cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Music Improves Social and Participation Outcomes for Individuals With Communication Disorders: A Systematic Review

There is increasing interest in exploring the benefits of music in rehabilitation settings. In the field of speech-language pathology, an ultimate goal for individuals with communication disorders is to foster participation across multiple contexts. The goal of this systematic review was to explore social and participation outcomes for individuals with communication disorders who received arts-based interventions. A systematic search of the literature yielded 86 studies, which were coded and summarized in terms of participants, arts-based intervention, social and participation variables, outcome, and quality of evidence. The majority of identified studies (N = 71) utilized music. Results indicated that music-based interventions can improve social and participation outcomes, such as frequency of responses, initiation of communication, turn-taking, joint attention, and group participation for children and adults with autism spectrum disorder and developmental and acquired communication disorders; however, future research is needed to expand the use of varied arts-based interventions targeting a larger breadth of social and participation outcomes.
ASPECTS OF N=2 SUPER-Wn STRINGS

We construct N=2 super-Wn+1 strings and obtain the complete physical spectrum, for arbitrary n≥2. We also derive more general realizations of the super-Wn+1 algebras in terms of k commuting N=2 super energy-momentum tensors and n−k pairs of complex superfields, with 0≤k≤[(n+1)/2].
AlCu Pattern Generation on 3D StructuredWafer Using Multi Level Exposure Method on Electrodeposited Polymer Material

Normal photolithography tools have focal depth limitations and are unable to meet the expectations of high resolution photolithography on highly topographic structures. This paper shows a cost effective and promising technique of combining two different approaches to achieve critical dimensions of traces on slope pattern continuity on highly topographic structures. Electrophoretically deposited photoresist is used on 3-D structured wafers. This photoresist coating technique is fairly known in the MEMS industries to achieve uniform and conformal photoresist films on 3D surfaces. Multi step exposures are used to expose electrophoretically deposited photoresist. AlCu (Cu-0.5%), 0.47-0.53 μm thick metal film is deposited on 3D structured silicon substrate to plate photoresist. By combining these two novel methods, metal (AlCu) traces of 75 μm line width and 150 μm pitch (from top flat to down the slope) have been demonstrated on isotropically etched 350 μm deep trenches with 5-10% line width loss.
‘Powers of Their Own Which Mere “Modernity” Cannot Kill’: The Doppelgänger and Temporal Modernist Terror in Dracula

Of the many haunting figures that Gothic fiction invokes, none so perfectly encapsulates the mode itself, in all its fantastic incursions of opposing forces and clashing sensibilities, as the doppe...
Engaging Nonresident Fathers: Exploring Collaborative Competencies in Support of Family-Centered Practice:

Social service providers in a variety of sectors have struggled to consistently engage nonresident fathers in service provision. A growing body of research indicates that practitioner characteristi...
Associations Between Sex Education Types and Sexual Behaviors Among Female Adolescents: a Secondary Data Analysis of the National Survey of Family Growth 2011–2019

Sex education is important to support healthy sexual development/behaviors among heterosexual and sexual minority youth. Efforts to assess the efficacy of different sex education programs have been complicated by the lack of an established and detailed way to characterize overall sex education content. This study delineates seven different types of sex education and compares the impact of education types on the probability of sexual intercourse and contraceptive method use among a nationally representative sample of females aged 15–19 years. Data were obtained from four National Survey of Family Growth surveys (2011–2019). Multinomial logistic regression was used to examine associations and calculate predicted probability values. Among youth in this analysis (N = 3952), 14.9% identified as a sexual minority and 72% reported sex education including refraining from sex, contraception, and STIs/HIV. Compared to their heterosexual peers, sexual minorities were more likely to report no sex education and less likely to report receipt of abstinence-only education. All types of education, except education solely focused on refraining from sex and contraception methods, had a statistically significant effect on sexual behavioral outcomes (intercourse in the past 12 months and type of contraceptive use) as compared to no sex education. Findings highlight the need for consideration of the specific/total content of sex education, benefits/drawbacks of sex education types, and the needs of sexual minority youth. Research is needed to further explore outcomes associated with specific curricular content. Specific content of sex education should be considered prior to making curricular policies decisions.
The Impact of PV Arrays Disturbances on the Performance of Droop Controllers in a DC Microgrid

Photovoltaic (PV) arrays are frequently utilized in DC microgrids due to their DC power generations. These resources have unavoidable variations in their productions. These variations can be seen as disturbances to the DC bus voltage and other sources’ currents. The droop control algorithm is employed in such systems to assure current sharing among PV arrays and other sources such as Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). The droop control method functionality should be questioned in the existence of disturbances. Therefore, there is a need for a mathematical study to investigate the effect of PV arrays’ disturbances on the droop control functionality. Disturbances are applied to the PV arrays’ currents, and the system outputs are monitored. Simulations and Hardware-In-the-Loop (HIL) experiments are conducted to address the evaluation of the control method in the introduction of disturbances.
Using lateral bulk heterojunctions to study the effects of additives on PTB7:PC61BM space charge regions

Abstract Lateral bulk heterojunctions (LBHJ) provide a tool to directly probe the active area of photovoltaic devices using microscopy techniques. Here, we use scanning photocurrent microscopy (SPCM) to probe an organic photovoltaic (OPV) device with poly[{4,8-bis[(2-ethylhexyl)oxy]benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b′]dithiophene-2,6-diyl}{3-fluoro-2-[(2-ethylhexyl)carbonyl]thieno[3,4-b]thiophenediyl} (PTB7):[6,6]phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PC 61 BM). The effects of the additive 1,8-diiodooctane (DIO) on the recombination dynamics and morphology are probed in real space in a LBHJ structure. By using SPCM, we can see a larger increase in the space charge region for samples with DIO when compared to those without DIO. This indicates that the additive improves film morphology leading to increased charge extraction efficiency and decreased recombination.
Interactions between sleep habits and self-control

Good sleep habits and effective self-control are important components of successful functioning. Unfortunately chronic sleep loss and impaired self-control are common occurrences for many individuals which can lead to difficulty with daily self-control issues such as resisting impulses and maintaining attentive behavior. Understanding how self-control is depleted and how good sleep habits may help replenish and maintain the capacity for self-control is an important issue. A sleep-deprived individual who has expended the necessary resources for self-control is at an increased risk for succumbing to impulsive desires, poor attentional capacity, and compromised decision making. To date, few studies have investigated how sleep and self-control are inter-related. The goal of this mini-review is to explore the intersection between sleep habits and self-control and encourage researchers to focus on a new area of research that integrates what are at present largely separate areas in psychology and human neurosciences.
A burning desire

Purpose – This article purports to show that an adequate anti-money laundering (AML) regime must be integrated into the carbon emissions market industry in order for it to function effectively, meet its intended goals, and prevent criminals from developing innovative methods to take advantage of particular vulnerabilities this unique market type has created. Design/methodology/approach – This article discusses the formation of the international carbon emissions marketplace. It posits that critical to the formation and effective operation of any carbon emissions trading market is the simultaneous coexistence of an AML regime preventing criminals from taking advantage of legislative deficiencies. Lastly, the article formulates and analyzes emerging criminal typology threats to which current, developing, and future carbon emissions markets are and will be subject. Findings – Under the EU ETS, effective AML safeguards were not initially included in the implementation and formation of the EU's carbon emissions...
Catecholamines, Catecholamine Receptors, Cell Adhesion Molecules, and Acute Stressor-Related Changes in Cellular Immunity

Publisher Summary Typical changes in the immune system because of acute stress include a lymphocytosis, with marked changes in natural killer and T-suppressor cells and more modest effects on T-helper cells. This chapter presents data from two separate studies that were designed to determine β 2 -adrenergic receptor and catecholamine involvement in lymphocyte subset redistribution following acute sympathetic activation and whether cellular adhesion molecules (CAMs) expression on lymphocytes might influence this phenomenon. Subjects were studied following both a psychologic and an exercise stressor. These studies sought to identify adrenergic and CAMs involvement in lymphocytosis following acute immune activation. The studies found that an individual's initial sympathetic state (baseline catecholamines and β 2 -adrenergic receptors) and the magnitude of sympathetic (catecholamine) activation are important factors underlying lymphocyte subset redistribution. The findings also suggest that experimental stress results in differential expression of CAMs on lymphocytes and that CAM expression may influence β -adrenergic effects. For example, the presence or absence of L-selectin on T-suppressor cells determined their post exercise distribution in circulation, with those expressing L-selectin remaining unchanged and those not expressing L-selectin showing a marked redistribution. In addition, only those T-suppressor cells not expressing L-selectin showed a significant attenuating effect of propranolol. These results suggest that L-selectin expression on T-suppressor cells inhibits the effects of sympathetic activation and β blockade.
Just how mad are you? finding strong and weak opinion clauses

There has been a recent swell of interest in the automatic identification and extraction of opinions and emotions in text. In this paper, we present the first experimental results classifying the strength of opinions and other types of subjectivity and classifying the subjectivity of deeply nested clauses. We use a wide range of features, including new syntactic features developed for opinion recognition. In 10-fold cross-validation experiments using support vector regression, we achieve improvements in mean-squared error over baseline ranging from 57% to 64%.
Heterogeneous Catalysis of Alkene Epoxidation

The sections in this article are Introduction Epoxidation of Ethylene with Silver Catalysts Process Overview Historical Perspectives on the Reaction Network and Mechanism Selectivity Control by a “Common Intermediate” Why Silver is a Unique Catalyst: Activity and Selectivity Improvement of Catalyst Selectivity Extensions of Silver-Catalyzed Direct Epoxidation to Other Olefins Epoxidation of Larger Alkenes with Titanium-Based Catalysts Conceptual Differences Compared to Direct Epoxidation Titania–Silica Catalysts and Insights into Mechanism and Active Sites Epoxidation with H2O2 in the Presence of Water: TS-1 and Related Materials Strategies for In-Situ Generation of Peroxides Perspective Keywords: ethylene oxide; epoxidation; silver catalyst; surface oxametallacycle; metallaoxetane
Reconfigurable computing: is it ready for industry

For a relatively long time, reconfigurable computing (RC) has been a thriving area of academic research. An indication of success is the commercialization of the technology. Is RC ready for such commercialization? what application domains is it targeting? Is it going to be a disruptive or evolutionary technology? This paper surveys some of the RC technologies in the commercial domain and shed some light on its target applications.
Data Quality Assurance and Statistical Analysis of High Throughput Screenings for Drug Discovery

Abstract: High throughput screening (HTS) is an important tool in modern drug discovery processes. Many recent, successful drugs can be traced back to HTS [1]. This platform has proliferated from pharmaceutical industry to national labs (e.g. NIH Molecular Libraries Screening Centers Network), and to academic institutions. Besides throughput improvements from thousand molecules in early times to multimillion molecules now, it has been adapted to increasingly sophisticated biological assays such as high content imaging. The vast amount of biological data from these screens presents a significant challenge for identifying interesting molecules in various biological processes. Due to the intrinsic noise of HTS and complex biological processes in most assays, HTS results need careful analysis to identify reliable hit molecules. Various data normalization and analysis algorithms have been developed by different groups over the years. In this chapter, we briefly describe some common issues encountered in HTS and related analysis.
Beyond the Segmentary State: Creative and Instrumental Power in Western Uganda

The concept of the segmentary state was proposed by Southall, based on ethnographic fieldwork among the Alur people of Uganda, and subsequently applied elsewhere, notably to the putative ancient kingdom of Bunyoro-Kitara. Archaeological research, summarized here, has demonstrated that ancient Bunyoro-Kitara was not a segmentary state; indeed, neither was the political system of the Alur. The Nyoro state of the nineteenth century shows a complex interplay of political sovereignty and ritual suzerainty and of accommodation and resistance to central authority. This is understood through examination of the concepts of instrumental and creative power, the latter particularly relevant to negotiations concerning the status of women. The archaeological record of this region is then explored for evidence of earlier expressions of instrumental and creative power. Finally, the paper shows how the archaeological record of Munsa is itself an arena for modern political struggles in which protagonists harness different forms of power.
Physical function as a prognostic biomarker among cancer survivors

We tested the hypothesis that objectively measured physical function predicts mortality among cancer survivors. We assessed objectively measured physical function including the short physical performance battery (SPPB) and fast walk speed in older adult cancer survivors. Among 413 cancer survivors, 315 (76%) died during a median follow-up of 11.0 years. In multivariable-adjusted analyses, each 1-unit increase in the SPPB score and 0.1 m s−1 increase in fast walk speed predicted a 12% reduction in mortality (hazard ratio (HR): 0.88 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.82–0.94); P<0.001, and HR: 0.88 (95% CI: 0.82–0.96); P=0.003, respectively). Objectively measured physical function may predict mortality among cancer survivors.
Instrumentation for the California Extremely Large Telescope

The Phase A study for the California Extremely Large Telescope (CELT) Project has recently been completed. As part of this exercise a working group was set-up to evolve instrumentation strategies matched to the scientific case for the CELT facility. We report here on the proposed initial instrument suite which includes not only massively multiplexed seeing-limited multi-object spectroscopy but also on plans for wide-field adaptive optics fed integral-field spectroscopy and imaging at, or approaching, CELT's diffraction limit.
Measuring calcium signaling using genetically targetable fluorescent indicators.

Genetically encoded Ca2+ indicators allow researchers to quantitatively measure Ca2+ dynamics in a variety of experimental systems. This protocol summarizes the indicators that are available, and highlights those that are most appropriate for a number of experimental conditions, such as measuring Ca2+ in specific organelles and localizations in mammalian tissue-culture cells. The protocol itself focuses on the use of a cameleon, which is a fluorescence resonance-energy transfer (FRET)-based indicator comprising two fluorescent proteins and two Ca2+-responsive elements (a variant of calmodulin (CaM) and a CaM-binding peptide). This protocol details how to set up and conduct a Ca2+-imaging experiment, accomplish offline data processing (such as background correction) and convert the observed FRET ratio changes to Ca2+ concentrations. Additionally, we highlight some of the challenges in observing organellar Ca2+ and the alternative strategies researchers can employ for effectively calibrating the genetically encoded Ca2+ indicators in these locations. Setting up and conducting an initial calibration of the microscope system is estimated to take ∼1 week, assuming that all the component parts are readily available. Cell culture and transfection is estimated to take ∼3 d (from the time of plating cells on imaging dishes). An experiment and calibration will probably take a few hours. Finally, the offline data workup can take ∼1 d depending on the extent of analysis.
775 A COMPREHENSIVE SEARCH FOR POLYMORPHISM IN A SPECIFIC REGION OF HUMAN RIBOSOMAL DNA

Sequence and length polymorphism near the putative transcription initiation region of human ribosomal DNA (rDNA) has been defined using the complementary techniques of restriction analysis and recombination cloning. Seventeen bacteriophage clones of the human rDNA EcoRI B fragment which contains non-transcribed spacer, external transcribed spacer, and 18S gene sequences were compared by partial restriction analysis of end-labelled DNA segments. Restriction patterns of the external transcribed spacer and 18S gene regions were strikingly similar among the clones, but variable restriction sites for the enzymes Sma I and Bgl I were located in the non-transcribed spacer region. A probe containing this variable region demonstrated the presence of certain restriction sites in genomic rDNA which do not vary among different individuals or tumor cell lines. In contrast, restriction with the enzyme Sal I reveals several variable fragments, one of which has been found only in a retinoblastoma cell line. This report emphasizes the utility of a detailed restriction map for locating variable regions among cloned DNA segments so that informative probes for polymorphisms in genomic DNA can be constructed.
Eating or Drinking Elicited by Direct Adrenergic or Cholinergic Stimulation of Hypothalamus

A double cannula system, allowing repeated stimulation of central structures with crystalline chemicals, was developed. This technique was employed to study the effects of adrenergic and cholinergic stimulation of the lateral hypothalamus of rats. Drug-specific effects on the feeding and drinking mechanisms, respectively, were observed.
The hydrothermal system of the Calabozos caldera, central Chilean Andes

Abstract Active thermal springs associated with the late Pleistocene Calabozos caldera complex occur in two groups: the Colorado group which issues along structures related to caldera collapse and resurgence, and the Puesto Calabozos group, a nearby cluster that is chemically distinct and probably unrelated to the Colorado springs. Most of the Colorado group can be related to a hypothetical parent water containing ∼400 ppm Cl at ∼250°C by dilution with ≥50% of cold meteoric water. The thermal springs in the most deeply eroded part of the caldera were derived from the same parent water by boiling. The hydrothermal system has probably been active for at least as long as 300,000 years, based on geologic evidence and calculations of paleo-heat flow. There is no evidence for economic mineralization at shallow depth. The Calabozos hydrothermal system would be an attractive geothermal prospect were its location not so remote.
Analytical and numerical solutions of the expected number of occurrences for combinations of event sequences due to variability

This paper investigates variability in the occurrence of different event sequences on an annual basis during the operation of a proposed nuclear facility. During the operational period of a nuclear facility, the annual radiological dose received by workers or members of the public depends on the number of event sequence occurrences. Based on the facility design, some combinations of event sequences will be expected to occur at least once during the operational period, and some combinations will not. This paper provides analytical solutions for calculating the expected number of combinations of independent event sequences. These analytical solutions agree with numerical solutions for an example problem. Although uncertainties can be incorporated into the method, only point-estimate parameter values are used in the example problem presented. The main objectives of this paper are to present calculational approaches to (i) identify which combinations of event sequences within the same year are expected to occur at least once during the operational life of a proposed facility and (ii) determine the annual doses from those identified combinations. Facility performance based on some proposed design is evaluated against the operational dose limits. Because the operational dose limits tend to be annual quantities that may not be exceeded in any year of operation, calculation of the doses resulting from combinations of event sequences that are expected to occur at least once can provide insight on the maximum annual dose expected during the operation of a proposed facility.
(F(8)TPP)Fe(II)/O(2) reactivity studies [F(8)TPP = tetrakis(2,6-difluorophenyl)porphyrinate(2-)]: spectroscopic (UV-Visible and NMR) and kinetic study of solvent-dependent (Fe/O(2) = 1:1 or 2:1) reversible O(2)-reduction and ferryl formation.

In this report, we describe in detail the O2-binding chemistry of the metalloporphyrin (F8TPP)FeII (1). This complex was synthesized from aqueous dithionite reduction of (F8TPP)FeIII-Cl (X-ray structure reported: C55H36ClF8FeN4O; a = 13.6517(2) A, b = 13.6475(2) A, c = 26.3896(4), α = 90°, β = 89.9776(4)°, γ = 90°; monoclinic, P2(1)/c, Z = 4). Complex 1 crystallizes from toluene/heptane solvent system as a bis(toluene) solvate, (F8TPP)FeII·(C7H8)2, with ferrous ion in the porphyrin plane (C58H36F8FeN4; a = 20.9177(2) A, b = 11.7738(2) A, c = 19.3875(2), α = 90°, β = 108.6999(6)°, γ = 90°; monoclinic, C2/c, Z = 4; Fe−N4(av) = 2.002 A; N−Fe−N (all) = 90.0°). Close metal−arene contacts are also observed at 3.11−3.15 A. Upon oxygenation of 1 at 193 K in coordinating solvents, UV−visible and 2H and 19F NMR spectroscopies revealed the presence of a reversibly formed dioxygen adduct, formulated as the heme-superoxo complex (S)(F8TPP)FeIII-(O2-) (2) (S = solvent) [(i) tetrahydrofuran (THF) solvent: UV−visible, ...
Straw Color for Altering Soil Temperature and Heat Flux in the Subarctic

In the Subarctic, straw management methods are needed that improve the early season soil thermal environment of conservation tillage systems. This study determined whether soil heat and water flux are influenced by barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) straw color. Surface temperatures, thaw depth, and latent, sensible, and soil heat flux were ascertained for soil-black straw, soil-white straw, and soil-natural straw surfaces during the spring of 1988 to 1990 at Fairbanks, AK. Daily soil temperatures at 0.05 m, soil surface heat flux, and thaw depth were as much as 0.5°C, 0.5 MJ m -2 , and 10 mm greater, respectively, for the black straw than for the other straw color treatments. An atmosphere-snow-straw-soil system model predicted greater absorption of radiation by the soil-black straw surface, although the percentage of net radiation partitioned to soil heat was lower for the soil-black straw surface than for the soil-natural straw and soil-white straw surfaces. Simulation indicated that straw color did not influence the proportion of absorbed radiation utilized in latent heat flux, but the black straw treatment had the greatest percentage of net radiation partitioned into sensible heat flux. Although the soil thermal environment was slightly altered by changing straw color, managing straw color in conservation tillage systems may aid little in optimizing the thermal regime of subarctic soils unless methods are employed to minimize sensible heat loss from the soil-straw surface.
Meson contribution to σLσT in deep inelastic leptoproduction

Abstract Meson bound state (higher twist) contribution to the ratio R( σ L σ T ) for deep inelastic leptoproduction is calculated in a model independent way. Significant contribution at low values of Q2 and x is found.
Review of TCP optimizations to enhance its performance over wireless networks

Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) is a reliable transport layer protocol designed having wired networks in mind. When used over wireless networks, which have more losses due to channel errors, TCP's performance degrades depending on link quality and delay. This is because TCP interprets all losses in the network as a result of congestion, which causes TCP to lower data transfer rate and reduce link utilization. To address this problem, many variants of TCP were proposed to optimize its performance over wireless networks. In this paper, I review some of these variants after classifying them based on their basic concept into: link layer, end-to-end, explicit notification, or split connection proposals.
Acetaminophen: Beyond Pain and Fever-Relieving

Acetaminophen, also known as APAP or paracetamol, is one of the most widely used analgesics (pain reliever) and antipyretics (fever reducer). According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, currently there are 235 approved prescription and over-the-counter drug products containing acetaminophen as an active ingredient. When used as directed, acetaminophen is very safe and effective; however when taken in excess or ingested with alcohol hepatotoxicity and irreversible liver damage can arise. In addition to well known use pain relief and fever reduction, recent laboratory and pre-clinical studies have demonstrated that acetaminophen may also have beneficial effects on blood glucose levels, skeletal muscle function, and potential use as cardioprotective and neuroprotective agents. Extensive laboratory and pre-clinical studies have revealed that these off-label applications may be derived from the ability of acetaminophen to function as an antioxidant. Herein, we will highlight these novel applications of acetaminophen, and attempt, where possible, to highlight how these findings may lead to new directions of inquiry and clinical relevance of other disorders.
An integral equation for electromagnetic scattering from homogeneous dielectric bodies

A single surface integral equation for problems involving electromagnetic scattering from homogeneous dielectric bodies illuminated by time-harmonic sources is developed via the equivalence principle. The equation is formulated in terms of an equivalent electric current defined at the body surface. When allowed to radiate in a homogeneous medium having the material parameters of the exterior medium of the original problem, the electric current solution to the integral equation produces the correct scattered electric and magnetic fields external to the body.
Disattenuation of Correlations Due to Fallible Measurement

The downward bias in correlation coefficients due to measurement error has long been recognized in the quantitative methodology literature. Whether to adjust for such bias in attenuated correlations, however, remains a heated debate among methodologists. As a result, applied researchers have largely ignored the controversial practice of treating observed correlations as error free. This article revisits the theoretical framework for disattenuation of correlations and critically examines the current reporting practice in applied research. I begin by summarizing the rationale for disattenuation and obstacles in implementing such disattenuation. I then highlight the chaotic status in applied research with a recent meta-analysis study on neuroimaging research. I conclude by calling for a renewed interest in addressing this disconnect between theory and practice and providing some practical guidelines for researchers and practitioners.
Changes in aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase activity and microsomal P450 during polycyclic hydrocarbon treatment of mammalian cells in culture.

Abstract Benz[a]anthracene in the growth medium stimulated aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase activity more than 20-fold, while the microsomal P450 content of hamster fetal cells was increased less than 2-fold. A blue spectral shift of about 4 nm in the CO-difference absorption peak of cytochrome P450 was found in the microsomal fractions of cell cultures exposed to benz[a]anthracene; the appearance of the CO-binding pigment absorbing maximally at a lower wavelength was more closely related to the induced microsomal hydroxylase activity than to the intracellular presence of polycyclic hydrocarbon inducer per se .
SPECIFIC PRECIPITATION AND MOUSE PROTECTION IN TYPE I ANTIPNEUMOCOCCUS SERA

1. A rapid and simple method is given for the approximate determination of the specifically precipitable protein in Type I antipneumococcus sera. 2. It is shown that a close parallel exists between the specifically precipitable protein and the number of mouse protection units in a wide variety of Type I antipneumococcus sera. 3. Owing to the consistent results obtained and the rapidity, simplicity, and economy of the method, its use is proposed instead of the mouse protection test as a basis for the titration of standard sera and the comparison of others with a standard. 4. A method is given for conveniently preparing highly purified specific polysaccharide of Type I pneumococcus.
Effect of intermittent fasting with or without caloric restriction on prostate cancer growth and survival in SCID mice

INTRODUCTION Caloric restriction (CR) delays cancer growth in animals, though translation to humans is difficult. We hypothesized intermittent fasting (i.e., intermittent extreme CR), may be better tolerated and prolong survival of prostate cancer (CaP) bearing mice. METHODS We conducted a pilot study by injecting 105 male individually-housed SCID mice with LAPC-4 cells. When tumors reached 200 mm3, 15 mice/group were randomized to one of seven diets and sacrificed when tumors reached 1,500 mm3: Group 1: ad libitum 7 days/week; Group 2: fasted 1 day/week and ad libitum 6 days/week; Group 3: fasted 1 day/week and fed 6 days/week via paired feeding to maintain isocaloric conditions to Group 1; Group 4: 14% CR 7 days/week; Group 5: fasted 2 days/week and ad libitum 5 days/week; Group 6: fasted 2 day/week and fed 5 days/week via paired feeding to maintain isocaloric conditions to Group 1; Group 7: 28% CR 7 days/week. Sera from mice at sacrifice were analyzed for IGF-axis hormones. RESULTS There were no significant differences in survival among any groups. However, relative to Group 1, there were non-significant trends for improved survival for Groups 3 (HR 0.65, P = 0.26), 5 (0.60, P = 0.18), 6 (HR 0.59, P = 0.16), and 7 (P = 0.59, P = 0.17). Relative to Group 1, body weights and IGF-1 levels were significantly lower in Groups 6 and 7. CONCLUSIONS This exploratory study found non-significant trends toward improved survival with some intermittent fasting regimens, in the absence of weight loss. Larger appropriately powered studies to detect modest, but clinically important differences are necessary to confirm these findings. Prostate 70: 1037–1043, 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Relationships between synoptic-scale atmospheric circulation and ozone concentrations in Metropolitan Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Abstract A synoptic climatology demonstrates the relationships between the atmospheric circulation and surface ozone (O 3 ) concentrations. To deduce these associations, a subjective synoptic classification scheme is applied to 10 years' O 3 data from the Pittsburgh metropolitan area. The results focus on four aspects of the atmospheric circulation-O 3 relationship: average, extreme-event, between season and year-to year conditions. On average, each of the nine circulation types is related to a characteristic O 3 concentration level and cumulative O 3 dose. Extreme high-O 3 events are associated with either the western side of a slowly migrating anticyclone or a stagnating extended high-pressure ridge; low-O 3 events are experienced under cool and cloudy cyclonic conditions. Between-season variations in the average and extreme circulation-O 3 relationshipsare observed: the high-pressure features that produce the high st O 3 levels in summer are related to low levels in winter, while circulation patterns that contribute very little to summertime O 3 build-up are associated with the highest levels of wintertime O 3 . The latter situation could be caused by tropopause folding and the introduction of stratospheric ozone in winter months. While zonal (meridional) circulation regimes tend to produce lower (higher) mean annual O 3 levels, such year-to-year changes in synoptic-type frequencies do not appear to be strongly related to interannual variations in O 3 , and other non-climatic factors appear to be of greater importance.
Zirconium oxide nanotube surface prompts increased osteoblast functionality and mineralization

Abstract Electrochemical formation of tunable nanoscale oxide layers on biomedical metallic surfaces has recently drawn much attention in biomaterials research. In this study, we report on the cellular response to a unique vertically aligned, laterally spaced nanotube nanostructure made of zirconium oxide (ZrO 2 ) fabricated by anodization. The growth, morphology, and functionality of osteoblasts cultured on ZrO 2 nanotubes have been investigated. The initial adhesion and spreading was considerably improved on the nanotube surface as compared to a flat zirconium (Zr) surface without a nanostructure. The morphology of the adhered cells on the nanotube surface elicited a highly organized cytoskeleton with crisscross patterned actin, which was lacking on the flat Zr. Increased alkaline phosphatase activity levels and the formation of calcified extracellular matrix implied improved osteoblast functionality and mineralization on the nanotube substrate. This in vitro study suggests that the ZrO 2 nanotubes provided an enhanced osteoblast response and demonstrated their apparent role in providing a platform for bone growth.
Personality and psychographics of three types of gamblers in the United States

Using the results of the Experian Marketing Services' Simmons® National Consumer Study (NCS) (N0 = 24,581), this paper studies the characteristics of three types of US. gamblers: regular lottery players (N1 = 1100), heavy casino gamblers (N2 = 636) and online gamblers (N3 = 291). We explore each type of gambler using measures of several personality and psychographic variables: impulsiveness, desire for control, materialism, risk taking, self-centredness, introversion, sensation seeking and financial prudence. We find that while all three groups have elevated levels of impulsiveness and materialism relative to non-gamblers (p < 0.01), most noteworthy are the online gamblers, who have higher levels of risk taking, desire for control, self-centredness and sensation seeking compared to casino gamblers, lottery players and non-gamblers (p < 0.01). This study additionally emphasizes the importance of considering demographics when investigating psychographics, as some of the psychographics related to gambling ar...
Is preserving small, low-end rental housing feasible?

This paper uses multiple national datasets to examine the financial, structural, neighborhood, and tenant characteristics of 1–4 unit low-end rental properties, which house 44 percent of all poor renters in US cities. We investigate the feasibility of two strategies to stabilize these properties: (1) outsourcing property management, and (2) transferring bundles of properties to large owners to generate economies of scale, cash reserves, and lower financing costs. We find that approximately five percent of small affordable rental properties are stable, 65 percent are salvageable but at risk, and about 30 percent are not salvageable. For roughly 19 percent of the salvageable properties, a key problem is high vacancy rates, which could be addressed by professional tenant placement services. Bundling has greater potential, but requires purchases at below market prices, amounting to a subsidy.
Synthesis and Degradation of pH-Sensitive Linear Poly(amidoamine)s

The design and synthesis of a family of cationic, pH-sensitive poly(amidoamine)s are reported. Acetal or ketal linkages were incorporated into the backbone of the polymers to provide for degradation into low molecular weight hydrophilic compounds upon lowering of the pH. All of the polymers demonstrated a pH-dependent degradation profile with a very significant increase in hydrolysis rate as the pH was lowered from 7.4 to the pH value of 5.0 commonly found in lysosomes. The hydrolysis half-life of the poly(amidoamine)s varied from 0.03 to 81.5 days at pH 5.0 and from 6.0 to 161 days at pH 7.4, depending upon the structure of the components used to prepare each of the acid-degradable polymers. This data suggests that these new pH-sensitive hydrophilic poly(amidoamine)s and analogous structures may prove useful in the field of polymer therapeutics and drug delivery.
Self-assembling Ge(Si)/Si(100) quantum dots

The morphological evolution of self-assembled epitaxial quantum dots on Si(100) is reviewed. This intensely investigated material system continues to provide fundamental insight guiding the growth of nanostructured electronic materials. Self-assembled quantum dots are faceted, three-dimensional islands which grow atop a planar wetting layer. Pure Ge growth at higher substrate temperatures results in narrower island size distributions but activates additional strain-relief mechanisms which will alter the optical and electronic properties of the dots. Optical and electrical characterization has shown that electrons and holes are confined to different regions of the dot. This results in a spatially indirect, type II recombination mechanism. Emerging device applications which exploit properties of these nanoscale Ge islands are discussed.
Bean pod mottle virus Time of Infection Influences Soybean Yield, Yield Components, and Quality

Bean pod mottle virus (BPMV) negatively affects soybean yield and quality, yet quantitative information on effect of time of BPMV infection on soybean yield and quality has not been reported. The impact of time of BPMV infection on soybean yield, yield components, and grain quality components were quantified during the 2006 and 2007 soybean growing seasons in Iowa. Soybean quadrats (30 cm in length) were established within soybean plots ('NB3001') that consisted of six rows and were 7.5 m long. Quadrats were sampled 9 times during the 2006 growing season and 10 times during the 2007 growing season, beginning 25 days after planting in both years. Sap was extracted from leaflet samples from each quadrat and tested for the presence or absence of BPMV by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The day of year (DOY) and quadrat position when BPMV was first detected within each plot were recorded and mapped. Soybean yield, number of pods per plant, number of seed per pod, and 100-seed weight for each quadrat were determined. The relationship between time (DOY) of BPMV infection and soybean yield, soybean yield components, and soybean grain quality were then quantified using linear regression. DOY of BPMV infection within quadrats explained 89.7 and 57.9% of the variation in soybean grain yield in 2006 and 2007, respectively. Soybean yield damage functions (slopes) were 15.2 and 8.1 kg/ha per day, respectively, indicating that, for each day that BPMV infection was delayed, soybean yield increased by 15.2 kg/ha in 2006 and 8.1 kg/ha in 2007. The number of pods per plant increased by 0.15 pods for each day that BPMV infection was delayed (R2 = 72.8%) in 2006 but there was no relationship in 2007. The 100-seed weight had a significant linear relationship with the DOY when BPMV was first detected within quadrats in 2006 (slope = 0.013, R2 = 86.3%) but not in 2007. The percentage of mottled seed in 2006 decreased by 1% for each day that BPMV infection was delayed in 2006 (R2 = 87.4%). Both protein and oil content were affected by the DOY that BPMV was first detected within quadrats in 2006 but not in 2007. This study demonstrated that time of BPMV infection can negatively affect soybean yield, yield components, and grain quality components when BPMV disease risk is high.
Prevention of Hemolysis in Rapidly Frozen Erythrocytes by Using a Laser Pulse

This paper reports on the successful recovery of rapidly frozen unprotected erythrocytes by vitrification of the intracellular solution with a laser pulse prior to thawing. Erythrocytes that were frozen at 10,000 degrees C/min exhibited 100% hemolysis when thawed unless they were first irradiated by a 7 ns. laser pulse that selectively targeted the intracellular ice so that it was melted and resolidified into a glass phase. Up to 80% of the cells treated in this way remained intact after thawing. Wright's staining confirmed a healthy cell morphology and the retention of hemoglobin in the laser treated cells. While it is well known that small amounts of intracellular ice can be tolerated by cells, the findings of this study are the first to indicate that intracellular ice may be innocuous even when formed in substantial quantities provided that crystal growth and coalescence can somehow be avoided during warming.
Metabolic and functional effects of carbohydrate substrate with single-dose and multiple-dose potassium cardioplegia

The isolated working rat heart model of ischemic arrest was used to determine if the addition of carbohydrate substrate to our cardioplegic solution enhanced metabolic and functional myocardial protection. A single-dose cardioplegia technique, as used in earlier studies that showed glucose to have a harmful effect, and a multidose technique similar to that used clinically were studied and compared. Because recent data suggest that fructose-1,6-diphosphate(FDP) may have a protective effect with ischemia, this substrate was also tested and compared to glucose and fructose. In this model, single-dose cardioplegia resulted in poor protection from ischemic injury in all study groups. There was marked improvement in myocardial protection with multidose cardioplegia, and further substantial protection of myocardial function, high-energy phosphate levels, and glycogen stores when carbohydrate substrate was added to the arrest solution. The solution with a higher concentration of glucose (0.5%) provided the best overall metabolic and functional recovery and was clearly superior to fructose and FDP, both of which had about the same protective effect. Improved protection with carbohydrate substrate was accompanied by evidence of substantial increase in glycolytic flux, supporting the idea that increased anaerobic glycolysis can help protect the ischemic myocardium when intermittent reinfusion of cardioplegic solution is done.
Radiology of maxillofacial gunshot injuries

The relative advantages and disadvantages of conventional facial radiographic techniques, facial tomography, and carotid arteriography for gunshot injury cases are discussed. The conventional series of skull, facial, or cervical spine projections forms a base line upon which the more complex procedures may be added. Five cases illustrate the radiographic principles involved in the determination of gunshot fragment localization, bone fracture, soft-tissue swelling, and maxillary sinus involvement.
Controlled synthesis of tin-doped indium oxide (ITO) nanowires

Abstract Because of their high optical transparency and high electrical conductivity, ITO nanowires have been used in solar cells, diodes, and sensors. Synthesizing ITO nanowires reliably with controllable and reproducible structures and morphologies is desirable for many applications. However, the dependence of ITO nanowire structure and morphology on growth conditions has yet to be investigated systematically. In this work, experimental conditions including catalyst diameter, growth time, temperature, and oxygen partial pressure are varied to determine their impact on the diameter, length, and microstructure of synthesized nanowires. The diameters of the nanowires depend on the diameter of Au catalysts, however, not as directly as other studies have observed. Nanowire diameters of 99 nm were obtained when using 14 nm Au nanoclusters compared to 366 nm when using 321 nm Au nanoclusters. Nanowire length and diameters are independent of O 2 partial pressure. However, the O 2 partial pressure had to remain below 3.23 mTorr for successful nanowire growth. The optimal temperature for nanowire growth was 750 °C.
Plasmodium berghei: induction of aminopeptidase in malaria-resistant strain of Anopheles gambiae.

Abstract Rosenfeld, A., and Vanderberg, J. P. 1999. Plasmodium berghei: Induction of aminopeptidase in malaria-resistant strain of Anopheles gambiae. Experimental Parasitology93, 101–104.
WE-D-211A-04: About the Implementation of a Paperless Patient Chart System in Private and Hospital Based Radiation Medicine Departments

Introdution: Many hospitals have made it one of their main goals to become paperless within the next couple of years. However, we are facing unique challenges in radiation medicine. Typical EMR systems are not suited as verify&record systems. In addition, most EMR systems are built with nurses and physicians in mind. However, in radiation medicine other healthcare professionals like radiation therapists, dosimetrists and physicists are also key players. As a result, a change management team at the department level needs to implement the paperless process in radiation medicine departments. I want to share the experience we gained during the process of doing so. Methods & Materials: Implementation of a paperless system requires good technical understanding and training. In addition, it requires a good understanding of workflow. The latter is also critical for the implementation of a quality management program. The paperless process was implemented in several phases. Initially, the change management team was small and consisted only of the chief therapist and physicist. Others were consulted and a dry run was started in treatment planning and with only a few patients. Workflow was closely monitored and then fine‐tuned. Training needs were identified and eventually the change management team involved all key players and the paperless process was fully implemented. Workflow for the entire department was mapped out in flowcharts. Results: Change needs to be implemented in phases, but going back to the “old” system must not be an option. Phasing in new processes will temporarily create certain disconnects and the change management team needs to address resulting problems immediately. Most departments will typically end‐up being “paperlight” initially. However, the advantages of transparent workflow and QA procedures result in self‐motivation, until the point is reached where the change management team can retire and the department owns the new processes.