cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Epitaxial BaSnO3 and SrSnO3 perovskite growth on SrTiO3(001) via atomic layer deposition

The authors report epitaxial BaSnO3(001) and SrSnO3(001) growth on SrTiO3(001) (STO) substrates via atomic layer deposition (ALD) at 180 °C, where the BaSnO3 growth rate is 0.46 ± 0.03 A and the SrSnO3 growth rate is 0.69 ± 0.04 A per ALD unit cycle. Reflection high-energy electron diffraction, x-ray diffraction (XRD), and rocking curve analyses verify the single crystalline nature of BaSnO3(001) and SrSnO3(001) thin films on STO(001), while the atomic force microscopy analyses reveal the smooth surface of the stannate films with rms roughness values of ∼0.4 nm, which is only slightly higher than the STO substrate roughness of 0.32 nm. Out-of-plane XRD and reciprocal space mapping show that both BaSnO3(001) and SrSnO3(001) (∼10 nm) are fully relaxed on STO(001), owing to the large lattice mismatches (5.1% for BaSnO3/STO and 3.2% for SrSnO3/STO). The visible light transmittance spectra indicate that ALD-grown BaSnO3 and SrSnO3 thin films have high transparency at 400–800 nm that matches the transparency of STO(001) substrates.The authors report epitaxial BaSnO3(001) and SrSnO3(001) growth on SrTiO3(001) (STO) substrates via atomic layer deposition (ALD) at 180 °C, where the BaSnO3 growth rate is 0.46 ± 0.03 A and the SrSnO3 growth rate is 0.69 ± 0.04 A per ALD unit cycle. Reflection high-energy electron diffraction, x-ray diffraction (XRD), and rocking curve analyses verify the single crystalline nature of BaSnO3(001) and SrSnO3(001) thin films on STO(001), while the atomic force microscopy analyses reveal the smooth surface of the stannate films with rms roughness values of ∼0.4 nm, which is only slightly higher than the STO substrate roughness of 0.32 nm. Out-of-plane XRD and reciprocal space mapping show that both BaSnO3(001) and SrSnO3(001) (∼10 nm) are fully relaxed on STO(001), owing to the large lattice mismatches (5.1% for BaSnO3/STO and 3.2% for SrSnO3/STO). The visible light transmittance spectra indicate that ALD-grown BaSnO3 and SrSnO3 thin films have high transparency at 400–800 nm that matches the transparency of...
On the Neurobiological Role of Oxidative Stress in Alcohol-Induced Impulsive, Aggressive and Suicidal Behavior

Objectives: Alcohol abuse is known to result in behavioral impairments (such as increased impulsivity, aggressive, and suicidal behavior), but the neurobiological basis for these behavioral impairments remains unknown. The objective of this review is to propose a neurobiological basis for alcohol-induced aggression, impulsivity, and suicidal behavior. Methods: Search was done by accessing PubMed/Medline, EBSCO, and PsycINFO databases. The search string used was "(Alcohol OR Alcoholism* OR Alcohol Abuse) AND (Behavior* OR Behavioral Impairment or Disorder) AND (Oxidative Stress OR Reactive Oxygen Species)." The electronic databases were searched for titles or abstracts containing these terms in all published articles between January 1, 1960, and May 31, 2019. The search was limited to studies published in English and other languages involving both animal and human subjects. Articles selected included randomized clinical trials (RCTs), observational studies, meta-analyses, and both systemic and narrative reviews, providing both quantitative and qualitative information with a measure of alcohol abuse or alcoholism as an outcome. Exclusion criteria were unpublished data of any form, including conference proceedings and dissertation. New key terms were identified (new term included: "Antioxidants, Neurotransmitters, Dopamine, Serotonin, GABA, Glutamate. Aggression, Impulsivity, Suicidal Behavior, hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, limbic system, psychiatric disorders, PTSD, Anxiety, Depression. These new terms were searched with Alcohol or Alcoholism or Alcohol Abuse and Oxidative Stress separately resulting in the identification of over 3000 articles. 196 were included in this article. Results: Multiple lines of evidence indicate that oxidative stress (OS) plays a critical underlying role in alcohol toxicity and behavioral impairments. Conclusions/Importance: People diagnosed with PTSD, anxiety disorder, depression, and those with a personality high in psychoticism as measured by the P Scale of the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire, with comorbid alcohol abuse or alcohol use disorder (AUD), may display increased impulsivity, aggression, and suicidal behavior because of the potentiating effect of alcohol-induced OS on their elevated brain oxidative status. Antioxidant therapy should be an integral part of acute alcohol intoxication and AUD treatment. Further research is necessary to fully understand the relationship between OS and alcohol-induced behavioral impairments.
Series DC Arc Fault Detection Based on Ensemble Machine Learning

Series dc arc fault creates a fire hazard and negative impacts on the distribution bus if not detected and isolated quickly. However, the detection of a series arc fault is challenging due to the low fault current, lack of zero-crossing, and the erratic behavior of arc discharge based on different power electronic loads and controllers in modern power applications. This article presents a practical and versatile series dc arc fault detection method based on ensemble machine learning (EML) algorithms. A buck converter constant power load (CPL) and a boost converter CPL are designed and built to study the different arc fault behaviors and generate training data for the machine learning algorithms. A set of time domain features is extracted from the experimental data and analyzed using the feature importance attribute. An adaptive normalization function then processed the features to mitigate false positive classification caused by load changes. A two-step algorithm is proposed to recognize the arc fault in different load types. Various EML algorithms and the associated hyperparameters are benchmarked to select the most accurate hyperparameters for a detection algorithm for low-cost hardware implementation. Finally, the detection algorithm's effectiveness is verified with CPL testbed.
Identification and characterization of older emergency department patients with high-risk alcohol use.

Background High-risk alcohol use in the elderly is a common but underrecognized problem. We tested a brief screening instrument to identify high-risk individuals. Methods This was a prospective, cross-sectional study conducted at a single emergency department. High-risk alcohol use was defined by National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) guidelines as >7 drinks/week or >3 drinks/occasion. We assessed alcohol use in patients aged ≥ 65 years using the timeline follow back (TLFB) method as a reference standard and a new, 2-question screener based on NIAAA guidelines. The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and Cut down, Annoyed, Guilty, Eye-opener (CAGE) screens were used for comparison. We collected demographic information from a convenience sample of high- and low-risk drinkers. Results We screened 2250 older adults and 180 (8%) met criteria for high-risk use. Ninety-eight high-risk and 124 low-risk individuals were enrolled. The 2-question screener had sensitivity of 98% (95% CI, 93%-100%) and specificity of 87% (95% CI, 80%-92%) using TLFB as the reference. It had higher sensitivity than the AUDIT or CAGE tools. The high-risk group was predominantly male (65% vs 35%, P < 0.001). They drank a median of 14 drinks per week across all ages from 65 to 92. They had higher rates of prior substance use treatment (17% vs 2%, P < 0.001) and current tobacco use (24% vs 9%, P = 0.004). Conclusion A rapid, 2-question screener can identify high-risk drinkers with higher sensitivity than AUDIT or CAGE screening. It could be used in concert with more specific questionnaires to guide treatment.
Fe(III)-Based Tandem Catalysis for Amidomethylative Multiple Substitution Reactions of α-Substituted Styrene Derivatives

Developing tandem multiple C–H substitution reactions of simple alkenes provides rapid access to structurally complex unsaturated building blocks. Amidomethylative reactions that reserve C═C double...
Reducing depression among mothers in a residential treatment setting: building evidence for the PST4PPD intervention

The prevalence of postpartum depression (PPD) nearly doubles among low-income mothers in the United States compared to the general population. Problem Solving Therapy (PST) is an effective treatmen...
Qfold: a new modeling paradigm for the RNA folding problem

Ribonucleic acid (RNA) molecules play informational, structural, and metabolic roles in all living cells. RNAs are chains of nucleotides containing bases {A, C, G, U} that interact via base pairings to determine higher order structure and functionality. The RNA folding problem is to predict one or more secondary RNA structures from a given primary sequence of bases. From a mathematical modeling perspective, solutions to the RNA folding problem come from minimizing the thermodynamic free energy of a structure by selecting which bases will be paired, subject to a set of constraints. Here we report on a Quadratic Unconstrained Binary Optimization (QUBO) modeling paradigm that fits naturally with the parameters and constraints required for RNA folding prediction. Three QUBO models are presented along with a hybrid metaheuristic algorithm. Extensive testing results show a strong positive correlation with benchmark results.
Populism as a Political Strategy: An Approach’s Enduring — and Increasing — Advantages:

Responding to Rueda’s questions, this essay explains the political-strategic approach (PSA) to populism and highlights its analytical strengths, which have become even more important with the emerg...
Effect of castration regimen on health, performance, and inflammation in beef cattle

Castration is a common management procedure for bull calves, and it is routinely performed without analgesia. In the US, there is no approved medication for analgesia in cattle. However, meloxicam is an NSAID that is FDA-approved and prescribed for pain relief in other species, such as companion animals, but its use in food producing animals is extra-label. The study objective was to determine the effects of castration method (surgical vs banding) at feedlot arrival and efficacy of meloxicam administered concurrent to castration compared to a negative control (calves castrated near birth).
X-ray structure of a mammalian stearoyl-CoA desaturase.

Stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD) is conserved in all eukaryotes and introduces the first double bond into saturated fatty acyl-CoAs. Because the monounsaturated products of SCD are key precursors of membrane phospholipids, cholesterol esters and triglycerides, SCD is pivotal in fatty acid metabolism. Humans have two SCD homologues (SCD1 and SCD5), while mice have four (SCD1-SCD4). SCD1-deficient mice do not become obese or diabetic when fed a high-fat diet because of improved lipid metabolic profiles and insulin sensitivity. Thus, SCD1 is a pharmacological target in the treatment of obesity, diabetes and other metabolic diseases. SCD1 is an integral membrane protein located in the endoplasmic reticulum, and catalyses the formation of a cis-double bond between the ninth and tenth carbons of stearoyl- or palmitoyl-CoA. The reaction requires molecular oxygen, which is activated by a di-iron centre, and cytochrome b5, which regenerates the di-iron centre. To understand better the structural basis of these characteristics of SCD function, here we crystallize and solve the structure of mouse SCD1 bound to stearoyl-CoA at 2.6 A resolution. The structure shows a novel fold comprising four transmembrane helices capped by a cytosolic domain, and a plausible pathway for lateral substrate access and product egress. The acyl chain of the bound stearoyl-CoA is enclosed in a tunnel buried in the cytosolic domain, and the geometry of the tunnel and the conformation of the bound acyl chain provide a structural basis for the regioselectivity and stereospecificity of the desaturation reaction. The dimetal centre is coordinated by a unique spacial arrangement of nine conserved histidine residues that implies a potentially novel mechanism for oxygen activation. The structure also illustrates a possible route for electron transfer from cytochrome b5 to the di-iron centre.
Extensible Markov model

A Markov chain is a popular data modeling tool. This paper presents a variation of Markov chain, namely extensible Markov model (EMM). By providing a dynamically adjustable structure, EMM overcomes the problems caused by the static nature of the traditional Markov chain. Therefore, EMMs are particularly well suited to model spatiotemporal data such as network traffic, environmental data, weather data, and automobile traffic. Performance studies using EMMs for spatiotemporal prediction problems show the advantages of this approach.
The diversity of pigments in lake sediments and its ecological significance

Thin-layer chromatography shows a large number of pigments (chlorophyll derivatives and carotenoids) in profundal lake sediments, diversity being somewhat greater in eutrophic than in oligotrophic lakes. Sedimentary pigments are much more numerous (24-47) than those of upland vegetation (7-8), aquatic macrophytes (12-E), and planktonic algae ( 10-21). Algal decomposition, which is accompanied by a marked increase in number of pigments, seems the most likely cause for the extreme diversity of sedimentary pigments.
New Frontiers in Database System Research

After many years of development centered around business applications, database systems are now recognized as a key technology in many new application areas being addressed by Computer Science today. We shall mention some of these applications, and the general sorts of advances in technology needed to support these applications. For example, there is a need to deal with databases of progressively larger size, containing data of a wide variety of types, and there is a need to perform operations of nonstandard kinds on this data. There is a need to combine data from widely distributed databases and integrating this data to form a useful whole.
Growth in bone and body size among Asian and white girls in the Female Adolescent Maturation (FAM) study.

Summary Rationale:Thisstudyintendstoidentifydifferences in growth of Asian and White girls. Main result: Asian girls gained bone at similar rates to White girls. Physical activity was important to bone growth. Ethnic differences remained after adjusting for physical activity, demographics, and diet. Significance: Physical activity can improve bone gain. Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine differences in body size and bone growth of Asian, White, and AsianWhite Mixed girls. Methods Three prospective examinations of 99 Asian, 73 White, and 63 Mixed Asian and White girls, with a mean age of 11.0 years at enrollment were performed. Calcaneal bone mass, skeletal breadths, and body fat were measured. Physical activity, diet, and birth size were reported. The analyses examined the extent that body dimensions and bone size changed over time by demographic, diet, physical activity, body, and bone size parameters. Results White children were the most physically active yet had lower calcaneal ultrasound values for speed of sound (SOS). Based on regression models, bone mass, and subscapular skinfold thickness were greater in Asian girls compared to White and Asian-White Mixed girls at age 10years.Asian-White Mixed girls had greater BMI compared to Asian or White girls. Asian girls gained body size more slowly than White girls, but changes in bone parameters did not differ significantly; Asian-White Mixed girls gained abdomen, hip, and weight more slowly than White girls. Among all girls, SOS and broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA) increased significantly by level of physical activity before 12 years, but not after. Conclusions Asian girls had more upper body (subscapular) fat at age 10 years and gained height and hip and abdomen circumferences more slowly than Asian-White and White girls. Asian girls had greater bone SOS and BUA at age 10 years but gained bone at similar rates to White girls. Physical activity was especially important to bone growth before age 12 years. However, ethnic differences remained after adjusting for physical activity, demographic, and dietary factors.
Turning off the lights: How dark is dark matter?

We consider current observational constraints on the electromagnetic charge of dark matter. The velocity dependence of the scattering cross section through the photon gives rise to qualitatively different constraints than standard dark matter scattering through massive force carriers. In particular, recombination epoch observations of dark matter density perturbations require that $ϵ$, the ratio of the dark matter to electronic charge, is less than ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}6}$ for ${m}_{X}=1\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{GeV}$, rising to $ϵl{10}^{\ensuremath{-}4}$ for ${m}_{X}=10\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{TeV}$. Though naively one would expect that dark matter carrying a charge well below this constraint could still give rise to large scattering in current direct detection experiments, we show that charged dark matter particles that could be detected with upcoming experiments are expected to be evacuated from the Galactic disk by the Galactic magnetic fields and supernova shock waves and hence will not give rise to a signal. Thus dark matter with a small charge is likely not a source of a signal in current or upcoming dark matter direct detection experiments.
Atlantic Hurricane Season of 1973

Abstract The general overview of the 1973 hurricane season in the North Atlantic is presented together with detailed accounts of all named tropical storms.
Proximity of helices VIII (Ala273) and IX (Met299) in the lactose permease of Escherichia coli

Three double-Cys mutant pairs--Ala273-->Cys/Met299-->Cys, Thr266-->Cys/Ile303-->Cys, and Thr266-->Cys/Ser306-->Cys--were constructed in a functional lac permease construct devoid of Cys residues, and the excimer fluorescence or electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) was studied with pyrene- or spin-labeled derivatives, respectively. After reconstitution into proteoliposomes, excimer fluorescence is observed with mutant Ala273-->Cys/Met299-->Cys, but not with the single-Cys mutants nor with mutants Thr266-->Cys/Ile303-->Cys or Thr266-->Cys/Ser306-->Cys. Furthermore, spin-spin interaction is also observed with mutant Ala273-->Cys/Met299-->Cys, but only after the permease is reconstituted into proteoliposomes. The results provide independent support for the conclusions that helix VIII is close to helix IX and that the transmembrane helices of the permease are more loosely packed in a detergent micelle as opposed to a phospholipid bilayer.
Large Igneous Provinces, Delamination, and Fertile Mantle

When continental crust gets too thick, the dense eclogitic bottom detaches, causing uplift, asthenospheric upwelling, and pressure-release melting. Delamination introduces warm blocks of lower crust with a low melting point into the mantle; these eventually heat up, ascend, decompress, and melt. The mantle below 100 km depth is mainly below the melting point of dry peridotite, but its temperature will be above the melting point of recycled fertile (basaltic or eclogitic) components, obviating the need for excess temperature to form “hotspots” or “melting anomalies”. When plates pull apart or delaminate, the mantle upwells; entrained crustal fragments of various ages are fertile and create melting anomalies along developing mid-ocean ridges, fracture zones, and old suture zones. Eclogites associated with delamination are warmer and less dense than subducted oceanic crust and more susceptible to melting and entrainment.
Substance P inhibits carbamylcholine-stimulated 22Na+ efflux from acetylcholine receptor-enriched Torpedo electroplaque membrane vesicles

The effect of substance P on nicotinic acetylcholine receptor function was examined in Torpedo electroplaque membranes. The peptide inhibited carbamylcholine-stimulated 22Na+ efflux in a concentration-dependent manner. By irreversibly blocking spare receptors with alpha-bungarotoxin, the IC50 for substance P was shown to be less than 3 microM. Inhibition by substance P was slow relative to receptor activation by carbamylcholine, consistent with an enhancement of desensitization or a slow allosteric block.
Unsteady Aspects of Aquatic Locomotion

Virtually all animals swim unsteadily. They oscillate appendages, undulate, and produce periodic propulsive forces so that the velocity of some part of their bodies changes in time. Because of their unsteady motion, animals experience a fluid force in addition to drag—the acceleration reaction. The acceleration reaction dominates the forces resisting rapid accelerations of animals and may be responsible for generating thrust in oscillating appendages and undulating bodies. The ever-present unsteady nature of animal swimming implies diverse applications of the acceleration reaction.
Development of a New Generation of 4-Aminoquinoline Antimalarial Compounds Using Predictive Pharmacokinetic and Toxicology Models

Among the known antimalarial drugs, chloroquine (CQ) and other 4-aminoquinolines have shown high potency and good bioavailability. Yet complications associated with drug resistance necessitate the discovery of effective new antimalarial agents. ADMET prediction studies were employed to evaluate a library of new molecules based on the 4-aminoquinolone-related structure of CQ. Extensive in vitro screening and in vivo pharmacokinetic studies in mice helped to identify two lead molecules, 18 and 4, with promising in vitro therapeutic efficacy, improved ADMET properties, low risk for drug−drug interactions, and desirable pharmacokinetic profiles. Both 18 and 4 are highly potent antimalarial compounds, with IC50 values of 5.6 and 17.3 nM, respectively, against the W2 (CQ-resistant) strain of Plasmodium falciparum (for CQ, IC50 = 382 nM). When tested in mice, these compounds were found to have biological half-lives and plasma exposure values similar to or higher than those of CQ; they are therefore desirable can...
The correspondence between parent report and child performance for receptive and expressive vocabulary beyond infancy

Parent judgement of their toddler's receptive and expressive vocabulary skills was compared with children's laboratory performance on comprehension and production language tasks. Parents reviewed two separate sets of pictures. For one set they were asked whether their child would recognize the named member of each of 35 pairs of pictured items. For the other set, they were asked whether their child would be able to verbalize each of the pictured objects or actions. After the parent completed each task, the child was tested on the same items. Parents also completed the MacArthur Communicative Development Inventory (CDI), which includes a broader index of expressive vocabulary. The results indicated significant correspondence between parent report and child judgement for comprehension (r = 0.55) and for production (r = 0.67). The CDI expressive vocabulary scale score also correlated with child performance on the expressive vocabulary task (r = 0.78).
Maturation of intestinal host defense: An update

Abstract Factors present in the intestinal lumen and mucosa act as a first line of defense against ingested pathogens and noxious substances; the liver functions as a second line of defense. Intestinal and hepatic host defense mechanisms are immature early in life. During this critical period of compromised host defense, colostrum and breast milk passively protect the infant from infectious agents and antigens. In addition, colostrum and breast milk may stimulate the development of intestinal host defense mechanisms.
Rapid Near-Infrared Raman Spectroscopy of Human Tissue with a Spectrograph and CCD Detector

We demonstrate the use of a single-stage spectrograph and charge-coupled-device (CCD) detector to collect near-infrared (NIR) Raman spectra from intact human arterial tissue. With 810-nm excitation, the fluorescence emission from human artery is sufficiently weak to allow observation of Raman bands more rapidly with the spectrograph/CCD system than with 1064-nm excited FT-Raman systems. We also present a method for removing the broad-band emission from the spectra by computing the difference of two emission spectra collected at slightly different excitation frequencies. Our results indicate that NIR Raman spectra can be collected in under one second with the spectrograph/CCD system and an optical fiber probe, opening the possibility of in vivo clinical applications.
Polyvinyl Chloride Capsules: A New Substrate for Dispensing Tobacco Budworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Sex Pheromone Bait Formulations

A new plastic (polyvinyl chloridc [PVC]) capsule was introduced as a substrate for use as a dispenser of tobacco budworm (TBW) sex pheromone components. Infield bioassays, where the numbers and frequency in TBW trap catchcs were compared, showed that the capsule was more effective as a bait loaded with 10-mg doses of V-2 rather than for the same dosage of V-7. V-2 was ( Z )-11-hexadecenal and ( Z )-9-tetradecenal in a 16:1 ratio. V-7 was a mixture (with proponions) as follows: ( Z )-11-hexadecenal (16); ( Z )-9-tetradecenal (1); ( Z )-11-hexadecen-1-ol (1.3); ( Z )-9-hexadecenal (0.65); ( Z )-7-hexadecenal (0.38); hexadecanal (1.6); and tetradecanal (0.33). A laminated PVC (Hereon) dispenser also was more effective as trap bait with 20-mg doses of V-2 when compared with the same dosage of V-7. When loaded with 10 mg of V-2, performance of both the new capsular and the laminated PVC dispensers as bait in traps was nearly equal for 2-week test periods.
Arachnoiditis ossificans in a pediatric patient

A 14-year-old girl with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy and progressive neuromuscular scoliosis presented with back pain 6 months after posterior spinal fixation. CT of the lumbar spine revealed numerous ossified dural plaques (Fig. 1, arrows). Semitransparent volume-rendered CT reconstruction shows the distribution of intraspinal ossifications (gray amorphous regions with white stippling) in
The effect of random alcohol screening in reducing motor vehicle crash injuries.

Abstract Objective: Programs that randomly stop drivers to detect alcohol use have been introduced as a deterrence measure for drinking and driving. The objective of this review is to determine if this random screening reduces fatalities and injuries. The two types of random screening programs included are Random Breath Testing and Sobriety Checkpoints. Methods: Fourteen studies met inclusion criteria, which required an evaluation of a random screening program with a control population or baseline comparison. Proportional decreases in total or alcohol-related fatalities or injuries were the outcome of interest. Main results: All fourteen studies found that random screening was effective in reducing fatalities and injuries. The decreases found had wide variation, but did not depend on the size of the population. Alcohol-related fatalities generally showed the greatest decreases, ranging from 8% to 71%. The few multivariate analyses showed that random screening significantly reduced crashes and injuries. Conclusions: Random screening appears to be effective in a wide range of both United States and Australian populations. Although there are many limitations to the studies reviewed, such as the difficulty in determining alcohol involvement and the inability to control for the presence of other drunk driving reduction programs, the weight of the evidence indicates that random screening reduces fatalities and injuries. There was some disagreement among studies as to how long the effects of random alcohol screening can be sustained and the level of enforcement necessary, and these remain questions to be answered.
Regulation of IL-10 expression by upstream stimulating factor (USF-1) in glioma-associated microglia ☆

Understanding the local CNS immune response to neoplasms is essential in the development of immune-based treatments for malignant brain tumors. Using rodent glioma models, we have recently found tumor-associated microglia/macrophages (MG/MP) to be less responsive to known MG/MP activators such as CpG, LPS and IFN-γ. To understand the mechanism of MG/MP suppression, nuclear extracts from rodent intracranial C6 gliomas, C6 glioma-associated MG/MP, normal brain, and normal MG/MP were obtained and studied using Electrophoretic Mobility Shift Assay (EMSA). Among the nuclear factors studied (AP-1, IRF, USF-1 and Stat-1) only USF-1, which is constitutively expressed in most cells, was down-regulated in tumor-associated MG/MP, but not normal MG/MP. Because tumor-associated MG/MP had higher expression of IL-10 (but not TNF-α or TGF-β), we evaluated the role of USF-1 on IL-10 expression. siRNA mediated inhibition of USF-1 expression in primary MG/MP cultures resulted in up-regulation of IL-10 mRNA but not TNF-α or TGF-β. These findings suggest that USF-1 may play a role in IL-10 regulation in MG/MP in brain tumors.
Mass shifts induced by negative frequency peaks in linearly polarized Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance signals

Abstract For ions trapped in a quadrupolar potential, the relation between ionic mass-to-charge ratio (m/z), and ion cyclotron resonance (ICR) frequency (v), in the absence of ion molecule collisions is given approximately by (E.B. Ledford, Jr., D.L. Rempel and M.L. Gross, Anal. Chem., 56 (1984) 2744) In the presence of ion molecule collisions, the various (positive-frequency) ICR mass spectral peaks can be shifted up to several ppm by mutual overlap with other (positive-frequency) peaks. In this paper, we show that the negative-frequency peaks inherent in linearly polarized ICR signals can also shift the observed positive-frequency peaks by up to several ppm at m/z > 1000. We further show that the extended mass calibration relation, in which the new parameter, C, is related to the ion molecule collision frequency, exactly corrects for the negative-frequency shifts, and appears to improve mass calibration accuracy in experimental FT/ICR mass spectra.
Another case of prenatally diagnosed 48,XYY,+21

We report on a 20-month-old boy with 48,XYY,+21, the third prenatally diagnosed patient with this rare double aneuploidy syndrome. A review of 14 literature cases suggests that the Down syndrome phenotype appears unaltered by the extra Y chromosome. 24 refs., 1 fig., 1 tab.
WE-B-201B-06: Characterization of Mesothelioma and Tissues Present in Contrast-Enhanced Chest CT Scans

Purpose: To characterize the Hounsfield Unit (HU) distributions of mesothelioma and other tissues present in contrast‐enhanced chest CT scans, investigate the influence of scanner type, filter and reconstruction kernel on these HU distributions, and assess interpatient variability. Method and Materials: The database consisted of 28 contrast‐enhanced chest CT scans from different patients. For each scan, three to six randomly selected regions of interest were manually outlined within each of thirteen tissues, including mesothelioma. For each tissue, the empirical percentiles in HU values were calculated as well as the interpatient variability. The HU distributions for different scanner as well as filter and reconstruction kernel were compared. Results: The HU distributions of blood‐containing tissues overlap, and the HU distributions of pleural effusion, mesothelioma, muscle and liver overlap. The HU distribution of fat has the least overlap with other tissues. Fat and muscle have the lowest interpatient variability as well as the narrowest distributions, while fat with artifact has the widest distribution. A low resolution filter and reconstruction kernel has the narrowest distribution and blood‐containing tissues have the highest interpatient variability. Conclusion: Characterization of tissues is informative and useful. Due to their overlapping HU distributions and close spatial proximity to one another, separating pleural effusion, mesothelioma, muscle and liver from one another is a difficult task based on gray‐level thresholding alone. Metal artifact widens HU distributions while low resolution filter and reconstruction kernel narrow HU distributions. Lastly, the presence of contrast increases interpatient variability. Conflict of Interest: SA holds warrants to stock in Hologic.
Effect of barrier properties of zein colloidal particles and oil-in-water emulsions on oxidative stability of encapsulated bioactive compounds

Abstract Background Oxidation of encapsulated bioactive compounds is a key challenge that limits shelf-life of bioactive containing products. The objectives of this study were to compare differences between the oxidative barrier properties of biopolymer particle based encapsulation system (zein colloidal particles) and oil-in-water emulsions and evaluate the impact of these differences on oxidative stability of encapsulated bioactives. Methods Both zein colloidal particles and oil-in-water emulsions were stabilized by casein protein. The oxidative barrier properties of the selected encapsulation systems were determined by measuring the permeation rate of peroxyl radicals and oxygen across the interface. Peroxyl radical permeation rates were correlated with stability of a model bioactive, curcumin and oxygen permeation rates were correlated with stability of another model bioactive, retinol. Results Radical permeation rate was significantly higher in oil-in-water emulsions compared to zein colloidal particles, indicating enhanced barrier property of zein colloidal particles against peroxyl radical induced oxidation. Consistent with these results, stability of curcumin encapsulated in zein colloidal particles was significantly higher compared to that in oil-in-water emulsions. Oxygen permeation measurements showed no significant differences in the barrier properties of both encapsulation systems against oxygen permeation. Consistent with these results, the oxidative stability of retinol was similar in both encapsulation systems. Conclusions The results of this study demonstrate the advantages of biopolymer particle based encapsulation system in limiting free radical induced oxidation of encapsulated bioactives and also demonstrate the ineffectiveness of both encapsulation systems in limiting oxygen permeation.
A Systematic Review of Quality of Life Measures in Pregnant and Postpartum Mothers

Quality of life has emerged as an essential health component that broadens the traditionally narrow concerns focused on only morbidity and life expectancy. Although a growing number of tools to measure quality of life are in circulation, there is a lack of guidelines as well as rigorous assessment for their use with pregnant and postpartum populations. It is also unclear whether these instruments could validly be employed to measure patient-reported outcomes in comparative effectiveness research of maternal care interventions. This paper reviews articles cited in CINAHL, COCHRANE, EMBASE, PSYCINFO, and PUBMED that addressed quality of life in pregnant and postpartum populations. Instruments used to measure quality of life in selected articles were assessed for their adherence to international guidelines for health outcomes instrument development and validation. The authors identified 129 articles that addressed quality of life in pregnant and/or postpartum women. Out of these, only 64 quality (generic and specific) scales were judged relevant to be included in this study. Analysis of measurement scales used in the pregnant and/or postpartum populations revealed important validity, reliability and psychometric inadequacies that negate their use in comparative effectiveness analysis in pregnant and post-partum populations. Valid, reliable, and responsive instruments to measure patient-reported outcomes in pregnant and postpartum populations are lacking. To demonstrate the effectiveness of various treatment and prevention programs, future research to develop and validate a robust and responsive quality of life measurement scale in pregnant and postpartum populations is needed.
A TSTT integrated FronTier code and its applications in computational fluid physics

We introduce the FronTier-Lite software package and its adaptation to the TSTT geometry and mesh entity data interface. This package is extracted from the original front tracking code for general purpose scientific and engineering applications. The package contains a static interface library and a dynamic front propagation library. It can be used in research of different scientific problems. We demonstrate the application of FronTier in the simulations of fuel injection jet, the fusion pellet injection and fluid mixing problems.
Flow cytometry-based minisequencing: a new platform for high-throughput single-nucleotide polymorphism scoring.

Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are the most abundant type of human genetic variation. These variable sites are present at high density in the genome, making them powerful tools for mapping and diagnosing disease-related alleles. We have developed a sensitive and rapid flow cytometry-based assay for the multiplexed analysis of SNPs based on polymerase-mediated primer extension, or minisequencing, using microspheres as solid supports. The new method involves subnanomolar concentrations of sample in small volumes (∼10 μl) which can be analyzed at rates of one sample per minute or faster, without a wash step. Further, genomic analysis using multiplexing microsphere arrays (GAMMArrays), enables the simultaneous analysis of dozens, and potentially hundreds of SNPs per sample. We have tested the new method by genotyping the Glu69 variant from the HLA DPB1 locus, a SNP associated with chronic beryllium disease, as well as HLA DPA1 alleles using the multiplexed method. The results demonstrate the sensitivity and accuracy of flow cytometry-based minisequencing, a powerful new tool for genome- and global-scale SNP analysis.
Mutual fund industry management structure, risk and the impacts to shareholders

Abstract This article investigates the effects of a multiple fund management structure on the risk volatility of the funds simultaneously managed. Using a sample of 1480 mutual funds managed by 407 fund managers over a 3-year period, we find that the risk volatility of at least one fund managed by a multiple fund manager is significantly higher than its objective and risk-adjusted peers. At the same time, the other funds concurrently managed display significantly less difference in risk volatility. Similarly, the return-to-risk ratio of multiple fund managers is not consistently greater than the unitary managed funds.
In vitro and in vivo characterization of hNT neuron neurotransmitter phenotypes

The hNT neuron exhibits many characteristics of neuroepithelial precursor cells, making them an excellent model to study neuronal plasticity in vitro and in vivo. These cells express a number of neurotransmitters in vitro, including dopamine, γ-aminobutyric acid and acetylcholine. However, there have been few reports of the neurotransmitters that hNT neurons express in vivo. The present study examined whether hNT neurons express the same neurotransmitters in vivo as they do in vitro. First, the expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD), choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) and the human specific nuclear marker NuMA by hNT neurons was confirmed. Nineteen normal animals were then transplanted with 80,000 hNT neurons aimed at the striatum, hippocampus or cerebral cortex. Five additional animals received injections of medium. All animals received daily intraperitoneal injections of cyclosporine (10 mg/kg) and survived 30 days. Sections through the transplants were examined for NuMA-positive hNT neurons, and for the presence of the three neurotransmitter markers: TH, GAD and ChAT. The hNT neurons were found in the striatum and cortex. Of the hNT neurons found within the rat striatum, 33% were ChAT-positive. In the cortex, only 4% of the neurons expressed ChAT. No GAD-positive hNT neurons were detected at either site. No NuMA-positive neurons were found in the hippocampus. The implanted hNT neurons did not induce activation of astrocytes as determined by immunocytochemistry for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). Moreover, no hNT neuron was found to express GFAP in vivo. Together, these data suggest that the hNT neurons engraft in the new host tissue, maintain their neuronal identity and may be guided in differentiation according to local environmental cues.
Self-Assembly, Molecular Packing, and Electron Transport in n-Type Polymer Semiconductor Nanobelts

We have found that poly(benzobisimidazobenzophenanthroline) (BBL) nanobelts can be prepared by a simple high-yield, solution-phase process, which enables dispersions of the nanobelts in a large number of solvents including environmentally benign solvents such as methanol and water. Characterization of the nanobelts by transmission electron and atomic force microscopies, electron diffraction, and X-ray diffraction showed that the BBL polymer chains are oriented parallel to the long axis of each nanobelt. This unique packing motif is unlike the reported packing of polymer chains in other nanostructures, such as poly(3-hexylthiophene) nanowires, where the polymer backbone packs face-to-face along the nanowire direction. This unusual molecular packing in BBL nanobelts is explained by the rather strong intermolecular interactions, which are a result of the rigid and planar polymer chains. We investigated electron transport in single nanobelts and nanobelt networks via field-effect transistors and observed mobi...
Primary germinoma of the spinal cord : a case report with 28-year follow-up and review of the literature

Germ cell neoplasms occur in extra-gonadal midline locations of the retroperitoneum, mediastinum, pineal gland, areas of the suprasellar cistern, and rarely in the spinal cord. We recently reviewed a case of an unresectable lumbar spinal cord tumor in a 16-year-old female previously diagnosed as “metastatic poorly differentiated carcinoma”. An extensive evaluation for a primary neoplasm at that time was unsuccessful and the patient was treated with local radiation therapy. Recently, additional histochemical and immunocytochemical studies were performed on the archival formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded material and the clinical history was reviewed. These ancillary studies (including positive immunohistochemical staining for placental alkaline phosphatase) support a diagnosis of intramedullary germinoma of the conus medullaris. This patient has enjoyed 28 years of disease free survival which reflects the radiosensitive nature of this neoplasm. These data lend support to the existence of a primary germinoma in the spinal cord and illustrate the utility of using histochemical stains and immunohistochemistry to assist in diagnosing this treatable neoplasm.
Development of hybrid CMOS visible focal plane arrays at Rockwell

Silicon-based hybrid CMOS visible focal plane array (FPA) technology is emerging as a strong contender for scientific applications that require broad spectral response with low noise, highly integrated functionality and radiation hardness. CMOS-based FPAs offer many advantages in high speed, low-noise detection and signal processing. As a high performance alternative to advanced CCD imaging arrays, the hybrid design enables independent optimization of the silicon detector array and silicon readout electronics. Multiplexer commonality with the instrument's IR channels is another attractive feature for integrators of sensor sites such as for hyperspectral spectrometers. In this paper, the technical merits of Rockwell's CMOS-based hybrid visible FPAs are described including key detector performance aspects, interface electronics requirements, radiation hardness and concomitant implications for diverse imaging applications. At this time we have developed 640 X 480 and 1024 X 1024 hybrid imagers with approximately equals 100% optical fill factor, high broadband QE spanning ultraviolet (UV) through near infrared (NIR), wide dynamic range, and high pixel operability. Dark current of approximately equals 0.01e-/sec and read noise approximately equals 6e- have been measured on one prototype 1024 X 1024 FPA that uses Hawaii readout integrated circuit (ROIC). Initial radiation data indicate a total ionization dose (TID) tolerance greater than 35 Krad for our standard CMOS process.
Inconsistency check of a set of clauses using petri net reductions

Abstract Petri net reduction techniques are applied to test the inconsistency of a set of clauses. A set of clauses in propositional logic can be represented as a place|transition net and the inconsistency is tested through the net reductions. In a more general case, a set of clauses in first-order predicate logic can be represented as a resolution Petri net, which is a modified predicate\s|transition net. The resolution-based proof procedure using resolution Petri nets is discussed.
Radiotherapy alone for early-stage squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx and hypopharynx.

Purpose To describe and illustrate examples of early-stage larynx and hypopharynx cancer that can be successfully treated with radiotherapy alone. Methods and Materials Review of the NCCN and ASCO practice guidelines. Representative examples are included. Results Early-stage larynx and hypopharynx cancer is defined by tumor extent based on physical and imaging examination. Conclusions Radiotherapy alone is appropriate treatment for properly selected early-stage squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx and hypopharynx. The NCCN and ASCO practice guidelines can be an aid to the clinician in identifying favorable cancers that can be successfully treated with radiotherapy alone with preservation of organ function.
Using k0 in PGAA: Perspectives

Prompt-gamma activation analysis (PGAA) differs from conventional neutron activation analysis in the set of elements measured, the irradiation conditions, and the nature of the gamma-ray spectra. Each of these affects the conduct of the measurements and interpretation of the data. In its recent development, the k0 standardization framework provides a solution to many of the problems of this analytical method, and may provide a bridge to greater certainty of analysis.
τ-μ flavor violation as a probe of the scale of new physics

Motivated by the recent strong experimental evidence of large ${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{\ensuremath{\mu}}\ensuremath{-}{\ensuremath{\nu}}_{\ensuremath{\tau}}$ neutrino mixing, we explore current bounds on the analogous mixing in the charged lepton sector. We present a general formalism for dimension-6 fermionic effective operators involving $\ensuremath{\tau}\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\mu}$ mixing with a typical Lorentz structure $(\overline{\ensuremath{\mu}}\ensuremath{\Gamma}\ensuremath{\tau})({q}^{\ensuremath{\alpha}}\ensuremath{\Gamma}{q}^{\ensuremath{\beta}}),$ and discuss their relationship to the standard model gauge symmetry and the underlying flavor dynamics. We derive the low-energy constraints on the new physics scale associated with each operator, mostly from current experimental bounds on rare decay processes of $\ensuremath{\tau},$ hadrons or heavy quarks. For operators involving at least one light quark $(u,d,s),$ these constraints typically give a bound on the new physics scale of a few TeV or higher. Those operators with two heavy quarks turn out to be more weakly constrained at the present, giving bounds of a few hundred GeV. A few scalar and pseudoscalar operators are free from all current experimental constraints.
Dynamics of matrix-assisted laser desorption as revealed by the associated acoustic signal

Abstract Some characteristics of the commonly used ultraviolet matrices for matrix-assisted laser desorption were determined, including solubilities in methanol and solid-phase absorption spectra. Differences between frontside and rearside desorption geometries are observed. Acoustic and quartz crystal microbalance signals were investigated as possible means of quantification of the amount of material vaporized by each laser pulse. Evidence for the existence of desorption thresholds is presented. Threshold values were determined to be in the 2–3 MW/cm 2 range.