cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Multi-omics investigation reveals benzalkonium chloride disinfectants alter sterol and lipid homeostasis in the mouse neonatal brain.

Lipids are critical for neurodevelopment; therefore, disruption of lipid homeostasis by environmental chemicals is expected to have detrimental effects on this process. Previously, we demonstrated that the benzalkonium chlorides (BACs), a class of commonly used disinfectants, alter cholesterol biosynthesis and lipid homeostasis in neuronal cell cultures in a manner dependent on their alkyl chain length. However, the ability of BACs to reach the neonatal brain and alter sterol and lipid homeostasis during neurodevelopment in vivo has not been characterized. Therefore, the goal of this study was to use targeted and untargeted mass spectrometry and transcriptomics to investigate the effect of BACs on sterol and lipid homeostasis, and to predict the mechanism of toxicity of BACs on neurodevelopmental processes. After maternal dietary exposure to 120 mg BAC/kg body weight/day, we quantified BAC levels in the mouse neonatal brain, demonstrating for the first time that BACs can cross the blood-placental barrier and enter the developing brain. Transcriptomic analysis of neonatal brains using RNA sequencing revealed alterations in canonical pathways related to cholesterol biosynthesis, liver X receptor-retinoid X receptor (LXR/RXR) signaling, and glutamate receptor signaling. Mass spectrometry analysis revealed decreases in total sterol levels and downregulation of triglycerides and diglycerides, which were consistent with the upregulation of genes involved in sterol biosynthesis and uptake as well as inhibition of LXR signaling. In conclusion, these findings demonstrate that BACs target sterol and lipid homeostasis and provide new insights for the possible mechanisms of action of BACs as developmental neurotoxicants.
Lipid phosphatase SHIP-1 regulates chondrocyte hypertrophy and skeletal development.

SH2‐containing inositol‐5′‐phosphatase‐1 (SHIP‐1) controls the phosphatidylinositol‐3′‐kinase (PI3K) initiated signaling pathway by limiting cell membrane recruitment and activation of Akt. Despite the fact that many of the growth factors important to cartilage development and functions are able to activate the PI3K signal transduction pathway, little is known about the role of PI3K signaling in chondrocyte biology and its contribution to mammalian skeletogenesis. Here, we report that the lipid phosphatase SHIP‐1 regulates chondrocyte hypertrophy and skeletal development through its expression in osteochondroprogenitor cells. Global SHIP‐1 knockout led to accelerated chondrocyte hypertrophy and premature formation of the secondary ossification center in the bones of postnatal mice. Drastically higher vascularization and greater number of c‐kit + progenitors associated with sinusoids in the bone marrow also indicated more advanced chondrocyte hypertrophic differentiation in SHIP‐1 knockout mice than in wild‐type mice. In corroboration with the in vivo phenotype, SHIP‐1 deficient PDGFRα + Sca‐1 + osteochondroprogenitor cells exhibited rapid differentiation into hypertrophic chondrocytes under chondrogenic culture conditions in vitro. Furthermore, SHIP‐1 deficiency inhibited hypoxia‐induced cellular activation of Akt and extracellular‐signal‐regulated kinase (Erk) and suppressed hypoxia‐induced cell proliferation. These results suggest that SHIP‐1 is required for hypoxia‐induced growth signaling under physiological hypoxia in the bone marrow. In conclusion, the lipid phosphatase SHIP‐1 regulates skeletal development by modulating chondrogenesis and the hypoxia response of the osteochondroprogenitors during endochondral bone formation.
Using terahertz pulses to shed new light on Dirac materials (Conference Presentation)

Ultrashort terahertz (THz) pulses are a powerful tool for both probing and controlling novel phenomena in quantum materials. This is particularly useful in Dirac materials, since these materials exhibit novel magnetic and lattice excitations that can potentially be used to control their properties. Here, the use of ultrashort THz pulses to reveal the circular photogalvanic effect in the Weyl semimetal TaAs and probe magnetoplasmon modes in graphene nanoribbons will be examined. We performed THz emission spectroscopy on the (112) and (001) surfaces of the Weyl semimetal TaAs. Our data enables us to clearly distinguish between helicity-dependent photocurrents generated within the ab-plane and polarization-independent photocurrents flowing along the non-centrosymmetric c-axis. Such findings are in excellent agreement with previous static photocurrent measurements. However, by considering both the physical constraints imposed by symmetry and the temporal dynamics intrinsic to current generation and decay, we can attribute these transient photocurrents to the underlying crystal symmetry of these materials. We also used terahertz (THz) magneto-optical spectroscopy to demonstrate how a periodic array of graphene micro-ribbons can be used to control the transmission spectrum and polarization state of a THz pulse whose electric field is oriented along the pattern’s axis of periodicity (perpendicular to the long axis of the ribbons). Our results demonstrate that graphene micro-ribbon arrays are a powerful system for controlling the coupling between light and magnetoplasmonic modes. This enables the tailoring of THz transmission profiles and polarization states using applied magnetic fields.
Electronic continuum correction without scaled charges

Abstract In recent years the “Pandora's box” of charges used in classical simulations of nonpolarizable molecular models, especially for aqueous solutions and ionic liquids, has been opened. Particularly we refer to the Electronic continuum correction (ECC) model that suggests applying scaled down charges of ions and tearing down the ‘dogma’ of identical charges used to describe the potential energy surfaces (PES) and dipole moment surface (DMS). We elaborate on both ideas and integrate them into a consistent description of ‘real’ atomic charges of water and ions, which does not necessarily need to violate the ‘dogma’. We promote ECCe approach directly incorporating the electronic polarizability into screening of electrostatic interactions, avoiding the use of scaled charges, which perplex the comparison with experiment, ab initio or polarizable models and are cumbersome for interactions with external electric or magnetic fields. We conclude that none of the existing nonpolarizable water models is fully consistent with the continuum electronic polarizability and stimulate a quest for a better model implementing ECCe ideas.
Journal Overlap of the GEOBASE Database with the GeoRef and Web of Science Databases

A journal overlap analysis was performed between the GEOBASE database and the GeoRef and Web of Science databases, respectively. This overlap analysis determined that there are 480 serial titles co...
Associations of prenatal exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons with pubertal timing and body composition in adolescent girls: Implications for breast cancer risk

Abstract Background While animal data support an association between prenatal exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and altered mammary gland development and tumorigenesis, epidemiologic studies have only considered a few classes of EDCs in association with pubertal growth and development in girls. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) are a class of EDCs that have not been rigorously evaluated in terms of prenatal exposure and pubertal growth and development in girls. Objective In a New York City birth cohort of Black and Hispanic girls (n = 196; recruited 1998–2006), we examined associations of prenatal PAH exposure with self-reported age at growth spurt onset, breast development onset and menarche, and clinical measures of adolescent body composition including body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, and body fat measured at ages 11–20 years. Methods We measured prenatal exposure to PAH using personal air monitoring data collected from backpacks worn by mothers during the third trimester of pregnancy (data available for all 196 girls) and biomarkers of benzo[α]pyrene-DNA adducts in umbilical cord blood (data available for 106 girls). We examined associations of prenatal PAH with the timing of pubertal milestones and adolescent body composition (11–20 years) using multivariable linear regression models adjusted for race/ethnicity, household public assistance status at birth, and age at outcome assessment. We also fit models further adjusted for potential mediators, including birthweight and childhood body size (BMI-for-age z-score measured at 6–8 years). Results Girls in the highest versus lowest tertile of ambient exposure to PAH, based on a summary measure of eight carcinogenic higher-molecular weight non-volatile PAH compounds (Σ8 PAH), had a 0.90 year delay in growth spurt onset (95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.25, 1.55; n = 196), a 0.35 year delay in breast development onset (95% CI = −0.26, 0.95; n = 193), and a 0.59 year delay in menarche (95% CI = 0.06, 1.11; n = 191) in models adjusted for race/ethnicity and household public assistance at birth. The statistically significant associations for age at growth spurt onset and menarche were not impacted by adjustment for birthweight or childhood body size. No differences in BMI-for-age z-score, waist-to-hip ratio, or percent body fat were found between girls in the highest versus lowest tertile of ambient Σ8 PAH. Results were similar when we evaluated benzo[α]pyrene-DNA adduct levels. Discussion Our results suggest that prenatal exposure to PAH might delay pubertal milestones in girls, but findings need to be replicated in other cohorts using prospectively collected data on pubertal outcomes.
Protocol of the randomized control trial: the WiseApp trial for improving health outcomes in PLWH (WiseApp).

Poor adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) is one of the primary barriers to viral load suppression. mHealth technology can help overcome challenges with ART adherence. This paper outlines the protocol for the WiseApp randomized control trial. The WiseApp contains real-time medication monitoring linking an electronic pill bottle and fitness tracker to the app, helping persons living with HIV (PLWH) self-manage their medication adherence and improve their overall quality of life. The primary objective of the trial is to test the effect of the WiseApp's medication adherence features on antiretroviral adherence in underserved PLWH in New York City. This ongoing study is a two-arm randomized control trial. Participants are randomized 1:1 to the WiseApp intervention arm or the control arm at baseline and followed for 6 months. Eligibility criteria include: 18 years of age, have a diagnosis of HIV, speak and understand English or Spanish, live in the United States, own a smartphone, currently taking ART medications, and report the past 30 days adherence of 80% or less as measured using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), or have a viral load of over 400 copies/mL. The sample size for the trial is 200 people. All study participants receive the WiseApp, a CleverCap electronic pill bottle, and a fitness tracker. The intervention group also receives videos and health surveys centered on medication adherence and managing living with HIV as well as medication reminders. In contrast, the control group receives walk step reminders, videos, and surveys focused on overall wellness. The WiseApp Trial has the potential to improve HIV self-management applications, being one of the few randomized controlled trials of a mHealth medication adherence and HIV self-management application in the United States. The trial could also bring new opportunities for advancement in reaching economically disenfranchised and underserved populations in the United States. The real-time monitoring of the WiseApp has the potential to help providers initiate interventions to help patients resume treatment before drug resistance begins. This trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov ( NCT03205982 ) on July 2, 2017.
Gerstmann Syndrome Deconstructed by Cortical Stimulation.

Gerstmann syndrome is a tetrad of finger agnosia, left-right disorientation, acalculia, and agraphia.1 It results from lesions affecting the left parietal lobe, specifically the angular gyrus.1,2 Because it often presents as an incomplete tetrad, it is possible that the 4 features may have separate (but adjacent or overlapping) anatomic localization. Here, we present a case in which functional mapping through electrical cortical stimulation (ECS) revealed spatial dispersion of the Gerstmann tetrad.
Agricultural Discharges Under the CWA: Old Questions and New Insights

Maui County v. Hawaii Wildlife Fund provides new insights to the old question of how agricultural pollution from concentrated animal feeding operations satisfies the Clean Water Act's prohibition on discharges of pollutants. In so doing, the case provides an important scoping rule for Clean Water Act applications that may clear up the misinterpretation of the term "agricultural stormwater discharges" and the uncertainty attending the concept of non-point sources of pollution. Its use of a functional equivalence standard to define discharges provides an important standard governing the link between the origin of pollutants and their presence in navigable waters. This new standard is a potentially transformative addition to regulatory and judicial interpretations of the Clean Water Act. It may enhance the Clean Water Act's effectiveness in controlling agricultural pollution, a subject desperately in need of attention.
ompT: Escherichia coli K-12 Structural Gene for Protein a (3b)

Abstract Chromosomal DNA from strain UT400, a previously described deletion mutant of Escherichia coli K-12 that lacks outer membrane protein a, failed to hybridize with plasmid DNA (pGGC110) containing the structural gene for protein a. We designate the genetic locus for protein a, located at approximately 12.5 min of the E. coli chromosome, ompT.
Approximate theory formation: an explanation-based approach

Existing machine learning techniques have only limited capabilities of handling computationally intractable domains. This research extends explanation-based learning techniques in order to overcome such limitations. It is based on a strategy of sacrificing theory accuracy in order to gain tractability. Intractable theories are approximated by incorporating simplifying assumptions. Explanations of teacher-provided examples are used to guide a search for accurate approximate theories. The paper begins with an overview of this learning technique. Then a typology of simplifying assumptions is presented along with a technique for representing such assumptions in terms of generic functions. Methods for generating and searching a space of approximate theories are discussed. Empirical results from a testbed domain are presented. Finally, some implications of this research for the field of explanation-based learning are also discussed.
From Parallel Virtual Machine to Virtual Parallel Machine: The Unibus System

Network-based concurrent computing frameworks have matured over two decades. However, in the realm of multi-domain geographically distributed computing, their true potential is yet to be realized. Popularly termed "grids", these metacomputing systems have yet to see widespread adoption and use, partly due to challenges resulting from heterogeneity, deployment issues, and dynamicity. The Unibus project proposes novel strategies for unifying and dynamically conditioning shared heterogeneous resources located within multiple administrative domains. Our approach is based on client-centric overlay software that provides unified interfaces to diverse resources, complemented by runtime systems that substantially automate setup and configuration. The overlay unifies heterogeneous resources through service drivers or mediators that operate analogously to device drivers. New resources and variations in availability are handled through self-deployment of mediators and their service daemon counterparts, enabling the overlay to adaptively present applications with coherent aggregated projections of the underlying resources. Dynamic incorporation of new resources is facilitated via automated environment conditioning that uses deployment descriptors in conjunction with site-specific data to prepare platforms for execution. We will discuss the motivations and rationale behind the Unibus approach, describe the design of the framework, and present preliminary results and experiences.
A Phase 1 Randomized, Blinded Comparison of the Pharmacokinetics and Colonic Distribution of Three Candidate Rectal Microbicide Formulations of Tenofovir 1% Gel with Simulated Unprotected Sex (CHARM-02)

Abstract CHARM-02 is a crossover, double-blind, randomized trial to compare the safety and pharmacokinetics of three rectally applied tenofovir 1% gel candidate rectal microbicides of varying osmolalities: vaginal formulation (VF) (3111 mOsmol/kg), the reduced glycerin vaginal formulation (RGVF) (836 mOsmol/kg), and an isoosmolal rectal-specific formulation (RF) (479 mOsmol/kg). Participants (n = 9) received a single, 4 ml, radiolabeled dose of each gel twice, once with and once without simulated unprotected receptive anal intercourse (RAI). The safety, plasma tenofovir pharmacokinetics, colonic small molecule permeability, and SPECT/CT imaging of lower gastrointestinal distribution of drug and virus surrogate were assessed. There were no Grade 3 or 4 adverse events reported for any of the products. Overall, there were more Grade 2 adverse events in the VF group compared to RF (p = 0.006) and RGVF (p = 0.048). In the absence of simulated unprotected RAI, VF had up to 3.8-fold greater systemic tenofovir ex...
Foucault on Ethics and Subjectivity: ‘Care of the Self’ and ‘Aesthetics of Existence’

This paper considers the structure of the ethical subject found in Foucault’s late works on ethics, and gives an account of his two major ethical concepts: “care of the self” and “aesthetics of existence.” The “care of the self,” it is argued, gives Foucault a way of conceptualising ethics which does not rely on juridical categories, and which does not conceive the ethical subject on the model of substance. The “care of the self” entails an understanding of the ethical subject as a process which is always in a relation, specifically in a relation to itself. Using his essay “What is an Author,” it is argued that the subject of the “aesthetics of existence,” like the author of a text, is understood to be fully immanent to the “object” which it is usually considered to be opposed to and separated from. Rather than aiming at a true expression of an “authentic” inner substance, Foucault’s “aesthetics of existence” leads instead to practices of “creativity,” whose form cannot be given in advance.
Aldehydes by Oxidation of Terminal Olefins with Chromyl Chloride: 2,4,4‐Trimethylpentanal

Aldehydes by oxidation of terminal olefins with chromyl chloride: 2,4,4-trimethylpentanal catalyst: 158 g. (1.02 moles) of freshly distilled chromyl chloride product: 2,4,4-trimethylpentanal product: 4,4-Dimethyl-2-neopentylpentanal product: 2-Phenylpropanal product: Diphenylacetaldehyde Keywords: oxidation, miscellaneous
The Cluster Fly, Pollenia rudis (Diptera: Calliphoridae)

Cluster flies ( Pollenia rudis (Fabricius) ) become a serious problem and a major pest in rural homes, churches, and other structures in the autumn when they enter buildings to hibernate, and again in the spring when they seek ways to escape to the outside. Heavily infested buildings may contain several thousands of these flies. Sometimes a few thousand of them aggregate and form a “cluster,” whence their popular name. While they are not filth flies, they are severe nuisances when they gain entrance and fly in huge numbers about living quarters.
Effects of controlled dietary restriction on brainreactive antibodies in sera of aging mice

Previous studies have demonstrated that underfeeding in both premature and young mature animals may extend the life span as well as preserve the functions of the immune system. The effects of caloric restriction for a period of 12 months on different organs as well as the formation of brain-reactive antibodies in young mature mice (3 months) were tested. These animals showed a significantly lower weight of the total body and various organs including the brain, spleen, adrenals and kidneys. The brain weight/body weight ratio, on the other hand, was significantly higher in these mice. Sera in the dietary animals were mostly negative while those of control animals of the same age and sex had high levels. The present study supports the earlier observations that controlled dietary restriction is able to slow down the age-related deterioration of the immune system. The inhibition of brain-reactive antibody formation in these animals might also be related to a delayed onset of autoimmune disorders.
Bone marrow transplantation and chemical protection in the radiotherapy of mouse leukemia

Attempts were made to extend the radiation-induced survival of mice, bearing transplanted lymphomas, by the use of isologous bone marrow or the radioprotective chemical AET. Increased amounts of radiation tolerated by virtue of post-treatment with isologous bone marrow prolonged survival beyond that obtainable with sublethal doses of roentgen rays alone. Increased amounts of radiation tolerated by virtue of pretreatment with AET also further prolonged survival in one of the 2 transplanted lymphomas studied, which suggests that in this instance normal tissues received greater protection than the lymphoma. Fractionated or protracted irradiation was not significantly more effective than a single brief exposure under the conditions tested.
Cheng Yi’s Neo-Confucian Ontological Hermeneutics of Dao

L'A. mesure la contribution du penseur Cheng Yi a l'hermeneutique confuceenne du XI e siecle et au dialogue avec l'hermeneutique occidentale contemporaine. Alors que celle-ci traite exclusivement de la comprehension avec Gadamer et de l'existence humaine avec Heidegger, l'hermeneutique du Dao de Cheng Yi s'identifie a une philosophie pratique.
Effect of viscosity on bubble and pressure evolution

The formation and evolution of acoustic waves and vapor bubbles as a result of laser irradiation have received considerable attention, particularly with respect to angioplasty, thrombolysis, and ophthalmic laser applications. Pressure waves and bubbles have been implicated in undesirable tissue damage yet they can be beneficially utilized while limiting their negative impact. Either planar or spherical pressure waves can be produced through manipulation of irradiation parameters and geometry. An OPO laser emitting approximately 5 ns pulses of visible radiation was delivered through an optical fiber to a cuvette containing dye dissolved in either water or glycerin. Absorption was varied by altering the dye concentration and wavelength of the OPO laser and the spot size was varied by employing multiple sizes of optical fiber. A nitrogen-pumped dye laser with a pulse duration of approximately 5 ns was used as an illumination source. A Mach-Zehnder interferometer technique enabled visualization and quantification of the pressure waves; bubble evolution was monitored with shadowgrams. A comparison was made between experimental and theoretical results for water and glycerin.
Balloon dilation of benign small bowel strictures using double balloon enteroscopy: 5-year review from a single tertiary referral center

Abstract Background Small bowel strictures are an uncommon but difficult problem to evaluate and treat. They can cause significant morbidity, and surgery has historically been the only definitive treatment option. We assessed outcomes of endoscopic dilation of benign small bowel strictures using double balloon enteroscopy (DBE). Methods Retrospective study of 13 patients from January 2007 to December 2011 who underwent DBE and balloon dilation for benign small bowel strictures at a single tertiary referral center. Results A total of 16 DBEs were performed in 13 patients (11 males, median age 60) for benign small bowel strictures using DBE. Final stricture etiology included Crohn's disease 4, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs 4, anastomotic stricture 3, radiation enteritis 1, and adhesions 1. Technical success was achieved in 12/13 (92%) and clinical success in 10/13 (77%) patients with a median follow-up of 46 months. Surgery was required in three patients: one technical failure to reach the stricture, one adverse event (perforation), and one recurrence. Conclusion Balloon dilation of small bowel strictures using DBE is a reasonably safe and feasible alternative to surgery in selected cases. Larger prospective series would be required to confirm its benefit.
Why Was Charles I Executed? – By Clive Holmes

Judging from the title of this book and the graphic cover illustration of blood spurting from the decapitated torso of the king, one might assume that this book is about the execution of Charles I,...
Laying out ground rules for protein‐aided nanofabrication: ZnO synthesis at 70°C as a case study

Designer proteins that incorporate solid-binding peptides hold promise to control the nucleation, growth, morphology, and assembly of inorganic phases under mild conditions of temperature and pressure. However, protein-aided nanofabrication remains more art than science and some materials can only be synthesized at temperatures that cause most mesophilic proteins to unfold. Using zinc oxide (ZnO) synthesis at 70°C as case study, we show here that seemingly unimportant variables, such as the carry-over concentration of Tris buffer and the “empty” host protein scaffold can exert a significant influence on materials morphology. We also show that, once well-controlled conditions are established, thermodynamic predictions and adsorption isotherms are powerful tools to understand how various ZnO-binding sequence inserted within the thermostable framework of Escherichia coli thioredoxin A (TrxA) affect inorganic morphogenesis. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2012; 109:1912–1918. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Subharmonic resonance of a trapped wave near a vertical cylinder by narrow-banded random incident waves

It is well-known that near an infinite linear array of periodically spaced cylinders trapped waves of certain eigenfrequencies can exist. If there are only a finite number of cylinders in an infinite sea, trapping is imperfect. Simple harmonic incident waves can excite a nearly trapped wave at one of the eigen frequencies through a linear mechanism. However, the maximum amplification ratio increases monotonically with the number of the cylinders; hence the solution is singular in the limit of infinitely many cylinders. Recently, a nonlinear theory of subharmonic resonance of perfectly trapped waves has been completed. In this article the theory is further extended to random incident waves with a narrow spectrum centered near twice the natural frequency of the trapped wave. The effects of detuning and bandwidth of the spectrum are examined.
Heart and one gill-bailer rhythm phase couple in Cancer boreaus and Cancer irroratus

Abstract 1. 1. In two species of brachyuran decapod crustaceans, the rhythmic beating motions of the scaphognathites (SGs) or gill-bailers fell preferentially within distinct points of the heart cycle. 2. 2. An established phase relationship between one scaphognathite movement and the heart beat did not vary over many cycles and remained tightly coupled. 3. 3. During periods of heart and one gill-bailer coupling, changes in oxygen content altered beating rates but did not necessarily affect the degree of phase coupling or the angle of phase preference.
On the Construction and Use of Surrogate Models for the Dynamic Analysis of Multibody Systems

This study outlines an approach for speeding up the simulation of the dynamic response of vehicle models that include hysteretic nonlinear tire components. The method proposed replaces the hysteretic nonlinear tire model with a surrogate model that emulates the dynamic response of the actual tire. The approach is demonstrated via a dynamic simulation of a quarter vehicle model. In the proposed methodology, training information generated with a reduced number of harmonic excitations is used to construct the tire hysteretic force emulator using a Neural Network (NN) element. The proposed approach has two stages: a learning stage, followed by an embedding of the learned model into the quarter car model. The learning related main challenge stems from the attempt to capture with the NN element the behavior of a hysteretic element whose response depends on its loading history. The methodology is demonstrated in conjunction with a simple nonlinear quarter vehicle system as well as an ADAMS based model that uses a complex tire element. The results obtained with the surrogate model prove to be accurate and are obtained at a fraction of the CPU time required to handle the original models. The approach proposed is anticipated to be useful for reducing the duration of vehicle simulations, or when a tire model is not available but experimental data can be used to generate a surrogate model.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
MATCH-UP/MATRIX: a microcomputer program designed to search for protein primary structure homology

MATCH-UP/MATRIX is a program designed to aid the investigator interested in determining primary protein structure. It is written in Applesoft BASIC for the Apple IIe microcomputer. MATCH-UP will survey any set of proteinaceous materials for amino acid sequence homology; however, it is primarily intended to compare the structures of newly sequenced peptides with the established structure of a protein with suspected homology. Any peptide-to-protein alignment which shows a homology greater than or equal to the percentage specified by the user will result in output. MATRIX will compare the sequences of two proteins (peptides) in whatever alignment specified by the user and is intended to spot insertions and/or deletions between structures.
Anisotropy and tail formation in ICRF-heated tokamak plasmas

A local, two-dimensional (in velocity space), time-dependent, quasi-linear Ion Cyclotron Range of Frequencies (ICRF) Fokker-Planck model is used to study heating in PLT and NUWMAK reactor plasmas. It is found that PLT ICRF experimental results, including tail formation, are well modelled when charge-exchange, radial and radiation losses and Ohmic heating are incorporated. For the NUWMAK reactor parameters, the lower-radiofrequency power per resonant particle and high density provide an isotropic Maxwellian plasma describable by fluid models.
Concurrent Treatment of Substance Abuse, Child Neglect, Bipolar Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Domestic Violence: A Case Examination Involving Family Behavior Therapy

High rates of co-occurrence between substance abuse and child neglect have been well documented and especially difficult to treat. As a first step in developing a comprehensive evidence-based treatment for use in this population, the present case examination underscores Family Behavior Therapy (FBT) in the treatment of a mother who evidenced Substance Dependence, child neglect, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Bipolar I Disorder, and domestic violence. Utilizing psychometrically validated self-report inventories and objective urinalysis, treatment was found to result in the cessation of substance use, lower risk of child maltreatment, improved parenting attitudes and practices, and reduced instances of violence in the home. The importance of utilizing validity scales in the assessment of referrals from child welfare settings is discussed, and future directions are reported in light of the results.
056 In Vitro Evaluation of Biofilm Development on Tissue Engineered Skin

Bacteria reside in various forms, including planktonic, or free-floating, or as biofilms, which are a tightly adherent, potentially more treatment-resistant form. Biofilms, composed in part as polysaccharide matrices, can act as protection for bacteria by shielding them from antimicrobials and the innate immune system. It is estimated that bacterial biofilm are responsible for 65–80% of all chronic infections and may be responsible in part for non-healing of chronic wounds. An advance in the treatment of non-healing wounds has lead to the development of human skin equivalents (HSE), which can successfully treat many non-healing wounds. Better understanding the interaction between bacteria and HSE might improve patient outcomes. Studies involving planktonic E. coli and HSE have demonstrated the growth of bacterial colonies only on the dermal surface. Growth was not seen on the epidermal layer of the HSE, possibly due in part to the expression of innate antimicrobial peptides called human β defensin-2 (hBD-2), which are expressed by HSE keratinocytes. The objective of this study was to determine if biofilm formation could occur on a bioengineered HSE. We used a commercially available HSE. Three (3) mm full-thickness incisions were made in a triangular section of HSE. Each section was inoculated on the epidermal aspect with 1.0 × 105CFU per gram of Pseudomonas aeruginosa at 35 degrees Celsius for specified time points. Sections of HSE were sampled in areas of injury at various time points. Biopsy sections were processed for histologic analysis with H&E and epifluorescent microscopy to visualize Pseudomonas aeruginosa. We found that biofilm formation occurred at multiple time points on HSE. Colonies of adherent bacteria were visualized within the injured area of the epidermal layer of HSE by H & E staining. Eplifluoresecnt microscopy using calcofluor white staining revealed the characteristic exopolysaccharide (EPS) matrix of biofilm. Visualization of the expression of human β defensin-2 (hBD-2) with HSE after biofilm formation is underway. This knowledge will help to understand the role of bacterial biofilms within HSE and their effect on subsequent healing.
Thermal models for laser damage in InSb photovoltaic and photoconductive detectors

Abstract Models were developed for thermal damage in laser-irradiated InSb photovoltaic detectors and photoconductive detectors. The model for thermal damage in photoconductive detectors must consider the effects of the layered construction. For describing damage in photovoltaic detectors the model should include the radial heat conduction resulting from the Gaussian profile of the incident laser beam. The irradiation-time dependences of the permanent-damage thresholds calculated using the models are in good agreement with the experimentally determined thresholds for InSb materials.
Blood biochemistry of sea turtles captured in gillnets in the lower Cape Fear River, North Carolina, USA.

Abstract Mortality due to fisheries interactions has been implicated as a contributor to population decline for several species of sea turtle. The incidental capture of sea turtles in the coastal gillnet fisheries of North Carolina, USA, has received much attention in recent years, and mitigation measures to reduce sea turtle mortality due to gillnet entanglement are a high priority for managers and conservationists. Efforts to evaluate effects of gillnet entanglement on sea turtle populations are complicated by the lack of information on health status of turtles released alive from nets and postrelease mortality. We obtained blood samples from green (Chelonia mydas) and Kemp's ridley (Lepidochelys kempii) sea turtles captured in gillnets for 20–240 minutes to assess the impacts of gillnet entanglement on blood biochemistry and physiological status. We measured concentrations of lactate, corticosterone, ions (Na+, K+, Cl−, P, Ca2+), enzymes (lactate dehydrogenase [LDH], creatine phosphokinase [CPK], aspar...
Salivary testosterone levels in men at a U.S. sex club.

Vertebrate males commonly experience elevations in testosterone levels in response to sexual stimuli, such as presentation of a novel mating partner. Some previous human studies have shown that watching erotic movies increases testosterone levels in males although studies measuring testosterone changes during actual sexual intercourse or masturbation have yielded mixed results. Small sample sizes, "unnatural" lab-based settings, and invasive techniques may help account for mixed human findings. Here, we investigated salivary testosterone levels in men watching (n = 26) versus participating (n = 18) in sexual activity at a large U.S. sex club. The present study entailed minimally invasive sample collection (measuring testosterone in saliva), a naturalistic setting, and a larger number of subjects than previous work to test three hypotheses related to men's testosterone responses to sexual stimuli. Subjects averaged 40 years of age and participated between 11:00 pm and 2:10 am. Consistent with expectations, results revealed that testosterone levels increased 36% among men during a visit to the sex club, with the magnitude of testosterone change significantly greater among participants (72%) compared with observers (11%). Contrary to expectation, men's testosterone changes were unrelated to their age. These findings were generally consistent with vertebrate studies indicating elevated male testosterone in response to sexual stimuli, but also point out the importance of study context since participation in sexual behavior had a stronger effect on testosterone increases in this study but unlike some previous human lab-based studies.
Syntactic Findings in Developmental Verbal Apraxia.

Spontaneous language samples of eight children diagnosed as presenting developmental verbal apraxia were analyzed in terms of their mean length of utterance, Developmental Sentence Scores, use of 14 grammatical markers, and yes-no and wh-question forms. Although MLUs were greater than the range associated with stage V syntactic development, all children demonstrated difficulties with stage V and beyond grammatical markers and many omitted stage II markers. Developmental Sentence Scores were generally well below chronologic age expectations and revealed notable difficulties with personal pronoun and main verb selection. Omissions or noninversions of auxiliary and/or copulas in yes-no and wh-questions were apparent. Omissions of regular and irregular third-person singular markers, inconsistent use of regular and irregular past tense, and difficulty with question transformations provide evidence that at least some of the errors presented by this group of apraxic children cannot be attributed to motor speech and/or phonologic limitations but rather they evidence concomitant syntactic disorders.
An overlay vernier and process bias monitor measured by voltage contrast SEM

A new type of vernier design which is digital in nature yet extremely dense is described. It does not require any functional circuitry to operate. Measurements can be made rapidly by simple inspection of the structure with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) operating in voltage contrast (VC) mode. This is achieved by designing a vernier where patterns either short or do not short to the wafer substrate, resulting in bright or dark regions (e.g. nonfloating or floating conductor regions) when viewed with a VC/SEM. Measurements of the location of the bright/dark interface region relate to the overlay and process bias of the monitor design levels on the wafer. >
Infant brain tumors: incidence, survival, and the role of radiation based on Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Data.

Purpose To evaluate the incidence of infant brain tumors and survival outcomes by disease and treatment variables. Methods and Materials The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program November 2008 submission database provided age-adjusted incidence rates and individual case information for primary brain tumors diagnosed between 1973 and 2006 in infants less than 12 months of age. Results Between 1973 and 1986, the incidence of infant brain tumors increased from 16 to 40 cases per million (CPM), and from 1986 to 2006, the annual incidence rate averaged 35 CPM. Leading histologies by annual incidence in CPM were gliomas (13.8), medulloblastoma and primitive neuroectodermal tumors (6.6), and ependymomas (3.6). The annual incidence was higher in whites than in blacks (35.0 vs. 21.3 CPM). Infants with low-grade gliomas had the highest observed survival, and those with atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumors (ATRTs) or primary rhabdoid tumors of the brain had the lowest. Between 1979 and 1993, the annual rate of cases treated with radiation within the first 4 months from diagnosis declined from 20.5 CPM to p = 0.005). For ATRTs, those treated with surgery and upfront radiation had a 12-month survival of 100% compared with 24.4% for those treated with surgery alone ( p = 0.016). For ependymomas survival was higher in patients treated in more recent decades ( p = 0.001). Conclusion The incidence of infant brain tumors has been stable since 1986. Survival outcomes varied markedly by histology. For infants with medulloblastoma and ATRTs, improved survival was observed in patients treated with both surgery and early radiation compared with those treated with surgery alone.
Sulfur fractions and carbon-nitrogen-phosphorus-sulfur relationships in some Brazilian and Iowa soils

O atual conhecimento relativo a distribuicao em percentagem das varias fracoes de enxofre nos solos provem principalmente dos estudos dos solos de regioes temperadas. Em vista disso, este estudo foi conduzido para determinar as fracoes do S e as relacoes C-N-P-S em alguns solos da regiao subtropical dos Estados de Sao Paulo e do Parana, Brasil, e comparar estes valores nestes solos com aqueles nos solos do Estado de Iowa, dos Estados Unidos da America do Norte. As analises das fracoes de enxofre nos solos dos dois paises, indicaram que os solos do Brasil contem sulfato inorgânico adsorvido. Expressos como percentagem do S total, os solos do Brasil acusaram de 5 a 23% (media 11%) de S-sulfato inorgânico, de 20 a 65% (media 40%) de S-ester sulfato, de 5 a 12% (media 7%) de S-ligado ao Carbono e de 24 a 59% (media 42%) de S orgânico nao identificado. As percentagens correspondentes nos solos de Iowa foram de 2 a 8% (media 5%) de S-sulfato inorgânico, de 43 a 60% (media 50%) de S-ester sufato, de 7 a 18% (media 11%) de enxofre ligado ao carbono e de 30 a 39% (media 34%) de S orgânico, nao identificado. Outrossim, nao foi encontrado o enxofre inorgânico nao-sulfato em nenhum dos solos analisados. Houve grandes variacoes nas relacoes C, N, Ρ e S entre solos brasileiros quando comparados com aqueles do Iowa.
Segregation of tantalum at very low concentrations in niobium by controlled solidification: A neutron-activation study

Abstract The segregation by controlled solidification of small quantities (of the order of 100 p.p.m.) of dissolved tantalum in relatively pure niobium was investigated. Tantalum concentrations were determined by neutron-activation analysis. The equilibrium distribution coefficient for tantalum dissolved in niobium was found to be 1.4 in the limit of pure niobium. With the addition of approximately 1 1 2 % titanium to the solid solution, this distribution coefficient was decreased to slightly less than unity. The effect of ingot geometry on segregation in normal freezing was analyzed. The diffusion coefficient for tantalum in liquid niobium at the melting point (slightly above 2468°C) was estimated from the data to be of the order of 4 × 10−4 mm2/sec.
EHMTI-0174. Dural vessel hemodynamics during normal behavior and migraine attack

Results A majority of the dural vessels constricted during locomotion (n=29 vessels in 11 mice, peak constriction=–11.2% ±5.7%), some of them did not respond (8 vessels in 4 mice), while there were a few dilated (3 vessels in 2 mice, peak dilation=12.2%±3.3%). In the contrast, all the pial vessels dilated during locomotion, with arteries showing rapid and large dilation (19.7%±8.2%) and veins showing a slower and smaller dilation (6.6%±3.2%). Preliminary experiment shows that injecting CGRP, which is believed to provoke migraine, drives the dilation of dural vessels. Conclusions Dural vessels exhibit diverse dynamics during locomotion, but the dominant effect was constriction. The differences between dural and pial vessels have never been reported before, but may indicate a unique function of dural vessels during exercise. This work provides novel insights into the normal dynamics of dural vessels during behavior and their disfunction during migraine. No conflict of interest.
Hydrogen and water vapor adsorption on and reaction with uranium

Abstract By combining modulated molecular beam scattering, temperature programmed desorption, and atomic force microscopy experiments, the fundamental properties of the interaction of hydrogen and water vapor with uranium at room temperature and above have been investigated. The initial sticking probability, hydride formation probabilities and desorption kinetics for dihydrogen and water vapor on clean uranium have been measured. In addition, saturation coverages for hydrogen and water vapor are determined for an initially clean uranium surface. Atomic force microscopy revealed site-specific initiation of hydride formation for slightly oxidized uranium at grain boundaries. The areal (and hence time) dependence of the hydride formation probability was also observed. The clean uranium surface is passivated significantly by oxidation and carburization. The sticking probabilities for dihydrogen and water vapor are one to two orders of magnitude smaller on oxidized and carbided surfaces. The carbided surface is efficiently produced by reaction of C60 with uranium surfaces between 600 and 800 K.
Enterprise Information System and Data Mining

The advent of information technology and the consequent proliferation of information systems have lead to generation of vast amounts of data, both within the organization and across its supply chain. Enterprise information systems (EIS) have added to organizational complexity, and at the same time, created opportunities for enhancing its competitive advantage by utilizing this data for business intelligence purposes. Various data mining tools have been used to gain a competitive edge through these large data bases. In this paper, the authors discuss EIS-aided business intelligence and data mining as applicable to organizational functions, such as supply chain management (SCM), marketing, and customer relationship management (CRM) in the context of EIS.
Tonsillar pseudotumor: complications of chronically-administered temozolomide.

The current standard of care for patients with Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is surgery, followed by radiation in combination with Temozolomide (TMZ), followed by adjuvant TMZ. The most appropriate length of treatment of adjuvant TMZ after the completion of radiation is unclear. We present the case of a 45 year old female with GBM who received adjuvant TMZ on an experimental study for 24 1-month cycles (150 mg/M2 7 days on/7 days off continuously-a higher TMZ dose than standard). After 24 months on study she was stable without GBM regrowth, but presented with a right tonsil and pharynx mass consistent with a new primary malignancy. Tonsillar biopsy was positive for Epstein–Barr virus, Cytomegalovirus and Herpes Simplex Virus, but no tumor. This case highlights the risks and possible complications of immunosuppression associated with long term TMZ use.
The effect of exercise on non-restricted caloric intake in male joggers

This study examined the effects of both increasing and decreasing normal energy expenditure over periods of one week on the self-reported caloric intake of seven male joggers (22-27 years). The three levels of energy expenditure were: no exercise, regular exercise and double exercise. Despite significant difference in energy expenditure across conditions, self-reported caloric intake did not differ significantly, suggesting that energy intake was not affected by short-term changes in energy expenditure.