cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Net negative fixed interface charge for Si3N4 and SiO2 grown in situ on 000-1 N-polar GaN

The electrical properties and trapping characteristics of Si3N4 and SiO2 dielectrics grown in situ on (000-1) N-polar GaN by metal organic chemical vapor deposition are investigated in this paper. The fixed charges, densities of near-interface trap states, and interface trap density in N-polar Si3N4 and SiO2 metal insulator semiconductor capacitors (MISCAPs) are quantified using a capacitance-voltage measurement method which is assisted by ultraviolet illumination and applied voltage-stress. The fixed charges and trap states are located at or near the interface of Si3N4 (SiO2)/N-polar GaN as indicated by the linear relationship between the flatband voltage/hysteresis and the Si3N4 (SiO2) thickness. Positive flatband voltages were measured for both the N-polar Si3N4 and SiO2 MISCAPs which is a promising route toward realizing normally off GaN-based metal insulator semiconductor power devices. Net negative fixed charge densities of 2.9 × 1012 cm−2 and 3.3 × 1012 cm−2 are located at the interface of Si3N4/GaN (N-polar) and SiO2/GaN (N-polar), respectively. The origin of this net negative interface fixed charge is briefly discussed, and the trap densities with fast and slow emission rates are quantified in both the N-polar Si3N4 and SiO2 MISCAPs. This study is a step toward identifying suitable gate dielectrics that can be integrated into N-polar high electron mobility transistors for high-frequency and switching applications.
Amplification of mid-infrared lasers via backscattering in magnetized plasmas

Plasmas may be used as gain media for amplifying intense lasers, and external magnetic fields may be applied to improve the performance. For midinfrared lasers, the requisite magnetic field is on the megagauss scale, which can already be provided by current technologies. Designing the laser amplifier requires knowing the magnetized three-wave coupling coefficient, which is mapped out systematically in this paper. By numerically evaluating its formula, we demonstrate how the coupling coefficient depends on the angle of wave propagation, laser polarization, magnetic field strength, plasma temperature, and plasma density in the backscattering geometry. Since the mediation is now provided by magnetized plasma waves, the coupling can differ significantly from unmagnetized Raman and Brillouin scatterings.Plasmas may be used as gain media for amplifying intense lasers, and external magnetic fields may be applied to improve the performance. For midinfrared lasers, the requisite magnetic field is on the megagauss scale, which can already be provided by current technologies. Designing the laser amplifier requires knowing the magnetized three-wave coupling coefficient, which is mapped out systematically in this paper. By numerically evaluating its formula, we demonstrate how the coupling coefficient depends on the angle of wave propagation, laser polarization, magnetic field strength, plasma temperature, and plasma density in the backscattering geometry. Since the mediation is now provided by magnetized plasma waves, the coupling can differ significantly from unmagnetized Raman and Brillouin scatterings.
Banister: Inequality in Transport

David Banister, a professor emeritus of transport studies at the School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford, is an influential figure in the field of sustainable transport and ur...
Bioactive Peptide Brush Polymers via Photoinduced Reversible-Deactivation Radical Polymerization

Harnessing metal-free photoinduced reversible-deactivation radical polymerization (photo-RDRP) in organic and aqueous phases, we report a synthetic approach to enzyme-responsive and pro-apoptotic peptide brush polymers. Thermolysin-responsive peptide-based polymeric amphiphiles assembled into spherical micellar nanoparticles that undergo a morphology transition to worm-like micelles upon enzyme-triggered cleavage of coronal peptide sidechains. Moreover, pro-apoptotic polypeptide brushes show enhanced cell uptake over individual peptide chains of the same sequence, resulting in a significant increase in cytotoxicity to cancer cells. Critically, increased grafting density of pro-apoptotic peptides on brush polymers correlates with increased uptake efficiency and concurrently, cytotoxicity. The mild synthetic conditions afforded by photo-RDRP, make it possible to access well-defined peptide-based polymer bioconjugate structures with tunable bioactivity.
Metastatic pheochromocytoma to the pancreas diagnosed by endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration: A case report and review of literature.

Pancreatic pheochromocytomas are rare and typically diagnosed by local resection. We present the first reported case of metastatic pheochromocytoma to the pancreas diagnosed by endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) and cytology. A 67-year-old female presented with 2 to 3 months of abdominal pain. A CT scan showed a large mass in the head of the pancreas engulfing the superior mesentery artery and vein, along with a large mass in the left adrenal gland. An EUS-FNA was performed on the pancreatic mass with a 22-gauge needle, yielding an adequate sample. Papanicolaou stain, Diff-Quik, and cell block showed loosely cohesive clustered tumor cells and singly dispersed pleomorphic naked tumor nuclei with anisonucleosis and cytoplasmic vacuolization. Tumor cells stained positive for synaptophysin, chromogranin A, and CD56 and negative for CK AE1/3 and CK AE1/3-CAM5.2 cytokeratin cocktail. Because of cytokeratin negativity, diffusely positive neuroendocrine markers, and the presence of an adrenal mass, a metastatic malignant pheochromocytoma was suspected. Additional testing showed elevations in plasma metanephrines and normetanephrines, urine metanephrine-to-creatinine and normetanephrine-to-creatinine ratios, and serum chromogranin A. An iodine123 -metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) scan was obtained, which showed significantly increased MIBG uptake in the left adrenal lesion. A diagnosis of metastatic malignant pheochromocytoma was made. Surgical oncology was consulted, who recommended against resection of the adrenal mass in favor of outpatient management. Metastatic pheochromocytoma to the pancreas are rare tumors that may yield diagnostic material by EUS-FNA with a 22-gauge needle.
Shear Wave Elastography Can Differentiate between Radiation-Responsive and Non-responsive Pancreatic Tumors: An ex Vivo Study with Murine Models

Abstract Neither contrast-enhanced computed tomography nor magnetic resonance imaging can monitor changes in the pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma microenvironment during therapy. We hypothesized that shear wave elastography could overcome this limitation. To test this hypothesis, we measured the shear modulus of two groups of murine pancreatic tumors (KCKO, n = 30; PAN02, n = 30) treated with stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT). The mean shear modulus of KCKO tumors was 7.651 kPa higher than that of PAN02 tumors (p
Program Design and Security

A fifth program design criteria—information security—is described from a programming perspective. Information security concepts introduced in this chapter include data input validation, data output validation, exception handling, fail-safe defaults, and type-safe languages.
Variabilité dans l’identification radio-clinique du site de fracture par les chirurgiens orthopédistes : implications pour le traitement par les stimulateurs osseux

Abstract Introduction Aseptic non-union is a significant complication in approximately 5 % of long-bone fractures. External bone stimulation treatment is often attempted before more invasive surgical interventions. Bone stimulators can have favorable results, but have a limited 1.7 cm therapeutic radius. This study evaluated the accuracy by which clinicians locate a fracture on a cadaveric model. This has implications for the clinician's ability to accurately counsel patients on daily bone stimulator placement. Additionally, physicians (orthopedic attending surgeons and residents) were compared with pre-clinical (M1 and M2) medical students to evaluate if higher levels of training improved accuracy. Hypothesis Orthopedic physicians and pre-clinical medical students will localize a radiographic fracture within 1.7 cm less than 100 % of the time, which represents the ideal consistency for patient care. Furthermore, orthopedic physicians will achieve a higher percentage accuracy than pre-clinical medical students. Materials and methods The sample included 20 orthopedic physicians and 16 pre-clinical medical students. Upper (radius) and lower (tibia) extremity cadaver models were prepared by inducing a single, transverse diaphyseal fracture. Plain reference radiographs of each model were obtained. Participants placed a radiopaque marker onto each model at the perceived fracture location, and radiographs were taken to document placement. Perpendicular marker-to-fracture distance was measured to the nearest mm along each bone's long axis using the PACS system. Results Placement within the therapeutic radius was achieved by 70–80 % of physicians, and 69–75 % of medical students. In the remaining participants, improper placement distances were lower among physicians than among medical students (radius: 2.1 ± 0.5 vs. 3.6 ± 0.9 cm, P = 0.02; tibia: 2.6 ± 0.5 vs 3.5 ± 0.5 cm, P = 0.89). Discussion In two cadaveric fracture models, up to 30 % of orthopedic surgeons perceived a fracture location to be outside a bone stimulator's 1.7 cm therapeutic radius. This finding suggests that physicians and their patients may benefit from additional methods for specifying the location of a non-union before commencing daily bone stimulator treatment. Level of evidence Level IV, prospective cohort study-evidence from a well-designed prospective cohort study.
Does the Built Environment Affect the Utility of Walking? A Case of Path Choice in Downtown Boston

There is a lack of consensus as to whether the relationship between the built environment and travel is causal and, if it is, the extent of this causality. This problem is largely caused by inappropriate research designs adopted in many studies. This paper proposes a new method (based on path choice) to investigate the causal effect of the pedestrian environment on the utility of walking. Specifically, the paper examines how the pedestrian environment affects subway commuters' egress path choice from a station to their workplaces in downtown Boston. The path-based measure is sensitive enough to capture minor differences in the environment experienced by pedestrians. More importantly, path choice is less likely to correlate with job and housing location choices, and therefore largely avoids the self-selection problem. The results suggest that the pedestrian environment can significantly affect a person's walking experience and the utility of walking along a path.
Complementing Rivals: Foucault, Rawls and the Problem of Public Reason

Legions of Foucault's admires and critics have engaged in the now tired question of does Foucault offer a coherent normative vision and if so, what might it look like? This paper asks a related but in an important sense different set of questions: Can one create a Foucaultian model of public reason. If so, how might it complement or improve upon a model like Rawls? I will argue affirmatively on both counts so as to then argue that the rather tired debates between Foucaultians and Rawlsian liberals (which is a microcosm of larger stale debate between post-modernists and liberals) are tired because there is actually much that a Rawlsian can learn from Foucault and a Foucaultian can learn from Rawls. After a brief discussion of Rawls' conceptions of public reason and the prominent criticisms of it, I will then briefly think through a Foucaultian assessment of Rawls. This will prepare the basis for a larger discussion of the nascent features of a Foucaultian model of public reason that can be found in both his early archaelogical work as well as his later writings on the concepts of truth and modernity. In the process, I will compare my Foucaultian model with that of William Connolly. Given an awareness of these two Foucaultian models, I will then show how a Foucaultian inspired model of public reason can both complement and also improve upon the Rawlsian models its might initially appear to be anathema to.
Profiling gene expression of human keratinocytes in response to 900 MHz radiofrequency exposure

Human keratinocytes were exposed to continuous wave 900 MHz RF field for 60 minutes. High-throughput RNA sequencing was used to examine global changes in gene expression and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were defined as having adjusted p value ≤ 0.05 and absolute fold change ≥ 1.3. We used gene enrichment analysis and functional annotation clustering via DAVID Bioinformatics Resources to analyze pathways and gene sets enriched in DEGs. Numerous gene sets related to keratinocyte differentiation and development were enriched in the RF exposed cells.
When Is “Enough” Enough?

Computational simulations of polymerizing actin filaments indicate that competition for a limiting pool of building blocks is not sufficient to control their length.
Age-dependent changes in nuclear-cytoplasmic signaling in skeletal muscle

Abstract Mechanical forces are conducted through myofibers and into nuclei to regulate muscle development, hypertrophy, and homeostasis. We hypothesized that nuclei in aged muscle have changes in the nuclear envelope and associated proteins, resulting in altered markers of mechano-signaling. Methods YAP/TAZ protein expression and gene expression of downstream targets, Ankrd1 and Cyr61, were evaluated as mechanotransduction indicators. Expression of proteins in the nuclear lamina and the nuclear pore complex (NPC) were assessed, and nuclear morphology was characterized by electron microscopy. Nuclear envelope permeability was assessed by uptake of 70 kDa fluorescent dextran. Results Nuclear changes with aging included a relative decrease of lamin β1 and Nup107, and a relative increase in Nup93, which could underlie the aberrant nuclear morphology, increased nuclear leakiness, and elevated YAP/TAZ signaling. Conclusion Aged muscles have hyperactive nuclear-cytoplasmic signaling, indicative of altered nuclear mechanotransduction. These data highlight a possible role for the nucleus in aging-related aberrant mechano-sensing.
Correcting physiological noise in whole-head functional near-infrared spectroscopy.

Abstract Background Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) has been increasingly employed to monitor cerebral hemodynamics in normal and diseased conditions. However, fNIRS suffers from its susceptibility to superficial activity and systemic physiological noise. The objective of the study was to establish a noise reduction method for fNIRS in a whole-head montage. New Method We have developed an automated denoising method for whole-head fNIRS. A high-density montage consisting of 109 long-separation channels and 8 short-separation channels was used for recording. Auxiliary sensors were also used to measure motion, respiration and pulse simultaneously. The method incorporates principal component analysis and general linear model to identify and remove a globally uniform superficial component. Our denoising method was evaluated in experimental data acquired from a group of healthy human subjects during a visually cued motor task and further compared with a minimal preprocessing method and three established denoising methods in the literature. Quantitative metrics including contrast-to-noise ratio, within-subject standard deviation and adjusted coefficient of determination were evaluated. Results After denoising, whole-head topography of fNIRS revealed focal activations concurrently in the primary motor and visual areas. Comparison with Existing Methods Analysis showed that our method improves upon the four established preprocessing methods in the literature. Conclusions An automatic, effective and robust preprocessing pipeline was established for removing physiological noise in whole-head fNIRS recordings. Our method can enable fNIRS as a reliable tool in monitoring large-scale, network-level brain activities for clinical uses.
Oily Cart's Space to Be: Exploring the Carer's Role in Sensory Theatre for Neurodiverse Audiences during COVID-19

Because sensory theatre productions are designed with neurodiverse audiences in mind, practitioners are first and foremost concerned with accessibility at all levels for their audience members, incorporating multiple senses throughout a performance to allow a variety of entry points for audiences that may have wildly divergent—and often competing—access needs. One-to-one interaction between performers and audience members results in highly flexible performances that respond to physical and auditory input from individual audience members, through which performers curate customized multisensory experiences that communicate the production's theatrical world to its audience. Given this reliance on close-up interaction, the circumstances surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic have posed a particular challenge for sensory theatre makers. In in-person sensory theatre, performers focus on neurodivergent audience members, with parents and paid carers often taking a (literal) back seat, but remotely delivered sensory theatre during COVID-19 hinges on the carer's facilitation of sensory engagement curated by sensory theatre practitioners. Oily Cart, a pioneering London-based sensory theatre company, responded to COVID-19 restrictions with a season of work presented in various formats in audiences’ homes, and their production Space to Be marked a shift in the company's audience engagement to include an emphasis on the carer's experience.1 Using this production as a case study, I argue that the pivotal role adopted by carers during the pandemic has the potential to shape future in-person productions, moving practitioners toward a more holistic, neurodiverse audience experience that challenges a disabled–nondisabled binary by embracing carers’ experiences alongside those of neurodivergent audience members.2
A de novo matrix for macroscopic living materials from bacteria

Engineered living materials (ELMs) embed living cells in a biopolymer matrix to create novel materials with tailored functions. While bottom-up assembly of macroscopic ELMs with a de novo matrix would offer the greatest control over material properties, we lack the ability to genetically encode a protein matrix that leads to collective self-organization. Here we report growth of ELMs from Caulobacter crescentus cells that display and secrete a self-interacting protein. This protein formed a de novo matrix and assembled cells into centimeter-scale ELMs. Discovery of design and assembly principles allowed us to tune the mechanical, catalytic, and morphological properties of these ELMs. This work provides novel tools, design and assembly rules, and a platform for growing ELMs with control over matrix and cellular structure and function. One-Sentence SummaryWe discovered rules to grow bacteria into macroscopic living materials with customizable composition, structure, and function.
Possible role of the fetal adrenal glands in the etiology of postmaturity

Plasma cortisol levels were studied in the cord blood and neonatal blood of the following vaginally delivered groups: (A) postmature; (B) postterm (but not postmature); and (C) term neonates. Significantly lower levels of 8 A.M. neonatal plama cortisol were found in postmature neonates when compared with term neonates (P LESS THAN 0.02) or merely postterm neonates (P LESS THAN 0.02). No difference was found in the cord blood cortisol levels in all three groups. Contrary to the traditional belief that postmaturity results from placental aging, our findings appear to indicate that postmaturity represents a specific fetal disorder. Fetal adrenal insufficiency may be a characteristic of this disorder. Prolonged pregnancy in these cases may be reflected inability of the affected fetus to initiate labor.
Assessing Price Elasticity for Private Labels and National Brands: Differences by Income and Store Location

Previous studies have been inconclusive as to whether national brands have greater or smaller price elasticities than private labels. This paper examines consumers' price sensitivity for private labels and national brands within different socioeconomic environments and investigates how socioeconomic status impacts price response to private and national brands. An AIDS model is developed and used to measure price elasticities for seven product categories that are sold in six stores. These stores are selected from geographic areas that are populated by higher- and lower-income consumers. Results show that national brands have larger price elasticities than private labels, particularly in lower-income areas.
Best Practices for Promoting Student Civic Engagement: Lessons from the Citizen Scholars Program at University of Massachusetts Amherst

This article introduces the Citizen Scholars Program, a 2-year service-learning and leadership development program that integrates theory and practice to help students develop the knowledge, skills, and vision the authors believe they need in order to build community, be effective citizens, and advocate for social justice. The authors present 16 learning objectives, five methods used to assess the program, 17 program best practices, and four program challenges.
Variations of optical and water maser emission from long period variables

We have monitored the 22 GHz H2O maser line from 22 LPVs since 1987. All stars show highly variable water maser emission with most Miras having a phase lag of 0.3 phase between the water maser and optical emission. VX UMa appears to show variations associated with a rotating circumstellar disk.
Computational imaging: Machine learning for 3D microscopy.

Artificial neural networks have been combined with microscopy to visualize the 3D structure of biological cells. This could lead to solutions for difficult imaging problems, such as the multiple scattering of light.
Adaptive array processing for wideband nulling in GPS systems

Military GPS systems must operate in the presence of hostile jamming. Vast power differences between nearby jammers and distant satellite sources makes the spread-spectrum gain of the GPS signal inadequate for anti-jamming (A/J) protection. Adaptive antenna nulling systems have been proposed for additional A/J protection, but current systems, such as the AE-1, fail to address the near-field multipath associated with arrays mounted on a real aircraft. We examine the design of a space-time-adaptive (STAP) beamformer for GPS nulling, including the effects the STAP processor has on the GPS position calculation via the time-difference-of-arrival (TDOA) measurements from different satellites. Two novel architectures are proposed, and their performance quantified via a simulation driven by measurements taken on a 1/4 scale F-16.
Rhetorical Knowledge in Legal Practice and Critical Legal Theory

This book describes the significance of rhetorical knowledge for law through detailed discussions of some of the most difficult legal issues facing courts today, including affirmative action, gay rights, and assisted suicide. Francis J. Mootz responds to both extremes, those who argue that law is merely a rhetorical mask for the exercise of power and those who demonstrate an ideological faith in law's autonomy, and he breaks new ground by returning to modern classics in the fields of rhetoric and hermeneutics. Drawing from Chaim Perelman's "new rhetoric" and Hans-Georg Gadamer's "philosophical hermeneutics," Mootz argues that justice is a product of rhetorical knowledge. Drawing from Nietzsche, Mootz's conception of rhetorical knowledge opens up the dynamic possibilities of critical legal theory.
Parenteral nutrition after preterm birth compromises brain development (137.3)

Parenteral nutrition (PN) is essential for preterm infants intolerant of enteral nutrition (EN), but is associated with gastrointestinal atrophy and dysfunction, liver pathology, and increased risks of sepsis. We discovered that growth and maturation of the brain after preterm birth is also compromised by PN. Preterm pigs delivered at 92% of gestation (representative of 32 week preterm infants) were provided PN for 24 h before 10 more days of nutritional support provided either by continued PN or conversion to full EN using formula. Fluid volumes, energy, and nutrients were comparable. Providing PN resulted in higher body weight gain, but at necropsy brain mass was 13% lower compared with EN pigs (P<0.01).Assessments of activity revealed a rapid divergence between PN and EN pigs (P<0.01) and neurocognitive skills of PN pigs after 10 days were diminished (P<0.02). The delayed development of motor skills corresponded with a smaller cerebellum. Diffusion tensor imaging revealed myelination of major CNS nerve...
Coccidioidomycosis of the tongue.

Abstract A Spanish-speaking farm worker with type 2 diabetes mellitus presented to our institution with an ulcerating tongue lesion. He was initially evaluated for possible squamous cell carcinoma; however, histologic examination revealed coccidioidomycosis. Coccidioidal titers were elevated and consistent with disseminated disease, although the patient had no systemic symptoms and clinical evaluation was negative. He was ultimately treated with intravenous and oral antifungal medication, which was followed by improvement of his tongue lesion.
Identification of the regulatory sequence of anaerobically expressed locus aeg-46.5.

Abstract A newly identified anaerobically expressed locus, aeg-46.5, which is located at min 46.5 on Escherichia coli linkage map, was cloned and analyzed. The phenotype of this gene was studied by using a lacZ operon fusion. aeg-46.5 is induced anaerobically in the presence of nitrate in wild-type and narL cells. It is repressed by the narL gene product, as it showed derepressed anaerobic expression in narL mutant cells. We postulate that aeg-46.5 is subject to multiple regulatory systems, activation as a result of anaerobiosis, narL-independent nitrate-dependent activation, and narL-mediated repression. The regulatory region of aeg-46.5 was identified. A 304-bp DNA sequence which includes the regulatory elements was obtained, and the 5' end of aeg-46.5 mRNA was identified. It was verified that the anaerobic regulation of aeg-46.5 expression is controlled on the transcriptional level. Computer analysis predicted possible control sites for the NarL and FNR proteins. The proposed NarL site was found in a perfect-symmetry element. The aeg-46.5 regulatory elements are adjacent to, but divergent from, those of the eco gene.
Synthesis and characterization of a set of four dodecadeoxyribonucleoside undecaphosphates containing O6-methylguanine opposite adenine, cytosine, guanine, and thymine

A set of four self-complementary dodecanucleoside undecaphosphates, d[CGNGAATTC(O6Me)GCG], where N = A, C, G, or T, has been synthesized by a phosphoramidite procedure. A single large-scale preparation of the nonamer d[DMT-GpApApTpTpCp(O6Me)GpCpG] was divided into four portions for synthesis of the dodecamers. The synthesis, purification (high-performance liquid chromatography), and characterization of each of these molecules are described. Each sequence forms a stable duplex, with a Tm between 19 and 26 degrees C lower than the Tm of the "parent" molecule d-(CGCGAATTCGCG). The lowest melting sequence is the N = T molecule; the overall order is N = C greater than A greater than G greater than T. Thus O6-methylation of guanine creates a region of localized instability in DNA regardless of the base opposite the lesion. This instability, which could disrupt some regulatory process or event, may be as significant as or more significant than is the mutation itself to the oncogenic process initiated by alkylating agents.
Using Displays to Improve Training: Functional Aviation Displays Improve Novice Piloting Knowledge

Twenty novices were trained on either a conventional Cessna display or a functional flight display over 6 flight sessions in an Elite iGATE flight simulator. Between flight sessions, participants completed concept maps of the system state changes required to perform specific maneuvers. When compared to expert concept maps, novices trained on a functional flight display showed significantly greater agreement than novices trained on a conventional display. This indicates that novices exposed to functional displays in training have an improved conceptual understanding of system dynamics, as well as a more accurate understanding of proper system operation. Language: en
Curvularia fungi presenting as a large cranial base meningioma: case report.

Objective Fungal infections are emerging as a growing threat to human health, especially in immunocompromised patients. Candida, Cryptococcus, and Aspergillus are a few of the commonly encountered organisms leading to brain abscesses. In this report, we describe Curvularia geniculata as the causative agent in central nervous system infection. Clinical presentation Our review of the literature did not reveal a similar published case of central nervous system infection with this organism. A 35-year-old African-American man presented with obstructive hydrocephalus from a large cranial base lesion. Imaging characteristics on computed tomographic and magnetic resonance imaging scans were consistent with those of a cranial base meningioma. Intervention The patient underwent an endoscopic transnasal/transclival approach to the anterior middle cranial base for biopsy and decompression of this lesion. A spindle cell proliferation was observed on frozen section, which favored a diagnosis of meningioma. However, on permanent sections, we identified fungal hyphae with budding. Subsequent biopsies grew Curvularia in fungal cultures. Deoxyribonucleic acid sequencing was used to confirm the identification of the isolate as Curvularia geniculata. Conclusion Limited data are available for in vitro susceptibility testing of Curvularia, and treatment modalities have not yet been standardized. The prognosis is usually poor. Despite being treated with voriconazole and intravenous amphotericin, this patient progressed to multiorgan failure and ultimately died. This is the first reported case of central nervous system infection by Curvularia geniculata.
#babyfever: Social and media influences on fertility desires

Abstract The current work involves an analysis of the content of 499 tweets containing the hashtag “#babyfever” to investigate predicted relationships between certain individual differences (e.g., sex, relationship status), environmental factors (e.g., exposure to children) and the sharing of “baby fever” experiences. Our sample was almost exclusively female (95%), mostly White (67.5%; 16.2% African American, 9.0% Hispanic), and mostly childless (87%) with an average age of 20.52 (SDage = 2.21). As predicted, the majority of shared experiences of “baby fever” included positive emotional responses, and were associated with the users’ direct exposure to a baby in their life. Positive mentions of “baby fever” were more likely to include mentions of direct exposure to babies. Negative mentions of “baby fever” were associated with perceptions that most of an individual’s peer group seems to be having babies and were more common amongst tweeters who were not in committed relationships.
Encoded anisotropic particles for multiplexed bioanalysis

Encoded anisotropic nano- and microparticles represent an exciting new class of detection and identification strategies for bioanalysis. These particles are synthesized in a number of different ways and can be encoded by shape, composition, topographical features, or optical properties. In this review, we explore synthetic methods for the formation of anisotropic encoded particles and evaluate these systems as multiplexed biosensing platforms. Suspension arrays using anisotropic particles have been used to detect a range of biological species including proteins, nucleic acids, spores, cells, and small molecules. Because in many cases a large number of codes should be obtainable, the potential exists for high levels of multiplexing (thousands or more). The bulk of work in this area to date has focused on initial proof of principle synthesis and identification; however, multiplexed bioassays have been demonstrated for a number of different anisotropic carrier particles and are beginning to be adopted in commercial assays. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2010 2 578–600 For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website
Highly concentrated ceramic bonding suspensions: Dispersion composition and porosity of casting

On the basis of the analysis of the integral curves and curves for the relative grain-size distribution of the solid phase of many types of VKVS, and the porosity of the castings based on them, we established the region of optimum grain size composition. The typical feature of VKVS for wet milling is the concentration of particles of colloidal dispersion. The concentration of these particles in amounts even of several percentage points determines more than 50% of the value of the specific surface of the solid phase. We established the ideal curve for the relative grain-size distribution of the solid phase of VKVS which is very different from the well-known similar curves. Deviations are possible in the relationships between the degree of approximation of the real curves for VKVS and the ideal and the factor of Pcast based on them. In relation to a range of other factors (degree of stabilization concentration during milling, etc,) even in the limits of a single type of VKVS with comparable grain size compositions, the values of Pcast may vary substantially.
Dynamic Relations Between Parents' Behaviors and Children's Motivational Beliefs in Sports and Music

SYNOPSIS Objective. This study examined the associations between trajectories of parents' behaviors and trajectories of children's sport and music motivational beliefs (i.e., self-concepts of abilities and values). Design. Mothers and fathers (N = 589) reported their modeling, provision of activity-related materials, encouragement, and parent–child coactivity when children were in 1st grade (M = 7.40 years, SD = .35) through 6th grade (M = 12.37 years, SD = .38). Children reported their self-concepts of ability and values in sports and music from 1st through 12th grade. Results. Mothers' behaviors at 1st grade positively predicted children's sport motivational beliefs at 1st grade and the change in children's music motivational beliefs from 1st to 6th grade. The change in fathers' behaviors from 1st to 6th grade positively predicted the change in children's motivational beliefs from 1st to 6th grade. Although parents' behaviors and children's motivational beliefs varied by child gender, only 2 of 36 relat...
Relationship between organizational justice and organizational citizenship behaviors : do fairness perceptions influence employee citizenship ?

This study examined the relationship between perceptions of fairness and organizational citizenship (extrarole) behaviors in a sample drawn from two firms in the midwestern United States. A theoretical basis for a relationship between fairness and citizenship was drawn from equity theory and other theories of social exchange. Structural equation analysis with LISREL7 found support for four hypotheses, including support for a relationship between perceptions of procedural justice and four of five citizenship dimensions.
Methanol Oxidation Using Ozone on Titania-Supported Vanadia Catalyst

Ozone-enhanced catalytic oxidation of methanol has been conducted at mild temperatures of 100−250 °C using a V2O5/TiO2 catalyst prepared by the sol−gel method. The catalyst was characterized using XRD, surface area measurements, and temperature-programmed desorption of methanol. The oxidation of methanol with ozone in the absence of a catalyst gave about 30% conversion at 100 °C. Methanol oxidation over a V2O5/TiO2 catalyst at 100 °C gave very little conversion with oxygen, whereas the conversion increased to 80% with ozone. Methanol, having an inlet stream concentration of 15 000 ppmv, can be completely oxidized to COx with an ozone-to-methanol ratio of 1.2, a temperature of 150 °C, and a gas hourly space velocity (GHSV) of 60 000 h-1. The apparent activation energy with ozone was calculated to be ca. 40 kJ/mol, which is much lower than that calculated with oxygen (60 kJ/mol). At low methanol conversion methyl formate was the main product, whereas higher conversions favored oxidation to COx. The results ...
Time-thickness bar diagrams: Simultaneous display of lithostratigraphic thickness and chronostratigraphic range

Time-thickness bar diagrams present stratigraphic information in a clear and concise manner and are useful for basin analysis. Examples of these diagrams are presented for two basin types—a transtensional basin and a miogeocline.
Tailored deterministic and stochastic excitations for structural health monitoring via evolutionary algorithms

We have demonstrated that the parameters of a system of ordinary differential equations may be adjusted via an evolutionary algorithm to produce 'optimized' deterministic excitations that improve the sensitivity and noise robustness of state-space based damage detection in a supervised learning mode. Similarly, in this work we show that the same approach can select an 'optimum' bandwidth for a stochastic excitation to improve the detection capability of that same metric. This work demonstrates that an evolutionary algorithm can be used to shape or color noise in the frequency domain, such that improvement is seen in the sensitivity of the detection metric. Properties of the improved stochastic excitations are compared to their deterministic counterparts and used to draw inferences concerning a globally preferred excitation type for the model spring-mass system.
Immunochemical studies on blood groups. XVIII. Fractionation of hog gastric mucin and individual hog stomach linings.

Abstract 1. 1. Blood-group substances were prepared from pooled hog gastric mucin, and from individual hog stomach linings after autolysis and peptic digestion, by the phenol extraction and fractional ethanol precipitation method of Aminoff, Morgan, and Watkins. The analytical and immunochemical properties of these fractions were compared with the properties of substances purified by the earlier phenol-ethanol method of Morgan and King. No significant separation of the A and O(H) substances in pooled hog gastric mucin was achieved by the fractional ethanol precipitation procedure. The use of either method to prepare blood-group A substance from single A hog stomachs devoid of O(H) activity resulted in products which contained similar amounts of blood-group A antigen, as judged by quantitative immunochemical methods. In the fractionation of single hog stomach linings, whether A or O(H), the dispersion of active material in the phenol-ethanol system appeared to depend on the completeness of peptic digestion. 2. 2. An acid-soluble and an acid-insoluble fraction prepared from hog gastric mucin by ethanol precipitation and electrodecantation by Holzman and Niemann differed in no important respect from fractions of gastric mucin purified by either phenol-ethanol procedure.
Reaction of mercury (II) dibromide with tris(n-butyl) phosphine telluride: Formation of an unusual (Hg Te)3 ring system

Tris(n-butyl)phosphine telluride (R3PTe) yields, with HgBr2 from acetone solution, a very thermally and air sensitive crystalline solid. This solid has been identified as (HgBr2)4 · (TePR3)3. X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that this compound contains a dimeric cation, [(HgTePR3)3Br5]2−2, in which each unit is characterized by a six-membered ring made of alternating bonds between mercury and tellurium. The counter ion is a di-nuclear anion [Hg2Br0]2−. The crystal belongs to the triclinic system, P1 group with a = 12.206(9) A, b = 17.613(10) A, c = 18.065(9) A, and Z = 2. The preparation of this new heterocyclic system and its decomposition under different conditions into Hg3Te2Br2 or HgTe are presented. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Globin gene silencing in primary erythroid cultures. An inhibitory role for interleukin-6.

There are numerous similarities between the erythroid and megakaryocytic lineages which suggest that commitment to either lineage occurs relatively late in hematopoiesis. Commitment toward megakaryocyte development requires obligatory silencing of erythroid-specific genes. Therefore, we investigated the effects of interleukin-6, a known inducer of thrombocyte production, on globin gene expression during erythroid differentiation. Studies in K562 cells demonstrated inhibition of γ globin gene mRNA production and chain biosynthesis in the presence of exogenous interleukin-6 which was abrogated by anti-interleukin-6 monoclonal antibody. Similar studies in primary erythroid progenitors showed inhibition of burst-forming unit-erythroid colony formation when interleukin-6 was added late in cultures with decreased γ and β globin gene mRNA production. Protein binding studies demonstrated an increase in activator protein-1 binding to its consensus sequence by 24 h of interleukin-6 treatment. Inhibition of activator protein-1 gene activity had no effect on γ gene silencing by interleukin-6. A potential interleukin-6 response element was identified in the γ globin gene. Interleukin-6 treatment led to a rapid increase in protein binding to the target DNA sequence. These results suggest that interleukin-6 may play an important role in globin gene silencing during megakaryocytic lineage commitment.
History of current non-insulin medications for diabetes mellitus

This article is a brief review of the current non-insulin agents for diabetes mellitus in the United States, namely, sulfonylureas, biguanides, thiazolidinediones, meglitinides, α-glucosidase inhibitors, glucacon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, dipeptidyl-peptidase-4 inhibitors, amylin agonists, bromocriptine, and colesevelam.
Salmonella typhimurium activates virulence gene transcription within acidified macrophage phagosomes.

Abstract Survival of Salmonella typhimurium within macrophage phagosomes requires the coordinate expression of bacterial gene products. This report examines the contribution of phagosomal pH as a signal for expression of genes positively regulated by the S. typhimurium virulence regulators PhoP and PhoQ. Several hours after bacterial phagocytosis by murine bone marrow-derived macrophages, PhoP-activated gene transcription increased 50- to 77-fold. In contrast, no difference in PhoP-activated gene expression was observed after infection of cultured epithelial cells, suggesting that the membrane sensor PhoQ recognized signals unique to macrophage phagosomes. The increase in PhoP-regulated gene expression was abolished when macrophage culture medium contained NH4Cl or chloroquine, weak bases that raise the pH of acidic compartments. Measurements of pH documented that S. typhimurium delayed and attenuated acidification of its intracellular compartment. Phagosomes containing S. typhimurium required 4-5 hr to reach pH < 5.0. In contrast, within 1 hr vacuoles containing heat-killed bacteria were measured at pH < 4.5. The eventual acidification of phagosomes to pH < 5.0 correlated with the period of maximal PhoP-dependent gene expression. These observations implicate phagosome acidification as an intracellular inducer of PhoP-regulated gene expression and suggest that Salmonella survival is dependent on its ability to attenuate phagosome acidification.
Plasma Creatine Kinase Isoenzyme Determinations in Infants and Children: Characterization in Normal Patients and After Cardiac Catheterization and Surgery

IN adults, plasma elevations of creatine kinase isoenzymes are highly specific for myocardial necrosis, however, the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of MB CK in children have not been determined. Accordingly, we analyzed the CK isoenzyme activity in serial plasma samples from 147 patients, aged 2 days to 18 months. Forty-two patients underwent routine checkups and served as controls. Fifty-seven patients underwent cardiac catheterization for congenital heart disease, an additional 16 underwent noncardiac surgery, and 32 cardiac surgery. Blood samples were obtained prior to surgery and catheterization and q6H × 3 thereafter. Total plasma CK and MB CK in normals averaged 62 ± 22 (SD) and 1.7 ± 0.8 IU/L respectively. Despite a fivefold increase in total plasma CK after catheterization and surgery, MB CK remained normal. After cardiac surgery, total CK increased from 68 ± 18 to 905 ± 231 IU/L, and MB CK increased from 1.7 ± 0.6 to 13 ± 7 IU/L. Thus, MB CK is specific for cardiac injury and would be a valuable adjunct in the diagnosis of myocarditis or in assessing interventions to minimize cardiac injury during surgery.
Ionic transport through model membranes. I. Effects of accelerators of carcinogenesis

Abstract 1. 1. Egg phosphatidyl choline adsorbed at an hydrocarbon-water interface was used as a physical model of a membrane-cytoplasm interface. The rate of transport of an anionic dyestuff could be measured across the interface from the aqueous to the organic phase under conditions of emulsification. The process simulates carrier transport in that the lecithin is an essential requirement, forming a tightly bound complex with the dye that becomes solubilized in the phospholipid micelles in the bulk organic phase. 2. 2. The standard organic phase was then modified by inclusion of n- alkanes from C7 to C24. Most of the alkanes that have biological activity as accelerators of carcinogenesis, C10-C20, produced a significant reduction of the rate of transport of the dyestuff into the organic phase. 3. 3. Correlation was inferred between these observations and those of investigators of intracellular ionic transport in epithelial tissue cultures, who found a marked reduction of transport rates in certain malignant epithelia in contrast to the corresponding normal tissues. A membrane-mediated mechanism of control of initiated neoplastic cells is suggested. The hypothetical control depends upon a specific surface charge distribution at the lipoprotein-cytoplasm interface that is altered by the absorption of C10-C20 n- alkanes .
Altered dendritic spine density in animal models of depression and in response to antidepressant treatment.

Olfactory bulbectomy, neonatal clomipramine administration, and maternal deprivation have been employed as animal models of depression. Each model is unique with respect to the experimental manipulations required to produce "depressive" signs, expression and duration of these signs, and response to antidepressant treatments. Dendritic spines represent a possible anatomical substrate for the enduring changes seen with depression and we have previously shown that chronic antidepressant drug exposure alters the density of hippocampal dendritic spines in an enduring fashion. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether persistent alteration of hippocampal spine density is a common element in each of these different models of depression and whether such alterations could be reversed with chronic antidepressant treatment. The results show that olfactory bulbectomy reduced spine density in CA1, CA3, and dentate gyrus compared to sham-operated controls. Chronic treatment with amitriptyline, a tricyclic antidepressant, reversed the bulbectomy- induced reduction in dendritic spine density in CA1, CA3, and dentate gyrus, whereas treatment with mianserin, an atypical antidepressant, reversed this reduction only in dentate gyrus. On the other hand, neither neonatal clomipramine administration nor maternal deprivation affected hippocampal dendritic spine density. Repeated neonatal handling, however, as a control or as part of the maternal deprivation procedure, elevated spine density in dentate gyrus. These data suggest that long-lasting alterations in hippocampal dendritic spine density contribute to the neural mechanism underlying the olfactory bulbectomy model of depression, but not the neonatal clomipramine or maternal deprivation models.