-bromo-3α-(triphenylsilyloxy)-5α-androstane (2; 3αTPSO/17αBr) and 17α-bromo-3α-(triphenylsilyloxy)-5α-androstan-6-one (3; 3αTPSO/6ketone/17αBr) is described. Irradiation of 2 w...
Long-term outcomes of microsurgical reconstruction for large tracheal defects.

BACKGROUND: Reconstruction of large tracheal defects has been largely unsuccessful. The purpose of this study was to review the authors' experience with microsurgical reconstruction of these defects. METHODS: Seven cases of microsurgical tracheal reconstruction were performed between May 2002 and April 2008. All but 1 patient had recurrent thyroid cancer; the other patient had primary adenocystic carcinoma of the trachea. The radial forearm free flap was used for lining in all cases. Rigid support was provided with a variety of prosthetic materials. RESULTS: All defects involved the cervical trachea, with an average length of 5.8 cm ± 1.0 cm (range, 5 cm-7.5 cm). The width of defects ranged from half of the tracheal circumference to the entire circumference. Major complications included air leak in 4 patients, exposure and removal of prosthesis in 2 patients, and cardiopulmonary complications in 2 patients. One patient with postoperative retroperitoneal hematoma, abdominal compartment syndrome, and multiple organ failure died 2 months after surgery. Two patients died of other causes 1 year and 4 years, respectively, after surgery. The other 4 patients were alive and disease free, with follow-up ranging from 1 to 4.5 years. Four patients are asymptomatic, with normal speech and swallowing functions. Two patients remained tracheostomy dependent, but vocal ability was intact. All patients tolerated a regular diet. CONCLUSIONS: Microsurgical reconstruction is a viable option in selected patients with large cervical tracheal defects that are beyond primary repair. Cancer 2011. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Evidence for superconductivity in single crystalline Bi nanowires

Abstract Bi nanowires were electrochemically deposited into porous polycarbonate membranes of thickness 6 μm and nominal pore diameter 80 nm. They have the rhombohedral lattice structure of bulk Bi at ambient pressure. Resistance measurements on single Bi nanowires show evidence for superconductivity below 0.64 K.
Efficient all-solid-state UV lidar sources: from 100s of millijoules to 100s of microjoules

Sandia National Laboratories has developed high-energy all-solid-state UV sources for use in laboratory tests of the feasibility of satellite-based ozone DIAL. These sources generate 320 nm light by sum-frequency mixing the 532 nm second harmonic of an Nd:YAG laser with the 803 nm signal light derived from a self-injection-seeded image-rotating optical parametric oscillator (OPO). The OPO cavity utilizes the RISTRA geometry, denoting rotated-image singly-resonant twisted rectangle. Two configurations were developed, one using extra-cavity sum-frequency mixing, where the sum-frequency-generation (SFG) crystal is outside the OPO cavity, and the other intra-cavity mixing, where the SFG crystal is placed inside the OPO cavity. Our goal was to obtain 200 mJ, 10 ns duration, 320 nm pulses at 10 Hz with near-IR to UV (1064 nm to 320 nm) optical conversion efficiency of 25%. To date we've obtained 190 mJ at 320 nm using extra-cavity SFG with 21% efficiency, and >140 mJ by intra-cavity SFG with efficiency approaching 24%. While these results are encouraging, we've determined our conversion efficiency can be enhanced by replacing self-seeding at the signal wavelength of 803 nm with pulsed idler seeding at 1576 nm. By switching to idler seeding and increasing the OPO cavity dimensions to accommodate flat-top beams with diameters up to 10 mm, we expect to generate UV energies approaching 300 mJ with optical conversion efficiency approaching 25%. While our technology was originally designed to obtain high pulse energies, it can also be used to generate low-energy UV pulses with high efficiency. Numerical simulations using an idler-seeded intra-cavity SFG RISTRA OPO scaled to half its nominal dimensions yielded 560 μJ of 320 nm light from 2 mJ of 532 nm pump using an idler-seed energy of 100 μJ.
Recognizing Intersection Graphs of Linear Uniform Hypergraphs

A hypergraph is linear if any two distinct hyperedges have at most one common vertex. The existence of a polynomial algorithm is shown for deciding whether a graph of minimum degree ? ? 19 is the intersection graph of a linear 3-uniform hypergraph. This result improves a corollary of the finite forbidden subgraph characterization proved for ? ? 69 by Naik et al. in [8]. Essentially the same methods yield a polynomial recognition algorithm for the intersection graph of a linear r-uniform hypergraph, r ? 3, provided the minimum edge-degree of the graphs is at least 2r 2 ? 3r + 1. This improves on the cubic bound that follows from the corresponding finite characterization result in [8].
The effects of prolonged physiologic estradiol therapy on the maturation of hypogonadal teen-agers

The response to physiologic estradiol (E2) therapy for 1 to 2 years was evaluated in nine hypogonadal teenagers, 12.9 years of age and over. Doses of 1.5-2 mg depot E2 monthly uniformly induced both breast development and menarche. Sexual hair progressed in all patients independently of adrenarch. Linear growth and bone maturation rates were approximately doubled during thefirst year of E2 therapy. The eventual height of the patients treated for 1.5 or more years closely approached predicted height. Before therapy the height of the gonadotropin level was independent of age. FSH suppressibility of E2, however, was age dependent and LH suppressibility was dependent upon previous E2 treatment.
Outcomes for children with acute myocarditis.

The optimum treatment for myocarditis in children is unknown. We present outcomes for this disease as seen in a large series of children. Thus, we identified all children seen with myocarditis at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh since 1985, including only those with biopsy-proven myocarditis, or cardiac dysfunction and proof of concomitant cardiotropic viral infection. Outcomes were defined as complete recovery, incomplete recovery, and death or transplantation.We identified 41 patients, 37 proven by histology, and 4 patients who were too unstable for biopsy but had proof of viral infection. Of the group, 27 (66%) made a complete recovery, 4 (10%) had incomplete recovery, and 10 (24%) either died (5) or underwent transplantation (5). The median time to death or transplantation was 8.4 months, with a range from 1 day to 49 months. Steroids had been administered to 16 patients, of whom 10 made a complete recovery, 2 an incomplete recovery, 2 died, and 2 were transplanted. Intravenous immune globulin was given in isolation to one patient, who made a complete recovery, and to 18 in combination with steroids, of whom 12 made a complete recovery, 2 an incomplete recovery, 2 died, and 2 were transplanted. The remaining 6 patients received neither steroids nor intravenous immune globulin, and of these, 4 made a complete recovery, 1 was transplanted, and 1 died. Freedom from death or transplantation was 81% at 1 year, and 74% at 5 years, with no difference between the modes of treatments. The median time to recovery of function was also comparable between the groups. Thus, in our patients, treatment with intravenous immune globulin appeared to confer no advantage to steroid therapy alone. These data emphasise the need for randomised trials to assess the efficacy of current treatments, as well as that of new therapies.
Enhanced available methionine concentration associated with higher phaseolin levels in common bean seeds.

The relationship between available methionine concentration and the levels of phaseolin — the major seed storage proteins of the common bean — was studied using three groups of genetic materials: First, the F2 progenies of interspecific crosses between P. vulgaris cultivars and aP. coccineus subsp. coccineus line (cv. ‘Mexican Red Runner’) having no detectable phaseolin; second, the F2 progenies and segregating F3 families of crosses between cultivated P. vulgaris lines and a Mexican wild bean accession (PI 325690-3) carrying a gene producing a reduction in phaseolin content; third, two inbred backcross populations: ‘Sanilac’x‘Bush Blue Lake 240’ (population 2) and ‘Sanilac’x‘15R 148’ (population 6). Total seed N levels were determined by micro-Kjeldahl, phaseolin levels by rocket immunoelectrophoresis and available methionine levels by the Streptococcus zymogenes bioassay. Our results indicate that in all the genetic materials studied, with the exception of population 6, higher phaseolin levels lead to increased available methionine concentration. Although phaseolin has a low methionine concentration, it is actually a major source of available methionine in common bean seeds, because it represents a large part of total seed nitrogen and because limited differences exist between the methionine concentrations of the different protein fractions. This contrasts with the situation in cereals such as maize, barley and sorghum, where increased levels of the major limiting amino acid (lysine) can be achieved through a decrease in the amounts of the main seed storage protein fraction (prolamines). In population 6, no relationship was observed between available methionine and phaseolin content. Other factors, such as additional methionine-rich polypeptides or the presence of tannins, might obscure the positive relationship between phaseolin and available methionine content in population 6.
Cold Stress in the Work Environment

Cold stress in the workplace can result in occupational illness and injury as well as lowered productivity.
Long-distance dispersal to the mining frontier in late 19th century Colorado

Summary Leading edges of population expansion provide unique opportunities for individuals to elevate their social and economic status. However, dispersal into unknown areas may have high costs such as violence associated with conflicts over resources, unfamiliar and harsh ecological conditions, and a loss of social networks. We investigate the background of men who dispersed to Gothic, Colorado during the late 19th century to prospect for silver ore. We find support for the hypothesis that men who chose to disperse to the frontier and endure such costs were on average those who lacked access to critical resources in their childhood homes. Yet contrary to this hypothesis and previous dispersal research, some migrants came from very wealthy and high status families. The incentives of long-distance dispersal to ephemeral mining towns with potentially high payoffs are different from the incentives of dispersal sites examined in previous literature. This project draws attention to the need to study heterogeneous incentive structures for dispersal and is also a small piece of understanding the larger puzzle of the colonization of frontiers and population expansion.
Effect of gastric bypass surgery on vitamin D nutritional status

Abstract Background We previously reported a 60% prevalence of vitamin D (VitD) depletion, defined as a 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) level of ≤20 ng/mL, in morbidly obese patients preoperatively. We now report the effect of gastric bypass (GB) on the VitD nutritional status in these patients. Methods We prospectively studied 108 morbidly obese patients who had undergone GB. Routine postoperative supplementation consisted of 800 IU VitD and 1500 mg calcium daily. Serum calcium, parathyroid hormone, and 25-OHD were measured before and 1 year after GB. Results The mean patient age was 46 ± 9 years, 93% were women, and 72% were white. Preoperatively and at 1 year postoperatively, the prevalence of VitD depletion and hyperparathyroidism (HPT) and the mean 25-OHD level was 53% and 44%, 47% and 39%, and 20 and 24 ng/mL, respectively. One year after GB, the percentage of excess weight loss was 67% and demonstrated significant correlations both positively with 25-OHD and inversely with parathyroid hormone. At both intervals, blacks had a greater incidence of VitD depletion than did whites, and, at 1 year after GB, HPT was more common in patients with VitD depletion (55% versus 26%, P = .002). Conclusion With customary supplementation, VitD nutrition is improved after GB, but VitD depletion persists in almost one half of patients, and blacks are at a significantly greater risk than whites. HPT did not improve, and those with VitD depletion had a significantly greater rate of HPT. Additional prospective studies are needed to determine how to optimize VitD nutrition and avoid potential long-term skeletal complications after GB.
Time ratio control with combined SCR and SR commutation

CONTROL of d-c power is used in most industry and defense systems. A new technique for controlling d-c power is called TRC (time-ratio control). 1–7 The TRC operates by rapidly turning on and off current from a d-c source of power. After filtering the resulting pulses of current, a d-c voltage is provided that is less than the source voltage. 4–7 In some applications, 1 voltage is stepped up above the source voltage.