cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prevention of Behavioral and Social Problems

Many children and adolescents are affected by mental health problems of one kind or another. Between 17 to 22% of youth up to age 18 develop a clinical disorder, that is, a behavioral or emotional problem that significantly impairs their personal or social adjustment and warrants treatment (Kazdin, 1990), and between 12 to 53% who have one disorder also have at least one other co-occurring disorder (Nottelmann & Jensen, 1995). In addition to these clinical conditions, another 15 to 25% of young people could profit from intervention because they experience interpersonal deficits, sadness, or lack of self-control or self-confidence that impedes their personal and social growth.
NONLINEAR PREDICTIVE CONTROL OF EXOTHERMIC CHEMICAL REACTORS

Abstract Exothermic, continuous stirred tank reactors (CSTR's) present some of the more challenging chemical process control problems. In this paper an optimization-based approach is used to control exothermic CSTR's. It is shown that an open-loop observer can be used at an open-loop unstable operating point, under certain conditions, although this is not recommended in practice. Process measurements can be used to reset the model states, when there is no plant/model mismatch; performance is poor, however, when there is mismatch. With plant/model mismatch, a nonlinear programming-based process identification scheme is used in combination with NLPC to achieve much tighter performance than is possible without estimation.
Mouse Gamma Herpesvirus MHV-68 Induces Severe Gastrointestinal (GI) Dilatation in Interferon Gamma Receptor-Deficient Mice (IFNγR−/−) That Is Blocked by Interleukin-10

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and Clostridium difficile infection cause gastrointestinal (GI) distension and, in severe cases, toxic megacolon with risk of perforation and death. Herpesviruses have been linked to severe GI dilatation. MHV-68 is a model for human gamma herpesvirus infection inducing GI dilatation in interleukin-10 (IL-10)-deficient mice but is benign in wildtype mice. MHV-68 also causes lethal vasculitis and pulmonary hemorrhage in interferon gamma receptor-deficient (IFNγR−/−) mice, but GI dilatation has not been reported. In prior work the Myxomavirus-derived anti-inflammatory serpin, Serp-1, improved survival, reducing vasculitis and pulmonary hemorrhage in MHV-68-infected IFNγR−/− mice with significantly increased IL-10. IL-10 has been investigated as treatment for GI dilatation with variable efficacy. We report here that MHV-68 infection produces severe GI dilatation with inflammation and gut wall degradation in 28% of INFγR-/- mice. Macrophage invasion and smooth muscle degradation were accompanied by decreased concentrations of T helper (Th2), B, monocyte, and dendritic cells. Plasma and spleen IL-10 were significantly reduced in mice with GI dilatation, while interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), IL-6, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) and INFγ increased. Treatment of gamma herpesvirus-infected mice with exogenous IL-10 prevents severe GI inflammation and dilatation, suggesting benefit for herpesvirus-induced dilatation.
Differences in microRNA expression in breast cancer between women of African and European ancestry

Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease, characterized by molecularly and phenotypically distinct tumor subtypes, linked to disparate clinical outcomes. American women of African ancestry (AA) are more likely than those of European ancestry (EA) to be diagnosed with aggressive, estrogen receptor negative (ER-) or triple negative breast cancer, and to die of this disease. However, the underlying causes of AA predisposition to ER-/triple negative breast cancer are still largely unknown. In this study, we performed high-throughput whole-genome miRNA expression profiling in breast tissue samples from both AA and EA women. A number of differentially expressed miRNAs, i.e., DEmiRs defined as >2-fold change in expression and false discovery rate <0.05, were identified as up- or downregulated by tumor ER status or by ancestry. We found that among 102 ER-subtype-related DEmiRs identified in breast tumors, the majority of these DEmiRs were race specific, with only 23 DEmiRs shared in tumors from both AAs and EAs; this finding indicates that there are unique subsets of miRNAs differentially expressed between ER- and ER positive tumors within AAs versus EAs. Our overall results support the notion that miRNA expression patterns may differ not only by tumor subtype but by ancestry, indicating differences in tumor biology and heterogeneity of breast cancer between AAs and EAs. These results will provide the basis for further functional analysis to elucidate biological differences between AAs and EAs and to help develop targeted treatment strategies to reduce disparities in breast cancer.
Ethical Guidelines for DNA Testing in Migrant Family Reunification

In the summer of 2018, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers removed more than 2600 migrant children from their families at the United States–Mexico border (Gonzalez, Republic, and Gomez 2018...
Codifying Online Social Support for Breast Cancer Patients: Retrospective Qualitative Assessment.

Background: Social media has emerged as the epicenter for exchanging health-related information, resources, and emotional support. However, despite recognized benefits of social media for advancing health-promoting support exchange, researchers have struggled to differentiate between the different ways social support occurs and is expressed through social media. Objective: The objective of this study was to develop a fuller understanding of social support exchange by examining the ways in which breast cancer patients discuss their health needs and reach out for support on Facebook and to develop a coding schema that can be useful to other social media researchers. Methods: We conducted a retrospective qualitative assessment of text-based social support exchanges through Facebook among 30 breast cancer survivors. Facebook wall data were systematically scraped, organized, coded, and characterized by whether and which types of support were exchanged. Research questions focused on how often participants posted related to cancer, how often cancer patients reached out for support, and the relative frequency of informational, instrumental, or socioemotional support requests broadcast by patients on the site. Results: A novel ground-up coding schema applied to unwieldy Facebook data successfully identified social support exchange in two critical transitions in cancer treatment: diagnosis and transition off cancer therapy. Explanatory coding, design, and analysis processes led to a novel coding schema informed by 100,000 lines of data, an a priori literature review, and observed online social support exchanges. A final coding schema permits a compelling analysis of support exchange as a type of peer community, where members act proactively to buffer stress effects associated with negative health experiences. The coding schema framed operational definitions of what support meant and the forms each type of support could take in social media spaces. Conclusions: Given the importance of social media in social interaction, support exchange, and health promotion, our findings provide insight and clarity for researchers into the different forms informational, resource, and emotional support may take in Web-based social environments. Findings support broader continuity for evaluating computer-mediated support exchange.
Sound transmission loss improvement by a viscoelastic material used in a constrained layer damping system

A constrained layer damper is a viscoelastic material that is embedded between two parallel plates. The vibration energy in the first leaf creates shear strain in the viscoelastic material which dissipates kinetic energy into heat. A CLD is an effective way to maximize transmission loss through a partition by increasing its damping. SEA is a method for estimating the acoustic power flow through a system. The method subdivides the system into smaller elements, the so-called subsystems, that support a group of resonant modes and have a sufficient modal density and modal overlap. The measurement of the loss factors on the wall specimens with and without the viscoelastic material was done as part of a parallel paper by J.G. Richter. The reverberation method was used to measure the total loss factors on one side of the installed wall. The addition of a viscoelastic material between the leaves improves the TL significantly by more than 10 dB in the mid- and high frequency range increasing the STC rating by 8 points from 44 to 52.
Initial Coin Offerings, Speculation, and Asset Tokenization

Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs) are an emerging form of fundraising for Blockchain-based startups. We examine how ICOs can be leveraged in the context of asset tokenization, whereby firms issue tokens backed by future assets (i.e., inventory) to finance growth. We (i) make suggestions on how to design such ``asset-backed'' ICOs---including optimal token floating and pricing for both utility and equity tokens (aka, Security Token Offerings, STOs)---taking into account moral hazard (cash diversion), product characteristics and customer demand uncertainty, (ii) make predictions on ICO success/failure, and (iii) discuss implications on firm operating strategy. We show that in unregulated environments, ICOs can lead to significant agency costs, underproduction, and loss of firm value. These inefficiencies, however, fade as product margins and demand characteristics (mean/variance) improve, and are less severe under equity (rather than utility) token issuance. Importantly, the advantage of equity tokens stems from their inherent ability to better align incentives, and thus continues to hold even absent regulation.
Influence of insurance type on rate and type of initial concussion-related medical visits among youth.

BACKGROUND A growing number of studies report increased concussion-related health care utilization in recent years, but factors impacting care-seeking behaviors among youth following a concussion are not well described. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of insurance type on the rate and type of initial concussion visits and the time from injury to the initial visit in youth. METHODS We extracted and analyzed initial concussion-related medical visits for youth ages 10 to 17 from electronic health records. Patients must have visited Nationwide Children's Hospital's (NCH) concussion clinic at least once between 7/1/2012 and 12/31/2017. We evaluated the trends and patterns of initial concussion visits across the study period using regression analyses. RESULTS Of 4955 unique concussion visits included, 60.1% were males, 80.5% were white, and 69.5% were paid by private insurance. Patients' average age was 13.9 years (SD = 3.7). The rate of the initial concussion visits per 10,000 NCH visits was consistently higher in privately insured than publicly insured youth throughout the study period (P < .0001). Privately insured youth had greater odds of initial concussion visits to sports medicine clinics (AOR = 1.45, 95% CI = 1.20, 1.76) but lower odds of initial concussion visits to the ED/urgent care (AOR = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.60, 0.90) than publicly insured youth. Days from injury to initial concussion visit significantly decreased among both insurance types throughout the study (P < .0001), with a greater decrease observed in publicly insured than privately insured youth (P = .011). CONCLUSIONS Results on the differences in the rate, type, and time of initial concussion-related visits may help inform more efficient care of concussion among youth with different types of insurance.
Underseepage and its Control: A Symposium: Design of Control Measures for Dams and Levees

Methods of controlling seepage and excessive hydrostatic pressures beneath dams and levees founded on deep strata of pervious sands are presented in this paper. Underseepage may be controlled by th...
Block third derivative method based on trigonometric polynomials for periodic initial-value problems

A trigonometrically fitted block third derivative method (TFBTDM) whose coefficients depend on the frequency and stepsize is constructed for periodic initial value problems. The motivation governing the development of the TFBTDM is inherent in the fact that if the frequency or a reasonable estimate of it is known in advance, the method will be more advantageous than the polynomial based methods. Specifically, the TFBTDM is recovered from a continuous approximation which is constructed by imposing that the chosen interpolating trigonometric polynomial satisfies the appropriate interpolating conditions. The TFBTDM is shown to be of order 6 and has a moderately large stability interval. Numerical examples are given to illustrate the accuracy of the method.
Minimization of torque ripple in permanent magnet motors: a closed form solution

A closed-form solution for minimizing torque pulsations or ripple in three-phase permanent magnet motors by the appropriate weighting of input current harmonics is presented. First, an analysis of torque ripple is presented by using the complex exponential Fourier series. In addition, a method to design the optimal weighting of current harmonics is developed by using constrained optimization techniques. In contrast to iterative approaches, the proposed design method determines the current harmonic weights in closed form; the procedure is especially easy to perform. Steps in the design procedure are demonstrated by a numerical example. Application of the optimal current should reduce torque-induced motor vibration and noise, as well as improve accuracy in servo applications. >
Microsurgical management of glomus spinal arteriovenous malformations: pial resection technique: Clinical article

Object Intramedullary, or glomus, spinal arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are rare vascular lesions amenable to resection with or without adjuvant embolization. The authors retrospectively reviewed the senior author's (R.F.S.'s) surgical series of intramedullary spinal AVMs to evaluate clinical and radiographic outcomes. Methods Detailed chart and radiographic reviews were performed for all patients with intramedullary spinal AVMs who underwent surgical treatment between 1994 and 2011. Presenting and follow-up neurological examination results were obtained and graded using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) and McCormick Scale. Surgical technique, outcomes, complications, and long-term angiographic studies were reviewed. Results During the study period, 20 patients (10 males and 10 females) underwent resection of glomus spinal AVMs. The mean age at presentation was 30 ± 17 years (range 7–62 years). The location of the AVMs was as follows: cervical spine (n = 10), thoracic spine (n = 9), and cervicothoracic...
Modeling of the Multiparameter Inverse Task of Transient Thermography

A three dimensions finite difference model in Cartesian coordinates is applied to investigate capabilities of reconstructing inclusion-type defects in a flat panel with pulse thermography. Contrast, phase, and temporal characteristics are delineated for variable depth and size of the inclusions. The theoretical approach is based on sequentially solved direct and inverse problems. In the model typical physical properties of polymer graphite composites are assumed. The physical capabilities and limitations of thermal method for defect geometry reconstruction are discussed.
The Domestic Politics of International Sanctions

Recent research on sanction efficacy in dictatorships finds that autocrats are largely immune from the negative effects of sanctions. Their focus on leadership change, however, is problematic in that it is a rare event which often does not reflect regime instability in dictatorships, where regularized rotation of leaders atop the regime is a primary method for maintaining regime stability. Effective economic sanctions increase the risk of leadership failure by requiring targeted autocrats to make a tradeoff between creating cabinet positions to coopt external support and relieving ministers to pre-empt internal coups. Changes in the composition of the cabinet produces ex post volatility, which in turn leads to ex ante uncertainty on the part of cabinet members about their access to future rents. This provides them an incentive to support an alternative leader, regime or political system. Using an data on over 100 sanctions in 115 countries between 1971-2000, I find that economic sanctions, on average, have a positive effect on cabinet size and volatility in dictatorships.
Unsymmetrical dialkyl sulfoxides as extractants:: I—Preparation and extraction studies of three sulfoxides. II—Equilibria and species in iron(III) extraction by methyl 4,8-dimethylnonyl sulfoxide☆

Methyl 3-ethylheptyl sulfoxide (M3EHSO), methyl 4,8-dimethylnonyl sulfoxide (M48-DMNSO), and methyl pentadecyl sulfoxide (MPDSO) were synthesized and their properties in the extraction of iron, cobalt, manganese, sodium, calcium, and europium from concentrated HCl solutions were studied. The metals were extracted in the order Fe ⪢ Co > Mn > Ca > Na ⩾ Eu. Extraction peaks came at 8–10 M HCl. In ability to extract most of the ions tested, the sulfoxides ranked M48DMNSO > M3EHSO > MPDSO. A detailed study of the extraction of iron by 0·100 M M48DMNSO in p-xylene indicated that two to three molecules of sulfoxides are associated with each iron molecule (as FeCl3 or HFeCl4) in the organic phase.
High-precision R-branch transition frequencies in the ν2 fundamental band of H3+

Abstract The H 3 + molecular ion has served as a long-standing benchmark for state-of-the-art ab initio calculations of molecular potentials and variational calculations of rovibrational energy levels. However, the accuracy of such calculations would not have been confirmed if not for the wealth of spectroscopic data that has been made available for this molecule. Recently, a new high-precision ion spectroscopy technique was demonstrated by Hodges et al., which led to the first highly accurate and precise (∼MHz) H 3 + transition frequencies. As an extension of this work, we present ten additional R-branch transitions measured to similar precision as a next step toward the ultimate goal of producing a comprehensive high-precision survey of this molecule, from which rovibrational energy levels can be calculated.
The Steroid Promegestone Is a Noncompetitive Antagonist of theTorpedo Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor that Interacts with the Lipid-Protein Interface

17,21-Dimethyl-19-nor-pregn-4,9-diene-3,20-dione (promegestone) was used to characterize the mechanism of inhibition of nicotinic acetylcholine (ACh) receptors (AChR) by progestin steroids. Promegestone reversibly inhibited ACh-induced currents of Torpedo AChRs expressed in Xenopus oocytes. Between 1–30 μM promegestone produced a concentration-dependent enhancement of the equilibrium binding affinity of [ 3 H]ACh to Torpedo AChR-rich membranes. For AChRs in the presence of agonist (desensitized state) promegestone was a more potent inhibitor of the binding of the noncompetitive antagonist [ 3 H]phencyclidine (IC 50 = 9 μM) than of [ 3 H]histrionicotoxin (IC 50 ∼ 100 μM). To identify AChR domains in contact with the steroid, AChR-rich membranes equilibrated with [ 3 H]promegestone were irradiated at 312 nm, and 3 H-labeled amino acids were identified by amino-terminal sequencing of fragments isolated from subunit proteolytic digests. Within AChR α-subunit, 70% of 3 H was covalently incorporated in a 10-kDa fragment beginning at Asn-339 and containing the M4 membrane spanning segment, and 30% was in a 20-kDa fragment beginning at Ser-173 and containing the M1–M3 segments. Fragments containing the M2 channel domains as well as the M4 segments were isolated from proteolytic digests of AChR subunits and subjected to amino-terminal sequence analysis. No evidence of [ 3 H]promegestone incorporation was detected in any of the M2 segments. The amino acids in the M4 segments labeled by [ 3 H]promegestone were among those previously shown to be in contact with the lipid bilayer (Blanton and Cohen, 1994). These results indicate that the steroid promegestone is an AChR noncompetitive antagonist that may alter AChR function by interactions at the lipid-protein interface.
A comparison between the Fermi-Thomas and quantum dielectric response of a metal surface to a static point charge

Abstract Recently published theoretical treatments of the screening of a point charge in the surface region of a bounded electron gas are considered. The Fermi-Thomas semi-classical electrostatic screening theory of Newns is compared with the quantum screening theory of the present author. Simple formulae for dipole moments and binding energies are given. The results are essentially equivalent for the two cases aside from numerical factors which are manifestations of the fact that Fermi-Thomas screening is too efficient.
Applications of synchrotron X-ray fluorescence to extraterrestrial materials

Abstract Synchrotron X-ray fluorescence (SXRF) is a valuable technique for trace element analysis of extraterrestrial materials permitting minimum detection limits less than 1 ppm for 20 μm spots. SXRF measurements have been performed on iron meteorites and micrometeorites using white synchrotron radiation and an energy dispersive X-ray detector at the National Synchrotron Light Source (X-26C), Brookhaven National Laboratory (NY). Partitioning of Cu between troilite (FeS) and metal in the nine iron meteorites studied suggests subsolidus re-equilibration in these objects. A technique has been developed for determining self-absorption corrections for filtered, continuum excitation of small specimens, such as stratospheric particles and refractory inclusions in meteorites.
NEW PRECISION ORBITS OF BRIGHT DOUBLE-LINED SPECTROSCOPIC BINARIES. III. HD 82191, ω DRACONIS, AND 108 HERCULIS

We have determined improved spectroscopic orbits for three double-lined binaries, HD 82191 (Am), ω Dra (F5 V), and 108 Her (Am), using radial velocities from the 2.1 m telescope at McDonald Observatory, the coude feed telescope at Kitt Peak National Observatory, and 2 m telescope at Fairborn Observatory. The orbital periods range from 5.28 to 9.01 days, and all three systems have circular orbits. The new orbital dimensions (a 1 sin i and a 2 sin i) and minimum masses (m 1 sin3 i and m 2 sin3 i) have accuracies of 0.2% or better. Our improved results confirm the large minimum masses of HD 82191 and also agree with the values previously found for ω Dra. However, for the components of 108 Her our minimum masses are about 20% larger than the previous best values. We conclude that both components of HD 82191 as well as the primary of 108 Her are Am stars. However, the A9 secondary of 108 Her has normal abundances. We estimate spectral types of F4 dwarf and G0 dwarf for the components of ω Dra. The primaries of the three binaries are synchronously rotating as is the secondary of 108 Her. The secondaries of HD 82191 and ω Dra are possibly synchronously rotating.
A framework for analysis of 2D platformer levels

Levels are the space where a player explores the rules and mechanics of a game; as such, good level design is critical to the game design process. While there are many broad design principles, level design is inherently genre-specific due to the wide variety of rules and types of challenge found between genres. Determining genre-specific design principles requires an in-depth analysis of games within the genre. We present such an analysis for the 2D platformer genre, examining level components and structure with a view to better understanding their level design. We then use this analysis to present a model for platformer levels, specifically focusing on areas of challenge. Our framework provides a common vocabulary for these items and provides level designers with a method for thinking about elements of platformers and how to compose them to create interesting and challenging levels.
Promoting Social Change Through Audio Repetition: Black Musicians as Creators and Revivalists 1953-1978

The development of contemporary American music is clearly reflected in the integration of black composers, performers, and their songs into mainstream popular record charts. Between 1953 and 1978 a fascinating role reversal occurred. During that quarter century black artists shifted from creators to revivalists. The same role reversal did not apply to white artists, who tended to evolve along a more consistent audience-acceptance continuum. How can this 25-year cycle of social change best be illustrated? What particular elements of black music dramatically entered the pop spectrum during the fifties, and later gained dominance by the end of the sixties? Why did black artists become more and more conservative during the late seventies? A careful examination of audio repetition – cover recordings and song revivals – offers a great deal of revealing information about changes in social, economic and artistic life in America after 1953.
Dosimetric comparison of stereotactic radiosurgery to intensity modulated radiotherapy

To compare the dosimetry achievable with an intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMR) system to that of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for an irregularly shaped moderate size target. A treatment plan was selected from 109 single fraction SRS cases having had multiple non-coplanar arc therapy using a 6 MV linear accelerator fitted with circular tertiary collimators 1.00 to 4.00 cm in diameter at isocenter. The CT scan with delineated regions of interest was then entered into an IMR treatment planning system and optimized dose distributions, using a back projection technique for dynamic multileaf collimator delivery, were generated with a simulated annealing algorithm. Dose volume histograms (DVH), homogeneity indices (HI), conformity indices (CI), minimum and maximum doses to surrounding highly sensitive intracranial structures, as well as the volume of tissue treated to >80, 50, and 20% of the prescription dose from the IMR plan were then compared to those from the single isocenter SRS plan used and a hypothetical three isocenter SRS plan. For an irregularly shaped target, the IMR plan produced a HI of 1.08 and CI of 1.50 compared to 1.75 and 4.41, respectively, for the single isocenter SRS plan (SRS1) and 3.33 and 3.43 for the triple isocenter SRS plan (SRS3). The maximum and minimum doses to surrounding critical structures were less with the IMR plan in comparison to both SRS plans. However, the volume of non-target tissue treated to >80, 50, and 20% of the prescription dose with the IMR plan was 137, 170, and 163%, respectively, of that treated with the SRS1 plan and 85, 100, and 123% of the volume when compared to SRS3 plan. The IMR system provided more conformal target doses than were provided by the single isocenter or three isocenter SRS plans. IMR delivered less dose to critical normal tissues and provided increased homogeneity within the target volume for a moderate size irregularly shaped target, at the cost of a larger penumbra. Radiat. Oncol. Invest. 6:18–25, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Serial monodomy in ants: an antipredator strategy?

1. The term serial monodomy is used to describe a life-history phenomenon in social insects. Serially monodomous colonies maintain multiple nests for their exclusive use, but only occupy one nest at a time. 2. The hypothesis that colony odours mediate nest relocation decisions was tested in the serially monodomous species Aphaenogaster araneoides from Central America. Odour extracts of colony members were created using a non-polar solvent. 3. Colonies strongly avoided reoccupying nests treated with colony odour extracts, while control colonies often returned to nests subjected to solvent-only control. Behavioural observations indicated that A. araneoides colonies are capable of detecting army ant (Eciton burchellii) raids up to 1.4 m from the raiding front, with several seconds to evacuate nests. 4. It is proposed that the function of serial monodomy in A. araneoides is the reduction of nest odour to enhance detection of predaceous army ants. Serial monodomy may be a widespread but undocumented mode of nesting where army ants occur in tropical and subtropical climates.
Molecular basis of disease susceptibility in the Texas cytoplasm of maize

The Texas, or T, cytoplasm (cms-T) of maize (Zea mays L.) carries a cytoplasmic ally inherited male sterility. This cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) suppresses the production of viable pollen grains and is inherited in a non-Mendelian manner. cms-T was first described in the line Golden June in Texas [32, 69]. The discovery of the Texas cytoplasm was important to maize geneticists and breeders because they wished to use CMS in maize hybrid production. Hybrid maize, first double-cross hybrids and later single-cross, was used to exploit hybrid vigor to achieve higher yields and greater uniformity. Many applied and basic studies have been devoted to cms-T to understand CMS and its relationship with mitochondrial and nuclear genes.
Direct injection high efficiency nebulizer-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry for analysis of petroleum samples

Abstract Direct injection high efficiency nebulizer (DIHEN)-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS) is investigated for analysis of petroleum samples dissolved in volatile organic solvents. To minimize solvent loading, the solution uptake rate is reduced to 10 μl/min, far less than the level (85 μl/min) commonly used for aqueous sample introduction with the DIHEN, and oxygen is added to the nebulizer gas flow and outer flow of the ICP. Factorial design is applied to investigate the effect of nebulizer tip position within the torch and the nebulizer and intermediate gas flow rates on the precision and the net signal intensity of the elements tested for multielemental analysis. Cluster analysis and principal component analysis are performed to distinguish the behavior of different isotopes, oxide species and doubly charged ions. The best operating conditions at a solution uptake rate of 10 μl/min are: RF power=1500 W, nebulizer gas flow rate=0.10–0.12 l/min, intermediate gas flow rate=1.5 l/min and DIHEN tip position=3–4 mm below the top of the torch intermediate tube. Acceptable recoveries (100±10%) and good precision (less than 3% relative standard deviation) are obtained for trace elemental analysis in organic matrices (a certified gas oil sample and a custom-made certified reference material) using flow injection analysis. Because of high blank levels, detection limits are 1–3 orders of magnitude higher for organic sample introduction than those acquired for aqueous solutions.
CRESTing the ALS mountain.

Chesi et al. use exome sequencing of trios consisting of subjects with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and their parents to find de novo variants in 25 genes, one of which is the chromatin regulator SS18L1 (CREST).
On the presence and market-structure of exchanges around the world ☆

We investigate the cross-section of 256 financial exchanges throughout the world. First, we empirically analyze the country characteristics that are related to having a financial exchange. Second, we investigate the determinants of an exchange's choice of trading mechanism, and third, we examine whether the presence of an exchange in a country impacts the domestic country's economy. We find that the main determinants for an exchange to exist in a country are the size of the economy, trade policy, foreign investment, development of the banking sector and the legal system. Our results show that the choice of trading mechanism depends on the number of assets traded and the legal system. Lastly, we find that the presence of an exchange is associated with a reduction in the growth of the monetary aggregates but is not associated with other measures of domestic growth and productivity.
InGaN nanowires on silicon: Material characteristics and device applications

Defect-free In(Ga)N nanowires can be grown on Si substrates because of the large surface-to-volume ratio and the radial strain relaxation during growth. These nanostructured materials are therefore uniquely different from commonly used nitride-based heterostructures which are grown on c-plane sapphire and have ∼109 defects per cm2. They can be used to determine intrinsic material properties, to understand limitations in device performance possibly resulting from the defects, and for the design and realization of novel devices.
Frequency of Nonsuicidal Self-Injury in Adolescents: Differences in Suicide Attempts, Substance Use, and Disordered Eating

The relationship between frequency of nonsuicidal selfinjury (NSSI) and suicide attempts, substance use, and disordered eating was assessed in a community sample of 4,839 adolescents, 922 of whom reported NSSI in the past year. It was expected that the engagement in risk behaviors would significantly increase as NSSI frequency increased. Participants completed the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2009) and were subdivided into five NSSI frequency groups: none, 1 time, 2-3 times, 4-5 times, and 6 or more times. A one-way MANOVA found significant mean differences for all variables across NSSI frequency groups. The no NSSI group was significantly lower than all other groups on all variables. For suicide attempts, all frequency groups were significantly different from each other, with attempt frequency increasing with each increase in NSSI frequency. The six or more group reported significantly more substance use and disordered eating than all other groups. Overall, adolescents with more frequent NSSI represent a group at risk for concurrent unhealthy behaviors and suicide attempts.
On the defect structure of calcium titanate with nonideal cationic ratio

Abstract The defect structure of polycrystalline calcium titanate with Ca/Ti = 0.998, 0.995, and 0.992 was investigated by measuring the equilibrium electrical conductivity as a function of oxygen partial pressure ( P O 2 = 10 0 –10 −20 atm) at 950–1050°C. These data were similar to that obtained in the sample with ideal cationic ratio. The deviation from ideal Ca-to-Ti ratio is found to be accommodated by the formation of neutral vacancy pairs, ( V ″ Ca V ·· 0 ). The results indicate that the single-phase field of calcium titanate extends beyond 50.201 mole% TiO 2 .
Egg intake improves carotenoid status by increasing plasma HDL cholesterol in adults with metabolic syndrome

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is associated with reductions in plasma lutein and zeaxanthin, along with altered composition of their lipoprotein transporters which may affect disease risk. Egg yolk intake has been demonstrated to increase plasma lutein and zeaxanthin in other populations. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of whole egg feeding on plasma and lipoprotein carotenoids in participants with MetS. Participants consumed 3 whole eggs per day (EGG, n = 20) or the equivalent amount of yolk-free egg substitute (SUB, n = 17), as part of a carbohydrate-restricted diet (CRD) for 12 weeks. Post-intervention, the EGG group had significant increases in plasma lutein (+21%), zeaxanthin (+48%), and β-carotene (+24%), while the SUB group had increases in plasma β-carotene (+55%) only. Significant enrichment of isolated HDL and LDL fractions in lutein (+20% HDL, +9% LDL) and zeaxanthin (+57% HDL, +46% LDL) was observed in the EGG group after 12 weeks. Increases in the proportion of plasma carotenoids carried by HDL was seen for lutein (P < 0.01), zeaxanthin (P < 0.01), β-cryptoxanthin (P < 0.05), and lycopene (P < 0.05) for all participants after the 12 week intervention. Daily intake of 3 whole eggs, as part of a CRD, increased both plasma and lipoprotein lutein and zeaxanthin. Egg yolk may represent an important food source to improve plasma carotenoid status in a population at high risk for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.
Systematic review of endovascular therapy for nutcracker syndrome and case presentation

Abstract Background The left renal vein (LRV) entrapment syndrome is a rare condition. Here, we present a 22-year-old female presenting with recurrent nausea, vomiting, weight loss and evidence of the LRV compression by the superior mesenteric artery and the abdominal aorta. Hemodynamic assessment confirmed a pressure gradient of > 3 mmHg between the LRV and the inferior vena cava. A self-expandable stent was then deployed in the LRV. Subsequent clinical follow-ups ensure full resolution of the patient's symptoms. Methods Multilingual search was performed in PubMed, Google scholar, Scielo, Korea Med and EMBASE with the medical subheadings “nutcracker syndrome”, “nutcracker phenomenon” and “compression vein syndrome” from January 1983 to September 2013. Results Review of the literature exhibited a plethora of individual case reports (291 citations). Importantly, few retrospective case series [5] comprising a total of 157 patients included successful endovascular interventions. Conclusion Endovascular therapy for nutcracker syndrome represents a safe and suitable treatment option, but prospective studies are needed to confirm these data.
Protein Binding of Caffeine in Young and Elderly Males

The plasma protein binding of caffeine in young and elderly males was evaluated using an ultrafiltration technique. In spite of a significantly lower plasma albumin concentration in the elderly subjects the observed percent bound (approximately 35%) was essentially identical in both subject groups. The binding of caffeine to human plasma albumin (4.5% w/v) in vitro was also examined using ultracentrifugation and it was observed to be bound to the extent of 37.8%. In both the plasma and albumin binding studies the free fraction remained constant over the range of concentrations examined. Although there was no apparent correlation between the percent bound and the albumin concentration in the plasma of either subject group the close agreement between the degree of binding of caffeine to albumin and human plasma indicates that albumin is likely the major plasma binding protein for caffeine.
The hydrophobic effect in reaction mechanism studies and in catalysis by artificial enzymes

Water is an environmentally benign solvent, easily cleaned and with a harmless vapor, so there is great interest in using water in chemical manufacturing. However, water also has important special properties as a solvent, with the hydrophobic effect promoting rapid and selective reactions in addition reactions, atom transfer reactions, and substitutions. The presence of the hydrophobic effect can be determined with the addition of prohydrophobic and antihydrophobic materials to the water solution. Using such materials, it is possible to determine the detailed geometry of transition states for a number of classical reactions, including alkylation of phenoxide ions on oxygen and carbon. The factors involved, particularly the effect of antihydrophobic agents such as ethanol in lowering the free energy of non-polar reactants, have not been taken into account in previous well-known mechanistic studies. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Does Fluoroscopy Improve Acetabular Component Placement in Total Hip Arthroplasty

Background The success of THA largely depends on correct placement of the individual components. Traditionally, these have been placed freehand using anatomic landmarks, but studies have shown poor accuracy with this method.
A prospective evaluation of the timing of postoperative radiotherapy for preventing heterotopic ossification following traumatic acetabular fractures.

Abstract Purpose: Preoperative and immediate postoperative irradiation of traumatic acetabular fractures (TAF), although known to reduce heterotopic ossification (HO), can cause significant organizational and logistic difficulties. We sought to determine an acceptable time interval between surgery and radiation without compromising control, as well as to update our large experience and to further validate our treatment philosophy. Methods and Materials: Beginning in June 1995, we began a prospective study, irradiating 152 patients on postoperative days 1, 2, or 3. There were also 17 patients delayed further secondary to medical difficulties. Results: All patients treated since June 1995 received 700 cGy/1 fx. Fifty-eight patients received radiation within 24 hours of surgery, 41 within 2 days, 53 within 3 days, 13 within 4 days, and 4 were delayed further. Delaying irradiation for up to 4 days postoperatively caused no statistical increase in HO ( p = 0.625). Of 263 patients in our retrospective cohort, HO occurred in 5.3% of patients who received irradiation versus 60% of patients who did not. Conclusion: In our prospective study, we noted no perceptible increase in HO with up to a 3-day interval between surgery and radiotherapy. This allows a more structured treatment schedule and allows the patient more time to heal and recover. Updated results from our overall series continue to demonstrate that adjuvant radiation decreases the incidence and severity of HO after TAF.
High Shear Rate Behavior of Gelatin

Gelatin is popular tissue simulant due to their biocompatibility and hence commonly used as surrogates for soft tissue in biomedical fields. With increased focus on tissue damage from battle field, considerable effort is being placed on modeling the mechanical deformation of soft tissue under high rate loading. Systematic evaluation of properties of such surrogate materials is required at similar strain rates because studies using real tissue are always not practical.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Meta-analysis of operative techniques for fissure-in-ano.

PURPOSE: Operative techniques commonly used for fissure-in-ano include anal stretch, open lateral sphincterotomy, closed lateral sphincterotomy, posterior midline sphincterotomy, and to a lesser extent dermal flap coverage of the fissure. Reports of direct comparisons among these techniques are variable in their results and for the most part underpowered. A rigorous analysis of the combined reports was therefore undertaken to determine whether a preferred technique for fissure surgery can be elucidated. METHODS: MEDLINE was searched for all published reports using the key words “surgery” and “anal fissure.” All reports in which there was a direct comparison between at least two operative techniques were reviewed, and when more than one report existed for any given pair, that report was included in the meta-analysis. If crude data were not presented in the report, the authors were contacted, and crude data were obtained. The two most commonly used end points in these reports were persistence of the fissure and postoperative incontinence of flatus. These are the only two end points included in the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis was performed using Epi-Info software obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (www.cdc.gov). RESULTS: Seventeen publications fulfilled the criteria of the study, encompassing 2,727 patients. Significant differences were found for both persistence and incontinence to flatus when comparing anal stretch to all forms of sphincterotomy. No significant difference was found comparing open to closed lateral internal sphincterotomy for persistence or incontinence. Posterior midline sphincterotomy was not significantly different from lateral sphincterotomy related to persistence or incontinence. CONCLUSION: Internal anal sphincterotomy is superior to anal stretch and should probably be performed in the lateral location, although both the open and closed techniques seem equally efficacious.
Short-pulse laser propagation through tissue medium for tumor detection

The objective of this paper is to perform a comprehensive experimental and numerical analysis of the short pulse laser interaction with tissue medium with the goal of tumor / cancer diagnostics. For short pulse laser source, the shape of output signal is a function of the optical properties of the medium and hence the scattered temporal optical signal helps in understanding of the medium characteristics. Initially experiments are performed on tissue phantoms imbedded with inhomogeneities in order to optimize the time-resolved optical detection scheme. Both the temporal and the spatial profiles of the scattered reflected and transmitted optical signals are compared with the numerical modeling results obtained by solving the transient radiative transport equation using the discrete ordinates technique. Next experiments are performed on in vitro rat tissue samples to characterize the interaction of light with skin layers and to validate the time varying optical signatures with the numerical model. The numerical modeling results and the experimental measurements are in excellent agreement for the different parameters studied in this paper. The final step is to perform in vivo imaging of anaesthetized rats with tumor-promoting agents injected inside skin tissues in order to demonstrate the feasibility of the technique in detecting tumors in animal model.
Broadband Dielectric Investigation of Amorphous Poly(methyl methacrylate)/Poly(ethylene oxide) Blends

The segmental and local dynamics of amorphous blends of poly(methyl methacrylate) and poly(ethylene oxide) (PMMA/PEO) were investigated using dielectric relaxation spectroscopy. The derivative of the dielectric permittivity facilitates the observation of the cooperative segmental relaxation (α b ) in blends with low PEO content, which is mostly masked in ∈ spectra. For blends aged at room temperature, a DSC endotherm gradually develops near the expected PEO T m and shifts to higher temperatures with increasing aging time. However, X-ray diffraction from PEO crystals is not observed, indicating that the glassy blends undergo physical aging at room temperature. A relaxation appears in the blends between the PMMA and PEO local relaxations, which we propose is associated with regions of PEO partial order.
Catalytic polyclonal antibodies.

Abstract The production and characterization of rabbit polyclonal antibodies that catalyze the hydrolysis of trityl protecting groups is described. The catalytic activity increased throughout the immunization regimen, exhibiting a later and steeper rise than the simple hapten-specific antibody titer. The catalytic polyclonal antibodies displayed saturation behavior, consistent with classic Michaelis-Menton kinetics. An apparent catalytic rate enhancement (kcat/kuncat) of 125 and a Km of 31 μM were measured for the polyclonal sample. Inhibition studies indicated that 12% of the antibodies either binds the hapten or is a catalyst. Analyzing polyclonal antibodies for catalytic activity is proposed as a substantially faster, more cost effective and more general way to screen new hapten designs for their relative abilities to produce antibodies with catalytic activity.
Demonstration of a pulsed photoelectron spectrometer on mass-selected negative ions: O−, O2−, and O4−

Abstract A new type of negative ion photoelectron spectrometer which utilizes time-of-flight for both ion mass selection and photoelectron energy analysis is described and demonstrated on the 532 nm photodetachment of the well-known O − and O − 2 ions as well as the O − 4 cluster ion. Photoelectron spectra of O − 4 at 355 and 532 nm depend on laser power, suggesting that photodissociation competes with photodetachment at both wavelengths.
Chemical expansion of cofactor activity.

Methylation is a key regulatory event in several biological processes. The enzymatic transfer by methyltransferases of extended carbon chain analogs of S-adenosylmethionine to DNA opens up new avenues for investigating biological methylation.