cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract #5520: Effect of Epigallocatechin 3-gallate (EGCG) and cancer chemotherapy on in vitro proliferation of chemoresistant, A375 human malignant melanoma

AACR Annual Meeting-- Apr 18-22, 2009; Denver, CO Green tea extracts (GTE) are taken for purported effects on tumor prevention and frequently prescribed by CAM practitioners for physiologic support, attenuation of treatment-related morbidities, and possible effects on tumor progression. EGCG, the most abundant polyphenol in GTE exerts the same effects which has facilitated its use in functional and molecular studies. Thus, EGCG has been shown to exert effects on numerous processes relevant to cancer growth including proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and modulation of oxidative reactions. EGCG has also been shown to enhance the activity of selected chemotherapeutic agents in pre-clinical models by different mechanisms suggesting that GTE may have efficacy in multidisciplinary treatment regimens. This would be especially attractive for the treatment of tumors considered to be intrinsically chemo-insensitive such as malignant melanoma (MM). Thus, the goal of the present study was to investigate the capacity of EGCG to collaborate with selected chemotherapeutic agents in mediating antiproliferative effects against the A375 MM cell line obtained from the American Type Culture Collection. Tumor proliferation was assessed spectrophotometrically with cells growing logarithmically by MTS assay. Tumor cells (5x103 cells/well) in quadruplicate wells of a 96 well plate were incubated for 24-72 hours with pharmacologic concentrations of cisplatin, paclitaxel, or gemcitabine in the presence and absence of 21.8\#956;M EGCG selected to represent a concentration achieved by administration of 8, 200mg capsules daily of GTE which is consistent with prescribing patterns by most CAM practitioners for cancer patients. EGCG alone exerted an insignficant effect on A375 proliferation (94% of media control, ns). Similar results were obtained for cells incubated with Paclitaxel (1 ng/mL); Cisplatin (50 ng/mL); and gemcitabine (1 ng/mL) 88%, 97%, and 109% of media control values respectively, ns). In contrast, significant inhibition of proliferation was observed in cultures treated with EGCG in combination with either: Paclitaxel (69% of control, p=0.03); cisplain (76% of control, p=0.024); or gemcitabine (59% of control, p=0.006). Maximum inhibition of proliferation by ECGC in combination with each drug occured at 72 hrs but signficant inhibition at 48 hrs was also observed for combinations containing either paclitaxel or gemcitabine. The results of this exploratory study suggest that the intrinsic chemo-insensitivity of human malignant melanoma may be overcome by effects elicited by EGCG, the major polyphenol in GTE. Considering the lack of significant side effects and excellent tolerability of GTE, and the limited treatment options and poor prognosis for patients with malignant melanoma, combination regimens that include GTE are worth further innvestigation. Citation Information: In: Proc Am Assoc Cancer Res; 2009 Apr 18-22; Denver, CO. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; 2009. Abstract nr 5520.
A Self-Study Approach to Youthful Drug Abuse:

The urgency of current social problems such as drug abuse presents the social scientist and his clients with an apparent dilemma Programs of social remediation which are hastily undertaken without the benefit of research often flounder after an initial burst of energy because they are based on romantic notions rather than on real knowledge. But, on the other hand, good research into these problems is usually time-consuming and expensive—particularly when the problem under investigation is neither well understood nor even well defined. Research is rendered even more difficult when there is a requisite need to understand the specific culture or subculture within which the social problem is operative before the social scientist can begin to ask (let alone seek answers to) relevant questions.
The Clinical Status of Predictive Pharmacokinetics

Abstract Clinical Pharmacokinetics, namely the prediction of patient drug dosage regimens and the interpretation of serum drug concentrations, is a rapidly evolving area of medical care and applied systems analysis. Pharmacokinetics has demonstrated its capability of greatly increasing the efficacy and safety of therapy with a number of drugs, particularly digoxin.
Effectiveness of Dispersants for Coastal Habitat Protection as a Function of Types of Oil and Dispersant

Oil spills in nearshore environments may eventually move into sensitive coastal habitats such as coastal marshes, and could impact marsh organisms. Application of dispersants to spilled oils in nearshore environments before the oil drifts into marshes was simulated, and effectiveness of dispersants’ relief of the impact of different oil types on salt marsh plants were investigated. The application of the dispersant JD-2000 significantly relieved the adverse effects of both No. 2 fuel oil and South Louisiana crude oil on the dominant salt marsh plant, Spartina alterniflora. Upon contact with plant leaves during the rising tide, the oils sharply reduced the photosynthetic rates of the plant, and increased the percentage of dead tissue. In contrast, the dispersed oils did not significantly affect the marsh plants compared to the no-oil control. However, the effectiveness of the relief of Corexit 9500 on the impact of crude oil was not as great as that of No. 2 fuel oil, although Corexit 9500 also significantly mitigated the impact of crude oil on the salt marsh plant. The current study indicates that dispersants are likely to be most effective in mitigating light fuel oil rather than the viscous crude oil, and have the potential as an alternative countermeasure sure to protect sensitive coastal habitats during nearshore oil spills.
Medical Scribes in an Academic Dermatology Practice.

This study examines the implementation of a multipractice quality improvement pilot program evaluating medical scribe impact on dermatologist documentation time and physician satisfaction.
Mechanical properties of harbor seal skin and blubber − a test of anisotropy

The skin and blubber of marine mammals provides protection from the surrounding environment, whether that be temperature, microbes, or direct mechanical impacts. To understand the ability of harbor seals' (Phoca vitulina) skin and blubber to resist blunt force trauma, we tested the material properties of these tissues. We quantified two mechanical properties of the tissue: tensile strength and tensile stiffness, at two test speeds, three sample orientations, and two age groups. We found significant differences in material properties between test speeds, orientation, and age of the animal, but did not find a large difference with orientation. From this analysis, we conclude that harbor seal skin and blubber should be modeled as an isotropic non-linear elastic material with strain rate dependence. Moreover, we were interested in the effects of freezing on the biomechanical properties. The material was tested fresh and after being frozen for four months. Frozen data revealed an increase in stiffness and strength for the skin (epidermis and dermis), but did not show a conclusive trend in the blubber material properties. While the availability of frozen marine mammal tissue is greater than that of fresh material, frozen tissue of harbor seals, especially the skin, cannot serve as an accurate replacement for testing of fresh material.
Experimental infection of guinea pigs with Venezuelan hemorrhagic fever virus (Guanarito): A model of human disease

Venezuelan hemorrhagic fever (VHF), a newly described disease caused by an arenavirus (Guanarito), has resulted in multiple human deaths in Venezuela. To develop an animal model of this disease, strain 13 and Hartley strain guinea pigs were inoculated subcutaneously with Guananto strain 95551 of arenavirus in a pilot study to determine susceptibility of the species to the virus. All animals were killed when moribund 12-14 days following inoculation. Animals were necropsied and tissues were fixed and examined by both light and electron microscopy. Viral antigen was demonstrated in the tissues by immunohistochemistry at both the light and electron microscopic levels. Lesions were characterized by single cell necrosis of epithelium of the gastrointestinal tract, interstitial pneumonia, lymphoid and hematopoietic cell necrosis, and the presence of platelet thrombi in occasional blood vessels associated with hemorrhage. Viral antigen was demonstrated in lymphoid tissues and macrophages, endothelial cells of multiple organs, pulmonary epithelium, epithelium of the gastrointestinal tract, and in miscellaneous other tissues and cells. Intact virions and typical arenavirus inclusions were demonstrated by immunoelectron microscopy in these tissues. Based on these findings, the guinea pig appears to be a valid animal model of the human disease.
An Area-Efficient Microprocessor-Based SoC With an Instruction-Cache Transformable to an Ambient Temperature Sensor and a Physically Unclonable Function

This paper presents a novel microprocessor-based system-on-chip (SoC) with the capability to transform SRAM in the instruction cache to an ambient temperature sensor and a physically unclonable function (PUF). For the transformation, we extend the original microprocessor without interlocked pipeline stages instruction set architecture and update SRAM peripheral circuits and pipeline control. All the changes are made minimally to reduce hardware overhead and the impact on the original microarchitecture. Compared to the conventional approach implementing dedicated hardware for low duty-cycle sensing and PUF, the proposed transformation approach saves ~9.8 $\times $ silicon area while achieving the performance and robustness comparable to the state of the art in implementing those functions. The efficiency of the approach is verified with an SoC prototyped in a 65-nm CMOS.
A Systematic Review of Pharmacologic Treatments for School Refusal Behavior.

Abstract Objective: School refusal is an important pediatric problem with significant negative short- and long-term outcomes. Specific psychosocial treatments appear effective in reducing school refusal, but many children do not respond to these treatments. Although systematic reviews have examined the efficacy of psychological interventions for school refusal, no systematic reviews on pharmacological interventions exist. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive literature search of MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Embase for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi-experimental pharmacologic trials in children and adolescents with school refusal reported in English or Spanish until July 1, 2017. Two authors screened study titles and abstracts for eligibility. Data regarding the population, intervention, comparison, and outcomes for each trial were extracted and reported. Effect sizes for school attendance are presented. Results: The search identified 6 articles, including 7 trials (6 RCTs and 1 open label...
DNA CRUCIFORMS FACILITATE IN VITRO STRAND TRANSFER ON NUCLEOSOMAL TEMPLATES

A single, phased nucleosome assembled on a 240 by DNA duplex molecule blocked Escherichia coli RecA protein-promoted strand transfer of the complementary strand of the duplex onto a homologous single-stranded circle. However, when a four-armed cruciform structure was coupled to either end of the duplex the barrier to strand transfer was overcome and joint molecules were efficiently formed. Micrococcal nuclease digestion indicated that the nucleosome was dissociated by the juxtaposition of the cruciform. We interpret these results to mean that cruciform structures can act over a distance to destabilize adjacent nucleosomes and suggest that, as a consequence, the chromatin structure surrounding a crossed strand recombination intermediate might be disrupted, enabling other recombination events to initiate or the process of branch migration to proceed.
Natural bacterial assemblages in deep-sea sediments : Towards a global view

Deep-sea sediments represent a significant sink term in the global carbon budget. Environmental controls on the resident bacterial assemblages. which determine in large part the magnitude of that term, are only poorly understood. In search of the primary constraining factors, we examined existing data on bacterial biomass in sediments across the entire depth range of the oceans, along with a smaller data set from abyssal North Atlantic and Arctic basins. The latter included measures of bacterial biomass, utilization rates of dissolved amino acids, and the supply of particulate organic carbon to the seafloor. A statistical analysis of these data indicated ocean depth to be a weak predictor of bacterial parameters, while the magnitude of organic carbon flux to the seafloor proved a strong one. We reached essentially two conclusions: 1) the missing factor in our understanding of bacterial activities in deep-sea sediments is the quality or hydrolytic potential of the organic carbon supply to the seafloor; and 2) highlatitude basins, from which the highest benthic bacterial biomass and activity rates were recorded, should provide ideal sites for testing hypotheses on the bacterial fate of organic carbon in the deep sea.
Identification of a novel Drosophila SMAD on the X chromosome.

Abstract TGF-β signaling from the cell surface to the nucleus is mediated by the SMAD family of proteins, which have been grouped into three classes based upon sequence identity and function. Receptor-regulated, or pathway-restricted, SMADs (R-SMADs) are phosphorylated by ligand-specific serine/threonine kinase receptors. Phosphorylated R-SMADs oligomerize with the coactivating, or shared, SMAD (Co-SMAD) mediator and translocate to the nucleus where the complex directs transcription of downstream target genes. Inhibitory SMADs (I-SMADs) block receptor-mediated phosphorylation of R-SMADs. In Drosophila, one member of each class of SMAD has been reported: MAD, an R-SMAD, MEDEA, a Co-SMAD, and DAD, an I-SMAD. Here, we report the first identification of a novel Drosophila R-SMAD, which we have named Smox for Smad on X. We have localized the Smox gene to a specific interval on the X chromosome and shown that Smox is transcribed throughout development.
Exploration of High-Frequency Control of Dynamic Stall Using Large-Eddy Simulations

Dynamic stall represents a challenge in a number of engineering applications including rotorcraft, maneuvering aircraft, gust encounters, and wind turbines. Delay of the onset of dynamic stall and ...
Developing an Analytical Framework to Characterize Student Reasoning about Complex Processes.

How students construct causal explanations of complex processes was investigated through interviews with undergraduate science majors. An analytical framework developed from these interviews descri...
Estimating cost uncertainties in nuclear power plant construction through Monte Carlo sampled correlated random variables

Abstract The high uncertainty in overnight capital cost (OCC), as well as the large delays and cost escalation during construction, make nuclear power plants (NPP) unattractive for investors. In the US, a significant increase in the cost trend was found in correspondence to the 1979 accident event at Three Mile Island. A methodology based on the Iman-Conover method was developed to perform stochastic analyses on the construction schedule and cost accounts through Monte Carlo simulations accounting for variable correlations. A probabilistic assessment was then performed for the construction cost and time of a representative NPP, PWR12-BE. The mean value of the Total Capital Investment Cost (TCIC) for the PWR12-BE is $6.7 B, with a cost contingency of $582.1 M, which corresponds to 8.7% of the TCIC mean. The project duration has a mean of 10.7 years, with a relative standard deviation of 16.2%. However, the simulation results show lower predicted standard deviations of cost and time than the ones historically observed. The analysis demonstrates the need to extend the methodology to account for all uncertainties, including unexpected events, in the construction process of nuclear power plants. This aspect will be analyzed in a follow up paper (Maronati and Petrovic, 2018).
Bilateral Ear Canal Cholesteatoma with Underlying Type I First Branchial Cleft Anomalies

Objectives:To describe a case of bilateral ear canal cholesteatomas in the setting of underlying first branchial cleft cyst anomalies and to review the pathophysiology underlying the development of...
Empirical Validation of System Dynamics Cyber Security Models

Model validation, though a process that’s continuous and complex, establishes confidence in the soundness and usefulness of a model. Making sure that the model behaves similar to the modes of behavior seen in real systems, allows the builder of said model to assure accumulation of confidence in the model and thus validating the model. While doing this, the model builder is also required to build confidence from a target audience in the model through communicating to the bases. The basis of the system dynamics model validation, both in general and in the field of cyber security, relies on a casual loop diagram of the system being agreed upon by a group of experts. Model validation also uses formal quantitative and informal qualitative tools in addition to the validation techniques used by system dynamics. Amongst others, the usefulness of a model, in a user’s eyes, is a valid standard by which we can evaluate them. To validate our system dynamics cyber security model, we used empirical structural and behavior tests. This paper describes tests of model structure and model behavior, which includes each test’s purpose, the ways the tests were conducted, and empirical validation results using a proof-of-concept cyber security model.
Regulation of Mumps Virus replication and transcription by kinase RPS6KB1.

Mumps virus (MuV) caused the most viral meningitis before mass immunization. Unfortunately, MuV has reemerged in the United States in the past several years. MuV is a member of the genus Rubulavirus, in the family Paramyxoviridae, and has a nonsegmented negative-strand RNA genome. The viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (vRdRp) of MuV consists of the large protein (L) and the phosphoprotein (P), while the nucleocapsid protein (NP) encapsulates the viral RNA genome. These proteins make up the replication and transcription machinery of MuV. The P protein is phosphorylated by host kinases, and its phosphorylation is important for its function. In this study, we performed a large-scale small interfering RNA (siRNA) screen targeting host kinases that regulated MuV replication. The human kinase ribosomal protein S6 kinase beta-1 (RPS6KB1) was shown to play a role in MuV replication and transcription. We have validated the role of RPS6KB1 in regulating MuV using siRNA knockdown, an inhibitor, and RPS6KB1 knockout cells. We found that MuV grows better in cells lacking RPS6KB1, indicating that it downregulates viral growth. Furthermore, we detected an interaction between the MuV P protein and RPS6KB1, suggesting that RPS6KB1 directly regulates MuV replication and transcription.IMPORTANCE Mumps virus is an important human pathogen. In recent years, MuV has reemerged in the United State, with outbreaks occurring in young adults who have been vaccinated. Our work provides insight into a previously unknown mumps virus-host interaction. RPS6KB1 negatively regulates MuV replication, likely through its interaction with the P protein. Understanding virus-host interactions can lead to novel antiviral drugs and enhanced vaccine production.
Interconnecting conductively coated coverslides

The International Sun Earth Explorer-1 has the requirement that the entire outer surface of the spacecraft be conductive. A transparent coating of indium oxide was deposited for that reason on the satellite's solar cell coverglasses in order to give them a conductive surface, and the surfaces were interconnected to ground. This paper examines the interconnector attachment problem. On the ISEE-1, wires were bonded to the coverglasses by using a conductive epoxy; the resistance of these bonds increased dramatically with time. A program was initiated to find the functional cause of the resistance increase and to flight-qualify an alternative method of bonding. It was found the tests initiated were insufficient to find the cause of resistance increase and that an alternative solution of using indium solder is acceptable for bonding wires directly to indium oxide.
A clinical method of evaluating simple reaction time and reaction accuracy is sensitive to a single dose of lorazepam.

Rationale:Benzodiazepines are useful and commonly prescribed. Unfortunately, they are associated with subtle but functionally significant neurocognitive side effects that increase the risk of motor...
Parameterizing large constellation post-mission disposal success to predict the impact to future space environment

Abstract Future large constellations are being proposed that may include hundreds to thousands of satellites, spread across multiple orbit altitudes in LEO, some of which are already highly populated. The long-term hazard to the safe operational space environment's utility posed by these new constellations is not fully understood. The magnitude of debris generated via explosions and collisions with other space objects will be significantly influenced by the constellation characteristics, and the post-mission disposal (PMD) policy followed by these satellite operators. This study models the future orbital environment for debris based on different levels and types of space activity and PMD success rates. The future constellation model (FCM) utilized in the study consists of numerous constellations representative of proposed systems. These constellations manifest a wide range of characteristics relevant to their impact on the future debris environment, including mission and disposal orbits, satellite counts, masses, and areas. The PMD success rate is varied across scenarios from 70% to 100%. Unsuccessfully disposed satellites are modeled to either remain in their operational orbit after end-of-life or along the ascent or disposal paths. Given the satellite count, size, mass, and replenishment cadence of each constellation, and varying PMD success rate, each scenario is parameterized to simple undisposed object metrics. By parameterizing in this way, the environment impact of scenarios with different satellite counts and physical characteristics are compared on a normalized plot.
Progress monitoring with couple clients.

Objective: The purpose of this paper was to assess differences in treatment progress in couple who were in a treatment as usual condition or a progress monitoring condition. Previous research has s...
Demonstration of Kinematic-Based Closed-loop Deep Brain Stimulation for Mitigating Freezing of Gait in People with Parkinson’s Disease

Impaired gait in Parkinson’s disease is marked by slow, arrhythmic stepping, and often includes freezing of gait episodes where alternating stepping halts completely. Wearable inertial sensors offer a way to detect these gait changes and novel deep brain stimulation (DBS) systems can respond with clinical therapy in a real-time, closed-loop fashion. In this paper, we present two novel closed-loop DBS algorithms, one using gait arrhythmicity and one using a logistic-regression model of freezing of gait detection as control signals. Benchtop validation results demonstrate the feasibility of running these algorithms in conjunction with a closed-loop DBS system by responding to real-time human subject kinematic data and pre-recorded data from leg-worn inertial sensors from a participant with Parkinson’s disease. We also present a novel control policy algorithm that changes neurostimulator frequency in response to the kinematic inputs. These results provide a foundation for further development, iteration, and testing in a clinical trial for the first closed-loop DBS algorithms using kinematic signals to therapeutically improve and understand the pathophysiological mechanisms of gait impairment in Parkinson’s disease.
Vocative melodies in Spanish and English: A cross-linguistic analysis

Abstract This study aims to describe the melodic contours used in Spanish and English calling vocatives in order to identify cross-linguistic similarities and differences. Additionally, it also explores how the sociopragmatic factor of formality may condition contour choices in both languages. 18 speakers of Spanish and 18 speakers of English produced a total of 432 one-word vocatives in formal and informal situations. The analyses of the F0 contours revealed that, although Spanish and English share multiple melodies in this speech act (e.g. L+H* L%, L* H% and L+H* !H%), some tones are language-specific (e.g. L+H* HL% for Spanish). In addition, a General Linear Mixed Model confirmed that these contours are not equally attested in all contexts and that the formality of the situation can condition their use.
Covid-19: a disaster five years in the making.

The covid-19 pandemic is not a one-off extraordinary event but the culmination of a five year unravelling of progress in global health, writes Peter Hotez
Parallel mesh reconstruction streams for pose estimation of interacting hands.

We present a new multi-stream 3D mesh reconstruction network (MSMR-Net) for hand pose estimation from a single RGB image. Our model consists of an image encoder followed by a mesh-convolution decoder composed of connected graph convolution layers. In contrast to previous models that form a single mesh decoding path, our decoder network incorporates multiple cross-resolution trajectories that are executed in parallel. Thus, global and local information are shared to form rich decoding representations at minor additional parameter cost compared to the single trajectory network. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our method in hand-hand and hand-object interaction scenarios at various levels of interaction. To evaluate the former scenario, we propose a method to generate RGB images of closely interacting hands. Moreoever, we suggest a metric to quantify the degree of interaction and show that close hand interactions are particularly challenging. Experimental results show that the MSMR-Net outperforms existing algorithms on the hand-object FreiHAND dataset as well as on our own hand-hand dataset.
Reactivity of para-benzynes in solution and in the gas phase

Abstract To rationally design less cytotoxic synthetic drugs based on biologically active para-benzyne intermediates, it is essential to obtain a better understanding on the reactivity of para-benzynes. However, little is still known about their fundamental chemical properties, which requires examination of pure species in simple solvents instead of biological matrices. While fundamental solution studies are limited, the solvent-free reactivity of protonated para-benzynes has been examined previously in the gas phase by using mass spectrometry. In order to facilitate the comparison of results obtained in the gas phase and in solution, we attempted to compare the reactivity of a neutral para-benzyne analog toward dimethyldisulfide in solution to that of its protonated form in the gas phase. The neutral para-benzyne analog, 5,8-didehydroquinoline, was successfully generated via photolysis of an enediyne precursor in dimethyldisulfide/methanol solution and the reaction products were analyzed using a dual linear quadrupole ion trap tandem mass spectrometrometer. However, examination of of the reactions of the same para-benzyne in its protonated form in the gas phase in the mass spectrometer proved to be challenging. Therefore, an analogous, isomeric para-benzyne cation, the 5,8-didehydroisoquinolinium cation, was instead generated in the gas phase from the 5-iodo-8-nitroisoquinoline precursor and its reactions with dimethyldisulfide were examined. This protonated para-benzyne reacted with dimethyl disulfide in the gas phase in the same manner as its neutral isomer in solution; both predominantly abstracted a thiomethyl group by each of the two radical sites. The structures of these products were verified by tandem mass spectrometry experiments based on collision-activated dissociation and using an authentic model compound. These findings suggest that the reactivity of the studied para-benzynes toward dimethyldisulfide is similar in spite of their different protonation states and the different phases in which the reactions were carried out.
A Systematic Review of the Safety and Tolerability of Theta Burst Stimulation in Children and Adolescents.

OBJECTIVES Theta burst stimulation (TBS) is often used in clinical practice and research protocols for adults with neuropsychiatric disorders. There are substantial knowledge gaps related to the application of TBS in children and adolescents. This systematic review examined the safety and tolerability of TBS in children and adolescents. MATERIALS AND METHODS A systematic review of human TBS studies in children and adolescents was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The following inclusion criteria were applied: 1) articles in English language only; 2) studies that included child and adolescent participants (up to 21 years of age); 3) studies that administered intermittent TBS or continuous TBS or both to participants; 4) studies that had an outcome measure; and 5) availability of full text material. The primary outcome measures were tolerability and safety. When feasible, the clinical effects were reviewed. RESULTS Twenty relevant articles met the criteria for inclusion. The reported adverse events were mild and similar to what is noted in adult studies. The most common symptom was headache. One case report described a seizure induced by TBS. Collectively, the studies were heterogeneous but the methodologic quality of randomized trials was high. CONCLUSIONS TBS interventions in children may have similar safety, tolerability, and feasibility as compared to adults. However, long-term, follow-up studies of TBS are lacking. Future dose-ranging studies with systematic assessment of adverse events will be important in the translation of findings with TBS from adults to youth.
Deficits in attentional modulation of auditory N100 in first-episode schizophrenia.

Reductions of the auditory N100 are present in schizophrenia, even at the first episode (FESz). Because most studies examine auditory N100 on active target detection oddball tasks, it remains unclear if the abnormality in FESz results from sensory deficits or impaired enhancement of N100 by selective attention, or both. N100 was recorded from 21 FESz and 22 matched healthy controls (HC) on a single-tone task and a two-tone oddball task. Overall, N100 was smaller in FESz (p = .036). Attention enhanced N100 amplitude (p < .001), but this differed between groups, with FESz impaired in N100 modulation (group x attention, p = .012). The oddball task showed greater N100 enhancement than the single-tone task (p < .001) in both groups. Group differences in N100 enhancement in the oddball task were large (Cohen's d = 0.85). Exploratory correlations showed that better N100 enhancement on the oddball task in FESz was associated with better MATRICS Overall Composite scores (cognitive tasks highly sensitive to psychosis), lower PANNS Negative factor and SANS scores, and better interpersonal (social) and role functioning in the last year. N100 during ignore conditions showed no significant difference between groups, albeit smaller in FESz, with small to medium effect sizes. Although sensory deficits in N100 are likely present, they are compounded by a failure to enhance N100 with attention. The failure of N100 enhancement by attentional gain control in FESz suggests functional dysconnection between cognitive control areas and the sensory cortex. N100 amplitude on active attention tasks may be a useful outcome biomarker for targeted enhancement of the cognitive control system.
Which measurement method should be used for prostate volume for PI-RADS? A comparison of ellipsoid and segmentation methods.

Abstract Purpose Prostate volume and PSA density (PSAd) are important in the risk stratification of suspected prostate cancer (Pca). PI-RADS v2.1 allows for determining volume via segmentation or ellipsoid calculation. The purpose of our study was to compare ellipsoid and segmentation volume calculation methods and evaluate if PSAd diagnostic performance is altered. Methods We retrospectively assessed 397 patients (mean age/standard deviation: 63.7/7.4 years) who underwent MRI and prostate biopsy or prostatectomy, with Pca classified by Gleason ≥3 + 4 and ≥4 + 4 disease. Prostate total volumes were determined with ellipsoid calculations (TVe) and with semi-automated segmentation (TVs), along with inter-rater reliability with intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). PSAd was calculated for TVe and TVs and ROC curves were created to compare performance for Gleason ≥3 + 4 and ≥4 + 4 disease. Results TVe was significantly higher than TVs (p Conclusion Traditional ellipsoid measurements tend to overestimate total prostate volume compared to segmentation, but both methods demonstrate similar diagnostic performance of derived PSA density for PI-RADS clinically significant disease. For higher grade disease, PSAd derived from segmentation volumes demonstrates statistically significant superior performance. Both methods are viable, but segmentation volume is potentially better.
LBOVI‐B‐1

Background: Carbamazepine (CBZ) disposition has been extensively investigated, but CBZ protein binding (PB) is not well characterized. As part of a CBZ pharmacokinetic study, we observed concentration-dependent PB. The purpose of this study was to further investigate CBZ PB.
Control technology for coal-fired combustion in northeastern U.S.

The status of air pollution control technology for coal fired industrial and power plant boilers has been surveyed. Lime and limestone based scrubbers are capable of removing as much as 93% of flue gas SO2 at facilities supplying 800 MW power. A sludge containing SO x ions must be discarded in the process, usually requiring landfill or a settling pond. The Wellman-Lord, thiosorbic, and citrate processes are capable of producing salable products instead of the sludge. They are successful (85 to 90% removal) on demonstration-scale units. The Wellman-Lord process is currently being tested on large-scale coal fired units. Electrostatic precipitators, the mahor control device for removing particulates, can eliminate 99.5% of the fine particles. Fabric filtration can remove 99.9% and is more efficient in the 0.2 to 2μm size range than ESPs. Utilization of fabric filters is expected to increase significantly from its present 5% of the particulate removal market. Nitrogen oxide concentrations in coal fired systems are usually reduced by modification of the combustion system. No significant NO x reduction on full-scale boilers has yet been reported, but demonstrations are planned over the next few years. Various process capital and annualized costs are reported for SO2 and particulate removal systems. The status of fluidized bed combustion, fuel desulfurization, conversion of coal to gaseous and liquid fuels, and flue gas denitrification is also discussed. Part A deals with S emission; Part B with NO x , particulates, and combined systems.
A multi-dimensional quenching problem due to a concentrated nonlinear source in RN

Abstract Let B be a N -dimensional ball { x ∈ R N : | x | R } centered at the origin with a radius R , B be its closure, and ∂ B be its boundary. Also, let ν ( x ) denote the unit inward normal at x ∈ ∂ B , and χ B ( x ) be the characteristic function, which is 1 for x ∈ B , and 0 for x ∈ R N ∖ B . This article studies the following multi-dimensional semilinear parabolic first initial-boundary value problem with a concentrated nonlinear source on ∂ B : u t − △ u = α ∂ χ B ( x ) ∂ ν f ( u ) in R N × ( 0 , T ] , u ( x , 0 ) = 0 for x ∈ R N , u ( x , t ) → 0 as | x | → ∞ for 0 t ≤ T , where α and T are positive numbers, f is a given function such that lim u → c − f ( u ) = ∞ for some positive constant c , and f ( u ) and its derivatives f ′ ( u ) and f ″ ( u ) are positive for 0 ≤ u c . It is shown that the problem has a unique nonnegative continuous solution before quenching occurs, and if u quenches in a finite time, then it quenches everywhere on ∂ B only. It is proved that u always quenches in a finite time for N ≤ 2 . For N ≥ 3 , it is shown that there exists a unique number α ∗ such that u exists globally for α ≤ α ∗ and quenches in a finite time for α > α ∗ . Thus, quenching does not occur in infinite time. A formula for computing α ∗ is given. A computational method for finding the quenching time is devised.
Anti-Government Movements and the Revitalization Process: An Examination of Anthony F.C. Wallace's Theory of Revitalization As Applied to Domestic Terrorist and Extremist Groups

This article employs a case study approach to examine the usefulness of Anthony F.C. Wallace's classic theory of group revitalization as it relates to terrorist and extremist movements. Wallace's theory, while well-known in anthropological circles, has only rarely been applied to the study of contemporary anti-statist groups. This oversight is unfortunate since the theory helps to account for the growth of these groups without relying on reductionist explanations. The central case of the West Virginia Mountaineer Militia, a radical militia group of the mid-1990s, is examined here in some detail to consider the precepts of revitalization theory. Other movements of a similar style are more briefly addressed.
Class II antigen expression by lacrimal epithelial cells. An updated working hypothesis for antigen presentation by epithelial cells.

It has been suggested that aberrant expression of Class II histocompatibility antigens (HLA) is involvedin T cell activation and leads to autoimmunity. Although Class II antigen expression was foun ...
Intrinsic nerves affect gallbladder contraction in the guinea pig

Muscarinic antagonists block gallbladder contraction induced by cholecystokinin in vivo but have little effect on gallbladder muscle strips. This study examined the effect of neural blockade on cholecystokinin-octapeptide-induced contraction of the intact guinea pig gallbladder in vitro using cholecystokinin-octapeptide applied to the gallbladder serosa, the lumen, or both compartments simultaneously. Simultaneous cholecystokinin stimulation of both the lumen and serosa was the most potent stimulus to contraction, and the responses were significantly inhibited by atropine and tetrodotoxin. Cholecystokinin in the gallbladder lumen alone evoked contraction by a dose-dependent mechanism that was entirely blocked by atropine or tetrodotoxin. Serosal application of cholecystokinin was the least potent, resulting in contractile responses and low sensitivity to neural blockers comparable to effects reported in muscle strips. The results suggest that cholecystokinin can cause gallbladder contraction by stimulating muscle receptors, neural receptors, or both, and combined neural and muscular stimulation is the most potent contractile stimulus.
Into the Future: Adult Professional Groups and the 21st Century Museum.

AbstractMuseum programs for working adults in their workplace groups are an interesting and important recent development. These programs have the potential to contribute significantly to the future health of museums. This article shows that these programs link to and build on three important trends in museums—customized experiences, deep engagement, and responsiveness. The article also suggests what museum professionals need to do to make sure that these new programs are successful.
Laboratory Methods for the Diagnosis of Viral Diseases

The ability of the virology laboratory to document infection with viral agents has increased dramatically over the past decade. Standard virological techniques, such as the propagation of viruses in animals and determination of antibody using complement fixation, have been important historically in the study of the epidemiology, pathology,. and assessment of clinical disease associated with viral infection. Improvements in cell culture techniques and antibody assays now permit the study of viruses and viral disease in many laboratories, not only specialized research laboratories. Viral cultivation techniques utilizing cytokines and other stimulating substances and genetically engineered cell lines or animal strains have enhanced the ability to isolate viruses that were previously unknown or only suspected on clinical grounds. Viruses such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), human herpesviruses types 6 and 7, and parvovirus have been better recognized and studied because of these innovations in viral cultivation.
Structural correlates of selectivity and inactivation in potassium channels.

Abstract Potassium channels are involved in a tremendously diverse range of physiological applications requiring distinctly different functional properties. Not surprisingly, the amino acid sequences for these proteins are diverse as well, except for the region that has been ordained the “selectivity filter”. The goal of this review is to examine our current understanding of the role of the selectivity filter and regions adjacent to it in specifying selectivity as well as its role in gating/inactivation and possible mechanisms by which these processes are coupled. Our working hypothesis is that an amino acid network behind the filter modulates selectivity in channels with the same signature sequence while at the same time affecting channel inactivation properties. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Membrane protein structure and function.
Sputter-induced compositional changes in a Ni-Si alloy

Abstract In situ measurements of surface and subsurface compositional changes induced by heating and by ion sputtering of a Ni-12.7at%Si alloy at temperatures between 30 and 700°C are reported. Auger transitions with different average escape depths and post-sputtering, room temperature profiling were used to separate compositional changes which occur at different depths below the surface. Equilibrium enrichment of silicon corresponding to a thin surface coating of γ - Ni 3 Si was observed at elevated temperatures. Stoichiometric sputtering was found between 30 and 600°C. Thermally-induced silicon surface enrichment in the absence of preferential sputtering caused significant loss of silicon from the specimen subsurface during sputtering at elevated temperatures, although the very near-surface composition remained equal to that of the bulk.
The Role of the Church in Adolescent Drug Education

Despite drug education and prevention efforts, adolescent substance use is on the rise in the United States. In an exploration of correlates of substance use and components of effective drug education, three dimensions of religiosity--religious proscriptiveness, involvement in church activities, and the importance an individual places on church activities--emerge. Each has previously demonstrated an inverse relationship with adolescent substance use. In the present study, interactions among these three dimensions were evaluated in 238 adolescents. Religious proscriptiveness interacted with church involvement and with church importance in relation to adolescent use of alcohol, cigarettes, marijuana, and other drugs. Additionally, among adolescents who had ever used alcohol, a positive relationship was observed between religious proscriptiveness and binge drinking such that the highest incidence of binge drinking was reported by those affiliated with proscriptive religious groups. The church may be an important vehicle for drug education. Implications for drug education are discussed, and further research is suggested.
Processing effects on porosity-property correlations in plasma sprayed yttria-stabilized zirconia coatings

For plasma sprayed thermal barrier coatings (TBCs), control of thermal conductivity is critical since low thermal conductivity depends not only on the intrinsic property of the yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) TBC, but also on the morphology of pores and cracks introduced during spray process. They are closely linked to process methodology as well as to chemistry, structure and morphology of the ceramic feed materials. This paper addresses the influence of feedstock characteristics on particle state in the plasma and the resultant coating properties. In addition, substrate temperature, angle-of-impact and thermal cycling effects on porosity (quantity and morphology) and its resultant influence on thermal conductivity and elastic modulus of plasma sprayed YSZ TBCs. The results show increased porosity with particle size, due to an increase in the degree of particle fragmentation and unmelted particles, leading to lower thermal conductivity and modulus. Furthermore, higher substrate temperatures and low particle velocity lead to lower porosity and improved inter-splat contact and, thus, enhanced coating properties. Sintering during thermal cycling reduces porosity and increases thermal conductivity and modulus.
Water Transfer Laws and Policies: Tough Questions and Institutional Reform for the Western United States

Abstract Bulk water transfers are complicated by unclear transfer evaluation criteria which intensify the tensions associated with water reallocation. This paper evaluates a series of policy questions associated with water transfer laws and policies. The goal is to outline the tradeoffs between different levels of governmental oversight, with the goal of making the process more consistent and transparent. This paper is focused on the western United States in areas governed by the doctrine of prior appropriations, but the questions apply to semi-arid watersheds across the globe.
Inherent contradictions in the tunneling-multiphoton dichotomy

Strong-field phenomena are currently described as being multiphoton or tunneling, based on whether the Keldysh parameter $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ is greater than or less than unity. There are disqualifying features in this categorization. It is specific to the length gauge, dependent on only one intensity parameter, and backward in the sense that ionization with $\ensuremath{\gamma}⪢1$ can occur only by tunneling, and ionization with $\ensuremath{\gamma}⪡1$ must be over the barrier, and hence is not achieved by tunneling. As $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ becomes smaller, ionization becomes increasingly distant from tunneling, and eventually reaches conditions where the dipole approximation fails and there is no meaningful scalar-potential diagram at all.
Multiplexed capillary zone electrophoresis and micellar electrokinetic chromatography with internal standardization.

Although liquid chromatography and gas chromatography are the main workhorses in the analytical laboratory, samples can only be analyzed consecutively in an instrument. In this study, capillary zone electrophoresis and micellar electrokinetic chromatography separations are performed in a 96-capillary array system with laser-induced fluorescence detection. Migration times of four kinds of fluoresceins and six polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are normalized to one of the capillaries using two internal standards. The relative standard deviations after normalization are 0.6−1.4% for the fluoresceins and 0.1−1.5% for the PAHs. Quantitative calibration of the separations based on peak areas is also performed, again with substantial improvement over the raw data. This opens up the possibility of performing massively parallel separations for high-throughput chemical analysis for process monitoring, combinatorial synthesis, and clinical diagnosis.