cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Simultaneous quantification of T4, T3, rT3, 3,5-T2 and 3,3'-T2 in larval zebrafish (Danio rerio) as a model to study exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls.

Environmental toxicants that interfere with thyroid hormone (TH) signaling can impact growth and development in animals and humans. Zebrafish represent a model to study chemically induced TH disruption, prompting the need for sensitive detection of THs. Simultaneous quantification of 3,3',5-triiodo-l-thyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), 3,3',5'-triiodo-l-thyronine (rT3), 3,5-diiodo-l-thyronine (3,5-T2) and 3,3'-diiodo-l-thyronine (3,3'-T2) in zebrafish larvae was achieved by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry in positive ion mode. Solid-phase extraction with SampliQ cartridges and derivatization with 3 m hydrochloric acid in n-butanol reduced matrix effects. Derivatized compounds were separated on an Acquity UPLC BEH C18 column with mobile phases consisting of 0.1% acetic acid in deionized water and 0.1% acetic acid in methanol. The limits of detection ranged from 0.5 to 0.6 pg injected on column. The method was validated by evaluating recovery (77.1-117.2%), accuracy (87.3-123.9%) and precision (0.5-12.4%) using diluted homogenized zebrafish embryos spiked with all target compounds. This method was then applied to zebrafish larvae collected after 114 h of exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), including PCB 28, PCB 66 and PCB 95, or the technical mixture Aroclor 1254. Exposure to PCB 28 and PCB 95 increased the T4:T3 ratio and decreased the T3:rT3 ratio, demonstrating that this method can effectively detect PCB-induced alterations in THs.
Code-switching does not predict Executive Function performance in proficient bilingual children: Bilingualism does

Previous studies of bilingual adults have suggested that bilinguals’ experience with code-switching (CS) contributes to superior executive function (EF) abilities. We tested a highly bilingual developing population in Singapore, a multilingual country where CS occurs pervasively. We obtained CS and EF measures from 43 English–Chinese 8-year-old children (27 females, M = 100 months). We measured spontaneous CS with a novel task and EF in terms of task-switching (Semantic Fluency) and inhibitory control (Stroop task in both languages). Contrary to previous work, CS performance did not significantly predict EF performance in either case. Rather, bilingual language proficiency, i.e., degree of bilingualism (as measured by direct proficiency tests and parents’ estimates of daily language use and exposure of both languages) influenced EF performance. Accordingly, the relationship between CS and EF may be more indirect and non-necessary than previously assumed.
A New Approach to Assessing HSV-1 Recombination during Intercellular Spread

The neuroinvasive Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) utilizes intergenomic recombination in order to diversify viral populations. Research efforts to assess HSV-1 recombination are often complicated by the use of attenuating mutations, which differentiate viral progeny but unduly influence the replication and spread. In this work, we generated viruses with markers that allowed for classification of viral progeny with limited attenuation of viral replication. We isolated viruses, harboring either a cyan (C) or yellow (Y) fluorescent protein (FP) expression cassette inserted in two different locations within the viral genome, in order to visually quantify the recombinant progeny based on plaque fluorescence. We found that the FP marked genomes had a limited negative affect on the viral replication and production of progeny virions. A co-infection of the two viruses resulted in recombinant progeny that was dependent on the multiplicity of infection and independent of the time post infection, at a rate that was similar to previous reports. The sequential passage of mixed viral populations revealed a limited change in the distribution of the parental and recombinant progeny. Interestingly, the neuroinvasive spread within neuronal cultures and an in vivo mouse model, revealed large, random shifts in the parental and recombinant distributions in viral populations. In conclusion, our approach highlights the utility of FP expressing viruses in order to provide new insights into mechanisms of HSV-1 recombination.
IDO expression in breast cancer: an assessment of 281 primary and metastatic cases with comparison to PD-L1.

The immune inhibitory enzyme indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) has been associated with immune evasion in numerous malignancies and may mark these cancers as susceptible to anti-IDO therapies. We herein address IDO expression in breast cancers, examine the relationship between IDO and PD-L1, and investigate IDO fidelity across breast cancer primaries and metastases. IDO and PD-L1 expression was assessed in tissue microarrays containing 242 invasive primary breast cancers, 20 nodal metastases, and 19 distant metastases. IDO and PD-L1 were scored by extent in the tumor cells and immune infiltrate. Tumor IDO staining was seen in 14% of primaries including 38% of triple-negative cancers. IDO immune cell staining was seen in 14% of primaries and 29% of triple-negative cancers. Tumoral IDO and PD-L1 co-expression was seen in 8% of primaries, including 70% of tumoral PD-L1-positive cases. Immune IDO and PD-L1 co-expression was identified in 14% of primaries, including 48% of immune PD-L1-positive cases. Tumoral and immune cell IDO was conserved in 94% of matched primary/metastasis. In summary, IDO expression is common among high-grade, triple-negative breast cancers and is frequently associated with PD-L1 co-expression, suggesting that IDO might be a mechanism of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy resistance and that dual therapy may be of utility. Tumoral and immune cell IDO expression shows fidelity between primary and metastatic sites in treatment-naive cancers, arguing against IDO as an independent driver for metastatic spread. Clinical trials are needed to assess the efficacy of IDO inhibition relative to IDO expression, as well as its possible role in combination with anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy.
Low-Power Vacuum Tube Amplifiers

The invention of the transistor has made vacuum tubes obsolete in virtually all applications, except for one major exception. Musical instrument amplifiers in general and guitar amps in particular have proven to be one of the last refuges for tube-based designs. No one can argue that modern solid-state amplifiers are efficient, inexpensive, and capable of sounding great too. However, vacuum tube amplifiers, which we will usually just call tube amps from now on, have a certain sonic quality that really can’t be duplicated with transistors or op amps.
Tumor-targeting, systemically delivered antisense HER-2 chemosensitizes human breast cancer xenografts irrespective of HER-2 levels.

The failure to respond to chemotherapy is a major obstacle in the successful treatment of breast cancer. We have previously shown that anti-HER-2 antisense oligonucleotide (AS HER-2 ODN) treatment was able to sensitize breast cancer cells to various chemotherapeutic agents in vitro irrespective of their HER-2 status, indicating that the use of AS HER-2 ODN therapy for breast cancer is not limited to tumors overexpressing the protein. One of the main drawbacks to the use of antisense therapy in the clinical setting is the lack of an efficient, tumor-targeting, systemic delivery method. We have developed a tumor-specific, ligand-targeting, cationic liposome delivery system designed for systemic gene therapy of cancer. In this study we employ this ligand-liposome strategy to enhance the delivery of the AS Her-2 ODN to breast cancer cells, including those that do not overexpress HER-2, in vitro and in vivo. A cationic liposome complex that includes folate as the targeting ligand was designed and optimized for more efficient delivery of AS HER-2 ODN to breast tumors cells in vitro, and more significantly, for systemic delivery with tumor-specific targeting in vivo. Human breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-435, which does not overexpress HER-2, was used to compare the degree of chemosensitization to the taxanes of AS HER-2 ODN delivered via the optimized folateliposome versus commercial Lipofectin. MDA-MB-435 xenograft tumors were also used to evaluate the anti-tumor effect of the combination of systemically delivered folate-liposome-AS HER-2 ODN and docetaxel (Taxotere). The optimized folate-liposome-AS HER-2 ODN complex significantly increases the response of breast tumor cell lines to conventional chemotherapeutic agents in vitro as compared to AS HER-2 delivered via an unliganded commercially available reagent, Lipofectin. In vivo, the folate-liposome-AS HER-2 ODN complex has prolonged stability in blood and increased uptake in tumors. More significantly, the combination of intravenously administered ligand-liposome-AS HER-2 ODN and docetaxel resulted in a marked inhibition of xenograft growth in an aggressive breast cancer model that does not overexpress HER-2, even after treatment ended. Although there are other reports of liposomal delivery of AS ODNs, this is the first report of in vivo efficacy against human cancer cells using a tumor-targeting liposome delivery system for systemic AS therapy. Moreover, the increased stability in circulation and anti-tumor efficacy observed were obtained without the need for continuous intravenous infusion. HER-2 is an integral component within a network of cell growth pathways that can affect many different types of tumors where HER-2 may be a contributing factor, such as ovarian, esophageal, and GI malignancies including colon and pancreatic cancers. Therefore, the effectiveness of this therapy with xenograft tumors that do not overexpress HER-2 has the potential to expand the clinical usefulness of this efficacious form of therapy.
Effect of Dietary Lecithin and Nature of Dietary Fat Upon Growth and Bile Composition in the Gerbil

The American diet is rich in fat, particularly saturated fat. In this century the consumption pattern has shifted such that 40 – 45% of calories are provided by fat. In contrast, our ancestors at the turn of the century may have consumed 25 – 30% of their calories as fat. A rise in the incidence of cardiovascular disease, and other conditions of impaired fat digestion, absorption and transport has accompanied this dietary trend(1). Professional societies, e. g., the American Heart Association, and the Government have issued diet recommendations, urging Americans to reduce their fat intake to 30% of calories, and include unsaturated fats in their menus. Though no absolute proof exists linking the disease incidence with dietary practice, sufficient evidence exists that these groups have sounded the alarm calling for a change in eating habits for improved quality of life.
A Quantum Chemistry Approach for the Design and Analysis of Nanosensors for Fissile Materials

The contamination of groundwater due to accidental leakage of radioactive wastes pose a grave danger to the environment and human life and hence trace characterization of these radioactive materials is of paramount importance in nuclear forensics and reprocessing. In this work, we examine the applicability of graphene-based nanosensor for detection of radionuclides based on ab initio density functional theory and Greens function theory. The presence of foreign moiety near graphene or graphene oxide causes an amplification of observable quantities in the whole molecule as successfully observed in the past with chemical and biological agents (Rangel and Seminario, J Chem Phys 132(125102):1–4, 2010). Changes in the molecular electrostatic potential due to presence of radionuclides near graphene or GO can be transduced and amplified into current-voltage characteristics at nanoscale which can enable us to detect trace amounts of these radionuclides.
Control for Linear Volterra Systems without Convexity

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses control for linear volterra systems without convexity. It presents some concerning the existence of optimal and optimal bang–bang controls for systems whose dynamics are described by Volterra integral equations that are linear in the state variables. Using techniques similar to those developed by Cesari for control systems monitored by ordinary and partial differential equations, a Neustadt-type existence theorem can be established for usual solutions in the absence of convexity assumptions. The chapter also presents a result concerning the existence of an optimal bang-bang controller when the control domain is fixed and compact. Similar techniques have been used by Suryanaryana to discuss these issues for linear control problems with total differential equations.
Development of a new gaze stabilization test

The gaze stabilization test (GST) is used not only in examining gaze stability required by daily life activities, but also in identifying unilateral or bilateral vestibular deficits. However, a computerized GST (CGST) is an expensive assessment, which cannot be commonly used in most clinics. Validation of low-cost and low-technical clinical tests is required to decrease health care costs. The purpose of this study was to measure the accuracy of a new GST (NGST) in a cohort of healthy young adults with no history of vestibular or balance disorders, as well as the test-retest reliability when re-assessed 5-7 days. Subjects identified a visual target while actively and passively performing head movements in the yaw plane at an initial screening velocity of 130 degs/sec. The main outcome was a strong positive correlation in both active and passive NGST head movement amplitude degree and head movement velocity. Passive head movements had good accuracy (85%) to identify healthy individuals with no history of vestibular or balance disorders. In addition, the NGST has good test-retest reliability in head movement amplitude degree (r=0.795) and head movement velocity (r=0.797) of passive NGST within two testing sessions.
Atypical Mode of [3 + 2]-Cycloaddition: Pseudo-1,3-dipole Behavior in Reactions of Electron-Deficient Thioamides with Benzynes.

Thioamides bearing electron-withdrawing groups on the thiocarbonyl carbon atom react with benzynes [generated by the hexadehydro-Diels–Alder cycloisomerization] in an unprecedented fashion. Namely, the dihydrobenzothiazole products are consistent with a pathway involving initial formation of a stabilized ammonium ylide by a rare type of [3 + 2]-cycloaddition reaction. The fate of this species depends upon the nature of the R group(s) attached to the ylide nitrogen atom. The demonstration of new modes of reactivity represents the major advance arising from this study.
Effect of time to resection of colorectal liver metastases on recurrence risk.

3541Background: Resection of colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) with perioperative chemotherapy is curative in only 20-30% of patients. There are no biomarkers or robust clinical predictors that ca...
Prevalence of High-Intensity Drinking from Adolescence through Young Adulthood: National Data from 2016-2017:

High-intensity drinking (HID; ie, having 10+ drinks in a row) is a recognized public health concern due to the individual and public risks (eg, alcohol-related injuries, alcohol poisoning, memory loss, sexual risk) associated with consumption of a large quantity of alcohol over a relatively short time period. Using nationally representative samples of US 8th, 10th, and 12th grade students, and follow-up of subsamples of 12th graders, we present overall and sex-specific prevalence estimates of past 2-week HID from 29 966 individuals at the modal ages of 14 to 30 in 2016-2017. Similar data for the more commonly studied measure of binge drinking (having 5+ drinks in a row) is provided for comparison. HID prevalence ranged from 1% to 11.5% and was significantly higher for males than females at all ages other than modal age 14 (8th grade). Binge drinking prevalence ranged from 3.5% to 32.5%; males reported a higher prevalence than females at approximately half of the ages examined. Peak binge drinking and HID age for males was earlier (modal age 21/22) than that for females (modal age 21-24 for binge drinking and 25/26 for HID). The observed rapid increase in HID from adolescence through the early to mid-20s highlights the importance of prevention and intervention efforts targeted to these ages.
Insect sting allergy: new guidelines from the European and USA consensus groups algorithms and recommendations

Purpose of reviewGuidelines on insect sting allergy and venom immunotherapy (VIT) have been updated. This review describes the evolution of these guidelines and their similarities and differences.Recent findingsThe US and European guidelines show the evolution of guideline development in the grading
Linking Faculty Attitudes to Pedagogical Choices: Student-Centered Teaching in Introductory Computing Classes

Research suggests using student-centered practices in the classroom is a key component of attracting and retaining diverse students. To better understand the link between attitudes toward students and learning and the usage of specific teaching strategies, we analyze survey responses from 54 faculty who teach introductory computer science (CS) courses from 15 U.S. colleges and universities participating in BRAID. Using principal component analysis, we scale responses to 10 attitudinal questions into four dimensions: rugged individualism ("learning and success are the individual student's responsibility"), challenging work ("the pace and workload in CS is hard"); a developmental orientation to learning ("students need individual attention in a non-competitive environment"); and capable students ("all students can do well in my class"). We then test these scales on four types of teaching: three student-centered approaches-collaborative learning approaches, discourse activities, and student-led learning-and one traditional approach, lecturing. Results indicate that a developmental orientation predicts the use of discourse activities and student-led practices, but not collaborative learning approaches. Rugged individualism is associated with frequent lecturing. None of our scales predict the use of collaborative learning approaches, and neither attitudes for "challenging work" nor "capable students" predict any of the pedagogical approaches in our study. We examine differences by certain faculty characteristics and discuss the ramifications of these results for promoting more widespread adoption of student-centered teaching.
IoT Based Longitudinal Monitoring of Activity and Posture Transitions in Smart Homes

Substantial growth in the number of older adults around the globe, typically with multiple chronic conditions and insufficient number of geriatricians, created significant need for technological solutions that can support independence of older adults in their own homes, also known as aging in place. Continuous monitoring of activities of daily living provides opportunity for monitoring of behavior and the overall state of the users. Although many projects use commercially available wearable sensors based on low power/low range sensors, rapid development of IoT infrastructure provides new integration modalities. We present an implementation of a WiFi based IoT sensor for monitoring of user’s activity and posture, using ESP8266 controller and BNO055 Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU). Sensor intelligence facilitates low duty cycle that extends battery life, which is necessary for prolonged and longitudinal monitoring. We developed a simple model to recognize likely posture transitions that can be run on limited resources of ESP8266, our primary focus is recognition of sitting-to-standing (Si2St) and standing-to-sitting (St2Si) transitions. All probable events are transmitted to a home server/gateway, in our case Raspberry Pi 3+, for final processing and storage in subject’s record on a remote medical server. In this paper we present system implementation, signal processing, and results from the pilot test of the system.
Chapter 5 – Finite Impulse Response (FIR) Filters

Publisher Summary This chapter explores the criticality of the finite infinite response filter of the workhorse of DSP. It starts with the structure of FIR filter, the methods to build it, and the properties. The frequency of the response of the filter coefficients by computing the related responses reveal method to perform the procedure. The chapter reveals the number and value of the filter coefficients which are requirements of the frequency response of an application. This is tested and designed by software which helps to understand the interaction. FIR filter design—a process highlighted in this chapter—distinguishes where compromise is necessary and where to draw the line. The characteristic of FIR filters is discussed in detail with emphasis so as to why it is preferred over other type of digital filters.
Intrinsic orbital and spin Hall effects in monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides

The orbital Hall effect (OHE) is the phenomenon of transverse flow of orbital moment in the presence of an applied electric field. Solids with broken inversion symmetry are expected to exhibit a strong OHE due to the presence of an intrinsic orbital moment at individual momentum points in the Brillouin zone, which in the presence of an applied electric field flows in different directions causing a net orbital Hall current. Here we provide a comprehensive understanding of the effect and its tunability in the monolayer two-dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs). Both metallic and insulating TMDCs are investigated from full density-functional calculations and effective $d$-band tight-binding models, as well as a minimal four-band model for the valley points that captures the key physics of the system. For the tuning of the OHE, we examine the role of hole doping as well as the change in the band parameters, which, e.g., can be controlled by strain. We demonstrate that the OHE is a more fundamental effect than the spin Hall effect (SHE), with the momentum-space orbital moments inducing a spin moment in the presence of the spin-orbit coupling, leading to the SHE. The physics of the OHE, described here, is relevant for 2D materials with broken inversion symmetry in general, even beyond the TMDCs, providing a broad platform for future research.
Non-viral COVID-19 vaccine delivery systems.

The novel corona virus termed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has spread throughout the globe at a formidable speed, causing tens of millions of cases and more than one million deaths in less than a year of its report in December 2019. Since then, companies and research institutions have raced to develop SARS-CoV-2 vaccines, ranging from conventional viral and protein-based vaccines to those that are more cutting edge, including DNA- and mRNA-based vaccines. Each vaccine exhibits a different potency and duration of efficacy, as determined by the antigen design, adjuvant molecules, vaccine delivery platforms, and immunization method. In this review, we will introduce a few of the leading non-viral vaccines that are under clinical stage development and discuss delivery strategies to improve vaccine efficacy, duration of protection, safety, and mass vaccination.
Illeal conduit associated parastomal hernias: A novel laparoscopic top hat repair

Parastomal hernias (PH) are a well-known complication following ileal conduit urinary diversion. We present a case report of a woman in her mid-nineties with a symptomatic parastomal hernia at the site of her ileal conduit which was repaired laparoscopically by an inverted top-hat technique. The "top hat" is constructed by assembling a transected ring of synthetic mesh with a secondary mesh cylinder and laparoscopically securing this mesh construct in an underlay fashion. At eighteen months follow-up, the patient remains pain free and without evidence of hernia recurrence.
Evaluation of copy number variants for genetic hearing loss: a review of current approaches and recent findings

Structural variation includes a change in copy number, orientation, or location of a part of the genome. Copy number variants (CNVs) are a common cause of genetic hearing loss, comprising nearly 20% of diagnosed cases. While large deletions involving the gene STRC are the most common pathogenic CNVs, a significant proportion of known hearing loss genes also contain pathogenic CNVs. In this review, we provide an overview of currently used methods for detection of CNVs in genes known to cause hearing loss including molecular techniques such as multiplex ligation probe amplification (MLPA) and digital droplet polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR), array-CGH and single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) arrays, as well as techniques for detection of CNVs using next-generation sequencing data analysis including targeted gene panel, exome, and genome sequencing data. In addition, in this review, we compile published data on pathogenic hearing loss CNVs to provide an up-to-date overview. We show that CNVs have been identified in 29 different non-syndromic hearing loss genes. An understanding of the contribution of CNVs to genetic hearing loss is critical to the current diagnosis of hearing loss and is crucial for future gene therapies. Thus, evaluation for CNVs is required in any modern pipeline for genetic diagnosis of hearing loss.
Abdominal images non-rigid registration using local-affine diffeomorphic demons

Abdominal image non-rigid registration is a particularly challenging task due to the presence of multiple organs, many of which move independently, contributing to independent deformations. Local-affine registration methods can handle multiple independent movements by assigning prior definition of each affine component and its spatial extent which is less suitable for multiple soft-tissue structures as in the abdomen. Instead, we propose to use the local-affine assumption as a prior constraint within the dense deformation field computation. Our method use the dense correspondences field computed using the optical-flow equations to estimate the local-affine transformations that best represent the deformation associated with each voxel with Gaussian regularization to ensure the smoothness of the deformation field. Experimental results from both synthetic and 400 controlled experiments on abdominal CT images and Diffusion Weighted MRI images demonstrate that our method yields a smoother deformation field with superior registration accuracy compared to the demons and diffeomorphic demons algorithms.
Results from six multiwavelength campaigns to study short-term FUV flux variability and phase-dependent mass loss in Be stars

During the past six years we have carried through seven multiwavelength, multisite campaigns to investigate the cause for short-term (rapid) photo-metric and spectroscopic variability in Be stars and assess its importance in driving the mass loss in these objects. These campaigns usually included simultaneous observations in the UV with the IUE and Voyager spacecraft and optical region with ground-based telescopes worldwide (photometry, high resolution spectroscopy, and polarimetry). Typically 10–25 observers from 5–9 countries participated. Stars that have been observed include λ Eri, ω Ori, o And, ∈ Cap, 28 Cyg, ŋ Cen, 48 Lib, ζ Tau, ψ Per, and 2 Vul. We briefly summarize some of the results from the UV study here. Additional results from the ground-based data are given in other papers in this volume by D. Gies, M. Hahula, J. Percy, and D. McDavid.
Predictors of Performance in Introductory Finance: Variables within and beyond the Student's Control

This study examined variables that are within and beyond the control of students in explaining variations in performance in an introductory finance course. Regression models were utilized to consider whether the variables within the student’s control have a greater impact on course performance relative to the variables beyond the student’s control. Among the particular variables within the student’s control were the student’s inclination to procrastinate as evidenced by the relative delay the students exhibited in commencing online homework assignments. Also, separate measures were constructed to examine the effect of the accuracy of the homework submitted and the student’s actual completion of those assignments. Class attendance was also considered. The variables largely beyond the control of the student examined in this study were a measure of how far along in the undergraduate program the student had progressed when he/she enrolled in the introductory finance course, a measure of the credit load of the student in the semester when the student took the course, the student’s gender, the student’s overall academic ability and the relative strength of the student in comprehending quantitative versus verbal concepts. For the three measures of student performance studied, average homework grade, the mid-term exam grade and the final exam grade, all of the relevant variables within the student’s control demonstrated some impact on the various measures of performance. There was persuasive evidence that the variables within the student’s control were more influential in explaining differences in student performance than the variables beyond the student’s control.
Magnetic impurities in conducting oxides. II. ( Sr 1 − x La x ) ( Ru 1 − x Co x ) O 3 system

The perovskite solid solution between ferromagnetic ${\mathrm{SrRuO}}_{3}$ and antiferromagnetic ${\mathrm{LaCoO}}_{3}$ is studied and its structural, electronic,and magnetic properties are compared with $({\mathrm{Sr}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{La}}_{x})({\mathrm{Ru}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{Fe}}_{x}){\mathrm{O}}_{3}$. The lower $3d$ energy levels of ${\mathrm{Co}}^{3+}$ cause a local charge transfer from $4d\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}{\mathrm{Ru}}^{4+}$, a reaction that has the novel feature of being sensitive to the local atomic structure such as cation order. Despite such a complication, $\mathrm{Co}$, like $\mathrm{Fe}$, spin-polarizes the itinerant electrons in ${\mathrm{SrRuO}}_{3}$ to form a large local magnetic moment that is switchable at high fields. In the spin glass regime when Anderson localization dominates, a large negative magnetoresistance emerges as a result of spin polarization of mobile electronic carriers that occupy states beyond the mobility edge. A phenomenological model predicting an inverse relation between magnetoresistance and saturation magnetization is proposed to explain the composition dependence of magnetoresistance for both$({\mathrm{Sr}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{La}}_{x})({\mathrm{Ru}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{CO}}_{x}){\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ and $({\mathrm{Sr}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{La}}_{x})({\mathrm{Ru}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\mathrm{Fe}}_{x}){\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ systems.
The impact of an unpredictable context and intolerance of uncertainty on the electrocortical response to monetary gains and losses

There is growing evidence that unpredictability and uncertainty can alter reward system functioning. The present study examined the impact of (1) a task-irrelevant unpredictable relative to predictable context and (2) individual differences in intolerance of uncertainty (IU) on the reward-related positivity (RewP), an event-related potential (ERP) response to monetary gains relative to losses. Specifically, 64 participants listened to predictable and unpredictable tone sequences while electroencephalography was recorded during a monetary gambling task. Participants also completed the Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale, which measures both cognitive distress (prospective IU) and behavioral inhibition (inhibitory IU) elicited by uncertainty, in addition to the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 and Penn State Worry Questionnaire. Results indicated that the RewP was reduced during the unpredictable relative to the predictable context. Greater self-reported anxiety elicited by the unpredictable context was associated with a decreased RewP, and a decreased RewP was associated with poorer lose-shift behavioral adjustment. Furthermore, the RewP mediated the relationship between self-reported anxiety elicited by the unpredictable context and lose-shift behavioral adjustment. The IU subscales demonstrated the opposite relationship with the RewP across both contexts-inhibitory IU was associated with an attenuated RewP and prospective IU was associated with an enhanced RewP. In contrast, anxiety, depression, stress, and worry symptomatology were not associated with the RewP. This is the first study to demonstrate that an unpredictable context and individual differences in the degree to which people cannot tolerate uncertainty impact an ERP measure of reward system functioning.
AN EVOLUTION FROM PRETREATMENT TO FRACTIONATION WILL ENABLE SUCCESSFUL DEVELOPMENT OF THE INTEGRATED BIOREFINERY

The current state of biorefinery development is focused almost entirely on the production of fuel ethanol. However, an ethanol-centric approach misses the crucial example set by the petrochemical industry. The ability to fractionate a raw material, rather than simply pretreating it, enables the parallel production of low value, high volume fuels and high value, low volume chemicals. By developing analogous fractionation processes for biomass, giving separate process streams of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin, the biorefining industry will be able to recognize the synergistic advantages of producing both energy and profits.
Community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus prevalence: how common is it? A methodological comparison of prevalence ascertainment.

Background Community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) infections are becoming increasingly prevalent. There is geographic variation in their reported prevalence across the United States; however, studies reporting on CA-MRSA prevalence also demonstrate great variability in their case-finding methodology. We conducted a study to see how three different methods to ascertain CA-MRSA prevalence would lead to different estimates. Methods Different methods were used to identify cases of CA-MRSA colonization and/or infection in New York City. Method 1: retrospective review of clinical and surveillance cultures identified through a hospital computer database. Method 2: prospective collection of surveillance cultures in the same hospital's emergency department. Method 3: prospective collection of surveillance cultures in a community setting. Results Differing values for CA-MRSA prevalence resulted depending on the method and denominator used. All nares cultures as the denominator led to prevalence estimates of 0.3%-0.6%; all S. aureus as the denominator led to rates of 1.2%-5%; all MRSA as the denominator led to estimates of 5.5%-50%. Conclusions A comparison of three methods revealed that variability in case-finding methodologies can lead to different prevalence estimates. Key factors to consider when comparing CA-MRSA rates include the definition of CA-MRSA, choice of denominator, and method and setting of sample collection.
Simulations of the structure and properties of amorphous silica surfaces

Abstract The structure and transport properties of solid surfaces have been described using models of varying complexity and rigor without systematic comparisons among available methods. Here, we describe the surface of amorphous silica using four techniques: (1) an ordered surface created by cutting the structure of a known silica polymorph ( α -cristobalite); (2) an unrelaxed amorphous surface obtained by cutting bulk amorphous silica structures created by molecular dynamics methods; (3) a relaxed amorphous surface created by relaxing the amorphous surface; and (4) a random surface created by Monte Carlo sphere packing methods. Calculations of the adsorption potential surface and simulation of the surface diffusion of weakly bound adsorbates (N 2 , Ar, CH 4 ) interacting via Lennard–Jones potentials with these surfaces were used to compare surface models and to judge their fidelity by comparisons with available experimental values. Similar heats of adsorption were obtained on the relaxed, unrelaxed, and random surfaces ( ±0.5 kJ/mol ), but the relaxed surface showed greater heterogeneity with a wider distribution of adsorption energies. Surface diffusion on the relaxed surface was slower than on the other surfaces, with slightly higher activation energies (0.5– 1.0 kJ/mol ). Rigorous comparisons between simulated and experimental surface diffusivities are not possible, because of scarce surface diffusion data on well-characterized surfaces. The values obtained from simulations on silica were similar to experimental surface diffusivities reported on borosilicate glasses.
Localizing and tracking single emitters in three dimensions using a Double-Helix Point Spread Function

Single fluorescent emitters can be localized and tracked in 3D with less than 1000 detected photons by using a DH-PSF. The tracking of quantum dots both in solution and inside a living cell is demonstrated.
Trauma care and radiology: Historical continuum to contemporary agenda

T hroughout history, the soldier going off to battle was considered the apotheosis of strength, pride, and hope. Yet that same individual, when maimed or made infirm by the vicissitudes of combat, was often neglected by his superiors, his peers, his government, and his society, and was frequently left to lie on the battlefield at the mercy of fate or his adversaries.The care of the wounded from antiquity to today has been dependent on four factors: advances in medical care and in the military arts, governmental interest, and the general level of societal compassion (1). With the development of civilizations based on surplus forced production and trade came the invention of coordinated warfare on a mass scale. Of 147 wounds recorded in the Iliad, all 31 to the head were lethal, and the overall mortality rate was 77.6% (2). Combat effectiveness in ancient times was related to advances in technology--metallurgy, animal husbandry, long-range communications all were avidly adopted for strategic and political success. Understanding of physiology and pathology also made advances. Yet the treatment of wounds, bound tightly to cultural considerations, gained little headway. For example, the injured at Troy were treated in rigid submission to the Greek concept of maintaining bodily harmony. Consequently, wounded warriors were removed from the field, washed, fed, and soothed by incantations. No hemostasis was attempted (1). The Romans were better organized than the Greeks. Thus, they were able to gain and maintain a far-flung empire which, in later years, was supported by mercenaries, usually not of Italian stock. Rome popularized the concept of the field hospital to provide for the care of the wounded. This innovation--a response to the demands of their foreign
Some remarks on topological biology

With reference to several recent papers by the author, it is pointed out that within the principle of biotopological mapping a choice of a primordial graph and of a particular transformation defines a system of abstract biology, similar to systems of abstract geometries. The study of such abstract systems is necessary before one can be found which is isomorphic to the actual biological world. A brief survey of the structure and properties of the system based on the choice of the primordial graph and of the transformationT defined in a previous paper (Bull. Math. Biophysics,16, 317–48, 1954) is made. Two more topological theorems are demonstrated, which, interpreted biologically, lead to the conclusion that the higher an organism, the more adaptable it is. Finally a criticism of that particular system of abstract biology is made, and its inadequacy for the representation of the actual biological phenomena pointed out, and a suggestion is made for a possible point set topological approach to biology.
A FRET-based Assay To Measure Molecular Distances Within The Ryanodine Receptor Type 1 (RyR1)

The type 1 ryanodine receptor (RyR1) is an intracellular Ca2+-release channel that mediates excitation contraction coupling in skeletal muscle. This enormous homotetrameric protein has a subunit molecular weight of 565 kDa and is associated with numerous regulatory proteins that modulate its function in vivo. Understanding the structure and conformational dynamics of this immense macromolecular complex is a key topic in skeletal muscle biology. In this report, a novel structural assay has been devised that relies upon Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET) to measure distances between defined primary sequence elements of RyR1. These FRET measurements require site-specific incorporation of a fluorescence donor and a fluorescence acceptor into the primary sequence of RyR1. In this system, green fluorescent protein (GFP) fused to the N-terminus of RyR1 acts as the fluorescence donor. The FRET acceptor is an affinity reagent that site-specifically binds to poly-histidine segments (i.e. His tags) engineered into RyR1 where it can accept fluorescence energy from the N-terminal GFP. This report describes the characterization of the FRET acceptor as well as the recombinant His-tagged GFP-RyR1 fusion proteins used for these measurements. In addition, experiments measuring FRET from the N-terminal GFP to the FRET acceptor targeted to His tags introduced into 3 primary sequence elements poorly conserved among the 3 RyR isoforms (i.e. divergent regions) are described. (Supported by NIH grants K01ARO52120 and R21ARO56406).
Right Ventricular Systolic Strain Predicts Outcomes in Pulmonary Hypertension: A Prospective Evaluation

Purpose Right ventricular (RV) dysfunction is a major determinant of outcome in pulmonary hypertension (PH), although the best non-invasive measure is unclear. Recent small studies have suggested a quantitative assessment of RV contractility by speckle-tracking strain echocardiography may have prognostic significance. Methods and Materials Prospective longitudinal RV systolic strain measurement using speckle-tracking echocardiography was performed on 406 consecutive non-group 2 PH patients referred for clinically indicated echocardiography. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality and the secondary endpoint was a composite of mortality, atrial septostomy, lung transplantation or PH-related hospitalization. Results The mean age was 59±16 years, and 264 (65%) were female. There were 300 (74%) patients with group 1 PH, 58 (14%) group 3 and 48 (12%) group 4. The mean 6-minute walk distance was 363±131 meters, and 187 (46%) were functional class III-IV. The mean RV strain was -19.6±6.7%. The degree of RV strain reduction correlated with a worse functional class, shorter 6-minute walk distance, higher NT-pro BNP levels and evidence of right heart failure. After 18-months follow-up, the presence and degree of RV strain reduction predicted mortality ( figure A ) and worse event-free survival ( figure B ). RV strain independently predicted (hazard ratio, 95% confidence interval) both the primary (2.5, 1.8-3.5, p Conclusions Quantitative assessment of RV free wall systolic strain is feasible during clinically indicated echocardiography evaluation of PH patients, and is a powerful predictor of clinical outcome.
Thymic Hyperplasia after Adjuvant Chemotherapy in Breast Cancer

We report 2 patients with breast cancer who were treated with surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy for stage IIa and stage I breast cancers. Follow-up CT scans showed an anterior mediastinal mass, raising concern for tumor recurrence. Thymectomy performed on the first patient, and close follow-up with radiographic studies on the second patient, revealed benign thymic enlargement. Thymic hyperplasia can occur after cytotoxic chemotherapy and may be due to rebound enlargement after initial atrophy caused by chemotherapy. Thymic hyperplasia after chemotherapy has been reported mostly in young age groups and is described in the literature to be associated with various types of cancers, including lymphomas, leukemias, testicular cancer, and sarcomas, and in the stem cell transplant setting. This is the first case series describing 2 patients with early stage breast cancer who, following adjuvant standard dose chemotherapy, developed thymic hyperplasia. Awareness of this unusual side effect in patients treated with chemotherapy may prevent unnecessary investigation and surgical intervention.
Report on the Charleston Conference

Purpose – To report on the annual Charleston Conference, held November 3‐6, 2004 in Charleston, South Carolina.Design/methodology/approach – A summary of the main points of the conference.Findings – Addresses questions and topics such as: how useful core book lists can be in 2004; new publishing models; a study of circulation data, ILL requests and WorldCat holdings of University of Colorado monographs; whether there is still funding for electronic full‐text resources in the humanities and fine arts; the usage of print journals in the electronic age; citation data in the sciences regarding books; and the e‐journal project at Drexel.Originality/value – This report is of interest to library and information management professionals.
Improving Teachers' Self-Confidence in Learning Technology Skills and Math Education through Professional Development

Using technology tools in math instruction can help stimulate problem-solving skills and understanding of math concepts. However, teachers need to be confident in their abilities to use technology tools. This study investigated whether or not a four-week in-service professional development institute that addressed the use of technology in math education helped improved the teachers' attitude and confidence in applying technology. Findings indicated that as the teachers explored and used the available technology tools relevant to math instruction during the institute, the more proactive and motivated they became to continue their professional development in using technology for classroom instruction. They realized that they were able to use technology and desired to continue their education in this area.
Partial fractionation and characterization of nuclear protein kinases in HeLa S3 cells

Five fractions of phosphoprotein kinase activity were separated by phosphocellulose chromatography of nuclear non-histone phosphoproteins isolated from exponentiallygrowing HeLa Sz cells. Each fraction contained a heterogeneous group of proteins and possibly more than one protein kinase. These fractions were characterized with respect to specific activity and optimal concentrations of Mg ~÷ and Mn 2+. The ability of each kinase fraction to catalyze the incorporation of ~2p from [7-~P]ATP into various molecular weight classes of heat-inactivated non-histone nuclear phosphoproteins (as substrate) was examined by electrophoretically resolving the proteins in SDS-polyacrylamide gels. Each kinase fraction induced a distinctive pattern of protein phosphorylation. Substrate preferences (non-histone phosphoprotein or histone) were determined for each fraction by examining the incorporation of ~:P from [ 7-32P]ATP into both TCA-precipitable material and into specific molecular weight classes of proteins. The activities of two of the fractions to phosphorylate non-histone nuclear phosphoprotein were stimulated by the presence of histones. Studies were undertaken to assess the effects of cAMP or cGMP on the activity of each kinase fraction. No significant sensitivity to the cyclic nucleotides was observed for any of the kinase fractions. The underlying mechanisms involved in the control of gene expression in eukaryotic systems still remain obscure, although several lines of evidence suggest control of gene readout may in part be attributable to components of the non-histone nuclear proteins [1,2]. The nuclear proteins are highly phosphorylated and numerous correlations exist between changes in the metabolism of phosphoproteins and modifications in gene expression in a broad spectrum of biological situations [3--11]. Such modifications in phosphoprotein metabolism include changes in the extent of phosphorylation, alterations in the phosphorylation of specific polypeptides and variations in the synthesis and turnover of phosphoproteins. Results from chromatin reconstitution experiments suggest an important role for nonhistone chromosomal protein phosphorylation in the control of transcription