cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Gain degradation and enhanced low-dose-rate sensitivity in bipolar junction transistors

The current gain of irradiated bipolar junction transistors decreases due to increased recombination current in the emitter-base depletion region and the neutral base. This recombination current depends on the interaction of two factors: (1) decreased minority-carrier lifetime at the Si/SiO2 interface or in the bulk Si and (2) changes in surface potential caused by charge in the oxide. In npn transistors, these two factors both result in increased base current, while in pnp devices, positive charge in the oxide moderates the increase in base current due to surface recombination. In some technologies, the amount of degradation that occurs at a given total dose increases as the dose rate decreases. This enhanced low-dose-rate sensitivity results from space-charge effects produced by slowly transporting holes and protons in the oxide that covers the emitterbase junction.
Pair production in superstrong magnetic fields

The production of electron-positron pairs by single photons in magnetic fields 10 to the twelth power G was investigated in detail for photon energies near threshold as well as for the asymptotic limit of high photon energy. The exact attenuation coefficient, which is derived and then evaluated numerically, is strongly influenced by the discrete energy states of the electron and positron. Near threshold, it exhibits a sawtooth pattern as a function of photon energy, and its value is significantly below that predicted by the asymptotic expression for the attenuation coefficient. The energy distributions of the created pair are computed numerically near threshold and analytic expressions are derived in the asymptotic limit. These results indicate that as field strength and photon energy increase, it becomes increasingly probable for the pair to divide the photon energy unequally. This effect, as well as the threshold behavior of the attenuation coefficient, could have important consequences for pulsar models.
Acetylcholine and potassium-42 movements in right atrial muscle of the guinea pig

Abstract The effect of acetylcholine (ACh) on potassium (K-42) movements has been studied in right atrial tissue of the guinea pig. When quiescent fibers were stimulated at 108 beats/min, potassium uptake was increased to a small but significant extent. Administration of acetylcholine (2.7 × 10 −6 M) induced an increase in potassium uptake that was greater in fibers that were quiescent than in the same fibers when stimulated. The ACh induced increase in potassium uptake was abolished by atropine (5.2 × 10 −7 M) and enhanced in the presence of nicotine (10 −5 M). In addition, ACh induced an increase in potassium efflux that was greater in fibers that were quiescent than in the same fibers when stimulated. Atropine blocked the effect of ACh on potassium efflux. It is concluded that activity of atrial tissue increases potassium uptake and modifies the action of ACh on potassium uptake and efflux. Muscarinic receptors mediate the ACh induced increase in potassium movements. Nicotinic receptors may mediate an ACh induced decrease in potassium uptake in atrial muscle.
Two new Australian Teuchophorus Loew (Diptera: Dolichopodidae)

Teuchophorus queenslandicus and T. longifrons spp. n. are described from northern Queensland and northern New South Wales, respectively. The genus is defined and the courtship behaviour of T. longifrons described.
Overcoming Selectivity and Sensitivity Issues of Direct Inject Electrospray Mass Spectrometry via DAPNe-NSI-MS

Direct inject electrospray mass spectrometry offers minimal sample preparation and a “shotgun” approach to analyzing samples. However, complex matrix effects often make direct inject an undesirable sample introduction technique, particularly for trace level analytes. Highlighted here is our solution to the pitfalls of direct inject mass spectrometry and other ambient ionization methods with a focus on trace explosives. Direct analyte-probed nanoextraction coupled to nanospray ionization mass spectrometry solves selectivity issues and reduces matrix effects while maintaining minimal sample preparation requirements. With appropriate solvent conditions, most explosive residues can be analyzed with this technique regardless of the nature of the substance (i.e., nitroaromatic, oxidizing salt, or peroxide).
Management of retinoblastoma

(1993). Management of Retinoblastoma. Seminars in Ophthalmology: Vol. 8, No. 4, pp. 281-291.
Dynamic light absorption of biomass-burning organic carbon photochemically aged under natural sunlight

Abstract. Wood-burning aerosol produced under smoldering conditions was photochemically aged with different relative humidity (RH) and NOx conditions using a 104 m3 dual outdoor chamber under natural sunlight. Light absorption of organic carbon (OC) was measured over the course of photooxidation using a UV–visible spectrometer connected to an integrating sphere. At high RH, the color decayed rapidly. NOx slightly prolonged the color of wood smoke, suggesting that NOx promotes the formation of chromophores via secondary processes. Overall, the mass absorption cross section (integrated between 280 and 600 nm) of OC increased by 11–54% (except high RH) in the morning and then gradually decreased by 19–68% in the afternoon. This dynamic change in light absorption of wood-burning OC can be explained by two mechanisms: chromophore formation and sunlight bleaching. To investigate the effect of chemical transformation on light absorption, wood smoke particles were characterized using various spectrometers. The intensity of fluorescence, which is mainly related to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), rapidly decreased with time, indicating the potential bleaching of PAHs. A decline of levoglucosan concentrations evinced the change of primary organic aerosol with time. The aerosol water content measured by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed that wood-burning aerosol became less hygroscopic as photooxidation proceeded. A similar trend in light absorption changes has been observed in ambient smoke aerosol originating from the 2012 County Line wildfire in Florida. We conclude that the biomass-burning OC becomes less light absorbing after 8–9 h sunlight exposure compared to fresh wood-burning OC.
The Influence of the Dipolar Field Effect on the Photochemical Reactivity of Sr 2 Nb 2 O 7 and BaTiO 3 Microcrystals

It has previously been shown that the dipolar field effect spatially localizes photochemical reaction products on the surfaces of macroscopic ferroelectric crystals. In this work, photochemical reactions that deposit insoluble products on the surface have been used to study the dipolar field effect in microcrystals of BaTiO3 and Sr2Nb2O7. In both cases, the patterns of reduced silver on the surface were consistent with the orientations of the ferroelectric domains within the samples. The results show that dipolar fields associated with the ferroelectric domains in small particles can separate photogenerated charge carriers and spatially localize reaction products.
Seismic design spectra and mapping procedures using hazard analysis based directly on oscillator response

The calculation of design spectra for building sites threatened by seismic ground motion is approached by considering the maximum responses of linearly elastic oscillators as indicators of ground motion intensity. Attenuation functions describing the distribution of response as a function of earthquake magnitude and distance are derived using 68 components of recorded ground motion as data. With a seismic hazard analysis for several hypothetical building sites, the distributions of maximum oscillator responses to earthquakes of random magnitude and location are calculated, and spectra are drawn to indicate the maximum responses associated with specified probability levels. These spectra are compared to design spectra calculated from published methods of amplifying peak ground motion parameters. The latter spectra are found to be inconsistent in terms of risk for building sites very close and very far from faults. A ground motion parameter defined to be proportional to the maximum response of a 1 Hz, 2 per cent damped linearly elastic oscillator is investigated; this parameter, in conjunction with peak ground acceleration, is found to lead to risk-consistent design spectra. Through these two parameters, a design earthquake magnitude and design hypocentral distance are defined, for a specified building site and risk level. The use of these parameters in the seismic hazard mapping of a region is illustrated.
The effect of floor density on growth performance and carcass characteristics of French guinea broilers

ABSTRACT The floor density required for optimal growth performance of different avian species and varieties is highly variable. Little is known of the required floor density for optimum performance of the French guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) broiler. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of varying floor densities on growth performance and carcass characteristics of the French guinea broiler. In 3 replicates, 687 one-day-old French guinea keets were weighed individually and randomly assigned to floor pens covered with pine wood shavings at 69, 60, 53, and 47 birds/pen, equivalent to densities of 15.6, 13.6, 12, and 10.7 birds/m2, respectively. Birds in these floor densities were allowed feeder space of 2.7, 3.1, 3.5, and 4 cm/bird, respectively, and water space of 1.4, 1.6, 1.8, and 2.0 cm/bird, respectively. All birds received a 23-h lighting regimen and were fed the same diet comprising 3,100 kcal of ME/kg of diet and 23% CP from 1 d old to 4 wk of age (WOA) and 3,150 kcal of ME/kg of diet and 21% CP at 5 to 8 WOA. Feed and water were provided for ad libitum consumption. Body weight and feed consumption were measured weekly, whereas carcass characteristics were evaluated at 8 WOA. Overall, feed consumption was significantly higher (P
A Research Note on the Committee Reassignments of Southern Democratic Congressmen

ONE OF THE REVEALING processes associated with the committee system in the House and Senate is that of committee reassignment, i. e. of giving up one committee assignment to take up another. The committee transfer process furnishes one important form of evidence for the differential prestige of committees.' This evidence does not stand alone. The formal rules of the House recognize at least ordered classes of committee importance,2 and restrictions on multiple committee memberships emphasize the relative importance of different classes of committees.3 A third form of evidence of committee stratification is the distribution of initial assignments of new legislators across committees.4 Finally, Congressmen occasionally have articulated a recognition of the differences in desirability of committee assignments.5 It appears well established that the com-
Analyzing the effects of group members' characteristics: A guide to the group actor-partner interdependence model

Members enter groups with different characteristics, for example, gender and ethnicity, and the Group Actor–Partner Interdependence Model (GAPIM) systematically tests several different effects of group composition for a given characteristic. By finding submodels of these effects, the GAPIM allows for empirically testing many theoretically meaningful models of differences within groups. Among the models that can be tested are models of diversity, relational demography, group norms, and contrast. This paper describes the four different steps of a GAPIM analysis and illustrates its application with two datasets. The first is an experimental dataset where gender composition is manipulated by presenting individuals with pictures of group members with whom they presumably would interact. The second dataset is a national sample of churchgoers who are members of different congregations, in which the effects of both a categorical and a continuous composition variable on a member-level outcome are assessed. SPSS and R syntax used for running the GAPIM is provided for each of these examples.
The Shiga hero

Shiga Naoya (1883-1971), one of Japan's foremost modern writers, is known primarily for his spare, intense short stories. Highly subjective, Shiga's work belongs to the genre of "personal" or "psychological" fiction; much of his raw material is rooted in his own inner experience. His incisive style and disregard of the formal aspects of fiction present a vision of the world that is at times "primitive" and archetypal. Shiga relentlessly explores the vision through the viewpoint of a single central character who appears in almost all his works. Sibley unifies Shiga's sparse, fragmented narratives by reconstructing the cyclical biography of this imaginary hero. Through an analysis of Shiga's psychoanalytic and mythopoetic approach to fiction, Sibley develops a useful model for the study of personal writers. In recreating the life of Shiga's hero, Sibley uncovers a close link between the fictional hero and Shiga himself. Sibley finds an important part of Shiga's purpose as a writer was to "psychoanalyze" himself by projecting various personal problems onto this fictional alter ego. Ten newly translated stories complement Sibley's analysis of Shiga's work. In this second part of the book, one encounters Shiga's hero at various stages of development: as a child facing the early loss of his mother and an uneasy relationship with his cold, distant father; as an adolescent encountering death and punishment; and as an adult searching for solace in solitary contemplation of life. Shiga renders these experiences through a highly textured prose and symbolic vocabulary. Sibley's integral text makes this major Japanese writer accessible to readers of English for the first time in a fascinating and original way.
Wireless physiological sensor system for ambulatory use

A wearable physiological sensor system (PSS) has been built that can be used with a wireless control unit to monitor the physiological status of a mobile user. Two physiological variables, heart rate and respiratory rate, were selected for initial study. The PSS was required to be noninvasive, lightweight, and low-power. Initial studies indicated that heart rate could be effectively measured using infrared light technology and so this was implemented in a wrist strap. Respiratory rate was recorded using a novel implementation of conducting polymer strain gauges. For this purpose, polypyrrole-coated Lycra was fabricated and a chest strap was made that incorporated this sensor. Both sensors were connected to the PSS unit that was designed to provide the necessary signal processing; the output signals were then analyzed by the microcontroller in the control unit that is used to activate a wearable tactile display.
Expansions of CAG Repeat Tracts are Frequent in a Yeast Mutant Defective in Okazaki Fragment Maturation

To understand the causes of CAG repeat tract changes that occur in the passage of human disease alleles, we are studying the effect of replication and repair mutations on CAG repeat tracts embedded in a yeast chromosome. In this report, we examine the effect of a mutation in the RTH1/RAD27 gene encoding a deoxyribonuclease needed for removal of excess nucleotides at the 5'-end of Okazaki fragments. Deletion of the RTH1/RAD27 gene has two effects on CAG tracts. First, the rth1/rad27 mutation destabilizes CAG tracts. Second, although most tract length changes in wild-type yeast cells are tract contractions, approximately half of the changes that occur as a result of the rth1/rad27 mutation are expansions of one or more repeat units. These results support the hypothesis that tract expansions that occur during passage of human disease alleles bearing expanded CAG tracts result from excess DNA synthesis on the lagging strand of replication.
Preferences for Dispute Resolution Procedures as a Function of Intentionality, Consequences, Expected Future Interaction, and Power1

Two studies investigated preferences for dispute resolution procedures as a function of several situational factors. Study 1 varied intentionality of the conflict, consequences, and expected future interaction between the disputants. The data indicated that 3rd-party procedures were most preferred when the wrongdoing was intentional and when there were high consequences. Study 2 varied intentionality, consequences and the power relationship between the 2 disputants. The relevant effects of Study 1 were replicated, and it was found that arbitration and advisory arbitration were most preferred when the conflict involved parties of equal power. The study supports the general view that research in several domains can be integrated into a coherent pattern of effects relevant for dispute resolution.
Altered expression of a novel adaptin leads to defective pigment granule biogenesis in the Drosophila eye color mutant garnet

Drosophila eye pigmentation defects have thus far been attributed to mutations in genes encoding enzymes required for biosynthesis of pigments and to ABC-type membrane transporters for pigments or their precursors. We report here that a defect in a gene encoding a putative coat adaptor protein leads to the eye color defect of garnet mutants. We first identified a human cDNA encoding delta-adaptin, a structural homolog of the alpha- and gamma-adaptin subunits of the clathrin coat adaptors AP-1 and AP-2, respectively. Biochemical analyses demonstrated that delta-adaptin is a component of the adaptor-like complex AP-3 in human cells. We then isolated a full-length cDNA encoding the Drosophila ortholog of delta-adaptin and found that transcripts specified by this cDNA are altered in garnet mutant flies. Examination by light and electron microscopy indicated that these mutant flies have reduced numbers of eye pigment granules, which correlates with decreased levels of both pteridine (red) and ommachrome (brown) pigments. Thus, the eye pigmentation defect in the Drosophila garnet mutant may be attributed to compromised function of a coat protein involved in intracellular transport processes required for biogenesis or function of pigment granules.
Evolutionary changes in color patches of blackbirds are associated with marsh nesting

Fully unraveling the mechanisms of sexual selection requires an understanding of the variation in secondary sexual traits across species in a monophyletic assemblage and an understanding of the evolutionary relationships between those species. The role of red and yellow male plumage coloration in territory defense and sexual selection has been well studied in the red-winged blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus), and males of many other close relatives of this species also have what appear to be carotenoidpigmented patches in their plumage. We explored variation in male plumage coloration across species of New World blackbirds (family Icteridae): traits known to be involved in sexual selection in this group. We document that blackbird lineages in which extant species breed in marshes tend to have evolved from an all-black ancestral plumage to one exhibiting carotenoid plumage patches. The two most likely hypotheses to explain this pattern are (1) increased sexual selection intensity in marshes because of increased variance in territory quality and (2) increased frequency of male–male territorial interactions because of an increased density of territories in marshes, but other hypotheses cannot be ruled out. This pattern is consistent with either intersexual or intrasexual selection and warrants further investigation.
Parametric gain of the generation and the amplification of ultrashort optical pulses

A theoretical model for calculating the effective gain of parametric generation and amplification of ultrashort optical pulses is presented. This model takes into account both spatial and temporal effects, including spatial beam broadening, temporal pulse broadening, spatial walk-off of the pulse beams, and temporal walk-off of the parametrically interacting pulses. An analytical formulation for the parametric efficiency coefficient and the effective gain in terms of six spatial and temporal characteristic lengths is obtained. This formulation allows for an easy evaluation of the threshold and the efficiency of a synchronously pumped optical parametric oscillator generating ultrashort pulses without requiring the solution of a differential equation. It can also be used to calculate the amplification factor and the output pulse energy in parametric amplification and difference-frequency generation of ultrashort pulses. Numerical results for picosecond and femtosecond optical parametric generation and amplification in the KTP crystal are presented for many different experimental conditions.
Bridging the Gap: Maintaining Information Exchange on Ageing

. As pointed out in Article 106 of The Vienna International Plan of Action on Aging, the exchange of information and experience at the international level is an effective means of stimulating progress and encouraging the adoption of measures to respond to the economic and social implications of population ageing. Research, which will inform policy and planning for an ageing population, is becoming more and more a priority if we do not want events to overcome history. This is the more so in developing countries where the majority of the world's elderly live. Moreover, there is a growing awareness in favour of cross-national research. The very motto of the 1997 IAG World Congress of Gerontology, namely: Ageing Beyond 2000: One World One Future, clearly stresses the growing need of overcoming cultural, economic, social and political boundaries in all matters concerning ageing. In this context, research, and particularly the widest dissemination of research, is of paramount importance. Consequently, it needs to be better co-ordinated and more focused. More attention needs to be given to the design of programs and their evaluation against specific and objective criteria and within the framework of relevant internationally agreed instruments. In spite of this, however, researchers are becoming more and more aware of the existence of a number of conceptual and practical barriers in the gathering, analysis and dissemination of research results both at the national and international levels. There exists a lack of standardised definitions, terminologies and research methodologies. This gap needs to be bridged.
Moving beyond the "1 size fits all" paradigm.

H istorically, treatment for localized prostate cancer followed an assembly line algorithm in which, once diagnosed with cancer, the patient is either scheduled for surgery or radiotherapy. This has been characterized as the ‘‘1 size fits all’’ paradigm. Over the past 10 years, validated measures for the assessment of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) have been promulgated as relevant and critical endpoints for prostate cancer care. As we have learned more regarding complications, particularly those involving HRQOL, refinements in techniques have been made and new therapies have been developed. An important goal of measuring pretreatment HRQOL is to aid decision-making before therapy because pretreatment HRQOL status is reported to be an important predictor of post-therapy HRQOL. In theory, men with better function before therapy should be given the opportunity to undergo specific techniques that are known to be associated with better functional outcomes, albeit with somewhat greater risks. For example, the use of nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy (NSRP), which carries a risk for more positive surgical margins, has been shown to result in better sexual function after surgery. Although it may be intuitive to some that pretreatment HRQOL is linked to post-therapy HRQOL based on physiologic principles, is this the only pathway? As suggested by Chen et al., another mechanism by which recovery may be correlated is how therapies are aligned or misaligned with an individual’s pretreatment HRQOL. In the study by Chen et al., the possibility of mismatch as a mechanism for worse outcomes was examined in a group of 438 men. Among men with a mismatch, which is defined as an instance in which the patient receives a primary therapy that would likely worsen the patient’s baseline function or be unlikely to result in the intended functional benefit, HRQOL, particularly sexual functioning, was found to be worse compared with men who were better matched. What was also remarkable among the authors’ observations was the high frequency of mismatch using an admittedly liberal definition. Take for example the finding that 40% of men with poor baseline sexual function underwent NSRP. Although at face value this appears trivial, the fact remains that there is a finite increased risk for positive surgical margins with NSRP. Other equally compelling examples of mismatch with high frequencies are highlighted in the article by Chen et al. The reasons behind such egregious mismatches defy obvious explanation but several possibilities exist. See referenced original article in Cancer. 2008; 112:61–68.
In vivo selection of spectinomycin‐binding RNAs

The folding of even short RNA molecules in a random library can produce a huge number of possible macromolecular structures. Using this principle, we have designed selections to seek non-coding RNA transcripts capable of interfering with specific macromolecules such as transcription factors in living bacterial cells. Here we show that such selections can uncover an unexpected class of RNAs. In the present case, we report short RNA transcripts whose expression confers bacterial resistance to the antibiotic spectinomycin. We provide evidence that such RNAs cause drug resistance by direct antibiotic binding, demonstrating a class of spectinomycin-specific functional molecular decoys built from RNA.
Treatment-seeking delays in heart failure patients

Abstract Background Patients having cardiac symptoms often delay for hours before seeking treatment. Delay time is usually defined as the amount of time between the patient’s first awareness of symptoms and arrival at the hospital. Excessive delays in seeking medical care for heart failure (HF) symptoms may influence patient outcomes. However, the treatment-seeking patterns of HF patients are not well understood. Methods We obtained data through a retrospective chart audit to describe the treatment-seeking behaviors of 753 HF patients, at a Veterans Administration facility, and to identify predictors of delay in seeking medical care for HF symptoms. Using univariate and multivariate analyses, we assessed relationships among delay time, presenting symptoms, and patient characteristics. Results The mean delay time was 2.93 ± 0.68 days. The most common symptoms on admission were dyspnea (76%), edema (66%), fatigue (37%), and angina (25%). Variables negatively affecting delay time included presence of dyspnea and edema (odds ratio [OR], 2.10 and 1.82; confidence interval [CI], 1.38 to 3.19 and 1.17 to 2.82, respectively), care by a primary care physician (OR, 2.04; CI, 1.45 to 2.88), and higher New York Heart Association (NYHA) Class (OR, 1.96; CI, 1.47 to 2.61). Variables positively affecting delay time were the presence of chest pain (OR, 0.42; CI, 0.29 to 0.62) and a history of previous admission for HF (OR, 0.42; CI, 0.28 to 0.62). Conclusions Delays in seeking treatment for HF symptoms are significantly high. This study supports the need for interventions that will increase early symptom recognition and management on the part of patients and their families.
Mapping the Plasmon Resonances of Metallic Nanoantennas

We study the light scattering and surface plasmon resonances of Au nanorods that are commonly used as optical nanoantennas in analogy to dipole radio antennas for chemical and biodetection field-enhanced spectroscopies and scanned-probe microscopies. With the use of the boundary element method, we calculate the nanorod near-field and far-field response to show how the nanorod shape and dimensions determine its optical response. A full mapping of the size (length and radius) dependence for Au nanorods is obtained. The dipolar plasmon resonance wavelength I shows a nearly linear dependence on total rod length L out to the largest lengths that we study. However, L is always substantially less than I/2, indicating the difference between optical nanoantennas and long-wavelength traditional I/2 antennas. Although it is often assumed that the plasmon wavelength scales with the nanorod aspect ratio, we find that this scaling does not apply except in the extreme limit of very small, spherical nanoparticles. The plasmon response depends critically on both the rod length and radius. Large (500 nm) differences in resonance wavelength are found for structures with different sizes but with the same aspect ratio. In addition, the plasmon resonance deduced from the near-field enhancement can be significantly red-shifted due to retardation from the resonance in far-field scattering. Large differences in near-field and far-field response, together with the breakdown of the simple scaling law must be accounted for in the choice and design of metallic I/2 nanoantennas. We provide a general, practical map of the resonances for use in locating the desired response for gold nanoantennas.
Developmental acceleration of bradykinin-dependent relaxation by prenatal chronic hypoxia impedes normal development after birth.

Bradykinin-induced activation of the pulmonary endothelium triggers nitric oxide production and other signals that cause vasorelaxation, including stimulation of large-conductance Ca2+-activated K+...
A Tool for Automatically Suggesting Source-Code Optimizations for Complex GPU Kernels

Future computing systems, from handhelds to supercomputers, will undoubtedly be more parallel and heterogeneous than todays systems to provide more performance and energy efficiency. Thus, GPUs are increasingly being used to accelerate general purpose applications, including applications with data dependent, irregular control flow and memory access patterns. However, the growing complexity, exposed memory hierarchy, incoherence, heterogeneity, and parallelism will make accelerator based systems progressively more difficult to program. In the foreseeable future, the vast majority of programmers will no longer be able to extract additional performance or energy savings from next generation systems be-cause the programming will be too difficult. Automatic performance analysis and optimization recommendation tools have the potential to avert this situation. They embody expert knowledge and make it available to software developers when needed. In this paper, we describe and evaluate such a tool.
Lactogenesis in the rat. Changes in metabolic parameters at parturition

1. Tissue concentrations of nucleic acids, protein, fat, water, metabolites and lactose, and the activities of seven enzymes concerned in milk biosynthesis, were measured in the rat mammary gland at closely spaced times before, at and after parturition. 2. Changes are seen in the tissue concentrations of most substances, and several changes are initiated at least during the day preceding parturition. 3. Lactose, which is absent 1 day before parturition, is found in amounts of 12μmoles/g. fresh wt. of tissue at parturition. 4. From the tissue activities before parturition of three enzymes on the biosynthetic pathway of lactose, and, from the small changes observed in their activities at parturition itself, it is concluded that the factors responsible for the appearance of lactose at parturition remain to be demonstrated.
A Host-Produced Autoinducer-2 Mimic Activates Bacterial Quorum Sensing

Host-microbial symbioses are vital to health; nonetheless, little is known about the role crosskingdom signaling plays in these relationships. In a process called quorum sensing, bacteria communicate with one another using extracellular signal molecules called autoinducers. One autoinducer, AI-2, is proposed to promote interspecies bacterial communication, including in the mammalian gut. We show that mammalian epithelia produce an AI-2 mimic activity in response to bacteria or tight-junction disruption. This AI-2 mimic is detected by the bacterial AI-2 receptor, LuxP/LsrB, and can activate quorum-sensing-controlled gene expression, including in the enteric pathogen Salmonella typhimurium. AI-2 mimic activity is induced when epithelia are directly or indirectly exposed to bacteria, suggesting that a secreted bacterial component(s) stimulates its production. Mutagenesis revealed genes required for bacteria to both detect and stimulate production of the AI-2 mimic. These findings uncover a potential role for the mammalian AI-2 mimic in fostering crosskingdom signaling and host-bacterial symbioses.
Successful application of geophysics at the aganoa archaeological site, Island of Tutuila, American Samoa

GPR and magnetometry were used at a site on the SE shore of Tutuila in search of the deepest, relatively undisturbed occupation level. The general purpose of the archaeological research was to further elaborate the nature of Ancestral Polynesian Culture and to obtain datable materials representative of the oldest habitation of this island. This was also to serve as another data point toward determining the nature of Polynesian origins; whether it was an in situ cultural evolution from the earliest colonists, or possibly due to outside cultural influences much later, as some would now suggest. The several-hectare site occupies a re-entrant into the otherwise steep shoreline of the island. Magnetometry was used to attempt to locate buried basalt blocks (walls or tools) encased in nonmagnetic coral sands. GPR in the form of long, shore-perpendicular transects was able to show the accretionary history of this beach and ridge area. Surprisingly, it revealed that the earlier ridges were directly below the modern ridge, ie, progradation of this geomorphic feature had not occurred. Hence, exploration was re-directed to the modern topographic high (between modern houses of the village), and resulted in the GPR discovery of a 5m x 5m compacted floor at 1.5m depth, containing numerous and datable artifacts.
Shoreline Extraction from 2-D and 3-D LiDAR Images

In this paper, we introduce a novel approach for extraction of shoreline in 2-D intensity and 3-D LiDAR images obtained during the same or different time periods. The method involves computing coarse registration of the images , and subsequent refinement of extracted shoreline using homography information. The proposed approach utperforms the limitations of current shoreline extraction algorithms in literature
Staphylococcal Purpura Fulminans: A Toxin-Mediated Disease?

These cases occurred within a 4-year period in the Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota, metropolitan area. The clinical isolates produced 1 of 3 staphylococcal superantigen toxins: staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB; 1 strain), staphylococcal enterotoxin C (SEC; 3 strains), and toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 (TSST-1; 1 strain). The 1 methicillin-resistant strain, in addition to producing SEC, also had the genes for Panton-Valentine leukocidin, a hallmark of community strains of methicillin-resistant S. aureus [4, 5]. The rarity
Measurement of Electron Loss Rates in Atmospheric Pressure Air by Radar REMPI

We present a new in-situ method for direct measurements of the electron loss rate in arbitrary gas mixtures. A homodyne microwave scattering detection technique is used to measure the dynamics of weakly ionized plasma induced via resonant multi-photon ionization of trace amounts of nitric oxide seeded into the gas. This remote, non-intrusive method allows studying of the electron loss mechanisms with nanosecond accuracy. Using this approach, the attachment rate for electrons to molecular oxygen in room temperature, atmospheric pressure air is determined. The measured recombination and attachment rates are in very good agreement with predictions based on literature data.
Investigation of Connectivity: Definition, Application, and Formulation

In this paper, we will investigate the nature of connectivity in the air transportation network. We will review definitions of air connectivity from previous literature, and based on these definitions establish a set of criteria by which to measure the quality of a connectivity metric. We will provide results of experimentation with one connectivity metric, the Air Connectivity Index, on several networks. Through this experimentation, we will explore methodological issues and areas for improvement. We will examine the use of formal and informal procedures to establish a better connectivity metric based on the quality criteria. Formal procedures may include comparing the goodness of fit of different estimators, while informal procedures may include measuring the intuitiveness of a connectivity ranking.
Carotenoid-to-Bacteriochlorophyll Energy Transfer in the LH1–RC Core Complex of a Bacteriochlorophyll b Containing Purple Photosynthetic Bacterium Blastochloris viridis

Carotenoid-to-bacteriochlorophyll energy transfer has been widely investigated in bacteriochlorophyll (BChl) a-containing light harvesting complexes. Blastochloris viridis utilizes BChl b, whose absorption spectrum is more red-shifted than that of BChl a. This has implications on the efficiency and pathways of carotenoid-to-BChl energy transfer in this organism. The carotenoids that comprise the light-harvesting reaction center core complex (LH1–RC) of B. viridis are 1,2-dihydroneurosporene and 1,2-dihydrolycopene, which are derivatives of carotenoids found in the light harvesting complexes of several BChl a-containing purple photosynthetic bacteria. Steady-state and ultrafast time-resolved optical spectroscopic measurements were performed on the LH1–RC complex of B. viridis at room and cryogenic temperatures. The overall efficiency of carotenoid-to-bacteriochlorophyll energy transfer obtained from steady-state absorption and fluorescence measurements were determined to be ∼27% and ∼36% for 1,2-dihydroneu...
Gene Expression Analysis for Tumor Profiling

Publisher Summary This chapter reviews technologies required to identify and separate tumor tissue from normal tissue and then extract genomic material (i.e., RNA or DNA) for analysis, which requires purification, amplification, and expression analysis of the gene or gene products. The common technology used to develop these genomic signatures involves tumor libraries using primary and metastatic cancers whose provenance is clear. These specimens may be frozen or more commonly are FFPE. Analysis requires extracting RNA from the tumor tissue, using it as a template for cDNA, and building a gene expression profile using a multigene microarray as commercially available. This approach requires a training set of samples used to develop the expression signature and a second set of samples used to validate the signature. Gene silencing through methylation has promulgated a new area of research known as epigenetics where post-translational changes are evaluated as they effect gene expression. It summarizes the important observations on tumor profiling in the context of clinical care. Most neoplastic disease can be traced to its site of origin by clinical or pathological features, thereby allowing the treating physician to choose appropriate therapy. Tumor genotypes and the resulting RNA or protein phenotypes are becoming increasingly important in our understanding of malignancy.
Problem-Solving and Overcoming Procrastination

This chapter discusses problem-solving and overcoming procrastination. Problem-solving as a clinical tool has a long history. Proponents of cognitive-behavioral therapy incorporate problem-solving within the clinical repertoire. This chapter has outlined strategies for dealing with two major issues that affect the quality of life for recovering gamblers. The first issue is the tendency to neglect rational problem-solving approaches to difficulties in favor of impulsive, reflexive, and short-term ones Problem-solving ensures that they slow down and challenge these instinctive patterns with more deliberate ones. The second issue is related to procrastinating on recovery goals. Working on recovery goals generates unpleasant feelings when the tasks are painful reminders of past failures or when they are not interesting. An integrated approach should prevent people from the need to gamble either to solve or avoid their problems.
Competitive annealing of multiple DNA origami: formation of chimeric origami

Scaffolded DNA origami are a robust tool for building discrete nanoscale objects at high yield. This strategy ensures, in the design process, that the desired nanostructure is the minimum free energy state for the designed set of DNA sequences. Despite aiming for the minimum free energy structure, the folding process which leads to that conformation is difficult to characterize, although it has been the subject of much research. In order to shed light on the molecular folding pathways, this study intentionally frustrates the folding process of these systems by simultaneously annealing the staple pools for multiple target or parent origami structures, forcing competition. A surprising result of these competitive, simultaneous anneals is the formation of chimeric DNA origami which inherit structural regions from both parent origami. By comparing the regions inherited from the parent origami, relative stability of substructures were compared. This allowed examination of the folding process with typical characterization techniques and materials. Anneal curves were then used as a means to rapidly generate a phase diagram of anticipated behavior as a function of staple excess and parent staple ratio. This initial study shows that competitive anneals provide an exciting way to create diverse new nanostructures and may be used to examine the relative stability of various structural motifs.
Room Temperature, Reductive Alkylation of Activated Methylene Compounds: Carbon–Carbon Bond Formation Driven by the Rhodium-Catalyzed Water–Gas Shift Reaction

The rhodium-catalyzed water–gas shift reaction has been demonstrated to drive the reductive alkylation of several classes of activated methylene compounds at room temperature. Under catalysis by rhodium trichloride (2–3 mol %), carbon monoxide (10 bar), water (2–50 equiv), and triethylamine (2.5–7 equiv), the scope has been successfully expanded to cover a wide range of alkylating agents, including aliphatic and aromatic aldehydes, as well as cyclic ketones, in moderate to high yields. This method is comparable to, and for certain aspects, surpasses the established reductive alkylation protocols.
Free Flow of Scientific Information Versus Intellectual Property Rights

As science is considered a community endeavor, the benefits of sharing scientific knowledge are almost universally accepted. At the same time, the importance of transforming scientific discoveries into technologies benefiting the society at large has been similarly acknowledged. To promote and incentivize the latter, governments have adopted policies encouraging academic researchers to patent and license their discoveries. According to some, however, the privatization of academic research funded by public funding hinders the free flow of scientific knowledge , which is detrimental to the progress of science. This chapter reviews literature on the topic and discusses the complexity of these seemingly contradicting objectives—free flow of scientific information and commercialization of scientific discoveries—and covers recent developments regarding this vigorously debated topic, particularly in the fields of human genomics and other life sciences.
Spinal Cord: Clinical Considerations

Disease affecting the spinal cord is a frequent cause of chronic neurological disability. Often, young adults are involved as in injuries due to war, motor vehicle accidents, motorcycle accidents, diving and skiing accident. Special units have been developed for the care, and rehabilitation of the unfortunate victims of these injuries. Early recognition and management of a potential spinal cord compromise is essential.
P050 : CORRELATION OF THE PRESENCE OF COMPLEMENT BINDING DE NOVO DSA AND PATHOLOGY DEFINED ANTIBODY MEDIATED REJECTION (pAMR) IN HEART RECIPIENTS

Background Close monitoring of donor HLA specific antibody (DSA) strength and function is necessary to identify the risk for developing pAMR. Strongly binding DSAs tend to be complement binding as determined by the C1q binding on single antigen. The C1q binding assay detects more DSA than the complement dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) assay. The ability of a newly introduced assay for C3d binding to detect cytotoxic DSA and the correlation with CDC and C1q results is not known. Aim Our aim was to determine whether the detection of C3d binding DSA correlated with different pathology defined biopsy patterns among our heart recipient population. Methods Biopsy results with concurrent DSA analyses were reviewed for 28 heart recipients that were transplanted between 5/2003 and 7/2012. The biopsy AMR scores were graded by 2011 ISHLT guidelines according to the histopathologic and immunopathologic finding. The specificity and function of persistent de novo DSA was determined by LSA, C1q, C3d binding, and CDC panel. Levels of antibody to the non-HLA Angiotensin Type 1 receptor (AT1R) were determined in selected cases. Results Table 1 summarizes results of 15 samples tested by 4 antibody assays and corresponding pAMR scores. 12/15 (80%) sera showed C3d/C1q binding. 4/4 (100%) samples classified as pAMR2 had both C3d/C1q binding DSAs. 3/5 (60%) samples classified as AMR1 had both C3d/C1q binding DSAs. One AMR1 sample had only detectable C1q binding DSA. 4/5 (80%) AMR0 samples had both C3d/C1q binding DSAs. Three samples with strong levels of AT1R antibody (>17 units): two samples without C3d/C1q binding DSA had pAMR3 and pAMR1 respectively and one with DSAs and pAMR1. Conclusions The presence of LSA-C3d and LSA-C1q pos DSAs correlates with pathology defined pAMR in heart recipients. C3d/C1q DSAs were also identified with pAMR0. pAMR in the absence of DSA was associated with strong levels of AT1R antibody. Thus, both complement binding DSAs and non-HLA specific antibodies provide important insight into the antibody mediated rejection process. J. Kobashigawa: Grant/Research Support; Company/Organization; NIH ; N. Reinsmoen: Grant/Research Support; Company/Organization; Thermo/Fisher. Table 1. Summary of 15 C3d and C1q binding DSA testing results in relation to pAMR scores. pAMR Score Sample C3d DSA C1q DSA Consistency AT1r pAMR0 1 DQ2 DQ2 Yes 2 DQ2,7 DQ2,7 Yes 3 DQ2,7 DQ2,7 Yes 4 Neg DQ7 No 5 DR53 DR53, DQ8 No Strong pAMR1 6 Neg Neg Yes Strong 7 DR52, DQ7 DR52, DQ7 Yes 8 DR53, DQ5,6,7,8,9 DR53, DQ5,6,7,8,9 Yes 9 Neg DQ2 No 10 DQ5 DQ5 Yes pAMR2 11 DQ4 weak DQ4 Yes 12 DQ6 DQ6 Yes 13 DQ7 DQ7 Yes 14 DQ7,8 DQ7,8 Yes pAMR3 15 Neg Neg Yes Strong
Biomedical Image Classification with Multi Response Linear Regression (MLR) as Meta-Learner Combiner and Its Effectiveness on Small to Large Data Sets

This paper presents a multi-modal biomedical image classification approach by using a multi-response linear regression (MLR)-based meta-learner as combiner and measure its effectiveness from small to large image collections. The MLR has been proposed as a trainable combiner for fusing class probability outputs of several base-level SVM classifiers on multiple complimentary visual and text features as inputs. The advantage of using MLR here over other generalizers is its interpretability as the weights generated by it indicate the different contributions that each features makes for class prediction. The usability of MLR as a meta-learner combiner is evaluated by performing experimental analysis with data sets of varying sizes (small and large samples) and its effectiveness is established based on the significant performance improvement in result analysis.