cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of in-situ UV irradiation on the uniformity and optical properties of GaAsBi epi-layers grown by MBE

Abstract In-situ UV illumination influences the incorporation dynamics of bismuth adatom in GaAs. Here we use the inherent variation of the fluence across the sample to explore the role of the incident irradiation. With illumination it is found that steady state growth processes are achieved more quickly resulting in more abrupt interfaces, as well as uniform GaAs 1 - x Bi x epi-layers. Comparisons of low temperature photoluminescence spectra show an increasing density of clusters of incorporated bismuth atoms with decreasing incident fluence.
Regional Phospholipid Profile of Alzheimer’s Brain

The phospholipids constitute the major component of brain lipids accounting for greater than 60% of total brain lipids. Most of the brain phospholipids are associated with the membrane system (1,2). Phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylserine (PS), phosphatidylinositol (PI), sphingomyelin (SM), and ethanolamine plasmalogen (EP) are the six main brain membrane phospholipids. The relative ratio of these six phospholipids (phospholipid profile) is known to exhibit regional specificity (1-4). Gray matter is especially rich in PC, while in white matter the proportion of PE is increased. While PS and PI are distributed throughout the brain in relatively even proportions, SM and EP reflect myelin rich structures. The phospholipid profile of the various regions of the brain are remarkably consistent and alterations in the profile reflect abnormalities in the membrane system. In this study, we investigated regional membrane phospholipid profiles of four major cortical areas (frontal, parietal, temporal, and occipital) in four cases of autopsy proven Alzheimer’s disease using phosphorus-31 (31P) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and acidified lipid extraction of brains (3). Proton NMR spectroscopy was also performed to investigate the relative levels of unsaturated fatty acids.
Magnetic Field Effects in a Nanostructured Device

This chapter discusses the behavior an electron in a magnetic field. It first introduces the Dirac equation and the Pauli equation to account for an electron’s spin explicitly and then focuses on the “spinless” electron in order to discuss effects unrelated to the spin. The important concepts of magnetic vector potential and “gauge” are introduced, and the Schrodinger equation is solved in two- and one-dimensional systems to find the wavefunctions and energy eigenstates. Solution of the Schrodinger equation in a two-dimensional system leads to the idea of Landau level quantization, as well as its observable effects such as Shubnikov–deHaas conductance oscillations. In the context of one-dimensional systems, the concept of edge states is introduced along with hybrid magneto-electric states. A device application of the physics, namely the operation of a magneto-optical device based on quantum-confined Lorentz effect (QCLE ) (a magnetic analog of the quantum-confined Stark effect) is discussed. This chapter concludes with a few basic remarks regarding the integer and fractional quantum Hall effect.
Clostridium difficile-associated disease: changing epidemiology and implications for management.

Clostridium difficile-associated disease (CDAD) is increasingly being reported in many regions throughout the world. The reasons for this are unknown, are likely to be multifactorial, and are the subject of several current investigations. In addition to the upsurge in frequency of CDAD, an increased rate of relapse/recurrence, disease severity and refractoriness to traditional treatment have also been noted. Moreover, severe disease has been reported in non-traditional hosts (e.g. younger age, seemingly healthy, non-institutionalised individuals residing in the community, and some without apparent antimicrobial exposure). A previously uncommon and more virulent strain of C. difficile has been reported at the centre of multiple transcontinental outbreaks. The appearance of this more virulent strain, in association with certain environmental and antimicrobial exposure factors, may be combining to create the ‘perfect storm’. It is human nature to be reactive; however, the successful control of C. difficile will require healthcare systems (including administrators, and leadership within several departments such as environmental services, infection control, infectious diseases, gastroenterology, surgery, microbiology and nursing), clinicians, long-term care and rehabilitation facilities, and patients themselves to be proactive in a collaborative effort. Guidelines for the management of CDAD were last published over a decade ago, with the next iteration due in the fall (autumn) of 2007. Several newer therapies are under investigation but it is unclear whether they will be superior to current treatment options.
Estimating six-cycle efficacy of the Dot app for pregnancy prevention.

Abstract Objective To assess six-cycle perfect and typical use efficacy of Dynamic Optimal Timing (Dot), an algorithm-based fertility app that identifies the fertile window of the menstrual cycle using a woman's period start date and provides guidance on when to avoid unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy. Study design We are conducting a prospective efficacy study following a cohort of women using Dot for up to 13 cycles. Study enrollment and data collection are being conducted digitally within the app and include a daily coital diary, prospective pregnancy intentions and sociodemographic information. We used data from the first six cycles to calculate life-table failure rates. Results We enrolled 718 women age 18–39 years. Of the 629 women 18–35 years old, 15 women became pregnant during the first six cycles for a typical use failure rate of 3.5% [95% CI 1.7–5.2]. All pregnancies occurred with incorrect use, so we did not calculate a perfect use failure rate. Conclusions These findings are promising and suggest that the 13-cycle results will demonstrate high efficacy of Dot. Implications While final 13-cycle efficacy results are forthcoming, 6-cycle results suggest that Dot's guidance provides women with useful information for preventing pregnancy.
Interannual Agulhas Leakage Variability and Its Regional Climate Imprints

AbstractWe investigate the interannual variability of Agulhas leakage in an ocean-eddy-resolving coupled simulation and characterize its influence on regional climate. Many observational leakage es...
The Impact of Power Distance Belief and Psychological Distance on Decision-Making: An Abstract

Socialization processes advocate that we all should seek the “best.” Businesses seek the best customers, employees, and suppliers, and customers seek the best products. For example, students strive to find the best university, major, professor, and academic grade record. A reality check shows that some individuals settle for a “good enough” option.
Bioenergetic modulation with the mitochondria uncouplers SR4 and niclosamide prevents proliferation and growth of treatment-naïve and vemurafenib-resistant melanomas.

BRAF mutations are detected in >50% of all melanomas. These mutations impair the LKB1-AMPK signaling, an important metabolic pathway associated with cell growth, proliferation and survival. Melanoma patients with BRAF mutations are usually treated with BRAF inhibitors such as vemurafenib, but responses are short-lived as drug resistant tumors metabolically switch to mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) to escape metabolic stress-induced BRAF inhibition. Additionally, a large subset of melanoma utilizes OXPHOS in their metabolism, which can confer de novo resistance to BRAF inhibitors. Therefore, uncoupling of OXPHOS to perturb energy homeostasis and to indirectly stimulate AMPK could be a novel treatment for melanoma and to overcome intrinsic and acquired resistance to BRAF inhibitors. Here, we investigated the effects of SR4 and niclosamide, two small molecule mitochondria uncouplers, on the growth and proliferation of treatment-naive and vemurafenib-resistant melanomas in vitro and in vivo. SR4 and niclosamide inhibited melanoma proliferation irrespective of BRAF/NRAS status. Melanomas with greater OXPHOS phenotype (higher OCR/ECAR), with LKB1 mutation, or with acquired resistance to vemurafenib displayed greater sensitivity to both uncouplers. More importantly, SR4 and niclosamide inhibited tumor growth in both treatment-naive and vemurafenib-resistant xenograft mice models. Mechanistic studies indicate both uncouplers induced energetic stress, modulated the AMPK-mTOR pathway, and promoted apoptosis without affecting MEK-ERK MAPK signaling. These results suggest that uncouplers such as SR4 and niclosamide may be useful as first line treatment against melanoma regardless of BRAF/NRAS status, and as an adjuvant therapy for patients failing MAPK inhibitors.
Shape Memory Properties of Polystyrene-block-poly(ethylene-co-butylene)-block-polystyrene (SEBS) ABA Triblock Copolymer Thermoplastic Elastomers

This work demonstrates that neat polystyrene-block-poly(ethylene-co-butylene)-block-poly styrene (SEBS) displays thermally responsive shape memory properties. The shape memory properties were quantitatively investigated under uniaxial tension using a dynamic mechanical analyzer and manual stretching. The shape memory properties of SEBS were found to depend on both the molecular weight of the polymer and on the shape programming conditions, including the programming temperature, applied strain, and annealing time at elevated temperature under load. The shape memory mechanism is proposed to be a result of partial stress relaxation of the block copolymer network under load and the formation of a second network with a lower glass transition temperature. This second network counterbalances the initially stretched network producing fixity and weakens first on heating, allowing recovery. Due to the unique mechanism of shape memory where the secondary network is generated from the initial network, achieving highe...
Disseminating clinical and fiscal practices across the New York State behavioral healthcare system.

ABSTRACTIn order to facilitate the adoption of innovative practices in the mental health service system, providers require access to both new information and methodologies, and ongoing training, su...
The Education of a Digital Fine Artist.

While early experiments in digital and technological art began in the 1960s, degree programs that focused on it did not emerge until the 1980s. Most digital art pioneers were self-taught and created their work at research centers and universities. Emerging digital artists were primarily fine art students who supplemented their education with courses in computer science, graphics and programming. The first MFA in Computer Arts was established at the School of Visual Arts in 1986. The goal of the program was to provide an academic and studio environment in which artists would learn about the theory, history and practice of digital art. Several MFA degree programs followed and continue to be established. While museums were resistant to this type of art early on, international organizations and a small group of galleries embraced it. Museum curators who had experience and an interest in digital art were few and far between. As digital artists began to redefine the contemporary art landscape, museums and galleries began to take an interest in exhibiting this creative work. The development of the World Wide Web in the mid-1990s radically changed both the museum and contemporary art world, and as well the education of artists. This chapter explores the parallel developments of digital art education; changes in how art is created, experienced and exhibited; new forms of contemporary art and the approaches modern curators are using to showcase this art.
Development of a combined analytical and experimental approach for the determination of the cohesive strength between material extrusion layers using the true area of contact

Abstract Material Extrusion (ME) is a type of Additive Manufacturing (AM) process that creates parts by depositing polymer filaments in successive layers. The strength of ME products depends on both the cohesive strength between layers and between rasters. The raster gap is the most significant process factor affecting the strength of ME built parts. Standard tensile tests with a dog-bone shaped specimens are not suitable to determine the strength between layers of the ME built parts. A new model is introduced to predict the cohesive strength between layers using the true area of contact which can be obtained from the apparent values taken from mini three-point bending tests. The accuracy of the introduced model was verified by comparing its bending test results with different build parameters, the applicability and promise of the introduced model were confirmed.
Foot Salvage with Selective Arterialization of Pedal Venosomes.

Background Lower extremity salvage using microvascular flaps can be considered in high-functioning patients, but indications for salvage are often restricted by distal microvascular disease that may threaten the foot as a whole. Selective arterialization of specific pedal venosomes is a novel potential solution to this problem. Methods A 48-year-old man with a chronic left plantar forefoot wound, osteomyelitis of the second and third metatarsal heads, and critical limb ischemia was evaluated for foot salvage. Despite a patent popliteal to posterior tibial bypass graft, residual ischemia was present in the first and second toes due to severe microvascular disease. This wound was reconstructed with a free partial medial rectus abdominis flow-through flap based on the medial branch of the deep inferior epigastric artery. The lateral branch was used as a flow-through vessel to arterialize the dorsal veins of the first webspace. Results Arterialization of the first webspace veins resulted in an immediate intraoperative improvement of the color of the first and second toes, along with creation of an arterial Doppler signal. The flap effectively covered the wound. The patient went on to heal completely and return to unrestricted ambulation. Transcutaneous oxygen measurement values of the dorsal foot improved from 35.8 mm Hg preoperatively to 48.3 mm Hg postoperatively. Conclusions In patients with focal areas of critical ischemia, selective arterialization of the venous system may be an effective method of preventing tissue loss and improving wound healing. A flow-through flap can be used to accomplish this in tandem with wound reconstruction.
Abstract 26: Polygenic Risk Score for Obesity Modifies Associations of Proinflammatory Diets With Obesity, Long-term Weight Gain, and Cardiovascular Disease Risk: The Utilization of Polygenic Prediction in 3 US Prospective Cohorts

Background: Individuals predisposed to higher genetic risk of obesity may need early dietary interventions to prevent obesity and its comorbidities. Hypothesis: Proinflammatory diets may interact w...
Lung adenocarcinoma presenting as interstitial lung disease.

A 59-year-old Caucasian woman presented with a 3-month history of worsening dyspnoea and productive cough with clear mucoid sputum. She also had episodic chills, night sweats and an unintentional 11 kg weight loss. She denied any fever, haemoptysis, recent travel or sick contacts. Her history was
The O’KEYPS Equation and 60 Years Beyond

Some 60 years ago, six researchers obtained a semi-empirical equation that describes how the stability correction function for the mean velocity profile ( $$\phi _\mathrm{m}$$ ) in the atmospheric surface layer varies with the stability parameter—the famous O’KEYPS equation. Their derivations are essentially based on interpolation of the turbulent eddy viscosity between neutral and convective conditions. Comparing the O’KEYPS equation with new theoretical developments—such as phenomenological and cospectral budget models—suggests that Heisenberg’s eddy viscosity provides a unifying framework for interpreting the behaviour of $$\phi _\mathrm{m}$$ . The empirical coefficient in the O’KEYPS equation, which is on the order of 10 based on data fitting to observations, is found to be primarily linked to the increase of the size of turbulent eddies as instability increases. The ratio of the sizes of turbulent eddies under convective and neutral conditions is on the order of $$1{/}\kappa $$ , where $$\kappa $$ is the von Karman constant, and is modulated by the turbulent Prandtl number.
Interfaces and Domains of Contact-Driven Restructuring: Aspects of Afro-Hispanic Linguistics

The Afro-Hispanic Languages of the Americas (AHLAs) present a number of grammatical similarities that have traditionally been ascribed to a previous creole stage. Approaching creole studies from contrasting standpoints, this groundbreaking book provides a new account of these phenomena. How did these features come about? What linguistic mechanisms can account for their parallel existence in several contact varieties? How can we formalize such mechanisms within a comprehensive theoretical framework? How can these new datasets help us test and refine current formal theories, which have primarily been based on standardized language data? In addressing these important questions, this book not only casts new light on the nature of the AHLAs, it also provides new theoretical and methodological perspectives for a more integrated approach to the study of contact-driven restructuring across language interfaces and linguistic domains.
Positive Change in Healthy Eating Scores Among Adults With Low Income After Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program Participation

Abstract Objective Using 24-hour dietary recalls, compare Healthy Eating Index (HEI)-2005 scores of Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program participants before and after 8–12 weekly lessons. Design Analysis of preexisting 24-hour dietary recalls information collected from October, 2012 through September, 2014. Participants Participants with complete pre-post dietary data (n = 122,961); subset of those with complete demographic data (n = 97,522). Main Outcome Measures Change in HEI-2005 scores (total and components). Statistical Analysis Linear regression model fit separately for total HEI and 12 components. The response variable was changed in the HEI-2005 score; predictor variables included age, education, sex, and race/ethnicity. Results The mean total HEI scores were 51.1 (SD, 13.7) at entry and 56.5 (SD, 13.7) at exit, with a change of 5.4 (SD, 16.2). Nine of 12 component scores increased. Changes were greater as age increased, with increasing education, and in women. Hispanics had the greatest improvement (mean ± SE) in total HEI score (8.3 ± 0.1). Conclusions and Implications Although diet quality remained poor, participation in the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program resulted in improvement in dietary quality. The degree of improvements varied among demographic groups, but all groups improved.
Gpnmb inhibits oligodendrocyte differentiation of adult neural stem cells by amplifying TGFβ1 signaling

Gli1 expressing neural stem cells, in the subventricular zone of the adult mammalian brain, respond to demyelination injury by differentiating into oligodendrocytes. We have identified Gpnmb as a novel regulator of oligodendrogenesis in Gli1 neural stem cells, whose expression is induced by TGF{beta}1 signaling via Gli1, in response to a demyelinating injury. Upregulation of Gpnmb further activates the TGF{beta}1 pathway by increasing the expression of the TGF{beta}1 binding receptor subunit, TGF{beta}R2. Thus the TGF{beta}1[->]Gli1[->]Gpnmb[->]TGF{beta}R2 signaling pathway forms a feed forward loop for sustained activation of TGF{beta}1 signaling in Gli1 neural stem cells, resulting in inhibition of their differentiation into mature oligodendrocytes following demyelination.
Plentiful electricity turns wholesale prices negative

Abstract In 2020, average wholesale electricity prices in the United States fell to $21/MWh, their lowest level since the beginning of the 21st century. Low natural gas prices and the proliferation of low marginal cost resources like wind and solar had already established a trend toward lower wholesale prices, and this trend was exacerbated by declining electricity demand due to the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. Negative real-time hourly wholesale prices occurred in about 4% of all hours and wholesale market nodes across the United States, but these were not distributed evenly. Regional clusters emerged, for example, in the Permian Basin in western Texas, and in Kansas and western Oklahoma in the Southwest Power Pool (SPP), negative prices accounted for more than 25% of all hours. Negative electricity prices result either from local congestion of the transmission system leading supply to exceed demand locally or due to system-wide oversupply. Looking at the latter condition in SPP, we find that all major generator types contribute to this excess supply, because of limited ramping flexibility or self-scheduled out-of-market unit commitments. Additional monetary production incentives such as renewable energy credits or tax credits also enable negative bids; indeed, negative prices predominantly occur when demand levels are low and wind production levels are high. Frequent negative prices can inform the value of additional renewable energy investments at specific locations, the need for transmission and storage development, and opportunities load growth or adaptation.
Genetic characterization of carrot root shape and size using genome-wide association analysis and genomic-estimated breeding values.

The principal phenotypic determinants of market class in carrot—the size and shape of the root—are under primarily additive, but also highly polygenic, genetic control. The size and shape of carrot roots are the primary determinants not only of yield, but also market class. These quantitative phenotypes have historically been challenging to objectively evaluate, and thus subjective visual assessment of market class remains the primary method by which selection for these traits is performed. However, advancements in digital image analysis have recently made possible the high-throughput quantification of size and shape attributes. It is therefore now feasible to utilize modern methods of genetic analysis to investigate the genetic control of root morphology. To this end, this study utilized both genome wide association analysis (GWAS) and genomic-estimated breeding values (GEBVs) and demonstrated that the components of market class are highly polygenic traits, likely under the influence of many small effect QTL. Relatively large proportions of additive genetic variance for many of the component phenotypes support high predictive ability of GEBVs; average prediction ability across underlying market class traits was 0.67. GWAS identified multiple QTL for four of the phenotypes which compose market class: length, aspect ratio, maximum width, and root fill, a previously uncharacterized trait which represents the size-independent portion of carrot root shape. By combining digital image analysis with GWAS and GEBVs, this study represents a novel advance in our understanding of the genetic control of market class in carrot. The immediate practical utility and viability of genomic selection for carrot market class is also described, and concrete guidelines for the design of training populations are provided.
Vibriophage VcA-3 as an epidemic strain marker for the U.S. Gulf Coast Vibrio cholerae O1 clone.

Toxigenic and nontoxigenic Vibrio cholerae O1, El Tor biotype strains, which are endemic to the U.S. Gulf Coast, can be lysogenic for bacteriophage VcA-3. To evaluate the presence of VcA-3 as an indicator of toxigenicity and as an epidemic strain marker, phage production and the presence of phage and cholera toxin genes were assayed in 98 strains of V. cholerae O1 (35 U.S. and 63 foreign strains). By using a HindIII chromosomal digest for Southern blot analysis, 39 of the study strains hybridized with the VcA-3 probe in 10 banding patterns. The 15 toxigenic and 6 of the 20 nontoxigenic U.S. isolates gave four VcA-3-related patterns. Among the foreign isolates, 12 of 12 toxigenic classical biotype strains, 1 of 43 toxigenic El Tor biotype strains, and 3 of 8 nontoxigenic atypical strains gave six patterns that were clearly distinct from that of VcA-3. Compared with Southern blot analysis, the phage production assay had a sensitivity of 1.0 and a specificity of 0.48, while the colony hybridization assay had a sensitivity of 1.0 and a specificity of 0.77 for identification of VcA-3. Neither assay reliably identified the toxigenic Gulf Coast clone. The presence of VcA-3, as defined by Southern blot analysis, always separated toxigenic U.S. from foreign isolates and often from nontoxigenic U.S. isolates of V. cholerae O1. Images
Improved Automatic License Plate Recognition (ALPR) system based on single pass Connected Component Labeling (CCL)and reign property function

This paper presents improved Automatic License Plate Recognition (ALPR) system based on Single Pass Connected Component Labeling (CCL). This research describes an ALPR system which is capable of distinguishing license plates under various conditions, such as distance from the camera, rotation angle between camera and vehicle (0° to +/−45°) and also poor illumination contrast condition (different weather condition, different lighting condition and physical tilted or damage of license plate). In our method, we apply adaptive thresholding filter to preprocessing step for image enhancement under various conditions, and then to find the location and characters of license plate at the same time we apply improved single pass Connected Component Labeling and reign property function that compared with other methods is fast and accurate. We determine the license plate characters and location according to appropriate size, aspect ratio, distance and connectivity of characters. Finally by using Optical Character Recognition (OCR) we find the characters on each license plate in an image. Image results show the accuracy and reliability of this method.
Reduced sulfur in ashes and slags from the gasification of coals: availability for chemical and microbial oxidation.

This study was initiated to determine if reduced sulfur contained in coal gasifier ash and slag was available for microbial and chemical oxidation because eventual large-quantity landfill disposal of these solid wastes is expected. Continuous application of distilled water to a column containing a high-sulfur-content (4% [wt/wt]) gasifier slag yielded leachates with high sulfate levels (1,300 mg of sulfate liter−1) and low pH values (4.2). At the end of the experiment, a three-tube most-probable-number analysis indicated that the waste contained 1.3 × 107 thiosulfate-oxidizing bacteria per g. Slag samples obtained aseptically from the column produced sulfate under both abiotic and biotic conditions when incubated in a mineral nutrient solution. Both microbial and chemical sulfate syntheses were greatly stimulated by the addition of thiosulfate to the slag-mineral nutrient solution. These results led to a test of microbial versus chemical sulfur oxidation in ashes and slags from five gasification processes. Sulfate production was measured in sterile (autoclaved) and nonsterile suspensions of the solid wastes in a mineral nutrient solution. These ashes and slags varied in sulfur content from 0.3 to 4.0% (wt/wt). Four of these wastes demonstrated both chemical (2.0 to 27 μg of sulfate g−1 day−1) and microbial (3.1 to 114 μg of sulfate g−1 day−1) sulfur oxidation. Obvious relationships between sulfur oxidation rate and either sulfur content or particle size distribution of the wastes were not immediately evident. We conclude that the sulfur contained in all but one waste is available for oxidation to sulfuric acid and that microorganisms play a partial role in this process.
Treatment of intermittent obstructive hydrocephalus secondary to a choroid plexus cyst

The authors present the case of an 11-week-old girl in whom hydrocephalus developed secondary to intermittent obstruction of the third ventricle by a choroid plexus cyst. The patient presented to the emergency department at the authors' institution with a 1-day history of projectile vomiting, lethargy, and dysconjugate gaze. Hydrocephalus was confirmed on head CT. During hospitalization, the symptoms resolved with a decrease in ventricular size. One week later, the patient again presented with similar symptoms, and MR images with 3D-constructive interference in steady state sequences revealed that a cyst was blocking the third ventricle. The patient subsequently underwent endoscopic fenestration of the cyst with resolution of hydrocephalus and symptoms. The authors present a unique description of the diagnosis of intermittent obstructive hydrocephalus caused by a third ventricular region choroid plexus cyst in an infant.
Inferring speaker affect in spoken natural language communication

The field of spoken language processing is concerned with creating computer programs that can understand human speech and produce human-like speech. Regarding the problem of understanding human speech, there is currently growing interest in moving beyond speech recognition (the task of transcribing the words in an audio stream) and towards machine listening—interpreting the full spectrum of information in an audio stream. One part of machine listening, the problem that this thesis focuses on, is the task of using information in the speech signal to infer a person's emotional or mental state. In this dissertation, our approach is to assess the utility of prosody, or manner of speaking, in classifying speaker affect. Prosody refers to the acoustic features of natural speech: rhythm, stress, intonation, and energy. Affect refers to a person's emotions and attitudes such as happiness, frustration, or uncertainty. We focus on one specific dimension of affect: level of certainty. Our goal is to automatically infer whether a person is confident or uncertain based on the prosody of his or her speech. Potential applications include conversational dialogue systems (e.g., in educational technology) and voice search (e.g., smartphone personal assistants). There are three main contributions of this thesis. The first contribution is a method for eliciting uncertain speech that binds a speaker's uncertainty to a single phrase within the larger utterance, allowing us to compare the utility of contextually-based prosodic features. Second, we devise a technique for computing prosodic features from utterance segments that both improves uncertainty classification and can be used to determine which phrase a speaker is uncertain about. The level of certainty classifier achieves an accuracy of 75%. Third, we examine the differences between perceived, self-reported, and internal level of certainty, concluding that perceived certainty is aligned with internal certainty for some but not all speakers and that self-reports are a good proxy for internal certainty.
Abnormal apoptosis and cell cycle progression in humans exposed to methyl tertiary-butyl ether and benzene contaminating water

1. In this study we hypothesized that in individuals with certain genetic makeup, MTBE, benzene or their metabolites act as adducts and may induce programmed cell death. 2. Our study involved a group of 60 male and female subjects who were exposed to MTBE and benzene-contaminated water concentrations up to 76 PPB for MTBE and 14 PPB for benzene, for a period of 5 to 8 years. For comparison, we recruited a control group consisting of 32 healthy males and females with similar age distribution and without a history of exposure to MTBE or benzene. 3. Peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) of both groups were tested for the percentage of apoptotic cells and cell cycle progression using flow cytometry. 4. When apoptotic lymphocytes from exposed individuals were compared to apoptotic lymphocytes from the control group, statistically-significant differences between each mean group were detected (26.4 +/- 1.8 and 12.1 +/- 1.3, respectively), indicating an increased rate of apoptosis in 80.5% of exposed individuals (P < 0.0001, Mann-Whitney U-Test). MTBE and benzene-induced apoptosis is attributed to a discrete block within the cell cycle progression. Because cell cycle analysis showed that in PBL from chemically-exposed individuals, between 20-50% of cells were accumulated at the S-G2/M boundaries. 5. One of the signaling molecules which mediates programmed cell death is nuclear factor Kappa-B (NF-kappa B). NF-kappa B was examined as one of the many molecular mechanisms for mediating cell death by MTBE and benzene. Indeed, addition of inhibitors of NF-kappa B activation pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC), to the lymphocytes of the chemically-exposed group was capable of inhibiting programmed cell death by 40%. This reversal of apoptosis almost to the control level by inhibitor of NF-kappa B activation may indicate involvement of this signaling molecule in MTBE and benzene induction of programmed cell death.
Study of fermentation behavior and formulation of a semidefined nutrient medium based on acid‐production measurements in Z. mobilis cultures

Batch fermentations of glucose to ethanol by Z. Mobilis.(ATCC 10988) were examined in several semidefined nutrient media. The measurement of acid produced by the microorganism was used to study its transient fermentation characteristics. Limitation of nitrogen source in the semidefined medium of Rogers and coworkers(2) was found to limit the growth of this microorganism in the late stages of batch fermentations, when the initial glucose concentration was 75 g/L and higher. The microorganism exhibits a preference for inorganic nitrogen over preformed organic nitrogen provided by yeast extract. The microbial growth occurs exponentially in the presence of ammonium sulfate and yeast extract. However, in the absence of ammonium sulfate, the growth occurs in a linear fashion. The "linear" growth phase is characterized by poor cell-mass yields, and during this phase, growth and ethanol production are decoupled. An improved semi-defined growth medium is established which supports better growth rate and cellular yield, without affecting the ethanol yield.
Orbits of the geodesic flow and chains on the boundary of a Grauert tube

A \(C^{\omega}\) Riemannian manifold (X,g) determines an integrable complex structure on a tubular neighborhood, \(T^{*\epsilon}X\), of the zero section in \(T^{*}X\) and a CR-structure on the boundary, \(M^{\epsilon}\). There are two natural families of curves on \(M^{\epsilon}\): the orbits of the geodesic flow and a CR-invariant family called chains. It is natural to ask whether they are related. We show that if orbits of the geodesic flow are chains on \(M^{\epsilon}\) for all \(\epsilon\) sufficiently small, then (X,g) is Einstein. As a partial converse we show that if (X,g) is harmonic, then orbits of the geodesic flow are chains. To prove this we study the Fefferman metric associated with \(M^{\epsilon}\).
Second National Immunization Congress 2010: Addressing vaccine financing for the future in the US

At the 2nd National Immunization Congress held in Chicago, IL, from August 31-September 2, 2010, partners from government, provider groups, academia, and manufacturers gathered to discuss the progr...
An Alternative View of Outcome in Autism

Parents often rely on the knowledge and experience of others to explain the longitudinal outcomes in autism. Unfortunately, limitations keep parents from obtaining accurate and relevant information. First, professionals with limited experiences are not likely to understand the range of outcomes for persons with autism. Second, previous studies have used narrow explanations to define outcomes. Past researchers have generally defined good outcome as the development of a normal social life and independence by adulthood; and they have defined the best predictors as verbal and IQ levels. Because most individuals with autism continue to struggle with social relationships and need individualized supports, this outcome is rare. Parents, educators, and researchers need other frameworks now to characterize and conceptualize “good outcome.” Data on 46 individuals with autism will be used to present an alternative view of outcome. Some who would have been predicted to do poorly as adults because of their relatively l...
Inhibition of major-groove-binding proteins by pyrrole-imidazole polyamides with an Arg-Pro-Arg positive patch

Gene-specific targeting of any protein-DNA complex by small molecules is a challenging goal at the interface of chemistry and biology. Polyamides containing N-methylimidazole and N-methylpyrrole amino acids are synthetic ligands that have an affinity and specificity for DNA comparable to many naturally occurring DNA-binding proteins. It has been shown that an eight-ring hairpin polyamide targeted to a specific minor-groove contact within a transcription factor binding site can inhibit protein-DNA binding and gene transcription. Polyamides and certain major-groove-binding proteins have been found to co-occupy the DNA helix, however. To expand the number of genes that can be targeted by pyrrole/imidazole polyamides, we set out to develop a class of polyamides that can selectively inhibit major-groove-binding proteins.
Trail Marking Substance of the Texas Leaf-Cutting Ant: Source and Potency

The trail-marking substance of Atta texana (Buckley) is formed in the true poison gland and deposited by the sting. This attractant is initially produced by teneral workers. The substance obtained from mature, large workers is the most potent.
Interfacial rheology and structure of straight-chain and branched fatty alcohol mixtures.

Langmuir monolayers of mixtures of straight-chain and branched molecules of hexadecanol and eicosanol were studied using surface pressure−area isotherms, Brewster angle microscopy, and interfacial rheology measurements. For hexadecanol mixtures below 30% branched molecules, the isotherms show a lateral shift to a decreasing area proportional to the fraction of straight chains. Above a 30% branched fraction, the isotherms are no longer identical in shape. The surface viscosities of both straight and mixed monolayers exhibit a maximum in the condensed untilted LS phase at Π = 20 mN/m. Adding branched chains results in a nonmonotonic increase in surface viscosity, with the maximum near 12% branched hexadecanol. A visualization of these immiscible monolayers using Brewster angle microscopy in the liquid condensed phase shows the formation of discrete domains that initially increase in number density and then decrease with increasing surface pressure. Eicosanol mixtures exhibit different rheological and struct...
Advanced language learning: the contribution of Halliday and Vygotsky

Advanced language learning: the contribution of Halliday and Vygotsky, edited by H. Byrnes, New York, Continuum, 2006, x + 268 pp., $160.00 (hardback), ISBN 0-8264-9071-9 As suggested in its title,...
Work in progress - studio-based signals and systems

Signals and Systems is a course that is taught virtually at every engineering school in the USA using very traditional lecture/exam techniques. Although various instructors have augmented their class with Web-based demonstrations and labs, the focus has not been on inquire-based methodologies. In this project, the University of St. Thomas' Signals and Systems course is being totally redesigned to make it much more inquiry-based. As part of this project, we rethought the content and methodology resulting in a totally new class that covers the traditional subjects in an exploratory way. New 'lectures' developed for the class directly incorporate hands-on computer use during the class using a studio format. These new exercises are a hallmark of the revised course that was taught in Fall 2004. Evaluations and recommendations from that class will shape future offerings
Impact of regulation and financing on small board-and-care homes in Maryland.

ABSTRACT States use forms of regulation in small board-and-care homes to control quality; however, quality varies in spite of these efforts. This study of 94 small facilities compared quality of care measures in homes regulated by a state-administered program with those in nonregulated homes. It also compared homes on those variables using average payment for services as the independent variable. Results indicate that higher payments for services had a greater impact on quality than did participation in a regulatory program. Adequate funding may be key to maintaining reasonable quality in these homes.
African American Mothers of Early Adolescents Perceptions of Two Generations

This study sought to determine how 271 African American mothers of 10- to 14-year-olds viewed their strengths and limitations as parents and to detect how 292 children from this age group perceived...
The Supplementary Value of Choline and Methionine in a Corn and Soybean Oil Meal Chick Ration

Abstract CHOLINE has been shown by Jukes (1940, 1941) to prevent perosis and promote growth in turkeys and chicks. Soybean oil meal was observed to have perosis-preventing and growth-promoting properties. These were ascribed at least in part to the choline content of the meal. Confirmatory evidence of the role of choline in preventing perosis and promoting growth in chicks has been reported by Hegsted and others (1941) and Record and Bethke (1942). Methionine was shown by Jukes (1941) to have no growth-promoting or perosis-preventing properties when added to a basal ration containing 30 percent casein. This suggested that methionine does not act as a precursor of choline for the chick. Conversely, it has been demonstrated by Griffith and Wade (1939) that methionine may act as a precursor of choline for the rat. On the other hand, choline has been reported by Klose and Almquist (1941) to act as a precursor of . . .
The hall effect in liquid semiconductors

Abstract The proper interpretation of the Hall coefficient RH of liquid semiconductors is still an unsolved problem, and it is a particularly interesting one in view of the frequently observed discrepancy in sign with the Seebeck coefficient. We present some new data which include measurements of the Hall mobility μH in liquid thallium-tellurium through the composition range where the Seebeck coefficient S changes sign, and in the range where S is negative. An abrupt change in magnitude of μH occurs at the intrinsic composition (Tl2Te, where S changes sign), and μH is observed to have an appreciable dependence on temperature only at this composition. This is consistent with transport by carriers in two bands. μH is lower on the Tl-rich side of Tl2Te, and the formula nH = 1/RHe yields a value for nH which is ten times larger than the electron concentration inferred from the composition, assuming that electrons are derived from the Tl in excess of Tl2Te. We review the various suggested interpretations of the Hall effect in liquid semiconductors from several points of view, and conclude that the conventional formula n = ± 1/RHe is unreliable for inferring either the sign or concentration of the carriers.
Development and initial validation of a brief screener for focused HIV prevention efforts

Objectives The public health response to the spread of HIV relies on behavioural changes, especially reductions in sexual and drug-use-related transmission risk behaviours (TRBs). While understanding the factors that dispose people towards risky behaviours is important scientifically, it can be difficult to distil the many predictors of sexual risk behaviours into a useful clinical tool for focused prevention efforts. Our goal was to evaluate the extent to which known predictors of sexual TRBs (self-efficacy, treatment optimism, engagement with medical care, awareness of risky behaviours, substance use, and relevant behavioural and socio-demographic characteristics) combined with additional attitude-related assessments to identify those who had engaged in recent sexual TRBs and may therefore be at risk of additional TRBs. Methods In this study, we analysed data on beliefs and behaviours related to sex, substance use, HIV prevention and other relevant factors for 280 patients at a publicly funded HIV/AIDS clinic in Seattle. All participants completed a baseline audio computer-assisted self interview (ACASI) as part of a larger trial focused on reducing TRBs. Results Our multivariate model yielded three screening questions that could prove effective in identifying HIV-positive patients in need of focused prevention resources. Conclusions The resulting screener holds promise as a brief and easily deployed tool that can be used by providers regardless of access to ACASI technology. Additional validation is needed and longitudinal evaluation is currently in progress.
A public choice aspect of data provision

(1993). A public choice aspect of data provision. Accountability in Research: Vol. 3, No. 2-3, pp. 157-163.
Abstract LB-25: Exploration of genome-wide circulating microRNA in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) - dysregulation of miR-483-5p and miR-150 as diagnostic marker.

Proceedings: AACR 104th Annual Meeting 2013; Apr 6-10, 2013; Washington, DC The incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has doubled over the past 20 years in the United States (US). HCC prognosis is poor if not diagnosed and treated at an early stage. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small non-coding RNAs that control gene expression by inhibiting translation or inducing cleavage of target messenger RNAs (mRNAs). miRNAs can regulate diverse biological processes including DNA repair, apoptosis, cell proliferation, differentiation and immune function. Circulating miRNAs in cell-free plasma/serum samples have been consistently observed to have high stability and resistance to storage/handling, suggesting their potential use as diagnostic biomarkers. We conducted a two-phase epidemiological case-control study to test the hypothesis that genome-wide dysregulation of circulating miRNAs differentiate HCC cases from controls. A total of 69 HCC patients and 69 controls were recruited and matched on age, gender and ethnicity. Taqman low density arrays were used to examine genome-wide miRNA expression, and quantitative RT-PCR was used to validate promising candidates. Sixty-six miRNAs were found to be significantly over-expressed in plasma of HCC cases compared to controls after adjusting for false discovery rate (p<0.05). A volcano plot indicated that 7 miRNAs had over 2-fold case-control differences with p<0.01. Four significant miRNAs (miR-150, miR-30c, miR-483-5p and miR-520b) detectable in all samples with varied expression levels were further validated in an expanded case-control study. MiR-483-5p was statistically significantly over-expressed in HCC cases compared with controls (3.25 vs. 0.54, p<0.0001). MiR-150 was up-regulated in HCC, but the difference was not significant (5.66 vs. 5.29). The combination of plasma levels of miR-483-5p and miR-150 can significantly differentiate HCC cases from controls with an AUC of 0.850 (p<0.0001). The sensitivity and specificity were, respectively, 63.8% and 85.5%. These preliminary data indicated the importance of dysregulated circulating miRNAs in hepatocarcinogenesis, and suggesting the possibility of using miR-483-5p and miR-150 as diagnostic biomarkers. Large prospective studies are necessary to replicate the current findings, and evaluate the panel of circulating miRNAs in improving early diagnosis of HCC. Citation Format: Jing Shen, Antai Wang, Qiao Wang, Irina Gurvich, Abby B. Siegel, Helen Remotti, Regina M. Santella. Exploration of genome-wide circulating microRNA in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) - dysregulation of miR-483-5p and miR-150 as diagnostic marker. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr LB-25. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-LB-25