Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Stroke Caregiver Outcomes from the Telephone Assessment and Skill-Building Kit (TASK)

Abstract Purpose: Stroke caregivers often express the need for information about stroke and assistance with stroke-related care in the early discharge period. The Telephone Assessment and Skill-Building Kit (TASK) is an 8-week program that addresses caregiver needs. This study explored the efficacy of the TASK program in improving stroke caregiver outcomes. Method: Guided by a conceptual model, 6 outcomes (optimism, task difficulty, threat appraisal, depressive symptoms, life changes, general health perceptions) were measured in 40 caregivers randomized to the TASK (n = 21) or an attention control group (n = 19). Data were analyzed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), controlling for baseline scores and minutes spent with the nurse. Results: Significant increases in optimism at 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 12 weeks were found, with medium effect sizes for the TASK group relative to the control group (p < .05). Significant improvements in task difficulty at 4 weeks, and threat appraisal at both 8 weeks and 12 weeks were also found (p < .05). Conclusion: Caregivers receiving the TASK intervention improved in optimism, task difficulty, and threat appraisal. Further testing of an enhanced version of the TASK program is warranted, with attention directed toward more distal stroke caregiver outcomes.
MERIDIONAL CIRCULATION IN THE TROPICAL NORTH ATLANTIC by MARJORIE ANNE MACWHORTER FRIEDRICHS

A transatlantic CTD/ADCP section nominally located at 1 10N was carried out in March 1989. In this paper relative geostrophic velocities are computed from these data via the thermal wind balance, with reference level choices based primarily on water mass distributions. Mass is conserved by requiring the geostrophic transport to balance the sum of the Ekman and shallow western boundary current transports. A brief overview of the meridional circulation of the upper waters resulting from these analysis techniques is presented, and indicates a North Brazil Current transport of nearly 12 Sv. Transports of the shallow waters are found to support the results of Schmitz and Richardson (1991) who found nearly half of the Florida Current waters to be derived from the South Atlantic. Schematic circulation patterns of the NADW and AABW are also presented. The deep waters of the western basin are dominated by a cyclonic recirculation gyre, consisting of a southward DWBC transport of 26.5 ± 1.8 Sv, with nearly half of this flow returning northward along the western flank of the MAR. A particularly notable result of the deep western basin analysis is the negligible net flow of middle NADW. Although the northward flows of upper and lower NADW along the western flank of the MAR are believed to be associated with the local recirculation gyre, the northward flow of middle NADW, which nearly balances the southward flow of this water mass along the western boundary, may be derived from the eastern basin of the South Atlantic. The deep waters of the eastern basin are also dominated by a large cyclonic recirculation gyre, consisting primarily of lower NADW and supplemented by middle NADW and AABW. Each of these water masses, as well as the upper NADW, have small net northward flows within the eastern basin. The AABW most likely enters the eastern basin by means of the Vema Fracture Zone, while the lower NADW enters primarily through the Kane Gap. Although the components of the horizontal circulation discussed above agree well with results from previous CTD, current meter, and float studies, the meridional overturning cell (5.2 ± 1.6 Sv) and the net heat flux (2.3 ± 1.6 x 1014 W) calculated in this study are considerably lower, and the net freshwater flux (-0.60 ± 1.5 Sv) is slightly higher than previous estimates. These discrepancies may be attributed to: (1) differences in methodologies, (2) the increased resolution of this section (as compared to earlier IGY sections), and (3) temporal (including decadal, synoptic, and most importantly, seasonal) variability. Annual average meridional overturning (12 Sv), heat flux (11 x 1014 W), and freshwater flux (-0.35 Sv), are computed based on annual average Ekman and NBC transports, temperatures, and salinities, and agree well with most previous annual estimates. The large difference between the March and the annual estimates is indicative of the importance of seasonal variability within the tropical North Atlantic. Thesis Supervisor: Melinda M. Hall Title: Associate Scientist
Melatonin receptors: molecular pharmacology and signalling in the context of system bias

Melatonin, N‐acetyl‐5‐methoxytryptamine, an evolutionally old molecule, is produced by the pineal gland in vertebrates, and it binds with high affinity to melatonin receptors, which are members of the GPCR family. Among the multiple effects attributed to melatonin, we will focus here on those that are dependent on the activation of the two mammalian MT1 and MT2 melatonin receptors. We briefly summarize the latest developments on synthetic melatonin receptor ligands, including multi‐target‐directed ligands, and the characterization of signalling‐biased ligands. We discuss signalling pathways activated by melatonin receptors that appear to be highly cell‐ and tissue‐dependent, emphasizing the impact of system bias on the functional outcome. Different proteins have been demonstrated to interact with melatonin receptors, and thus, we postulate that part of this system bias has its molecular basis in differences of the expression of receptor‐associated proteins including heterodimerization partners. Finally, bias at the level of the receptor, by the expression of genetic receptor variants, will be discussed to show how a modified receptor function can have an effect on the risk for common diseases like type 2 diabetes in humans.
Expansion and retraction of hippocampal mossy fibers during postweaning development: Strain‐specific effects of NMDA receptor blockade

We have recently discovered differences in the distribution of the mossy fiber terminal field (MFTF) between adult Long‐Evans rats (LER) and Wistar rats(WR): the suprapyramidal MFTF extends into distal stratum oriens (dSO) in LER, but is nearly absent in WR (Holahan et al., 2006, Hippocampus 16:560–570). To our knowledge, there is no developmental evidence that sheds light on how this strain‐dependent MFTF innervation in the adult is achieved. Accordingly, the present study examined the time course of MFTF development from postnatal days 0 to 40 and the effect of NMDA‐receptor antagonist 3‐(2‐carboxypiperazin‐4‐yl) propyl‐1‐phosphonic acid (CPP) on this developmental organization. In both LER and WR, a MFTF projection to dSO was observed between P18 and P21. By P24, the dSO projection in WR was no longer detectable whereas in LER, the dSO projection seen on P21 remained. We suggest that in WR a retraction of the MFTF projection from dSO to stratum lucidum between P21 and P24 leads to its adult pattern. In WR, CPP administration enhanced the dSO projection, possibly by blocking the retraction process. In LER, CPP administration reduced the dSO projection. Thus, in each strain, NMDA receptor blockade effectively reversed the developmental course of MFTF pattern of innervation. The present results lend strong support to the view that NMDA receptor regulation of input‐dependent processes during development is of critical importance in promoting the motility and target selection of presynaptic MF axons. This regulation extends later into development than had previously been thought. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Analysis and Modeling of Damage in RRP Nb3Sn Wires During Cabling

High-critical current density (Jc) Nb3Sn wires such as restacked-rod process wires are used in Rutherford cables for high-field superconducting magnets. However, during cabling, the wires experience strong plastic strains, which break some superconducting sub-elements and can degrade the electromagnetic performances. The damage can be reduced by forming Cu-Sn phases in the sub-elements during an annealing process prior to cabling. We found experimentally that annealing plays a significant role in reducing damage. Furthermore, we used finite-element models to validate the observations on samples and quantify the impact of annealing on damage reduction.
Working memory and educational achievement in children with intellectual disabilities.

BACKGROUND There is little previous research examining whether measures of working memory are related to educational achievement in children with intellectual disabilities (ID). METHODS A battery of working memory and achievement measures was administered to 11- to 12-year-old children with ID; younger typically developing children of comparable mental age were also assessed. RESULTS The working memory measures that assessed phonological short-term memory (PSTM) accounted for the most variance in reading and spelling in children with ID, whereas the working memory measures that assessed central executive-loaded working memory (CELWM) accounted for the most variance in number skills. These relationships were broadly similar among typically developing children. CONCLUSIONS Compensatory strategies for weak PSTM may help to improve reading and spelling skills in children with ID, whereas reducing CELWM loads may be more helpful in aiding their number skills.
Human, nonhumans, and personhood

Are chimpanzees, gorillas and orang-utans persons? In this chapter I explore this question, which is obviously relevant to the proposal that these great apes be included in the community of equals and granted some basic rights. I consider the question of personhood from a particular philosophical position in relation to nonhumans in general, and then discuss implications of my findings for the proposal.
Four new species of KudoaMeglitsch, 1947 (Myxosporea: Multivalvulida) from Australia with recommendations for species descriptions in the Kudoidae

SUMMARY Kudoid parasites are significant pathogens of marine fish. In the past, specific identification has been difficult due to a paucity of detailed morphological and biological information provided in the original description of some species. However, the introduction of DNA analysis has dramatically improved diagnosis. For morphological characterization, this paper proposes a new set of schematics including additional measurements to give a more thorough description of spore morphology, and provides evidence for uniqueness of 4 new species: Kudoa gunterae n. sp. (from 10 pomacentrid species and 1 apogonid species), K. kenti n. sp. (from 4 pomacentrid species), K. paraquadricornis n. sp. (from 4 carangid species), and K. whippsi n. sp. (from 8 pomacentrid species and 1 apogonid species). Subtle morphological differences found between closely related species were reflected in their genetics, with increased resolution provided by the large subunit, compared with that of the small subunit, of the ribosomal DNA gene region. This article proposes comprehensive requirements for species descriptions within the Kudoidae that incorporate biology, morphology, and genetic sequence.
Continuous GPS measurements of contemporary deformation across the Northern Basin and Range Province

We have acquired and analyzed data from the northern Basin and Range (NBAR) continuous GPS network since July 1996. The RMS residual with respect to the best fitting lines through the individual station position estimates is 2–3 mm in the horizontal and 6–10 mm in the vertical. After the first 395 days of operation, uncertainties in horizontal velocity estimates are 1–2 mm/yr (1‐σ). Relative motion among NBAR sites located in eastern Nevada and in Utah is small, but east‐west extension is significant assuming uniform strain accumulation across the whole network. The relative motion observed across the Wasatch fault zone is 2 ±2 mm/yr, east‐west. Relative motions among stations in western Nevada and California, in contrast, are dominated by northwest, right‐lateral shear. We infer an integrated deformation across the northern Basin and Range of 11 ± 2 mm/yr, northwest. These rates are consistent with previous geodetic measurements. Our GPS velocity estimates, however, reveal a possibly abrupt transition from east‐west extension in eastern Nevada and Utah to right‐lateral shear in western Nevada. This transition is roughly coincident with the central Nevada seismic belt and is consistent with the right‐oblique focal mechanisms of the 1954 Dixie Valley and Fairview Peak earthquakes. The transition also appears to correlate spatially with a transition in upper mantle structure.
A robotic device using gecko-inspired adhesives can grasp and manipulate large objects in microgravity

A load-sharing robotic device can grasp, manipulate, and release objects in microgravity using space-qualified dry adhesives. Grasping and manipulating uncooperative objects in space is an emerging challenge for robotic systems. Many traditional robotic grasping techniques used on Earth are infeasible in space. Vacuum grippers require an atmosphere, sticky attachments fail in the harsh environment of space, and handlike opposed grippers are not suited for large, smooth space debris. We present a robotic gripper that can gently grasp, manipulate, and release both flat and curved uncooperative objects as large as a meter in diameter while in microgravity. This is enabled by (i) space-qualified gecko-inspired dry adhesives that are selectively turned on and off by the application of shear forces, (ii) a load-sharing system that scales small patches of these adhesives to large areas, and (iii) a nonlinear passive wrist that is stiff during manipulation yet compliant when overloaded. We also introduce and experimentally verify a model for determining the force and moment limits of such an adhesive system. Tests in microgravity show that robotic grippers based on dry adhesion are a viable option for eliminating space debris in low Earth orbit and for enhancing missions in space.
The prognostic virtue of inflammatory markers during late-onset sepsis in preterm infants.

AIM Late-onset sepsis (occurring after the first three days of life) is a serious complication in preterm infants. In order to assess the possible prognostic virtues of the acute phase inflammatory response in the disease, we compared the inflammatory response of preterm infants who died within 72 hours (h) (fulminant sepsis) to infants who recovered from the disease (non-fulminant sepsis). METHODS Of 42 preterm infants that were evaluated: 10 had fulminant sepsis and 32 non-fulminant sepsis. Acute phase inflammatory response markers-C-reactive protein (CRP), serum amyloid A (SAA), interleukin (IL)-6 levels and white blood cell (WBC) counts were measured at the first suspicion of LOS and after 8, 24 and 48 h. RESULTS Small for gestational age (SGA) infants who were treated with fewer days of antibiotics characterized the fulminant sepsis group. The initial high levels of inflammatory markers were similar in both groups, but as early as 8 h after onset significantly lower levels of SAA, CRP and WBC counts were documented in the fulminant sepsis group. The inflammatory response remained low at 24 and 48 h in the fulminant sepsis group, while in the survivors, significantly increased inflammatory markers were measured. Decreases in the levels of the inflammatory markers preceded episodes of metabolic acidosis and arterial hypotension that were more common in the fulminant sepsis group. Infant mortality correlated inversely with SAA levels at 8 h and with CRP and WBC counts at 24 h after onset. CONCLUSION SAA, CRP and WBC counts can be used as prognostic markers in LOS in preterm infants, with SAA being the earliest prognostic marker.
Evaluation of Millimeter-Wave Line-of-Sight Probability With Point Cloud Data

Line-of-sight (LOS) probability is an integral part of radio channel models for cellular network design and evaluation. The probability along with the pathloss models in LOS and non-LOS scenarios gives us an estimate of the cellular coverage. In this letter, we present a novel method to evaluate the LOS probability by using point cloud data obtained with laser scanning. The LOS probability is derived for two new scenarios, an urban open square and a shopping mall, along with an office environment, and a generic exponential LOS probability model, which shows excellent performance in the tested environments is proposed. Also the frequency dependency of LOS probability is investigated.
Adaptive symbol-by-symbol reception of MPSK on the Gaussian channel with unknown carrier phase characteristics

An adaptive version of the optimum, decision-aided, symbol-by-symbol receiver obtained in our previous works for M-ary phase shift keying over the Gaussian channel with unknown carrier phase characteristics is considered. It uses a first-order adaptive filter for carrier reference tracking, and the filter gain is adapted on-line based on the observed signal samples using a least-mean-square-error criterion. The phase tracking performance of the filter in the steady-state tracking mode is analyzed using a linearized model. The phase tracking error variance is minimized due to the risk function used in designing the filter gain adaptation algorithm. The bit-error probability for quadrature phase shift-keying is obtained, both analytically and via computer simulations.
Control of intravenous medication wastage at a teaching hospital in Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the intravenous (IV) medication wastage within the inpatient pharmacy services at a teaching hospital, and to highlight the main causes for such waste and propose a policy to minimize wastage based on the study findings. METHODS For a one month period starting from September until October 2009, the returned and unused IV medications to the inpatient pharmacy in a teaching hospital at King Khalid University Hospital of King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia were observed daily. Data were collected and evaluated. The causes of this problem were analyzed. RESULTS Approximately 265 items of IV medication were collected during the study period. Antibiotics preparations (77%) were the most unused and wasted. Medication discontinuation (60%) was the main cause for such wastage. CONCLUSION The problem of IV medication wastage was noticed and investigated. The main causes of such problems were specified, and a program to minimize the wastage was proposed. Further study with more data for longer time is required, followed by an evaluation of the impact of applying the proposed program.
Altered Motor Activity of Alternative Splice Variants of the Mammalian Kinesin‐3 Protein KIF1B

Several mammalian kinesin motor proteins exist as multiple isoforms that arise from alternative splicing of a single gene. However, the roles of many motor protein splice variants remain unclear. The kinesin‐3 motor protein KIF1B has alternatively spliced isoforms distinguished by the presence or absence of insertion sequences in the conserved amino‐terminal region of the protein. The insertions are located in the loop region containing the lysine‐rich cluster, also known as the K‐loop, and in the hinge region adjacent to the motor domain. To clarify the functions of these alternative splice variants of KIF1B, we examined the biochemical properties of recombinant KIF1B with and without insertion sequences. In a microtubule‐dependent ATPase assay, KIF1B variants that contained both insertions had higher activity and affinity for microtubules than KIF1B variants that contained no insertions. Mutational analysis of the K‐loop insertion revealed that variants with a longer insertion sequence at this site had higher activity. However, the velocity of movement in motility assays was similar between KIF1B with and without insertion sequences. Our results indicate that splicing isoforms of KIF1B that vary in their insertion sequences have different motor activities.
Intensive glycemic control after heart transplantation is safe and effective for diabetic and non‐diabetic patients

Some studies have shown increased mortality, infection, and rejection rates among diabetic (DM) compared to non‐diabetic (non‐DM) patients undergoing heart transplant (HT). This is a retrospective chart review of adult patients (DM, n = 26; non‐DM, n = 66) undergoing HT between June 1, 2005, and July 31, 2009. Glycemic control used intravenous (IV) and subcutaneous (SQ) insulin protocols with a glucose target of 80–110 mg/dL. There were no significant differences between DM and non‐DM patients in mean glucose levels on the IV and SQ insulin protocols. Severe hypoglycemia (glucose <40 mg/dL) did not occur on the IV protocol and was experienced by only 3 non‐DM patients on the SQ protocol. Moderate hypoglycemia (glucose >40 and <60 mg/dL) occurred in 17 (19%) patients on the IV protocol and 24 (27%) on the SQ protocol. There were no significant differences between DM and non‐DM patients within 30 d of surgery in all‐cause mortality, treated HT rejection episodes, reoperation, prolonged ventilation, 30‐d readmissions, ICU readmission, number of ICU hours, hospitalization days after HT, or infections. This study demonstrates that DM and non‐DM patients can achieve excellent glycemic control post‐HT with IV and SQ insulin protocols with similar surgical outcomes and low hypoglycemia rates.
Long‐term maintenance of the adult pattern of liver‐specific expression for P‐450b, P‐450e, albumin and α‐fetoprotein genes in intrasplenically transplanted hepatocytes

Hepatocytes isolated from livers of Fischer 344 rats and transplanted into the spleens of rats from the same strain survived for at least 15 mo in the absence of immunosuppressive drugs. Hepatocytes attached themselves only in the red pulp of the spleen, most commonly in clumps without a discernible structure. Throughout the 15‐mo period, intrasplenically transplanted hepatocytes expressed cytochrome P‐450b, P‐450e and albumin messenger RNAs, whereas alphafetoprotein messenger RNA was not expressed. In addition, the relative expression of albumin and P‐450 genes was similar to that in liver. For example, albumin messenger RNA was expressed to higher levels than P‐450b or e messenger RNAs. Northern blots hybridized with oligonucleotides specific for P‐450b or P‐450e showed that, as in liver, both P‐450b and P‐450e genes were induced in response to phenobarbital. Quantitative slot‐blot hybridizations performed at 15 days and 1, 6, and 15 mo after hepatocyte transplantation revealed that cytochrome P‐450b and P‐450e messenger RNAs were induced about 20‐ to 30‐fold by a single dose of phenobarbital. This level of induction was also similar to that observed in liver. Hence, intrasplenically transplanted hepatocytes represent a unique system in which hepatocytes, cultured in an extrahepatic in vivo environment, maintain for at least 15 mo a pattern of expression for these four liver genes similar to that in the adult liver. Moreover, these studies suggest that neither the organization of liver into acini nor a specific zonal sinusoidal microenvironment is necessary for adult hepatocytes to respond to phenobarbital with induction of P‐450b and P‐450e genes. (HEPATOLOGY 1990; 11:585:593.)